4–1
MOTHER
But ever so many others make that threat. Will you, then, remain without lovers because of that, and live a chaste life, as though you were not a courtesan but a priestess of Demeter, Giver of Laws? Well, I won’t say any more. It’s the Harvest Home to-day; what has he given you for the feast?
MUSARIUM
He has nothing to give, mummy dear.
MOTHER
Is he the only one who hasn’t found a way of tricking his father, or sent a slave to hoodwink him, or begged from his mother, and threatened to sail off to the wars, if he’s not given anything? No, there he sits, bringing us to ruin, giving nothing himself, and forbidding you to take from those who will give. Do you think you’ll be eighteen for ever, Musarium, or that Chaereas will feel the same when he’s a rich man himself, and his mother finds him a rich match? Do you think he’ll still remember his tears and his kisses and his oaths, when he sees a dowry of five talents or so?
MUSARIUM
He will remember. I can prove it. He’s still unmarried, and has refused to take a wife despite all the bullying and browbeating he’s had to face.
5
MOTHER
I only hope he won’t play you false. I’ll remind you of my words, Musarium, when that day comes.
AMPELIS
If a man isn’t jealous or angry, Chrysis, and never hits you, cuts your hair off, or tears your clothes, is he still in love with you?
CHRYSIS
Are these the only signs of a man’s love, then?
