Not at Home

Scipio Nasica was intimate with the poet Ennius. One day, calling on the poet, the servant said, “Ennius is not at home,” but Nasica could see him plainly in the house. Well, he simply walked away without a word. A few days later Ennius returned the visit, and Nasica called out, “Not at home.” Ennius instantly recognised the voice, and remonstrated. “You are a nice fellow” (said Nasica); “why, I believed your slave, and you wonʹt believe me.”