Lysistrata   

stop them any longer from lusting after the men. They are all for


deserting. The first I caught was slipping out by the postern gate


near the cave of Pan; another was letting herself down by a rope and


pulley; a third was busy preparing her escape; while a fourth, perched


on a bird's back, was just taking wing for Orsilochus' house, when I


seized her by the hair. One and all, they are inventing excuses to


be off home. (Pointing to the gate) Look! there goes one, trying


to get out! Halloa there! whither away so fast?


FIRST WOMAN


I want to go home; I have some Milesian wool in the house, which


is getting all eaten up by the worms.


LYSISTRATA


Bah! you and your worms! go back, I say!


FIRST WOMAN


I will return immediately, I swear I will by the two goddesses!


I only have just to spread it out on the bed.


LYSISTRATA


You shall not do anything of the kind! I say, you shall not go.


FIRST WOMAN


Must I leave my wool to spoil then?


LYSISTRATA