--This passage is
borrowed
from Pindar.
Aristophanes
[277] This was the name of the wall surrounding the Acropolis.
[278] i. e. the fighting-cock.
[279] To waken the sentinels, who might else have fallen asleep. --There
are several merry contradictions in the various parts of this list of
injunctions.
[280] In allusion to the leather strap which flute-players wore to
constrict the cheeks and add to the power of the breath. The performer
here no doubt wore a raven's mask.
[281] Hellanicus, the Mitylenian historian, tells that this surname of
Artemis is derived from Colaenus, King of Athens before Cecrops and a
descendant of Hermes. In obedience to an oracle he erected a temple to
the goddess, invoking her as Artemis Colaenis (the Artemis of Colaenus).
[282] This Cleocritus, says the Scholiast, was long-necked and strutted
like an ostrich.
[283] The Chians were the most faithful allies of Athens, and hence their
name was always mentioned in prayers, decrees, etc.
[284] Verses sung by maidens.
[285] This ceremony took place on the tenth day after birth, and may be
styled the pagan baptism.
[286] Hiero, tyrant of Syracuse.
--This passage is borrowed from Pindar.
[287] [Greek: Hieron] in Greek means sacrifice.
[288] A parody of poetic pathos, not to say bathos.
[289] Which the priest was preparing to sacrifice.
[290] Orneae, a city in Argolis ([Greek: ornis] in Greek means a bird).
It was because of this similarity in sound that the prophet alludes to
Orneae.
[291] Noted Athenian diviner, who, when the power was still shared
between Thucydides and Pericles, predicted that it would soon be centred
in the hands of the latter; his ground for this prophecy was the sight of
a ram with a single horn.
[292] No doubt another Athenian diviner, and possibly the same person
whom Aristophanes names in 'The Knights' and 'The Wasps' as being a
thief.
[293] A celebrated geometrician and astronomer.
[294] A deme contiguous to Athens. It is as though he said, "Well known
throughout all England and at Croydon. "
[295] Thales was no less famous as a geometrician than he was as a sage.
[296] Officers of Athens, whose duty was to protect strangers who came on
political or other business, and see to their interests generally.
[297] He addresses the inspector thus because of the royal and
magnificent manners he assumes.
[298] Magistrates appointed to inspect the tributary towns.
[299] A much-despised citizen, already mentioned.
