Kitap 6
2
There’s nothing terrible in that. You too will be rich just like her, and have many lovers. Why do you weep, Corinna? Don’t you see how many courtesans there are, how much they are in demand, and what money they earn? Dear lady Adrastia, Ἀδράστεια (perhaps from ἀ—διδράσκω = She whom none can escape) is another name for Nemesis, the goddess who watches after fair shares (i.e. from νέμω) for all, and punishes excessive good fortune in mortals, particularly when it is accompanied by pride. Perhaps Crobyle may be hoping that the mention of Nemesis’ name may save a prosperous friend from punishment by that goddess; a less likely alternative is that Crobyle is jealous of Lyra, and bringing her prosperity to the vengeful notice of Nemesis. See following note. She may, again, be hoping that Nemesis, as the goddess of fair shares, will bring her riches to compensate for her present poverty, just as she has done for Lyra and Daphnis. I certainly know that Daphnis’ daughter wore rags before she grew up, but you can see what a figure she cuts now, when she goes out with her gold, her gay dresses and her four maids.
3
How did Lyra get all that?
3
In the first place, she dresses attractively and looks neat; she’s gay with all the men, without being so ready to cackle as you are, but smiles in a sweet bewitching way; later on, she’s very clever when they’re together, never cheats a visitor or an escort, and never throws herself at the men. If ever she takes a fee for going out to dinner, she doesn’t drink too much—that’s ridiculous, and men hate women who do—she doesn’t gorge herself—that’s ill-bred, my dear—but picks up the food with her finger-tips, eating quietly and not stuffing both cheeks full, and, when she drinks, she doesn’t gulp, but sips slowly from time to time.
3
Even if she’s thirsty, mother?
