University of Virginia Library

Scene 1.

Strepsiades, Phidippides.
Streps.
O Neighbours, Kinsmen, Countrymen, help, help,
I'm beat all all over: oh my head, my back!
Thou strik'st thy Father Rogue.

Phid.
I do so father.

Streps.
See, see, he stands in't too.

Phid.
I do indeed.

Streps.
Thief, villain, Parricide.

Phid.
More I beseech you,
I am much taken with these pretty Titles.

Streps.
Rascall.

Phid.
Pray stick me fuller of these roses:

Streps.
Dost beat thy Father?

Phid.
Yes, by Jove, and justly.

Streps.
Oh' rogue what justice can there be in that:

Phid.
I will demonstrate it by argument.

Streps.
By argument?

Phid.
Most easily, which language
Shall I dispute in.

Streps.
Language?

Phid.
Yes the greater
Or lesser?

Streps.
I have bred thee well indeed
If thou canst make this good, that any son
May beat his Father.

Phid.
You'l confesse as much
If I so prove it, that you cannot answer't.

Streps.
Well, I will hear for once what you can say.