Lysistrata Part 24

Give it up.

ATHENIANS

Then what will we do?

We need that ticklish place united to us--

LYSISTRATA

Ask for some other lurking-hole in return.

ATHENIANS

Then, ah, we'll choose this snug thing here, Echinus, Shall we call the nestling spot? And this backside haven, These desirable twin promontories, the Maliac, And then of course these Megarean Legs.

SPARTANS

Not that, O surely not that, never that.

LYSISTRATA

Agree! Now what are two legs more or less?

ATHENIANS

I want to strip at once and plough my land.

SPARTANS

And mine I want to fertilize at once.

LYSISTRATA

And so you can, when Peace is once declared.

If you mean it, get your allies' heads together And come to some decision.

ATHENIANS

What allies?

There's no distinction in our politics: We've risen as one man to this conclusion; Every ally is jumping-mad to drive it home.

SPARTANS

And ours the same, for sure.

ATHENIANS

The Carystians first!

I'll bet on that.

LYSISTRATA

I agree with all of you.

Now off, and cleanse yourselves for the Acropolis, For we invite you all in to a supper From our commissariat baskets. There at table You will pledge good behaviour and uprightness; Then each man's wife is his to hustle home.

ATHENIANS

Come, as quickly as possible.

SPARTANS

As quick as ye like.

Lead on.

ATHENIANS

O Zeus, quick, quick, lead quickly on.

_They hurry off._

CHORUS.

Broidered stuffs on high I'm heaping, Fas.h.i.+onable cloaks and sweeping Trains, not even gold gawds keeping.

Take them all, I pray you, take them all (I do not care) And deck your children--your daughter, if the Basket she's to bear.

Come, everyone of you, come in and take Of this rich h.o.a.rd a share.

Nought's tied so skilfully But you its seal can break And plunder all you spy inside.

I've laid out all that I can spare, And therefore you will see Nothing unless than I you're sharper-eyed.

If lacking corn a man should be While his slaves clamour hungrily And his excessive progeny, Then I've a handfull of grain at home which is always to be had, And to which in fact a more-than-life-size loaf I'd gladly add.

Then let the poor bring with them bag or sack And take this store of food.

Manes, my man, I'll tell To help them all to pack Their wallets full. But O take care.

I had forgotten; don't intrude, Or terrified you'll yell.

My dog is hungry too, and bites--beware!

Some _LOUNGERS_ from the Market with torches approach the Banqueting hall. The _PORTER_ bars their entrance.

1ST MARKET-LOUNGER

Open the door.

PORTER

Here move along.

1ST MARKET-LOUNGER

What's this?

You're sitting down. Shall I singe you with my torch?

That's vulgar! O I couldn't do it ... yet If it would gratify the audience, I'll mortify myself.

2ND MARKET-LOUNGER