[656] Young pigs were sacrificed at the beginning of the sittings; here the comic writer substitutes a cat for the pig, perhaps because of its lasciviousness.
[657] A pathic; Aristophanes classes him with the women, because of his effeminacy.
[658] The orators wore green chaplets, generally of olive leaves; guests also wore them at feasts, but then flowers were mingled with the leaves.
[659] An allusion to the rapacity of the orators, who only meddled in political discussions with the object of getting some personal gain through their influence; also to the fondness for strong drink we find attributed in so many passages to the Athenian women.
[660] A sort of cistern dug in the ground, in which the ancients kept their wine.
[661] This was a form of oath that women made use of; hence it is barred by Praxagora.
[662] Another pathic, like Ariphrades, mentioned above.
[663] Before the time of Pericles, when manners had not yet become corrupt, the fame of each citizen was based on fact; worthy men were honoured, and those who resembled Agyrrhius, already mentioned, were detested. For this general, see note a little above.
[664] The alliance with Corinth, Boeotia and Argolis against Sparta in 393 B.C.
[665] Conon, who went to Asia Minor and was thrown into prison at Sardis by the Persian Satrap.