THE ECCLESIAZUSAE, 443-4G3

They don't betray their Thesmophorian secrets,

But you and I blab all State secrets out.
BL. By Hermes, there at least he told no lie.
CHR. And women lend each other, said the lad,

Their dresses, trinkets, money, drinking-cups.

Though quite alone, with never a witness there.

And all restore the loan, and none withhold it.

But men, he said, are always doing this.
BL. Aye to be sure : though witnesses were there.
CHR. They don't inform, or prosecute, or put

The people down : but everything that's right.

And much, besides, he praised the womankind.
BL. What was determined ?
CHR. You're to put the State

Into their hands. This was the one reform

Not yet attempted.

BL. Twos decreed ?

CHR. It was.

BL. So then the women now must undertake

All manly duties ?

CHR. So I understand.

BL. Then I shan't be a dicast, but my wife ?
CHR. Nor you support your household, but your wife.
BL. Nor 1 get grumbling up in early morn ?
CHR. No : for the future that's your wife's affair.

You'll lie abed : no grumbling any more.
BL. But hark ye, 'twould be rough on us old men

If, when the women hold the reins of State,

They should perforce compel us to—
CHR. Do what ?

BL. Make love to them.
CHR. But if we're not prepared ?