Menalcas. 
I am a market-maker.
I do not bet but bend motion my way.
Life is a game of skill not chance knowing
When and how to play what and who.
(As I am playing now you.)
But – given your predilections – surely we can
Agree what’s a much finer bet: I’ll wager two
Cups of beech wood, carved by divine Alcimedon
To which a pliant vine his lathe has added
Adorned with spreading clusters of pale ivy.
In the middle two figures,
Conon, and – who was the other?
Tracing the heavens for mankind with his staff,
Right time for the reaper, right time for the ploughman.
I’ve never yet put my lips to them, but kept them stored.

Damoetas: 
The same Alcimedon also made a pair for me
Handles twined round with sweet acanthus
Orpheus midst his sacred grove…
I’ve never yet put my lips to them, but kept them stored.
The artist dead two sets will triple the value of each.
Still no way you’d so praise the cups if confident of
Doubling this week’s purse.

Menalcas: 
You’ll not escape now: Let us start at Sydney’s opening bell.