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THE COMEDIES OF ARISTOPHANES

Lysistrata.

Ah! good day, my dear friend. Your name is not unknown amongst us. Your wife has it for ever on her lips; and she never touches an egg or an apple without saying: ’Twill be for Cinesias.”


Cinesias.

Really and truly?


Lysistrata.

Yes, indeed, by Aphrodité! And if we fall to talking of men, quick your wife declares: “Oh! all the rest, they’re good for nothing compared with Cinesias.”


Cinesias.

Oh! I beseech you, go and call her to me.


Lysistrata.

And what will you give me for my trouble?


Cinesias.

This, if you like (handling his tool). I will give you what I have there!


Lysistrata.

Well, well, I will tell her to come.


Cinesias.

Quick, oh! be quick! Life has no more charms for me since she left my house. I am sad, sad, when I go indoors; it all seems so empty; my victuals have lost their savour. Desire is eating out my heart!


Myrrhiné.

I love him, oh! I love him; but he won’t let himself be loved. No! I shall not come.


Cinesias.

Myrrhiné, my little darling Myrrhiné, what are you saying? Come down to me quick.