Parodos
[Lyric-Scene]
Do you perceive that you are soon to obtain the greatest benefits through us alone of the gods? For this man is ready to do everything that you bid him.
Chorus.
But you, while the man is astounded and evidently elated, having perceived it, will quickly fleece him to the best of your power.
Exit Socrates. For matters of this sort are somehow accustomed to turn the other way.
810
Strepsiades.
By Mist, you certainly shall not stay here any longer! But go and gnaw the columns of Megacles.
Phidippides.
My good sir, what is the matter with you, O father? You are not in your senses, by Olympian Jupiter!
Strepsiades.
See, see, Olympian Jupiter! What folly! To think of your believing in Jupiter, as old as you are!
Phidippides.
Why, pray, did you laugh at this?
820
Strepsiades.
Reflecting that you are a child, and have antiquated notions. Yet, however, approach, that you may know more; and I will tell you a thing, by learning which you will be a man. But see that you do not teach this to any one.
820
Phidippides.
Well, what is it?
825
Strepsiades.
You swore now by Jupiter.
825
Strepsiades.
Seest thou, then, how good a thing is learning? There is no Jupiter, O Phidippides!
Strepsiades.
Vortex reigns, having expelled Jupiter.
Phidippides.
Bah! Why do you talk foolishly?
Strepsiades.
Be assured that it is so.
Phidippides.
Who says this?
830
Strepsiades.
Socrates the Melian, and Chaerephon, who knows the footmarks of fleas.
830
Phidippides.
Have you arrived at such a pitch of frenzy that you believe madmen?
Strepsiades.
Speak words of good omen, and say nothing bad of clever men
and wise; of whom, through frugality, none ever shaved or anointed himself, or went to a bath to wash himself; while you squander my property in bathing, as if I were already dead. But go as quickly as possible and learn instead of me.
835
Phidippides.
What good could any one learn from them?
840
Strepsiades.
What, really? Whatever wisdom there is among men. And you will know yourself, how ignorant and stupid you are. But wait for me here a short time.
Phidippides.
Ah me! What shall I do, my father being crazed? Shall I bring him into court and convict him of lunacy, or shall I give information of his madness to the coffin-makers?
Strepsiades.
Come, let me see; what do you consider this to be? Tell me.
Strepsiades.
Right. And what this?
Strepsiades.
Both the same? You are very ridiculous. Do not do so, then, for the future; but call this ἀλεκτρύαινα, and this one ἀλέκτωρ.
Phidippides.
Ἀλεκτρύαινα! Did you learn these clever things by going in just now to the Titans?
Strepsiades.
And many others too; but whatever I learned on each occasion I used to forget immediately, through length of years.
