Than all that land in Thrace, the fabulous plain
Of Phlegra; where those earthborn landed Giants
Were bullied and out-vapoured by the gods.825
Eu. It will be a genteelish, smart concern, I reckon,
This city of ours. . . . Which of the Deities
Shall we have for a patron? We must weave our mantle,
Our sacred mantle of course . . . the yearly mantle[1]
To one or other of 'em.
Peis. Well, Minerva?
Why should not we have Minerva? she's established,
Let her continue; she'll do mighty well.
Eu. No—there I object; for a well-ordered city,
The example would be scandalous; to see
The Goddess, a female born, in complete armour830
From head to foot; and Cleisthenes[2] with a distaff.
Peis. What warden will ye appoint for the Eagle tower,
Your Citadel, the fort upon the rock?
Hoo. That charge will rest with a chief of our own choice,
Of Persian race, a chicken of the game,
An eminent warrior.
Eu. Oh my chicky-hiddy—
My little master. I should like to see him,835
Strutting about and roosting on the rock.
Peis. Come, you now! please to step to the atmosphere;
And give a look to the work, and help the workmen;
And between whiles fetch brick and tiles, and such like;
Draw water, stamp the mortar—do it barefoot;
Climb up the ladders; tumble down again:840
Keep constant watch and ward; conceal your watch lights;
Then go the rounds, and give the countersign,
Till you fall fast asleep. Send heralds off,
A brace of them—one to the gods above;
And another, down below there, to mankind.
Bid them, when they return, inquire for me.845
Eu. For me! For me! You may be hanged for me.
Peis. Come, friend, go where I bid you; never mind;
The business can't go on without you, anyhow.
