[288] Compare the breezy fun of the scene in Le Tartuffe, where the maid, Dorine, has to tackle in turn each of a pair of lovers urging the same grievances in almost the same words (Act II., Sc. iv.).

[289] Moulton, Ancient Class. Drama, p. 344.

[290] “In Aristophanes the very few maiden figures that appear are dumb” (Neil, The Knights of Aristophanes, Introduction, p. xiv.).

[291] P. Gardner, Greek Antiquities, p. 353.

[292] Mommsen, History of Rome, vol. iii., p. 144.

[293] Essay, Bk. II., chap. xi.

[294] Spectator, No. 62.

[295] English Comic Writers, Lect. I., “Wit and Humour”.

[296] Spectator, No. 6.

[297] Cf. supra, pp. 112, 113.