Chorus of Women

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <h3>CHORUS OF WOMEN</h3> <p>They're always abusing the women,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">As a terrible plague to men;</span><br/> They say we're the root of all evil,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">And repeat it again and again&mdash;</span><br/> Of war, and quarrels, and bloodshed,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">All mischief, be what it may.</span><br/> And pray, then, why do you marry us,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">If we're all the plagues you say?</span><br/> And why do you take such care of us,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">And keep us so safe at home,</span><br/> And are never easy a moment<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">If ever we chance to roam?</span><br/> When you ought to be thanking Heaven<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">That your plague is out of the way,</span><br/> You all keep fussing and fretting&mdash;<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Where is my Plague to-day?"</span><br/> If a Plague peeps out of the window,<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Up go the eyes of men;</span><br/> If she hides, then they all keep staring<br/> <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Until she looks out again.</span><br/></p> <p style='text-align: right;'><i>Aristophanes.</i></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />