Aristophanes, Ecclesiazusae
Eugene O'Neill, Jr., Ed.

Praxagora
Friends, success [505] has crowned our plans. But off with these cloaks and these boots quick, before any man sees you; unbuckle the Laconian straps and get rid of your staffs;To the Leader. [510] and you help them with their toilet. As for myself, I am going to slip quietly into the house and replace my husband's cloak and other gear where I took them from, before he can suspect anything.

Leader of the Chorus
There! it's done according to your bidding. [515] Now tell us how we can be of service to you, so that we may show you our obedience, for we have never seen a cleverer woman than you.

Praxagora
Wait! I only wish to use the power given me in accordance with your wishes; for, in the market-place, in the midst of the shouts and danger, I appreciated your indomitable courage.Just as she is about to enter the house Blepyrus appears in the doorway.

Blepyrus
[520] Eh, Praxagora! where are you coming from?

Praxagora
How does that concern you, dear?

Blepyrus
Why, greatly! what a silly question!

Praxagora
You don't think I have come from a lover's?

Blepyrus
No, perhaps not from only one.

Praxagora
You can make yourself sure of that.

Blepyrus
And how?

Praxagora
You can see whether my hair smells of perfume.

Blepyrus
[525] What? cannot a woman possibly be laid without perfume, eh!

Praxagora
The gods forfend, as far as I am concerned.

Blepyrus
Why did you go off at early dawn with my cloak?

Praxagora
A companion, a friend who was in labour, had sent to fetch me.

Blepyrus
[530] Could you not have told me?

Praxagora
Oh, my dear, would you have me caring nothing for a poor woman in that plight?

Blepyrus
A word would have been enough. There's something behind all this.

Praxagora
No, I call the goddesses to witness! I went running off; the poor woman who summoned me begged me to come, whatever might betide.