Aristophanes, Thesmophoriazusae (ed. Eugene O'Neill, Jr.)

Chorus

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[1160] Women, if you will be reconciled with me, I am willing, and I undertake never to say anything ill of you in future. Those are my proposals for peace.

And what impels you to make these overtures?

[1165] This unfortunate man, who is chained to the post, is my father-in-law; if you will restore him to me, you will have no more cause to complain of me; but if not, I shall reveal your pranks to your husbands when they return from the war.

[1170] We accept peace, but there is this barbarian whom you must buy over.

I'll take care of that. Come, my little wench, bear in mind what I told you on the road and do it well. Come, go past him and gird up your robe. [1175] And you, you little dear, play us the air of a Persian dance.

What is this music that makes me so blithe?

Scythian, this young girl is going to practise some dances, which she has to perform at a feast presently.

Very well! let her dance and practise; I won't hinder her. [1180] How nimbly she bounds! just like a flea on a fleece.

Come, my dear, off with your robe and seat yourself on the Scythian's knee; stretch forth your feet to me, that I may take off your slippers.

Ah! yes, seat yourself, my little girl, ah! yes, to be sure. What a firm little titty! [1185] it's just like a turnip.

An air on the flute, quick! Are you afraid of the Scythian?

What a nice arse! Hold still, won't you? Pop it out and pull it back. A nice twat, too.

That's so! To the dancing girl Resume your dress, it is time [1190] to be going.

Give me a kiss.

Come, give him a kiss.

Oh! oh! oh! my god, what sweet lips! like Attic honey. But might she not go to bed with me?

Impossible, officer; good evening.

Oh! oh! old hag, [1195] do me this pleasure.

Will you give a drachma?

Aye, that I will.

Hand over the money.

I have not got it, but take my quiver in pledge.

Then bring her back.

To the dancing girl Follow me, my fine young wench. Old woman, you keep an eye on this man. [1200] But what's your name?

Artemisia.

I'll remember it. Artemuxia.

Hermes, god of cunning, receive my thanks! everything is turning out for the best. To the flute-girl As for you, friend, go along with them. Now let me loose his bonds. To Mnesilochus And you, [1205] directly I have released you, take to your legs and run off full tilt to your home to find your wife and children.

I shall not fail in that as soon as I am free.

There! It's done. Come, fly, before the Scythian lays his hand on you again.

That's just what I am doing.

[1210] Ah! old woman! what a charming little girl! Not at all a prude, and so obliging! Eh! where is the old woman? Ah! I am undone! And the old man, where is he? Hi, old woman, old woman! Ah! but this is a dirty trick! Artemuxia! she has tricked me, that's what the little old woman has done! Get clean out of my sight, you cursed quiver! Picks it up and throws it across the stage. [1215] Ha! you are well named quiver, for you have made me quiver indeed. Oh! what's to be done? Where is the old woman then? Artemuxia!

Are you asking for the old woman who carried the lyre?

Yes, yes; have you seen her?

She has gone that way along with the old man.

[1220] Dressed in a long robe?

Yes; run quick, and you will overtake them.

Ah! rascally old woman! Which way has she fled? Artemuxia!

Straight on; follow your nose. But, hi! where are you running to now? Come back, you are going exactly the wrong way.

[1225] Ye gods! ye gods! and all this while Artemuxia is escaping.

This text is based on the following book(s):
Aristophanes. Women at the Thesmophoria. The Complete Greek Drama, vol. 2. Eugene O'Neill, Jr. New York. Random House. 1938.
OCLC: 32280428