Page:Comedies of Aristophanes (Hickie 1853) vol1.djvu/214

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. This has been gnawed through. Do not bawl by any means; but let us take care that Bdelyeleon shall not perceive us.

. Fear nothing, my friend, nothing; since I will make him, if he grumble, gnaw his heart, and run the race for his life: that he may know not to trample upon the decrees of the two goddesses. But fasten the small cord through the window and then let yourself down, having fastened yourself to it, and haying filled your soul with Diopithes.

. Come now, if these two perceive you and seek to fish me up, and to draw me within, what will you do? Tell me now.

. We will defend you, all of us, having summoned a heart as tough as oak, so that it shall not be possible to confine you. Such deeds will we perform.

. I will do it then, relying upon you: and remember, if I suffer aught, to take me up, and lament me, and bury me under the bar.

. You shall suffer nought: fear nothing. Come, good sir, let yourself down with confidence, and with prayers to your country's gods.

, (preparing to descend by the window). O master Lycus, neighbouring hero! for you delight in what I do, in the tears of the defendants on each occasion, and their lamentations. At any rate you came and fixed your residence here on purpose, that you might hear these things; and, alone of the heroes, you wished to sit beside the person who wept. Pity and save now your own neighbour, and I will never make water nor break wind near your reed-fence. [Re-enter Bdelycleon.]

. Ho you! get up!

. What is the matter?

. A voice as it were has echoed round me.