No More Learning

LYSISTRATA. Don't you feel sad and sorry because the fathers of your
children are far away from you with the army? For I'll undertake, there
is not one of you whose husband is not abroad at this moment.

CALONICE. Mine has been the last five months in Thrace--looking after
Eucrates. [401]

LYSISTRATA. 'Tis seven long months since mine left me for Pylos. [402]

LAMPITO. As for mine, if he ever does return from service, he's no sooner
back than he takes down his shield again and flies back to the wars.

LYSISTRATA. And not so much as the shadow of a lover! Since the day the
Milesians betrayed us, I have never once seen an eight-inch-long
_godemiche_ even, to be a leathern consolation to us poor widows. . . .
Now
tell me, if I have discovered a means of ending the war, will you all
second me?

MYRRHINE. Yes verily, by all the goddesses, I swear I will, though I have
to put my gown in pawn, and drink the money the same day. [403]

CALONICE. And so will I, though I must be split in two like a flat-fish,
and have half myself removed.

LAMPITO. And I too; why, to secure Peace, I would climb to the top of
Mount Taygetus. [404]

LYSISTRATA. Then I will out with it at last, my mighty secret! Oh! sister
women, if we would compel our husbands to make peace, we must refrain. . . .

MYRRHINE. Refrain from what?