4 years, 8 months
The Commissioner went to Persia to meet the King. It took four years and 8 months for him to ever get a presence with the great King. This is a metaphor for the lack of clarity that exists within the members of the Assembly, the reason being that the Commissioner was paid 2 drachmas per day for his travels. Thus, whether he was truly making a long journey or if he was delaying to fatten his pockets is uncertain.
Peace
Amphithes claims to be immortal and can offer peace with Sparta if the Assembly agrees. This is a metaphor that the option of peace has always existed, but the Athenians have yet to reach out to grasp it. Instead, they willingly stay stuck in a state of war.
Empty
The Pnyx empty at the beginning of the play is a metaphor for the Assembly. It means that there is a place where these Assemblymen are meant to meet, and today is a day that is scheduled for a regular hearing, but with no one there it represents that the people of Athens are being grossly underserved by their Assembly.
No Gold
The Shah of Persia makes it clear that they will not be giving any gold to Athens. This is a metaphor for the fact that the Commissioner has not done his diplomatic duty in creating a relationship with the East and personally with the Shah; instead, he has manipulated his position to live in great luxury at the expense of his people.
Heaven's Frown
Dikaiopolis says that a drop of rain has fallen into the Pnyx where the assembly is meeting. This is a metaphor, he says, for Heaven frowning upon what is happening in the Assembly on this day. That what is the best for all is not being done in order to preserve the desires of the few.
