HERACLES. Go down to hell? Will you be ready to dare that, you madman?
DIONYSUS. Enough of that; but tell me the shortest road, that is neither
too hot nor too cold, to get down to Pluto.
HERACLES. Let me see, what is the best road to show you? Aye, which? Ah!
there's the road of the gibbet and the rope. Go and hang yourself.
DIONYSUS. Be silent! your road is choking me.
HERACLES. There is another path, both very short and well-trodden; the
one that goes through the mortar.[404]
DIONYSUS. 'Tis hemlock you mean to say.
HERACLES. Precisely so.
DIONYSUS. That road is both cold and icy. Your legs get frozen at
once.[405]
HERACLES. Do you want me to tell you a very steep road, one that descends
very quickly?
DIONYSUS. Ah! with all my heart; I don't like long walks.