—writing-tables. But what attracts the attention of Dicæopolis most is some splendid Copaic eels.[1] He has not seen their sweet faces, he vows, for six years or more—never since this cursed war began. He selects the finest, and calls at once for brazier and bellows to cook it. The Bœotian naturally asks to be paid for this pick of his basket; but Dicæopolis explains to him that he takes it by the landlord's right, as "market-toll." For the rest of the lot, however, he shall have payment in Athenian wares. "What will he take?—sprats? crockery?" Nay, they have plenty of these things at home, says the Theban; he would prefer some sort of article that is plentiful in Attica and scarce at Thebes. A bright idea strikes Dicæopolis at once:—
"Dic. Ah! now I have it! take an Informer home with ye—
Pack him like crockery—and tie him fast.
Bœot. By the Twin Gods, I will! I'll make a show of him
For a tricksy ape. 'Twill pay me well, I warrant."
Apropos to the notion, an informer makes his appearance, and Dicæopolis stealthily points him out to the Bœotian. "He's small," remarks the latter, in depreciation. "Yes," replies the Athenian; "but every inch of him is thoroughly bad." As the man, intent on his
- ↑ Their reputation has continued down to modern days. "I was able to partake of some fine eels of an extraordinary size, which had been sent to us by the Greek primates of the city. They were caught in the Lake Copais, which, as in ancient times, still supplies the country round with game and wild-fowl."—Hughes's Travels in Greece, i. 33. (Note to Walsh's Aristophanes.)
