CHORUS OF MEN
There is nothing so resistless as a woman in her ire,
CHORUS OF MEN She is wilder than a leopard, she is fiercer than a fire,
CHORUS OF WOMEN And yet you’re so daft as with women to contend, When ’tis in your power to win me and have me as a friend.
CHORUS OF MEN I’ll never, never cease all women to detest.
CHORUS OF WOMEN That’s as you please hereafter: meanwhile you’re all undressed. I really can’t allow it, you are getting quite a joke; Permit me to approach you and to put you on this cloak.
CHORUS OF MEN Now that’s not so bad or unfriendly I declare; It was only from bad temper that I stripped myself so bare.
CHORUS OF WOMEN There, now you look a man: and none will joke and jeer you: And if you weren’t so spiteful that no one can come near you, I’d have pulled out the insect that is sticking in your eye.
CHORUS OF MEN Ay, that is what’s consuming me, that little biter-fly. Yes, scoop it out and show me, when you’ve got him safe away: The plaguy little brute, he’s been biting me all day.
CHORUS OF WOMEN I’ll do it, sir, I’ll do it: but you’re a cross one, you. O Zeus! here’s a monster I am pulling forth to view.
CHORUS OF WOMEN Just look! don’t you think ’tis a Tricorysian gnat?
CHORUS OF MEN And he’s been dig, dig, digging (so I thank you much for that) Till the water, now he’s gone, keeps running from my eye
CHORUS OF WOMEN But although you’ve been so naughty, I’ll come and wipe it dry, And I’ll kiss you.
CHORUS OF MEN No, not kiss me!
CHORUS OF WOMEN Will you, nill you, it must be.
CHORUS OF MEN Get along, a murrain on you. Tcha! what coaxing rogues are ye! That was quite a true opinion which a wise man gave about yon; We can’t live with such tormentors, no, by Zeus, nor yet without you. Now we’ll make a faithful treaty, and for evermore agree, I will do no harm to women, they shall do no harm to me. Join our forces, come along: one and all commence the song
CHORUS Not to objurgate and scold you, Not unpleasant truths to say, But with words and deeds of bounty Come we here to-day. Ah, enough of idle quarrels, Now attend, I pray. Now whoever wants some money, Minas two or minas three,
CHORUS
Let them say so, man and woman, Let them come with me. Many purses, large and—empty, In my house they’ll see. Only you must strictly promise, Only you indeed must say That whenever Peace re-greet us, You will—not repay. Some Carystian friends are coming, Pleasant gentlemen, to dine; And I’ve made some soup, and slaughtered Such a lovely swine; Luscious meat ye’ll have and tender At this feast of mine. Come along, yourselves and children, Come to grace my board to-day; Take an early bath, and deck you In your best array; Then walk in and ask no questions, Take the readiest way. Come along, like men of mettle; Come as though ’twere all for you: Come, you’ll find my only entrance Locked and bolted too.
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