The Comedy takes its title, as was often the case,
from the Chorus, which is composed of Knights—the
order of citizens next to the highest at Athens, and
embodying many of the old aristocratic preferences
and prejudices.
The drama was adjudged the first prize—the
‘Satyrs’ of Cratinus being placed second—by
acclamation, as such a masterpiece of wit and intrepidity
certainly deserved to be; but, as usual, the political
result was nil. The piece was applauded in the
most enthusiastic manner, the satire on the sovereign
multitude was forgiven, and—Cleon remained
in as much favour as ever.[4]
* * * *
*
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Demosthenes.
Nicias.
Agoracritus, a Sausage-seller.
Cleon.
Demos, an old man, typifying the Athenian people.
Chorus of knights.
Scene: In front of Demos’ house at
Athens.
* * * *
*
Demosthenes. Oh! alas! alas! Oh! woe! oh!
woe! Miserable Paphlagonian![5] may the gods
destroy both him and his cursed advice! Since
that evil day when this new slave entered the house
he has never ceased belabouring us with blows.
Nicias. May the plague seize him, the arch-fiend—him
and his lying tales!
Demosthenes. Hah! my poor fellow, what is
your condition?
Nicias. Very wretched, just like your own.
Demosthenes. Then come, let us sing a duet
of groans in the style of
Olympus.[6]
Demosthenes and Nicias. Boo, hoo!
boo, hoo! boo, hoo! boo, hoo! boo, hoo! boo, hoo!!
Demosthenes. Bah! ’tis lost labour
to weep! Enough of groaning! Let us consider
how to save our pelts.
Nicias. But how to do it! Can you suggest
anything?
Demosthenes. Nay! you begin. I cede
you the honour.
Nicias. By Apollo! no, not I. Come, have
courage! Speak, and then I will say what I think.
Demosthenes. “Ah! would you but tell
me what I should tell you!"[7]
Nicias. I dare not. How could I express
my thoughts with the pomp of
Euripides?
Demosthenes. Oh! prithee, spare me!
Do not pelt me with those vegetables,[8] but find
some way of leaving our master.
Nicias. Well, then! Say “Let-us-bolt,”
like this, in one breath.
Demosthenes. I follow you—“Let-us-bolt.”
Nicias. Now after “Let-us-bolt”
say “at-top-speed!”
Demosthenes. “At-top-speed!”
Nicias. Splendid! Just as if you were
masturbating yourself; first slowly, “Let-us-bolt”;
then quick and firmly, “at-top-speed!”
