Lysistrata   

LYSISTRATA


When we are winding thread, and it is tangled, we pass the spool


across and through the skein, now this way, now that way; even so,


to finish of the war, we shall send embassies hither and thither and


everywhere, to disentangle matters.


MAGISTRATE


And is it with your yarn, and your skeins, and your spools, you


think to appease so many bitter enmities, you silly women?


LYSISTRATA


If only you had common sense, you would always do in politics


the same as we do with our yarn.


MAGISTRATE


Come, how is that, eh?


LYSISTRATA


First we wash the yarn to separate the grease and filth; do the


same with all bad citizens, sort them out and drive them forth with


rods-they're the refuse of the city. Then for all such as come


crowding up in search of employments and offices, we must card them


thoroughly; then, to bring them all to the same standard, pitch them


pell-mell into the same basket, resident aliens or no, allies, debtors


to the State, all mixed up together. Then as for our Colonies, you


must think of them as so many isolated hanks; find the ends of the