CHORUS
You ask that, you impudent rascal, traitor to your country; you
alone amongst us all have concluded a truce, and you dare to look us
in the face!

DICAEOPOLIS
But you do not know WHY I have treated for peace. Listen!

CHORUS
Listen to you? No, no, you are about to die, we will annihilate
you with our stones.

DICAEOPOLIS
But first of all, listen. Stop, my friends.

CHORUS
I will hear nothing; do not address me; I hate you more than I
do Cleon,[1] whom one day I shall flay to make sandals for the Knights.
Listen to your long speeches, after you have treated with the
Laconians? No, I will punish you.

f[1] Cleon the Demagogue was a currier originally by trade. He was the
sworn foe and particular detestation of the Knights or aristocratic party
generally.

DICAEOPOLIS
Friends, leave the Laconians out of debate and consider only
whether I have not done well to conclude my truce.

CHORUS