Dialogi mortuorum

Pluto Did you miss your dose of Lethe, man?

Protesilaus Nay, lord; but this prevailed against it.

Pluto Oh, well, wait a little; she will come to you dne day; it is so simple; no need for you to be going up.

Protesilaus My heart is sick with hope deferred; thou too, O Pluto, hast loved; thou knowest what love is.

Pluto What good will it do you to come to life for a day, and then renew your pains?

Protesilaus I think to win her to come with me, and bring two dead for one.

Pluto It may not be; it never has been.

Protesilaus Bethink thee, Pluto. 'Twas for this same cause that ye gave Orpheus his Eurydice; and Heracles had interest enough to be granted Alcestis; she was of my kin.

Pluto Would you like to present that bare ugly skull to your fair bride? will she admit you, when she cannot tell you from another man? I know well enough; she will be frightened and run from you, and you will have gone all that way for nothing.

Persephone Husband, doctor that disease yourself: tell Hermes, as soon as Protesilaus reaches the light, to touch him with his wand, and make him young and fair as when he left the bridal chamber.

Pluto Well, I cannot refuse a lady. Hermes, take him up and turn him into a bridegroom. But mind, you sir, a strictly temporary one,