The Birds by Aristophanes
page 51 of 126 (40%)
page 51 of 126 (40%)
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PISTHETAERUS
Firstly, the locusts shall not eat up their vine-blossoms; a legion of owls and kestrels will devour them. Moreover, the gnats and the gall-bugs shall no longer ravage the figs; a flock of thrushes shall swallow the whole host down to the very last. EPOPS And how shall we give wealth to mankind? This is their strongest passion. PISTHETAERUS When they consult the omens, you will point them to the richest mines, you will reveal the paying ventures to the diviner, and not another shipwreck will happen or sailor perish. EPOPS No more shall perish? How is that? PISTHETAERUS When the auguries are examined before starting on a voyage, some bird will not fail to say, "Don't start! there will be a storm," or else, "Go! you will make a most profitable venture." EUELPIDES I shall buy a trading-vessel and go to sea, I will not stay with you. PISTHETAERUS You will discover treasures to them, which were buried in former times, for you know them. Do not all men say, "None knows where my |
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