Kitap 7
2
Well, Musarium, if we want a pair of shoes, and the cobbler asks for two drachmas, we’ll say to him, “We have no money, but let us give you a few of our hopes.” We’ll say the same to the barleymerchant, and, if we’re asked for the rent, we’ll say, “Wait until Laches of Colyttus dies; I’ll pay you after the wedding.” Aren’t you ashamed that you’re the only courtesan without an earring, a necklace, or a lace wrap?
3
What of it, mother? Are they happier than I am or prettier?
3
No, but they’re more sensible, and know their job; they don’t trust idle words, or young men with promises on the tips of their tongues. But you are constant and affectionate, and won’t have anyone near you but Chaereas. Yes, the other day when the Acharnian farmer came with two minas, though he had smooth cheeks too, and money from the wine his father had sent him to sell, you turned up your nose at him, and slept with your Adonis, Chaereas.
3
What of it? Was I to leave Chaereas and take that clodhopper smelling of goats? To use the common expression, I find Chaereas smooth, and the Acharnian a rough pig. A passage which has baffled commentators. Perhaps χοιρίσκος is a term of obscene abuse, contrasted with λεῖός. Rothstein would delete Χαιρέας and translate “I find acceptable to me even an Acharnian pig”, assuming that courtesans had a common saying to the effect that any man is acceptable, providing that he brings money.
3
Very well, the other’s a rustic and smells nasty. But what about Antipho, the son of MeneCrates, who promised one mina? You wouldn’t have him either. Wasn’t he handsome and polished and just as young as Chaereas?
4
But Chaereas threatened to slit the throats of both of us, if he ever caught me with him.
