THE FROGS. 179

The transformation had hardly been effected when
a maid-servant from Proserpine’s palace appeared
upon the scene, with a warm invitation for Hercules.
“Ags soon as she knew of your coming,” said the
girl, “her Majesty set to work making fresh loaves,
boiled two or three pots of porridge, roasted an
ox whole, and cooked a quantity of cheese-cakes.
Come in, if you please.”

Xan. “Thank your mistress very much, but — ?

Servant. “Oh, we can’t excuse you— we have
boiled fowl, and sweetmeats, and the best wine that
can be got.” :

Xan. “Well, as you are so pressing. Come after
me, my man, with the bundles.”

Bac. “Ok, nonsense, man! You did not think I
was in earnest about this changing clothes? Come,
you'll carry the baggage again.”

Xan. “Surely you are not going to take away the
lion’s skin and the club?”

Bac. “Oh, but I am! down with them this mo-
ment.”

Xan. “I make appeal to the high gods in heaven.”

Bac. “Gods indeed! How could you fancy that
you could pass for the son of Alcmena, a mere man,
a mere slave?”

Xan. “Very well, take the things, but you may
want me after all.”

Two women who kept eating-houses in those re-
gions now appeared. :