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CHORUS
I see a man, striding along apace, with knitted brows; he seems to us the bearer of terrible tidings. HERALD
Oh! toils and battles, 'tis Lamachus! LAMACHUS
What noise resounds around my dwelling, where shines the glint of arms. HERALD
The Generals order you forthwith to take your battalions and your plumes, and, despite the snow, to go and guard our borders. They have learnt that a band of Boeotians intend taking advantage of the Feast of Cups to invade our country. LAMACHUS
Ah! the Generals! they are numerous, but not good for much! It's cruel, not to be able to enjoy the feast! DICAEOPOLIS
Oh! warlike host of Lamachus! LAMACHUS
Wretch! do you dare to jeer me? DICAEOPOLIS
Do you want to fight this four-winged Geryon? LAMACHUS
Oh! oh! what fearful tidings! DICAEOPOLIS
Ah! ah! I see another herald running up; what news does he bring me? HERALD
Dicaeopolis! DICAEOPOLIS
What is the matter? HERALD
Come quickly to the feast and bring your basket and your cup; 'tis the priest of Bacchus who invites you. But hasten, the guests have been waiting for you a long while. All is ready—couches, tables, cushions, chaplets, perfumes, dainties and courtesans to boot; biscuits, cakes, sesame-bread, tarts, lovely dancing women, the sweetest charm of the festivity. But come with all haste. LAMACHUS
Oh! hostile gods!
Aristophanes. Acharnians. The Eleven Comedies. Anonymous. New York. Liveright. 192?.