Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/300

270 270 ARISTOPHANES

JPeisthetairus. The worse luck for ye. Soothsayer. Friend, are you in your senses?

Don't trifle absurdly with religious matters. 66

Here 's a prophecy of Bakis, which expressly Alludes to Nephelococcugia.

JPeisthetairus. How came it, then, you never pro- phesied Your prophecies before the town was built ? 70

Soothsayer. The spirit withheld me. Peisthetairus. And is it allowable now,

To give us a communication of them ?

Soothsayer. Hem !

" Moreover, when the crows and daws unite, To build and settle, in the midway right, Between tall Corinth and fair Sicyon's height, Then to Pandora, let a milk white goat 76

Be slain, and offered, and a comely coat Given to the Soothsayer, and shoes a pair ; IVhen he to you this Oracle shall bear." Peisthetairus. Are the shoes mentioned ? Soothsayer [pretending to feel for his papers']. Look at the book, and see ! " And let him have the entrails ^ for his share." 81 Peisthetairus. Are the entrails mentioned ? Soothsayer [as beforel. Look at the book, and see ! " If you, predestined youth, shall do these things. Then you shall soar aloft, on eagle's wings ; But, if you do not, you shall never be ss

An eagle, nor a hawk, nor bird of high degree." Peisthetairus. Is all this, there ? Soothsayer [as hefore~. Look at the book, and see! Peisthetairus. This Oracle differs most remark- ably, From that which /transcribed in Apollo's temple.

^ The heart, liver, and luugs.