(1) See Homer’s Odyssey, xi. 538.
(2) The crier and torch-hearer were important functionaries
at the celebration of the Kleusinian mysteries.
(3) The name of king was given in the Athenian democracy to
the magistrate who exercised those spiritual functions which
in the monarchical times had belonged to the sovereign. His
court took cognisance of offences against the religion of
the state.
ALCIBIADES.
Never fear: there is not a sycophant in Attica who would dare to breathe a word against me, for the golden (1) plane-tree of the great king.
HIPPOMACHUS.
That plane-tree——
ALCIBIADES.
Never mind the plane-tree. Come, Callicles, you were not so timid when you plundered the merchantman off Cape Malea. Take up the torch and move. Hippomachus, tell one of the slaves to bring a sow. (2)
CALLICLES.
And what part are you to play?