Trygæus.
At least let her speak a little to you, Hermes.
Hermes.
Tell me, my dear, what are your feelings with regard to them? Come, you relentless foe of all bucklers, speak; I am listening to you. (Peace whispers into Hermes’ ear.) Is that your grievance against them? Yes, yes, I understand. Hearken, you folk, this is her complaint. She says, that after the affair of Pylos[1] she came to you unbidden to bring you a basket full of truces and that you thrice repulsed her by your votes in the assembly.
Trygæus.
Yes, we did wrong, but forgive us, for our mind was then entirely absorbed in leather.[2]
Hermes.
Listen again to what she has just asked me. Who was her greatest foe here? and furthermore, had she a friend who exerted himself to put an end to the fighting?
Trygæus.
Her most devoted friend was Cleonymus; it is undisputed.
Hermes.
How then did Cleonymus behave in fights?
Trygæus.
Oh! the bravest of warriors! Only he was not born of the father he claims; he showed it quick enough in the army by throwing away his weapons.[3]
- ↑ The Spartans had thrice offered to make peace after the Pylos disaster.
- ↑ i.e. dominated by Cleon.
- ↑ There is a pun here, that cannot be rendered, between ἀποβολιμαῖος, which means, one who throws away his weapons, and ὐποβολιμαῖος, which signifies, a supposititious child.
