Lysistrata   

separate threads, draw them to a centre here, wind them into one, make


one great hank of the lot, out of which the public can weave itself


a good, stout tunic.


MAGISTRATE


Is it not a sin and a shame to see them carding and winding the


State, these women who have neither art nor part in the burdens of the


war?


LYSISTRATA


What! wretched man! why, it's a far heavier burden to us than to


you. In the first place, we bear sons who go off to fight far away


from Athens.


MAGISTRATE


Enough said! do not recall sad and sorry memories!


LYSISTRATA


Then secondly, instead of enjoying the pleasures of love and


making the best of our youth and beauty, we are left to languish far


from our husbands, who are all with the army. But say no more of


ourselves; what afflicts me is to see our girls growing old in


lonely grief.


MAGISTRATE


Don't the men grow old too?