THE PLUTUS, 765-700
I've half a mind to crown you with a wreath
Of barley loaves.
ca.	Well, don't be loitering now.
The men, by this, are nearly at your gates.
wife. Then I will in, and fetch the welcoming-gifts ^a
Wherewith to greet these newly-purchased—eyes.^&
ca.    And I will out, and meet them as they come.^0
we.   And first J make obeisance to yon sun ;
Then to august Athene's famous plain,
And all this hospitable land of Cccrops.
Shame on my past career ! I blush to think
With whom I long consorted, unawares,
Whilst those who my companionship deserved
I shunned, not knowing.    O unhappy me !
In neither this nor that I acted rightly.
But now, reversing all my former ways,
I'll si low mankind 'twas through no wish of mine
] used to give myself lo rogues and knaves.
ciir. Hang you, be off!    The nuisance these friends are,
Emerging suddenly when fortune smiles.
Tcha! How they nudge your ribs, and punch your
shins,
Displaying each some token of goodwill.
What man addressed me not ?    What aged group
Failed to enwreatlie rue in the market-place ? ^d
wife. Dearest of men, O welcome you and you.^c
Come now, I'll take these welcoming-gifts and pour
them
O'er ?/o?4, as custom bids.
we.	Excuse me, no.
^6 Kbit Wife.
^e IMt Carh,    Kit for JJV#/M, alow?, to him later
with a, crowd <\t hw hcch.
<^l Kntcr Wife.       ^e Plulus.
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