But, after the time when he came and I locked him out, because I had with me Callides, the painter, who had sent me ten drachmas, to start with he went away abusing me. But, after many days had passed, and there was no word from me, as I had Callides in the house, eventually even Demophantus began to burn and blaze with passion, and one day he posted himself at my door and waited for it to open. He began to weep and strike me, he threatened to kill me, he tore my dress; there was nothing he didn’t do, and in the end he gave me a talent and kept me for himself alone for eight whole months. His wife said I’d driven him mad by means of drugs, but the only drug was his own jealousy. So, Chrysis, you’d better use the same treatment on Gorgias. He’ll be a rich young fellow if anything happens to his father.
DORCAS
We are ruined, mistress, ruined! Polemo has returned from the wars a rich man, they say. I’ve seen him myself wearing a purple-edged cloak all done up with a clasp, and a large retinue with him. When his friends saw him, they all flocked to him to welcome him. Meanwhile, I’d seen following behind him the servant who’d gone abroad with him and I questioned him. I greeted him first, and then said, “Tell me, Parmeno, how have you done? Have you brought back anything worth while for all that fighting?”
