Lysistrata   

inside out, some important turn of affairs. Then with sad hearts,


but smiling lips, we would ask you: Well, in today's Assembly did they


vote peace?-But, "Mind your own business!" the husband would growl,


"Hold your tongue, please!" And we would say no more.


CLEONICE


I would not have held my tongue though, not I!


MAGISTRATE


You would have been reduced to silence by blows then.


LYSISTRATA


Well, for my part, I would say no more. But presently I would come


to know you had arrived at some fresh decision more fatally foolish


than ever. "Ah! my dear man," I would say, "what madness next!" But he


would only look at me askance and say: "Just weave your web, please;


else your cheeks will smart for hours. War is men's business!"


MAGISTRATE


Bravo! well said indeed!


LYSISTRATA


How now, wretched man? not to let us contend against your


follies was bad enough! But presently we heard you asking out loud


in the open street: "Is there never a man left in Athens?" and, "No,


not one, not one," you were assured in reply. Then, then we made up