Cinesias departs and an Informer arrives.
Informer
[1410] What are these birds with downy feathers, who look so pitiable to me? Tell me, oh swallow with the long dappled wings.
Pisthetaerus
Oh! it's a regular invasion that threatens us. Here comes another one, humming along. Informer
[1415] Swallow with the long dappled wings, once more I summon you. Pisthetaerus
It's his cloak I believe he's addressing; it stands in great need of the swallows' return. Informer
Where is he who gives out wings to all comers? Pisthetaerus
Here I am, but you must tell me for what purpose you want them. Informer
[1420] Ask no questions. I want wings, and wings I must have. Pisthetaerus
Do you want to fly straight to Pellene? Informer
I? Why, I am an accuser of the islands, an informer ... Pisthetaerus
A fine trade, truly! Informer
... a hatcher of lawsuits. Hence I have great need of wings [1425] to prowl round the cities and drag them before justice. Pisthetaerus
Would you do this better if you had wings? Informer
No, but I should no longer fear the pirates; I should return with the cranes, loaded with a supply of lawsuits by way of ballast. Pisthetaerus
[1430] So it seems, despite all your youthful vigor, you make it your trade to denounce strangers? Informer
Well, and why not? I don't know how to dig. Pisthetaerus
But, by Zeus! there are [1435] honest ways of gaining a living at your age without all this infamous trickery.