Stasimon 3
[Episode]
Will you stay with us and form a chorus of winged birds as slender as Leotrophides for the Cecropid tribe?
1405
Cinesias
You are making game of me, that's clear; but know that I shall never leave you in peace if I do not have wings wherewith to traverse the air.
Informer
What are these birds with downy feathers, who look so pitiable to me? Tell me, oh swallow with the long dappled wings.
1410
Pisthetaerus
Oh! it's a regular invasion that threatens us. Here comes another one, humming along.
Informer
Swallow with the long dappled wings, once more I summon you.
1415
Pisthetaerus
It's his cloak I believe he's addressing; it stands in great need of the swallows' return.
Informer
Where is he who gives out wings to all comers?
Pisthetaerus
Here I am, but you must tell me for what purpose you want them.
Informer
Ask no questions. I want wings, and wings I must have.
1420
Pisthetaerus
Do you want to fly straight to Pellene?
Informer
I? Why, I am an accuser of the islands, an informer ...
Pisthetaerus
A fine trade, truly!
Informer
... a hatcher of lawsuits. Hence I have great need of wings
to prowl round the cities and drag them before justice.
1425
Pisthetaerus
Would you do this better if you had wings?
Informer
No, but I should no longer fear the pirates; I should return with the cranes, loaded with a supply of lawsuits by way of ballast.
Pisthetaerus
So it seems, despite all your youthful vigor, you make it your trade to denounce strangers?
1430
Informer
Well, and why not? I don't know how to dig.
Pisthetaerus
But, by Zeus! there are
honest ways of gaining a living at your age without all this infamous trickery.
1435
