Enter Mysis
Mysis. (Speaking to the housekeeper within.) I hear, Archilis, I hear: Your orders are to fetch Lesbia. On my word she’s a drunken reckless creature, not at all a fit person to take charge of a woman in her first labour: am I to fetch her all the same? (Comes forward.)[11]
In the last lines of the following he ridicules this very use:
Re-enter Lesbia
Lesbia. (Speaking through the doorway.) So far, Archilis, the usual and proper symptoms for a safe delivery, I see them all here. After ablution give her the drink I ordered and in the prescribed quantity. I shall be back before long. (Turning round.) Lor’ me, but a strapping boy is born to Pamphilus. Heaven grant it live, for the father’s a noble gentleman and has shrunk from wronging an excellent young lady.
(Exit.)
Simo. For example now, wouldn’t any one who knew you think you were at the bottom of this?
Davus. Of what, sir?
Simo. Instead of prescribing at the bedside what must be done for the mother, out she plumps and shouts it at them from the street.[12]