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Title: Lysistrata A modern paraphrase from the Greek of Aristophanes Author: Aristophanes Laurence Housman Release date: January 23, 2026 [eBook #77760] Language: English Original publication: London: The Woman's Press, 1911 Credits: Tim Lindell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.) *** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LYSISTRATA *** Transcriber’s Notes: Underscores “_”; before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_ in the original text. Equal signs “=” before and after a word or phrase indicate =bold= in the original text. Small capitals have been converted to SOLID capitals. Deprecated spellings have been preserved. Typographical and punctuation errors have been silently corrected. [Illustration: _Photograph by Messrs. Alexander Corbett, Orchard Street, W._ Miss Gertrude Kingston in the Title Rôle of Lysistrata.] LYSISTRATA A MODERN PARAPHRASE FROM THE GREEK OF ARISTOPHANES BY LAURENCE HOUSMAN LONDON: THE WOMAN’S PRESS 156, CHARING CROSS ROAD, W.C. 1911 CHARACTERS LYSISTRATA } CALONICE } _Athenians._ MYRRHINA } STRATYLLIS } LAMPITO _A Spartan._ 1ST LEADER OF CHORUS 2ND LEADER OF CHORUS 3RD LEADER OF CHORUS CHORUS OF WOMEN 1ST ATHENIAN WOMAN 2ND ATHENIAN WOMAN 3RD ATHENIAN WOMAN 4TH ATHENIAN WOMAN _Athenian, Spartan, Bœotian, and Corinthian Women._ PEACE CINESIAS _Myrrhina’s Husband._ MANES _His Servant._ CHILD _Son to Cinesias._ A COMMITTEE-MAN SPARTAN HERALD 1ST SPARTAN AMBASSADOR 2ND SPARTAN AMBASSADOR 1ST LEADER OF CHORUS 2ND LEADER OF CHORUS 3RD LEADER OF CHORUS 4TH LEADER OF CHORUS CHORUS OF OLD MEN POLICEMEN ATHENIANS SPARTANS SCENE: _A street in Athens, with steps leading to the Acropolis_. [_Dramatic Rights Reserved_]. Lysistrata SCENE I. TIME: _Before dawn._ (_Enter_ LYSISTRATA. _She walks to and fro and looks anxiously to right and left._) LYS. None here! The place is void, the streets are dumb: Though I have called, the women have not come! Ah, had it been for Bacchus, or for Pan, Or Her who casts her woman-wiles on man,-- White foam-born Aphrodite--swift and loud With beat of drums had thronged the giddy crowd To do them honour! Now I stand alone Uncomraded; and these soft hearts are stone While stricken Greece goes stumbling to her death. Yet here comes one! (_Enter_ CALONICE, _very slowly, dragging her feet, yawning and still dressing herself_.) What! Are you out of breath With running, Calonice? Good, indeed! O swift of foot, I praise you for your speed! CAL. Nay, peace, Lysistrata! What trouble now? Why look you sad, my child? That darkened brow Becomes you not. (_Tries to embrace her._ LYSISTRATA _turns away_.) LYS. Oh, Calonice, flame Eats at my heart, and wrath, and heavy shame That there be women whom men can rightly hold In base esteem. CAL. (_adjusting her dress._) Aye, true! LYS. So when ’twas told How here a voice should speak and bid them rouse For Athen’s sake, naught did they care! They drowse Lapt in fond dreams. CAL. Well, they must sleep sometimes! LYS. Yes, and make sleep the cover of their crimes! Not sleep alone-- CAL. “Not sleep _alone_!” LYS. --but sloth and slavish lust Have made them tame! CAL. Ah, give them time! You trust My word for it, they’ll come! Often, no doubt, ’Tis difficult for women to get out: For those with husbands have enough to do; And servants need a looking after, too; And then the children--one to put to bed, And one to wash, another to be fed;-- Ah! there’s no end to it! LYS. And yet, my friend, To all these things now there must be an end. There stands for us a stiffer load to bear. CAL. Than woman’s burden? Why, what is it? Where? Lysistrata, belongs it ... to our trade? LYS. Touching alike the matron and the maid. CAL. (_with sudden comprehension_). Oh! Is that it? What? Is it so you mean? LYS. Nay, there’s no man in it! Oh, had there been, Out they’d have buzzed like flies to tainted flesh! That which I have in mind is something fresh-- Frost, and yet fire: a love which looks like hate, Barren, yet breeding safety to the State. CAL. Surely a subtle thing, past women’s ken? LYS. Nay, not so far; yet past the thoughts of men. The hope of Greece depends on women now. CAL. What, on us women? A frail hope, I vow! Oh, what a pass! (_Turns away._) LYS. That wherein now we stand, Surely is worse: for now on every hand, State against State, we waste ourselves in war. Soon shall the breed of Sparta be no more Than a mere name; and Corinth by her seas Will lie in ruins! CAL. Well, and are not these The foes of Athens? LYS. Foes! the race which slew With us the Persian? Athens will go, too, When Sparta dies: for, Greece being drained of men And emptied of her strength, we perish then Beyond redemption! CAL. Aye, most miserably! For without men where should we women be? LYS. Therefore I call on women to unite And win for us salvation. CAL. What? To fight? LYS. A woman’s battle. CAL. Think you we can win? LYS. Word has gone forth: and let them but come in To Athens from the North and Peloponnese, The women in alliance shall save Greece. CAL. Oh! they won’t come! What, shall the Spartan wives Join hands with _us_, while Spartans risk their lives In war on Athens? Did I not hear of late My husband say never was there such hate As now ’twixt us and them? LYS. I have a plan Of peace: each woman must subdue her man. CAL. What can a woman do, save to go dressed In saffron robe, with loose Cimmerian vest And sandalled feet? Can hands which ply their craft On curl and comb, and ointment, hold the haft Of weaponed war? (_Seats herself._) LYS. These are the very things Wherewith to fight; from them salvation springs,-- The saffron robe, the delicate sandalled feet, The broidered vest, the curl, the ointment sweet! CAL. How? To what end shall these things help us here? LYS. (_rises_). So that henceforth no man shall lift a spear Against his neighbour. CAL. Nay, my wits are weak: Your words sound empty. LYS. So that Greek ’gainst Greek Shall take up arms no more,-- CAL. Then joy betide! Swiftly I’ll get me a robe with saffron dyed! LYS. Nor bear a shield,-- CAL. (_re-arranging her dress_). I’ll don the broidered vest! LYS. Nor wield a sword! CAL. Sandals, aye, of the best! LYS. For such an end should women not stand by? CAL. Nay, by the gods, now ought they not to fly-- _Fly_ to us? (_Dawn has begun._) LYS. Ah! In every Grecian State Women are doing as they ought--too late! Not from the coast nor yet from Salamis Comes countenance or aid; (_Sounds of approaching voices from all sides._) CAL. Yet I know this,-- Swift boats came o’er the strait at break of day. LYS. And the Acharnian women still hold away, Though first of all I reckoned upon these! CAL. I heard of one--wife of Theogenes-- Swearing by Hecate _she_ meant to come. (_Voices outside grow louder._) But see, look yonder now! For there be some; And here be others. Ha! ha! Whence come these? LYS. From Anagyrus. CAL. By the gods, one sees Something has stirred them now, at any rate! (_Enter_ MYRRHINA, _followed by_ STRATYLLIS _and others; they are chattering and laughing, excited and half-dressed. As they come they are finishing their toilets._) MYRR. (_mincingly_). Lysistrata, I hope I am not too late. Will you not speak then? Why so black a brow? (_Goes to_ LYSISTRATA, _who turns away_.) LYS. How can I praise you that you come but now-- So slow, Myrrhina, when Greece seeks our aid? MYRR. ’Twas dark: I lost my girdle, and was afraid To come alone. 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. I could not find my shoes. 2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. Nor I my cap. 3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. Nay, truly? STRAT. Well, what news? What have we come for,--tell us! MYRR. If the need Be pressing, let us hear! LYS. Not so, indeed! Wait till those other women, who set forth First to our summons, from the south and north, From Peloponnese and from Bœotia come. (_More voices are heard approaching._) MYRR. Oh, when you please! But yonder I see some. (_The women wave greetings. Enter from the left_ LAMPITO _with other_ SPARTANS.) LYS. O dear Laconia! Welcome, Lampito! How shines your beauty, and how bright a glow Of colour fills your face! O strong of limb! Were Minotaur your match you’d throttle him. LAMP. By the twin gods, I would try, any way! I am a match for men, at fight or play. (_Bends her arm and displays her biceps; a murmur of admiration goes round; and other women feel theirs._) LYS. Oh, what fair form is this? LAMP. Nay, friend, let go! Am I a victim that you hold me so? LYS. A pledge of victory that shall soon be ours. Ah, who be these? (_The sun rises. Enter_ BŒOTIAN WOMEN.) LAMP. Bœotians. LYS. What bright flowers! O fair Bœotia, with the full sweet breast And locks wherein the sunlight seems to rest, I give you greeting. Next? (The BŒOTIAN WOMEN stand staring and giggling. Enter CORINTHIAN WOMEN.) LAMP. Corinthians these. LYS. Oh, welcome Corinth, that between two seas Lieth embraced, yet stayeth a virgin still. 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. O double faced! (_Aside._) 2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. Her looks belie it. (_Aside._) 3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. Be still! (_Aside._) LAMP. Who called us hither? LYS. I. LAMP. What was your will? (_A pause._) Nay, here we stand: therefore, I say, disclose Why hast thou brought to Athens friends and foes. CORINTH. Tell us! SEVERAL WOMEN (_excitedly_). Aye, speak! MYRR. (_sarcastically_). This great, this pressing need. LYS. Yea, I will speak. (_Slowly._) But first, my friends,---- (_Exclamation of impatience from all._) give heed To one small question. SEVERAL WOMEN. Ask us what you please! LYS. O wives and mothers, to whom war decrees A life unhusbanded, do ye not yearn For those who gave you children to return? (_A pause._) SEVERAL WOMEN. Do we not yearn? Oh, me! do we not yearn? We yearn, we burn, to learn of their return! LYS. Full well ye know how long they have been kept On foreign service. CAL. Aye, ten moons I’ve slept A widow! BŒOT. And I!--No husband have I seen For five long months or more. MYRR. And mine has been Absent in Pylos seven. CORINTH. And mine the same. LAMP. My lover, too. A week ago he came; Yet scarce had time to lay by sword and shield Ere back again they called him to the field. 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O womanhood, that waits with widowed breast Safe in the guarded home, yet finds no rest! CHORUS OF WOMEN. Ah! (_A long-drawn sigh._) LYS. So men make war, and women bear the theft. There’s scarcely a gallant or a lover left In Attica. (_The women burst into tears._) And those who stay behind Still goad them to it. O women, would ye find A way to end this war--say at what price? MYRR. I’d pawn my frock! 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. I too! 2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. And I! 3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. And I! CAL. I’d take a knife and slice My body into fillets like fish for pence! LAMP. And I would climb Taygetus, if thence I might get sight of peace! (_General consent._) LYS. Well, hear me then, for now I speak! Ye know How at each festival they make a show And a pretence of peace, calling a truce:-- And each man then comes home. CAL. Ah! for what use? Just for one greedy bite--then off again. A snack of comfort. Oh, I know these men! LYS. And now, to-day, ye look for their return. SEVERAL WOMEN. Yes, yes. LYS. Brief is the truce, and brief the bliss ye earn For all your waiting. ALL THE WOMEN (_sighing_). Aye! LYS. For while men fight Never shall women’s love retain its right In hearth and home. ALL THE WOMEN. ’Tis true! LYS. Well, hearken then, And be ye brave!... If ye would make these men Wishful for peace we women must ... abstain. MYRR. From what? LYS. Oh, me! if now I plead in vain. ALL THE WOMEN. From what? From what? LYS. It is no easy thing. LAMP. Let it be hard! CAL. Oh, cease this torturing! LYS. In this fresh truce, what ye must bear is more Than ye have borne through all the years of war. ALL THE WOMEN. What? LYS. Will ye do it? MYRR. Yes, even though we die! (_A long pause._) LYS. Abstain ye, then ... from love. (_All draw back and turn sorrowfully away._) Oh, sisters, why Do ye turn from me? Whither will ye go? Why have ye shut your lips? Why shake ye so Your heads at me? Why pale and turned to tears? Will ye, or will ye not?... (_Each one whom she challenges turns from her._) O ye deaf ears! O women, where is your high purpose gone? MYRR. (_in low, firm tone_). I cannot do it. Let the war go on! CAL. Nor I. War must go on. (_Comfortably accepting the inevitable._) LYS. What you--you fish Ready for filletting! CAL. Oh, let us wish For any cure but that! ALL THE WOMEN. Aye, any cure but that! CAL. At your desire I would be willing even to walk through fire! But--take not love away! ALL THE WOMEN. Not love! Not love! LYS. (to MYRRHINA). And what say you? MYRR. (_trippingly_). To walk through fire I would be willing too. CORINTH. Fire? Oh, that’s nothing! Fire? BŒOT. I wouldn’t care. 3RD ATHEN. Woman. I would do anything--go anywhere. CORINTH. But to do _this_, I _couldn’t_! Well, you see-- ’Twould be so useless--so _unwomanly_. LYS. Oh, wretched race, which makes all Greece its grave! Women be vessels driven by wind and wave-- In nothing steadfast.... Ah, Laconia’s bride, Speak for me, Lampito; be on my side! (LAMPITO _is quiet for a moment, she closes her eyes and sways to and fro biting her lips, then speaks with conviction and resolution._) LAMP. Now, by the gods, a woman’s life is hard When of her lover’s lips she stays debarred.... Yet we must do it: the land hath need of peace. LYS. O bravest woman! One, out of all these! CAL. But if we do, what profit will it bring? How without love comes peace or anything? LYS. Hark! I will show. Let each go to her home, Put on fair raiment, ply the paint and comb With secret art,--over the tender breast With cords of gold unloop the scented vest: Then wait, and when your warriors return After long absence, oh, shall they not burn To kiss the lips where welcome seems to wait So lovingly? And when a harder fate Meets their advances, and a voice cries “Go! Not till ye bring us peace!” Full well I know Peace will come quickly then. (_The_ WOMEN _during this speech have been gradually won over: it appeals to their sex-vanity._) LAMP. (_rising to full height_). O most true word! Even so fierce Menelaus sheathed his sword For the bright breasts of Helen! MYRR. You speak fair! But, friend, suppose our husbands ... went elsewhere? LYS. Is yours like that? The covers will be bare. CAL. What if they come and take the kiss by force? (_The_ BŒOTIAN WOMEN _shake their heads continuously. The rest listen anxiously._) LYS. Cling to the door-post, then; or lock the doors! CAL. What if they beat us? LYS. Still ye can annoy, Still fret and vex; for no man can have joy If ye afflict him. CAL. (_shaking her head_). Ah! Mine won’t give in! LYS. Let him hold out--what profit shall he win? Surely ye know, each in your secret heart, Smooth are a woman’s ways to make men smart. CAL. There, there, I don’t deny it. It’s true indeed! Well, since ye wish it, are the rest agreed? CORINTH. Perhaps. I’ll wait and see. LYS. Nay, answer now! Oh come, ye women, and take up this vow! LAMP. Each to persuade her lover or her mate? Easy for us! But here you have a State Governed by party--babblers without brain. LYS. Each must persuade her party. LAMP. Nay, ’tis vain. Voteless ye cannot! The fleet stands equipped, Supply is voted, and each party, whipped To its own ends, strives only to get hold Of power, and office, and the public gold. LYS. And when no gold remains, then war will cease. CAL. Is it till then that we must wait for peace? Why! in yon Parthenon the State has stores Of gold that would provide a dozen wars! LYS. Make your mind easy: I have planned for this: To-day we seize upon the Acropolis. (_General excitement._) Word has gone forth, and while we here debate The elders of our women have passed the gate: Soon will the prize be ours. CAL. And all the gold? LYS. That, and the public peace is yours to hold. ALL THE WOMEN. Evoe! Evoe! Evoe! (_They run about waving their veils and shouting._) LAMP. You have planned well! LYS. So, that our cause may stand inviolable, Now take the oath, then forward let us fare. Are you content? ALL THE WOMEN. We are! CAL. Nay, have a care! What are we doing? LAMP. Speak, then, the word! CAL. In what form do we swear? LYS. In blood of bulls poured out upon a shield. STRAT. It were ill-omened on so dark a field To sue for peace. LYS. How then? CAL. Take a white horse, Slay it; then sit thereon! LYS. That has no force. STRAT. Why not a goat? MYRR. A dove? BŒOT. No; something big! CORINTH. A cow? 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. A fish, a filleted fish! (_to_ CALONICE). CAL. (_repulsing her_). A pig! LYS. Nay, sisters, is not this a fairer sign? Take a great goblet. (_Shouts of “Yes!” and “No!”_ LAMPITO _threatens the dissentients_). Slay a cask of wine: Fill up the cup; then let the oath begin-- “Not until peace will I pour water in!” LAMP. O Mother Earth, to thee I make this oath! LYS. Bring cup, and hulk of wine. (SERVANT _carries away shield and brings back cup and wine-skin_). and set them both Here on this altar. (CALONICE _takes the cup and exhibits it_.) Thou fair girth and form, Who clasps and drinks of thee, his blood grows warm; Who lacks of thee, lacks also of life’s crown! (_To_ CALONICE.) Lift up the victim: set the goblet down. (_The cup is set down. The wine-skin is held ready above it._) Fair goddess of Persuasion, and sweet Cup Of comfortable Love, take and drink up, Friendly to us, this blood! (_She stabs the wine-skin: the wine flows out._) CAL. (_smacking her lips_). It bubbles well! CORINTH. Brightly it runs! (WOMEN _smack their lips_.) 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN (_sniffing with relish_). Aye, and how sweet a smell! LAMP. By the twin gods, how it awakes my thirst! LYS. Permit me, O fair comrades, to drink first. (_She takes up the cup._) CAL. No, by the gods! Wait till the lots be cast. LYS. Come, Lampito, and let us all link fast Our hands around the bowl: then let my word Lead for the rest: and after ye have heard Let one among you speak: so, having cried Our common cause, thereto shall ye abide. (_They all lay hands on the cup._) LYS. “I swear there is no man, lover or spouse”-- (_A pause._) (_The other women beckon for_ CALONICE _to speak: she shakes her head and draws back_. LYSISTRATA _catches her by the shoulder and draws her forward. She still remains silent till_ LAMPITO _gives her a hard push from behind_.) CAL. “I swear there is no man, lover or spouse”-- LYS. “Whom I will meet to mate with or yield vows”-- (_A pause._ LYSISTRATA _stamps her foot_.) Say it! CAL. “Whom I will meet or mate with to yield vows”-- LYS. “Of love.” CAL. “Of love.” (_Sobs._) LYS. “But I will lead a life chaste and austere”-- CAL. (_struggling with her emotions_). “But I will lead a life chaste and austere”-- LYS. “Decked in a saffron robe, and in such gear”-- CAL (_half laughing, half crying_). “Decked in a saffron robe, and in such gear”-- LYS. “That he who loves me needs must love me more”-- --Don’t drop the bowl!-- (_The women show relief, the_ BŒOTIANS _giggle_. LAMPITO _nudges them_. CALONICE’S _spirits begin to revive_.) CAL. “That he who loves me needs must love me more”-- LYS. “And for the kiss denied feel hunger sore.” CAL. (_doubtful and apprehensive_). “And for the kiss denied feel hunger sore.” LYS. “I will provide cold lips for him to taste,” CAL. Ah, lies, all lies! (_Aside._) “Cold lips for him to taste----” LYS. “His arm shall not be wound about my waist!” CAL. (_reluctantly, her voice breaking_). “His arm shall not be wound about my waist.” LYS. “If I stand firm, the cup of joy be mine!” CAL. “If I stand firm--(_sobs_)--the cup of joy be mine!” (_Sobs._) LYS. “If I break faith, let water drown the wine.” CAL. Yes ... I mean it! (CALONICE _sobs over the wine-cup_.) LYS. So swear we all. (_Lifts the cup._) 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! 4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. What must we do (_The_ WOMEN _laugh and flourish defiantly_.) CAL. Ah! there’ll be others soon in their alliance-- They’ll come and make short work of our defiance. LYS. I care not for them! For they shall not bring Enough of threat, or force, or fire to fling Open these gates, until our terms be won. Not so, by Heaven! (_She raises her hand, the women rally round her._) Our cause were then undone For ever--to have women first proclaimed So fierce and formidable, and then so tamed! Be brave, quit you like men! So fare ye well. Now to the gates! Bar up the citadel! (_Exeunt_ LAMPITO _with the_ CORINTHIANS and BŒOTIANS. _The_ ATHENIAN WOMEN _pass in through the gates_. LYSISTRATA _enters last_.) CHORUS (_sung as the women pass out_). Pallas Athene, hear! Bend from thy throne, And make, with lifted spear, Our cause thine own! O walls of Athens, homes of Greece, The women’s war shall bring you peace. (_The gates are shut and bolted._) (_The stage remains empty and silent, the slow, heavy tread of the men is heard approaching._) (_From within the gates a woman calls “Cuckoo!” three times._) (_Enter_ CHORUS OF OLD MEN. _Some carry a heavy log on their shoulders, others bundles of firewood. Two of them bear upon a pole a brazier or firepan._) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Advance, march firmly on; be not dejected! Although like beasts of burden on our shoulder We bear this yoke of olive which we have hauled for So great a distance---- SEVERAL MEN. So great a distance! (_They move a step forward._) 2ND LEADER OF MEN. And which with sore abrasion Galleth the flesh:-- SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp! Galleth the flesh! (_Another step forward._) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Although its weight is great And the occasion Most melancholy and most uncalled for---- SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp! Uncalled for! (_Another step forward._) 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Still swiftly we advance toward the gate, 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Summoned by Fate---- SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp! (_Another step forward._) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. To the high gods’ assistance. 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Truly in a long life as one grows older, One learns that troubles still come unexpected! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. So here’s a fresh example set before us! Whoever would have thought, O Strymodorus, That woman---- 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF MEN. Woman! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Whom, in her sphere, the home A manifest but necessary pest---- SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp! (_Another step forward._) 4TH LEADER OF MEN. We meekly have supported. 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF MEN. Supported! SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp! (_Another step forward._) 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Would ever have resorted---- 3RD LEADER OF MEN. To such a course as this! 1ST, 2ND, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. As this! SEVERAL MEN. Ho-hopp! (_Another step forward._) 3RD LEADER OF MEN. And got possession of the Virgin shrine And of the Acropolis--_my_ Acropolis. 1ST, 2ND, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. _My_ Acropolis! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. And blocked the Propylæa--yours and mine. 1ST, 2ND, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. Yours and mine! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. With hostile bolts and bars. ALL THE MEN. Ho-hopp! (_Those in front flag, the forepart of the log is let down. The four_ LEADERS _come forward, leaving the others to do the carrying. All immediately strike work._) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. So, ye propitious stars, Now let us haste. 2ND LEADER OF MEN. And without waste of time Take up our task sublime: 3RD LEADER OF MEN. And heaping up the pyre Round all whom in this plot we count the worst-- 4TH LEADER OF MEN. With our own hands set fire To women so abominable, so accurst! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Let us take first Lysistrata, the wife Of Lycon: 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Never again While I have life Shall she be heard making her mock on men. 3RD LEADER OF MEN. But now the steepest part of all the track Toward those gates whereto I press with speed Remains to pass: And I must lift, alas! This load. (_He indicates the log of olive._) And bear it up, alack, alack, Unaided on my galled and jaded-- Back. 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Tarry awhile: this fire needs looking to, Lest at our goal we find it perished quite, And what, then, should we do? (_They gather round firepan._) 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Faugh! Faugh! Now by my soul This fire out of its pan Like a mad dog has leapt and tries to bite-- Flies at my eyes, depriving me of sight! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Oh, sorry joke! 3RD LEADER OF MEN (_rousing the carriers_). But haste, and to the citadel press on! The goddess needs your aid. 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Quick, Laches, now or never! Though I am stayed By this most stubborn fire, I come anon. 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. Faugh! Faugh! Oh, what a smoke! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Yet, favoured of the gods, it lives, it wakes! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Therefore I say, abandon now this yoke. And, kindling at the flame these vine-wood stakes, Rush forward! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. And with a sudden stroke Beat in the doors! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. For if these rebel women--when we knock, 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Or when we call, 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Fail to unloose the lock-- 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Then let us fall Swiftly upon them-- 4TH LEADER OF MEN. With fell fire and shock Of onset! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Rout them! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Smoke them from their hive-- 3RD LEADER OF MEN. And burn them up alive! (_They fall to action with the unlit torches._) 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Ay, you say well! But first uplift this load And set it as a trophy on our road. 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Proof of the victory which here befell! (_They set the log up on end._) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. And now--for it is time that ye began-- Quick to your business, pan! (_They thrust their torches into the firepan._) 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Catch, kindle, burn, lend me a torch of fire. (_Four women’s heads appear over the ramparts watching them._) 4TH LEADER OF MEN. And light me to the goal of my desire, 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Where rampant women, daring to rebel, With impious hands have seized my citadel. (_They catch sight of the women, and crouch with their lighted torches below the steps leading to the gates._) (_Enter_ CHORUS OF WOMEN _from citadel. They pretend to be unaware of the old men’s presence._) 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. What fire is this? What smoke that mounts to Heaven? Oh, women, hasten! Was the warning given Too late? 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. What if it be One of our sisters, that too tardily Hath hither run; and even now, entrapped By evil men and unjust laws, stands lapt In flame of martyrdom! 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Come, quickly come! O women, bring Your pitchers from the spring! (_Enter the_ WATER CARRIERS.) 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Oh, me! I am afraid Lest we have come too late to offer aid. 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Not so! (_pointing to the_ OLD MEN). 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Tarry, for I have heard That certain gay old dogs, Men past their prime, With brains and senses blurred, Diseased by age, Have come forth carrying logs And full of rage, To burn us to a cinder. ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS (_fiercely_). Ah! (_The_ OLD MEN _grow uncomfortable_.) 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. So dark a crime Shall we not hinder? ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS. Yes! 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Therefore, O maiden of the golden crest, Guardian divine, We women hold thy shrine. 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. So to our gain, O goddess, now unsheath Thy strength: and if these men set fire beneath Send thou down--Rain! ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS (_lifting their pitchers_). Send thou down--Rain! 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. What’s this I see below us? 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O greybeards, old in sin, Is it thus that ye begin To overthrow us? (_The_ OLD MEN _scatter and slink away into shelter, hiding behind each other’s backs_.) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. This is most unexpected! Nay what form Of war is this? 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Get back! We are detected! Get back, get back! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. See from the Acropolis women in a swarm All unprovoked come running to the attack! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Tut, tut! Go back, go back! 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Why do ye threaten us? Are we so few? The women ye now see in front of you Are not one-thousandth part of them that wait Our call within the gate. 1ST LEADER OF MEN. O brothers--brothers, will ye let them prate? You want a whipping! (_To the women._) 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Yes, a good thick stick Broken across your backs. STRAT. Come, sisters, quick! Set down your pitchers! (_The_ WOMEN _set them down_.) There! now take your choice: Which of us first? 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Ah, you had had no voice Left, had I dealt with you as I would like! STRAT. Well, here I am then (_advances_). What, will no one strike? (_The_ MEN _are silent_.) Not one? (_To_ LEADER OF MEN.) Come, be a man, lift up your mace-- Smite: and thereafter never show your face. 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Be silent! Else I’ll strip and beat you bare! ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS. Ah, do it! do it! do it! Hurt but one hair, Or with one finger dare to lay a scratch Upon her body! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Well? And when I match My fists to hers--where will the hurt be, then? STRAT. Quick in the minds and consciences of men-- Deeper than fang can bite or gadfly sting! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Well said the poet--“No more shameless thing Exists, than woman!” STRAT. Oh, take up once more Your pitchers, women! Ye need not fear war With such faint hearts as these. Call them not men! (_The_ WOMEN _take up their pitchers and begin to retire. The_ OLD MEN _grow bold again_.) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Call yourselves women! There, be off again! 2ND LEADER OF MEN (_with curiosity_). What was that water for? STRAT. For what that fire? Old foot-in-the-grave, was it your funeral pyre You came to light? 3RD LEADER OF MEN (_furiously_). No, yours! STRAT. Sought ye to learn How water puts out fire? 3RD LEADER OF MEN. How fire can burn! Wait! You shall get a scorching! STRAT. (_turning and advancing towards him_). Oh, you grub! Have you brought soap then? Do you want a tub? ALL WOMEN CHORUS. D’ you want a tub? 3RD LEADER OF MEN. A tub? STRAT. A nuptial bath. Oh, to thy side Take me, Tithonus! Let me be thy bride! (_The_ WOMEN _laugh_.) 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Fire, fire on them! (_The_ MEN _advance with torches. The_ WOMEN _lift and swing back their pitchers_.) STRAT. Then, pitcher, to thy task! (_The_ WOMEN _run down the steps and empty their pitchers over the men_.) ALL MEN CHORUS. Oh me! Woe, woe! STRAT. What, is it hot? ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS (_laughing_). Hot? Is it hot? ALL THE MEN CHORUS. Hot? Hot? Why do you ask? Oh stop, let be! let be! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. What are you doing? Oh women, let me go! STRAT. We water you, being young, that ye may grow. ALL THE MEN CHORUS (_trembling, and with chattering teeth_). I’m old: I’m cold! ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS (_imitating them_). I’m old: I’m cold! STRAT. Get back into your pot! Go to your fire, and warm yourself! (_The_ WOMEN _pick up their pitchers, and run off laughing_.) (_The_ OLD MEN _huddle miserably about the fire_.) (_Enter_ COMMITTEE-MAN, _accompanied by his_ SECRETARY.) COM. What? What? What means this noise of women? Have the jades Started their rackettings again--their raids, Their drummings, and their voices from the roof At public meetings? Aye, had we not proof When Strellus in debate, only last week, On Naval policy, began to speak Of unlaunched keels left rotting on the slips: Says he--most wisely--“You must _man_ your ships As well as build them.” Suddenly in burst A voice from nowhere--“Man your women first!” It was his daughter! Athens being drained Of marriageable men, affairs grow strained Within the home. Then, on another occasion, Brennus was holding forth about invasion, Conscription, taxes, and the waste of war: When all at once a voice squeaks through the door-- “What about women?” ATHEN. WOMAN (_opening and shutting door of Acropolis_). “What about women?” COM. Well, then, what about ’em? Ugh! if I had my way I’d up and out ’em. In no time! _Women!_ 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Yes, we quite agree: “Women!” Nay wait, and you shall hear and see How we’ve been treated! (_They all come out and display themselves_.) There! Behold what payment To us is meted! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. See how from our raiment The water drops Run down! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. See, see, what sops Thus They have made of us! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. We are like rain-flushed sewers! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Like bursting mains! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Women with ewers-- 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Have turned us into drains! COM. Oh, fitly are ye punished, for have not ye Yourselves trained women to this villainy? ALL THE MEN CHORUS. _We_ trained them? COM. Have ye not sped them in the game of sex? ALL THE MEN CHORUS. Game of sex? COM. And bled your pockets to adorn their necks? 1ST LEADER OF MEN. No, _I’ve_ not! COM. Taught them to twine and coil and paint their eyes, And paid the price for all their amorous sighs Present and absent, faithful and foresworn? 2ND LEADER OF MEN. _We_ pay the price? COM. Aye! round their necks full many a clasp is worn Not of _your_ making. 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Not of _our_ making? (_The_ OLD MEN _turn and consult each other accusingly_.) COM.. Where do such things lead? Where but to this?--that when I come in need-- Aye, and with warrant--of money for the State, I am shut out, and women hold the gate. There they combine, call themselves “comrades”, “sisters”-- Rebels and law-breakers and tax-resisters! 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF MEN. Comrades? Sisters? Rebels? Law-- (_While he speaks the women have come out again, and stand in rows listening silently_.) COM. Stand not to stare, ye fools! Search till ye find That woman, by whose word they stand combined! Fetch me Lysistrata! Bring rams and lay Levers beneath the gates, and force your way! (_Enter_ LYSISTRATA. _The_ WOMEN _spread their cloaks and make a carpet for her to walk upon_.) LYS. Nay, use no force! Lay down your battering ram! Seek ye conciliation? Here I am How can force help you here? Are levers meant To take the place of reason and consent? COM. Abominable creature! Hold your peace! Seize her and bind her fast! (_No one stirs._) Police! Police! Where are the police? (_Enter a_ POLICEMAN.) STRAT. Now, by Artemis! Who first dares touch her, he shall weep for this, If he remain a man! (POLICEMAN _falls back_.) COM. Are you afraid, Fellow? Go, then, call others to your aid-- Bring reinforcements! (_He goes, and returns with a second_ POLICEMAN.) STRAT. Now look what you do? If you but touch her, we will jump on you! COM. More reinforcements! (_They go and return with a third_ POLICEMAN.) Aye, bind this one first! And gag her too! (_Points to_ STRATYLLIS.) These chatterers are the worst! STRAT. For cowards who fear the truth! (POLICE _advance up steps_.) 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. See that you lay No hand on her! (_Other_ WOMEN _threaten--the_ POLICE _retreat_.) COM. Why do ye run away? What’s this? What’s this? Back boobies, to your task! (_The_ POLICE _rally, and again advance_.) 2ND ATHEN. WOMAN (_pushing back the other and taking her place_). By Pallas, I will make a Gorgon’s mask Of him who touches her! (_The_ POLICE _hesitate. During the speech of the_ COMMITTEE-MAN _which follows the_ WOMEN _cry “Quack, Quack!” at intervals_.) COM. (_putting a pole into their hands_). For shame, for shame! Will ye be beaten? Are ye all so tame? Stricken of women, and of strength bereft! Rally and march! Right left, right left, right left! (_The_ POLICE _advance with the pole in a compact body_.) LYS. Now by the light of heaven, ye shall begin To know our strength! Ho, women! there within! (_The_ WOMEN _crowd to the gates_.) (LYSISTRATA _backs up the steps. The_ POLICE _mount after her_.) (_The_ WOMEN _open to right and left, and hold their scarves ready to noose the_ POLICEMEN.) (_Some of the_ WOMEN _seize hold of the poles_.) COM. Twist back their hands, policemen! LYS. Help! A stroke For freedom! Come, ye women, ye market folk, Ye buyers and sellers, ye keepers of the home, Ye workers rich and poor, I bid you come! (_They all rush out._) 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. Will ye not drag? Will ye not beat and smite? Will ye not face the foe, and put to flight? (_The_ WOMEN _throw their cloaks over the_ POLICE, _tie them up, and drag them into the citadel_.) (_The others dance and scream with joy._) LYS. Stop! Do no harm to them. Return again! COM. Alas, how miserably have fared my men! LYS. What did ye look for? When ye crossed our path Thought ye that we were slaves? Is there no wrath In woman, and no hurt if she be stirred? 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Master Commissioner, waste not a word On such wild beasts as these. 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Did you not see To what a drenching bath They treated me Who dared to cross their path-- Having done nothing! LYS. Nothing? In such wise The swelled head has to learn through swollen eyes. 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Oh, Zeus, what shall we make of fiends like these, Monsters intolerable? 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Nay, but inquire of them and bid them tell How came they, with what intent, to seize Our sacred citadel? 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Ask, ask, repeat, And do not be persuaded By feminine deceit: 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Nor, I entreat, Let the straightforward question be evaded. 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Why, ask them why-- 4TH LEADER OF MEN. And pause for a reply-- 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Why, on the untrodden rock Of our Acropolis, With bolt and bar and lock, Have they done this? COM. There, plain put, is the question. (_To_ LYSISTRATA.) Come then, tell-- Why have you seized upon our citadel? LYS. To save the public fund from ends more fit, And that ye should not fight because of it. COM. Think you it is for _money_ that we fight? LYS. Not that alone: for evil is the plight Of Athens now! Lo, sunk into the dust She lies a victim to man’s pride and lust For power. ALL THE WOMEN. Aye! true enough! ’tis true, ’tis true! COM. Dear me! indeed! And pray what would _you_ do To make things better? LYS. If fair words avail, Patience, and you shall hear. COM. Go, croak your tale! LYS. Aye, for of former times now would I speak, And former wars, when women all too meek Bore and endured; and then, when, sick at heart, Yet with a smile, we sought to know what part Ye played for peace, in wrath the answer flew-- “Be silent, woman! What is that to you?” And I was--silent. CAL. (_aside_). Not I! COM. Aye, and you had best Be silent now! LYS. Silent I strove to rest There in the home: till presently again Came news of further mischief; and when, fain To learn the cause of it, one dared to ask “How is it, husband, that ye do this task, Ye men, so ill?”--quick, with a furtive eye, Grudging one’s right to question, he would cry, “Stick to your loom! Leave politics to men, Lest ye fare worse!” COM. Aye, he spake rightly then! LYS. How was it right? Shall it not be our turn Ever to speak our thoughts, and yours to learn And profit? COM. What! must I yield place and give Woman her way? Then may I cease to live! Functions performed by one, two cannot share! LYS. Try then the woman’s part, and leave the care Of State henceforth to us! (COMMITTEE-MAN _and_ CHORUS _all laugh_.) COM. (_contemptuously_). How will you do it? LYS. That we shall arrange. COM. What? With my money? LYS. Why should that seem strange? Are not your homes, your servants, and your whole Domestic property in our control? COM. We want the money to carry on the war! LYS. Why? To what end? What are you fighting for? COM. How else shall we be saved, or Greece be freed? LYS. We’ll save you. COM. _You_? A sorry plight indeed! LYS. Trust us--you shall be saved against your will. COM. Pooh! The idea! LYS. That makes you angrier still? COM. It is absurd! Women save men from war! We don’t want to be saved! LYS. So much the more Ye need salvation. COM. And pray, what concern Have you in the matter? LYS. Ah, that you must learn. COM. Speak, or you’ll get a beating! LYS. (_sarcastically_). O restrain That master-hand! COM. See then, that you refrain From vexing me! LYS. Vexing? Why, soon through Greece We shall be known and named--Makers of Peace! COM. Pray, on what plan? LYS. First from the public street Remove those monuments of male conceit-- The military loungers! CAL. Aye, good sooth! Fools who go swaggering from booth to booth, In time of peace, rigged in full fighting kit! COM. Well, wherefore not? LYS. Oh, I am sick of it! What are they armed for? COM. It becomes them well. CAL. Becomes them? What?--to buy a mackerel Girt with a sword and brandishing a shield. Ugh!--one I saw last week, back from the field All plumed and combed--the captain of a troop, And in his helmet he was carrying soup! Another with a javelin dancing jigs To frighten an old woman who sold figs-- Picking out all the ripe ones. COM. Well, of course, All government has to depend on force. How would you manage? Eh? LYS. Avoiding fuss. As with a tangled thread: we take it thus, Singly--one line of wool from all the skein; Then here and there we draw it without strain, Finer and smoother. So would we end war By peaceful embassies, still sending more If the first failed, still weaving in and out-- Till men forgot the thing they fought about. COM. And think you, then, that one could extricate With such wool-gatherings the affairs of State, You silly woman? CAL. Had you sense, you’d try! LYS. Here in our city the same cure would apply. COM. How, pray? LYS. Well, first of all you clean the fleece: That’s sanitation--you wash out the grease, Pick out the briars: that means segregate The undesirable--relieve the State Of rogues and knaves. Then, too, you must untwist The clotted tufts--the cliques--whose grasping fist Keeps others out of office. Head from head Pluck them, and play them out, and let them spread; Then pile them in one ball as light as down Using no pressure. So shall every town Be as one whole. Next to your counsels call Your colonies as well; then out of all Shape your material: put no heavier yoke Or strain on any, and therefrom weave a cloak Of friendship for the people. COM. (_obtuse and contemptuous_). Nay, what wit Is here? “Take wool, and make a ball of it: Weave it, and wind it, roll it round and round Till something come of it!” Now is that sound? And what on earth have women to do with war? LYS. O purblind fool! our part therein is more Than any man’s! For women bring forth life In pain and anguish: then, when ye fall to strife, And in the field conduct your long campaigns, The wife deserted in the home remains; And the maid, robbed of her most precious years, Grows old before her time, while disappears The hope of motherhood: her day is brief. COM. The man grows old as well. LYS. Oh, past belief The folly of such words! For, be he grey When he returns, the man can have his way And wed a maid. But what man to his side Will take of his own choice a barren bride? COM. No, not in wedlock: but a man may range Outside the bond. Surely a fair exchange-- No robbery. (_Smirks._) LYS. Now, by the gods, if all exchange is fair, Take this and crown yourself! (_Pulls cap over his head._) Go! wear your hair In curls and fillets! Carry a market flail And learn to curb your tongue. Put on this veil, This girdle, bear a distaff and go clad In woman’s weeds! (_The_ WOMEN _set upon him and clothe him_.) COM. Oh, woman, are ye mad? Help, help, I say! (_Exeunt_ CHORUS OF OLD MEN.) 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. We’ll help you! 2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. There, take this! 3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. And this from me! 4TH ATHEN. WOMAN. Now, go and ask a kiss. From Clisthenes! (_They tie him up ridiculously in women’s garments._) COM. Oh, woe is me! Oh, shame! Thus to endure deeds that one dare not name! Nay, I will go, even thus--oh, sorry sight!-- And bid all Athens look upon my plight. Oh, what a ravel is this! LYS. You twist in vain! Be careful that you do not break my skein. (_Exit_ COMMITTEE-MAN, _followed by his_ SECRETARY.) INTERLUDE. (_The_ WOMEN _are discovered seated upon the steps leading to the Acropolis. Some have pitchers beside them, others plait and spin, one plays upon the lyre._) CHORUS (_singing_). Pallas Athene, hear! Bend from thy throne, And make with lifted spear our cause thine own. (_Enter_ LEADER OF CHORUS.) 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. O women, turn back from your labours, And leave in their niche by the wall Your pitchers, and hark to the call Of friends in their need, and of neighbours Who beg for a boon. (_Here, and at intervals throughout the speech, shouting of men is heard at a distance; occasionally the words “Down with the women, down!” “Down with Lysistrata!” are heard._) For surely ye tire not with dances, Nor faint as ye foot to the tune Of minstrels: so now in the chances Of war let your speed be as then, And as daring your deed as the glances Ye cast upon men! (_The_ WOMEN _are laying by their pitchers, filleting their hair and girding their robes. From the Acropolis come other women bearing shields, spears, and helmets, which they distribute as the_ CHORUS _continues_.) For here is a Cause to your hand More holy than any before: And in it lies beauty, and wisdom, And courage, and love of your land. Nay, surely the mothers who bore you, The silent mothers of yore, They also were made of this metal, And out of the bed of the nettle, Wherein they bred you of old, They, too, who spake not a word, They, too, brave hearts, could have told Their tale of the wrongs unheard. So forward I bid you, nor fail, Nor yield what ye hold in your hand: For this wind which now blows in your sail Shall bear you to land! SCENE II. _The same scene, toward evening, a day later._ (CHORUS OF OLD MEN _seated asleep below the steps. Enter_ LEADER OF MEN’S CHORUS.) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Now, let him sleep no more who would be free! 2ND LEADER OF MEN (_waking up_). Come, sirs, bestir yourselves! for to my mind There’s more behind This matter than at first appeared. 3RD LEADER OF MEN (_nodding mysteriously_). Beneath this woman’s business lurks a beard! (_Perturbation among the_ OLD MEN.) 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Hot, Hot, I scent the plot Of Hippias. (_Panic among the_ OLD MEN.) Aye, me! Greatly I fear! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. I think our women have been led away By foes; and that the Spartans now are here, Hiding within the house of Clisthenes, Ready to seize Our money and our pay! (_Increasing panic._) 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Oh, is’t not peril to let women mix In State affairs, and talk on politics, And prate of peace and war? 3RD LEADER OF MEN. No more, no more, will I endure it! ’Tis not to be allowed. 4TH LEADER OF MEN (_shaking his fist_). Lysistrata! Heaven be my aid, Ere yet my race is run, To smite the chattering jaw of that old jade! (_Meanwhile the_ WOMEN’S CHORUS _have come on, and stand behind listening_). 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Surely when that is done Your Mother will be proud of such a son! (_The_ OLD MEN _start back in fear_.) 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. She will be glad to recognise that face! 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. But come, ye happier mothers of the race, (_To the_ WOMEN.) And set your burdens down while I relate Why we, weak women, seek to serve the State As well as men--paying the debt we owe. (_The_ WOMEN _lay down their shields, and sit beside them in groups_.) Was not this land my nurse? Aye, long ago, Even on the child her tender yoke was laid, When first to Artemis, a budding maid, I vowed my virgin body. Did ye so-- Ye men--take up such vows? Did ye forego Till ye were ripe the sweets of love in youth? (_The_ MEN _exchange conscious looks_.) Gladly I bound myself, although in sooth The fruit, I saw, was goodly to the taste; And since before these altars I dwelt chaste, Do I not owe a debt? Is it amiss If I give counsel? Do ye grudge me this? I, too, pay taxes: from my flesh there runs Rich tribute; ye bear arms, but I bear sons And daughters; ye bring death, but I raise life; I build the fruitful home, while ye breed strife, Envy, and fear! O miserable men! Old in your sins, take up that task again, Which once your father bore, who freed this land From Persia’s yoke! If not, then we will stand Instead of you: (_The_ WOMEN _rise to their feet_.) Aye, fearing not your frown, Light-sandalled though we be, will tread you down! (_She turns away and moves up steps. The other women also retire._) 1ST LEADER OF MEN (_scratching his head puzzled_). Now it appears to me This is all wrong! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. And it must be Put down. 3RD LEADER OF MEN. If left alone Ere long it will have grown Beyond a joke! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Time, then, that we began! Therefore with speed Let every manly man Strip off his cloak, And for the word now substitute the deed! (_They throw off their long mantles, and reveal themselves very scantily clad and girt as for wrestling. Their arms and legs are very thin and scraggy._) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Physical force, Basis of government, True source of the consent Men yield to law; Come, come now to mine aid! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. And with thy shaggy paw Push me to victory o’er this barricade, Raised by that wicked jade, Lysistrata, Against the rod of man’s authority! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Shall woman---- 1ST, 2ND, AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. Woman! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. In a majority Govern the State? 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Never, I will defeat it! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. No, no! a thousand times; and I repeat it-- No, no! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Never! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. No agricultural labourer am I, Yet I defy Woman to wield a spade As I can. 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Can she summon to her aid The expletives and the explosives Needful for moving one’s inferiors, And modifying by their harsh corrosives The stubborn and recalcitrant exteriors Of this hard-crusted world? 1ST AND 4TH LEADERS OF MEN. No, no! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Shall I be hurled From power by custom mine? 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Shall I my place resign To woman---- 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF MEN. Woman! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. To whose care we give Our homes, our wealth, our children, and who live Only by our consent? ALL THE MEN CHORUS. No! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Shall we allow the sex war--this attack Of infamous discontent Behind our back-- On man’s prerogative? ALL THE MEN CHORUS. Never! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. For through man’s heart there runs in flood (Nature’s mysterious and imperious mandate) A noble and a natural thirst for blood: 2ND LEADER OF MEN. To form a ring and fight! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. To cut off heads at sight! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. It is our right! Women don’t understand it. ALL THE MEN CHORUS. No! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. But if we grant to these Facilities For doing what man does-- 2ND LEADER OF MEN. And what man alone Has any right to do! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Aye, even one small handle for their own-- They will go far! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. We shall be overthrown At our own game! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. And think what scandal then! And think what shame, If that should happen! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Never, no never! No, I won’t allow it! 4TH LEADER OF MEN (_with action_). So, take we each a torch, And, thrusting, let it scorch The gaping mouth, the giddy, gabbling tongue, The-- (_The other_ MEN _follow him in dumb show. The_ WOMEN _clang their weapons; the_ MEN _retreat hastily; through the whole of the ensuing speech they carry on a continuous business of getting behind each other till they are all off the stage, leaving their cloaks behind them._) 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Now, by the gods, I’ll give my wrath its rein! No more shall ye provoke and I refrain. 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Come, then, my comrades, and put off this yoke Of woman’s weeds; let not the trailing cloak Cumber your limbs, nor the loose girdle hang! We too can strip, And gird, and curl the lip, And bare the fang, And answer stroke for stroke And blow for blow! 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Call ye us rebels? Full soon shall ye know How Greece is with us! We have Lampito,-- She lives for us, and Corinth by the seas, And all Bœotia. 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Go! Make your decrees, Pile up your punishments, ye that breed hate Through kindred cities, hurling state on state In wasteful bloodshed! But more strong are we, We women, bound in deathless fealty To break this war. Our hands shall hold in check Your armaments, and bow the stubborn neck Of all your pride! (_During this speech some of the_ WOMEN _have descended to the lower stage; they collect the men’s cloaks and return_.) (_Enter_ LYSISTRATA.) 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. O thou, the shaper of this fair event, Why com’st thou now, So pale, and sad of brow, And heavy with discontent? LYS. (_gloomily_). Woman’s weak will and her lascivious way O’erload my heart! 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Oh! What means that to say? LYS. The truth, the bitter truth! 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Bodes it so ill? May we not know? LYS. How shall my tongue be still? Yet how, unshaméd, may I speak of it? 4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Nay, do not keep it from us! ... It is fit That we should know--the worst. 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD LEADERS OF WOMEN. Nay, tell us then! LYS. Brief is the truth; we hanker for the men! ALL THE WOMEN CHORUS. O Zeus! LYS. Why call on him? Is it not so? I cannot keep them here. Foresworn they go By stealth to join their husbands. One I caught Scraping a cleft of rock: and one had brought Rope from Poseidon’s well, and down the wall So sought to creep! Another--chosen of all To guard the gate--deserted from her trust. And yet another of them, crazed with lust, Feathered herself with wings, and light as air Feigned to go flying. I took her by the hair And hurled her back to sense! Yet still they come, Coining excuses to be sent back home. (_Enter_ 2ND ATHENIAN WOMAN _furtively_.) There’s one of them. Ho, you! Whither away? 2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. I was but going home--just for the day:-- I fear the moth has got into my fleece. LYS. What moth? Get back! 2ND ATHEN. WOMAN. By the two goddesses, I promise you I will return with speed: A spreading in the sun is all they need. LYS. Don’t spread them: do not go! 2ND ATHEN. WOMAN (_whimpering_). Must all my toil Be wasted then? LYS. Aye, for it will not spoil So swiftly as will this. (_Enter_ 3RD ATHENIAN WOMAN.) 3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. My flax, my flax! Which all unkempt I left at home. LYS. (_ironically_). There cracks A careful heart! Here! Come you back again. 3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. Yes, after I have wound it on the skein. LYS. Don’t wind it; leave it! If one plays that game, A hundred more will want to do the same. (_Enter_ CORINTHIAN WOMAN.) CORINTH. (_she bears something wrapped in her robe_). Help! A physician! Nay, I prithee, quick, Quick, let me pass, I say! My child is sick. LYS. _Your_ child; since when? Yesterday you had none. CORINTH. ’Twas born last night! (LYSISTRATA _holds her_.) Oh, loose me! Let me run! LYS. What ails it? (_Reveals helmet._) Oh, this was indeed a birth Miraculous--a thing of wondrous worth. (_Tosses it away._ CALONICE _gets hold of it and smacks it_.) Go, get you in! CORINTH. Nay, here I cannot sleep-- Shut in a shrine where sacred serpents creep. 3RD ATHEN. WOMAN. And I, unhappy, I am sleepless too! All night the owls go crying “Tuwhit! Tuwhoo!” “Tuwhit! Tuwhoo!” ALL THE WOMEN. “Tuwhit! Tuwhoo!” LYS. O women, cease from juggling tricks and lies! Is’t love ye long for, that ye waste in sighs Your widowed hours? Stand firm, and all is well! Was this not told us by the oracle? 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. How was it told? 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Nay, tell me! 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Tell us, how! (_The_ WOMEN _gather excitedly about her_.) LYS. Hear, O ye women, and be silent now! “When the swallow From the hawk Flies, and when he seeks to follow, Close in bower To one place Let them cower: And, for a space, Let them then-- From love abstain.” CHORUS OF WOMEN. Ah! LYS. “But if from the shrine ye fly, Borne apart by wind or word, Soon shall every swallow die, Mocked and marked--a victim bird!” CHORUS OF WOMEN. Ah! 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. By Heaven, the voice of the oracle is clear! Let us not then, Through any pain or fear Yield ourselves up into the hands of men! (_Enter_ STRATYLLIS.) STRAT. Ho, women, comrades! Ho! Come quickly all! 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. What is the matter now? Why do you call? STRAT. I see a man approaching-- ALL THE WOMEN. A man! STRAT. Frantic, torn By-- (_She points._) LYS. O bright Cyprian goddess, ocean-born, How straight a course you steer! 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. Where, where is he? STRAT. Yonder by Ceres’ shrine. (_A great scramble of the_ WOMEN _to look at him_.) 1ST ATHEN. WOMAN. Ah, now I see. LYS. Knows any who he is? MYRR. Oh, me! Alas! It is my husband, my Cinesias! Oh, my dear love! (Kisses hands toward him.) CAL. What are you looking at,-- Smacking your lips like that, you little cat? What right to a husband has she got, I say, While we must go without? LYS. Women, away! (_The_ WOMEN _retire reluctantly_.) (_To_ MYRR.) This is your business, then. Now to the test! Go, plant your choicest weapons in his breast: Love him, yet love him not. Show him the bliss That beauty offers; but withhold the kiss-- The cup by which you swore. MYRR. Mistrust me not. LYS. Go, and make ready! I will have him hot Ere you return. (_Exit_ MYRRHINA.) (_Enter_ CINESIAS, _followed presently by his servant_ MANES _leading a small child_.) CIN. Ah, me! What pangs I feel! O Love, why hast thou racked me on this wheel? LYS. Halt! Who comes here? CIN. ’Tis I, a man. LYS. Then stay! Man, get you gone! CIN. Whose bidding to obey? LYS. A watcher of the shrine. CIN. Oh, be a friend! Call forth Myrrhina to me! LYS. To what end? CIN. Tell her--oh, tell her, there’s a house on fire! LYS. Whose house? CIN. _Her_ house: my house! LYS. What’s your desire? CIN. Bid her come quickly! LYS. Nay, but who art thou? CIN. Cinesias, her husband! LYS. Surely, now, That cannot be! CIN. Why not? (LYSISTRATA _laughs_.) Answer me, then! LYS. Cinesias is the handsomest of men,-- Limbs like Apollo, and a head like Jove, And eyes whose glances are the fires of love! CIN. Whence had you that? LYS. It is Myrrhina’s word. Full often of Cinesias have we heard-- A different man from you. CIN. Nay, but I swear I _am_ Cinesias! LYS. What! That mop of hair, That nose, those legs--the cause of all her sighs? Ye gods! how Love deceives a woman’s eyes! CIN. But it is I! LYS. Oh, if it were, no name Could be more welcome or more known to fame. For every day we hear his praises sung, With every meal his name is on her tongue. Bites she an apple, breaks she an egg--she sighs “Oh, that Cinesias might share the prize!” CIN. Ye heavens, can this be true? LYS. I will be bound On oath to it! Also when talk goes round Concerning--men, his wife is fain to swear There’s none that with Cinesias can compare! CIN. Oh, call her to me! LYS. Have you anything That she may know you by? CIN. Aye, take this ring! Once it was hers. LYS. I will go bid her come. CIN. Quickly, I pray! For since she fled no crumb Of comfort have I known: (_Exit_ LYSISTRATA.) Robbed of my mate I find no rest, my house is desolate, My appetite is lost, and sleep has flown: Love tortures me because I live alone. MYRR. (_within_). Love him? Of course I love him. Ah, but he Cares not, nor wishes to be loved by me. CIN. My little wife, my life, my peace, come hither! Come to me, sweet! (MYRRHINA _enters and crosses the stage averting her face_.) MYRR. Nay, I may not go thither. CIN. Come, come, Myrrhina! Oh, come down with speed. (_She stands with her back to him._) MYRR. I have an oath. It is not peace you need. CIN. Not peace I need! Why, I am all undone For lack of you. MYRR. Farewell. (_She moves away._) CIN. Your little son-- Your child is here. Hark how he cries for you! CHILD. Mamma! Mamma! Mamma! (_She stops._) CIN. (_taking the child in his arms_). Think what you do! Have you no pity on a little child? See how the tangled curls have all run wild For lack of care; and, like the little head, The tender body goes unwashed, unfed! MYRR. Pity it is when fathers so neglect Their children! CIN. Nay, what else can you expect? How can a man learn to become a nurse? MYRR. He can but try. CIN. ’Twould but make matters worse. Come down, my girl, and let the soft arms cling Once more around your neck! MYRR. (_turning round_). Oh! what a thing It is to be a mother! Needs must I go. What other way remains, I do not know. (_She begins to descend._) CIN. Oh, how much younger and more fair she seems, And lovelier to behold than in my dreams! MYRR. (_descending to the lower stage_). Child of a wicked father! Oh, run, run, Quick to your mother’s arms, my little son, My own, my sweet! Again, again, that kiss! (CINESIAS _tries to embrace her, she turns away with her face in the child’s neck. He tries to get the child away, but it cries and clings to her._) CIN. (_sternly_). O wretched woman, why have you done this-- Herding with other women, robbing me And your own nature of felicity? MYRR. Take your hand from me! CIN. Since you left my doors, Ruin befalls my property and yours. MYRR. I care not for it. CIN. Your toils are all undone; Your house is turned into a poultry run. MYRR. The shame be yours, then! CIN. Board and chamber lack The woman’s presence. Will you not come back? MYRR. No, by high Heaven! Not until you cease From waging useless war, and turn to peace! CIN. Peace? How can _I_ make peace? What mean you, pray? MYRR. You voted for the war: you went away And left me all alone. (_Pretends to cry._) What did you care? You’d make peace if you loved me! CIN. (_soothingly_). Ah, there, there! It shall be thought on--since you wish it so. MYRR. When you have well thought on it, let me know. Till then, farewell. (_She moves away._) CIN. Nay, sweetheart, stay awhile! Myrrhina, oh, come nearer! Ah, that smile Says that you love me. MYRR. Yes. CIN. (_opening his arms to her_). Come then! MYRR. Nay, nay, My arms are full already! Take not away A mother from her child. (CINESIAS _endeavours to separate them_.) CIN. (_impatiently_). Come, brat, have done! Here, Manes!... (MANES _is slow in coming_.) Manes!... There, now off you run! (MANES _takes the child, but waits as if to speak_.) Well, and what now? MANES. A messenger, my lord: Your ship in harbour, with the troops aboard, Lies waiting to cast off! CIN. (_impatiently_). Oh, let it wait! Go, get my arms: then stay at yonder gate Until I come. (_Exit_ MANES _leading the child_. CENESIAS _approaches his wife. She repulses him._) Well, and why now so loath? MYRR. Nay, touch me not! for I have sworn an oath Which I must keep. CIN. An oath which has no sense. On my head be it! A husband can dispense His wife from oaths. Rest you! (_They look at each other with meaning: he intently, she bashfully._) MYRR. (_faltering_). There must be found Some place to rest on. CIN. (_opening his arms_). Nay, sweetheart, look round! Rest here! Now, kiss me! MYRR. Nay, not in the public street! CIN. No one can see us here upon this seat. Come, sit you down! (_He seats himself and tries to draw her to his knee._) MYRR. What? on this hard, cold stone? I’ll fetch you something! CIN. (_fondly_). Not for one alone! MYRR. I’ll be your footstool! (_Exit_ MYRRHINA.) CIN. (_gazing after her_). Does not this declare How well she loves me? Oh, how sweet an air Breathes from her raiment; and how from her eyes Fond love and longing mock her brief disguise Of seeming frowardness! (_Re-enter_ MYRRHINA, _carrying a rolled mat. She arranges the mat on bench._) MYRR. There! sit and rest! Put up your feet. Now, will you not divest Yourself of that great cloak? (_Takes off his cloak._) Why, on my life! I have forgot the cushions. CIN. Nay, sweet wife, Let cushions wait! MYRR. But you can’t sit on this: I say you shall not! CIN. Give me first one kiss! MYRR. (_kissing the tips of her fingers and touching his lips with them_). There, keep it safe! (_She runs off up stage._) CIN. Be swift, do not delay! Surely she loves me well! (_He goes and picks up a flower she has let fall, and begins kissing it. Re-enter_ MYRRHINA, _her arms full of cushions and coverings, which trail after her as she goes_.) Now, well-a-day! What have we here? MYRR. (_arranging cushions_). There, that one is for you-- This one for me: and this one?--this will do To put between us lest we fall to blows. This one is for your feet, and that one goes Behind you: then this covers you (_arranges draperies_); and this-- Where shall this go? CIN. O sweetest wife, a kiss! (_Attempts to embrace her, and clasps cushion._) Nay, but by Hercules, sweet friend, you hurt! I am on fire! This is a very shirt Of Nessus! (_He struggles with draperies._) MYRR. Dear, dear! Why are all you men So hasty in your joy! Here, loose it then! (_Taking covering off him._) Now you must have a fillet for your hair. (_She stoops and takes off a sandal string. Kneels beside him and begins to tie on fillet._) CIN. Oh, how your fingers burn me! Ah, how fair, How fair thou art! O tender, gentle, sweet, Soft hands of love! (_He jumps up to seize her._) MYRR. Now, then, put up your feet; I’ll loose your sandals. CIN. Nay! MYRR. What then? Your sword. Shall I unbuckle it? (_She kneels and looses his girdle._) Let not my lord Forget his promise that the war shall cease. CIN. Else may I perish! (_She lays aside his sword._) MYRR. For when you bring peace Comfort comes back again. Now let me comb These shaggy locks. It’s time I had you home! (_She sits on parapet above him, undoes fillet, and starts combing; she pulls his hair, he winces._) Oh! what a tangle’s here! This will need oil. CIN. Nay, let it wait! MYRR. What? Let your beauty spoil For lack of ointment? Never! (_Runs off._) CIN. (_starting up frantically_). Oh, let that man Perish most miserably who first began The use of ointments! MYRR. (_re-entering with oil-flask_). Spare the curse! Belike It was a woman. CIN. Then let Heaven strike The head of her, or him, whose precious balm Now so afflicts me! MYRR. (_paying no attention_). See, into my palm I pour it, thus: (_She advances with hand full of oil._) Don’t touch me! Then I lave These tangled locks. (_He jerks away._) Oh! why do you behave So frowardly? CIN. You’ve poured it down my face! MYRR. Why didn’t you keep still? There, that’s your place. (_Indicating her lap, she makes him sit down again._) Now let me wipe it. CIN. Sweetheart! (_She stoops as if to kiss him._) MYRR. Why! how strong This ointment smells! Oh, me! I’ve brought the wrong! This was the cooking oil! CIN. Aye, so I fear! I’m baked and basted now! Oh, come more near! Lean on my breast, sit down upon my knee, Clasp me in those dear arms! MYRR. (eluding his embrace). Let be! Let be! Will you fulfil your promise? Did you say You’d vote for peace? CIN. Leave that--to another day! (_He endeavours to draw her down to him; she slips under his arm, runs up the steps and through the gates._) MYRR. Ah, ha! Ah, ha! Leave that to another day! (_Exit._) CIN. Oh, me! She’s gone! She’s gone! Look how my wife Lured and then left me! Yes, she took a knife And flayed me all alive! (_While he speaks the_ CHORUS OF WOMEN _creep on from behind. Enter, below_, MANES, _carrying helmet and shield_.) What shall I do? How can I bear it? How shall I live through Another hour? Oh, me! What flesh and blood Can bear the strain? I am borne upon a flood Of rage and love and longing, and have none To help or comfort! Go, fool, get you gone! (_Snatches his arms from_ MANES, _throws them away, and drives him out_.) Oh, me, I am undone! (_Enter_ OLD MEN’S CHORUS.) 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Alas, unhappy one, how sorely grieved, How much afflicted! Is it to be believed? Are such things done? Dares she refuse a kiss To her own husband? CIN. Oh, me! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Is all this Wrought by one rebel wife? 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Let woe befall Such women! CIN. Nay, she is more sweet than all! More now than ever! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Ah! talk not of sweet! Abominable! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Oh, take her, Zeus, like wheat! Take her and toss her! As a sheaf of corn Borne by a whirlwind, so let her be borne Hither and thither: and then Back to the earth Fall to be trodden, a thing of little worth, Under the feet of men. CIN. Oh, me! Alas! When shall I find release From all these torments? 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. When you bring us peace. WOMEN. Peace. (_Exit_ CINESIAS _in despair_.) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Now hark, and I’ll tell you a story, I used to be told as a boy, Of Melanion, a youth, who before he Grew old found the secret of joy. For this youth, with affections unhampered, Went forth to a wilderness bare, And over the hill-tops he scampered, And blithely he hunted the hare. He fowled, and he fished, and he netted, With only a dog at his side; Yet for comforts of home never fretted, And never had need of a bride. 3RD LEADER OF MEN. And he never came back, he never came back, he never came back to them! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Was he not wise? 2ND LEADER OF MEN. And am I not wise too? Melanion hated women; so I hate you! (_During this scene the_ 4TH LEADER OF MEN _had made stealthy approaches to one of the women sitting on the parapet above him_.) 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Young woman, I wish to embrace you. 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Go, eater of onions, go! (_She pushes him down the steps._) 4TH LEADER OF MEN. I’m a proper man, yet let me tell you, in case you Don’t happen to know. I’m sightly, and sprightly; and lightly Can leg it along with the best! 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Out, greybeard, get out! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. And am rightly Inclined when I’m rightly addressed. 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. I also will tell you a story:-- Melanion’s brings it to mind-- How Timon of Athens, before he Grew old had the wisdom to find That friendship of men is unstable, A favour reserved for the rich; They feasted and drank at his table, They left him to die in a ditch. 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. So flattered and fooled for a season By those who had emptied his purse, He came to find wisdom and reason, And left them--his curse. 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. With the fury and loathing that moved him Mankind he was fain to destroy; 4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Yet still there were women who loved him: In them he found joy. (_The_ 4TH LEADER OF MEN _renews his advances_.) 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN (_to_ OLD MAN). You want the whip! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. I don’t! I want the cat! 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. I’ll kick! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. You’ll show your ankles! 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN (_striking him_). Ah, take that! (_Enter the_ COMMITTEE-MAN, _followed by his_ SECRETARY. _He is in fresh attire, and newly oiled and curled. As he struts pompously on, the Women look at him and laugh._) (_Enter_ LACDÆMONIAN HERALD _dressed in bright scarlet and bearing a long staff and a scroll over which the end of his robe is flung_.) HERALD. Tell me, where does the Athenian Senate sit, I pray you, sir, for I have news for it. COM. (_turning round_). Are you a man or an advertisement? HERALD. I am a herald come from Sparta, sent On embassy of peace. COM. Is that a spear Hidden beneath your robe? HERALD (_displaying scroll_). Sir, have no fear, We are for peace, not war. COM. How comes it, then, That Sparta is inclined for peace again? HERALD. ’Tis the desire of every Spartan man That lacks his mate. COM. Came this desire from Pan? HERALD. Nay, Lampito began it; then the rest Throughout all Sparta. Each one from her breast Has shut out love. COM. And how, then, do ye fare? HERALD. Restless we turn, like flies that breed in air. One may not touch them, till throughout all Greece With one accord we mingle, and make peace. COM. (_triumphantly_). So ye, being suitors to the Athenian State, Own yourselves vanquished? HERALD. Nay, has not one fate O’erwhelmed us both? Does not the selfsame fire Burn in each breast burdened with man’s desire? Have not your women driven you to despair? COM. Not so? In Athens men are bred to bear Without complaint the petty bites and stings Of all such volatile and venomous things As women. We yield not to such as these, Nor at their bidding! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. For we make _decrees_!-- 2ND LEADER OF MEN. And _laws_--which they obey. 3RD LEADER OF MEN. We should be named Slaves rightly if by woman’s wiles so tamed! 4TH LEADER OF MEN. _We_ seek not peace! HERALD. Enough! Let me get hence! And if in Athens ye have men of sense, Show where they be! 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Of sense? HERALD. Oh, greybeard, cease! Fight your own battles!--but we _men_ need peace! (_Exit_ HERALD, _followed by_ COMMITTEE-MAN, _who, as he goes, turns contemptuously upon the_ WOMEN. _They laugh._) COM. Pah! (_Exit_ COMMITTEE-MAN.) (_The_ CHORUS OF OLD MEN _stand much depressed, eyeing the_ WOMEN _malevolently_.) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Oh, are not women, set to their desire, Shameless as cats, unconquerable as fire! Who, then, may hope to match or beat them down? 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. If ye knew this, then wherefore did ye frown, And wage vile war against us, when of late We sought to be your friends? 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Now will I hate Women for ever! 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. So be it, as you please. 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. But wherefore stand ye thus with naked knees, All bare of limb as for a wrestling bout? What means this folly that ye go without Your cloaks? 4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Come, put them on! (_The_ WOMEN _descend bearing the_ OLD MEN’S _cloaks in their hands. The_ OLD MEN _submit to be dressed_.) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. By Zeus, now, this, Which you have done for me is not amiss! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Ah, when I stripped the fire was in the pan! 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Why! now, indeed, you look a proper man, A noble, and a handsome, and a brave! 4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Why did you vex us? Why did you behave So frowardly? 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Wait, now! Here in your eye, Blurring the vision, is some kind of fly. Does it not pain you? 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Oh! so that’s the thing Was troubling me? 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. No doubt. 4TH LEADER OF MEN (_irritably_). Well, take this ring. Fetch it out for me! Aye, for many a day This has been stinging me. Get it away! 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Well, don’t be cross, then! Oh, just look at that! (_They all collect and look._) There, don’t you see it? Why, a monstrous gnat, Big as a hornet. 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Aye, in truth, a pest! A plague! By Zeus, now you have given me rest. (_All the other_ OLD MEN _go to the other_ WOMEN _and have flies taken out of their eyes_.) 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. Wait till I wipe it clean lest it should swell. (_She wipes it._) There! Now I’ll kiss the place and make it well. 4TH LEADER OF MEN. No, no! Don’t kiss me! 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. I don’t ask your leave. That’s how you pay. 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Oh, woman, ’tis your nature thus to thieve And wheedle! Ah! it was well said, no doubt, “’Tis best not to be with--nor yet without-- Female seduction.” (_During this scene the_ WOMEN _have collected and carried away_ MYRRHINA’S _leavings_.) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Why, who be these? 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Spartans: and by their wands Ambassadors. 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Come they to us in bonds? (_Enter two_ SPARTAN AMBASSADORS.) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. O Spartans, welcome first, and tell us next For what cause are ye come? 1ST SPARTAN. Nay, read the text Of your own hearts! Is not our plight the same? All Greece endures a need without a name. 2ND LEADER OF MEN. Have you, too, got a fly Or hornet in your eye? (_Enter two_ ATHENIANS.) 1ST ATHEN. Where is Lysistrata? Nay, be not dumb! Tell her that we be here:--Athenians, come Of high degree, with powers upon us laid, Sent by the Senate, to entreat her aid. 1ST LEADER OF MEN. However high ye be, all of one grief Suffer both day and night without relief! 1ST ATHEN. O welcome, Spartans! These be shameful things We suffer! 1ST SPARTAN. Of a truth compassion wrings My heart. A common grief hath made us kind. 2ND ATHEN. Wherefore, then, have ye come? 1ST SPARTAN. We are resigned To plead for peace. 1ST. ATHEN. Now, truly, ye say well. We also are agreed; and thus we fell To meeting. 2ND SPARTAN. Good! 2ND ATHEN. Call, then, for Heaven’s sake, Lysistrata; for she alone can make Peace for us. 1ST SPARTAN. Nay! call--if a hope remains-- All the Lysistratas the world contains! (_Enter_ LYSISTRATA.) 1ST LEADER OF MEN. Nay, call not, for she comes! 2ND LEADER OF MEN. O wisest, best, Bravest of women--hail! To thee addressed We come! 3RD LEADER OF MEN. Be good, and grave, and gracious, mild and shrewd! For at thy feet, the Grecian chiefs subdued Now seek for aid. 4TH LEADER OF MEN. Surrendering to thy charms With one consent all here lay down their arms. 1ST SPARTAN. Nay, nay! We treat: we do not yield our claim (_pugnaciously_). LYS. Surely it is not hard, when people aim With open mind for peace, to find a road. But if to strife ye goad each other still,-- Forthwith ye lack the will. Quickly I’ll test you. Here comes Peace. (_Enter a young girl, olive-bearing, emblematic of_ PEACE. LYSISTRATA _turns to the_ WOMEN.) Now take Each by the hand these Spartan lords, and make Them come with you. (_The_ WOMEN _descend and lead the_ SPARTANS _by the hand toward the centre_.) --not by self-will or force, As is the way of men, but from the source Of sweet affection to all women dear. Let the Athenians also be brought here. (WOMEN _descend and lead forward the_ ATHENIANS.) And now let both sides hearken to the word Which I shall speak; and hold when ye have heard. I am a woman: yet of brain and sense Equal to yours; and often long years hence Back in the past, I heard my father speak Of the blood-bond which once bound Greek to Greek ’Gainst all the world. May I not blame you, then, That ye forget the words of older men Who made Greece strong? Do ye not sprinkle still The same gods’ altars, and with worship fill Delphi, and Pylae, and Olympia’s shrine, And others of a fame ye hold divine? Yet vain your worship when throughout the land Deserted homes and ruined cities stand, And graves piled with the dead of slaughtered kin, While all around Barbarians press in, And waste your borders.... So one part is told. 1ST ATHEN. O form desirable! O heart of gold! LYS. Next upon you, O Spartans, I cry shame. Have ye forgot how once a Spartan came Suppliant to Athens, praying by all the gods For help of arms against o’erwhelming odds? Since, then, we sent swift succour, why do ye Now waste the land which brought you liberty? 2ND ATHEN. By Zeus, well said! Sparta has done us wrong! 1ST SPARTAN. But might is right! And force good for the strong. LYS. And do you think I have no word to say To you Athenians? Ah, there was a day When Sparta, in her turn, came forth and slew Many Thessalians, and succoured you From Hippias and his horde. ’Twas she alone Came to your aid when ye lay overthrown. 1ST SPARTAN. Never saw I a woman to compare With this! 2ND SPARTAN. Nor I a bosom half so fair! LYSISTRATA _takes a spray of olive from_ PEACE _and divides it in two_.) LYS. Why will ye not make peace? What is the root Of your contention? 1ST SPARTAN. We have no dispute Save upon this--restore what once was ours. 1ST ATHEN. What, namely? 1ST SPARTAN. Pylos: for were not her towers Of Sparta’s building? 2ND ATHEN. By Poseidon, no! Did we not save those towers from overthrow When ye stood worsted? 2ND SPARTAN. Aye! Because ye made A compact which ye broke! 1ST ATHEN. Because ye laid False hands on Cöos! 1ST SPARTAN. ’Twas ours; ye know it well! 2ND ATHEN. Yours, as the herdman’s flocks upon the fell Are to the wolf his own! 1ST SPARTAN. Aye, even so Seized ye on Pylos! (_They are about to fall to blows._) LYS. Nay, let them have it! 1ST ATHEN. And where shall we go To obtain recompense? LYS. Demand instead Some other place. 1ST ATHEN. So be it: wisely said! Do you give up to us all the waste land Beyond Echinus, and on either hand Of Megara, skirting the Melian bay! 1ST SPARTAN. Nay, by the gods! What? Give all that away? Not I! LYS. Why grudge it them? ’Tis barren ground. 2ND ATHEN. But we would cultivate and fence it round, Making it fertile. 2ND SPARTAN. Ah! we have a scheme For doing that ourselves. LYS. An idle dream! Since without peace ye cannot. 1ST SPARTAN. But if the prize Goes thus divided, what of our allies? They will need payment, having borne the cost. 1ST ATHEN. Tell them the truth, and own that ye have lost! 1ST SPARTAN. Nay, what I have I hold! Cöos stays mine. 2ND ATHEN. Starved and stuck fast, dry-footed in the brine, Fearing the fleets of Athens! 2ND SPARTAN. --Who on land Now fears to show her face or lift a hand ’Gainst Spartan spears! 1ST ATHEN. Guarding a barren shore Which we have spoiled for you! LYS. So with vile war. Ye waste each other’s wealth! Go, then, and seek Consent of your allies: then come and speak More on the matter. (_She turns back to the Acropolis. The_ WOMEN _follow her_.) 1ST ATHEN. Nay, by Heaven I vow I cannot wait. Have the point settled now! And--oh, get the thing done! Pylos is yours! 1ST SPARTAN. Echinus, and the waste land by the shores Of Megara, we give you! (_All the_ WOMEN _utter a cry of joy and wonder_.) LYS. (_presenting the olive branches_). Ye do well! Go, then, prepare; for in yon citadel We hold our feast: there will we make new vows Of friendship; then shall each man with his spouse Return to his own home. 1ST ATHEN. Oh, word of peace! Come ye soft fires of night, and let war cease! (_From the gates of the citadel come_ WOMEN _carrying raiment of festival, golden fillets, wreaths, and wine-cups. Night has fallen. Torch-bearers enter and stand at the entrances on both sides of the stage._) 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. Now will I offer my best For the good of each guest, Raiment, and linen, and jewel, 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. And shoes for the feet, 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. And fuel and meat. 4TH LEADER OF WOMEN. Let them enter and bear it away! (_Enter_ DANCERS, _strewing flowers_.) 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. If any lack food in this city, Let him come, I will offer him bread. 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. If any lack comfort or pity, Lo, here is a roof and a bed. 3RD LEADER OF WOMEN. For Peace hath her portion in plenty, 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. And Discord is dead. 1ST ATHEN. Now let the dance begin! Give thanks and praise To Artemis, and Him who bears the bays, Sun-beamed Apollo-- 2ND ATHEN. Bacchus, with bright eyes Among his Bacchanals, and in the skies Fire-bearing Zeus! 1ST LEADER OF WOMEN. And Hera, that bright dame Who shares his throne, and Pallas of virgin fame! 2ND LEADER OF WOMEN. Call we on these as witnesses in Heaven To that fair peace by Aphrodite given. Shout for the triumph of gentler powers! ALL THE WOMEN. Evoe! Evoe! The victory is ours. CHORUS (_leading procession of_ PEACE). Take up your pipes of music sweet, And make a measure for my feet To dance to. Take your lute, and raise Your song in Aphrodite’s praise. And while the praise of Heaven ye tell, Give praise to Mother Earth as well! (_Led by dancers, and with women strewing flowers before her_, PEACE _descends. She offers her hand to the_ SPARTAN AMBASSADOR.) LYS. Why do ye wait? Ye that have led hard lives In foreign service, are not these your wives? Since ye have made peace, do ye not deserve The fruits of peace? We conquer but to serve. (_The chorus is repeated as_ PEACE, _leading the_ AMBASSADOR, _preceded by the_ DANCERS, _and followed by her_ ATTENDANTS, _passes out_.) (_Enter_ CINESIAS. MYRRHINA _comes down to meet him with extended hands. He rushes up to her, catches her up in his arms, and carries her away. Immediately the other_ ATHENIANS _seize their women and carry them off_. DANCERS _and_ TORCH-BEARERS _follow. The stage is left empty of all but_ LYSISTRATA.) (LYSISTRATA _comes down slowly to the centre of the upper stage. She stands and looks after the revellers. The light of the torches fades away; only moonlight remains. A sound of the cooing of doves is heard from the roof._ LYSISTRATA _turns and descends, going out in the opposite direction, away from the sounds of revelry_.) CURTAIN. GARDEN CITY PRESS LIMITED, LETCHWORTH, HERTS. “We congratulate the Militants in having such a vigorous exponent of their views.”--_Daily Chronicle._ WHAT WOMEN ARE DOING FOR WOMEN Is told every week in VOTES FOR WOMEN The Newspaper of the Movement Edited by MR. and MRS. PETHICK LAWRENCE, and published EVERY FRIDAY ONE PENNY. Articles by THE EDITORS, MISS CHRISTABEL PANKHURST, And by special contributors, among whom are: Mrs. Pankhurst, Israel Zangwill, John Masefield, Elizabeth Robins, Pett Ridge, Evelyn Sharp, Beatrice Harraden, Henry W. Nevinson, Lady Constance Lytton, Lady Sybil Smith, Laurence Housman, H. N. Brailsford, Sylvia Pankhurst, Rev. Hugh Chapman, Mrs. Zangwill, Rev. J. M. Lloyd Thomas Mr. Joseph Clayton Mary Gawthorpe, And Others Of all Newsagents and Stationers, and of Local W.S.P.U. Secretaries, or by Post from the Publisher-- VOTES FOR WOMEN, 4, CLEMENT’S INN, W.C. _The terms are 6s. 6d. annual subscription, 1s. 8d. for one quarter, inside the United Kingdom, 8s. 8d. and 2s. 2d. abroad, post free, payable in advance._ Books, Pamphlets, Leaflets, Badges, Colours, etc., are on sale at the Woman’s Press, 156, Charing Cross Road, London, W.C. “One of the cleverest political journals published in Europe.” --_The Call_ (San Francisco) ON SALE at the Woman’s Press, 156, Charing Cross Road, W.C. 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