Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/182

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We shall economise the cost

Of marble domes and gilded gates.

The Birds will live at cheaper rates,

Lodging, without shame or scorn,

In a maple or a thorn;

The most exalted and divine

Will have an olive for his shrine.

We need not run to foreign lands,

Or Amnion's temple in the sands;

But perform our easy vows,

Among the neighbouring shrubs and boughs;

Paying our oblations fairly,

With a pennyworth of barley. Chorus. Ο best of all envoys, suspected before,

Now known and approved, and respected the more;

To you we resign the political lead,

Our worthy director in council and deed. Elated with your bold design,

I swear and vow:

If resolutely you combine

Your views and interests with mine;

In steadfast councils as a trusty friend,

Without deceit, or guile of fraudful end:

They that rule in haughty state,

The gods ere long shall abdicate

Their high command;

And yield the sceptre to my rightful hand. Then reckon on us for a number and force;

As on you we rely for a ready resource,

In council and policy, trusting to you,

To direct the design we resolve to pursue. Hoo. That's well, but we've no time, by Jove, to loiter,

And dawdle and postpone like Nicias.

We should be doing something. First, however

I must invite you to my roosting place,