ALL THE WOMEN. So, by high Zeus we swear!
LYS. Thus pledged I drink.
CAL.. Here! don’t you take my share!
(CALONICE _drinks deep. The other women
seize hold of the cup_.)
LAMP. Nay, cease, I tell you! Let it pass about
As between equals.
(_Drinks and passes it. The cup goes round._
CALONICE _follows it_.)
(_A shout is heard within._)
LAMP. Ha! what was that shout?
LYS. That which I planned and told. Know ye by this
Our women warders hold the Acropolis.
(_General excitement. Some run to look over the gate,
wave to those within, and run back again._)
(_Enter an_ OLD WOMAN, _bearing a key.
She gives it to_ LYSISTRATA.)
Now farewell, comrades, farewell, Lampito.
Swiftly let each one to her city go,
There to breed peace! Meanwhile we will hold these
Fair pledges of your troth, as hostages.
Come, Corinth, to your foes be faithful now;
And you in Athens keep your Spartan vow.
(_She draws hostages from the Spartans, Corinthians, and
Bœotians, and passes them to the care of the Athenians._)
THE WOMEN CHORUS. Now for the Women’s War!
ALL THE WOMEN. Evoe! Evoe!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O Pallas, bring us peace!
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Nay, wait and see!
Look, who comes yonder!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Ho, such poor old men,
Marching in rows, and bearing logs: eight, ten--
A dozen or more!
4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Ugh! how they limp!
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. And how they drag their tails!
2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. And how they crawl--
Like snails
Up a long wall!
3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Oh, me! what mighty warriors be these?
1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O ye great surges, ye white-crested seas,
Come ye to overwhelm us in your flood
Of feeble waters that were once strong blood!