Racine: Phaedra

THE KNIGHTS 163
Rouse up your powers ! If ever in your youth
You swindled and forswore as you profess
The time is come to show it. Now this instant
He's hurrying headlong to the Senate House
To tumble amongst them like a thunderbolt;
To accuse us all, to rage, and storm, and rave.
Sausage- Seller.—Well, I'll be off then. But these entrails
and pudding,
I must put them by the while, and the chopping knife.
Chorus.—Here take this lump of lard, to 'noint your neck
with;
The grease will give him the less hold upon you,
With the gripe of his accusations.
Sausage-Seller.— That's well thought of.
Chorus.—And here's the garlic. Swallow it down
Sausage-Seller.— What for?
Chorus.—It will prime you up,^^ and make you fight the bet-
ter.
Make haste!
Sausage- Seller.— Why, so I do.
Chorus.— Remember now
Show blood and game. Drive at him and denounce him
Dash at his comb, his coxcomb, cuff it soundly
j
Peck, scratch, and tear, conculcate, clapperclaw 1
Bite both his wattles off, and gobble 'em up
And then return in glory to your friends.
Chorus.— Well may you speed
[Exit Sausage-Seller.
In word and deed.
May all the powers of the market-place
Grant ye protection, and help, and grace,
With strength of lungs and front and brain
With a crown of renown, to return again.
[Turning to the audience.
But you that have heard and applauded us here,
In every style and in every way.
Grant us an ear, and attend for a while.
To the usual old anapestic essay.
** Game-cocks are dieted with garlic.