Part 14 (1/2)

LYSISTRATA

Yea, I must speak it though it hurt me so.

WOMEN

Speak; can we help? Don't stand there mute in need.

LYSISTRATA

I'll blurt it out then--our women's army's mutinied.

WOMEN

O Zeus!

LYSISTRATA

What use is Zeus to our anatomy?

Here is the gaping calamity I meant: I cannot shut their ravenous appet.i.tes A moment more now. They are all deserting.

The first I caught was sidling through the postern Close by the Cave of Pan: the next hoisting herself With rope and pulley down: a third on the point Of slipping past: while a fourth malcontent, seated For instant flight to visit Orsilochus On bird-back, I dragged off by the hair in time....

They are all s.n.a.t.c.hing excuses to sneak home.

Look, there goes one.... Hey, what's the hurry?

1ST WOMAN

I must get home. I've some Milesian wool Packed wasting away, and moths are pus.h.i.+ng through it.

LYSISTRATA

Fine moths indeed, I know. Get back within.

1ST WOMAN

By the G.o.ddesses, I'll return instantly.

I only want to stretch it on my bed.

LYSISTRATA

You shall stretch nothing and go nowhere either.

1ST WOMAN

Must I never use my wool then?

LYSISTRATA

If needs be.

2ND WOMAN