Knights

Acts

• Prologue

  Two slaves of Demos (the Athenian people) lament their mistreatment by the new steward, the Paphlagonian — a thinly-veiled Cleon.

  283 lines
• Parodos

  The slaves discover an oracle: Cleon will be overthrown by a sausage-seller. They find one in the marketplace and recruit him.

  42 lines
• First Agon

  The sausage-seller confronts the Paphlagonian. A shouting match begins. The chorus of knights enters to support the challenge.

  176 lines
• Choral Interlude

  The chorus of knights attacks Cleon. They urge the sausage-seller on and mock the Paphlagonian's corruption.

  40 lines
• Parabasis

  The sausage-seller and the Paphlagonian compete in shamelessness, each trying to out-flatter and out-bribe Demos.

  112 lines
• Second Agon

  The contest of flattery escalates. Both rivals offer Demos cushions, food, and promises. The chorus comments on the absurdity.

  154 lines
• Third Agon

  The Paphlagonian and the sausage-seller race to the Boule (Council) to present their rival claims.

  191 lines
• First Stasimon

  The sausage-seller returns triumphant from the Council. He has out-demagogued the demagogue with stolen meat and cheaper promises.

  39 lines
• First Episode

  The parabasis: the chorus addresses the audience directly about the poet's boldness in attacking Cleon and about the state of Athenian politics.

  24 lines
• Fourth Agon

  Demos adjudicates the final contest between the rivals. Both present oracles predicting their supremacy.

  128 lines
• Second Stasimon

  The oracle contest continues. The Paphlagonian and the sausage-seller produce increasingly absurd prophecies.

  40 lines
• Second Episode

  Demos demands to see the contents of each rival's provision basket. The Paphlagonian has been hoarding what he claimed to give away.

  128 lines
• Second Parabasis

  The sausage-seller triumphs. Demos expels the Paphlagonian and embraces his new favourite.

  44 lines
• Third Episode

  The sausage-seller reveals his true purpose: he has boiled Demos in a pot and rejuvenated him to the vigour of Marathon-era Athens.

  19 lines
• Exodos

  The renewed Demos emerges transformed. The Paphlagonian is condemned to sell sausages at the gates. Athens is restored to its former glory.

  79 lines