Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/36

18 Chorus. What's the matter? Is there any child or infant that you cherish,

Missing here amongst you, neighbours, whom he keeps

confined in durance?

What can else inspire the man with such a confident assurance? Dic. Strike, destroy me then, while I shall act in turn the assassin's part,

If the native love of charcoal moves not your obdurate heart. [Dicæopolis discovers a hamper of charcoal, and stands over it in a menacing theatrical attitude, with a sword drawn. Chorus. Ο forbear! see there!

See the poor natural Acharnian hamper of our own,

Ready to be overthrown.

Spare it, I beseech thee, spare. Dic. I'll not hear; the word is past. Poor thing, this instant is its last. Chorus. Spare it as our only joy,

Our solace and employ,

The staff of our declining years. Dic. You, when I besought a hearing, armed your hands and shut your ears. Chorus. Yes, but now we'll permit,

We'll dispense, we'll allow

Your defence.

Our beloved

Darling is at stake.

We submit

Wholly for his sake. Dic. Before we parley or compound, cast me those pebbles to the ground. Chorus. See there, all's fair.

But keep your word, sheath the sword.