104 ARISTOPHANES.

Phil. “1s this the ‘ Guilty’ urn?”

Bdel. “Yes, sir.”

Phil. “Tn she goes!”

The fact was, that Bdelycleon, seeing that his
father was resolved to condemn, deceived him, and
pointed out the “ Not guilty” as the “ Guilty” urn.
“T have taken him in,” he said, as the vote was
dropped in. “And now, sir,” he went on, address-
ing his father, “1 will count the votes.” !

Bdel. “ How has it gone?”

Phil. “ Pincher is acquitted.”

‘The old man was so overpowered by this unex-
pected result that he almost fainted, and had to ask
for water. “Is he indeed acquitted?” he inquired ;
and when assured that it was so, he broke out into a
doleful strain : — : :

_ “ How shall I bear this load upon my conscience ?
A man acquitted! What dread penalty
Awaits us in the future? O great gods !

I ask your pardon; for against my will,
~- ’ + Nor in my own true mood, I did the deed.”
Bdel. “Take it not ill. My father, from henceforth
I'll tend thee well, taking thee everywhere.
To feast, to banquet, to the public show;
The years to be in pleasure thou’shalt spend, _
R And no one cheat thee. Letus go.”
Phil. “T go;
". ... After to-day my occupation’s gone.”

1 The pretence that a numerous court of judges were present is kept
up. Philocleon professes himself unable to say which way the voting
would go. : : : ¢