Book 11
3
But which will you believe—her solemn oaths or your own eyes? Take a close and careful look at her temples, the only place where her hair is her own. The rest of it is a thick wig. But along her temples the grey hairs show pretty well all over, whenever the dye she uses loses its effect. But why do that? Insist on seeing her unclothed.
3
Her favours to me have never extended so far.
3
That’s only to be expected. She knew you’d be revolted by her white spots, A skin disease. and she’s mottled like a leopard all the way from her neck down to her knees. Were you crying at being refused by a woman like that? Perhaps too she was cruel and proud to you?
3
Yes, Tryphena, even though I always give her so much; and now that I’ve found it difficult to give her the thousand drachmas that she’s asking because I’m dependent on a stingy father, she’s let Moschion in, and locked me out. I wanted to get even for that by annoying her, and so I asked you to accompany me.
3
By our Lady Aphrodite, I wouldn’t have come if I’d been warned that that was why my company was wanted—to annoy another woman, and Philematium, the Coffin, at that! No, I’ll be off, for this is already the third time that the cock’s crowed.
4
Don’t you be in such a hurry, Tryphena. If it’s true what you tell me about her wig, her dyed hair, and the white spots besides, I won’t be able to look at Philematium again.
4
Ask your mother, if they’ve ever been at the baths together. Her age you can find out from your grandfather, if he’s still living.
4
Well, since she’s like that, let’s remove the barrier this instant, snuggle up closer, kiss, and really enjoy each other’s company. To the devil with Philematium!
