Parodos
[Lyric-Scene]
And do you now intend, on this account, to deny the debt?
1230
Strepsiades.
Why, what good should I get else from his instruction?
Pasias.
And will you be willing to deny these upon oath of the gods?
Pasias.
Jupiter, Mercury, and Neptune.
Strepsiades.
Yes, by Jupiter! And would pay down, too, a three-obol piece besides to swear.
Pasias.
Then may you perish some day for your impudence!
Strepsiades.
This man would be the better for it if he were cleansed by rubbing with salt.
Pasias.
Ah me, how you deride me!
Strepsiades.
He will contain six choae.
Pasias.
By great Jupiter and the gods, you certainly shall not do this to me with impunity!
Strepsiades.
I like your gods amazingly; and Jupiter, sworn by, is ridiculous to the knowing ones.
1240
Pasias.
You will assuredly suffer punishment, some time or other, for this. But answer and dismiss me, whether you are going to repay me my money or not.
Strepsiades.
Keep quiet now, for I will presently answer you distinctly.
Pasias.
(to his summons-witness). What do you think he will do?
Witness.
I think he will pay you.
Strepsiades.
Where is this man who asks me for his money? Tell me what is this?
Pasias.
What is this? A κάρδοπος.
Strepsiades.
And do you then ask me for your money, being such an ignorant person? I would not pay, not even an obolus, to any one who called the καρδόπη κάρδοπος.
Pasias.
Then won’t you pay me?
Strepsiades.
Not, as far as I know. Will you not then pack off as fast as possible from my door?
Pasias.
I will depart; and be assured of this, that I will make deposit against you, or may I live no longer!
Strepsiades.
Then you will lose it besides, in addition to your twelve minae. And yet I do not wish you to suffer this, because you named the kardopos floolishly.
Strepsiades.
Ha! Whoever is this, who is lamenting? Surely it was not one of Carcinus’ deities that spoke.
1260
Amynias.
But why do you wish to know this, who I am?-A miserable man.
Strepsiades.
Then follow your own path.
Amynias.
O harsh fortune! O Fates, breaking the wheels of my horses! O Pallas, how you have destroyed me!
Strepsiades.
What evil, pray, has Tlepolemus ever done you?
Amynias.
Do not jeer me, my friend; but order your son to pay me the money which he received; especially as I have been unfortunate.
