The Wasps, Part 1 Summary

The play begins with two slaves, Sosias and Xanthias drunk from the night before keeping watch over their master's house. Xanthias has fallen asleep and is awakened by Sosias who also fell asleep a little earlier. Xanthias is sleepier and has, apparently, drunk more wine than Sosias, though both are quite drunk. To keep awake they tell each other the dreams they have just had. Xanthias dreamt of an eagle descending to pick up a shield with its talons only to have Cleonymus throw the shield down. Xanthias thinks that this dream bodes ill for him. Sosias tries to calm his friend and then tells him his dream about the ship of state. Sosias' dream is more complicated and topically political, and Xanthias assures his friend that his dream is a good omen. Sosias congratulates his friend on his...