immediately recognised, is exhibited for the first time. It has been observed elsewhere, of the Aristophanic, or ancient comedy, that it is essentially a grave, humorous, impossible Great Lie, related with an accurate mimicry of the language and manners of the persons introduced. As the humour of a Narrative Lie is more easily comprehended than that of a dramatic one, we may venture to examine the drama, such as it would have appeared, if it bad been helped out, in some degree, by a narrative comment; if, like the explanatory Heroic Prologue in Henry the Fifth, the ancient comedy had made use of a buffoonish prologue, explanatory and preparatory to the different scenes. We might susuppose Aristophanes or his Prolocutor on this occasion to have said: "Gentlemen, the information, which I apprehend you will shortly receive of the progress of the new buildings at Nephelococcugia, may perhaps strike you as extraordinary. I should not be surprised, if, to some amongst you, it should appear little short of being absolutely incredible; but I would not have you rely entirely upon your own judgment. There is Peisthetairus, who has every means of information, and of whose abilities you can have no doubt: you will see him as much astonished as any amongst you; and you will see him so for the first and only time. But, will he disbelieve the fact? Far from it. Like the judicious amongst yourselves, he will not entertain the least doubt of it; on the contrary, unless I am very much mistaken in his character, you will be able to detect evident symptoms of jealousy and uneasiness at the idea of such an object having been accomplished, independently of his direction and superintendence; and indeed, not without reason; for, you will see, that both the Chorus and the Μessenger himself appear to abate something of their accustomed respect and deference to him. You will observe likewise, that the Messenger is far from anticipating the slightest incredulity, as to the general fact of the completion of the work of which he himself has been a witness; while he is apparently very anxious in his negative testimony, as to the total absence of any extraneous aid or assistance whatever."
Peisthetairus. Well, Friends and Birds! the sacrifice has succeeded,
Our omens have been good ones: good and fair.
Hut what's the meaning of it? We've no news
From the new building yet! No messenger!1120
Oh! there, at last, I see—There's somebody
Running at speed, and panting like a racer.
Enter a Messenger, quite out of breath; and
speaking in short snatches.
Mess. Where is he? Where? Where is he? Where? Where is he?—
The president Peisthetairus?
Peis. (coolly). Here am I.
Mess. (in a gasp of breath). Your fortification's finished.
