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

Hermes
[700] And wise Cratinus, is he still alive?

Trygaeus
He died about the time of the Laconian invasion.

Hermes
How?

Trygaeus
Of a swoon. He could not bear the shock of seeing one of his casks full of wine broken. Ah! what a number of other misfortunes our city has suffered! [705] So, dearest mistress, nothing can now separate us from thee.

Hermes
If that be so, receive Opora here for a wife; take her to the country, live with her, and grow fine grapes together.

Trygaeus
to Opora.
Come, my dear one, come and accept my kisses. To Hermes. [710] Tell me, Hermes, my master, do you think it would hurt me to love her a little, after so long an abstinence?

Hermes
No, not if you swallow a potion of penny-royal afterwards. But hasten to lead Theoria to the Senate; that was where she lodged before.

Trygaeus
[715] Oh! fortunate Senate! Thanks to Theoria, what soups you will swallow for the space of three days! how you will devour meats and cooked tripe! Come, farewell, friend Hermes!

Hermes
And to you also, my dear sir, may you have much happiness, and don't forget me.

Trygaeus
looking around for his dung-beetle.
[720] >Come, beetle, home, home, and let us fly on a swift wing.

Hermes
Oh! he is no longer here.

Trygaeus
Where has he gone to then?

Hermes
He is ‘harnessed to the chariot of Zeus and bears the thunderbolts.’

Trygaeus
But where will the poor wretch get his food?

Hermes
He will eat Ganymede's ambrosia.

Trygaeus
Very well then, [725] but how am I going to descend?

Hermes
Oh! never fear, there is nothing simpler; place yourself beside the goddess.

Trygaeus
Come, my pretty maidens, follow me quickly; there are plenty of men waiting for you with their tools ready.He goes out, with Opora and Theoria.