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Epops
And how shall we give wealth to mankind? This is their strongest passion. Pisthetaerus
When they consult the omens, you will point them to the richest mines, you will reveal the paying ventures to the diviner, [595] and not another shipwreck will happen or sailor perish. Epops
No more shall perish? How is that? Pisthetaerus
When the auguries are examined before starting on a voyage, some bird will not fail to say, “Don't start! there will be a storm,” or else, “Go! you will make a most profitable venture.” Euelpides
I shall buy a trading-vessel and go to sea. I will not stay with you. Pisthetaerus
You will discover treasures to them, which were buried in former times, [600] for you know them. Do not all men say, “None knows where my treasure lies, unless perchance it be some bird.” Euelpides
I shall sell my boat and buy a spade to unearth the vessels. Leader of the Chorus
And how are we to give them health, which belongs to the gods? Pisthetaerus
[605] If they are happy, is not that the chief thing towards health? The miserable man is never well. Leader of the Chorus
Old Age also dwells in Olympus. How will they get at it? Must they die in early youth? Pisthetaerus
Why, the birds, by Zeus, [608] will add three hundred years to their life. Leader of the Chorus
From whom will they take them? Pisthetaerus
From whom? Why, from themselves. Don't you know the cawing crow lives five times as long as a man? Euelpides
[610] Ah! ah! these are far better kings for us than Zeus!
Aristophanes. Birds. The Complete Greek Drama, vol. 2. Eugene O'Neill, Jr. New York. Random House. 1938.
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