This reading must be erroneous, because, so far from having always avoided the match, Chremes himself originally proposed it to Simo, (vide [p. 15, l. 18.]) and afterwards renewed his consent to it. (Vide [p. 58. l. 24.])
[NOTE 178.]
Davus.—’Tis true, I saw old Canthara, with something under her cloak.
There is great ingenuity displayed in the conduct of this scene. Davus affirms this, as Donatus observes, “Hoc dicit ut leviter redarguat Mysis, non ut vincatur,” that Mysis may easily confute him; and prove that it is the child of Pamphilus which must terrify Chremes. He contradicts her, that she may (in Chremes’ hearing) enter into the proof of what she says. Instead of Cantharam, Nonnius thinks that Terence meant cantharum, a large jug; and that he intended Davus to say, that the child was brought to Glycera’s house in a large cantharus. Vide Nonnius’s Miscell., B. 1, and his remarks on the whole of this scene.
Mysis.—Thank Heaven, that there were some free-women present when my mistress was delivered.
No person could appear as a witness in the Athenian courts of justice, who was not free-born, and also possessed of a fair character. Those who were ἄτιμοι, infamous, were not permitted to give testimony. In particular cases, strangers and freedmen were admitted as witnesses. Every person who was appealed to as a witness, was compelled either to state what he knew of the affair, or to swear that he was ignorant of all the circumstances of it: if he refused to give any answer whatever, he incurred a heavy fine.
[NOTE 179ᴮ].
Mysis.—By Pollux, fellow, you are drunk.
To accuse a person of intoxication was considered in Athens and Sparta as one of the greatest affronts that could possibly be committed. Very severe laws were framed in Greece for the punishment of those who were seen in a state of intoxication. The Athenian archons suffered death, if detected in this vice. The Greeks accused the Scythians of having taught them habits of drunkenness. The Spartans affirm, that Cleomenes became first drunk, and afterwards mad, by his associating and drinking with them.
Σκυθησι, δε ὁμιλησαντά μιν ακρηποτην και εκ τουτου μανῆναι.
Herodotus.