Herald-woman: O all citizens, for now things stand thus,
Cryer-woman: Go, hurry straight on from the general's wife,
835
Heraldess: May it happen that fortune comes to you as you draw lots.
Cryer-woman: Tell each man where you will dine.
Herald: As the tables are indeed set out for a meal.
Cryke: [we are] prepared for all good things,
Herald-woman: beds of rushes and mats, well-stuffed,
840
Kerykaina: the myrrh-sellers are mixing the krater.
Herald-woman: Stand in a row, the pieces are being thrown,
Herald-woman: they are boiling a hare, a cake is baking,
Cry: garlands are being woven, the savory dishes are being cooked,
Herald-woman: the youngest women are boiling a pot of beans.
845
Herald: And Smoios, wearing cavalry attire, is among them.
Cryce: The women are washing out the cooking pots.
Cryce: But the old man is going, wearing a cloak and dust-covered shoes.
Cryer: Having, laughing with another young man;
Kerykaina: He has stepped in, and a cloak lies thrown.
850
Kerykaina: go toward these things, just as the one carrying the cake.
Crier: Stand still! But open your jaws.
Man B: Well then, I shall certainly walk. For what purpose am I standing here holding [this]?
MAN B: Here, since this seems right to the city?
Man A: And where are you going without having deposited your property?
855
MAN A: Certainly not, if they have any sense,
Man A: before you carry it off.
MAN B: But I shall go away.
MAN B: My own it will not be in the way, oh women!
Man B: I say that he will take others away later than me.
MAN A: But he is walking, even though, to dine?
860
MAN B: For what shall I suffer?
Man B: For the city must seize the possibilities.
MAN B: those who think well.
Man A: But if they should prevent it, so what?
Man B: By the gods, I will go bent over.
Man A: But if they whip them, so what?
MAN B: We are summoning them.
Man A: If they laugh at him, so what?
Man B: standing by the doors—
865
MAN A: What will you do? Tell me.
MAN B: I will snatch the grain from those who bring it.
Man A: Then walk behind; but you, oh Sikon, ...
MAN A: And Parmenon, choose the most beautiful woman.
MAN B: Come now, I will benefit you.
MAN A: For I fear lest even with the female general,
870
Man A: When I put it down, pretend that you do not want the money.
MAN B: By Zeus, at least one device is needed,
Man B: so that I will have the money that exists, at least
MAN B: I too shall somehow partake in the madness of the crowd.
MAN B: It seems right to me; we must walk.
875
Man B: It's a sworn oath to dine and not to delay.