Lysistrata   

MAGISTRATE


But what a notion, to concern yourselves with questions of peace


and war!


LYSISTRATA


We will explain our idea.


MAGISTRATE


Out with it then; quick, or... (threatening her).


LYSISTRATA (sternly)


Listen, and never a movement, please!


MAGISTRATE (in impotent rage)


Oh! it is too much for me! I cannot keep my temper!


LEADER OF CHORUS OF WOMEN


Then look out for yourself; you have more to fear than we have.


MAGISTRATE


Stop your croaking, you old crow! (To LYSISTRATA) Now you, say


what you have to say.


LYSISTRATA


Willingly. All the long time the war has lasted, we have endured


in modest silence all you men did; you never allowed us to open our


lips. We were far from satisfied, for we knew how things were going;


often in our homes we would hear you discussing, upside down and