have been a very proper Scene to
begin the Play, as it carries us immediately into the midst of
things; and we can not fail to be interested when we see the
persons acting so deeply interested themselves. We gather from it
just so much of the story as is necessary for our information at
first setting out. We are told of the abrupt departure of
Philumena, and are witnesses of the confusion in the two families
of Laches and Phidippus. The absence of Laches, which had been in
great measure the occasion of this misunderstanding, is also very
artfully mentioned in the altercation between him and Sostrata.
The character of Laches is very naturally drawn. He has a good
heart, and a testy disposition, and the poor old gentleman is kept
in such constant perplexity that he has perpetual occasion to
exert both those qualities."]

[Footnote 32: _Intrust their children_)--Ver. 212. The plural
"liberos," children, is used where only one is being spoken of,
similarly, in the Heautontimorumenos, l. 151.]

[Footnote 33: _If he comes to know_)--Ver. 262. Donatus observes
that the Poet shows his art in here preparing a reason to be
assigned by Pamphilus for his pretended discontent at the
departure of his wife.]

[Footnote 34: _Ha! Sostrata_)--Ver. 271. Colman observes on this
passage: "This is extremely artful. The answer of Philumena, as
related by Phidippus, contains an ample vindication of Pamphilus.
What, then, can we suppose could make the house so disagreeable to
her in his absence, but the behavior of Sostrata? She declares her
innocence; yet appearances are all against her. Supposing this to
be the first Act of the Play, it would be impossible for a Comedy
to open in a more interesting manner."]

[Footnote 35: _And carry word_)--Ver. 314. It was the custom with
the Greeks and Romans, when returning from abroad, to send a
messenger before them, to inform their wives of their arrival.]

[Footnote 36: _Was in alarm about_)--Ver. 321. "Pavitare."
Casaubon has a curious suggestion here; he thinks it not
improbable that he had heard the female servants whispering among
themselves that Philumena "paritare," "was about to be brought to
bed," which he took for "pavitare," "was in fear" of something.]

[Footnote 37: _Heavy punishment_)--Ver. 335. Probably meaning that
he will be examined by torture, whether he has not, by drugs or
other means, contribute