CINESIAS. To treat a dithyrambic poet, for whom the tribes dispute with
each other, in this style![335]
PISTHETAERUS. Will you stay with us and form a chorus of winged birds as
slender as Leotrophides[336] for the Cecropid tribe?
CINESIAS. You are making game of me, 'tis clear; but know that I shall
never leave you in peace if I do not have wings wherewith to traverse the
air.
AN INFORMER. What are these birds with downy feathers, who look so
pitiable to me? Tell me, oh swallow with the long dappled wings.[337]
PISTHETAERUS. Oh! but 'tis a perfect invasion that threatens us. Here
comes another of them, humming along.
INFORMER. Swallow with the long dappled wings, once more I summon you.
PISTHETAERUS. It's his cloak I believe he's addressing; 'faith, it stands
in great need of the swallows' return.[338]
INFORMER. Where is he who gives out wings to all comers?
PISTHETAERUS. 'Tis I, but you must tell me for what purpose you want
them.
INFORMER. Ask no questions. I want wings, and wings I must have.