Page:Aristophanes (Collins).djvu/97

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I had learnt nothing. For the earth absorbs

Into itself the moisture of the brain.—

It is the very same case with water-cresses.

Str. Dear me! so water-cresses grow by thinking!

He begs Socrates to come down and help him in his difficulties. He is very anxious to learn this new Argument—that "which pays no bills." Socrates offers to introduce him to the Clouds, the new goddesses of philosophers—"great divinities to idle men;" and Strepsiades—first begging to be allowed to wrap his cloak round his head for fear of rain, having left home in his hurry without a hat—sits down to await their arrival.

Come, holy Clouds, whom the wise revere,

Descend in the sight of your votaries here!

Whether ye rest on the heights of Olympus,

whereon the sacred snow lies ever,

Or in coral groves of your father Ocean

ye weave with the Nymphs the dance together,

Or draw aloft in your golden vessels

the holy waters of ancient Nile,

Or haunt the banks of the lake Mæotis,

or clothe the Mimas' steeps the while,—

Hear our prayer, gentle goddesses,

take the gifts your suppliants bring,

Smile propitious on these our offerings,

list to the mystic chant we sing!

It is not very easy to comprehend the mode in which the succeeding scene was managed, but the appliances of the Athenian stage were no doubt quite equal to presenting it very effectively. The vast amphitheatre in which these performances took place, open to the sky, and