Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/169

Rh Hoo. I repeat it—human Envoys are arrived a steady pair

To disclose without reserve a most stupendous, huge affair. Chorus. Chief, of all that ever were, the worst, the most unhappy one!

Speak, explain! Hoo. Don't be alarmed! Chorus. Alas! alas! what have you done? Hoo. I've received a pair of strangers, who desired to settle here. Chorus. Have you risked so rash an act? Hoo. I've done it, and I persevere. Chorus. But, where are they? Hoo. Near beside you; near as I am; very near. Chorus. Oút alás! oút alás!

We are betráyed, crúelly betrayed

To a calámitous end,

Our cómrade and our friénd,

Our compánion in the fiélds and in the pástures

Is the aúthor of all our míseries and dísasters.

Our áncient sácred láws and sólemn Oáth!

Tránsgréssing bóth!

Tréasonably delívering us as a prize

To our hórrible immemórial enemiés,

To a detéstable ráce

Exécrably base!

For the Bird our Chief, hereafter he must answer to the state;

With respect to these intruders, I propose, without debate,

On the spot to tear and hack them. Eu. There it is, our death and ruin!

Ah, the fault was all your own, you know it; it was all your doing;

You that brought me here; and why? Peis. Because I wanted an attendant. Eu. Here, to close my life in tears. Peis. No, that's a foolish fear, depend on't. Eu. Why a foolish fear? Peis. Consider; when you're left without an eye,

It's impossible in nature; how could you contrive to cry? Chorus. Form in rank, Form in rank;

Then move forward and outflank:

Let me see them overpowered,

Hacked, demolished, and devoured;