Page:Comedies of Aristophanes (Hickie 1853) vol2.djvu/257

311—335. petticoat and shoes). What's the matter? Whither in the world is my wife gone? for it is now near morning, and she does not appear. I have been lying this long while wanting to ease myself, seeking to find my shoes and my garment in the dark. And when now, on groping after it, I was not able to find it, but he, Sir-reverence, now continued to knock at the door, I take this kerchief of my wife's, and I trail along her Persian slippers. But where, where could one ease himself in an unfrequented place? or is every place a good place by night? for now no one will see me easing myself. Ah me, miserable! because I married a wife, being an old man. How many stripes I deserve to get! For she never went out to do any good. But nevertheless I must certainly go aside to ease myself.

(coming forward). Who is it? Surely it is not Blepyrus my neighbour? Yes, by Jove! 'tis he himself assuredly. [Goes up to him.] Tell me, what means this yellow colour? Cinesias has not, I suppose, befouled you somehow?

. No; but I have come out with my wife's little saffron-coloured robe on, Avhich she is accustomed to put on.

. But where is your garment?

. I can't tell. For when I looked for it, I did not find it in the bed-clothes.

. Then did you not even bid your wife tell you?