The Birds of Aristophanes | ||
97
SCENE VII.
Priest, Pisthetærus, Chorus , an Envoy, a Legislator.Legislator
(reading).
‘And 'tis hereby provided that if one
Of Cuckoocloudlands do to an Athenian—’
Pisthetærus.
What other curs'd diploma's coming now?
Legislator.
I am a constitution-maker. Laws,
Span-new, I come to vend among you.
Pisthetærus.
What's this?
Legislator
(reading).
‘And that the Cuckoocloudlanders do use
Like measures, weights, and acts in senate pass'd
As the Olophyxians.’
Pisthetærus.
Haul will I
And fix thee in the stocks anon unless—
98
Ho! Sir! what ails thee?
Pisthetærus.
Wilt not budge with thy laws?
Else will I show thee bitter laws to-day.
Envoy.
I hereby Pisthetærus cite t'appear
At the next spring assize in Court for Wrong—
Pisthetærus.
What so! thou fellow, hast thou still been here?
Legislator
(reading).
‘But if any one drive out the magistrates,
And do not, as the column directs, receive them—’
Pisthetærus.
Oh! for patience! hast thou too still been here?
Envoy.
I'll do for thee. I'll lay the damages at
Ten thousand drachmas.
Pisthetærus.
I'll scatter thy boxes.
Legislator.
Remember when one night thou didst befoul
The column.
Pisthetærus.
This is past bearing. Seize him, ho!
Wilt not halt, sirrah?
Priest.
Fitting 'tis that speedily
We take departure hence, and to the Gods
Complete the unfinish'd sacrifice within.
The Birds of Aristophanes | ||