Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/293

263 THE BIRDS 263

Yoli that in a humbler station,

With an active occupation,

Haunt the lowly watery mead,

ΛVarΓing against the native breed, 275

The gnats and flies, your enemies ; In the level marshy plain Of Marathon, pursued and slain.

You that in a squadron driving

From the seas are seen arriving, »o

With the cormorants and mews

Haste to land and hear the news !

All the feathered airy nation.

Birds of every size and station.

Are convened in convocation. sas

For an envoy, queer and shrewd,

Means to address the multitude, And submit to their decision A surprising proposition, For the welfare of the State. 290

Come in a flurry.

With a hurry-scurry, Hurry to the meeting and attend to the debate.

Address of the Chorus to the Audience QThe so-called Parahasis).

Ye Children of Man ! whose life is a span.

Protracted with sorrow from day to day,

Naked and featherless, feeble and querulous.

Sickly, calamitous, creatures of clay !

Attend to the words of the Sovereign Birds 5

(Immortal, illustrious, lords of the air),

Who survey from on high, with a merciful eye.