How we cite our quotes: Line
Quote #10
Cinesias: "Ah, what shall I do? Whom shall I screw,
cheated of the loveliest of them all!
How will I raise and rear this orphaned cock?
Is Fox Dog out there anywhere?
Lease me a nursemaid!"
Men's Leader: "Yes, frightful agony, you wretch,
does rack the soul of one so sore bediddled.
Sure I do feel for you, alas!
What kidney could bear it,
what soul, what balls,
what loins, what crotch,
thus stretched on the rack
and never getting a morning f***!"
Cinesias: "Ah Zeus! The cramps attack anew!" (954-967)
Here we see the classic symbol of masculine (an erect penis) prowess turned into a liability. We're willing to bet that, under ordinary circumstances, these geezers from the Men's Chorus would be highly proud of their potency. But there's only so long they can be all dressed up with nowhere to go. Thus, it is inevitable that they will make peace—making Lysistrata's plan a success. Clever girl.