Lysistrata   

LYSISTRATA


Forward, my gallant companions; march forth, ye vendors of grain


and eggs, garlic and vegetables, keepers of taverns and bakeries,


wrench and strike and tear; come, a torrent of invective and insult!


(They beat the Scythians who retire in haste.) Enough, enough now


retire, never rob the vanquished!


(The women withdraw.)


MAGISTRATE


How unfortunate for my officers!


LYSISTRATA


Ah, ha! so you thought you had only to do with a set of


slave-women! you did not know the ardour that fills the bosom of


free-born dames.


MAGISTRATE


Ardour! yes, by Apollo, ardour enough-especially for the wine-cup!


LEADER OF CHORUS OF OLD MEN


Sir, sir what good are words? they are of no avail with wild


beasts of this sort. Don't you know how they have just washed us


down-and with no very fragrant soap!


LEADER OF CHORUS OF WOMEN


What would you have? You should never have laid rash hands on


us. If you start afresh, I'll knock your eyes out. My delight is to