Peace (cont'd)

HERMES
But hold, the Argives have not pulled the least bit; they have done nothing but laugh at us for our pains while they were getting gain with both hands.[1]

[1] Both Sparta and Athens had sought the alliance of the Argives; they had kept themselves strictly neutral and had received pay from both sides. But, the year after the production of 'The Wasps,' they openly joined Athens, had attacked Epidaurus and got cut to pieces by the Spartans.

TRYGAEUS
Ah! my dear sir, the Laconians at all events pull with vigour.

CHORUS
But look! only those among them who generally hold the plough-tail show any zeal,[1] while the armourers impede them in their efforts.

[1] These are the Spartan prisoners from Sphacteria, who were lying in goal at Athens. They were chained fast to large beams of wood.

HERMES
And the Megarians too are doing nothing, yet look how they are pulling and showing their teeth like famished curs; The poor wretches are dying of hunger![1]

[1] 'Twas want of force, not want of will. They had suffered more than any other people from the war. (See 'The Acharnians.')

TRYGAEUS
This won't do, friends. Come! all together! Everyone to the work and with a good heart for the business.

HERMES
Heave away, heave!

TRYGAEUS
Harder!

HERMES
Heave away, heave!

TRYGAEUS
Come on then, by heaven.

HERMES
Heave away, heave! Heave away, heave!

CHORUS
This will never do.

TRYGAEUS
Is it not a shame? some pull one way and others another. You, Argives there, beware of a thrashing!

HERMES
Come, put your strength into it.

TRYGAEUS
Heave away, heave!

CHORUS
There are many ill-disposed folk among us.

TRYGAEUS
Do you at least, who long for peace, pull heartily.

CHORUS
But there are some who prevent us.

HERMES
Off to the Devil with you, Megarians! The goddess hates you. She recollects that you were the first to rub her the wrong way. Athenians, you are not well placed for pulling. There you are too busy with law-suits; if you really want to free the goddess, get down a little towards the sea.[1]

[1] Meaning, look chiefly to your fleet. This was the counsel that Themistocles frequently gave the Athenians.

CHORUS
Come, friends, none but husbandmen on the rope.

HERMES
Ah! that will do ever so much better.

CHORUS
He says the thing is going well. Come, all of you, together and with a will.

TRYGAEUS
'Tis the husbandmen who are doing all the work.

CHORUS
Come then, come, and all together! Hah! hah! at last there is some unanimity in the work. Don't let us give up, let us redouble our efforts. There! now we have it! Come then, all together! Heave away, heave! Heave away, heave! Heave away, heave! Heave away, heave!