Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/284

254 254 ARISTOPHANES *

Therefore we trudge upon our present travels, With these our sacrificial implements, 55

To seek some easier unlitigious place ; Meaning to settle there and colonize. Our present errand is in search of Tereus (The Hoopoe that is now), to learn from him If in his expeditions, flights, and journeys, eo

He ever chanced to light on such a spot.

Peisthetairus. Holloh !

Euelindes. What 's that?

Peisthetairus. My raven here points upwards.

Decidedly !

Euelpides. Ay, and here 's my jackdaw too, Gaping as if she saw something above. Yes, — I '11 be bound for it ; this must be the place : We '11 make a noise, and know the truth of it. ee

Peisthetairus. Then " kick against the rock." ^

PJueljndes. Knock you your head

Against the rock ! — and make it a double knock !

Peisthetairus. Then fling a stone at it !

Euelpides. With all my heart,

Holloh there !

Peisthetairus. What do you mean with your Hol- loh ? TO You should cry Hoop for a Hoopoe.

Euelpides. Well then. Hoop !

Hoop and holloh, there ! — Hoopoe, Hoopoe, I say !

Trochilus, the Hoopoe s servant. What 's here ? Who 's bawling there ? Who wants my mas- ter?

[ The door is opened, and both parties start at seeing each other.

Eueljndes. Oh mercy, mighty Apollo ! what a beak !

^ " To kick against the rock " was proverbial.