Parodos
[Choral]
Grant me not to deliver important opinions; for I do not desire these, but only to pervert the right for my own advantage, and to evade my creditors.
Chorus.
Then you shall obtain what you desire; for you do not covet great things. But commit yourself without fear to our ministers.
435
Strepsiades.
I will do so in reliance upon you, for necessity oppresses me, on account of the blood-horses, and the marriage that ruined me. Now, therefore, let them use me as they please.
I give up this body to them to be beaten, to be hungered, to be troubled with thirst, to be squalid, to shiver with cold, to flay into a leathern bottle,
440
if I shall escape clear from my debts, and appear to men to be bold, glib of tongue, audacious, impudent, shameless, a fabricator of falsehoods, inventive of words, a practiced knave in lawsuits, a law-tablet, a thorough rattle, a fox, a sharper, a slippery knave, a dissembler, a slippery fellow, an impostor,
445
a gallows-bird, a blackguard, a twister, a troublesome fellow, a licker-up of hashes. If they call me this, when they meet me, let them do to me absolutely what they please. And if they like,
450
by Ceres, let them serve up a sausage out of me to the deep thinkers.
455
Chorus.
This man has a spirit not void of courage, but prompt. Know, that if you learn these matters from me, you will possess among mortals a glory as high as heaven.
Strepsiades.
What shall I experience?
Chorus.
You shall pass with me the most enviable of mortal lives the whole time.
Strepsiades.
Shall I then ever see this?
465
Chorus.
Yea, so that many be always seated at your gates, wishing to communicate with you and come to a conference with you, to consult with you as to actions and affidavits of many talents, as is worthy of your abilities.
But attempt to teach the old man by degrees whatever you purpose, and scrutinize his intellect, and make trial of his mind.
