2
LYCINUS Why, do you suppose that I am exaggerating? No, I am afraid that when you have seen her you will take me to be a poor hand at turning compliments, so far superior will she prove to be. Anyhow, I can’t say who she is, but she received mich attention, kept splendid state in every way, had a number of eunuchs and a great many maids, and, in general, the thing seemed to be on a greater scale than accords with private station.
2
POLYSTRATUS You didn’t learn even the name they gave her?
2
LYCINUS No; only that she comes from Ionia, for one of the onlookers glanced at his neighbour after she had passed and said: “Well, that is what Smiyrna’s beauties are like, and it is no wonder that the fairest of Ionian cities has produced the fairest of women!” It seemed to me that the speaker himself was of Smyrna because he was so set up over her.
3
POLYSTRATUS Well, inasmuch as you really and truly behaved like a stone in one way, at least, since you neither followed her nor questioned that Smyrniote, whoever he was, at least sketch her appearance in words as best you can. Perhaps in that way I might recognize her.
3
LYCINUS Are you aware what you have demanded? It is not in the power of words, not mine, certainly, to call into being a portrait so marvellous, to which hardly Apelles or Zeuxis or Parrhasius would have seemed equal, or even perhaps a Phidias or an Alcamenes. As for me, I shall but dim the lustre of the original by the feebleness of my skill.
3
POLYSTRATUS Nevertheless, Lycinus, what did she look like? It would not be dangerously bold if you should show your picture to a friend, no matter how well or ill it may be drawn.
3
LYCINUS But I think I shall act in a way that involves less risk for myself if I call in some of those famous artists of old for the undertaking, to model me a statue of the woman.
3
POLYSTRATUS What do you mean by that? How can they come to you when they died so many years ago? LYCINUS Easily, if only you do not refuse to answer me a question or two.
