EURIPIDES
(The satyrs freeze into silence. The following
dialogue is conducted entirely in whispers.)
Coryphaeus
We are quiet. Our mouths are locked up tight.
Odysseus
To work then. And grab the brand with both hands 630
when you enter the cave. The point is red-hot.
Coryphaeus
You should tell us our stations. Who'll be first
on the blazing pole? And then we can all
take our part in searing out the Cyclops' eye.
First parastate
Where we stand, over here by the entrance, 635
we're too far away to reach his eye.
Second parastate
(Limping in pain.)
And just this minute we've gone lame.
First parastate
And we have too. While we were standing here
we sprained our ankles, I don't know how.
Odysseus
Sprained your ankles, standing still? 640
Second parastate
And my eyes
are full of dust and ashes from somewhere.
Odysseus
What cowards! I won't get any help from you.
Coryphaeus
And because I feel for my back and spine
282