146 ARISTOPHANES.

kings such as Agamemnon or Menelaus had a bird
sitting on their sceptres who had his share of all
the dues that they received. Zeus—and this, mark
you, is the weightiest proof of all—has an: eagle
on his head, by way of token of his kingship; and
his daughter Athené has an owl, and Apollo a
hawk. What do you suppose to be the meaning
of all this? Why, that when any sacrifice was
made to the god, the bird had his share first, —
yes, before the god himself. Yes; in old time men
thought you holy and venerable; how do they treat
you now?

“Why, they pelt you with stones, and they trap you with
snares,

And the branches on which you may light unawares
With bird-lime they smear, and all this in the pale
Of the temples they do, and they hawk you for sale,
Heaped together in baskets, and those who would buy
In most impudent fashion your plumpness will try;
And when they would cook you, it is not enough
Just to roast, but they mingle some horrible stuff
With garlic and oil and a dozen things more,
For a sauce on your delicate members to pour.”

Birds. “Oh, sad is the story you bring to our ears,
Dear stranger, I heard it with shame and with tears;
To think of our glory so sadly decayed,

The rule of our fathers so weakly betrayed;

Tis surely the happiest fortune that brings

Such a friend to our help. For if once we were kings,
Tis a shame and disgrace not to be so again;

And this is the point we would have you explain.”