Elegaic of or relating to a specific verse form, or type of poetry, written in praise of the dead (or, as here, something resembling that type of poetry).
Megara chief town of ancient Megaris, a district located between the Saronic Gulf and the Gulf of Corinth, site of a battle of the Peloponnesian War.
"'Sons of Ariston'" i.e., Glaucon and Adeimantus; Ariston was also the father of Plato.
husbandman farmer.
"plough or mattock" the plough (or, usually in American English, plow) and mattock are basic farm implements for tilling and digging in soil.
neatherd cowherd.
rhapsodist in ancient Greece, a person who recited rhapsodies, esp. one who recited epic poems as a profession.
tirewomen ladies' maids (from tire, an obsolete form of attire [clothing]).
confectioners persons whose work or business is making or selling confectionery (sweet edibles, such as candies and cakes).
