[397] It was doubted in Serv.'s time whether ‘Ditis’ went with ‘dominam’ or with ‘thalamo.’ There seems, however, no authority for the use of ‘domina’ with a gen. in ordinary writing for ‘uxor,’ nor perhaps for that of the Greek δέσποινα, which Serv. adduces, though a wife is often so called in relation to the inferior members of the household, and even by her husband in the language of compliment. Even the English ‘lady’ would hardly be used of a wife in plain speaking or writing, though common enough in the conventional language of society. ‘Dominam’ then is to be taken separately, and explained either in relation to ‘thalamo,’ or as said by Charon of his mistress and the queen of the shades, as it is frequently used of goddesses; see on 3. 113. The use of δέσποινα as a special title of Proserpine (see Lidd. and Scott) contributes further to make it appropriate here. ‘Adoriri’ with inf. Lucr. 3.515.
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John Conington. P. Vergili Maronis opera. P. Vergili Maronis Opera. The works of Virgil, with a Commentary by John Conington, M.A. Late Corpus Professor of Latin in the University of Oxford. London. Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane. 1876.
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