f(1) The Spartans had thrice offered to make peace after the
Pylos disaster.
TRYGAEUS Yes, we did wrong, but forgive us, for our mind was then entirely absorbed in leather.(1)
f(1) i.e. dominated by Cleon.
HERMES Listen again to what she has just asked me. Who was her greatest foe here? and furthermore, had she a friend who exerted himself to put an end to the fighting?
TRYGAEUS Her most devoted friend was Cleonymus; it is undisputed.
HERMES How then did Cleonymus behave in fights?
TRYGAEUS Oh! the bravest of warriors! Only he was not born of the father he claims; he showed it quick enough in the army by throwing away his weapons.(1)
f(1) There is a pun here that cannot be rendered between
(the Greek for) 'one who throws away his weapons' and 'a
supposititious child.'
HERMES There is yet another question she has just put to me. Who rules now in the rostrum?
TRYGAEUS 'Tis Hyperbolus, who now holds empire on the Pnyx. (TO PEACE) What now? you turn away your head!