Lysistrata
LYSISTRATA Translated from the Greek of ARISTOPHANES Illustrations by Norman Lindsay [to be added to the next edition] FOREWORD _Lysistrata_ is the greatest work by Aristophanes. This blank and rash statement is made that it may be rejected. But first let it be understood that I do not mean it is a better written work than the _Birds_ or the _Frogs_, or that (to descend to the scale of values that will be naturally imputed to me) it has any more appeal to the collectors of "curious literature" than the _Ecclesiazusae_ or the _Thesmophoriazusae_. On the mere grounds of taste I can see an at least equally good case made out for the _Birds_. That brightly plumaged
RITA. Never for a moment have I wished that! That Eyolf should not
stand between us--that was what I wished.
ALLMERS. Well, well--he does not stand between us any more.
RITA. [Softly, gazing straight before her.] Perhaps now more than
ever. [With a sudden shudder.] Oh, that horrible sight!
ALLMERS. [Nods.] The child's evil eyes.
RITA. [In dread, recoiling from him.] Let me be, Alfred! I am
afraid of you. I have never seen you like this before.
ALLMERS. [Looks harshly and coldly at her.] Sorrow makes us wicked
and hateful.
RITA. [Terrified, and yet defiant.] That is what I feel, too.
[ALLMERS goes towards the right and looks out over the fiord. RITA
seats herself at the table. A short pause.]
ALLMERS. [Turning his head towards her.] You never really and truly
loved him--never!
RITA. [With cold self-control.] Eyolf would never let me take him
LYSISTRATA Translated from the Greek of ARISTOPHANES Illustrations by Norman Lindsay [to be added to the next edition] FOREWORD _Lysistrata_ is the greatest work by Aristophanes. This blank and rash statement is made that it may be rejected. But first let it be understood that I do not mean it is a better written work than the _Birds_ or the _Frogs_, or that (to descend to the scale of values that will be naturally imputed to me) it has any more appeal to the collectors of "curious literature" than the _Ecclesiazusae_ or the _Thesmophoriazusae_. On the mere grounds of taste I can see an at least equally good case made out for the _Birds_. That brightly plumaged