Do you see how easy it is? We've done it capitally—and most poetically. Now let me get up and see whether it will do, or whether we must build a little higher yet. Ah! we are still under the shadow of Olympus, I see. Only Ionia and Lydia are visible yet on the east: on the west, we can't see further than Italy and Sicily: on the south, only this side the Danube,—and Crete only indistinctly down here. I say, Ferryman, we shall have to move Œta too, and then clap Parnassus on top of all.
Cha. So be it; only take care we don't attempt too much,—I mean, beyond what poetical probability allows. Homer will prove a very unlucky architect for us, if we tumble down with all this weight upon us and break our skulls.
Merc. Never fear—it's all quite safe. Move Œta now—now up with Parnassus. There—now I'll get up and look again. All right—I can see everything. Now you come up too.
Cha. Lend us a hand then, Mercury—it's no joke getting up such a place as this.
Merc. Well, if you want to see everything, you know, Charon, you can't expect to gratify your curiosity and never risk your neck. But take fast hold of my hand—and take care you don't put your foot upon a slippery stone. Well done!—now you're safe up. Parnassus, luckily, has two tops, so you can sit upon
- ↑ Hom., Odyss. xi.
