Part 21 (1/2)

Then why do you hide that lance That sticks out under your arms?

HERALD.

I've brought no lance.

MAGISTRATE

Then why do you turn aside and hold your cloak So far out from your body? Is your groin swollen With stress of travelling?

HERALD

By Castor, I'll swear The man is wud.

MAGISTRATE

Indeed, your cloak is wide, My rascal fellow.

HERALD

But I tell ye No!

Enow o' fleering!

MAGISTRATE

Well, what is it then?

HERALD

It's my despatch cane.

MAGISTRATE

Of course--a Spartan cane!

But speak right out. I know all this too well.

Are new privations springing up in Sparta?

HERALD

Och, hard as could be: in lofty l.u.s.ty columns Our allies stand united. We maun get Pellene.

MAGISTRATE

Whence has this evil come? Is it from Pan?

HERALD

No. Lampito first ran asklent, then the others Sprinted after her example, and blocked, the hizzies, Their wames unskaithed against our every fleech.

MAGISTRATE

What did you do?