The Eleven Comedies, Volume 2 by Aristophanes
page 151 of 526 (28%)
page 151 of 526 (28%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
|
father, while still a chick, is a brave fellow.
PARRICIDE. And therefore I want to dwell here, for I want to strangle my father and inherit his wealth. PISTHETAERUS. But we have also an ancient law written in the code of the storks, which runs thus, "When the stork father has reared his young and has taught them to fly, the young must in their turn support the father." PARRICIDE. 'Tis hardly worth while coming all this distance to be compelled to keep my father! PISTHETAERUS. No, no, young friend, since you have come to us with such willingness, I am going to give you these black wings, as though you were an orphan bird; furthermore, some good advice, that I received myself in infancy. Don't strike your father, but take these wings in one hand and these spurs in the other; imagine you have a cock's crest on your head and go and mount guard and fight; live on your pay and respect your father's life. You're a gallant fellow! Very well, then! Fly to Thrace and fight.[330] PARRICIDE. By Bacchus! 'Tis well spoken; I will follow your counsel. PISTHETAERUS. 'Tis acting wisely, by Zeus. CINESIAS.[331] "On my light pinions I soar off to Olympus; in its capricious flight my Muse flutters along the thousand paths of poetry in turn ..." PISTHETAERUS. This is a fellow will need a whole shipload of wings. |
|


