Was it one of you who was playing on the flute just now?
YOUNG REAPER.
Yes, it was we who were playing.
PRIEST.
It was a pleasant sound, and all the pleasanter because one does not look for such music from men of your condition.
YOUNG REAPER.
Unlooked for from men of our condition, you say!
Have you not read:—
“Do not envy what is above you
Nor despise what is below you”?
Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen,
Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers
Through poets’ verses are known to all the world.
Wonder not to hear among us
The sound of a bamboo-flute.
PRIEST.
You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.
Songs of woodmen and flute-playing of herdsmen ...
REAPER.