Euripides.
Repeat the lines again.
Aeschylus.
"Guide of the Dead, warding a father's way, . . ."
Euripides.
Orestes speaks those words, I take it, standing
On his dead father's tomb?
Aeschylus.
I don't deny it.
Euripides.
Then what's the father's way that Hermes wards?
Is it the way Orestes' father went,
To darkness by a woman's dark intent?
Aeschylus.
No, no! He calls on Eriounian Hermes,
Guide of the Dead, and adds a word to say
That office is derived from Hermes' father.
Euripides.
That's worse than I supposed! For if your Hermes
Derives his care of dead men from his father, . . .
Dionysus (interrupting).
Why, resurrectioning's the family trade!
Aeschylus.
Dionysus, dull of fragrance is thy wine!
Dionysus.
Well, say the next; and (to Euripides) you look out for slips.