Dramatic Masterpieces Volume 1

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1900 Excerpt: ... THE KNIGHTS BY ARISTOPHANES Metrical Translation by John Hookham Frere DRAMATIS PERSONS Demus.--A personification of the Athenian people, a quarrelsome, selfish, suspicious old man, a tyrant to his slaves, with the exception of one, the Paphlagonian, Cleon, by whom he is cajoled and deceived. Nicias and Demosthenes.--Two most able generals of Athens, of very opposite characters; the one cautious and superstitious; the other a hearty, resolute, jolly fellow, who loves good wine. These two, the servants of the public, are naturally introduced as the slaves of Demus. Cleon.--The Tanner (as he is called from his property consisting in a leather manufactory), or the Paphlagonian. He is represented as a fawning, obsequious slave, insolent and haughty to all except his master. A Sausage-seller, whose name, Agoracritus, is not declared till towards the conclusion of the play, is the person announced by the Oracle as ordained by fate to baffle Cleon, and to supersede him in the favor of his master. Chorus. THE KNIGHTS After a noise of lashes and screams from behind the scenes, Demosthenes comes out, and is followed by Nicias, the supposed victim of flagellation (both in the dress of slaves). Demosthenes breaks out in great wrath; while Nicias remains exhibiting various contortions of pain for the amusement of the audience. Demosthenes.--Out! out alas! what a scandal! what a shame! May Jove in his utter wrath crush and confound That rascally new-bought Paphlagonian slave! For from the very first day that he came--Brought here for a plague and a mischief amongst us all, We're beaten and abused continually. Nicias whimpering in a broken voice.--I say so too, with all my heart I do, A rascal, with his slanders and lies! A rascally Paphlagonian! so he is! Demosthenes rou...