154 Quotes by Aristophanes

You [demagogues] are like the fishers for eels; in still waters they catch nothing, but if they thoroughly stir up the slime, their fishing is good; in the same way it's only in troublous times that you line your pockets.

Look at the orators in our republics; as long as they are poor, both state and people can only praise their uprightness; but once they are fattened on the public funds, they conceive a hatred for justice, plan intrigues against the people and attack the democracy.

There is no beast, no rush of fire, like woman so untamed. She calmly goes her way where even panthers would be shamed.

[Y]ou possess all the attributes of a demagogue; a screeching, horrible voice, a perverse, crossgrained nature and the language of the market-place. In you all is united which is needful for governing.

[Y]ou [man] are fool enough, it seems, to dare to war with [woman=] me, when for your faithful ally you might win me easily.

Comedy too can sometimes discern what is right. I shall not please, but I shall say what is true.

better not bring up a lion inside your city,But if you must, then humour all his moods.

All we have to do is idly sitindoorsWith smooth roses powderedon our cheeks,Our bodies burning nakedthrough the foldOf shining Amorgos' silkand meet the menWith our dear Venus-platsplucked trim and neat.Their stirring love will rise up furiously,They'll beg our arms toopen. That's our time!We'll disregard their knockingbeat them offAnd they will soon be rabidfor a PeaceI'm sure of it.

What can you answer? Now be careful, don’t arouse my spite, Or with my slipper I’ll take you napping,faces slappingLeft and right.