I come from the abode of the
Olympian
gods.
Aristophanes
Come, let each one guard the Air, the son of Erebus,[316] in which the
clouds float. Take care no immortal enters it without your knowledge.
Scan all sides with your glance. Hark! methinks I can hear the rustle of
the swift wings of a god from heaven.
PISTHETAERUS. Hi! you woman! where are you flying to? Halt, don't stir!
keep motionless! not a beat of your wing! --Who are you and from what
country? You must say whence you come. [317]
IRIS.
I come from the abode of the Olympian gods.
PISTHETAERUS. What's your name, ship or cap? [318]
IRIS. I am swift Iris.
PISTHETAERUS. Paralus or Salaminia? [319]
IRIS. What do you mean?
PISTHETAERUS. Let a buzzard rush at her and seize her. [320]
IRIS. Seize me! But what do all these insults betoken?
PISTHETAERUS. Woe to you!
