Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/200

182 Met. (startled). Why, what's the matter? Peis. You're aware,

That I've a regard for you. Take my advice;

Don't be seen here—Withdraw yourself—abscond! Met. Is there any alarm or risk? Peis. Why, much the same,

As it might be in Lacedæmon. There's a bustle

Of expelling aliens; people are dragged out

From the inns and lodgings, with a deal of uproar,

And blows and abuse in plenty, to be met with

In the public street. Met. A popular tumult—heh? Peis. (scandalised at the supposition). Oh, Fie! no, nothing of that kind. Met. How do you mean then? Peis. We're carrying into effect a resolution

Adopted lately; to discard and cudgel

Coxcombs and Mountebanks of every kind. [During this speech Peisthetairus keeps his eye quietly fixed upon the Astronomer. Met. Perhaps I had best withdraw. Peis. Why, yes, perhaps

But yet, I would not answer for it, neither;

Perhaps, you may be too late; the blows I mentioned

Are coming—close upon you—there they come! Met. Oh, bless me! Peis. Did not I tell you, and give you warning?

Get out, you coxcomb, find out by your Geometry,

The road you came, and measure it back: you'd best. [Exit Meton.

A from Athens advances with an air of importance and ascendency; like other consequential persons sent on a foreign mission, he wishes it to be understood that he considers it a sort of banishment.

Com. Is nobody here? None of the Proxeni,

To receive and attend upon me? Peis. What's all this?

Sardanapalus in person come amongst us! Com. I come, appointed as Commissioner