Wait a little; we are going to install Plutus presently in the
place he formerly occupied behind the Temple of Athene;[811] there he
will watch over our treasures for ever.
place he formerly occupied behind the Temple of Athene;[811] there he
will watch over our treasures for ever.
Aristophanes
PRIEST. Because all men are rich. Ah! when they had nothing, the merchant
who escaped from shipwreck, the accused who was acquitted, all immolated
victims; another would sacrifice for the success of some wish and the
priest joined in at the feast; but now there is not the smallest victim,
not one of the faithful in the temple, but thousands who come there to
ease themselves.
CHREMYLUS. Don't you take your share of those offerings?
PRIEST. Hence I think I too am going to say good-bye to Zeus the
Deliverer, and stop here myself.
CHREMYLUS. Be at ease, all will go well, if it so please the god. Zeus
the Deliverer[810] is here; he came of his own accord.
PRIEST. Ha! that's good news.
CHREMYLUS.
Wait a little; we are going to install Plutus presently in the
place he formerly occupied behind the Temple of Athene;[811] there he
will watch over our treasures for ever. But let lighted torches be
brought; take these and walk in solemn procession in front of the god.
PRIEST. That's magnificent!
CHREMYLUS. Let Plutus be summoned.
OLD WOMAN. And I, what am I to do?
CHREMYLUS. Take the pots of vegetables which we are going to offer to the
god in honour of his installation and carry them on your head; you just
happen luckily to be wearing a beautiful embroidered robe.
OLD WOMAN. And what about the object of my coming?
CHREMYLUS. Everything shall be according to your wish. The young man will
be with you this evening.
OLD WOMAN.
