Met. (startled). Why, what's the matter?
Peis. You're aware,
That I've a regard for you. Take my advice;1010
Don't be seen here—Withdraw yourself—abscond!
Met. Is there any alarm or risk?
Peis. Why, much the same,
As it might be in Lacedæmon. There's a bustle
Of expelling aliens; people are dragged out
From the inns and lodgings, with a deal of uproar,
And blows and abuse in plenty, to be met with
In the public street.
Met. A popular tumult—heh?
Peis. (scandalised at the supposition). Oh, Fie! no, nothing of that kind.
Met. How do you mean then?1015
Peis. We're carrying into effect a resolution
Adopted lately; to discard and cudgel . . .
Coxcombs and Mountebanks . . . of every kind.
[During this speech Peisthetairus keeps his eye quietly fixed upon the Astronomer.
Met. Perhaps . . . I had best withdraw.
Peis. Why, yes, perhaps . . .
But yet, I would not answer for it, neither;
Perhaps, you may be too late; the blows I mentioned
Are coming—close upon you—there they come!
Met. Oh, bless me!
Peis. Did not I tell you, and give you warning?
Get out, you coxcomb, find out by your Geometry,
The road you came, and measure it back: you'd best.1020
[Exit Meton.
A Commissioner from Athens advances with an air of importance and ascendency; like other consequential persons sent on a foreign mission, he wishes it to be understood that he considers it a sort of banishment.
Com. Is nobody here? None of the Proxeni,
To receive and attend upon me?
Peis. What's all this?
Sardanapalus[1] in person come amongst us!
- ↑ A name proverbial for pomp and luxury.
