f(1) An Athenian general as ambitious as he was brave. In
423 B.C. he had failed in an enterprise against Heracles, a
storm having destroyed his fleet. Since then he had
distingued himself in several actions, and was destined,
some years later, to share the command of the expedition to
Sicily with Alcibiades and Nicias.
TRYGAEUS Silence! if War should hear your shouts of joy he would bound forth from his retreat in fury.
CHORUS Such a decree overwhelms us with joy; how different to the edict, which bade us muster with provisions for three days.(1)
f(1) Meaning, to start a military expedition.
TRYGAEUS Let us beware lest the cursed Cerberus(1) prevent us even from the nethermost hell from delivering the goddess by his furious howling, just as he did when on earth.
f(1) Cleon.
CHORUS Once we have hold of her, none in the world will be able to take her from us. Huzza! huzza!(1)
f(1) The Chorus insist on the conventional choric dance.
TRYGAEUS You will work my death if you don't subdue your shouts. War will come running out and trample everything beneath his feet.
CHORUS Well then! LET him confound, let him trample, let him overturn everything! We cannot help giving vent to our joy.