Racine: Phaedra

THE KNIGHTS 199
No, thank heaven, for such a master Nauson's daughter
is too good
And if my name were not Nauphantis, I am made of
nails and wood.
I propose then to retire in sanctuary to remain
Near the temple of the Furies, or to Theseus and his fane.
Still the project may proceed ; Hyperbolus can never fail.
He may launch the trays of wood, in which his lamps
were set to sale."
Enter Agoracritus (the Sausage-Seller).
Agoracritus.—Peace be amongst you! Silence! Peace!
Close the courts ; let pleading cease
All your customary joys.
Juries, accusers, strife and noise
Be merry, I say ! Let the theatre ring
With a shout of applause for the news that I bring.
Chorus.—O thou the protector and hope of the State,
Of the isles and allies of the city, relate
What happy event, do you call us to greet.
With bonfire and sacrifice filling the street.
Agoracritus.—Old Demus within has moulted his skin
I've cooked him, and stewed him, to render him stronger,
Many years younger, and shabby no longer.
Chorus.—Oh, what a change I How
sudden and strange 1
But where is he now ?
Agoracritus.— On the citadel's brow,
In the lofty old town of immortal renown,
With the noble Ionian violet crown.
Chorus.—What was his vesture, his figure and gesture?
How did you leave him, and how does he look?
Agoracritus.— Joyous and bold, as when feasting of old,
When his battles were ended, triumphant and splendid,
With Miltiades sitting carousing at rest.
Or good Aristides his favorite guest.
You shall see him here strait ; for the citadel gate
Is unbarred ; and the hinges—you hear how they grate
[The scene changes to a view of the Propylccuvi.]
Give a shout for the sight of the rocky old height
And the worthy old wight, that inhabits within 1