University of Virginia Library

Lupus in fabulâ. A proverb, signifying that the person, of whom we are speaking, is at hand.

The poet artfully contrives to detain Demea in town, his presence being necessary in the subsequent part of the fable. Donatus.

It is observed by Theobald in his edition of Shakespeare, that the perplext direction given by Lancelot seems to be copied from this of Syrus.

“Turn up, on your right hand at the next turning, but, at the next turning of all, on your left; marry, at the very next turning of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew's house.”

This gives us to understand that Demea would be sent quite to the further part of the town.—The pond also is naturally mentioned, for Varro tells us that near the gate was always a large pond, to water the horses, and supply the inhabitants in case of fire. Donatus.

It was usual with the Græcians to sit and drink in the sun. Syrus therefore being asked a sudden question, is supposed to have sufficient presence of mind to give this circumstantial answer, that he might the better impose on Demea. Donatus.

The Greeks and the Romans generally had but one repast a day, which was their supper. The dinner here mentioned was therefore an instance of luxury and debauch. Dacier.

This fine sentiment is supposed to be built on the following lines of Menander. If so, I think our poet has improved on his original.

This appears in many instances to have been a law in force with the Athenians, and was probably handed down to them by the Phœnicians, who originally received it from the Jews. And every daughter that possesses an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers. Numbers, Chap. xxxvi. v. 8. Dacier.

A colony of the Athenians in Pontus. Donatus.

These questions, which enumerate all the proofs requisite to a marriage, are an indirect, and very delicate reproof of Æschinus for the irregular and clandestine manner in which he had conducted this affair. Donatus.

We may very innocently banter a friend, and frighten him with false alarms, when it is in our power to undeceive him immediately, and to surprise him with good news. But none but an enemy would buoy one up with false hopes, in order to dash them with bitterness and trouble. Micio therefore discovers a benevolent emotion at even being supposed to trifle with him in this respect. Donatus.

Donatus observes that there is great delicacy in this compliment of Æschinus to Micio, which, though made to his face, does not carry in it the least appearance of flattery. Madam Dacier imagines Terence refers here to a line in Hesiod, which says that it is the business of old men to pray. I should rather imagine our author had an eye to the following fine lines of Menander, which have already been recommended to the publick notice by the learned critick in the Adventurer, No. 105.

This seems to have been a proverbial expression, as we find it occur in another fragment of Menander.

Donatus justly observes, that it is plain from this soliloquy, that Terence takes the part of mild fathers, meaning to shew that gentle reproofs, mingled with tenderness, will have more effect on an ingenuous mind than railing and severity. That critick also is more minute than usual in pointing out the great beauties of the foregoing scene; commenting on almost every speech, and observing how finely the two characters of Micio and Æschinus are sustained throughout their whole conversation. It was impossible to lay before the English reader all the little particularities dwelt upon by Donatus: and indeed the reader must have very little sensibility, who cannot of himself discern, even through the medium of this translation, the many amiable touches of good-humour, mildness, and affection that distinguish Micio's character, as well as the natural strokes of passion, and ingenuous shame in Æschinus. The whole scene is remarkably beautiful, and perhaps more characteristick of the genius of Terence than any other in his works.

Menander might possibly borrow this moral maxim from a passage in the tenth book of Plato's Republick, where it is said, “That we should take counsel from accidents, and, as in a game at dice, act according to what has fallen, in that manner which reason directs us to be the best.” Dacier.

Micio is here involved in a ridiculous dilemma, in which he had rather appear absurd, than betray Ctesipho. Donatus.

Restim ductans saltabis. Restim ducere; literally, to lead the cord: which would induce one to imagine that when many persons were dancing together in those days, they held a cord—but why a cord? might they not as well take hold of each other's hands? I am persuaded that they did, and agree with Donatus that the expression is merely metaphorical. Dacier.

The gravity of Demea and drunkenness of Syrus create a very humourous contrast, and are admirably calculated to excite mirth in the spectators. Donatus.

Comissatorem haud sane commodum. The chief beauty lies in the word Comissator, which signified one who came to join a jovial party, bursting in upon them unexpectedly with much noise and clamour. Donatus. Dacier.

I forgot to observe before, that in Athens the street-doors were made to open outwards; so that when any one was coming out, the noise of the door (which is often mentioned in these comedies) served to give notice to those in the street, that they might escape being hurt, and make way for the opening of the door. Dacier.

The character of Micio appears extremely amiable through the four first acts of this comedy, and his behaviour is in many respects worthy imitation. But his conduct in conniving at the irregularities of Ctesipho, and even assisting him to support them, is certainly reprehensible. Perhaps the Poet threw this shade over his virtues, on purpose to shew that mildness and good-humour might be carried to an excess.

Madam Dacier makes an observation on this speech something like that of Donatus on one of Micio's above; and says that Micio, being hard put to it by the real circumstances of the case, thinks to confound Demea by a nonsensical galimatia. I cannot be of the ingenious lady's opinion in this matter: for I think a more sensible speech could not be made, nor a better plea offered in favour of the young men, than that of Micio in the present instance.