agree for the future not to regard each other any more as enemies; and to clinch the bargain, let us sing a choric song.
Chorus of Women.
We desire, Athenians, to speak ill of no man; but on the contrary to say much good of everyone, and to do the like. We have had enough of misfortunes and calamities. Is there any, man or woman, wants a bit of money—two or three minas or so;[1] well, our purse is full. If only peace is concluded, the borrower will not have to pay back. Also I’m inviting to supper a few Carystian friends,[2] who are excellently well qualified. I have still a drop of good soup left, and a young porker I’m going to kill, and the flesh will be sweet and tender. I shall expect you at my house to-day; but first away to the baths with you, you and your children; then come all of you, ask no one’s leave, but walk straight up, as if you were at home; never fear, the door will be . . . shut in your faces![3]
Chorus of Old Men.
Ah! here come the Envoys from Sparta with their long flowing beards; why, you would think they wore a cage[4] between their thighs. (Enter ihe Lacedæmonian Envoys.) Hail to you, first of all, Laconians; then tell us how you fare.
A Laconian.
No need for many words; you see what a state we are in.
- ↑ A mina was a little over £4; 60 mine made a talent.
- ↑ Carystus was a city of Eubœa notorious for the dissoluteness of its inhabitants; hence the inclusion of these Carystian youths in the women’s invitation.
- ↑ A παρὰ προσδοκίαν; i.e. exactly the opposite of the word expected is used to conclude the sentence—to move the sudden hilarity of the audience as a finale to the scene.
- ↑ A wattled cage or pen for pigs.
