He wrote six comedies: when the first of them, the Andrian, was presented to the Ædiles[13]; he was desired to read it to Cærius[14]; he accordingly repaired to his house, and found him at supper; and, being meanly dressed, was seated on a stool near the couch of Cærius[15], where he commenced the reading of his play; but Cærius had no sooner heard the first few lines than he invited the poet to sup with him; after which, the play was read, to the great admiration of Cærius, who betowed on the author the most unbounded applause. The other five comedies met with equal commendation from the Romans, though Volcatius[16], in his enumeration of them, says, Sumetur Hecyra sexta ex his fabula. The Step-mother is reckoned the last of the six. The Eunuch was acted twice in one day[17]; and the author received for it a higher price than was ever paid for any comedy before that time, viz., eight thousand sesterces[18]: on account of the magnitude of the sum, it is mentioned in the title of that play. Varro[19] even prefers the opening scenes of the Brothers of Terence to the same part in Menander. The report that Terence was indebted to Scipio and Lælius, with whom he was so intimate, for parts of his comedies, is well known; and he himself scarcely seems to have discouraged the assertion, as he never seriously denies it: witness the Prologue to the Brothers: Nam quod isti dicunt malevoli, homines nobiles Eum adjutare, assidueque una scribere: Quod illi maledictum vehemens existimant, Eam laudem hic ducit maximam, cum illis placet Qui vobis universis, et populo placent: Quorum opera in bello, in otio, in negotio Suo quisque tempore usus est sine superbia. “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.――――”