Page:The Eleven Comedies (1912) Vol 1.djvu/292

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288
THE COMEDIES OF ARISTOPHANES

Herald.

We are at our wits’ end; we walk bent double, just as if we were carrying lanterns in a wind. The jades have sworn we shall not so much as touch their cunts till we have all agreed to conclude peace.


Magistrate.

Ha, ha! So I see now, ’tis a general conspiracy embracing all Greece. Go you back to Sparta and bid them send Envoys with plenary powers to treat for peace. I will urge our Senators myself to name Plenipotentiaries from us; and to persuade them, why, I will show them this. (Pointing to his erect penis.)


Herald.

What could be better? I fly at your command.


Chorus of Old Men.

No wild beast is there, no flame of fire, more fierce and untameable than woman; the panther is less savage and shameless.


Chorus of Women.

And yet you dare to make war upon me, wretch, when you might have me for your most faithful friend and ally.


Chorus of Old Men.

Never, never can my hatred cease towards women.


Chorus of Women.

Well, please yourself. Still I cannot bear to leave you all naked as you are; folks would laugh at me. Come, I am going to put this tunic on you.


Chorus of Old Men.

You are right, upon my word! it was only in my confounded fit of rage I took it off.