Part 17 (1/2)

I am her husband Cinesias, son of Anthros.

LYSISTRATA

Welcome, dear friend! That glorious name of yours Is quite familiar in our ranks. Your wife Continually has it in her mouth.

She cannot touch an apple or an egg But she must say, ”This to Cinesias!”

CINESIAS

O is that true?

LYSISTRATA

By Aphrodite, it is.

If the conversation strikes on men, your wife Cuts in with, ”All are b.o.o.bies by Cinesias.”

CINESIAS

Then call her here.

LYSISTRATA

And what am I to get?

CINESIAS

This, if you want it.... See, what I have here.

But not to take away.

LYSISTRATA

Then I'll call her.

CINESIAS

Be quick, be quick. All grace is wiped from life Since she went away. O sad, sad am I When there I enter on that loneliness, And wine is unvintaged of the sun's flavour.

And food is tasteless. But I've put on weight.

MYRRHINE (_above_)

I love him O so much! but he won't have it.

Don't call me down to him.

CINESIAS

Sweet little Myrrhine!

What do you mean? Come here.

MYRRHINE

O no I won't.