The Walls: A Scene Inspired By Aristophanes
SYNOPSIS: MAN THE WALLS...
‘The Walls’ is a completely original script inspired by the writings of arguably the greatest comic playwright and ‘father of comedy’, Aristophanes. The iconic playwright was born in around 446 BC in Athens and had his first play performed at the age of just nineteen in 427 BC, just four years into the Peloponnesian war between Athens and Sparta. This play was titled ‘The Banqueters’ and is unfortunately lost, which sadly is a fate that befalls most of Aristophanes’ plays, as only eleven of his forty plays survive into our time. His second play, ‘The Babylonians’ is another of his lost works, but despite this, acts as the start of an exceedingly consistent theme across much of Aristophanes’ works. This prevalent theme is the intense mockery and utter degradation of the Athenian politician Cleon. Through ancient sources such as Plutarch and Hesychius , we learn that ‘The Babylonians’ was so agonisingly critical of Cleon, and mocked him so relentlessly, that he took Aristophanes to court under the charge of slandering Athens in front of foreign visitors. Far from deterred by this case, Aristophanes continued a pattern of ridicule into plays that survive into our own time, such as ‘The Knights’ and ‘The Wasps’, where Cleon is presented under many different names and analogies, while forever being cast under the banner of demagoguery and pig-headed arrogance.
Aristophanes’ hatred for Cleon is a fascinating area of study, and one that not only leaves room for some thoughtful analysis, but also one with plenty of space for further creativity. With ‘The Walls’ the intention was to capture the essence of Aristophanes’ playwriting tropes and conventions, while telling a completely original story, as if it could be found as one more of his lost works, recently uncovered in a modern excavation. The reading and preparation for my goal to create an Aristophanes’ like script is evident in my bibliography, which contains a breadth of scholarship on Aristophanes himself, as well as ancient comedic playwriting and the history surrounding Cleon and the Peloponnesian war. There are also more ancient sources, looking at all of Aristophanes’ eleven surviving plays, so that I could pick and choose from his motifs as and when needed. For further reading regarding the time period, Thucydides was able to add a greater knowledge of the historical context behind the play, which could be drawn from to provide depth of meaning.
The fictional provenance behind ‘The Walls’ was important to consolidate, as it is vital for adding nuance to the script. It was crucial for the story that it was made in a time that firstly, was after the Athenians began to adopt a more aggressive strategy against the Spartans, and secondly, a time soon after the death of Cleon, so that Aristophanes could have used his name in the play without fear of legal rebuke, a privilege he never had past ‘The Babylonians’ in reality. Therefore, I believe this play would have been created soon after the Battle of Amphipolis of 422 BC, where Cleon was killed and Athens suffered a humiliating defeat to the Spartans, as they lost the city of the same name. Here, it can be argued that the mood of the Athenian people would have been so dire, that Aristophanes would have felt daring enough to write a play berating Cleon’s strategy, making it seem ignorant and futile. With this provenance in mind, ‘The Walls’ takes on a new meaning, as the Long Walls themselves represent not only a defensive and formidable strategy, but also a better time where competent men like Themistocles and Pericles held influence. Within the play, the idea was to breathe life into the long walls and have them act as a fluid and dynamic plot point throughout. Thus, the walls are treated as a proper noun and capitalised throughout, to personifying them and create the illusion that ‘The Long Walls’ themselves were an integral character within the play.
This script is composed of the first scene of the play, and begins with the chorus singing of Poseidon’s great trickery over Athena. Although this is an unusual choice, as neither fifth century tragedies or comedies conventionally began in this manner, I believe it added a certain gravitas and set the stage nicely, while also introducing some of the key themes and ideas that will be explored throughout. The intention was to lure the audience into believing that this play might in fact be a tragedy, as this is continued with some of the opening subject matter and dialogue. The play begins in a dark and desolate street, ravaged by plague and resided by hopeless people questioning their own survival. Once this mood had been established, the goal was to make Cleon’s entrance an abrupt and jarring change of course, to get across both Cleon’s importance and uniqueness within the play. Cleon is an arrogant, disreputable man, flanked by his ‘men of the three obols’, who are sycophants that were first introduced in ‘The Wasps’ and are only after the wealth Cleon can offer them. He arrives with a comical creek and crass, boorish behaviour so that the play can shift into its intended comedic norms, that will continue until the climax of the scene, where Poseidon confronts Athena and Artemis to boast of his nefarious scheme. Here, Athena addresses the Athenian audience directly, and subtly tries to warn the people of Athens to put their trust in good, honourable men, and away from demagogues like Cleon, a message that Aristophanes would have emphasised.
The events after this script would have resulted in Cleon succeeding in his goal to destroy the Long Walls, which would ultimately result not only in his own death, harking back to Amphipolis, but also the humiliation of Athens and Athena herself. However, all would not be lost for the Athenians, as the play would end with Athena stating that a new hope could now rise, as ‘The Fool of Athens’ as he would then be dubbed, was now dead and a return to sound strategy could now be used to rebuild Athens.
AND SO OUR STORY BEGINS...
With the conclusion now revealed, and all the context that has now been established, it is time for the curtains to raise and the play to begin...
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THE WALLSARISTOPHANES
CHARACTERS:
CLEON, Athenian Politician
POSEIDON, God of the Sea
ATHENA, Goddess of Wisdom
ARTEMIS, Goddess of the Hunt
BAKER, Preparer of Bread
BAKER’S WIFE, Supporter of Pericles
BLACKSMITH, Smelter of Iron
POTTER, Wetter of Clay
HENCHMAN I, Cleon’s Bodyguard
HENCHMAN II, Cleon’s second Bodyguard
PERICLES’ GUARD, Messenger of Pericles’ death
CLEON’S DESIRE, Poseidon’s prize to Cleon
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START OF ACT 1, SCENE 1:
Chorus: See now how Athens fell. Of how through Poseidon’s wrath, the Long Walls fell not by the works of invaders, but by the foolishness of a statesman. O’ how he was fooled! O’ the cost of his ignorance! They were the guardians of democracy; they were the shield from the flames of war and now they lie in ruins. See now of Poseidon’s great trickery and of the vengeance which he sought over wise Pallas.
[Pericles’ Guard rushes onto the stage stumbling over his feet and panicked]
PERICLES’ GUARD: He’s dead! He’s dead! Have the gods no mercy! They have taken our hope! They open the fields of Elysium for him!
[A local blacksmith opens his door tentatively, weary of the plague, but curious of the commotion]
BLACKSMITH: Of whom do you refer to my worried friend? Who has passed to Elysium?
PERICLES’ GUARD: Pericles! Pericles is gone!
[Seconds after this is shouted, many heads start to peer round on to the empty street. Faint prayers, weeping and murmurs can be heard. Some are brave enough to venture onto the street, including the blacksmith, a baker and a potter.]
BLACKSMITH: Are you sure of this fact? Can you confirm this with your own eyes?
PERICLES’ GUARD: I saw him with my own eyes. The plague has taken him. He lay there, his face as white as Pentelican marble and his soul departed.
[A long silence hangs over the scene, until it is broken by the baker]
BAKER: Who now shall lead us in war? The Spartans breathe fire down our necks!
[A door then opens with a loud comical creak and Cleon marches onto the stage with reckless abandon. He is followed by a few men who trail a few steps behind him with anticipation in their eyes]
CLEON: [Addressing the crowd of mourners] Ah my friends! Why such long faces? The gods may have bestowed us with a plague that threatens our way of life, but that shouldn’t be enough to destroy our good cheer!
[Cleon brashly grabs a jug of milk from the traders stall and paces away]
BAKER’S WIFE: [Rushes from behind the stall and yells] Cleon no! Not that one! It’s pasteurised!
CLEON: Good woman, I don’t even mind if it goes right up past my head!
[Cleon then precedes to guzzle the milk, with it splashing all over his face and rolling down his chest]
CLEON: [In a relieved manner] Ah, that's better, I was so parched that even a student of the agoge would have wept for my suffering! Now, back to the matter at hand! Why do you people mourn so? [Cleon glances around at the grey, murky streets filled with mud and debris] You live in the greatest city of them all! What could possibly cause such distress?
POTTER: It’s Pericles, Cleon, he passed in the night.
[A few seconds of silence pass, until Cleon, unable to contain it any longer, lets out a raucous cheer, jumping up and down with his arms flailing, as if he had lost all control over his body. After a few seconds he realises what he is doing, clears his throat and straightens his tunic as everyone stares at him utterly bewildered]
CLEON: [Regaining his composure] Well… I can quite honestly say that this is incredibly unfortunate news. Oh the pity of it all! We must remember him, my friends, as a pillar of society and a quite honourable gentleman indeed!
[Cleon then unconvincingly pretends to wipe a tear from his right eye, and clears his throat sadly. All others on stage just continue to stare at him, bemused, until the blacksmith breaks the silence]
BLACKSMITH: Erm Cleon… Why did you cheer so? It is as if you would rather rejoice over the death of Pericles rather than mourn with the rest of us.
[Cleon lets out an overly dramatic gasp and clasps his right hand to his chest]
CLEON: How dare you accuse me of such depravity! I loved Pericles as a brother! As for my actions… I was… [He pauses to think of a suitable excuse] Yes! That’s it! I was simply stretching my mourning muscles so I could more effectively convey my overwhelming sadness!
BAKER: [With a furrowed brow] And the raucous cheer?
CLEON: Simply warming up my mourning vocal cords! No Athenian worth his salt would be caught dead mourning without proper vocal readiness.
[As Cleon feels mounting pressure from the suspicious gazes of all the people surrounding him, his brow begins to sweat and he tries to distract the crowd]
CLEON: My good people, why the wild and deeply unfounded aspersions? [He gestures towards the men he arrived with] My men of the three obols will attest, I am a man of upstanding morality and virtue.
[Cleon looks over his shoulder at the two men who look completely uninterested, murmuring amongst themselves]
CLEON: I said… [Cleon then deliberately coughs violently using his clenched fist to cover his mouth. After a few coughs, a few drachma spurt out of his hand in sequence with the coughing fit, in a meagre attempt to mask the sound of the coins falling at the men’s feet. He then speaks in an aggressive tone] I said... these men can attest to my upstanding morality and virtue!
[The two men, noticing the money by their feet, scramble to pick them up]
HENCHMAN I: Oh yes my friends! Cleon is a man of the highest moral fortitude and piety!
HENCHMAN II: I concur good people! He is a right honourable gentleman… and one who would never stoop to the lows of bribery! [The Henchman stuffs the coins he has gathered down his trousers]
CLEON: [Putting an arm on each of the men’s shoulders] Why thank you for the kind words my friends, but now is the time for us to depart. We must bring this joyous... I mean tragic! Yes, this utterly tragic news to the Areopagus. For Athens must endure any setback! We are an example to all Hellas and must destroy the Lacedaemonians at any cost! I bid you fair people a humble farewell… and oh, I hope you remember my overwhelming piety and devotion to this city!
[With that Cleon launches a spattering of coins into the crowd, a couple of which hit the blacksmith, sending him sprawling to the ground. No one immediately reacts to the coins or the poor blacksmith’s injury, but just stares at Cleon in a combination of bewilderment and disgust. After a few uncomfortable seconds, the Baker’s wife begins to scramble to pick up the coins, using her dress as a receptacle]
BAKER: [Addressing his wife] Phoebe no!
BAKER’S WIFE: Oh come now Nicolaos! He may be a slimy toad, but there is a war on and we have children to feed!
BAKER: Fair point well made! [He then joins his wife in picking up the coins]
[As more people begin to pick up the coins, Cleon and his henchmen take the opportunity to slip away and discuss the revelation of Pericles’ death in private. They reconvene in a dank alleyway in the south-end of the agora and once they have checked that no one is listening, Cleon addresses the men]
CLEON: Finally men! Oh how long have I waited for this day! Finally the old bastard’s croaked it! [He begins to do a slow and awkward dance] I am going to make some very serious changes around here. With Pericles gone no one can match me for my influence over you stinky peasants!
[He looks over at the two men, who are visibly hurt by his words]
CLEON: No offence meant my friends, you’re some of the good ones! Although you do stink something foul and are disgusting peasants.
HENCHMAN II: You can call us what you like, as long as the drachmae continue to roll in!
CLEON: Why of course my men of obols! And with Pericles now tantamount to worm food, there will be plenty more where that came from! Now, join me in another celebratory jig!
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[Cleon continues to dance almost drunkenly, while the two men look at each other in disdain. Suddenly a bright light engulfs the entire alley blinding Cleon, as a powerful booming rumble causes the ground to shake. After around ten seconds the blinding light vanishes, as Cleon realises that he has been transported to a mysterious forest with his two henchmen nowhere to be found.]
CLEON: [Looking around dazed and confused] What in the name of Zeus’ muscular behind is this?! Where am I?!
[A mysterious booming voice echoes through the branches of a nearby tree]
POSEIDON: Silence Cleon! For you have been chosen.
CLEON: Who calls to me? Is that you father?
[Poseidon lets out an impatient sign that sends a rumble through the ground. He then reveals himself to Cleon, appearing from the ground in front of him with a golden aura surrounding his body, as he towers over Cleon]
POSEIDON: I am the earth-shaker Poseidon! God of the sea and lord of all the oceans and you will bow before me!
[Cleon immediately falls to the feet of Poseidon and grovels. He begins to whimper and kiss the god’s feet]
CLEON: Oh please forgive me of my transgression most wise and watery god! I did not realise it was you! I’ll do anything! I’ll betray my friends and Athens herself as recompense if you so desire!
POSEIDON: Hold your tongue, son of Attica, for I have come to you with a purpose and will not have any more of my time wasted by your blubbering!
[Cleon looks up at Poseidon nodding his head frantically in affirmation]
POSEIDON: Good… now control yourself man!
CLEON: Yes my lord, but may I be so bold as to ask one question? Where have you taken me and why am I here?
POSEIDON: Even though that was two questions, not one, I will be so obliging as to bestow upon you the answers to which you seek. You are far away from Athens, Cleon, for I have taken you not far from Olympus herself where I and my siblings reside. As for the purpose of this encounter, that will become clear when I deem it necessary.
CLEON: Yes your greatness! Whenever you deem it necessary!
[Poseidon sighs and scratches his long, regal beard, as if he were trying to figure out how to phrase his next words]
POSEIDON: Cleon, am I right in believing you are an honourable, pious man who loves his city more than anyone?
[Cleon jumps to his feet eagerly]
CLEON: Oh yes my lord! I am the most pious and upstanding of any Athenian! I would do anything for my city, and would never, under no circumstance, betray her! Almighty Poseidon, ask anyone for I am loved and respected throughout the city!
POSEIDON: [Raising his hands and planting one across Cleon’s shoulder] Of course you are, son of Attica! There is no need for further evidence or testimony, for I have been studying you for many moons now up high in Mount Olympus!
CLEON: You have my lord?
POSEIDON: Indeed I have, and I have been most impressed by what I have witnessed. You are right in asserting that you have the respect of all in Athens and are showered with praise wherever you go!
CLEON: I knew it!
POSEIDON: Of course you realise this, for someone as shrewd and cunning as yourself to miss such blatant public admiration would be tantamount to absurdity!
CLEON: I must say your greatness, all this praise from a god such as yourself is rather glorious to receive. If only my lackeys were here to see this! That’d show them! But despite this my lord, I am still unsure as to why you have singled me out, despite my obvious strength of character of course. [He moves his hands up and down, presenting his form to Poseidon]
POSEIDON: You are quite right to pose this question to me Cleon, obviously nothing gets past your cunning intellect! It can’t have escaped the mind of a man such as yourself, that the Lacedaemonians breath down Athens’ neck and wait patiently at the bottom of your Long Walls.
CLEON: Oh yes, those scoundrels!
POSEIDON: It is such a tragic thing you know. They burn and salt the once rich and fertile earth of Attica as if it meant nothing. Some even say that an Athenian farmer gets stabbed every twenty minutes.
CLEON: Really? That poor bastard…
POSEIDON: Yes… well anyway, this terrible war must end! The Athenians can no longer hide behind their Long Walls if they are to defeat the Lacedaemonians. But you understand this of course, you always opposed Pericles’ strategy to hide away and let them ravage your fair land.
CLEON: Of course my lord! We hide behind our walls like cowards, while the Spartans have their way with our land and its people. And what’s more, we now have a plague eroding our city because of it. Pericles was a fool! He never valued our obvious strength. Never believed in our military prowess that could easily defeat those ignorant Laconians!
[Poseidon takes a step back, once again strokes his beard, then looks at Cleon warmly]
POSEIDON: Once again Cleon, you are right in every word. Most importantly however, you point out so insightfully that Pericles was a fool, rather than is a fool. For he has passed and now Athens is ripe for fresh ideas and strong new leadership. Leadership that you, Cleon, must provide.
[Cleon looks visibly touched by this statement and a wholesome grin spreads across his face]
CLEON: You truly mean that great Earthshaker? You truly believe me to be the right man to lead Athens forward.
POSEIDON: Why who else my boy? You have already agreed that you would do anything for your city, and that no one loves it more than you. Who else can I trust to save Athens from annihilation?
[Cleon looks out into the forest in contemplation]
CLEON: It is a heavy burden to bear my lord...
POSEIDON: [Noticing Cleon’s doubt] And what’s more, if you will take up this incredible burden for me Cleon, and become my champion, I will offer you your heart's desire! [Poseidon lays a finger over Cleon’s chest] I can look into your heart and forge for an ideal specimen for your affection. A creature who will forever love and worship you and appear, in your eyes, perfect in every way!
[Cleon’s eyes widen at this proposition]
CLEON: Why my lord… this is a most generous gift. May I see this perfect creature now, or must I wait?
[Poseidon pauses for a second, but then nods in agreement]
POSEIDON: Very well, I shall look into your heart now and present to you a small glance at the prize that you must earn.
[With that Poseidon manipulates his hands and begins to conjure a human form. After around ten seconds of work, a pale yellow light begins to fade as the newly created creature comes into view. It is soon clear that this is an exact copy of Cleon, as it stands a few feet away and stares at the real man]
CLEON’S DESIRE: [In a seductive voice] Hello, my love.
CLEON: [In a surprised tone] What? But how? [Examining the copy] So I am the object of my own desire?
CLEON’S DESIRE: [With a cheeky grin] Can you think of anyone more deserving?
CLEON: [Cleon shrugs his shoulders] Good point!
[The two then embrace in a tender hug and stare lovingly into each other's eyes. Poseidon watches on in shock, with a hint of embarrassment at how surprised he is by the outcome of his creation]
POSEIDON: [Feeling the need to intervene] On further examination… [He clicks his fingers as the copy of Cleon disappears in a puff of smoke] Perhaps I have been too… generous with this prize. It has become very clear to me now that no mortals should bear such a gift. Trust in me Cleon, for you shall thank me in the future.
[Cleon feebly grasps at the now empty space where his copy had stood seconds ago. He then closes his teary eyes and nods slowly in understanding]
CLEON: I understand my lord, no mere man deserves a creature as beautiful as that, although it does break my heart slightly to know a creature such as that could have lived.
POSEIDON: Do not dwell on what might have been, my boy, for we must return to the matter at hand. Your beloved Athens is on the brink of collapse and only you are righteous enough to save her!
CLEON: [Regaining his concentration] Yes my lord! It shall be done! I will become your champion, save Athens and win further admiration from my peers! [Then he mumbles to himself] And make plenty of drachmae in the process…
POSEIDON: I knew I could rely on you Cleon!
CLEON: But how, great Earthshaker, am I to complete this glorious quest? Although we Athenians are superior to the Lacedaemonians in every way, they still do possess… how do I say… great warrior-like prowess, while because of Pericles’ cowardice, we are set up to do nothing more than cower behind our walls!
[Poseidon looks Cleon in the eyes and grins]
POSEIDON: Then that is what you must do o’ brave and mighty Cleon… destroy your walls so there is nowhere left to cower!
[Cleon recoils in shock]
CLEON: [With a puzzled and concerned expression] Are you certain mighty Earthshaker? The Long Walls were a gift from Themistocles himself. They are impregnable!
[Poseidon’s patience is waning after Cleon’s questioning. His eyes begin to glow a bright orange and he begins to appear twice the size as the earth shakes around them]
POSEIDON: Do you doubt the word of a god! Do not test me boy, for I am the lord of the sea and all her holdings! Why do you feel the need to question my judgement? The seas have always favoured your beloved Athens! Do you think you were able to garner your empire by chance and fortune alone? All you hold is because I have deemed it so!
[Cleon cowers in fear until the rumbling stops. He then looks at Poseidon and grovels at his feet]
CLEON: [In a whimpering voice] Forgive me my lord! I should not have questioned you so! I am merely surprised by your words, but see now that I, being a mere mortal, should not claim to know better than the divine.
POSEIDON: [His eyes slowly dim] You are quite right to correct your transgressions Cleon, but you shall be forgiven on this occasion. Once again I say the only way for Athens to destroy Sparta is for you to destroy your Long Walls! Without them, the Athenians will be forced to change from the chicken in the coup, into the fox stalking its supper. You are an Athenian who sees that defense can only take you so far and that battle is the only language the Lacedaemonians understand!
CLEON: [Regaining some composure] You are most accurate there my lord, for they are a vicious and primitive tribe! They lack the wit and sophistication of us enlightened Athenians! Although, I myself may know this o great one, but it would be challenging to convince my more faint-hearted neighbours of this fact.
POSEIDON: That is why you must force them to acknowledge it! By destroying the walls that separate you from your enemies, you will also separate the wheat from the chaff, and see who amoung you has what it takes to win this war!
[Cleon begins to pace from side to side, nodding his head violently and puffing out his chest]
CLEON: Yes! Yes! It all becomes so clear now! With your infinite wisdom, I know now what I must do! The walls will fall by my hand!
[Poseidon once again puts an arm around Cleon’s shoulder]
POSEIDON: Yes my boy! You will be my champion and the hero of Athens! Do not despair in the challenging times ahead, for I will be beside you to ensure your victory over any and all obstacles! [He looks around at the forest surrounding them] We have spent enough time talking here, now is the time for action! Now you must return to your Athens. Tell no one of this meeting, for I have entrusted this task to you and you alone. For you are the only one I trust to accomplish it!
CLEON: Yes my lord! I won’t tell a soul! I swear on my undying love for my city! [Murmuring to himself] Not like that actually means much…
POSEIDON: [Pretending not to have heard] What was that my boy?
CLEON: Oh I was just saying how much an oath on my city means to me!
POSEIDON: [Chuckles to himself at the feeble lie] Well that’s good to hear Cleon! I shall now take you back to your home. Do as I command, for I will be watching!
CLEON: Goodbye mighty Earthshaker! I will not let you down! [He bows awkwardly and trips over his own feet in the process]
[Poseidon sighs then clicks his fingers. Cleon then disappears in a flash of light that is identical to the one that had brought him to the mysterious forest. Poseidon looks around and begins to laugh maniacally to himself]
POSEIDON: At last, I have found my ‘champion.’ [He cackles] Finally I have found a fool brainless enough to destroy Athens’ only hope of survival! Finally I may have my revenge!
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[Poseidon becomes nothing more than mist as he travels to high Olympus in the blink of an eye. There he finds Athena and Artemis waiting for him, both of whom glare at him suspiciously]
POSEIDON: [With a wry smile] Come now my dear nieces, why such poison in your gazes?
ATHENA: [In an aggressive tone] What have you done? I am right to assume you once again meddle in the wars of mortals?
POSEIDON: [Feigning ignorance] Why Athena, I must say I am hurt by such a slanderous claim!
ATHENA: Do not play coy with me, sea god! This is just like the kidnapping at the Ecclesia!
POSEIDON: Well that worked out fine, he woke up!
ARTEMIS: [Rolling her eyes] Out with it Poseidon, we know you have once again interfered in the affairs of mortals for your own means. You have never forgiven my sister for the humiliation you suffered at her hands in the contest for Athens.
[Poseidon grows angered by this remark and snaps back with spiteful intentions]
POSEIDON: [His eyes grow dark] That city should have been mine! You both know it! [His regains his composure slightly] Athena, you may have won our little contest, but now the Athenians must accept the repercussions of their choice.
ATHENA: [She steps forward towards Poseidon] What have you done, Earthshaker?
[Poseidon turns his back on the two goddesses and begins to pace as he reveals his plot]
POSEIDON: It is over Athena. Your beloved Athens will fall. [He chuckles] And not by the hands of the Spartans… but by the ignorance of an Athenian. We all know the only reason Athens still stands as we speak is because of the Long Walls of Themistocles. Pericles understood this. He was the doctor of Athens, administering a tonic they did not want, but needed all the same. All I have done is unleashed their sweet shop owner… [He pauses for effect] Cleon. He will give the Athenians what they desire more than anything, a reason to attack the Spartans. He will destroy the Long Walls! And in doing so, he will destroy any lingering hope their blasted city had of survival. You see now Athena, I have won!
[Athena roars in anger as she brings her spear down into the ground, causing it to quiver around her]
ATHENA: You are a jealous fool, sea god! In your blind vengeance you have doomed a great city… my city! [She sighs mournfully] I should have dealt with Cleon long ago. Allowing an imbecile of that calibre to run free in Athens was a mistake.
POSEIDON: [He cackles] Oh the irony! The goddess of wisdom, reduced to reflect in hindsight.
ATHENA: Laugh all you will Earthshaker, but despite your meddling, this war is far from over. [She gestures to the audience] The people of Athens are not fools, and it took you many moons to find one ignorant enough to enact your devious plot because of this. Athens must endure, and even if the Long Walls fall, the Athenians may yet survive. With my guiding hand, and by placing their trust in men of competence and honour, the Athenians can overcome any who wish to destroy them!
POSEIDON: [With a wry smile] We shall see…
[And with that, the scene comes to an end]
END OF ACT 1, SCENE 1
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
SECONDARY SOURCES:
Baldwin, B., 1968. “Cleon’s Strategy at Amphipolis,” Acta Classica 11, 211-214.
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PRIMARY SOURCES:
(Aristophanes The Complete Plays, The New Translation by Paul Roche)
Aristophanes, The Archarnians.
Aristophanes, Assemblywomen .
Aristophanes, The Birds.
Aristophanes, The Clouds.
Aristophanes, The Frogs.
Aristophanes, The Knights.
Aristophanes, Lysistrata.
Aristophanes, Peace.
Aristophanes, Plutus.
Aristophanes, Thesmophoriazusae.
Aristophanes, The Wasps.
Hesychius, s.v.
Plutarch, Life of Pericles, 26.
Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, 2, 3, 4, 5.
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