26° ARISTOPHANES.

Ffon. ‘‘What’s the matter?” :

Countryman. “Ym ruined, I’m ruined! The Beeo-
tians came down this morning and carried off my
pair of plough oxen. They were all my living.”

The lucky possessor would not part with a drop.
The only petitioner that succeeded was a bridesmaid
whom the bride had sent with a little bottle. “She
wanted,” she said, “just a little drop to keep her hus-
band at home.” Mr. Honesty was willing to oblige
a lady, and sent her away with the bottle full, ex-
plaining that the bride must use it the next time there
was a ballot for recruits.

Meanwhile, General. Dobattle had come in person
to try whether he could not succeed better than his
messenger. But before he could open his mouth, a
despatch from the War Office arrived. “You are
hereby directed to muster your men, and march to
the mountain passes. There you must ambush in the
snow, information having been received that a ma-
rauding party is coming from the Boeotian frontier.”

Hardly had he read the despatch when a message
came for Honesty. It was to this effect: “You are
hereby requested to come with all your belongings to
the temple of Bacchus. The company are waiting
for you, and everything is ready, — plum cake and
plain, confectionery, fruits preserved and _ fresh,
savouries and sweets, flowers and perfumes.” And
now began a bustle of preparation on either side.

The General, Quick with my knapsack!”