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Epops
Are you calling me? What do you want of me? Leader of the Chorus
Who are they? From what country? Epops
Strangers, who have come from Greece, the land of the wise. Leader of the Chorus
[410] And what fate has led them hither to the land of the birds? Epops
Their love for you and their wish to share your kind of life; to dwell and [415] remain with you always. Leader of the Chorus
Indeed, and what are their plans? Epops
They are wonderful, incredible, unheard of. Leader of the Chorus
Why, do they think to see some advantage that determines them to settle here? Are they hoping with our help [420] to triumph over their foes or to be useful to their friends? Epops
They speak of benefits so great it is impossible either to describe or conceive them; all shall be yours, [425] all that we see here, there, above and below us; this they vouch for. Leader of the Chorus
Are they mad? Epops
They are the sanest people in the world. Leader of the Chorus
Clever men? Epops
[430] The slyest of foxes, cleverness its very self, men of the world, cunning, the cream of knowing folk. Leader of the Chorus
Tell them to speak and speak quickly; why, as I listen to you, I am beside myself with delight.
Aristophanes. Birds. The Complete Greek Drama, vol. 2. Eugene O'Neill, Jr. New York. Random House. 1938.
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