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λέγετον ἔπιτον ἀνά τε δέρετον
The imperative forms λέγετον, ἔπιτον, and δέρετον are plural second-person imperatives with the enclitic particle -ν added for emphasis or rhythmic closure, a feature common in comic verse to mark a collective command. However, the form δέρετον is particularly noteworthy: while the standard Attic imperative plural of δέρω is δέρεσθε (present) or δάρετε (aorist), the form δέρετον represents a Doric or comic variant of the present imperative, reflecting the dialectal mixture often found in Aristophanic choral or comic speech. This usage highlights the play's engagement with dialectal variation for comic effect, especially in the context of the frog chorus or a rustic scene.
Frogs. Aristophanes. . 2026-09-08.