Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/74

Chorus. We're determined to discuss
Our difference with Antimachus,
Calmly, simply, candidly;
Praying to the powers above—
And the just almighty Jove,
To—Sink and blast him utterly. 1510
He that sent us all away
T'other evening from the play,
Hungry, thirsty, supperless;
Him we shortly trust to see
Sunk in equal misery,
In the like distress,
With a pennyworth of fish,
And a curious eager wish
To behold it fried;
Let him watch, and wait, and turn, 1520
With a hungry deep concern,
Standing there beside.
Let an accident befall,
Which shall overturn the stall,
And the fishes frying;
There shall he behold the dish
Topsy-turvy, with the fish
In the kennel lying.
As he stoops to pick and wipe it,
Let a greedy greyhound gripe it, 1530
Snatch and eat it flying.

Him let other ills befall,
Walking home beneath the wall,
Late at night, attacked by ruffians,
Orestes and his ragamuffins;
Unprotected and alone,
Groping round to find a stone,
Let him grasp for his defence
A ponderous sirreverence;
Furious, eager, in the dark, 1540
Let him fling and miss the mark,
Smiting upon the cheek, but not severely,
Cratinus merely!