We suffered
horribly
on the plains of the Ca?
Aristophanes
DICAEOPOLIS. Of what King? I am sick of all those fine birds, the peacock
ambassadors and their swagger.
HERALD. Silence!
DICAEOPOLIS. Oh! oh! by Ecbatana,[161] what assumption!
AN AMBASSADOR. During the archonship of Euthymenes, you sent us to the
Great King on a salary of two drachmae per diem.
DICAEOPOLIS. Ah! those poor drachmae!
AMBASSADOR.
We suffered horribly on the plains of the Ca? ster, sleeping
under a tent, stretched deliciously on fine chariots, half dead with
weariness.
DICAEOPOLIS. And I was very much at ease, lying on the straw along the
battlements! [162]
AMBASSADOR. Everywhere we were well received and forced to drink
delicious wine out of golden or crystal flagons. . . .
DICAEOPOLIS. Oh, city of Cranaus,[163] thy ambassadors are laughing at
thee!
AMBASSADOR. For great feeders and heavy drinkers are alone esteemed as
men by the barbarians.
DICAEOPOLIS. Just as here in Athens, we only esteem the most drunken
debauchees.
AMBASSADOR.
