is some initiate of Samothrace[1] among you, 'tis surely the moment
to wish this messenger some accident--some sprain or strain.

f[1] An island in the Aegean Sea, on the coast of Thrace and opposite
the mouth of the Hebrus; the Mysteries are said to have found their first
home in this island, where the Cabirian gods were worshipped; this cult,
shrouded in deep mystery to even the initiates themselves, has remained
an almost insoluble problem for the modern critic. It was said that
the wishes of the initiates were always granted, and they were feared as
to-day the 'jettatori' (spell-throwers, casters of the evil eye) in Sicily
are feared.

TUMULT (WHO RETURNS)
Alas! alas! thrice again, alas!

WAR
What is it? Again you come back without it?

TUMULT
The Spartans too have lost their pestle.

WAR
How, varlet?

TUMULT
They had lent it to their allies in Thrace,[1] who have lost it for them.

f[1] Brasidas perished in Thrace in the same battle as Cleon at Amphipolis,
422 B.C.