THE BIRDS. 161

of wings, but was really a cowhide whip very vigor-
ously applied. ee

But now came a more important visitor, Prome-
theus, wrapped up in a close disguise and in a terrible
fright lest Zeus should see him. At last, finding
from his inquiries that all was safe, he came out
from his concealment and was heartily welcomed.

Plaus. “My dear Prometheus!”

Prometheus. “Wush! hush! Don’t make a noise.”

Plaus. “What is the matter ?”’

Pro. “Don’t mention my name. I am undone if
Zeus sees me. Here, hold this umbrella over me
while we talk.” tr

Plaus. “Very goody an excellent idea of yours.
It is all safe; talk away.”

Pro. “Zeus is ruined.”

Plaus. “Since when?”

Pro. “Since you built your city. From that time
we have not had the smell of a single sacrifice
from earth. We are simply starving; and the end
of it is that the barbarian gods vow that they will
invade the realm of Zeus, unless he consents to
open the ports and to let sacrifice smoke enter free.”

Plaus. “Barbarian gods! I did not know that
there were such beings. What is their name?”

Pro, “Triballi. But listen. You will. have an
embassy coming: here very soon from Zeus and the
Triballi. But don’t you make peace unless Zeus

restores the sovereignty to the birds, and gives you
the lady Queenship to wife.”

It