trumpet! Oh,

F it be possible! Soc. And to hold converse with the Clouds, our
divinities?
Strep. By all means. Soc. (with great solemnity). Seat yourself, then,
upon the sacred couch. Strep. Well, I am seated! Soc. Take, then, this
chaplet. Strep. For what purpose a chaplet? Ah me! Socrates, see that
you do not sacrifice me like Athamas! Strep. No; we do all these to
those who get initiated. Strep. Then what shall I gain, pray? Soc. You
shall become in oratory a tricky knave, a thorough rattle, a subtle
speaker. But keep quiet. Strep. By Jupiter! You will not deceive me;
for if I am besprinkled, I shall become

fine flour. Soc. It becomes the old man to speak words
of good omen, and to hearken to my prayer. O sovereign King,
immeasurable Air, who keepest the earth suspended, and through bright
Aether, and ye august goddesses, the Clouds, sending thunder and
lightning,
arise, appear in the air,
O mistresses, to your deep thinker! Stre