PRAXAGORA
BLEPYRUS, husband of Praxagora
WOMEN
A MAN
CHREMES
A CITIZEN
HERALD
A GIRL
A YOUNG MAN
THREE OLD WOMEN
A SERVANT MAID to PRAXAGORA
CHORUS OF WOMEN
Scene
The Orchestra represents a public square in Athens; in the background are two houses with an alley between them.
PRAXAGORAÌýswinging the lantern, which is to be a signal for the other women; inÌýhigh tragic style
Oh! Thou shining light of my earthenware lamp, from this high spot shaltÌýthou look abroad. Oh! lamp, I will tell thee thine origin and thy future;Ìý'tis the rapid whirl of the potter's wheel that has lent thee thy shape,Ìýand thy wick counterfeits the glory of the sun; mayst thou send the agreedÌýsignal flashing afar! In thee alone do we confide, and thou art worthy,Ìýfor thou art near us when we practise the various postures in which AphroditeÌýdelights upon our couches, and none dreams even in the midst of her sportsÌýof seeking to avoid thine eye that watches us. Thou alone shinest intoÌýthe secret recesses of our thighs and dost singe the hair that growethÌýthere, and with thy flame dost light the actions of our loves. If we openÌýsome cellar stored with fruits and wine, thou art our companion, and neverÌýdost thou betray or reveal to a neighbour the secrets thou hast learnedÌýabout us. Therefore thou shalt know likewise the whole of the plot thatÌýI have planned with my friends, the women, at the festival of the Scirophoria.
She pauses and looks about her.
I see none of those I was expecting, though dawn approaches; the AssemblyÌýis about to gather and we must take our seats in spite of Phyromachus,Ìýwho forsooth would say, "It is meet the women sit apart and hidden fromÌýthe eyes of the men." Why, have they not been able then to procure theÌýfalse beards that they must wear, or to steal their husbands' cloaks? Ah!ÌýI see a light approaching; let us draw somewhat aside, for fear it shouldÌýbe a man.
She hides in the alley. From the right a woman enters, followed almostÌýimmediately by others. All are carrying staffs, men's sandals, and cloaksÌýover their arms.
FIRST WOMAN
Let us start, it is high time; as we left our dwellings, theÌýcock was crowing for the second time.
**PRAXAGORAÌý**to herself
And I have spent the whole night waiting for you.
She emerges from the alley.
But come, let us call our neighbour by scratching at her door; and gentlyÌýtoo, so that her husband may hear nothing.
SECOND WOMANÌýcoming out of her house; she is dressed like a man, with a staff inÌýher hand
I was putting on my shoes, when I heard you scratching, for I was not asleep,Ìýso there! Oh! my dear, my husband (he is a Salaminian) never left me anÌýinstant's peace, but was at me, for ever at me, all night long, so thatÌýit was only just now that I was able to filch his cloak.
PRAXAGORA
I see Clinarete coming too, along with Sostrate and their next-doorÌýneighbour Philaenete.
To the women that are just arriving; in a loud voice
Hurry yourselves then, for Glyce has sworn that the last comer shall forfeitÌýthree measures of wine and a choenix of pease.
SECOND WOMAN
Don't you see Melistice, the wife of Smicythion, hurrying hitherÌýin her big shoes? I think she is the only one of us all who has had noÌýtrouble in getting rid of her husband.
FIRST WOMAN
And can't you see Geusistrate, the tavern-keeper's wife, withÌýa lamp in her hand?
PRAXAGORA
And the wives of Philodoretus and Chaeretades, and a greatÌýmany others; all the useful people in the city, in fact.
THIRD WOMAN
Oh! my dear, I have had such trouble in getting away! My husbandÌýate such a surfeit of sprats last evening that he was coughing and chokingÌýthe whole night long.
PRAXAGORA
Take your seats, and, since you are all gathered here at last,Ìýlet us see if what we decided on at the feast of the Scirophoria has beenÌýduly done.
FIRST WOMAN
Yes. Firstly, as agreed, I have let the hair under my armpitsÌýgrow thicker than a bush; furthermore, whilst my husband was at the Assembly,ÌýI rubbed myself from head to foot with oil and then stood the whole dayÌýlong in the sun.
SECOND WOMAN
So did I. I began by throwing away my razor, so that I mightÌýget quite hairy, and no longer resemble a woman.
PRAXAGORA
Have you the beards that we had all to get ourselves for theÌýAssembly?
FIRST WOMAN
Yea, by Hecate! Is this not a fine one?
SECOND WOMAN
Aye, much finer even than the one Epicrates has.
**PRAXAGORAÌý**to the other women
And you?
FIRST WOMAN
Yes, yes; look, they all nod assent.
PRAXAGORA
I see that you have got all the rest too, Spartan shoes, staffsÌýand men's cloaks, as it was arranged.
FIRST WOMAN
I have brought Lamias' club, which I stole from him while heÌýslept.
PRAXAGORA
What, the club that makes him fart with its weight?
SECOND WOMAN
By Zeus the Deliverer, if he had the skin of Argus, he wouldÌýknow better than any other how to shepherd the popular herd.
PRAXAGORA
But come, let us finish what has yet to be done, while theÌýstars are still shining; the Assembly, at which we mean to be present,Ìýwill open at dawn.
FIRST WOMAN
Good; you must take up your place at the foot of the platformÌýand facing the Prytanes.
SECOND WOMAN
I have brought this with me to card during the Assembly.
She shows some wool.
PRAXAGORA
During the Assembly, wretched woman?
SECOND WOMAN
Surely, by Artemis! shall I hear any less well if I am doingÌýa bit of carding? My little ones are all but naked.
PRAXAGORA
Think of her wanting to card! whereas we must not let anyoneÌýsee the smallest part of our bodies. 'Twould be a fine thing if one ofÌýus, in the midst of the discussion, rushed on to the speaker's platformÌýand, flinging her cloak aside, showed her Phormisius. If, on the otherÌýhand, we are the first to take our seats closely muffled in our cloaks,Ìýnone will know us. Let us fix these beards on our chins, so that they spreadÌýall over our bosoms. How can we fail then to be mistaken for men? AgyrrhiusÌýhas deceived everyone, thanks to the beard of Pronomus; yet he was no betterÌýthan a woman, and you see how he now holds the first position in the city.ÌýThus, I adjure you by this day that is about to dawn, let us dare to copyÌýhim and let us be clever enough to possess ourselves of the managementÌýof affairs. Let us save the ship of state, which just at present none seemsÌýable either to sail or row.
**FIRST WOMANÌý**in a tragic style
But where shall we find orators in an Assembly of women?
PRAXAGORA
Nothing simpler. Is it not said that the cleverest speakersÌýare those who get made love to most often? Well, thanks to the gods, weÌýare that by nature.
FIRST WOMAN
There's no doubt of that; but the worst of it is our inexperience.
PRAXAGORA
That's the very reason we are gathered here, in order to prepareÌýthe speech we must make in the Assembly. Hasten, therefore, all you whoÌýknow aught of speaking, to fix on your beards.
SECOND WOMAN
Oh you stupid thing! is there ever a one among us cannot useÌýher tongue?
PRAXAGORA
Come, look sharp, on with your beard and become a man. As forÌýme, I will do the same in case I should have a fancy for getting on toÌýthe platform. Here are the chaplets.
They all put on their beards.
SECOND WOMAN
Oh! great gods! my dear Praxagora, do look here! Is it notÌýlaughable?
PRAXAGORA
How laughable?
SECOND WOMAN
Our beards look like broiled cuttle-fishes.
**PRAXAGORAÌý**pretending to be the herald
Priest, bring in the cat. Step forward, please Silence, Ariphrades! ComeÌýand take your seat. Now, who wishes to speak?
SECOND WOMAN
I do.
PRAXAGORA
Then put on this chaplet and success be with you.
SECOND WOMAN
There!
PRAXAGORA
Well then I begin.
SECOND WOMAN
Before drinking?
PRAXAGORA
Hah! she wants to drink!
SECOND WOMAN
Why, what else is the meaning of this chaplet?
PRAXAGORA
Get you hence! you would probably have played us this trickÌýalso before the people.
SECOND WOMAN
Well! don't the men drink then in the Assembly?
PRAXAGORA
Now she's telling us the men drink!
SECOND WOMAN
Yes, by Artemis, and neat wine too. That's why their decreesÌýbreathe of drunkenness and madness. And why libations, why so many ceremonies,Ìýif wine plays no part in them? Besides, they abuse each other like drunkenÌýmen, and you can see the archers dragging more than one uproarious drunkardÌýout of the market-place.
PRAXAGORA
Go back to your seat, you are wandering.
**SECOND WOMANÌý**returning to her seat
Ah! I should have done better not to have muffled myself in this beard;Ìýmy throat's afire and I feel I shall die of thirst.
PRAXAGORA
Who else wishes to speak?
**FIRST WOMANÌý**rising
I do.
PRAXAGORA
Quick then, take the chaplet; the time's running short. TryÌýto speak worthily, let your language be truly manly, and lean on your staffÌýwith dignity.
FIRST WOMAN
I had rather have seen one of your regular orators giving youÌýwise advice; but, as that is not to be, it behoves me to break silence;ÌýI cannot, for my part indeed, allow the tavern-keepers to fill up theirÌýwine-pits with water. No, by the two goddesses...
PRAXAGORA
What? by the two goddesses! Wretched woman, where are yourÌýsenses?
FIRST WOMAN
Eh! what?... I have not asked you for a drink.
PRAXAGORA
No, but you want to pass for a man, and you swear by the twoÌýgoddesses. Otherwise you did very well.
FIRST WOMAN
Well then. By Apollo...
PRAXAGORA
Stop! All these details of language must be adjusted; elseÌýit is quite useless to go to the Assembly.
FIRST WOMAN
Give me back the chaplet; I wish to speak again, for I thinkÌýI have got hold of something good. You women who are listening to me...
PRAXAGORA
Women again; why, you wretched creature, it's men that youÌýare addressing.
FIRST WOMAN
That's the fault of Epigonus; I caught sight of him way overÌýthere, and I thought I was speaking to women.
PRAXAGORA
Come, withdraw and remain seated in the future. I am goingÌýto take this chaplet myself and speak in your name. May the gods grantÌýsuccess to my plans! My country is as dear to me as it is to you, and IÌýgroan, I am grieved at all that is happening in it. Scarcely one in tenÌýof those who rule it is honest, and all the others are bad. If you appointÌýfresh chiefs, they will do still worse. It is hard to correct your peevishÌýhumour; you fear those who love you and throw yourselves at the feet ofÌýthose who betray you. There was a time when we had no assemblies, and thenÌýwe all thought Agyrrhius a dishonest man; now they are established, heÌýwho gets money thinks everything is as it should be, and he who does not,Ìýdeclares all who sell their votes to be worthy of death.
SECOND WOMAN
By Aphrodite, that is well spoken.
PRAXAGORA
Why, wretched woman, you have actually called upon Aphrodite.ÌýOh! what a fine thing it would have been if you had said that in the Assembly!
SECOND WOMAN
But I would not have done it then.
PRAXAGORA
Well, mind you don't fall into the habit.
Resuming the oratorical manner
When we were discussing the alliance, it seemed as though it were all overÌýwith Athens if it fell through. No sooner was it made than we were vexedÌýand angry, and the orator who had caused its adoption was compelled toÌýseek safety in flight. Is there talk of equipping a fleet? The poor manÌýsays, yes, but the rich citizen and the countryman say, no. You were angeredÌýagainst the Corinthians and they with you; now they are well disposed towardsÌýyou, be so towards them. As a rule the Argives are dull, but the ArgiveÌýHieronymus is a distinguished chief. Herein lies a spark of hope; but ThrasybulusÌýis far from Athens and you do not recall him.
SECOND WOMAN
Oh! what a brilliant man!
**PRAXAGORAÌý**to her
That's better! that's fitting applause.
Continuing her speech
Citizens, you are the ones who are the cause of all this trouble. You voteÌýyourselves salaries out of the public funds and care only for your ownÌýpersonal interests; hence the state limps along like Aesimus. But if youÌýhearken to me, you will be saved. I assert that the direction of affairsÌýmust be handed over to the women, for they are the ones who have chargeÌýand look after our households.
ALL THE WOMEN
Very good, very good, that's perfect! Go on, go on.
**PRAXAGORAÌý**ignoring this interruption
They are worth more than you are, as I shall prove. First of all they washÌýall their wool in warm water, according to the ancient practice; you willÌýnever see them changing their method. Ah! if Athens only acted thus, ifÌýit did not take delight in ceaseless innovations, would not its happinessÌýbe assured? Then the women sit down to cook, just as they always did; theyÌýcarry things on their head just as they always did; they keep the Thesmophoria,Ìýjust as they always did; they knead their cakes just as they always did;Ìýthey make their husbands angry just as they always did; they receive theirÌýlovers in their houses just as they always did; they buy dainties justÌýas they always did; they love unmixed wine just as they always did; theyÌýdelight in being loved just as they always did. Let us therefore hand AthensÌýover to them without endless discussions, without bothering ourselves aboutÌýwhat they will do; let us simply hand them over the power, rememberingÌýthat they are mothers and will therefore spare the blood of our soldiers;Ìýbesides, who will know better than a mother how to forward provisions toÌýthe front? Woman is adept at getting money for herself and will not easilyÌýlet herself be deceived; she understands deceit too well herself. I omitÌýa thousand other advantages. Take my advice and you will live in perfectÌýhappiness.
FIRST WOMAN
How beautiful this is, my dearest Praxagora, how clever! ButÌýwhere, pray, did you learn all these pretty things?
PRAXAGORA
When the countryfolk were seeking refuge in the city, I livedÌýon the Pnyx with my husband, and there I learnt to speak through listeningÌýto the orators.
FIRST WOMAN
Then, dear, it's not astonishing that you are so eloquent andÌýclever, henceforward you shall be our leader, so put your great ideas intoÌýexecution. But if Cephalus belches forth insults against you, what answerÌýwill you give him in the Assembly?
PRAXAGORA
I shall say that he is drivelling.
FIRST WOMAN
But all the world knows that.
PRAXAGORA
I shall furthermore say that he is a raving madman.
FIRST WOMAN
There's nobody who does not know that.
PRAXAGORA
That he, as excellent a statesman as he is, is a clumsy potter.
FIRST WOMAN
And if the blear-eyed Neoclides comes to insult you?
PRAXAGORA
To him I shall say, "Go and look at a dog's arse."
FIRST WOMAN
And if they fly at you?
PRAXAGORA
Oh! I shall shake them off as best I can; never fear, I knowÌýhow to use this too!
FIRST WOMAN
But there is one thing we don't think of. If the ScythiansÌýdrag you away, what will you do?
PRAXAGORA
With my arms akimbo like this, I will never, never let myselfÌýbe taken round the middle.
FIRST WOMAN
If they seize you, we will bid them let you go.
SECOND WOMAN
That's the best way. But how are we going to remember to liftÌýour arms in the Assembly when it's our legs we are used to lifting?
PRAXAGORA
It's difficult; yet it must be done, and the arm shown nakedÌýto the shoulder in order to vote. Quick now, put on these tunics and theseÌýLaconian shoes, as you see the men do each time they go to the AssemblyÌýor for a walk. When this is done, fix on your beards, and when they areÌýarranged in the best way possible, dress yourselves in the cloaks you haveÌýstolen from your husbands; finally start off, leaning on your staffs andÌýsinging some old man's song as the villagers do.
FIRST WOMAN
Well spoken; and let us hurry to get to the Pnyx before theÌýwomen from the country, for they will no doubt not fail to come there.
PRAXAGORA
Quick, quick, for it's the custom that those who are not atÌýthe Pnyx early in the morning return home empty-handed.
PRAXAGORA and the FIRST and SECOND WOMEN depart; those who are leftÌýbehind form the CHORUS.
LEADER OF THE CHORUS
Move forward, citizens, move forward; let us not forget toÌýgive ourselves this name and may that of woman never slip out of our mouths;Ìýwoe to us, if it were discovered that we had laid such a plot in the darknessÌýof night.
**CHORUSÌý**singing
Let us go to the Assembly then, fellow-citizens; for the Thesmothetes haveÌýdeclared that only those who arrive at daybreak with haggard eye and coveredÌýwith dust, without having snatched time to eat anything but a snack ofÌýgarlic-pickle, shall alone receive the triobolus. Walk up smartly, Charitimides,ÌýSmicythus and Draces, and do not fail in any point of your part; let usÌýfirst demand our fee and then vote for all that may perchance be usefulÌýfor our partisans.... Ah! what am I saying? I meant to say, for our fellow-citizens.ÌýLet us drive away these men of the city who used to stay at home and chatterÌýround the table in the days when only an obolus was paid, whereas now oneÌýis stifled by the crowds at the Pnyx. No! during the archonship of generousÌýMyronides, none would have dared to let himself be paid for the troubleÌýhe spent over public business; each one brought his own meal of bread,Ìýa couple of onions, three olives and some wine in a little wine-skin. ButÌýnowadays we run here to earn the three obols, for the citizen has becomeÌýas mercenary as the stonemason.
The CHORUS marches away. BLEPYRUS appears in the doorway of his house,Ìýwearing PRAXAGORA's Persian sandals and saffron robe.
BLEPYRUS
What does this mean? My wife has vanished! it is nearly daybreakÌýand she does not return! I had to take a crap! I woke up and hunted inÌýthe darkness for my shoes and my cloak; but grope where I would, I couldn'tÌýfind them. Meanwhile Mr. O'Shit was already knocking on the door and IÌýhad only just time to seize my wife's little mantle and her Persian slippers.ÌýBut where shall I find a place where I can take a crap? Bah! One placeÌýis as good as another at night-time; no one will see me. Ah! what a damnedÌýfool I was to take a wife at my age, and how I could thrash myself forÌýhaving acted so stupidly! It's certainty she's not gone out for any honestÌýpurpose. But the thing to do now is to take a crap.
He squats.
**A MANÌý**looking out of the window of the house next door
Who's that? Is that not my neighbour Blepyrus? Why, yes, it's no other.ÌýTell me, what's all that yellow about you? Can it be Cinesias who has befouledÌýyou so?
BLEPYRUS
No, no, I only slipped on my wife's tunic to come out in.
MAN
And where is your cloak?
BLEPYRUS
I cannot tell you; I hunted for it vainly on the bed.
MAN
And why did you not ask your wife for it?
BLEPYRUS
Ah! why indeed! because she is not in the house; she has runÌýaway, and I greatly fear that she may be doing me an ill turn.
MAN
But, by Posidon, it's the same with myself. My wife has disappearedÌýwith my cloak, and what is still worse, with my shoes as well; I cannotÌýfind them anywhere.
BLEPYRUS
Nor can I my Laconian ones; but as I urgently needed to crap,ÌýI popped my feet into these slippers, so as not to soil my blanket, whichÌýis brand new.
MAN
What does it mean? Can some friend have invited her to a feast?
BLEPYRUS
I expect so, for she does not generally misconduct herself,Ìýas far as I know.
MAN
What are you doing, making well-ropes? Are you never goingÌýto be done? As for myself, I would like to go to the Assembly, and it isÌýtime to start, but I've got to find my cloak; I have only one.
BLEPYRUS
I am going to have a look too, when I have finished crapping;Ìýbut I really think there must be a wild pear obstructing my rectum.
MAN
Is it the one which Thrasybulus spoke about to the Lacedaemonians?
BLEPYRUS
Oh! oh! oh! stopped up I am! Whatever am I to do? It's notÌýmerely for the present that I am frightened; but when I have eaten, whereÌýis my crap to find an outlet now? This damned McPear fellow has boltedÌýthe door. Call a doctor; but who is the cleverest in this branch of theÌýscience? Amynon? Perhaps he would not come. Ah! Antisthenes! Let him beÌýbrought to me, cost what it will. To judge by his noisy sighs, that manÌýknows what an arse wants, when it needs to crap. Oh! venerated Ilithyia!ÌýI shall burst unless the door gives way. Have pity! pity! Let me not becomeÌýa thunder-mug for the comic poets.
Enter CHREMES, returning from the Assembly.
CHREMES
Hi! friend, what are you doing there? You're not crapping,Ìýare you?
**BLEPYRUSÌý**finding relief at last
Oh! there! it is over and I can get up again.
CHREMES
What's this? You have your wife's tunic on.
BLEPYRUS
It was the first thing that came to my hand in the darkness.ÌýBut where are you coming from?
CHREMES
From the Assembly.
BLEPYRUS
Is it already over then?
CHREMES
Certainly.
BLEPYRUS
Why, it is scarcely daylight.
CHREMES
I did laugh, ye gods, at the vermilion rope-marks that wereÌýto be seen all about the Assembly.
BLEPYRUS
Did you get the triobolus?
CHREMES
Would it had so pleased the gods! but I arrived just too late,Ìýand am quite ashamed of it; I bring back nothing but this empty wallet.
BLEPYRUS
But why is that?
CHREMES
There was a crowd, such as has never been seen at the Pnyx,Ìýand the folk looked pale and wan, like so many shoemakers, so white wereÌýthey in hue; both I and many another had to go without the triobolus.
BLEPYRUS
Then if I went now, I should get nothing.
CHREMES
No, certainly not, nor even had you gone at the second cock-crow.
BLEPYRUS
Oh! what a misfortune! "Oh, Antilochus! no triobolus! EvenÌýdeath would be better! I am undone!" But what can have attracted such aÌýcrowd at that early hour?
CHREMES
The Prytanes started the discussion of measures closely concerningÌýthe safety of the state; immediately, that blear-eyed fellow, the son ofÌýNeoclides, was the first to mount the platform. Then the folk shouted withÌýtheir loudest voice, "What! he dares to speak, and that, too, when theÌýsafety of the state is concerned, and he a man who has not known how toÌýsave even his own eyebrows!" He, however, shouted louder than all of them,Ìýand looking at them asked, "Why, what ought I to have done?"
BLEPYRUS
Pound together garlic and laserpitium juice, add to this mixtureÌýsome Laconian spurge, and rub it well into the eyelids at night. That'sÌýwhat I should have answered, had I been there.
CHREMES
After him that clever rascal Evaeon began to speak; he wasÌýnaked, so far as we all could see, but he declared he had a cloak; he propoundedÌýthe most popular, the most democratic, doctrines. "You see," he said, "IÌýhave the greatest need of sixteen drachmae, the cost of a new cloak, myÌýhealth demands it; nevertheless I wish first to care for that of my fellow-citizensÌýand of my country. If the fullers were to supply tunics to the indigentÌýat the approach of winter, none would be exposed to pleurisy. Let him whoÌýhas neither beds nor coverlets go to sleep at the tanners' after takingÌýa bath; and if they shut the door in winter, let them be condemned to giveÌýhim three goat-skins."
BLEPYRUS
By Dionysus, a fine, a very fine notion! Not a soul will voteÌýagainst his proposal, especially if he adds that the flour-sellers mustÌýsupply the poor with three measures of corn, or else suffer the severestÌýpenalties of the law; this is the only way Nausicydes can be of any useÌýto us.
CHREMES
Then we saw a handsome young man rush into the tribune, beÌýwas all pink and white like young Nicias, and he began to say that theÌýdirection of matters should be entrusted to the women; this the crowd ofÌýshoemakers began applauding with all their might, while the country-folkÌýassailed him with groans.
BLEPYRUS
And, indeed, they did well.
CHREMES
But they were outnumbered, and the orator shouted louder thanÌýthey, saying much good of the women and much ill of you.
**BLEPYRUSÌý**eagerly
And what did he say?
CHREMES
First he said you were a rogue...
BLEPYRUS
And you?
CHREMES
Wait a minute!...and a thief...
BLEPYRUS
I alone?
CHREMES
And an informer.
BLEPYRUS
I alone?
CHREMES
Why, no, by the gods! this whole crowd here.
He points to the audience.
BLEPYRUS
And who avers the contrary?
CHREMES
He maintained that women were both clever and thrifty, thatÌýthey never divulged the Mysteries of Demeter, while you and I go aboutÌýbabbling incessantly about whatever happens at the Senate.
BLEPYRUS
By Hermes, he was not lying!
CHREMES
Then he added that the women lend each other clothes, trinketsÌýof gold and silver, drinking-cups, and not before witnesses too, but allÌýby themselves, and that they return everything with exactitude withoutÌýever cheating each other; whereas, according to him, we are ever readyÌýto deny the loans we have effected.
BLEPYRUS
Yes, by Posidon, and in spite of witnesses.
CHREMES
Again, he said that women were not informers, nor did theyÌýbring lawsuits, nor hatch conspiracies; in short, he praised the womenÌýin every possible manner.
BLEPYRUS
And what was decided?
CHREMES
To confide the direction of affairs to them; it's the one andÌýonly innovation that has not yet been tried at Athens.
BLEPYRUS
And it was voted?
CHREMES
Yes.
BLEPYRUS
And everything that used to be the men's concern has been givenÌýover to the women?
CHREMES
You express it exactly.
BLEPYRUS
Thus it will be my wife who will go to the courts now in myÌýstead?
CHREMES
And it will be she who will keep your children in your place.
BLEPYRUS
I shall no longer have to tire myself out with work from daybreakÌýonwards?
CHREMES
No, 'twill be the women's business, and you can stay at homeÌýand amuse yourself with farting the whole day through.
BLEPYRUS
Well, what I fear for us fellows now is, that, holding theÌýreins of government, they will forcibly compel us...
CHREMES
To do what?
BLEPYRUS
...to lay them.
CHREMES
And if we are not able?
BLEPYRUS
They will give us no dinner.
CHREMES
Well then, do your duty; dinner and love-making form a doubleÌýenjoyment.
BLEPYRUS
Ah! but I hate compulsion.
CHREMES
But if it is for the public good, let us resign ourselves.ÌýIt's an old saying that our absurdest and maddest decrees always somehowÌýturn out for our good. May it be so in this case, oh gods, oh venerableÌýPallas! But I must be off; so, good-bye to you!
Exit.
BLEPYRUS
Good-bye, Chremes.
He goes back into his house.
**CHORUSÌý**returning from the Assembly, still dressed like men;Ìýsinging
March along, go forward. Is there some man following us? Turn round, examineÌýeverywhere and keep a good look-out; be on your guard against every trick,Ìýfor they might spy on us from behind. Let us make as much noise as possibleÌýas we tramp. It would be a disgrace for all of us if we allowed ourselvesÌýto be caught in this deed by the men. Come, wrap yourselves up well, andÌýsearch both right and left, so that no mischance may happen to us. LetÌýus hasten our steps; here we are close to the meeting-place whence we startedÌýfor the Assembly, and here is the house of our leader, the author of thisÌýbold scheme, which is now decreed by all the citizens. Let us not loseÌýa moment in taking off our false beards, for we might be recognized andÌýdenounced. Let us stand under the shadow of this wall; let us glance roundÌýsharply with our eye to beware of surprises, while we quickly resume ourÌýordinary dress. Ah! here is our leader, returning from the Assembly. HastenÌýto relieve your chins of these flowing manes. Look at your comrades yonder;Ìýthey have already made themselves women again some while ago.
They remove the beards as PRAXAGORA and the other women enter from theÌýright through the Orchestra.
PRAXAGORA
Friends, success has crowned our plans. But off with theseÌýcloaks and these boots quick, before any man sees you; unbuckle the LaconianÌýstraps and get rid of your staffs;
to the LEADER
and you help them with their toilet. As for myself, I am going to slipÌýquietly into the house and replace my husband's cloak and other gear whereÌýI took them from, before he can suspect anything.
LEADER OF THE CHORUS
There! it's done according to your bidding. Now tell us howÌýwe can be of service to you, so that we may show you our obedience, forÌýwe have never seen a cleverer woman than you.
PRAXAGORA
Wait! I only wish to use the power given me in accordance withÌýyour wishes; for, in the market-place, in the midst of the shouts and danger,ÌýI appreciated your indomitable courage.
Just as she is about to enter the house BLEPYRUS appears in theÌýdoorway.
BLEPYRUS
Eh, Praxagora! where are you coming from?
PRAXAGORA
How does that concern you, dear?
BLEPYRUS
Why, greatly! what a silly question!
PRAXAGORA
You don't think I have come from a lover's?
BLEPYRUS
No, perhaps not from only one.
PRAXAGORA
You can make yourself sure of that.
BLEPYRUS
And how?
PRAXAGORA
You can see whether my hair smells of perfume.
BLEPYRUS
What? cannot a woman possibly be laid without perfume, eh!
PRAXAGORA
The gods forfend, as far as I am concerned.
BLEPYRUS
Why did you go off at early dawn with my cloak?
PRAXAGORA
Acompanion, a friend who was in labour, had sent to fetch me.
BLEPYRUS
Could you not have told me?
PRAXAGORA
Oh, my dear, would you have me caring nothing for a poor womanÌýin that plight?
BLEPYRUS
A word would have been enough. There's something behind allÌýthis.
PRAXAGORA
No, I call the goddesses to witness! I went running off; theÌýpoor woman who summoned me begged me to come, whatever might betide.
BLEPYRUS
And why did you not take your mantle? Instead of that, youÌýcarry of mine, you throw your dress upon the bed and you leave me as theÌýdead are left, bar the chaplets and perfumes.
PRAXAGORA
It was cold, and I am frail and delicate; I took your cloakÌýfor greater warmth, leaving you thoroughly warm yourself beneath your coverlets.
BLEPYRUS
And my shoes and staff, those too went off with you?
PRAXAGORA
I was afraid they might rob me of the cloak, and so, to lookÌýlike a man, I put on your shoes and walked with a heavy tread and struckÌýthe stones with your staff.
BLEPYRUS
D'you know you have made us lose a sextary of wheat, whichÌýI should have bought with the triobolus of the Assembly?
PRAXAGORA
Be comforted, for she had a boy.
BLEPYRUS
Who? the Assembly?
PRAXAGORA
No, no, the woman I helped. But has the Assembly taken placeÌýthen?
BLEPYRUS
Did I not tell you of it yesterday?
PRAXAGORA
True; I remember now.
BLEPYRUS
And don't you know the decrees that have been voted?
PRAXAGORA
No indeed.
BLEPYRUS
Go to! you can live on lobster from now on, for they say theÌýgovernment is handed over to you.
PRAXAGORA
To do what-to spin?
BLEPYRUS
No, that you may rule...
PRAXAGORA
What?
BLEPYRUS
...over all public business.
**PRAXAGORAÌý**as she exclaims this CHREMES reappears
Oh! by Aphrodite how happy Athens will be!
BLEPYRUS
Why so?
PRAXAGORA
For a thousand reasons. None will dare now to do shamelessÌýdeeds, give false testimony or lay informations.
BLEPYRUS
Stop! in the name of the gods! Do you want me to die of hunger?
CHREMES
Good sir, let your wife speak.
PRAXAGORA
There will be no more thieves, nor envious people, no moreÌýrags nor misery, no more abuse and no more prosecutions and law-suits.
CHREMES
By Posidon! that's grand, if it's true!
PRAXAGORA
I shall prove it and you shall be my witness and even he
pointing to Blepyrus
will have no objections to raise.
**CHORUSÌý**singing
You have served your friends, but now it behoves you to apply your abilityÌýand your care to the welfare of the people. Devote the fecundity of yourÌýmind to the public weal; adorn the citizens' lives with a thousand enjoymentsÌýand teach them to seize every favourable opportunity. Devise some ingeniousÌýmethod to secure the much-needed salvation of Athens; but let neither yourÌýacts nor your words recall anything of the past, for 'tis only innovationsÌýthat please.
LEADER OF THE CHORUS
But do not fail to put your plans into execution immediately;Ìýit's quick action that pleases the audience.
PRAXAGORA
I believe my ideas are good, but what I fear is that the publicÌýwill cling to the old customs and refuse to accept my reforms.
CHREMES
Have no fear about that. Love of novelty and disdain for traditions,Ìýthese are the dominating principles among us.
**PRAXAGORAÌý**to the audience
Let none contradict nor interrupt me until I have explained my plan. IÌýwant all to have a share of everything and all property to be in common;Ìýthere will no longer be either rich or poor; no longer shall we see oneÌýman harvesting vast tracts of land, while another has not ground enoughÌýto be buried in, nor one man surround himself with a whole army of slaves,Ìýwhile another has not a single attendant; I intend that there shan onlyÌýbe one and the same condition of life for all.
BLEPYRUS
But how do you mean for all?
**PRAXAGORAÌý**impatiently
You'll eat dung before I do!
BLEPYRUS
Won't the dung be common too?
PRAXAGORA
No, no, but you interrupted me too soon. This is what I wasÌýgoing to say; I shall begin by making land, money, everything that is privateÌýproperty, common to all. Then we shall live on this common wealth, whichÌýwe shall take care to administer with wise thrift.
BLEPYRUS
And how about the man who has no land, but only gold and silverÌýcoins, that cannot be seen?
PRAXAGORA
He must bring them to the common stock, and if he fails heÌýwill be a perjured man.
BLEPYRUS
That won't worry him much, for has he not gained them by perjury?
PRAXAGORA
But his riches will no longer be of any use to him.
BLEPYRUS
Why?
PRAXAGORA
The poor will no longer be obliged to work; each will haveÌýall that he needs, bread, salt fish, cakes, tunics, wine, chaplets andÌýchick-pease; of what advantage will it be to him not to contribute hisÌýshare to the common wealth? What do you think of it?
BLEPYRUS
But is it not the biggest robbers that have all these things?
CHREMES
Yes, formerly, under the old order of things; but now thatÌýall goods are in common, what will he gain by not bringing his wealth intoÌýthe general stock?
BLEPYRUS
If someone saw a pretty wench and wished to lay her, he wouldÌýtake some of his reserve store to make her a present and stay the nightÌýwith her; this would not prevent him claiming his share of the common property.
PRAXAGORA
But he can sleep with her for nothing; I intend that womenÌýshall belong to all men in common, and each shall beget children by anyÌýman that wishes to have her.
BLEPYRUS
But all will go to the prettiest woman and try to lay her.
PRAXAGORA
The ugliest and the most flat-nosed will be side by side withÌýthe most charming, and to win the latter's favours, a man will first haveÌýto get into the former.
BLEPYRUS
But what about us oldsters? If we have to lay the old womenÌýfirst, how can we keep our tools from failing before we get into the PromisedÌýLand?
PRAXAGORA
They will make no resistance. Never fear; they will make noÌýresistance.
BLEPYRUS
Resistance to what?
PRAXAGORA
To the pleasure of the thing. This is the way that mattersÌýwill be ordered for you.
BLEPYRUS
It's very well conceived for you women, for every wench's holeÌýwill be filled; but what about the men? The women will run away from theÌýugly ones and chase the good-looking.
PRAXAGORA
The ugly will follow the handsomest into the public placesÌýafter supper and see to it that the law, which forbids the women to sleepÌýwith the big, handsome men before having satisfied the ugly shrimps, isÌýcomplied with.
BLEPYRUS
Thus ugly Lysicrates' nose will be as proud as the handsomestÌýface?
PRAXAGORA
Yes, by Apollo! this is a truly popular decree, and what aÌýset-back it will be for one of those elegants with their fingers loadedÌýwith rings, when a man with heavy shoes says to him, "Give way to me andÌýwait till I have done; you will pass in after me."
BLEPYRUS
But if we live in this fashion, how will each one know hisÌýchildren?
PRAXAGORA
The youngest will look upon the oldest as their fathers.
BLEPYRUS
Ah! how heartily they will strangle all the old men, sinceÌýeven now, when each one knows his father, they make no bones about stranglingÌýhim! then, my word! won't they just scorn and crap upon the old folks!
PRAXAGORA
But those around will prevent it. Hitherto, when anyone sawÌýan old man beaten, he would not meddle, because it did not concern him;Ìýbuff now each will fear the sufferer may be his own father and such violenceÌýwill be stopped.
BLEPYRUS
What you say is not so silly after all; but it would be highlyÌýunpleasant were Epicurus and Leucolophas to come up and call me father.
CHREMES
But it would be far worse, were...
BLEPYRUS
Were what?
CHREMES
...Aristyllus to embrace you and style you his father.
BLEPYRUS
He'll regret it if he does!
CHREMES
For you would smell vilely of mint if he kissed you. But heÌýwas born before the decree was carried, so that you have not to fear hisÌýkiss.
BLEPYRUS
It would be awful. But who will till the soil?
PRAXAGORA
The slaves. Your only cares will be to scent yourself, andÌýto go and dine, when the shadow of the gnomon is ten feet long on the dial.
BLEPYRUS
But how shall we obtain clothing? Tell me that!
PRAXAGORA
You will first wear out those you have, and then we women willÌýweave you others.
BLEPYRUS
Now another point: if the magistrates condemn a citizen toÌýthe payment of a fine, how is he going to do it? Out of the public funds?ÌýThat would not be right surely.
PRAXAGORA
But there will be no more lawsuits.
BLEPYRUS
This rule will ruin you.
CHREMES
I think so too.
PRAXAGORA
Besides, my dear, why should there be lawsuits?
BLEPYRUS
Oh! for a thousand reasons, on my faith! Firstly, because aÌýdebtor denies his obligation.
PRAXAGORA
But where will the lender get the money to lend, if all isÌýin common? unless he steals it out of the treasury? and he could not hideÌýthat!
CHREMES
Well thought out, by Demeter!
BLEPYRUS
But tell me this: here are some men who are returning fromÌýa feast and are drunk and they strike some passer-by; how are they goingÌýto pay the fine? Ah! you are puzzled now!
PRAXAGORA
They will have to take it out of their pittance; and beingÌýthus punished through their belly, they will not care to begin again.
BLEPYRUS
There will be no more thieves then, eh?
PRAXAGORA
Why steal, if you have a share of everything?
BLEPYRUS
People will not be robbed any more at night?
CHREMES
Not if you sleep at home.
PRAXAGORA
Even if you sleep outdoors there will be no more danger, forÌýall will have the means of living. Besides, if anyone wanted to steal yourÌýcloak, you would give it to him yourself. Why not? You will only have toÌýgo to the common store and be given a better one.
BLEPYRUS
There will be no more playing at dice?
PRAXAGORA
What object will there be in playing?
BLEPYRUS
But what kind of life is it you propose to set up?
PRAXAGORA
The life in common. Athens will become nothing more than aÌýsingle house, in which everything will belong to everyone; so that everybodyÌýwill be able to go from one house to the other at pleasure.
BLEPYRUS
And where will the meals be served?
PRAXAGORA
The law-courts and the porticoes will be turned into dining-halls.
BLEPYRUS
And what will the speaker's platform be used for?
PRAXAGORA
I shall place the bowls and the ewers there; and young childrenÌýwill sing the glory of the brave from there, also the infamy of cowards,Ìýwho out of very shame will no longer dare to come to the public meals.
BLEPYRUS
Well thought out, by Apollo! And what will you do with theÌýurns?
PRAXAGORA
I shall have them taken to the market-place, and standing closeÌýto the statue of Harmodius, I shall draw a lot for each citizen, whichÌýby its letter will show the place where he must go to dine. Thus, thoseÌýfor whom I have drawn an R will go to the royal portico; if it's a T, theyÌýwill go to the portico of Theseus; if it's an F, to that of the flour-market.
BLEPYRUS
To cram himself there like a capon?
PRAXAGORA
No, to dine there.
BLEPYRUS
And the citizen whom the lot has not given a letter showingÌýwhere he is to dine will be driven off by everyone?
**PRAXAGORAÌý**with great solemnity
But that will not occur. Each man will have plenty; he will not leave theÌýfeast until he is well drunk, and then with a chaplet on his head and aÌýtorch in his hand; and then the women running to meet you in the crossroadsÌýwill say, "This way, come to our house, you will find a beautiful youngÌýgirl there."-"And I," another will call from her balcony, "have one soÌýpretty and as white as milk; but before touching her, you must sleep withÌýme." And the ugly men, watching closely after the handsome fellows, willÌýsay, "Hi! friend, where are you running to? Go in, but you must do nothing;Ìýit's the ugly and the flat-nosed to whom the law gives the right to makeÌýlove first; amuse yourself on the porch while you wait, in handling yourÌýfig-leaves and playing with yourself." Well, tell me, does that pictureÌýsuit you?
BLEPYRUS AND CHREMES
Marvellously well.
PRAXAGORA
I must now go to the market-place to receive the property thatÌýis going to be placed in common and to choose a woman with a loud voiceÌýas my herald. I have all the cares of state on my shoulders, since theÌýpower has been entrusted to me. I must likewise go to busy myself aboutÌýestablishing the common meals, and you will attend your first banquet to-day.
BLEPYRUS
Are we going to banquet?
PRAXAGORA
Why, undoubtedly! Furthermore, I propose abolishing the whores.
BLEPYRUS
And what for?
PRAXAGORA
It's clear enough why; so that, instead of them, we may haveÌýthe first-fruits of the young men. It is not meet that tricked-out slavesÌýshould rob free-born women of their pleasures. Let the courtesans be freeÌýto sleep with the slaves.
BLEPYRUS
I will march at your side, so that I may be seen and that everyoneÌýmay say, "Look at the Dictator's husband!"
He follows PRAXAGORA into their house.
CHREMES
As for me, I shall arrange my belongings and take inventoryÌýof them, in order that I may take them to the market-place.
He departs.**There is an interlude of dancing by the CHORUS, after which CHREMESÌýreturns with his belongings and arranges them in a longÌýline.
CHREMES
Come hither, my beautiful sieve, I have nothing more preciousÌýthan you, come, all clotted with the flour of which I have poured so manyÌýsacks through you; you shall act the part of Canephorus in the processionÌýof my chattels. Where is the sunshade carrier? Ah! this stew-pot shallÌýtake his place. Great gods, how black it is! it could not be more so ifÌýLysicrates had boiled the drugs in it with which be dyes his hair. Hither,Ìýmy beautiful mirror. And you, my tripod, bear this urn for me; you shallÌýbe the water-bearer; and you, cock, whose morning song has so often rousedÌýme in the middle of the night to send me hurrying to the Assembly, youÌýshall be my flute-girl. Scaphephorus, do you take the large basin, placeÌýin it the honeycombs and twine the olive-branches over them, bring theÌýtripods and the phial of perfume; as for the humble crowd of little pots,ÌýI will just leave them behind.
**CITIZENÌý**watching CHREMES from a distance
What folly to carry one's goods to the common store; I have a little moreÌýsense than that. No, no, by Posidon, I want first to ponder and calculateÌýover the thing at leisure. I shall not be fool enough to strip myself ofÌýthe fruits of my toil and thrift, if it is not for a very good reason;Ìýlet us see first which way things turn.
He walks over to CHREMES
Hi! friend, what means this display of goods? Are you moving or are youÌýgoing to pawn your stuff?
CHREMES
Neither.
CITIZEN
Why then are you setting all these things out in line? Is itÌýa procession that you are starting off to Hiero, the public crier?
CHREMES
No, but in accordance with the new law that has been decreed,ÌýI am going to carry all these things to the market-place to make a giftÌýof them to the state.
CITIZEN
Oh! bah! you don't mean that.
CHREMES
Certainly.
CITIZEN
Oh! Zeus the Deliverer! you unfortunate man!
CHREMES
Why?
CITIZEN
Why? It's as clear as noonday.
CHREMES
Must the laws not be obeyed then?
CITIZEN
What laws, you poor fellow?
CHREMES
Those that have been decreed.
CITIZEN
Decreed! Are you mad, I ask you?
CHREMES
Am I mad?
CITIZEN
Oh! this is the height of folly!
CHREMES
Because I obey the law?
CITIZEN
Is that the duty of a smart man?
CHREMES
Absolutely.
CITIZEN
Say rather of a ninny.
CHREMES
Don't you propose taking what belongs to you to the commonÌýstock?
CITIZEN
I'll take good care I don't until I see what the majority areÌýdoing.
CHREMES
There's but one opinion, namely, to contribute every singleÌýthing one has.
CITIZEN
I am waiting to see it, before I believe that.
CHREMES
At least, so they say in every street.
**CITIZENÌý**sardonically
And they will go on saying so.
CHREMES
Everyone talks of contributing all he has.
**CITIZENÌý**in the same tone
And will go on talking of it.
CHREMES
You weary me with your doubts and dubitations.
**CITIZENÌý**in the same tone
Everybody else will doubt it.
CHREMES
The pest seize you!
**CITIZENÌý**in the same tone
It will take you.
Then seriously
What? give up your goods! Is there a man of sense who will do such a thing?ÌýGiving is not one of our customs. Receiving is another matter; it's theÌýway of the gods themselves. Look at the position of their hands on theirÌýstatues; when we ask a favour, they present their hands turned palm upÌýso as not to give, but to receive.
CHREMES
Wretch, let me do what is right. Come, I'll make a bundle ofÌýall these things. Where is my strap?
CITIZEN
Are you really going to carry them in?
CHREMES
Undoubtedly, and there are my two tripods strung together already.
CITIZEN
What folly! Not to wait to see what the others do, and then...
CHREMES
Well, and then what?
CITIZEN
...wait and put it off again.
CHREMES
What for?
CITIZEN
That an earthquake may come or an ill-omened flash of lightning,Ìýthat a black cat may run across the street and no one carry in anythingÌýmore, you fool!
CHREMES
It would be a fine thing if I were to find no room left forÌýplacing all this.
CITIZEN
You are much more likely to lose your stuff. As for placingÌýit, you can be at ease, for there will be room enough as long as a monthÌýhence.
CHREMES
Why?
CITIZEN
I know these people; a decree is readily passed, but it isÌýnot so easily attended to.
CHREMES
All will contribute their property, my friend.
CITIZEN
But what if they don't?
CHREMES
But there is no doubt that they will.
**CITIZENÌý**insistently
But anyhow, what if they don't?
CHREMES
Do not worry; they will.
CITIZEN
And what if they oppose it?
CHREMES
We shall compel them to do so.
CITIZEN
And what if they prove the stronger?
CHREMES
I shall leave my goods and go off.
CITIZEN
And what if they sell them for you?
CHREMES
The plague take you!
CITIZEN
And if it does?
CHREMES
It will be a good riddance.
**CITIZENÌý**in an incredulous tone
You are really bent on contributing, then?
CHREMES
'Pon my soul, yes! Look, there are all my neighbours carryingÌýin all they have.
**CITIZENÌý**sarcastically
Oh yes, it's Antisthenes; he's the type that would contribute! He wouldÌýjust as soon spend the next month sitting on the can.
CHREMES
The pest seize you!
CITIZEN
Will Callimachus, the chorus-master, contribute anything?
CHREMES
Why, more than Callias!
CITIZEN
The man must want to spend all his money!
CHREMES
How you weary me!
CITIZEN
Ah! I weary you? But, wretch, see what comes of decrees ofÌýthis kind. Don't you remember the one reducing the price of salt?
CHREMES
Why, certainly I do.
CITIZEN
And do you remember that about the copper coinage?
CHREMES
Ah! that cursed money did me enough harm. I had sold my grapesÌýand had my mouth stuffed with pieces of copper; indeed I was going to theÌýmarket to buy flour, and was in the act of holding out my bag wide open,Ìýwhen the herald started shouting, "Let none in future accept pieces ofÌýcopper; those of silver are alone current."
CITIZEN
And quite lately, were we not all swearing that the impostÌýof one-fortieth, which Euripides had conceived, would bring five hundredÌýtalents to the state, and everyone was vaunting Euripides to the skies?ÌýBut when the thing was looked at closely, it was seen that this fine decreeÌýwas mere moonshine and would produce nothing, and you would have willinglyÌýburnt this very same Euripides alive.
CHREMES
The cases are quite different, my good fellow. We were theÌýrulers then, but now it's the women.
CITIZEN
Whom, by Posidon, I will never allow to piss on my nose.
CHREMES
I don't know what the devil you're chattering about. Slave,Ìýpick up that bundle.
**HERALDÌý**a woman
Let all citizens come, let them hasten at our leader's bidding! It is theÌýnew law. The lot will teach each citizen where he is to dine; the tablesÌýare already laid and loaded with the most exquisite dishes; the couchesÌýare covered with the softest of cushions; the wine and water are alreadyÌýbeing mixed in the ewers; the slaves are standing in a row and waitingÌýto pour scent over the guests; the fish is being grilled, the hares areÌýon the spit and the cakes are being kneaded, chaplets are being plaitedÌýand the fritters are frying; the youngest women are watching the pea-soupÌýin the saucepans, and in the midst of them all stands Smoeus, dressed asÌýa knight, washing the crockery. And Geron has come, dressed in a grandÌýtunic and finely shod; he is joking with another young fellow and has alreadyÌýdivested himself of his heavy shoes and his cloak. The pantry man is waiting,Ìýso come and use your jaws.
Exit
CITIZEN
All right, I'll go. Why should I delay, since the state commandsÌýme?
CHREMES
And where are you going to, since you have not deposited yourÌýbelongings?
CITIZEN
To the feast.
CHREMES
If the women have any wits, they will first insist on yourÌýdepositing your goods.
CITIZEN
But I am going to deposit them.
CHREMES
When?
CITIZEN
I am not the man to make delays.
CHREMES
How do you mean?
CITIZEN
There will be many less eager than I.
CHREMES
In the meantime you are going to dine.
CITIZEN
What else should I do? Every sensible man must give his helpÌýto the state.
CHREMES
But if admission is forbidden you?
CITIZEN
I shall duck my head and slip in.
CHREMES
And if the women have you beaten?
CITIZEN
I shall summon them.
CHREMES
And if they laugh in your face?
CITIZEN
I shall stand near the door...
CHREMES
And then?
CITIZEN
...and seize upon the dishes as they pass.
CHREMES
Then go there, but after me. Sicon and Parmeno, pick up allÌýthis baggage.
CITIZEN
Come, I will help you carry it.
**CHREMESÌý**pushing him away
No, no, I should be afraid of your pretending to the leader that what IÌýam depositing belonged to you.
Exit with his belongings.
CITIZEN
Let me see! let me think of some good trick by which I canÌýkeep my goods and yet take my share of the common feast.
He reflects for a moment.
Ha! that's a fine idea! Quick! I'll go and dine, ha! ha!
Exit laughing.**Interlude of dancing by the CHORUS.**The scene shifts to a different section of Athens and the two housesÌýare now to be thought of as those of two prostitutes.
**FIRST OLD WOMANÌý**leaning out of the window of one house
How is this? no men are coming? And yet it must be fully time! Then itÌýis for naught that I have painted myself with white lead, dressed myselfÌýin my beautiful yellow robe, and that I am here, frolicking and hummingÌýbetween my teeth to attract some passer-by! Oh, Muses, alight upon my lips,Ìýinspire me with some soft Ionian love-song!
**YOUNG GIRLÌý**in the window of the other house
You putrid old thing, you have placed yourself at the window before me.ÌýYou were expecting to strip my vines during my absence and to trap someÌýman in your snares with your songs. If you sing, I shall follow suit; allÌýthis singing will weary the spectators, but is nevertheless very pleasantÌýand very diverting.
**FIRST OLD WOMANÌý**thumbing her nose at the YOUNG GIRL
Ha! here is an old man; take him and lead him away.
To the flute-player
As for you, you young flute-player, let us hear some airs that are worthyÌýof you and me.
She sings
Let him who wishes to taste pleasure come to my side. These young thingsÌýknow nothing about it; it's only the women of ripe age who understand theÌýart of love, and no one could know how to fondle the lover who possessedÌýme so well as myself; the young girls are all flightiness.
**YOUNG GIRLÌý**singing in her turn
Don't be jealous of the young girls; voluptuousness resides in the pureÌýoutline of their beautiful limbs and blossoms on their rounded breasts;Ìýbut you, old woman, you who are tricked out and perfumed as if for yourÌýown funeral, are an object of love only for grim Death himself.
**FIRST OLD WOMANÌý**singing again
May your tongue be stopped; may you be unable to find your couch when youÌýwant to be loved. And on your couch, when your lips seek a lover, may youÌýembrace only a viper!
**YOUNG GIRLÌý**singing again
Alas! alas! what is to become of me? There is no lover! I am left hereÌýalone; my mother has gone out.
Interrupting her song
There's no need to mention the rest.
Then singing again
Oh! my dear nurse, I adjure you to call Orthagoras, and may heaven blessÌýyou. Ah! poor child, desire is consuming you like an Ionian woman;
interrupting again
and yet you are no stranger to the wanton arts of the Lesbian women.
Resuming her song
But you shall not rob me of my pleasures; you will not be able to reduceÌýor filch the time that first belongs to me.
FIRST OLD WOMAN
Sing as much as you please, peep out like a cat lying in wait,Ìýbut none shall pass through your door without first having been to seeÌýme.
YOUNG GIRL
If anyone enter your house, it will be to carry out your corpse.ÌýAnd that will be something new for you, you rotten old thing!
FIRST OLD WOMAN
Can anything be new to an old woman? My old age will not harmÌýyou.
YOUNG GIRL
Ah! shame on your painted cheeks!
FIRST OLD WOMAN
Why do you speak to me at all?
YOUNG GIRL
And why do you place yourself at the window?
FIRST OLD WOMAN
I am singing to myself about my lover, Epigenes.
YOUNG GIRL
Can you have any other lover than that old fop Geres?
FIRST OLD WOMAN
Epigenes will show you that himself, for he is coming to me.ÌýSee, here he is.
YOUNG GIRL
He's not thinking of you in the least.
FIRST OLD WOMAN
Aye, but he is.
YOUNG GIRL
Old starveling! Let's see what he will do. I will leave myÌýwindow.
FIRST OLD WOMAN
And I likewise. You will see I am much wiser than you.
**A YOUNG MANÌý**sings
Ah! could I but sleep with the young girl without first making love toÌýthe old flat-nose! It is intolerable for a free-born man.
**FIRST OLD WOMANÌý**singing to the same tune
Willy nilly, you must first gratify my desire. There shall be no nonsenseÌýabout that, for my authority is the law and the law must be obeyed in aÌýdemocracy.
Speaking
But come, let me hide, to see what he's going to do.
She retires.
