It is called the "Mimes," a series of little dramatic studies picturing the life of the time.

One of these is well worthy of rank with the idyl of Theocritus above mentioned.

It is the study of a conversation between a young woman and an old woman.

The young woman has a husband, who left her to join a military expedition and has not been heard of for several years.

The old woman is a go-between, and she comes to see the young person on behalf of another young man, who admires her.