Book 4
3
May you see me in a more miserable state than at present, my dear, if I know any shipowner called Hermotimus. But next morning, as soon as the cock crowed, he was up and away, but I remembered his saying that the name was written on some wall in the Ceramicus, and I sent Acis to look, but all she could find was this, written near the Dipylon Gate on the right as you go in; “Melitta loves Hermotimus”, and again, a little lower down, “The shipowner Hermotimus loves Melitta.”
3
Oh, those meddlesome youths! I understand it all. Somebody wished to annoy Charinus, and wrote it up, knowing he was jealous, and he believed it at once. If I see him, I’ll have a word with him. He’s a child still, and has no experience.
3
Where can you see him, when he has shut himself up with Simiche? His parents are still looking for him at my house. But if only, Bacchis, we could find an old woman, as I said! Her presence could save me.
4
Well, my dearest, there is a most useful witch, a Syrian, who’s still very fresh and firm. Once, when Phanias was angry with me without reason, just as Charinus is with you, she reconciled him with me after four whole months, when I’d already despaired of him; but he was brought back to me by her incantations.
4
What did she charge, if you can still remember?
4
She doesn’t ask a big fee, Melitta—just a drachma and a loaf; besides that you must put out seven obols, sulphur, and a torch along with the salt. These are taken by the old woman; she must also have a bowl of wine mixed, and drink it by herself. You’ll also need something belonging to the man himself, such as clothing or boots or a few of his hairs or anything of that sort.
4
I have his boots.
