Δελφίς
dolphin
Translated by Tony Natoli4 May 2002Vetting: high5 revisions
Translation
The fish [of that name].1
Also a naval engine of war [made from] iron, or lead. Aristophanes [writes]: "before he comes upon you, hoist up your dolphins in readiness and bring your boat alongside".2 [He is referring to] a dolphin, an engine of war [made from] iron or lead, shaped into a dolphin. This they let go from a mast spar onto the enemy [ships] and they sink them. [Hence] 'dolphin-bearing ship'.3 'Bring your boat alongside': [used] instead of 'be ready', as if there were some danger from the wind for those who will embark on it [i.e. a ship].4
Also a naval engine of war [made from] iron, or lead. Aristophanes [writes]: "before he comes upon you, hoist up your dolphins in readiness and bring your boat alongside".2 [He is referring to] a dolphin, an engine of war [made from] iron or lead, shaped into a dolphin. This they let go from a mast spar onto the enemy [ships] and they sink them. [Hence] 'dolphin-bearing ship'.3 'Bring your boat alongside': [used] instead of 'be ready', as if there were some danger from the wind for those who will embark on it [i.e. a ship].4