Page:The Eleven Comedies (1912) Vol 1.djvu/282

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Ah! good day, my dear friend. Your name is not unknown amongst us. Your wife has it for ever on her lips; and she never touches an egg or an apple without saying: Twill be for Cinesias.”

Really and truly?

Yes, indeed, by Aphrodité! And if we fall to talking of men, quick your wife declares: “Oh! all the rest, they’re good for nothing compared with Cinesias.”

Oh! I beseech you, go and call her to me.

And what will you give me for my trouble?

This, if you like (handling his tool). I will give you what I have there!

Well, well, I will tell her to come.

Quick, oh! be quick! Life has no more charms for me since she left my house. I am sad, sad, when I go indoors; it all seems so empty; my victuals have lost their savour. Desire is eating out my heart!

I love him, oh! I love him; but he won’t let himself be loved. No! I shall not come.

Myrrhiné, my little darling Myrrhiné, what are you saying? Come down to me quick.