Page:The Eleven Comedies (1912) Vol 1.djvu/301

Rh bearers” to the goddess. I invite you every one to enter, come in and choose whatever you will; there is nothing so well fastened, you cannot break the seals, and carry away the contents. Look about you everywhere you won’t find a blessed thing, unless you have sharper eyes than mine.* And if any of you lacks corn to feed his slaves and his young and numerous family, why, I have a few grains of wheat at home; let him take what I have to give, a big twelve-pound loaf included. So let my poorer neighbours all come with bags and wallets; my man, Manes, shall give them corn; but I warn them not to come near my door, or—beware the dog!

I say, you, open the door!

Go your way, I tell you. Why, bless me, they’re sitting down now; I shall have to singe ’em with my torch to make ’em stir! What an impudent lot of fellows!

I don’t mean to budge.

Well, as you must stop, and I don’t want to offend you—but you’ll see some queer sights.

Well and good, I’ve no objection.

No, no, you must be off—or I’ll tear your hair out, I will; be off, I say, and don’t annoy the Laconian Envoys; they’re just coming out from the banquet-hall.

Such a merry banquet I’ve never seen before! The Laconians were simply charming. After the drink is in, why, we’re all wise men, all. It’s only natural, to be sure,