Parodos
[Agon]
and it's this knowledge that protects our children, our slaves and our wealth.
380
Leader of the Chorus
Well then, I agree, let us first hear them, for that is best; one can even learn something in an enemy's school.
Pisthetaerus
Their wrath seems to cool. Draw back a little.
Epops
It's only justice, and you will thank me later.
Leader of the Chorus
Never have we opposed your advice up to now.
385
Pisthetaerus
They are in a more peaceful mood; put down your stew-pot and your two dishes; spit in hand, doing duty for a spear, let us mount guard inside the camp
close to the pot and watch in our arsenal closely; for we must not fly.
390
Euelpides
You are right. But where shall we be buried, if we die?
Pisthetaerus
In the Ceramicus; for, to get a public funeral, we shall tell the Strategi that we fell at Orneae, fighting the country's foes.
395
[Choral]
Return to your ranks and lay down your courage beside your wrath as the hoplites do. Then let us ask these men who they are, whence they come,
400
Leader of the Chorus
and with what intent. Here, Epops, answer me.
405
Epops
Are you calling me? What do you want of me?
Leader of the Chorus
Who are they? From what country?
Epops
Strangers, who have come from Greece, the land of the wise.
Leader of the Chorus
And what fate has led them hither to the land of the birds?
410
Epops
Their love for you and their wish to share your kind of life; to dwell and
remain with you always.
415
Leader of the Chorus
Indeed, and what are their plans?
Epops
They are wonderful, incredible, unheard of.
Leader of the Chorus
Why, do they think to see some advantage that determines them to settle here? Are they hoping with our help
to triumph over their foes or to be useful to their friends?
420
Epops
They speak of benefits so great it is impossible either to describe or conceive them; all shall be yours,
all that we see here, there, above and below us; this they vouch for.
425
Leader of the Chorus
Are they mad?
Epops
They are the sanest people in the world.
Leader of the Chorus
Clever men?
Epops
The slyest of foxes, cleverness its very self, men of the world, cunning, the cream of knowing folk.
430
Leader of the Chorus
Tell them to speak and speak quickly; why, as I listen to you, I am beside myself with delight.
Epops
Here, you there, take all these weapons and hang them up inside close to the fire, near the figure of the god who presides there and under his protection; To Pisthetaerus. as for you, address the birds, tell them why I have gathered them together.
435
Pisthetaerus
Not I, by Apollo,
