Part 24 (2/2)

Lysistrata Aristophanes 11730K 2022-07-22

ATHENIANS

Come, as quickly as possible.

SPARTANS

As quick as ye like.

Lead on.

ATHENIANS

O Zeus, quick, quick, lead quickly on.

_They hurry off._

CHORUS.

Broidered stuffs on high I'm heaping, Fas.h.i.+onable cloaks and sweeping Trains, not even gold gawds keeping.

Take them all, I pray you, take them all (I do not care) And deck your children--your daughter, if the Basket she's to bear.

Come, everyone of you, come in and take Of this rich h.o.a.rd a share.

Nought's tied so skilfully But you its seal can break And plunder all you spy inside.

I've laid out all that I can spare, And therefore you will see Nothing unless than I you're sharper-eyed.

If lacking corn a man should be While his slaves clamour hungrily And his excessive progeny, Then I've a handfull of grain at home which is always to be had, And to which in fact a more-than-life-size loaf I'd gladly add.

Then let the poor bring with them bag or sack And take this store of food.

Manes, my man, I'll tell To help them all to pack Their wallets full. But O take care.

I had forgotten; don't intrude, Or terrified you'll yell.

My dog is hungry too, and bites--beware!

Some _LOUNGERS_ from the Market with torches approach the Banqueting hall. The _PORTER_ bars their entrance.

1ST MARKET-LOUNGER

Open the door.

PORTER

Here move along.

1ST MARKET-LOUNGER

What's this?

You're sitting down. Shall I singe you with my torch?

That's vulgar! O I couldn't do it ... yet If it would gratify the audience, I'll mortify myself.

2ND MARKET-LOUNGER

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