[50.] At the right time)—Ver. 531. Lemaire observes that, from this passage, it would appear that the Greeks considered seven months sufficient for gestation. So it would appear, if we are to take the time of the Play to be seven, and not nine, months after the marriage; and, as before observed, the former seems to be the more reasonable conclusion.
[51.] A ring which)—Ver. 574. Colman remarks that this preparation for the catastrophe by the mention of the ring, is not so artful as might have been expected from Terence; as in this soliloquy he tells the circumstances directly to the Audience.
[52.] And festive days)—Ver. 592. “Festos dies.” The days for sacrificing to particular Divinities, when she would have the opportunity of meeting her friends, and making herself merry with them.
[53.] Look forward with impatience to my death)—Ver. 596. Colman says: “This idea of the long life of a step-mother being odious to her family, is applied in a very beautiful and uncommon manner by Shakspeare:—
“Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour
Draws on apace; for happy days bring in
Another morn; but oh, methinks how slow
This old morn wanes! she lingers my desires
Like to a step-dame, or a dowager,
Long withering out a young man’s revenue.”