You confess you made a peace with those abominable wretches.
Dic. Well, the very Spartans even,—I've my doubts and scruples whether
They've been totally to blame, in ev'ry instance, altogether.
Chorus. Not to blame in every instance! Villain, vagabond, how dare ye, 371
Talking treason to our faces, to suppose that we should spare ye.
Dic. Not so totally to blame; and I would show that, here and there,
The treatment they received from us has not been absolutely fair.
Chorus. What a scandal! what an insult! what an outrage on the state!
Are ye come to plead before us as the Spartans' advocate?
Dic. I'm prepared to plead the cause, and bring my neck here for a pledge,
Placed upon the chopping block, ready to meet the axe's edge.
Chorus. Don't be standing shilly-shally, comrades, let the traitor die.
Pummel him with stones to pieces, pound and maul him utterly, 380
Mash the villain to a jelly, like a vat of purple dye.
Dic. I'm astonished at your temper. Won't you give me leave to say
Something in my own defence, my good Acharnians? Hear me, pray!
Chorus. We're determined not to hear ye.
Dic. That will be severe indeed.
Chor. We're determined.
Dic. Good Acharnians, give me time and hear me plead.
Chorus. Death awaits you, death this instant.
Dic. Then the quick resolve is taken.
Know that I've secured a hostage destined to redeem my bacon.[1]
He, your homebred kindly kinsman, he with me shall live or perish.
- ↑ The extravagant burlesque which follows turns upon the occupation of the Acharnians as charcoal-burners.
