To build and settle, in the midway right,
Between tall Corinth and fair Sicyon's height,
Then to Pandora, let a milk white Goat971
Be slain, and offered, and a comely coat
Given to the soothsayer, and shoes a pair;
When he to you this oracle shall bear."
Peis. Are the shoes mentioned?
Sooth. (pretending to feel for his papers). Look at the book, and see!
"And let him have the entrails for his share."975
Peis. Are the Entrails mentioned?
Sooth. (as before). Look at the book, and see!
"If you, predestined youth, shall do these things,
Then you shall soar aloft, on eagle's wings;
But, if you do not, you shall never be
An Eagle, nor a Hawk, nor bird of high degree."
Peis. Is all this, there?
Sooth. (as before). Look at the book, and see!980
Peis. This oracle differs most remarkably,
From that which I transcribed in Apollo's temple.
"If at the sacrifice . . . [1] which you prepare,
An uninvited vagabond . . . should dare
To interrupt you, and demand a share,
Let cuffs and buffets . . . be the varlet's lot.
Smite him between the ribs . . . and spare him not."985
Sooth. Nonsense, you're talking!
Peis. (with the same action as the Soothsayer, as if he were feeling
for papers). Look at the book, and see!
"Thou shalt in no wise heed them, or forbear
To lash and smite those Eagles of the air,
Neither regard their names, for it is written,
Lampon and Diopithes shall be smitten."
Sooth. Is all this, there?
Peis. (producing a horsewhip). Look at the book, and see!
Get out! with a plague and a vengeance.
Sooth. Oh dear! oh!990
Peis. Go soothsay somewhere else, you rascal, run!
[Exit Sooth.
- ↑ The breaks in the text . . . may serve to indicate what was more distinctly expressed by the actor, viz., that Peisthetairus's Oracle is an extempore production.
