Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/63

Rh Nic. And I'll denounce you too. Theb. What, me? What for? Nic. To satisfy the bystanders, I'll explain.

You've brought in wicks of lamps from an enemy's country. Dic. (ironically). And so, you bring 'em to light? Nic. I bring to light

A plot!—a plot to burn the arsenal! Dic. (ironically). With the wick of a lamp? Nic. Undoubtedly. Dic. In what way? Nic. (with great gravity). A Bœotian might be capable of fixing it.

On the back of a cockroach, who might float with it

Into the arsenal, with a north-east wind;

And if once the fire caught hold of a single vessel,

The whole would be in a blaze. Dic. (seizing hold of him). You dog! You villain!

Would a cockroach burn the ships and the arsenal? Nic. Bear witness all of ye. Dic. There, stop his mouth;

And bring me a band of straw to bind him up;

And send him safely away, for fear of damage,

Gently and steadily, like a potter's jar.

The metre of the following song is given as a tolerably near approach to that of the original; in fact, the nearest which has been found consistent with the necessity of rhyme.

Chorus. To preserve him safe and sound,

You must have him fairly bound,

With a cordage nicely wound,

Up and down, and round and round;

Securely packed. Dic. I shall have a special care,

For he's a piece of paltry ware;

And as you strike him, here—or there—(striking him)

The noises he returns declare [The informer screaming.

He's partly cracked. Chorus. How then is he fit for use? Dic. As a store-jar of abuse.