ARISTOPHANES' FROGS
59
Aeacus.
That? Aeschylus and Euripides!
Xanthias.
Eh?
Aeacus.
Yes; there's a big business just astir,
And hot dissension among all the dead.
Xanthias.
About what?
Aeacus.
There's a law established here
Concerning all the large and liberal arts,
Which grants the foremost master in each art
Free entertainment at the Central Hearth,
And also a special throne in Pluto's row . . .
Xanthias.
Oh, now I understand!
Aeacus.
To hold until
There comes one greater; then he must make way.
Xanthias.
But how has this affected Aeschylus?
Aeacus.
Aeschylus held the throne of tragedy,
As greatest . . .
Xanthias.
Held it? Why, who holds it now?
