4–14
Hymnis Well, try the Lemnian women, or the daughters of Danaus, if you want to please with that sort of tale. I shall run home to my mother, while there is some daylight left. Come along, Grammis. Good-bye, mightiest of colonels, and murderer of however many it is!
Leontichus Stay, girl, stay. —Why, she is gone!
Chenidas Well, Leontichus, you frightened the simple little thing with your nodding plumes and your incredible exploits. I saw her getting pale as far back as the officer story; her face was all puckered up and quivering when you split his head.
Leontichus I thought it would make me more attractive. Well, but it was your fault too; you started the duel.
Chenidas Well, I had to chime in when I saw what you were bragging for. But you laid it on so thick. Pass the cutting off the wretched Paphlagonian’s head, what did you want to spike it on a spear for, and let the blood run down on you?
Leontichus That was a bit too strong, I admit; the rest was rather well put together. Well, go and persuade her to come back.
Chenidas Shall I tell her you lied to make her think you a fine fellow?
Leontichus Oh, plague upon it!
Chenidas It’s the only way. Choose—a mighty champion, and loathed, or a confessed liar, and—Hymnis?
Leontichus Bad is the best; but I say Hymnis. Go to her, then, Chenidas, and say I lied—in parts,
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