Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/74

56 Chorus. We're determined to discuss

Our difference with Antimachus,

Calmly, simply, candidly;

Praying to the powers above—

And the just almighty Jove,

To—Sink and blast him utterly.

He that sent us all away

T'other evening from the play,

Hungry, thirsty, supperless;

Him we shortly trust to see

Sunk in equal misery,

In the like distress,

With a pennyworth of fish,

And a curious eager wish

To behold it fried;

Let him watch, and wait, and turn,

With a hungry deep concern,

Standing there beside.

Let an accident befall,

Which shall overturn the stall,

And the fishes frying;

There shall he behold the dish

Topsy-turvy, with the fish

In the kennel lying.

As he stoops to pick and wipe it,

Let a greedy greyhound gripe it,

Snatch and eat it flying.

Him let other ills befall,

Walking home beneath the wall,

Late at night, attacked by ruffians,

Orestes and his ragamuffins;

Unprotected and alone,

Groping round to find a stone,

Let him grasp for his defence

A ponderous sirreverence;

Furious, eager, in the dark,

Let him fling and miss the mark,

Smiting upon the cheek, but not severely,

Cratinus merely!