Neither earth, nor sea, nor sky,
Nor woody fastnesses on high,
Shall protect them if they fly? 350
Where's the Captain? What detains him? What prevents us to proceed?
On the right there, call the Captain! Let him form his troop and lead.
Eu. There it is, where can I fly?
Peis. Sirrah, be quiet, wait a bit.
Eu. What, to be devoured amongst them!
Peis. Will your legs or will your wit 355
Serve to escape them?
Eu. I can't tell.
Peis. But I can tell; Do as you're bid;
Fight we must; You see the pot, just there before ye; Take the lid,
And present it for a shield; the spit will serve you for a spear;
With it you may scare them off, or spike them if they venture near.
Eu. What can I find to guard my eyes? 360
Peis. Why there's the very thing you wish,
Two vizard helmets ready made, the cullender and skimming dish.
Eu. What a clever, capital, lucky device, sudden and new!
Nicias[1] with all his tactics, is a simpleton to you.
Chorus. Steady, Birds! present your beaks! in double time, charge and attack,
Pounce upon them, smash the potlid, clapperclaw them, tear and hack. 365
Hoo. Tell me, most unworthy creatures, scandal of the feathered race;
Must I see my friends and kinsmen massacred before my face?
Chorus. What, do you propose to spare them? where will your forbearance cease,
Hesitating to destroy destructive creatures such as these? 370
- ↑ Nicias was at this time in the chief command of the Sicilian expedition, Alcibiades having been recalled. See note to line 147.
