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258 258 ARISTOPHANES

Hoopoe. And what has brought you here ? What was your object ?

Euel2)ides. We wished to advise with you.

Hoopoe. With me ! For what ?

Euelpides. Because you were a man : the same as us ; 131

And found yourself in debt : the same as us ; And did not like to pay : the same as us ; And after that, you changed into a bird ; And ever since have flown and wandered far 135

Over the lands and seas, and have acquired All knowledge that a bird or man can learn.

Therefore we come as suppliants, to beseech Your favor and advice to point us out Some comfortable country, close and snug, mo

A country like a blanket or a rug, Where we might fairly fold ourselves to rest.

Hoopoe. Do you wish then for a greater State than Athens ?

Euelpides. Not greater ; but more suitable for us.

Peisthetairus. Ha ! What a power is here I What opportunities ! i7o

If I could only advise you. I see it all ! The means for an infinite empire and command ! Hoopoe. And what would you have us do ? What 's

your advice ? Peisthetairus. Do ? What would I have ye do ? Why first of all Don't flutter and hurry about all open-mouthed, ns In that undignified way. With us, for instance, At home, we should cry out " What creature 's that? "

to have infected the whole Athenian community with the exception of a few who retained their old agricultural habits.