3–4
CHELIDONIUM
“And now I’m leaving you not because I hate you, but because I’m forced to do so. My father has handed me over to Aristaenetus to study philosophy under him, and Aristaenetus, finding out all about us, gave me a good telling-off, saying it was not at all the thing for a son of Architeles and Erasiclia to associate with a courtesan, for it was much better to prefer virtue to pleasure.”
DROSIS
Curse that old driveller for teaching the lad such things!
CHELIDONIUM
“So that I must obey him. He follows me everywhere, and keeps a close eye on me. In fact, I’m not allowed even to look at anyone but him. If I live a sober life, and obey him in everything, he promises me I’ll be completely happy, and shall become virtuous through my training in endurance. I’ve had the greatest difficulty in slipping away to write this to you. I pray that you may prosper, my dear, and never forget Clinias.”
5
DROSIS
What do you think of the letter, Chelidonium?
CHELIDONIUM
The rest of it might have come from a Scythian, The Scythians were proverbial for their rough speech and their cruelty. but the part about never forgetting Clinias shows there’s still some hope.