40
urry, hurry, for the winds are fickle; make haste, while the divine will is set on stopping this cruel war and is showering on us the most striking benefits.
TRYGAEUS Here is the basket of barley-seed mingled with salt, the chaplet and the sacred knife; and there is the fire; so we are only waiting for the sheep.
CHORUS Hasten, hasten, for, if Chaeris sees you, he will come without bidding, he and his flute; and when you see him puffing and panting and out of breath, you will have to give him something.
TRYGAEUS Come, seize the basket and take the lustral water and hurry to circle round the altar to the right.
SERVANT There! 'tis done. What is your next bidding?
TRYGAEUS Hold! I take this fire-brand first and plunge it into the water.
SERVANT Be quick! be quick! Sprinkle the altar.
TRYGAEUS Give me some barley-seed, purify yourself and hand me the basin; then scatter the rest of the barley among the audience.
SERVANT 'Tis done.
TRYGAEUS You have thrown it?
SERVANT Yes, by Hermes! and all the spectators have had their share.
TRYGAEUS But not the women?
SERVANT Oh! their husbands will give it them this evening.[1]
f[1] An obscene jest.
TRYGAEUS Let us pray! Who is here? Are there any good men?[1]
f[1] Before sacrificing, the officiating person asked, "Who is here?" and those present answered, "Many good men."
SERVANT Come, give, so that I may sprinkle these. Faith! they are indeed good, brave men.
TRYGAEUS You believe so?
SERVANT I am sure, and the proof of it is that we have flooded them with lustral water and they have not budged an inch.[1]
f[1] The actors forming the chorus are meant here.
TRYGAEUS Come, then, to prayers; to prayers, quick!-- Oh! Peace, mighty queen, venerated goddess, thou, who presidest over choruses and at nuptials, deign to accept the sacrifices we offer thee.
SERVANT Receive it, greatly honoured mistress, and behave not like the coquettes, who h