# Two Latin Plays for High-School Students

## SCENE I

Book page: https://www.cyberlibrary.org/la/books/two-latin-plays-for-high-school-students-31894/index.md

SPONSALIA--BETROTHAL

Cicero’s house. Terentia complains that Cicero neglects her and that he devotes too much time to the prosecution of Catiline and to study. The school report (renuntiatio) of her son, the young Cicero, also causes her anxiety. Marcus junior adds to her anxiety by affirming that he wishes to become an orator like his father. He promises, however, that he will study his geometry more diligently and thereby gain the reward offered by Cicero. Lucius Piso calls at Cicero’s home to ask the hand of Tullia for his son Gaius Piso. Terentia is pleased with the prospect of marrying her daughter so well. Tullia herself and Cicero prefer to wait until Tullia is older. Tullia says she can sympathize with Servilia and others who have no girlhood on account of marrying so young; but finally she yields to her mother’s wish and consents to become betrothed to Gaius. The witnesses arrive and the betrothal (sponsalia) takes place. The marriage contract (tabulae nuptiales) is signed, showing the amount of dowry. Refreshments are partaken of, following a libation in honor of the gods. Congratulations are offered and the wedding hymn is sung.