[125] So in the original. The sense seems to require “not without.”—Evelyn’s Memoirs.
[126] Evelyn’s Memoirs.
[127] Hist. of his own Times, p. 428.
[128] The readiness of the Athenians to listen to unfounded and malicious accusations has been noticed in the Knights, and is a favourite subject of ridicule and reproach throughout Aristophanes. The following passage of the Wasps is worth notice:—
Be the fault great or small, this cuckoo song
Of tyranny rings ever in our ears;
These fifty years it slept, but now the cry
Is bandied even at Billingsgate, as stale
As mackerel in July. Suppose a turbot
Should suit your palate, straight the sprat–seller
Next stall exclaims, “Why, this is tyranny!
No tastes aristocratical in Athens!” Or if you buy anchovies, and demand,
Gratis, a leek for sauce, some herb–woman,
Squinting, growls out, “So you’re for tyranny,
Dost think the state will furnish you with garnish?”
Ver. 488.
[129] See Aristophanes, every where, more particularly in the Knights. Demus demands from Cleon his ring of office:—
Why, how now, rogue?
This is no ring of mine—it tallies not
With my device, or much my eyes deceive me.
Saus. Allow me, sir,—what might be your impression?
Dem. A roasted thrium,(1) with thick fat enclosed.
Saus. (looking at the ring) I see no thrium.
Dem.—————————What the impression, then?
Saus. A wide–mouthed gull, seated upon a rock,