Quotes from Wasps
11 notable lines from Aristophanes · 422 BCE
Why, this class of old men, if irritated, becomes as terrible as a swarm of wasps. They carry below their loins the sharpest of stings, with which to prick their foes; they shout and leap and their stings burn like so many sparks.
Quotations follow the Jeffrey Henderson translation (Harvard University Press, 1998) — our recommended edition.
How sweet it is to be a juror! There is no creature on earth as happy, as pampered, or as feared.
Philocleon Is there a pleasure, a blessing comparable with that of a juryman?
Philocleon · trans. O'Neill I scorn your red mullet and your eels, and would far rather eat a nice little lawsuitlet cooked in the pot.
Philocleon · trans. O'Neill As to power, am I not equal to the king of the gods? If our assembly is noisy, all say as they pass, 'Great gods! the tribunal is rolling out its thunder!'
Philocleon · trans. O'Neill At the outset I will prove to you that there exists no king whose might is greater than ours.
Philocleon, of the jurors · trans. O'Neill You do not see that you are the laughing-stock of these men, whom you are ready to worship. You are their slave and do not know it.
Bdelycleon, to his father · trans. O'Neill In my first slumber I thought I saw sheep, wearing cloaks and carrying staves, met in assembly on the Pnyx; a rapacious whale was haranguing them and screaming like a pig that is being grilled.
Sosias, recounting his dream · trans. O'Neill Let each man exercise the art he knows.
Philocleon · trans. Rogers And bring me a sword; If I am worsted in this debate, I shall fall on the blade.
Philocleon · trans. O'Neill He loves drinking. Wrong again! the love of wine is a good man's failing.
On a defendant's character · trans. O'Neill