Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/292

262 262 ARISTOPHANES

Up to the lofty palace gate, Where mighty Apollo sits in state ; lu Jove's abode, with his ivory lyre. Hymning aloud to the heavenly choir. 245

While all the gods shall join with thee In a celestial symphony. A solo on thefiute, supposed to be the nightingale' s call Peisthetairus. Ο Jupiter ! the dear, delicious bird ! With what a lovely tone she swells and falls, Sweetening the wilderness with delicate air. 250

Euelpides. Hist ! Peisthetairus. What ? Euelpides. Be quiet, can't ye ?

Peisthetairus. What 's the matter ?

Euelpides. The Hoopoe is just preparing for a song. Hoopoe. Hoop ! hoop !

Come in a troop.

Come at a call, 255

One and all, Birds of a feather, All together. Birds of a humble, gentle bill, Smooth and shrill, aeo

Dieted on seeds and grain, Rioting on the furrowed plain, Pecking, hopping, Picking, popping. Among the barley newly sown. 265

Birds of bolder, louder tone.

Lodging in the shrubs and bushes. Mavises and thrushes, On the summer berries browsing. On the garden fruits carousing, 270

All the grubs and vermin smousing.