258 ARISTOPHANES
Hoopoe. And what has brought you here ? What was your object ?
Euel2)ides. We wished to advise with you.
Hoopoe. With me ! For what ?
Euelpides. Because you were a man : the same as us ; 131
And found yourself in debt : the same as us ; And did not like to pay : the same as us ; And after that, you changed into a bird ; And ever since have flown and wandered far 135
Over the lands and seas, and have acquired All knowledge that a bird or man can learn.
Therefore we come as suppliants, to beseech Your favor and advice to point us out Some comfortable country, close and snug, mo
A country like a blanket or a rug, Where we might fairly fold ourselves to rest.
Hoopoe. Do you wish then for a greater State than Athens ?
Euelpides. Not greater ; but more suitable for us.
Peisthetairus. Ha ! What a power is here I What opportunities ! i7o
If I could only advise you. I see it all ! The means for an infinite empire and command ! Hoopoe. And what would you have us do ? What 's
your advice ? Peisthetairus. Do ? What would I have ye do ? Why first of all Don't flutter and hurry about all open-mouthed, ns In that undignified way. With us, for instance, At home, we should cry out " What creature 's that? "
to have infected the whole Athenian community with the exception of a few who retained their old agricultural habits.
