Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/84

66 concentrating his essential character and his known peculiarities in a speech of five lines—his habitual boisterous oath and a slangish use of the dual.

In order to occupy the vacant space which has been left by the printer, the translator is tempted, for once, to insert a justificatory comment. The speech of Nicias as given below is extended to three lines; in the original consists of a line and a half, which might be more accurately and concisely translated thus:

But there would be one main defect in this accurate translation, namely, that it would not express the intention of the author, nor the effect produced by the actor in repeating the original; for if we consider it in this view we find that, short as it is, it contains three distinct breaks; one at the end of the second word, another at the end of the third, and a third at the end of the line. These momentary pauses are characteristic of timid resentment, expressing itself by fits and starts,—a character which, to the English reader perusing a printed text, could not be rendered obvious without employing a compass of words much larger than the original.

Again we see that the courage and anger of Nicias, even with the help of the beating which he has just received, are barely sufficient to enable him to follow the example of Demosthenes; even in wrath and pain he is contented to "say Ditto" to what his comrade had said before. The Poet's intention, in this respect, is made more distinctly palpable to the English reader by the first line of the translated speech.

And thus much may serve for a commentary on a passage of three lines and as sample of others, which if they were not wearisome and egotistical might be extended to every page of this and the preceding play.

[''After a noise of lashes and screams from behind the scenes, Demosthenes comes out, and is followed by Nicias the supposed victim of flagellation (both in the dress of slaves). Demosthenes breaks out in great wrath; while Nicias remains exhibiting various contortions of pain for the amusement of the audience''. Dem. Out! out alas! what a scandal! what a shame!

May Jove in his utter wrath crush and confound

That rascally new-bought Paphlagonian slave!

For from the very first day that he came—

Brought here for a plague and a mischief amongst us all,—

We're beaten and abused continually. Nic. (whimpering in a broken voice).

I say so too, with all my heart I do,

A rascal, with his slanders and lies!

A rascally Paphlagonian! so he is! Dem. (roughly and good-humouredly).

How are you, my poor soul?