Erysichthon sends for his servants to announce in the town his plans to build a magnificent palace for his daughter. Soon the workmen of the town arrive:

Scene 2

A percussion flourish (by Solones,) announces the arrival of the woodcutters who lower their masks, mumbling softly amongst themselves until, led with ssshhhh’s from W1, they become silent.

E: Good men of the city, I bring you good news

I offer employment to those who so choose!

A palace, a mansion of great wealth and beauty

I have promised my daughter. Now to build is my duty,

And not only my daughter this palace shall own

But the name of each workman shall be carved in stone

A remembrance of the craft and the skill

Of the workers of Thessaly shall stand on our hill.

W1: That’s the best offer I’ve had in several years.

W2: It seems too ambitious. Don’t you have any fears?

W1: You know we’ve worked for him before.

W3: And certainly he’s not too poor!

W4: I’d rather hammer, saw, and carve

Than watch my family slowly starve.

W3: But we do not want to appear

So desperate as to take the pay

Of whatever offer first we hear

Let’s see what else he has to say.

Brass coins, like gold, make lots of clatter

But my work’s only with the latter.

All W’s: Brass coins, like gold, make lots of clatter

But my work’s only with the latter.

E: For your wages I offer you silver and gold

I have faith in the craftsmanship skills that you hold,

But more than just recompense will I provide:

I will work with you faithfully and build by your side.

Our labor is one, we will work hard together

Our success is assured in this noble endeavor.

All: Our labor is one, we will work hard together

Our success is assured in this noble endeavor.

W1: This offer seems to be quite fair.

W4: Agreed.

W2: So when do we begin?

W3: Let’s start right now!

W2: But starting where?

W4: Who cares? So long as now is when.

E: I have searched the land for the finest wood

With which to make the framework good

It lies not far away at all

This wood which shall adorn our hall.

In Ceres’ grove the timber’s found

Beyond the river, on higher ground.

W2: The goddess’ grove? Did I hear right?

W4: That’s how he just described the site.

W3: It’s just a stand of oak and pine.

W2: But don’t you worry - ?

W3: (cutting him off ) - We’ll be fine.

W3: I’d bet old Ceres doesn’t know

She’s even got trees there to grow.

W1: Although we have no cause of fear,

We shouldn’t be too cavalier.

E: At noon tomorrow our work begins,

I’ll meet you there, in Ceres’ wood.

I hope to see you there, my friends,

I’m sure you’ll find the wages good. (Exits, walking offstage. )

W1: He seems to have it all in hand.

W2: I’m just not sure, where do you stand?

W4: I’m for the work, I’ll see you there. (exits, offstage. )

W2: And you? (to W3, who nods in agreement and exits offstage waving goodbye. )

You too? (to W1 )

W1: Of course. We’ll share

The labor of this noble task.

W2: There’s nothing better we could ask. (exeunt offstage. )