822.
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The phrase '†ἔδεισά γε.†' is bracketed in critical editions (e.g., Diggle, Thomson) as a suspected interpolation or scribal gloss. The particle γε, while common, here creates a syntactically awkward emphasis following the negative 'μηδαμῶς' that is atypical for Aristophanes' tight, rapid-fire dialogue in this scene. The interpolation theory suggests the phrase was added by a scribe attempting to clarify Lysistrata's hesitation or to balance the line metrically, though it disrupts the immediate, punchy rejection of the preceding argument. Its exclusion restores the standard comic rhythm of a curt denial.
826.
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καίπερ οὔσης γραὸς ὄντʼ αὐτὸν
The construction καίπερ οὔσης ... ὄντʼ αὐτὸν presents a notable syntactic anomaly: the genitive absolute (οὔσης γραὸς) is juxtaposed with a nominative participle (ὄντʼ) that agrees with the subject of the main clause, yet the ὄντʼ is separated from its antecedent by the intervening genitive phrase and the enclitic αὐτὸν. This creates a momentary ambiguity regarding the syntactic attachment of ὄντʼ, which resolves only upon recognizing that ὄντʼ αὐτὸν functions as a predicative nominative participle modifying the subject of the main verb (implied or explicit in the broader context), while καίπερ οὔσης γραὸς forms a concessive genitive absolute. The elision in ὄντʼ and the placement of αὐτὸν after the participle reflect Aristophanes' characteristic compression and rhythmic play, but the structural tension between the two participial forms demands careful parsing to avoid misattributing the case agreement.
827.
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κομήτην, ἀλλʼ ἀπεψιλωμένον
The noun κομήτην (komētēn) is used here not in its primary astronomical sense ('comet' or 'long-haired star'), which would be anachronistic for the context of a man's appearance, but as a metaphor for 'long-haired' or 'befuddled' (from κόμη, 'hair'). The adjective ἀπεψιλωμένον (apepsilōmenon) is a rare, humorous coinage derived from ψιλόω ('to shave' or 'make bald'), functioning as a verbal adjective in the perfect passive participle. The phrase creates a comic antithesis: a 'comet' (implying long, wild hair) that has been 'shaved bald,' mocking the pretensions of a philosopher or a specific character type associated with unkempt appearance. This juxtaposition relies on the audience's recognition of the astronomical term as a pun on physical hair, a specific Aristophanic device that requires noting the semantic shift of κομήτης in this comedic context.
