174 ARISTOPHANES.

calling out, “Any one for Happy Despatch, or
the Pig-shearers, or Cerberus Reach, or the Isle of
Dogs?” Bacchus stepped on board with many en-
treaties to the boatman to be careful; but Xanthias
was not allowed to follow. “I take no slaves,” said
the old man, “except they are volunteers.”! Ac-
cordingly he had to run round and wait for his master
on the other side.

“In with you,” said Charon to his passenger.
“Anybody else for the further side? Now to your
oar.”

Every one was expected to work his passage,

“What are you after there?” cried the ferryman ;
for the passenger was sitting on the oar, not at it.

“Wasn’t this what you told me to do?” replied
the god.

“Sit on the bench there, Corpulence, and forward
with your hands.”

Bacchus stretched his hands out, but without the
oar.

“No more nonsense,” cried Charon ; “ but set to,
and row with a will.”

Bac. “ How can I, when I have never been to sea
in my life?”

1 When the Athenians made a supreme effort and manned at a few
days’ notice a large fleet to relieve Conon, who was blockaded by the
Spartans in the harbour of Mitylene, slaves were permitted to volun-
teer, and received their freedom. The victory of Argimone, the last

success gained by Athens in the Peloponnesian war, was the result of
this effort,