“And as for what those malicious railers say[20], who assert that certain noble persons assist the poet, and very frequently write with him, what they think a reproach, he considers as the highest praise; that he should be thought to please those who please you, and all Rome; those who have assisted every one in war, and peace, and even in their private affairs, with the greatest services; and yet have been always free from arrogance.” It is likely, that he might wish, in some measure, to encourage this idea, because he knew that it would not be displeasing to Scipio and Lælius: however, the opinion has gained ground, and is strongly entertained even to the present day. Quintus Memmius[21], in an oration in his own defence, says,
Publius Africanus, qui a Terentio personam mutuatus, quæ domi luserat ipse, nomine illius in scenam detulit.——
“Publius Africanus, who borrowed the name of Terence for those plays which he composed at home for his diversion.——”
Cornelius Nepos[22] asserts, that he has it from the very first authority, that Caius Lælius being at his country-house at [23]Puteoli, on the first of March[24], and being called to supper by his wife at an earlier hour than usual, requested that he might not be interrupted; and afterwards coming to table very late, he declared that he had scarcely ever succeeded better in composition than at that time; and, being asked to repeat the verses, he read the following from the Self-tormentor, Act IV, Scene III.
Satis pol proterve me Syri promissa huc induxerunt
Decem minas quas mihi dare pollicitus est, quod si is nunc me
Deceperit, sæpe obsecrans me, ut veniam, frustra veniet:
Aut, cum venturam dixero, et constituero, cum is certe
Renunciârit; Clitiphon cum in spe pendebit animi
Decipiam, ac non veniam; Syrus mihi tergo pænas pendet.