Stasimon 2
Second Messenger
All the hook-clawed birds are moving against him, the kestrel, the buzzard, the vulture, the great-horned owl; they cleave the air so that it resounds with the flapping of their wings; they are looking everywhere for the god, who cannot be far away; indeed, if I mistake not,
1180
he is coming from yonder side.
1185
Pisthetaerus
To arms, all, with slings and bows! This way, all our soldiers; shoot and strike! Some one give me a sling!
1185
[Lyric-Scene 1]
War, a terrible war is breaking out
Chorus
between us and the gods! Come, let each one guard Air, the son of Erebus, in which the clouds float.
1190
Take care no immortal enters it without your knowledge.
1195
Leader of the Chorus
Scan all sides with your glance. Hark! methinks I can hear the rustle of the swift wings of a god from heaven.
Pisthetaerus
Hi! you woman! where, where, where are you flying to? Halt, don't stir!
keep motionless! not a beat of your wing!
She pauses in her flight. Who are you and from what country? You must say whence you come.
1200
Iris
I come from the abode of the Olympian gods.
Pisthetaerus
What's your name, ship or head-dress?
Pisthetaerus
Paralus or Salaminia?
Iris
What do you mean?
1205
Pisthetaerus
Let a buzzard rush at her and seize her.
1205
Iris
Seize me? But what do all these insults mean?
Iris
I do not understand it.
Pisthetaerus
By which gate did you pass through the wall, wretched woman?
Iris
By which gate? Why, great gods, I don't know.
1210
