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280 280 ARISTOPHANES

The continuance of the war prolonging it ;

And you yourselves, by being on good terms 4o

Of harmony with the gods,. . why, for the future,

You 'd never need to know the want of rain,

For water in your tanks ; and we could serve ye

With reasonable, seasonable weather.

According as you wished it, wet or dry. 45

And this is oiir commission coming here.

As envoys, with authority to treat.

Peisthetairus. Well, the dispute, you know, from the beginning. Did not originate with us. The war (If we could hope in any way to bring you so

To reasonable terms) might be concluded. Our wishes, I declare it, are for peace. If the same wish prevails upon your part, The arrangement in itself is obvious. A retrocession on the part of Jupiter. 55

The birds, again to be reintegrated In their estate of sovereignty. This seems The fair result ; and if we can conclude, I shall hope to see the ambassadors to supper. 59

Hercules. Well, this seems satisfactory ; I consent.

Neptune to Hercules]. What's come to ye? What do ye mean ? Are ye gone mad ? You glutton ; would you ruin your own father,^ Depriving him of his ancient sovereignty ?

Peisthetairus ^ [to Neptune]. Indeed ! And would not it be a better method es

For all you deities, and confirm your power. To leave the birds to manage things below ? You sit there, muffled in your clouds above,

1 Jupiter (Zeus).

^ With the civil, good-humored sneer of a superior nnderstauding.