_Open space. A crowd._ KANDAULES _on his throne_. LESBIA, HERO, _and others at one side, on a raised structure. The games are just over. General stir and drifting into groups. Wrestlers, boxers, charioteers, etc., come by degrees to sight, all crowned with branches of the Silver Poplar. Wine is handed round. Music. The Feast begins._ THE PEOPLE. Hail, Gyges, hail! KAN. (_gazing into the background_). In discus-throwing, too? For the third time? I should be sore to see it! Why this leaves not a doit for mine own people! [_He descends and goes to meet_ GYGES _as he comes from the background. The people are still acclaiming him and make way for him._ A modest fellow, you, forsooth! You take No more than’s here. GYGES. My Lord, I fought to-day As Greek and not as Gyges. KAN. All the sorrier For us if the new standard’s set by you. Why, then we’ll have to start at lumber-hunting And stuff to bulging those old skins of dragons That, left by Herakles in some odd place, Some temple hiding-hole, must now lie mouldering. The bladdered serpent, too, the hundred-headed, And any bogy that can raise Greek hair. You hear me not. GYGES. I do, I do! KAN. Oh no! I see too well. You slant at yonder maidens Your listless eyes. They see it too. Look there! The shorter twits the taller. You go red? Pooh, shame on you! GYGES. I’m thirsty, Sire. KAN. You’re thirsty? Why, that’s another tale. Who fights like you Has honest right unto a goodly drink, And though I lack the right I’ll share the draught. Ah, now there comes the part o’ the feast I love! (_Beckons to a servant._) Come hither! [_The servant brings a goblet of wine._ KANDAULES _pours some drops on the earth_. First the root and then the branch! [_He drinks and is about to hand the goblet to_ GYGES, _but he is again looking towards the raised structure_. Come! Ho! Brunette or dark? That is the question, Eh, friend? GYGES. Oh, Sire? KAN. Your palate likes the wine? GYGES. I’ve not yet drunk. KAN. You know’t? Then let your ears Accept reminder of your thirst and to it! I guarantee you this, that long enough She’ll stay to let you ease the press of pain. GYGES (_drinks_). That cools! KAN. Alack the day, down sinks your star! [_The maidens retire, but can still be seen._