Page:The Eleven Comedies (1912) Vol 1.djvu/275

Rh

Oh! Zeus, oh! Zeus!

What use calling upon Zeus? The thing is even as I say. I cannot stop them any longer from lusting after the men. They are all for deserting. The first I caught was slipping out by the postern gate near the cave of Pan; another was letting herself down by a rope and pulley; a third was busy preparing her escape; while a fourth, perched on a bird’s back, was just taking wing for Orsilochus’ house, when I seized her by the hair. One and all, they are inventing excuses to be off home. Look! there goes one, trying to get out! Halloa there! whither away so fast?

I want to go home; I have some Miletus wool in the house, which is getting all eaten up by the worms.

Bah! you and your worms! go back, I say!

I will return immediately, I swear I will by the two goddesses! I only have just to spread it out on the bed.

You shall not do anything of the kind! I say, you shall not go.

Must I leave my wool to spoil then?

Yes, if need be.

Unhappy woman that I am! Alas for my flax! I’ve left it at home unstript!