[NOTE 146.]
Now, first, let her be bathed.
Nunc primum fac——ut lavet.
Though I have followed the common reading in this passage, as it is not a point of any importance, I think it doubtful whether Terence meant Lesbia to speak of the mother or the child, when she said the words fac ut lavet, as the Greeks practised a remarkable ceremony on new-born infants, in order to strengthen them. A mixture of water, oil, and wine, was made in a vessel kept for the purpose, which they called λουτρὸν and χύτλος, and, with this liquid, they washed the children; as some think, they wished to try the strength of the infant’s constitution, which, if weak, yielded to the powerful fumes of the wine, and the children fell into fits. I imagine that this was done, when it was the question if an infant should be exposed, as puny, sickly children sometimes were. (Vide [Note 93].)
[NOTE 147.]
Davus.—Truly, at this rate, I shall hardly dare open my mouth.
Sed, si quid narrare occæpi continuo dari
Tibi verba censes.
S. Falso.
D. Itaque hercle nil jam mutire audeo.
Dr. Bentley reads falso in Davus’s speech; and Cooke thinks it should be altogether omitted. I have followed the old English edition in supposing the word in question to be spoken ironically, which is certainly consistent with the usual style of conversation between Simo and Davus.
Now, finding that the marriage preparations are going forwards in our house, she sends her maid to fetch a midwife.