Opening The Frogs — Aristophanes in Plato Scroll…
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Aristophanes · Anonymous (Athenian Society, 1912)
Bust of Aeschylus from the Capitoline Museum, Rome Now AM I to make one of those jokes that have the knack of always making the spectators laugh? Aye, certainly, any one you like, excepting “I am worn out.” Take care you don’t say that, for it gets on my nerves. Do you want some other drollery? Yes, only not, “I am quite broken up.” Then what witty thing shall I say? Come, take courage; only … Only what? … don’t start saying as you shift your package from shoulder to shoulder, “Ah! that’s a relief!” May I not at least say, that unless I am relieved of this cursed load I shall let wind? Oh! for pity’s sake, no! you don’t want to make me spew. What need then had I to take this luggage, if I must not copy the porters that Phrynichus, Lycis and Amipsias never fail to put on the stage? Do nothing of the kind. Whenever I chance to see one of these stage tricks, I always leave the theatre …
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