Plutarch's Romane Questions · Plutarch
100.
_What is the reason that upon the thirteenth day of August, which now is called the Ides of August, and before time the Ides of_ Sextilis, _all servants as well maids, as men make holy-day and women that are wives love then especially to wash and cleanse their heads_? MIGHT not this be a cause, for that king _Servius_ upon such a day was borne of a captive woman, and therefore slaves and bond-servants on that day have libertie to play and disport themselves? And as for washing the head; haply at the first the wenches began so to do in regard of that festivall day, and so the custome passed also unto their mistresses and other women free borne?
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