an ædile with lictors for the slave—but I said—Gaius Valerius Catullus—he is a friend of mine—a good friend of mine—you understand, said I—no scandal among friends—I’ll go there and we’ll settle it like good friends. Gellius said Catullus wants to anger Clodia, so he takes in pretty slaves as substitutes, but I made believe I did not hear it—I never hear it when any one insults any of my friends my friends—and you are a good friend of mine—you and Cæsar and Hortensius and Gellius and Cicero.

Catullus.—Nice company, thanks. (To himself.) Not asleep yet!

Metellus.—And I want good-will everywhere among friends—ha—ha—everything quiet, peaceful, ha—ha—understand. (He falls asleep.)

(When the corpulent Consul has fallen asleep, Catullus summons Furinus and they move him into a curtained niche and hide him. Catullus recalls Acme, who overheard part of the preceding dialogue. A love scene ensues. Acme does not know who Catullus is and recites some of his own poetry, which she memorized. Acme admits that she is betrothed to Septimius Severus, a friend of Catullus. Just then Furinus enters hastily and announces the arrival of Clodia. Acme resumes her former place of hiding. Clodia (surnamed also Lesbia) enters and demands the slave. Catullus refuses. Clodia names Catullus, so that the listening Acme learns for the first time that he is the very poet whose verses she had been reciting. Clodia complains bitterly of the infidelity to her of Catullus. He answers by reminding her of her numerous lovers. He names Gellius, Gellius Peplecola, his uncle, Cælius, Rufus, Sestus Clodius.)

Clodia.—Accuse me—Oh, pure swan of Verna! Who is Aufidia, Ipsitilla?

Catullus.—They succeeded you, O Clodia! My poisoned heart sought peace and oblivion. It discarded the shattered chalice in which it found but ugliness and sin. Love? Neither you nor I knew love, Lesbia, and now it is too late.