DEMOS. A fig-leaf, stuffed with bullock's fat.[105]
SAUSAGE-SELLER. No, that is not it.
DEMOS. What is it then?
SAUSAGE-SELLER. 'Tis a gull with beak wide open, haranguing from the top of a stone.[106]
DEMOS. Ah! great gods!
SAUSAGE-SELLER. What is the matter?
DEMOS. Away! away out of my sight! 'Tis not my ring he had, 'twas that of Cleonymus. (To the Sausage-seller.) Hold, I give you this one; you shall be my steward.
CLEON. Master, I adjure you, decide nothing till you have heard my oracles.[107]
SAUSAGE-SELLER. And mine.
CLEON. If you believe him, you will have to suck his tool for him.
[105] The Greek word [Greek: demos] means both "The People" and fat, grease. The pun cannot well be kept in English.
[106] A voracious bird--in allusion to Cleon's rapacity and to his loquacity in the Assembly.
[107] The orators were fond of supporting their arguments with imaginary oracles--and Cleon was an especial adept at this dodge.
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