y at a run, weeping bitter tears.
The townsfolk are less ill-used, but that is how the husbandmen are
treated by these men of war, the hated of the gods and of men, who
know nothing but how to throw away their shield. For this reason, if it
please heaven, I propose to call these rascals to account, for they are
lions in times of peace, but sneaking foxes when it comes to fighting.

f(1) This was the soldier's usual ration on duty.

f(2) Slaves often bore the name of the country of their
birth.

f(3) Because of the new colour which fear had lent his
chlamys.

f(4) Meaning, that he deserts his men in mid-campaign,
leaving them to look after the enemy.

f(5) Ancient King of Athens. This was one of the twelve
statues, on the pedestals of which the names of the soldiers
chose for departure on service were written. The decrees
were also placarded on them.

TRYGAEUS Oh! oh! what a crowd for the nuptial feast! Here! dust the
tables with this crest, which is good for nothing else now. Halloa!
produce the cakes, the thrushes, plenty of good jugged hare and the
little loaves.

A SICKLE-MAKER Trygaeus, where is Trygaeus?

TRYGAEUS I am cooking the thrushes.

SICKLE-MAKER Trygaeus, my best of friends, what a fine stroke of
business you have done for me by bringing back Peace! Formerly my
sickles would not have sold at an obolus apiece; to-day I am being paid
fifty drachmae for every one. And here is a neighbour who is selling his
casks for the country at three drachmae each. So come, Trygaeus, take as
many sickles and casks as you will for nothing. Accept them for nothing;
'tis because of our handsome profits on our sales that we offer you
these wedding presents.

TRYGAEUS Thanks. Put them all down inside there, and come along quick to
the banquet. Ah! do you see that armourer yonder coming with a wry face?

A CREST-MAKER Alas! alas! Trygaeus, you have ruined me utterly.

TRYGAEUS What! won't the crests go any more, friend?

CREST-MAKER You have killed my business, my livelihood, and that of this
poor lance-maker too.

TRYGAEUS Come, come, what are you asking for these two crests?

CREST-MAKER What do you bid for them?

TRYGAEUS What do I bid? Oh! I am ashamed to say. Still, as the clasp
is of good workmanship, I would give two, even three measures of dried
figs; I could use 'em for dusting the table.

CREST-MAKER All right, tell them to bring me the drie