PISTHETAERUS Who is this Sardanapalus?(1)
f(1) He addresses the inspector thus because of the royal and magnificent manners he assumes.
INSPECTOR I have been appointed by lot to come to Nephelococcygia as inspector.(1)
f(1) Magistrates appointed to inspect the tributary towns.
PISTHETAERUS An inspector! and who sends you here, you rascal?
INSPECTOR A decree of T(e)leas.(1)
f(1) A much-despised citizen, already mentioned. He ironically supposes him invested with the powers of an Archon, which ordinarily were entrusted only to men of good repute.
PISTHETAERUS Will you just pocket your salary, do nothing, and be off?
INSPECTOR I' faith! that I will; I am urgently needed to be at Athens to attend the assembly; for I am charged with the interests of Pharnaces.(1)
f(1) A Persian satrap.—An allusion to certain orators, who, bribed with Asiatic gold, had often defended the interests of the foe in the Public Assembly.