(1) A celebrated highwayman of Attica. See Aristophanes;
Aves, 711: and in several other passages.
(2) The police officers of Athens.
(3) See Thucydides, vi. 8.
CALLIDEMUS.
Nicias, poor honest man, might just as well have sate still; his speaking did but little good. The loss of your oration is, doubtless, an irreparable public calamity.
SPEÜSIPPÜS.
Why, not so; I intend to introduce it at the next assembly; it will suit any subject.
CALLIDEMUS.
That is to say, it will suit none. But pray, if it be not too presumptuous a request, indulge me with a specimen.
SPEÜSIPPÜS.
Well; suppose the agora crowded;—an important subject under discussion;—an ambassador from Argos, or from the great king;—the tributes from the islands;—an impeachment;—in short, anything you please. The crier makes proclamation.—“Any citizen above fifty years old may speak—any citizen not disqualified may speak.” Then I rise:—a great murmur of curiosity while I am mounting the stand.