The Comedies, Vol. 2 E-Book

- Aristophanes

• Herausgeber: Jazzybee Verlag
• Kategorie: Poesie und Drama
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Seitenzahl: 746

Beschreibung

The so-called old comedy, of which Aristophanes is the only surviving representative, flourished at the time of the Peloponnesian War which shook Greek civilization. There is no good single modern analogue of the old comedy. It is a blend of Shakespeare's 'Midsummer Night's Dream' with Bernard Shaw. It is extravaganza combined with the dramatic criticism of ideas and set off with occasional flights of true poetry. So at least it appears in Aristophanes, who in native genius and spontaneous mastery of expression ranks with the four or five supreme poets of Greece. This is volume two out of two and includes: Lysistrata The Thesmophoriazusæ The Frogs The Ecclesiazusæ Plutus This edition also features more than 2700 notes.

Leseprobe

The Comedies

Vol. 2

ARISTOPHANES

The Comedies, Vol 2, Aristophanes

Jazzybee Verlag Jürgen Beck

86450 Altenmünster, Loschberg 9

Deutschland

ISBN: 9783849648350

www.jazzybee-verlag.de

[email protected]

CONTENTS

Lysistrata.1

The Thesmophoriazusæ.1

The Frogs.1

The Ecclesiazusæ.1

Plutus.1

Endnotes:1

 

LYSISTRATA.

 

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

LYSISTRATA.

CALONICE.

MYRRHINA.

STRATYLLIS.

LAMPITO.

VARIOUS WOMEN.

CHORUS OF OLD MEN.

CHORUS OF OLD WOMEN.

COMMITTEE-MAN.

CINESIAS.

A CHILD.

HERALD OF THE LACEDÆMONIANS.

VARIOUS ATHENIANS.

AMBASSADORS OF THE LACEDÆMONIANS.

MARKET-LOUNGERS.

POLICE.

SERVANT.

THE ARGUMENT.

“Aristophanis Λυσιστράτη. Schol. Lysistr. 173, Καλλίου ἄρχοντος ἐφ’ οὗ εἰσήχθη τὸ δρᾶμα. Arg. Lysistr., ἐδιδάχθη ἐπὶ Καλλίου ἄρχοντος τοῦ μετὰ Κλεόκριτον ἄρξαντος. εἰσῆκται δὲ διὰ Καλλιστράτου. Schol. Lysistr. 1096, ἐπὶ Σικελιας ἔμελλον πλεῖν πρὸἐτῶν τεσσάϱων τῆς καθέσεως τούτου τοῦ δράματος. Four years were the actual interval, from the sailing of the expedition, bc 415, ϑέρους μεσοῦντος, to the Dionysia of the Archon Callias, bc 411. Musgrave has neglected these testimonies, and has followed Petitus in the chronology of this Play, which he places in Ol. 92, 4, or three years below the true time.” Clinton, Fasti Hellenici, p. 73. Droysen, (Introduction to the Lysistrata, p. 127,) “It has not been recorded whether this play was brought on the stage at the Lenæan festival, or at the Dionysia, i. e. in January or March of the year 411. According to the internal evidence of the time, the latter would appear the more probable.” The plot is this:—Lysistrata, the wife of an Athenian magistrate, takes it into her head to attempt a pacification between the belligerents. She summons a council of women, who come to a determination to expel their husbands from their beds, until they conclude a peace. In the mean time the elder women are commissioned to seize the Acropolis, and make themselves masters of the money which had been stowed therein for the purposes of war. Their design succeeds; and the husbands are reduced to a terrible plight by the novel resolution of their wives. Ambassadors at length come from the belligerent parties, and peace is concluded with the greatest despatch, under the direction of the clever Lysistrata.

[Scene—the front of a house.]

Lys.

Well! if one had summoned them to the temple of Bacchus, Endnote 002 or Pan, or Colias, Endnote 003 or Genetyllis, it would not even have been possible to pass through by reason of the kettle-drums: but now not a single woman is present here; saving that my neighbour here is coming forth. [Enter Calonice.] Welcome, Calonice!

Calon.

And you too, Lysistrata! Why are you troubled? Be not of a sad countenance, child! for it does not beseem you to arch Endnote 004 your eyebrows.

Lys.

I am inflamed in my heart, Calonice, and am greatly vexed on account of us women, because we are considered among men to be bad;—

Calon.

For, Endnote 005 by Jove, we are so!

Lys.

—and when it was told Endnote 006 them to meet together here, to deliberate about no small matter, they sleep, and have not come.

Calon.

But, my dearest, they will come. Of a truth women find it difficult to get out. For one of us goes poking Endnote 007 about her husband, another wakens the servant, another puts the child to bed, another washes hers, another feeds hers with morsels.

Lys.

But indeed there were other matters more important for them than these.

Calon.

What is the matter, dear Lysistrata, for which you summon us women? What is the affair? Of what size is it?

Lys.

Great.

Calon.

Is it also thick? Endnote 008

Lys.

And thick, by Jove.

Calon.

Why, how then have we not come? Endnote 009

Lys.

This is not the fashion of it; for, if it had been so, we should have quickly assembled. But there is a certain affair which has been investigated by me, and revolved with much sleeplessness.

Calon.

Doubtless the matter revolved is somewhat subtle.

Lys.

Aye, so subtle, that the safety of all Greece depends upon Endnote 010 the women.

Calon.

Upon the women? Why, it depended Endnote 011 on a slight thing then.

Lys.

Since Endnote 012 the affairs of the state depend upon us, either that there should be no longer any Endnote 013 Peloponnesians—

Calon.

Then, by Jove, ’tis best they should no longer exist.

Lys.

—and that all the Bœotians perish utterly. Endnote 014

Calon.

Not all, pray; exempt the eels. Endnote 015

Lys.

But about Athens I will utter no such ill language. Endnote 016 Do you conjecture something Endnote 017 else! If the women assemble here, both those from Bœotia, and those from the Peloponnese, and we from Attica, we shall save Greece in common.

Calon.

What prudent or brilliant action could women accomplish? we, who sit decked Endnote 018 out, wearing saffron-coloured robes, and beautified, and wearing loose Cimmerian vests, and sandals?

Lys.

For Endnote 019 in truth these are even the very things, which I expect will save us; the little saffron-coloured robes, and the unguents, and the sandals, and the alkanet root, and the transparent vests.

Calon.

In what manner, pray?

Lys.

So that none of the men of the present day lift a spear against each other—

Calon.

Then, by the two goddesses, I’ll get me a saffron robe dyed.

Lys.

—nor take a shield—

Calon.

I’ll put on a Cimmerian vest.

Lys.

—nor little sword.

Calon.

I’ll get sandals.

Lys.

Ought not, then, the women to have been present?

Calon.

No, by Jove, but to have come flying long ago. Endnote 020

Lys.

Nay, my dear, Endnote 021 you’ll see them thorough Attic—doing every thing later than they ought. Yet not even from the people of the sea-coast Endnote 022 is any woman present, nor from Salamis.

Calon.

But those, I well know, have crossed over at daybreak in the swift boats.

Lys.

Nor have the Acharnian women Endnote 023 come, whom I expected and counted on to come hither the first.

Calon.

At any rate the wife of Theogenes Endnote 024 consulted the statue of Hecate, with the intention of coming hither. But see! here now are some coming! and, again, some others are coming! Hah! hah! Whence are they?

Lys.

From Anagyrus.

Calon.

Aye, by Jove! In sooth methinks Anagyrus Endnote 025 has been set in motion. [Enter Myrrhina.]

Myrrh.

Surely we have not come too late, Lysistrata? What do you say? Why are you silent?

Lys.

I do not commend you, Myrrhina, who have only now come about so important a matter.

Myrrh.

I had great difficulty in finding my girdle in the dark. But if it be very pressing, Endnote 026 tell it to us now we are present.

Lys.

No, by Jove; but let us wait for a little while for the women from Bœotia and from the Peloponnese to come.

Myrrh.

You say far better. But see! here now’s Lampito approaching! [Enter Lampito.]

Lys.

dearest Laconian! welcome, Lampito! How your beauty, dearest, shines forth! What Endnote 027 a fresh colour you have! how vigorous your body is! You could even throttle a bull.

Lamp.

I fully believe so, by the two goddesses! I exercise myself and spring against my buttocks.

Lys.

What beautiful breasts Endnote 028 you have!

Lamp.

Upon my word you handle me like a victim.

Lys.

But from what country is this other young woman?

Lamp.

By the two goddesses, a Bœcotian of rank is coming to you. [Enter Bœotian.]

Lys.

Aye, by Jove, O Bœotian, with a beautiful bosom. Endnote 029

Calon.

And, by Jove, with the hair very neatly plucked out.

Lys.

Who is the other girl? [Enter Corinthian.]

Lamp.

A good one, by the two goddesses; but a Corinthian.

Lys.

Aye, by Jove, she is evidently good, Endnote 030—see here! in these parts!

Lamp.

But who brought together this company of women?

Lys.

I here!

Lamp.

Then say Endnote 031 to us what you wish.

Lys.

Yea, by Jove, my dear woman.

Myrrh.

Mention, then, the important business, whatever this is.

Lys.

I will now mention it. But before I mention it, I will ask you this small question.

Myrrh.

Whatever you please.

Lys.

Do you not long for the fathers of your children, who are absent on military service? for I well know that the husband of each one of you is abroad. Endnote 032

Calon.

In truth my husband has been absent, O unhappy man, five months in Thrace, guarding Eucrates. Endnote 033

Lys.

And mine has been absent seven whole months in Pylos.

Lamp.

And mine, even if he ever does depart from the ranks, Endnote 034 having taken up his shield, flies off and disappears.

Lys.

But not even a spark of a paramour is left; for since the Milesians Endnote 035 betrayed us, I have not seen a thing of the kind, which might have consoled us in the absence of our husbands. Would you be willing, therefore, with me to put an end to the war, if I were to find a contrivance?

Myrrh.

Yea, by the two goddesses, I would be willing, if I were obliged even to pawn this upper garment, and drink the proceeds this very day. Endnote 036

Calon.

Methinks I would even cut myself in half like a turbot and give Endnote 037 it away.

Lamp.

And I would even go up to Taygetus, if there Endnote 038 I were about to get a sight of peace.

Lys.

I will Endnote 039 mention it; for the matter must not remain concealed. We, O women, if we are to compel the men to be at peace, must abstain—

Myrrh.

From what? tell us!

Lys.

Will you do it then?

Myrrh.

We will do it, even if we must die.

Lys.

Then we must abstain Endnote 040 from the marriage-bed. Why do you turn away from me? Whither are you going? He you! why do you compress your lips and shake your heads at me? Why is your colour changed? Why is the tear let fall? Will you do it, or will you not do it? or what do you purpose Endnote 041 to do?

Myrrh.

I cannot do it; let the war go on!

Calon.

Neither can I, by Jove! let the war go on. Endnote 042

Lys.

You say this, you turbot? And yet, Endnote 043 just now, you said you would even cut yourself in half.

Calon.

Any thing else, any thing else, whatever you wish. I am willing to walk even through fire, if I must: this Endnote 044 rather than the loss of conjugal rights; for there’s nothing like them, dear Lysistrata.

Lys.

(to Myrrhina). What, then, do you say?

Myrrh.

I also am willing to walk through fire.

Lys.

Oh, our entire race, devoted to lewdness! No wonder tragedies Endnote 045 are made from us; for we are nothing but “Neptune and a boat.” Endnote 046 But, my dear Laconian, vote with me! for if only you side with me, we may yet restors the affair.

Lamp.

By the two goddesses, women find it hard to sleep alone without a husband. Yet still Endnote 047 we must do it, for there is great need of peace.

Lys.

thou dearest, and the only woman out of these!

Calon.

But if we were to abstain as much as possible from what Endnote 048 you now mention, (which may heaven forefend!) would peace be made aught the more for this?

Lys.

Aye, much, by the two goddesses! For if we were to sit Endnote 049 at home painted, and approach them lightly clad in our vests of fine linen, having the hairs plucked off our bosoms, the men would become enamoured, and desire to lie with us; and if we were not to come nigh them, but abstain, they would quickly make peace, I well know. Endnote 050

Lamp.

Of a truth Menelaus, when he had taken a side glance at the breasts Endnote 051 of Helen when naked, threw away his sword, I believe.

Myrrh.

But what, my friend, if our husbands leave us?

Lys.

The saying of Pherecrates, Endnote 052 “to flay a skinned dog.”

Calon.

These similes are idle talk. If they should lay hold of us and drag us to the chamber by force?

Lys.

Do you hold on by the doors.

Calon.

But what if they beat us?

Lys.

You must be niggardly of conjugal rights; for there is no pleasure in these acts which are accomplished by force Besides, you must pain them; and be assured they will very soon give up. For a man Endnote 053 will never be delighted, unless it suits the woman. Endnote 054

Calon.

If in truth you two are decided about this, we also agree. Endnote 055

Lamp.

And so we will persuade our husbands every where justly to keep peace without deceit. In what way, however, could Endnote 056 any one, on the other hand, persuade the unstable crowd of the Athenians not to talk nonsense?

Lys.

We of course will persuade our party.

Lamp.

Not as long as the triremes are in readiness Endnote 057 and the inexhaustible sum of money is in the temple of the goddess

Lys.

But this also has been well provided for; for to-day we shall seize upon the Acropolis. For orders have been given to the oldest to do this, Endnote 058 while we arrange these matters, to seize upon the Acropolis while pretending to sacrifice.

Lamp.

It may be altogether well, Endnote 059 for so you represent it.

Lys.

Why then, Lampito, do we not swear to these things as soon as possible, that they may be inviolable?

Lamp.

Produce the oath, that we may swear.

Lys.

You say well. Where is the policewoman? Endnote 060 Whither are you staring? Set the shield before us upside down; and let some one give me the sacrificial parts.

Calon.

Lysistrata, what oath in the world will you make us swear?

Lys.

What? Over a shield, slaying sheep, as they say Æschylus Endnote 061 once did.

Calon.

Nay, do not swear anything about peace, O Lysistrata, over a shield.

Lys.

What, then, should the oath be?

Calon.

If we were to get a white horse Endnote 062 from some quarter and sacrifice it as a victim.

Lys.

For what purpose a white horse?

Calon.

How then Endnote 063 shall we swear?

Lys.

I will tell you, by Jove, if you wish. Let us place a large black cup upside down, Endnote 064 and slaughter a Thasian jar of wine, and swear over the cup—to pour no water in.

Lamp.

earth! I commend the oath prodigiously. Endnote 065

Lys.

Let some one bring a cup from within and a jar.

Calon.

dearest women, what a vast jar! Endnote 066 Any one would be immediately exhilarated if he got this.

Lys.

Set this down and take hold of the boar. Endnote 067 Mistress Persuasion, Endnote 068 and Cup sacred to friendship, receive the victims, being friendly to the women. Endnote 069 [Calonice here pours the wine into the cup.]

Calon.

The blood is of a good colour and bubbles out well.

Lamp.

(stooping and smelling at the wine). Moreover it smells sweet too, by Castor!

Lys.

Permit me, women, to swear the first. [Tries to drink out of the jar.]

Calon.

No, by Venus, unless you obtain it by lot.

Lys.

Lampito, do all of you lay hold Endnote 070 on the cup, and let one say in behalf of the rest of you whatever I say; and you shall swear to these things, and abide by them. “There is no one, either paramour or husband”—

Calon.

“There is no one, either paramour or husband”—

Lys.

“Who shall approach me in an amorous mood.” Say it!

Calon.

“Who shall approach me in an amorous mood.” Bless me! Lysistrata, my knees sink under me.

Lys.

“But I will spend my life at home in Endnote 071 chastity”—

Calon.

“But I will spend my life at home in chastity”—

Lys.

“Wearing a saffron-coloured robe, and decked out”—

Calon.

“Wearing a saffron-coloured robe, and decked out”—

Lys.

“So that my husband may be as much as possible enamoured”—

Calon.

“So that my husband may be as much as possible enamoured”—

Lys.

“And I will never willingly comply with my husband”—

Calon.

“And I will never willingly comply with my husband”—

Lys.

“But if he force me by violence against my will”—

Calon.

“But if he force me by violence against my will”—

Lys.

“I will be niggardly of conjugal rights and will not indulge him”—

Calon.

“I will be niggardly of conjugal rights and will not indulge him”—

Lys.

“I will not raise my slippers towards the roof”—

Calon.

“I will not raise my slippers towards the roof”—

Lys.

“I will not stand like a lioness upon a cheese-scraper”—

Calon.

“I will not stand like a lioness upon a cheese-scraper”—

Lys.

“If Endnote 072 I abide by these, may I drink from hence”—

Calon.

“If I abide by these, may I drink from hence”—

Lys.

“But if I violate them, may the cup be Endnote 073 filled with water”—

Calon.

“But if I violate them, may the cup be filled with water”—

Lys.

Do you all swear to these?

Myrrh.

Yea, by Jove!

Lys.

Come, let me dedicate this. [Takes a drink.]

Calon.

Your share only, my dear, that from the first we may be friends Endnote 074 of each other. [The goblet is passed round. A cry of women is heard behind the scene.]

Lamp.

What shout is that?

Lys.

The very thing Endnote 075 I spoke of! for the women have already seized upon the Acropolis of the goddess. Come, Lampito, do you go and arrange well your affairs, and leave these here with us as Endnote 076 hostages; and let us, along with the other women who are in the citadel, Endnote 077 go in and help to put in the bolts.

Calon.

Do you not think, then, that the men will immediately render joint aid against us?

Lys.

I care little for them. For they will not come with either so great threats or so much fire as to open these gates except upon the terms which we mentioned.

Calon.

Never, by Venus! For we women should be called unconquerable and abominable to no purpose. [Enter chorus of old men carrying billets of wood and pans of charcoal.]

Cho.

Advance, Draces, lead on slowly, although Endnote 078 you are pained in your shoulder with carrying so great a weight of a trunk of fresh olive. Of a truth there are many unexpected things in long life, alas! for who would ever have expected, O Strymodorus, Endnote 079 to hear that women whom we supported at home, a manifest pest, would get possession Endnote 080 of the sacred image, and seize upon my Acropolis, and also make fast the Propylæa Endnote 081 with bolts and bars? But let us hasten to the citadel as soon as possible, O Philurgus, so that we may place these trunks round about them, as many as began and prosecuted this business, and heap up one pyre, and with our own hands set fire to them all with one vote; and the wife Endnote 082 of Lycon the first. For, by Ceres, she shall not laugh at us, while I am alive! Since not even Cleomenes, Endnote 083 who was the first that seized upon it, departed scot-free; Endnote 084 but nevertheless, though breathing Laconian fury, he went off, having delivered up his arms Endnote 085 to me, with a very small little cloak, dirty, squalid, unkempt, unwashed for seven years. So savagely did I besiege that noted Endnote 086 man, sleeping at the doors seventeen Endnote 087 deep. And shall I not then being present restrain from so great daring these enemies to Euripides and to all the gods? No longer then may my trophy Endnote 088 be in Tetrapolis! But indeed the steep part itself of my road towards the citadel, whither Endnote 089 I am hastening, remains for me to traverse. And we must manage to draw this at length, without a pack ass. How the yoke Endnote 090 has heavily pressed my shoulder! But nevertheless we must go, and must blow up the fire, est at the end of our journey it be extinguished without our perceiving it. [Blows at the coals.] Faugh! faugh! Oh! oh, what a smoke! O king Hercules, how dreadfully it bites my eyes, like a mad dog, having assailed me from the pan! and this fire is by all means Lemnian Endnote 091 too. For otherwise it would never thus have bitten my sore eyes with its teeth. Hasten forwards to the citadel, and assist the goddess; or when shall we aid her better than now, Laches? [Blows at the coa’s.] Faugh! faugh! Oh! oh, what Endnote 092 a smoke! By the favour of the gods, this fire is awake and alive. Should we not therefore, if we were first to deposit the yoke here, and stick the torch of vine-wood into the pan and kindle it, then burst in the door like a ram? Endnote 093 And if the women do not undo the bolts when we call, we must set fire to the doors and oppress them with the smoke. Now let us deposit our load. [Blows at the coals.] Oh, what a smoke! Bless my soul! Who of the generals at Samos Endnote 094 will help with the yoke? This has now ceased to gall my back. It is your business, O pan, Endnote 095 to kindle your cinders, so that you may first bring me the torch alight. Mistress Victory, assist us, and let us set up Endnote 096 a trophy over the now present audacity of the women in the citadel. [Enter chorus of women coming out of the citadel.]

Cho. of Wom.

Women, methinks I perceive flame and smoke as of a fire burning. We must hasten more quickly. Fly, fly, Nicodice, before that Calyce and Critylla, being blown upon from all sides, Endnote 097 be set on fire by grievous laws and mischievous old men! But I am afraid of this. Surcly I am not coming Endnote 098 to the rescue too late? For now, having filled my bucket at the fountain early in the morning, with difficulty, by reason of the crowd and tumult and clatter of pitchers, jostling with women-servants and runaway slaves, having brought it eagerly, I come with water to the rescue of my fellow tribes-women being on fire. For I heard that old dotards were coming, carrying logs, about three talents in weight, as if about to wait upon persons at the bath, Endnote 099 threatening most dreadful words, that it behoved them to burn the abominable women to a cinder with fire; whom, O goddess, may I never see set on fire, but to have delivered Greece and the citizens from war and madness! for which purpose, O guardian of the city with golden crest, they occupied thy seat. And I invoke thee as our ally, O Tritogenia, if any Endnote 100 man burn them from below, to bring water along with us! Let be! What’s Endnote 101 this? O men laboriously wicked! for never would good or pious men have been for doing this.

Cho. of Men.

This affair has come unexpected for us to see. Endnote 102 See! here again’s a swarm of women coming out of doors to the rescue! [They make a retrograde movement.]

Cho. of Wom.

Why do you insult Endnote 103 us? We don’t Endnote 104 seem to be many, I suppose? And yet you don’t see as yet the ten-thousandth part of us.

Cho. of Men.

Phædrias, shall we suffer these to prate so much? Ought one not to have broken one’s cudgel about them with beating them?

Cho. of Wom.

Let us also now deposit our pitchers on the ground; so that, if any one lay his hand upon us, this may not be a hinderance. [They lay down their pitchers.]

Cho. of Men.

If, by Jove, one had already struck their jaws twice or thrice, like those Endnote 105 of Bupalus, they would not have a voice.

Cho. of Wom.

Well now, there! let any one strike me! I’ll stand and offer Endnote 106 myself; and no other bitch shall ever lay hold of your nose. Endnote 107

Cho. of Men.

If you will not be silent, I’ll beat and drive away your Endnote 108 old age.

Cho. of Wom.

Come forward and only touch Stratyllis with your finger!

Cho. of Men.

But what, if I thump her with my fists? what mischief Endnote 109 will you do to me?

Cho. of Wom.

I’ll bite and tear out your lungs and entrails. Endnote 110

Cho. of Men.

There’s no poet wiser Endnote 111 than Euripides; for there’s no creature so shameless Endnote 112 as women.

Cho. of Wom.

Let us take up the pitcher of water, O Rhodippe.

Cho. of Men.

Why, O thou hateful to the gods, hast thou come hither with water?

Cho. of Wom.

Why then have you come with fire, you old man nigh to the grave? Endnote 113 With the intention of setting yourself on fire?

Cho. of Men.

I have come in order that I may heap up a pyre and set fire to your friends underneath.

Cho. of Wom.

And I, that I might extinguish Endnote 114 your pyre with this.

Cho. of Men.

Will you extinguish my fire?

Cho. of Wom.

The deed itself Endnote 115 will soon show.

Cho. of Men.

I don’t know but I’ll scorch you with Endnote 116 this torch just as I am.

Cho. of Wom.

If you happen to have any soap, Endnote 117 I’ll provide a bath.

Cho. of Men.

You a bath for me, you filthy wretch?

Cho. of Wom.

And that, too, Endnote 118 a nuptial one.

Cho. of Men.

Did you hear her audacity?

Cho. of Wom.

For I am free.

Cho. of Men.

I’ll stop you from your present clamour.

Cho. of Wom.

But you shall no longer sit in the Heliæa. Endnote 119

Cho. of Men.

Set fire to her hair!

Cho. of Wom.

Thy task, Endnote 120 O Achelöus! [The women empty their buckets on the men’s heads.]

Cho. of Men.

Ah me, miserable!

Cho. of Wom.

Was it hot? [Another volley of buckets.]

Cho. of Men.

Why, hot? Will you not stop? What are you doing?

Cho. of Wom.

I am watering you, that you may grow.

Cho. of Men.

But I am parched Endnote 121 up and shaking already.

Cho. of Wom.

Therefore, since you have fire, you shall warm yourself. [Enter committee-man. Endnote 122]

Com.

Has the wantonness of the women burst forth, and their drumming, and their frequent orgies, Endnote 123 and this mourning on the roofs for Adonis, Endnote 124 which I once Endnote 125 heard when I was in the Assembly. Demostratus (a plague take Endnote 126 him!) was advising to sail to Sicily; but his wife, dancing, cries, “Ah! ah, for Adonis!” And Demostratus was advising Endnote 127 to enlist Zacynthian hoplites; but his wife upon the roof, being rather tipsy, tells them to mourn for Adonis. But he, Cholozyges, hateful to the gods and abominable, overpowered her. Such are their acts of wantonness. Endnote 128

Cho. of Men.

What then would you say, Endnote 129 if you were also to hear of the insolence of these? who have both insulted us in other respects, and drenched us with their pitchers, so that we may wring our garments, as if we had made water in them.

Com.

Justly, by the briny Neptune! For when we ourselves join with the women in villany, and teach them to be licentious, such Endnote 130 counsels spring from them; we, who speak in this wise in the workmen’s Endnote 131 shops, “Goldsmith, as my wife was dancing in the evening, the clasp of the necklace you Endnote 132 made dropped out of the hole. For my part, I must sail to Salamis; but do you, if you have leisure, come by all Endnote 133 means towards evening and fit in the clasp Endnote 134 for her.” And some other one speaks after this manner to the shoemaker, a youth, but able to do a man’s work, “Shoemaker, the cross-straps pinch the little toe Endnote 135 of my wife’s foot, since it is tender. Come you, therefore, at noon and loosen this, so that it may be wider.” Such things concur in such Endnote 136 affairs, when I, who am a Committee-man, who have provided spars for oars, Endnote 137 am shut out Endnote 138 from the gates by the women, now when there’s need of the money. But it’s no Endnote 139 use to stand. Bring the levers, that I may restrain them from their insolence. Why do you gape, you wretch? Whither, again, are you staring, who do nothing but look after a tavern? Will you not place your levers under the gates and force your way on that side? and I will join in forcing this way. [Enter Lysistrata.]

Lys.

Do not force Endnote 140 with your levers! for I am coming forth of my own accord. What need is there of levers? For there is not more need of levers, than of sense and judgment.

Com.

What, really, you abominable creature? Where is the policeman? Seize her, and tie her hands behind her!

Lys.

By Diana, if in truth he shall lay the tip of his hand upon me, he shall weep for it, policeman Endnote 141 as he is! [Policemen draw back.]

Com.

Are you afraid, you fellow? Will you not seize her by the waist, and you with him, and bind her quickly?

1st Wom.

By Pandrosus, Endnote 142 if in truth you shall only lay your hand upon her, you shall be trampled on and ease yourself again!

Com.

“Shall ease yourself again,” quoth’a! Where is there another Endnote 143 policeman? Bind this one the first, because she also chatters!

2nd Wom.

By Diana, Endnote 144 if in truth you shall lay the tip of your hand upon her, you shall soon ask for a Endnote 145 cupping-glass!

Com.

What’s this? Where is there a policeman? Endnote 146 Lay hold on her! I will stop some of you from this going out.

3rd Wom.

By Diana, if in truth you shall approach her, I’ll pluck out the hairs that will make you scream! Endnote 147 [Policemen run away.]

Com.

Ah me, unfortunate! The policeman has deserted Endnote 148 me. But we must never be conquered by Endnote 149 women. [Police come back.] Let us march against them, O policemen, in order of battle!

Lys.

By the two goddesses, then you shall know that with us also there are four companies of warlike women within, fully armed!

Com.

Twist back their hands, policemen! [Policemen lay hands on the women.]

Lys.

allied women, run out from within, ye green-grocery-market-women, ye garlic-bread-selling-hostesses! Will ye not drag? Endnote 150 Will ye not beat? Will ye not smite? Will ye not revile? Will ye not behave impudently? [Women rush in and drive off the policemen.] Stop! Retire! Do not despoil them!

Com.

Ah me, how miserably have my policemen Endnote 151 fared!

Lys.

Nay, what did you expect? Did you think you had come against some women-slaves, or do you suppose anger is not in women?

Com.

Aye, by Apollo, and very much too, if a tavern Endnote 152 be near!

Cho. of Men.

commissioner of this land, who have wasted many words, why do you hold a parley with these wild beasts? Do you not know with what a bath these just now drenched us in our garments, and that too Endnote 153 without lye?

Cho. of Wom.

But, my good sir, you ought not rashly to lay your hand upon your neighbours. But if you do this, you must have swelled eyes. For I am willing to sit modestly, like a virgin, offending no one here, nor even stirring a chip, unless one take my comb, like a wasp’s nest, and irritate me.

Cho. of Men.

Jupiter! what ever shall we make of these Endnote 154 monsters? For these things are no longer bearable. But you must inquire into this casualty along with me, with whatever intent they seized upon the citadel, and for what purpose they seized upon the Acropolis on the mighty rock, not to be trodden, the sacred enclosure. But ask repeatedly, and do not be persuaded, Endnote 155 and apply all tests. For it is disgraceful to leave such Endnote 156 an affair as this untested, having given it up.

Com.

Well now, by Jove, I wish to learn this first from them; with what intent you shut up our citadel with your bolts.

Lys.

That we might make the money safe, and that you might not fight on account of it.

Com.

Why, are Endnote 157 we fighting on account of the money?

Lys.

Aye, and all the other matters, too, have been thrown into confusion. For in order that Pisander Endnote 158 might be able to steal, and those who aim at offices, they were always stirring up some commotion. Endnote 159 Therefore let them do whatever they please, for that matter! for they shall no longer take out this money.

Com.

What will you do then? Endnote 160

Lys.

Ask me this? We will manage it.

Com.

Will you manage the money?

Lys.

Why Endnote 161 do you think this strange? Do we not wholly manage your domestic property also for you?

Com.

But the case is not the same.

Lys.

How Endnote 162 not the same?

Com.

We must carry on the war out Endnote 163 of this money.

Lys.

But in the first place there is no occasion for war.

Com.

Why, how otherwise shall we be saved?

Lys.

We will save you.

Com.

You?

Lys.

Aye, we to be sure.

Com.

A sad case indeed!

Lys.

Be assured Endnote 164 that you shall be saved, even if you do not wish.

Com.

You mention a shameful case.

Lys.

You are indignant: but this must be done notwithstanding.

Com.

By Ceres, ’tis unjust!

Lys.

We must save Endnote 165 you, my friends.

Com.

Even if I don’t want?

Lys.

Aye, so much the more, for that matter.

Com.

But how came you to care about war and peace?

Lys.

We will tell you.

Com.

(with a significant motion of his fist). Tell me now quickly, that you may not get a beating!

Lys.

Hear now, and try to restrain your hands!

Com.

But I am not able: for through my passion Endnote 166 it is difficult to restrain them.

Lys.

Then you shall suffer for it so much the more.

Com.

Croak this Endnote 167 at yourself, old woman; but tell me your story.

Lys.

I will do so. During the former war and former time, through our modesty, we bore with you Endnote 168 men, whatever you did; for you did not allow us to mutter: and then you did not please us. But we perceived Endnote 169 you very well; and oftentimes when we were at home we used Endnote 170 to hear that you had determined some important matter badly; and then being pained internally, Endnote 171 we used to ask you with a smile, “What has been determined by you to-day amongst the people Endnote 172 to post up upon the pillar Endnote 173 about peace?” “What’s that to you?” the man used to say; “will you not be silent?” And 1 used to be silent.

Woman.

But I would never have been silent.

Com.

Aye, and you’d have howled too, if you were not silent.

Lys.

So then I kept silence at home. We used to hear Endnote 174 perhaps of some other more pernicious decree of yours; and then we used to ask, “How is it, husband, that you manage these matters so foolishly?” But he having looked askance at me used immediately to tell me that, “if I will not weave Endnote 175 my warp, I should wail loudly in my head; but war shall be a care to men.” Endnote 176

Com.

Rightly said of him, by Jove!

Lys.

How Endnote 177 rightly, you wretch? if not even when you were determining badly, it was permitted us to advise you. But Endnote 178 when now we plainly heard you now saying in the streets, “Is there not a man in the country?” and some other said, “Certainly not, by Jove!” after this it was immediately determined by us women, being assembled, to save Greece in common. For why Endnote 179 ought we to wait? If therefore you be willing to hear us in turn giving good advice, and to be silent in turn, as we were then, we would restore you.

Com.

You restore us? You mention a shameful case, and not to be endured by me.

Lys.

Hold your tongue!

Com.

Must I hold my tongue for Endnote 180 you, you abominable creature, and that too wearing a hood about your head? Then may I not live!

Lys.

Well, if this be an obstacle to you, there! take this hood from me, and take and put it about your head, and then hold your tongue!—and this little basket! and then gird yourself up Endnote 181 and card wool, munching beans! Endnote 182 “but war shall be a care to women.”

Cho. of Wom.

Retire, Endnote 183 O women, from your pitchers, in order that we also in turn may assist our friends. For I would never be tired with dancing, nor would exhausting Endnote 184 weariness seize my knees. I am willing to venture Endnote 185 everything with these in the cause of virtue, in whom is intellect, is beauty, is boldness, is wisdom, is prudent patriotism. Come, most courageous offspring of grandmothers, and of fruitful nettles, advance with vehemence, Endnote 186 and do not yield! for you are now still running before the wind.

Lys.

But if delightful Eros and the Cyprus-born Venus breathe desire upon our bosoms and our breasts, and then create in the men a pleasing passion and voluptuousness, I think that we shall some time be called amongst the Greeks Lysimachæ. Endnote 187

Com.

By having done what?

Lys.

If in the first place we put a stop to people lounging Endnote 188 in the market-place with arms and acting madly.

Woman.

Aye, by the Paphian Venus!

Lys.

For now in truth in the pottery-market, Endnote 189 and in the vegetable-market alike, they walk about throughout the market-place with arms, like Corybantes.

Com.

Yes, by Jove! for it becomes the brave.

Lys.

And yet the affair is ridiculous, when a fellow with a shield and a Gorgon then Endnote 190 purchases mackarel.

Woman.

At all events, by Jove, I saw a man with long hair, a commander of cavalry, upon a horse putting pease-soup into his brazen helmet, which he had bought from an old woman. And another, again, a Thracian, shaking a shield and javelin like Tereus, frightened the woman that dealt in figs and swallowed the ripe ones. Endnote 191

Com.

How then will you be able to allay many disturbed affairs in the country, and to put an end to them?

Lys.

Very Endnote 192 easily.

Com.

How? Show us!

Lys.

Like as, when our thread is tangled, we take it in this way and draw it out with our spindles hither and thither, thus also will we put an end to this war, if you let us, having brought it to an end by means of embassies hither and thither.

Com.

Do Endnote 193 you think, pray, to allay a dreadful state of affairs with your wool, and threads, and spindles, you silly women?

Lys.

Aye, and if there was any sense in you, you would administer Endnote 194 all your affairs after the fashion of our wool.

Com.

How, pray? Come, let me see!

Lys.

In the first place it behoved you, as if washing away the dirt of a fleece in a bath, to flog the knaves headlong out of the city, and to pick out the briers; and to tear in pieces these who combine together and those who press themselves close together Endnote 195 for the magistracies, and to pluck their heads; Endnote 196 and then all to card public good-feeling into a basket, having mixed up Endnote 197 both the resident-aliens and whatever stranger or friend there is with you, and whoever is indebted to the public, and to mix these up Endnote 198 in one body; and, by Jove, to mark Endnote 199 the states, as many as are colonies of this city, that these lie uncared for, like the pieces of wool, each apart by itself; and then, having taken the wool from all these, to bring it together, and collect it into one mass; and then to make a large ball; and then, out of this to weave a cloak for the people.

Com.

Is it not, therefore, shameful that these should cudgel Endnote 200 these things and wind them off into a ball, who had not even any concern in the war at all?

Lys.

And yet, O you utterly accursed, we bear more than twice as Endnote 201 much of it as you do; who in the first instance bore sons and sent them forth as hoplites. Endnote 202

Com.

Be silent, and do not remind Endnote 203 us of our woes!

Lys.

And then, when we ought to be cheered and enjoy our youth, we sleep alone on account of the expeditions. Endnote 204 And our case I omit: but I am grieved for the maidens who grow old in their chambers.

Com.

Do not men, therefore, grow old as well?

Lys.

But, by Jove, you do not mention a like case. For he, when he has come back, even though he be gray-headed, soon marries a young girl; but the woman’s time is short, and if she do not take advantage of it, no one is willing to marry her; but she sits looking for omens. Endnote 205

Com.

But whoever is still able to act a manly part—

Lys.

Why then Endnote 206 do you not die? You shall have a little pig: Endnote 207 you shall purchase a coffin: I will now knead you a honey-cake. Endnote 208 Take this and crown yourself!

[Drenches him with water.]

1st Wom.

And receive these Endnote 209 from me!

[Drenches him.]

2nd Wom.

And take this crown!

[Drenches him.]

Lys.

What is wanting? What do you desire? Go to the ship! Charon calls you, Endnote 210 and you hinder him from setting sail.

Com.

Then is it not shameful that I should suffer these things? But, by Jove, I will show myself to the Committee forthwith, going as Endnote 211 I am.

Lys.

Will you lay a complaint Endnote 212 against us, that we did not lay you out? But on the third day at any rate the sacrifices to the dead will come from us very early Endnote 213 in the morning ready prepared.

[Exeunt Committee-man and attendants.]

Cho. of Men.

It is his business to sleep no longer, who is free. But, sirs, let us strip Endnote 214 and set to work at this affair! For already these matters appear to me to savour of more and greater deeds; and especially I scent the tyranny of Hippias; Endnote 215 and I fear greatly lest some men of the Spartans, having assembled here in the house of Clisthenes, Endnote 216 should by craft stir up the women hateful to the gods to seize upon our money, and our pay, whereby I lived. For surely it is shameful that these, women as they are, should now advise the citizens, and prate about a brazen shield, and besides Endnote 217 reconcile us to the Lacedæmonians, to whom there’s no trusting, Endnote 218 unless one can a gaping wolf. But these things, sirs, they have contrived for a tyranny. But over me they shall not tyrannize; for I will be on my guard, and will henceforth wear my sword in a myrtle-bough, Endnote 219 and will lounge in the market-place in arms nigh the statue Endnote 220 of Aristogiton, and will stand beside him thus; Endnote 221 for that very destiny is mine, Endnote 222 to smite the jaw of this old woman hateful to the gods.

Cho. of Wom.

Then your mother shall not recognise Endnote 223 you when you enter the house. But, O dear matrons, let us first place these on the ground. For we, O all ye citizens, begin words serviceable to the state; naturally, since it reared me splendidly in luxury. As soon as Endnote 224 I was seven years of age I carried the peplus; and then, Endnote 225 when I was ten years of age, I was meal-grinder to Diana; Endnote 226 and then I was Arctos Endnote 227 at the Brauronia, wearing the saffron-coloured robe; and at length, when I was a beautiful girl, I carried the basket, wearing a chain of figs. Do I not then owe Endnote 228 it to the state to give it some good advice? But if I am a woman, do not grudge me this, Endnote 229 if I introduce something better than the present part of affairs. For I have a part in the contribution; for I contribute men. But you miserable old men have no part; for after you have expended Endnote 230 your ancestral fund, as it is called, which you got from the Persians, Endnote 231 you do not pay in turn your contributions. But moreover we are in danger of being ruined by you. Then ought you to grumble? But if you shall annoy me at all, I will strike your jaw with this untanned buskin.

Cho. of Men.

Then are not these matters great insolence? and methinks the matter will increase still more. But whoever is a perfect man must repel the matter. Come, let us strip off our sleeveless coat, since it behoveth a man forthwith to savour of manhood; but it does not become him to be muffled up. But come, ye white-footed, Endnote 232 now it behoveth us, who went to Lipsydrium, Endnote 233 when as yet Endnote 234 we were men, now it behoveth us to grow young again, and to make our whole body active, Endnote 235 and to shake off this old age. For if any of us shall afford these if it were but a small handle, Endnote 236 they will in no wise fail of assiduous handicraft; but they will both build ships, and furthermore attempt to fight by sea, and to sail against us, like Artemisia. Endnote 237 But if they turn themselves to horsemanship, I strike the Knights off the list. For a woman is a creature most skilful in horsemanship and having a good seat. Endnote 238 And she would not slip off when it runs. See the Amazons whom Micon painted Endnote 239 on horseback fighting with the men! But we ought to take and fit this neck Endnote 240 into the perforated stocks of all these.

Cho. of Wom.

By the two goddesses, if you shall provoke me, I will now let loose my passion, Endnote 241 and will make you today call your fellow-tribesmen to your aid, being pommeled. But let us also, Endnote 242 O women, speedily strip, so that we may savour of women angered even to biting. Endnote 243 Now let any one come near me! in order that he may never eat garlic or black beans. Endnote 244 Since, if you shall even merely speak ill of me,—for I am exceedingly angry,—I the beetle will deliver you like Endnote 245 an eagle that is laying eggs. For I will not care for you, if my Lampito live, and the dear Theban girl, well-born Endnote 246 Ismenia. For you will have no power, not even if you make decrees seven times, who, O wretch, wast hateful even Endnote 247 to all your neighbours. Therefore also yesterday, when I was making a feast Endnote 248 to Hecate, I invited from my neighbours a good and amiable girl as the companion of my children—an eel Endnote 249 from Bœotia; but they said they would not send it, on account of your decrees. And you will not cease Endnote 250 from these decrees, till some one, having taken you by the leg, take and break your neck. O thou Endnote 251 authoress of this deed and design, why hast thou come to me from the house with a sad countenance?

Lys.

Wicked women’s proceedings and the female mind make me down-hearted, and to walk up Endnote 252 and down.

Cho. of Wom.

What do you say? what do you say?

Lys.

The truth! the truth!

Cho. of Wom.

What is there alarming? Tell it to your own friends!

Lys.

But it is disgraceful Endnote 253 to mention, and difficult to keep silent.

Cho. of Wom.

Do not then conceal from me what ill we have suffered.

Lys.

To speak in fewest words, Endnote 254 we long for the men.

Cho. of Wom.

Jupiter!

Lys.

Why call on Endnote 255 Jupiter? In truth this is so. Consequently I am no longer able to keep them from their husbands; for they are escaping by stealth. The first I caught widening the hole where the cave of Pan Endnote 256 is; the other, again, creeping down by the pulley; Endnote 257 the other deserting; the other one upon a sparrow, purposing now to fly down to the house of Orsilochus, Endnote 258 I dragged down yesterday by the hair. And they keep making all sorts of excuses Endnote 259 so as to depart home. In sooth, one of them is now coming. Hollo you! whither are you running? [A woman attempts to run past.]

1st Wom.

I wish to go home; for my Milesian fleeces are being destroyed by the moths at home.

Lys.

What Endnote 260 moths? Will you not go back again?

1st Wom.

But, by the two goddesses, I will return speedily, when I have only spread them out on the couch—

Lys.

Don’t spread them out, or depart any whither!

1st Wom.

Must I then suffer the fleeces to be destroyed?

Lys.

Yes, if there be need of this. Endnote 261 (1st woman goes back again.]

2nd Wom.

Ah me, miserable! miserable for my flax which I have left at home unhackled!

Lys.

See! here’s another coming out for her unhackled flax! Endnote 262 Come back again hither!

2nd Wom.

But, by Diana, Endnote 263 I will return instantly when I have barked it? Endnote 264

Lys.

Don’t Endnote 265 bark it! for if you begin this, another woman will wish to do the same. [2nd woman goes back again.]

3rd Wom.

mistress Endnote 266 Ilithyia, delay my parturition until I shall have gone to a place not hallowed!

Lys.

Why do you talk this nonsense?

3rd Wom.

I shall bring forth immediately.

Lys.

But you were not pregnant yesterday.

3rd Wom.

But to-day I am. Come, Lysistrata, send me home as soon as possible to the midwife!

Lys.

What tale are you telling? What is this hard thing Endnote 267 that you have?

3rd Wom.

A male child.

Lys.

Not you, by Venus! except that Endnote 268 you appear to have some hollow brazen vessel. I will know. [Feels her dress.] O you ridiculous! said you you were pregnant, when you had the sacred Endnote 269 helmet?

3rd Wom.

And I am pregnant too, by Jove!

Lys.

Why then had you this?

3rd Wom.

In order that, if my delivery should come upon me while still in the Acropolis, I might go into Endnote 270 this helmet and bring forth, as the pigeons do.

Lys.

What do you say? You are making excuses. The matter is evident. Will you not wait here for the helmet’s Endnote 271 naming-day?

3rd Wom.

But I am not even able to sleep in the Acropolis, since once I saw the serpent, the guardian Endnote 272 of the house.

4th Wom.

And I, unhappy, am destroyed with want of sleep through the owls, which are constantly crying, “to who.” Endnote 273

Lys.

My good women, cease from your juggling tricks! You long for your husbands perhaps: but do you not think that we long for them? They spend uneasy nights, I well know. But hold out, my good friends, and persevere still further for a short time! for we have an oracle that we shall prevail, unless we be distracted by seditions. Now this is Endnote 274 the oracle.

Cho. of Wom.

Tell us what it says. Endnote 275

Lys.

Be silent now! “But when the Swallows, Endnote 276 avoiding the Hoopoes, cower into one place, and abstain from the phallus, there shall be a rest from evils, and high-thundering Jove shall make Endnote 277 the higher to be lower”—

Cho. of Wom.

Shall we lie above them?

Lys.

“but if the Swallows be at variance, Endnote 278 and fly away with their wings from the sacred temple, no longer shall any bird whatever appear to be more lewd.”

Cho. of Wom.

By Jove, the oracle is clear! Let us not then, O all ye gods, give up through suffering; but let us go in. For this will be disgraceful, my dearest women, if we shall betray the oracle. Endnote 279 [Exit Lysistrala.]

Cho. of Men.

I wish to tell you a story, which I once heard myself when I was yet a boy; in this wise: Endnote 280—There was once a youth, Melanion, who, avoiding marriage, went to a desert place and dwelt in the mountains. And then he hunted hares, Endnote 281 having made nets: and he had a dog. And he returned home again no more by reason of his hatred. So much Endnote 282 did he abominate the women: and we, who are chaste, abominate them no less than Melanion. Endnote 283

Old Man.

I wish, old woman, to kiss you—

Woman.

Then you shall not eat an onion. Endnote 284

Old Man.

and to lift up your leg and tread on you.

Woman.

You wear a large beard.

Old Man.

For Myronides Endnote 285 also was rough in those parts, and black-bottomed to all his foes; and thus also was Phormio. Endnote 286

Cho. of Wom.

I also wish to tell you a story in reply to your Melanion. There was a certain Timon, Endnote 287 unsettled, encompassed round as to his face with unapproachable thorns, Endnote 288 a scion of the Furies. This Timon, then, by reason of his hatred, went off having imprecated many curses against wicked men. So much did he always hate in return your Endnote 289 wicked men; but he was very dear to the women.

Woman.

Would you that I strike your jaw?

Old Man.

By no means! I am afraid of it.

Woman.

But I will strike you with my leg.

Old Man.

You will show your ancles.

Woman.

Yet, however, you would not see them with long hair, though I am an old woman, but depillated with the lamp. Endnote 290 [Enter Lysistrata attended by several women.]

Lys.

Ho! ho, women! come hither to me quickly!

1st Wom.

What’s the matter? tell me, what means the cry?

Lys.

I see a man, a man approaching frantic, seized Endnote 291 with the transports of love. O mistress, Endnote 292 who rulest over Cyprus and Cytheræ and Paphos, proceed straight on the course you are going!

1st Wom.

Where is he, whoever he is?

Lys.

Near the temple of Ceres. Endnote 293

1st Wom.

Oh, by Jove, in truth there is! Who Endnote 294 in the world is he?

Lys.

Look! Does any one of you know him?

Myrrh.

Yes, by Jove, I do; and he is my husband Cinesias. Endnote 295

Lys.

’Tis your business Endnote 296 now to roast him, and torture him, and cheat him utterly, and to love him and not love him, and to afford him all things, except those of which Endnote 297 the cup is conscious.

Myrrh.

Don’t trouble yourself: I’ll do so.

Lys.

Moreover I will remain Endnote 298 here and cheat him utterly and roast him thoroughly. But do you depart! [Exit Myrrhina, and enter Cinesias, attended by a servant leading his child by the hand.]

Cin.

Ah me, miserable! What a spasm and what a tension possesses me, Endnote 299 as if I were racked upon a wheel!

Lys.

Who is this who stands within the outposts? Endnote 300

Cin.

I!

Lys.

A man?

Cin.

Yes, a man.

Lys.

Then will you not begone out of the way?

Cin.

Who are you who drive me out?

Lys.

A day-watcher.

Cin.

By the gods, then, call me out Myrrhina!

Lys.

Must I call Endnote 301 your Myrrhina, quoth’a? Who are you?

Cin.

Her husband, Cinesias the Pæonian. Endnote 302

Lys.

Welcome, thou dearest! for thy name Endnote 303 is not without fame among us, nor yet inglorious. For your wife constantly has you in her mouth; Endnote 304 and if she get an egg or an apple, she says, “May Cinesias have this!”

Cin.

Oh, by the gods!

Lys.

Yes, by Venus; and if any conversation about husbands arise, straightway your wife says, that every thing else is nonsense in comparison with Cinesias.

Cin.

Go then, call her!

Lys.

What then? will you give me any thing?

Cin.

Aye, by Jove, will I, if you wish it! I have this What, then, I have, I give you.

Lys.

Come then, let me Endnote 305 descend and call her.

Cin.

Very quickly then! [Exit Lysistrata.] For I have no pleasure in my life since she went away from the house; but I am grieved when I go in; and every thing appears to me to be desolate; and I find no pleasure in my victuals when I eat, for I am tortured.

Myrrh.

(talking with Lysistrata in the Acropolis above). I love him, I love him; but he is not willing to be loved by me. Do not call me to him!

Cin.

My dearest little Myrrhina, why do you act thus? Come down Endnote 306 hither!

Myrrh.

By Jove, I will not go down thither!

Cin.

Will you not come down when I call you, Myrrhina?

Myrrh.

No; for you call me when you don’t want me at all.

Cin.

I not in want of you? Nay, rather, undone.

Myrrh.

I will go away.

Cin.

Nay don’t, pray! but at least hearken to your little child! [Turning to the child.] Ho you! will you not call Endnote 307 your mother?

Child.

Mamma! mamma! mamma! Endnote 308

Cin.

Ho you! what are Endnote 309 you about? Do you not even pity the little child, being unwashed and unsuckled six days past?

Myrrh.

Of course I pity it; but its father Endnote 310 is negligent.

Cin.

Come down, my good girl, to your little child!

Myrrh.

What Endnote 311 a thing it is to be a mother! I must descend. For what shall I do? Endnote 312 [Enter Myrrhina.]

Cin.

Why she seems to me to have become much younger, and more loving Endnote 313 to look at; and in that she is cross to me, and bears herself haughtily, Endnote 314 these are the very things now which kill me with desire.

Myrrh.

thou dearest little child Endnote 315 of a bad father! come, let me kiss you, most dear to your mother!

Cin.

Why, O wretch, do you do this, and comply with other women, and cause me to be grieved, and Endnote 316 art grieved yourself?

Myrrh.

Don’t put your hand on me!

Cin.

While you are ruining Endnote 317 my and your property, which is in the house.

Myrrh.

I care little about them.

Cin.

Care you little about your thread, which is tossed Endnote 318 about by the cocks and hens?

Myrrh.

Even so, by Jove! Endnote 319

Cin.

The rites of Venus have been so long a time uncelebrated by you. Will you not go back?

Myrrh.

Not I, by Jove! unless you make peace and cease from the war.

Cin.

Therefore, if it seem good to you, we will e’en do so.

Myrrh.

Therefore, if it seem good to you, I will e’en go thither; but now I have sworn not to do it.

Cin.

At least lie down with me for Endnote 320 a while!

Myrrh.

Certainly not! and yet I cannot say Endnote 321 that I do not love you.

Cin.

Do you love me? Why then do you Endnote 322 not lie down, my little Myrrhina?

Myrrh.

you ridiculous man! in presence of the child?

Cin.

No, by Jove! but, Manes, do you take it home! [Servant leads the child off.] There! the child is now out of the way: will you not lie down?

Myrrh.

Why, where could one do this, you rogue?

Cin.

Very well, Endnote 323 where the temple of Pan is.

Myrrh.

Why, how, pray, any longer could I go to the Acropolis pure?

Cin.

Very well, I ween, after you have washed in the Clepsydra. Endnote 324

Myrrh.

Shall I then, pray, break my oath, you rogue, after having sworn?

Cin.

On my head be it! Endnote 325 Don’t be concerned at all for your oath!

Myrrh.

Come then, let me bring a little bed for us.

Cin.

By no means! It suffices us upon the ground.

Myrrh.

By Apollo, I will not Endnote 326 make you lie down upon the ground, although being such! [Runs off.]

Cin.

Of a truth it is right well evident that my wife loves me. Endnote 327

Myrrh.

(returning with a bedstead). There! lie down quickly; and I will undress myself. [Cinesias lies down upon the bed.] And yet, bless Endnote 328 my soul, I must bring out a mattress.

Cin.

What mattress? Don’t talk to me Endnote 329 of that!

Myrrh.

Yea, by Diana! for it were shameful to lie upon the bed-cords.

Cin.

Let me give you a kiss then!

Myrrh.

There! [Kisses him and runs off.]

Cin.

Ah! Return then very quickly!

Myrrh.

(returning with a mattress). There’s a mattress! Lie down! I’ll now undress myself. And yet, bless my soul! you have not a pillow.

Cin.

Neither do I want one.

Myrrh.

But, by Jove, I do! [Runs off.]

Cin.

Truly my carcase is entertained like Hercules. Endnote 330

Myrrh.

(returning with a pillow). Rise! jump up! Endnote 331

Cin.

I have every thing now. Endnote 332

Myrrh.

Ah, pray? Endnote 333

Cin.

Come then, my little treasure! Endnote 334

Myrrh.

Now I’ll undo my girdle! Endnote 335 Remember then; do not deceive me about the peace.

Cin.

Then Endnote 336 may I perish, by Jove!

Myrrh.

You have not a counterpane. Endnote 337

Cin.

Neither do I want one, by Jove; but I want something else.

Myrrh.

Don’t trouble yourself! You shall do so; for I will come speedily. [Runs off.]

Cin.

The woman Endnote 338 will kill me with her bed-clothes.

Myrrh.

(returning with a counterpane). Raise yourself up!

Cin.

But I am raised up already.

Myrrh.

Would you that I anoint you?

Cin.

Nay, do not, by Apollo!

Myrrh.

Yea, by Venus, whether you will or no! [Runs off.]

Cin.

Lord Jove, would the unguent were Endnote 339 poured out!

Myrrh.

(returning with a flash of ointment). Reach forth your hand now, and take it and anoint yourself!

Cin.

By Apollo, this ointment is not sweet! unless to be dilatory and not savouring of marriage be so. Endnote 340

Myrrh.

Ah me, miserable! I have brought the Rhodian Endnote 341 unguent.

Cin.

’Tis excellent! Never mind it, Endnote 342 my good girl!

Myrrh.

Nonsense! [Runs off.]

Cin.

May he perish most miserably, who first boiled unguents!

Myrrh.

(returning with a fresh flask). Take this casket!

Cin.

But I have another. Come, you tiresome Endnote 343 thing, lie down and don’t bring me any thing at all!

Myrrh.

I will do so, by Diana! In sooth I am taking off my shoes. But, my dearest, see that you vote to make peace.

Cin.

I will determine about it. [Exit Myrrhina.] My wife has undone me and killed me, both in all other respects, and because she has flayed me and gone. Ah me! what shall I do? Endnote 344 Whom shall I solicit, being disappointed of the prettiest of all? How shall I educate this? Where’s the Dog-fox? Endnote 345 Let out Endnote 346 a nurse to me.

Cho. of Men.

thou unhappy, thou art afflicted in thy soul with dreadful suffering, having been deceived! And I pity you, alas! alas! For what kidneys could hold out, what soul, Endnote 347 and what bowels, and what loins? What rump could, being strained, and not having to do with any one in the morning? Endnote 348

Cin.

Jove, what dreadful convulsions! Endnote 349

Cho. of Men.

This, however, has your all-abominable and all-execrable wife now done to you.

Cin.

No, by Jove, but dear and sweetest of all!

Cho. of Men.

Don’t talk to me Endnote 350 of sweet! Abominable, abominable certainly. [Exit Cinesias.] O Jove, Jove, would that you would whirl her away and turn her round, Endnote 351 and carry her off with a great whirlwind and hurricane, as you do the heaps of corn, and then let her go, and she might be borne back again to the earth, and then suddenly bestride the trident! [Enter Lacedæmonian Herald and Committee-man.]

Her.

Where is the Senate of the Athenians, or the Endnote 352 Prytanes? I wish to make an announcement.

Com.

Whether are you a man or Conisalus? Endnote 353

Her.

By the two gods, I have come from Sparta as a herald, young Endnote 354 man, about the peace!

Com.

And then, pray, have you come with a spear under your arm?

Her.

No, by Jove, not I!

Com.

Whither are you turning yourself? Why, pray, do you put forward your cloak? or have you a swelling in the groin from your journey?

Her.

The fellow’s a fool, Endnote 355 by Castor!

Com.

But you are excited, O you most abominable!

Her.

No, by Jove, not I! Don’t talk nonsense Endnote 356 again!

Com.

But what’s this here?

Her.

A Spartan scytale. Endnote 357

Com.

Aye, if this too is a Spartan scytale. Endnote 358 But tell me the truth, as to one Endnote 359 that knows! How are your affairs at Sparta?

Her.

All Sparta is excited, and all the allies are excited There is need of Pellene.