chapter IV
Nonius Balbus’ wife is acting as pronuba, the matron of honour—tending to the bride, parting her hair with a ceremonial bent spearhead, joining the couple’s hands, and later making sure everything is in order and prayers are made for the new bedroom.
She’s had the common sense not to insist on the traditional sacrificial pig.
The “Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia” marriage vow will also be said when the bride arrives at the groom’s doorstep. There is occasional mention of a bride using her groom’s actual name as well as the traditional “Gaius,” but I’m not sure how apocryphal that is. So, let’s say this is Iusta’s own personal elaboration on her vows.
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