[300] The pun here cannot be kept. The word [Greek: paian], Paean, resembles [Greek: paiein], to strike; hence the word, as recalling the blows and wounds of the war, seems of ill omen to Trygaeus.
[301] The device on his shield was a Gorgon's head. (See 'The Acharnians.')
[302] Both Sparta and Athens had sought the alliance of the Argives; they had kept themselves strictly neutral and had received pay from both sides. But, the year after the production of 'The Wasps,' they openly joined Athens, had attacked Epidaurus and got cut to pieces by the Spartans.
[303] These are the Spartan prisoners from Sphacteria, who were lying in gaol at Athens. They were chained fast to large beams of wood.
[304] 'Twas want of force, not want of will. They had suffered more than any other people from the war. (See 'The Acharnians.')
[305] Meaning, look chiefly to your fleet. This was the counsel that Themistocles frequently gave the Athenians.
[306] A metaphor referring to the abundant vintages that peace would assure.
[307] The goddess of fruits.
[308] Aristophanes personifies under this name the sacred ceremonies in general which peace would allow to be celebrated with due pomp. Opora and Theoria come on the stage in the wake of Peace, clothed and decked out as courtesans.
[309] Aristophanes has already shown us the husbandmen and workers in peaceful trades pulling at the rope to extricate Peace, while the armourers hindered them by pulling the other way.