SCENE II.
_The same scene, toward evening, a day later._
(CHORUS OF OLD MEN _seated asleep below the steps. Enter_ LEADER OF MEN’S CHORUS.)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Now, let him sleep no more who would be free!
2ND LEADER OF MEN (_waking up_). Come, sirs, bestir yourselves! for to my mind There’s more behind This matter than at first appeared.
3RD LEADER OF MEN (_nodding mysteriously_). Beneath this woman’s business lurks a beard!
(_Perturbation among the_ OLD MEN.)
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Hot, Hot, I scent the plot Of Hippias. (_Panic among the_ OLD MEN.) Aye, me! Greatly I fear!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. I think our women have been led away By foes; and that the Spartans now are here, Hiding within the house of Clisthenes, Ready to seize Our money and our pay! (_Increasing panic._)
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Oh, is’t not peril to let women mix In State affairs, and talk on politics, And prate of peace and war?
3RD LEADER OF MEN. No more, no more, will I endure it! ’Tis not to be allowed.
4TH LEADER OF MEN (_shaking his fist_). Lysistrata! Heaven be my aid, Ere yet my race is run, To smite the chattering jaw of that old jade!
(_Meanwhile the_ WOMEN’S CHORUS _have come on, and stand behind listening_).
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Surely when that is done Your Mother will be proud of such a son!
(_The_ OLD MEN _start back in fear_.)
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. She will be glad to recognise that face!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. But come, ye happier mothers of the race, (_To the_ WOMEN.) And set your burdens down while I relate Why we, weak women, seek to serve the State As well as men--paying the debt we owe.
(_The_ WOMEN _lay down their shields, and sit beside them in groups_.)
Was not this land my nurse? Aye, long ago, Even on the child her tender yoke was laid, When first to Artemis, a budding maid, I vowed my virgin body. Did ye so-- Ye men--take up such vows? Did ye forego Till ye were ripe the sweets of love in youth?
(_The_ MEN _exchange conscious looks_.)
Gladly I bound myself, although in sooth The fruit, I saw, was goodly to the taste; And since before these altars I dwelt chaste, Do I not owe a debt? Is it amiss If I give counsel? Do ye grudge me this? I, too, pay taxes: from my flesh there runs Rich tribute; ye bear arms, but I bear sons And daughters; ye bring death, but I raise life; I build the fruitful home, while ye breed strife, Envy, and fear! O miserable men! Old in your sins, take up that task again, Which once your father bore, who freed this land From Persia’s yoke! If not, then we will stand Instead of you: (_The_ WOMEN _rise to their feet_.) Aye, fearing not your frown, Light-sandalled though we be, will tread you down!
(_She turns away and moves up steps. The other women also retire._)
1ST LEADER OF MEN (_scratching his head puzzled_). Now it appears to me This is all wrong!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. And it must be Put down.
3RD LEADER OF MEN. If left alone Ere long it will have grown Beyond a joke!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Time, then, that we began! Therefore with speed Let every manly man Strip off his cloak, And for the word now substitute the deed!
(_They throw off their long mantles, and reveal themselves very scantily clad and girt as for wrestling. Their arms and legs are very thin and scraggy._)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Physical force, Basis of government, True source of the consent Men yield to law; Come, come now to mine aid!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. And with thy shaggy paw Push me to victory o’er this barricade, Raised by that wicked jade, Lysistrata, Against the rod of man’s authority!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Shall woman----
1ST, 2ND, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. Woman!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. In a majority Govern the State?
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Never, I will defeat it!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. No, no! a thousand times; and I repeat it-- No, no!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Never!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. No agricultural labourer am I, Yet I defy Woman to wield a spade As I can.
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Can she summon to her aid The expletives and the explosives Needful for moving one’s inferiors, And modifying by their harsh corrosives The stubborn and recalcitrant exteriors Of this hard-crusted world?
1ST AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. No, no!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Shall I be hurled From power by custom mine?
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Shall I my place resign To woman----
1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF MEN. Woman!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. To whose care we give Our homes, our wealth, our children, and who live Only by our consent?
ALL THE MEN CHORUS. No!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Shall we allow the sex war--this attack Of infamous discontent Behind our back-- On man’s prerogative?
ALL THE MEN CHORUS. Never!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. For through man’s heart there runs in flood (Nature’s mysterious and imperious mandate) A noble and a natural thirst for blood:
2ND LEADER OF MEN. To form a ring and fight!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. To cut off heads at sight!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. It is our right! Women don’t understand it.
ALL THE MEN CHORUS. No!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. But if we grant to these Facilities For doing what man does--
2ND LEADER OF MEN. And what man alone Has any right to do!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Aye, even one small handle for their own-- They will go far!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. We shall be overthrown At our own game!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. And think what scandal then! And think what shame, If that should happen!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Never, no never! No, I won’t allow it!
4TH LEADER OF MEN (_with action_). So, take we each a torch, And, thrusting, let it scorch The gaping mouth, the giddy, gabbling tongue, The--
(_The other_ MEN _follow him in dumb show. The_ WOMEN _clang their weapons; the_ MEN _retreat hastily; through the whole of the ensuing speech they carry on a continuous business of getting behind each other till they are all off the stage, leaving their cloaks behind them._)
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Now, by the gods, I’ll give my wrath its rein! No more shall ye provoke and I refrain.
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Come, then, my comrades, and put off this yoke Of woman’s weeds; let not the trailing cloak Cumber your limbs, nor the loose girdle hang! We too can strip, And gird, and curl the lip, And bare the fang, And answer stroke for stroke And blow for blow!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Call ye us rebels? Full soon shall ye know How Greece is with us! We have Lampito,-- She lives for us, and Corinth by the seas, And all Bœotia.
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Go! Make your decrees, Pile up your punishments, ye that breed hate Through kindred cities, hurling state on state In wasteful bloodshed! But more strong are we, We women, bound in deathless fealty To break this war. Our hands shall hold in check Your armaments, and bow the stubborn neck Of all your pride!
(_During this speech some of the_ WOMEN _have descended to the lower stage; they collect the men’s cloaks and return_.)
(_Enter_ LYSISTRATA.)
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. O thou, the shaper of this fair event, Why com’st thou now, So pale, and sad of brow, And heavy with discontent?
LYS. (_gloomily_). Woman’s weak will and her lascivious way O’erload my heart!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Oh! What means that to say?
LYS. The truth, the bitter truth!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Bodes it so ill? May we not know?
LYS. How shall my tongue be still? Yet how, unshaméd, may I speak of it?
4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Nay, do not keep it from us! ... It is fit That we should know--the worst.
1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF WOMEN. Nay, tell us then!
LYS. Brief is the truth; we hanker for the men!
ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS. O Zeus!
LYS. Why call on him? Is it not so? I cannot keep them here. Foresworn they go By stealth to join their husbands. One I caught Scraping a cleft of rock: and one had brought Rope from Poseidon’s well, and down the wall So sought to creep! Another--chosen of all To guard the gate--deserted from her trust. And yet another of them, crazed with lust, Feathered herself with wings, and light as air Feigned to go flying. I took her by the hair And hurled her back to sense! Yet still they come, Coining excuses to be sent back home. (_Enter_ 2ND ATHENIAN WOMAN _furtively_.) There’s one of them. Ho, you! Whither away?
2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. I was but going home--just for the day:-- I fear the moth has got into my fleece.
LYS. What moth? Get back!
2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. By the two goddesses, I promise you I will return with speed: A spreading in the sun is all they need.
LYS. Don’t spread them: do not go!
2ND ATHEN. WOMAN (_whimpering_). Must all my toil Be wasted then?
LYS. Aye, for it will not spoil So swiftly as will this.
(_Enter_ 3RD ATHENIAN WOMAN.)
3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. My flax, my flax! Which all unkempt I left at home.
LYS. (_ironically_). There cracks A careful heart! Here! Come you back again.
3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. Yes, after I have wound it on the skein.
LYS. Don’t wind it; leave it! If one plays that game, A hundred more will want to do the same.
(_Enter_ CORINTHIAN WOMAN.)
CORINTH. (_she bears something wrapped in her robe_). Help! A physician! Nay, I prithee, quick, Quick, let me pass, I say! My child is sick.
LYS. _Your_ child; since when? Yesterday you had none.
CORINTH. ’Twas born last night! (LYSISTRATA _holds her_.) Oh, loose me! Let me run!
LYS. What ails it? (_Reveals helmet._) Oh, this was indeed a birth Miraculous--a thing of wondrous worth. (_Tosses it away._ CALONICE _gets hold of it and smacks it_.) Go, get you in!
CORINTH. Nay, here I cannot sleep-- Shut in a shrine where sacred serpents creep.
3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. And I, unhappy, I am sleepless too! All night the owls go crying “Tuwhit! Tuwhoo!” “Tuwhit! Tuwhoo!”
ALL THE WOMEN. “Tuwhit! Tuwhoo!”
LYS. O women, cease from juggling tricks and lies! Is’t love ye long for, that ye waste in sighs Your widowed hours? Stand firm, and all is well! Was this not told us by the oracle?
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. How was it told?
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Nay, tell me!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Tell us, how!
(_The_ WOMEN _gather excitedly about her_.)
LYS. Hear, O ye women, and be silent now! “When the swallow From the hawk Flies, and when he seeks to follow, Close in bower To one place Let them cower: And, for a space, Let them then-- From love abstain.”
CHORUS OF WOMEN. Ah!
LYS. “But if from the shrine ye fly, Borne apart by wind or word, Soon shall every swallow die, Mocked and marked--a victim bird!”
CHORUS OF WOMEN. Ah!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. By Heaven, the voice of the oracle is clear! Let us not then, Through any pain or fear Yield ourselves up into the hands of men!
(_Enter_ STRATYLLIS.)
STRAT. Ho, women, comrades! Ho! Come quickly all!
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. What is the matter now? Why do you call?
STRAT. I see a man approaching--
ALL THE WOMEN. A man!
STRAT. Frantic, torn By-- (_She points._)
LYS. O bright Cyprian goddess, ocean-born, How straight a course you steer!
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. Where, where is he?
STRAT. Yonder by Ceres’ shrine.
(_A great scramble of the_ WOMEN _to look at him_.)
1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. Ah, now I see.
LYS. Knows any who he is?
MYRR. Oh, me! Alas! It is my husband, my Cinesias! Oh, my dear love! (Kisses hands toward him.)
CAL. What are you looking at,-- Smacking your lips like that, you little cat? What right to a husband has she got, I say, While we must go without?
LYS. Women, away! (_The_ WOMEN _retire reluctantly_.)
(_To_ MYRR.) This is your business, then. Now to the test! Go, plant your choicest weapons in his breast: Love him, yet love him not. Show him the bliss That beauty offers; but withhold the kiss-- The cup by which you swore.
MYRR. Mistrust me not.
LYS. Go, and make ready! I will have him hot Ere you return.
(_Exit_ MYRRHINA.)
(_Enter_ CINESIAS, _followed presently by his servant_ MANES _leading a small child_.)
CIN. Ah, me! What pangs I feel! O Love, why hast thou racked me on this wheel?
LYS. Halt! Who comes here?
CIN. ’Tis I, a man.
LYS. Then stay! Man, get you gone!
CIN. Whose bidding to obey?
LYS. A watcher of the shrine.
CIN. Oh, be a friend! Call forth Myrrhina to me!
LYS. To what end?
CIN. Tell her--oh, tell her, there’s a house on fire!
LYS. Whose house?
CIN. _Her_ house: my house!
LYS. What’s your desire?
CIN. Bid her come quickly!
LYS. Nay, but who art thou?
CIN. Cinesias, her husband!
LYS. Surely, now, That cannot be!
CIN. Why not? (LYSISTRATA _laughs_.) Answer me, then!
LYS. Cinesias is the handsomest of men,-- Limbs like Apollo, and a head like Jove, And eyes whose glances are the fires of love!
CIN. Whence had you that?
LYS. It is Myrrhina’s word. Full often of Cinesias have we heard-- A different man from you.
CIN. Nay, but I swear I _am_ Cinesias!
LYS. What! That mop of hair, That nose, those legs--the cause of all her sighs? Ye gods! how Love deceives a woman’s eyes!
CIN. But it is I!
LYS. Oh, if it were, no name Could be more welcome or more known to fame. For every day we hear his praises sung, With every meal his name is on her tongue. Bites she an apple, breaks she an egg--she sighs “Oh, that Cinesias might share the prize!”
CIN. Ye heavens, can this be true?
LYS. I will be bound On oath to it! Also when talk goes round Concerning--men, his wife is fain to swear There’s none that with Cinesias can compare!
CIN. Oh, call her to me!
LYS. Have you anything That she may know you by?
CIN. Aye, take this ring! Once it was hers.
LYS. I will go bid her come.
CIN. Quickly, I pray! For since she fled no crumb Of comfort have I known: (_Exit_ LYSISTRATA.) Robbed of my mate I find no rest, my house is desolate, My appetite is lost, and sleep has flown: Love tortures me because I live alone.
MYRR. (_within_). Love him? Of course I love him. Ah, but he Cares not, nor wishes to be loved by me.
CIN. My little wife, my life, my peace, come hither! Come to me, sweet!
(MYRRHINA _enters and crosses the stage averting her face_.)
MYRR. Nay, I may not go thither.
CIN. Come, come, Myrrhina! Oh, come down with speed.
(_She stands with her back to him._)
MYRR. I have an oath. It is not peace you need.
CIN. Not peace I need! Why, I am all undone For lack of you.
MYRR. Farewell. (_She moves away._)
CIN. Your little son-- Your child is here. Hark how he cries for you!
CHILD. Mamma! Mamma! Mamma! (_She stops._)
CIN. (_taking the child in his arms_). Think what you do! Have you no pity on a little child? See how the tangled curls have all run wild For lack of care; and, like the little head, The tender body goes unwashed, unfed!
MYRR. Pity it is when fathers so neglect Their children!
CIN. Nay, what else can you expect? How can a man learn to become a nurse?
MYRR. He can but try.
CIN. ’Twould but make matters worse. Come down, my girl, and let the soft arms cling Once more around your neck!
MYRR. (_turning round_). Oh! what a thing It is to be a mother! Needs must I go. What other way remains, I do not know. (_She begins to descend._)
CIN. Oh, how much younger and more fair she seems, And lovelier to behold than in my dreams!
MYRR. (_descending to the lower stage_). Child of a wicked father! Oh, run, run, Quick to your mother’s arms, my little son, My own, my sweet! Again, again, that kiss!
(CINESIAS _tries to embrace her, she turns away with her face in the child’s neck. He tries to get the child away, but it cries and clings to her._)
CIN. (_sternly_). O wretched woman, why have you done this-- Herding with other women, robbing me And your own nature of felicity?
MYRR. Take your hand from me!
CIN. Since you left my doors, Ruin befalls my property and yours.
MYRR. I care not for it.
CIN. Your toils are all undone; Your house is turned into a poultry run.
MYRR. The shame be yours, then!
CIN. Board and chamber lack The woman’s presence. Will you not come back?
MYRR. No, by high Heaven! Not until you cease From waging useless war, and turn to peace!
CIN. Peace? How can _I_ make peace? What mean you, pray?
MYRR. You voted for the war: you went away And left me all alone. (_Pretends to cry._) What did you care? You’d make peace if you loved me!
CIN. (_soothingly_). Ah, there, there! It shall be thought on--since you wish it so.
MYRR. When you have well thought on it, let me know. Till then, farewell. (_She moves away._)
CIN. Nay, sweetheart, stay awhile! Myrrhina, oh, come nearer! Ah, that smile Says that you love me.
MYRR. Yes.
CIN. (_opening his arms to her_). Come then!
MYRR. Nay, nay, My arms are full already! Take not away A mother from her child.
(CINESIAS _endeavours to separate them_.)
CIN. (_impatiently_). Come, brat, have done! Here, Manes!... (MANES _is slow in coming_.) Manes!... There, now off you run! (MANES _takes the child, but waits as if to speak_.) Well, and what now?
MANES. A messenger, my lord: Your ship in harbour, with the troops aboard, Lies waiting to cast off!
CIN. (_impatiently_). Oh, let it wait! Go, get my arms: then stay at yonder gate Until I come.
(_Exit_ MANES _leading the child_. CENESIAS _approaches his wife. She repulses him._)
Well, and why now so loath?
MYRR. Nay, touch me not! for I have sworn an oath Which I must keep.
CIN. An oath which has no sense. On my head be it! A husband can dispense His wife from oaths. Rest you!
(_They look at each other with meaning: he intently, she bashfully._)
MYRR. (_faltering_). There must be found Some place to rest on.
CIN. (_opening his arms_). Nay, sweetheart, look round! Rest here! Now, kiss me!
MYRR. Nay, not in the public street!
CIN. No one can see us here upon this seat. Come, sit you down!
(_He seats himself and tries to draw her to his knee._)
MYRR. What? on this hard, cold stone? I’ll fetch you something!
CIN. (_fondly_). Not for one alone!
MYRR. I’ll be your footstool!
(_Exit_ MYRRHINA.)
CIN. (_gazing after her_). Does not this declare How well she loves me? Oh, how sweet an air Breathes from her raiment; and how from her eyes Fond love and longing mock her brief disguise Of seeming frowardness!
(_Re-enter_ MYRRHINA, _carrying a rolled mat. She arranges the mat on bench._)
MYRR. There! sit and rest! Put up your feet. Now, will you not divest Yourself of that great cloak? (_Takes off his cloak._) Why, on my life! I have forgot the cushions.
CIN. Nay, sweet wife, Let cushions wait!
MYRR. But you can’t sit on this: I say you shall not!
CIN. Give me first one kiss!
MYRR. (_kissing the tips of her fingers and touching his lips with them_). There, keep it safe!
(_She runs off up stage._)
CIN. Be swift, do not delay! Surely she loves me well!
(_He goes and picks up a flower she has let fall, and begins kissing it. Re-enter_ MYRRHINA, _her arms full of cushions and coverings, which trail after her as she goes_.)
Now, well-a-day! What have we here?
MYRR. (_arranging cushions_). There, that one is for you-- This one for me: and this one?--this will do To put between us lest we fall to blows. This one is for your feet, and that one goes Behind you: then this covers you (_arranges draperies_); and this-- Where shall this go?
CIN. O sweetest wife, a kiss!
(_Attempts to embrace her, and clasps cushion._)
Nay, but by Hercules, sweet friend, you hurt! I am on fire! This is a very shirt Of Nessus!
(_He struggles with draperies._)
MYRR. Dear, dear! Why are all you men So hasty in your joy! Here, loose it then! (_Taking covering off him._) Now you must have a fillet for your hair.
(_She stoops and takes off a sandal string. Kneels beside him and begins to tie on fillet._)
CIN. Oh, how your fingers burn me! Ah, how fair, How fair thou art! O tender, gentle, sweet, Soft hands of love!
(_He jumps up to seize her._)
MYRR. Now, then, put up your feet; I’ll loose your sandals.
CIN. Nay!
MYRR. What then? Your sword. Shall I unbuckle it? (_She kneels and looses his girdle._) Let not my lord Forget his promise that the war shall cease.
CIN. Else may I perish!
(_She lays aside his sword._)
MYRR. For when you bring peace Comfort comes back again. Now let me comb These shaggy locks. It’s time I had you home! (_She sits on parapet above him, undoes fillet, and starts combing; she pulls his hair, he winces._) Oh! what a tangle’s here! This will need oil.
CIN. Nay, let it wait!
MYRR. What? Let your beauty spoil For lack of ointment? Never!
(_Runs off._)
CIN. (_starting up frantically_). Oh, let that man Perish most miserably who first began The use of ointments!
MYRR. (_re-entering with oil-flask_). Spare the curse! Belike It was a woman.
CIN. Then let Heaven strike The head of her, or him, whose precious balm Now so afflicts me!
MYRR. (_paying no attention_). See, into my palm I pour it, thus: (_She advances with hand full of oil._) Don’t touch me! Then I lave These tangled locks. (_He jerks away._) Oh! why do you behave So frowardly?
CIN. You’ve poured it down my face!
MYRR. Why didn’t you keep still? There, that’s your place. (_Indicating her lap, she makes him sit down again._) Now let me wipe it.
CIN. Sweetheart!
(_She stoops as if to kiss him._)
MYRR. Why! how strong This ointment smells! Oh, me! I’ve brought the wrong! This was the cooking oil!
CIN. Aye, so I fear! I’m baked and basted now! Oh, come more near! Lean on my breast, sit down upon my knee, Clasp me in those dear arms!
MYRR. (eluding his embrace). Let be! Let be! Will you fulfil your promise? Did you say You’d vote for peace?
CIN. Leave that--to another day!
(_He endeavours to draw her down to him; she slips under his arm, runs up the steps and through the gates._)
MYRR. Ah, ha! Ah, ha! Leave that to another day!
(_Exit._)
CIN. Oh, me! She’s gone! She’s gone! Look how my wife Lured and then left me! Yes, she took a knife And flayed me all alive! (_While he speaks the_ CHORUS OF WOMEN _creep on from behind. Enter, below_, MANES, _carrying helmet and shield_.) What shall I do? How can I bear it? How shall I live through Another hour? Oh, me! What flesh and blood Can bear the strain? I am borne upon a flood Of rage and love and longing, and have none To help or comfort! Go, fool, get you gone! (_Snatches his arms from_ MANES, _throws them away, and drives him out_.) Oh, me, I am undone!
(_Enter_ OLD MEN’S CHORUS.)
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Alas, unhappy one, how sorely grieved, How much afflicted! Is it to be believed? Are such things done? Dares she refuse a kiss To her own husband?
CIN. Oh, me!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Is all this Wrought by one rebel wife?
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Let woe befall Such women!
CIN. Nay, she is more sweet than all! More now than ever!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Ah! talk not of sweet! Abominable!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Oh, take her, Zeus, like wheat! Take her and toss her! As a sheaf of corn Borne by a whirlwind, so let her be borne Hither and thither: and then Back to the earth Fall to be trodden, a thing of little worth, Under the feet of men.
CIN. Oh, me! Alas! When shall I find release From all these torments?
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. When you bring us peace.
WOMEN. Peace.
(_Exit_ CINESIAS _in despair_.)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Now hark, and I’ll tell you a story, I used to be told as a boy, Of Melanion, a youth, who before he Grew old found the secret of joy. For this youth, with affections unhampered, Went forth to a wilderness bare, And over the hill-tops he scampered, And blithely he hunted the hare. He fowled, and he fished, and he netted, With only a dog at his side; Yet for comforts of home never fretted, And never had need of a bride.
3RD LEADER OF MEN. And he never came back, he never came back, he never came back to them!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Was he not wise?
2ND LEADER OF MEN. And am I not wise too? Melanion hated women; so I hate you!
(_During this scene the_ 4TH LEADER OF MEN _had made stealthy approaches to one of the women sitting on the parapet above him_.)
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Young woman, I wish to embrace you.
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Go, eater of onions, go!
(_She pushes him down the steps._)
4TH LEADER OF MEN. I’m a proper man, yet let me tell you, in case you Don’t happen to know. I’m sightly, and sprightly; and lightly Can leg it along with the best!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Out, greybeard, get out!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. And am rightly Inclined when I’m rightly addressed.
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. I also will tell you a story:-- Melanion’s brings it to mind-- How Timon of Athens, before he Grew old had the wisdom to find That friendship of men is unstable, A favour reserved for the rich; They feasted and drank at his table, They left him to die in a ditch.
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. So flattered and fooled for a season By those who had emptied his purse, He came to find wisdom and reason, And left them--his curse.
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. With the fury and loathing that moved him Mankind he was fain to destroy;
4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Yet still there were women who loved him: In them he found joy.
(_The_ 4TH LEADER OF MEN _renews his advances_.)
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN (_to_ OLD MAN). You want the whip!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. I don’t! I want the cat!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. I’ll kick!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. You’ll show your ankles!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN (_striking him_). Ah, take that!
(_Enter the_ COMMITTEE-MAN, _followed by his_ SECRETARY. _He is in fresh attire, and newly oiled and curled. As he struts pompously on, the Women look at him and laugh._)
(_Enter_ LACDÆMONIAN HERALD _dressed in bright scarlet and bearing a long staff and a scroll over which the end of his robe is flung_.)
HERALD. Tell me, where does the Athenian Senate sit, I pray you, sir, for I have news for it.
COM. (_turning round_). Are you a man or an advertisement?
HERALD. I am a herald come from Sparta, sent On embassy of peace.
COM. Is that a spear Hidden beneath your robe?
HERALD (_displaying scroll_). Sir, have no fear, We are for peace, not war.
COM. How comes it, then, That Sparta is inclined for peace again?
HERALD. ’Tis the desire of every Spartan man That lacks his mate.
COM. Came this desire from Pan?
HERALD. Nay, Lampito began it; then the rest Throughout all Sparta. Each one from her breast Has shut out love.
COM. And how, then, do ye fare?
HERALD. Restless we turn, like flies that breed in air. One may not touch them, till throughout all Greece With one accord we mingle, and make peace.
COM. (_triumphantly_). So ye, being suitors to the Athenian State, Own yourselves vanquished?
HERALD. Nay, has not one fate O’erwhelmed us both? Does not the selfsame fire Burn in each breast burdened with man’s desire? Have not your women driven you to despair?
COM. Not so? In Athens men are bred to bear Without complaint the petty bites and stings Of all such volatile and venomous things As women. We yield not to such as these, Nor at their bidding!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. For we make _decrees_!--
2ND LEADER OF MEN. And _laws_--which they obey.
3RD LEADER OF MEN. We should be named Slaves rightly if by woman’s wiles so tamed!
4TH LEADER OF MEN. _We_ seek not peace!
HERALD. Enough! Let me get hence! And if in Athens ye have men of sense, Show where they be!
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Of sense?
HERALD. Oh, greybeard, cease! Fight your own battles!--but we _men_ need peace!
(_Exit_ HERALD, _followed by_ COMMITTEE-MAN, _who, as he goes, turns contemptuously upon the_ WOMEN. _They laugh._)
COM. Pah!
(_Exit_ COMMITTEE-MAN.)
(_The_ CHORUS OF OLD MEN _stand much depressed, eyeing the_ WOMEN _malevolently_.)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Oh, are not women, set to their desire, Shameless as cats, unconquerable as fire! Who, then, may hope to match or beat them down?
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. If ye knew this, then wherefore did ye frown, And wage vile war against us, when of late We sought to be your friends?
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Now will I hate Women for ever!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. So be it, as you please.
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. But wherefore stand ye thus with naked knees, All bare of limb as for a wrestling bout? What means this folly that ye go without Your cloaks?
4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Come, put them on!
(_The_ WOMEN _descend bearing the_ OLD MEN’S _cloaks in their hands. The_ OLD MEN _submit to be dressed_.)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. By Zeus, now, this, Which you have done for me is not amiss!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Ah, when I stripped the fire was in the pan!
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Why! now, indeed, you look a proper man, A noble, and a handsome, and a brave!
4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Why did you vex us? Why did you behave So frowardly?
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Wait, now! Here in your eye, Blurring the vision, is some kind of fly. Does it not pain you?
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Oh! so that’s the thing Was troubling me?
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. No doubt.
4TH LEADER OF MEN (_irritably_). Well, take this ring. Fetch it out for me! Aye, for many a day This has been stinging me. Get it away!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Well, don’t be cross, then! Oh, just look at that! (_They all collect and look._) There, don’t you see it? Why, a monstrous gnat, Big as a hornet.
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Aye, in truth, a pest! A plague! By Zeus, now you have given me rest.
(_All the other_ OLD MEN _go to the other_ WOMEN _and have flies taken out of their eyes_.)
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Wait till I wipe it clean lest it should swell. (_She wipes it._) There! Now I’ll kiss the place and make it well.
4TH LEADER OF MEN. No, no! Don’t kiss me!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. I don’t ask your leave. That’s how you pay.
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Oh, woman, ’tis your nature thus to thieve And wheedle! Ah! it was well said, no doubt, “’Tis best not to be with--nor yet without-- Female seduction.”
(_During this scene the_ WOMEN _have collected and carried away_ MYRRHINA’S _leavings_.)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Why, who be these?
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Spartans: and by their wands Ambassadors.
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Come they to us in bonds?
(_Enter two_ SPARTAN AMBASSADORS.)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. O Spartans, welcome first, and tell us next For what cause are ye come?
1ST SPARTAN. Nay, read the text Of your own hearts! Is not our plight the same? All Greece endures a need without a name.
2ND LEADER OF MEN. Have you, too, got a fly Or hornet in your eye?
(_Enter two_ ATHENIANS.)
1ST ATHEN. Where is Lysistrata? Nay, be not dumb! Tell her that we be here:--Athenians, come Of high degree, with powers upon us laid, Sent by the Senate, to entreat her aid.
1ST LEADER OF MEN. However high ye be, all of one grief Suffer both day and night without relief!
1ST ATHEN. O welcome, Spartans! These be shameful things We suffer!
1ST SPARTAN. Of a truth compassion wrings My heart. A common grief hath made us kind.
2ND ATHEN. Wherefore, then, have ye come?
1ST SPARTAN. We are resigned To plead for peace.
1ST. ATHEN. Now, truly, ye say well. We also are agreed; and thus we fell To meeting.
2ND SPARTAN. Good!
2ND ATHEN. Call, then, for Heaven’s sake, Lysistrata; for she alone can make Peace for us.
1ST SPARTAN. Nay! call--if a hope remains-- All the Lysistratas the world contains!
(_Enter_ LYSISTRATA.)
1ST LEADER OF MEN. Nay, call not, for she comes!
2ND LEADER OF MEN. O wisest, best, Bravest of women--hail! To thee addressed We come!
3RD LEADER OF MEN. Be good, and grave, and gracious, mild and shrewd! For at thy feet, the Grecian chiefs subdued Now seek for aid.
4TH LEADER OF MEN. Surrendering to thy charms With one consent all here lay down their arms.
1ST SPARTAN. Nay, nay! We treat: we do not yield our claim (_pugnaciously_).
LYS. Surely it is not hard, when people aim With open mind for peace, to find a road. But if to strife ye goad each other still,-- Forthwith ye lack the will. Quickly I’ll test you. Here comes Peace. (_Enter a young girl, olive-bearing, emblematic of_ PEACE. LYSISTRATA _turns to the_ WOMEN.) Now take Each by the hand these Spartan lords, and make Them come with you. (_The_ WOMEN _descend and lead the_ SPARTANS _by the hand toward the centre_.) --not by self-will or force, As is the way of men, but from the source Of sweet affection to all women dear. Let the Athenians also be brought here. (WOMEN _descend and lead forward the_ ATHENIANS.) And now let both sides hearken to the word Which I shall speak; and hold when ye have heard. I am a woman: yet of brain and sense Equal to yours; and often long years hence Back in the past, I heard my father speak Of the blood-bond which once bound Greek to Greek ’Gainst all the world. May I not blame you, then, That ye forget the words of older men Who made Greece strong? Do ye not sprinkle still The same gods’ altars, and with worship fill Delphi, and Pylae, and Olympia’s shrine, And others of a fame ye hold divine? Yet vain your worship when throughout the land Deserted homes and ruined cities stand, And graves piled with the dead of slaughtered kin, While all around Barbarians press in, And waste your borders.... So one part is told.
1ST ATHEN. O form desirable! O heart of gold!
LYS. Next upon you, O Spartans, I cry shame. Have ye forgot how once a Spartan came Suppliant to Athens, praying by all the gods For help of arms against o’erwhelming odds? Since, then, we sent swift succour, why do ye Now waste the land which brought you liberty?
2ND ATHEN. By Zeus, well said! Sparta has done us wrong!
1ST SPARTAN. But might is right! And force good for the strong.
LYS. And do you think I have no word to say To you Athenians? Ah, there was a day When Sparta, in her turn, came forth and slew Many Thessalians, and succoured you From Hippias and his horde. ’Twas she alone Came to your aid when ye lay overthrown.
1ST SPARTAN. Never saw I a woman to compare With this!
2ND SPARTAN. Nor I a bosom half so fair!
LYSISTRATA _takes a spray of olive from_ PEACE _and divides it in two_.)
LYS. Why will ye not make peace? What is the root Of your contention?
1ST SPARTAN. We have no dispute Save upon this--restore what once was ours.
1ST ATHEN. What, namely?
1ST SPARTAN. Pylos: for were not her towers Of Sparta’s building?
2ND ATHEN. By Poseidon, no! Did we not save those towers from overthrow When ye stood worsted?
2ND SPARTAN. Aye! Because ye made A compact which ye broke!
1ST ATHEN. Because ye laid False hands on Cöos!
1ST SPARTAN. ’Twas ours; ye know it well!
2ND ATHEN. Yours, as the herdman’s flocks upon the fell Are to the wolf his own!
1ST SPARTAN. Aye, even so Seized ye on Pylos!
(_They are about to fall to blows._)
LYS. Nay, let them have it!
1ST ATHEN. And where shall we go To obtain recompense?
LYS. Demand instead Some other place.
1ST ATHEN. So be it: wisely said! Do you give up to us all the waste land Beyond Echinus, and on either hand Of Megara, skirting the Melian bay!
1ST SPARTAN. Nay, by the gods! What? Give all that away? Not I!
LYS. Why grudge it them? ’Tis barren ground.
2ND ATHEN. But we would cultivate and fence it round, Making it fertile.
2ND SPARTAN. Ah! we have a scheme For doing that ourselves.
LYS. An idle dream! Since without peace ye cannot.
1ST SPARTAN. But if the prize Goes thus divided, what of our allies? They will need payment, having borne the cost.
1ST ATHEN. Tell them the truth, and own that ye have lost!
1ST SPARTAN. Nay, what I have I hold! Cöos stays mine.
2ND ATHEN. Starved and stuck fast, dry-footed in the brine, Fearing the fleets of Athens!
2ND SPARTAN. --Who on land Now fears to show her face or lift a hand ’Gainst Spartan spears!
1ST ATHEN. Guarding a barren shore Which we have spoiled for you!
LYS. So with vile war. Ye waste each other’s wealth! Go, then, and seek Consent of your allies: then come and speak More on the matter.
(_She turns back to the Acropolis. The_ WOMEN _follow her_.)
1ST ATHEN. Nay, by Heaven I vow I cannot wait. Have the point settled now! And--oh, get the thing done! Pylos is yours!
1ST SPARTAN. Echinus, and the waste land by the shores Of Megara, we give you!
(_All the_ WOMEN _utter a cry of joy and wonder_.)
LYS. (_presenting the olive branches_). Ye do well! Go, then, prepare; for in yon citadel We hold our feast: there will we make new vows Of friendship; then shall each man with his spouse Return to his own home.
1ST ATHEN. Oh, word of peace! Come ye soft fires of night, and let war cease!
(_From the gates of the citadel come_ WOMEN _carrying raiment of festival, golden fillets, wreaths, and wine-cups. Night has fallen. Torch-bearers enter and stand at the entrances on both sides of the stage._)
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Now will I offer my best For the good of each guest, Raiment, and linen, and jewel,
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. And shoes for the feet,
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. And fuel and meat.
4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Let them enter and bear it away!
(_Enter_ DANCERS, _strewing flowers_.)
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. If any lack food in this city, Let him come, I will offer him bread.
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. If any lack comfort or pity, Lo, here is a roof and a bed.
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. For Peace hath her portion in plenty,
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. And Discord is dead.
1ST ATHEN. Now let the dance begin! Give thanks and praise To Artemis, and Him who bears the bays, Sun-beamed Apollo--
2ND ATHEN. Bacchus, with bright eyes Among his Bacchanals, and in the skies Fire-bearing Zeus!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. And Hera, that bright dame Who shares his throne, and Pallas of virgin fame!
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Call we on these as witnesses in Heaven To that fair peace by Aphrodite given. Shout for the triumph of gentler powers!
ALL THE WOMEN. Evoe! Evoe! The victory is ours.
CHORUS (_leading procession of_ PEACE). Take up your pipes of music sweet, And make a measure for my feet To dance to. Take your lute, and raise Your song in Aphrodite’s praise. And while the praise of Heaven ye tell, Give praise to Mother Earth as well!
(_Led by dancers, and with women strewing flowers before her_, PEACE _descends. She offers her hand to the_ SPARTAN AMBASSADOR.)
LYS. Why do ye wait? Ye that have led hard lives In foreign service, are not these your wives? Since ye have made peace, do ye not deserve The fruits of peace? We conquer but to serve.
(_The chorus is repeated as_ PEACE, _leading the_ AMBASSADOR, _preceded by the_ DANCERS, _and followed by her_ ATTENDANTS, _passes out_.)
(_Enter_ CINESIAS. MYRRHINA _comes down to meet him with extended hands. He rushes up to her, catches her up in his arms, and carries her away. Immediately the other_ ATHENIANS _seize their women and carry them off_. DANCERS _and_ TORCH-BEARERS _follow. The stage is left empty of all but_ LYSISTRATA.)
(LYSISTRATA _comes down slowly to the centre of the upper stage. She stands and looks after the revellers. The light of the torches fades away; only moonlight remains. A sound of the cooing of doves is heard from the roof._ LYSISTRATA _turns and descends, going out in the opposite direction, away from the sounds of revelry_.)
CURTAIN.
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