Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/315

285 THE BIRDS 285

Peisthetairus [to Neptune]. And what say you ? JVeptu7ie [firmly and vehemently'. Decidedly I dis- sent. 161 Peisthetairus. Then it depends upon our other friend, It rests with the Triballian ; what say you ?

Trihallian. Me tell you ; pretty girl, grand beau- tiful queen. Give him to birds.

Hercules. Aye, give her up, you mean, les

Ne'ptune. Mean ! He knows nothing about it. He means nothing But chattering like a magpie.

Peisthetairus} Well, " the magpies."

He means the magpies or the birds in general. The republic of the birds — their government — That the surrender should be made to them. no

Neptune in great wratK. Well, settle it your- selves ; amongst yourselves ; In your own style : I 've nothing more to say.

Hercules [to Peisthetairus^. Come, we 're agreed in fact, to grant your terms ; But you must come, to accompany us to the sky ; To take back this same queen, and the other mat- ters. 17δ Peisthetairus [very quietly']. It happens lucky enough, with this provision For a marriage feast. It seems prepared on purpose. Hercules. Indeed, and it does. Suppose in the meanwhile, I superintend the cookery, and turn the roast, While you go back together.

1 Peisthetairus, being sure of his point, amuses himself with arguing nonsensically to provoke Neptune.