SCENE I.
TIME: _Before dawn._
(_Enter_ LYSISTRATA. _She walks to and fro and looks anxiously to right and left._)
LYS. None here! The place is void, the streets are dumb: Though I have called, the women have not come! Ah, had it been for Bacchus, or for Pan, Or Her who casts her woman-wiles on man,-- White foam-born Aphrodite--swift and loud With beat of drums had thronged the giddy crowd To do them honour! Now I stand alone Uncomraded; and these soft hearts are stone While stricken Greece goes stumbling to her death. Yet here comes one!
(_Enter_ CALONICE, _very slowly, dragging her feet, yawning and still dressing herself_.)
What! Are you out of breath With running, Calonice? Good, indeed! O swift of foot, I praise you for your speed!
CAL. Nay, peace, Lysistrata! What trouble now? Why look you sad, my child? That darkened brow Becomes you not.
(_Tries to embrace her._ LYSISTRATA _turns away_.)
LYS. Oh, Calonice, flame Eats at my heart, and wrath, and heavy shame That there be women whom men can rightly hold In base esteem.
CAL. (_adjusting her dress._) Aye, true!
LYS. So when ’twas told How here a voice should speak and bid them rouse For Athen’s sake, naught did they care! They drowse Lapt in fond dreams.
CAL. Well, they must sleep sometimes!
LYS. Yes, and make sleep the cover of their crimes! Not sleep alone--
CAL. “Not sleep _alone_!”
LYS. --but sloth and slavish lust Have made them tame!
CAL. Ah, give them time! You trust My word for it, they’ll come! Often, no doubt, ’Tis difficult for women to get out: For those with husbands have enough to do; And servants need a looking after, too; And then the children--one to put to bed, And one to wash, another to be fed;-- Ah! there’s no end to it!
LYS. And yet, my friend, To all these things now there must be an end. There stands for us a stiffer load to bear.
CAL. Than woman’s burden? Why, what is it? Where? Lysistrata, belongs it ... to our trade?
LYS. Touching alike the matron and the maid.
CAL. (_with sudden comprehension_). Oh! Is that it? What? Is it so you mean?
LYS. Nay, there’s no man in it! Oh, had there been, Out they’d have buzzed like flies to tainted flesh! That which I have in mind is something fresh-- Frost, and yet fire: a love which looks like hate, Barren, yet breeding safety to the State.
CAL. Surely a subtle thing, past women’s ken?
LYS. Nay, not so far; yet past the thoughts of men. The hope of Greece depends on women now.
CAL. What, on us women? A frail hope, I vow! Oh, what a pass! (_Turns away._)
LYS. That wherein now we stand, Surely is worse: for now on every hand, State against State, we waste ourselves in war. Soon shall the breed of Sparta be no more Than a mere name; and Corinth by her seas Will lie in ruins!
CAL. Well, and are not these The foes of Athens?
LYS. Foes! the race which slew With us the Persian? Athens will go, too, When Sparta dies: for, Greece being drained of men And emptied of her strength, we perish then Beyond redemption!
CAL. Aye, most miserably! For without men where should we women be?
LYS. Therefore I call on women to unite And win for us salvation.
CAL. What? To fight?
LYS. A woman’s battle.
CAL. Think you we can win?
LYS. Word has gone forth: and let them but come in To Athens from the North and Peloponnese, The women in alliance shall save Greece.
CAL. Oh! they won’t come! What, shall the Spartan wives Join hands with _us_, while Spartans risk their lives In war on Athens? Did I not hear of late My husband say never was there such hate As now ’twixt us and them?
LYS. I have a plan Of peace: each woman must subdue her man.
CAL. What can a woman do, save to go dressed In saffron robe, with loose Cimmerian vest And sandalled feet? Can hands which ply their craft On curl and comb, and ointment, hold the haft Of weaponed war? (_Seats herself._)
LYS. These are the very things Wherewith to fight; from them salvation springs,-- The saffron robe, the delicate sandalled feet, The broidered vest, the curl, the ointment sweet!
CAL. How? To what end shall these things help us here?
LYS. (_rises_). So that henceforth no man shall lift a spear Against his neighbour.
CAL. Nay, my wits are weak: Your words sound empty.
LYS. So that Greek ’gainst Greek Shall take up arms no more,--
CAL. Then joy betide! Swiftly I’ll get me a robe with saffron dyed!
LYS. Nor bear a shield,--
CAL. (_re-arranging her dress_). I’ll don the broidered vest!
LYS. Nor wield a sword!
CAL. Sandals, aye, of the best!
LYS. For such an end should women not stand by?
CAL. Nay, by the gods, now ought they not to fly-- _Fly_ to us?
(_Dawn has begun._)
LYS. Ah! In every Grecian State Women are doing as they ought--too late! Not from the coast nor yet from Salamis Comes countenance or aid;
(_Sounds of approaching voices from all sides._)
CAL. Yet I know this,-- Swift boats came o’er the strait at break of day.
LYS. And the Acharnian women still hold away, Though first of all I reckoned upon these!
CAL. I heard of one--wife of Theogenes-- Swearing by Hecate _she_ meant to come.
(_Voices outside grow louder._)
But see, look yonder now! For there be some; And here be others. Ha! ha! Whence come these?
LYS. From Anagyrus.
CAL. By the gods, one sees Something has stirred them now, at any rate!
(_Enter_ MYRRHINA, _followed by_ STRATYLLIS _and others; they are chattering and laughing, excited and half-dressed. As they come they are finishing their toilets._)
MYRR. (_mincingly_). Lysistrata, I hope I am not too late. Will you not speak then? Why so black a brow?
(_Goes to_ LYSISTRATA, _who turns away_.)
LYS. How can I praise you that you come but now-- So slow, Myrrhina, when Greece seeks our aid?
MYRR. ’Twas dark: I lost my girdle, and was afraid To come alone.
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. I could not find my shoes.
2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. Nor I my cap.
3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. Nay, truly?
STRAT. Well, what news? What have we come for,--tell us!
MYRR. If the need Be pressing, let us hear!
LYS. Not so, indeed! Wait till those other women, who set forth First to our summons, from the south and north, From Peloponnese and from Bœotia come.
(_More voices are heard approaching._)
MYRR. Oh, when you please! But yonder I see some.
(_The women wave greetings. Enter from the left_ LAMPITO _with other_ SPARTANS.)
LYS. O dear Laconia! Welcome, Lampito! How shines your beauty, and how bright a glow Of colour fills your face! O strong of limb! Were Minotaur your match you’d throttle him.
LAMP. By the twin gods, I would try, any way! I am a match for men, at fight or play.
(_Bends her arm and displays her biceps; a murmur of admiration goes round; and other women feel theirs._)
LYS. Oh, what fair form is this?
LAMP. Nay, friend, let go! Am I a victim that you hold me so?
LYS. A pledge of victory that shall soon be ours. Ah, who be these?
(_The sun rises. Enter_ BŒOTIAN WOMEN.)
LAMP. Bœotians.
LYS. What bright flowers! O fair Bœotia, with the full sweet breast And locks wherein the sunlight seems to rest, I give you greeting. Next?
(The BŒOTIAN WOMEN stand staring and giggling. Enter CORINTHIAN WOMEN.)
LAMP. Corinthians these.
LYS. Oh, welcome Corinth, that between two seas Lieth embraced, yet stayeth a virgin still.
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. O double faced! (_Aside._)
2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. Her looks belie it. (_Aside._)
3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. Be still! (_Aside._)
LAMP. Who called us hither?
LYS. I.
LAMP. What was your will? (_A pause._) Nay, here we stand: therefore, I say, disclose Why hast thou brought to Athens friends and foes.
CORINTH. Tell us!
SEVERAL WOMEN (_excitedly_). Aye, speak!
MYRR. (_sarcastically_). This great, this pressing need.
LYS. Yea, I will speak. (_Slowly._) But first, my friends,---- (_Exclamation of impatience from all._) give heed To one small question.
SEVERAL WOMEN. Ask us what you please!
LYS. O wives and mothers, to whom war decrees A life unhusbanded, do ye not yearn For those who gave you children to return?
(_A pause._)
SEVERAL WOMEN. Do we not yearn? Oh, me! do we not yearn? We yearn, we burn, to learn of their return!
LYS. Full well ye know how long they have been kept On foreign service.
CAL. Aye, ten moons I’ve slept A widow!
BŒOT. And I!--No husband have I seen For five long months or more.
MYRR. And mine has been Absent in Pylos seven.
CORINTH. And mine the same.
LAMP. My lover, too. A week ago he came; Yet scarce had time to lay by sword and shield Ere back again they called him to the field.
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O womanhood, that waits with widowed breast Safe in the guarded home, yet finds no rest!
CHORUS OF WOMEN. Ah!
(_A long-drawn sigh._)
LYS. So men make war, and women bear the theft. There’s scarcely a gallant or a lover left In Attica. (_The women burst into tears._) And those who stay behind Still goad them to it. O women, would ye find A way to end this war--say at what price?
MYRR. I’d pawn my frock!
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. I too!
2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. And I!
3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. And I!
CAL. I’d take a knife and slice My body into fillets like fish for pence!
LAMP. And I would climb Taygetus, if thence I might get sight of peace!
(_General consent._)
LYS. Well, hear me then, for now I speak! Ye know How at each festival they make a show And a pretence of peace, calling a truce:-- And each man then comes home.
CAL. Ah! for what use? Just for one greedy bite--then off again. A snack of comfort. Oh, I know these men!
LYS. And now, to-day, ye look for their return.
SEVERAL WOMEN. Yes, yes.
LYS. Brief is the truce, and brief the bliss ye earn For all your waiting.
ALL THE WOMEN (_sighing_). Aye!
LYS. For while men fight Never shall women’s love retain its right In hearth and home.
ALL THE WOMEN. ’Tis true!
LYS. Well, hearken then, And be ye brave!... If ye would make these men Wishful for peace we women must ... abstain.
MYRR. From what?
LYS. Oh, me! if now I plead in vain.
ALL THE WOMEN. From what? From what?
LYS. It is no easy thing.
LAMP. Let it be hard!
CAL. Oh, cease this torturing!
LYS. In this fresh truce, what ye must bear is more Than ye have borne through all the years of war.
ALL THE WOMEN. What?
LYS. Will ye do it?
MYRR. Yes, even though we die!
(_A long pause._)
LYS. Abstain ye, then ... from love. (_All draw back and turn sorrowfully away._) Oh, sisters, why Do ye turn from me? Whither will ye go? Why have ye shut your lips? Why shake ye so Your heads at me? Why pale and turned to tears? Will ye, or will ye not?...
(_Each one whom she challenges turns from her._)
O ye deaf ears! O women, where is your high purpose gone?
MYRR. (_in low, firm tone_). I cannot do it. Let the war go on!
CAL. Nor I. War must go on.
(_Comfortably accepting the inevitable._)
LYS. What you--you fish Ready for filletting!
CAL. Oh, let us wish For any cure but that!
ALL THE WOMEN. Aye, any cure but that!
CAL. At your desire I would be willing even to walk through fire! But--take not love away!
ALL THE WOMEN. Not love! Not love!
LYS. (to MYRRHINA). And what say you?
MYRR. (_trippingly_). To walk through fire I would be willing too.
CORINTH. Fire? Oh, that’s nothing! Fire?
BŒOT. I wouldn’t care.
3RD ATHEN. Woman. I would do anything--go anywhere.
CORINTH. But to do _this_, I _couldn’t_! Well, you see-- ’Twould be so useless--so _unwomanly_.
LYS. Oh, wretched race, which makes all Greece its grave! Women be vessels driven by wind and wave-- In nothing steadfast.... Ah, Laconia’s bride, Speak for me, Lampito; be on my side!
(LAMPITO _is quiet for a moment, she closes her eyes and sways to and fro biting her lips, then speaks with conviction and resolution._)
LAMP. Now, by the gods, a woman’s life is hard When of her lover’s lips she stays debarred.... Yet we must do it: the land hath need of peace.
LYS. O bravest woman! One, out of all these!
CAL. But if we do, what profit will it bring? How without love comes peace or anything?
LYS. Hark! I will show. Let each go to her home, Put on fair raiment, ply the paint and comb With secret art,--over the tender breast With cords of gold unloop the scented vest: Then wait, and when your warriors return After long absence, oh, shall they not burn To kiss the lips where welcome seems to wait So lovingly? And when a harder fate Meets their advances, and a voice cries “Go! Not till ye bring us peace!” Full well I know Peace will come quickly then.
(_The_ WOMEN _during this speech have been gradually won over: it appeals to their sex-vanity._)
LAMP. (_rising to full height_). O most true word! Even so fierce Menelaus sheathed his sword For the bright breasts of Helen!
MYRR. You speak fair! But, friend, suppose our husbands ... went elsewhere?
LYS. Is yours like that? The covers will be bare.
CAL. What if they come and take the kiss by force?
(_The_ BŒOTIAN WOMEN _shake their heads continuously. The rest listen anxiously._)
LYS. Cling to the door-post, then; or lock the doors!
CAL. What if they beat us?
LYS. Still ye can annoy, Still fret and vex; for no man can have joy If ye afflict him.
CAL. (_shaking her head_). Ah! Mine won’t give in!
LYS. Let him hold out--what profit shall he win? Surely ye know, each in your secret heart, Smooth are a woman’s ways to make men smart.
CAL. There, there, I don’t deny it. It’s true indeed! Well, since ye wish it, are the rest agreed?
CORINTH. Perhaps. I’ll wait and see.
LYS. Nay, answer now! Oh come, ye women, and take up this vow!
LAMP. Each to persuade her lover or her mate? Easy for us! But here you have a State Governed by party--babblers without brain.
LYS. Each must persuade her party.
LAMP. Nay, ’tis vain. Voteless ye cannot! The fleet stands equipped, Supply is voted, and each party, whipped To its own ends, strives only to get hold Of power, and office, and the public gold.
LYS. And when no gold remains, then war will cease.
CAL. Is it till then that we must wait for peace? Why! in yon Parthenon the State has stores Of gold that would provide a dozen wars!
LYS. Make your mind easy: I have planned for this: To-day we seize upon the Acropolis. (_General excitement._) Word has gone forth, and while we here debate The elders of our women have passed the gate: Soon will the prize be ours.
CAL. And all the gold?
LYS. That, and the public peace is yours to hold.
ALL THE WOMEN. Evoe! Evoe! Evoe!
(_They run about waving their veils and shouting._)
LAMP. You have planned well!
LYS. So, that our cause may stand inviolable, Now take the oath, then forward let us fare. Are you content?
ALL THE WOMEN. We are!
CAL. Nay, have a care! What are we doing?
LAMP. Speak, then, the word!
CAL. In what form do we swear?
LYS. In blood of bulls poured out upon a shield.
STRAT. It were ill-omened on so dark a field To sue for peace.
LYS. How then?
CAL. Take a white horse, Slay it; then sit thereon!
LYS. That has no force.
STRAT. Why not a goat?
MYRR. A dove?
BŒOT. No; something big!
CORINTH. A cow?
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. A fish, a filleted fish! (_to_ CALONICE).
CAL. (_repulsing her_). A pig!
LYS. Nay, sisters, is not this a fairer sign? Take a great goblet. (_Shouts of “Yes!” and “No!”_ LAMPITO _threatens the dissentients_). Slay a cask of wine: Fill up the cup; then let the oath begin-- “Not until peace will I pour water in!”
LAMP. O Mother Earth, to thee I make this oath!
LYS. Bring cup, and hulk of wine. (SERVANT _carries away shield and brings back cup and wine-skin_). and set them both Here on this altar. (CALONICE _takes the cup and exhibits it_.) Thou fair girth and form, Who clasps and drinks of thee, his blood grows warm; Who lacks of thee, lacks also of life’s crown! (_To_ CALONICE.) Lift up the victim: set the goblet down. (_The cup is set down. The wine-skin is held ready above it._) Fair goddess of Persuasion, and sweet Cup Of comfortable Love, take and drink up, Friendly to us, this blood!
(_She stabs the wine-skin: the wine flows out._)
CAL. (_smacking her lips_). It bubbles well!
CORINTH. Brightly it runs!
(WOMEN _smack their lips_.)
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN (_sniffing with relish_). Aye, and how sweet a smell!
LAMP. By the twin gods, how it awakes my thirst!
LYS. Permit me, O fair comrades, to drink first.
(_She takes up the cup._)
CAL. No, by the gods! Wait till the lots be cast.
LYS. Come, Lampito, and let us all link fast Our hands around the bowl: then let my word Lead for the rest: and after ye have heard Let one among you speak: so, having cried Our common cause, thereto shall ye abide.
(_They all lay hands on the cup._)
LYS. “I swear there is no man, lover or spouse”--
(_A pause._)
(_The other women beckon for_ CALONICE _to speak: she shakes her head and draws back_. LYSISTRATA _catches her by the shoulder and draws her forward. She still remains silent till_ LAMPITO _gives her a hard push from behind_.)
CAL. “I swear there is no man, lover or spouse”--
LYS. “Whom I will meet to mate with or yield vows”-- (_A pause._ LYSISTRATA _stamps her foot_.) Say it!
CAL. “Whom I will meet or mate with to yield vows”--
LYS. “Of love.”
CAL. “Of love.” (_Sobs._)
LYS. “But I will lead a life chaste and austere”--
CAL. (_struggling with her emotions_). “But I will lead a life chaste and austere”--
LYS. “Decked in a saffron robe, and in such gear”--
CAL (_half laughing, half crying_). “Decked in a saffron robe, and in such gear”--
LYS. “That he who loves me needs must love me more”-- --Don’t drop the bowl!--
(_The women show relief, the_ BŒOTIANS _giggle_. LAMPITO _nudges them_. CALONICE’S _spirits begin to revive_.)
CAL. “That he who loves me needs must love me more”--
LYS. “And for the kiss denied feel hunger sore.”
CAL. (_doubtful and apprehensive_). “And for the kiss denied feel hunger sore.”
LYS. “I will provide cold lips for him to taste,”
CAL. Ah, lies, all lies! (_Aside._) “Cold lips for him to taste----”
LYS. “His arm shall not be wound about my waist!”
CAL. (_reluctantly, her voice breaking_). “His arm shall not be wound about my waist.”
LYS. “If I stand firm, the cup of joy be mine!”
CAL. “If I stand firm--(_sobs_)--the cup of joy be mine!” (_Sobs._)
LYS. “If I break faith, let water drown the wine.”
CAL. Yes ... I mean it!
(CALONICE _sobs over the wine-cup_.)
LYS. So swear we all. (_Lifts the cup._)
ALL THE WOMEN. So, by high Zeus we swear!
LYS. Thus pledged I drink.
CAL.. Here! don’t you take my share!
(CALONICE _drinks deep. The other women seize hold of the cup_.)
LAMP. Nay, cease, I tell you! Let it pass about As between equals.
(_Drinks and passes it. The cup goes round._ CALONICE _follows it_.) (_A shout is heard within._)
LAMP. Ha! what was that shout?
LYS. That which I planned and told. Know ye by this Our women warders hold the Acropolis.
(_General excitement. Some run to look over the gate, wave to those within, and run back again._)
(_Enter an_ OLD WOMAN, _bearing a key. She gives it to_ LYSISTRATA.)
Now farewell, comrades, farewell, Lampito. Swiftly let each one to her city go, There to breed peace! Meanwhile we will hold these Fair pledges of your troth, as hostages. Come, Corinth, to your foes be faithful now; And you in Athens keep your Spartan vow.
(_She draws hostages from the Spartans, Corinthians, and Bœotians, and passes them to the care of the Athenians._)
THE WOMEN CHORUS. Now for the Women’s War!
ALL THE WOMEN. Evoe! Evoe!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O Pallas, bring us peace!
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Nay, wait and see! Look, who comes yonder!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Ho, such poor old men, Marching in rows, and bearing logs: eight, ten-- A dozen or more!
4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Ugh! how they limp!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. And how they drag their tails!
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. And how they crawl-- Like snails Up a long wall!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Oh, me! what mighty warriors be these?
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O ye great surges, ye white-crested seas, Come ye to overwhelm us in your flood Of feeble waters that were once strong blood!
4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. What must we do
(_The_ WOMEN _laugh and flourish defiantly_.)
CAL. Ah! there’ll be others soon in their alliance-- They’ll come and make short work of our defiance.
LYS. I care not for them! For they shall not bring Enough of threat, or force, or fire to fling Open these gates, until our terms be won. Not so, by Heaven! (_She raises her hand, the women rally round her._) Our cause were then undone For ever--to have women first proclaimed So fierce and formidable, and then so tamed! Be brave, quit you like men! So fare ye well. Now to the gates! Bar up the citadel!
(_Exeunt_ LAMPITO _with the_ CORINTHIANS and BŒOTIANS. _The_ ATHENIAN WOMEN _pass in through the gates_. LYSISTRATA _enters last_.)
CHORUS (_sung as the women pass out_). Pallas Athene, hear! Bend from thy throne, And make, with lifted spear, Our cause thine own! O walls of Athens, homes of Greece, The women’s war shall bring you peace.
(_The gates are shut and bolted._)
(_The stage remains empty and silent, the slow, heavy tread of the men is heard approaching._)
(_From within the gates a woman calls “Cuckoo!” three times._)
(_Enter_ CHORUS OF OLD MEN. _Some carry a heavy log on their shoulders, others bundles of firewood. Two of them bear upon a pole a brazier or firepan._)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Advance, march firmly on; be not dejected! Although like beasts of burden on our shoulder We bear this yoke of olive which we have hauled for So great a distance----
SEVERAL MEN. So great a distance!
(_They move a step forward._)
2ND LEADER OF MEN. And which with sore abrasion Galleth the flesh:--
SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp! Galleth the flesh!
(_Another step forward._)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Although its weight is great And the occasion Most melancholy and most uncalled for----
SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp! Uncalled for!
(_Another step forward._)
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Still swiftly we advance toward the gate,
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Summoned by Fate----
SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp!
(_Another step forward._)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. To the high gods’ assistance.
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Truly in a long life as one grows older, One learns that troubles still come unexpected!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. So here’s a fresh example set before us! Whoever would have thought, O Strymodorus, That woman----
1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF MEN. Woman!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Whom, in her sphere, the home A manifest but necessary pest----
SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp!
(_Another step forward._)
4TH LEADER OF MEN. We meekly have supported.
1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF MEN. Supported!
SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp!
(_Another step forward._)
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Would ever have resorted----
3RD LEADER OF MEN. To such a course as this!
1ST, 2ND, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. As this!
SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp!
(_Another step forward._)
3RD LEADER OF MEN. And got possession of the Virgin shrine And of the Acropolis--_my_ Acropolis.
1ST, 2ND, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. _My_ Acropolis!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. And blocked the Propylæa--yours and mine.
1ST, 2ND, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. Yours and mine!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. With hostile bolts and bars.
ALL THE MEN. Ho-hopp!
(_Those in front flag, the forepart of the log is let down. The four_ LEADERS _come forward, leaving the others to do the carrying. All immediately strike work._)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. So, ye propitious stars, Now let us haste.
2ND LEADER OF MEN. And without waste of time Take up our task sublime:
3RD LEADER OF MEN. And heaping up the pyre Round all whom in this plot we count the worst--
4TH LEADER OF MEN. With our own hands set fire To women so abominable, so accurst!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Let us take first Lysistrata, the wife Of Lycon:
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Never again While I have life Shall she be heard making her mock on men.
3RD LEADER OF MEN. But now the steepest part of all the track Toward those gates whereto I press with speed Remains to pass: And I must lift, alas! This load. (_He indicates the log of olive._) And bear it up, alack, alack, Unaided on my galled and jaded-- Back.
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Tarry awhile: this fire needs looking to, Lest at our goal we find it perished quite, And what, then, should we do?
(_They gather round firepan._)
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Faugh! Faugh! Now by my soul This fire out of its pan Like a mad dog has leapt and tries to bite-- Flies at my eyes, depriving me of sight!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Oh, sorry joke!
3RD LEADER OF MEN (_rousing the carriers_). But haste, and to the citadel press on! The goddess needs your aid.
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Quick, Laches, now or never! Though I am stayed By this most stubborn fire, I come anon.
1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. Faugh! Faugh! Oh, what a smoke!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Yet, favoured of the gods, it lives, it wakes!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Therefore I say, abandon now this yoke. And, kindling at the flame these vine-wood stakes, Rush forward!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. And with a sudden stroke Beat in the doors!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. For if these rebel women--when we knock,
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Or when we call,
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Fail to unloose the lock--
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Then let us fall Swiftly upon them--
4TH LEADER OF MEN. With fell fire and shock Of onset!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Rout them!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Smoke them from their hive--
3RD LEADER OF MEN. And burn them up alive!
(_They fall to action with the unlit torches._)
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Ay, you say well! But first uplift this load And set it as a trophy on our road.
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Proof of the victory which here befell!
(_They set the log up on end._)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. And now--for it is time that ye began-- Quick to your business, pan!
(_They thrust their torches into the firepan._)
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Catch, kindle, burn, lend me a torch of fire.
(_Four women’s heads appear over the ramparts watching them._)
4TH LEADER OF MEN. And light me to the goal of my desire,
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Where rampant women, daring to rebel, With impious hands have seized my citadel.
(_They catch sight of the women, and crouch with their lighted torches below the steps leading to the gates._)
(_Enter_ CHORUS OF WOMEN _from citadel. They pretend to be unaware of the old men’s presence._)
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. What fire is this? What smoke that mounts to Heaven? Oh, women, hasten! Was the warning given Too late?
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. What if it be One of our sisters, that too tardily Hath hither run; and even now, entrapped By evil men and unjust laws, stands lapt In flame of martyrdom!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Come, quickly come! O women, bring Your pitchers from the spring!
(_Enter the_ WATER CARRIERS.)
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Oh, me! I am afraid Lest we have come too late to offer aid.
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Not so! (_pointing to the_ OLD MEN).
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Tarry, for I have heard That certain gay old dogs, Men past their prime, With brains and senses blurred, Diseased by age, Have come forth carrying logs And full of rage, To burn us to a cinder.
ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS (_fiercely_). Ah!
(_The_ OLD MEN _grow uncomfortable_.)
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. So dark a crime Shall we not hinder?
ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS. Yes!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Therefore, O maiden of the golden crest, Guardian divine, We women hold thy shrine.
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. So to our gain, O goddess, now unsheath Thy strength: and if these men set fire beneath Send thou down--Rain!
ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS (_lifting their pitchers_). Send thou down--Rain!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. What’s this I see below us?
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O greybeards, old in sin, Is it thus that ye begin To overthrow us?
(_The_ OLD MEN _scatter and slink away into shelter, hiding behind each other’s backs_.)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. This is most unexpected! Nay what form Of war is this?
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Get back! We are detected! Get back, get back!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. See from the Acropolis women in a swarm All unprovoked come running to the attack!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Tut, tut! Go back, go back!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Why do ye threaten us? Are we so few? The women ye now see in front of you Are not one-thousandth part of them that wait Our call within the gate.
1ST LEADER OF MEN. O brothers--brothers, will ye let them prate? You want a whipping! (_To the women._)
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Yes, a good thick stick Broken across your backs.
STRAT. Come, sisters, quick! Set down your pitchers! (_The_ WOMEN _set them down_.) There! now take your choice: Which of us first?
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Ah, you had had no voice Left, had I dealt with you as I would like!
STRAT. Well, here I am then (_advances_). What, will no one strike? (_The_ MEN _are silent_.) Not one? (_To_ LEADER OF MEN.) Come, be a man, lift up your mace-- Smite: and thereafter never show your face.
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Be silent! Else I’ll strip and beat you bare!
ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS. Ah, do it! do it! do it! Hurt but one hair, Or with one finger dare to lay a scratch Upon her body!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Well? And when I match My fists to hers--where will the hurt be, then?
STRAT. Quick in the minds and consciences of men-- Deeper than fang can bite or gadfly sting!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Well said the poet--“No more shameless thing Exists, than woman!”
STRAT. Oh, take up once more Your pitchers, women! Ye need not fear war With such faint hearts as these. Call them not men!
(_The_ WOMEN _take up their pitchers and begin to retire. The_ OLD MEN _grow bold again_.)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Call yourselves women! There, be off again!
2ND LEADER OF MEN (_with curiosity_). What was that water for?
STRAT. For what that fire? Old foot-in-the-grave, was it your funeral pyre You came to light?
3RD LEADER OF MEN (_furiously_). No, yours!
STRAT. Sought ye to learn How water puts out fire?
3RD LEADER OF MEN. How fire can burn! Wait! You shall get a scorching!
STRAT. (_turning and advancing towards him_). Oh, you grub! Have you brought soap then? Do you want a tub?
ALL WOMEN CHORUS. D’ you want a tub?
3RD LEADER OF MEN. A tub?
STRAT. A nuptial bath. Oh, to thy side Take me, Tithonus! Let me be thy bride!
(_The_ WOMEN _laugh_.)
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Fire, fire on them!
(_The_ MEN _advance with torches. The_ WOMEN _lift and swing back their pitchers_.)
STRAT. Then, pitcher, to thy task!
(_The_ WOMEN _run down the steps and empty their pitchers over the men_.)
ALL MEN CHORUS. Oh me! Woe, woe!
STRAT. What, is it hot?
ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS (_laughing_). Hot? Is it hot?
ALL THE MEN CHORUS. Hot? Hot? Why do you ask? Oh stop, let be! let be!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. What are you doing? Oh women, let me go!
STRAT. We water you, being young, that ye may grow.
ALL THE MEN CHORUS (_trembling, and with chattering teeth_). I’m old: I’m cold!
ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS (_imitating them_). I’m old: I’m cold!
STRAT. Get back into your pot! Go to your fire, and warm yourself!
(_The_ WOMEN _pick up their pitchers, and run off laughing_.)
(_The_ OLD MEN _huddle miserably about the fire_.)
(_Enter_ COMMITTEE-MAN, _accompanied by his_ SECRETARY.)
COM. What? What? What means this noise of women? Have the jades Started their rackettings again--their raids, Their drummings, and their voices from the roof At public meetings? Aye, had we not proof When Strellus in debate, only last week, On Naval policy, began to speak Of unlaunched keels left rotting on the slips: Says he--most wisely--“You must _man_ your ships As well as build them.” Suddenly in burst A voice from nowhere--“Man your women first!” It was his daughter! Athens being drained Of marriageable men, affairs grow strained Within the home. Then, on another occasion, Brennus was holding forth about invasion, Conscription, taxes, and the waste of war: When all at once a voice squeaks through the door-- “What about women?”
ATHEN. WOMAN (_opening and shutting door of Acropolis_). “What about women?”
COM. Well, then, what about ’em? Ugh! if I had my way I’d up and out ’em. In no time! _Women!_
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Yes, we quite agree: “Women!” Nay wait, and you shall hear and see How we’ve been treated! (_They all come out and display themselves_.) There! Behold what payment To us is meted!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. See how from our raiment The water drops Run down!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. See, see, what sops Thus They have made of us!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. We are like rain-flushed sewers!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Like bursting mains!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Women with ewers--
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Have turned us into drains!
COM. Oh, fitly are ye punished, for have not ye Yourselves trained women to this villainy?
ALL THE MEN CHORUS. _We_ trained them?
COM. Have ye not sped them in the game of sex?
ALL THE MEN CHORUS. Game of sex?
COM. And bled your pockets to adorn their necks?
1ST LEADER OF MEN. No, _I’ve_ not!
COM. Taught them to twine and coil and paint their eyes, And paid the price for all their amorous sighs Present and absent, faithful and foresworn?
2ND LEADER OF MEN. _We_ pay the price?
COM. Aye! round their necks full many a clasp is worn Not of _your_ making.
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Not of _our_ making?
(_The_ OLD MEN _turn and consult each other accusingly_.)
COM.. Where do such things lead? Where but to this?--that when I come in need-- Aye, and with warrant--of money for the State, I am shut out, and women hold the gate. There they combine, call themselves “comrades”, “sisters”-- Rebels and law-breakers and tax-resisters!
1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF MEN. Comrades? Sisters? Rebels? Law--
(_While he speaks the women have come out again, and stand in rows listening silently_.)
COM. Stand not to stare, ye fools! Search till ye find That woman, by whose word they stand combined! Fetch me Lysistrata! Bring rams and lay Levers beneath the gates, and force your way!
(_Enter_ LYSISTRATA. _The_ WOMEN _spread their cloaks and make a carpet for her to walk upon_.)
LYS. Nay, use no force! Lay down your battering ram! Seek ye conciliation? Here I am How can force help you here? Are levers meant To take the place of reason and consent?
COM. Abominable creature! Hold your peace! Seize her and bind her fast! (_No one stirs._) Police! Police! Where are the police?
(_Enter a_ POLICEMAN.)
STRAT. Now, by Artemis! Who first dares touch her, he shall weep for this, If he remain a man!
(POLICEMAN _falls back_.)
COM. Are you afraid, Fellow? Go, then, call others to your aid-- Bring reinforcements!
(_He goes, and returns with a second_ POLICEMAN.)
STRAT. Now look what you do? If you but touch her, we will jump on you!
COM. More reinforcements! (_They go and return with a third_ POLICEMAN.) Aye, bind this one first! And gag her too! (_Points to_ STRATYLLIS.) These chatterers are the worst!
STRAT. For cowards who fear the truth!
(POLICE _advance up steps_.)
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. See that you lay No hand on her!
(_Other_ WOMEN _threaten--the_ POLICE _retreat_.)
COM. Why do ye run away? What’s this? What’s this? Back boobies, to your task!
(_The_ POLICE _rally, and again advance_.)
2ND ATHEN. WOMAN (_pushing back the other and taking her place_). By Pallas, I will make a Gorgon’s mask Of him who touches her!
(_The_ POLICE _hesitate. During the speech of the_ COMMITTEE-MAN _which follows the_ WOMEN _cry “Quack, Quack!” at intervals_.)
COM. (_putting a pole into their hands_). For shame, for shame! Will ye be beaten? Are ye all so tame? Stricken of women, and of strength bereft! Rally and march! Right left, right left, right left!
(_The_ POLICE _advance with the pole in a compact body_.)
LYS. Now by the light of heaven, ye shall begin To know our strength! Ho, women! there within!
(_The_ WOMEN _crowd to the gates_.)
(LYSISTRATA _backs up the steps. The_ POLICE _mount after her_.)
(_The_ WOMEN _open to right and left, and hold their scarves ready to noose the_ POLICEMEN.)
(_Some of the_ WOMEN _seize hold of the poles_.)
COM. Twist back their hands, policemen!
LYS. Help! A stroke For freedom! Come, ye women, ye market folk, Ye buyers and sellers, ye keepers of the home, Ye workers rich and poor, I bid you come!
(_They all rush out._)
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. Will ye not drag? Will ye not beat and smite? Will ye not face the foe, and put to flight?
(_The_ WOMEN _throw their cloaks over the_ POLICE, _tie them up, and drag them into the citadel_.)
(_The others dance and scream with joy._)
LYS. Stop! Do no harm to them. Return again!
COM. Alas, how miserably have fared my men!
LYS. What did ye look for? When ye crossed our path Thought ye that we were slaves? Is there no wrath In woman, and no hurt if she be stirred?
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Master Commissioner, waste not a word On such wild beasts as these.
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Did you not see To what a drenching bath They treated me Who dared to cross their path-- Having done nothing!
LYS. Nothing? In such wise The swelled head has to learn through swollen eyes.
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Oh, Zeus, what shall we make of fiends like these, Monsters intolerable?
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Nay, but inquire of them and bid them tell How came they, with what intent, to seize Our sacred citadel?
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Ask, ask, repeat, And do not be persuaded By feminine deceit:
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Nor, I entreat, Let the straightforward question be evaded.
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Why, ask them why--
4TH LEADER OF MEN. And pause for a reply--
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Why, on the untrodden rock Of our Acropolis, With bolt and bar and lock, Have they done this?
COM. There, plain put, is the question. (_To_ LYSISTRATA.) Come then, tell-- Why have you seized upon our citadel?
LYS. To save the public fund from ends more fit, And that ye should not fight because of it.
COM. Think you it is for _money_ that we fight?
LYS. Not that alone: for evil is the plight Of Athens now! Lo, sunk into the dust She lies a victim to man’s pride and lust For power.
ALL THE WOMEN. Aye! true enough! ’tis true, ’tis true!
COM. Dear me! indeed! And pray what would _you_ do To make things better?
LYS. If fair words avail, Patience, and you shall hear.
COM. Go, croak your tale!
LYS. Aye, for of former times now would I speak, And former wars, when women all too meek Bore and endured; and then, when, sick at heart, Yet with a smile, we sought to know what part Ye played for peace, in wrath the answer flew-- “Be silent, woman! What is that to you?” And I was--silent.
CAL. (_aside_). Not I!
COM. Aye, and you had best Be silent now!
LYS. Silent I strove to rest There in the home: till presently again Came news of further mischief; and when, fain To learn the cause of it, one dared to ask “How is it, husband, that ye do this task, Ye men, so ill?”--quick, with a furtive eye, Grudging one’s right to question, he would cry, “Stick to your loom! Leave politics to men, Lest ye fare worse!”
COM. Aye, he spake rightly then!
LYS. How was it right? Shall it not be our turn Ever to speak our thoughts, and yours to learn And profit?
COM. What! must I yield place and give Woman her way? Then may I cease to live! Functions performed by one, two cannot share!
LYS. Try then the woman’s part, and leave the care Of State henceforth to us!
(COMMITTEE-MAN _and_ CHORUS _all laugh_.)
COM. (_contemptuously_). How will you do it?
LYS. That we shall arrange.
COM. What? With my money?
LYS. Why should that seem strange? Are not your homes, your servants, and your whole Domestic property in our control?
COM. We want the money to carry on the war!
LYS. Why? To what end? What are you fighting for?
COM. How else shall we be saved, or Greece be freed?
LYS. We’ll save you.
COM. _You_? A sorry plight indeed!
LYS. Trust us--you shall be saved against your will.
COM. Pooh! The idea!
LYS. That makes you angrier still?
COM. It is absurd! Women save men from war! We don’t want to be saved!
LYS. So much the more Ye need salvation.
COM. And pray, what concern Have you in the matter?
LYS. Ah, that you must learn.
COM. Speak, or you’ll get a beating!
LYS. (_sarcastically_). O restrain That master-hand!
COM. See then, that you refrain From vexing me!
LYS. Vexing? Why, soon through Greece We shall be known and named--Makers of Peace!
COM. Pray, on what plan?
LYS. First from the public street Remove those monuments of male conceit-- The military loungers!
CAL. Aye, good sooth! Fools who go swaggering from booth to booth, In time of peace, rigged in full fighting kit!
COM. Well, wherefore not?
LYS. Oh, I am sick of it! What are they armed for?
COM. It becomes them well.
CAL. Becomes them? What?--to buy a mackerel Girt with a sword and brandishing a shield. Ugh!--one I saw last week, back from the field All plumed and combed--the captain of a troop, And in his helmet he was carrying soup! Another with a javelin dancing jigs To frighten an old woman who sold figs-- Picking out all the ripe ones.
COM. Well, of course, All government has to depend on force. How would you manage? Eh?
LYS. Avoiding fuss. As with a tangled thread: we take it thus, Singly--one line of wool from all the skein; Then here and there we draw it without strain, Finer and smoother. So would we end war By peaceful embassies, still sending more If the first failed, still weaving in and out-- Till men forgot the thing they fought about.
COM. And think you, then, that one could extricate With such wool-gatherings the affairs of State, You silly woman?
CAL. Had you sense, you’d try!
LYS. Here in our city the same cure would apply.
COM. How, pray?
LYS. Well, first of all you clean the fleece: That’s sanitation--you wash out the grease, Pick out the briars: that means segregate The undesirable--relieve the State Of rogues and knaves. Then, too, you must untwist The clotted tufts--the cliques--whose grasping fist Keeps others out of office. Head from head Pluck them, and play them out, and let them spread; Then pile them in one ball as light as down Using no pressure. So shall every town Be as one whole. Next to your counsels call Your colonies as well; then out of all Shape your material: put no heavier yoke Or strain on any, and therefrom weave a cloak Of friendship for the people.
COM. (_obtuse and contemptuous_). Nay, what wit Is here? “Take wool, and make a ball of it: Weave it, and wind it, roll it round and round Till something come of it!” Now is that sound? And what on earth have women to do with war?
LYS. O purblind fool! our part therein is more Than any man’s! For women bring forth life In pain and anguish: then, when ye fall to strife, And in the field conduct your long campaigns, The wife deserted in the home remains; And the maid, robbed of her most precious years, Grows old before her time, while disappears The hope of motherhood: her day is brief.
COM. The man grows old as well.
LYS. Oh, past belief The folly of such words! For, be he grey When he returns, the man can have his way And wed a maid. But what man to his side Will take of his own choice a barren bride?
COM. No, not in wedlock: but a man may range Outside the bond. Surely a fair exchange-- No robbery. (_Smirks._)
LYS. Now, by the gods, if all exchange is fair, Take this and crown yourself! (_Pulls cap over his head._) Go! wear your hair In curls and fillets! Carry a market flail And learn to curb your tongue. Put on this veil, This girdle, bear a distaff and go clad In woman’s weeds!
(_The_ WOMEN _set upon him and clothe him_.)
COM. Oh, woman, are ye mad? Help, help, I say!
(_Exeunt_ CHORUS OF OLD MEN.)
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. We’ll help you!
2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. There, take this!
3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. And this from me!
4TH ATHEN. WOMAN. Now, go and ask a kiss. From Clisthenes!
(_They tie him up ridiculously in women’s garments._)
COM. Oh, woe is me! Oh, shame! Thus to endure deeds that one dare not name! Nay, I will go, even thus--oh, sorry sight!-- And bid all Athens look upon my plight. Oh, what a ravel is this!
LYS. You twist in vain! Be careful that you do not break my skein.
(_Exit_ COMMITTEE-MAN, _followed by his_ SECRETARY.)
INTERLUDE.
(_The_ WOMEN _are discovered seated upon the steps leading to the Acropolis. Some have pitchers beside them, others plait and spin, one plays upon the lyre._)
CHORUS (_singing_). Pallas Athene, hear! Bend from thy throne, And make with lifted spear our cause thine own.
(_Enter_ LEADER OF CHORUS.)
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O women, turn back from your labours, And leave in their niche by the wall Your pitchers, and hark to the call Of friends in their need, and of neighbours Who beg for a boon.
(_Here, and at intervals throughout the speech, shouting of men is heard at a distance; occasionally the words “Down with the women, down!” “Down with Lysistrata!” are heard._)
For surely ye tire not with dances, Nor faint as ye foot to the tune Of minstrels: so now in the chances Of war let your speed be as then, And as daring your deed as the glances Ye cast upon men!
(_The_ WOMEN _are laying by their pitchers, filleting their hair and girding their robes. From the Acropolis come other women bearing shields, spears, and helmets, which they distribute as the_ CHORUS _continues_.)
For here is a Cause to your hand More holy than any before: And in it lies beauty, and wisdom, And courage, and love of your land. Nay, surely the mothers who bore you, The silent mothers of yore, They also were made of this metal, And out of the bed of the nettle, Wherein they bred you of old, They, too, who spake not a word, They, too, brave hearts, could have told Their tale of the wrongs unheard. So forward I bid you, nor fail, Nor yield what ye hold in your hand: For this wind which now blows in your sail Shall bear you to land!