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Leader of First Semi-Chorus
[565] Let us sing the glory of our forefathers; ever victors, both on land and sea, they merit that Athens, rendered famous by these, her worthy sons, should write their deeds upon the sacred peplus. As soon as they saw the enemy, they at once sprang at him without ever [570] counting his strength. Should one of them fall in the conflict he would shake off the dust, deny his mishap and begin the struggle anew. Not one of these generals of old time would have asked Cleaenetus to be fed at the cost of the State; [575] but our present men refuse to fight, unless they get the honors of the Prytaneum and precedence in their seats. As for us, we place our valor gratuitously at the service of Athens and of her gods; our only hope is that, should peace ever put a term to our toils, [580] you will not grudge us our long, scented hair nor our delicate care for our toilet.
Aristophanes. Knights. The Complete Greek Drama, vol. 2. Eugene O'Neill, Jr. New York. Random House. 1938.
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