Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/170

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Neither earth, nor sea, nor sky,

Nor woody fastnesses on high,

Shall protect them if they fly?

Where's the Captain? What detains him? What prevents us to proceed?

On the right there, call the Captain! Let him form his troop and lead. Eu. There it is, where can I fly? Peis. Sirrah, be quiet, wait a bit. Eu. What, to be devoured amongst them! Peis. Will your legs or will your wit Serve to escape them? Eu. I can't tell. Peis. But I can tell; Do as you're bid; Fight we must; You see the pot, just there before ye; Take the lid, And present it for a shield; the spit will serve you for a spear; With it you may scare them off, or spike them if they venture near. Eu. What can I find to guard my eyes? Peis. Why there's the very thing you wish, Two vizard helmets ready made, the cullender and skimming dish. Eu. What a clever, capital, lucky device, sudden and new! Nicias with all his tactics, is a simpleton to you. Chorus. Steady, Birds! present your beaks! in double time, charge and attack, Pounce upon them, smash the potlid, clapperclaw them, tear and hack. Hoo. Tell me, most unworthy creatures, scandal of the feathered race; Must I see my friends and kinsmen massacred before my face? Chorus. What, do you propose to spare them? where will your forbearance cease, Hesitating to destroy destructive creatures such as these? Hoo. Enemies they might have been; but here they come, with fair design,