CALLICLES.
Nay, there is excellent wine in Sicily. When I was there with
Eurymedon's squadron, I had many a long carouse. You never saw
finer grapes than those of Aetna.

HIPPOMACHUS.
The Greeks do not understand the art of making wine. Your
Persian is the man. So rich, so fragrant, so sparkling! I will
tell you what the Satrap of Caria said to me about that when I
supped with him.

ALCIBIADES.
Nay, sweet Hippomachus; not a word to-night about satraps, or the
great king, or the walls of Babylon, or the Pyramids, or the
mummies. Chariclea, why do you look so sad?

CHARICLEA.
Can I be cheerful when you are going to leave me, Alcibiades?

ALCIBIADES.
My life, my sweet soul, it is but for a short time. In a year we
conquer Sicily. In another, we humble Carthage. (See
Thucydides, vi. 90.) I will bring back such robes, such
necklaces, elephants' teeth by thousands, ay, and the elephants
themselves, if you wish to see them. Nay, smile, my Chariclea,
or I shall talk nonsense to no purpose.

HIPPOMACHUS.
The largest elephant that I ever saw was in the grounds of
Teribazus, near Susa. I wish that I had measured him.