Part 12 (2/2)
MAGISTRATE
So with these trivial tricks of the household, domestic a.n.a.logies of threads, skeins and spools, You think that you'll solve such a bitter complexity, unwind such political problems, you fools!
LYSISTRATA
Well, first as we wash dirty wool so's to cleanse it, so with a pitiless zeal we will scrub Through the whole city for all greasy fellows; burrs too, the parasites, off we will rub.
That verminous plague of insensate place-seekers soon between thumb and forefinger we'll crack.
All who inside Athens' walls have their dwelling into one great common basket we'll pack.
Disenfranchised or citizens, allies or aliens, pell-mell the lot of them in we will squeeze.
Till they discover humanity's meaning.... As for disjointed and far colonies, Them you must never from this time imagine as scattered about just like lost hanks of wool.
Each portion we'll take and wind in to this centre, inward to Athens each loyalty pull, Till from the vast heap where all's piled together at last can be woven a strong Cloak of State.
MAGISTRATE
How terrible is it to stand here and watch them carding and winding at will with our fate, Witless in war as they are.
LYSISTRATA
What of us then, who ever in vain for our children must weep Borne but to perish afar and in vain?
MAGISTRATE
Not that, O let that one memory sleep!
LYSISTRATA
Then while we should be companioned still merrily, happy as brides may, the livelong night, Kissing youth by, we are forced to lie single.... But leave for a moment our pitiful plight, It hurts even more to behold the poor maidens helpless wrinkling in staler virginity.
MAGISTRATE
Does not a man age?
LYSISTRATA
Not in the same way. Not as a woman grows withered, grows he.
He, when returned from the war, though grey-headed, yet if he wishes can choose out a wife.
But she has no solace save peering for omens, wretched and lonely the rest of her life.
MAGISTRATE
But the old man will often select--
LYSISTRATA
O why not finish and die?
A bier is easy to buy, A honey-cake I'll knead you with joy, This garland will see you are decked.
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