flushed, and enter to his bride. In the
last scene the two will play (2) with one another.

(2) {paixountai}. The Syracusan naturally uses the Doric form. See
Cobet, "Pros. Xen." p. 16, note 23. Rutherford, "N. Phrynicus," p.
91.

He had scarce concluded, when Ariadne entered, attired like a bride. She
crossed the stage and sate herself upon the throne. Meanwhile, before
the god himself appeared a sound of flutes was heard; the cadence of the
Bacchic air proclaimed his coming.

At this point the company broke forth in admiration of the
ballet-master. For no sooner did the sound of music strike upon the ear
of Ariadne than something in her action revealed to all the pleasure
which it caused her. She did not step forward to meet her lover, she did
not rise even from her seat; but the flutter of her unrest was plain to
see. (3)

(3) Lit. "the difficulty she had to keep so still was evident."

When Dionysus presently caught sight of her he loved, lightly he danced
towards her, and with show of tenderest passion gently reclined upon her
knees; his arms entwined about her lovingly, and upon her lips he sealed
a kiss; (4)--she the while with most sweet bashfulness was fain to wind
responsive arms about her lover; till the banqueters, the while they
gazed all eyes, clapped hands and cried "Encore!" But when Dionysus rose
upon his feet, and rising lifted Ariadne to her full height, the action
of those lovers as they kissed and fondled one another was a thing to
contemplate. (5) As to the spectators, they could see that Dionysus was
indeed most beautiful, and Ariadne like some lovely blossom; nor were
those mocking gestures, but real kisses sealed on loving lips; and so,
(6) with hearts aflame, they gazed expectantly. They could hear the
question asked by Dionysus, did she love him? and her answer, as
prettily she swore she did. And withal so earnestly, not Dionysus only,
but all present, had sworn an oath in common: the boy and girl were
verily and indeed a pair of happy lovers. So much less did they resemble
actors, trained to certain gestures, than two beings bent on doing what
for many a long day they had set their hearts on.

(4) Or, "and encircling his arms about her impressed upon her lips a
kiss."

(5) Or, "then was it possible to see the more than mimic gestures."

(6) Or, "on the tiptoe of excitement." Cf. "Hell." III. i. 14, iv. 2.

At last when these two lovers, caught in each other's arms,