You really will not,
Acharnians?
Aristophanes
CHORUS. Oh, indeed, rascal! You dare to use such language to me and then
expect me to spare you!
DICAEOPOLIS. No, no, they are not the cause of all our troubles, and I
who address you claim to be able to prove that they have much to complain
of in us.
CHORUS. This passes endurance; my heart bounds with fury. Thus you dare
to defend our enemies.
DICAEOPOLIS. Were my head on the block I would uphold what I say and rely
on the approval of the people.
CHORUS. Comrades, let us hurl our stones and dye this fellow purple.
DICAEOPOLIS. What black fire-brand has inflamed your heart! You will not
hear me?
You really will not, Acharnians?
CHORUS. No, a thousand times, no.
DICAEOPOLIS. This is a hateful injustice.
CHORUS. May I die, if I listen.
DICAEOPOLIS. Nay, nay! have mercy, have mercy, Acharnians.
CHORUS. You shall die.
DICAEOPOLIS. Well, blood for blood! I will kill your dearest friend. I
have here the hostages of Acharnae;[198] I shall disembowel them.
