byAristophanesanonymoustranslatorCHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
　　LYSISTRATA
　　CLEONICE
　　MYRRHINE
　　LAMPITO
　　MAGISTRATES
　　CINESIAS
　　CHILDOFCINESIAS
　　HERALDOFTHELACEDAEMONIANS
　　ENVOYSOFTHELACEDAEMONIANS
　　ANATHENIANCITIZEN
　　CHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　CHORUSOFWOMEN
　　LYSISTRATA
　　LYSISTRATA
　　（SCENE：—AtthebaseoftheOrchestraaretwobuildings，thehouseofLYSISTRATAandtheentrancetotheAcropolis；awindingandnarrowpathleadsuptothelatter。BetweenthetwobuildingsistheopeningoftheCaveofPan。LYSISTRATAispacingupanddowninfrontofherhouse。）
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ah！ifonlytheyhadbeeninvitedtoaBacchicrevelling，orafeastofPanorAphroditeorGenetyllis，why！thestreetswouldhavebeenimpassableforthethrongingtambourines！Nowthere’sneverawomanhere—ah！exceptmyneighbourCleonice，whomIseeapproachingyonder……Goodday，Cleonice。
　　CLEONICE
　　Goodday，Lysistrata；butpray，whythisdark，forbiddingface，mydear？Believeme，youdon’tlookabitprettywiththoseblackloweringbrows。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Oh，Cleonice，myheartisonfire；Iblushforoursex。Menwillhaveitwearetrickyandsly……
　　CLEONICE
　　Andtheyarequiteright，uponmyword！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Yet，lookyou，whenthewomenaresummonedtomeetforamatterofthegreatestimportance，theylieinbedinsteadofcoming。
　　CLEONICE
　　Oh！theywillcome，mydear；butit’snoteasy，youknow，forwomentoleavethehouse。Oneisbusypotteringaboutherhusband；
　　anotherisgettingtheservantup；athirdisputtingherchildasleeporwashingthebratorfeedingit。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　ButItellyou，thebusinessthatcallsthemhereisfarandawaymoreurgent。
　　CLEONICE
　　Andwhydoyousummonus，dearLysistrata？Whatisitallabout？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Aboutabigthing。
　　CLEONICE（takingthisinadifferentsense；withgreatinterest）
　　Andisitthicktoo？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Yes，verythick。
　　CLEONICE
　　Andwearenotallonthespot！Imagine！
　　LYSISTRATA（wearily）
　　Oh！ifitwerewhatyousuppose，therewouldbeneveranabsentee。
　　No，no，itconcernsathingIhaveturnedaboutandaboutthiswayandthatsomanysleeplessnights。
　　CLEONICE（stillunabletobeserious）
　　Itmustbesomethingmightyfineandsubtleforyoutohaveturneditaboutso！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Sofine，itmeansjustthis，Greecesavedbythewomen！
　　CLEONICE
　　Bythewomen！Why，itssalvationhangsonapoorthreadthen！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ourcountry’sfortunesdependonus—itiswithustoundoutterlythePeloponnesians。
　　CLEONICE
　　Thatwouldbeanobledeedtruly！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　ToexterminatetheBoeotianstoaman！
　　CLEONICE
　　Butsurelyyouwouldsparetheeels。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　ForAthens’sakeIwillneverthreatensofelladoom；trustmeforthat。However，iftheBoeotianandPeloponnesianwomenjoinus，Greeceissaved。
　　CLEONICE
　　Buthowshouldwomenperformsowiseandgloriousanachievement，wewomenwhodwellintheretirementofthehousehold，cladindiaphanousgarmentsofyellowsilkandlongflowinggowns，deckedoutwithflowersandshodwithdaintylittleslippers？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ah，butthosearetheverysheet—anchorsofoursalvation—thoseyellowtunics，thosescentsandslippers，thosecosmeticsandtransparentrobes。
　　CLEONICE
　　Howso，pray？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Thereisnotamanwillwieldalanceagainstanother……
　　CLEONICE
　　Quick，Iwillgetmeayellowtunicfromthedyer’s。
　　LYSISTRATA……orwantashield。
　　CLEONICE
　　I’llrunandputonaflowinggown。
　　LYSISTRATA……ordrawasword。
　　CLEONICE
　　I’llhasteandbuyapairofslippersthisinstant。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Nowtellme，wouldnotthewomenhavedonebesttocome？
　　CLEONICE
　　Why，theyshouldhaveflownhere！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ah！mydear，you’llseethatliketrueAthenians，theywilldoeverythingtoolate……Why，there’snotawomancomefromtheshore，notonefromSalamis。
　　CLEONICE
　　ButIknowforcertaintheyembarkedatdaybreak。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　AndthedamesfromAcharnae！why，Ithoughttheywouldhavebeentheveryfirsttoarrive。
　　CLEONICE
　　Theagenes’wifeatanyrateissuretocome；shehasactuallybeentoconsultHecate……Butlook！herearesomearrivals—andtherearemorebehind。Ah！ha！nowwhatcountrywomenmaytheybe？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　TheyarefromAnagyra。
　　CLEONICE
　　Yes！uponmyword，’tisalevyenmasseofallthefemalepopulationofAnagyra！
　　（MYRRHINEenters，followedbyotherwomen。）
　　MYRRHINE
　　Arewelate，Lysistrata？Tellus，pray；what，notaword？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Icannotsaymuchforyou，Myrrhine！youhavenotbestirredyourselfovermuchforanaffairofsuchurgency。
　　MYRRHINE
　　Icouldnotfindmygirdleinthedark。However，ifthematterissopressing，hereweare；sospeak。
　　CLEONICE
　　No，let’swaitamomentmore，tillthewomenofBoeotiaarriveandthosefromthePeloponnese。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Yes，thatisbest……Ah！herecomesLampito。（LAMPITO，ahuskySpartandamsel，enterswiththreeothers，twofromBoeotiaandonefromCorinth。）Goodday，Lampito，dearfriendfromLacedaemon。Howwellandhandsomeyoulook！whatarosycomplexion！andhowstrongyouseem；why，youcouldstrangleabullsurely！
　　LAMPITO
　　Yes，indeed，IreallythinkIcould。It’sbecauseIdogymnasticsandpractisethebottom—kickingdance。
　　CLEONICE（openingLAMPITO’Srobeandbaringherbosom）
　　Andwhatsuperbbreasts！
　　LAMPITO
　　La！youarefeelingmeasifIwereabeastforsacrifice。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Andthisyoungwoman，whereisshefrom？
　　LAMPITO
　　SheisanobleladyfromBoeotia。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ah！myprettyBoeotianfriend，youareasbloomingasagarden。
　　CLEONICE（makinganotherinspection）
　　Yes，onmyword！andher"garden"issothoroughlyweededtoo！
　　LYSISTRATA（pointingtotheCorinthian）
　　Andwhoisthis？
　　LAMPITO
　　’Tisanhonestwoman，bymyfaith！shecomesfromCorinth。
　　CLEONICE
　　Oh！honest，nodoubtthen—ashonestygoesatCorinth。
　　LAMPITO
　　Butwhohascalledtogetherthiscouncilofwomen，pray？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ihave。
　　LAMPITO
　　Wellthen，telluswhatyouwantofus。
　　CLEONICE
　　Yes，pleasetellus！Whatisthisveryimportantbusinessyouwishtoinformusabout？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Iwilltellyou。Butfirstanswermeonequestion。
　　CLEONICE
　　Anythingyouwish。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Don’tyoufeelsadandsorrybecausethefathersofyourchildrenarefarawayfromyouwiththearmy？ForI’llwagerthereisnotoneofyouwhosehusbandisnotabroadatthismoment。
　　CLEONICE
　　MinehasbeenthelastfivemonthsinThrace—lookingafterEucrates。
　　MYRRHINE
　　It’ssevenlongmonthssincemineleftforPylos。
　　LAMPITO
　　Asformine，ifheeverdoesreturnfromservice，he’snosoonerhomethanhetakesdownhisshieldagainandfliesbacktothewars。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Andnotsomuchastheshadowofalover！SincethedaytheMilesiansbetrayedus，Ihaveneveronceseenaneight—inchgadgeteven，tobealeathernconsolationtouspoorwidows……Nowtellme，ifIhavediscoveredameansofendingthewar，willyouallsecondme？
　　CLEONICE
　　Yesverily，byallthegoddesses，IswearIwill，thoughIhavetoputmygowninpawn，anddrinkthemoneythesameday。
　　MYRRHINE
　　AndsowillI，thoughImustbesplitintwolikeaflat—fish，andhavehalfmyselfremoved。
　　LAMPITO
　　AndItoo；whytosecurepeace，IwouldclimbtothetopofMountTaygetus。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　ThenIwilloutwithitatlast，mymightysecret！Oh！sisterwomen，ifwewouldcompelourhusbandstomakepeace，wemustrefrain……
　　CLEONICE
　　Refrainfromwhat？tellus，tellus！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Butwillyoudoit？
　　MYRRHINE
　　Wewill，wewill，thoughweshoulddieofit。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Wemustrefrainfromthemalealtogether……Nay，whydoyouturnyourbacksonme？Whereareyougoing？So，youbiteyourlips，andshakeyourheads，eh？Whythesepale，sadlooks？whythesetears？Come，willyoudoit—yesorno？Doyouhesitate？
　　CLEONICE
　　Iwillnotdoit，letthewargoon。
　　MYRRHINE
　　NorwillI；letthewargoon。
　　LYSISTRATA（toMYRRHINE）
　　Andyousaythis，myprettyflat—fish，whodeclaredjustnowtheymightsplityouintwo？
　　CLEONICE
　　Anything，anythingbutthat！Bidmegothroughthefire，ifyouwill，—buttorobusofthesweetestthinginalltheworld，Lysistratadarling！
　　LYSISTRATA（toMYRRHINE）
　　Andyou？
　　MYRRHINE
　　Yes，Iagreewiththeothers；Itoowouldsoonergothroughthefire。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Oh，wanton，vicioussex！thepoetshavedonewelltomaketragediesuponus；wearegoodfornothingthenbutloveandlewdness！
　　Butyou，mydear，youfromhardySparta，ifyoujoinme，allmayyetbewell；helpme，secondme，Ibegyou。
　　LAMPITO
　　’Tisahardthing，bythetwogoddessesitis！forawomantosleepalonewithouteverastrongmaleinherbed。Butthere，peacemustcomefirst。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Oh，mydarling，mydearest，bestfriend，youaretheonlyonedeservingthenameofwoman！
　　CLEONICE
　　Butif—whichthegodsforbid—wedorefrainaltogetherfromwhatyousay，shouldwegetpeaceanysooner？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ofcourseweshould，bythegoddessestwain！Weneedonlysitindoorswithpaintedcheeks，andmeetourmateslightlycladintransparentgownsofAmorgossilk，andperfectlydepilated；theywillgettheirtoolsupandbewildtoliewithus。Thatwillbethetimetorefuse，andtheywillhastentomakepeace，Iamconvincedofthat！
　　LAMPITO
　　Yes，justasMenelaus，whenhesawHelen’snakedbosom，threwawayhissword，theysay。
　　CLEONICE
　　But，ohdear，supposeourhusbandsgoawayandleaveus。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Then，asPherecratessays，wemust"flayaskinneddog，"that’sall。
　　CLEONICE
　　Fiddlesticks！theseproverbsareallidletalk……Butifourhusbandsdragusbymainforceintothebedchamber？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Holdontothedoorposts。
　　CLEONICE
　　Butiftheybeatus？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Thenyieldtotheirwishes，butwithabadgrace；thereisnopleasureinitforthem，whentheydoitbyforce。Besides，thereareathousandwaysoftormentingthem。Neverfear，they’llsoontireofthegame；there’snosatisfactionforaman，unlessthewomansharesit。
　　CLEONICE
　　Verywell，ifyoumusthaveitso，weagree。
　　LAMPITO
　　Forourselves，nodoubtweshallpersuadeourhusbandstoconcludeafairandhonestpeace；butthereistheAthenianpopulace，howarewetocurethesefolkoftheirwarlikefrenzy？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Havenofear；weundertaketomakeourownpeoplelistentoreason。
　　LAMPITO
　　That’simpossible，solongastheyhavetheirtrustyshipsandthevasttreasuresstoredinthetempleofAthene。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ah！butwehaveseentothat；thisverydaytheAcropoliswillbeinourhands。Thatisthetaskassignedtotheolderwomen；whilewearehereincouncil，theyaregoing，underpretenceofofferingsacrifice，toseizethecitadel。
　　LAMPITO
　　Wellsaidindeed！everythingisgoingforthebest。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Come，quick，Lampito，andletusbindourselvesbyaninviolableoath。
　　LAMPITO
　　Recitetheterms；wewillsweartothem。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Withpleasure。WhereisourScythianpolicewoman？Now，whatareyoustaringat，pray？Laythisshieldontheearthbeforeus，itshollowupwards，andsomeonebringmethevictim’sinwards。
　　CLEONICE
　　Lysistrata，say，whatoatharewetoswear？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Whatoath？Why，inAeschylus，theysacrificeasheep，andswearoverabuckler；wewilldothesame。
　　CLEONICE
　　No，Lysistrata，onecannotswearpeaceoverabuckler，surely。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Whatotheroathdoyouprefer？
　　CLEONICE
　　Let’stakeawhitehorse，andsacrificeit，andswearonitsentrails。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Butwhereshallwegetawhitehorse？
　　CLEONICE
　　Well，whatoathshallwetakethen？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Listentome。Let’ssetagreatblackbowlontheground；let’ssacrificeaskinofThasianwineintoit，andtakeoathnottoaddonesingledropofwater。
　　LAMPITO
　　Ah！that’sanoathpleasesmemorethanIcansay。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Letthembringmeabowlandaskinofwine。
　　CLEONICE
　　Ah！mydears，whatanoblebigbowl！whatfunitwillbetoemptyitLYSISTRATA
　　Setthebowldownontheground，andlayyourhandsonthevictim……Almightygoddess，Persuasion，andthou，bowl，booncomradeofjoyandmerriment，receivethisoursacrifice，andbepropitioustouspoorwomen！
　　CLEONICE（asLYSISTRATApoursthewineintothebowl）
　　Oh！thefineredblood！howwellitflows！
　　LAMPITO
　　Andwhatadeliciousbouquet，byCastor！
　　CLEONICE
　　Now，mydears，letmeswearfirst，ifyouplease。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　No，byAphrodite，unlessit’sdecidedbylot。Butcome，then，Lampito，andallofyou，putyourhandstothebowl；anddoyou，Cleonice，repeatforalltherestthesolemntermsIamgoingtorecite。Thenyoumustallswear，andpledgeyourselvesbythesamepromises，—Iwillhavenaughttodowhetherwithloverorhusband……
　　CLEONICE（faintly）
　　Iwillhavenaughttodowhetherwithloverorhusband……
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Albeithecometomewithanerection……
　　CLEONICE（hervoicequavering）
　　Albeithecometomewithanerection……（indespair）Oh！
　　Lysistrata，Icannotbearit！
　　LYSISTRATA（ignoringthisoutburst）
　　Iwillliveathomeunbulled……
　　CLEONICE
　　Iwillliveathomeunbulled……
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Beautifullydressedandwearingasaffron—colouredgownCLEONICE
　　Beautifullydressedandwearingasaffron—colouredgown……
　　LYSISTRATA
　　TotheendImayinspiremyhusbandwiththemostardentlongings。
　　CLEONICE
　　TotheendImayinspiremyhusbandwiththemostardentlongings。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　NeverwillIgivemyselfvoluntarily……
　　CLEONICE
　　NeverwillIgivemyselfvoluntarily……
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Andifhehasmebyforce……
　　CLEONICE
　　Andifhehasmebyforce……
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Iwillbecoldasice，andneverstiralimb……
　　CLEONICE
　　Iwillbecoldasice，andneverstiralimb……
　　LYSISTRATA
　　IwillneitherextendmyPersianslipperstowardtheceiling……
　　CLEONICE
　　IwillneitherextendmyPersianslipperstowardtheceiling……
　　LYSISTRATA
　　NorwillIcrouchlikethecarvenlionsonaknife—handle。
　　CLEONICE
　　NorwillIcrouchlikethecarvenlionsonaknife—handle。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　AndifIkeepmyoath，mayIbesufferedtodrinkofthiswine。
　　CLEONICE（morecourageously）
　　AndifIkeepmyoath，mayIbesufferedtodrinkofthiswine。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　ButifIbreakit，letmybowlbefilledwithwater。
　　CLEONICE
　　ButifIbreakit，letmybowlbefilledwithwater。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Willyoualltakethisoath？
　　ALL
　　Wedo。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　ThenI’llnowconsumethisremnant。
　　（Shedrinks。）
　　CLEONICE（reachingforthecup）
　　Enough，enough，mydear；nowletusalldrinkinturntocementourfriendship。
　　（Theypassthecuparoundandalldrink。Agreatcommotionisheardoffstage。）
　　LAMPITO
　　Listen！whatdothosecriesmean？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　It’swhatIwastellingyou；thewomenhavejustoccupiedtheAcropolis。Sonow，Lampito，youreturntoSpartatoorganizetheplot，whileyourcomradeshereremainashostages。Forourselves，letusgoandjointherestinthecitadel，andletuspushtheboltswellhome。
　　CLEONICE
　　Butdon’tyouthinkthemenwillmarchupagainstus？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ilaughatthem。Neitherthreatsnorflamesshallforceourdoors；
　　theyshallopenonlyontheconditionsIhavenamed。
　　CLEONICE
　　Yes，yes，byAphrodite；otherwiseweshouldbecalledcowardlyandwretchedwomen。
　　（ShefollowsLYSISTRATAout。）
　　（ThesceneshiftstotheentranceoftheAcropolis。TheCHORUS
　　OFOLDMENslowlyenters，carryingfaggotsandpotsoffire。）
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Goeasy，Draces，goeasy；why，yourshoulderisallchafedbythesedamnedheavyolivestocks。Butforwardstill，forward，man，asneedsmust。
　　FIRSTSEMI—CHORUSOFOLDMEN（singing）
　　Whatunlooked—forthingsdohappen，tobesure，inalonglife！
　　Ah！Strymodorus，whowouldeverhavethoughtit？Herewehavethewomen，whoused，forourmisfortune，toeatourbreadandliveinourhouses，daringnowadaystolayhandsontheholyimageofthegoddess，toseizetheAcropolisanddrawbarsandboltstokeepanyfromentering！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Come，Philurgus，man，let’shurrythere；let’slayourfaggotsallaboutthecitadel，andontheblazingpileburnwithourhandsthesevileconspiratresses，oneandall—andLycon’swifefirstandforemost！
　　SECONDSEMI—CHORUSOFOLDMEN（singing）
　　Nay，byDemeter，neverwillIletthemlaughatme，whilesI
　　haveabreathleftinmybody。Cleomeneshimself，thefirstwhoeverseizedourcitadel，hadtoquitittohissoredishonour；spitehisLacedaemonianpride，hehadtodelivermeuphisarmsandslinkoffwithasinglegarmenttohisback。Myword！buthewasfilthyandragged！andwhatanunkemptbeard，tobesure！Hehadnothadabathforsixlongyears！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Oh！butthatwasamightysiege！Ourmenwererangedseventeendeepbeforethegate，andneverlefttheirposts，eventosleep。Thesewomen，theseenemiesofEuripidesandallthegods，shallIdonothingtohindertheirinordinateinsolence？elseletthemteardownmytrophiesofMarathon。
　　FIRSTSEMI—CHORUSOFOLDMEN（singing）
　　Butlook，tofinishthistoilsomeclimbonlythislaststeepbitislefttomount。Truly，it’snoeasyjobwithoutbeastsofburden，andhowtheselogsdobruisemyshoulder！Stillletuscarryon，andblowupourfireandseeitdoesnotgooutjustaswereachourdestination。Phew！phew！（Blowingthefire）Oh！dear！whatadreadfulsmoke！
　　SECONDSEMI—CHORUSOFOLDMEN（singing）
　　Itbitesmyeyeslikeamaddog。ItisLemnianfireforsure，oritwouldneverdevourmyeyelidslikethis。Comeon，Laches，let’shurry，let’sbringsuccourtothegoddess；it’snowornever！Phew！
　　phew！（Blowingthefire）Ohdear！whataconfoundedsmoke！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Therenow，there’sourfireallbrightandburning，thankthegods！Now，whynotfirstputdownourloadshere，thentakeavine—branch，lightitatthebrazierandhurlitatthegatebywayofbattering—ram？Iftheydon’tansweroursummonsbypullingbackthebolts，thenwesetfiretothewoodwork，andthesmokewillchokethem。Yegods！whatasmoke！Pfaugh！IsthereneveraSamiangeneralwillhelpmeunloadmyburden？—Ah！itshallnotgallmyshoulderanymore。（Settingdownthewood）Come，brazier，doyourduty，maketheembersflare，thatImaykindleabrand；Iwanttobethefirsttohurlone。Aidme，heavenlyVictory；letuspunishfortheirinsolentaudacitythewomenwhohaveseizedourcitadel，andmayweraiseatrophyoftriumphforsuccess！
　　（Theybegintobuildafire。TheCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　nowenters，carryingpotsofwater。）
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Oh！mydears，methinksIseefireandsmoke；canitbeaconflagration？Letushurryallwecan。
　　FIRSTSEMI—CHORUSOFWOMEN（singing）
　　Fly，fly，Nicodice，ereCalyceandCritylleperishinthefire，orarestifledinthesmokeraisedbytheseaccursedoldmenandtheirpitilesslaws。But，greatgods，canitbeIcometoolate？Risingatdawn，Ihadtheutmosttroubletofillthisvesselatthefountain。
　　Oh！whatacrowdtherewas，andwhatadin！Whatarattlingofwater—pots！Servantsandslave—girlspushedandthrongedme！
　　However，hereIhaveitfullatlast；andIamrunningtocarrythewatertomyfellow—townswomen，whomourfoesareplottingtoburnalive。
　　SECONDSEMI—CHORUSOFWOMEN（singing）
　　Newshasbeenbroughtusthatacompanyofold，dodderinggrey—beards，loadedwithenormousfaggots，asiftheywantedtoheatafurnace，havetakenthefield，vomitingdreadfulthreats，cryingthattheymustreducetoashesthesehorriblewomen。Sufferthemnot，oh！goddess，but，ofthygrace，mayIseeAthensandGreececuredoftheirwarlikefolly。’Tistothisend，oh！thouguardiandeityofourcity，goddessofthegoldencrest，thattheyhaveseizedthysanctuary。Betheirfriendandally，Athene，andifanymanhurlagainstthemlightedfirebrands，aidustocarrywatertoextinguishthem。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　WhatisthisIsee，yewretchedoldmen？Honestandpiousfolkyecannotbewhoactsovilely。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Ah，ha！here’ssomethingnew！aswarmofwomenstandpostedoutsidetodefendthegates！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Fartatus，wouldyou？weseemamightyhost，yetyoudonotseetheten—thousandthpartofoursex。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Ho，Phaedrias！shallwestoptheircackle？Supposeoneofusweretobreakastickacrosstheirbacks，eh？
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Letussetdownourwater—potsontheground，tobeoutoftheway，iftheyshoulddaretoofferusviolence。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Letsomeoneknockouttwoorthreeteethforthem，astheydidtoBupalus；theywon’ttalksoloudthen。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Comeonthen；Iwaityouwithunflinchingfoot，andnootherbitchwillevergrabyourballs。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Silence！ormystickwillcutshortyourdays。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Now，justyoudaretotouchStratylliswiththetipofyourfinger！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　AndifIbatteryoutopieceswithmyfists，whatwillyoudo？
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Iwilltearoutyourlungsandentrailswithmyteeth。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Oh！whatacleverpoetisEuripides！howwellhesaysthatwomanisthemostshamelessofanimals。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Let’spickupourwater—jarsagain，Rhodippe。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Youdamnedwomen，whatdoyoumeantodoherewithyourwater？
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Andyou，olddeath—in—life，withyourfire？Isittocremateyourself？
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Iamgoingtobuildyouapyretoroastyourfemalefriendsupon。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　AndI，—Iamgoingtoputoutyourfire。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Youputoutmyfire—you？
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Yes，youshallsoonsee。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Idon’tknowwhatpreventsmefromroastingyouwiththistorch。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Iamgettingyouabathreadytocleanoffthefilth。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Abathforme，youdirtyslut？
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Yes，indeed，anuptialbath—teeheelLEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN（turningtohisfollowers）
　　Doyouhearthat？Whatinsolence！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Iamafreewoman，Itellyou。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Iwillmakeyouholdyourtongue，neverfear！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Ahha！youshallneversitanymoreamongsttheHeliasts。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN（tohistorch）
　　Burnoffherhairforher！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN（toherpot）
　　Achelous，doyourduty！
　　（Thewomenpitchthewaterintheirwater—potsovertheoldmen。）
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Oh，dear！oh，dear！oh，dear！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Wasithot？
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Hot，greatgods！Enough，enough！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　I’mwateringyou，tomakeyoubloomafresh。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Alas！Iamtoodry！Ah，mehow！howIamtremblingwithcold！
　　（AMAGISTRATEenters，withafewScythianpolicemen。）
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Thesewomen，havetheymadedinenough，Iwonder，withtheirtambourines？beweptAdonisenoughupontheirterraces？Iwaslisteningtothespeecheslastassemblyday，andDemostratus，whomheavenconfound！wassayingwemustallgoovertoSicily—andlo！hiswifewasdancingroundrepeating："Alas！alas！Adonis，woeismeforAdonis！"DemostratuswassayingwemustlevyhoplitesatZacynthus—andtherewashiswife，morethanhalfdrunk，screamingonthehouse—roof：
　　"Weep，weepforAdonis！"—whilethatinfamousMadOxwasbellowingawayonhisside。—Doyounotblush，youwomen，foryourwildanduproariousdoings？
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Butyoudon’tknowalltheireffronteryyet！Theyabusedandinsultedus；thensouseduswiththewaterintheirwater—pots，andhavesetuswringingoutourclothes，foralltheworldasifwehadbepissedourselves。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Andwelldonetoo，byPosidon！Wemenmustsharetheblameoftheirillconduct；itiswewhoteachthemtoloveriotanddissolutenessandsowtheseedsofwickednessintheirhearts。Youseeahusbandgointoashop："Lookyou，jeweller，"sayshe，"yourememberthenecklaceyoumadeformywife。Well，theotherevening，whenshewasdancing，thecatchcameopen。Now，IamboundtostartforSalamis；willyoumakeitconvenienttogoupto—nighttomakeherfasteningsecure？"Anotherwillgotothecobbler，agreat，strongfellow，withagreat，longtool，andtellhim："Thestrapofoneofmywife’ssandalspressesherlittletoe，whichisextremelysensitive；
　　comeinaboutmiddaytosupplethethingandstretchit。"Nowseetheresults。Takemyowncase—asaMagistrateIhaveenlistedrowers；Iwantmoneytopaythem，andthewomenslamthedoorinmyface。Butwhydowestandherewitharmscrossed？Bringmeacrowbar；I’llchastisetheirinsolence！—Ho！there，myfinefellow！
　　（tooneoftheScythians）whatare，yougapingatthecrowsfor？
　　lookingforatavern，Isuppose，eh？Comeon，bringcrowbarshere，andforceopenthegates。Iwillputahandtotheworkmyself。
　　LYSISTRATA（openingthegateandwalkingout）
　　Noneedtoforcethegates；Iamcomingout—hereIam。Andwhyboltsandbars？Whatwewanthereisnotboltsandbarsandlocks，butcommonsense。
　　MAGISTRATE（jumpingnervously，thenstrivingmanfullytoregainhisdignity）
　　Really，myfinelady！Whereismyofficer？Iwanthimtotiethatwoman’shandsbehindherback。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　ByArtemis，thevirgingoddess！ifhetouchesmewiththetipofhisfinger，officerofthepublicpeacethoughhebe，lethimlookoutforhimself！
　　（ThefirstScythiandefecatesinterror。）
　　MAGISTRATE（toanotherofficer）
　　Hownow，areyouafraid？Seizeher，Itellyou，roundthebody。
　　Twoofyouather，andhavedonewithit！
　　CLEONICE
　　ByPandrosos！ifyoulayahandonher，Illtrampleyouunderfoottillthecrapcomesoutofyou！
　　（ThesecondScythiandefecatesinterror。）
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Lookatthemessyou’vemade！Whereisthereanotherofficer？（TothethirdScythian）Bindthatminxfirst，theonewhospeakssoprettily！
　　MYRRHINE
　　ByPhoebe，ifyoutouchherwithonefinger，you’dbettercallquickforasurgeon！
　　（ThethirdScythiandefecatesinterror。）
　　MAGISTRATE
　　What’sthat？Where’stheofficer？（TothefourthScythian）Layholdofher。Oh！butI’mgoingtostopyourfoolishnessforyouallCLEONICE
　　BytheTauricArtemis，ifyougonearher，I’llpulloutyourhair，screamasyoulike。
　　（ThefourthScythiandefecatesinterror。）
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Ah！miserablemanthatIam！Myownofficersdesertme。Whatho！
　　arewetoletourselvesbebestedbyamobofwomen？Ho！Scythiansmine，closeupyourranks，andforward！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Bytheholygoddesses！you’llhavetomakeacquaintancewithfourcompaniesofwomen，readyforthefrayandwellarmedtoboot。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Forward，Scythians，andbindthem！
　　（TheScythiansadvancereluctantly。）
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Forward，mygallantcompanions；marchforth，yevendorsofgrainandeggs，garlicandvegetables，keepersoftavernsandbakeries，wrenchandstrikeandtear；come，atorrentofinvectiveandinsult！
　　（TheybeattheScythianswhoretireinhaste。）Enough，enoughnowretire，neverrobthevanquished！
　　（Thewomenwithdraw。）
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Howunfortunateformyofficers！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ah，ha！soyouthoughtyouhadonlytodowithasetofslave—women！youdidnotknowtheardourthatfillsthebosomoffree—borndames。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Ardour！yes，byApollo，ardourenough—especiallyforthewine—cup！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN
　　Sir，sirwhatgoodarewords？theyareofnoavailwithwildbeastsofthissort。Don’tyouknowhowtheyhavejustwashedusdown—andwithnoveryfragrantsoap！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Whatwouldyouhave？Youshouldneverhavelaidrashhandsonus。Ifyoustartafresh，I’llknockyoureyesout。Mydelightistostayathomeascoyasayoungmaid，withouthurtinganybodyormovinganymorethanamilestone；but’warethewasps，ifyougostirringupthewasps’nest！
　　CHORUSOFOLDMEN（singing）
　　Ah！greatgods！howgetthebetteroftheseferociouscreatures？
　　’tispastallbearing！Butcome，letustrytofindoutthereasonofthedreadfulscourge。WithwhatendinviewhavetheyseizedthecitadelofCranaus，thesacredshrinethatisraisedupontheinaccessiblerockoftheAcropolis？
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFOLDMEN（totheMAGISTRATE）
　　Questionthem；becautiousandnottoocredulous。Itwouldbeculpablenegligencenottopiercethemystery，ifwemay。
　　MAGISTRATE（addressingthewomen）
　　Iwouldaskyoufirstwhyyouhavebarredourgates。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Toseizethetreasury；nomoremoney，nomorewar。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Thenmoneyisthecauseofthewar？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Andofallourtroubles。ItwastofindoccasiontostealthatPisanderandalltheotheragitatorswereforeverraisingrevolutions。
　　Wellandgood！butthey’llnevergetanotherdrachmahere。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Whatdoyouproposetodothen，pray？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Youaskmethat！Why，weproposetoadministerthetreasuryourselves。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Youdo？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Whatisthereinthattosurpriseyou？Dowenotadministerthebudgetofhouseholdexpenses？
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Butthatisnotthesamething。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Howso—notthesamething？
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Itisthetreasurysuppliestheexpensesofthewar。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　That’sourfirstprinciple—nowar！
　　MAGISTRATE
　　What！andthesafetyofthecity？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Wewillprovideforthat。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　You？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Yes，we！
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Whatasorrybusiness！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Yes，we’regoingtosaveyou，whetheryoulikeitornot。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Oh！theimpudenceofthecreatures！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Youseemannoyed！butithastobedone，nevertheless。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Butit’stheveryheightofiniquity！
　　LYSISTRATA（testily）
　　We’regoingtosaveyou，mygoodman。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　ButifIdon’twanttobesaved？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Why，allthemorereason！
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Butwhatanotion，toconcernyourselveswithquestionsofpeaceandwar！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Wewillexplainouridea。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Outwithitthen；quick，or……（threateningher）。
　　LYSISTRATA（sternly）
　　Listen，andneveramovement，please！
　　MAGISTRATE（inimpotentrage）
　　Oh！itistoomuchforme！Icannotkeepmytemper！
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Thenlookoutforyourself；youhavemoretofearthanwehave。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Stopyourcroaking，youoldcrow！（ToLYSISTRATA）Nowyou，saywhatyouhavetosay。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Willingly。Allthelongtimethewarhaslasted，wehaveenduredinmodestsilenceallyoumendid；youneverallowedustoopenourlips。Wewerefarfromsatisfied，forweknewhowthingsweregoing；
　　ofteninourhomeswewouldhearyoudiscussing，upsidedownandinsideout，someimportantturnofaffairs。Thenwithsadhearts，butsmilinglips，wewouldaskyou：Well，intoday’sAssemblydidtheyvotepeace？—But，"Mindyourownbusiness！"thehusbandwouldgrowl，"Holdyourtongue，please！"Andwewouldsaynomore。
　　CLEONICE
　　Iwouldnothaveheldmytonguethough，notI！
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Youwouldhavebeenreducedtosilencebyblowsthen。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Well，formypart，Iwouldsaynomore。ButpresentlyIwouldcometoknowyouhadarrivedatsomefreshdecisionmorefatallyfoolishthanever。"Ah！mydearman，"Iwouldsay，"whatmadnessnext！"Buthewouldonlylookatmeaskanceandsay："Justweaveyourweb，please；
　　elseyourcheekswillsmartforhours。Warismen’sbusiness！"
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Bravo！wellsaidindeed！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Hownow，wretchedman？nottoletuscontendagainstyourfollieswasbadenough！Butpresentlyweheardyouaskingoutloudintheopenstreet："IsthereneveramanleftinAthens？"and，"No，notone，notone，"youwereassuredinreply。Then，thenwemadeupourmindswithoutmoredelaytomakecommoncausetosaveGreece。Openyourearstoourwisecounselsandholdyourtongues，andwemayyetputthingsonabetterfooting。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Youputthingsindeed！Oh！thisistoomuch！Theinsolenceofthecreatures！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Bestill！
　　MAGISTRATE
　　MayIdieathousanddeathsereIobeyonewhowearsaveil！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ifthat’sallthattroublesyou，here，takemyveil，wrapitroundyourhead，andholdyourtongue。
　　CLEONICE
　　Thentakethisbasket；putonagirdle，cardwool，munchbeans。
　　Thewarshallbewomen’sbusiness。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Layasideyourwater—pots，wewillguardthem，wewillhelpourfriendsandcompanions。
　　CHORUSOFWOMEN（singing）
　　Formyself，Iwillneverwearyofthedance；mykneeswillnevergrowstiffwithfatigue。Iwillbraveeverythingwithmydearallies，onwhomNaturehaslavishedvirtue，grace，boldness，cleverness，andwhosewiselydirectedenergyisgoingtosavetheState。
　　LEADEROFCHORUSOFWOMEN
　　Oh！mygood，gallantLysistrata，andallmyfriends，beeverlikeabundleofnettles；neverletyourangerslacken；thewindsoffortuneblowourway。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　MaygentleLoveandthesweetCyprianQueenshowerseductivecharmsonourbreastsandourthighs。Ifonlywemaystirsoamorousafeelingamongthementhattheystandasfirmassticks，weshallindeeddeservethenameofpeace—makersamongtheGreeks。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Howwillthatbe，pray？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Tobeginwith，weshallnotseeyouanymorerunninglikemadfellowstotheMarketholdinglanceinfist。
　　CLEONICE
　　Thatwillbesomethinggained，anyway，bythePaphiangoddess，itwill！
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Nowweseethem，mixedupwithsaucepansandkitchenstuff，armedtotheteeth，lookinglikewildCorybantes！
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Why，ofcourse；that’swhatbravemenshoulddo。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Oh！butwhatafunnysight，tobeholdamanwearingaGorgon’s—beadbucklercomingalongtobuyfish！
　　CLEONICE
　　TheotherdayintheMarketIsawaphylarchwithflowingringlets；hewasonhorseback，andwaspouringintohishelmetthebrothhehadjustboughtatanolddame’sstill。TherewasaThracianwarriortoo，whowasbrandishinghislancelikeTereusintheplay；hehadscaredagoodwomansellingfigsintoaperfectpanic，andwasgobblingupallherripestfruit—
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Andhow，pray，wouldyouproposetorestorepeaceandorderinallthecountriesofGreece？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　It’stheeasiestthingintheworld！
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Come，tellushow；Iamcurioustoknow。
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Whenwearewindingthread，anditistangled，wepassthespoolacrossandthroughtheskein，nowthisway，nowthatway；evenso，tofinishofthewar，weshallsendembassieshitherandthitherandeverywhere，todisentanglematters。
　　MAGISTRATE
　　Andisitwithyouryarn，andyourskeins，andyourspools，youthinktoappeasesomanybitterenmities，yousillywomen？
　　LYSISTRATA
　　Ifonlyyouhadcommonsense，youwouldalwaysdoinpoliticsthesameaswedowithouryarn。