PHIDIPPIDES. I think the meaning of the law is quite misunderstood.
STREPSIADES. What does it mean?
PHIDIPPIDES. Old Solon loved the people.
STREPSIADES. What has that to do with the old day and the new?
PHIDIPPIDES. He has fixed two days for the summons, the last day of the old moon and the first day of the new; but the deposits must only be paid on the first day of the new moon.
STREPSIADES. And why did he also name the last day of the old?
PHIDIPPIDES. So, my dear sir, that the debtors, being there the day before, might free themselves by mutual agreement, or that else, if not, the creditor might begin his action on the morning of the new moon.
STREPSIADES. Why then do the magistrates have the deposits paid on the last of the month and not the next day?
PHIDIPPIDES. I think they do as the gluttons do, who are the first to pounce upon the dishes. Being eager to carry off these deposits, they have them paid in a day too soon.
Studies
