Page:The Eleven Comedies (1912) Vol 1.djvu/227

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
PEACE
223

Spear-maker.

The insolent dog! Let us go, friend.


Trygæus.

Ah! here come the guests, children from the table to relieve themselves; I fancy they also want to hum over what they will be singing presently. Hi! child! what do you reckon to sing? Stand there and give me the opening line.


The Son of Lamachus.

“Glory to the young warriors. . . .


Trygæus.

Oh! leave off about your yous warriors, you little wretch; we are at peace and you are an idiot and a rascal.


Son of Lamachus.

“The skirmish begins, the hollow bucklers clash against each other.” [1]


Trygæus.

Bucklers! Leave me in peace with your bucklers.


Son of Lamachus.

“And then there came groanings and shouts of victory.”


Trygæus.

Groanings! ah! by Bacchus! look out for yourself, you cursed squaller, if you start wearying us again with your groanings and hollow bucklers.


Son of Lamachus.

Then what should I sing? Tell me what pleases you.


  1. These verses and those which both Trygæus and the son of Lamachus quote afterwards are borrowed from the ‘Iliad.’