Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/181

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With a saving of time, and a saving of cost;

And a seaman in future will never be lost. Hoo. How so? Peis. We shall warn them, "Now hasten to sail,

Now keep within harbour; your voyage will fail." Eu. How readily then will a fortune be made!

I'll purchase a vessel and venture on trade. Peis. And old treasure concealed will again be revealed;

The Birds as they know it, will readily shew it.

'Tis a saying of old, "My silver and gold

Are so safely secreted, and closely interred,

No creature can know it, excepting a Bird." Eu. I'll part with my vessel, I'll not go aboard;

I'll purchase a mattock and dig up a hoard. Hoo. We're clear as to wealth; but the blessing of health,

Is the gift of the gods. Peis. It will make no such odds:

If they're going on well, they'll be healthy still,

And none are in health, that are going on ill. Hoo. But then for longevity; that is the gift

Of the gods. Peis. But the Birds can afford them a lift,

And allow them a century, less or more. Hoo. How so? Peis. From their own individual store:

They may reckon it fair, to allot them a share;

For old proverbs affirm, that the final term

Of a Raven's life exceeds the space

Of five generations of human race. Hoo. What need have we then for Jove as a king?

Surely the Birds are a better thing! Peis. Surely! surely! First and most,