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THE    COMEDIES    OF 

PLAUTUS 


LITERALLY  TRANSLATED  INTO  ENGLISH  PROSE, 
WITH  NOTES  BY 

HENRY   THOMAS    RILEY,   M.A. 


VOL.  II.  CONTAINING  THE 

AMPHITRYON,  RUDENS,    MERCATOR,   CISTELLARIA,    TRUCULENTUS, 

PERSA,  CASINA,  PCENULUS,  EPIDICUS,  MOSTELLARIA, 

AND  FRAGMENTS. 


LONDON 

G.    BELL   &   SONS,   LTD. 
1913 


IReprinicd  from  Stereotype  plates.l 


PREFACE. 


In  the  Translation  of  the  Plays  contained  in  the  present 
volume,  the  text  of  Fleckeisen  has  been  adopted  for  the 
Amphitryon  and  the  Rudens,  and  that  of  Weise  (as  given 
in  the  Tauchnitz  Edition)  for  the  others.  In  the  supposed 
interpolations  of  the  Amphitryon  and  Mercator,  Schmieder 
has  been  followed. 

The  previous  English  translations  of  the  author  are  few 
in  number.  A  part  of  the  MensBchmi  (translated,  it  is  sup- 
posed, by  William  Warner)  was  published  in  1595  ;  to  which 
reference  will  be  found  at  page  372  of  Vol.  I.  In  the  latter 
part  of  the  seventeenth  century  Echard  translated  the  Am- 
phitryon, Eudens,  and  Epidicus.  Thornton  remarks  that 
"  his  style  is  coarse  and  indelicate ;  when  he  aims  at  being 
familiar,  he  is  commonly  low  and  vulgar."  In  1747,  Cooke, 
the  Translator  of  Terence,  published  a  version  of  the  Am- 
phitryon, which  Thornton  speaks  of  as  apparently  intended 
"  merely  for  the  use  of  learners." 

Of  Thornton's  translation  of  Plautus  as  a  poetical  work, 
it  is  impossible  to  speak  in  other  than  terms  of  admiration ; 
but  from  the  circumstance  of  its  being  in  blank  verse,  it  is 
not  sufficiently  close  to  convey  to  the  English  reader  an 
accurate  idea  of  the  peculiar  style  of  the  author. 

A  professed  translation  of  seven  of  the  Comedies  of  Plautus 
was  published  by  the  hey.  G.  S.  Cotter  in  1827,  but  in  it  he 
avowedly  omits  a  large  portion  of  the  text,  and  a  still  larger 
portion  without  the  least  intimation. 

In  the  present  translation,  particular  attention  has  been 
given  to  the  difficult  and  obscure  passages,  and  it  may  not 
be  presumptuous  to  hope  that  the  Notes  will  be  found  of 
value  to  the  classical  student. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  remind  the  Eeader  that  the 
asterisks  in  the  text  denote  where  portions  of  the  original 
are  lost. 

H.  T.  K. 


COKTENTS. 


PAGE 

Asiphitrtok;  ob,  Jupiter  in  Disguise 1 

RuDENs;  THE  Fisherman's  Rope 63 

Mercator;  the  Merchant     .         .         •         .        .         •         ,  133 

Cistellaria;  or,  the  Casket 185 

Truoulentus;  the  Churl       .  «        .         .        .         .  209 

Persa;  the  Persian       .        .        , 255 

Casina;  or,  the  Stratagem  Defeated 303 

Pcenulus;  the  Young  Carthaginian 351 

Epidicus:  or,  the  Fortunate  Discovery        ....  419 

JMOSTELLARIA  ;   OR,  THE   HAUNTED  HoUSB  ....    459 

Fragments  of  the  Writings  of  Plautus        •         •         •         .512 
Index  to  the  Two  Volumes  •••••.  53^ 


AMPHITRYON; 
OR,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE, 


IBramatts  ^ersona^ 

JUPITER,  who  personates  Amphitryoai. 
Mercury,  who  personates  Sosia. 
Amphitryon,  the  Theban  General. 
Sosia,  the  servant  of  Amphitryon. 
Blepharo,  the  Pilot  of  Amphitryon's  Shit. 
Ax  Actor. 

Alcmena,  wife  of  Amphitryon. 

Bromia, 

Thessala, 


>  attendants  of  Alcmena. 


&efiet — Thebes   before  the  house  of  AjfPHmiToai. 


TOL.  II. 


»\S 


THE   SUBJECT 


Creon,  King  of  Thebss,  being  at  war  with  the  Teleboans  or  Taphians,  tinder  the 
command  of  Ptereias,  sends  an  army  against  them.  This  is  commanded  by 
Amphitryon,  who  leaves  his  wife  Alcmena  pregnant  at  his  departure  from 
"'liebes.  Daring  his  absence  from  home,  Jupiter,  assuming  his  form,  and 
blercury  ttiat  of  his  servant  Sosia,  present  themselves  to  Alcmena,  as  though 
just  returned  from  the  expedition  against  the  Taphians.  By  means  of  this  stra- 
tagem, Jupiter  is  admitted  *f;  the  embraces  of  Alcmena.  While  Mercury  is 
keeping  watch  at  the  door  of  Amphitryon's  house,  Sosia,  who  has  just  arrived 
at  Thebes  with  Amphitryon^  inakes  his  appearance  for  the  purpose  of  announcing 
to  Alcmena  his  master's  return.  Mercury,  pretending  that  he  himself  is  the 
real  Sosia,  and  that  the  other  is  an  impostor,  drives  him  away  from  the  door,  lie 
goes  back  to  his  master,  who  returns  with  him  to  the  house,  and  on  meeting 
Alcmena,  she  denies  his  assertion  that  be  has  but  that  moment  returned  from 
the  expedition,  and  now  presents  himself  to  her  for  the  first  time  since  his  return. 
On  this,  Amphitryon  charges  her  with  infidelity,  and  goes  away  to  the  harbour 
to  find  a  witness  who  may  persuade  Alcmena  of  the  truth  of  his  assertions.  When 
he  returns,  he  is  first  driven  away  from  the  house  by  Mercury,  and  is  after- 
wards accused  by  Jupiter  of  attempting  to  personate  Amphitryon,  which  person 
Jupiter  asserts  hhnself  to  be.  The  dispute  is  referred  to  Blepharo,  the  pilot  of 
Amphitryon,  who.  after  makinjT  minute  enquiries  into  the  matter,  professes 
himself  utterly  unaoie  to  oecide  between  them.  In  the  Fifth  Act,  at  the 
moment  m  which  Alcmena  is  delivered  of  Hercules  and  Iphiclus,  a  violent  peal 
of  thunder  is  heard,  and  Amphitryon  swoons  with  the  shock.  Broraia,  the 
attendant  of  Alcmena,  comes  out  of  the  house,  and  having  raised  Amphitryon 
from  the  ground,  on  his  recovery  informs  him  of  the  delivery  of  Alcmena.  At 
this  juncture,  Jupiter  descends  in  his  own  character,  and  reveals  the  myatef  7  to 
Amphitryon,  who  then  becomes  reconcikd  with  \m  wlbx 


AMPHITRYON; 
OR,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE. 


THE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 
[Supposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammarian.] 

'UPITER,  being  captivated  by  love  (^Amore)  for  Alcraena,  has  changed  (Mutavii) 
himself  into  the  form  of  her  husband,  while  Amphitryon  is  fighting  for  {Pro) 
his  country  with  the'foe;  m  the  form  {Hahitu)  of  Sosia,  Mercury  acts  as  his 
servant.  He  (7«)  imposes  upon  the  master  and  the  servant,  on  their  arrival. 
Amphitryon  commences  a  quarrel  (Twrhas)  with  bis  wife;  and  Jupiter  and 
Amphitryon  seize  (^Raptant)  one  another  as  adulterers.  Blepharo,  chosen  as 
umpire,  is  not  able  to  determine  which  of  the  two  (Uter^')  is  Amphitryon.  At 
last  they  understand  diW  (^Omnem)  the  matter;  and  she  brings  forth  twins. 


THE  PEOLOGUE. 
Spohen  hy  Meecuet. 
As,  in  purchasing  and  selling  your  merchandize^,  jou  are 
desirous  to  render  me  propitious  to  your  bargains,  and  that  .1 
should  assist  you  in  all  things ;  and  as  both  in  foreign  coun- 
tries and  at  home,  you  desire  me  to  turn  to  the  best  advantage 
the  business  and  the  accounts  of  you  all,  and  that  with  fair 
and  ample  profit,  without  end,  I  should  crown  the  ventures 
both  which  you  have  begun,  and  which  you  shall  begin ;  ana, 
as  you  wish  me  to  delight  you  and  all  yours  with  joyoua 
news^ — these  tidings  will  I  bring,  that  I  may  announce  them 

»  This  Acrostic  is  adapted  to  the  word  Amphitruo,  the  old  Latin  form  of  th» 
name. 

2  Merckindize) — Ver.  1.  "  Mercimoniis."  Mercury  was  the  God  of  trading 
and  merchandize,  and  was  said  to  liave  received  his  name  from  the  Latin  wora 
*'  mprx."     See  the  tradesman's  prayer  to  him  in  the  Fasti  of  Ovid,  B.  v.,  1.  682. 

'  With  joyous  news) — Ver.  8.  Mercury  was  the  messenger  of  tlie  Gods,  and, 
therefore,  tlie  patron  of  messengers;  and.  if  we  may  so  say,  the  God.  of  Xews^ 

b2 


AMPIIITETON 


to  you,  things  whicli  in  especial  are  for  your  common  interest 
(for  already  do  you  know,  indeed,  that  it  has  been  given  and  as- 
signed to  me  by  the  other  Divinities,  to  preside  over  news  and 
profit)  :  as  you  would  wish  me  to  favour  and  -promote  these 
things,  that  lasting  gain  may  ever  be  forthcoming  for  you,  so 
shall  you  give  silence  for  this  play,  and  so  shall  you  be  fair  and 
upright  judges  here,  all  of  you.  Now,  by  whose  command, 
and  for  what  reason  1  am  come,  I'll  tell  you,  and  at  the 
same  time,  myself,  I  will  disclose  my  name.  By  the  command 
of  Jupiter  I  am  come ;  my  name  is  Mercury^.  My  father  has 
sent  me  hither  to  you  to  entreat,  although,  what  should  as  his 
commands  be  enjoined  on  you,  he  knew  that  you  would  do, 
inasmuch  as  he  knew  full  well  that  you  venerate  and  fear 
himself,  as  is  befitting  Jupiter.  But,  certainly,  he  bade  me 
ask  this  of  you  with  entreaty,  in  gentle  tones,  and  in  bland 
accents.  For,  in  fact,  this  Jupiter,  by  whose  command  I  am 
come,  dreads  a  mishap^  not  less  than  any  one  of  you.  Born 
of  a  mortal  mother,  a  mortal  sire,  it  is  not  reasonable  to  be 
surprised  if  he  has  apprehensions  for  himself.  And  I  too,  as 
well,  who  am  the  son  of  Jupiter,  through  my  relationship  to  my 
father,  stand  in  dread  of  ill.  Therefore,  in  peace  am  1  come 
to  you,  and  peace  do  I  bring.  I  wish  a  thing  to  be  asked  of 
you  that's  reasonable  and  feasible ;  for,  reasonable  things  to 
ash  o/the  reasonable,  a  reasonable  mediator  have  I  been  sent. 
Eor  from  the  reasonable  it  is  not  right  to  ask  things  unrea- 
sonable ;  whereas  from  the  unreasonable  to  ask  things  reason- 
able, is  sheer  folly,  since  these  unrighteous  persons  are  ignorant 
of  what  is  right,  and  observe  it  not.  Now  tlien,  all  lend  your 
attention  here  to  the  things  which  I  shall  say.  What  we  wish, 
you  ought  to  wish  as  luell :  both  I  and  my  father  have  well 
"deserved  of  you  and  of  your  state.  But  why  should  I  men- 
tion how  in  Tragedies  I  have  seen  others,  such  as  Neptune, 
Valour,  Victory,  Mars,  Bellona,  making  mention  of  the  good 
services  which  they  had  done  you  ?  Of  all  these  benefits,  the 
ruler  of  the  Deities,  my  sire,  -ras  the  founder.     But  this  has 

1  My  name  is  Mercury) — Ver.  19.  There  seems  hardly  any  reason  why  he 
should  disclose  his  name,  after  having,  by  au  enumeration  of  his  attributes,  in- 
formed the  Audience  who  he  is. 

2  A  mishap) — Ver.  27.  "  Malum."  This  word  probably  signifies  here  the  cor- 
poral punishment  which  was  inflicted  on  the  slaves.  It  has  been  already  remarked 
that  the  actors  were  mostly  slaves,  and  punishment  ensued  on  tbeir  displeasing  the 
Audience. 


OR,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE  5 

never  been  tlie  habit  of  my  father,  to  throw  in  your  teeth  what 
good  he  has  done  unto  the  good.  He  thinks  that  this  is 
gratefully  returned  by  you  to  him,  and  that  he  bestows  these 
blessings  on  you  deservedly,  which  he  does  bestow.  Now,  the 
matter  which  I  came  here  to  ask,  I'll  first  premise,  after  that 
I'll  tell  the  subject  of  this  Tragedy.  "Why  have  you  con- 
tracted your  brows  ?  Is  it  because  I  said  that  this  would  be  a 
Tragedy  ?  I  am  a  God,  and  I'll  change  it.  This  same,  if  you 
wish  it,  from  a  Tragedy  I'll  make  to  be  a  Comedy,  with  all 
the  lines  the  same.  Whether  would  ye  it  were  so,  or  not  ? 
But  I'm  too  foolish  ;  as  though  I  didn't  know,  who  am  a  God, 
that  you  so  wish  it ;  upon  this  subject  I  understand  what  your 
feelings  are.  I'll  make  this  to  be  a  mixture — a  Tragi-comedy^. 
Eor  me  to  make  it  entirely  to  be  a  Comedy,  where  Kings  and 
Gods  appear,  I  do  not  deem  right.  What  then  ?  Since  here 
the  servant  has  a  part  as  well,  just  as  I  said,  I'll  make  it  to  be 
a  Tragi-comedy.  Now  Jupiter  has  ordered  me  to  beg  this  of 
you,  that  the  inspectors^  should  go  among  each  of  the  seats 
throughout  the  whole  theatre^,  amid  the  spectators,  that,  if 
they  should  see  any  suborned  applauders  of  any  actor,  there 
should  in  the  theatre  be  taken  away  from  them  the  pledge  of 
their  coats,  as  a  security  for  their  good  hehaviour.  But  if  any 
should  solicit  the  palm  of  victory  for  the  actors,  or  if  for  any 
artist,  whether  by  written  letters,  or  whether  any  person  him- 
self should  ^oYicit  personally,  or  whether  by  messenger ;  or  Vj 
the  ^diles,  too,  should  unfairly  adjudge  to  any  one  the  re- 
icard ;  Jupiter  has  commanded  the  law  to  be  the  same  as  if  he 
had  sought  by  solicitation  an  appointment  for  himself  or  for 

*  A  Tragi-comedy) — Ver.  59.  "  Tragico-comoedia."  This  is  said  to  be  the  only 
occasion  in  which  Tragi-iomedy  is  mentioned  by  any  of  the  ancient  authors. 
Plautus  does  not,  however,  use  tlie  tei-m  in  the  sense  which  we  apply  to  it.  Gods 
being  generally  introduced  into  Tragedy  alone,  but  here  taking  part  in  a  Comedy 
he  thinks  it  may  be  fairly  called  a  Tragi-comedy,  or  a  Comedy  with  the  characters 
of  Tragedy.  This  play  is  thought  by  some  to  have  been  borrowed  from  the 
writings  of  Epicharmus,  the  Sicilian  dramatist. 

2  The  inspectors) — Ver.  65-  To  the  actor  who  was  considered  to  give  the  most 
satisfaction  to  tiie  Audience,  it  was  customary  for  the  ^diles  to  present  a  reward, 
which  they  were  bound  to  do  without  partiality.  Officers,  called  "  conquisitores,' 
were  consequently  employed  to  go  ab  )Ut  the  "  cavea,"  or  part  of  the  theatre 
where  the  Audience  sat,  to  see  that  there  were  no  persons  likely  to  have  been  hired 
for  the  purpose  of  applauding  a  particular  actor. 

»  WhoU  theatre) — Ver.  6J6.  "  Cavea."  Literally,  "  the  seats"  or  "  becdu's'' 
wnere  the  Audie*u<a  sat. 


6  amphithtoi?-  j 

another.  By  valour  lias  he  declared  that  you  exist  as  victors, 
not  by  canvassing  or  unfair  dealing.  Why  any  the  less  should 
there  be  the  same  principle  for  the  player,  which  there  is  for 
the  greatest  man  ?  By  merit,  not  by  favourers,  ought  we  to 
seek  our  ends.  He  who  does  aright  has  ever  favourers  enough, 
if  there  is  honesty  in  them  in  whose  disposal  this  matter^  rests. 
This,  too,  he  directed  me  likewise  in  his  injunctions,  that 
there  should  be  inspectors  over  the  players ;  that,  he  who 
Bhould  have  procured  suborned  persons  to  applaud  himself,  or 
Ae  who  should  have  contrived  for  another  give  less  satib- 
^tiou,  from  the  same  they  might  strip  off  his  dress  and 
leather^  mask-  I  don't  wish  you  to  be  surprised,  for  what 
reason  Jupiter  now  concerns  himself  about  actors.  Don't 
be  surprised,  Jupiter  himself  is  about  to  take  part  in  this 
play.  Why  are  you  wondering  at  this  ?  As  though,  indeed, 
a  new  thing  were  now  mentioned,  that  Jupiter  takes  to  the 
calling  of  a  player.  But  a  year  since^,  when  here  on  the 
stage  the  actors  invoked  Jupiter,  he  came ;  he  aided  them. 
Besides,  surely  in  Tragedy  he  has  a  place.  This  play,  I  say, 
Jupiter  liimself  will  take  a  part  in  this  day,  and  I  together 
with  him.  Now  do  you  give  attention  while  1  shall  relate 
to  you  the  subject  of  this  Comedy. 

This  city  is  Thebes ;  in  that  house  there  ^pointing),  Am- 
phitryon* dwells,  born  at  Argos,  of  an  Argive  sire;  whose 

1  This  matter) — Ver.  80.  The  award  of  the  prize. 

2  Leather) — Ver.  85.  "  Corium."  It  is  a  matter  of  doubt  whether  this  word 
means  the  "  persona,"  or  "  leather  mask"  worn  by  the  actors,  or  the  actor's  own 
hide  or  skin,  which  would  suffer  on  his  being  flogged. 

'  A  year  since) — Ver.  91.  It  is  conjectured  that  he  is  here  dealing  a  hit  at  some 
Poet  who  had  recently  introduced  Jupiter  on  the  stage,  perliaps  in  an  awkward 
manner  or  at  an  untimely  moment — not  as  taking  part  himself  in  tlie  piece,  but  at 
the  prayer  of  some  one  of  the  characters.  Horace  reprehends  a  similar  practice 
in  his  time:  "Nee  Deus  intersit,  nisi  dignus  vindice  nodus;"  meaning,  that  a 
Deity  may  only  be  introduced  when  the  circumstances  are  such  as  to  warrant  Ijis 
interference. 

♦  Amphitryon) — ^Ver.  98.  Perseus  was  the  son  of  Jupiter  and  Danae.  By  An- 
dromeda, he  was  the  father  of  Alcaeus,  Sthenelus,  Nestor,  and  Electryon.  Alcaeus 
was  the  father  of  Amphitryon,  while  Electryon  was  the  father  of  Alcmena,  by 
I.ysidice,  the  daughter  of  Pelops.  Amphitryon,  having  accidentally  slain  Elec- 
tryon, fled  with  liis  daughter  Alcmena,  who  had  been  betrothed  to  him,  to  the 
court  of  Creon,  King  of  Thebes.  The  brother  of  Alcmena  having  been  slain 
by  the  Teleboans  or  Taphians,  who  inhabited  certain  islands  on  the  coast  ot 
Acarnania,  Amphitryon  undertook  an  expedition  against  them,  at  the  head  of  Ui« 
forces  of  Creon. 


OE,  JFPITER  IN  DISGUISE.  7 

wife  is  Alcmena,  daughter  of  Electryon.  This  Amph-iryon  is 
now  the  general  of  the  Thehan  troops ;  for  between  the  Tele- 
boans  and  the  Theban  people  there  is  war.  He,  before  he  de- 
parted hence  for  the  expedition,  left  his  wife  Alcmena  pregnant. 
But  I  believe  that  you  already  know  how  iny  father  is  disposed 
how  free  in  these  affairs  he  has  been,  and  how  great  a  lover  of 
many  a  woman,  if  any  object  once  has  captivated  him.  Un- 
known to  her  husband,  he  began  to  love  Alcmena,  and  took 
temporary  possession  of  her  person  for  himself,  and  made  her 
pregnant,  too,  by  his  embrace.  Now,  that  more  fully  you  may 
understand  the  matter  with  respect  to  Alcmena,  she  is  preg- 
nant by  both  ;  both  by  her  husband  and  by  supreme  Jupiter 
And  my  father  is  now  lying  here  {he points  to  the  house)  in-doors 
with  her ;  and  for  this  reason  is  this  night  made  longer,  while 
he  is  taking  this  pleasure  with  her  whom  he  desires.  But  he 
lias  so  disguised  himself,  as  though  he  were  Amphitryon. 
Now,  that  you  may  not  be  surprised  at  this  dress  of  mine,  in- 
asmuch as  I  have  come  out  here  this  way  in  servile  garb,  an  an- 
<3ient  and  an  antique  circumstance,  made  new,  will  I  relate  to 
you,  by  reason  of  which  I  have  come  to  you  attired  in  this  new 
fashion  ;  for  lo !  my  father  Jupiter,  now  in  the  house,  changes 
himself  into  the  likeness  of  Amphitryon,  and  all  the  servants 
who  see  him  think  it  is  he,  so  shifting  in  his  shape  does  he 
render  himself  when  he  chooses.  I  have  taken  on  myself  the 
form  of  the  servant  Sosia,  who  has  gone  hence  together  with 
Amphitryon  on  the  expedition,  that  I  may  be  able  to  serve 
my  father  in  his  amour,  and  that  the  servants  may  not  be 
enquiring  who  I  am,  when  they  see  me  here  frequenting  oft  the 
house.  Now,  as  they  will  suppose  me  a  servant  and  their 
fellow-seiTant,  not  any  otio  will  enquire  who  I  am,  or  why  I'm 
come.  My  father,  now  in-doors,  is  gratifying  his  inclination, 
and  is  embracing  her  of  whom  he  is  especially  enamoured. 
What  has  been  done  there  at  the  army,  my  father  \^  now  re- 
lating to  Alcmena.  She,  who  really  is  with  a  paramour,  thinks 
that  he  is  her  own  husband.  There,  my  father  is  now  relating 
how  he  has  routed  the  legions  of  the  enemy ;  how  he  has  been 
enriched  with  abundant  gifts.  Those  gifts  which  there  were 
given  to  Amphitryon,  we  have  carried  off;  what  he  pleases,  my 
father  easily  performs.  Now  will  Amphitryon  come  hither  this 
day  from  the  army,  his  servant  too,  whose  form  I  am  bearing. 
Kow,  that  you  may  be  able  the  more  easily  to  dist  JiguisU 


8  AMPHITEION;  Act  1. 

between  us,  I  always  shall  carr}'  these  little  wings  here 
{pointing)  upon  my  broad-brimmed  cap ;  then  besides,  for  my 
father  there  will  be  a  golden  tuft  beneath  his  cap  ;  that  mark 
will  not  be  upon  Amphitryon.  These  marks  no  one  of  these 
domestics  will  be  able  to  see ;  but  you  will  see  them.  But 
yonder  is  Sosia,  the  servant  of  Amphitryon ;  he  is  now  coming 
yonder  from  the  harbour,  with  a  lantern.  I  will  now  drive 
him,  as  he  arrives,  away  from  the  house.  Attend,  it  will  be 
worth  the  while  of  you  spectators,  for  Jupiter  and  Mercury 
to  perform  here  the  actors'  part. 

Act  I. — ScEKE  I. 
Enter  Sosia,  with  a  Lantern. 
Sos.  {to  himself).  "What  other  person  is  there  more  bold 
than  I,  or  who  more  stout  of  heart,  who  know  the  humours 
of  young  men^,  and  who  am  walking  at  this  hour  of  night 
alone  ?  What  shall  I  do,  if  now  the  officers  of  the  watch^ 
should  thrust  me  into  prison.  To-morrow  shall  I  be  dealt  out; 
from  there^,  just  as  though  from  a  store-closet,  for  a  whipping ; 
nor  will  it  be  allowed  me  to  plead  my  cause,  nor  will  there  be 
a  bit  of  aid  from  my  master ;  nor  will  there  be  a  person  but 
that  they  will  imagine,  all  of  them,  that  I  am  deserving.  And 
so  will  eight  sturdy  fellows  be  thumping  on  wretched  me  just 
like  an  anvil ;  in  this  way,  just  come  from  foreign  parts,  I  shall 
be  received  with  hospitality  by  the  public.  The  inconsiderate- 
ness  of  my  master  compels  me  to  this,  who  has  packed  me  off 
from  the  harbour  at  this  time  of  night  whether  I  would  or  no. 
Couldn't  he  as  well  have  sent  me  here  by  daylight  ?  For  this 
reason,  is  servitude  to  a  man  of  high  station  a  greater  hardship ; 

•  Of  young  men) — Ver.  154.  He  alludes  to  the  broils  of  the  night,  occasioned 
by  the  vagaries  of  wild  and  dissolute  young  men — perhaps  not  much  unlike  the 
ilohawks,  whose  outrageous  pranks  are  mentioned  in  the  Spectator  and  Swift's 
Journal  to  Stella. 

«  Officers  of  the  watch)— Ver.  155.  Literally,  the  "  Tresviri."  As  usual, 
though  the  Scene  is  laid  in  Greece,  Roman  usages  are  introduced  by  Plautus. 
The  officers  here  mentioned  were  called  "  nocturni  Tresviri,"  It  was  their  pro- 
vince to  take  up  all  suspicious  characters  found  abroad  during  the  night.  They 
were  a.".tended,  probably,  by  lictors,  or  subordinate  officers,  who  are  here  referred 
to  as    '  homines  octo  validi,"  "  eight  sturdy  fiellows." 

*  Dealt  Old  from  there)— Yer.  156.  He  compares  the  gaol,  or  place  of  confine- 
ment, to  a  store-closet,  and  means  to  say.  that  as  food  is  brought  thence  to  be 
dressed,  so  shall  he  be  brought  from  the  gaol  to  be  dressed,  in  tiie  way  of  havuyi 
iua  l)ack  lashed. 


Sc.  I.  OE,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE.  9 

for  this  reason  is  the  servant  of  a  wealthy  man  the  mora 
wretched:  both  night  and  day,  without  ceasing,  there  is 
enough,  and  more  than  enough  of  work  for  him ;  for  doing  or 
for  saying  occasion  is  ever  arising,  so  that  you  can't  be  at 
rest.  The  master,  abounding  in  servants^,  and  free  from 
labour  himself,  thinks  that  whatever  he  happens  to  choose, 
can  be  done ;  he  thinks  that  just,  and  reckons  not  what  the 
labour  is ;  nor  will  he  ever  consider  whether  he  commands  a 
thing  that's  reasonable  or  unreasonable.  "Wherefore,  in  ser- 
vitude many  hardships  do  befall  us ;  in  pain  this  burden  must 
be  borne  and  endured. 

Merc,  {to  the  Audience).  'Twere  with  better  reason  for 
me  to  complain  of  servitude  after  this  fashion ;  I,  who  to-day 
was  free,  and  whom  my  father  is  now  employing  as  a  slave : 
this  fellow  is  complaining,  who  was  born  a  slave. 

Sos.  (to  himself).  Eeally  I  am  a  rascal  beyond  a  doubt ; 
for  only  this  moment  it  has  suggested  itself  to  me,  that  on 
my  arrival  I  should  give  thanks,  and  address  the  Gods  for  their 
kindnesses  vouchsafed.  For  surely,  by  my  troth,  if  they  were 
only  desirous  to  give  me  a  return  according  to  my  deserts,  they 
would  commission  some  person  on  my  arrival  soundly  to  box 
my  ears,  since  those  kindnesses  which  they  have  done  me  I 
have  held  as  worthless  and  of  no  value. 

Merc,  {apart).  He  does  what  people  are  not  generally  in 
the  habit  of  doing,  in  knowing  what  his  deserts  are. 

Sos.  {to  himself).  "What  I  never  expected,  nor  any  one  else 
of  my  townsmen,  to  befall  him,  that  same  has  come  to  pass,  for 
us  to  come  home  safe  and  sound.  Victorious,  the  enemy  con- 
quered, the  troops  are  returning  home,  this  very  mighty  war 
brought  to  an  end,  and  the  enemy  slain.  A  city  that  haa 
caused  many  a  bitter  death  for  the  Theban  people,  that  same 
has  been  conquered  by  the  strength  and  valour  of  our  sol- 
diers, and  taken  by  storm,  under  the  command  and  conduct 
of  my  master  Amphitryon  in  especial.  With  booty,  terri- 
tory, and  glory2,  too,  has  he  loaded  his  fellow-citizens,  and 
for  Creon,  King  of  Thebes,  has  he  firmly  fixed  his  sway. 
From  the  harbour  he  has  sent  me  before  him  to  his  house 

•  Abounding  in  servants) — Ver.  170.  "Dives  operis."  Literally,  "rich  in  la- 
bour," abounding  in  slaves  to  labour  for  hira. 

2  And  glory)— Sfbt.  193.  "  Adorea."  Tliis  was  literally  the  allowance  or  largesi 
of  corn  which  was  distributed  a  troops  after  a  victory ;  hence  it  f^uratively  sijj- 
nifies  "  honor"  or  "^lory." 


10  AMPHITRYON-  ^  Act  I, 

that  I  may  bear  these  tidings  to  his  wife,  how  he  has  pro- 
moted the  public  good  by  his  guidance,  conduct,  and  com- 
mand. This  now  will  I  consider,  in  what  manner  I  shall 
address  her,  when  I've  arrived  there.  If  I  tell  a  falsehood.  I 
shall  be  doing  as  I  am  accustomed  after  my  usual  wont; 
for  when  they  were  fighting  with  all  their  might,  then  with 
all  my  might  I  ran  away.  But  still  I  shall  pretend  as  though 
I  was  present,  and  I'll  tell  her  what  I  heard.  But  in  what 
manner  and  with  what  expressions  it  is  right  for  me  to  tell 
my  story,  I  still  wish  first  to  consider  here  with  myself.  {He 
assumes  an  attitude  of  thougJit.)  In  these  terms  will  I  give 
this  narrative.  "  In  the  first  place,  when  we  arrived  there,  when 
first  we  made  land,  Amphitryon  immediately  made  choice  of 
the  powerful  men  among  the  chieftains.  Those  he  despatched 
on  the  embassy,  and  bade  them  tell  his  mind  to  the  Tele- 
boans ;  that  if  without  constraint  and  without  warfare  they 
sliould  be  ready  to  deliver  up  what  was  plundered  and  the 
plunderers,  and  if  they  should  he  ready  to  restore  what  they 
had  carried  off,  he  would  immediately  conduct  the  army  home- 
wards, that  the  Greeks  would  depart  from  their  territory,  and 
that  he  would  grant  peace  and  quietness  to  them  :  but  if  they 
should  be  otherwise  disposed,  and  not  concede  the  things  which 
he  demanded,  he,  m  consequence,  would  attack  their  city 
with  extreme  violence  and  with  his  men.  When  the  embassa- 
dors had  repeated  these  things,  which  Amphitryon  liad  en- 
joined, in  order  to  the  Teleboans,  being  men  stout  of  heart, 
relying  on  their  valour,  and  confident  in  their  prowess,  they 
rebuked  our  embassadors  very  rudely.  They  answered  that 
they  were  able  in  warfare  to  protect  themselves  and  theirs,  and 
that  at  once  tliey  must  lead  the  army  with  all  haste  out  of  their 
territories.  When  the  embassadors  brought  back  this  mes- 
sage, straightway  Amphitryon  drew  out  all  his  army  from  the 
encampment ;  on  the  other  side,  the  Teleboans  led  forth  their 
legions  from  the  town,  furnished  with  most  gorgeous  arms. 
After  they  had  gone  forth  on  either  side  in  full  array,  the 
soldiers  were  marshalled,  the  ranks  were  formed.  We,  after 
our  manner  and  usage,  drew  up  our  legions  ;  the  enemy,  too, 
drew  up  their  legions  facing  us.  Then  either  general  went  forth 
into  the  mid-space  beyond  the  throng  of  the  ranks,  and  they 
parleyed  together.  It  was  agreed  between  them,  that,  which 
ever  side  should  be  conquered  in  that  battle,  they  should  sur- 
render UP  their  city,  lands,  altars,  hearths,  and  theraselvea. 


Sc.  I.  OE,  JUPITER  I>"  DISGUISE.  U 

After  that  was  done,  the  trumpets  on  either  side  gave  the 
signal;  the  earth  re-echoed,  they  raised  a  shout  on  either 
side.  Each  general,  both  upon  this  side  and  on  that,  offered 
vows  to  Jupiter,  and  then  encouraged  his  troops.  Each  man 
according  to  his  ability  does  that  which  each  one  can  and  has 
the  strength  to  do  ;  he  smites  with  his  fVilchion ;  the  weapons 
crash ;  the  welkin  bellows  with  the  uproar  of  the  men ; 
of  breaths  and  pantings  a  cloud  is  formed;  men  fall  by 
wounds  inflicted  by  men.  At  length,  as  we  desired,  our 
troops  conquered ;  the  foe  fell  in  numbers  ;  ours,  on  the  other 
hand,  pressed  on ;  firm  in  our  strength,  we  were  victorious. 
But  still  not  one  betook  himself  to  flight,  nor  yet  gave  way 
at  his  post,  but  standing  there^  he  waged  the  combat.  Sooner 
than  quit  the  spot,  tliey  parted  with  their  lives ;  each,  as  he 
stood,  lay  there  and  kept  his  rank  in  death.  When  my  master 
Amphitryon  saw  this,  at  once  he  ordered  the  cavalry  on  the 
right  to  charge.  The  cavalry  obeyed  directly ;  from  the  right 
wing,  with  a  tremendous  shout,  with  brisk  onset  they  rushed 
on  ;  and  rightfully  did  they  slaughter  and  trample  down  the 
impious  forces  of  the  foe." 

Merc,  (apart).  Not  even  one  word  of  these  has  he  yet 
uttered  correctly ;  for  I  was  there  in  the  battle  personally, 
and  my  father  too,  wlien  it  was  fought. 

Sos.  {continuing).  "  The  enemy  betook  themselves  to  flight. 
Then  was  new  spirit  added  to  our  men,  the  Teleboans 
flying,  -with  darts  were  their  bodies  filled,  and  Amphi- 
tryon himself,  with  his  own  hand,  struck  off  the  head  of 
Pterelas  their  king.  This  battle  was  being  fought  there 
even  from  the  morning  till  the  evening.  This  do  I  the  better 
remember  for  this  reason  ;  because  on  that  day  I  went  with- 
out my  breakfast.  But  night  at  last,  by  its  interposing, 
cut  short  this  combat.  The  next  day,  the  chiefs  came  weep- 
ing from  the  city  to  us  at  the  camp.  With  covered  hands^, 
they  entreated  us  to  pardon  their  offences ;  and  they  all  sur- 

*  Standing  tJiere) — Ver.  239.  This  seems  to  be  the  true  meaning  of  "  statim"  in 
this  passage. 

-  With  covered  hands) — Ver.  257.  He  alludes  here  to  the  carrying  of  the  "  ve- 
lamenta,"  which  were  branches  of  olive,  surrounded  with  bandages  of  wool,  and 
held  in  the  hands  of  those  who  sued  for  mercy  or  pardon.  The  wool  covered  th« 
hand,  and  was  emblematical  of  peace,  the  hand  being  thereby  rendered  powerleat 
to  effect  mischief. 


12  AMPniTETON ;  Act  L 

rendered  up  themselves,  and  all  things  divine  and  human, 
tlieir  citr  and  their  childreji,  into  the  possession  and  unto  the 
disposal  of  the  Theban  people.  Lastly,  by  reason  of  his  va- 
lour, a  golden  goblet  was  presented  to  my  master  Amphitryon, 
from  which  king  Pterelas^  had  been  used  to  drink."  These 
things  I'll  thus  tell  my  mistress.  I'll  now  proceed  to  obey 
my  master's  order  and  to  betake  me  home.     {He  moves.) 

Merc,  {apart).  Heyday!  he's  about  to  come  tliis  way; 
I'll  go  meet  him  ;  and  I'll  not  permit  this  fellow  at  any  time 
to-day  to  approach  this  house.  Since  1  have  his  form  upon 
myself,  I'm  resolved  to  play  the  fellow  off.  And  indeed, 
since  I  have  taken  upon  me  his  figure  and  his  station,  it  is 
right  for  me  likewise  to  have  actions  and  manners  like  to  his. 
Therefore  it  befits  me  to  be  artful,  crafty,  very  cunning,  and 
by  his  own  weapon,  artfulness,  to  drive  him  from  the  door. 
But  what  means  this  ?  He  is  looking  up  at  the  sky.  I'll 
watch  what  scheme  he's  about. 

Sos.  {looki?iff  up  at  the  sky).  Upon  my  faith,  for  sure,  if 
there  is  aught  besides  that  I  believe,  or  know  for  cer- 
tain, I  do  believe  that  this  night  the  God  of  Night^  has 
gone  to  sleep  drunk ;  for  neither  does  the  Wain  move 
itself  in  any  direction  in  the  sky,  nor  does  the  Moon 
bestir  herself  anywhere  from  where  she  first  arose ;  nor 
does  Orion^,  or  tlie  Evening  Star^,  or  the  Pleiades,  set.     In 

'  King  Pterelas) — Ver.  261.  Pterela,  or  Pterelas,  was  the  son  of  Hippothoe,  the 
cousin  of  Amphitryon  and  Alcinena.  He  had  a  daugliter  named  Cymetho,  or 
Cometho,  and  his  fate  was  said  to  depend  upon  the  preservation  of  a  certain  lock 
of  his  hair.  Cymetho,  smitten  with  love  for  Amphitryon,  or,  according  to  some 
accounts,  for  Cephalus,  his  associate  in  the  enterprise,  cut  off  tiie  fatal  lock,  and, 
like  Scylla,  betrayed  her  father,  who  was  afterwards  slain  by  Amphitryon. 

2  God  of  Night) — Ver.  272.  "  Nocturnus"  is  generally  supposed  here  to  mean 
the  "  God  of  Kight,"  though  some  Commentators  have  fancied  that  by  it  tne 
Evening  Star  is  signified. 

3  Nor  does  Orion) — Ver.  275.  "  Jugula"  means  either  the  three  stars  composing 
the  girdle  of  Orion  or  the  Constellation  Orion  itself.  It  also  was  the  name  of  two 
Btars  in  the  Constellation  Cancer,  or  the  Crab,  which  were  also  called  "  Aselli,"  or 
"  the  Little  Asses."  The  plural,  "  Jugulse,"  is  more  generally  used.  "  Septen- 
triones"  was  a  name  of  the  "  Ursa  Major,"  or  "  Greater  Bear,"  also  called  by  us 
*^  Charles's  Wain."  It  received  its  name  from  "  septem,"  "  seven,"  and  "  ter- 
riones,"  "  oxen  that  ploughed  the  earth,"  from  its  fancied  resemblance  to  a  string 
of  oxen. 

*  The  Evening  Star) — Ver.  275.  "  Vesperugo"  is  a  name  of  Hesperus,  or  the 
Evening  Star ;  while  the  Constellation  c  f  the  Pleiades  was  sometimes  known  bj  tb« 
oame  of  '•  Vergiiiae." 


Sc.  1.  OK,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE.  13 

siicli  a  fashion  are  the  stars  standing  stv.  ck-still,  and  the 
night  is  yielding  not  a  jot  to  the  day. 

Merc,  (apart).  Go  on,  Night,  as  you've  begun,  and  pay 
obedience  to  my  father.  In  best  style^,  the  best  of  services 
are  you  performing  for  the  best  of  beings ;  in  giving  this,  you 
reap  a  fair  return. 

Sob.  (to  himself).  I  do  not  think  that  I  have  ever  seen  a 
longer  night  than  this,  except  one  of  like  fashion,  which  live- 
long night  I  was  hanging  up,  having  been  first  whipped. 
Even  that  as  well,  by  my  troth,  does  this  one  by  far  exceed 
in  its  length.  I'  faith,  I  really  do  believe  that  the  Sun's 
asleep,  and  is  thoroughly  drenched.  It's  a  wonder  to  me  if 
he  hasn't  indulged  himself  a  little  too  much  at  dinner.    • 

Merc,  (apart).  Do  you  really  say  so,  you  scoundrel  ?  Do  you 
think  that  the  Gods  are  like  yourself  ?  I'  faith,  you  hang-dog, 
I'll  entertain  you  for  these  speeches  and  misdeeds  of  yours ; 
only  come  this  way,  will  you,  and  you'll  find  your  ruin. 

Sos.  (to  himself).  Where  are  those  wenchers,  who  unwil- 
lingly lie  a-bed  alone?  A  rare  night  this  for  making  the 
best  of  what  was  a  bad  bargain  at  first^. 

Merc,  (apart).  My  father  then,  according  to  this  fellow's 
words,  is  doing  rightly  and  wisely,  who  in  his  amorousness, 
indulging  his  passion,  is  lying  in  the  embraces  of  Alcmena. 

Sos.  (to  himself).  I'll  go  tell  Alcmena,  as  my  master 
ordered  me.  (Advancing,  he  discovers  Mercury.)  But  who 
is  this  fellow  that  I  see  before  the  house  at  this  time  of  night  ? 
I  don't  like  it. 

Merc,  (aside).  There  is  not  in  eanstence  another  such  cow- 
ardly fellow  as  this. 

Sos.  (aside).  Noio,  when  I  think  of  it,  this  fellow  wishes 
to  take  my  mantle  off  once  more^. 

Merc,  (aside).  The  fellow's  afraid ;  I'll  have  some  sport 
with  him. 

Sos.  (aside).  I'm  quite  undone,  my  teeth  are  chattering. 
For  sure,  on  ray  arrival,  he  is  about  to  receive  me  with  the 

>  In  best  style) — ^Ver.  278.  "  Optnmo  optume  optumam  operam."  There  is  a 
clumsy  attempt  at  vnt  in  this  alliteration. 

2  Bad  bargain  at  first) — Ver.  288.  This  line  has  been  a  little  modified  in  the 
translation. 

^  Take  my  mantle  off  once  more) — Ver.  294.  "  Detexere."  This  term  was 
properly  applied  to  the  act  of  taking  cloth,  when  woven,  fnwn  off  the  loom.  Sosia 
here  nses  it  in  the  sense  ol  stripping  himself  of  it. 


1  It  AMPHITEYON  *,  Act  1 

hospitality  of  his  fist.  He's  a  merciful  person,  I  suppose ;  now, 
because  my  master  has  obliged  me  to  keep  awake,  with  his 
fists  just  now  he'll  be  making  me  go  to  sleep.  I'm  most 
confoundedly  undone.  Troth  now,  prithee,  looh,  how  big 
and  how  strong  he  is. 

Meec.  {aside).  I'U  talk  at  bim  aloud,  he  shall  hear  what 
I  say.  Therefore  indeed,  in  a  still  greater  degree,  shall  he 
conceive  fears  within  himself.  {In  a  loud  voice,  holding  up 
hisjlsts.)  Come,  fists,  it's  a  long  time  now  since  you  found 
provision  for  my  stomach ;  it  seems  to  have  taken  place  quite 
a  long  time  ago,  when  yesterday  you  laid  four  men  asleep, 
stript  naked. 

Sos.  {aside).  I'm  dreadfully  afraid  lest  I  should  be  chang- 
ing my  name  here,  and  become  a  Quintus^  instead  of  a  Sosia. 
He  declares  that  he  has  laid  four  men  asleep;  I  fear  lest  I 
should  be  adding  to  that  number. 

Meec.  {throwing  about  his  arms).  "Well,  now  then  for  it. 
This  is  the  way  I  intend. 

Sos.  {aside).  He  is  girded  tight;  for  sure,  he's  getting 
himself  ready. 

Meec.  He  shan't  get  off  without  getting  a  thrasliing.    . 

Sos.  {aside).  What  person,  /  wronger .''  Meec.  Beyond  a 
doubt,  whatever  person  comes  this  way,  he  shall  eat  my  fists. 

Sos.  {aside).  G-et  out  with  you,  I  don't  wish  to  eat  at  this 
time  of  night ;  I've  lately  dined.  Therefore  do  you,  if  you 
are  wise,  bestow  your  dinner  on  those  who  are  hungry. 

Meec.  The  weight  of  this  fist  is  no  poor  one. 

Sos.  {aside).  I'm  done  for;  he  is  poising  his  fists. 

Meec.  What  if  I  were  to  touch  him,  stroking  him  down^, 
80  that  he  may  go  to  sleep  ? 

Sos.  {aside).  You  would  be  proving  my  salvation ;  for  I've 
been  watching  most  confoundedly  these  three  nights  running^. 

>  A  Quintus) — Ver.  305.  This  is  a  poor  attempt  at  wit.  Mercury  tells  his  fists 
that  they  thraslied  four  men  into  a  lethargy  yesterday  \  on  wliich  Sosia,  in  liis 
apprehension,  says  that  in  that  case  he  shall  have  to  change  liis  own  name  to 
"Quintus;"  which  signified  "the  fifth,"  and  was  also  in  use  as  a  name  among 
the  Romans ;  implying  thereby  that  he  shall  be  the  fifth  to  be  so  mauled. 

2  Stroking  him  down) — Ver.  313.  He  probably  alludes  to  the  soporific  power  of 
his  "caduceus,"  or  "wand." 

'  Three  nights  running) — Ver.  314.  He  alludes  to  the  length  of  the  night, 
wliich  was  prolonged  by  Jupiter  for  the  purpose  of  his  intrigue.  According 
to  other  writers,  it  was  on  the  occasion  when  Hercules  was  begotten,  seveo 
months  betore  this  pe-iou,  that  three  nights  were  made  into  one. 


Sc.  I.  OR,  JUPITEE  IN  DISGUISE.  15 

Meec.  My  hand  refuses  to  learn  to  strike  his  cheek ;  it 
cannot  do  a  disgraceful  action.  Hand  of  mine,  of  a  changed 
form  must  he  become  whom  you  smite  with  this  fist. 

Sos.  {aside).  This  fellow  will  be  furbishing  me  up,  and 
be  moulding  my  face  anew. 

Merc,  {to  Msjist).  The  man  that  you  hit  full,  his  face 
must  surely  be  boned. 

Sos.  {aside).  It's  a  wonder  if  this  fellow  isn't  thinking  of 
boning  me  just  like  a  lamprey.  Away  with  a  fellow  that 
bones  people !     If  he  sees  me,  I'm  a  dead  man. 

Merc.  Some  fellow  is  stinking  to  his  destruction. 

Sos.  {aside?).  Woe  to  me !     Is  it  I  that  stink  ? 

Merc.  And  he  cannot  be  very  far  off;  but  he  has  been  a 
long  way  off  from  here. 

Sos.  {aside).  This  person's  a  wizard^. 

Merc.  My  fists  are  longing. 

Sos.  {aside).  If  you  are  going  to  exercise  them  upon  me, 
I  beg  that  you'll  first  cool  them  down  against  the  wall. 

Merc.  A  voice  has  come  flying  to  my  ears. 

Sos.  {aside).  Unlucky  fellow,  for  sure,  was  I,  who  didn't 
clip  its  wings.     I've  got  a  voice  with  wings,  it  seems. 

Merc.  This  fellow  is  demanding  of  me  for  himself  a  heavy 
punishment  for  his  beast's  back^. 

Sos.  {aside?).  As  for  me,  I've  got  no  beast's  back. 

Merc.  He  must  be  well  loaded  with  my  fists. 

Sos.  {aside).  V  faith,  I'm  fatigued,  coming  from  board  ship, 
when  I  was  brought  hither  ;  even  now  I'm  sea-sick.  "With- 
out a  burden,  I  can  liardly  creep  along,  so  don't  think  that 
with  a  load  I  can  go. 

Merc.  Why,  surely,  somebody^  is  speaking  here. 

Sos.  {aside).  I'm  all  right,  he  doesn't  see  me;  he  thinks 
it's  "  Somebody"  speaking:  Sosia  is  certainly  my  name. 

Merc.  But  here,  from  the  right-hand  aide,  the  voice,  as  it 
seems,  strikes  upon  my  ear. 

»  This  person's  a  wizard) — ^Ver.  323.  We  must  remember  that  this  is  supposed 
to  take  place  in  the  dark ;  and  Sosia  says  that  the  man  must  surely  be  a  wizard 
to  guess  that  another  person  is  so  near  him,  and  that  he  has  been  abroad  till  just 
now. 

2  His  beasfs  hack) — Ver.  327.  "  Jumento  suo."  Literally,  *'  on  his  beast  of 
burden." 

^Somebody) — Ver.  331.  " Nescio  quis."  Literally,  '*  I  know  not  who."  For 
the  sake  of  the  joke,  he  pretends  to  think  tliat  this  is  the  name  of  som«  one 
mentioned  by  Mercury  \  and  says  that  as  be  is  not  that  person,  lie  u  all  riclit. 


16  AMPHlTETOIf  ;  Act  1 

Sos.  (aside).  I'm  afraid  that  I  shall  be  getting  a  thrashing 
here  this  daj,  in  place  of  my  voice,  that's  striking  him. 
(Moves.) 

Meec.  Here  he  is — he's  coming  towards  me,  most  oppor- 
tunely. 

Sos.  (aside).  I'm  terrified — I'm  numbed  all  over.  Upon 
my  faith,  I  don't  know  where  in  the  world  I  now  am,  if  any 
one  should  ask  me ;  and  to  my  misfortune,  I  cannot  move 
myself  for  fright.  It's  all  up  with  me ;  the  orders  of  his 
master  and  Sosia  are  lost  together.  But  I'm  determined 
boldly  to  address  this  feUow  to  his  face,  so  that  I  may  be  able 
to  appear  valiant  to  him ;  that  he  may  keep  his  hands  off  me 
(Advances  towards  the  door.) 

Meec.  (accosting  him),  "Where  are  you  going,  you  that  are 
carrpng  Vulcan  enclosed  in  your  horn^  ? 

Sos.  Why  do  you  make  that  enquiry,  you  who  are  boning 
men's  heads  with  your  fists  ? 

Meec.  Are  you  slave  or  free  man  ? 

Sos.  Just  as  it  suits  my  inclination. 

Meec.  Do  you  really  say  so  ?     Sos.  I  really  do  say  so. 

Meec.  "VVhip-scoundreP !  Sos.  Now  you  are  telling 
a  lie. 

Meec.  But  I'll  soon  make  you  own  that  I*m  telling  the 
truth.     Sos.  What  necessity  is  there  for  it  ? 

Meec.  Can  I  know  whence  you  have  set  out,  whose  you 
are,  or  why  you  are  come  ? 

Sos.  (pointing).  This  way  I'm  going,  and  I'm  the  servant 
of  my  master.     Are  you  any  the  wiser  now  ? 

Meec.  I'U  this  day  make  you  be  holding  that  foul  tongue 
of  yours. 

Sos.  You  can't ;  it  is  kept  pure^  and  becomingly. 

Merc.  Do  you  persist  in  cliattering  ?  What  business  now 
have  you  at  this  house  ?  (Points  to  the  house.) 

*  Vukan  enclosed  in  your  horn) — ^Ver.  341 .  "  Volcannm  in  cornu.'*  Literally, 
"  Vulcan  in  your  horn ;"  alluding  to  the  horn  lantern  which  Sosia  is  carrying. 

2  Whip- scoundrel) — Ver.  344.  '*  Verbero."  This  word,  as  a  substantive,  pro- 
perly means  a  bad  slave,  who  had  been  whipped — "  a  rascal"  or  "  scoundrel."  As 
a  verb,  it  means  "  I  beat."  Sosia  chooses,  for  the  sake  of  the  quibble,  to  take  it  in 
the  latter  sense,  and  tells  Mercury  that  he  lies ;  meaning  to  say  that  he  (Mercury) 
s  not  beating  him  (Sosia). 

'  It  is  kept  pure)— Ver.  348.  It  is  ?:enerally  supposed  that  in  these  words 
indelicate  allusion  is  intendeds  but  it  is  not  so  universally  agreed  on  what 
nature  is. 


So.  T.  OE,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE.  17 

Sos.  Aye,  and  what  lusiness  have  you  ? 

Meec.  King  Creon  always  sets  a  watch  every  night. 

Sos.  He  does  right ;  because  we  were  abroad,  he  has  been 
protecting  our  house.  But  however,  do  go  in  now,  and  say 
that  some  of  the  family  servants  have  arrived. 

Meec.  How  far  you  are  one  of  the  family  servants  I 
don't  know.  But  unless  you  are  off  from  here  this  instant, 
family  servant  as  you  are,  I'll  make  you  to  be  received  in  no 
familiar  style. 

Sos,  Here,  I  say,  I  live,  and  of  these  people  I  am  the  servant. 

Meec.  But  do  you  understand  how  it  is  ?  Unless  you  are 
off,  I'll  make  you  to  be  exalted^  this  day. 

Sos.  In  what  way,  pray  ?  Meec.  You  shall  be  carried 
off,  you  shan't  walk  away,  if  I  take  up  a  stick. 

Sos.  But  I  declare  that  I  am  one  of  the  domestics  of  this 
family. 

Meec.  Consider,  will  you,  how  soon  you  want  a  drubbing, 
unless  you  are  off  from  here  this  instant. 

Sos.  Do  you  want,  as  I  arrive  from  foreign  parts,  to  drive 
me  from  my  home  ? 

Meec.  Is  this  your  home  ?     Sos.  It  is  so,  I  say. 

Meec.  "Who  is  your  master,  then  ? 

Sos.  Amphitryon,  who  is  now  the  general  of  the  Theban 
forces,  to  whom  Alcmena  is  married. 

Meec.  How  say  you  ?     What's  your  name  ? 

Sos.  The  Thebans  call  me  Sosia,  the  son  of  my  father 
Davus. 

Meec.  Assuredly,  at  your  peril  have  you  come  here  this 
day,  with  your  trumped-up  lies,  your  patched-up  knaveries, 
you  essence  of  effrontery. 

Sos.  Why  no,  it's  rather  with  garments  patched-up  that 
I'm  arrived  here,  not  with  knaveries. 

Meec.  Why,  you  are  lying  again;  you  come  with  your 
feet,  surely,  and  not  with  your  garments. 

Sos.  Yes,  certainly.  Meec.  Then  certainly  take  that  for 
your  lie.     {He  strikes  Mm.) 

Sos.  By  my  troth,  I  certainly  don't  wish  for  it  of  course. 

Meec.  But  by  my  faith,  joMCQvi^XvUj  shall  have  it  of  course, 

^  To  he  exdUed) — Ver.  357.  He  probably  means  by  this,  that  he  will  beat  hira 
to  such  a  degree  that  lie  will  be  obliged  to  be  carried  off,  either  dead  or  unable  ta 
move  a  limb — "  elevated"  on  the  shoulders  of  other  men. 
VOL.  II.  43 


Is  AMPHiTnToir ;  Act  i. 

whether  you  wish  or  not :  for,  in  fact,  this  is  certainly  my  de- 
termination, awi  it  is  not  at  your  own  option,  (jffe  strikes  him.^ 

Sos.  Mercy,  I  entreat  of  you. 

Meec.  Do  you  dare  to  say  that  you  are  Sosia,  when  I  my- 
self am  he  ?     (Strikes  Mm.) 

Sos.  (crying  at  the  top  of  his  voice).  I'm  being  murdered. 

Merc.  Why,  you  are  crying  out  for  a  trifle  as  yet,  com- 
pared with  what  it  will  be.     Whose  are  you  now  ? 

Sos.  Your  own  ;  for  with  your  fists  you  have  laid  hands 
on  me^.  Help,  help,  citizens  of  Thebes.  (Meecuey  strik- 
ing him  ^ 

Merc.  What,  still  bawling,  you  scoundrel  ?  Speak — wimt 
have  you  come  for?  Sos.  For  there  to  be  somebody  for 
you  to  belabour  with  your  fists. 

Merc.  Whose  are  you  ? 

Sos.  Amphitryon's  Sosia,  I  tell  you. 

Merc.  For  this  reason  then  you  shall  be  beaten  the  more, 
because  you  prate  thus  idly ;  I  am  Sosia,  not  you. 

Sos.  (aside).  I  wish  the  Gods  would  have  it  so,  that  you 
were  he  in  preference,  and  that  I  were  thrashing  you. 

Merc.  What,  muttering  still?     (Strikes  him). 

Sos.  I'll  hold  my  tongue  then. 

Merc.  Who  is  your  master  ?     Sos.  Whoever  you  like. 

Merc.  How  then  ?     What's  your  name  now  ? 

Sos.  Nothing  but  what  you  shall  command. 

Merc.  You  said  that  you  were  Amphitryon's  Sosia. 

Sos.  I  made  a  mistake ;  but  this  I  meant  to  say,  that  I  was 
Amphitryon's  associate^. 

Merc.  Why,  I  was  sure  that  we  had  no  servant  called  Sosia 
except  myself.     Your  senses  are  forsaking  you. 

Sos.  I  wish  that  those  fists  of  yours  had  done  so. 

Merc.  I  am  that  Sosia,  whom  you  were  just  now  telling 
me  that  you  are. 

Sos.  I  pray  that  I  may  be  allowed  to  discourse  with  you  in 
quietness,  so  as  not  to  be  beaten.  Merc.  Well  then,  let  there 
be  a  truce  for  a  short  time,  if  you  want  to  say  anything. 

'  Laid  hands  on  me) — Ver.  375.  "  Usufecistu"  "  Usufacere"  was  a  rerm  usea 
m  Iaw,  to  signify  the  taking  possession  of  a  thing  by  the  laying  of  hands  thereon. 
This,  Sosia  means  to  say,  Mercury  has  most  effectually  done. 

'  Asaociate) — Ver.  384.  This  poor  pun  is  founded  on  the  similarity  of  sound 
getween  Sosia  and  "  socius,"  a  "  companion"  or  "  associate. ' 


So.  1.  OK,  JUriTER  IN  DISGUISE.  19 

Sos.  I'll  not  speak  unless  peace  is  concluded,  since  you 
are  the  stronger  with  your  fists. 

Merc.  If  you  wish  to  say  anytliing,  speak  ;  I'll  not  hurt 
you.     Sos.  Am  I  to  trust  in  your  word  ? 

Meec.   Yes,  in  my  word.     Sos.  "What,  if  you  deceive  me? 

Merc.   Why,  then  may  Mercury  be  angry  with  Sosia^. 

Sos.  Then  give  attention :  now  I'm  at  liberty  to  say  in  free- 
dom anything  I  please.     I  am  Sosia,  servant  of  Amphitryon. 

Merc.  What,  again?     {Offering  to  strike  him.) 

Sos.  I  have  concluded  the  peace,  ratified  the  treaty — I 
speak  the  truth. 

Merc.  Take  that,  ^^ew.     {He  strikes  him.) 

Sos.  As  you  please,  and  what  you  please,  pray  do,  since  you 
are  the  stronger  with  your  fists.  But  whatever  you  shall  do, 
still,  upon  my  faith,  I  really  shall  not  be  silent  about  that. 

Merc.  So  long  as  you  live,  you  shall  never  make  me  to  be 
any  other  than  Sosia  at  this  moment. 

Sos.  I'  faith,  you  certainly  shall  never  make  me  to  be  any 
other  person  than  my  own  self;  and  besides  myself  we  have 
no  other  servant  of  the  name  of  Sosia — myself,  who  went 
hence  on  the  expedition  together  with  Amphitryon. 

Merc.  This  fellow  is  not  in  his  senses. 

Sos.  The  malady  that  you  impute  to  me,  you  have  that  same 
yourself.  How,  the  plague,  am  I  not  Sosia,  the  servant  of 
Amphitryon  ?  Has  not  our  ship,  which  brought  me,  arrived 
here  this  night  from  the  Persian  port^  ?  Has  not  my  master 
sent  me  here?  Am  I  not  now  standing  before  our  house? 
Have  I  not  a  lantern  in  my  hand  ?  Am  I  not  talking  ?  Am 
I  not  wide  awake  ?  Has  not  this  fellow  been  thumping  me 
with  his  fists  ?     By  my  troth^,  he  has  been  doing  so  ;  for  even 

>  Angry  with  Sosia) — Ver,  392.  There  is  something  comical  in  the  absurdity  of 
tliis  oath.  Mercury,  personating  Sosia,  says  that  if  he  breaks  it,  the  result  must 
be  that  Mercury  {i.e.,  himself)  will  be  angry  with  Sosia,  the  person  in  wJiose 
favour  he  is  pretending  to  take  the  oath. 

"^  The  Persian  port) — Ver.  404.  Piautus  is  here  guilty  of  an  anachronism ;  for 
the  "  Portus  Persi(!us,"  which  was  on  the  coast  of  Euboea,  was  so  called  from  the 
Persian  fleet  lying  there  on  the  occasion  of  the  expedition  to  Greece,  many  ages 
after  the  time  of  Amphitryon. 

3  By  my  troth) — Ver.  408.  "  Hercle."  Literally,  "  by  Hercules."  Hypercn- 
tical  Commentators  have  observed,  that  Piautus  is  guilty  in  this  Play  of  a  gran»- 
matical  anachronism,  in  putting  the  expletive,  "  Hercle,"  in  the  mouths  of  per- 
•0TJ8  at  a  time  when  Hercules  is  supposed  to  be  yet  unborn.    They  might  with 

c2 


20  AMPHITETOW  ;  Act  I- 

now,  to  my  pain,  my  cheeks  are  tingling.  Why,  then,  do 
I  hesitate  ?  Or  why  don't  I  go  in-doors  into  our  house  ? 
(JECe  makes  towards  the  door.) 

Meec.  {stepping  letween).  How — your  house? 

Sos.  Indeed  it  really  is  so. 

Meec.  Why,  all  that  you  have  been  saying  just  now,  you 
have  trumped  up  ;  I  surely  am  Amphitryon's  Sosia.  For  in 
the  night  this  ship  of  ours  weiglied  anchor  from  the  Persian 
port,  and  where  king  Pterelas  reigned,  the  city  we  took  by 
storm,  and  the  legions  of  the  Teleboans  in  fighting  we  took 
by  arms,  and  Amphitryon  himself  cut  off  the  head  of  king 
Pterelas  in  battle. 

Sos.  {aside).  I  do  not  h-ustmy  own  self,  when  I  hear  him 
affirm  these  things ;  certainly,  he  really  does  relate  exactly 
the  things  that  were  done  there.  {Aloud.)  But  how  say 
you  ?  What  spoil  from  the  Teleboans  was  made  a  present  to 
Amphitryon? 

Merc.  A  golden  goblet,  from  which  king  Pterelas  used 
to  drink, 

Sos.  {aside).  He  has  said  the  truth.  Where  now  is  this 
goblet  ? 

Meec.  'Tis  in  a  casket,  sealed  with  the  seal  of  Amphi- 
tryon.    Sos.  Tell  me,  what  is  the  seal  ? 

Meec.  The  Sun  rising  with  his  chariot.  AVhy  are  you  on 
the  catch  for  me,  you  villain  ? 

Sos.  {aside).  He  has  overpowered  me  with  his  proofs.  I 
must  look  out  for  another  name.  I  don't  know  from  whence  he 
witnessed  these  things.  I'll  now  entrap  him  finely ;  for  what 
I  did  alone  by  myself,  and  when  not  another  person  was  pre- 
sent in  the  tent,  that,  he  certainly  will  never  be  able  this 
day  to  tell  me.  {Aloud.)  If  you  are  Sosia,  when  the  armies 
were  fighting  most  vigorously,  what  were  you  doing  in  the 
tent  ?     If  you  tell  me  that,  I'm  vanquished. 

IMeec.  There  was  a  cask  of  wine;  from  it  I  filled  an 
earthen  pot^. 

as  much  justice  accuse  him  of  anachronism  in  putting  the  Roman  language  into 
the  mouths  of  persons  at  a  time  when  that  language  did  not  as  yet  exist.  He 
merely  professes  to  embody  the  sentiments  of  persons  in  bygone  days  in  such  lan- 
,««ji>gc  as  may  render  them  the  most  easily  intelligible  to  a  Koman  audience. 

'  A  w  earthen  pot)—Ver.  429.  "  Hirneam."  "  Hirnea"  was  an  earthen  veosel  for 
k*Kiing  wine.  It  was  said  to  receive  its  namfc  from  the  Greek  word  oovis  "  a 
bird,"  because  it  originally  bore  the  figure  of  a  bird. 


Sc.  i.  OE,  JTTPITEE  IN  DISGUISE.  21 

Sos.  {aside).  He  has  got  upon  the  track.  Merc.  That  I 
drew  full  of  pure  wme,  just  as  it  was  born  from  the  mother 
grape. 

Sos.  {aside).  It's  a  wonder  if  this  fellow  wasn't  lying  hid 
inside  of  that  earthen  pot.  It  is  the  fact,  that  there  I  did 
drink  an  earthen  pot  full  of  wine. 

Me  EC.  Well — do  I  now  convince  you  by  my  proofs  that 
you  are  not  Sosia  ?     Sos.  Do  you  deny  that  I  am  ? 

Meec.  "WTiy  should  I  not  deny  it,  who  am  he  myself? 

Sos.  By  Jupiter  I  swear  that  I  am  he,  and  that  I  do  not 
say  false. 

Meec.  But  by  Mercury,  I  swear  that  Jupiter  does  not 
believe  you ;  for  I  am  sure  that  he  will  rather  credit  me 
without  an  oath  than  you  with  an  oath. 

Sos.  Who  am  I,  at  all  events,  if  I  am  not  Sosia  ?  I  ask  you 
that. 

Meec.  When  I  choose  not  to  be  Sosia,  then  do  you  be 
Sosia ;  now,  since  I  am  he,  you'll  get  a  thrashing,  if  you  are 
not  off  hence,  you  fellow  without  a  name. 

Sos.  {aside).  Upon  my  faith,  for  sure,  when  I  examine  him 
and  recollect  my  own  iigure,  just  in  such  manner  as  I  am 
(I've  often  looked  in  a  glass^),  he  is  exactly  like  me.  He  has 
the  broad-brimmed  hat  and  clothing  just  the  same ;  he  is  as 
like  me  as  I  am  myself.  His  leg,  foot,  stature,  shorn  head, 
eyes,  nose,  even  his  lips,  cheeks,  chin,  beard,  neck — the 
whole  of  him.  What  need  is  there  of  words  ?  If  his  back 
is  marked  with  scars,  than  this  likeness  there  is  nothing 
more  like.     But  when  I  reflect,  really,  I  surely  am  the  same 

'  Looked  in  a  glass) — Ver.  442.  He  seems  to  speak  of  looking  in  a  mirror  as 
something  uncommon  for  a  slave  to  do.  Probably  the  expense  of  them  did  not 
allow  of  their  being  used  by  slaves.  The  "  specula,"  or  "  looking-glasses,"  of  tlie 
ancients,  were  usually  made  of  metal,  either  a  composition  of  tin  and  copper  or 
of  silver ;  but  in  later  times,  alloy  was  mixed  with  the  silver.  Pliny  mentions  the 
obsidian  stone,  or,  as  it  is  now  called,  Icelandic  agate,  as  being  used  for  this  pur- 
pose. He  also  says  that  mirrors  were  made  in  the  glass-houses  of  Sidon,  wliich 
consisted  of  glass  plates  with  leaves  of  metal  at  the  back.  These  were  probably 
of  an  inferior  character.  Those  of  copper  and  tin  were  made  chiefly  at  Brundi- 
siunu  The  white  metal  formed  from  this  mixture  soon  becoming  dim,  a  sponge, 
with  powdered  pumice-stone,  was  usually  fastened  to  the  mirrors  made  of  that 
composition.  They  were  generally  small,  of  round  or  oval  shape,  and  having  a 
handle.  The  female  slaves  usually  held  them  while  their  mistresses  were  per- 
forming the  duties  of  the  toilet.  Sometimes  they  were  fastened  to  the  walls,  and 
they  were  occasionally  of  the  len^jtb  of  a  person's  body,  like  the  cheval  glasses  ct 
oar  dojr 


22  AMPHITBTON  ;  Act  1. 

person  that  I  always  was.  My  master  I  know,  I  know  our 
house ;  1  am  quite  in  my  wits  and  senses.  I'm  not  going  to 
obey  this  fellow  in  what  he  says ;  I'll  knock  at  the  door. 
{Goes  towards  the  door.) 

Mebc.  Whither  are  you  betaking  yourself?     Sos.  Home. 

Meec.  If  now  you  were  to  ascend  the  chariot  of  Jove  and 
fly  away  from  here,  then  you  could  hardly  be  able  to  esca|)e 
destruction. 

Sos.  Mayn't  I  be  allowed  to  deliver  the  message  to  my 
mistress  that  my  master  ordered  me  to  give  ? 

Meec.  If  you  want  to  deliver  any  message  to  your  own 
mistress ;  this  mistress  of  mine  I  shaU  not  allow  you  to  ap- 
proach. But  if  you  provoke  me,  you'll  be  just  now  taking 
hence  your  loins  broken. 

Sos.  In  preference,  I'll  be  oif.  {Aside ^  Immortal  Gods, 
I  do  beseech  your  mercy.  "Where  did  I  lose  myself?  Where 
have  I  been  transformed  ?  Where  have  I  parted  with  my 
figure?  Or  have  I  left  myself  behind  there,  if  perchance 
I  have  forgotten  it  ?  Tor  really  this  person  has  possession 
of  all  my  figure,  such  as  it  formerly  was.  While  living,  that 
is  done  for  me,  which  no  one  will  ever  do  for  me  when  dead^. 
I'll  go  to  the  harbour,  and  I'll  tell  my  master  these  things 
as  they  have  happened — unless  even  he  as  well  shall  not  know 
me,  which  may  Jupiter  grant,  so  that  this  day,  bald,  with 
shaven  crown,  I  may  assume  the  cap  of  freedom^,      {Exit. 

Scene  II. — Meecuet,  alone. 

Meec.  Well  and  prosperously  has  this  aifair  gone  on  for 
me ;  from  the  door  have  I  removed  the  greatest  obstacle,  so 
that  it  may  be  allowed  my  father  to  embrace  her  in  security. 
When  now  he  shall  have  reached  his  master,  Amphitryon 

»  When  dead) — Ver.  458.  It  is  generally  thought  that  lie  is  punning  here  upon 
the  word  "  imago,"  and  alludes  to  the  practice  of  carrying  the  *'  imagines,"  or 
"  waxen  images"  of  their  ancestors,  in  the  funeral  processions  of  the  Patricians — 
an  honor,  he  says,  that  will  never  befall  him  when  he  is  dead.  Douza,  however, 
thinks  that  he  is  playing  upon  the  expression  "  lados  facere,"  which  has  tlie 
double  meaning  of  "  to  impose  upon  "  a  person,  or  "  to  give  a  spectacle"  of  glaiii- 
ators  after  the  death  of  a  person  of  Patrician  rank ;  and  that  he  means  to  say 
that  the  act  ''  ludos  faciendi"  is  being  applied  to  him  (in  the  first  sense)  whil^ 
alive,  a  thing  that  (in  the  second  sense)  will  never  befall  him  when  dead. 

'  Cap  of  freedom) — Ver.  462.  When  a  slave  was  made  free,  after  his  manumis. 
sion  liis  head  was  shaved,  and  a  cap  put  upon  it  in  the  Temple  of  Feronia,  th« 
Goddess  of  Freed-mcu. 


Sc.  II.  OB,  JUPITER  IS  DISGUISE.  23 

there,  he  will  say  that  the  servant  Sosia  has  repulsed  himself 
from  the  door  here ;  and  tlien  the  other  will  suppose  that  he 
is  telling  him  a  lie,  and  will  not  believe  that  he  has  come  here 
as  he  had  ordered  him.  Both  of  them  and  the  whole  household 
of  Amphitryon  I  will  fill  with  mistakes  and  distraction,  even 
until  my  father  shall  have  had  full  enjoyment  of  her  whom 
he  loves ;  then  at  last  all  shall  know  what  has  been  done.  In 
the  end  Jupiter  shall  restore  Alcmena  to  the  former  affection 
of  her  husband.  For  Amphitryon  will  just  now  be  beginning 
a  quarrel  with  his  wife,  and  will  be  accusing  her  of  in- 
continence ;  then  will  my  father  change  for  her  tliis  strife 
into  tranquillity.  Now,  inasmucb  as  yet  I've  said  but  little 
about  Alcmena,  this  day  will  she  bring  forth  two  sons,  twins  ; 
the  one  will  be  born  in  the  tenth  month  after  he  was  be- 
r^otten,  the  other  in  the  seventh  monty  ;  of  these  the  one  is 
the  son  of  Amphitryon^,  the  other  of  Jupiter.  But  of  the 
v'ounger  son  the  father  is  the  superior,  of  the  elder  the  inferior, 
(To  the  AuDiKNCE.)  Now  do  you  comprehend  this  how  it  is  ? 
But  for  the  sake  of  the  honor^  of  this  Alcmena,  my  father  will 
take  care  that  it  shall  happen  at  one  birth,  so  that  in  one  tra- 
vail she  may  complete  her  double  pangs,  and  not  be  laid  under 
suspicion  of  unchastity,  and  that  the  clandestine  connexion 
may  remain  concealed.  Although,  as  I  have  said  just  now, 
Amphitryon  shall  still  know  all  the  matter  in  the  end.  What 
then  ?  No  one  surely  will  impute  it  to  Alcmena  as  a  disgrace  ; 
for  it  does  not  seem  that  a  Grod  is  acting  justly  to  permit  his 
own  offences  and  his  own  faultiness  to  fall  upon  a  mortal. 
I'll  cut  short  my  talk :  the  door  makes  a  noise.  See,  the 
counterfeit  Amphitryon  is  coming  out  of  doors,  and  together 
with  him  Alcmena,  the  wife  that  he  has  taken  the  loan  of. 

•  In  the  seventh  month)— Yer.  482.  It  is  difficult  to  imagine  how  a  critic  can 
suppose  tliat  the  duration  of  this  Play  is  intended  to  be  seven  months,  merely 
because,  according  to  the  ancient  story,  Hercules  was  born  seven  months  after 
the  intercourse  of  Jupiter  with  Alcmena.  Heinsius  and  Vossius,  however,  wera 
of  this  extraordinary  opinion.  They  probably  did  not  reflect  that  Plautus, 
for  the  sake  of  finding  material  for  his  Play,  supposed  the  same  intercourse  to 
have  been  repeated  on  the  same  night  on  which  Hercules  was  born. 

-  Son  of  Amphitryon) — Ver.  483,  Iphiclus  was  the  son  of  Amphitryon, 
Of  the  honor) — Ver.  486.  "  Honoris."    Madame  Dacier  has  observed,  that 
the  tenderness  of  Jupiter  extended  only  to  her  health,  and  not  to  her  "  reputa- 
uon,**  as  the  word  "  honoris "  would  seem  to  imply.    "■  Honoris  gratia "  may 
iwwever,  simply  mean  "for  Lar  own  sake." 


24  A.MPHITKTON ;  Act  1. 

Scene  III. — Enter  Jttpitee  and  KjjCisiiESkjfwm  the  house.  ■ 

Jup.  Kindly  fare  you  well,  Alcniena;  take  care,  as  you 
are  doing,  of  our  common  interest,  and  pray  be  sparing  of 
yourself;  you  see  that  now  your  months  are  completed.  It's 
necessary  for  me  to  go  away  from  here;  but  the  offspring 
that  shall  be  born  do  you  bring  up^. 

Alc.  "What  business  is  this,  my  husband,  since  you  thus! 
suddenly  leave  your  home  ? 

Jup.  By  my  troth.  His  not  that  I  am  wearied  of  you  or  of 
my  home ;  but  when  the  chief  commander  is  not  with  the 
army,  that  is  sooner  done  which  ought  not  to  be  done  than 
that  which  needs  to  be  done. 

Meec.  {aside).  This  is  a  very  clever  counterfeit,  who 
really  is  my  own  father.  {To  the  Audience.)  Do  you  observe 
hhn,  how  blandly  he  smoothes  the  lady  over. 

Alc.  r  faith,  I  find  by  experience  how  much  you  value 
your  wife.  Jup.  If  there  is  no  one  among  women  whom  I 
love  so  much,  are  you  satisfied  ? 

Meec.  {aside).  Verily,  upon  my  faith,  if  Juno  only  knew 
that  you  were  giving  your  attention  to  such  matters,  I'd  war- 
rant that  you'd  rather  be^  Amphitryon  than  Jupiter. 

Alc.  I  would  rather  that  I  should  find  it  so  by  experience, 
than  that  it  should  be  told  me.  You  leave  me  before  the 
spot  in  the  bed  where  you  have  been  lying  has  well  grown 
warm.  Yesterday,  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  you  came,  and 
now  you  are  going  away.     Is  this  your  pleasure  ? 

Meec.  {aside).  I'll  approach,  and  address  her,  and  play 

1  Do  you  bring  up) — ^Ver.  506.  "  Tollito."  It  was  a  custom  among  the  ancients 
for  the  new-born  child  to  be  laid  on  the  ground,  upon  which  it  was  taken  up  by 
the  father,  or  such  other  person  as  intended  to  stand  in  the  place  of  a  parent  to 
t.  If  it  was  not  taken  up,  it  was  disowned,  and  left  to  starve.  For  this  reason 
Jupiter  makes  this  request  of  Alcmena. 

2  You'd  rather  he) — Ver.  510-511.  "Edepol  nae  ilia  si  istis  rebus  ne  sciat 
operam  dare.  Ego  faxim  ted  Amphitryonem  malis  esse  quam  Jovem."  This  pas- 
sage lias  been  difierently  rendered  by  Richter.  He  says  that  "  ilia,"  "  she,"  refers 
to  Alcmena,  and  not  to  Juno,  as  has  been  generally  imagined,  and  that  Mer- 
cury says  these  words  aside,  and,  turning  to  the  Audience,  remarks,  that 
if  he  were  only  to  tell  Alcmena  that  Jupiter  is  not  the  real  Amphitryon,  he 
would  wish  himself  the  real  one,  in  preference  to  being  Jupiter,  and  losing 
the  lady.  The  translation  in  the  text  seems,  however,  to  convey  the  real  meaning 
of  the  passage.  Probably,  when  using  the  word  "  '11a,"  as  applying  to  Juao,  b» 
slily  points  upwards  to  the  heaven*. 


Sc.  III.  OK,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE.  25 

second  fiddle  to  my  father.  (-He  approacJies  Alcmena.) 
Never,  upon  my  faith,  do  I  believe  that  any  mortal  did  so 
distractedly  love  his  wife  as  he  distractedly  dotes  upon  you. 

Jup.  Scoundrel! — don't  I  know  jouofold?  Won't  you 
be  off  out  of  my  sight  ?  What  business  have  you  in  this 
matter,  whip-knave  ?  or  why  your  muttering  ?    AVhom  this 

very  instant,  with  this  walking-stick,  I'll {Shakes  his 

stick  over  his  head.) 

Ai.c.  Oh  don't.     Jup.  Only  make  a  whisper. 

Merc,  {aside).  My  first  attempt  at  playing  second  fiddle 
had  almost  come  to  an  unfortunate  conclusion. 

Jup.  But  as  to  what  you  say,  my  wife,  you  ought  not  to 
be  angry  with  me.  I  came  away  privately  from  the  army  i 
these  moments  I  stole  for  you,  that  you  the  first  might 
know  from  me  the  first,  how  I  had  managed  the  common 
interests.  All  this  have  I  related  to  you.  If  I  had  not 
loved  you  very  much,  I  should  not  have  done  so. 

Merc,  {aside).  Isn't  he  doing  just  as  I  said?  In  her 
alarm,  he  is  smoothing  her  down. 

Jup.  That  the  army  then  mayn't  find  it  out,  I  must  re- 
turn there  privately,  lest  they  should  say  that  I  have  preferred 
my  wife  before  the  common  interests. 

Alc.  By  your  departure  you  set  your  wife  in  tears. 

Jup.  Be  quiet ;  don't  spoil  your  eyes :  I'll  return  very 
shortly.     Alc.  That  "very  shortly"  is  a  long  time. 

Jup.  I  do  not  with  pleasure  leave  you  here,  or  go  away 
from  you. 

Alc.  I  am  sensible  of  it ;  for,  the  night  that  you  have  come 
to  me,  on  the  same  you  go  away.     {She  embraces  him.) 

Jup.  Why  do  you  hold  me  ?  It  is  time  to  go  :  I  wisli  to 
depart  from  the  city  before  it  da^ns.  Now,  Alcmena,  this 
goblet  which  has  been  given  me  there  on  account  of  my 
valour,  from  which  king  Pterelas  used  to  drink,  he  whom  1 
slew  with  my  own  hand,  the  same  I  present  to  you.  {Presents 
to  her  the  gohlet.) 

Alc.  {taking  the  goblet).  "You  do  as  you  are  wont  in  other 
things.  By  heavens,  it  is  a  noble  gift ;  like  him  who  gave 
the  gift. 

Merc.  Aye,  a  noble  gift ;  just  like  her  to  whom  it  has 
been  given  as  a  gift. 

Jup.  What,  still  going  on  ?  Can't  I,  you  scoundrel,  mako 
an  end  of  you  ? 


26  AMPIIITETON  Act  11. 

Alc.  Amphitryon,  there's  a  dear,  don't  be  angry ^  with 
Sosia  on  my  account. 

Jup.  Just  as  you  wish  I'll  do. 

Merc,  {aside).  Prom  his  intriguing,  how  very  savage  lie 
does  become ! 

Jfp.  Do  you  wish  for  anything  else  ?  Alc.  That  when  I  am 
absent  you  will  love  me — me,  who  am  yours,  though  absent. 

Mekc.  Let's  go,  Amphitryon ;  it's  already  dawning, 

Jup.  Go  you  first,  Sosia.  {Exit  Mercury.)  I'll  follow 
this  instant.     {To  Alcmena.)  Is  there  anything  you  wish? 

Alc.  Yes ;  that  you'll  come  back  speedily. 

Jup.  I  will ;  and  sooner  than  you  expect  will  I  be  here 
therefore  be  of  good  heart.     (Alcmena  goes  into  the  hovse.) 

Scene  IV. — Jupiter,  alone. 

Jup.  Now  Night,  thou  who  hast  tarried  for  me,  I  permit 
thee  to  give  place  to  Day,  that  thou  mayst  shine  upon  mortals 
with  a  bright  and  brilliant  light.  And  Night,  as  much  as 
on  this  last  thou  wast  too  long,  so  much  the  shorter  will  I 
make  the  Day  to  be,  that  a  Day  of  equal  disparity  may  suc- 
ceed the  Night.     I'll  go  and  follow  Mercury.  {Exit. 

Act  II. — Scene  I. 
Enter  Amphitryon  am,d  Sosia,  at  the  end  of  the  stage. 

Amph.  Come,  do  you  follow  after  me. 

Sos.  I'm  following ;  I'm  following  close  after  you. 

Amph.  I  think  that  you  are  the  veriest  rogue 

Sos.  But  for  what  reason  ? 

Amph.  Because  that  which  neither  is,  nor  ever  was,  nor 
will  be,  you  declare  to  me. 

Sos.  Look  at  that ;  you  are  now  acting  according  to  your 
usual  fashion,  to  be  putting  no  trust  in  your  servants. 

Amph.  "Why  is  it  so  ?  For  what  reason  ?  Surely  now, 
by  the  powers,  I'll  cut  out  that  viUanous  tongue  of  yours,  you 
villain. 

Sos.  I  am  yours ;  do  each  thing  just  as  it  is  agreable  and 
as  it  pleases  you.  Still  you  never  can,  by  any  method,  hinder 
me  from  saying  these  things  just  as  they  took  place  here. 

»  Don't  he  angry)— Ver.  540.  It  has  been  justly  remarked  that  the  amiable 
afi<i  interesting  character  of  Alcmena  is  not  unlike  that  of  Desdemona,  m  SbaJC- 
sjt^ure's  Othello, 


Sc.  I.  OR,  JXJPITEII  IN  DISGUISE  27 

Amph.  You  consummate  villain,  do  you  dare  tell  me  this, 
tbat  you  are  now  at  home,  who  are  here  present  ? 

Sos.  I  speak  the  truth.  Amph.  A  mishap  shall  the  Gods 
send  upon  you,  and  I  this  day  will  send  it  as  well. 

Sos.  That's  in  your  power,  for  I  am  your  property. 

Amph.  Do  you  dare,  you  whip-scoundrel,  to  play  your  tricks 
with  me,  your  master  ?  Do  you  dare  affirm  that  which  no 
person  ever  yet  before  this  has  seen,  and  which  cannot  pos- 
sibly happen,  for  the  same  man  to  be  in  two  places  together 
at  the  same  time  ? 

Sos.  Undoubtedly,  such  as  I  say  is  the  fact. 

Amph.  May  Jupiter  confound  you  ! 

Sos.  What  evil,  master,  have  I  been  deemed  deserving 
of  in  your  service  ?  Amph.  Do  you  ask  me,  you  rogue, 
who  are  even  making  sport  of  me  ? 

Sos.  With  reason  might  you  curse  me,  if  it  had  not  so 
happened.  But  I  tell  no  lie,  and  I  speak  as  the  thing  really 
did  happen. 

Amph.  This  fellow's  drunk,  as  I  imagine. 

Sos.  "WTiat,  I  ?    Amph.  Tes — ^you  there. 

Sos.  I  wish  I  were  so. 

Amph.  You  are  wishing  for  that  which  is  fact;  where 
have  you  been  drinking  ?     Sos.  Nowhere,  indeed. 

Amph.  What  is  this,  that  is  the  matter  with  the  fellow  ? 

Sos.  Eeally  I  have  told  you  ten  times  over.  I  am  both  at 
home  now,  I  say  (do  you  mark  me  ?),  and  I,  Sosia,  am  with, 
you  likewise.  Don't  1  appear,  master,  to  have  told  you  quite 
distinctly,  and  quite  circumstantially,  that  this  is  so. 

Amph.  Avaunt,  get  away  with  you  from  me. 

Sos.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Amph.  A  pestilence  possesses  you. 

Sos.  But  why  do  you  say  so  to  me  ?  I  really  am  quite 
well  and  in  perfect  health,  Amphitryon. 

Amph.  But  I'll  make  you  this  very  day,  just  as  you  have 
deserved,  not  to  be  quite  so  well,  and  to  be  miserable  instead 
of  your  perfect  health,  if  I  return  home.  Follow  me,  you  who 
in  this  fashion  are  making  sport  of  your  master  with  your 
crack-brained  talk;  you,  who,  since  you  have  neglected  to 
perform  what  your  master  ordered,  are  now  come  even  of 
your  own  accord  to  laugh  at  your  master.  Things  which 
neither  can  happen,  and  which  no  \:inQ  ever  yet  heard  of  in 


28  amphitkton;  Act  II ' 

talk,  you  are  telling  of,  you  villain ;  on  your  back  I'll  take 
care  and  make  those  lies  to  tell  this  very  day. 

Sos.  Amphitryon,  this  is  the  most  wretched  of  wretched- 
ness to  a  good  servant,  who  is  telling  the  truth  to  his  master, 
if  that  same  truth  is  overpowered  by  violence. 

Amph.  Discuss  it  with  me  by  proofs.  Why,  how  the 
plague  can  such  a  thing  happen,  for  you  now  to  be  both  here 
and  at  home  ?     That  I  want  to  be  told. 

Sos.  I  really  am  both  here  and  there  ;  this  any  person  has 
a  right  to  wonder  at ;  nor,  Amphitryon,  does  this  seem  more 
strange  to  you  than  to  myself. 

Amph.  In  what  way  ? 

Sos.  In  no  degree,  I  say,  is  this  more  strange  to  you  than 
to  myself;  nor,  so  may  the  Deities  love  me,  did  I  at  first 
credit  Sosia — me  myself,  until  that  Sosia,  I  myself,  made 
me  to  believe  me  myself.  In  order  did  he  relate  every- 
thing, as  each  thing  came  to  pass,  when  we  sojourned  with  the 
enemy ;  and  then  besides,  he  has  carried  off  my  figure  together 
with  my  name.  Not  even  is  milk  more  like  to  milk  than  is  that  I 
myself  like  to  me  myself.  Por  when  some  time  since,  before 
daybreak,  you  sent  me  from  the  harbour  home  before  you 

Amph.  What  then  ? 

Sos.  I  had  been  standing  a  long  time  at  the  door  before  I 
had  got  there. 

Amph.  Plague  on  it,  what  nonsense !  Are  you  quite  in  your 
senses  ?     Sos.  I'm  just  as  you  see  me. 

Amph.  Some  mischief,  I  know  not  what,  has  befallen  this 
fellow  from  an  evil  hand^  since  he  left  me. 

Sos.  I  confess  it ;  for  I  have  been  most  shockingly  bruised 
with  his  fists. 

Amph.  Who  has  been  beating  you  ? 

Sos.  I  myself,  who  am  now  at  home,  leat  me  myself. 

Amph.  Take  you  care  to  say  nothing  but  what  I  shall  ask' 
vou.  Now,  do  you  answer  me.  First  of  all,  who  this  Sosia 
18,  of  that  I  want  to  be  informed. 

Sos.  He  is  your  servant. 

^  An  evil  hand') — Ver.  605.  "  Maia,  manu."  In  this  line  these  words  relate 
to  sorcery  or  enchantment,  probably  through  spells,  in  which  the  hand  was 
employed.  Sosia  takes  the  opportunity  of  punning,  by  understanding  the  words 
in  their  literal  sense.  "  Evil  hand,"  indeed,  he  says,  "  when  I  have  been  almost 
oualed  to  death  with  fists." 


Sc.  n.  OE,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE.  29 

Amph.  Eeally  I  have  even  more  than  I  desire  by  your 
own  one  self.  ]N"ever,  too,  since  I  was  born,  had  I  a  servant 
Sosia  besides  yourself. 

Sos.  But  now,  Amphitryon,  I  say  tJiis  ;  I'll  make  you,  I 
say,  on  your  arrival,  meet  with  another  Sosia  at  home,  a  ser- 
vant of  yours,  besides  myself,  a  son  of  Davus,  the  same 
father  with  myself,  of  figure  and  age  as  well  just  like  myself. 
What  need  is  there  of  words  ?  This  Sosia  of  yours  is  be- 
come twofold. 

Amph.  You  talk  of  things  extremely  wonderful.  But 
did  you  see  my  wife  ?  Sos.  Nay,  but  it  was  never  allowed 
me  to  go  in-doors  into  the  house. 

Amph.  "Who  hindered  you?  Sos.  This  Sosia,  whom  I 
was  just  now  telling  of,  he  who  thumped  me. 

Amph.  Who  is  this  Sosia?  Sos.  Myself,  I  say;  how 
often  must  it  be  told  you  ? 

Amph.  But  how  say  you  ?  Have  you  been  sleeping  the 
while  ?     Sos.  Not  the  slightest  in  the  world. 

Amph.  Then,  perhaps,  you  might  perchance  have  seen 
some  Sosia  in  your  dreams. 

Sos.  I  am  not  in  the  habit  of  performing  the  orders  of  my 
master  in  a  sleepy  fashion.  Awake  I  saw  liim^  awake  I  now 
see  you,  awake  I  am  talking,  awake  did  he,  a  little  while  since^ 
thump  me  about  with  his  fists. 

Amph.  What  person  did  so  ?  Sos.  Sosia,  that  I  myself, — 
he,  I  say.     Prithee,  don't  you  understand  ? 

Amph.  How,  the  plague,  can  any  one  possibly  under- 
stand ?     Tou  are  jabbering  such  nonsense. 

Sos.  But  you'll  know  him  shortly. 

Amph.  Whom  ?     Sos.  You'll  know  this  servant  Sosia. 

Amph.  Pollow  me  this  way,  then ;  for  it  is  necessary  for 
me  first  to  enquire  into  this.  But  take  care  that  all  the 
things  that  I  ordered  are  now  brought  from  the  ship. 

Sos.  I  am  both  mindful  and  diligent  that  what  you  order 
shall  be  performed;  together  with  the  wine,  I  have  not 
drunk  up  your  commands. 

Amph.  May  the  Gods  grant,  that,  in  the  event,  what  you 
have  said  may  prove  untrue.  {They  stand  apart.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  AjjCm:e^ a.,  from  the  house,  attended  hy 

Thessala. 
Alc.  Is  not  the  proportion  of  pleasures  in  life  and  in 


C  30  AMPHITETON ;  Act  li- 

passing  our  existence  short  in  comparison  with  what  is  dis- 
agreable  ?  So  it  is  allotted  to  each  man  in  life  ;  so  has  it 
pleased  the  Gods  that  Sorrow  should  attend  on  Pleasure  ai 
her  companion;  but  if  aught  of  good  befalls  us,  more  o\ 
trouble  and  of  ill  forthwith  attends  us.  Por  this  do  1  no^ 
feel  by  experience  at  home  and  in  relation  to  myself,  to 
whom  delight  has  been  imparted  for  a  very  short  time,  while 
T  had  the  opportunity  of  seeing  my  husband  for  but  one 
night ;  and  now  has  he  suddenly  gone  away  hence  from  me 
before  the  dawn.  Deserted  do  I  now  seem  to  myself,  be- 
cause he  is  absent  from  here,  he  wliom  before  all  I  love. 
More  of  grief  have  I  felt  from  the  departure  of  my  husband, 
than  of  pleasure  from  his  arrival.  But  this,  at  least,  makes 
me  happy,  that  he  has  conquered  the  foe,  and  has  returned 
home  loaded  with  glory.  Let  him  be  absent,  if  only  with 
fame  acquired  he  betakes  himself  home.  I  shall  bear  and  ever 
endure  his  absence  with  mind  resolved  and  steadfast ;  if  only 
this  reward  is  granted  me,  that  my  husband  shall  be  hailed 
the  conqueror  in  the  warfare,  sufficient  for  myself  will  I  deem 
■t.  Valour  is  the  best  reward;  valour  assuredly  surpasses 
nil  things :  liberty,  safety,  life,  property  and  parents,  country 
too,  and  children,  by  it  are  defended  and  preserved.  Va- 
lour comprises  everything  in  itself:  all  blessings  attend 
him  in  whose  possession  is  valour. 

Amph.  {apart).  By  my  troth,  I  do  believe  that  I  shall  conre 
~nuch  wished  for  by  my  wife,  who  loves  me,  and  whom,  in 
return,  I  love :  especially,  our  enterprise  crowned  with  suc- 
cess, the  enemy  vanquished,  whom  no  one  had  supposed  to  be 
able  to  be  conquered :  these,  under  my  conduct  and  com- 
mand, at  the  first  meeting,  have  we  vanquished  ;  but  I  know 
for  sure  that  I  shall  come  to  her  much  wished  for. 

Sos.  (aside).  Well,  and  don't  you  think  that  I  shall  come 
much  wished  for  to  my  mistress  ? 

Amphiteton  advances,  at  a  distance,  icith  SosiA. 

Alc.  {to  herself).  Surely,  this  is  my  husband. 

Amph.  {tc  Sosia).  Do  you  follow  me  this  way. 

Alc.  {to  herself).  But  why  has  he  returned,  when  just  now 
he  said  that  he  was  in  haste  ?  Is  he  purposely  trying  me, 
and  is  he  desirous  to  make  proof  of  this,  how  much  I  regret 
his  departure  ?  By  my  faith,  against  no  inclination  of  mine 
has  he  betaken  himself  hoipe« 


.0.  IL  OK,  aVPtTES,  IS  DISGUISE.  31 

Sos.  AmpliitryoD,  it  were  better  for  us  to  return  to  the 
ehip.     Amph.  For  what  reason  ? 

Sos.  Because  there's  no  person  at  home  to  give  us  a 
breakfast  on  our  arrivah 

Amph.  How  comes  that  now  into  your  mind  ? 

Sos.  Why,  because  we  have  come  too  late. 

Amph.  How  so  ?  Sos.  Because  I  see  Alcmena  standing 
before  the  liouse,  with  her  stomach-full^  already. 

Amph.  I  left  her  pregnant  here  when  I  went  away. 

Sos.  Alas,  to  my  sorrow,  I'm  undone ! 

Amph.  What's  the  matter  with  you  ?  Sos.  I  have  come 
home  just  in  good  time  to  fetch  the  water^  in  the  tenth 
month  after  that,  according  as  I  understand  you  to  compute 
the  reckoning. 

Amph.  Be  of  good  heart.  Sos.  Do  you  know  of  how  good 
heart  I  am  ?  By  my  troth,  do  you  never  after  this  day  entrust 
to  me  aught  that  is  sacred,  if  I  don't  draw  up  all  the  life  of 
that  well,  if  I  do  hut  make  a  beginning. 

Amph.  Do  you  only  follow  me  this  way.  I'U  appoint  an- 
other person  for  that  business ;  don't  you  fear. 

Alc.  {advancing).  I  think  that  I  shall  now  be  doing  my 
duty  more,  if  I  go  to  meet  him.     {They  meet.) 

Amph.  With  joy,  Amphitryon  greets  his  longed-for  wife — 
her,  whom  of  all  women  in  Thebes  her  husband  deems  by  far 
the  most  excellent,  and  whom  so  much  the  Theban  citizens 
truthfully  extol  as  virtuous.  Have  you  fared  well  all  along  ? 
Do  I  arrive  much  wished  for  hy  you  ? 

Sos.  {aside).  I  never  saw  one  more  so  ;  for  she  greets  her 
own  husband  not  a  bit  more  than  a  dog. 

Amph.  Wlien  I  see  you  pregnant,  and  so  gracefully  bur- 
dened, I  am  delighted. 

Alc.  Prithee,  in  the  name  of  all  that's  good,  why,  for  the 
sake  of  mockery,  do  you  thus  salute  and  address  me,  as 
though  you  hadn't  lately  seen  me — as  though  now,  for  tho 
first  time,  you  were  betaking  yourself  homeward  here  from 
the  enemy  ?  For  now  you  are  addressing  me  just  as  though 
yom  were  seeing  me  after  a  long  time. 

'  Stomach-ftdl) — Ver.  667.  He  is  guilty  of  a  vulgar  pan  on  the  word  "  satu- 
ram,''  which  may  either  me^n  "  having  a  full  stomach  "  or  "  being  pregnant." 

'  To  fetch  the  water) — Ver.  669.  He  alludes  to  the  practice  among  the  ancienta 
of  bathing  immediately  after  childbirth,  and  says  that  he  himself,  as  :he  sex-. 
»aDt,  will  have  to  fetch  the  backets  of  wnt«r 


32  AMi'HlTIlTOy ;  Act  II. 

,  Amph.  "WTiy,  reallj  for  my  part,  I  have  not  seen  you  at 
all  this  day  until  now. 

Alc.  Why  do  you  deny  it?  Amph.  Because  I  have 
learned  to  speak  the  truth. 

Alc.  He  does  not  do  right,  who  unlearns  the  same  that  he 
has  learned.  Are  you  making  trial  what  feelings  I  possess  ? 
But  why  are  you  returning  hither  so  soon  ?  Has  an  ill  omen 
delayed  you,  or  does  the  weather  keep  you  back,  you  who 
have  not  gone  away  to  your  troops,  as  you  were  lately 
speaking  of  ? 

Amph.  Lately  ?     How  long  since  was  this  "lately?" 

Alc.  You  are  trying  me ;  but  very  lately,  just  now. 

Amph.  Prithee,  how  can  that  possibly  be  as  you  say  ? — 
"  but  very  lately,  just  now." 

Alc.  Why,  what  do  you  imagine  ?  That  I,  on  the  other 
hand,  shall  trifle  with  you  who  are  playing  with  me,  in  saying 
that  you  are  now  come  for  the  first  time,  you  who  but  just 
now  went  away  from  here  ? 

Amph.  Surely  she  is  talking  deliriously. 

Sos.  Stop  a  little  while,  until  she  has  slept  out  this  one  sleep. 

Amph.  Is  she  not  dreaming  with  her  eyes  open  ? 

Alc.  Upon  my  faith,  for  my  part  I  really  am  awake,  and 
awake  I  am  relating  that  which  has  happened ;  for,  but  lately, 
before  daybreak,  I  saw  both  him  {pointing  at  Sosia)  and 
yourself. 

Amph.  In  what  place  ? 

Alc.  Here,  in  the  house  where  you  yourself  dweU. 

Amph.  It  never  was  the  fact. 

Sos.  Will  you  not  hold  your  peace  ?  What  if  the  vessel 
brought  us  here  from  the  harbour  in  our  sleep  ? 

Amph.  Are  you,  too,  going  to  back  her  as  well  ? 

Sos.  {aside  to  Amphitbygi^).  What  do  you  wish  to  be 
done  ?  Don't  you  know,  if  you  wish  to  oppose  a  raving 
Bacchanal,  frOm  a  mad  woman  you'U  render  her  more  mad — 
she'll  strike  the  oftener^ ;  if  you  humour  her,  after  one  blow 
you  may  overcome  her  ? 

Amph.  But,  by  my  troth,  this  thing  is  resolved  upon, 
somehow  to  rate  her  who  this  day  has  been  unwilling  to  greet 
me  on  my  arrival  home. 

•  Strike  the  oftemr) — Ver.  704.  This  is  said  in  allusion  to  the  blows  with  the 
thyrsus,  which  the  frantic  female  votaries  of  Bacchus  iufiicted  upon  all  person* 
that  '/b  jy  met. 


SC,  II.  OR,  JUPITER  IN  DisatrisE.  33 

Sos.  You'll  only  be  irritating  hornets. 

Amph.  You  hold  your  tongue.  Alcmena,  I  wish  to  ask 
you  one  thing.     Alc.  Ask  me  anything  you  please. 

Ampii.  Is  it  frenzy  that  has  come  upon  you,  or  does  pride 
overcome  you  ? 

Alc.  How  comes  it  into  your  mind,  my  husband,  to  ask 
me  that  ? 

Amph.  Because  formerly  you  used  to  greet  me  on  my 
arrival,  and  to  address  me  in  such  manner  as  those  women 
who  are  virtuous  are  wont  their  husbands.  On  my  arrival 
home  I've  found  that  you  have  got  rid  of  that  custom. 

Alc.  By  my  faith,  indeed,  I  assuredly  did  both  greet  you 
yesterday,  upon  your  arrival,  at  that  very  instant,  and  at  the 
same  time  I  enquired  if  you  had  continued  in  health  all  along, 
my  husband,  and  I  took  your  hand  and  gave  you  a  kiss. 

Sos.  What,  did  you  welcome  him  yesterday  ? 

Alc.  And  you  too,  as  well,  Sosia. 

80s.  Amphitryon,  I  did  hope  that  she  was  about  to  bring 
you  forth  a  son ;  but  she  isn't  gone  with  child. 

Amph.  What  then  ?     Sos.  With  madness. 

Alc.  Really  I  am  in  my  senses,  and  I  pray  the  G-ods  that 
in  safety  I  may  bring  forth  a  son ;  but  {to  Sosia)  hap-ill 
shall  you  be  having,  if  he  does  his  duty :  for  those  ominous 
words,  omen-maker,  you  shall  catch  what  befits  you. 

Sos.  Wliy  really  an  apple^  ought  to  be  given  to  the  lady 
thus  pregnant,  that  there  may  be  something  for  her  to  gnaw 
if  she  should  begin  to  faint. 

Amph.  Did  you  see  me  here  yesterday  ? 

Alc.  I  did,  I  say,  if  you  wish  it  to  be  ten  times  repeated. 

Amph.  In  your  sleep,  perhaps  ? 

Alc.  Xo — 1,  awake,  saw  you  awake.     Amph.  Woe  to  me ! 

Sos.  What's  the  matter  with  you? 

*  An  apple) — Ver.  723.  There  is  a  pun  here  upon  the  similarity  of  the  two 
words  "  malum,"  "  evil,"  and  "  malum,"  an  "  apple,"  in  which  latter  sense 
Sosia  chooses  to  take  the  expression  of  Alcmena.  The  version  of  the  pun  used  ia 
the  text  is  borrowed  from  Thornton's  Translation.  In  a  Note,  he  wonders  "  why 
an  apple  (or  any  fruit)  should  be  given  to  a  pregnant  woman."  Sasia  seems  to 
explam  the  reason,  in  sajring  that  if  she  feels  faint,  she  will  have  something  to 
gnaw.  It  is  not  improbable  that  tension  of  the  muscles  may  in  some  degree 
counteract  a  tendency  to  faint.    This  wretched  pun  is  repeated.in  1.  1032 

VOL.  II.  H 


I 


34  AMPHITETOK ;  Act  11. 

Amph.  My  wife  ia  mad.  Sos.  She's  attacked  with  black 
bile  ;  nothing  so  soon  turns  people  mad. 

Amph.  When,  madam,  did  you  first  find  yourself  affected? 

Alc.  Why  really,  upon  my  faith,  I'm  well,  and  in  my 
senses. 

Amph.  Why,  then,  do  you  say  that  you  saw  me  yesterday, 
whereas  we  were  brought  into  harbour  hut  last  night  ?  There 
did  I  dine,  and  there  did  I  rest  the  livelong  night  on  board 
ship,  nor  have  I  set  my  foot  even  here  into  the  house,  since, 
with  the  army,  I  set  out  hence  against  the  Teleboan  foe,  and 
since  we  conquered  them. 

Alc.  On  the  contrary,  you  dined  with  me,  and  you  slep ; 
with  me. 

Amph.  How  so  ?    Alc.  I'm  telling  the  truth. 

Amph.  On  my  lionor,  not  in  this  matter,  really ;  about 
other  matters  I  don't  know.  Alc.  At  the  very  break  of 
dawn  you  went  away  to  your  troops. 

Amph.  By  what  means  could  I? 

Sos.  She  says  right,  according  as  she  remembers;  she'll 
telling  you  her  dream.  But,  madam,  after  you  arose,  you 
ought  to  have  sacrificed  to  Jove,  the  disposer  of  prodigies^, 
either  with  a  salt  cake  or  with  frankincense. 

Alc.  a  mischief  on  your  head ! 

Sos.  That's  your  own  business,  if  you  take  due  care. 

Alc.  Now  again  this  fellow  is  talking  rudely  to  me,  and 
that  without  punishment. 

Amph.  {to  Sosia).  You  hold  your  tongue.  {To  Alc- 
MENA.)  Do  you  teU  me  tiow — did  I  go  away  hence  from  you 
at  daybreak? 

Alc.  Who  then  but  your  own  self  recounted  to  me  how  the 
battle  went  there  ?     Amph.  And  do  you  know  that  as  well  ? 

Alc.  Why,  I  heard  it  from  your  own  self,  how  you  had 
taken  a  very  large  city,  and  how  you  yourself  had  slain 
king  Pterelas. 

Amph.  What,  did  I  tell  you  this  ? 

Alc.  Tou  yourself,  this  Sosia  standing  by  as  weU. 

Amph.  {to  Sosia).  Have  you  heard  me  telKng  about  this 
to-day  ?     Sos.  Where  should  I  have  heard  you  ? 

>  Disposer  of  prodigies)— Yqt.  739.  See  the  Miles  Gloriosus,  L  394,  and  tht 
Uote  to  the  passage. 


Be.  II.  OB,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE.  35 

Amph.  Ask  her.  Sos.  In  my  presence,  indeed,  il  never 
took  place,  that  I  know  of. 

Alc.  It  would  be  a  wonder^  if  he  didn't  contradict  you. 

Amph.  Sosia,  come  here  and  look  at  me. 

Sos.  {looks  at  him).  I  am  looking  at  you. 

Amph.  I  wish  you  to  tell  the  truth,  and  I  don't  want  yoti 
to  humour  me.  Have  you  heard  me  this  day  sav  to  her  these 
things  which  she  affirms  ? 

Sos.  Prithee  now,  by  my  troth,  are  you,  too.  mad  as  well, 
when  you  ask  me  this,  me,  who,  for  my  part,  my  own  self 
now  behold  her  in  company  with  you  for  the  first  time  ? 

Amph.  How  now,  madam  ?     Do  you  hear  him  ? 

Alc.  I  do,  indeed,  and  telling  an  untruth. 

Amph.  Do  you  believe  neither  him  nor  my  o\Nn  self,  your 
husband  ? 

Alc.  No  ;  for  this  reason  it  is,  because  I  most  readily  be- 
lieve myself,  and  I  am  sure  that  these  things  took  place  just 
as  I  relate  them. 

Amph.  Do  you  say  that  I  came  yesterday  ? 

Alc.  Do  you  deny  that  you  went  away  from  here  to-day  ? 

jiMPH.  I  really  do  deny  it,  and  I  declare  that  I  have  now 
come  home  to  you  for  the  first  time. 

Alc.  Prithee,  will  you  deny  this  too,  that  you  to-day  made 
me  a  present  of  a  golden  goblet,  with  which  you  said  that 
you  had  been  presented  ? 

Amph.  By  heavens,  I  neither  gave  it  nor  told  you  so  :  but 
I  had  so  intended,  and  do  so  now,  to  present  you  with  that 
goblet.     But  who  told  you  this  ? 

Alc.  Why,  I  heard  it  from  yourself,  and  I  received  the 
goblet  from  your  own  hand.  (She  moves  as  if  going) 

Amph.  Stay,  stay,  I  entreat  you.  Sosia,  I  marvel  much 
how  she  knows  that  I  was  presented  there  with  this  golden 
goblet,  imless  you  have  lately  met  her  and  told  her  all  this. 

Sos.  Upon  my  faith,  I  have  never  told  her,  nor  have  I  ever 
beheld  her  except  with  yourself. 

Amph.  What  is  the  matter^  with  this  person  ? 

Alc.  Should  you  like  the  goblet  to  be  produced  ? 

Amph.  I  should  like  it  to  be  produced. 

*  It  would  be  a  wonder) — Ver.  750.  She  says  this  ironically. 
'  What  is  the  matter) — Ver.  769.  It  is  disputed  among  the  Commentators  to 
which  character  these  words  belong,  Amphitrycn  or  Alcmena 

i>2 


86  AMPHITETOH";  Act  II. 

Alc.  Be  it  so.  Do  you  go,  Thessala,  and  bring  from  in- 
doors the  goblet,  with  which  my  husband  presented  me  to- 
day. (Thessala  goes  into  the  house,  and  Amphitbton  cmd 
SosiA  walk  on  one  side.) 

Amph.  Sosia,  do  you  step  this  way.  Eeally,  I  do  wonder 
extremely  at  this  beyond  the  other  wondrous  matters,  if  she 
has  got  this  goblet. 

Sos.  And  do  you  belieye  it,  when  it's  carried  in  this 
casket,  sealed  with  your  own  seal.  {He  shows  the  casket.) 

Amph.  Is  the  seal  whole  ?     Sos.  Examine  it. 

Amph.  {examining  it).  All  right,  it's  just  as  I  sealed  it  up. 

Sos.  Prithee,  why  don't  you  order  her  to  be  purified^  as 
a  frantic  person?  Amph.  By  my  troth,  somehow  there's 
need  for  it,  for,  i'  faith,  she's  certainly  filled  with  sprites. 

Thessala  returns  with  the  gohlet,  and  gives  it  to  Alcmena. 

Alc.  "What  need  is  there  of  talking?  See,  here's  the 
goblet ;  here  it  is.     Amph.  Give  it  me. 

Alc.  Come,  now  then,  look  here,  if  you  please,  you  who 
deny  what  is  fact,  and  whom  I  shall  now  clearly  convict  in 
this  case.  Isn't  this  the  goblet  with  which  you  were  pre- 
sented there  ? 

Amph.  Supreme  Jupiter !  what  do  I  behold  ?  Surely  this 
is  that  goblet.     Sosia,  I'm  utterly  confounded. 

Sos.  Upon  my  faith,  either  this  woman  is  a  most  consum- 
mate juggler,  or  the  goblet  must  be  in  here  ( 'pointing  to  the 
casket).     Amph.  Come,  then,  open  this  casket. 

Sos.  Why  should  I  open  it  ?  It  is  securely  sealed.  The 
thing  is  cleverly  contrived  ;  you  have  brought  forth  another 
Amphitryon,  I  have  brought  forth  another  Sosia;  now  if  the 
goblet  has  brought  forth  a  goblet,  we  have  all  produced  our 
doubles. 

Amph.  I'm  determined  to  open  and  examine  it. 

Sos.  Look,  please,  how  the  seal  is,  that  you  may  not 
hereafter  throw  the  blame  on  me. 

Amph.  Now  do  open  it.  For  she  certainly  is  desirous  to 
drive  us  mad  with  her  talking. 

>  To  fc  purified) — Ver.  776.  *'  Circumferri."  Literally,  "  to  be  carried  rouna 
her."  Those  who  were  '•  cerriti,"  "  tormented  with  the  wrath  of  Ceres,"  or,  in 
Other  words,  "  possessed  by  evil  spirits,"  were  exorcised  by  persons  walking  roundi 
tbem  wUb  eolpbur  and  bnrQing  torches ;  whence  the  present  expression. 


8c.  II.  OB,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE.  37 

Alc.  Whence  then  came  this  which  was  made  a  present  to 
ne,  but  from  yourself? 

Amph.  It's  necessary  for  me  to  enquire  into  this. 

Sob.  (opening  the  casket).  Jupiter,  O  Jupiter! 

Amph.  What  is  the  matter  with  you  ? 

Sos.  There's  no  goblet  here  in  the  casket. 

Amph.  What  do  I  hear.     Sos,  That  which  is  the  truth. 

Amph.  But  at  your  peril  now,  if  it  does  not  make  its  ap- 
pearance. 

Alc.  (showing  it).  Why,  it  does  make  its  appearance. 

Amph.  Who  then  gave  it  you  ? 

Alc.  The  person  that's  asking  me  the  question. 

Sos.  (to  Amphitryon).  You  are  on  the  catch  for  me,  in- 
asmuch as  you  yourself  have  secretly  run  before  me  hither 
from  the  ship  by  another  road,  and  have  taken  the  goblet  away 
from  here  and  given  it  to  her,  and  afterwards  you  have  secretly 
sealed  it  up  again. 

Amph.  Ah  me !  and  are  you  too  helping  her  frenzy  aa 
well  ?  (2b  Alcmeni.  )  Do  you  say  that  we  arrived  here  yes- 
terday ?  Alc.  I  do  say  so,  and  on  your  arrival  you  instantly 
greeted  me,  and  I  you,  and  I  gave  you  a  kiss. 

Sos.  (aside).  That  beginning  now  about  the  kiss  doesn't 
plea,se  me. 

Amph.  Gro  on  telling  it.    Alc.  Then  you  bathed. 

Amph.  What,  after  I  bathed  ? 

Alc.  You  took  your  place  at  table. 

Sos.  Bravo,  capital !     Now  make  further  enquiry. 

Amph.  (to  Sosia).  Don't  you  interrupt.  (To  Alcmena). 
Go  on  telling  me.  Alc.  The  dinner  was  served ;  you  dined 
with   me  ;  I  reclined  together  with  you  at  the  repast. 

Amph.   What^  on  the  same  couch  ?     Alc.  On  the  same. 

Sos.  Oh  dear,  I  don't  like  this  banquet. 

Amph.  Now  do  let  her  give  her  proofs.  (To  Alcmena.) 
What,  after  we  had  dined  ? 

Alc.  You  said  that  you  were  inclined  to  go  to  sleep ;  the 
table  was  removed ;  thence  we  went  to  bed. 

Amph.  Where  did  you  lie  ? 

Alc.  In  the  chamber,  in  the  same  bed  together  with  your* 
self.     Amph.  You  have  proved  my  undoing. 

Sos.  WTiat's  the  matter  with  you  ? 

Amph.  This  very  moment  has  she  sent  me  to  my  grave. 


88  AMPHITETON ;  Act  IL 

Alc.  How  so,  pray  ?    Amph.  Don't  address  me. 

Sos.  What's  the  matter  with  you  ? 

Amph.  To  my  sorrow  I'm  undone,  since,  in  my  absence 
from  here,  dishonor  has  befallen  her  chastity. 

Alc.  In  heaven's  name,  my  lord,  why,  I  beseech  you,  do  I 
hear  this  from  you  ?  Amph.  I,  your  lord  ?  False  one,  don't 
call  me  by  a  false  name. 

Sos.  (aside).  'Tis  an  odd  matter^  this,  il' indeed  he  has  been 
made  into  my  lady  from  my  lord. 

Alc.  What  have  I  done,  by  reason  of  which  these  ex- 
pressions are  uttered  to  me  ? 

Amph.  You  yourself  proclaim  your  own  doings ;  do  you 
enquire  of  me  in  w^hat  you  have  offended  ? 

Alc  In  what  have  I  offended  you,  if  I  have  been  with 
you  to  whom  I  am  married  ? 

Amph.  You,  been  with  me  ?  What  is  there  of  greater 
effrontery  than  this  impudent  woman?  At  least,  if  you 
were  wanting  in  modesty  of  your  own,  you  might  have  bor- 
rowed it. 

Alc.  That  criminality  which  yon  lay  to  my  charge  befita 
not  my  family.  If  you  try  to  catch  me  in  incontinence,  yoii 
cannot  convict  me. 

Amph.  Immortal  Gods !  do  you  at  least  know  me,  Sosia  ? 

Sos.  Pretty  well. 

Amph.  Did  I  not  dine  yesterday  on  board  ship  in  the 
Persian  Port  ? 

Alc.  I  have  witnesses  as  well,  who  can  confirm  that  which 
I  say. 

Sos.  I  don't  know  what  to  say  to  this  matter,  unless, 
perchance,  there  is  another  Amphitryon,  who,  perhaps,  though 
you  yourself  are  absent,  takes  care  of  your  business,  and  who, 
in  yoiu"  absence,  performs  your  duties  here.  Por  about  that 
counterfeit  Sosia  it  is  very  surprising.  Certainly,  about  this 
Amphitryon,  now,  it  is  another  matter  still  more  surprising. 

AjtiPH,  Some  magician,  I  know  not  who,  is  bewildering 
this  woman. 

Alc.  By  the  realms  of  the  supreme  Sovereign  I  swear, 

*  'Tis  cm  odd  matter) — Ver.  814.  Thornton  says,  on  this  passage,  "The  am- 
biguity of  So.sia's  pun  in  this  place  depends  on  the  double  signification  of  '  vir, 
which  means  '  a  man '  and  'a  husband,*'*  Poor  as  it  is,  it  answers  very  well  v% 
kh«  English  word  "  lord.** 


Sc.  II.  on,  JT7PITER  IN  DISGUISE.  89 

and  by  Juno,  the  matron  Goddess,  whom  for  me  to  fear  anu 
venerate  it  is  most  especially  fitting,  that  no  mortal  being^ 
except  yourself  alone  has  ever  touched  my  person  in  contact 
with  his  so  as  to  render  me  unchaste. 

Amph.  I  could  wish  that  that  was  true. 

Alc.  I  speak  the  truth,  but  in  vain,  since  you  will  not 
believe  me. 

Amph.  You  are  a  woman ;  you  swear  at  random. 

Alc.  She  who  has  not  done  wrong,  her  it  befits  to  be  bold 
and  to  speak  confidently  and  positively  in  her  own  behalf. 

Amph.  That's  \eTj  boldly  said. 

Alc.  Just  as  befits  a  virtuous  woman. 

Amph.  Say  you  so  ?     By  your  own  words  you  prove  it. 

Alc.  That  which  is  called  a  dowry,  I  do  not  deem  the 
same  my  dowry;  but  chastity,  and  modesty,  and  subdued 
desires,  fear  of  the  G-ods,  and  love  of  my  parents,  and  con- 
cord with  my  kindred ;  to  be  obedient  to  yourself,  and 
bounteous  to  the  good,  ready  to  aid  the  upright. 

Sos.  Surely,  by  my  troth,  if  she  tells  the  truth  in  this, 
she's  perfect  to  the  very  ideaP. 

Amph.  Eeally  I  am  so  bewildered,  that  I  don't  know  my- 
self who  I  am. 

Sos.  Surely  you  are  Amphitryon ;  take  you  care,  pleascj 
that  you  don't  perad  venture  lose  yourself;  people  are  chang- 
ing in  such  a  fashion  since  we  came  from  abroad. 

Amph.  Madam,  I'm  resolved  not  to  omit  having  this 
matter  enquired  into. 

Alc.  I'  faith,  you'U  do  so  quite  to  my  satisfaction. 

Amph.  How  say  you  ?  Answer  me ;  what  if  I  bring  your 
own  kinsman,  Naucrates,  hither  from  the  ship,  who,  together 
with  me,  has  been  brought  on  board  the  same  ship ;  and  if  he 
denies  that  that  has  happened  which  you  say  has  happened, 
what  is  proper  to  be  done  to  you  ?  Do  you  allege  any  reason 
why  I  should  not  at  your  cost  dissolve^  this  our  marriage  ? 

•  No  mortal  beinff) — ^Ver.  833.  Unknowingly,  Alcmena  has  a  salvo  here  for 
the  untruth,  which,  unconsciously,  slie  would  be  otherwise  telling;  Jupiter  not 
being  a  mortal. 

2  To  the  very  ideal)— Ver.  843.  "  Examussim."  Literally,  "  by  the  rule ;" 
a  term  applied  to  carpenter's  work. 

^  At  your  cost  dissolve) — Ver.  852.  "  Mulctem  matriraonio."  He  alludes  to 
the  custom  among  the  Romans  of  the  husband  retaining  the  marriage-portion  of 
the  wife,  wlien  she  was  divorced  for  adultery.  If  they  separated  for  auy  other 
reasou.  her  iKtrtion  was  returned  to  her. 


40  amphitetok;  Act  111. 

Alc.  If  I  have  done  wrong,  there  is  no  reason. 

Amph.  Agreed.  Do  you,  Sosia,  take  these^  people  in-dooTS. 
I'll  bring  Naucrates  hither  with  me  from  the  ship.     i^Eont. 

Sos.  {going  close  to  Alcmena).  Now  then,  there's  no  one 
here  except  ourselves ;  tell  me  the  truth  seriously,  is  there 
any  Sosia  in-doors  who  is  like  myself  ? 

Alc.  Won't  you  hence  away  from  me,  fit  servant  for  your 
master?  Sos.  If  you  command  me,  I'm  off 2.  {Goes  into 
the  hotise.) 

Alc.  {to  herself).  By  heavens,  it  is  a  very  wondrous  pro- 
ceeding, how  it  has  pleased  this  husband  of  mine  thus  to 
accuse  me  falsely  of  a  crime  so  foul.  Whatever  it  is,  I  shall 
now  learn  it  from  my  kinsman  Naucrates.  {Goes  into  the 
house.) 

Act  III. — Scene  I. 
JEnter  Jupiter. 
Jup.  I  am  that  Amphitryon,  whose  servant  Sosia  is  the 
same  that  becomes  Mercury  when  there  is  occasion — I,  who 
dwell  in  the  highest  story^,  who  sometimes,  when  it  pleases 
me,  become  Jupiter.  But,  hither  soon  as  ever  I  turn  my 
steps,  I  become  Amphitryon  that  moment,  and  1  change  my 
garb.  Now  hither  am  1  come  for  the  sake  of  a  compliment 
to  you,  that  I  may  not  leave  this  Comedy  incomplete.  I've 
come  as  well  to  bring  assistance  to  Alcmena,  whom,  guiltless 
woman,  her  husband  Amphitryon  is  accusing  of  dishonor. 
For  what  I  myself  have  brought  about,  if  that  undeservedly 
should  fall  as  an  injury  upon  her  in  her  innocence,  it  would  be 
my  blame.  Now,  as  I  have  already  begun,  I'll  again  pretend 
that  I  am  Amphitryon,  and  this  day  will  I  introduce  extreme 
confusion  into  this  household.  Then  afterwards,  at  last,  I'll 
cause  the  matter  to  be  disclosed,  and  to  Alcmena  timely  aid 
will  I  bring,  and  will  cause  that  at  one  birth  she  shall  bring 

*  Take  these) — Ver.  854.  "  Hos."  It  is  not  known  to  what  this  word  is  in- 
tended to  apply ;  but  it  may  possibly  refer  to  some  captives  which  he  has  brought 
with  him,  the  fruits  of  his  conquest. 

'  rm  off) — Ver.  857.  We  may  suppose  him  to  say  so  with  peculiar  alacrity, 
as  "  abeo,"  the  word  used  by  Alcmena,  was  the  formal  word  used  on  the  mana- 
mission  of  a  slave. 

'  TTie  highest  story) — Ver.  863.  "  Csenaculo."  "  Csenacnlum  "  was  a  name 
given  to  garrets,  or  upper  rooms,  which  were  let  out  as  lodginj^s  to  the  poorer 
classes.  The  word  here  conveys  a  double  sense,  either  as  signifying  the  ele- 
vated habitation  of  the  heaveols  Jove,  ur  the  humble  lodging  of  the  poor  actor 


Sc.  II.  OR,  JUPITER  ITJ  DISGUISE.  41 

forth,  without  pangs^,  both  the  child  with  which  she  is  preg- 
nant by  her  husband  and  that  with  which  she  is  pregnant  bjr 
myself.  I  have  ordered  Mercury  forthwith  to  follow  me,  if 
I  should  wish  to  give  him  any  commands.  Now  will  I 
accost  her.     (^He  stands  apart.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  AijCu:ETSA.,from  the  house. 

Alc.  I  cannot  remain  in  the  house.  That  I  should  be  thus 
accused  by  my  husband  of  dishonor,  incontinence,  and  dis- 
grace !  he  cries  aloud  that  things  which  have  been  done,  have 
really  not  been  done ;  and  of  things  which  have  not  been 
done,  and  of  which  I  have  not  been  guilty,  he  accuses  me,  and 
supposes  that  I  shall  treat  it  with  indifference.  By  heavens, 
I  will  not  do  so,  nor  will  I  allow  myself  to  be  falsely  charged 
with  dishonor ;  but  rather  I'll  either  leave  him,  or  make 
him  give  satisfaction  and  swear  as  welP  that  he  wishes  unsaid 
the  things  which  he  has  alleged  against  me  in  my  innocence. 

Jup.  (apart).  This  must  be  done  by  me,  which  she  requires 
to  be  done,  if  I  wish  for  her  to  receive  me  into  her  company 
as  loving  her :  since  that  which  I  have  done,  that  same  con- 
duct has  proved  to  the  detriment  of  Amphitryon,  and  since 
my  love  has  already  created  trouble  for  him  who  is  really 
guiltless,  why  now  his  wrath  and  his  resentment  towards  her 
shall  fall  on  me  that  am  not  accused. 

Alc.  And  lo !  I  see  him,  who  just  now  was  accusing 
wretched  me  of  incontinence  and  dishonor. 

Jup.  {advancing).  "Wife,  I  would  discourse  with  you. 
{She  turns  from  him.)     Why  turn  yourself  away  ? 

Alc.  Such  is  my  disposition ;  I  always  hate  to  look  upon 
my  enemies. 

Jup.  Heyday !  enemies  indeed^  !   Alc.  It  is  so,  I  speak  the 

who  is  performing  the  part.  Perhaps  our  cant  term,  "  sky-parlour,"  whi(;h  ts 
sometimes  applied  to  a  garret,  would  be  the  happiest  translation  liere  of  the  word. 

*  Without  pangs) — Ver.  879.  "  Sine  doloribus."  Plautus  has  been  censured 
here  for  inconsistency,  as  at  the  close  of  the  Play  he  appears  to  represent  Alcmena 
as  enduring  the  pangs  of  childbirth;  but  it  is  to  be  remembered  that  is  only  the 
account  givt-n  by  Hromia,  and,  according  to  what  was  her  impression,  on  hearing 
Alcmena  invoke  the  Dehies. 

'  Swear  os  well) — Ver.  889.  It  was  considered  a  sufficient  atonement,  tf  th« 
accuser  took  an  oath  that  his  accusation  was  wrongful;  and  his  oath  was  con- 
sidered to  wipe  off  the  injury. 

'Enemies  iiuleed) — Ver.  901.  "  Inimicos."  Gronovius  tells  us  that  "i::i. 
micaii "  waa      term  in  law  by  which  the  hosband  was  denoted  after  divorct 


42  AMPHITRYON ;  Act  ITL 

truth  ;  unless  you  are  going  to  allege  that  this  is  falsely  said 
as  well. 

Jup.  {offering  to  embrace  her).   Tou  are  too  angry. 

Alc.  {^repulsing  him).  Can't  you  keep  your  hands  off? 
For  surely  if  you  were  wise,  or  quite  in  your  senses,  with  her, 
whom  you  deem  and  pronounce  to  be  unchaste,  you  would 
neither  hold  discourse,  in  mirth  or  in  seriousness,  unless, 
indeed,  you  are  more  foolish  than  the  most  foolish. 

Jup.  If  I  did  say  so,  not  a  bit  the  more  are  you  so,  nor  do 
I  think  you  so,  and  therefore  have  I  returned  hither  that 
I  miglit  excuse  myself  to  you.  For  never  has  anything 
proved  more  grievous  to  my  feelings  than  when  I  heard  that 
you  were  angry  with  me.  "  Why  did  you  charge  me  ?"  you 
will  say.  I'll  tell  you ;  by  my  troth,  not  that  I  deemed  you 
to  be  unchaste ;  but  I  was  trying  your  feelings,  what  you 
would  do,  and  in  what  manner  you  would  bring  yourself  to 
bear  it.  Really,  I  said  these  things  to  you  just  now  in  jest, 
for  the  sake  of  the  joke.     Do  but  ask  Sosia  this. 

Alc.  But  why  don't  you  bring  here  my  kinsman,  Nau- 
crates,  whom  you  said  just  now  that  you  would  bring  as 
a  witness  that  you  had  not  come  here  ? 

Jup.  If  anything  was  said  in  joke,  it  isn't  right  for  you 
to  take  it  in  earnest. 

Alc.  I  know  how  much  this  has  pained  me  at  heart. 

Jup.  Prithee,  Alcmena  {taking  her  hand),  by  your  right 
hand  I  do  entreat  you,  grant  me  pardon ;  forgive  me,  don't  be 
angry. 

Alc.  By  my  virtue  have  I  rendered  these  accusations  vain. 
Since  then  I  eschew  conduct  that's  unchaste,  I  would  wish  to 
avoid  imputations  of  unchastity.  Fare  you  well,  keep  your 
own^  property  to  yourself,  return  me  mine.  Do  you  order 
any  maids  to  be  my  attendants  ? 

Jup.  Are  you  in  your  senses  ?  Alc.  If  you  don't  order 
them,  let  me  go  alone ;  chastity  shall  I  take  as  my  attendant. 
(  Going.) 

Jup.  Stay — at  your  desire,  I'll  give  my  oath  that  I  believe 
my  wife^  to  be  chaste.     If  in  that  I  deceive  you,  then,  thee, 

it  so,  the  expression  might  be  supposed  to  strike  with  peculiar  harshness  on  a 
husband's  ear. 

>  Keep  your  t>um) — ^Ver.  928.  This  was  the  formula  used  on  separation  by  mutual 
oonsent,  when  the  wife's  portion  was  returned  to  her,  as  ri  mattir  of  course 

'  Beliefs  my  tcife^ — Ver  932.  Madame  Dacier  KUiitSests  that  Ju^jiter  Ls  hem 


I 


Sc.  III.  OR,  JUPITER  IN  DISGUISE.  ^        .43 

Buprenie  Jupiter,  do  I  entreat  that  thoa  wilt  ever  be  angered 
against^  Amphitryon. 

Alc.  Oh  !  rather  may  he  prove  propitious. 

Jup.  I  trust  that  it  will  be  so  ;  for  before  you  have  I  taken 
a  truthful  oath.     Now  then,  you  are  not  angry  ? 

Alc.  I  am  not.  Jup.  You  act  properly.  For  in  the  life 
of  mortals  many  things  of  this  nature  come  to  pass  ;  and  now 
they  take  their  pleasures,  again  they  meet  with  hardships. 
Quarrels  intervene,  again  do  they  become  reconciled.  But  u. 
perchance  any  quarrels  of  this  nature  happen  between  them, 
Vhen  again  they  have  become  reconciled,  twofold  more  loving 
are  they  between  themselves  than  they  were  before. 

Alc.  At  the  first  you  ought  to  have  been  careful  not  to 
say  so ;  but  if  you  excuse  yourself  to  me  for  the  same,  iiJ 
must  be  put  up  with. 

Jup.  But  bid  the  sacred  vessels  to  be  got  ready  for  me, 
that  I  may  fulfil  all  those  vows  which  I  made  when  with  the 
army,  in  case  I  should  return  safe  home. 

Alc.  I'll  take  care  of  that.  Jup.  {To  a  Servant).  Call  out 
Sosia  hither.  Let  him  fetch  Blepharo,  the  pilot  that  waa 
on  board  my  ship,  to  breakfast  with  us.  {Aside.)  He  sliall 
be  fooled  this  day^  so  as  to  go  without  his  breakfast,  while  I 
ehall  drag  Amphitryon  hence  by  the  throat. 

Alc.  {aside).  It's  surprising  what  he  can  be  arranging  alone 
in  secrecy  with  himself.  But  the  door  opens  ;  Sosia's  coming 
out. 

Scene  III. — Enter  Sosia,  from  the  house. 

Sos.  Amphitryon,  I'm  here ;  if  any  way  you  have  need  of 
me,  command  me  ;  your  commands  I  will  obey. 

Jup.  Very  opportunely  are  you  come. 

Sos.  Has  peace  been  made  then  between  you  two  ?  Bull 
since  I  see  you  in  good  humour,  I'm  delighted,  and  it  is  a 

equivocating,  and  that  he  is  covertly  resorting  to  a  salvo,  by  alluding  to  the 
chastity  of  Juno,  his  heavenly  consort.  He  is  so  full  of  quibbles  and  subterfuges, 
that  it  is  not  unlikely  to  be  intentional,  although  Dacier  has  been  lidiculed  by 
Gueudeville  and  Thornton  for  the  notion. 

'  Ever  be  angered  against) — Ver.  934.  This  oath  is  similar  in  its  absurdity  to 
that  of  Mercury,  in  1.  392.  Jupiter,  personating  Amphitryon,  says,  that  if  h« 
himself  breaks  his  oath,  then  may  he  himself  always  prove  hostile  to  Ampnitryon. 

*  Befooled  Hiis  day) — Ver.  952.  Jupiter  savo  tliis  for  the  information  of  tht 
Audience-  and  to  raise  tlieir  eiioectations  oi  Uit  lun  tliat  is  to  follow 


44  AMPHITKTON ;  Act  TIL 

pleasure  to  myself.  And  so  does  it  seem  becoming  for  a 
trusty  servant  to  conduct  himself ;  just  as  his  superiors  are,  so 
should  he  be  likewise ;  by  their  countenances  he  should  fashion 
his  own  countenance ;  if  his  superiors  are  grave,  let  him  be 
grave;  if  they  rejoice,  let  him  be  merry.  But  come,  answer 
me ;  have  you  two  now  come  to  a  reconciliation  ? 

Jup.  You  are  laughing  at  me,  who  know  full  well  that 
these  things  were  just  now  said  by  me  in  joke. 

Sos.  In  joke  did  you  say  it  ?  For  my  part,  I  supposed  that 
it  was  said  seriously  and  in  truthfulness. 

Jup.  Still,  I've  made  my  excuses ;  and  peace  has  been 
made. 

Sos.  'Tis  very  good.  Jtjp.  I  shall  now  perform  the  sacri- 
fice in-doors,  and  the  vows  which  I  have  made. 

Sos.  So  I  suppose.  Jup.  Do  you  invite  hither,  in  my 
name,  Blepharo,  the  pilot,  from  the  ship,  so  that  when  the 
sacrifice  has  been  performed,  he  may  breakfast  with  me. 

Sos.  I  shall  be  here  again,  while  you'll  be  thinking  that 
I'm  there. 

Jup.  Return  here  directly.  {Exit  Sosia.)  Alc.  Do  you 
wish  for  anything  else,  but  that  I  should  go  in-doora  now, 
that  the  things  that  are  requisite  may  be  got  ready  ? 

Jup.  Gro  then,  and  take  care  that  everything  is  prepared 
as  soon  as  possible.  Alc.  Why,  come  in-doors  whenever 
you  please ;  I'll  take  care  that  there  shall  not  be  any  delay. 

Jup.  You  say  well,  and  just  as  befits  an  attentive  wife. 
(Alcmena  goes  into  the  house.) 

Scene  IY. — Jupitee,  alone. 
JlTP.  Now  both  of  these,  both  servant  and  mistress,  are, 
the  pair  of  them,  deceived,  in  taking  me  to  be  Amphitryon  ; 
egregiously  do  they  err.  Now,  you  immortal  Sosia,  take  you 
care  and  be  at  hand  for  me.  You  hear  what  I  say,  although 
you  are  not  present  here.  Take  care  that  you  contrive  to 
drive  away  Amphitryon,  on  his  arrival  just  now,  by  some 
means  or  other,  from  the  house.  I  wish  him  to  be  cajoled, 
while  with  this  borrowed  wife  I  now  indulge  myself.  Please, 
take  care  that  this  is  attended  to  just  in  such  way  as  you  know 
that  I  desire,  and  that  you  assist  me  while  to  myself  I  am 
offering  sacrifice^.     (Goes  into  Amphitbygn's  home.) 

^1  am  qferifUl  sacrificed— Yet  983.  There  is  a  cessation  ol  action  here,  ani 


Act  IT.  OE,  JUPITEE  IN  DISOriSE.  4ik 

Act  IV. — Scene  I. 
Enter  Mercuet,  running,  at  the  end  of  the  stage. 

Meec.  Stand  by  and  make  room  all  of  you,  get  you  out  of 
the  way.  And  let  not  any  person  now  be  so  presumptuous  aa 
to  stand  before  me  in  the  road.  For  surely,  why,  by  my  troth, 
should  I,  a  God,  be  any  less  allowed  to  threaten  the  public, 
if  it  does  not  get  out  of  my  way,  than  a  slave  in  Comedies^  ? 
He  is  bringing  news  that  the  ship  is  safe,  or  else  the  ap- 
proach of  some  angry  old  blade  ;  whereas  I  am  obeying  the 
bidding  of  Jove,  and  by  his  command  do  I  now  hie  me.  For 
this  reason,  it  is  more  fitting  to  get  out  of  the  road  and  to 
make  room  for  me.  My  father  calls  me,  I  am  following  him, 
to  his  orders  so  given  am  I  obedient.  As  it  befits  a  son  to 
be  dutiful  to  his  father,  just  so  am  I  to  my.  father;  in  hia 
amours  1  play  second  fiddle  to  him,  I  encourage  him,  assist 
him,  advise  him,  rejoice  with  him.  If  anything  is  pleasing  to 
my  father,  that  pleasure  is  an  extremely  great  one  for  myself. 
Is  he  amorously  disposed  ?  He  is  wise ;  he  does  right,  inas- 
much as  he  follows  his  inclination ;  a  thing  that  all  men  ought 
to  do,  so  long  as  it  is  done  in  a  proper  manner.  Now,  my 
father  wishes  Amphitryon  to  be  cajoled  ;  I'll  take  care,  Spec- 
tators, that  he  shall  be  rarely  cajoled,  while  you  look  on.  I'll 
place  a  chaplet  on  my  head,  and  pretend  that  I  am  drunk. 
And  up  there  {pointing  to  the  top  of  the  house)  will  I  get ; 
from  that  spot,  at  the  top  of  the  house,  I'll  cleverly  drive  this 
person  oflT  when  he  comes  hither  :  I'll  take  care  that,  sober,  he 
shall  be  drenched.  Afterwards,  his  own  servant  Sosia  will  pre- 

Echard  and  Thornton  rightly  make  the  next  Scene  commence  another  Act.  The 
interval  is  filled  up  with  Amphitryon  searching  for  Naucrates,  Sosia  for  Ble- 
pharo,  and  Jupiter  and  Alcmena  performing  the  sacrifice. 

*  Slave  in  Comedies)  —  Ver.  987.  In  reference  to  this  passage,  Thornton 
says,  "  It  is  remarkable  that  this  circumstance,  which  appears  to  be  here  ridi- 
culed, is  introduced  in  no  less  than  three  of  our  author's  Plays.  In  the  Mer- 
cator,  Acanthio  runs  to  his  master  Charinus,  to  tell  him  that  his  mistresa 
P;.sicompsa  has  been  seen  in  the  ship  by  his  father  Demipho;  in  the  Stichus, 
Dinacium  (Finacium),  a  slave,  informs  his  mistress  Panegyris  (Philumena) 
that  her  husband  has  put  into  port  on  his  return  from  Asia ;  and  in  the  Mos- 
tellaj"ia,  Tranio  brings  information  of  the  unexpected  coming  of  Theuropides,  an 
old  gentleman.  Terence  has  censured  the  like  practice,  in  the  Prologue  to  tb« 
Self-Tcr2i?ator." 


46  AMPHITETON;  Act  IV. 

Bently  be  suffering  the  punishment  for  it ;  he'll  be  accusing 
him  of  doing,  this  day,  the  things  which  I  myself  have  done 
what's  that  to  me  ?  It's  proper  for  me  to  be  obedient  to  my 
father ;  it's  right  to  be  subservient  to  his  pleasure.  But  see  ! 
here  is  Amphitryon ;  he's  coming.  Now  shall  he  be  rarely 
fooled,  if,  indeed,  {to  the  Audience)  you  are  willing,  by  listen- 
ing, to  lend  your  attention.  I'll  go  in-doors,  and  assume  a 
garb^  that  more  becomes  me ;  then  I'll  go  up  upon  the  roof, 
that  I  may  drive  him  off  from  hence.  ( Goes  into  the  houses 
and  fastens  the  door.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Amphitetok. 
Amph.  (Jto  himself).  Naucrates,  whom  I  wanted  to  find,  waa 
not  on  board  ship ;  neither  at  home  nor  in  the  city  do  I  meet 
with  any  one  that  has  seen  him  ;  for  through  all  the  streets 
have  I  crawled,  the  wrestling-rings  and  the  perfumers'  shops, 
to  the  market,  too,  and  in  the  shambles,  the  school  for  exercise, 
and  the  Eorum,  the  doctors'  shops,  the  barbers'  shops,  and 
among  all  the  sacred  buildings.  I'm  wearied  out  with  seek- 
ing him,  and  yet  I  nowhere  meet  with  Naucrates.  Now  I'll  go 
home,  and  from  my  wife  wiU  I  continue  to  make  enquiry  into 
this  matter,  who  the  person  was,  by  the  side  of  whom  she 
submitted  her  body  to  dishonor.  For  it  were  better  that  I 
was  dead,  than  that  I  this  day  should  leave  this  enquiry  in- 
complete. {Goes  up  to  the  door.)  But  the  house  is  closed. 
A  pretty  thing  indeed !  This  is  done  just  like  the  other  things 
have  been  done :  I'll  knock  at  the  door.  {Knocks.)  Open 
this  door ;  ho  there !  is  there  anybody  here  ?  Is  any  one 
going  to  open  this  door  ? 

Scene  III. — Meecijet  appears  on  the  top  of  the  house,  with  a 
chaplet  on  his  head,  pretending  to  be  drunk. 

Meeo.  "Who's  that  at  the  door  ?     Amph.  'Tis  I. 

Meec.  "Who's  "  'tis  I  ?"     Amph.  'Tis  I  that  say  so. 

Meec.  For  sure,  Jupiter  and  all  the  Deities  are  angered 
with  you  who  are  banging  at  the  door  this  way. 

Amph.  In  what  manner?  Meec.  In  this  manner,  that 
without  a  doubt  you  must  be  spending  a  wretched  life. 

*  Anume  a  garh')—Y&[.  1007.  He  perhaps  means  aot  only  the  chaplet  won 
bj  the  reveller  on  his  head,  but  the  garb  of  a  slave  also. 


Sc.  III.  OB,  JUPITEB  ITT  DISGXnSE.  47 

Amph.  Sosia.     Meec.  Well ;  I'm  Sosia,  unless  you  think . 
that  I've  forf^otten  myself.     What  do  you  want  now  ? 

Amph.  What,  you  rascal,  and  do  you  even  ask  me  that, 
what  it  is  I  want  r 

Merc.  I  do  so  ask  you;  you  blockhead,  you've  almost 
broken  the  hinges  from  off  the  door.  Did  you  fancy  that  doors 
were  supplied  us  at  the  public  charge  ?  Why  are  you  looking 
up  at  me,  you  stupid  ?  What  do  you  want  now  for  yourself, 
or  what  fellow  are  you  ? 

Amph.  Tou  whip-scoundrel,  do  you  even  ask  me  who  I 
am,  you  hell  of  elm -saplings^  ?  I' faith,  this  day  I'll  make, 
you  burn  with  smarts  of  the  scourge  for  these  speeches  0/ 
yours. 

Merc.  Tou  surely  must  have  formerly  been  a  spendthrift 
in  your  young  days. 

Amph.  How  so  ?  Merc.  Because  in  your  old  age  you 
come  begging  a  hap-ill^  of  me  for  yourself 

Amph.  Slave !  for  your  own  torture  do  you  give  vent  to 
these  expressions  this  day. 

Merc.  Now  I'm  performing  a  sacrifice  to  you. 

Amph.  How?  Merc.  Why,  because  I  devote  you  to 
ill-luck^  with  this  libation.  (^Throws  water  on  him.)  *  *  * 
******** 

[Amph.  What,  you,  devote  me*  you  villain  ?  If  the  Gods 
have  not  this  day  taken  away  my  usual  form,  I'll  take  care 
that  you  shall  be  laden  with  bull's  hide  thongs,  you  victim  of 

1  Hell  of  elm-saplings) — Ver.  1029.  "  Ulmorum  Acheruns."  According  to 
Taubmann,  this  means,  "  whose  back  devours  as  many  elm-rods  as  Acheron  does 
souls." 

2  A  kap-iUy-Yer.  1032.  See  the  Note  to  1.  723. 

'Devote  you  to  ill-hwk) — Ver.  1034.  "  Macto  infortunio."  "Macto,"  which 
properly  signified  "  to  amplify,"  was  especially  applied  to  the  act  of  sacriticing, 
by  way  of  giving  sometliing.  Mercury  here  says  in  sport,  that  he  makes  Am- 
pliitryon  an  offering  of — a  jug  of  water,  or  perhaps  a  tile,  it  is  not  known  for 
certain  which  ;  but  it  is  generally  supposed  that  in  some  part  of  this  Scene,  as 
originally  written,  he  does  throw  water  at  him. 

*  Yov^  devote  me) — Ver.  1035.  This  line  commences  the  portion  that  is  sup- 
posed by  many  of  the  Commentators  not  to  have  been  written  by  Plautus,  it  not 
being  found  in  most  of  the  MSS.  By  those,  however,  who  deny  it  to  have  been 
his  composition,  it  is  generally  thought  to  have  been  composed  by  an  ancient 
writcj,  and  not  to  be  at  all  deficient  in  humour  and  genuine  Comic  spirit.  Gueude- 
viHe  and  Echard  speak  in  high  terms  of  it ;  and  the  learned  Schmieder  is  unwilU 
cjE  to  believe  that  it  is  not  the  composition  of  Plautoa. 


48  AMPHITRTOW;  Act  IV 

Saturn^.  So  surely  will  I  devote  you  to  the  cross  and  to 
torture.     Come  out  of  doors,  you  whip-knave. 

Merc.  You  shadowy  ghost — ^you,  frighten  me  with  your 
threats  ?  If  you  don't  betake  yourself  off  from  here  this 
instant,  if  you  knock  once  more,  if  the  door  makes  a  noise 
with  your  little  finger  even^  I'll  break  your  head  with  this  tile, 
Bo  that  with  your  teeth  you  may  sputter  out  your  tongue. 

Amph.  What,  rascal,  would  you  be  for  driving  me  awaj 
from  my  own  house  ?  What,  would  you  hinder  me  from 
knocking  at  my  own  door?  I'll  this  instant  tear  it  from  off 
all  its  hinges. 

Meec.  Do  you  persist  ?    Amph.  I  do  persist. 

Merc.  Take  that,  then.     (^Throws  a  tile  at  him.) 

Amph.  Scoundrel !  at  your  master  ?  If  1  lay  hands  upon 
you  this  day,  I'll  bring  you  to  that  pitch  of  misery,  that  you 
shall  be  miserable  for  evermore. 

Meec.  Surely,  you  must  have  been  playing  the  BacchanaP, 
old  gentleman. 

Amph.  Why  so  ?  Meec.  Inasmuch  as  you  take  me  to  be 
your  slave. 

Amph.  What  ?  I — take  you  ?  Meec.  Plague  upon  you ! 
I  know  no  master  but  Amphitryon. 

Amph.  (to  himself).  Have  I  lost  my  form?  It's  strange 
that  Sosia  shouldn't  know  me.  I'll  make  trial.  {Calling 
out).  How  now !  Tell  me  who  I  appear  to  he  ?  Am  I  not 
really  Amphitryon  ? 

Meec.  Amphitryon  ?  Are  you  in  your  senses  ?  Has  it  not 
been  told  you  before,  old  fellow,  that  you  have  been  playing 
the  Bacchanal,  to  be  asking  another  person  who  you  are? 
Get  away,  I  recommend  you,  don't  be  troublesome  while 
Amphitryon,  who  has  just  come  back  from  the  enemy,  ia 
indiilging  himself  with  the  company  ©/"his  wife. 

Amph.  What  wife  ?     Meec.  Alcmena. 

Amph.  What  man  ?  Meec.  How  often  do  you  want  it 
told  ?  Amphitryon,  my  master ; — don't  be  troublesome. 

>  Victim  of  Saturn) — Ver.  1037.  Taubmann  remarks  that  there  is  here  an 
allusion  to  those  slaves  which  the  Carthaginians  were  in  the  habit  of  purchasing; 
in  order  to  sacrifice  them,  in  place  of  their  children,  to  Saturn — a  rite  borrowed 
from  the  same  source  as  the  passing  of  children  through  fire  to  Moloch,  as  prac- 
tised by  the  Phoenicians. 

^Playing  the  Bacchanal)— Ver.  1046.  "Bacchanal  exercuisse."  "To  keep 
the  festival  of  Bacchus,"  where  frantic  conduct  and  acts  of  outrageous  madiMS9 
were  prevalent.    See  the  Notes  to  th»  F****  Act  of  the  B^cchkieii. 


5c.  III.  OB,  JUPITER  IW  ©TSQtTTST!.  40 

Amph.  "Wlio's  he  sleeping  with  ?  Mekc.  Take  care  that 
you  don't  meet  with  some  mishap  in  trifling  with  me  this 
way. 

Ampf.  Prithee,  do  tell  me,  my  dear  Sosia. 

Merc.  More  civilly  said — with.  Alcmena. 

Amph.  In  the  same  chamber  ? 

Merc.  Yes,  as  I  fancy,  he  is  sleeping  with  her  side  by  side. 

Amph.  Alas  ! — wretch  that  I  am  ! 

Merc,  {to  the  Audience)  .  It  really  is  a  gain  which  he  ima- 
gines to  be  a  misfortune.  For  to  lend  one's  wife  to  another 
is  just  as  though  you  were  to  let  out  barren  land  to  be 
ploughed. 

Amph.  Sosia !     Merc.  "What,  the  plague,  about  Sosia  ? 

Amph.  Don't  you  know  me,  you  whip-scoundrel  ? 

Merc.  I  know  that  you  are  a  troublesome  feUow,  who  have 
no  need  to  go  buy^  a  lawsuit.  Amph.  Still  once  more — am 
I  not  your  master  Amphitryon  ? 

Merc.  Tou  are  Bacchus  liimself^,  and  not  Amphitryon. 
How  often  do  you  want  to  be  told  ?  Any  times  more  ?  My 
master  Amphitryon,  in  the  same  chamber,  is  holding  Alcmena 
in  his  embraces.  If  you  persist,  I'U  produce  him  here,  and 
not  without  your  great  discomfiture. 

Amph.  I  wish  him  to  be  fetched.  {Aside.)  I  pray  that  this 
day,  in  return  for  my  services,  I  may  not  lose  house,  "wife,  and 
household,  together  with  my  figure. 

Merc.  WeU,  I'U  fetch  him  ;  but,  in  the  meantime,  do  you 
mind  about  the  door,  please.  {Aside.)  I  suppose  that  by 
this  he  has  brought  the  sacrifice  that  he  was  intending,  as 
far  as  the  banquet^.  {Aloud.)  If  you  are  troublesome,  you 
shan't  escape  without  my  making  a  sacrifice  of  you.  {He  re- 
tires  into  the  house.) 

Amph.  Ye  Grods,  by  my  trust  in  you,  what  madness  is 
distracting  my  household?  What  wondrous  things  have 
I  seen  since  I  arrived  from  abroad!  Why,  it's  true, 
surely,  what  was  once  heard  tell  of,  how  that  men  of  Attica 

1  No  need  to  go  buy) — Ver.  1063.  He  seems  to  mean  that  a  "  litigium,"  or 
'*  lawsuit,"  is  already  prepared  for  him,  in  daring  to  personate  Amphitryon. 

*  Bacchtis  himself) — Ver.  1064.  He  means  that,  from  his  frantic  conduct  he 
must  surely  be,  not  a  Bacchanalian,  but  Bacchus  himself. 

'  As  the  banquet') — Ver.  1071.  It  is  supposed  that  he  here  has  a  double  mean- 
me,  and  implits  tliat  he  supposes  that  by  this  time  Jupiter  has  satisfied  hi* 
Tenement  desire.  It  has  been  previously  remarked,  that  after  sacrifices  a  feask 
was  made  of  the  portions  that  were  left. 

VOL.  II  « 


50  AMPH1:r\oiv.  ^ollf, 

were  transformed  m  Arcadia^,  and  remained  as  savage  wild 
beasts,  and  were  not  ever  afterwards  known  unto  tlieir 
parents. 

Scene  IY. — Enter  Blephaeo  and  Sosia,  at  a  distance. 

Bleph.  What's  this,  Sosia  ?  Great  marvels  are  these  that 
you  are  telling  of.  Do  you  say  that  you  found  another  Sosia 
at  home  exactly  like  yourself? 

Sos.  I  do  say  so — but,  hark  you,  since  I  have  produced  a 
Sosia,  Amphitryon  an  Amphitryon,  how  do  you  know  whether 
you,  perchance,  may  not  be  producing  another  Blepharo  ?  O 
that  the  Grods  would  grant  that  you  as  well,  belaboured  with 
fists,  and  with  your  teeth  knocked  out,  going  without  your 
breakfast,  might  credit  this.  For  I,  that  other  Sosia,  that  is 
to  say,  who  am  yonder,  has  mauled  me  in  a  dreadful  manner. 

Bleph.  Eeally,  it  is  wonderful ;  but  it's  as  well  to  mend 
our  pace ;  for,  as  I  perceive,  Amphitryon  is  waiting  for  us, 
and  my  empty  stomach  is  grumbling. 

Amph.  {apart), And  why  do  I  mention  foreign  legends  ? 

M(3re  wondrous  things  they  relate  to  have  happened  among  our 
Theban  race^  in  former  days  ;  that  mighty  searcher  for  Eu- 
ropa,  attacking  the  monster  sprung  from  Mars,  suddenly 
produced  his  enemies  from  the  serpent-seed;  and  in  that 
battle  fought,  brother  pressed  on  brother  with  lance  and 
helm ;  the  Epirote  land,  too,  beheld  the  author  of  our  race, 
together  with  the  daughter  of  Venus^,  gliding  as  serpents. 
From  on  high  supreme  Jove  thus  willed  it ;  thus  destiny 
directs.  All  the  noblest  of  our  country,  in  retm-n  for  their 
bright  achievements,  are  pursued  with  direful  woes.  This 
fatality  is  pressing  hard  on  me — still  I  could  endure  disasters 
so  great,  and  submit  to  woes  hardly  to  be  endured 

Sos.  Blepharo.     Bleph.  "WTiat's  the  matter  ? 

Sos.  I  don't  know ;  I  suspect  something  wrong. 

*  In  Arcadia) — Ver.  1075.  He  alludes  to  a  story  among  the  ancients,  that 
certain  people  of  Arcadia  were  transformed  for  a  certain  time  into  wolves :  they 
were  called  *'  Lycanthropi,"  or  "  Wolf-men."  Pliny  the  Elder  mentions  tnem  in 
his  Eighth  Book. 

Our  Theban  race) — Ver.  1085.  He  alludes  to  the  story  ot  Cadmus  being  sent 
by  Agenor  in  search  of  Europa,  and  sowing  the  Dragon's  teeth,  from  which 
9rose  a  rrop  of  armed  men.     See  the  Metamorphoses  of  Ovid,  B.  3,  1.  32. 

»  [VUh  the  daughter  of  Venus ) — Ver.  1089.  He  alludes  to  the  tradition  which 
stated  that  Cadmus  and  his  wife  Herinione  retired  to  Illyria,  and  were  ther* 
changed  into  serpent*.    See  the  Metamorphoses  B.  4, 1. 574, 


Sc.  ly.  Ott,  JUPITEE  IN  DISGUISE.  51 

Bleph.  "Why  ?  Sos.  Look,  please,  our  master,  like  an 
Humble  courtier^,  is  walking  before  the  door  bolted  fast. 

Bleph.  It's  nothing;  walking  to  and  fro,  he's  looking 
for  an  appetite^. 

Sos.  After  a  singular  fashion,  indeed  ;  for  he  has  shut  the 
door,  that  it  mayn't  escape  out  of  the  house. 

Bleph.  Tou  do  go  yelping  on.  Sos.  I  go  neither  yelping 
on  nor  barking  on ;  if  you  listen  to  me,  observe  him.  I  don't 
know  why  ke^s  by  himself  alone ;  he's  making  some  calcula- 
tion, I  suppose.  I  can  hear  from  this  spot  w^hat  he  says — 
don't  be  in  a  hurry. 

Amph.  (apart).  How  much  I  fear  lest  the  Grods  should  blot 
out  the  glory  I  have  acquired  in  the  conquest  of  the  foe.  In 
wondrous  manner  do  I  see  the  whole  of  my  household  in  com- 
motion. And  then  my  wife,  so  full  of  viciousness,  inconti- 
nence, and  dishonor,  kills  me  outright.  But  about  the  goblet, 
it  is  a  singular  thing  ;  yet  the  seal  was  properly  affixed.  And 
what  besides  ?  She  recounted  to  me  the  battles  I  had  fought  j 
Pterelas,  too,  besieged  and  bravely  slain  by  my  own  hand. 
Aye,  aye — now  I  know  the  trick ;  this  was  done  by  Sosia'a 
contrivance,  who  as  well  has  disgracefully  presumed  to-day 
to  get  before  me  on  my  arrival. 

Sos.  (to  Blepharo).  He's  talking  about  me,  and  in  terms 
that  I  had  rather  not.  Prithee,  don't  let's  accost  this  man 
until  he  has  disclosed  his  wrath. 

Bleph.  Just  as  you  please.  Amvk.  (apart).  If  it  is  granted 
me  this  day  to  lay  hold  of  that  whip-scoundrel,  I'll  show  him 
■«hat  it  is  to  deceive  his  master, and  to  assail  me  with  threats 
and  tricks. 

Sos.  Do  you  hear  him  ?     Bleph.  I  hear  him. 

Sos.  That  implement  (pointing  to  AMVKiTnYOi^^s  lualking' 
stick)  is  a  burden  for  my  shoulder-blades.     Let's  accost  the 

'  An  humble  courtier) — Ver.  1094.  "  Salutator."  The  "  salutatores "  were  a 
class  of  men  w'ao  in  the  later  times  of  the  Roman  Republic  obtained  a  living  by 
visiting  the  houses  of  the  wealthy  in  the  morning,  and  hanging  about  the  door 
to  pay  their  respects,  and  to  accompany  the  master  when  he  went  abroad.  Many 
persons  thus  supported  themselves,  and  thereby  enacted  a  part  not  much  unlik» 
the  Parasites  among  the  Greeks. 

'  Looking  for  an  appetite) — Ver.  1095.  Cicero  relates  that  Socrates  used  to  walk 
very  briskly  in  the  evening,  and  when  asked  why  he  did  so,  replied  that  he  waa 
going  to  market  for  an  appetite. 


5^  AMPHITETO^i  Act  IV. 

man,  if  you  please.  Do  you  know  what  is  in  the  habit  of 
being  commonly  said  ? 

Bleph.  What  you  are  going  to  say,  I  don't  know ;  what 
you'll  have  to  endure  I  pretty  well  guess. 

Sos.  It's  an  old  adage — "  Hunger  and  delay  summon  angei 
to  the  nostrils^." 

Bleph.  Aye,  and  well  suited  to  the  occasion.  Let's  aa- 
dress  him  directly — Amphitryon ! 

Amph.  (looking  round).  Is  it  Blepharo  I  hear  ?  It's  strange 
why  he's  come  to  me.  Still,  he  presents  himself  opportunely, 
for  me  to  prove  the  guilty  conduct  of  my  wife.  Why  have  you 
come  here  to  me,  Blepharo  ? 

Bleph.  Have  you  so  soon  forgotten  how  early  in  the 
morning  you  sent  Sosia  to  the  ship,  that  I  might  take  a  re- 
past with  you  to-day  ? 

Amph.  Never  in  this  world  was  it  done.  But  where  is  that 
scoandrel  ? 

Belph.  Who  ?    Amph.  Sosia. 

Bleph.  See,  there  he  is.     {Points  at  Mm.) 

Amph.  {looking  about).  Where  ?  Bleph.  Before  your 
eyes ;  don't  you  see  him  ? 

Amph.  I  can  hardly  see  for  anger,  so  distracted  has  that 
fellow  made  me  this  day.  You  shall  never  escape  my  making 
a  sacrifice  of  you.  {Offers  to  strike  Sosia,  on  which  Ble- 
pharo prevents  him.)     Do  let  me,  Blepharo. 

Bleph.  Listen,  I  pray.  Amph.  Say  on,  I'm  listening — 
{gives  a  hlow  to  Sosla.)  you  take  that. 

Sos.  For  what  reason  ?  Am  I  not  in  good  time  ?  I  couldn't 
have  gone  quicker,  if  I  had  betaken  myself  on  the  oar- 
like wings^  of  Daedalus.  (AMPHiTEYOif  tries  to  strike  him 
again.) 

Bleph.  Prithee,  do  leave  him  alone  ;  we  couldn't  quicken 
our  pace  any  further. 

Amph.  Whether  it  was  the  pace  of  a  man  on  stilts  or  that 

'  To  the  nostrils) — Ver.  1113.  From  their  expanding  when  a  person  is 
enraged,  the  nostrils  were  said  to  be  peculiarly  the  seat  of  anger. 

2  Oar-like  wings)— Yev.  1123.  "  Remigiis."  Virgil,  and  Ovid  also,  with  con- 
siderable propriety,  call  the  wings  of  Daedalus  "  remigia,"  "  tiers  of  oars,"  from 
the  resemblance  which  the  main  feathers  of  the  wing  bear  to  a  row  of  oars.  Th« 
story  of  Dasdalus  and  Icarus  is  beautifully  told  by  Ovid,  in  the  Art  of  Loye 
-vock  2f  and  in  the  Metamorphoses,  Book  8. 


Sc.  IV  OE,  JUPITEE  IN  DISGUISE.  53 

of  the  tortoise,  I'm  determined  to  be  the  death  of  this  villain. 
{Striking  him  at  each  sentence.)  Take  that  for  the  roof;  that 
for  the  tiles ;  that  for  closing  the  door ;  that  for  making  fuu 
of  your  master ;  that  for  your  abusive  language. 

Bleph.  What  injury  has  he  been  doing  to  you  ? 

Amph.  Do  you  ask  ?  Shut  out  of  doors,  from  that  house- 
top {pointing  to  it)  he  has  driven  me  away  from  my  house. 

Sos.  What,  I  ?  Amph.  What  did  you  threaten  that  you 
would  do  if  I  knocked  at  that  door  ?  Do  you  deny  it,  you 
scoundrel  ? 

Sos.  Why  shouldn't  I  deny  it  ?  See,  he's  sufficiently  a  wit- 
ness with  whom  I  ha^^ejust  now  come ;  I  was  sent  on  purpose 
that  by  your  invitation  I  might  bring  him  to  your  house. 

Amph.  Who  sent  you,  viUain?  Sos.  He  who  asks  me 
the  question. 

Amph.  When,  of  all  things  ? 

Sos.  Some  little  time  since — not  long  since — just  now. 
When  you  were  reconciled  at  home  to  your  wife. 

Amph.  Bacchus  must  have  demented  you. 

Sos.  May  I  not  be  paying  my  respects  to  Bacchus  this 
day,  nor  yet  to  Ceres^.  You  ordered  the  vessels  to  be  made 
clean,  that  you  might  perform  a  sacrifice,  and  you  sent  me 
to  fetch  him  {pointing  to  Blephaeo),  that  he  might  breaks 
fast  with  you. 

Amph.  Blepharo,  may  I  perish  outright  if  I  have  either 
been  in  the  house,  or  if  I  have  sent  him.  {To  Sosia.)  Tell 
me — w^here  did  you  leave  me  ? 

Sos.  At  home,  with  your  wife  Alcmena.  Leaving  you,  I 
flew  towards  the  harbour,  and  invited  him  in  your  name. 
We  are  come,  and  I've  not  seen  you  since  till  now. 

Amph.  Villanous  fellow !  With  my  wife,  say  you  ?  You 
shall  never  go  away  without  getting  a  beating.  {Gives  him 
a  blow.) 

Sos.  {crying  out).  Blepharo!  Bleph.  Amphitryon,  do  let 
him  alone,  for  my  sake,  and  listen  to  me. 

Amph.  Well  then,  I'll  let  him  alone.  What  do  you 
Want  ?     Say  on. 

Bleph.  He  has  just  now  been  telling  me  most  extraordi 
nary  marvels.     A  juggler,  or  a  sorcerer,  perhaps,  has  en- 

»  Nor  yet  to  Ceres) — Ver.  1134.  He  wishes  to  see  neither  of  these  Deities,  j' 
being  a  common  notion  that  those  to  whom  they  appeared  i>ecame  mad. 


54  AMPHITETOW  Act  IV 

cli anted  all  this  household  of  yours.  Do  enquire  in  other 
quarters,  and  examine  how  it  is.  And  don't  cause  this  poor 
fellow  to  be  tortured,  before  you  understand  the  matter. 

Amph.  You  give  good  advice;  let's  go  in,  I  want  you 
also  to  be  my  advocate  against  my  wife.  (^Knocks  at  the 
door.) 

Scene  V^. — JEnter  J vtiteh,  from  the  house. 

Jup.  Who  with  such  weighty  blows  has  been  shaking  this 
door  on  all  the  hinges  ?  Who  has  been  making  such  a  great 
disturbance  for  this  long  while  before  the  house  ?  If  I  find 
him  out,  I'll  sacrifice  him  to  the  shades  of  the  Teleboans. 
There's  nothing,  as  the  common  saying  is,  that  goes  on  well 
with  me  to-day.  I  left  Blepharo  and  Sosia  that  I  might  find 
my  kinsman  Naucrates  ;  him  I  have  not  found,  and  them  I 
have  lost.  But  I  espy  them ;  I'U  go  meet  them,  to  enquire 
if  they  have  any  news. 

Sos.  Blepharo,  that's  our  master  that's  coming  out  of  the 
house ;  but  this  man's  the  sorcerer. 

Bleph.  0  Jupiter !  What  do  I  behold .?  This  is  not, 
but  that  is,  Amphitryon ;  if  this  is,  why  really  that  cannot 
be  he,  unless,  indeed,  he  is  double. 

Jup.  See  now,  here's  Sosia  with  Blepharo  ;  I'll  accost  them 
tlie  first.     Well,  Sosia,  come  to  us  at  last  ?    I'm  quite  hungry. 

Sos.  Didn't  I  tell  you,  £lepharo,  that  this  one  was  the 
sorcerer  ? 

Amph.  Nay,  Theban  citizens,  I  *«y  that  this  is  he  (point- 
ing to  Jupiter)  who  in  my  house  has  made  my  wife  guilty 
of  incontinence,  through  whom  I  find  a  store  of  unchastity 
laid  up  for  me. 

Sos.  (to  Jupiter).  Master,  if  now  you  are  hungry,  crammed 
full  of  fisticufts,  I  betake  me  to  you. 

Amph.  Do  you  persist,  whip-scoundrel  ? 

Sos.  Hie  thee  to  Acheron,  sorcerer. 

Amph.  What,  I  a  sorcerer  ?    (Strikes  him.)    Take  that. 

Jup.  AVhat  madness  jpossesses  you,  stranger,  for  you  to 
be  beating  my  servant  ? 

Amph.  Your  servant  ?    Jup.  Mine. 

'  Scene,  F.)  Many  of  tliose  Commentators  who  have  doubted  the  gennineness  of 
the  last  Scene,  and  of  the  previous  one  from  tlie  fourteenth  hne.  have  been  ready 
to  admit  that  this  Scene  is  tlie  composition  of  Plautus  •  indeed,  xt  bears  very  stioog 
internal  marks  o*" iuvmg  been  composed  bj  him 


Be.  VI.  OE,  JUPITEE  IN  DISGUISE.  65 

Amph.  You  lie.  Jup.  Sosia,  go  in- doors,  and  take  caro 
tlie  breakfast  is  got  ready  while  I'm  sacrificing  this  fellow. 

Sos.  I'll  go.  {Aside.)  Amphitryon,  I  suppose,  will  receive 
the  other  Amphitryon  as  courteously  as  I,  that  other  Sosia, 
did  me,  Sosia,  a  while  ago.  Meantime,  while  they  are  con- 
tending, I'll  turn  aside  into  the  victualling  department^ :  I'll 
clean  out  all  the  dishes,  and  all  the  vessels  I'll  drain.  {Goes 
into  the  house.) 

ScENiE  VI. — JupiTEB,  Amphiteton,  and  Blephaeo. 

Jup.  Do  you  say  that  I  lie  ?  Amph.  You  lie,  I  say,  you 
corrupter  of  my  family. 

Jup.  For  that  disgraceful  speech,  I'll  drag  you  along  here, 
seizing  you  by  the  throat.    {Seizes  him  hy  the  throat.) 

Amph.  Ah  wretched  me !  Jup.  But  you  should  have  ha(i 
a  care  of  this  beforehand. 

Amph.  Blepharo,  aid  me  !  Bleph.  {aside).  The  two  are  so 
exactly  alike  that  I  don't  know  which  to  side  with.  Still,  so 
far  as  possible,  I'll  put  an  end  to  their  contention.  {Aloud.) 
Amphitryon,  don't  slay  Amphitryon  in  fight ;  let  go  his  throat, 
I  Jiray. 

Jup.  Are  you  calling  this  fellow  Amphitryon  ? 

Bleph.  Why  not  ?  Formerly  he  was  but  one,  but  now 
he  has  become  double.  While  you  are  wanting  to  be  he,  the 
other,  too,  doesn't  cease  to  be  of  his  form.  Meanwhile, 
pritliee,  do  leave  go  of  his  neck. 

Jup.  I  will  leave  go.  {Lets  go  ©/"Amphiteton.)  But 
tell  me,  does  that  fellow  appear  to  you  to  be  Amphitryon  ? 

Bleph.  Eeally,  both  of  you  do.  Amph.  O  supreme 
Jupiter  !  when  this  day  didst  thou  take  from  me  my  form  ? 
I'll  proceed  to  make  enquiry  of  him ;  are  you  Amphitryon  ? 

•I  UP.  Do  you  deny  it  ?  Amph.  Downright  do  I  deny  it, 
inasmuch  as  in  Thebes  there  is  no  other  Amphitryon  besides 
myself. 

Jup.  On  the  contrary,  no  other  besides  myself;  and,  in 
fact,  do  you,  Blepharo,  be  the  judge. 

Bleph.  I'll  make  this  matter  clear  by  proofs,  if  I  can. 
{To  AMPHiTEYOif.)  Do  you  answer  first. 

I  Victualling  department) — Ver.  11C5.  *' Popina"  usually  siprnifies  a  "cook's 
sftop;"  but  here  it  evidently  alludes  to  the  larier  or  kitchen  in  AmphitryouS 
bou&e.  which  SoKia  now  enters  and  we  s«e  no  mcr:  ^f  him. 


60  AMPHITRYON ;  Act  IT. 

Amph.  With  pleasure.  Bleph.  Before  the  battle  with  the 
Taphians  was  begun  by  you,  what  orders  did  you  give  me  ? 

Amph.  The  ship  being  in  readiness,  for  you  carefully  to 
keep  close  to  the  rudder. 

Jup.  That  if  our  people  should  take  to  flight,  1  might 
betake  myself  in  safety  thither. 

Bleph.  Anything  else  as  well?  Amph.  That  the  bag 
loaded  with  treasure  should  be  carefully  guarded. 

Jup.    Because    the    money Bleph.     Hold    your 

tongue,  you,  if  you  please;  it's  my  place  to  ask.  Did  you 
know  the  amount  ? 

Jup.  Fifty  Attic  talents. 

Bleph.  He  tells  the  truth  to  a  nicety.  And  you  {io  Am- 
phitryon), how  many  Philippeans  ? 

Amph.  Two  thousand.     Jup.  And  obols^  twice  as  many. 

Bleph.  Each  of  you  states  the  matter  correctly.  Inside 
the  bag  one  of  you  must  have  been  shut  up. 

Jup.  Attend,  please.  With  this  right  hand,  as  you  know, 
I  slew  king  Pterelas ;  his  spoils  I  seized,  and  tlie  goblet 
from  which  he  had  been  used  to  drink  I  brought  away  in  a 
casket ;  I  made  a  present  of  it  to  my  wife,  with  whom  this 
day  at  home  I  bathed,  I  sacrificed,  and  slept. 

Amph.  Ah  me  !  what  do  I  hear  ?  I  scarcely  am  myself. 
For,  awake,  I  am  asleep  ;  awake,  I  am  in  a  dream  ;  alive  and 
well,  I  come  to  destruction.  I  am  that  same  Amphitryoa, 
the  descendant  of  ^  Grorgophone,  the  general  of  the  Thebana, 
and  the  sole  combatant  for  Creon  against  the  Teleboans ;  /, 
who  have  subdued  by  my  might  the  Acarnanians  and  the 
Taphians,  and,  by  my  consummate  warlike  prowess,  their 
king.  Over  these  have  I  appointed  Cephalus,  the  son  of  the 
great  Deioneus. 

Jup.  I  am  he  who  by  warfare  and  my  valour  crushed  the 
hostile  ravagers.  They  had  destroyed  Electryon  and  the 
brothers  of  my  wife.     Wandering  through  the  Ionian,  the 

^  And  obols) — ^Ver.  1187.  The  "  obolus"  was  the  smallest  of  the  Greek  coins. 
It  was  of  silver,  and  was  worth  in  value  rather  more  than  three-halfpence  of  our 
money;  six  of  them  made  a  drachma.  Plautus  has  not  escaped  censure  for 
his  anachroaism,  in  talking  here  of  the  coins  of  Philip,  King  of  Macedon. 

'^Descendant  of) — Ver.  1194,  "  Nepos"  cannot  here  mean  "  grand  son,"  a& 
Corgophone  was  not  a  lineal  ancestor  of  Amphitryon,  being  the  sister  ol  his  fathtl 
Alcseus. 


8c.  \  I.  OE,  JUPITER  IN  DISGTTISE.  ^7 

Mgean,  and  the  Cretan  seas,  with  piratical  violence  tLey  laid 
waste  Achaia,  ^tolia,  and  Phocis. 

Amph.  Immortal  Gods !  I  cannot  trust  my  own  self,  so 
exactly  does  he  relate  all  the  things  that  happened  there. 
Consider,  Blepharo. 

Bleph.  One  thing  onh/  remains ;  if  so  it  is,  do  you  be  Am- 
phitryons  both  of  you. 

Jup.  I  knew  what  you  would  say.  The  scar  tJiat  I  have 
on  the  muscle  of  my  right  arm,  from  the  wound  which  Pte- 
relas  gave  me 

Bleph.  Well,  that.    Amph.  Quite  to  the  purpose. 

Jup.  See  you !  look,  behold ! 

Bleph.  Uncover,  and  I'll  look. 

Jup.  We  have  uncovered.  Look !  (They  show  their  naked 
arms.) 

Bleph.  (looking  at  the  right  arm  of  each).  Supreme  Jupi- 
ter, what  do  I  behold  ?  On  the  right-arm  muscle  of  each, 
in  the  same  spot,  the  scar  clearly  appears  with  the  same  mark, 
reddish  and  somewhat  livid,  just  as  it  has  first  commenced  to 
close.  Eeasoning  is  at  a  standstill,  all  judgment  is  struck 
dumb ;  I  don't  know  what  to  do^.] 


Bleph.  Do  you  settle  these  matters  between  yourselves  ; 
I'm  o^,for  I  have  business ;  and  I  do  not  think  that  I  have 
ever  anywhere  beheld  such  extraordinary  wonders. 

Amph.  Blepharo,  I  pray  that  you'U  stay  as  my  advocate, 
and  not  go  away. 

Bleph.  Farewell.  What  need  is  there  of  me  for  an  advo- 
cate, who  don't  know  which  of  the  two  to  side  with  ? 

Jup.  I'm  going  hence  in-doors:  Alcmena  is  in  labour. 
{Exit  Blephaeo,  and  Jupitee  goes  into  Amphiteton's 
house.) 

Amph.  {aloud  to  himself).  I'm  undone,  wretch  that  I  am  j 
for  what  am  I  to  do,  when  my  advocates  and  friends  are  now 
forsaking  me  ?  Never,  by  heavens,  shaU  he  deride  me  unre- 
venged,  whoever  he  is.  Now  will  I  betake  myself  straight  to 
the  king,  and  tell  him  of  the  matter  as  it  has  happened.     Bv 

»  WJiatto  do)— Ver.  1209.  With  this  line  terminates  what  is  generally  callea 
the  supjtubititious  part  of  this  Play. 


68  AMPHTTETON ;  Act  V 

my  faith,  I  will  this  day  take  vengeance  on  this  Thessalian 
sorcerer,  who  has  wrongfully  distracted  the  minds  of  my 
household.  But  where  is  he  ?  {Looking  around.)  By  my 
troth,  he's  off  into  the  house,  to  my  wife,  I  suppose.  What 
other  person  lives  in  Thebes  more  wretched  than  myself  ? 
What  now  shall  I  do  ?  J,  whom  all  men  deny  and  deride 
just  as  they  please.  I  am  resolved  ;  I'll  burst  into  the  house ; 
there,  whatever  person  I  perceive,  whether  maid-servant  or 
man-servant,  whether  wife  or  whether  paramour,  whether 
father  or  whether  grandfather,  I'll  behead  that  person  in  the 
house ;  neither  Jupiter  nor  all  the  Deities  shall  hinder  me 
from  this,  even  if  they  would,  but  that  I'll  do  just  as  I  have 
resolved.  (^As  he  advances  to  the  door^  it  thunders^  and  he 
falls  in  a  swoon  upon  the  ground.)^ 

Act  V. — ScEiTE  I. 

Enter  'BnowiK^from  the  home,  Amphiteton  lying  on  the 
ground, 

Beom.  {to  herself).  The  hopes  and  resources  of  my  life  lie 
buried  in  my  breast,  nor  is  there  any  boldness  in  my  heart,  but 
what  I  have  lost  it.  So  much  to  me  do  all  things  seem,  the  sea, 
the  earth,  the  heavens,  to  be  conspiring,  that  now  I  may  be 
crushed,  that  I  may  be  destroyed.  Ah,  wretched  me !  I  know 
not  what  to  do.  Prodigies  so  great  have  come  to  pass  within  the 
house.  Ah !  woe  is  me  !  I'm  sick  at  heart,  some  water  I  could 
wish !  I'm  overpowered  and  I'm  utterly  undone.  My  head 
is  aching,  and  I  cannot  hear,  nor  do  I  see  well  with  my  eyes 
Ko  woman  is  there  more  wretched  than  myself,  nor  can  one 
seem  to  be  more  so.  Thus  has  it  this  day  befallen  my  mistress  ; 
for  when  she  invoked  for  herself  the  Deities  of  travail,  what 
rumblings  and  grumblings^,  crashes  and  flashes ;  suddenly, 
how  instantaneously  did  it  thunder,  and  how  woundy  loud.  On 
klie  spot  where  each  one  stood,  at  the  peal  he  fell ;  then  some 
one,  I  know  not  who,  exclaimed  in  a  mighty  voice, "  Alcmena, 
Buccour  is  at  hand,  fear  not:  propitious  both  to  thee  and 
thine,  the  Euler  of  the  Heavens  comes.  Arise,"  it  said,  "ye 
who  have  fallen  down  in  your  terror  through  dread  of  me."  As 
I  lav,  I  arose ;  I  fancied  that  the  house  was  in  flames.  Then 
Alcm.ena  called  me ;  and  then  did  that  circumstance  strike 

^  Rumblings  and  gru1^bling!^) — Ver.  1238.  "  Strepitus,  crepitus,  sonitus  toni- 
tnus.*'    A  iiwa^  «*;  evideatly  iatended  here- 


Sc.  I.  OE,  JTJPITEE  rtf  DISGUISE.  59 

me  with  horror.  Years  for  my  mistress  took  possession  of 
me ;  I  ran  to  her  to  enquire  what  she  wanted ;  and  then  I 
beheld  that  she  had  given  birth  to  two  male  children  ;  not 
yet  did  any  one  of  us  perceive  when  she  was  delivered,  or 
indeed  expect  it.  (^Sees  Amphiteton.)  But  what's  this? 
"Who's  this  old  man  that's  lying  thus  before  our  house  ?  Has 
Jupiter  then  smitten  him  with  his  thimders  ?  By  my  troth, 
I  think  so  ;  for,  oh  Jupiter !  he  is  in  a  lethargy  just  like  one 
dead.  I'll  approach,  that  I  may  learn  who  it  is.  {Bhe  ad- 
vances?) Surely,  this  is  my  master  Amphitryon.  ( Calls  aloud.) 
Ho  !  Amphitryon ! 

Amph.  I'm  dead.     Beom.  Arise. 

Amph.  I'm  slain  outright. 

Beom.  Grive  me  your  hand.    (  Takes  his  hand.) 

Amph.  (recovering).  Who  is  it  that  has  hold  of  me  ? 

Beom.  Bromia,  your  maid-servant. 

Amph.  (rising).  I  tremble  all  over,  to  such  a  degree  has  Jove 
pealed  against  me.  And  no  otherwise  is  it  than  if  I  had  come 
hither  from  Acheron.  But  why  have  you  come  out  of  the 
house  ? 

Beom.  The  same  alarm  has  scared  ourselves,  affrighted  with 
horror ;  in  the  house  where  you  yourself  dwell,  have  I  seen 
astounding  prodigies.  Woe  to  me,  Amphitryon ;  even  now 
do  my  senses  fail  me  to  such  a  degree. 

Amph.  Come  now,  tell  me  ;  do  you  know  me  to  be  your 
master  Amphitryon  ?     Beom.  I  do  know  it. 

Amph.  Look  even  once  again.     Beom.  I  do  know  it. 

Amph.  She  alone  of  all  my  household  has  a  sane  mind. 

Beom.  Nay  but,  really,  they  are  all  of  them  sane. 

Amph,  But  my  wife  causes  me  ta  be  insane  by  her  own 
shameful  practices. 

Beom.  But  I'll  make  you,  Amphitryon,  to  be  holding  other 
language ;  that  you  may  imderstand  that  your  wife  is  dutiful 
and  chaste,  upon  that  subject  I  will  in  a  few  words  discover 
some  tokens  and  some  proofs.  In  the  first  place  of  all,  Ale- 
mena  has  given  birth  to  two  sons. 

Amph.  Two,  say  you  ?     Beom.  Two. 

Amph.  The  Grods  preserve  me  ! 

Beom.  Allow  me  to  speak,  that  you  may  know  that  all  the 
Deities  are  propitious  to  yourself  and  to  your  wife. 

Amph.  Say  on.  Beom.  After  that,  this  day,  your  wife 
begaji  to  be  in  labour,  w  hen  the  pangs  of  childbirth  came  on, 


60  AMPHITETOIT ;  Act  \ . 

as  is  tlie  custom  with  women  in  travail,  she  invoked  the  im- 
mortal Grods  to  give  her  aid,  with  washed  hands^  and  with 
covered  head.  Then  forthwith  it  thundered  with  most  tre- 
mendous crash.  At  first  we  thought  that  your  house  was 
falling  ;  all  your  house  shone  bright,  as  though  it  had  been 
made  of  gold. 

Amph.  Prithee,  relieve  me  quickly  from  this,  since  you  have 
kept  me  long  enough  in  suspense.     What  happened  then  ? 

Beom.  While  these  things  were  passing,  meanwhile,  not 
one  of  us  heard  your  wife  groaning  or  complaining;  and 
thus,  in  fact,  without  pain  was  she  delivered. 

Amph.  Then  do  I  rejoice  at  this,  whatever  she  has  merited 
at  my  hands. 

Brom.  Leave  that  alone,  and  hear  these  things  which  I  shall 
tell  you.  After  she  was  delivered,  she  bade  us  wash  the  babes  ; 
we  commenced  to  do  so.  But  that  child  which  I  washed, 
how  stout,  how  very  powerful  he  is ;  and  not  a  person  was 
there,  able  to  wrap  him  in  the  swaddling-clothes. 

Amph.  Most  wondrous  things  you  tell  of.  If  these 
things  are  true,  I  do  not  apprehend  but  that  succour  has 
been  brought  to  my  wife  from  heaven. 

Brom.  Now  shall  I  make  you  own  to  things  more  won- 
drous still.  After  he  was  laid  in  the  cradle,  two  immense 
crested  serpents  glided  down  through  the  skylight ;  instantly 
they  both  reared  their  heads. 

Amph.  Ah  me !  Brom.  Be  not  dismayed — but  the  ser- 
pents be^an  to  gaze  upon  all  around.  After  they  beheld  the 
children,  quickly  they  made  towards  the  cradle ;  I,  fearing 
for  the  children,  alarmed  for  myself,  going  backwards,  began 
to  draw  and  pull  the  cradle  to  and  fro,  and  so  much  the  more 
fiercely  did  the  serpents  pursue.  After  that  one  of  the 
children  caught  sight  of  the  serpents,  he  quickly  leapt  from 
the  cradle,  straightway  he  made  an  attack  upon  them,  ana 
suddenly  he  grasped  them,  one  in  each  hand. 

Amph.  You  tell  of  wondrous  things  ;  a  very  fearful  exploit 
do  you  relate;  for  at  your  words  horror  steals  upon  tlie 
limbs  of  wretched  me.     What  happened  then  ?     Say  on. 

Brom.  The  child  slew  both  the  serpents.  While  these 
things  are  passing,  in  a  loud  voice  there  calls  upon  your 

wife 

»  With  washed  hands)— Ver.  1270.  The  head  was  covered  ana  the  hands  icadt 
pure  by  vrabhiog,  before  sacrifice  to  the  Gods. 


Sc.  11.  OE,  JUPITER  nf  DISGUISE.  61 

Amph.  What  person ?     Brom.  Jupiter,  the  supreme 

!Euler  of  Gods  and  men.  He  said  that  he  had  secretly  enjoyed 
Alcmena  in  his  embraces,  and  that  he  was  his  own  son  who 
had  overcome  those  serpents;  the  other,  he  said,  was  your  child. 

Amph.  By  my  troth,  1  am  not  sorry  ii'I  am  allowed  to  take 
my  half  of  a  blessing  in  partnership  with  Jupiter.  Gro  home, 
and  bid  the  sacred  vessels  to  be  at  once  prepared  for  me,  that 
with  many  victims  I  may  seek  my  peace  with  supreme  Jove. 
I  vdll  apply  to  Tiresias^  the  soothsayer,  and  consult  him  what 
he  considers  ought  to  be  done  ;  at  the  same  time  I'll  relate  to 
him  this  matter  just  as  it  has  happened.  (It  thunders.)  But 
what  means  this  ?  How  dreadfully  it  thunders !  Ye  Gods, 
your  mercy,  I  do  entreat. 

Scene  II. — Jupiter  appears,  in  Jiis  own  character,  above. 

Jup.  Be  of  good  cheer,  Amphitryon ;  I  am  come  to  thy 
aid :  thou  hast  nothing  to  fear ;  all  diviners  and  soothsayers 
let  alone.  What  is  to  be,  and  what  has  past,  I  will  tell 
thee ;  and  so  much  better  than  they  can,  inasmuch  as  I  am 
Jupiter.  First  of  all,  I  have  made  loan  of  the  person  of  Alc- 
mena, and  have  caused  her  to  be  pregnant  with  a  son.  Thou, 
too,  didst  cause  her  to  be  pregnant,  when  thou  didst  set  out 
upon  the  expedition ;  at  one  birth  has  she  brought  forth  the 
two  together.  One  of  these,  the  one  that  is  sprung  from  my 
parentage,  shall  bless  thee^  with  deathless  glory  by  his  deeds. 
Do  thou  return  with  Alcmena  to  your  former  affection ;  she 
merits  not  that  thou  shouldst  impute  it  to  her  as  her  blame ; 
by  my  power  has  she  been  compelled  thus  to  act.  I  nx>w 
return  to  the  heavens.     {He  ascends.) 

'  Tiresias) — Ver.  1304.  Some  Commentators  think  that  under  the  name  T'lre- 
sias  any  soothsayer  is  here  meant,  and  that  this  was  before  the  time  of  Tiresias. 
So  involved  is  the  heathen  Mythology,  that  it  would  be  hard  to  say  who  existej 
first,  Tiresias  or  Amphitryon,  so  that  if  Plautus  is  guilty  of  an  anachronism,  it 
is  one  of  his  most  excusable  ones.  Juno  was  said  to  have  struck  Tiresias  with 
blindne.-s ;  on  which  Jupiter,  as  a  recompense,  bestowed  on  him  the  gift  of  prophecy 
See  the  Metamorphoses  of  Ovid,  B.  3,  1.  323. 

^  Shall  bless  thee)— Yer.  1316.  "  Te  adficiet."  "  Se,"  "himself,"  is  tnougnt 
by  some  to  be  the  correct  reading  here,  as  it  has  been  remarked,  how  could  the 
exploits  ot  Hercules  redound  to  the  glory  of  Amphitryon  ?  Still,  as  his  adoptive 
father,  it  was  not  unlikely  that  he  would  take  a  peculiar  interest  in  tlie  actiev©- 
axenta  of  Hercules. 


62  AMPHITETOir.  Act  'V. 

Amph.  I'll  do  as  thou  dost  command  me ;  and  I  entreat 
thee  to  keep  thy  promises.  I'll  go  in-doors  to  my  wife.  I 
dismiss  the  aged  Tiresiasfrom  my  thaughts. 

An  AcTOB. 
Spectators,  now,  for  the  sake  of  supreme  Jove^,  giv6  loud 
applause. 

'  Sake  of  supreme  Jove) — Ver.  1322.  According  to  some  Commentators,  the 
Romans  believed  that  this  Play  greatly  redounded  to  the  honor  of  Jupiter ;  and  it 
was,  consequently,  often  acted  in  times  of  public  trouble  and  calamity,  with  the 
rfew  of  appeasing  his  anger.  They  must  have  had  singular  notions  of  honor,  as 
his  Godship  figures  here  ic  the  xmblned  characters  of  an  iusolent  impostor  aad 
jm  ouprincipldd  debaacLe«. 


RUDENS ;  THE  IISHERMAN'S  ROPE. 


33ramatts  ^^crsonar. 

Abcturus,  who  speaks  the  Prologae. 

DiKMONES,  an  aged  Athenian,  now  living  at  Cyrene. 

Plesidippus,  a  young  Athenian,  in  love  with  PaUostnu 

SCEPARNIO,  "^ 

„  '         >  Servants  of  Dasmones. 

TURBALIO,     I 

Sparax,      J 

Trachalio,  the  servant  of  Plesidippus, 

Labrax,  a  Procurer. 

Charmides,  a  Sicihan,  his  guest. 

Fishermen  of  Cyrene. 

Ptolemocratia,  Priestess  of  Venug. 

PaLuESTRA,  1  _,  .      ,  .         ,  T    1. 

.  J-  Young  women  m  the  possession  of  Labrax. 

Ampelisca,  j  *  ^ 


Scene. — Near  Cyrene,  m  Africa;  not  far  from  the  sea-»hore,  and  before  thi 
cottage  of  DiEMONES  and  the  Temple  of  Venus,  wbicl  has,  probably,  a  small  cotut 
Mlore  it,  surrounded  with  a  low  waU. 


THE  SUBJECT 


DjntoiTES,  an  aged  Athenian,  having  lost  his  property,  goes  to  lire  in  rttirement 
uear  the  sea-shore  of  Gyrene,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Temple  of  Venus.  It  so 
happens  tliat  Labrax,  a  Procurer,  makes  purchase  oi  two  damsels,  Palaestra 
and  Ampelisca,  and  comes  to  reside  at  Cyrene.  Plesidippus,  a  young  Athenian, 
sees  Pala3stra  there,  and  falls  in  love  with  her ;  and  making  an  arrangement 
with  tlie  Prrcurer,  gives  him  a  sum  in  part  payment  for  her,  on  which  occa- 
sion, Labrax  invites  him  to  a  sacrifice  in  tlie  Temple  of  Venus.  A  Sicilian 
guest  of  his,  however,  named  Charmides,  persuades  him  to  carry  the  young 
Women  over  to  Sicily,  where  he  is  sure  to  make  a  greater  profit  by  them.  On 
this,  the  Procurer,  accompanied  by  his  guest,  sets  sail  with  them.  A  tem- 
pest arises,  and  they  are  shipwrecked.  The  young  women  escape  hi  a  boat, 
and  arriving  ashore,  are  hospitably  received  by  the  Priestess  of  V;inus.  Labrax 
and  Charmides  also  escape,  and  on  discovering  where  the  women  are,  the  former 
attempts  to  drag  them  by  force  from  the  Temple.  On  this  they  are  protected 
by  Daemones  and  Plesidippus,  who,  through  Trachalio,  finds  out  where  they 
are.  In  the  wreck  a  wallet  has  been  lost,  which  belongs  to  Labrax,  and  in  which 
is  a  casket  enclosing  some  trinkets  belonging  to  Palaestra.  Gripus,  a  servant 
of  Daemones,  draws  this  up  with  the  rope  attached  to  his  net ;  and  by  means  of 
these  trinkets  it  is  discovered  that  Palaestra  is  the  daughter  of  Daemones,  wliona 
he  had  lost  in  her  infancy ;  on  which  she  is  given  in  murria^  to  Plesidippus 
by  her  father,  who  becomes  reconciled  to  Labrax. 


RUDENS; 
THE  FISHERMAN'S  ROPE. 


THE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 

LSapposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammanan.] 
A  FISHERMAN  draws  a  wallet  out  of  the  sea  in  his  net  {^Reti\  in  which  {Ul>i)  art 
the  trinkets  of  his  master's  daughter,  who,  havinj^  been  stolen,  had  come  into 
the  possession  of  a  Procurer  as  her  owner  (^Dominum).  She  (£a),  having 
sufifered  siiipwreck  (^Nattfrayio),  without  knowing  it  comes  under  the  protec- 
tion of  her  own  father ;  she  is  recognized,  and  is  married  to  her  (Suo)  lover 
Plesidippus. 


THE  PEOLOaUE. 

Spoken  hy  the  God  Arctueus^. 

With  him  who  sways  all  nations,  seas,  and  lands,  I  am  a 
feUow-citizen  in  the  realms  of  the  Gods.  I  am,  as  you  see^, 
a  bright  and  shining  star,  a  Constellation  that  ever  in  its 
season  rises  here  on  earth  and  in  the  heavens.  Arcturus  is 
my  name.  By  night,  I  am  glittering  in  the  heavens  and 
amid  the  Grods,  passing  among  mortals  in  the  day.  Other 
Constellations,  too,  descend  from  the  heavens  upon  the  earth  ; 
Jove,  who  is  the  ruler  of  Grods  and  men — he  disperses  us  here 
in  various  directions  among  the  nations,  to  observe  the  actions, 
manners,  piety,  and  faith  of  men,  just  as  the  means  of  each 
avail  him.  Those  who  commence  villanous  suits  at  law  upon 
false  testimony,  and  those  who,  in  court,  upon  false  oath 
deny  a  debt,  their  names  written  down,  do  we  return  to  Jove. 
Each  day  does  he  learn  who  here  is  calling  for  vengeance. 
Whatever  wicked  men  seek  here  to  gain  their  cause  through 

'  Arcturus)  This  is  a  star  near  the  tail  of  the  Great  Bear,  whose  rising  and 
setting  was  supposed  to  be  productive  of  great  tempests.  The  name  is  derived 
from  its  situation,  from  the  Greek  words  apxro?  and  ovpa^  "  the  Bear's  tail."  It 
nses  in  the  beginning  of  October.  Pliny  mentions  it  as  rising  on  the  12th,  and 
Columella  on  the  5th  of  that  month. 

2  As  you  see)*— Ver.  3.  The  actor  is  supposed  here  to  foint  to  r  star  placed  on 
Dis  forehead,  or  on  the  head-dress  which  he  wears. 

VOL.  11.  F 


66  RrcEifs ; 

perjury,  who  succeed  before  the  judge  in  their  unjust  de- 
mands, the  same  case  adjudged  does  he  judge  over  again,  and 
he  fines  them  in  a  penalty  much  greater  than  the  7'esults  of 
the  judgment  they  have  gained.  The  good  men  written 
down  on  other  tablets^  does  he  keep.  And  still  these  wicked 
persons  entertain  a  notion  of  theirs,  that  they  are  able  to 
appease  Jupiter  with  gifts,  with  sacrifice  ;  both  their  labour 
and  their  cost  they  lose.  This,  for  this  reason,  is  so,  because 
no  petition  of  the  peijured  is  acceptable  to  Him.  If  any 
person  that  is  supplicating  the  Deities  is  pious,  he  tnoII  moro 
easily  procure  pardon  for  himself  than  he  that  is  wicked. 
Therefore  I  do  advise  you  this,  you  who  are  good  and  who 
pass  your  lives  in  piety  and  in  virtue — still  persevere,  that  one 
day  you  may  rejoice  that  so  you  did.  Now,  the  reason  lor 
which  I've  come  hither,  I  will  disclose  to  you.  First,  then, 
Diphilus^  has  willed  the  name  of  this  city  to  be  Cyrene'^. 
There  {pointing  to  the  cottage)  dwells  Daemones,  in  the  country 
and  in  a  cottage  very  close  adjoiningto  the  sea,  an  old  gentleman 
who  has  come  hither  in  exile  from  Athens,  no  unworthy  man. 
And  still,  not  for  his  bad  deserts  has  he  left  his  country,  but 
while  he  was  aiding  others,  meanwhile  himself  he  embarrassed : 
a  property  honorably  acquired  he  lost  by  his  kindly  ways. 
Long  since,  his  daughter,  then  a  little  child,  was  lost ;  a  most 
villanous  fellow  bought  her  of  the  thief,  and  this  Procurer^ 
brought  the  maiden  hither  to  Cyrene.  A  certain  Athenian 
youth,  a  citizen  of  this  city,  beheld  her  as  she  was  going 
home  from  the  music-school.  He  begins  to  love  her  ;  to  the 
Procurer  he  comes ;  he  purchases  the  damsel  for  himself  at 
the  price  of  thirty  minas,  and  gives  him  earnest,  and  binds 

*  Written  doton  on  other  tablets') — Ver.  21.  This  is  not  unlike  the  words  of  the 
Psalmist,  Psalm  Ivi.,  8 :  "  Thou  tellest  my  wanderings ;  put  thou  my  tears  into 
thy  bottle.     Are  they  not  in  thy  book  ?" 

2  Diphiltis) — Ver.  32.  He  was  a  Greek  Comic  Poet,  from  whom  Plautus  is  sup- 
posed to  have  borrowed  the  plot  of  several  of  his  Plays. 

3  Cyreuf ) — Ver.  33.  Tliis  was  a  famous  city  of  Libya,  said  to  have  been 
founded  by  Ari.staius,  tlie  son  of  the  Nymph  Cyrene.  It  was  situate  in  a  fertile 
plain,  about  eleven  miles  from  the  Metiiterranean,  and  was  the  capitid  of  a 
district  called  "  Pentapolis,"  from  the  five  cities  which  it  contained. 

*  This  Procurer) — Ver.  41.  "  Leno."  Tl)e  calling  of  the  "  lenones"  wa*  tc 
traffic  in  young  female  slaves,  to  whom  tliey  gave  an  accomplished  education,  and 
then  sold  them  or  let  them  out  for  the  purjxaees  of  prostitution.  The  "  knoneg ' 
vere  deservedly  reckoned  infamous. 


THE  FISHEEMAN'S  EOPE.  67 

the  Procurer  with  an  oath.     This  Procurer,  just  as  befitted 
hini,  did  not  value  at  one  straw  his  word,  or  what,  on  oath,  he 
had  said  to  the  young  man.     He  had  a  guest,  a  fit  match  for 
himself,  an  old  man  of  Sicily,  a  rascal  from  Agrigentum^,  a 
traitor  to  his  native  city ;  this  fellow^  began  to  extol  the  beauty 
of  that  maiden,  and  of  the  other  damsels,  too,  that  were  be- 
longing to  him.   On  this  he  began  to  persuade  the  Procurer  ta 
go  together  with  himself  to  Sicily ;  he  said  that  there  the 
men  were  given  to  pleasure ;  that  there  he  might  be  enabled 
to  become  a  wealthy  man ;  that  there  was  the  greatest  profit 
from  courtesans.    He  prevails.     A  ship  is  hired  by  stealth. 
Whatever  he  has,  by  night  the  Procurer  carries  it  on  board 
ship  from  his  house ;  the  young  man  who  purchased  the  dam- 
sel of  him  he  has  told  that  he  is  desirous  of  performing  a  a^ow 
to  Venus.     This  is  the  Temple  of  Venus,  here  (pointing  at 
it),  and  here,  for  that  reason,  has  he  invited  the  youth  hither 
to  a  breakfast-.    From  there  at  once  did  he  embark  on  board 
ship,  and  he  carried  off  the  courtesans.     Some  other  persons 
informed  the  young  man  what  things  were  going  on,  how  that 
the  Procurer  had  departed.  When  the  young  man  came  to  the 
harbour,  their  ship  had  got  a  great  w^ay  out  to  sea.     When  I 
beheld  how  that  the  maiden  was  being  carried  off,  I  brought 
at  the  same  instant  both  relief  to  her  and  destruction  to  the 
Procurer ;  the  storm  I  rebuked,  and  the  waves  of  the  sea  I 
aroused.     For  the  most  violent  Constellation  of  them  all  am 
I,  Arcturus ;  turbulent  I  am  when  rising,  when  I  set,  more  tur- 
bulent still.     Now,  cast  ashore  there,  both  the  Procurer  and 
his  guest  are  sitting  upon  a  rock  ;  their  ship  is  dashed  to  pieces. 
But  this  maiden,  and  another  as  well,  her  attendant,  affrighted, 
have  leaped  from  the  ship  into  a  boat.     At  this  moment  the 
waves  are  bringing  them  from  the  rocks  to  land,  to  the  cot- 
tage of  this  old  man,  who  is  living  here  in  exile,  whose  roof 
and  tiles  the  storm  has  stript  off.     And  this  is  his  servant 
who  is  coming  out  of  doors.     The  youth  will  be  here  just 

'  Agrigentum) — Ver.  50.  Tliis  was  a  town  of  Sicily,  on  Mount  Acragas,  about 
two  miles  from  the  sea.  Its  inhabitants  were  famed  for  tlieir  luxurious  mode  of 
living. 

^  To  a  breakfast) — Ver  61.  This  probably  refers  to  the  meal  which  took  place 
after  the  sacritice.  for  which  certain  portions  of  the  victin ,  particularlj  the 
eotrails,  were  reserved.    See  the  Miles  Gloriosus,  1.  712. 

f  2 


68  EUDElfB  Act  1. 

now,  and  you  shall  see  him,  who  purchased  the  maiden  of 
the  Procurer.     Now,  fare  ye  well,  and  may  your  foes^  dis- 
trust themselves.  {Exit. 
Act  p. — Scene  I. 
Mnter  Scepabnio,  vnth  a  spade  on  Ms  shoulder. 
ScEP.  {to  himself).  O  ye  immortal  Grods,  what  a  dreadful 
tempest  has  Neptune  sent  us  this  last  night !     The  storm 
has  unroofed  the  cottage.     What  need  of  words  is  there  ? 
It  was  no  storm,  but  what  Alcmena  met  with  in  Euripides^ ; 
it  has  so  knocked  all  the  tiles  from  oif  the  roof;  more  light 
has  it  given  us,  and  has  added  to  our  windows. 

ScEiTE  II. — JEnter  Plesidippus,  at  a  distance,  talking  with 
three  Citizens. 
Ples.  I  have  both  withdrawn  you  from  your  avocations, 
and  that  has  not  succeeded  on  account  of  which  I've 
brought  you ;  I  could  not  catch  the  Procurer  down  at  the 
harbour.  But  I  have  been  unwilling  to  abandon  all  hope  by 
reason  of  my  remissness ;  on  that  account,  my  friends,  have  I 
the  longer  detained  you.  Now  hither  to  the  Temple  of  Venus 

»  May  ymir  foes) — Ver.  82.  The  Cartliagiuians  are  alluded  to;  this  Play  having 
been  written  during  the  second  Punic  war. 

2  Act  /.)  We  may  here  remark,  that  the  Play  is  called  "  the  Fisherman's  Rope  " 
in  consequence  of  the  important  part  which,  towards  the  close,  the  rope  acts  in 
bringing  the  wallet  to  shore  in  tiie  net.  The  scenery  of  this  Play  must  have  been 
much  more  picturesque  than  that  of  those  of  Plautus  in  general.  At  the  end  ol 
the  stage  is  a  prospect  of  the  sea,  interspersed  with  rocks  in  the  distance,  whik' 
others  project  upon  the  front  of  the  stage.  The  City  of  Cyrene  is  also  seen  in  the 
distance;  while  nearer  to  the  Audience  is  the  Temple  of  Venus,  with  an  altar  in 
front  of  it;  and  adjoining  the  Temple  is  the  cottage  of  Daemones.  Some  other 
cottages  are  also  seen  at  a  distance.  If  the  comparison  may  be  made,  it  bears 
some  slight  resemblance  to  the  Tempest  of  Shakspeare. 

3  In  Euripides) — Ver.  86.  He  alludes  to  a  Tragedy  of  Euripides  so  named, 
where  a  dreadful  storm  was  so  accurately  represented  that  at  length  the  Play 

ecame  a  proverbial  expression  for  tempestuous  weather.  IMadame  Dacier  ob- 
serves, that  it  was  not  strange  for  Scepaniio  to  mention  this,  as  he  miglit  often 
have  seen  it  represented  at  Athens  upon  the  stage.  This  notion  is  somewiiat 
far-fetched,  as  it  is  not  likely  that  Plautus  troubled  himself  about  such  a  fine 
point,  or  that  the  Audience  was  gifted  with  any  such  nicety  of  perception  as  to 
note  his  accuracy,  even  if  he  had.  It  has  been  suggested,  and  not  at  all  impro- 
bably, that  Plautus  borrowed  the  Scene  of  the  thunder  and  lightning  in  his  Aaa- 
^itryon  from  this  Play  of  Euripides. 


Sc.  111.  THE  FISHERMAN'S  EOPE.  G9 

am  1  come  to  see,  where  he  was  saying  that  he  was  about 
Xaj  perform  a  sacrifice. 

ScEP.  (aloud  to  himself,  at  a  distance).  If  1  am  wise,  I 
shall  be  getting  ready  this  clay  that  is  awaiting  me.  {Falls 
to  work  digging.) 

Ples.  (looking  round).  Some  one,  I  know  not  who,  is 
speaking  near  to  me. 

Scene  III. — Enter  Djemones,  from  his  house. 

D-EM.  Hallo  !  Sceparnio ! 

ScEP.  Who's  calling  me  by  name  ? 

D^M.  He  who  paid  his  money  for  you. 

ScEP.  (turning  round).  As  though  you  would  say,  Dae- 
mones,  that  I  am  your  slave. 

D^M.  There's  occasion  for  plenty  of  clay^,  therefore  dig 
up  plenty  of  earth.  I  find  that  the  whole  of  my  cottage  must 
be  covered ;  for  now  it's  shining  through  it,  more  full  of  holes 
than  a  sieve. 

Ples.  (advancing).  Health  to  you,  good  father,  and  to  both 
of  you,  indeed.     i)^M.  Health  to  you. 

Scep.  (to  Plesidippus,  who  is  muffled  up  in  a  coat).  But 
whether  are  you  male  or  female,  who  are  calling  him  father  ? 

Ples,  Why  really,  I'm  a  man. 

D JEM.  Then,  man,  go  seek  a  father  elsewhere.  I  once  h.td 
an  only  daughter,  that  only  one  I  lost.  Of  the  male  sex  I 
never  had  a  child. 

Ples.  But  the  Gods  will  give 

Scep.  (going  on  digging).  A  heavy  mischance  ijo  you  indeed, 
i'  faith,  whoever  you  are,  who  are  occupying  us,  already  occu- 
pied, with  your  prating. 

Ples.  (pointing  to  the  cottage).  Pray  are  you  dwelling 
there  ? 

Scep.  Why  do  you  ask  that  ?  Are  you  reconnoitring  the 
place  for  you  to  come  and  rob  there  ? 

Ples.  It  befits  a  slave  to  be  right  rich  in  his  savings, 
whom,  in  the  presence  of  his  master,  the  conversation  cannot 
escape,  or  who  is  to  speak  rudely  to  a  free  man. 

Scep.  And  it  befits  a  man  to  be  shameless  and  im])u- 
dent,  for  him  to  whom  there's  nothing  owing,  of  his  own 

»  Plenty  of  clay) — Ver  100.  He  probably  means  clay  for  the  purpose  of  dryiup 
•Qd  making  tiles  with  it. 


70  EUDE^^s ;  Act  L 

accord  to  come  to  the  house  of  another  person  annoying 
people. 

DiEM.  Scepamio,  hold  your  tongue.  (To  Plesidipptjs.) 
What  do  you  want,  young  man  ? 

Ples.  a  mishap  to  that  fellow,  who  is  in  a  hurry  to  be  the 
first  to  speak  when  his  master's  present.  But,  unless  it's 
troublesome,  I  wish  to  make  enquiry  of  you  in  a  few  words. 

Djem.  My  attention  shall  be  given  you,  eyen  though  in  the 
midst  of  business. 

ScEP.  {to  Plesidippus).  Eather,  be  off  with  you  to  the 
marsh,  and  cut  down  some  reeds^,  with  which  we  may  cover 
the  cottage,  while  it  is  fine  weather. 

DiBM.  Hold  your  tongue.  Do  you  tell  me  {to  Puesidifpus) 
if  you  have  need  of  anything. 

Ples.  Inform  me  on  what  I  ask  you ;  whether  you  have 
seen  here  any  frizzle-headed  fellow,  with  grey  hair,  a  worth- 
less, perjured,  fawning  knave. 

D^M.  Pull  many  a  one ;  for  by  reason  of  fellows  of  that 
stamp  am  I  living  in  misery. 

Ples.  Him,  I  mean,  who  brought  with  him  to  the  Temple 
of  Venus  here  two  young  women,  and  who  was  to  make  pre- 
parations for  himself  to  perform  a  sacrifice  either  to-day  or 
yesterday. 

Djbm.  By  my  faith,  young  man,  for  these  very  many  days 
past  I  haven't  seen  any  one  sacrificing  there  ;  and  yet  it  can't 
be  unknown  to  me  if  any  one  does  sacrifice  there.  They  are 
always  asking  here  for  water,  or  for  fire,  or  for  vessels,  or  for 
a  knife,  or  for  a  spit,  or  for  a  pot  for  cooking^,  or  something 
or  other.  What  need  is  there  of  words?  I  procured  my 
vessels  and  my  well,  for  the  use  of  Venus,  and  not  my  own. 
There  has  now  been  a  cessation  of  it  for  these  many  days  past. 

Ples.  According  to  the  words  you  utter,  you  tell  me  I'm 
undone.  D^m.  Eeally,  so  far  as  I'm  concerned,  i'  faith, 
you  may  be  safe  and  sound. 

ScEP.  {stopping  in  his  digging).  Hark  you,  you  that  are 
roaming  about  Temples  for  the  sake  of  your  stomach,  'twere 

»  S(me  reeds')— Ver.  122.  From  this  we  learn  that  the  cottage  of  Dsemones  was 
covered  with  a  kind  of  thatch.  This  and  1.  18  of  the  Miles  GloriosQS  are  pro. 
bably  the  earliest  instances  in  which  thatched  roofs  are  mentioned. 

'  A  pot  far  coofang)—Yer.  135.  "  Aula  extaris."  JLiterally,  "  a  pot  for  /lold. 
ing  the  entrails"  of  the  animuls  sacrificed. 


Sc.  III.  THE  fisherman's  ROPE.  71 

better  for  you  to  order  a  breakfast  to  be  got  ready  at  home. 
Perhaps  you've  been  invited  here^  to  breakfast.  He  that 
invited  you,  hasn't  he  come  at  all  ? 

Ples'  'Tis  the  fact. 

ScEP.  There's  no  risk  then  in  your  betaking  yourself  hence 
home  without  your  breakfast.  It's  better  for  you  to  be  a 
waiter  upon  Ceres  than  upon  Venus ;  the  latter  attends  to 
love,  Ceres  attends  to  wheat. 

Ples.  (to  Djemones).  This  fellow  has  been  making  sport 
of  me  in  a  digraceful  manner. 

Djem.  {looking  out  at  the  side).  O  ye  immortal  Grods,  Sce- 
parnio,  what  means  those  people  near  the  sea-shore  ? 

ScEP.  According  to  my  notion,  they've  been  invited  to  a 
parting  breakfast^. 

DiEM.  How  so?  ScEP.  Why,  because,  after  dinner,  I 
fancy,  they  yesterday  washed  themselves  clean;  their  ship 
has  gone  to  pieces  out  at  sea. 

Djgm.  {looking  steadfastly).  Such  is  the  fact. 

ScEP.  But,  i'  faith,  on  dry  land  our  cottage  and  tiles  have 
done  the  same. 

D^M.  Oh  dear !  what  unfortunate  creatures  you  are ;  {tc 
ScEPARifio)  how  the  shipwrecked  people  are  swimming. 

Ples.  Prithee,  where  are  these  people? 

D^M.  {pointing  to  the  distance).  This  way,  to  the  right; 
don't  you  see  them  near  the  shore  ? 

Ples.  {looking  the  same  way).  I  see  them ;  {to  his  Priends) 
follow  me.  I  only  wish  it  may  be  he  that  I'm  seeking,  that 
most  accursed  fellow.  (To  Djemones  and  Sceparnio.)  Fare 
you  well. 

Scep.  If  you  hadn't  put  us  in  mind,  we  should  have  thought 
of  that  ourselves.         {JExeunt  Plesidippus  and  Priends. 

*  Been  invited  here) — Ver.  1 42.  It  was  the  custom  of  Parasites  to  prowl  about 
the  Temples,  for  the  purpose  of  joining  in  the  feasts  which  sometimes  took  place 
at  the  conclusion  of  the  sacrifice. 

^  To  a  parting  breakfast) — Ver.  150.  "  Prandium  propter  viam."  Thornton 
has  the  following  Note  here :  "  This  is  a  sorry  joke,  even  for  Sceparnio,  on  so  se- 
rious and  melancholy  an  occasion,  and  cannot  be  well  expressed  in  our  tongue. 
When  the  ancients  were  about  to  undertake  any  voyage,  they  used  to  make  a  sa- 
crifice to  Hercules  before  they  set  off,  wliich  was  for  that  reason  called  '  propter 
viam;'  and  the  custom  was  to  burn  all  they  didn't  eat.  Wherefore  Sceparnio 
says  '  laverunt,'  which  signifies  '  they  have  consumed  their  all'  as  well  as  •  they 
have  bathed.'  alluding  to  the  ship  being  lost." 


72  BUDENS ;  Act  L 

Scene  IT. — Scepabnio  and  Djemones. 

ScEP.  {looking  out  towards  the  sea).  But,  0  Palaemon^, 
hallowed  associate  of  Neptune,  who  art  said  to  be  the  partner 
of  Hercules,  what  shocking  thing  do  I  see  ? 

D^M.  What  do  you  see  ? 

ScEP.  I  see  two  young  women  sitting  in  a  hoat  alone. 
How  the  poor  things  are  being  tossed  about !  That's  good, 
that's  good,  well  done.  The  surge  is  driving  the  boat  away 
from  the  rock  towards  the  shore.  Not  a  pilot  could  have 
ever  done  it  better.  I  don't  think  that  I  ever  saw  billows 
more  huge.  They  are  saved,  if  they  can  escape  those  waves. 
Now,  now's  the  danger;  it  has  sent  one  overboard!  See 
you  that  one  whom  the  waves  have  thrown  out  of  the  boat  ? 
Still,  she's  in  a  shallow  place;  she'll  easily  wade  through 
it  now.  O  capital!  now  she's  safe;  she  has  escaped  from 
the  water;  she's  now  on  shore.  But  that  other  one  has 
notv  sprung  towards  the  land  from  the  boat — from  her  alarm 
she  has  fallen  into  the  waves  upon  her  knees.  She  has  got 
up  again ;  if  she  takes  this  direction,  the  matter's  safe ;  {a 
pause)  but  she  has  taken  to  the  right,  to  utter  destruction. 
Ah,  she  will  be  wandering  all  the  day 

D^M.  What  signifies  that  to  you  ? 

ScEP.  If  she  should  fall  down  from  that  rock  towards  which 
she  is  wending  her  way,  she'll  be  putting  a  period  to  her 
wandering. 

D^M.  If  you  are  about  to  dine  this  evening  at  their  ex- 
pense, I  think  you  may  then  be  concerned  for  them,  Sceparnio ; 
if  you  are  going  to  eat  at  my  house,  I  wish  your  services  to 
be  devoted  to  myself. 

ScEP.  You  ask  what's  good  and  proper. 

D^M.  Then  follow  me  this  way.     Scep.  I  follow^.  (Exeunt. 

Scene  V. — Enter  Palestra,  at  a  distance^  with  her  clothes 
torn  and  drenched. 
Pal.  (Jo  herself).  By  heavens,  the  mishaps  of  mortals  are 
spoken  of  as  much  less  bitter  than         *  *  *  * 

•  Palcrniori) — Ver.  160.  This  was  one  of  the  names  of  Melicerta.  or  Portunos, 
the  son  of  Athamas  and  Ino.  Athamas  being  abo'.;t  to  slay  him  and  Ino,  they 
leaped  into  the  sea,  where  they  became  sea  Divinities. 

2  I  folloio) — Ver.  184.  The  Scene  of  the  wreck,  previously  described  by  Sce- 
parnio, was  probably  not  visible  to  the  Audience,  but  was  depicted  by  him  whiil 
directing  his  view  towaris  the  sid»  of  the  *tage. 


Sc.    V  .  *HE  nSHERMAlf'S  ROPE.  73 

♦  *  *  the  sharp  pangs  that  are  inflicted  in  ^le 

experience  of  them  *  *  *  *  jjaa 

this  then  pleased  the  Deity,  that  I,  clad  in  this  guise,  should, 
in  my  terror,  be  cast  upon  a  spot  unknown  ?  Shall  I  then 
declare  that  I  have  been  born  to  this  wretched  lot  ?  Do  I 
receive  this  meed  in  return  for  my  exemplary  piety  ?  For 
to  me  it  would  not  prove  a  hardship  to  endure  this  laborious 
lot,  if  I  had  conducted  myself  undutifully  towards  my  parents 
or  the  Grods ;  but  if  studiously  I  have  exerted  myself  to  beware 
o/'^a^,  then,  unduly  «w^  unjustly.  Deities,  you  send  upon  me 
this.  For  what  henceforth  shall  the  glaringly  impious  receive, 
if  after  this  fashion  you  pay  honor  to  the  guiltless  ?  But  if  I 
knew  that  I  or  my  parents  had  done  anything  wicked,  now 
should  I  have  grieved  the  less.  But  the  wickedness  of  thu 
master  of  mine  is  pressing  hard  upon  me,  his  impiety  is  causing 
my  woes ;  everything  has  he  lost  in  the  sea ;  these  are  the 
remains  {looking  at  her  dress)  of  his  property.  Even  she,  who 
was  carried  together  with  me  in  the  boat,  was  washed  out  by 
the  violence  of  the  waves ;  I  am  now  alone.  If  she  at  least^ 
had  been  saved  for  me,  through  her  aid  my  affliction  here  would 
have  been  lighter  to  me.  jN^ow,  what  hope  or  aid  or  what 
counsel  shall  I  receive,  a  spot  so  lonesome  here  have  I  lighted 
upon  alone  ?  Here  are  the  rocks,  here  roars  the  sea,  and  not 
one  individual  comes  across  my  path.  This  dress  that  I  am 
clothed  in  forms  all  my  riches  quite  entirely ;  nor  know  I  with 
what  food  or  roof  I  am  to  be  provided.  What  hope  have  I 
through  which  to  desire  to  live  ?  Neither  am  I  acquainted  with 
the  place,  nor  was  I  ever  here  before.  At  least  I  could  have 
wished  for  some  one  who  would  point  out  to  me  either  a  road 
or  a  path  from  these  spots ;  so  much  am  I  now  at  a  loss  for  ad- 
vice whether  to  go  this  way  or  that ;  neither,  indeed,  do  I  see^ 
anywhere  near  here  a  cultivated  spot.     Cold,  distraction,  and 

*  If  she  at  least) — Ver.  202.  Exactly  the  same  sentiment  occurs  to  Defoe's 
hero,  Robinson  Crusoe,  when  he  visits  the  Spanish  ship  wrecked  off"  his  island: 
"  I  cannot  explain  by  any  possible  energy  of  words  what  a  strange  longing 
or  hankering  of  desires  I  felt  in  my  soul  upon  this  siglit,  breaking  out  some- 
times thus,  '  0  that  there  had  been  but  one  or  two,  nay,  or  but  one  soul  saved 
out  of  this  ship,  to  have  escaped  to  me,  that  1  might  have  had  one  companion, 
one  fellow-creature  to  have  spoken  to  me  and  to  have  conversed  with  I' " 

'  Neither,  indeed,  do  I  see) — Ver.  214.  Slie  is  unable  to  see  the  Temple  ot 
Venus  and  the  house  of  Dsemones,  by  reason  of  the  high  crags  among  w'aich  she  it 
wandering,  some  of  which  are  reoretiented  in  the  front  of  the  stage. 


74  EUDENS ;  Act  I. 

alarm,  have  taken  possession  oi  all  my  limbs.  My  parents, 
you  know  not  of  this,  that  I  am  now  thus  wretched ;  I  that 
was  born  a  woman  entirely  free,  was  so  to  no  purpose.  Am 
I  at  all  the  less  in  servitude  now,  than  if  I  had  been  bom  a 
slave  ?  And  never  in  any  way  has  it  been  a  profit  to  those 
who  for  their  own  sakes  reared  me  up.  (She  advances  for- 
wardj  and  rests  on  one  side  against  the  cliff.) 

Scene  YI. — Enter  Ampelisca,  at  a  distance,  on  the  other 
side  of  the  stage,  in  a  similar  condition. 

Amp.  (to  herself).  What  is  there  better  for  me,  what  mor< 
to  my  advantage,  than  to  shut  out  life  from  my  body  ?  Se 
wretched  am  I  in  my  existence,  and  so  many  deadening  cares 
are  there  in  my  breast ;  so  despicable  is  my  lot ;  I  care  not  for 
my  life ;  I  have  lost  the  hope  with  which  I  used  to  comfort 
myself.  All  places  have  I  now  rambled  about,  and  through 
each  covert  spot  have  I  crawled  along,  to  seek  my  fellow-slave 
with  voice,  eyes,  ears,  that  I  might  trace  her  out.  And  still 
I  find  her  nowhere,  nor  have  I  yet  determined  whither  to  go, 
nor  where  to  seek  her,  nor,  in  the  meantime,  do  I  find  any 
person  here  to  give  me  an  answer,  of  whom  I  might  make 
enquiry.  No  place,  too,  is  there  on  earth  more  solitary  than 
are  these  spots  and  this  locality.  And  yet,  if  she  lives,  never 
while  I  exist  will  I  cease  before  I  discover  her  alive. 

Pal.  {aloud).  Whose  voice  is  it  that  sounds  close  by  me 
here  ? 

Amp.  {starting).  I  am  alarmed.   Who's  speaking  near  me  ? 

Pal.  Prithee,  kind  Hope,  do  come  to  my  aid. 

Amp.  It's  a  woman :  a  woman's  voice  reaches  my  ears.  Will 
/on  not  rescue  wretched  me  from  this  alarm  ? 

Pal,  Surely  a  woman's  voice  reached  my  ears.  Prithee^ 
is  it  Ampelisca  ? 

Amp.  Is  it  you,  Palaestra,  that  I  hear  ? 

Pal.  But  why  don't  I  call  her  by  her  own  name,  that  sho 
mav  hear  me  ?     {With  a  loud  voice.)  Ampelisca! 

Amp.  Ha!  who's  that  ?      Pal.  'Tis  I. 

Amp.  Is  it  Palaestra  ?      Pal.  It  is. 

Amp.  Tell  me  where"^  you  are. 

Pal.  Troth,  I'm  now  in  the  midst  of  a  multitude  of  woes. 

*  TeU  me  where) — Ver.  238.  It  must  be  remembered  that  tliey  are  still  separatea 
»y  the  crags  upoc  the  stage,  though  they  are  both  visible  to  the  Audience. 


Re.  YIl.  THE  fisheeman's  eopb.  ^5 

Amp.  I  am  your  partner ;  and  no  less  is  my  own  slare  than 
yoiu's.     But  I  long  to  see  you. 

Pal.  In  that  wish  you  are  my  rival. 

Amp.  Let's  f^iiow  our  voices  with  our  steps;  where  are 
you  ?  Pal.  See,  here  am  I.  Step  onward  towards  me,  and 
come  straight  on  to  meet  me. 

Amp.  I'm  doing  so  with  care.  {They  meet  in  front  of  five 
stage.) 

Pal.  Grive  me  your  hand.      Amp.  Take  it. 

Pal.  Are  you  still  alive  ?  Prithee,  tell  me. 

Amp.  You,  indeed,  make  me  now  wish  to  live,  since  I'm 
empowered  to  touch  you.  How  hardly  can  I  persuade  myself 
of  this,  that  I  am  holding  you.  Prithee,  do  embrace  me  {they 
embrace),  my  only  hope;  how  you  are  now  easing  me  of  all 
my  woes. 

Pal.  You  are  beforehand  with  me  in  using  expressions 
which  belong  to  m.e.     Now  it  befits  us  to  be  going  hence. 

Amp.  Prithee,  whither  shall  we  go  ? 

Pal.  Let's  keep  along  this  sea-shore.  {Pointing  to  the 
shore.)     Amp.  Wherever  you  please,  I'll  follow. 

Pal.  Shall  we  go  along  thus  with  our  wet  clothing  ? 

Amp.  That  which  exists,  the  same  must  of  necessity  be 
borne.    {Looking  up  at  the  Temple.)  But,  pray,  what's  this  ? 

Pal.  What  is  it?  Amp.  Prithee,  don't  you  see  this  Temple  ? 
{Pointing  towards  it.) 

Pal.  Where  is  it  ?      Amp.  On  the  right  hand. 

Pal.  I  seem  to  be  looking  at  a  place  becoming  the  Divini- 
ties. 

Amp.  There  must  be  people  not  far  hence ;  it  is  so  de- 
lightful a  spot.  Whoever  the  God  is,  I  pray  him  to  relieve  us 
from  these  troubles,  and  to  succour  us  females,  wretched,  lielp- 
less,  and  in  distress.  {They  advance  towards  the  Temple,  and 
kneel  doiun  before  it.) 

ScEiTE  VII. — JEnter  Ptolemocratia,  the  Triest ess,  from  the 
Temple  of  Femes. 

Ptol.  Who  are  these,  that  in  their  prayers  are  soliciting 
aid  from  my  Patroness  ?  For  the  voice  of  suppliants  has 
brought  me  hither  out  of  doors.  They  pay  suit  to  a  kind  and 
compliant  Groddess  and  a  Patroness  that  makes  no  difficulties, 
and  one  who  is  very  b«nevolent. 


76  BTTDENS  ;  Act  11. 

Pal.  Mother,  we  bid  you  hail.  Ptol.  Maidens,  hail  to 
you.  But,  prithee,  whence  am  I  to  say  that  you  are  hither 
come  with  your  wet  garments,  thus  wot'ully  arrayed  ? 

Pal.  Just  now,  we  came  from  a  place  there  {pointing 
towards  the  shore),  not  a  great  way  from  this  spot ;  but  it  is  a 
great  way  off  from  here,  whence  we  have  been  brought  hither. 

Ptol.  Have  you  been  borne,  do  you  mean,  by  a  ship,  the 
wooden  steed^,  over  the  azure  paths  ? 

Pal.  Even  so.  Ptol.  Then  it  were  more  fitting  that  you 
should  have  come  arrayed  in  white  and  provided  with  vic- 
tims ;  it  isn't  the  practice  for  people  to  come  to  this  Temple 
111  that  fashion.     {Pointing  at  their  dresses.) 

Pal.  Prithee,  whence  would  you  have  us,  who  have  been 
both  cast  away  at  sea,  to  be  bringing  victims  hither  ?  Now,  in 
want  of  assistance,  do  we  embrace  your  knees,  we  who  are  of 
hopes  undefined  in  places  unknown,  that  you  may  receive  us 
under  your  roof  and  shelter  us,  and  that  you  will  pity  the 
miseries  of  us  both,  who  have  neither  any  place  of  refuge  nor 
hope  at  hand,  nor  have  anything  whatever  of  our  own  beyond 
that  which  you  see, 

Ptol.  Grive  me  your  hands,  arise,  both  of  you,  from  off" your 
knees  ;  no  one  among  women  is  more  compassionate  than  1, 
{They  arise  from  the  ground^  But,  maidens,  my  circumstances 
are  poor  and  limited ;  with  difficulty  I  support  my  own  exist- 
ence ;  Venus  I  serve  for  my  maintenance. 

Amp.  Prithee,  is  this  a  Temple  of  Venus  ? 

Ptol.  I  will  admit  it ;  I  am  styled  the  Priestess  of  this 
Temple.  But  whatever  it  is,  it  shall  be  done  by  me  with  a 
hearty  welcome,  so  far  as  my  means  shall  suffice.  Come  with 
me  this  way. 

Pal.  Kindly  and  attentively,  mother,  do  you  show  your 
attentions  to  us. 

Ptol.  So  I  ought  to  do.     {They  go  into  the  Temple.) 

Act  II. — Scene  I. 

Enter  some  Pishermen,  with  lines  and  nets, 

A  PiSHERMAK.  Persons  who  are  poor  live  Avretchedly  in 

every  way,  especially  those  who  have  no  calling  and  have 

learned  no  art.     Of  necessity  must  that  be  deemed  enough, 

whatever  they  have  at  home.    From  our  garb,  then,  you  pretty 

77i«  wooden  steed}— \er.  26?.  Homer  calls  ships  «'  horses  of  the  sea." 


8c.  II.  THJB  FISHEEMA-IT'S  EOPE.  77 

well  understand  how  wealthy  we  are.  These  hooks  and  these 
rods  here  are  as  good  to  us  as  a  calling  and  as  our  clothing. 
Each  day  from  the  city  do  we  come  out  hither  to  the  sea  to 
seek  for  forage.  Instead  of  exertion  in  the  wrestling-school 
and  the  place  for  exercise,  we  have  this :  sea-urchins,  rock- 
mussels,  oysters,  limpets^,  cockles,  sea-nettles,  sea-mussels, 
and  spotted  crabs^,  we  catch.  After  that,  we  commence  our 
fitihing  with  the  hook  and  among  the  rocks,  and  thus  we  take 
our  food  from  out  of  the  sea.  If  success  does  not  befall  us, 
and  not  any  fish  is  taken,  soaked  in  salt  water^  and  thoroughly 
drenched,  we  quietly  betake  ourselves  home,  and  without 
dinner  go  to  sleep.  And  since  the  sea  is  now  in  waves  so 
boisterous,  no  hopes  have  we  ;  unless  we  take  some  cockles, 
without  a  doubt  we've  had  our  dinners.  Now  let's  adore 
good  Venus  here,  that  she  may  kindly  befriend  us  to-day. 
{They  advance  towards  the  door  of  the  Temple.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Tra^chalio,  at  a  distance,  in  haste. 

Tbach.  (to  himself).  I've  carefully  given  all  attention 
that  I  mightn't  pass  my  master  anyv\'here ;  for  when  some 
time  since  he  went  out  of  the  house,  he  said  that  he  was 
going  to  the  harbour,  and  he  ordered  me  to  come  here  to 
meet  him  at  the  Temple  of  Venus.  But  see,  oppoi-tunely 
do  I  espy  some  people  standing  here  of  whom  I  may  enquire ; 
I'll  accost  them.  {Ooes  up  to  the  Fishermen.)  Save  you, 
thieves  of  the  sea,  shellfish-gatherers  and  hook-fishers*,  hun- 
gry race  of  men,  how  fare  ye  ?  How  perish  apace°  ? 

j^impets) — Ver.  297.  "  Balanos."    It  is  not  known  what  shellfish  the  "  ba- 
lani"  really  were. 

'-^  Spotted  crahs) — Ver.  298.  It  is  not  known  what  kind  of  fish  the  "  plagusia" 
was. 

3  Soaked  in  salt  water) — Ver  301.  "  Salsi  lautique  pure."  Thornton  says, 
"  ^ladame  Dacier  supposes  that  a  joke  is  intemied  here,  from  the  equivocal 
meaning  of  the  words,  which  might  mean  that  they  had  been  entertained  with 
high-seasoned  cates,  or  that  they  had  been  washed  and  cleansed  with  salt  water 
'  J"alsi,'  says  she,  because  sea- water  is  salt ;  '  pure,'  because  sea- water  wasl« 
away  all  impurities." 

*  Shellfish-gatherers  and  hook-fishers') — Ver.  310.  "Conchitae  —  hamista.'' 
These  words  are  supposed  to  have  been  coined  by  Plautus  for  the  occasion. 

^  How  perish  apace) — Ver.  311.  Thornton  has  this  Note  here:  " 'ihere  is  ar 
humour  in  the  original  which  could  not  be  preserved  in  our  language.  Instead  of 
aoking  the  fishermen  '  Ut  valetis?'  which  was  the  common  phmse  of  salutation, 
Iraclialio  addresses  them  in  the  opposite  term,  'Utperitis?' — prooably  \n  allU' 
won  to  theu-  perU^^w*  calliiyj.'' 


78  RUDENS;  Act  ir. 

FisHEE.  Just  as  bcfiti  a  fisherman  with  hunger,  thirst, 
and  expectation. 

TiiACH.  Have  you  seen  to-day,  while  you've  been  standing 
here,  any  young  man,  of  courageous  aspect,  ruddy,  stout,  of 
genteel  appearance,  come  by  this  way,  who  was  taking  with 
him  three  men  in  scarfs,  wath  swords  ? 

FisHEE.  We  know  of  no  one  coming  this  way  of  that  ap- 
pearance which  you  mention. 

Teach.  Have  you  seen  any  old  fellow,  bald  on  the  forehead 
and  snub-nosed,  of  big  stature,  pot-bellied,  with  eyebrows 
awry,  a  narrow  forehead,  a  knave,  the  scorn  of  Gods  and  men, 
a  scoundrel,  one  full  of  vile  dishonesty  and  of  iniquity,  who 
had  along  with  him  two  very  pretty-looking  young  women  ? 

FiSHEE.  One  who  has  been  born  with  qualities  and  endow- 
ments of  that  sort,  'twere  really  fitter  for  him  to  resort  to  the 
executioner  than  to  the  Temple  of  Venus. 

Teach.  But  tell  me  if  you  have  seen  him. 

FisHEE.  Beally,  no  one  has  passed  this  way.  Fare  you 
well. 

Teach.  Fare  ye  well.  {Exeunt  Fisheemen. 

Scene  III. — Teachalio,  alone. 

Teach,  (to  himself).  I  thought  so  ;  it  has  come  to  pass  as 
I  suspected ;  my  master  has  been  deceived ;  the  cursed  Pro- 
curer has  taken  himself  off*  to  distant  lands.  He  has  em- 
barked on  board  ship,  and  carried  the  women  away  ;  I'm  a 
wizard.  He  invited  my  master  here  to  breakfast,  as  well, 
this  very  spawn  of  wickedness.  Now  what  is  better  for  me 
than  to  wait  here  in  this  spot  until  my  master  comes  ?  At 
the  same  time,  if  this  Priestess  of  Venus  knows  anything 
more,  if  I  see  her,  I'U  make  enquiries  ;  she'll  give  me  the  in« 
formation. 

Scene  IV. — Enter  Ampelisca,^ow  the  Temple, 

Amp.  (i^o^^ePEiESTESS,  w^Am).  I  understand  ;  here  at  this 
cottage  {pointing  to  it),  which  is  close  by  the  Temple  ol 
V^nus,  you've  requested  me  to  knock  and  ask  for  water. 

Teach.  Whose  voice  is  it  that  has  flown  to  my  ears  ? 

Amp.  Prithee,  who's  speaking  here  ?    Who  is  it  that  I  see  ? 

Teach.  Isn't  this  Ampelisca  that's  coming  out  from  th© 
Temple  ? 


Be.  IT.  THE  FISHERMAIf'S  ROPE.  79 

Amp.  Isn't  this  TracLalio  that  I  see,  the  servant  of  PI©- 
sidippus  ? 

Trach.  It  is  she.     Amp.  It  is  he  ;  Trachalio,  health  to  you. 

Trach.  Health,  Ampelisca,  to  you  ;  how  fare  you  ? 

Amp.  In  misery  I  pass  a  life  not  far  advanced^. 

Trach.  Do  give  some  better  omen.  Amp.  Still  it  behoves 
all  prudent  persons  to  confer  and  talk  together.  But,  prithee, 
where' s  your  master,  Plesidippus  ? 

Trach.  Marry,  weU  said,  indeed ;  as  if  he  wasn't  within 
there.  {^Pointing  to  the  Temple^ 

Auv.  By  my  troth,  he  isn't,  nor,  in  fact,  has  he  come  her© 
at  all. 

Trach.  He  hasn't  come  ?     Amp.  Ton  say  the  truth. 

Trach.  That's  not  my  way,  Ampelisca.  But  how  nearly 
is  the  breakfast  got  ready  ? 

Amp.  What  breakfast,  I  beg  of  you  ?  Trach.  The  sacrifice, 
I  mean,  that  you  are  performing  here. 

Amp.  Prithee,  what  is  it  you  are  dreaming  about  ? 

Trach.  For  certain,  Labrax  invited  Plesidippus  hither  to 
a  breakfast,  your  master,  my  master. 

Amp.  By  my  troth,  you're  telling  of  no  wondrous  facts : 
if  he  has  deceived  Gods  and  men,  he  has  onli/  acted  after 
the  fashion  of  Procurers. 

Trach.  Then  neither  yourselves  nor  my  master  are  here 
performing  a  sacrifice. 

Amp.  You  are  a  wizard.  Trach.  What  are  you  doing  then  ? 

Amp.  The  Priestess  of  Venus  has  received  here  into  her 
abode  both  myself  and  Palaestra,  after  many  mishaps  and 
dreadful  alarm,  and  from  being  in  danger  of  our  lives,  desti- 
tute of  aid  and  of  resources. 

Trach.  Prithee,  is  Palsestra  here,  the  beloved  of  my 
master  ? 

Amp.  Assuredly.  Trach.  Great  joyousness  is  there  in 
your  news,  my  dear  Ampelisca.  But  I  greatly  long  to  know 
what  was  this  danger  of  yours. 

Amp.  Last  night  our  ship  was  wrecked,  my  dear  Trachalio. 

Trach.  How,  ship  ?     What  story's  this  ? 

Amp.  Prithe'3,  have  you  not  heard  in  what  way  the  Pro- 
curer intended  secretly  to  carry  us  away  hence  to   Sicily, 

•  Not  far  advanced) — Ver.  337.  She  seems  to  mean  that,  m  the  prime  oi  Kf« 
Her  misfortunes  are  greater  than  might  have  been  anticipated  bj  tf  le  so  joitig  . 


80  KUDEirs ;  Act  II. 

and  liow,  whatever  there  was  at  home,  he  placed  on  board 
ship  ?     That  has  all  gone  to  the  bottom  now. 

Tba.ch.  O  clever  Neptune,  hail  to  thee !  Surely,  no  dicer 
is  more  skilful  than  thyself.  Decidedly  a  right  pleasant  throw' 
liast  thou  made  ;  thou  didst  break  a — villain.  But  where  now 
is  the  Procurer  Labrax  ? 

Amp.  Perished  through  drinking,  I  suppose;  Neptune 
last  night  invited  him  to  deep  potations. 

Tkach.  By  my  troth,  I  fancy  it  was  given  him  to  drink  by 
way  of  cup  of  necessity^.  How  much  I  do  love  you,  my  dear 
Ampelisca ;  how  pleasing  you  are ;  what  honied  words  you 
do  utter.  But  you  and  Palaestra,  in  what  way  were  you  saved  ? 

Amp.  I'll  let  you  know.  Both  in  affright,  we  leapt  from  the 
ship  into  a  boat,  because  we  saw  that  the  ship  was  being  borne 
upon  a  rock  ;  in  haste,  I  unloosed  the  rope,  while  they  were 
in  dismay.  The  storm  separated  us  from  them  with  the 
boat  in  a  direction  to  the  right.  And  so,  tossed  about  by 
winds  and  waves,  in  a  multitude  of  ways,  we,  wretched  crea- 
tures^ during  the  livelong  night  #  *  *  ♦ 
*  *  *  half  dead,  the  wind  this  day  has  scarce 
borne  us  to  the  shore. 

Teach.  I  understand ;  thus  is  Neptune  wont  to  do ;  he 
is  a  very  dainty  ^dile^ ;  if  any  wares  are  bad,  over  he  throws 
them  all. 

Amp.  Woe  to  your  head  and  life ! 

Trach.  To  your  own,  my  dear  Ampelisca.  I  was  sure  that 
the  Procurer  Mould  do  that  which  he  has  done ;  I  often  said 
90.  It  were  better  I  should  let  my  hair  grow*,  and  set  up 
for  a  soothsayer. 

*  Right  pleasant  throw) — Ver.  360.  There  is  a  joke  liere,  which  depends  on  the 
double  meaning  of  "jacere  bolum"  and  "  perdere."  Tlie  former  signifies,  "ti 
cast  a  uet"  and  "  to  cast  a  throw  of  dice."  "  Perdere"  signifies,  "  to  cause  to 
perish,"  and  "  to  break"  or  "  ruin,"  in  the  gamester's  sense. 

2  Cup  of  necessity) — Ver.  365.  "  Anancaeum,"  "  the  cup  of  necessity,"  which 
derived  its  name  from  the  Greek  word  ai/ayicr;,  *'  necessity,"  was  so  called  from  the 
custom,  in  feasts,  of  handing  round  a  large  goblet,  which  all  were  obliged  to 
empty,  without  losing  a  drop.  Trachalio  alludes  to  the  large  draught  of  salt 
water  which  he  supposes  Labrax  has  had  to  swallow  at  the  bidding  of  Neptune. 

'  Very  dainty  j£dile)—Wer.  373-4.  It  was  the  duty  of  the  ^diles  at  Rome  tc 
visit  the  markets  and  inspect  the  wares,  like  the  Agoranomus,  or  "  market- 
offiror,"  of  the  Greeks.     See  the  Miles  Gloriosus,  1.  727,  and  the  Note. 

«  Le*  my  hair  grow) — Ver.  377.  It  is  suprosed  to  have  been  the  custora  ct 
MOt^sayexs  and  diviners  to  let  their  hair  grow  -o  i  greater  len^tik  than  UMuat 


SC.   IV.  THE  l-ISHEKMA?f'S  HOPE.  81 

Amp.  Did  you  not  take  care  then,  you  and  your  master, 
that  he  shouldn't  go  away,  when  you  knew  this? 

Teach.  What  could  he  do  ?  Amp.  If  he  was  in  love,  do 
you  ask  what  he  could  do  ?  Both  night  and  day  he  should 
have  kept  watch  ;  he  should  have  been  always  on  his  guard. 
But,  by  my  troth,  he  has  done  like  many  others  ;  thus  finely 
has  Plesidippus  taken  care  of  her. 

Teach.  Eor  what  reason  do  you  say  that? 

Amp.  The  thing  is  evident. 

Teach.  Don't  you  know  this  ?  Even  he  who  goes  to  the 
bath  to  bathe,  while  there  he  carefully  keeps  an  eye  upon  his 
garments,  still  they  are  stolen ;  inasmuch  as  some  one  of 
those  that  he  is  watching  is  a  rogue  ;  tlie  thief  easily  marks 
him  for  whom  he's  upon  the  watch  ;  the  keeper  knows  not 
which  one  is  the  thief.     But  bring  me  to  her ;  where  is  she  ? 

Amp.  Well  then,  go  here  into  the  Temple  of  A^enus  ;  you'll 
find  her  sitting  there,  and  in  tears.  Teach.  How  disagreab.e 
is  that  to  me  already.     But  why  is  she  weeping  ? 

Amp.  I'll  tell  you;  she's  afflicting  herself  in  mind  for 
this;  because  the  Procurer  took  away  a  casket  froua  her 
which  she  had,  and  in  which  she  kept  that  by  which  she  might 
be  enabled  to  recognize  her  parents ;  she  fears  that  this  has 
been  lost. 

Teach.  Where  was  that  little  casket,  pray  ? 

Amp.  There,  on  board  the  ship  ;  he  himself  locked  it  up  in 
his  wallet,  that  there  mightn't  be  the  means  by  which  she 
might  recognize  her  parents. 

Teach.  0  scandalous  deed !  to  require  ner  to  be  a  slave, 
who  ought  to  be  a  free  woman. 

Amp.  Therefore  she  now  laments  that  it  has  gone  to  the 
bottom  along  with  the  ship.  There,  too,  was  all  the  gold 
and  silver  of  the  Procurer. 

Teach.  Some  one,  I  trust,  has  dived  and  brought  it  up. 

Amp.  Por  this  reason  is  she  sad  and  disconsolate,  that  she 
has  met  with  the  loss  of  them. 

Teach.  Then  have  I  the  greater  occasion  to  do  this,  to  go 
m  and  console  her,  that  she  mayn't  thus  distress  herself  in 
mind.  Por  I  know  that  many  a  lucky  thing  has  happened 
to  many  a  one  beyond  their  hopes. 

Amp.  But  I  know  too  that  hope  has  deceived  many  who 
have  hoped. 

Teach.  Therefore  a  patient  mind  is  the  best  remedy  for 

VOL.  II.  O 


82  BUDEKS  ;  xict  11, 

afiliction.  I'l!  go  in,  unless  you  wish  for  anything.  {Ooes 
into  the  Temple.^ 

Amp.  Go.  {To  herself?)  I'll  do  that  which  the  Priestess 
requested  me,  and  I'll  ask  for  some  water  here  at  the  neigh- 
bour's ;  for  she  said  that  if  I  asked  for  it  in  her  name,  they 
would  give  it  directly.  And  I  do  think  that  I  never  saw  a 
more  worthy  old  lady,  one  to  whom  I  should  think  that  it  is 
more  befitting  for  Gods  and  men  to  show  kindness.  How 
courteously,  how  heartily,  how  kindly,  how,  without  the  least 
difficulty,  she  received  us  into  her  home,  trembling,  in  want, 
drenched,  shipwrecked,  half  dead  ;  not  otherwise,  in  fact, 
than  if  we  had  been  her  own  offspring.  How  hindly  did 
she  herself,  just  now,  tucking  up  her  garments,  make  the 
water  warm  for  us  to  bathe.  Now,  that  I  mayn't  keep  her 
waiting,  I'll  fetch  some  water  from  the  place  where  she  re- 
quested me.  {Knocking  at  the  door  of  Dj^imokes.)  Hallo, 
there,  is  there  any  one  in  the  cottage  ?  Is  any  one  going  to 
open  this  door  ?    Will  any  one  come  out  ? 

Scene  V. — Enter  ScepabniOj/z-otw  the  cottage  o/'DiEMONES. 

SoEP.  Who  is  it  so  furiously  making  an  attack  upon  our 
door? 

Amp.  It's  I.  ScEP.  Well  now,  what  good  news  is  there? 
{Aside?)  Dear  me,  a  lass  of  comely  appearance,  i'  troth. 

Amp.  Greeting  to  you,  young  man.  Scep.  And  many 
greetings  to  you,  young  woman. 

Amp,  I'm  come  to  you Scep.  I'll  receive  you  with  a 

welcome,  if  you  come  in  the  evening,  by-and-by,  just  such  as 
I  could  like ;  for  just  now  I've  no  means^  to  receive  you,  a 
damsel,  thus  early  in  the  morning  *  *  * 

But  what  have  you  to  say,  my  smiling,  pretty  one.  {Chuchs 
her  under  the  chin?) 

Amp.  Oh,  you're  handling  me  too  familiarly,  {Moves  away?) 

Scep.  0  ye  immortal   Gods!    she's  the   very  image   of 

1  For  just  now  Fve  no  means) — Ver.  4]  8.  This  line  has  greatly  puzzled  the 
Commentators.  Sceparnio,  however,  seems  to  mean  that  at  present  he  is  busy, 
and  cannot  attend  to  her,  but  that  in  tlie  evening  he  will  be  at  her  service.  It 
has  been  suggested  that  a  double  entendre  is  meant ;  and  such  may  possibly  he 
the  case,  though  the  pungency  of  the  passage  is  lost  by  reason  of  the  hiatus  in 
the  next  line.  The  meaning  may,  however,  be  harmless,  and  he  may  intend  to 
say  that  at  present  he  is  busy  thatching  the  house,  but  that  at  nighttail  lie  wiH 
Lave  finished,  when  she  may  count  uDon  beuig  hospitably  encertamed. 


Sc  V.  THE  riSEERMAN's  HOPE.  83 

Venus.  "WTiat  joyousness  tliere  is  in  her  eyes,  and,  only  do 
see,  what  a  skin ;  'tis  of  the  vulture's  tint^, — rather,  the  eagle's, 
indeed,  I  meant  to  say.  Her  breasts,  too,  how  beautiful ;  and 
then  what  expression  on  her  lips !     {Takes  hold  of  her. ^ 

Amp,  (struggling).  I'm  no  common  commodity  for  the 
whole  township^  ;  can't  you  keep  your  hands  off  me  ? 

ScEP.  {patting  her).  Won't  you  let  me  touch  you,  gentle 
one,  in  this  manner,  gently  and  lovingly  p.  *  *  * 

«  *  «:  *  # 

Amp.  When  I  have  leisure,  then  I'll  be  giving  my  atten- 
tion to  toying  and  dalliance  to  please  you  ;  for  the  present, 
prithee,  do  either  say  me  "  Yes"  or  "  No"  to  the  matter  for 
which  I  was  sent  hither. 

ScEP.  What  now  is  it  that  you  wish  ? 

Amp.  (pointing  to  her  pitcher).  To  a  shrewd  person,  my 
equipment  would  give  indications  of  what  it  is  I  want. 

ScEP.  To  a  shrewd  woman,  this  equipment,  too,  of  mine, 
would  give  indication  of  what  it  is  I  want. 

Amp.  (pointing  to  the  Temple).  The  Priestess  there  of  Ve- 
nus, requested  me  to  fetch  some  water  from  your  house  here. 

ScEP.  But  I'm  a  lordly  sort  of  person ;  unless  you  entreat 
me,  you  slian't  have  a  drop.  We  dug  this  well  mth  danger 
to  ourselves,  and  with  tools  of  iron.  Not  a  drop  can  be  got 
out  of  me  except  by  means  of  plenty  of  blandishments. 

Amp.  Prithee,  why  do  you  make  so  much  fuss  about  the 
water — a  thing  that  even  enemy  affords  to  enemy  ? 

ScEP.  Why  do  you  make  so  much  fuss  about  granting  a 
favour  to  me,  that  citizen  grants  to  citizen  ? 

Amp.  On  the  contrary,  my  sweet  one,  I'll  even  do  every- 
thing for  you  that  you  wish. 

ScEP.  0  charming !    I  am  favoured ;  she's  now  calling  me 

*  Of  the  vultures  tint) — Ver.  423.  There  is  a  poor  joke  here  upon  the  words 
"  subaquihim"  and  "  subvulturium,"  Sceparnio  means  to  describe  the  com- 
plexion of  Ampelisca  as  somewhat  resembling  the  colour  of  an  eagle.  By  mistake, 
he  happens  to  mention  "  a  vulture,"  and  immediately  corrects  himself,  as,  from 
Its  sordid  habits,  he  may  be  deemed  to  be  paying  her  an  ill  compliment. 

*  No  common  commodity  for  the  whole  township) — Ver.  425.  "  Pollucta  pago." 
The  portion  of  the  sacrifice  to  Hercules  which  was  given  to  the  common  people 
was  said  to  be  "  pollucta,"  whence  the  present  adaptation  of  the  epithet.  Echard 
Beems  to  have  contemplated  translating  this,  "  I'm  no  pie  for  every  one's  cjittin^ 
op!" 

g2 


84  •  EUDENS ;  "  Act  II. 

lier  sweet  one.  The  water  shall  be  given  you,  so  that  you 
mayn't  be  coaxing  me  in  vain.     Give  me  the  pitcher. 

Amp.  Take  it  {gives  it  to  him)  :  make  haste  and  bring 
it  out,  there's  a  dear. 

ScEP.  Stay  a  momejit ;  I'll  be  here  this  instant,  my  sweet 
ODfi.     {Goes  into  tJie  cottage.)  *  *  *  # 

Scene  YI. — Ampelisca,  alone. 
Amp.  "What  shall  I  say  to  the  Priestess  for  having  delayed 
here  so  long  a  time  ?***** 
*  *  How,  even  still,  in  my  wretchedness  do  I  tremble, 
when  with  my  eyes  I  look  upon  the  sea.  {She  looks  towards 
the  shore.)  But  what,  to  my  sorrow,  do  I  see  afar  upon 
the  shore  ?  My  master,  the  Procurer,  and  his  Sicilian  guest, 
both  of  whom  wretched  I  supposed  to  have  perished  in  the 
deep.  Still  does  thus  much  more  of  evil  sur\dve  for  us  than 
we  had  imagined.  But  why  do  I  delay  to  run  off  into  the 
Temple,  and  to  tell  Palaestra  this,  that  we  may  take  refuge  at 
the  altar  before  this  scoundrel  of  a  Procurer  can  come  hither 
and  seize  us  here  ?  I'll  betake  myself  away  from  this  spot ; 
for  the  necessity  suddenly  arises /iw  me  to  do  so.  {Suns  into 
the  Temple.) 

Scene  YII. — Enter  Scepaenio,  from  the  cottage. 
ScEP.  {to  himself).  0  ye  immortal  Grods,  I  never  did  ima- 
gine that  there  was  so  great  delight  in  water  ;  how  heartily 
lilid  draw  this.  The  well  seemed  much  less  deep  than  formerly. 
How  entirely  without  exertion  did  I  draw  this  up.  With  all 
deference^  to  myself,  ain  I  not  a  very  siUy  fellow,  in  having  only 
to-day  made  a  commencement  of  being  in  love^  ?  {Turning 
slowly  round,  he  holds  out  the  pitcher.)  Here's  the  water  for 
you,  my  pretty  one  ;  here  now,  I  would  have  you  carry  it  with 
»3  much  pleasure  as  I  carry  it,  that  you  may  please  me.  {Stares 
around  him.)  But  where  are  you,  my  tit-bit  ?  Do  take  this  water, 
please ;  where  are  you  ?  {Again  looks  about.)  T  troth,  she's  iu 

1  With  all  deference) — Ver.  461.  "  Prjefiscine."  This  word  was  generally 
Tised  as  being  supposed  to  avert  the  evil  eye,  when  persons  spake  in  high  terms 
of  themselves.  There  is  some  drollery  in  Sceparnio  using  it,  when  speaking  in 
iispiragement  of  himself. 

'  Of  being  in  love) — Ver.  462.  Not  for  the  pleasure  of  loving,  but  for  the  com- 
"ft-aiative  ease  of  drawing  the  water,  which  was  probably  one  of  Ixis  employments. 


So.  yill.  THE  fishebman's  eope.  85 

love  with  me,  as  I  fancy ;  the  roguish  one's  playing  bo-peep^. 
Where  are  you  ?  Are  you  going  now  to  take  this  pitcher  ? 
"Where  are  you,  I  say  ?  You've  carried  tho  joke  far  enough. 
Really,  do  he  serious  at  last.  Once  more,  are  you  going  to 
take  this  pitcher  p  Where  in  the  world  are  you  r  {LooJcs 
ahotct.)  I'  troth,  I  don't  see  her  anywhere,  for  my  part ; 
she's  making  fun  of  me.  I'  faith,  I  shall  now  set  down  this 
pitcher  in  the  middle  of  the  road.  But  yet,  suppose  any  per- 
son  should  carry  away  from  here  this  sacred  pitcher  of  Venus, 
he  would  be  causing  me  some  trouble.  I'  faith,  I'm  afraid  that 
this  woman's  laying  a  trap  for  me,  that  I  may  be  caught 
with  the  sacred  pitcher  of  Yenus.  In  such  case,  with  very 
good  reason,  the  magistrate  will  be  letting  me  die  in  prison, 
if  any  one  shall  see  me  holding  this.  For  it's  marked  with 
the  name;  itself -tells  its  own  tale,  whose  property  it  is. 
Troth  now,  I'll  call  that  Priestess  here  out  of  doors,  that 
she  may  take  this  pitcher.  I'll  go  there  to  the  door.  (ITe 
knocks.)  Hallo  there !  Ptolemocratia.  {CaUing  aloud.)  Take 
this  pitcher  of  yours,  please  ;  some  young  woman,  I  don't 
know  who,  brought  it  here  to  me.  (A  pause.)  It  must  then 
be  carried  in-doors  hy  me.  I've  found  mi/selfa.ph,  if,  in  fact, 
of  my  own  accord,  water  is  to  be  carried  by  me  for  these 
people  as  well.     {Goes  into  the  Temple  with  the  pitcher.) 

Scene  YIII. — Enter  Labrax,  dripping  wet,  followed  hy 
Chabmides,  at  a  distance,  in  the  same  plight. 

Lab.  {grumhling  to  himself).  The  person  that  chooses  him- 
self  to  be  wretched  and  a  beggar,  let  him  trust  himself  and 
his  life  to  Neptune.  For  if  any  one  has  any  dealings  at  all 
with  him,  he  sends  him  back  home  equipped  in  this  guise. 
{Surveying  himself)  By  my  troth.  Liberty,  you  were  a  clever 
one,  who  were  never  willing^  to  put  even  a  foot,  i'  faith,  on 
board  ship  with  me.  Bat  {looking  round)  where's  this 
guest  of  mine  that  has  proved  my  ruin  ?  Oh,  see,  here  he 
comes. 

Charm.  Where  the  plague  are  you  hurrying  to,  Labrax  ? 
For  really  I  cannot  follow  you  so  fast. 

*  Playing  bo-peep) — Ver.  466.  Both  Horace  and  Virfjjil  mention  the  game  of 
hiding,  or  "bo-peep,"  as  a  favorite  one  with  the  girls  of  tlieir  day 

*  Who  were  never  wilUng) — Ver.  489.  He  probably  alludes  to  some  current 
'proverb  of  the  day,  which  may,  with  considerable  truth,  have  said  that  liberty 
forsakes  a  man  when  he  goes  or  board  ship. 


86  suDEKg ;  Act  II. 

Lab.  T  only  wish  tKat  you  had  perished  by  direftil  tormenta 
in  Sicily  before  I  had  looked  upon  you  with  my  eyes,  i^ou  on 
whose  account  this  misfortune  has  befallen  me. 

Chabm.  I  only  wish  that  on  the  day  on  which  you  admitted 
me  into  your  house,  I  had  laid  me  down  in  a  prison  sooner. 
I  pray  the  immortal  Gods,  that  ao  long  as  you  live,  you 
may  have  all  your  guests  just  like  your  own  self. 

Lab.  In  your  person  I  admitted  misfortune  into  my  house. 
"What  business  had  I  to  listen  to  a  rogue  like  you,  or  what 
to  depart  hence  ?  Or  why  to  go  on  board  ship,  where  I  have 
lost  even  more  wealth^  than  I  was  possessor  of  ? 

Chabm.  Troth,  I'm  ftir  from  being  surprised  if  your  ship 
has  been  wrecked,  which  was  carrying  yourself,  a  villain,  and 
your  property  villanously  acquired. 

Lab.  Tou've  utterly  ruined  me  with  your  wheedling 
speeches. 

Chabm.  A  more  accursed  dinner  of  yours  have  I  been 
dining  upon  than  the  ones  that  were  set  before  Thyestes 
and  Tereus^. 

Lab.  I'm  dying  ;  I*m  sick  at-  heart.  Prithee,  do  hold  up 
my  head. 

Chabm.  By  my  troth,  I  could  very  much  wish  that  you 
would  vomit  up  your  lungs. 

Lab.  Alas  1  Palaestra  and  Ampelisca,  where  are  you  now? 

Chabm.  Supplying  food  for  the  fishes  at  the  bottom,  I 
suppose. 

Lab.  Ton  have  brought  beggary  upon  me  by  your  means, 
while  I  was  listening  to  your  bragging  lies. 

Chabm.  You  have  reason  deservedly  to  give  me  many 
hearty  thanks,  who  from  an  insipid  morsel  by  my  agency 
have  made  you  salt^. 

Lab.  Nay,  but  do  you  get  out  from  me  to  extreme  and 
utter  perdition. 

*  Even  mare  icealtJi) — Ver.  504.  He  means  that  lie  has  not  only  lost  his  exist- 
.ng  property  by  the  shipwreck,  but  bis  hopes  of  profit  as  well  on  his  arrival  at 
Sicily,  by  means  of  his  traffic  with  Palaestra  and  Ampelisca. 

2  Thyestes  and  Tereus)—VeT  509.  Atreus  killed  the  children  of  his  brother 
Tliyestps,  and  served  them  up  to  their  father.  Progne  slew  her  son  Itys,  and  set 
him  before  his  father  Tereus,  who  had  ravished  and  mutilated  her  sister  Phi- 
lomela. 

«  Have  made  ymi  salt) — Ver.  517.  "  Ex  insulso  salsum."  The  humour  m  this 
passapt'  depends  on  the  double  meaning  of  the  word  "  salsus,"  wJtich  siguih-Ji 
"  aaiicd,"  aud,  figuratively,  "  sharp,"  "  clever."  "  witty." 


Sc.  Till.  THE  FISHEEMAITS  EOPE.  87 

Charm.  You  be  off ;  I  was  just  going  to  do  tliat  very 
thing.  Lab.  Alas !  what  mortal  being  is  there  living  more 
wretched  than  I  ? 

Charm.  I  am  by  very  far  much  more  wretched,  Labrax, 
than  yourself. 

Lab.  How  so  ?  Charm.  Because  I  am  not  deserving  of  it, 
whereas  you  are  deserving. 

Lab,  O  bulrush,  bulrush,  I  do  praise  your  lot,  who  always 
maintain  your  credit  for  dryness. 

Charm,  (his  teeth  chattering).  For  my  part,  I'm  exercising 
myself  for  a  skirmishing  fight^,  for,  from  my  shivering,  I  utter 
all  my  words  in  piecemeal  flashes. 

Lab.  By  my  troth,  Neptune,  you  are  a  purveyor  of  chilly 
baths ;  since  I  got  away  from  you  with  my  clothes,  I've 
been  freezing.  No  hot  liquor-shop^  at  all  for  sure  does  he 
provide  ;  so  salt  and  cold  the  potions  that  he  prepares. 

Charm.  How  lucky  are  the  blacksmiths^  who  are  always 
sitting  among  hot  coals;  they  are  always  warm. 

Lab.  I  only  wish  that  I  were  now  enjoying  the  lot  of  the 
duck,  so  as,  although  I  had  just  come  from  out  of  the  water, 
still  to  be  dry. 

Charm.  What  if  I  some  way  or  other  let  myself  out  at 
the  games  for  a  hobgoblin^  ? 

Lab.  For  what  reason  ? 

Charm.  Because,  i'  faith,  I'm  chattering  aloud  with  my 
teeth.  But  I'm  of  opinion  that,  with  very  good  reason,  I've 
had  this  ducking. 

Lab.  How  so  ? 

CSARM.  Why,  haven't  I  ventured  to  go  on  board  ship  with 
yourself,  who  have  been  stirring  up  the  ocean  for  me  from 
the  very  bottom  ? 

*  For  a  skirmishing  Jtghf) — Ver.  525.  Thornton  has  this  Note  on  this  passage: 
"  '  Velitatio'  signifies  '  a  skirmish,'  which  was  usually  made  hy  the  '  velites,' 
that  is,  'the  light-hani^ssed  soldiers;'  and  these  men  always  made  use  of  darts, 
.vhose  points  would  glitter  at  a  distance,  sometimes  one  way,  and  sometimes 
another.  Now  Charmides,  trembling  with  cold,  compares  himself  to  these 
'  velites,'  or  *  skirmishers,'  who  never  keep  their  places ;  and  his  words,  which 
came  out  broken  and  by  piecemeal,  to  the  unequal  glimmerings  or  flashes  of  their 
darts  ' 

hoiMquor  shop) — Ver.  529.  See  the  Trinummus,  1.  1013,  and  the  Note. 

'  For  a  hobgoblin) — Ver.  535.  "  Manducus"  was  a  huge  figure  exhibited. on 
the  stage  and  at  public  shows,  with  huge  teeth  craunching,  and  a  \\ide  mouth— 
wobablj  not  nxiliJcB  some  of  the  idols  of  the  South  Sea  Islanders. 


88  KTJDENS ;  Act  II; 

LiB.  I  listened  to  you  wJien  advising  me  ;  you  assured  me 
that  there  in  Sicily  was  very  great  profit  from  courtesans ; 
there,  you  used  to  say,  I  should  be  ahle  to  amass  wealth. 

Chakm.  Did  you  expect,  then,  you  unclean  beast,  that  you 
were  going  to  gobble  up  the  whole  island  of  Sicily  ? 

Lab.  What  whale,   I  wonder,  has  gobbled  up  my  walle^ 
'^^lere  all  my  gold  and  silver  was  packed  up  ? 

Charm.  That  same  one,  I  suppose,  that  has  swallowed  my 
purse,  which  was  full  of  silver  in  my  travelling-bag. 

Lab.  Alas!  I'm  reduced  even  to  this  one  poor  tunic 
{stretcliing  it  out')  and  to  this  poor  shabby  cloak  ;  I'm  done 
for  to  all  intents. 

Charm.  Then  you  may  even  go  into  partnership  with  me ; 
we  have  got  equal  shares. 

Lab.  If  at  least  my  damsels  had  been  saved,  there  would 
have  been  some  hope.  Now,  if  the  young  man  Plesidippus 
should  be  seeing  me,  from  whom  I  received  the  earnest  for 
Palaestra,  he'll  then  be  causing  me  some  trouble  in  conse^ 
quence.     {lie  begins  to  cry.) 

Charm.  Why  cry,  you  fool  ?  Really,  by  my  troth,  so 
long  as  your  tongue  shall  exist,  you  have  abundance  with 
which  to  make  payment  to  everybody^. 

Scene  IX. — Enter  Sceparnio,  from  tJie  Temple, 

ScEP.  (Jo  himself,  aloud).  "What  to-do  is  this,  I'd  like  to 
know,  that  two  young  women  here  in  the  Temple,  in  tears, 
are  holding  in  their  embrace  the  statue  of  Venus,  dread- 
ing I  know  not  what  in  their  wretchedness  ?  But  they  say 
that  this  last  night  they  have  been  tossed  about,  and  to-day 
cast  on  shore  from  the  waves. 

Lab.  (overhearing).  Troth  now,  young  man,  prithee,  where 
are  these  young  women  that  you  are  talking  of? 

Scep.  Here  (^pointing)  in  the  Temple  of  Venus. 

Lab.  How  many  are  there  ?  Scep.  Just  as  many  as  you 
and  I  make. 

Lab.  Surely,  they  are  mine.  Scep.  Surely,  I  know 
nothing  about  that. 

Lab.  Of  what  appearance  are  they  ? 

fayment  to  everybody') — Ver.  558.  He  means,  that  his  rea/liness  to  commit 
penury  will  save  him  tlie  trouble  of  finding  money  to  pay  with  as  he  cau  alway* 
swear  that  he  has  paid  akeady. 


Be.  X.  THE  FISHERMAT^^S  ROPE.  89 

ScEP.  Good-looking;  I  could  even  fall  in  love  vrith  either 
of  them,  if  I  were  well  liquored. 

Lab.  Surely,  they  are  the  damsels.  Scep.  Surely,  you  are 
a  nuisance ;  be  off,  go  in  and  see,  if  you  like. 

Lab.  These  must  be  my  wenches  in  here,  my  dear  Char- 
mides.  Chabm.  Jupiter  confound  you,  both  if  they  are  and 
still  if  they  are  not. 

Lab.  I'll  straightway  burst  into  this  Temple  of  Yenus  here. 

Chabm.  Into  the  bottomless  pit,  I  would  rather.  (Labray 
rushes  into  the  TempUj  and  shuts  the  door.) 

Scene  X. — Chaemides  and  Sceparnio. 

Charm.  Prithee,  stranger,  show  me  some  spot  where  1 
may  go  to  sleep.  Scep.  Gro  to  sleep  there,  wherever  you 
please  (points  to  the  ground)  \  no  one  hinders,  it's  free  to 
the  public. 

Charm,  (^pointing  to  his  clothes).  But  do  you  see  me, 
in  what  wet  clothes  if.'m  dressed  ?  Do  take  me  under  shelter ; 
lend  me  some  dry  clothes,  while  my  own  are  drying;  on 
some  occasion  I'll  return  you  the  favour. 

Scep.  See,  here's  my  outer  coat,  which  alone  is  dry  ;  that-, 
if  you  like,  I'll  lend  you.  {Takes  it  of  and  holds  it  out  to 
him.)  In  that  same  I'm  wont  to  be  clothed,  by  that  same 
protected,  when  it  rains.  Do  you  give  me  those  clothes  of 
yours  ;  I'll  soon  have  them  dried. 

Chabm.  How  now,  are  you  afraid  that,  as  I've  been  washed 
bare^  last  night  at  sea,  I  mayn't  be  made  bare  again  here 
upon  shore  r 

Scep.  Wash  you  bare,  or  anomt  you  well,  I  don't  care  one 
fig^.  I  shall  never  entrust  anything  to  you  unless  upon  a 
pledge  being  taken.  Do  you  either  sweat  away  or  perish 
with  cold,  be  you  either  sick  or  well.  I'll  put  up  with  no 
stranger-guest  in  my  house  ;  I've  had  disagreements  enough. 
{Puts  on  his  coat  again,  and  goes  into  the  house  o/"  Djemones.) 

*  Washed  bare) — Ver.  579.  The  poor  joke  here  turns  on  the  double  meaning  of 
the  word  "  eluo,"  which,  in  the  passive,  means  "  to  be  shipwrecked,"  an(i  in 
the  active,  either  "  to  bathe"  or  "  to  be  ruined  in  one's  fortunes."  It  is  not  very 
dissimilar  to  an  expression  common  with  us,  and  might  be  rendered,  "  I  wasn't 
cleaned  out  enough  at  sea  last  night,  but  you  want  to  clean  me  out  still  more.."* 
Soeparnio  takes  the  word  in  the  sense  of  "  to  bathe,"  and  says,  "  Bathe  or  anoint 
vonrsolf ;  I  don't  care  a  fig,"    Anointing  followed  immediately  after  bathing. 

«  One  Jig) — Ver.  580.  "  Ciccum."  "  Ciccum"  was  the  thin  skin  in  the  ix>me* 
^ranate  that  divided  the  kernels. 


90  BTTDENS  ;  Act  IIL 

Scene  XI. — Chaemides,  alone. 

Chaem.  Wliat,  are  you  off  ?  {A  pause.)  He's  a  traf- 
ficker in  slaves  for  money ^  ;  whoever  he  is,  he  has  no  bowels^ 
of  compassion.  But  why  in  my  wretchedness  am  I  standing 
here,  soaking  ?  "Why  don't  I  rather  go  away  from  here  into 
the  Temple  of  Venus,  that  I  may  sleep  off  this  debauch  which 
I  got  with  drinking  last  night  against  the  bent  of  my  inclina- 
tion? Neptune  has  been  drenching  us  with  salt  water  as 
though  we  were  G-reek  wines^,  and  so  he  hoped  that  our 
stomachs  might  be  vomited  up  with  his  salt  draughts.  What 
need  of  words  ?  If  he  had  persisted  in  invitiug  us  a  little 
longer,  we  should  have  gone  fast  asleep  there ;  as  it  is,  hardly 
alive  has  he  sent  us  off  home.  Now  I'll  go  see  the  Pro- 
curer, my  boon  companion,  what  he's  doing  within.  (^Ooes 
into  the  Temple,) 

Act  III. — ScEiTE  1. 

Miter  DMMOiTESffrom  his  house, 

Dmm..  (to  himself).  In  wondrous  ways*  do  the  G-ods  make 
sport  of  men,  in  wondrous  fashions  do  they  send  dreams  in 
sleep.  Not  the  sleeping,  even,  do  they  allow  to  rest.  As,  for 
example,  I,  this  last  night  which  has  gone  by,  dreamed  a  won- 
derful and  a  curious  dream.  A  she-ape  seemed  to  be  endea- 
vouring to  climb  up  to  a  swallow's  nest ;  and  she  was  not  able 
thence  to  take  them  out.  After  that,  the  ape  seemed  to  come 
to  me  to  beg  me  to  lend  a  ladder  to  her.  I  in  these  terms 
gave  answer  to  the  ape,  that  swallows  are  the  descendants  of 
Philomela^  and  of  Progne.     I  expostulated  with  her,  that  she 

*  For  money) — Ver.  584.  His  meaning  is,  "  he  is  so  inhuman,  that  surely  he 
IS  a  slave-dealer,  and  nothing  less." 

'  Eos  no  bowels) — Ver.  585.  "  Non  est  misericors."  Literally,  "  he  is  not 
mercifuL" 

3  Were  Greek  wines) — Ver.  588.  He  uses  this  comparison  because  it  was  the 
custom  of  the  ancients  to  mix  sea-water  with  all  the  Greek  wines,  except  the 
Chian,  which  Horace  styles  "  maris  expers,"  "  unmixed  with  the  sea." 

*  In  wondroiLS  tra^s)— Ver.  593.  It  is  somewhat  singular  that  the  same  three 
fines  as  this  and  the  two  following  occur  in  the  Mercator,  at  the  beginnmg  of 
Act  II. 

*  Of  Philomela) — ^Ver.  604.  The  Poets  generally  represent  Progne  as  changed 
Into  a  swallow,  and  Philomela  into  a  nightingale.  Ovid,  however,  on  one  ocxia- 
«on,  mentions  Philomela  as  being  changed  into  a  swallow.  They  were  th« 
•iaughters  of  Pandion,  king  of  Athjns,  the  native  place  of  Daeraones. 


Sc.  H.  THE  FISHEEMAN'S  EOPE.  91 

might  not  hurt  those  of  my  country.  But  then  she  began  to  he 
much  more  violent,  and  seemed  gratuitously  to  be  threatening 
me  with  vengeance.  She  summoned  me  to  a  court  of  justice. 
Then,  in  my  anger,  I  seemed  to  seize  hold  of  the  ape  by  the 
middle,  in  what  fashion  I  know  not ;  and  I  fastened  up  with 
chains  this  most  worthless  beast.  Now  to  what  purpose  I 
shall  say  that  this  dream  tends,  never  have  I  this  day  been 
able  to  come  to  any  conclusion.  {A  loud  noise  is  heard  in  the 
Temple.)  But  what's  this  noise  that  arises  in  this  Temple  of 
Venus,  my  neighbour  ?     My  mind's  in  wonder  ahout  it. 

Scene  II. — JEnter  Teach  alio,  in  haste,  from  the  Temple. 

Teach,  {aloud).  0  citizens  of  Cyrene,  I  implore  your  aid, 
countrymen,  you  who  are  near  neighbours  to  these  spots, 
bring  aid  to  helplessness,  and  utterly  crush  a  most  vile  at- 
tempt. Inflict  vengeance,  that  the  power  of  the  wicked,  wlio 
wish  themselves  to  be  distinguished  by  crimes,  may  not  be 
stronger  than  of  the  guiltless.  Make  an  example  for  the 
shameless  man,  give  its  reward  to  modest  virtue ;  cause  that 
one  may  be  allowed  to  live  here  rather  under  the  control  ot 
the  laws  than  of  brute  force.  Hasten  hither  into  the  Temple 
of  Venus ;  again  do  I  implore  your  aid,  you  who  are  here  at 
hand  and  who  hear  my  cries.  Bring  assistance  to  those  who, 
after  the  recognized  usage,  have  entrusted  their  lives  to 
Venus  and  to  the  Priestess  of  Venus,  under  their  protection. 
"Wring  ye  the  neck  of  iniquity  before  it  reaches  yourselves. 

D^M.  What's  all  this  to-do  ?  Teach,  {embracing  his 
knees).  By  these  knees  of  yours,  I  do  entreat  you,  old  gen- 
tleman, whoever  you  are 

D^M.  Nay,  but  do  you  let  go  my  knees,  then,  and  tell  ute 
why  it  is  that  you  are  making  a  noise  ? 

Teach.  I  do  beg  and  entreat  you,  that  if  you  hope  this  year 
that  you  wiU  have  abundance  of  laserwort  and  silphium^, 
and  that  that  export  will  arrive  at  Capua^  safe  and  sound, 
and  that  you  may  ever  enjoy  freedom  from  diseased  eyes 

*  iMserufort  and  silphium) — Ver.  630.  "Sirpe"  and  "  laserpitiura  "  seem  to 
De  different  names  for  the  same  plant,  "laserwort,"  from  which  assafceiida  is  dis- 
tilled. It  gi-ew  abundantly  in  Cyrene,  which  region  Catullus  calls  "  Laserpiri- 
ferae  Cyrenae."  The  juice  of  this  plant  seems  to  have  been  used  in  making  certain 
perfumes,  for  which  reason  it  was  exported  to  Capua. 

At  Capua) — Ver.  631.  Capua  was  tee  chief  city  of  Campania,  in  Italy,  «nl 


92  EUDEirs ;  Act  III. 

D^M.  Are  you  in  your  senses  ? 

Track  . Or  whether  you  trust  that  you  will  have  plenty 

of  juice  of  silphium^,  tliat  you  will  not  hesitate  to  give  me 
the  aid  which  I  shall  entreat  of  you,  aged  sir. 

D-aEM.  And  I,  by  your  legs,  and  ancles,  and  back,  do  entreat 
you  that,  if  you  hope  that  you  will  have  a  crop  of  elm-twigs, 
and  that  a  fruitful  harvest  of  beatings  will  this  year  be  your 
lot,  you  will  tell  me  what's  the  matter  here,  by  reason  of 
which  you  are  making  this  uproar. 

Trach.  Why  do  you  choose  to  speak  me  ill  ?  For  my 
part,  I  wished  you  everything  that's  good. 

D^M.  And  for  my  part,  I'm  speaking  you  well,  in  praying 
that  things  which  you  deserve  may  befaU  you. 

Trach.  Prithee,  do  prevent  this. 

D^M.  What's  the  matter,  then  ? 

Trach.  (pointing  to  the  Temple).  Two  innocent  women 
are  inside  here,  in  need  of  your  aid,  on  whom,  against  law 
and  justice,  an  injury  has  been,  is  being,  glaringly  committed 
here  in  the  Temple  of  Yenus.  Besides,  the  Priestess  of 
Venus  is  being  disgracefully  insulted. 

D^M.  What  person  is  there  of  effrontery  so  great  as  to 
dare  to  injure  the  Priestess  ?  But  these  women,  who  are 
they  ?     Or  what  injury  is  being  done  to  them  ? 

Trach.  If  you  give  me  your  attention,  I'll  tell  you. 
They  have  clung  to  the  statue  of  Venus ;  a  most  audacious 
fellow  is  now  trying  to  tear  them  away.  They  ought,  bi/ 
rights,  both  of  them  to  be  free. 

D^M.  What  fellow  is  it  that  so  lightly  holds  the  Gods  ? 
In  a  few  words  tell  me. 

Trach.  One  most  full  of  fraud,  villany,  parricide,  and 
perjury  ;  a  lawbreaker,  an  immodest,  unclean,  most  sliamelesa 
fellow ;  to  sum  up  all  in  one  word,  he  is  a  Procurer ;  why 
need  I  say  more  about  him  ? 

D^M.  Troth  now,  you  teU  of  a  man  that  ought  to  be 
handed  over  to  retribution. 

Trach.  A  villain,  to  seize  the  Priestess  by  the  throat. 

was  famed  for  its  luxury.  It  was  celebrated  for  its  choice  perfumes;  and  in 't 
there  was  one  £^eat  street  called  "  Seplasia,"  which  consisted  entirely  of  sliops,  in 
wnich  ungiaents  and  perfumes  were  sold. 

*  Juice  ofsilphium) — Ver.  633.  "  Magularis"  is  the  root  or  jiiice  of  the  piani 
ttUed  "  laserpicium." 


Sc.  III.  THE  riSHEE:sIATf'S  EOPE.  9S 

Dmm.  Bj  my  troth,  but  "he  has  done  it  at  his  own  great 
peril.  (Calls  aloud  at  Ms  door.)  Come  you  out  of  doors 
here,  Turbalio  and  Sparax  ;  where  are  you  ? 

Teach.  Prithee,  do  go  in,  and  hasten  to  tueir  rescue. 

D^M.  (impatiently).  And  am  I  to  call  for  them  once  more  ? 

Enter  Tuebalio  and  Spaeax,^o^  the  cottage. 

D^M.  Follow  me  this  way. 

Teach.  Come  on  now  this  instant,  bid  them  tear  his  eyes 
out,  just  in  the  way  that  cooks  do  cuttle-fish^. 

DiEM.  Drag  the  fellow  out  here  by  his  legs,  just  like  a 
slaughtered  pig.  (D^mokes  and  his  Seeyants  go  into  the 
Temple.) 

Teach,  (listening  at  the  door).  I  hear  a  scuffling  ;  the  Pro* 
curer,  I  guess,  is  being  belaboured  with  their  fists  ;  I'd  very 
much  like  them  to  knock  the  teeth  out  of  the  jaws  of  the 
most  villanous  fellow.  But  see,  here  are  the  women  them- 
selves coming  out  of  the  Temple  in  consternation. 

Scene  III. — Enter  Pal^stea  and  Ampelisca,  in  haste^ 
from  the  Temple,  tvith  dishevelled  locks. 

Pal.  JSTow  is  that  time  arrived  when  destitution  of  all  re- 
sources and  aid,  succour  and  defence,  overtakes  us.  Neither 
hope  nor  means  is  there  to  bring  us  aid,  nor  know  we  in  what 
direction  we  should  commence  to  proceed.  In  exceeding 
terror  now  are  we  both,  in  this  our  wretchedness.  Sucfi 
cruelty  and  such  outrage  have  been  committed  towards  us 
just  now  in-doors  here  by  our  master,  who,  in  his  villanv, 
pushed  down  tlie  old  lady,  the  Priestess,  headlong,  and  struck 
her  in  a  very  disgraceful  manner,  and  with  his  violence  tore 
us  away  from  the  inner  side^  of  the  statue.  But  as  our  lot 
and  fortunes  are  now  showing  themselves,  'twere  best  to  die, 
nor  in  our  miseries  is  there  anything  better  than  death. 

Teach,  (behind).  What's  this?  Whose  words  are  those  ? 
W7ig  do  I  delay  to  console  them  ?  (Aloud.)  Harkye,  Pa- 
laestra,  Ampelisca,  harkye  ! 

Pal.  Prithee,  who  is  it  that  caUs  us  ? 

'  Cociks  do  cuttle-fish') — Ver.  659.  This,  probably,  was  a  practice  of  ancient 
cookery,  which,  happily,  has  not  come  down  to  our  times. 

^  The  inner  side) — Ver.  673.  "  Signo  intumo"  may  either  mean  the  statue  m 
the  most  distant  and  sacred  recess,  or  the  inner  side  of  the  statue,  to  which  spcit 
they  had  retired  for  safety. 


04  RXIDENS ;  Act  nX 

Amp.  Who  is  it  that  calls  me  by  name  ? 

Teach.  If  you  turn  round  and  look,  you'll  know. 

Pal.  (turning  round).  0  hope  of  my  safety ! 

Teach.  Be  silent  and  of  good  courage  ;  trust  me^. 

Pal.  If  only  it  can  be  so,  let  not  violence  overwhelm  us. 

Teach.  What  violence  ? 

Pal.  That  same  which  is  driving  me  to  commit  violence 
on  myself.     Teach.  Oh,  do  leave  off ;  you  are  very  silly. 

Pal.  Then  do  you  leave  off  at  once  your  consoling  me  in 
my  misery  with  words. 

Amp.  Unless  you  afford  us  protection  in  reality 2,  Trachalio, 
it's  all  over  with  us. 

Pal.  I'm  resolved  to  die  sooner  than  suffer  this  Procurer 
to  get  me  in  his  power.  But  still  I  am  of  woman's  heart; 
when,  in  my  misery,  death  comes  into  my  mind,  fear  takes 
possession  of  my  limbs. 

Teach.  By  my  troth,  although  this  is  a  bitter  affliction,  do 
have  a  good  heart. 

Pal.  Why  where,  pray,  is  a  good  heart  to  be  found  for  me  ? 

Teach.  Don't  you  fear,  I  tell  you ;  sit  you  down  here  by 
the  altar.  {Points  to  it.) 

Amp.  What  can  this  altar  possibly  avail  us  more  than  tlie 
statue  here  within  the  Temple  of  Venus,  from  which  just 
now,  embracing  it,  in  our  wretchedness,  we  were  torn  by 
force  ? 

Teach.  Only  you  be  seated  here ;  then  I'll  protect  you 
in  this  spot.  This  altar  you  possess  as  though  your  bul- 
warks^ ;  these  your  fortifications  ;  from  this  spot  will  I  defend 
you.  With  the  aid  of  Venus,  I'U  march  against  the  wicked- 
ness of  the  Procurer. 

Pal.  We  follow  your  instructions  (tJiei/  advance  to  the 
altar  and  kneel)  ;  and  genial  Venus,  we  both  of  us,  in  tears, 
implore  thee,  embracing  this  thy  altar,  bending  upon  our 
knees,    that   thou  wilt  receive   us   into    thy   guardianship, 

•  Tmst  me)— Ver.  680.  At  the  same  time  he  is  afraid  to  go  in.  Palaestra  sees 
tiiis,  and  taunts  him  with  being  brave — in  words  only. 

2  In  reality) — Ver.  683.  "  Re,"  "  in  reality,"  in  contradistinction  to  words. 

'  Your  bulwarks) — Ver.  692.  "  Moenia."  Madame  Dacier  supposes  that  these 
words  refer  to  the  walls  of  a  court  in  front  of  the  Temple,  represented  on  tii« 
stage  with  an  altar  in  the  middle,  the  walls  being  breast  high,  which  Traclialio 
compares  to  entrenchments. 


Sc.  ly.  THE  nSHEKMAJf-S  BOl'B.  95 

aud  be  our  protector  ;  tliat  thou  wilt  punisli  those  wretches 
who  have  set  at  nought  thy  Temple,  and  that  thou  wilt  suffer 
us  to  occupy  this  thy  altar  with  thy  permission,  we  who 
last  night  were  by  the  might  of  Neptune  cast  away  ;  hold  us 
not  in  scorn,  and  do  not  for  that  reason  impute  it  to  us  as  a 
fault,  if  there  is  anything  that  thou  shouldst  think  is  not  so 
well  attended  to^  hy  us  as  it  ought  to  have  been. 

Tbach.  I  think  they  ask  what's  just ;  it  ought,  Venus,  by 
thee  to  be  granted.  Thou  oughtst  to  pardon  them  ;  'tis 
terror  forces  them  to  do  this.  They  say  that  thou  wast  born 
from  a  shelP ;  take  thou  care  that  thou  dost  not  despise  the 
shells  of  these.  But  see,  most  opportunely  the  old  gentleman 
is  coming  out,  both  my  protector  and  your  own.  {He  goes  to 
the  altar ^ 

Scene  IY. — Enter  D^mois'ES,  from  the  Temple,  with  his  two 
Servants  dragging  out  Labeax. 

D^M.  Come  out  of  the  Temple,  you  most  sacrilegious  of 
men,  as  many  as  hav.e  ever  been  born.  Do  you  go  {calling 
to  the  "Women)  and  sit  by  the  altar.  {Not  seeing  them  near 
the  door.)  But  where  are  they  ? 

Teach.  Look  round  here. 

Djsm.  {looking  round).  Very  good;  T  wanted  that^.  Now 
bid  him  come  this  way.  {To  Labeax.)  Are  you  attempting 
here  among  us  to  commit  a  violation  of  the  laws  against  the 
Deities  ?  {To  the  Seeyants,  who  ohey  vnth  alacrity.)  Punch 
his  face  with  your  fists. 

Lab.  I'm  suffering  these  indignities  at  your  own  cost. 

'  Not  so  well  attended  to) — Ver.  701.  "  Bene  lantum."  There  is  a  joke  in- 
tended in  the  use  of  these  words,  which  may  signify  either  "  quite  tidy  "  or  "  pro- 
j)erly  arranged ;"  or,  on  the  other  hand,  "  well  washed,"  neglect  of  which  cer- 
tainly could  not  be  imputed  to  them,  by  reason  of  their  recent  shipwreck. 

2  Bom  from  a  shell) — Ver.  703.  He  alludes  to  the  birth  of  Venus,  who  was 
said  to  have  sprung  from  the  sea  in  a  shell.  He  also  seems  to  joke  upon  the 
destitute  state  of  the  young  women,  and  to  call  them  mere  shells.  An  indelicate 
construction  has  been,  by  some,  put  upon  the  use  of  the  word  "  conchas,"  while 
others  think  it  refers  to  the  use  made  by  women  of  shells,  for  holding  their 
pauits,  perfumes,  and  cosmetics,  and  that  he  means  thereby  to  reproach  Ventia 
for  having  allowed  them  to  lose  all  their  property.  This,  however,  seems  to  be 
a  rather  far-fetched  notion. 

»  /  wanted  thai^—Yer.  708.  He  means  that  the  women  have  done  as  he^ 
tnen:  to  do,  m  flying  to  the  altar  tor  refuge. 


9G  ETTDEiy 8 ;  Act  111, 

D^M.  Why,  the  insolent  fellow's  threatering  eren. 

Lab.  I've  been  robbed  of  my  rights ;  you  are  robbing  me 
of  my  female  slaves  against  my  will. 

Trach.  Do  you  then  find  some  wealthy  man  of  the  Senate 
of  Gyrene  as  judge,  whether  these  women  ought  to  be  yours, 
or  whether  they  ouglitn't  to  be  free,  or  whether  it  isn't  right 
that  you  should  be  clapped  into  prison,  and  there  spend  your 
life,  until  you  have  worn  the  whole  gaol  out  with  your  feet. 

Lab.  I  wasn't  prepared  to  prophesy  for  this  day  that  I 
should  be  talking  with  a  hang-gallows^  like  yourself.  {Turn' 
ing  to  D^Mo:s^ES.)  Tou  do  I  summon  to  judgment. 

D^M.  {'pointing  to  TEACHAiiio).  Li  the  first  place,  try  it 
with  him  who  knows  you. 

Lab.  {to  D^MONEs).  My  suit  is  with  yourself. 

Trach.  But  it  must  be  with  myself.  {Pointing  to  the 
WoMEiS".)     Are  these  your  female  slaves  ? 

Lab.  They  are.  Trach.  Just  come  then,  touch  either 
of  them  with  your  little  finger  only. 

Lab.  What  if  I  do  touch  them  ? 

Trach.  That  very  instant,  upon  my  faith,  I'll  make  a  hand- 
ball- of  you,  and  while  you're  in  the  air  I'll  belabour  you 
with  my  fists,  you  most  perjured  villain. 

Lab.  Am  I  not  to  be  allowed  to  take  away  my  femaie 
slaves  from  the  altar  of  Venus  ? 

DiEM.  Tou  may  not ;  such  is  the  law  with  ns. 

Lab.  I've  no  concern  with  your  laws ;  for  mv  part,  I  shall 
at  once  carry  them  both  away  from  here^.  If  you  are  in  love 
M-ith  them,  old  gentleman  {holding  out  his  hand),  you  must 
down  here  with  the  ready  cash. 

DjEii.  But  these  women  have  proved  pleasing  to  Yenus. 

Lab.  She  may  have  them,  if  she  pays  the  money. 

D-SM.  A  Groddess,  pay  you  money  ?     Now  then,  that  you 

*  A  luing-gaMows) — Ver.  717.  "  Furcifero."  He  sneeringly  alludes  to  Tracha- 
lio's  pot-ition  as  a  slave,  and  his  liability  to  have  the  panishment  of  the  "  furca" 
mtlicted  on  him. 

"^  A  hand-haW) — Ver.  721-2.  These  lines  are  thus  rendered  in  one  version: 
"  Instantly  I  will  make  you  a  prize-fighting  pair  of  bellows,  and  while  you 
are  drawing  breath,  will  belabour  you  with  my  fists."  The  allusion,  however, 
is  clearly  to  a  ball  blown  up  like  our  footballs,  and  struck  with  the  clenched  fist, 
the  merit  of  the  game  being  not  to  let  it  come  to  the  ground. 

^  Away  from  here}— WQv.lit.  "Foras."  Pnbably  in  allusion  to  the.  court 
Defore  the  Temple- 


Sc.  IV.  THE  FISHEEMATf's  KOPB.  97 

may  understand  my  determination,  only  do  yon  commence  in 
mere  joke  to  offer  them  the  very  slightest  violence ;  I'll  send 
you  away  from  here  with  such  a  dressing,  that  you  won't 
know  your  own  self.  You,  therefore  (turning  to  his  Seb- 
VANTs),  when  I  give  you  the  signal,  if  you  don't  beat  his  eyes 
out  of  his  head,  I'll  trim  you  round  about  with  rods  just  like 
beds  of  myrtle^  with  bulrushes. 

Lab.  You  are  treating  me  with  violence. 

Teach.  What,  do  you  even  upbraid  us  with  violence,  you 
flagrant  specimen  of  flagitiousness  ?  Lab.  You,  you  thrice- 
dotted  villain^,  do  you  dare  to  speak  abusively  to  me  ? 

Teach.  I  am  a  thrice-dotted  villain ;  I  confess  it ;  you  are 
a  strictly  honorable  man ;  ought  these  women  a  bit  the  less 
to  be  free  ? 

Lab.  What — free?  Teach.  Aye,  and  your  mistresses, 
too,  i'  faith,  and  from  genuine  Greece^ ;  for  one  of  them  was 
born  at  Athens  of  free-born  parents. 

D^M.  What  is  it  I  hear  from  you  ? 

Teach.  That  she  {pointing  to  PALiESTEA)  was  bom  at 
Athens,  a  free-born  woman.  D^M.  {to  Teachalio).  Prithee 
is  she  a  countrywoman  of  mine  ? 

Teach.  Are  you  not  a  Cyrenian?  D^m.  No;  bom  at 
Athens  in  Attica,  bred  and  educated  there. 

Teach.  Prithee,  aged  sir,  do  protect  your  countrywomen. 

D-EM.  {aside).  O  daughter,  when  I  look  on  her,  separated 
from  me  you  remind  me  of  my  miseries :  {aloud)  she  who  was 
lost  by  me  when  three  years  old ;  now,  if  she  is  living,  she'a 
iust  about  as  tall,  I'm  sure,  as  she.    {Fointing  to  Paljestea.) 

Lab.  I  paid  the  money  down  for  these  two,  to  their  owners, 
of  whatever  country  they  were.  What  matters  it  to  me 
whether  they  were  bom  at  Athens  or  at  Thebes,  so  long  as 
they  are  rightfully  in  servitude  as  my  slaves  ? 

Teach.  Is  it  so,  you  impudent  fellow  ?  What,  are  you, 
a  cat  prowling  after  maidens,  to  be  keeping  children  here 

>  Beds  of  myrtle)— Yev.  732.  "  Myrteta."  This  may  allude  to  bundles  o! 
myrtle  (which  was  sacred  to  Venus),  bound  with  rushes  and  hung  about  tha 
Temple,  or  else  to  beds  of  myrtle  in  front  of  the  Temple,  with  small  fences  round 
/them,  made  of  rushes. 

\  2  Thrice-dotted  villain)— Yer.  734.  "  Trifurcifer."  Literally,  "  one  punished 
\fith  the  'furca'  three  times,"  meaning  a  "  thief,"  or  "villain  three  times  over." 
See  the  Aulularia,  1.  28 1 ,  and  the  Note  (where  read  "  punished  with  the  '  furca ' "). 

'  Genuine  Greece) — Yer.  737.  Perhaps  in  contradistinction  to  Sicilj,  •whicli 
was  only  colonized  by  Greeks. 

TOL.  II.  II 


98  RUDEIfS ,  Act  III. 

kidnapped  from  their  parents  and  destroying  them  in  your 
disgraceful  calling  ?  But  as  for  this  other  one,  I  really  don't 
know  what  her  country  is  ;  I  only  know  that  she's  more  de- 
serving than  yourself,  you  most  abominable  rascal. 

Lab,  Are  these  women  your  property  ? 

Teach.  Come  to  the  trial,  then,  which  of  the  two  according 
to  his  back  is  the  more  truthful ;  if  you  don't  bear  more  com- 
pliments^ upon  your  back  than  any  ship  of  war^  has  nails,  then 
I'm  the  greatest  of  liars.  Afterwards,  do  you  examine  mine, 
when  I've  examined  yours ;  if  it  shall  not  prove  to  be  so 
untouched,  that  any  leather  flask  maker^  will  say  that  it  is  a 
hide  most  capital  and  most  sound  for  the  purposes  of  his 
business,  what  reason  is  there  why  1  shouldn't  mangle  you 
with  stripes,  even  till  you  have  your  belly  full  ?  "Why  do  you 
stare  at  them  ?     If  you  touch  them  I'll  tear  your  eyes  out. 

Lae.  Yet  notwithstanding,  although  you  forbid  me  to  do 
so,  I'll  at  once  carry  them  off  both  together  with  me. 

D^M.  What  will  you  do  ?  Lab.  I'll  bring  Vulcan ;  he  is 
an  enemy  to  Yenus*.     (Goes  towards  Djemones'  cottage.) 

Teach.  Whither  is  he  going  ? 

Lab.  (calling  at  the  door).  Hallo !  Is  there  anybody  here  ? 
Hallo!  I  say. 

D^M.  If  you  touch  the  door,  that  very  instant,  upon  my 
faith,  you  shall  get  a  harvest  upon  your  face  with  fists  foi- 
your  pitchforks^. 

Seev.  We  keep  no  fire,  we  live  upon  dried  figs. 

*  Compliments) — Ver.  753.  "  OfFerumenla,"  according  to  Festus,  signified  an 
offering  to  the  Gods ;  and  as  these  were  fixed  to  the  walls  of  the  Temples,  Tra- 
chalio  calls  the  lashes  of  the  scourge  or  rod,  when  applied  to  the  back  of  the 
delinquent  slave,  by  the  same  terra. 

'  Ship  of  war)— Ver.  754.  "  Longa  navis."  Literally,  "  a  long  .ship."  Ships 
of  war  were  thus  called  by  the  Greeks. 

3  Leather  flask  maker) — Ver.  756.  "  Ampullarius."  "  A  maker  of  ampnllae,' 
or  leather  bottles.     They  were  of  a  big-bellied  form,  with  a  narrow  neck. 

*  An  enemy  to  Ventis) — Ver.  761.  In  so  saying,  he  alludes  to  the  intrigue  of 
Venus  with  Mars,  which  was  discovered  by  the  device  of  Vulcan,  her  injured 
husband.  For  the  story,  see  the  Metamorphoses  of  Ovid,  B.  4,  1.  73,  and  the 
Art  of  Love,  B.  2, 1.  562. 

^  Fists  for  your  pitchforks) — Ver.  763.  "  Mergis  pugneis."  Echard,  in  his 
translation,  explains  this:  "As  they  Hft  up  their  pitchforks  to  heap  corn,  so  will 
I  lift  up  my  fists,  and  heap  a  whole  harvest  of  cuffs  on  your  face."  "  Merga  " 
n'leans  "  a  pitchfork ;"  and,  according  to  Festus,  it  was  so  called  from  its  re- 
gemblance  when  dipped  into  the  hay  to  the  action  of  the  "  mergos."  or  "  didapper 
when  dipping  into  the  se^u 


Be.  T.  THE  fisherman's  eope.  99 

D^M.  I'll  find  the  fire,  if  only  I  have  the  oppi.rtuniiy  of 
kindling  it  upon  your  head. 

Lab.  Faith,  I'll  go  somewhere  to  look  for  some  fire. 
'   DiEM.  What,  when  you've  found  it  ? 

Lab.  I'll  be  making  a  great  fire  here. 

DiEM.  What,  to  be  burning^  a  mortuary  sacrifice  for  your- 
self? Lab.  No,  but  I'll  burn  both  of  these  alive  here  upon 
tho  altar. 

Dmm.  I'd  like  that.  For,  by  my  troth,  I'll  forthwith  seize 
you  by  the  head  and  throw  you  into  the  fire,  and,  half-roasted, 
I'll  throw  you  out  as  food  for  the  great  birds,  (Aside.)  When 
3  come  to  a  consideration  of  it  with  myself,  this  is  that  ape, 
that  wanted  to  take  away  those  swallows  from  the  nest 
against  my  will,  as  I  was  dreaming  in  my  sleep. 

Teach.  Aged  sir,  do  you  know  what  I  request  of  you  ? 
Tliat  you  will  protect  these  females  and  defend  them  from 
violence,  until  I  fetch  my  master. 

D^M.  Go  look  for  your  master,  and  fetch  him  here. 

Teach.  But  don't  let  him D^m.  At  his  own  ex- 
treme peril,  if  he  touches  them,  or  if  he  attempts  to  do  so. 

Teach.  Take  care.  D^m.  Due  care  is  taken ;  do  you  be  ofi. 

Teach.  And  watch  him  too,  that  he  doesn't  go  away  any- 
where. For  we  have  promised  either  to  give  the  executioner 
a  great  talent,  or  else  to  produce  this  fellow  this  very  day. 

DiEM.  Do  you  only  be  off.  I'll  not  let  him  get  away, 
while  you  are  absent. 

Teach.  I'll  be  back  here  soon.  {Exit  Teachalio. 

BcEiTE  Y. — DiEMONES,  Labeax,  Pal^stea,  Ampelisca,  and 
Seevants. 

D^M.  {to  Labeax,  who  is  struggling  witJi  the  Seeyakts). 
Which,  you  Procurer,  had  you  rather  do,  be  quiet  with  a 
thrashing,  or  e'en  as  it  is,  without  the  thrashing,  if  you  had 
the  choice  ? 

Lab.  Old  fellow,  I  don't  care  a  straw  for  what  you  say.  My 
own  women,  in  fact,  I  shall  drag  away  this  instant  from  the 
altar  by  the  hair,  in  spite  of  yourself,  and  Venus,  and  supreme 
Jove. 

*  To  he  burning) — Ver.  767.  Festns  tells  us  that  "  humanum  "  was  a  "  mor- 
luary  sacrifice,"  or  "  offering  to  the  dead."  In  his  question,  therefore,  Daemc  3ea 
/nplies  a  wish  to  know  whether  Labrax  is  abmt  to  put  an  end  to  himself.  It 
»as  allowable  to  drive  away  those  who  fled  to  the  altar  by  the  agency  of  tire. 

B2 


100  EITDETfS,  Act  IIL 

Djem..  Just  touch  tbem.  Lab.  (^going  towards  them) 
1*  troth,  I  surely  will  touch  them. 

Djem.  Just  come  then ;  only  approach  this  way. 

Lab.  Only  bid  both  those  fellows,  then,  to  move  away 
from  there. 

D^M.  On  the  contrary,  they  shall  move  towards  you. 

Lab.  I'  faith,  for  my  own  part,  I  don't  think  so. 

D^M.  If  they  do  move  nearer  to  you,  what  will  you  do  ? 

Lab.  I'll  retire.  But,  old  fellow,  if  ever  I  catch  you  in 
the  city,  never  again,  upon  my  faith,  shall  any  one  call  me  a 
Procurer,  if  I  don't  give  you  some  most  disagreable  sport. 

D^M.  Do  what  you  threaten.  But  now,  in  the  mean- 
time, if  you  do  touch  them,  a  heavy  punishment  shall  be 
inflicted  on  you. 

Lab.  How  heavy,  in  fact  ?  D^aEM.  Just  as  much  as  is  suffi- 
cient for  a  Procurer. 

Lab.  These  threats  of  yours  I  don't  value  one  straw ;  I 
certainly  shall  seize  them  both  this  instant  without  your 
leave. 

D^M.  Just  touch  them.  Lab.  By  my  troth,  I  surely 
will  touch  them. 

D^M.  You  will  touch  them,  but  do  you  know  with  what 
result  ?  Gro  then,  Turbalio,  with  all  haste,  and  bring  hither 
.^'om  out  of  the  house  two  cudgels. 

Lab.  Cudgels  ?  Djem.  Aye,  good  ones ;  make  haste 
speedily.  (Tuebalio  goes  in.)  I'll  let  you  have  a  reception 
this  day  in  proper  style,  as  you  are  deserving  of. 

Lab.  (aside).  Alas!  cursedly  unfortunate.  I  lost  my  head- 
piece in  the  ship ;  it  would  now  have  been  handy  for  me,  if  it 
had  been  saved.  (To  D^mones.)  May  I  at  least  address  these 
women  ? 

Dmu.  You  may  not       *  *  #  «  * 

(TuEBALio  enters,  bringing  two  cudgels.)     Well  now,  by  my 
faith,  look,  the  cudgel-man  is  coming  very  opportunely  here. 

Lab.  (aside).  By  my  troth,  this  surely  is  a  tingling  for  my 
ears. 

D^M.  Come,  Sparax,  do  you  take  this  other  cudgel.  (  Giving 
Mm  one.)  Come,  take  your  stand,  one  on  one  side,  the  othei 
*ju  ViLfs  other.  Take  your  stations  both  of  you.  {They  stand 
noiih  lifted  cudgels  on  each  side  of  the  altar.)  Just  so.  Now  then 
aetend  to  me:  if,  i'  faith,  th^Ji fellow  there  should  this  day  touch 
ttieue  women  with  his  finger  against  their  inclination,  if  yon 


» 


So.  "Vl.  THE  fisherman's  ROPE.  101 

don't  give  him  a  reception^  with  theso  cudgels  even  to  that 
degree  that  he  shan't  know  which  way  he  is  to  get  home, 
you  are  undone,  both  of  you.  If  he  shall  call  for  any  one, 
do  you  make  answer  to  this  fellow  in  their  stead.  But  i^ 
he  himself  shall  attempt  to  get  away  from  here,  that  instant, 
as  hard  as  you  can,  lay  on  to  his  legs  with  your  sticks. 

Lab.  Are  they  not  even  to  allow  me  to  go  away  from  here  ? 

Djgm.  I've  said  sufficient.  And  when  that  servant  comes 
Aere  with  his  master,  he  that  has  gone  to  fetch  his  master, 
do  you  at  once  go  home.  Attend  to  this  with  great  dili- 
gence, will  you.     (D^MONES  goes  into  his  house.) 

Scene  YI. — Palestra,  Ampelisca,  Labeax,  and  the 
Servants. 

Lab.  O  rare,  by  my  troth,  the  Temple  here  is  surely 
changed  all  of  a  sudden ;  this  is  now  the  Temple  of  Her- 
cules*  which  was  that  of  Venus  before  ;  in  such  fashion  has  the 
old  fellow  planted  two  statues  here  with  clubs.  I'  faith,  I 
don't  know  now  whither  in  the  world  I  shall  fly  from  here ; 
so  greatly  are  they  both  raging  now  against  me,  both  land 
and  sea.     Palaestra ! 

Serv.  What  do  you  want  ?  Lab.  Away  with  you,  there 
is  a  misunderstanding  between  us ;  that,  indeed,  is  not  my 
Palaestra^  that  answers.     Harkye,  Ampelisca. 

Serv.  Beware  of  a  mishap,  will  you. 

Lab.  (aside).  So  far  as  they  can,  the  worthless  fellows 
advise  me  rightly  enough.  (Aloud.)  But,  harkye,  I  ask 
you,  whether  it  is  any  harm  to  you  for  me  to  come  nearer  to 
these  women  ? 

*  Their  inclination — a  reception) — Ver.  811.  "Invitos — invitassitis."  He 
hece  plays  upon  the  resemblance  of  the  words  "  invitos,"  signifying  "  against 
their  will,"  and  "  invito,"  being  a  verb  signifying  "  to  invite,"  and  admitting  of 
much  the  same  equivocal  use  as  our  expression,  "  to  give  a  warm  reception  to." 

*  Temple  of  Hercules) — Ver.  822.  Seeing  the  servants  with  their  cudgels,  he 
IS  reminded  of  Hercules,  who  was  thus  depicted,  and  was  called  by  the  Poets 
"  Claviger." 

»  Not  my  PaJeestra) — Ver.  827.  Echard,  borrowing  the  notion  from  Madame 
Dacier,  has  the  following  Note  on  this  passage:  "  This  '  Palaestra'  was  a  place  of 
public  exercise,  over  the  gate  of  which  was  a  statue  of  Hercules,  with  an  inscrip- 
tion '  Palaestra;'  now  Labrax,  finding  this  stout  fellow  with  his  club,  whom  before 
he  had  compared  to  Hercules,  answering  insteac  of  Palaestra,  he  wittily  allides 
to  that  statue,  and  says  that  that  Palaestra  was  none  of  his."  Thornton  appears 
to  be  right  m  considering  this  a  far-fetched  conceit  on  the  part  of  the  fair  Com- 
ateutatress. 


1(^  fiTTDEBB,  Act  IIL 

Serv.  "WTiy  none  at  all  to  ourselves. 

Lab.  Will  there  be  any  harm  to  myself? 

Sery.  None  at  all,  if  you  only  take  care. 

Lab.  What  is  it  that  I'm  to  take  care  against? 

Serv.  Why,  look  you,  against  a  heavy  mishap. 

Lab.  Troth  now,  prithee,  do  let  me  approach  them. 

Serv.  Approach  them,  if  you  like. 

Lab.  I'  faith,  obligingly  done ;  I  return  you  thanks,  I'll 
go  nearer  to  them.     {Approaches  them.') 

Serv.  Do  you  stand  there  on  the  spot,  where  you  are, 
(^Drags  him  to  his  place,  with  the  cudgel  over  his  head?) 

Lab.  (aside).  By  my  faith,  I've  come  scurvily  off  in  many 
ways.  Still,  I'm  resolved  to  get  the  better  of  them  this  da^ 
by  constantly  besieging  them. 

Scene  YII. — Enter  Plesidipptts  and  Tbachalio,  at  a 

distance,  on  the  other  side  of  the  stage. 

Ples.  And  did  the  Procurer  attempt  by  force  and  violence 

to  drag  my  mistress  away  from  the  altar  of  Venus  ? 

Track.  Even  so.  Ples.  Why  didn't  you  kill  him  on  the 
instant  ? 

Trach.  I  hadn't  a  sword.  Ples.  Ton  should  have  taken 
either  a  stick  or  a  stone. 

Trach.  What !  ought  I  to  have  pelted  this  most  villanous 
fellow  with  stones  like  a  dog  ?        *  *  #  # 

*  *  #  #  # 

Lab.  {aside,  on  seeing  them).  By  my  troth,  but  I*m  un- 
done now;  see,  here's  Plesidippus ;  he'll  be  sweeping  me 
away  altogether  this  moment  with  the  dust. 

Ples.  Were  the  damsels  sitting  on  the  altar  even  then 
when  you  set  out  to  come  to  me  ? 

Track.   Yes,  and  now  they  are  sitting  in  the  same  place, 

Ples.  Who  is  now  protecting  them  there  ? 

Trach.  Some  old  gentleman,  I  don't  know  who,  a  neigh- 
bour of  the  Temple  of  Venus — he  gave  very  kind  assistance  ; 
he  is  now  protecting  them  with  his  servants — I  committed 
them  to  his  charge. 

Ples.  Lead  me  straight  to  the  Procurer.  Where  is  this 
fellow  ?     {TJiey  go  towards  Labrax.) 

Lab.  Health  to  you.  Ples.  I  want  none  of  your  healths. 
Make  your  choice  quickly,  whether  you  had  rather  be  seized 


f 


THE  nSHEEMAir'S  EOPB.  103 

by  your  tliroat  wrenched^,  or  be  dragged  along ;  cboose  which- 
ever you  please,  whiie  you  may. 

Lab.  I  wish  for  neither.  Ples.  Be  off  then,  Trachalio,  with 
all  speed  t^  the  sea-shore;  bid  those  persons  that  I  brought 
with  me  to  hand  over  this  rascal  to  the  executioner,  to  come 
from  the  harbour  to  the  city  to  meet  me ;  afterwards  return 
hither  and  keep  guard  here.  I'll  now  drag  this  scoundrelly 
outcast  to  justice.  (Exit  Teachalio. 

Scene  YIII. — Plesidippits,  Labeax,  Pal^stea,  and 
Seevants. 

Ples.  (to  Laeeax).  Come,  proceed  to  a  court  of  justice. 

Lab.  In  what  have  I  offended?  Ples.  Do  you  ask? 
Didn't  you  receive  an  earnest  of  me  for  this  woman  {^pointing 
to  Pal^stea),  and  carry  her  off  from  here  ? 

Lab.  I  didn't  carry  her  off.     Ples.  Why  do  you  deny  it  ? 

Lab.  Troth  now,  because  I  put  her  on  board  ship ;  carry 
her  off^,  unfortunately,  I  couldn't.  Por  my  part,  I  told  you 
that  this  day  I  would  make  my  appearance  at  the  Temple 
of  Venus  ;  have  I  swerved  at  'dWfrom  that  ?  Am  I  not  there  ? 

Ples.  Plead  j^our  cause  in  the  court  of  justice  ;  here  a 
word  is  enough.     Follow  me.     {They  lay  hold  of  him.) 

Lab.  {calling  aloud).  I  entreat  you,  my  dear  Charmides, 
do  come  to  my  rescue ;  I  am  being  seized  with  my  throat 
wrenched. 

ScENiJ  IX, — Enter  Chaemides,//'^^  the  Temple, 

^    Chaem.  {looking  about).  Who  calls  my  name  ? 

Lab.  Do  you  see  me  how  I'm  being  seized  ? 
*    Chaem.  I  see,  and  view  it  with  pleasure. 
.    Lab.  Don't  you  venture  to  assist  me  ? 

Chaem.  What  person  is  seizing  you  ? 

Lab.  Young  Plesidippus, 

Charm.  AVhat  you've  got,  put  up  with  ;  'twere  better 
for  you,  with  a  cheerful  spirit,  to  slink  to  gaol ;  that  has  be- 
fallen you  which  many  greatly  wish  for  for  themselves. 

•  Seized  by  your  throat  wrenched) — Ver.  853.  "  Rapin  te  obtorto  collo."  Echard 
has  the  following  Note :  "  When  any  person  was  brought  before  the  Praetor,  they 
always  threw  his  gown  or  cloak  about  his  neck,  and  led  him  that  way;  and  this 
was  called  '  rapi  obtorto  collo.' " 

2  Carry  her  off) — Ver.  863.  Ttiere  is  a  play  or  c  nibble  here  upon  the  words 
"  avehere  "  and  "  provehere."  "  to  carry  away,"  and  "  to  put  on  board  ship,"  for 
thfi  purpose  of  being  carried  away. 


J04  ETJDENS ;  Act  IIL 

Lab.  What's  that  ?  Chaem.  To  find  for  themselves  that 
which  they  are  seeking. 

Lab.  I  entreat  you,  do  follow  me.  Chabm.  You  try  to 
persuade  me,  just  like  what  you  are  :  you  are  being  taken  off 
to  gaol,  for  that  reason  is  it  you  entreat  me  to  follow  you  ? 

Ples.  {to  Labrax).  Do  you  still  resist  ? 

Lab.  I'm  undone.  Ples.  I  trust  that  may  prove  the 
truth.  You,  my  dear  Palaestra  and  Ampelisca,  do  you  re- 
main here  in  the  meanwhile,  until  I  return  hither. 

Serv.  I  would  advise  them  rather  to  go  to  our  house, 
until  you  return. 

Ples.  I'm  quite  agreahle;  you  act  obligingly.  (The 
Servants  open  the  door  of  the  cottage^  and  PALiESTEA  and 
Ampelisca  go  in.) 

Lab.  You  are  thieves  to  me.     Seev.  How,  thieves  ? 

Ples.  Lead  him  along.     {The  Servants  seize  him.) 

Lab.  (calling  out).  I  pray  and  entreat  you.  Palaestra. 

Ples.  Follow,  you  hang-dog.     Lab.  G-uest,  Charmides  ! 

Chaem.  I  am  no  guest  of  yours  ;  I  repudiate  your  hospi- 
tality.    Lab.  "What,  do  you  slight  me  in  this  fashion  ? 

Chaem.  I  do  so  ;  I've  been  drinking  with  you  once  already^. 

Lab.  May  the  Deities  confound  you. 

Chaem.  To  that  person  of  yours,  say  that.  (Plesidipptjs 
leads  Labeax  ojf,  followed  hy  the  Seevants.) 

ScENB  X. — Chaemides,  alone. 
Chaem.  I  do  believe  that  men  are  transformed,  each  into 
a  diiFerent  beast.  That  Procurer,  I  guess,  is  transformed 
into  a  stock-dove^  ;  for,  before  long,  bis  neck  will  be  in  the 
Itocks.  He'U  to-day  be  building  his  nest  in  the  gaol.  St^ill, 
However,  I'll  go,  that  I  may  be  his  advocate, — if  by  my  aid 
he  may  possibly  be  sentenced  any  the  sooner. 

*  Once  already) — Ver.  884.  He  alludes  to  the  drenching  he  has  had  in  tb* 
sea,  by  reason  of  bis  acquaintance  with  Labrax,  and  means  to  say  that  one 
sucb  reception  is  quite  sufficient  for  his  life. 

•  A  stock-dove') — Ver.  887.  He  puns  upon  tha  resemblance  between  the  word 
*'  columbar,"  "  a  collar,"  into  which  the  head  was  inserted  by  way  of  punishment, 
and  "  cx)lumbus,"  a  "  pigeon."  The  notion  of  prese/  nng  the  pun,  by  csiaf  the 
word  '•  stock-dove,"  is  Echard's.  The  plural  of  Jie  word  "  colombw ''  wai 
Klao  used  to  signify  a  aove-coL 


Act  ly.  THE  nSHEEMAU's  EOPB.  105 


^CT  IV^. — SCETfE  I. 

Enter  D^MOirES,yrow  liis  cottage, 
Dmk.  (to  hvmselp)  'Twas  rigHtly  done,  and  it  5  a  pleasure 


rthis  day  for  me  to  have  given  aid  to  these  young  women ;  I 
have  now  found  some  dependants,  and  both  of  them  of  comely 
looks  and  youthful  age.  But  my  plaguy  wife  is  watching  me 
in  all  ways,  lest  I  should  be  giving  any  hint  to  the  young 
women.  But  I  wonder  what  in  the  world  my  servant  Gripua 
is  about,  who  went  last  night  to  the  sea  to  fish.  Troth,  he 
had  done  wiser  if  he  had  slept  at  home  ;  for  now  he  throws 
away  both  his  pains  and  his  nets,  seeing  what  a  storm  there 
now  is  and  was  last  night.  I'll  thoroughly  cook  upon  my 
fingers  w  hat  he  has  caught  to-day  ;  so  violently  do  I  see  the 
ocean  heaving.  {A  hell  rings.)  But  my  wife's  calling  me  to 
breakfast ;  I'll  return  home.  She'll  now  be  filling  my  ears 
with  her  silly  prating.     (Goes  into  the  cottage?) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Geipus,  dragging  a  net  enclosing  a 

wallet,  hy  a  rope. 

Geip.  {to  himself).  These  thanks  do  I  return  to  Neptune, 
my  patron,  who  dwells  in  the  salt  retreats,  the  abode  of  fishes, 
inasmuch  as  he  has  despatched  me  finely  laden  on  my  return 
from  his  retreats,  and  from  his  Temples,  laden  with  most 
abundant  booty,  with  safety  to  my  boat,  which  in  the  stormy 
sea  made  me  master  of  a  singular  and  rich  haul.  In  a  won- 
drous and  incredible  manner  has  this  liaul  turned  out  prosper- 
ously for  me,  nor  yet  have  I  this  day  taken  a  single  ounce 
weight  offish,  but 'only  that  which  I  am  here  bringing  with 
me  in  my  net.  For  when  I  arose  in  the  middle  of  the  night, 
and  without  sloth,  I  preferred  profit  to  sleep  and  rest ;  in  the 
raging  tempest,  I  determined  to  try  how  I  might  lighten  the 
poverty  of  my  master  and  my  own  servitude,  not  sparing  of 
my  own  exertions.  Most  worthless  is  the  man  that  is  sloth- 
ful, and  most  detestably  do  I  hate  that  kind  of  men.  It  be- 
hoves him  to  be  vigilant  who  wishes  to  do  his  duty  in  good 
time ;  for  it  befits  him  not  to  be  waiting  until  his  master 
arouses  him  to  his  duties.     For  those  who  sleep  on  for  the 

'  Act  rV.)  Echard  remarks  that  the  interval  between  the  last  Act  and  thii 
ia  filled  up  with  Plesidippus  carrying  Labrax  before  the  Praetor  and  hib  trial,  axk 
likewise  with  what  passes  ia  Dsmones'  house. 


106  ETTDEirs;  Act  fV. 

love  of  it,  rest  without  profit  to  themselves  and  to  their  own 
cost.  But  now  I,  who  have  not  been  slothful,  have  found 
that  for  myself  through  which  to  be  slothful  if  I  should 
choose.  {Points  to  the  wallet?)  This  have  I  found  in  the  sea 
to-day ;  whatever' s  in  it,  it's  something  heavy  that's  in  it ;  I 
think  it's  gold  that's  in  it.  And  not  a  single  person  is  there 
my  confidant  in  the  matter.  Now,  Gripus,  this  opportunity 
has  befallen  you,  that  the  Praetor^  might  make  you  a  free  man 
from  among  the  multitude.  Now,  thus  shall  I  do,  this  is  my 
determination ;  I'll  come  to  my  master  cleverly  and  cunningly, 
little  by  little  I'll  promise  money  for  my  freedom,  that  I  may 
be  free.  Now,  when  I  shall  be  free,  then,  in  fine,  I'll  provide 
me  land  and  houses^  and  slaves :  I'll  carry  on  merchandize 
with  large  ships  :  among  the  grandees  I  shall  be  considered 
a  grandee.  Afterwards,  for  the  sake  of  pleasing  myself,  I'll 
build  me  a  sliip  and  I'll  imitate  Stratonicus^,  and  I'll  be 
carried  about  from  town  to  town.  When  my  greatness  is 
far-spread,  I  shall  fortify  some  great  city :  to  that  city  I  shall 
give  the  name  of  "  Gripus,"  a  memorial  of  my  fame  and  ex- 
ploits, and  there  I'll  establish  a  mighty  kingdom.  I  am  re- 
solving here  in  my  mind  to  prepare  for  mighty  matters.  At 
present  I'll  hide  this  booty.  But  this  grandee  {pointing  to 
niTnself)  is  about  to  breakfast  upon  vinegar*  and  salt,  with- 
out anT/  good  substantial  meat.  (Gathers  v/p  the  net,  and 
drags  it  after  him.) 

ScEKE  III. — Enter  Teachalio,  in  haste. 
Teach.  Hallo  there  !  stop.      Geip.  Why  should  I  stop  ? 
Teach.  While  I  coil  up  this  rope^  for  you  that  you  are 
dragging.     Geip.  Now  let  it  alone. 

>  The  Praetor)— Vev.  927.  The  slave  about  to  be  manumitted,  or  to  receive  his 
freedom,  was  taken  before  tbe  Praetor,  whose  lictor  kid  the  "  vindicta "  or 
•'  festuca,"  ♦'  the  rod  of  hberty,"  on  the  head  of  the  slave,  on  which  he  received 
his  freedom. 

*  Land  and  houses)— Ver.  930.  Is  not  this  wonderfully  like  Alnaschar's  reverie 
m  the  Arabian  Nights,  so  aptly  quoted  in  the  Spectator? 

»  Strat(mictis) — Ver.  932.  He  was  the  treasurer  of  Philip  of  Macedon  and 
Alexander  the  Great,  and  was  famed  for  his  wealth  among  the  Greeks,  as  Crassus 
was  among  the  Romans. 

*  Upon  vinegar) — Ver.  937.  He  alludes  to  the  "  posca,"  or  vinegar  and  water, 
whicli  formed  the  beverage  of  the  slaves,  and  which  is  mentioned  by  Palaestrio  ia 
the  Miles  Gloriosus,  1.  836. 

*  This  rope)— Ver.  938.  This  is  the  first  meDtion  of  ttie  "  rudens,"  or  "  net^ 
rope,"  from  which  ths  Play  derives  its  name. 


Sc.  III.  THE  FISHEEMAU'S  HOPE.  ^  107 

Teach.  Troth,  but  I'll  assist  you.  "Wliat's  kindly  done  to 
worthy  men,  isn't  thrown  away. 

Geip.         #  *  #  *  #      There  was 

a  boisterous  tempest  yesterday  ;  no  iish  have  I,  young  man ; 
don't  you  be  supposing  I  have.  Don't  you  see  that  I'm 
carrying  my  dripping  net  without  the  scaly  race  ? 

Teach.  I'  faith,  I'm  not  wishing  for  fish  so  much  as  I  am 
in  need  of  your  conversation. 

Geip.  Then,  whoever  you  are,  you  are  worrying  me  to 
death  with  your  annoyance. 

Teach,  {takes  Jiold  of  him).  I'll  not  allow  you  to  go  away 
from  here ;  stop. 

Geip.  Take  you  care  of  a  mishap,  if  you  please;  but 
why  the  plague  are  you  dragging  me  back  ? 

Teach.  Listen.     Geip.  I  won't  listen. 

Teach.  But,  upon  my  faith,  you  shall  listen. 

Geip.  Nay  but,  another  time,  teU  me  what  you  want. 

Teach.  Come  now,  it's  worth  your  while  at  once  to  heaf 
what  I  want  to  tell  you.     Geip.  Say  on,  whatever  it  is. 

Teach.  See  whether  any  person  is  following  near  us, 
(Looks  back.)  Geip.  Why,  what  reason  is  there  that  it 
should  matter  to  me  ? 

Teach.  So  it  is ;  but  can  you  give  me  some  good  advice  ? 

Geip.  What's  the  business  ?   Only  tell  me. 

Teach.  I'll  tell  you ;  keep  silence ;  if  only  you'll  give 
me  your  word  that  you  won't  prove  treacherous  to  me. 

Geip.  I  do  give  you  my  word ;  I'll  be  true  to  you.  whoever 
you  are. 

Teach.  Listen.  I  saw  a  person  commit  a  theft ;  I  knew 
the  owner  to  whom  that  same  property  belonged.  Afterwards 
I  came  myself  to  the  thief,  and  I  made  him  a  proposal  in  these 
terms :  "  I  know  the  person  on  whom  that  theft  was  com- 
mitted ;  now  if  you  are  ready  to  give  me  half,  I'll  not  make 
a  discovery  to  the  owner."  He  didn't  even  give  me  an 
answer.  What  is  it  fair  should  be  given  me  out  of  it? 
Half,  I  trust  you  will  say. 

Geip.  Aye,  even  more  ;  but  unless  he  gives  it  you,  I  think 
it  ought  to  be  told  to  the  owner. 

Teach.  I'll  act  on  your  advice.  Now  give  me  your  atten« 
tion  ;  for  it  is  to  yourself  all  this  relates. 

Geip.  What  has  been  done  by  me  ! 


108  ETJDENS;  Act  IV 

Teach,  (^pointing  at  the  wallet^.  I've  known  tlie  person 
for  a  long  time  to  whom  that  wallet  belongs. 

Grip.  What  do  you  mean  ? 

Tbach.  And  in  what  manner  it  was  lost. 

Geip.  But  I  know  in  what  manner  it  was  found ;  and  I 
know  the  person  who  found  it,  and  who  is  now  the  owner. 
That,  i'  faith,  is  not  a  bit  the  more  your  matter  than  it  is  my 
own.  I  know  the  person  to  whom  it  now  belongs ;  you,  the 
person  to  whom  it  formerly  belonged.  This  shall  no  indivi- 
dual get  away  from  me  ;  don't  you  be  expecting  to  get  it  in 
a  hurry. 

Teach.  If  the  owner  comes,  shan't  he  get  it  away  ? 
.    Geip.  That  you  mayn't  be  mistaken,  no  born  person  ia 
there  that's  owner  of  this  but  my  own  self — who  took  this 
in  my  own  fishing. 

Teach.  Was  it  really  so  ? 

Geip.  Which  fish  in  the  sea  wUl  you  say  "  is  my  own  ?'* 
When  I  catch  them,  if  indeed  I  do  catch  them,  they  are  my 
own ;  as  my  own  I  keep  them.  They  are  not  claimed  as 
having  a  right  to  freedom^,  nor  does  any  person  demand  a 
share  in  them.  In  the  market  I  sell  them  all  openly  as 
my  own  wares.  Indeed,  the  sea  is,  surely,  common  to  all 
persons. 

Teach.  I  agree  to  that ;  prithee,  tJien,  why  any  the  less 
is  it  proper  that  this  wallet  should  be  common  to  me  ?  It 
was  found  in  the  sea. 

Geip.  Assuredly  you  are  an  outrageously  impudent  fellow ; 
for  if  this  is  justice  which  you  are  saying,  then  fishermen 
would  be  ruined.  Inasmuch  as,  the  moment  that  the  fish 
were  exposed  upon  the  stalls,  no  one  would  buy  them  ;  every 
person  would  be  demanding  his  own  share  of  the  fish  for  him- 
self;  he  would  be  saying  that  they  were  caught  in  the  sea 
that  was  common  to  all. 

Teach.  Wliat  do  you  say,  you  iva^viAeni  fellow  ?  Do  you 
dare  to  compare  a  wallet  with  fish  ?  Pray,  does  it  appear  to 
be  the  same  thing  ? 

Geip.   The  matter  doesn't  lie  in   my  power ;  when  I've 

*  Claimed  as  having  a  right  to  freedom) — Ver.  973.  "  Manu  asserere  "  was 
•*  to  assert "  or  "  claim  the  liberty  of  a  slave  by  action  at  ^w."  Gripns  applies  th« 
term  to  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  means  to  say  that  when  he  catches  them  he  sellg 
them  as  his  own  "  venales,"  or  "  slaves." 


SC.  IIL  THE  flSHEBMAN'S  EOPE.  109 

cast  my  hook  and  net  into  the  sea,  whatever  has  adhered  I 
draw  out.  Whatever  my  net  and  hooks  have  got,  that  m 
especial  is  my  own. 

Tkach.  Nay  but,  i'  faith,  it  is  not;  if,  indeed,  you've  fished 
up  any  article  that's  made^.      G-rip.  Philosopher,  you. 

Teach.  But  look  now,  you  conjurer,  did  you  ever  see  a 
fisherman  who  caught  a  wallet-fish,  or  exposed  one  for  sale  in 
Ihe  market  ?  But,  indeed,  you  shan't  here  be  taking  possession 
of  all  the  profits  that  you  clioose ;  you  expect,  you  dirty 
fellow,  to  be  both  a  maker  of  wallets^  and  a  fisherman.  Either 
you  must  show  me  a  fish  that  is  a  wallet,  or  else  you  shall 
carrj'  nothing  ofi"  that  wasn't  produced  in  the  sea  and  has  no 
scales. 

Geip.  What,  did  you  never  hear  before  to-day  that  a 
wallet  was  a  fish  ? 

Teach.  "Villain,  there  is  no  such  fish. 

Geip.  Yes,  there  certainly  is ;  I,  who  am  a  fisherman,  know 
it.  But  it  is  seldom  caught ;  no  fish  more  rarely  comres  near 
the  land. 

Teach.  It's  to  no  purpose;  you  hope  that  you  can  be 
cheating  me,  you  rogue.     Of  w^hat  colour  is  it  ? 

Geip.  {looking  at  the  loallet).  Of  this  colour  very  few  are 
caught :  some  are  of  a  purple  skin,  there  are  great  and  black 
ones  also. 

Teach.  I  understand;  by  my  troth,  you'll  be  turning  into 
a  wallet-fish  I  fancy,  if  you  don't  take  care ;  your  skin  will 
be  purple,  and  then  afterwards  black. 

Geip.  {aside).  What  a  villain  this  that  I  have  met  with 
to-day ! 

Teach.  We  are  wasting  words ;  the  day  wears  apace. 
Consider,  please,  by  whose  arbitration  do  you  wish  us  to 
proceed  ? 

Geip.  By  the  arbitration  of  the  wallet. 

Teach.  E-eally  so,  indeed  ?     Tou  are  a  fool. 

Geip.  My  respects  to  you.  Mister  Thales^.     {Going.) 

*  Article  that's  made) — Ver.  986.  "  Vas."  An  utensil  or  article  that  is  manu- 
factured. 

2  Maker  of  wallets) — Ver.  990.  "  Vitor,"  or  *'  vietor,"  was  a  maker  of  "viduli," 
or  "  wallets,"  which  were  made  of  osier,  and  then  covered  with  leather  of  various 
colours. 

5  Thales) — Ver.  1003.  Tliales  of  Miletus  was  one  of  the  seven  wise  men  ol 
Greece.  Gripus  ironically  calls  Trachalio  by  this  name,  in  reply  to  the  other 
oaving  called  him  a  fooL 


110  BTTDEirs ;  Act  lYr 

Trach.  (holding  Tiim).  You  shan't  carry  that  off  this  day, 
uii_ess  YOU  find  a  place  of  safe  keeping  for  it,  or  au  umpire, 
bj  whose  arbitration  this  matter  may  be  settled. 

Grip.  Prithee,  are  you  in  your  senses  ? 

Teach.  I'm  mad,  in  need  of  hellebore. 

Grip.  But  I'm  troubled  with  sprites ;  still  I  shan't  let  this 
go.     {Hugs  the  wallet.) 

Teach.  Only  add  a  single  word  more,  that  instant  I'll 
drive  my  fists  smash  into  your  brains.  This  instant  on  this 
spot,  just  as  a  new  napkin  is  wont  to  be  wrung,  I'll  wring 
out  of  you  whatever  moisture  there  is,  if  you  don't  let  this 
go.     (Seizes  the  wallet.) 

Grip.  Touch  me ;  I'll  dash  you  down  on  the  ground  just 
in  such  fashion  as  I'm  in  the  habit  of  doing  with  a  poly- 
pus fish^.  Would  you  like  to  fight  ?  (Assmnes  a  hoxing  at' 
titude.) 

Teach.  What  need  is  there  ?  Nay,  in  preference,  divide 
the  booty. 

Geip.  You  can't  get  anything  from  here  but  harm  to  yovir- 
self,  so  don't  expect  it.     I'm  taking  myself  off. 

Teach.  But  I'll  turn  aside  your  ship  from  that  direction, 
that  you  mayn't  be  off  anywhere — stop.  (Stands  in  front  of 
him,  and  holds  the  rope.) 

Geip.  If  you  are  the  helmsman  of  this  ship,  I'll  be  the 
pilot.     Let  go  of  the  rope  now,  you  villain. 

Teach.  I  wiU  let  go ;  do  you  let  go  of  the  wallet. 

Grip.  I'  faith,  you  shall  never  this  day  become  a  scrap  the 
more  wealthy  from  this. 

Trach.  You  cannot  convince  me  by  repeatedly  denying, 
unless  either  a  part  is  given  me,  or  it  is  referred  to  arbitra- 
tion, or  it  is  placed  in  safe  keeping. 

Grip.  What,  that  which  I  got  out  of  the  sea ? 

Trach.  But  I  spied  it  out  from  the  shore. 

Grip.  — With  my  own  pains  and  labour,  and  net  and  boat. 

Trach.  If  now  the  owner,  whose  property  it  is,  were  Uy 
come,  how  am  I,  who  espied  from  afar  that  you  had  taken 
this,  a  bit  the  less  the  thief  than  yourself? 

Grip.  None  whatever.     (Going.) 

Teach,  (seizing  the  net).  Stop,  you  whip-knave ;  just  let 

^  With  a  polypus  fish)— Yet.  1010.  The  polypus  not  being  eatable,  the 
VOPi  woiild  thmw  it  violently  on  the  ground  on  findi^j^  it  in  the  nuta. 


Sc.  III.  THE  nsnEEMAN'S  KOPE.  Ill 

me  learn  of  you  by  what  reasoning  I  am  not  the  sliarer, 

and  yet  the  thief. 

Grip.  I  don't  knew ;  neither  do  I  know  these  city  laws 
of  yours,  only  that  I  affirm  that  this  is  mine.  {Looks  at  the 
wallet.} 

Trach.  And  I,  too,  say  that  it  is  mine. 

Grip.  Stay  now ;  I've  discovered  by  what  method  you  may 
he  neither  thief  nor  sharer. 

Track.  By  what  method  ? 

Grip.  Let  me  go  away  from  here ;  you  quietly  go  your 
own  way,  and  don't  you  inform  against  me  to  any  one,  and 
I  won't  give  anything  to  you.  You  hold  your  tongue ;  I'll 
be  mum.     This  is  the  best  and  the  fairest  plan. 

Track.  Well,  what  proposition  do  you  venture  to  make  ? 

Grip.  I've  made  it  already ;  for  you  to  go  away,  to  let  go 
of  the  rope,  and  not  to  be  a  nuisance  to  me. 

Track.  Stop  while  I  propose  terms. 

Grip.  I'  faith,  do,  prithee,  dispose^  of  youi'self  forthwith. 

Track.  Do  you  know  any  one  in  these  parts  ? 

Grip.  My  own  neighbours  I  must  know. 

Track.  Where  do  you  live  here  ?  Grip,  (pointing).  At 
a  distance  out  away  yonder,  as  far  off  as  the  farthest  fields. 

Track,  (pointing  to  the  cottage  of  Djemo'SIS.s).  The  person 
that  lives  in  that  cottage,  should  you  like  it  to  be  decided  by 
Lis  arbitration  ? 

Grip.  Let  go  of  the  rope  for  a  moment  while  I  step 
aside  and  consider. 

Track.  Be  it  so.     (Lets  go  of  the  rope.) 

Grip,  (aside).  Capital,  the  thing's  all  right;  the  whole  of 
khis  booty  is  my  own.  He's  inviting  me  here  inside  of  my 
own  abode  to  my  own  master  as  umpire.  By  my  troth,  he 
never  this  day  will  award  three  obols  away  from  his  own 
ser\^ant.  Assuredly,  this  fellow  doesn't  know  what  proposal 
he  has  been  making.  (To  Trackalio.)  I'll  go  to  the  arbi- 
trator with  you. 

Track.  "What  then?  Grip.  Although  I  know  for  sure 
that  this  is  my  own  lawful  right,  let  that  be  done  rather  than 
I  should  now  be  fighting  with  you. 

>  Propose — dispose) — Ver.  1031-2.  He  plays  on  the  resemblance  of  the  wwds 
relero,'  "  to  make  a  proposal,"  and  "  aufero,"  "  to  betake  one's  self  away." 


112  BUDEifS ;  Act  IV 

Teach.  Now  you  satisfy  me. 

G-EiP.  Although  you  are  driving  me  before  an  arbitrator 
whom  I  don't  know,  if  he  shall  administer  justice,  although 
he  is  unknown,  he  is  as  good  as  known  to  me  ;  if  he  doesn't, 
though  known,  he  is  the  same  as  though  entirely  unknown. 

Scene  TV. — Enter  DiEMOifES,  from  his  cottage,  with  Pa- 
L^STEA  and  Ampelisca,  and  Servants. 

D^M.  {to  the  Women).  Seriously,  upon  my  faith,  young 
women,  although  I  wish  what  you  desire,  I'm  afraid  that  on 
your  account  my  wife  will  be  turning  me  out  of  doors,  who'll 
be  saying  that  I've  brought  harlots  here  before  her  very  eyes. 
Do  you  take  refuge  at  the  altar  rather  than  I^. 

The  Women.  We,  wretched  creatures,  are  undone.  {They 
weep.) 

D^M.  I'll  place  you  in  safety ;  don't  you  tear.  But  why 
{turning  to  the  Servants)  are  you  following  me  out  of 
doors  ?  Since  I'm  here,  no  one  shall  do  them  harm.  Now 
then,  be  off,  I  say,  in-doors,  both  of  you,  you  guards  from  off 
guard.     {They  go  in.) 

Grip.  O  master,  save  you. 

D^M.  Save  you.     How  goes  it  ? 

Trach.  {pointing  to  Griptjs).  Is  he  your  servant  ? 

GrRiP.  I'm  not  ashamed  to  say  yes. 

Trach.  I've  nothing  to  do  with  you. 

Grip.  Then  get  you  gone  hence,  will  you. 

Trach.  Prithee,  do  answer  me,  aged  sir ;  is  he  your  ser- 
vant ?     D^M.  He  is  mine. 

Trach.  Oh  then,  that  is  very  good,  since  he  is  yours. 
Again  I  salute  you. 

D^M.  And  I  you.  Are  you  he  who,  not  long  since,  went 
away  from  here  to  fetch  his  master  ? 

Trach.  I  am  he. 

D^M.  What  now  is  it  that  you  want  ? 

Trach.  {pointing  to  Gripus).  This  is  your  servant,  you 
Bay? 

D^M.  He  is  mine. 

Trach.  That  is  very  good,  since  he  is  yours. 

'  Rather  than  /) — Ver.  1048.  D«mones  here  alludes  to  the  jealons  dJrspositioo 
of  I  is  wife,  and  says  that  if  the  damsels  do  not  oait  \a»  hana^  be  shall  be  obliged 
to  ,<  so  in  seK  defence. 


THE  FISHERMAN'S  EOPE.  113 

D^M.    What's  the  matter  ? 

Trach.  {pointing  to  Gtripiis).  That's  a  rascally  fellow 
there.     D^m.  What  has  the  rascally  fellow  done  to  you  ? 

Trach.  I  wish  the  ancles  of  that  fellow  were  smashed. 

D^Ai.  What's  the  thing  about  which  you  are  now  disputing 
between  yourselves  ? 

Trach.  I'll  tell  you.     Grip.  JSTo,  I'll  tell  you. 

Trach.  I  fancy  I'm  to  move  the  matter  first. 

Grip.  If  indeed  you  were  a  decent  person,  you  would 
be  moving  yourself  off  from  here. 

DiEM.  Gripus,  give  attention,  and  hold  your  tongue. 

Grip.  In  order  that  that  fellow  may  speak  first  ? 

D^M.  Attend,  Itellyou.    {To  Teachalio.)  Do  you  say  on. 

Grip.  Will  you  give  the  right  of  speaking  to  a  stranger 
sooner  than  to  your  own  servant  ? 

Teach.  0  dear !  how  impossible  it  is  for  him  to  be  kept 
quiet.  As  I  was  beginning  to  say,  that  Procurer,  whom 
some  little  time  since  you  turned  out  of  the  Temple  of 
Venus — see  {fointing  at  the  wallet),  he  has  got  his  wallet. 

Grip.  I  haven't  got  it.  Trach.  Do  you  deny  that  which 
I  see  mth  my  own  eyes  ? 

Grip.  Eut  I  only  wish  you  couldn't  see.  I  have  got  it, 
and  I  haven't  got  it ;  why  do  you  trouble  yourself  about  me, 
what  things  I  do  ? 

Trach.  In  What  way  you  got  it  does  matter,  whether 
rightfully  or  wrongfully. 

Grip.  If  I  didn't  take  it  in  the  sea,  there's  not  a  reason 
why  you  shouldn't  deliver  me  up  to  the  cross.  If  I  took  it  in 
the  sea  with  my  net,  how  is  it  yours  rather  than  my  own  ? 

Trach.  {to  D^MOJfEs).  He  is  deceiving  you;  the  matter 
happened  in  this  way,  as  I  am  telling  you. 

Grip.  What  do  you  say  ?  Trach.  So  long  as  the  per- 
son that  has  the  first  right  to  speak  is  speaking,  do  {to  D-S- 
MONEs)  put  a  check  on  him,  please,  if  he  belongs  to  you. 

Grip.  What,  do  you  wish  the  same  thing  to  be  done  to 
myself,  that  your  master  has  been  accustomed  to  do  to  your- 
self ?  If  he  is  in  the  habit  of  putting  a  check  upon  you, 
t  his  master  of  ours  isn't  in  the  habit  of  doing  so  with  us. 

DiEM.  (^0  Trachalio).  In  that  remark  only  has  he  got  the 
better"^  of  you.     What  do  you  want  now  ?     Tell  me. 

»  Has  he  got  the  better)— Ver.  1076.  In  the  use  of  the  word  "  comprimere."  an 

VOL.  II.  I 


114r  ETJDEN s ;  Act  IV 

Track.  Por  my  part,  I  neither  ask  for  a  share  of  that 
"pallet  there,  nor  have  I  ever  said  this  day  that  it  is  my  own ; 
but  in  it  there  is  a  little  casket  that  belongs  to  this  female 
(^pointing  to  Palestra),  whom  a  short  time  since  I  averred 
to  be  free  born. 

D^M.  You  are  speaking  of  her,  I  suppose,  whom  a  short 
time  since  you  said  was  my  countrywoman  ? 

Teach.  Just  so  ;  and  those  trinkets  which  formerly,  when 
little,  she  used  to  wear,  are  there  in  that  casket,  which  is  in 
that  wallet.  This  thing  is  of  no  service  to  him,  and  will  be 
of  utility  to  her,  poor  creature,  if  he  gives  it  up,  by  means  of 
which  to  seek  for  her  parents. 

D^M.  I'll  make  him  give  it  up  ;  hold  your  tongue. 

GrEiP.  I'  faith,  I'm  going  to  give  nothing  to  that  fellow. 

Tbach.  I  ask  for  nothing  but  the  casket  and  the  trinkets^. 

G-Rip.  What  if  they  are  made  of  gold  ? 

Teach.  What's  that  to  you  ?  Gold  shall  be  paid  for  gold, 
silver  shall  have  its  weight  in  silver  in  return. 

G-Rip.  Please  let  me  see  the  gold ;  after  that  I'U  let  you 
see  the  casket. 

D^M.  {to  GrEiPUs).  Do  you  beware  of  punishment,  and 
hold  your  tongue.  {To  Teachalio.)  As  you  commenced  to 
speak  do  you  go  on. 

Teach.  This  one  thing  I  entreat  of  you,  that  you  will  have 
compassion  on  this  female,  if,  indeed,  this  wallet  is  that  Pro- 
curer's, which  I  suspect  it  is.  In  this  matter,  I'm  saying 
nothing  of  certainty  to  you,  but  only  on  conjecture. 

Geip.  Do  you  see  how  the  rascal's  wheedling  him  ? 

Teach.  Allow  me  to  say  on  as  I  commenced.  If  this  is 
the  wallet  that  belongs  to  that  villain  whose  I  say  it  is,  these 
(vomen  here  will  be  able  to  recognize  it ;  order  him  to  show 
it  to  them. 

indecent  double  entendre  is  intended ;  and  agreeing  with  Gripus's  remark,  that 
the  word  in  that  sense  could  not  be  applied  to  him,  Daemones  says  that  Gripus  is 
right  there,  at  all  events. 

1  The  trinkets)— Yew  1086.  These  "  crepundia,"  "  trinkets  "  or  "  toys,"  seem 
to  have  been  not  unlike  the  amulets,  or  charms,  in  metal,  of  the  present  day.  As 
kidnapping  was  in  ancient  times  much  more  prevalent  than  now,  these  little  arti- 
cles, if  carefully  preserved  by  the  child,  might  be  the  means  of  leading  to  the 
aiscovery  of  its  parents ;  at  the  same  time  it  may  be  ^'ustly  asked  how  it  came  to 
pass  that  the  kidnapper  shouM  alloT  such  damning  evidence  of  his  vilJany  to 
remain  in  existence. 


Sc.  rV.  THE  FISHERMAN  S  EOPE.  115 

GrEip.  Say  you  so  ?    To  show  it  to  them  ? 

DiEM.  He  doesn't  say  unreasonably,  Gripus,  that  the 
wallet  should  be  shown. 

Geip.  Yes,  i'  faith,  confoundedly  unreasonably, 

D^M.  How  so  r*  Grip,  Because,  if  I  do  show  it,  at  once 
they'll  say,  of  course,  that  they  recognize  it. 

Teach.  Source  of  villany,  do  you  suppose  that  all  other 
people  are  just  like  yourself,  you  author  of  perjury  ? 

Geip.  All  this  I  easily  put  up  with,  so  long  as  he  (^point- 
ing to  D^MONEs)  is  of  my  way  of  thinking^. 

Teach.  But  now  he  is  against  you  ;  from  this  (^pointing  to 
the  wallet)  will  he  obtain  true  testimony. 

D^M.  Gripus,  do  you  pay  attention.  {To  Teachalio.) 
You  explain  in  a  tew  words  what  it  is  you  want  ? 

Teach.  For  my  part,  I  have  stated  it ;  but  if  you  haven't 
understood  me,  I'll  state  it  over  again.  Both  of  these  women 
{pointing  to  them),  as  I  said  a  short  time  since,  ought  to  be 
free  ;  {pointing  to  Paljestea)  she  was  stolen  at  Athens  when 
a  little  girl. 

Geip.  Tell  me  what  that  has  got  to  do  with  the  wallet, 
whether  they  are  slaves  or  whether  free  women  ? 

Teach.  You  wish  it  all  to  be  told  over  again,  you  rascal,  so 
that  the  day  may  fail  us. 

Djem.  Leave  off  your  abuse,  and  explain  to  me  what  I've 
been  asking. 

Teach.  There  ought  to  be  a  casket  of  wicker- work^  in 
that  wallet,  in  which  are  tokens  by  means  of  which  she  may 
be  enabled  to  recognize  her  parents,  l>y  whom,  when  little,  she 
was  lost  at  Athens,  as  I  said  before. 

Geip.  May  Jupiter  and  the  Gods  confound  you.  "What 
do  you  say,  you  sorcerer  of  a  fellow  ?  What,  are  these  wo- 
men dumb,  that  they  are  not  able  to  speak  for  themselves  ? 

Teach.  They  are  silent  for  this  reason,  because  a  silent 
woman  is  always  better  than  a  talking  one. 

*  Of  my  way  of  tJiinking) — Ver.  1 100.  "  Dum  hie  hinc  a  me  sentiat.*  This  is 
clearly  the  meaning,  though  one  translation  renders  this  line  thus:  "  I  easily  bear 
all  those  things  until  this  fellow  may  ieel  that  he  must  go  away  hence  from  me." 
Track,  (moving further  off).  "  But  now,"  &c. 

*  Casket  of  loicker-work) — Ver.  1109.  "  Caudeam."  Festus  tells  us  that  this 
kind  or  casKet  was  made  of  wicker,  and  received  its  name  from  its  resemblance  to 
a  horse's  tail,  "  cauda;"  others,  however,  perhaps  with  more  probability,  derive  it 
from  "  caudex,"  "  a  piece  of  wood." 

i2 


116  EUDENs ;  Act  IT . 

Grip.  Tlien,  i'  faitli,  by  your  way  of  speaking,  you  are 
neither  a  man  nor  a  woman  to  my  notion. 

Teach.  How  so  ?  G-eip.  AVhy,  because  neither  tallving 
nor  silent  are  you  ever  good  for  anything.  Pritliee  {to  Y^s.- 
MONEs),  shall  I  ever  be  allowed  to-day  to  speak? 

D^M.  If  you  utter  a  single  word  more  this  day,  I'll  break 
your  head  for  you. 

Teach.  As  I  had  commenced  to  say  it,  old  gentleman,  I 
beg  you  to  order  him  to  give  up  that  casket  to  these  young 
women  ;  if  for  it  he  asks  any  reward  for  himself,  it  shall  be 
paid ;  whatever  else  is  there  besides,  let  him  keep  for  himself. 
Grip.  Now  at  last  you  say  that,  because  you  are  aware  it  is 
my  right ;  just  now  you  were  asking  to  go  halves. 
Teach.  Aye,  and  even  stiU  I  ask  it. 
Geip.  I've  seen  a  kite  making  a  swoop,  even  when  he 
got  nothing  at  all  however.     DiEM.   {to  Geipus).  Can't  I 
shut  your  mouth  without  a  drubbing  ? 

Geip.  {pointing  to  Teachalio).  If  that  fellow  is  silent, 
I'll  be  silent;  if  he  talks,  allow  me  to  talk  in  my  own 
behalf. 

DiEAT.  Please  now  give  me  this  wallet,  Gripus. 
Geip.  I'll  trust  it  to  you  ;  but  for  you  to  return  it  me,  if 
there  are  none  of  those  things  in  it. 

D^M.  It  shall  be  returned.  Geip.  Take  it.  {Gives  him 
the  wallet.) 

DiEM.  Now  then  listen.  Palaestra  and  Ampelisca,  to  this 
which  I  say :  is  this  the  wallet,  in  which  this  JProcurer  said 
that  your  casket  was  ? 

Pal.  It  is  the  same.  Geip.  (aside).  Troth,  to  my  sorrow, 
I'm  undone  ;  how  on  the  instant,  before  she  well  saw  it,  she 
said  that  it  was  it. 

Pal.  I'U  make  this  matter  plain  to  you,  instead  of  difficult. 
There  ought  to  be  a  casket  of  wicker-work  there  in  that 
wallet ;  whatever  is  in  there  I'U  state  by  name  ;  don't  you 
show  me  anything.  If  I  say  wrong,  I  shall  then  have  said 
Sihis  to  no  purpose ;  then  you  shall  keep  these  things,  what- 
ever is  in  there  for  yourselves.  But  if  the  truth,  then  I  en- 
ti-oat  you  that  what  is  my  own  may  be  restored  to  me. 

D/EH.  I  agree  ;  you  ask  for  bare  justice  only,  in  my  way  ol 
thinking,  at  least. 

Grip.  But,  i'  faith,  in  mine,  for  extreme  iniustice ;  wliat  ii 


Sc.  IV.  THE  nSHERMlx'S  ROPE.  11^ 

she  IS  a  witeli  or   a  sorceress,  and  shall   mention   exacth 
everything  that's  in  it  ?    Is  a  sorceress  to  have  it  ? 

D^M.  She  shan't  get  it,  unless  she  tells  the  truth ;  in  vaii\ 
will  she^  be  conjuring.  Unloose  the  wallet,  then  (^giving  it  to 
Gripus),  that  as  soon  as  possible  I  may  know  what  is  the  truth. 

GrRiP.  {Jirst  unfastens  the  straps  of  the  wallet,  and  then 
hands  it  to  Aw  Master).  Takeit^,  it's  unfastened.  (D^mones 
takes  out  the  casket.)  Alas,  I'm  undone  ;  I  see  the  casket. 

D^M.  (holding  it  up,  and  addressing  Palj3STRa).  Is  this  it  ? 

Pal.  That  is  it.  O  my  parents,  here  do  I  keep  you  locked 
"^p ;  here  have  I  enclosed  both  my  wealth  and  my  hopes  of 
recognizing  you. 

G-RiP.  {aside).  Then,  by  my  faith,  the  Gods  must  be  enraged 
with  you,  whoever  you  are,  who  fasten  up  your  parents  in  so 
narrow  a  compass. 

Djsm.  Gripus,  come  hither,  your  cause  is  being  tried.  {To 
PALiESTRA.)  Do  you,  young  woman,  away  at  a  distance  there 
say  what's  in  it,  and  of  what  appearance  ;  mention  them  all. 
By  my  troth,  if  you  make  ever  so  slight  a  mistake,  even  if 
afterwards  you  wish,  madam,  to  correct  yourself,  you'll  be 
making  a  great  mistake. 

Grip.  You  demand  what's  real  justice.  Trach.  By  my 
troth,  then,  he  doesn't  demand  yourself;  for  you  are  the  op- 
posite of  justice. 

DiEM.  Now  then,  say  on,  young  woman.  Gripus,  give  at- 
"tention  and  hold  your  tongue. 

Pal.  There  are  some  trinkets.  D^M.  {looking  in  the 
casket).  See,  here  they  are,  I  espy  them. 

Grip,  {aside).  In  the  first  onset  I  an^  worsted;  {takes  hold 
of  the  arm  o/D.emones)  hold,  don't  be  showing. 

DiEM.  Of  what  description  are  they  ?  Answer  in  their 
order.  Pal.  In  the  first  place,  there's  a  little  sword  of 
gold,  with  an  inscription. 

»  In  vain  will  she) — Ver.  1141,  By  this  he  clearly  means  to  say  that  conjuring 
IS  all  nonsense,  and  that  she  has  no  chance  of  teUing  what  is  m  it  merely  by 
guessing. 

2  Take  it)— Ver.  1143.  "  Hoc  habe."  This,  though  not  adopted  by  Fleckeisen, 
seems  to  be  the  right  reading,  and  we  have  followed  the  conjecture  of  the  learned 
Rost  in  adopting  it.  Gripus  undoes  the  strap,  then  holds  the  wallet  to  his  master, 
Baying,  "  Take  it,  it's  unfastened."  Daemones  takes  it,  and  at  once  draws  out  the 
casket,  on  seeing  which  GJripus  makes  an  exclamation  of  surprise  and  disappoint- 
ment. 


118  EUDENS;  Act  IV. 

D^M.  Just  tell  me,  what  the  characters  are  upon  that 
little  sword. 

Pal.  The  name  of  myfatlier.  Next,  on  the  other  side,  there's 
a  little  two-edged  axe,  of  gold  likewise,  with  an  inscription : 
there  on  the  axe  is  the  name  of  my  mother. 

D^M.  Stay  ;  tell  me,  what's  the  name  of  your  lather  upon 
the  little  sword  ? 

Pal.  Daemones.  D^m.  Immortal  Gods !  where  in  the 
world  are  my  hopes  ? 

GrRip.  Aye,  by  my  troth,  and  wliere  are  mine  ? 

DiEM.  Do  proceed  forthwith,  I  entreat  you, 

GrRTP.  Cautiously,  or  else  {aside)  away  to  utter  perdition. 

D-aEM.  Say,  what's  the  name  of  your  mother,  here  upon 
the  little  axe  ? 

Pal.  Dsedalis.  DiEM.  The  Gods  will  that  I  should  be  pre- 
served. 

Grip.  But  that  I  should  be  ruined. 

DjEM.  This  must  be  my  own  daughter,  Gripus. 

Grip.  She  may  be  for  me,  rudeed.  {To  Trachalio.)  May 
all  the  Gods  confound  you  who  this  day  saw  me  with  your 
eyes,  and  myself  as  well  for  a  blockhead,  who  didn't  look 
about  a  hundred  times  first  to  see  that  no  one  was  watching 
me,  before  I  drew  the  net  out  of  the  water. 

Pal.  Next,  there's  a  little  knife  of  silver,  and  two  little 
hands  linked  together,  and  then  a  little  sow. 

Grip,  {aside).  Nay,  then,  go  and  be  hanged,  you  with 
your  little  sow  and  with  your  little  pigs. 

Pal.  There's  also  a  golden  drop^,  which  my  father  pre- 
sented to  me  upon  my  birthday. 

Djem.  Undoubtedly  there  is ;  lut  I  cannot  restrain  myself 

*  A  golden  drop) — Ver.  1171.  The  "  bulla"  was  a  ball  of  metal,  so  called  from 
its  resemblance  in  shape  to  a  drop  or  bubble  of  water.  These  were  especially  worn 
by  the  Roman  children,  suspended  from  the  neck,  and  were  generally  made  of  thin 
plates  of  gold,  of  about  the  size  of  a  walnut.  The  use  of  them  was  derived 
from  the  people  of  Etruria ,  and  though  originally  used  solely  by  the  children  erf 
tlie  Patricians,  they  were  subsequ«ntly  worn  by  all  of  free  birth.  The  children 
of  the  "  libertini,"  or  "  freed-men,"  wore  "  bullae,"  but  made  of  leather.  The 
"  bulla  "  was  laid  aside  at  the  same  time  as  tlie  "  toga  prsetexta,"  and  was  on 
that  occasion  consecrated  to  the  Lares.  It  must  be  owned  that  the  "  little  sow," 
mentioned  in  the  line  before,  was  rather  a  curious  sort  of  trinket.  Thornton  think* 
that  the  word  "  Bucula  "  admitted  of  a  ayiible  entendrtf  though  of  what  naton 
16  now  ankrown. 


Ss.  yi.  THE  FISHEEMAN'S  EOPE.  119 

any  longer  from  embracing  you.  My  daughter,  blessings  on 
you  ;  I  am  that  father  who  begot  you ;  I  am  Daemones,  and  see, 
your  mother  Dsedalis  is  in  the  house  here  {pointing  to  his 
cottage). 

Amp.  (emhracing  him).  Blessings  on  you,  my  unlooked- 
for  father. 

D^M.  Blessings  on  you ;  how  joyously  do  I  embrace  you. 

Teach.  'Tis  a  pleasure  to  me,  inasmuch  as  this  falls  to 
Vour  lot  from  your  feelings  of  aifection. 

D^M.  Come  then,  Trachalio,  if  you  can,  bring  that  wallet 
into  the  house. 

Teach,  (faking  the  wallet).  See  the  villany  of  Gripiis  ; 
inasmuch,  Gripus,  as  this  matter  has  turned  out  unfortu- 
nately for  you,  I  congratulate  you. 

D^M.  Come,  then,  let's  go,  my  daughter,  to  your  mother, 
who  will  be  better  able  to  enquire  of  you  into  this  matter 
from  proofs ;  who  had  you  more  in  her  hands,  and  is  more 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  your  tokens. 

Teach.  Let's  all  go  hence  in-doors,  since  we  are  giving 
our  common  aid. 

Pal.  Follow  me,  Ampelisca.  Amp.  That  the  Gods  favour 
you,  it  is  a  pleasure  to  me.  (  Theg  all  go  into  the  cottage  of 
JO^MONES,  excejpt  Geipus.) 

Scene  Y. — Geipus,  alone. 

Geip.  (to  himself).  Am  I  not  a  blockhead  of  a  fellow,  to 
have  this  day  fished  up  that  w^allet  ?  Or,  when  I  had  fished 
it  up,  not  to  have  hidden  it  somewhere  in  a  secret  spot  ?  By 
my  troth,  I  guessed  that  it  would  be  a  troublesome  booty  for 
me,  because  it  fell  to  me  in  such  troublous  weather.  I'  faith, 
T  guess  that  there's  plenty  of  gold  and  silver  there.  What  ia 
there  better  for  me  than  to  be  off  hence  in-doors  and  secretly 
hang  myself — at  least  for  a  little  time,  until  this  vexation 
passes  away  from  me  ?    (Goes  into  the  cottage.) 

Scene  YI. — Enter  D^MONES,/row  his  cottage. 

DiEM.  {to  himself)  O  ye  immortal  Gods,  what  person  is  there 

more  fortunate  than  I,  who  unexpectedly  have  discovered  my 

daughter  ?     Isn't  it  the  fact,  that  if  the  Gods  will  a  blessing  to 

befall  any  person,  that  \ong^di-iov  jpleasure  by  some  means  or 


120  ETJDENS;  Act  IV. 

otlier,  falls  to  the  lot^  of  the  virtuous  ?  I  this  day,  a  thing 
that  I  never  hoped  for  nor  yet  believed,  have  unexpectedly 
discovered  my  daughter,  and  I  shall  bestow  her  upon  a  re- 
spectable young  man  of  noble  family,  an  Athenian,  and  my 
kinsman.  For  that  reason  I  wish  him  to  be  fetched  hither 
to  me  as  soon  as  possible,  and  I've  requested  my  servant 
to  come  out  here,  that  he  may  go  to  the  Forum.  Still,  I'm 
siirprised  at  it  that  he  isn't  yet  come  out.  I  think  I'll  go  to 
the  door.  (Opens  the  door,  and  looks  in,)  What  do  I  behold  ? 
Embracing  her,  my  wife  is  clasping  my  daughter  around  her 
neck.  Her  caressing  is  really  almost  too  foolish  and  sicken- 
ing2.  {Goes  to  the  door  again,  and  calls  out.)  'Twere  better, 
wife,  for  an  end  to  be  made  at  last  of  your  kissing;  aiid 
make  all  ready  that  I  may  perform  a  sacrifice,  when  I 
come  in-doors,  in  honor  of  the  household  Gods,  inasmuch  as 
they  have  increased  our  family.  At  home  I  have  lambs  and 
swine  for  sacred  use.  But  why,  ladies,  are  you  detaining 
that  Trachalio  ?  Oh,  I  see  he's  coming  out  of  doors,  very 
seasonably. 

Scene  VII. — I^nter  Teachalio,  j^ow  the  cottage. 

Tbach.  {speaking  to  those  within).  Wheresoever  he  shall 
be,  I'll  seek  Plesidippus  out  at  once,  and  bring  him  together 
with  me  to  you. 

D^M.  Tell  him  how  this  matter  has  fallen  out  about  my 
daughter.  Eequest  him  to  leave  other  occupations  and  to 
come  here. 

Tbach.  Very  weU^.  D^m.  Tell  him  that  I'll  give  him 
my  daughter  for  a  wife. 

*Teach.  Very  well.  Djem.  And  that  I  knew  his  father, 
and  that  he  is  a  relation  of  my  own. 

Teach.  Very  weU.     Dj3m.  But  do  make  haste. 

>  Folk  to  the  lot)— Yer.  1194.  He  forgets  here  that  "  Self-praise  is  no  recom- 
mendation." 

2  And  sickening) — Ver.  1204.  He  says  this  probably  out  of  disgust  at  the 
wonderful  change  in  his  wife's  conduct,  who  before  was  tormenting  him  with 
her  jealousy  about  the  girls,  and  is  now  kissing  and  hugging  (though  naturally 
enough)  her  long-lost  daughter. 

3  Very  welV)—Yer.  1212.  "  Licet."  This  word  is  used  by  Trachalio  in  answei 
to  eyerythiug  that  Da)mones  says  to  him 


Sc.  YIII.  THE  FISnEEMAU's  EOPE.  121 

Teach.  Very  well. 

D  j^M.  Take  care  and  let  a  dinner  be  prepared  here  at  once. 

Teach.  Very  well.     D^m.  What,  all  very  well  ? 

Teach.  Very  well.  But  do  you  know  what  it  is  I  want 
of  you  ?  That  you'll  remember  what  you  promised,  that 
this  day  I'm  to  be  free. 

Dmm.  Very  welli.  Teach.  Take  care  and  entreat  Plesi- 
dippus  to  give  me  my  freedom. 

D^M.  Very  well.  Teach.  And  let  your  daughter  re- 
quest it ;  she'll  easily  prevail. 

D^M.  Very  well.  Teach.  And  that  Ampelisca  may  marry 
me,  when  I'm  a  free  man. 

I) JEM.  Very  well.  Teach.  And  that  I  may  experience  a 
pleasing  return  to  myself  in  kindness  for  my  actions. 

D^M.  Very  well.     Teach.  What,  all  very  well  ? 

D^M.  Very  well.  Again  I  return  you  thanks.  But  do 
you  make  haste  to  proceed  to  the  city  forthwith,  and  betake 
yourself  hither  again. 

Teach.  Very  well.  I'll  be  here  directly.  In  the  mean- 
while, do  you  make  the  other  preparations  that  are  neces- 
sar}\  (Uxit  Teachalio. 

D^M.  Very  well — may  Hercules  ill  befriend  him  with  his 
"  very-welling2  ;"  he  has  so  stuffed  my  ears  with  it.  What- 
ever it  was  I  said,  "  very  well"  was  the  answer. 

Scene  VIII. — Enter  GrETPUS,^om  the  cottage. 

Geip.  How  soon  may  I  have  a  word  with  you.  Deem  ones  ? 

D^M.  What's  your  business,  Gripus  ?  Geip.  Touching 
that  wallet,  if  you  are  wise,  be  wise  ;  keep  what  goods  the 
Grods  provide  you. 

D^M.  Does  it  seem  right  to  you,  that,  what  belongs  to 
another  I  should  assert  to  be  my  own  ? 

Geip.   What,  not  a  thing  that  I  found  in  the  sea  ? 

D^M.  So  much  the  better  does  it  happen  for  him  who 
lost  it ;  none  the  more  is  it  necessary  that  it  should  be  your 
wallet. 

'^  Very  wd!) — Ver.  1217.  Here  Dsemones  begins  to  pay  him  in  his  ovm  coin, 
and  answers  him  with  "  licet"  until  he  makes  liis  exit. 

2  His  ^'  very- welling^') — Ver.  1225.  "  Cum  sua  licentia."  In  the  latter  word  he 
alludes  to  Trachalio  having  bored  him  with  his  "  licets,"  although,  having  giv«a 
him  a  Roland  for  his  Oliver,  he  might  have  surely  been  content  with  th&t. 


122  KTJDETrs ;  A(;t  IV. 

GrKTP.  Por  tills  reason  are  you  poor,  "because  you  are  too 
scrupulously  righteous. 

Djem.  O  Gripus,  Gripus,  in  tlie  life  of  man  very  many 
traps  there  are,  in  what  they  are  deceived  by  guile.  And,  by 
my  troth,  full  often  is  a  bait  placed  in  them,  which  bait  if 
any  greedy  person  greedily  snaps  at,  through  his  own  greedi- 
ness he  is  caught  in  the  trap.  He  who  prudently,  skilfully, 
and  warily,  takes  precaution,  full  long  he  may  enjoy  that 
which  is  honestly  acquired.  This  booty  seems  to  me^  to  be 
about  to  be  made  a  booty  of  ly  me,  that  it  may  go  hence  with 
a  greater  blessing  than  it  first  came.  What,  ought  I  to  con- 
ceal what  I  know  was  brought  to  me  as  belonging  to  an- 
other ?  By  no  means  will  my  friend  Daemones  do  that.  'Tis 
ever  most  becoming  for  prudent  men  to  be  on  their  guard 
against  this,  that  they  be  not  themselves  confederates  with 
their  servants  in  evil-doing.  Except  only  when  I'm  gaming, 
I  don't  care  for  any  gain. 

Grip.  At  times,  I've  seen  the  Comedians,  when  acting,  in 
this  fashion  repeat  sayings  in  a  wise  manner,  and  be  ap- 
plauded for  them,  when  they  pointed  out  this  prudent  con- 
duct to  the  public.  But  when  each  person  went  thence  his 
own  way  home,  there  wasn't  one  after  the  fashion  which 
they  had  recommended. 

I) JEM.  Go  in-doors,  don't  be  troublesome,  moderate  your 
tongue.  I'm  going  to  give  you  nothing,  don't  you  deceive 
yourself. 

Grip,  {apart).  Then  I  pray  the  Gods  that  whatever' s  in 
that  wallet,  whether  it's  gold,  or  whether  silver,  it  may  all 
become  ashes.     {Goes  into  the  cottage.) 

Scene  IX. — D^mones,  alone. 
Djem.  This  is  the  reason  why  we  have  bad  servants.  For 
this  master,  if  he  had  combined  with  any  servant,  would  have 
made  both  himself  and  the  other  guilty  of  a  theft.  WhUe  he 
was  thinking  that  he  himself  had  made  a  capture,  in  the 
meantime  he  himself  would  have  been  made  a  capture  :  cap- 
ture would  have  led  to  capture.  Now  will  I  go  in-doors  from 
here  and  sacrifice ;  after  that,  I'll  at  once  order  the  dinner 
to  be  cooked  for  us.     (  Goes  into  tlie  cottage?) 

»  This  booty  seems  in  me)— Ver.  1242.  This  passage  is  very  obscure,  and  nas 
been  variously  interpreted.     He  seems,  however,  to  mean  that  more  good  will 
a!  restoring  the  booty  to  its  owner  than  of  keeping  it. 


Act  y.  THE  fisheeman's  eope.  123 


Act  Y. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Plesidippus  and  Teachalio,  at  the  further  end  of  the 
stage. 

Ples.  Tell  me  all  these  things  over  again  my  life,  my 
Trachalio,  my  freed-man,  my  patron,  aye  rather,  my  father ; 
has  Palaestra  found  her  father  and  mother  ? 

Teach.  She  has  found  them. 

Ples.  And  is  she  my  countrywoman  ? 

Teach.  So  I  think.     Ples.  And  is  she  to  marry  me  ? 

Teach.  So  I  suspect.  Ples.  Prithee,  do  you  reckon  that 
he  will  betroth  her  to  me  ? 

Teach.  So  1  reckon^.  Ples.  "Well,  shall  I  congratulate 
her  father  too  upon  his  finding  her  ? 

Teach.  So  I  reckon.     Ples.  Well,  her  mother  too  ? 

Teach.  So  I  reckon.     Ples.  Wliat  then  do  you  reckon? 

Teach.  What  you  ask  me,  I  reckon. 

Ples.  Tell  me  then  how  much  do  you  reckon  it  at  ? 

Teach.  What  I,  I  reckon 

Ples.  Then  really,  do  carry  over^.  Don't  be  always 
making  a  reckoning. 

Teach.  So  I  reckon.  Ples.  What  if  I  run  ?  {Fretend^ 
to  run.) 

Teach.  So  I  reckon. 

Ples.  Or  rather  gently,  this  way  ?     {Se  walks  slowly.) 

Teach.  So  I  reckon. 

Ples.  Ought  I  to  salute  her  as  well  when  I  arrive  ? 

Teach.  So  I  reckon.     Ples.  Her  father  too  ? 

Teach.  So  I  reckon.     Ples.  After  that,  her  mother  ? 

Teach.  So  I  reckon.  Ples.  And  what  after  that  ?  WTien 
I  arrive,  should  I  also  embrace  her  father  ? 

Teach.  So  I  don't  reckon.     Ples.  Well,  her  mother  ? 

Teach.  So  I  don't  reckon.     Ples.  Well,  her  own  self? 

*  So  I  reckon) — Ver.  1269.  For  the  sake  of  mere  nonsense,  Trachalio  begins  to 
trifle  with  his  master,  by  giving  him  the  answer  of  "censeo"  to  everything  he 
says ;  just  as  he  gave  his  repeated  answers  of  "  licet "  to  Dsemones  before  leaving 

2  Do  carry  over) — Ver.  1273.  "  At  sume  quidem,"  though  not  given  by  Fleck- 
eisen,  has  been  here  adopted  as  the  reading.  "  Censeo"'  seems  to  mean  "  to 
reckon  up,"  as  well  as  "  to  think."  Salmasius  and  Gronovius  suggest,  and  witn 
fair  reason,  that  he  tn&ans  jocularly  to  say,  "  Don't  be  always  reckoning,  but  cask 
UD  and  carry  over." 


124  ETJDENS  ;  Act  Y. 

Teach  So  I  don't  reckon.  Ples.  Confusion,  he  haa 
closed  his  reckoning^;  now  when  I  wish  him,  he  doesn't 
reckon, 

Teack.  You  are  not  in  your  senses ;  follow  me. 

Ples.  Conduct  me,  my  patron,  where  you  please.  (Th^ 
go  into  the  cottage  o/D^mones.) 

ScEifE  II. — JEnter  Labeax,  af  a  distance. 

Lab.  (to  himself).  "What  other  mortal  being  is  there  living 
this  day  more  wretched  than  myself,  whom  before  the  commis- 
sioned judges^  Plesidippus  has  just  now  cast  ?  Palaestra  has 
just  been  taken  from  me  by  award.  I'm  ruined  outright.  But 
I  do  believe  that  Procurers  were  procreated  for  me7'e  sport ; 
BO  much  do  all  persons  make  sport  if  any  misfortune  befalls 
a  Procurer.  Now  I'll  go  look  here,  in  the  Temple  of  Venus, 
for  that  other  female,  that  her  at  least  I  may  take  away,  the 
only  portion  of  my  property  that  remains.  (He  retires  a 
little  distance.) 

^CENE  III. — JEnter  GrEiPUS,/rom  the  cottage  q/'D^MONES, 
with  a  sjnt  in  his  hand. 

Geip.  (calling  to  the  People  within).  By  the  powers,  you 
shall  never  this  day  at  nightfall  behold  Grripus  alive,  unless 
the  wallet  is  restored  to.  me. 

Lab.  (behind).  I'm  ready  to  die  ;  when  I  hear  mention 
made  anywhere  of  a  wallet,  I'm  thumped,  as  it  were  with  a 
stake,  upon  the  breast. 

Geip.  (at  the  door,  continuing).  That  scoundrel  is  free  ;  I, 
the  person  tliat  held  the  net  in  the  sea,  and  drew  up  thft 
wallet,  to  him  you  refuse  to  give  anything. 

Lab.  (hehind).  0  ye  immortal  Gods!  by  his  talk  this 
person  has  made  me  prick  up  my  ears. 

*  Closed  his  reckoning) — Ver.  1279.  "  Dilectum  dimisit."  This  expression  is 
explained  by  some  Commentators  as  alluding  to  the  enlisting  of  soldiers,  to  which 
the  word  "  censeo"  was  applicable.  The  play  on  the  word  "  censeo"  throughout 
■this  Scene  is  enwrapt  in  great  ctwcurity. 

^  Commissioned  Judges) — Ver.  1282.  "  Recuperatores."  These  were  alw 
called  "judices  selecti,"  and  were  "commissioned  judges"  appointed  by  thi 
Prastors  at  Rome  for  the  purpose  of  trying  causes  relative  to  property  in  dispute 
©etweeu  parties.    See  the  Bacchides,  1.  270. 


Sc.  III.  THE  FISHERMAN'S  EOPE.  125 

GrEiP.  (continuing).  By  my  troth,  in  letters  a  cubit  long, 
I'll  immediately  post  it  up  in  every  quarter,  "  It"  any  person  has 
lost  a  wallet  with  plenty  of  gold  and  silver,  let  him  come  to 
Grripus."     Ton  shan't  keep  it  as  you  are  wishing. 

Lab.  {behind).  V  faith,  this  person  knows,  as  I  think,  who 
has  got  the  wallet.  This  person  must  be  accosted  by  me ;  ye 
Gods,  aid  me,  I  do  entreat  you. 

{Some  one  calls  GtEIPUS,  from  within.) 

GrBiP.  Why  are  you  calling  me  back  in-doors  ?  {He  rubs 
away  at  the  spit.)  I  want  to  clean  this  here  before  the  door. 
But  surely  this,  i'  faith,  has  been  made  of  rust,  ajid  not  of 
iron ;  so  that  the  more  I  rub  it,  it  becomes  quite  red  and 
more  slender.  Why  surely  this  spit  has  been  drugged^ ;  it 
does  waste  away  so  in  my  hands. 

Lab.   {accosting  him).  Save  you,  young  man. 

Geip.  May  the  Gods  prosper  yon  with  your  shorn  pate^. 

Lab.  What's  going  on  ?     Geip.  A  spit  being  cleaned. 

Lab.  How  do  you  do  ? 

Geip.  "WTiat  are  you  ?   Prithee,  are  you  a  medicant^  ? 

Lab.  No,  i'  faith,  I  am  more  than  a  medicant  by  one  letter. 

Geip.  Then  you  are  a  "  mendicant." 

Lab.  You've  hit  it  to  a  nicety*. 

Geip.  Tour  appearance  seems  suitable  to  it.  But  what's 
the  matter  with  you  ? 

Lab.  Troth,  this  last   night  I  was  shipwrecked  at  sea 
the  vessel  was  cast  away,  and  to  my  misfortune  I  lost  there 
everything  that  I  had. 

Grip.  What  did  you  lose  ? 

Lab.  a  wallet  with  plenty  of  gold  and  silver. 

Grip.  Do  you  at  all  remember  what  there  was  in  the  wallet 

'  Has  been  drugged) — ^^^er.  1302,  He  alludes  to  the  rust  which  has  eaten  into 
the  spit  and  worn  it  awav. 

2  Your  shorn  pate) — Ver.  loOS.  Madame  Dacier  suggests  that  Labrnx  has  had 
his  hair  cut  off  in  consequence  of  having  escaped  from  shipwreck,  which,  indeed, 
was  often  done  during  the  continuance  of  a  storm  by  those  at  sea. 

3  A  medicant) — Ver.  1304.  He  plays  upon  the  resemblance  of  the  words  "  me- 
dicus"  and  "  mendicus."  To  give  effect  to  the  pun,  we  have,  with  Thornton, 
coined  the  word  "  medKant,"  in  the  sense  of  "  doctor"  or  "  physician." 

*  Hit  it  to  a  nicety)— Yer.  1305.  "  Tetigisti  acu."  Literaliy,  '  you've  hit  it 
witli  the  point"— that  is,  "  exactly." 


126  EUDENS ;  Act  V. 

which  was  lost  ?  Lab.  "Wliat  matters  for  us  now  to  be  talk- 
ing of  it,  if,  in  spite  of  it,  it's  lost  ? 

G-mp.  AVTiat  if  I  know  who  has  found  it  ?  I  wish  to  learn 
from  you  the  tokens. 

Lab.  Eight  hundred  golden  pieces  were  there  in  a  purse, 
besides  a  hundred  Philippean  minae  in  a  wash-leather  bag 
apart. 

Geip.  (aside).  Troth,  it  is  a  noble  prize  ;  I  shall  be  get- 
ting a  handsome  reward.  The  Gods  show  respect  to  mor- 
tals ;  therefore  I  shall  come  off  bounteously  rewarded.  No 
doubt,  it  is  this  man's  wallet.  {To  Labeax.)  Do  you  pro- 
ceed to  relate  the  rest. 

Lab.  a  large  talent  of  silver  of  full  weight  was  in  a  purse, 
besides  a  bowl,  a  goblet,  a  beaker,  a  boat,  and  a  cup. 

Geip.  Astonishing!  you  really  did  have  some  splendid 
riches. 

Lab.  a  shocking  expression  is  that,  and  a  most  abominable 
one.     "  You  did  have,  and  now  have  not." 

Geip.  What  would  you  be  ready  to  give  to  one  who 
Bhould  find  these  out  for  you,  and  give  you  information  ? 
Say,  speedily  and  at  once. 

Lab.  Three  hundred  di drachms.     Geip.  E-ubbish. 

Lab.  Four  hundred.     Geip.  Old  thrums. 

Lab.  Five  hundred.     Geip.  A  rotten  nut. 

Lab.  Six  hundred. 

Geip.  You  are  prating  about  mere  tiny  weevils. 

Lab.  I'll  give  seven  hundred. 

Geip.  Your  mouth  is  hot,  you  are  cooling  it^  just  now. 

Lab.  I'll  give  a  thousand  didrachms. 

Geip.  You  are  dreaming. 

Lab.  I  add  no  more  ;  be  off  with  you.  Geip.  Hear  me 
then ;  if,  i'  faith,  I  should  be  off  from  here,  I  shan't  be  here. 

Lab.  "Would  you  like  a  hundred  as  well  as  the  thousand  ? 

Geip.  You  are  asleep. 

Lab.  Say  how  much  you  ask. 

Geip.  That  you  mayn't  be  adding  anything  against  your 

»  You  are  cooling  if) — ^Ver.  1326.  He  is  supposed  here  to  allude  to  the  act  of 
drawing  the  breath  into  the  mouth  with  the  teeth  half  closed,  which  produces  a 
tensatiou  of  coolness;  meaning,  that  he  doesn't  speak  oat  and  offer  with  boldneas. 


Sc.  III.  THE  riSHEEMLiJf'S  EOPE,  x27 

inclination,  a  great  talent ;  it's  not  possible  for  three  olinls 
to  be  bated  thence;  then  do  you  say  either  "yes"  or  "no" 
at  once. 

Lab.  {aside).  What's  to  he  done  here?  It's  a  matter  of 
necessity,  I  see  :    (to  GtEIPus)  the  talent  shall  be  paid. 

Grip,  (going  towards  the  altar).  Just  step  this  way;  I 
wish  Venus  here  to  put  the  question  to  you. 

Lab.  Whatever  you  please,  that  command  me. 

Grip.  Touch  this  altar  of  Venus. 

Lab.  {toucJiing  it).  I  am  touching  it. 

Grip.  By  Venus  here  must  you  swear  to  me. 

Lab.  What  must  I  swear  ? 

Grip.  What  I  shall  bid  you. 

Lab.  Dictate  in  words  just  as  you  like.  (Aside.)  What 
I've  got  at  home,  I  shall  never  beg^  of  any  one  else. 

Grip.  Take  hold  of  this  altar. 

Lab.  (taking  hold  of  it).  I  am  taking  hold  of  it. 

Grip.  Swear  that  you  will  pay  me  the  money  on  that  same 
day  on  which  you  shall  gain  possession  of  the  wallet. 

Lab.  Be  it  so.  Grip,  (speaking,  while  Labrax  repeats 
after  him).  Venus  of  Cyrene,  I  invoke  thee  as  my  witness,  if 
I  shall  find  that  w^allet  which  I  lost  in  the  ship,  safe  with 
the  gold  and  silver,  and  it  shall  come  into  my  possession 

Grip.  "  Then  to  this  Gripus  do  I  promise  ;"  say  so  and 
place  your  hand  upon  me. 

Lab.  Then  to  this  Gripus  do  I  promise,  Venus,  do  thou 
hear  me 

Grip,  (followed  hy  Labrax).  "  That  I  will  forthwith  give 
him  a  great  talent  of  silver." 

Grip.  If  you  defraud  me,  say,  may  Venus  utterly  destroy 
your  body,  and  your  existence  in  your  calling.  (Aside.)  As 
it  is,  do  you  have  this  for  yourself,  when  you've  once  taken 
tlie  oath. 

Lab.  If,  Venus,  I  shall  do  anything  amiss  against  this 
oath,  I  supplicate  thee  that  all  Procurers  may  henceforth  be 
wretched.  » 

Grip,  (aside).  As  it  is,  it  shall  be  so,  even  if  you  do  keep 

>  /  shall  never  beg) — Ver.  1335.  He  says  this  to  !iimself,  meaning  that  Iw 
has  a  suflBcient  stock  of  perjury  at  home,  without  gcing  to  another  person  fat 
it.     See  J.  558. 


128 :  EUDEU^S ;  AcT  V. 

your  oath.  Do  you  wait  here ;  ingoing  towards  the  cottage)^ 
I'll  at  once  make  the  old  gentleman  come  out ;  do  you  ibrth- 
with  demand  of  him  that  wallet.     (Goes  in.) 

Lab.  (to  himself).  If  ever  so  much  he  shall  restore  to  me 
this  wallet,  I'm  not  this  day  indebted  to  him  three  obols ; 
even.    It's  according  to  my  own  intention  what  my  tongue 
BAvears.     (^The  door  opens.)     But  I'll  hold  my  peace ;  see, 
here  he's  coming  out,  and  bringing  the  old  man. 

Scene  TV. — Unter  G-biptjs,  followed  hy  D^mokes,  with  the 
wallet. 

Geip.  Follow  this  way.  "WTiere  is  this  Procurer  ?  Hark 
you  {to  Labrax),  see  now;  this  person  (^pointing  at  ~Dm- 
MO^fEs)  has  got  your  waUet. 

D^M.  I  have  got  it,  and  I  confess  that  it  is  in  my  posses- 
sion ;  and  if  it's  yours,  you  may  have  it.  Everything,  just  as 
each  particular  was  in  it,  shall  in  like  manner  be  given  safe 
to  you.     (Holding  it  out.)     Take  it,  if  it's  yours. 

Lab.  Immortal  Grods,  it  is  mine.  (Takes  it.)  Welcome, 
dear  wallet. 

D^M.  Is  it  yours  ?  Lab.  Do  you  ask  the  question  ?  If 
indeed,  i'  faith,  it  were  in  Jove's  possession,  still  it  is  ray  own. , 

DiEM.  Everything  in  it  is  safe ;  there  has  only  been  one 
casket  taken  out  of  it,  with  some  trinkets,  by  means  of  which 
this  day  I  have  found  my  daughter. 

Lab.  What  person  ?  D^m.  Palaestra,  who  was  your  pro- 
perty, she  has  been  discovered  to  be  my  own  daughter. 

Lab.  By  my  troth,  it  has  happily  turned  out  so  ;  since 
this  matter  has  happened  so  fortunately  for  you  according  to 
your  wishes,  I'm  rejoiced. 

DiEii.  In  that  I  don't  readily  believe  you. 

Lab.  Aye,  by  my  faith,  that  you  may  be  sure  that  I'm 
rejoiced,  you  shan't  give  me  three  obols  for  her;  I  excuse 
you. 

D^:\r.  I'  faith,  you  are  actiijg  kindly. 

Lab.  No,  troth  ;  it's  really  yourself,  indeed,  thufi  doinff  'J!a 
(Going  off  with  the  wallet.) 

Grip.  Hark  you,  you've  got  the  wallet  now. 

Lab.  I  have  got  it.     Grip.  Make  haste. 


Sc.  IV.  THE  FISHEEMAN's  HOPE.  129 

Lab.  Make  haste  about  what?  G-rip.  To  pay  me  the 
money. 

Lab.  By  my  troth,  I'll  neither  give  you  anything  nor  do  I 
owe  you  anything.  Geip.  What  mode  of  proceeding  is  this  ? 
Don't  you  owe  it  me  ? 

Lab.  Troth,  not  I  indeed.  Grip.  Didn't  you  promise  it 
me  upon  your  oath  ? 

Lab.  I  did  take  an  oath,  and  now  I'U  take  an  oath,  if  it  is 
ill  any  way  my  own  pleasure  ;  oaths  were  invented  for  preserv- 
ing property,  not  for  losing  it. 

Grip.  Give  me,will  you,  a  great  talent  of  silver,  you  most 
perjured  fellow. 

D^M.  Gripus,  what  talent  is  it  you  are  asking  him  for  ? 

Grip.  He  promised  it  me  on  oath. 

Lab.  I  chose  to  swear ;  (turning  to  D^mones)  are  you 
the  priest^  as  to  my  perjury  ? 

D^M.  {to  Gripus).  For  what  reason  did  he  promise  you 
the  money  ? 

Grip.  If  I  restored  this  wallet  into  his  hands,  he  swore 
that  he  would  give  me  a  great  talent  of  silver. 

Lab.  Find  me  a  person  with  whom  I  may  go  to  the  judge, 
to  decide  whether  you  did  not  make  the  bargain  with  wicked 
fraudulence,  and  whether  I  am  yet  five-and-twenty  years  old^. 

Grip,  (pointing  to  D^moi^es).  Go  to  the  judge  with  him. 

Lab.  No  ;  I  must  have  some  other  person. 

D^M.  (^0  Labrax).  Then  I  shan't  allow  you  to  take  it 
away  from  him,  unless  I  shall  have  found  him  guilty.  Did 
you  promise  him  the  money  ? 

*  Are  you  the  priest')— Yer.  1377.  The  meaning  of  this  passage  is  doubtful, 
out  he  seems  to  ask  Daemones,  "  Are  you  the  Priest  of  Venus,  in  whose  presence 
I  took  the  oath  ?"  It  was  probably  the  duty  of  the  priesthood  to  take  cognizance 
»f  cas^s  of  perjury. 

2  Five-and-twenty  years  old) — Ver.  1382.  By  the  Laetorian  law  (which  is  also 
referred  to  in  the  Notes  to  the  Pseudolus),  persons  under  the  age  of  five-and- 
twenty  were  deemed  minors,  and  free  from  all  pecuniary  obligations.  As  usual, 
in  this  allusion  Plamtus  consults  the  usages  of  his  Audience,  and  not  of  the  place 
where  the  Scene  is  laid.  Labrax  is  ready  to  say  or  swear  anything;  and  Madame 
Dacier  justly  remarks,  that  it  is  amusing  enough  that  he  should  call  himself  not 
five-and-twenty,  when  he  is  described,  in  the  Second  Scene  of  the  First  Act,  aa 
a  person  liavinc;  grey  hair.  Gripus  being  a  slave,  could  not  try  the  question  at 
law  with  Labrax. 

VOL.  II.  K 


130  RUDEKS ;  Act  V. 

Lab.  I  e.iiressit.  D^m.  What  you  promiaed  my  slave 
must  ueeds  be  my  own.  Don't  you  be  supposing,  Pro- 
curer, that  you  are  to  be  using  your  pimping  honesty  here. 
That  can't  be. 

GrKip.  (to  Labeax)  .  Did  you  fancy  now  that  you  had  got 
hold  of  a  person  whom  you  might  cheat  ?  It  must  be  paid 
down  here  {holding  his  hand),  good  silver  coin ;  I  shall,  at  once, 
pay  it  to  him  (^yointing  to  DiEMONEs),  so  that  he  may  give 
me  my  liberty. 

D^M.  Inasmuch,  therefore,  as  I  have  acted  courteously 
towards  you,  and  by  my  means  these  things  (^pointing  to  the 
wallet)  have  been  saved  for  you 

Grip.  I'  faith,  by  my  means,  rather ;  don't  say  by  yours. 

DiEM.  {to  GrRiPus).  If  you  are  prudent  you'll  hold  your 
tongue.  {To  Labrax.)  Then  it  befits  you  in  a  like  cour- 
teous manner  kindly  to  return  the  obligation  to  myself,  who 
so  well  merit  the  same. 

Lab.  You  are  pleading,  of  course,  for  my  right  ? 

D^:m.  {ironically).  It  would  be  a  wonder  if  I  didn't,  at 
a  loss  to  myself,  ask  you  to  forego  your  right. 

G-Rip.  {aside).  I'm  all  right;  the  Procurer's  giving  way ; 
my  freedom  is  at  hand. 

DiEM.  {pointing  to  Gripus).  He  found  this  wallet ;  he  is 
my  slave.  I  therefore  have  preserved  this  for  you,  together 
with  a  large  sum  of  money. 

Lab.  I  return  you  thanks,  and  with  regard  to  the  talent 
that  I  promised  on  oath  to  him,  there's  no  reason  that  you 
shouldn't  receive  it. 

GrRiP,   Hark  you,  give  it  me  then,  if  you  are  wise. 

D.EM.  {to  GrRiPUs).  "Will  you  hold  your  tongue,  or  not  ? 

GrRip.  You  pretend  to  be  acting  on  my  side  :  /  tell  you  * 
*****  by  my  troth,  you 

shan't  do  me  out  of  that,  if  I  did  lose  the  other  booty^. 

D^M.  You  shall  have  a  beating  if  you  add  a  single  word. 

GrRiP.  Troth  now,  do  you  kill  me  even  ;  I'll  never  be 
silent  on  any  terms,  unless  my  mouth  is  shut  with  the  talent. 

Lab.  For  yourself,  in  fact,  is  he  using  his  exertions ; 
do  hold  your  tongue. 

•  The  otfier  booty) — Ver.  1  --yO.  By  this  he  means  the  wallet  and  its  '  ••ntenti. 


Be.  IV.  THE  fisheeman's  eope.  131 

D^M.  Step  this  way,  Procurer. 

Lab.  Very  well.  {They  walk  on  one  side.) 

G-Eip.  Proceed  openly ;  I  don't  want  any  whisperings  or 
mumblings  to  be  going  on. 

Dmm.  Tell  me,  at  what  price  did  you  buy  that  other 
young  woman,  Ampelisca  ? 

Lab.  I  paid  dowTi  a  thousand  didrachms. 

D^M.  Should  you  like  me  to  make  you  a  handsome  offer  ? 

Lab.  I  should  Hke  it  much.     Djem.  1*11  divide  the  talent. 

Lab.  You  act  fairly. 

D^M.  For  that  other  woman  Ampelisca,  that  she  may  be 
free,  take  you  one  half,  and  give  the  other  half  to  him. 

Lab.  By  all  means. 

D^M.  For  that  half  I'll  give  his  freedom  to  Grripus,  by 
means  of  whom  you  found  your  wallet,  and  I  my  daughter. 

Lab.  Tou  act  fairly ;  I  return  you  many  thanks.  {They 
return  to  Gtripus.) 

Grip.  How  soon  then  is  the  money  to  be  returned  to  me  ? 

D^M.  The  money's  paid,  Gripus  ;  I've  got  it. 

Geip.  You,  faith ;  but  I  had  rather  it  were  myself. 

DjiM.  I'  faith,  there's  nothing  for  you  here,  so  don't  you 
De  expecting  it.     I  wish  you  to  release  him  from  his  oath. 

Grip,  {aside.)  Troth,  I'm  undone ;  if  I  don't  hang  myself  \ 
I'm  utterly  done  for.  {Aloud.)  T  faith,  after  this  day  you 
certainly  shall  never  be  cheating  me  again. 

DiEM.  Dine  here  to-day.  Procurer. 

Lab.  Be  it  so ;  the  proposal  is  to  my  taste. 

D^M.  Do  you  both  follow  me  in-doors.  {Se  comes  forward 
and  addresses  the  Audience.)  Spectators,  I  would  invite  you 
to  dinner  as  well,  were  it  not  that  I'm  going  to  give  nothing, 
and  that  there  is  no  good  cheer  at  all  at  home ;  and  if,  too,  I 
didn't  believe  that  you  are  invited  to  dinner  elsewhere.  But 
if  you  shall  be  willing  to  give  hearty  applause  to  this  Play,  do 
you  all  come  to  make  merry  at  my  house  some  sixteen  years 
nence.  Do  you  {to  Labeax  and  Geipus)  both  dine  here 
with  me  to-day. 

Grip.  Be  it  so, 

^  If  I  don't  hang  myself^ — Ver.  1415.  Thornton  calls  this  "  a  sorry  witti- 
eisin ;"  but  Madame  Dacier  and  other  Commentators  discover  great  humour  in  it. 
It  certainlj  is  amusing  for  its  absurdity. 

k2 


182  EXJDEIfS.  Act  V 

An  AcTOE. 
{To  the  Audience.)  Now  give  us  your  applause^ 

'  Give  us  your  applause) — Ver.  1423.  This  Play,  though  pronouuced  to  be 
one  of  the  best  of  this  author,  does  not  conclude  satisfactorily.  We  are  not 
told  what  becomes  of  Ampelisca,  or  of  TrachaUo,  who  aspires  to  the  honor  of 
her  hand.  The  sturdy  Sceparnio  we  lose  sight  of  too  early ;  and  I>s>mones 
loses  all  claim  to  our  estimation,  by  inviting  such  an  infamous  villain  as  jL,abrax 
to  take  a  place  at  his  table,  who  certainly,  according  to  the  usual  -^Je»  at 
Dramatio  retribution,  richly  iktierves  to  loss  bis  wallet  and  its  ccDtent« 


MERCATOR;  THt  MERCHANT. 


t 


Bramatis  persons. 

Demii'ho,  an  aged  Athenian. 

LYSIMACHUS^  an  aged  Athenian. 

Charinus,  son  of  Demipho,  in  love  with  PasicompBa, 

EuTYCHUs,  son  of  Lysimachus. 

AcANTHio,  the  servant  of  Charinus. 

A  C!ooK. 

Pasicompsa,  a  young  woman  beloved  by  Charinus. 
DoKiPPA,  the  wife  of  Lysiiii*chus. 
Syra,  an  old  woman,  her  servant. 
Pbristrata,*  the  wife  of  Demipho. 
Lycissa,*  her  attendant. 

Slaves. 


Scene. — Athens ;  before  the  hoases  of  Lysimachus  and  Demipho  vhich 
adjacent  to  each  other. 


*  These  characters  are  only  introduced  in  the  two  Scenes  at  tne  ecd  al 
Fourth  Act,  which  are  generally  considered  to  be  sparicu& 


TEE   SUBJECT! 


This  Play  (Trhich  is  thought  by  some  not  to  have  been  the  compositioo  of  Piantn*) 
Jescribes  the  follies  of  a  vicious  old  man  and  his  son.  Two  years  before  tbf 
period  when  the  Play  opens,  Charinus  has  been  sent  by  his  father  Demipho  to 
traffic  at  Rhodes.  Keturning  thence,  he  brings  with  him  a  young  woman,  named 
Pasicompsa,  who  is  in  reality  his  mistress,  but  whom  he  pretends  to  have  pur- 
«hased  for  the  purpose  of  her  being  an  attendant  upon  his  mother.  Demipho,  in  the 
absence  of  his  son,  goes  down  to  the  ship,  and  seeing  the  young  woman  there,  falls 
desperately  in  love  with  her.  He  then  pretends  to  Charinus  that  she  is  too  hand- 
some to  be  brought  into  tne  house  as  a  servant,  and  that  she  must  be  sold  again. 
Insisting  upon  this,  he  persuades  his  friend,  Lysimachus,  to  purchase  her  for  him 
in  his  own  name,  »ud  to  take  her  to  his  own  house.  This  being  done,  and  the 
damsel  brought  to  the  house,  the  wife  of  Lysimachus  unexpectedly  returns 
home  from  the  country,  and  finds  her  there.  In  the  meanwhile,  Charinus, 
being  reduced  to  despair  on  losing  his  mistress,  determines  to  leave  the  coun- 
try. His  friend  Eutychus,  the  son  of  Lysimachus,  having  discovered  his 
friend's  mistress  in  his  father's  house,  stops  him  just  as  he  is  about  to  depart, 
and  informs  him  where  she  has  been  found.  He  then  reconciles  his  own  parents, 
and  the  Play  ccncludes  with  his  very  just  oeosore  ot'  i)euu|kho  icr  his  -nrsauM 
condvct. 


MERCATOR;  THE  MERCHANT. 


I 

m,  ■  THE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 

W  [Supposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammarian.] 

I       A  YOUNG  man,  being  sent  {Missus)  by  his  fatiier  to  traffic,  buys  (Emit)  a  clam- 
■  sel  of  remarkable  beauty,  and  brings  her  home.     The  old  man,  after  he  lias 

J  seen  her,  makes  enquiry  Qliequirit)  who  she  is.     The  servant  pretends  (^Con- 

Jingit)  that  she  has  been  bouglit  by  the  son  as  an  attendant  for  his  mother.  The 
old  man  falls  in  love  with  (^Amat)  her,  and  pretending  that  he  has  sold  her, 
gives  her  in  the  charge  of  (J^radU,)  his  neighbour.  His  wife  thinks  that  he  lias 
brought  (^Obdtixe)  a  mistress  home.  Then  his  friend  atops  {lietrahit)  Ch^ 
rmus  in  his  flight,  after  he  has  discovered  his  mistress. 


Act  I. — Scene  I. 
The  Prologue,  spoken  hy  Chaeinus. 

Two  things  have  I  now  resolved  to  do  at  the  same  time ; 
both  the  subject  and  my  own  amours  will  I  disclose.  I 
am  not  doing  like  as  I  have  seen  other  lovers  do  in  Come- 
dies, who  relate  their  woes  either  to  the  night  or  to  the  day, 
or  to  the  Sun  or  to  the  Moon ;  who,  faith,  I  don't  suppose  pay 
much  regard  to  the  complaints  of  mortals,  either  what  they 
wish  or  what  they  don't  wish.  To  yourselves  in  preference  will 
I  now  relate  my  woes.  In  the  Greek  this  Flay  is  called  the 
Emporos^  of  Philemon ;  the  same  in  the  Latin  is  the  Mer- 
cator  of  Marcus  Accius.  My  father  sent  me  hence  to  trade 
at  Rhodes.  Two  years  have  now  passed  since  1  left  home. 
There  I  began  to  love  a  fair  one  of  remarkable  beauty.  But 
how  I  was  captivated  by  her,  I'll  tell  you,  if  you'll  lend  ear, 
and  if  you'll  have  the  kindness  to  give  your  attention  to  this. 
And  yet  in  this,  but  little  have  I  followed  the  method  of  our 

>  Emporos) — Ver.  9.  The  Greek  word  ffinopos,  rignifying  "  a  merchant.'* 


136  MERCATOR  ;  Act  1. 

forefathers  in  mv  own  person,  and  on  the  spot  as  a  tell-tale^  oj 
my  own  amours  am  I  represented  before  you.  But  all  these  tail- 
ings are  wont  to  attend  on  love — care,  trouble,  and  refinement 
overmucli.  Not  only  him  who  loves,  but  every  one  to  whom 
this  latter  fault  extends,  him  mth  a  great  and  weighty  evil 
does  it  affect ;  nor  by  my  troth,  in  fact,  does  any  one  aim  at 
refinement,  beyond  what  his  means  allow  of,  without  heavy 
disaster.  But  to  love  as  well  are  these  evils  incident,  which 
I  have  not  as  yet  recounted — sleeplessness,  a  troubled  mind, 
confusion,  terror,  and  apprehension,  trifling,  and  folly  even, 
rashness  too,  thoughtlessness,  foolhardy  impudence,  Avanton- 
ness,  lust,  and  malevolence  ;  covetousness  is  inherent  as  well, 
idleness,  injustice,  want,  contumely  and  wastefulness,  talkative- 
ness or  moody  silence.  This  latter  is  the  fact,  because  things 
which  relate  not  to  the  purpose,  nor  are  of  utility,  the  same  does 
the  lover  give  utterance  to  full  oft  at  an  unseasonable  moment ; 
and  yet  again,  this  moody  silence  for  this  reason  do  I  commend, 
because  no  lover  is  ever  so  skilled  in  eloquence,  as  to  be  en- 
abled to  give  utterance  to  that  which  is  for  his  own  interest. 
You,  then,  must  not  be  oflfended  with  myself  for  my  babbling ; 
Yenus  bestowed  it  upon  me  on  that  same  day  on  which  tMs 
passion.  To  that  point  am  I  resolved  to  return,  that  what  I 
commenced  upon  I  may  disclose.  In  the  first  place,  when 
in  life  I  had  passed  from  my  boyish  days,  and  my  disposition 
was  weaned  from  childish  pursuits,  I  began  distractedly  to 
love  a  Courtesan  in  this  place.  Forthwith,  unknown  to  my 
father,  my  means  went  to  be  wasted  upon  her ;  an  exacting 
Procurer,  the  owner  of  this  damsel,  by  every  method  that  he 
could,  grasped  everything  into  his  own  possession^.  Night  and 
day  my  father  censured  me  for  this  ;  represented  the  perfidy, 
ilie  wickedness  of  Procurers ;  liow  that  his  own  property  was 
being  forcibly  rent  in  pieces,  while  that  of  this  Procurer  was 
increasing ;  this  too  in  the  loudest  tones ;  sometimes  mutter- 
ing to  himself;  refusing  to  speak  to  me  ;  even  denying  that  I 
was  his  child  ;  crying  aloud  through  all  the  city  and  proclaim- 
ing that  all  should  withhold  from  trusting  me  when  desiring 

*  As  a  tell-tale) — Ver.  17.  He  apologizes  for  his  apparent  boldness  in  breaking 
m  upon  them,  and  commencing  to  relate  his  amours,  without  first  asking  their 
leave. 

*  Grasped  evei'ythivg  into  his  own  possession) — Ver.  45.  "  Kiipiebat  domuiu.* 
Literally  "  he  carried  off  ho-^a  " 


Sc.  1.  THE  MERCHANT.  137 

to  borrow ;  that  love  had  allured  many  a  one  to  ruin  ;  that  I, 
passing  all  bounds,  regardless  of  decency,  and  acting  wrong- 
fully, laid  hands  upon  and  tore  whatever  I  could  from  liim 
at  home ;  that  'twas  a  most  vile  system  that  those  choice 
possessions  which  he, by  enduring  every  hardship,  had  acquired, 
should  all  be  squandered  away  and  parted  with  througli  the 
violence  of  my  desire.  That  now  for  so  many  years  he  had 
supported  myself,  a  reproach  to  him ;  that  were  I  not  ashamed, 
I  ought  not  to  desire  to  live.  That  he  himself,  at  the  very 
moment  after  he  had  passed  his  boyish  days,  did  not,  like  me, 
devote  his  attention  to  love  or  indolence  in  slothfulness,  nor, 
indeed,  had  he  the  control  of  himself,  so  very  strictly  by  hia 
father  was  he  held  in  check  ;  that  in  the  various  sordid  pur- 
suits of  the  country  he  was  employed,  and  that  only  every  fifth 
year  even  was  he  then  enabled  to  visit  the  city,  and  that  im 
mediately  after  he  had  had  a  sight  of  the  Testivali,  back 
again  instantly  into  the  country  was  he  wont  to  be  driven  by 
his  father.  That  there  by  far  the  most  of  all  the  household 
did  he  toil,  while  thus  his  father  would  say  to  him :  "  For 
yourself  you  are  ploughing,  for  yourself  you  harrow,  for  your- 
self you  sow,  for  your  own  self  too  do  you  reap ;  for  yourself, 
in  fine,  will  this  labour  be  productive  of  happiness."  That 
after  life  had  left  his  father's  body,  he  had  sold  the  farm,  and 
with  that  money  had  bought  for  himself  a  bark  of  fifteen  tons^, 
and  with  the  same  had  transported  merchandize  to  every 
quarter,  even  until  he  had  acquired  the  property  which  he 
then  possessed.  That  I  ought  to  do  the  same,  if  I  would  be 
as  it  behoved  me  to  be.     I,  when  I  found  that  I  was  disliked 

*  Had  had  a  sight  of  the  Festival) — Ver.  67.  "  Spectavisset  peplum."  Lite- 
rally, "  had  seen  the  show  of  the  garment."  At  the  great  Panathenaea,  or 
festival  of  Minerva,  which  was  celebrated  every  fifth  year,  the  "  peplum"  of  Mi- 
nerva was  exposed  to  public  view.  A  procession  was  afterwards  formed,  to  carry 
it  to  the  Temple  of  Minerva,  or  Athene  Polias.  The  "  peplum  "  was  a  garment  of 
crocus  colour,  woven  by  virgins.  On  it  were  represented  the  conquest  of  Enceladus 
and  the  Giants  by  Minerva.  The  garment  was  not  carried  by  hands,  but  on  the 
mast  of  a  ship;  and  this  ship,  which  was  usually  kept  near  the  Areiopagus,  w&s 
moved  along  by  machinery. 

^  Of  fifteen  tons) — Ver.  7o.  "  Metretas  trecentas."  Literally,  "  three  hundred 
metretae."  The  "  metreta"  was  properly  a  Greek  liquid  measure  of  about  nine 
gallons.  If,  as  some  of  the  bo^ks  inform  us,  in  weight  it  was  equal  to  one 
hundred-weight,  three  hundred  :;f  them  would  make  fifteen  tons.  It  is,  how- 
ever, not  improbable  that  the  woru  really  signifies  a  weight  nearer  in  capacity  to  a 
ton  than  to  a  hundred- weifiht. 


I 


138  MEECATOB ;  Act  1. 

by  my  father  and  was  an  object  of  hate  to  him  whom  I  was 
bound  to  please,  distracted  and  in  love  as  I  was,  resolutely 
made  up  my  mind.  I  said  that  I  would  go  to  traffic,  if  he 
pleased ;  that  I  would  renounce  my  amour,  so  as  to  be  obe- 
dient  to  him.  He  gave  me  thanks,  and  praised  my  good 
feeling,  but  failed  not  to  exact  my  promise ;  he  built  a  mer- 
chant-shipi,  and  purchased  merchandize ;  the  ship  ready,  he 
placed  it  on  board;  besides,  to  myself  with  his  own  hand 
he  paid  down  a  talent  of  silver ;  with  me  he  sent  a  servant, 
who  formerly  had  been  my  tutor  from  the  time  when  I  was  a 
little  child,  to  be  as  though  a  guardian  to  me.  These  things 
completed,  we  set  sail ;  we  came  to  Ehodes,  where  the  mer- 
chandize which  I  had  brought  I  sold  to  my  mind  according 
as  I  wished ;  I  made  great  profits,  beyond  the  estimate  of  the 
merchandize  which  my  father  had  given  me ;  and  so  I  made  a 
large  sum.  But  while  in  the  harbour  I  was  walking  there,  a 
certain  stranger  recognized  me,  and  invited  me  to  dinner. 
I  went,  and  took  my  place  at  table,  being  merrily  and  hand- 
somely entertained.  When  at  night  we  went  to  rest,  behold, 
a  female  came  to  me,  than  whom  not  another  female  is  there 
more  charming.  That  night,  by  order  of  my  entertainer, 
did  she  pass  with  me ;  consider  your  own  selves,  how  very 
much  he  gratified  me.  Next  day,  I  went  to  my  host ;  I  begged 
him  to  sell  her  to  me ;  I  said  that  for  his  kindnesses  I  should 
exier  be  grateful  and  obliged.  What  need  is  there  of  talking  ? 
I  bought  her,  and  yesterday  I  brought  her  hither.  I  don't 
wish  my  father  to  come  to  know  I've  brought  her.  Eor  the 
present,  I've  left  her  and  a  servant  in  the  harbour  on  board 
the  ship.  But  why  do  I  see  my  servant  running  hither  from 
the  harbour,  whom  I  forbade  to  leave  the  ship  ?  I  dread 
what  the  reason  may  be.     {Stands  aside.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Acanthio,  at  a  distance,  in  haste. 
Ac  AN.  (to  himself).  With  your  utmost  power  and  might 
always  try  and  endeavour  that  your  younger  master^  may  bj 

»  A  merchant-skip) — Ver.  86.  "  Cercurum."  The  merchant-sliips,  which  were 
called  "  cercuri,"  are  said  to  have  been  so  called  from  the  island  of  Corcyra,  or 
Cercyra,  so  famous  for  its  traffic,  where  they  were  said  to  have  been  first  built. 
Some  writers  suppose  them  to  have  originally  been  peculiar  to  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Isle  of  Cyprus. 

'  lour  younger  master) — Ver.  111.  "Herus  minor,"  One  version  renders 
these  words,  "  your  master  when  throwr  down."  Th>it  surely  cannot  be  the 
m&n.'nmg  of  the  passage. 


I 


Sc.  II.  THE  MERCHANT.  139 

your  aid  be  preserved.  Come  then,  Acantliio,  away  with 
weariness  from  you ;  take  care  and  be  on  your  guard  against 
sloth.  At  the  same  time  put  an  end  to  this  panting ;  troth, 
I  can  hardly  fetch  my  breath ;  at  the  same  time,  too,  drive 
right  full  against  all  those  persons  who  come  in  the  way, 
shove  them  aside,  and  push  them  into  the  road.  This  custom 
here  is  a  very  bad  one ;  no  one  thinks  it  proper  for  him  to 
give  way  to  one  who  is  running  and  in  haste  ;  and  thus  three 
things  must  be  done  at  the  same  moment,  when  you  have 
commenced  upon  lut  one ;  you  must  both  run  and  fight,  and 
squabble  as  well,  upon  the  road. 

Char,  {apart).  What's  the  reason  of  this,  that  he's  r* 
quiring  speed  for  himself  at  a  rate  so  rapid  ?  I  have  some 
anxiety,  what  the  business  is,  or  what  news  he  brings. 

AcAS".  {to  himself).  I'm  trifling  about  it.  The  more  I 
stop,  the  greater  the  risk  that's  run.  Char,  {apart).  He 
brings  news  of  some  misfortune,  I  know  not  what. 

KcKS.  {to  himself).  His  knees  are  failing  this  runner. 
I'm  undone,  my  spleen  is  in  rebellion^,  it's  taking  possession 
of  my  breast.  I'm  done  up,  I  can't  draw  my  breath.  A  very 
worthless  piper  should  I  be.  I'  faith,  not  all  the  baths  will 
ever  remove  this  lassitude  from  me.  Am  I  to  say  that  my 
master  Charinus  is  at  home  or  abroad  ? 

Char,  {apart).  I'm  doubtful  in  my  mind  what  the  matter 
is  ;  I'd  like  for  myself  to  learn  of  him,  that  I  may  become 
acquainted  with  it. 

AcAN.  {to  himself).  But  why  still  standing  here  ?  "Why 
still  hesitating  to  make  splinters  of  this  door  ?  {Knocks  at 
the  door  of  Demipho's  house,  and  calls.)  Open  the  door, 
some  one.  Where's  my  master,  Charinus  ?  Is  he  at  home 
or  abroad  ?     Does  any  one  think  fit  to  come  to  the  door  ? 

Char,  {presenting  himself).  Why,  here  am  I,  whom  you're 
looking  for,  Acanthio.  Acan.  {not  seeing  him).  There  is 
nowhere  a  more  lazy  management  than  in  his  hov^e. 

Char.  What  matter  is  afflicting  you  so  terribly  ? 

Acan.  {turning  round).  Many,  master,  both  yourself  and  me. 

Char.  What's  the  matter  ?     Acan.  We  are  undone. 

Char.  That  beginning  do  you  present  unto  our  foes. 

Acan.  But  your  own  self  it  has  befallen,  as  fate  would 
have  it. 

•  Spleen  is  in  rebeUi<m) — ^Ver.  123.  He  alludes  to  the  expansion  of  the  splwa 
hj  the  act  of  running  fast. 


J  40  MEECATOB  ;  Act  I, 

Chae.  Tell  me  this  matter,  whatever  it  is. 

AcAN.  Quietly — I  want  to  take  a  rest.     (^Se  pants.) 

Chak.  But,  i'  faith,  do  take  the  skirt  of  your  coat^,  and 
wipe  the  sweat  from  off  you. 

AcAN.  For  your  sake,  I've  burst  the  veins  of  my  lungs ; 
I'm  spitting  blood  already.     {He  spits.) 

Char.  Swallow  Egyptian  resin  with  honey ;  you'll  make 
it  all  right. 

AcAW.  Then,  i'  faith,  do  you  drink  hot  pitch^  ;  then  your 
tapoubles  will  \anish. 

Chab.  I  know  no  one  a  more  tetchy  fellow  than  yourself, 

AcAN".  And  I  know  no  one  more  abusive  than  yourself. 

Char.  But  what  if  I'm  persuading  you  to  that  which  I 
take  to  be  for  your  benefit  ?  Acan.  Away  with  benefit  of 
that  sort,  that's  accompanied  with  pain. 

Char.  Tell  me,  is  there  any  good  at  all  that  any  one  can 
enjoy  entirely  without  evil;  or  where  you  mustn't  endure 
labour  when  you  wish  to  enjoy  it  ? 

AcAN.  I  don't  understand  these  things  ;  I  never  learnt  to 

*  Shirt  of  your  coat) — Ver.  138.  "  Laciniam."  The  "laciniae"  were  the  an- 
gular extremities  of  the  "  pallium,"  and  the  "  toga,"  one  of  which  was  brought 
round  over  the  left  shoulder.  It  was  generally  tucked  into  the  girdle,  but  was 
sometimes  allowed  to  hang  loose.  From  the  present  passage,  we  may  conclude 
that  it  was  sometimes  devoted  to  the  purposes  of  a  pocket-handkerchief. 

2  Brink  hot  pitch) — Ver.  141.  Commentators  have  been  at  a  loss  to  knonr  why 
Acanthio  should  be  so  annoyed  at  the  recommendation  of  Charinus,  and  why  he 
should  answer  him  in  these  terms.  The  ingenious  Rost  seems  in  a  great  measure 
to  have  hit  upon  the  true  meaning  of  the  passage.  Charinus  tells  him  that  a 
mixture  of  resin  and  honey  is  good  for  the  lungs.  Now,  from  what  Pliny  says, 
B.  24,  ch.  6,  we  should  have  reason  to  suppose  that  some  kinds  of  resin  were  used 
in  diseases  of  the  lungs.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  Aristotle,  in  his  History  of  Ani- 
mals, B.  8,  ch.  24,  mentions  a  certain  resin  called  "  sandonache,"  which  was  of 
a  poisonous  nature.  Acanthio,  then,  may  have  been  frightened  from  a  previous 
knowledge  of  the  doubtful  nature  of  resins  as  a  remedy;  he  may  also  have 
heard  that  the  Egyptians  preserved  their  mummies  with  honey  and  resin,  and  his 
stomach  may  have  revolted  at  swallowing  such  a  mixture ;  and,  thinking  that  his 
master  is  trifling  with  him,  he  answers  him  in  anger.  The  latter  explanation  will 
appear  the  more  probable  when  we  remember,  that  as  honey  and  resin  were  used 
for  the  embalming  of  the  higher  classes,  the  bodies  of  the  poorer  persons  in  Egypt 
were  preserved  by  being  dipped  in  pitch ;  and  though  this  did  not  suggest  itself  to 
Kost,  it  is  not  improbable  that  the  servant  intends  by  his  answer  to  repay  his  master 
in  the  same  coin.  Perhaps  he  may  have  imagined  that  his  master  intended  him 
to  swallow  the  mixture  in  a  hot,  melted  state,  just  as  when  it  was  injected  into  th« 
muminies.  Persons  convicted  of  blasphemy  were  sometimes  condemned  to  swallow* 
melted  Pitc 


Sc.  11.  THE  MEECHANT.  141 

philoso  :)liize,  and  don't  know  how.  I  don't  want  any  good 
to  be  given  me,  to  which  evil  is  an  accompaniment. 

Chak.  {extending  Jiis  hand).  Come  now,  Acanthio,  give 
me  your  right  hand.  Acan.  It  shall  be  given ;  there  then, 
take  it.     (  Oives  Ms  Jiand.) 

Chae.  Do  you  intend  yourself  to  be  obedient  to  me,  or 
don't  you  intend  it  ? 

AcAN.  You  may  judge  by  experience,  as  I've  ruptured  my- 
self with  running  for  your  sake,  in  order  that  what  I  knew, 
you  might  have  the  means  of  knowing  directly. 

Char.  I'll  make  you  a  free  man  within  a  few  months. 

AcAN.  You  are  smoothing  me  down. 

Chae.  What,  should  I  presume  ever  to  make  mention  of 
an  untrue  thing  to  you  ?  On  the  contrary,  before  I  said  so, 
you  knew  already  whether  I  intend  to  utter  an  untruth. 

AcAN.  Ah  !  your  words,  upon  my  faith,  are  increasing  my 
weakness.     You  are  worrying  me  to  death ! 

Chae.  What,  is  this  the  way  you're  obedient  to  ine  ? 

AcAN.  What  do  you  want  me  to  do  ? 

Chae.  What,  you  ?     What  I  want  is  this 

A  CAN.  What  is  it  then  that  you  do  want  ? 

Chae.  I'll  tell  you.     Acan.  Tell  me,  then. 

Chae.  But  still,  I'd  like  to  do  it  in  a  quiet  way. 

AcAN.  Are  you  afraid  lest  you  should  wake  the  drowsy 
Spectators^  from  their  nap  ? 

Chae.  Woe  be  to  you  !  Acan.  For  my  part,  that  same 
am  I  bringing  to  you  from  the  harbour. 

Chae.  What  are  you  bringing  ?    Tell  me. 

Ac  AW.  Violence,  alarm,  torture,  care,  strife,  and  beggary. 

Chae.  I'm  undone  !  You  really  are  bringing  me  hither  a 
store  of  evils.     I'm  ruined  outright. 

Acan.  Why,  yes,  you  are 

Chae.  I  know  it  already ;  you'll  be  saying  I'm  wretched. 

Acan.  'Tis  you  have  said  so  ;  I'm  mum. 

Chae.  What  mishap  is  this  ? 

Acan.  Don't  enquire.     It  is  a  very  great  calamity. 

Chae.  Prithee,  do  relieve  me  at  once.  Too  long  a  time 
have  I  been  in  suspense.  Acan.  Softly ;  I  still  wish  to 
make  many  enquiries  before  I'm  beaten. 

>  The  drowsy  Spectators')— Yer.  160.  No  wonder  if  this  most  tiresome  dialogiu 
has  sent  them  to  sleep. 


142  MEECATOE ;  Act  1, 

Chae.  By  my  troth,  you  assuredly  will  be  beaten,  unless 
you  say  at  once,  or  get  away  from  here. 

AcAN.  Do  look  at  that,  please,  how  he  does  coax  me ; 
there's  no  one  more  flattering  when  he  sets  about  it. 

Chae.  By  heavens,  I  do  entreat  and  beseech  you  to  dis- 
close to  me  at  once  what  it  is ;  inasmuch  as  I  see  that  I  must 
be  the  suppliant  of  my  own  servant. 

AcAN.  And  do  I  seem  so  unworthy  of  it  ? 

Chae.  Oh  no,  quite  worthy.     Acan.  Well,  so  I  thought. 

Chae.  Prithee,  is  the  ship  lost  ? 

AcAN.  The  ship's  all  right ;  don't  fear  about  that. 

Chae.  Well  then,  the  rest  of  the  cargo  ? 

AcAK.  That's  right  and  tight. 

Chae.  Why  then  don't  you  tell  me  what  it  is,  for  which, 
just  now,  running  through  the  city,  you  were  seeking  me  ? 

AcAN.  E-eally,  you  are  taking  the  words  out  of  my  mouth. 

Chae.  I'll  hold  my  tongue.  Acan.  Do  hold  your  tongue. 
I  doubt,  if  I  brought  you  any  good  news,  you'd  be  dreadfully 
pressing,  who  are  now  insisting  upon  my  speaking  out,  when 
you  must  hear  bad  news. 

Chae.  Troth  then,  prithee  do  you  let  me  know  what  this 
misfortune  is. 

AcAisr.  Since  you  beg  of  me,  I'll  tell  you.   Tour  father 

Chae.  My  father  did  what  ?     Acan.  Tour  mistress 

Chae.  What  about  her  ?     Acan".  He  has  seen  her. 

Chae.  Seen  her  ?  Ah  wretch  that  I  am  !  What  I  ask  you, 
answer  me. 

AcAN.  Nay,  but  do  you  ask  me,  if  you  want  anything. 

Chae.  How  could  he  see  her  ?     Acan.  With  his  eyes. 

Chae.  In  what  way  ?     Ac  an.  Wide  open. 

Chae.  Away  hence  and  be  hanged.  You  are  trifling,  when 
my  life's  at  stake. 

AcAN.  How  the  plague  am  I  trifling,  if  I  answer  you  what 
you  ask  me  ? 

Chae.  Did  he  see  her  for  certain  ? 

AcAK.  Aye,  troth,  as  certainly  as  I  see  you  and  you  see 
me.     Chae.  Where  did  he  see  her  ? 

AcAN.  Down  on  board  the  ship,  as  he  stood  near  the 
prow  and  chatted  with  her. 

Chae.  Father,  you  have  undone  me.  Come  now,  you, 
come  now,  you  sir  ?    Why,  you  whip-rascal,  didr  t  you  take 


Sc.  11.  THE  MEECHaINT.  143 

care  that  he  mightn't  see  her?  "Why,  villain,  didn't  you 
stow  her  away,  that  my  father  mightn't  perceive  her  ? 

AcAN.  Because  we  were  busily  employed  about  our  busi- 
ness ;  we  were  engaged  in  packing  up  and  arranging  the 
cargo.  While  these  things  were  being  done,  your  father 
was  brought  alongside  in  a  very  small  boat ;  and  not  an  indi- 
vidual beheld  the  man  until  he  was  aboard  the  ship. 

Chak.  In  vain  have  I  escaped  the  sea  with  its  dreadful 
tempests !  Just  now  I  really  did  suppose  that  I  was  both 
ashore  and  in  a  place  of  safety  ;  but  I  see  that  by  the  raging 
waves  I  am  being  hurried  towards  the  rocks.  Say  on ;  what 
took  place  ? 

AcAN.  After  he  espied  the  woman,  be  began  to  ask  her  to 
whom  she  belonged.     Chab.  What  did  sbe  answer  F 

AcAN.  That  instant  I  ran  up  and  interposed,  saying  that 
you  had  bought  her  as  a  maid-servant  for  your  mother. 

Char.  Did  he  seem  to  believe  you  in  that  ? 

KcA.^.  Do  you  e'en  ask  me  that  ?  Why  the  rogue  began 
to  take  liberties  with  her. 

Chae.  Prithee,  what,  with  her  ?  Acan.  'Twere  a  wonder 
if  he  had  taken  liberties  with  myself. 

Chak.  By  heavens,  my  heart  is  saddened,  which,  drop  by 
drop  is  melting  away,  just  as  though  you  were  to  put  salt  in 
water.     I'm  undone. 

AcAN.  Aye,  aye,  that  one  expression  have  you  most  truly 
uttered. 

Chae.  This  is  mere  folly.  What  shall  I  do  ?  I  do  think 
my  father  won't  believe  me  if  I  say  that  I  bought  her  for 
my  mother  ;  and  then,  besides,  it  seems  to  me  a  shame  that  I 
should  tell  a  lie  to  my  parent.  He'll  neither  believe,  nor 
indeed  is  it  credible,  that  I  bought  this  woman  of  surpassing 
beauty  as  a  maid-servant  for  my  mother. 

AcAN.  Won't  you  be  quiet,  you  most  silly  man  ?  Troth, 
he  will  believe  it,  for  he  just  now  believed  me. 

Chae.  I'm  dreadfully  afraid  that  a  suspicion  will  reach 
my  father  how  the  matter  really  stands.  Prithee,  answer 
me  this  that  I  ask  you. 

AcAN.  What  do  you  ask  ? 

Chae.  Did  he  seem  to  suspect  that  she  was  ray  mistress  ? 

AcAN.  He  did  not  seem.  On  the  contrary,  in  everything, 
just  as  I  said  it,  he  believed  me. 

Chab.  As  being  true — as  he  seemed  to  ycurself  at  least. 


144  MEECATOE  ;  Act    II. 

A  CAN.  Not  SO ;  but  he  really  did  believe  me. 

Char.  Ah !  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  I'm  ruined  !  But 
why  do  I  kill  myself  here  with  repining,  and  don't  be  off  to 
the  ship  ?     Eollow  me.     {Hastening  along.) 

AcAN.  If  you  go  that  way,  you'U  conveniently  come  slap 
upon  your  father.  As  soon  as  he  shall  see  you,  dismayed  and 
out  of  spirits,  at  once  he'll  be  stopping  you,  and  enquiring 
where  you  bought  her,  and  for  how  much  you  bought  her ; 
Ve'll  be  trying  you  in  your  dismay. 

Chab.  {turning  about).  I'll  go  this  way  in  preference. 
t>o  you  think  that  by  this  my  father  has  left  the  harbour  ? 

AcAN.  Why,  it  was  for  that  reason  I  ran  before  him  hither, 
that  he  mightn't  come  upon  you  unawares  and  fish  it  out 
of  gou. 

Chae.  Very  properly  done.  (Exeunt. 


Act  II. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Demipho. 

Dem.  {to  himself).  In  wondrous  ways^  do  the  Gods  make 
sport  of  men,  and  in  wondrous  fashions  do  they  send  dreams 
in  sleep.  As,  for  instance,  I,  this  very  last  night  that  has 
passed,  have  sufficiently  experienced  in  my  sleep,  and,  mortal 
that  I  am,  was  much  occupied  therewith.  I  seemed  to  havo 
purchased  for  myself  a  beautiful  she-goat.  That  she  might 
not  offend  that  other  she-goat  which  I  had  at  home  be- 
fore, and  that  they  mightn't  disagree  if  they  were  both  in 
the  same  spot,  after  that  I  had  purchased  her,  I  seemed  to 
entrust  her  to  the  charge  of  an  ape.  This  ape,  not  very 
long  afterwards,  came  to  me,  uttered  imprecations  against 
me,  and  assailed  me  with  reproaches  ;  he  said  that  by  her 
means  and  through  the  arrival  of  the  she-goat  he  had 
suffered  injury  and  loss  in  no  slight  degree ;  he  said  that 
the  she-goat,  which  I  had  entrusted  to  him  to  keep,  had 
gnawed  away  the  marriage-portion  of  his  wife.  This  seemed 
extremely  wonderful  to  me,  how  that  this  single  she-goat  could 
possibly  have  gnawed  away^  the   marriage-portion   of   the 

» In  wondrous  ways)—Ver,  224-5.  These  lines  occur  also  in  the  Rudens,  1. 593. 

»  Could  possibly  have  gnawed  away)—Yer.  240.  There  is  a  poor  play  on  words 
herewith  reference  to  '*una;"  how  "  one"  goat  could  "  ambadederit,"  "gnaw 
away,"  or  "  doubly  eat"  (literally  speaking)  the  dowry— that  is,  how  one  goat 
•odd  do  the  work  of  two. 


So.  I  J.  -fHE  MERCHANT.  145 

wife  of  the  ape.  The  ape,  however,  insisted  that  it  was  so,  and, 
in  short,  gave  me  this  answer,  that  if  1  didn't  make  haste  and 
remove  her  away  from  his  own  house,  he  would  bring  her 
home  into  my  house  to  my  wife.  And,  by  my  troth,  I  seemed 
very  greatly  to  take  an  interest  in  her,  but  not  to  have  any 
one  to  whom  to  entrust  this  she-goat ;  wherefore  the  more,  in 
my  distress,  was  I  tormented  with  anxiety  what  to  do.  Mean- 
while, a  kid  appeared  to  address  me,  and  began  to  tell  me 
that  he  had  carried  off  the  she-goat  from  the  ape,  and  began 
to  laugh  at  me.  But  I  hegan  to  lament  and  complain  that  she 
was  carried  off.  To  what  reality  I  am  to  suppose  that  this 
vision  points,  I  can't  discover ;  except  that  I  suspect  that 
I  have  just  now  discovered  this  she-goat,  what  she  is,  or  what 
it  all  means.  This  morning,  at  davbreak,  I  went  away  hence 
down  to  the  harbour.  After  I  had  transacted  there  what  I 
wanted,  suddenly  I  espied  the  ship  from  Rhodes,  in  which  my 
son  arrived  here  yesterday.  I  had  an  inclination,  I  know 
not  why,  to  visit  it ;  I  went  on  board  a  boat,  and  put  off  to  the 
ship;  and  there  I  beheld  a  woman  of  surpassing  beauty, 
whom  my  son  has  brought  as  a  maid-servant  for  his  mother. 
After  I  had  thus  beheld  her,  I  fell  in  love  with  her,  not  as 
men  in  their  senses,  but  after  the  fashion  in  which  madmen 
are  wont.  I'  faith,  in  former  times,  in  my  youthful  days,  I 
fell  in  love,  'tis  true ;  but  after  this  fashion,  according  as  I'm 
now  distracted,  never.  Now  beyond  a  doubt,  surely  thus  this 
matter  stands ;  this  is  that  she-goat.  But  what  that  ape  and 
that  kid  mean,  I'm  afraid.  One  thing,  i'  faith,  I  really  do  know 
for  certain,  that  I'm  undone  ybr  love ;  {to  the  Audiekce)  con- 
sider yourselves  the  other  point,  what  a  poor  creature  I  am^. 
But  I'll  hold  my  tongue ;  lo !  I  see  my  neighbour ;  he's 
coming  out  of  doors.    {Stands  aside.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Ltsimachus  and  a  Servant  with  somt 
rakes,  fro7n  the  house  of  the  former. 

Lts.  Eeally  I  will  have  this  goat  mutilated,  that's  giving 
as  so  much  trouble  at  the  farm. 

Dem.  {apart).  Neither  this  omen  nor  this  augury  pleases 

*  What  a  poor  creature  I  am) — Ver.  268.  This  seems  to  be  the  real  meaning  of 
"  quanti  siem ;"  Gueudeville  has  adopted  it;  but  there  ts  considerable  difference 
of  opinion  among  the  Commentators  on  the  sense  of  the  passage. 
VOL.  II.  Xi 


14G  MEECATOB  ;  Act  II 

me ;  I'm  afraid  that  my  wife  will  be  just  now  mutilating  me 
like  the  he-goat,  and  be  acting  the  part  of  this  same  ape. 

Lts.  Do  you  go  hence  to  my  country-house,  and  take 
care  and  deliver  personally  into  his  own  hands  those  rakea 
to  the  bailiff  Pistus  himself.  Take  care  and  tell  my  wife 
that  I  have  business  in  the  city,  so  that  she  mayn't  expect 
me  ;  for  do  you  mention  that  I  have  three  causes  coming  on 
for  judgment  to-day.     Be  off,  and  remember  to  say  this. 

Sery.  Anything  more  ? 

Lts.  That's  enough.  (I^xit  Seeyant. 

Dem.  {Stepping  forward).  Greetings  to  you,  Lysimachus. 

Lys.  Well  met!  and  greetings  to  you,  Demipho.  How 
are  you  ?     How  goes  it  ? 

Dem.  As  with  one  that's  most  wretched^. 

Lts.  May  the  Gods  grant  better  things. 

Dem.  As  for  the  Gods,  it's  they  that  do  this. 

Lts.  What's  the  matter? 

Dem.  I'd  tell  you,  if  I  saw  that  you  had  time  or  leisure. 

Lts.  Although  I  have  business  in  hand,  if  you  wish  for 
anything,  Demipho,  I'm  never  too  busy  to  give  attention  to 
a  friend. 

Dem.  You  speak  of  your  kindness  to  myself  who  have  ex- 
perienced it.     How  do  I  seem  to  you  as  to  age  ? 

Lts.  a  subject  for  Acheron — an  antiquated,  decrepit  old 
fellow. 

Dem.  Tou  see  in  a  wrong  light.  I  am  a  child,  Lysima- 
chus, of  seven  years  old. 

Lys.  Are  you  in  your  senses,  to  say  that  you  are  a  child  ? 

Dem.  I'm  telling  what's  true.  Lts.  I'  faith,  it  has  this 
moment  come  into  my  mind  what  you  mean  to  say ;  directly 
a  person  is  old,  no  longer  has  he  sense  or  taste ;  people  say 
that  he  has  become  a  child  again. 

Dem.  Why,  no ;  for  I'm  twice  as  hearty  as  ever  I  was 
before. 

Lts.  I'  faith,  it's  well  that  so  it  is,  and  I*m  glad  of  it. 

Dem.  Aye,  and  if  you  did  but  know ;  with  my  eyes,  too, 
1  see  even  better  now  than  I  did  formerly. 

Lts.  That's  good. 

Dem.  Of  a  thing  that's  bad,  I'm  speaking. 

'  As  with  one  thafs  most  toretched) — Ver.  282.  "  Quod  miserrimos."   Litwa\>y 
'  whai  a  verjr  wretched  person  doesj* 


8c.  11.  THE  MERC ^A.^'T.  14? 

Lts.  Then  that  same  is  not  good. 

Dem.  But,  if  I  wished  at  all,  could  I  venture  to  disclose 
something  to  you  ? 

Lts.  Boldly.      Dem,  Grive  heed,  then. 

Lts.  It  shall  be  carefully  done. 

Dem.  This  day,  Lysimachus,  I've  begun  to  go  to  school 
to  learn  my  letters.     I  know  three  letters  already. 

Lts.  How  ?    Three  letters  ? 

Dem.  {spelling).  A  M  O  [^lam  in  love']. 

Lts.  "What !  you,  in  love,  with  your  hoary  head,  you  most 
sliocking  old  fellow?  Dem.  Whether  that  is  hoary,  or 
whether  red,  or  whether  black,  I'm  in  love. 

Lts.  You're  now  playing  upon  me  in  this,  I  fancy, 
Demipho. 

Dem.  Cut  my  throat,  if  it*s  false,  what  I'm  saying.  That 
you  may  be  sure  I'm  in  love,  take  a  knife,  and  do  you  cut 
off  either  my  finger,  or  my  ear,  or  my  nose,  or  my  lip :  if  I 
move  me,  or  feel  that  I'm  being  cut,  ^hen,  Lysimachus,  I 
give  you  leave  to  torture  me  to  death  here  with  being  in  love. 

Lts.  (aside  to  the  Audience).  If  ever  you've  seen  a  lover 
m  a  picture,  why,  there  he  is  {pointing  at  Demipho)  :  for 
really,  in  my  way  of  thinking,  an  antiquated,  decrepit  old 
man  is  just  about  the  same  as  though  he  were  a  figure 
painted  upon  a  wall. 

Dem.  Now,  I  suppose,  you  are  thinking  of  censuring  me. 

Lts.  "What,  I,  censure  you  ? 

Dem.  Well,  there's  no  reason  that  you  should  censure 
me.  Other  distinguished  men  have  done  the  like  before. 
It's  natural  to  be  in  love,  it's  natural,  as  well,  to  be  con- 
siderate. Then,  please,  don't  reprove  me;  no  inclination 
impelled  me  to  this. 

Lts.  Why,  I'm  not  reproving  you.  Dem.  But  still,  don't 
you  think  any  the  worse  of  me  for  acting  thus. 

Lts.  I,  think  the  worse  of  you  ?  O,  may  the  Deities  forbid 
it.     Dem.  Still,  please,  only  do  take  care  of  that. 

Lts.  Due  care  is  taken.     Dim.  Quite  sure  ? 

Lts.  You're  wearing  me  out.  (Aside.)  This  person's  de- 
ranged through  love.  (To  Demipho.)  Do  you  desire  aught 
with  me  ?      Dem.  Farewell ! 

Lts.  I'm  making  haste  to  the  harbour ;  for  I've  got  bum* 
nesa  there.      Dem.  Good  luck  go  with  you. 


148  MEECATOE ;  Act  11, 

Lts.  Heartily  fare  you  well. 

Dem.  Kindly  fare  you  well.  (Exit  Ltsimachus. 

Scene  III. — ^Demipho,  alone. 
Dem.  (to  himself).  And  what's  more,  I  too  as  well  bave 
got  some  business  at  the  harbour ;  now,  therefore,  I  shall  be 
off  thither.  But,  look !  most  opportunely  I  see  my  son.  I'll 
wait  for  the  fellow ;  it's  necessary  for  me  now  to  see  him, 
to  persuade  him,  as  far  as  I  possibly  can,  to  sell  her  to  me, 
and  not  make  a  present  of  her  to  his  mother ;  for  I've  heard 
that  he  has  brought  her  as  a  present  for  her.  But  I  have  need 
sf  precaution,  that  he  mayn't  any  way  imagine  that  I  have  set 
my  fancy  upon  her. 

Scene  IV. — JEnter  Chabinus,  ai  a  distance. 
Char,  (to  himself).  Never,  I  do  think,  was  any  person 
more  wretched  than  myself,  nor  one  who  had  more  everlast- 
ing crosses.  Isn't  it  the  fact,  that  whatever  thing  there  is 
that  I  have  commenced  to  attempt,  it  cannot  fall  out  to  my 
wish  according  as  I  desire  ?  To  such  an  extent  is  some  evil 
fortune  always  befalling  me,  wliich  overwhelms  my  fair  in- 
tentions. To  my  misfortune,  I  procured  me  a  mistress  to 
please  my  inclination ;  I  acquired  her  for  a  sum  of  money, 
fancying  that  I  could  keep  her  unknown  to  my  father.  He 
has  found  her  out,  and  has  seen  her,  and  has  undone  me. 
Nor  have  I  yet  determined  what  to  say  when  he  asks  me,  so 
much  do  uncertain  thoughts,  aye,  tenfold,  struggle  within  my 
breast ;  nor  know  I  now  in  my  mind  what  resolution  I  can 
possibly  take  ;  so  much  uncertainty,  mingled  with  anxiety,  is? 
there  in  my  feelings,  at  one  moment  the  advice  of  my  ser- 
vant pleases  me,  then  again  it  doesn't  please  me,  and  it 
doesn't  seem  possible  for  my  father  to  be  induced  to  think 
that  she  was  bought  as  a  maid-servant  for  my  mother.  Now, 
if  I  say,  as  is  the  fact,  and  declare  that  I  purchased  her  for 
myself,  what  will  he  think  of  me  ?  He  may  take  her  away, 
too,  and  carry  her  hence  beyond  sea,  to  be  sold!  "Well 
taught  at  home,  I  know  how  severe  he  is.  Is  this,  then, 
being  in  love  ?   I'd  rather  be  at  the  plough-tail^  than  love  in 

1  Raifier  be  at  the  plough-tail) — ^Ver.  352.  "  Arare  mavelim,  quam  sic  amare." 
There  is  an  insipid  play  upon  the  resemblance  of  the  words  "  arare,"  "  to  plough,'- 
and  "  amare,"  "  to  love." 


Sc.  IV.  THE  MEECHANT.  149 

this  fashion.  Before  to-day,  long  ago,  he  drove  me  away 
against  my  inclination  from  his  house,  my  home,  and  bade  me 
go  and  traffic.  There  did  I  meet  with  this  misfortune.  When 
its  misery  can  surpass  its  pleasure,  what  is  there  delightful 
in  it  ?  In  vain  I've  hidden  Jier^  concealed  A<?r,  kept  her  m 
secret ;  my  father's  a  very  fly^ ;  nothing  can  be  kept  away 
from  him  ;  nothing  so  SEicred  or  so  profane  is  there,  but  that 
he's  tliere  at  once ;  neither  have  I  any  assured  hope  in  my 
mind  through  which  to  feel  confidence  in  my  fortunes. 

Dem,  {apart).  What's  the  reason  of  this,  that  my  son  is 
talking  to  himself  alone  ?  He  seems  to  me  anxious  about 
some  matter,  I  know  not  what. 

Chak.  {looking  round).  Heyday,  now!  Why,  surely  it's 
my  father  here  that  I  see.  I'll  go  and  accost  him.  {Ac- 
costing him.)    How  goes  it,  father  ? 

Dem.  Whence  do  you  come  ?  Why  are  you  in  a  hurry, 
my  son  ? 

Char.  It's  all  right,  father.  Dem.  So  I  trust ;  but  what's 
the  reason  that  your  colour's  so  changed  ?  Do  you  feel  ill 
at  all  ? 

Char.  I  know  not  what  it  is  affects  my  spirits,  father ; 
this  last  night  I  didn't  rest  quite  as  well  as  I  wished. 

Dem.  As  you've  been  travelling  by  sea,  your  eyes,  I  sup- 
pose, are  at  present  rather  unaccustomed  to  the  shore. 

Char.  No  doubt  it  is  that ;  but  it  will  be  going  off  presently. 

Dem.  Troth,  it's  for  that  reason  you  are  pale ;  if  you  were 
prudent,  you'd  go  home  and  lie  down. 

Char.  I  haven't  the  leisure ;  I  wish  to  attend  to  business 
on  commission. 

Dem.  Attend  to  it  to-morrow ;  the  day  after,  attend  to  it. 

Char.  I've  often  heard  from  you,  father,  it  behoves  all 
wise  men,  the  first  thing,  to  give  their  earliest  attention  to 
business  upon  commission. 

Dem.  Do  so,  then;  I  have  no  wish  to  be  striving  against 
your  opinion. 

Char,  {aside).  I'm  all  right,  if,  indeed,  his  adherence  to 
that  sentiment  is  immoveable  and  lasting. 

Dem.  {aside).  Why  is  it  that  he  calls  himself  aside  into 

*  A  very  fly)— YeT.  357.  The  flies  of  those  days  seem  to  have  been  as  annoying 
and  inquisitive  as  those  of  modern  times.  "  Muscae"  was  a  term  oi  reproach  for 
Parasites  and  busybodies. 


150  MEECATOE ;  Act  II. 

counsel  with  bimself  ?  I'm  not  afraid  now  lest  be  should  he 
ahle  to  come  to  know  that  I'm  in  love  with  her,  because  I've 
not  as  yet  done  anything  in  a  foolish  manner,  as  peopje  in 
love  are  wont  to  do. 

Chae.  (aside).  V  faith,  the  affair  for  the  present  is  really 
quite  safe  ;  for  I'm  quite  certain  that  he  doesn't  know  any- 
thing about  that  mistress  of  mine ;  if  he  did  know,  his  talk 
would  have  been  different. 

Dem.  (aside).  "Why  don't  I  accost  him  about  her  ? 

Chae.  (aside).  Why  don't  I  betake  myself  off  hence? 
(Aloud.)  I'm  going  to  deliver  the  commissions  from  my  friends 
to  their  friends.     (Moves  as  if  going.) 

Dem.  Nay,  but  stop  ;  I  still  want  to  make  a  few  enquiries 
of  you  first. 

Chae.  Say  what  it  is  you  wish.  Dem.  Have  you  all  along 
been  well  ? 

Chae.  Quite  well  all  the  time,  so  long,  indeed,  as  I  was 
there  ;  but  as  soon  as  I  had  arrived  here  in  harbour,  1  don't 
know  what  faintness  it  was  came  over  me. 

Dem.  I'  faith,  I  suppose  it  arose  from  sea-sickness ;  but  it 
will  be  going  off  just  now.  But  how  say  you  ?  What  ser- 
vant-maid is  this  that  you  have  brought  from  Rhodes  for 
vour  mother  ? 

Chae.  I've  brought  one.  Dem.  Well,  what  sort  of  a 
woman  is  she  as  to  appearance  ? 

Chae.  Not  an  ill-favored  one,  i'  faith. 

Dem.  How  is  she  as  to  manners  ? 

Chae.  In  my  way  of  thinking,  I  never  saw  one  better. 

Dem.  So,  indeed,  i'  faith,  she  seemed  to  me  when  I  saw 
her. 

Chae.  How  now,  have  you  seen  her,  father  ? 

Dem.  I  have  seen  her ;  but  she  doesn't  suit  our  ways,  and 
80  she  doesn't  please  me. 

Chae.  Why  so  ?  Dem.  Because  she  hasn't  a  figure  suit- 
able to  our  establishment ;  we  stand  in  need  of  no  female 
servant  but  one  who  can  weave,  grind,  chop  wood,  make  yarn, 
sweep  out  the  house,  stand  a  beating,  and  who  can  hav3  every 
day's  victuals  cooked  for  the  household.  This  one  will  be 
able  to  do  not  any  single  one  of  these  things. 

Chae.  Why,  in  fact,  for  this  reason  I  purchased  her,  ta 
make  a  present  of  her  to  my  mother. 


•ic.  lY.  THE  MEECttANT.  151 

Dem.  Don't  you  be  giving  her,  nor  mention  that  you  liave 
brought  her. 

Chae.  (aside).  The  Deities  favour  me. 

Dem.  {aside).  I'm  shaking  hmi  by  slow  degrees.  {Aloud!) 
But,  what  I  omitted  to  say, — she  can  neither  with  due  pro- 
priety follow  your  mother  as  an  attendant,  nor  will  I  allow  it. 

Char.  But  why  ?  Dem.  Because,  with  those  good  looks, 
it  would  be  scandalous  if  she  were  to  be  following  a  matron 
when  she's  walking  through  the  streets ;  all  people  would  be 
staring,  gazing,  nodding,  winking,  hissing,  twitching,  crying 
out,  be  annoying,  and  singing  serenades  at  our  door;  my 
door,  perhaps,  would  be  filled  with  the  charcoal  marks^  of  her 
praises;  and,  according  as  persons  are  scandalizing  at  the 
present  day,  they  might  throw  it  in  the  teeth  of  my  wife  and 
myself,  that  we  are  carrying  on  the  business  of  a  Procurer. 
Now  what  occasion  is  there  lor  this  ? 

Char.  Why,  faith,  you  say  what's  just,  and  I  agree  with 
fou.     But  what  shall  be  done  wnth  her  now  ? 

Dem.  Exactly;  I'll  buy  for  yoiu' mother  some  stout  wench 
of  a  female  slave,  not  a  bad  servant,  hut  of  ungainly  figure, 
as  befits  the  mistress  of  a  family — either  a  Syrian  or  an  Egyp 
tian  woman :  she  shall  do  the  grinding,  spin  out  the  yarn, 
find  stand  a  lashing;  and  on  her  account  no  disgrace  at  all 
will  be  befalling  our  doors. 

Char.  What  then  if  she  is  restored  to  the  person  of  whom 
she  was  purchased  ? 

Dem.  By  no  means  ia  the  world. 

Char.  He  said  that  he  would  take  her  back,  if  she  didn't 
suit. 

Dem.  There's  no  need  of  that ;  I  don't  want  you  to  get 
into  litigation,  nor  yet  your  honor  to  be  called  in  question. 
I'  trotli,  I  would  much  rather,  if  any  must  be  endured,  put 
up  with  the  loss  myself,  than  that  disgrace  or  scandal  on 

•  With  the  charcoal  marks) — Ver.  404.  Colman,  who  translated  this  Play  in 
Thornton's  edition,  has  this  Note  here:  "  Some  consider  these  words  as  alluding  to 
defiimatory,  rather  tluin  commendatory  \rerses,  alleging  that  praise  was  written  in 
cn&lic,  and  scandai  in  coal.  •  Ilia  prius  charta,  mox  haec  carbone.'  I  have  fol- 
lowed the  opinion,  liowever,  of  other  Commentators,  who  suppose  that  in  these 
cases  chalk,  or  coal,  or  lighted  torches,  were  used  indiscriminately,  according  to 
the  colour  of  the  ground — as  a  Poet  would  write  a  panegyric  in  black  ink  upon 
white  paper,  or  a  lover  delineate  the  name  of  his  mistress  with  the  smoke  ot  a 
cuidle  ou  a  white-vashed  ceiling.** 


152  MJ!:iiCA'roB ;  Act  II. 

account  of  a  woman  should  be  brought  upon  my  house.  I 
think  that  I  am  able  to  sell  for  you  at  a  good  profib. 

Char.  I'  faith,  so  long,  indeed,  as  you  don't  be  selling  her 
at  a  less  price  than  I  bought  her  at,  father. 

Dem.  Do  you  only  hold  your  tongue ;  there  is  a  certain 
old  gentleman  who  commissioned  mQ  to  buy  one  for  him  of 
just  that  same  appearance. 

Chae.  But,  father,  a  certain  young  man  ccmmissioned  me 
to  buy  one  for  him  of  just  that  same  appearance  that  she  is  of. 

Dem.  I  think  that  I  am  able  to  dispose  of  her  for  twenty  min». 

Chab.  But,  if  I  had  chosen,  there  have  been  already  seven- 
and-twenty  minae  offered. 

Dem.  But  I Chab.  Nay,  but  I,  I  say 

Dem.  But  you  don't  know  what  I  was  going  to  say ;  do  hold 
your  tongue.  I  can  add  three  minse  even  to  that,  so  that  there 
will  be  thirty.     (Looks  as  though  on  one  side  at  a  distance.) 

Chab.  What  are  you  turning  yourself  towards  ? 

Dem.  Towards  him  who's  making  the  purchase. 

Chab.  {staring  about).  "Why,  where  in  the  world  is  this 
person  ? 

Dem.  Look  there,  I  see  him^,  yonder  (pointing)  ;  he's 
bidding  me  even  still  to  add  five  minse. 

Chab.  (aside).  By  my  troth,  may  the  Gods  send  a  curse 
upon  him,  whoever  he  is ! 

Dem.  (loolcing  in  the  distance).  There  he  is  again,  making 
a  sign  to  me,  even  still,  for  me  to  add  six  minje. 

Chab.  My  man  is  bidding  seven  minae,  for  her,  full  weight, 
father.     (Aside.)  T  faith,  he  shall  never  this  day  outdo  me. 

Dem.  He's  bidding  in  vain ;  I  will  have  her ! 

Chab.  But  the  other  one  made  the  first  offer. 

Dem.  I  care  nothing  for  that.     Chab.  He  bids  fifty. 

Dem.  No,  a  hundred's  the  offer.  Can't  you  desist  from  bid- 
ding against  the  determination  of  my  mind.  I'  troth,  you'll  bo 
having  an  immense  profit,  in  such  a  way  is  this  old  gentleman 
for  whom  she's  being  purchased.  He's  not  in  his  senses  by 
reason  of  his  love ;  whatever  you  ask,  you'll  get. 

Chab.  I'  faith,  that  young  man,  for  whom  I'm  purchasing, 
is  assuredly  dying  with  distraction  for  love  of  her. 

*  T/ieie,  I  see  him)—Ver.  428  He  says  this  by  way  of  joking;,  just  for  the  mo- 
ment, in  order  to  withdraw  his  son's  notice  from  the  manifest  iniquity  of  whiclj 
he  is  guilty 


Sc.  TV.  THE  MERCHINT.  155 

Dem.  Troth,  very  mucli  more  so  is  that  old  gentleman,  if 
you  did  but  know  it. 

Chae.  I'  faith,  that  old  man  never  was  nor  ever  will  be 
more  distracted  with  love  than  that  young  man,  father,  to 
whom  I'm  lending  this  assistance. 

Dem.  Do  be  quiet,  I  tell  you ;  I'll  see  to  that  matter,  that 
it's  all  right.      Chae.  How  say  you ? 

Dem.  What  is  it  ?  Chae.  1  didn't  take  her  for  a  slave ; 
but  it  was  he  that  took  her  for  such. 

Dem.  Let  me  alone.  Chae.  By  law  you  cannot  pat  her 
up  for  sale. 

Dem.  I'll  somehow  see  to  that.  Chae.  And  then  besides, 
she's  the  common  property  of  myself  and  another  person  ; 
how  do  I  know  how  he's  disposed,  whether  he  does  wish  or 
doesn't  wish  to  sell  her  ? 

Dem.  I'm  sure  he  does  wish.  Chae.  But,  i'  faith,  I  believe 
that  there's  a  certain  person  who  doesn't  wish. 

Dem.  What  matters  that  to  me?  Chae.  Because  it's 
right  that  he  should  have  the  disposal  of  his  own  property. 

Dem.  What  is  it  you  say  ?  Chae.  She  is  the  common 
property  of  myself  and  another  person ;  he  isn't  here  at 
present. 

Dem.  You  are  answering  me  before  I  ask.  Chae.  Tou 
are  buyin-g,  father,  before  I  sell.  I  don't  know,  I  say,  whe- 
ther he  chooses  to  part  with  her  or  not. 

Dem.  But  if  she  is  purchased  for  that  certain  person  who 
gave  you  the  commission,  will  he  choose  it  then  ?  If  I  pur- 
chase  her  for  that  person  who  gave  me  the  commission,  w  ill 
he  then  not  choose  it  ?  Tou  avail  nothing.  Never,  on 
my  faith,  shall  any  person  have  her  in  preference  to  the 
person  that  I  wish.     That  I'm  resolved  upon. 

Chae.  Have  you  made  up  your  mind  that  it  is  resolved 
upon  ?  Dem.  Why,  I'm  going  hence  at  once  to  the  ship  \ 
there  she  shall  be  sold. 

Chae.  Do  you  wish  me  to  go  there  with  you  ? 

Dem.  I  don't  wish  you. 

Chae.  Tou  don't  choose  it,  t^en. 

Dem.  It's  better  for  you  to  give  your  earliest  attention  to 
the  business  which  you've  been  commissioned  upon. 

Chae.  Tou  are  hindering  me  from  doing  so. 

Dem.  Then  do  you  make  your  excuse  that  you  have  used 
aU  diligence.   Don't  you  ffotothe  harbour,  I  tell  you  that  now. 


154-  MERCATOE ;  Act.  II. 

Chab.  That  shall  oe  attended  to. 

Dem.  {aside).  I'll  be  oiF  to  the  harbour,  and  (I  have  need  of 
caution  lest  he  should  find  it  out)  I'll  not  buy  her  myself,  but 
commission  my  friend  Lysimachus ;  he  said  just  now  that  he 
was  going  to  the  harbour.  I'm  delaying  while  I'm  standing 
here.  (Exit. 

Scene  Y. — Charinus,  alone. 
Char,  (wringing  his  hands,  and  crying  aloud).  I'm  lost — 
I'm  undone.  They  say  that  the  Bacchanals  tore  Pentheus  to 
pieces^,  I  do  believe  that  that  was  the  merest  trifle  com- 
pared with  the  manner  in  which  I  am  rent  asunder  in  different 
ways.  Why  do  I  exist  ?  Why  don't  I  die  ?  What  good  is 
there  for  me  in  life  ?  I'm  determined,  I'll  go  to  a  doctor^, 
and  there  I'll  put  myself  to  death  by  poison,  since  that  is  being 
taken  from  me  for  the  sake  of  which  I  desire  to  remain  in 
existence.    (He  is  going  off.) 

Scene  VI. — Enter  Euttchus,j/^ow  the  house  q/*  Lysi- 
machus. 

EoT.  Stop,  prithee,  stop,  Charinus. 

Char,  (turning).  Who  is  it  that  calls  me  back  ? 

Etjt,  Eutychus,  your  friend  and  companion,  your  nearest 
neighbour  as  well.  Char.  You  don't  know^  what  a  vast 
weight  of  my  woes  I  am  enduring. 

EuT.  I  do  know.  I  listened  to  it  all  at  the  door :  I  know 
the  whole  matter. 

Char.  What  is  it  that  you  know?  Eut.  Your  father 
wishes  to  sell 

Char.  You  have  the  whole  matter. 

Eut.  — Your  mistress Char.  You  know  by  fur  too 

much. 

Eut.  — Against  your  wish.  Char.  You  know  everythmg. 
But  how  do  you  know  that  this  woman  is  my  mistress  ? 

*  Tore  Pentheus  to  pieces)— Yer.  462.  Pentheus,  king  of  Thebes,  was  torn  in 
pieces  by  his  mother  Agave,  and  the  other  Bacchanalian  women,  for  obstructing 
tlieir  celebration  of  the  orgies  of  Bacchus.  See  the  Metamorphoses  of  Ovid. 
B.  3,  I.  720. 

'  To  a  doctor) — Ver.  465  Colman  renders  "medicnm,"  "an  apothecary;" 
and  remarks,  that  the  passage  may  put  the  reader  in  mind  of  Shakspeare's  Romeo 
in  allusion  to  tlie  passage  commencing,  "  I  do  know  an  apothecary,"  &c 

»  Vou  don't  know) — Ver.  468.  The  note  of  interrogation  in  VVeise's  edition  at 
tbtt  end  of  these  words  seems  oui  of  place. 


Sc.  Yl  THE  MEECHANT.  155 

EuT.  You  yourself  told  me  yesterday.  Char.  Isn't  it  the 
fact  tliat  I  had  quite  forgotten  that  I  told  you  yesterday  ? 

EuT.  It's  not  surprising  it  is  so.  Char.  I  now  consult 
you.  Answer  rae ;  by  what  death  do  you  think  that  I  should 
die  in  preference  ? 

EuT,  "Won't  you  hold  your  peace  ?  Take  you  care  how 
you  say  that.      Char.  "Wiiat  then  do  you  wish  me  to  say  ? 

EuT.  Should  you  like  me  to  trick  your  father  nicely  ? 

Char.  I  really  should  like  it.  Eut.  Should  you  like  me 
to  walk  to  the  harbour 

Char.  What,  rather  than  that  you  should  fly  ? 

Eut.  And  release  the  fair  one  for  a  sum. 

Char.  AVhat,  rather  than  you  should  pay  her  weight  in 
gold  ?     Eut.  Whence  is  it  to  come  ? 

Char.  I'll  entreat  Achilles  to  lend  me  the  gold  with  which 
Hector  was  ransomed     Eut.  Are  you  in  your  senses  ? 

Char.  I'  faith,  if  I  were  in  my  senses,  I  shouldn't  be  seek- 
ing you  for  my  physician. 

Eut.  Do  you  wish  her  to  be  purchased  for  as  high  a  price 
as  he  asks  ? 

Char.  Throw  in  something  by  way  of  surplus;  even  a 
thousand  didrachms  more  than  he  shall  demand. 

Eut.  Now,  do  hold  your  peace.  But  what  say  you  as  to 
this  ?  Wlience  will  the  money  come,  for  you  to  give,  when 
your  father  asks  for  it  ? 

Char.  It  shall  be  found,  it  shall  be  sought  out,  something 
shall  be  done.  Eut.  You  are  worrying  me  to  death.  For 
I'm  afraid  of  that  "  Something  shall  be  done." 

Char.  Why  won't  you  hold  your  tongue  ? 

Eut.  You  give  your  commands  to  one  who  is  dumb. 

Char.  Is  this  matter  sufficiently  pointed  out  to  you  ? 

Eut.  Can't  you  possibly  be  attending  to  something  else  ? 

Char.  It  isn't  possible.  Eut.  {going).  Kindly  fare  you 
well. 

Char.  I'  faith,  I  cannot  ^are  well,  before  you  come  back 
to  me.     Eut.  To  better  purpose,  recover  your  senses. 

Char.  Farewell,  and  prevail,  and  be  my  preserver. 

Eut.  I'll  do  so.     Wait  for  me  at  home. 

Char.  Do  you  take  care,  then,  to  betake  yourself  back 
just  now  with  the  booty. 
iExit  EuTTCHUS,  aTjf/CHAEiNUS  goes  into  Demipho's  ious€. 


150  MKRCA-TOE ;  Act  III 

Act  III. — ScEN^E  I. 
Enter  Ltsimachus,  with  Pasicompsa,  weeping, 

Lts.  (to  himself).  I've  lent  my  assistance  to  my  friend  in 
.a  friendly  manner ;  this  piece  of  goods,  which  my  neighbour 
requested  me,  I've  purchased.  {Turning  to  Pasicompsa.) 
You  are  my  own ;  then  follow  me.  Don't  weep.  You  are 
acting  very  foolishly ;  spoiling  such  eyes.  Why,  really  you 
have  more  reason  to  laugh  than  to  be  crying. 

Pas.  In  the  name  of  heaven,  prithee,  my  good  old  gentle- 
man, do  tell  me 

Lts.  Ask  me  what  you  please. 

Pas.  "Why  have  you  bought  me  ? 

Lts.  What,  I,  hoiight  you  ?  For  you  to  do  what  you  are 
bidden;  in  like  manner  what  you  bid  me,  I'll  do. 

Pas.  I  am  determined,  to  the  best  of  my  ability  and  skill, 
to  do  what  I  shall  think  you  desire. 

Lts.  I  shall  bid  you  do  nothing  of  laborious  work. 

Pas.  Why,  really,  for  my  part,  my  good  old  gentleman,  I 
haven't  learnt,  i'  faith,  to  carry  burdens,  or  to  feed  cattle  at 
the  farm,  or  to  nurse  children. 

Lts.  If  you  choose  to  be  a  good  girl,  it  shall  be  well  for 
you.     Pas.  Then,  i'  faith,  to  my  sorrow,  I'm  undone. 

Lts.  Why  so  ?  Pas.  Because  in  the  place  from  which 
I  have  been  conveyed  hither,  it  used  to  be  well  with  the 
worthless^. 

Lts.  (aside).  By  my  troth,  her  talk  alone  is  worth  more 
than  the  sum  that  she  was  purchased  at.  (To  Pasicompsa.) 
As  though  you  would  say  that  no  woman  is  good. 

Pas.  Indeed  I  don't  say  so ;  nor  is  it  my  way,  to  say  a 
thing  which  I  believe  all  people  are  acquainted  with. 

Lts.  I  want  to  ask  this  one  thing  of  you. 

Pas.  I'll  answer  you  when  you  ask.  Lts.  What  say  you 
now  ?   What  am  I  to  say  your  name  is  ? 

Pas.  Pasicompsa.  Lts.  The  name  was  given  you  from 
your  good  looks^.  But  what  say  you,  Pasicompsa  ?  Can  you, 
if  occasion  should  arise,  spin  a  fine  woof  ? 

»  Wdl  with  the  worthless)— Yer.  504.  She  seems  to  mean  that  at  Rhodes, 
where  she  has  lately  come  from,  women  of  light  character  are  treated  better  than 
those  who  are  virtuous. 

2  From  your  good  looks) — Ver.  510.  Coming  from  two  Greek  words,  sig 
Djfying  "  all  graces,"  or  "  attractions," 


Sc.  1.  THE  mehchaxt.  157 

Pas.  I  can.  Lts.  If  you  know  how  to  do  a  fine  one, 
I'm  sure  you  can  spin  a  coarser  one. 

Pas.  Por  spinning,  I  fear  no  woman  that's  of  the  same 
age.  Lts.  Upon  my  faith,  I  take  it  that  you  are  good  and 
industrious,  since,  young  woman,  now  that  you  are  grown  up, 
you  know  how  to  do  your  duty. 

Pas.  I'  faith,  I  learned  it  from  a  skilful  mistress.  I  won't 
let  my  work  be  called  in  question. 

Lts.  Well,  thus  the  matter  stands,  i'  faith.  Look  noWf 
I'll  give  you  a  sheep  for  your  own,  one  sixty  years  old. 

Pas.  My  good  old  gentleman,  one  so  old  as  that  ? 

Lts.  It's  of  the  Grecian  breed.  If  you  take  care  of  it,  it 
is  a  very  good  one ;  it  is  shorn  very  easily. 

Pas.  Por  the  sake  of  the  compliment,  whatever  it  is  that 
shall  be  given  me,  I  shall  receive  it  with  thanks. 

Lts.  Now,  damsel,  that  you  mayn't  be  mistaken,  you 
are  not  mine ;  so  don't  think  it. 

Pas.  Prithee,  tell  me,  then,  whose  I  am  ? 

Lts.  You've  been  bought  back  for  your  own  master.  I've 
bought  you  hdicVfor  him}  ;  he  requested  me  to  do  so. 

Pas.  My  spirits  have  returned,  if  good  faith  is  kept  with 
me.  Lts.  Be  of  good  courage ;  this  person  will  give  you 
your  liberty..  I'  troth,  he  did  so  dote  upon  you  this  day  as 
soon  as  ever  he  had  seen  you. 

Pas.  I'  faith,  it's  now  two  years  since  he  commenced  his 
connexion  with  me.  Now,  as  I'm  sure  that  you  are  a 
friend  of  his,  I'll  disclose  it.  Lts.  How  say  you?  Is  it 
now  two  years  since  he  formed  the  connexion  with  you  ? 

Pas.  Certainly,  it  is ;  and  we  agreed,  on  oath,  between 
ourselves,  I  with  him,  and  he  with  me,  that  I  would  never 
have  intercourse  with  any  man  except  himself,  nor  he  with 
any  woman  except  myself. 

Lts.  Immortal  Gods !  Isn't  he  even  to  sleep  with  his  wife  ? 

Pas.  Prithee,  is  he  a  married  man  ?  He  neither  is  nor 
will  he  be.  Lts.  Indeed,  I  wish  he  wasn't.  I'  faith,  the 
fellow  has  been  committing  perjury. 

Pas.  No  young  man  do  I  more  ardently  love. 

Lts.  WThy,  really  he's  a  child,  you  simpleton ;  for,  in  fact, 
it's  not  so  very  long  a  time  since  his  teeth  fell  out. 

»  Back  for  him) — Ver.  523.  She  imagines  all  along  that  by  the  word  "master* 
DC  means  the  young  man  Charinus ;  whereas  Demipho  is  really  intended. 


158  MEECATOE ;  Act  III. 

Pas.  What  r  His  teeth  ?  Lts.  It's  no  matter  ?  1  ollo\v 
me  this  way,  please ;  he  requested  that  I  would  find  you 
room  for  one  day  in  my  house,  since  my  wife  is  away  in  the 
country.     {He  goes  into  his  house,  followed  hy  Pasicompsa.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Demipho. 
Dem.  {to  himself).  At  last  I've  managed  to  ruin  myself: 
a  mistress  has  been  purchased^or  me  without  the  knowledge 
of  my  wife  and  son.  I'm  resolved  on  it ;  I'll  have  recourse 
again  to  former  habits  and  enjoy  myself.  In  my  allotment  of 
existence^  almost  now  run  through,  the  little  that  there  re- 
mains of  life,  I'll  cheer  up  with  pleasure,  wine,  and  love.  Por 
it's  quite  proper  for  this  time  of  life  to  enjoy  itself  AVhen 
you  are  young,  then,  when  the  blood  is  fresh,  it's  right  to 
devote  your  exertions  to  acquiring  your  fortune  ;  and  then 
when  at  last,  you  are  an  old  man,  you  may  set  yourself  at 
your  ease ;  drink,  and  be  amorous ;  this,  the  fact  that  you 
are  living,  is  now  so  much  profit.  This,  as  I  say,  I'll  carry  out 
in  deed.  {Turning  to  his  hou^e.)  Meanwhile,  however,  I'll 
take  a  look  in-doors  here  at  my  house  ;  my  wife  has  been  some 
time  expecting  me  at  home  quite  hungry:  now,  she'll  be 
worrying  me  to  death  with  her  scolding,  if  I  go  in-doors. 
But,  in  fine,  whatever  comes  of  it,  i'  faith,  I'll  not  go,  but 
I'll  first  meet  this  neighbour  of  mine  before  I  return  home; 
I  want  him  to  hire  some  house  for  me,  where  this  damsel 
may  dwell.     And,  see,  he's  coming  out  of  doors. 

Scene  III. — Enter  LYSiMACHUs,/row  his  house. 

Lts.  {to  Pasicompsa,  w?tMm).  I'll  bring  him  to  you  directly, 
if  I  meet  him. 

Dem.  {behind).  He's  meaning  me. 

Lxs.  {turning  about).  How  say  you,  Demipho? 

Dem.  Is  the  damsel  at  your  house  ? 

Lys.  What  do  you  suppose  ? 

Dem.  What  if  I  go  see  her  ?    {Moves  towards  the  house.) 

Lts.  Why  making  such  baste  ?    Stay. 

Dem.  Wliat  am  I  to  do  ? 

Lts.  What  you  ougl  it  to  do ;  take  care  and  consider. 

Dem.  Consider  what  ?  Why  troth,  for  my  own  part,  3 
thmk  there's  need  for  my  :'oing  this,  going  in-doors  tliere^ 
1  mean^ 


Sc.  YV,  THE  MEECHANT.  159 

Lys.  AVhat,  is  it  so,  you  old  wether  ?  "Wouid  you  be 
going  in  ?     Dem.  "What  should  I  do  else  ? 

Lys.  First  listen  to  this,  and  attend ;  there's  something 
even  before  this  that  I  think  it  proper  you  should  do.  For 
if  you  now  go  in-doors  to  her,  you'll  be  wishing  to  em- 
brace her,  chatting  with  her,  and  kissing  her. 

Dem.  Eeally  you  know  my  feelings ;  you  understand  what 
1  would  be  at.      Lys.  You  will  be  doing  wrong. 

Dem.  What,  with  that  which  you  love  ? 

Lys.  So  much  the  less  reason.  Would  you,  full  of  hungri- 
ness,  with  a  foul  breath,  a  stinking  old  fellow,  be  kissing  a 
woman  ?  And  wouldn't  you,  as  you  approached,  be  setting  a 
female  vomiting  ? 

Dem.  I'  faith,  I'm  sure  that  you're  in  love,  as  you  point 
out  these  things  beforehand  to  me.  What  tlien,  if  I  give  a 
dinner  ?  If  you  approve  of  this,  let's  lay  hold  of  some  cook, 
who  may  be  cooking  away  a  meal^  here  at  your  house,  even 
until  the  evening. 

Lys.  Well,  I'm  of  that  way  of  thinking.  Now  you  are 
talking  w'sely,  and  like  a  lover. 

Dem.  Why  are  we  standing  here  ?  Why  then  don't  we  be 
off  and  procure  the  provisions,  that  we  may  be  comfortable  ? 

Lys.  For  my  part,  I'll  follow  you.  And,  i'  troth,  you'll  be 
finding  out  a  lodging  for  her,  if  you  are  prudent ;  for,  i'  faith, 
she  shan't  be  at  my  house  a  single  day  beyond  the  present ; 
I'm  afraid  of  my  wife,  lest,  if  she  should  return  from  the 
country  to-morrow,  she'll  be  finding  her  here.        {Exeimt. 

Scene  IV. — Enter  Charinus,^o;w  Demipho's  liouse. 

Chae.  (to  himself).  Am  I  not  a  wretched  mortal,  who  can 
rest  quietly  nowhere ?  If  I'm  at  home,  my  mind's  abroad; 
but  if  I'm  abroad,  my  mind's  at  home.  To  such  a  degree 
has  love  kindled  a  flame  in  my  breast  and  in  my  heart ;  did 
not  the  tears  fall  from  my  eyes,  why  then,  1  doubt,  my  head 
would  be  on  fire.  I  cling  to  hope  ;  safety  I've  lost ;  whether 
she'll  return  or  no,  I  know  not.  If  my  father  seizes  her^  as 
he  has  said,  then  my  welfare  is  gone  in  exile ;  but  if  my 
companion  has  done  what  he  promised,  then  my  welfare  has 
not  departed.  But  still,  even  if  Eutychus  had  had  gouty 
feet,  he  could  have  been  back  from  the  harbour  by  this.     This 

'  Cooking  away  a  meal) — Ver.  673.  "  Prandmm  "  here  does  not  mean  tli^ 
Oiornmg  meai,  similar  to  our  breakfast,  but  a  "  fcjtst"  or  "  banquet    in  general 


160  MEiicArOR;  Act  111. 

is  a  very  great  fault  of  his,  that  he  is  too  slow,  against  the 
wishes  of  my  feelings.  But  (looking  towards  the  side)  isn't 
this  lie  whom  I  espy  running  P  'Tis  he  himself;  I'll  go  meet 
him.  {Olasps  his  hand^s.)  Thou  who  art  the  overlooker  of 
Gods  and  of  men  and  the  mistress  of  mortals  as  well,  inas- 
much as  thou  hast  indulged  me  in  this  hope  that  I  enter- 
tained, I  do  return  thee  thanks.  Does  any  hope  remain? 
Alas!  I'm  utterly  undone.  His  countenance  by  no  means 
pleases  me !  He  moves  along  in  sadness.  My  breast  bums. 
I  am  in  doubt.     He  shakes  his  head.    Eutychus ! 

Scene  Y. — Enter  Eutychus. 

EuT.  Alas!  Charinus.     {He pants.) 

Chae.  Before  you  take  breath,  in  one  word,  speak  out. 
W^here  am  I  ?     Here,  or  among  the  dead  ? 

EuT.  You  are  neither  among  the  dead  nor  here. 

Char.  I'm  saved,  immortaKty  has  been  vouchsafed  me — ■ 
he  has  purchased  her.  He  has  nicely  tricked  my  father. 
There's  no  one  living  more  clever  at  gaining  his  purpose. 
Prithee,  do  tell  me ;  if  I'm  neither  here  nor  at  Acheron, 
where  am  I  ? 

EuT.  Nowhere  in  the  world.  Chae.  I'm  utterly  undone! 
That  speech  has  just  put  an  end  to  me  here.  Whatever  it 
is,  do  come  to  the  material  points  of  the  matter. 

EuT.  Eirst  of  all,  we  are  ruined. 

Char.  But  why  don't  you  in  preference  tell  me  that 
which  I  don't  know  ?  It  is  an  annoying  way  of  speaking, 
when  you  should  despatch  the  business,  to  be  beating  about 
the  bush^. 

EuT.  The  damsel  has  been  taken  away  from  you. 

Char.  Eutychus,  you  are  guilty  of  a  capital  offence. 

EuT.  How  so?  Char.  Because  you  are  killing  your 
year's-mate  and  friend,  a  free  citizen. 

EuT.  May  the  Gods  forbid  it !  Char.  You've  thrust  a 
sword  into  my  throat ;  this  moment  I  shall  fall. 

EuT.  Troth  now,  prithee,  don't  be  desponding  in  mind. 

Char.  I  have  none  to  be  desponding  in.  Tell  on,  then,  the 
rest  of  your  bad  news ;  for  whom  has  she  been  purchased  ? 

EuT.  i  don't  know.  She  had  been  already  knocked  down 
to  the  bidder  and  taken  off  5y  him,  when  I  got  to  the  harbour. 

•  To  be  beating  about  the  hush) — ^Ver.  606    "  Longinquum  lOQ^*    Iii'wrallv 

to  be  talking  at  a  distance." 


SC.    V.  THE   MERCHANT.  161 

ChjlB.  Ah  me !  Already,  indeed,  have  you  heaped  bum- 
hig  mountains  of  woe  upon  me.  Proceed,  executioner,  tor- 
ment me  on,  since  y^^u  have  once  begun. 

EuT.  This  is  not  more  a  cause  of  anguish  to  yourself,  than 
it  has  proved  to  me  this  day. 

Chab.  Tell  me,  \vho  bought  her ? 

EuT.  I'  faith,  I  do  not  know. 

Chae.  Well,  is  this  a  good  friend  giving  one  his  aid  ? 

EuT.  What  would  you  have  me  do  ? 

Chae.  The  same  that  you  see  me  doing,  die  with  grief. 
But  did  you  m.ake  enquiry,  what  was  the  appearance  of  the 
person  that  had  bought  her?  Perhaps  the  damsel  might 
have  been  traced  out  by  that  means. 

EuT.  Ah !  wretch  that  I  am Chae.  Do  cease  lament* 

ing ;  attend  to  that  which  you  are  now  about. 

EuT.  What  have  I  done  ?  Chae.  Proved  the  destruction 
of  myself,  and  with  myself  of  your  own  word. 

EuT.  The  Gods  know  that  that  is  not  any  fault  of  mine. 

Chae.  A  fine  thing,  indeed !  You  mention  the  G  ods,  who 
are  absent,  as  witnesses ;  how  am  I  to  believe  you  in  that  ? 

EuT.  Why,  it  rests  with  your  own  self  what  to  believe ; 
with  myself,  what  to  say,  that  rests  with  me. 

Chae.  On  that  point  you  are  ready,  so  as  to  give  answer  like 
for  like ;  hut  as  to  what  you  are  requested,  you  are  lame,  blind, 
dumb,  defective,  and  weak.  You  promised  that  you  would 
trick  my  father ;  I  myself  supposed  that  I  was  entrusting  the 
matter  to  a  skilful  person,  and\  entrusted  it  to  an  utter  stone. 

EuT.  What  could  I  do  ? 

Chae.  What  could  you  do,  do  you  ask  me  ?  You  should 
have  enquired,  and  asked  who  he  was  or  whence  he  was,  of 
what  lineage ;  whether  he  was  a  citizen  or  a  foreigner 

EuT.  They  said  that  he  was  a  citizen  of  Attica. 

Chae.  At  least,  you  should  have  found  out  where  he  livei, 
if  you  couldn't  the  name. 

EuT.  No  person  was  able  to  say  he  knew. 

Chae.  But  at  least  you  shoidd  have  enquired  what  was  tlie 
appearance  of  the  man.      Eut.  I  did  do  so. 

Chae.  Of  what  figure,  then,  did  they  say  he  was  ? 

Eut.  I'll  tell  you :  grey-headed,  bandy-legged,  pot-bellied, 
wide-mouthed,  of  stunted  figure,  with  darkish  eyes,  lank  jaws, 
eplay-footed  rather. 

TOL.  II.  M 


162  MERCATOH  j  Acl  IL:. 

Chae.  You  are  mentioning  to  me  not  a  human  being,  but 
a  whole  storehouse,  I  don't  know  what,  of  deformities.  Is 
there  anything  else  that  you  can  tell  about  him  ? 

EuT.  It  is  just  as  much  as  I  know. 

Chab.  I'  troth,  for  sure,  with  his  lank  jaws  he  has  caused 
my  jaw  to  drop^.  I  cannot  endure  it ;  I'm  determined  that 
I'll  go  hence  in  exile.  But  what  state  in  especial  to  repair 
to,  I'm  in  doubt ;  Megara,  Eretria,  Corinth,  Chalcis,  Crete, 
Cyprus,  Sicyon,  Cnidos,  Zacynthus,  Lesbos,  or  Boeotia. 

EuT.  Why  are  you  adopting  that  design  ? 

Chab.  "Why,  because  love  is  tormenting  me. 

EuT.  What  say  you  as  to  this  ?  Suppose,  if  when  you  have 
arrived  there,  whither  you  are  now  intending  to  go,  you  begin 
there  to  fall  desperately  in  love,  and  there,  too,  you  fail  of 
success,  then  you'll  be  taking  flight  from  there  as  well,  and 
after  that,  again,  from  another  place,  if  the  same  shall  happen, 
what  bounds,  pray,  will  be  set  to  your  exile,  what  limits  to 
your  flight  ?  What  country  or  home  can  possibly  be  certain 
for  you  ?  Tell  me  that.  Say  now,  if  you  leave  this  city,  do 
you  fancy  that  you'll  leave  your  love  here  behind  ?  If  it  is 
so  fully  taken  as  certain  in  your  mind  that  so  it  will  be,  if 
you  hold  that  as  a  jpoint  resolved  upon,  how  much  better  is  it 
for  you  to  go  away  somewhere  in  the  country,  to  be  there,  to 
live  there,  until  the  time  when  desire  for  her  and  passion 
have  set  you  at  liberty  ? 

Chab.  Have  you  now  said  your  say  ? 

EuT.  I  have  said  it.  Chab.  You  have  said  it  to  no  pur- 
pose ;  this  is  my  fuU  determination.  I'U  be  off"  home,  to  pay 
my  duty  to  my  father  and  my  mother  ;  after  that,  unknown 
to  my  father,  I'll  fly  from  this  country,  or  adopt  some  other 
plan.     {Goes into  Demipho's  house.) 

Scene  YI. — Eutychus,  alone. 

EuT.  {to  himself).  How  suddenly  he  has  taken  himself  off 
and  gone  away.  Ah  !  wretch  that  I  am  !  if  he  goes  away,  all 
will  say  that  it  has  happened  through  my  remissness.  I'm 
determined  at  once  to  order  as  many  criers  as  possible  to  be 

»  He  has  caused  my  jaw  to  drop) — ^Ver.  639.  Literally,  "  he  has  given  me  a  great 
evil."  He  puns  upon  the  resemblance  ef  the  words  "  malum,"  aa  "  evil,"  a&d 
"mala,"  the  "jaw." 


Act  IV.  THE  MERCHANT.  1G3 

hired  to  search  for  her  to  find  her ;  after  that,  I'll  go  to  the 
Praetor  forthwith,  and  beg  him  to  give  me  search-warrant 
officers  in  all  the  quarters  of  the  city  ;  for  I  find  that  nothing 
else  whatever  is  now  left  for  me  to  do.  {Exit. 


Act  IY. — Sceke  T. 

Enter  Doeippa. 

Doe.  (to  herself).  Since  a  messenger  came  to  me  in  the 
country  from  my  husband,  that  he  couldn't  come  into  the 
country,  I  made  up  my  mind,  and  came  back  to  follow  after 
him  who  fled  from  me.  But  {looking  round)  I  don't  see 
our  old  woman  Syra  following.  Aye,  look,  there  she  comes 
at  last. 

Enter  Stea,  with  a  bundle  of  green  sprigs. 

Doe.  "Why  don't  you  go  quicker  ?  Ste,  By  my  troth,  I 
cannot ;  so  great  is  this  burden  that  I'm  carrying. 

Doe.  What  burden  ?  Ste.  Fourscore  years  and  four,  and 
to  that  are  added  servitude,  sweat,  and  thirst ;  these  things 
as  well  which  I  am  carrying  weigh  me  down. 

Doe.  Grive  me  something,  Syra,  with  which  to  decorate  this 
altar  of  our  neighbour^. 

Sye.  {holding  out  a  sprig).  Present  this  sprig  of  laurel, 
then.     Doe.  Now  do  you  go  into  the  house. 

Ste.  I'm  going.     {Goes into  the  house  of  JjY^iyLKCKJ]^.) 

Doe.  {laying  the  sprig  on  the  altar).  ApoUo,  I  pray  thee 
that  thou  wilt  propitiously  grant  peace,  safety,  and  health, 
unto  our  household,  and  that  in  thy  propitiousness  thou  wilt 
show  favour  to  my  son. 

Stea  rushes  out  of  the  house ^  clapping  her  hands. 

Ste.  I'm  utterly  undone  !  "Wretch  that  I  am,  I'm  ruined ! 
Ah !  wretched  me !  Doe.  Prithee,  are  you  quite  in  your 
senses  ?     What  are  you  howling  for  ? 

Ste.  Dorippa,  my  dear  Dorippa !  Doe.  Prithee,  why  are 
you  crying  out  ? 

'  AUar  of  our  neighbour) — Ver.  672.  She  alludes  to  Apollo  Prostaiwius:  a- 
altar  or  statue  to  whom  was  placed  near  the  doors  of  most  of  the  hccuje* 
Athens ;  see  the  Notes  to  the  Bacchides. 

m2 


164  MEacATOfi ;  Act  IV. 

Sye.  Some  woman,  I  know  not  who,  la  here  in-doors  in  the 
house. 

Doe.  "What  ?    A  woman  ?      Str.   A.  harlot  woman. 

Doe.  Is  it  so,  really  ?  Sye.  In  serious  truth.  You  know 
how  to  act  very  prudently,  in  not  remainin{T;  in  the  country. 
A  fool  even  could  have  found  it  out  that  she  waa  the  mistress 
of  your  very  pretty  husband. 

Doe.  By  heavens,  I  believe  it. 

Sye.  {taking  her  arm) .  Step  this  way  with  me,  that  you, 
my  Juno,  may  see  as  well  your  rival  Alcmena. 

Doe.  I'  troth,  I  certainly  shaU  go  there,  as  fast  as  I  can. 
{They go  into  the  house  (?/'Ltsimachus.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Ltsimachus. 
Lys.  (to  himself).  Is  this  too  little  of  a  misfortune  that 
Demipho's  in  love,  that  he  must  be  extravagant  as  well  ?  If  he 
had  been  inviting  ten  men  of  highest  rank  to  dinner,  he  has 
provided  too  much.  But  the  cooks  he  directed  in  such  a  way 
just  as  at  sea  the  time-keeper^  is  wont  to  direct  the  rowers. 
I  hired  a  Cook  myself,  but  I'm  surprised  that  he  hasn't  come 
as  I  directed  him.  But  who's  this,  I  wonder,  that's  coming 
out  of  my  house  ?     The  door's  opening.     {He  stands  asideJ) 

Scene  III. — JEnter  DoEipPA,^om  the  Ao^^e  q/*  Lysimachus. 

Doe.  {weeping).  No  woman  ez/'er  will  be,  or  ever  has  been, 
more  vn-etched  than  myself  in  being  married  to  such  a  hus- 
band. Alas !  imhappy  that  I  am !  Just  see,  to  what  a  husband 
have  you  committed  yourself  and  the  property  you  have! 
Just  see,  to  what  a  person  I  brought  ten  talents  for  a  portion ; 
that  I  should  see  these  things,  that  I  should  endure  these 
insults. 

Lys.  {behind).  V  troth,  I'm  undone;  my  wife's  returned 
from  the  country  already.  I  do  believe  she  has  seen  the 
damsel  in  the  house.  But  what  she  says  I  cannot  distinctly 
ear  from  hence  ;  I'll  go  nearer  to  her.    {Approaches  her.) 

Doe.  Ah !  woe  to  wTetched  me  ! 

Lys.  {behind).  Aye,  and  to  me  as  well. 

'  The  time-Tceeper) — Ver.  692.  The  time  wj3  given  to  the  rowers  by  the 
♦*  pausarius,"  who  is  here  called  "  hortator."  The  directions  he  gave  were  called 
'  celeusma,"  from  the  Greek  Ke\eva),  "  to  order."  Lysimachus  probably  mean* 
that  Demipho  has  hired  whole  ranks  of  them 


Sc.  III.  THE  MERCHANT.  165 

Doe.  I'm  utterly  undone ! 

Lts.  (behind).  As  for  me,  i'  faith,  to  my  sorrow  I'm  down- 
right undone!  she  has  seen  her.  May  all  the  Grods  con* 
found  you,  Demipho ! 

Doe.  I'  troth,  this  was  it,  why  my  husband  wouldn't  go 
into  the  country. 

Lys.  (behind).  "What  shall  I  do  now,  but  go  up  and  speak 
to  her  ?     (Goes  up  to  her.)     The  husband  bids  health  to  his^ 
wife.     Are  the  country  people^  becoming  townsfolk  ? 

Dor.  They  are  acting  more  decently  than  those  who  arj 
not  become  country  people. 

Lts.  Are  the  people  in  the  country  at  all  in  fault  ? 

Doe.  I'  faith,  less  so  than  the  townsfolk,  and  much  less 
mischief  do  they  meet  with  for  themselves. 

Lys.  But  in  what  have  the  townsfolk  done  wrong  ?  Tell 
me  that.     Doe.  Whose  woman  is  that  in  the  house  ? 

Lts.  What,  have  you  seen  her  ? 

Doe.  I  have  seen  her.     Lys.  Whose  is  she,  do  you  ask  ? 

Doe.  I  shall  find  out,  in  spite  of  you ;  i'  faith,  I  long  to 
know.     But  you  are  trying  me  on  purpose. 

Lys.  Do  you  wish  me  to  tell  you  whose  she  is  ?  She,  she 

(Aside.)  Ah  me !  upon  my  faith,  I  don't  know  what  to  say. 

Doe.  Do  you  hesitate  ? 

Lys.  (aside).  I  never  saw  one  who  did  it  more. 

Doe.  But  why  don't  you  tell  me  ? 

Lys.  Nay,  but  if  I  may Doe.  Tou  ought  to  teU  me. 

Lys.  I  cannot,  you  hurry  me  so ;  you  press  me  as  though 

were  guilty. 

Doe.  (ironically).  I  know  you  are  free  from  all  guilt. 

Lys.  Speak  out  as  boldly  as  ^''ou  please. 

Doe.  Tell  me,  then.     Lys.  1,  tell  you  ? 

Doe.  Why,  it  must  be  told,  in  spite  of  everything. 

Lys.  She  is Do  you  wish  me  tell  her  name  as  well  ? 

Doe.  You  are  trifling.  I've  caught  you  in  the  fact ;  yoy 
are  guilty. 

Lys.  G-uilty  of  what?     If  now  I  had  no  occasion /b/ 

•  Are  the  country  people) — ^Ver.  710.  There  has  been  much  discussion  as  to  the 
meauing  of  this  passage ;  it  seems,  however,  pretty  clear  that  it  is  only  an  in- 
direct way  of  asking  Dorippa  why  she  has  so  suddenly  left  the  country  for  town. 
Caiman  thinks,  with  some  of  the  older  Commentators,  that  Dorippa  pouts,  and 
mal-es  no  return  to  her  husband's  salutation,  on  which  he  fibserves  that  the  town 
gentry  are  grown  as  unmannerly  as  the  country  bumpkins.  TJie  context  will 
admit  oi  this  explanation,  but  it  iseems  rather  far-fetc)i*d. 


166  MEECATOB  ;  Act  IV. 

silence,  now  I  shouldn't  tell  you^.  Wliy,  this  same  woman 
is 

Dob.  Who  is  she  ?    Lts.  She 

Dor.  Marry,  come  up  !  don't  you  know  who  she  is  ? 

Lys.  Why,  yes,  I  do  know.  I've  been  chosen  as  an  arbi- 
trator with  respect  to  her.  Dob.  An  arbitrator  ?  Now  I 
know  ;  you  have  invited  her  here  to  consult  with  you. 

Lts.  Why  no ;  she  has  been  given  me  as  a  deposit. 

Dor.  (ironically).  I  understand. 

Lys.  By  my  troth,  it's  not  anything  of  that  sort. 

Dor.  You  are  clearing  yourself  too  soon^. 

Lys.  {aside).  Too  much  of  a  business  have  I  met  with ; 
really  I'm  stuck  fast. 

Scene  IV. — Enter  a  Cook,  at  a  distance^  with  Scullions 
and  provisions. 

Cook.  Make  haste,  get  quickly  on,  for  I've  got  to  cook  a 
dinner  for  an  old  gentleman  in  love.  And,  in  fact,  when  I 
think  of  it  again,  it's  to  be  cooked  for  ourselves,  not  him  for 
whom  we've  been  hired :  for  a  person  that's  in  love,  if  he  has 
that  with  which  he  is  in  love,  he  esteems  that  as  food,  to  see 
her,  embrace  her,  kiss  her,  chat  with  her ;  but  we,  I  trust, 
shall  return  well  laden  home.  Step  this  way.  But  see,  here's 
the  old  gentleman  that  hired  us. 

Lys.  (aside).  Why,  look!  I'm  undone  !  here's  the  Cook. 

Cook  (going  up  to  Lysimachus).  We  are  come. 

Lys.  Be  off!     Cook.  How,  be  off? 

Lys.  (in  a  low  voice).  Hush  !     Be  off! 

Cook.  What,  I,  be  off  ?     Lys.  Be  off,  I  say. 

Cook.  Are  you  not  going  to  have  a  dinner  ? 

Lys.  We  are  full  already. 

Dor.  But Lys.  (aside).  I'm  utterly  undone. 

Dor.  What  say  you  ?  Have  those  persons  ordered  thc-se 
things  to  be  brought  to  you  as  well,  between  whom  you  were 
appointed  arbitrator  ? 

»  /  shouldn't  tell  you) — Ver.  726.  This  he  says,  in  his  confusion,  by  mistake 
for  "  I  should  tell  you." 

2  Clearing  yourself  too  soon) — Ver.  732.  "  Numero."  Eost  thinks  that  this 
means  "  you  have  quite,"  or  "  satisfactorily  cleared  yourself,"  Dorippa,  cf  course, 
saying  so  in  an  ironical  manner.  She  seems,  however,  rather  to  allude  to  hia 
defending  himself  before  he  is  accused.  Lysimachus  pretends  that  some  persons 
h;Hve  disputed  the  possession  of  Pasicompsa.  and  that  she  has  been  left  in  hif 
hands  by  mulual  consent,  till  he  lias  given  ^lis  decision. 


Sc.  IV.  THE  MERCHANT.  167 

Cook.  Is  this  person  {pointing  to  Dorippa)  your  mis- 
tress, whom  a  little  time  since  you  told  me  you  were  in  love 
with,  when  you  were  buying  the  provisions  ? 

Lys.  Won't  you  hold  your  tongue  ?  Cook.  A  very  pretty 
figure  of  a  woman  !     I'  faith,  she  does  love  a  sweetheart. 

Lys.  Won't  you  be  off  to  perdition  ? 

Cook.  She's  not  amiss.     Lys.  But  you  are  amiss. 

Cook.  I'  troth,  I  do  fancy  she's  a  nice  bed-fellow. 

Lys.  Won't  you  be  off  ?  I'm  not  the  person  that  hired 
you  just  now. 

Cook.  How's  that  ?  Nay  but,  upon  my  faith,  you  are 
that  very  man.     Lys.  {aside).  Alas !  wretch  that  I  am ! 

Cook.  Your  wife's  in  the  country,  I  suppose,  whom  you 
were  saying  a  little  time  ago  you  hated  full  as  much  as  vipers. 

Lys.  I,  said  that  to  you  ? 

Cook.  Aye,  to  me,  upon  my  faith. 

Lys.  So  may  Jupiter  love  me,  wife,  I  never  did  say  that. 

Dob.  Do  you  deny  that  as  well  ? 

Cook  {to  Dorippa).  He  didn't  say  he  hated  you,  but  his 
wife.     Dor.  This  is  made  clear,  that  you  detest  me. 

Lys.  But  I  deny  it. 

Cook.  And  he  said  that  his  wife  was  in  the  country. 

Lys.  {pointing  to  Dorippa).  This  is  she.  Why  are  you 
annoying  me  ?  Cook.  Because  you  say  that  you  don't  know 
me.     Are  you  afraid  of  her  ? 

Lys.  I'm  wise  in  being  so ;  for  she's  my  only  companion. 

Cook.  Do  you  wish  to  use  my  services  ? 

Lys.  I  don't  wish.     Cook.  Give  me  my  pay. 

Lys.  Ask  for  it  to-morrow  ;  it  shall  be  given  you  ;  for  the 
present,  be  off.  {Aside.)  Alas,  wretch  that  I  am !  I  now 
find  that  that  old  saying  is  a  true  one,  that  some  bad  comes 
through  a  bad  neighbour. 

Cook  {to  the  Scullions).  Why  are  we  standing  here  ? 

Lys.  Why  don't  you  be  gone  ? 

Cook  {aside  to  Lysimachtjs).  If  any  inconvenience  hap- 
pens to  you,  that's  not  my  fault. 

Lys.  {aside  to  the  Cook).  Why,  you  are  utterly  ruining 
wretched  me 

Cook  {aside  to  Lysimachtjs).  I  understand  now  what  you 
want.     You  mean,  you  wish  me  to  go  away  from  here. 

Lts.  {aside  to  the  Cook).  I  do  wish  it,  I  say. 


168  MEBCATOB ;  Act  IV. 

Cook  (aside  to  Lysimachits).  I'll  be  off.  Pay  me  a 
drachma.     Lts,  (aside  to  the  Cook).  It  shall  be  paid. 

Cook  {aside  to  Ltsimachus).  Then  order  it  to  be  paid 
me,  please.  It  can  he  paid  in  the  meantime,  while  they  are 
putting  down  the  provisions. 

Lts.  (aside  to  the  Cook).  Why  don't  you  be  off?  Can't  you 
cease  being  troublesome  ?     {Slips  the  money  into  his  hand?) 

Cook  {to  the  Scullions).  Come,  do  you  set  down  those 
provisions  before  the  feet  of  that  old  gentleman.  These 
baskets  I'll  order  to  be  fetched  from  your  house  either  by* 
ind-by  or  else  to-morrow.  {To  the  Sctjllions.)  Do  you 
follow  me.     {Exeunt,  having  set  down  the  provisions.) 

Scene  V. — Ltsimachtjs,  Dokippa,  Stba. 

Lts.  Perhaps  you  are  surprised  at  that  Cook,  that  he  came 
and  brought  these  things.     I'll  tell  you  why  it  is. 

Doe.  I'm  not  surprised  if  you  do  anything  wrongful  or 
criminal ;  and,  by  heavens,  I'll  not  put  up  with  it,  that  I 
am  married  thus  unfortunately,  and  that  harlots  are  brought 
into  my  house  in  this  way.  Syra,  go  ask  my  father,  in  my 
name,  to  come  here  directly  together  with  vou. 

Stb.  I'll  go. 

Lts.  Prithee,  wife,  you  don't  know  what  the  matter  is.  In 
set  form  now  will  I  make  oath,  that  I  have  never  had  any- 
thing to  do  with  her.  {Exit  Stra.)  What,  is  Syra  gone  now  ? 
By  heaven,  I'm  undone  !     (Dorippa  goes  into  the  house.) 

Scene  VT. — Lysimachits,  alone. 
Lys.  {to  himself ).  But,  see,  she's  off  as  well!  Woe  to 
wretched  me  !  Then,  neighbour  Demipho,  may  the  Grods  and 
Goddesses  confound  you,  together  with  your  mistress  and 
your  intriguings!  He  has  most  unjustly  loaded  me  with 
suspicions ;  he  has  stirred  up  enemies  against  me.  At 
}iome  my  wife  is  most  infuriated.  I'll  be  off  to  the  Eorum, 
and  tell  this  to  Demipho,  that  I'll  drag  this  woman  by  the 
hair  into  the  street,  unless  he  takes  her  hence  out  of  this 
house  wherever  he  chooses.  {Goes  to  the  door  and  calls.) 
Hark  you  !  wife,  wife !  although  you're  angry  at  me,  you'll 
order,  if  you  are  wise,  these  things  to  be  carried  hence  in- 
doors. We  shall  be  able  by-aud-by  to  dine  aU  the  better 
upon  the  same. 


8c.  yil.  THE  MERCHANT.  1G9 

Scene  VII. — Enter  Stba  and  Euttchtts,  at  a  distance,  on 

opposite  sides. 

Syr.  {to  herself).  "Whither  my  mistress  sent  me,  to  her 

father ,  he's  not  at  home ;  thej  said  that  he  has  gone  olf 

into  the  country.  Now,  I'll  take  home  this  answer.  1'  faith, 
the  women  do  live  upon  hard  terms,  and,  wretched  creatures, 
on  much  more  unjust  ones  than  the  men.  For  if  a  husband  has 
been  keeping  a  mistress  without  the  knowledge  of  his  wife,  if 
the  wife  comes  to  know  it,  the  husband  gets  off  with  impunity; 
if,  luiknown  to  the  husband,  the  wife  goes  from  the  house 
out  of  doors,  a  pretext  arises  for  the  husband,  the  marriage 
is  dissolved^.  I  wish  the  law  was  the  same  for  the  husband 
as  for  the  wife ;  for  the  wife  that  is  a  good  one,  is  content 
with  one  husband;  why,  any  the  less,  should  the  husband 
be  content  with  one  wife  ?  By  my  troth,  I'd  give  cause,  if 
men  were  punished  in  the  same  way  (if  any  one  should  be 
keeping  a  mistress  unknown  to  his  wife),  as  those  women  are 
repudiated  who  are  guilty  of  a  slip,  that  there  should  be  more 
divorced  men  than  there  are  women  now. 

EuT.  (to  himself,  apart).  I'm  quite  tired  wdth  hunting  the 
whole  city  through ;  I  find  nothing  whatever  about  this 
woman.  But  my  mother  has  returned  from  the  country ; 
for  I  see  Syra  standing  before  the  house.     Syra ! 

Ste.  "Who  is  it  tliat's  calling  me  ? 

EuT.  'Tis  I,  your  master  and  foster-child. 

Sye.  {turning  round).  Save  you,  my  foster-child.  Erx.  Has 
my  mother  returned  from  the  country  then  ?     Answer  me. 

Sye.  Aye,  for  her  own  especial  sake  and  that  of  the  family. 

EuT.  What  is  it  that's  the  matter  ? 

Sye.  That  very  pretty  father  of  yours  has  brought  a  mis- 
tress into  the  house. 

EuT.  How  say  you  ?  Sye.  Tour  mother,  on  arriving  from 
the  country,  found  her  at  home. 

EuT.  By  my  troth,  I  didn't  think  my  father  was  a  person 
■for  those  practices.     Is  the  woman  now  even  still  in-doors  ? 

Sye.  Even  still. 

EuT.  Do  you  follow  me.     (^He  goes  into  the  house  o/'Lysi- 

MACHUS.) 

1  The  marriage  is  dissolved) — ^Yer.  803.  She  alludes  to  the  facility  with  wliich 
at  Rome,  where  the  Play  was  performed,  wives  were  divorced  oa  the  tnereat 
suspicion  of  infidelity. 


170  MERCATOE ;  Act  IV. 

[Syr.  (to  herself).  How  now^  ?  Do  I  see  Peristrata  here, 
the  wife  of  Deraipho  ?  She  quickens  her  pace ;  she  glances 
about  with  her  eyes ;  she  turns  herself  round ;  she  inclines  her 
neck  on  one  side.  I'll  observe  from  here  what  matter  she's 
about;  it's  something  of  importance,  whatever  scent  she's 
upon.     (Stands  aside.) 

Scene  YIII. — Miter  Peristrata  and  IjYcisba,  from  the 
house  o/Demipho. 

Per.  The  Groddess  Astarte^  is  the  might  of  mortals  and  of 
the  Gods,  their  life,  their  health ;  she,  the  same,  who  is  like- 
wise their  death,  destruction,  downfall,  the  seas,  the  earth, 
the  heaven,  and  the  stars.  "Whatever  Temples  of  Jove  we 
^inhabit,  they  are  guided  by  her  nod ;  her  do  they  obey ;  to  her 
do  they  pay  regard ;  what  displeases  her,  the  other  Deities 
do  quickly  put  aside.  Whatever  pleases  her,  that,  all  things, 
which  live  and  have  sense,  do  pursue.  Some  she  tortures, 
destroys ;  others,  with  her  own  milk  does  she  nourish  and 
raise  aloft;  but  those  whom  she  tortures,  they  live  and 
enjoy  their  senses;  those  whom  she  hastens  to  rear  and 
raise  aloft,  these  last  indeed  do  perish  forthwith,  and  to 
their  sorrow  use  their  senses.  Then,  well-wishers,  they  lie 
prostrate,  objects  of  dislike  they  bite  the  ground,  grovel 
upon  their  faces,  roar  out,  and  make  a  riot ;  and  when  they 
think  they  live,  then  in  especial  do  they  rush  on  to  ruin,  then, 
then  do  they  show  eagerness  in  the  pursuit  of  the  object 
beloved;  young  men  stumble,  aged  men  likewise  are  led  away. 
They  love  themselves  ;  the  object  which  they  love,  they  wish  to 
be  loved  and  known.  But  if  at  that  age  they  begin  to  fall 
in  love,  much  more  grievous  is  their  madness.     But  if  they 

'  How  now  f) — Ver.  823.  From  the  commencement  of  tliis  line  to  the  end  ot 
1.  909,  is  generally  considered  to  be  spurious ;  probably  it  is  the  work  of  some  zealous 
critic  of  the  middle  ages,  who  fondly  thought  to  improve  the  Play  as  it  stood* 
He  introduces  Peristrata  as  complaining  of  the  conduct  of  her  husband,  in  de- 
priving her  son  of  his  mistress,  but  never  suspecting  what  is  the  true  state  of  the 
case ;  an  opportunity  for  a  Comic  dilemma,  which  Plautus  himself,  had  he  in- 
tended to  introduce  the  character,  would  probably  not  have  neglected. 

"  The  Goddess  Astarte)—VeT.  826.  Astarte.  The  author  seems  to  allude  to 
Venus  under  this  name.  Cicero  tells  us  that  Astarte  was  the  Syrian  Venus. 
This  soliloquy  of  Peristrata  is  very  obscure  and  confused,  and  coucned  in  most 
erahlu'd  language,  bit  her  intention  seems  to  be  to  descaut  upon  the  supremt 
sway  of  love. 


Sc.  IX.  THE  MERCHANT.  171 

do  not  love,  then  they  hate,  they  are  morose,  too,  and  way- 
ward; tattlers,  haters,  ill-disposed,  passionate,  envious  for 
themselves  and  theirs.  What  they  have  formerly  been  shame- 
lessly guilty  of  themselves,  if  it  is  done  in  a  more  quiet 
way,  Withers  do  not  tolerate  as  they  ought  to  do ;  but  they 
proclaim  it,  and  indecently  cry  it  out  aloud. 

Syr.  (apart).  So  far  as  I  understand,  Demipho  is  treating 
this  lady  badly  too. 

Per.  This  is  the  truth.  My  son  is  in  love  and  is  dying  ; 
when  his  father  came  to  know  of  it,  he  was  enraged  beyond 
bounds.  What  insanity  is  thi^  ?  This  same  husband  of  mine 
at  one  time  packed  my  son  off  to  Bhodes  to  traffic  ;  now,  ac- 
cording to  the  news  Acanthio  brings,  he'll  be  betaking  him- 
self into  banishment.  0  unjust  father !  O  unfortunate  son ! 
whither  will  you  betake  yourself  ?  Where  will  you  leave  your 
mother  ?  Shall  I  pass  my  life  bereft  ?  Shall  I  lose  my  son  ?  I 
will  not  endure  it.  Has  his  father  sold  her  ?  Wherever  she 
shall  be  found,  the  mother  will  redeem  her.  Do  you  tell  me, 
Lycissa,  do  they  suppose  that  she  was  brought  into  this 
neighbourhood  ? 

Ltc.  {pointing  to  the  house  q/"  Lysimachus).  To  that,  I 
fancy ;  to  the  house  of  a  certain  old  gentleman,  a  friend. 

Per.  Here,  there  is  no  one  that  1  know  of  besides  Lysi- 
machus. 

Syr.  (apart).  They  are  mentioning  Lysimachus.  It's  a 
wonder  if  the  old  fellows,  who  are  neighbours,  haven't  been 
going  halves  in  the  same  nest. 

Per.  I'll  go  look  for  Dorippa,  his  wife.  (JThe  door  of  the 
house  q/"  Lysimachus  opens.) 

Lyc.  Why  go  look  for  her  ?     Don't  you  see  her  ? 

Per.  Indeed,  I  do  see  her.  Let's  listen ;  she's  muttering 
something  in  a  passion,  I  know  not  what,  to  herself.  (They 
stand  aside.) 

Scene  IX. — Enter  Dorippa,  ^ow  the  house  oi  Lysimachus. 

Dor.  (to  herself).  Syra  hasn't  come  back,  whom,  poor 
wretch,  it's  now  a  long  time  since  I  sent  to  fetch  my  father ; 
in  her  very  slowness,  she  has  either  hardened  into  a  stone, 
or  she  has  stopped  from  swelling  with  the  sting  of  a  serpent. 

Syr.  {apart),  I'm  undone ;  here's  my  mistress,  she  s  look- 
ing after  me, 


172  MERCA.TOE ;  Act  IV. 

Doir.  (continuing).  I  cannot  remain  at  home;  my  eyes 
oatonot  abide  that  pretty  young  harlot ;  I  would  have  shut 
.ler  out  of  doors,  but  my  son  Eutychus  prevented  me.  StiU, 
I  shan't  altogether  belie  7e  the  news  he  brings. 

Ltc.  (apart).  Do  you  hear,  mistress  ? 

Pee.  (apart).  I  hear;  let  her  go  on. 

Ltc.  (apart).  I'll  let  her.  Dob.  (to  Jierself).  He  says  that 
she  has  come  hither  to  our  house  for  the  salte  of  an  old  gen- 
tleman, a  friend ;  that  he  has  her  for  sale,  so  that  he  may 
withdraw  her  from  his  son,  who's  in  love  with  her.  This 
really  is  a  falsehood,  either  in  my  husband  or  my  son; 
the  accounts  differ.  The  husband  says  that  she  w^as  given 
him  as  a  deposit;  but  the  son  says  that  she's  on  sale. 

Syr.  (apart).  I'll  go  meet  her  on  a  sudden,  that  she 
mayn't  find  out  that  I've  been  loitei-ing. 

Doe.  In  this  matter  I  shan't  believe  my  son,  who's  acting 
in  compliance  with  his  father;  for,  for  him,  like  a  regular 
cuckoo^,  has  he  determined  to  tell  abundance  of  lies  :  for  my 
own  part  I  shall  believe  the  Cook,  in  preference.  But  see, 
here's  Syra.     How  the  oZ^  witch  does  run.     Syra! 

Sye,   Who's  calling  me  ?    (Stares  around  her.) 

Doe.  The  Grods  send  a  plague  upon  you  ! 

Sye.  Mistress,  if  you  are  wise,  bestow  this  upon  your  rival 
and  your  husband  in  preference. 

Doe.  For  saying  that,  I'm  no  longer  angry  with  you. 
But  Where's  your  father  ?  "Why  does  he  delay  ?  Does  gout 
liinder  the  man  ? 

Sye.  He's  lame  with  neither  gout  nor  chalk-stones^,  whom 
his  feet  carry  into  the  country. 

Doe.  Not  at  home  ?       Sye.  No. 

Doe.  Where  then  ? 

Stb.  They  say  he's  in  the  country,  and  that  it's  uncertain 
whether  he'll  return  to-day,  he  has  such  a  large  account 
with  his  bailiff. 

Doe.  Everything  is  befalling  me  this  day  contrary  to  my 
wishes.  I  shan't  live  till  the  evening,  unless  I  drive  that 
hussy  away  from  the  house.  (She  turns  to  the  door.)  I'm 
going  home. 

*  A  regular  cuckoo) — Ver.  866.  Plautus,  on  more  tnan  one  occasion,  calls  an 
adulterer  by  this  epithet. 

2  Nor  chalk-stonesy—Yar.  871.  "  Articularius  "  Literally,  "  having  a  disease  m 
Uie  ioiiiu." 


Sc.  IX.  THE  MEECHAKT.  17^ 

Lyc.  (aparf).  Tlie  mistress  is  going  away. 

Per.  {apart).  What,  going  away?     Call  her. 

Ltc.  {calling).  Dorippa!  Dorippa! 

Dor.  (turning  round).  "What  nuisance  is  this?  "Wlio'a 
calling  me  back  ? 

Per.  I'm  not  a  nuisance,  but  a  well-wisher ;  and  it's  your 
friend  Peristrata  addresses  you.     Prithee,  do  stay. 

Dor.  Why,  Peristrata — i'  faith,  I  didn't  know  you :  dread- 
ful vexation  is  tormenting  and  agitating  me. 

Per.  This  I  enquire  about — prithee  don't  deny  me.  I 
heard  you  just  now;  tell  me  what  annoyance  is  troubling 
you. 

Dor.  Peristrata,  so  may  the  Gods  prosper  your  only  son, 
do  kindly  lend  me  your  attention ;  none  could  be  given  me 
more  agreably :  our  ages  are  alike ;  together  we  grew  up ; 
we  have  husbands  alike  in  age ;  with  no  one  do  I  converse 
with  greater  pleasure.  I'm  really  annoyed  with  good  reason. 
What  now  would  your  feelings  be,  if  at  this  time  of  life 
your  husband  Demipho  were  to  bring  a  mistress  before  your 
eyes? 

Per.  Has  he  brought  one  ?     Dor.  So  it  is. 

Per.  She's  at  your  house  ? 

Dor.  At  my  house ;  aye,  and  cooks  were  hired ;  a  ban- 
quet was  being  prepared,  if  my  coming  hadn't  upset  every- 
thing. Venus  and  Cupid  are  tormenting  the  wretched  old 
fellow  at  an  unseasonable  time. 

Per.  But  these  things  are  trifles,  Dorippa.  I  wish  that 
I  wasn't  more  wretched. 

Dor.  Trifles  ?      Per.  Eeally  trifles. 

Dor.  What  worse  could  your  husband  do  ? 

Per.  Aye,  worse  than  worse. 

Dor.  What  is  it  ?  Prithee  do  say.  As  you  to  me,  so  I 
to  you,  let's  give  advice  to  each  other  what  needs  to  be  done. 
It's  an  old  saying,  that,  "he's  truly  wise  who  is  wise  at  the 
risk  of  another." 

Per.  Dorippa,  I  have  an  only  son ;  do  you  know  that  ? 

Dor.  I  do  know  it. 

Per.  Him  his  father  some  time  ago  packed  off"  from  his 
own  house  to  Ehodes. 

Dor.  Por  what  reason  ?     Per.  Because  he  was  in  lo¥et 

Dor.  For  that  very  thing  ? 


174  MEECATOE ;  Act  V 

Per.  Yes,  and  tlie  very  same  thing  now  as  well — inasmuch 
as  he  had  brought  a  female  slave  here,  his  father  coming  to 
know  of  it,  took  her  away,  and  put  her  up  for  sale. 

Dor.  Aye,  aye,  I  know  it ;  my  son  told  me  the  truth.  I 
fancied  she  was  the  mistress  of  my  husband.  To  whom  was 
she  entrusted  ? 

Per.  To  a  certain  old  gentleman  in  this  neighbourhood, 
his  friend.  I  think  that  he  has  no  other  friend  here  except 
your  hiishand. 

Dor.  {aside).  It  certainly  is  she.  {To  Peristeata.)  What 
does  your  son  ? 

Per.  He  declares  that  he'll  leave  this  city. 

Dor.  The  matter's  in  a  safe  position.  What  if  he  finds 
her  ?      Per.  I  imagine  he'll  stay. 

Dor.  Beyond  expectation  we  are  saved ;  don't  doubt  it ; 
she's  at  my  house. 

Per.  At  your  house  ?  It  was  she,  I  suppose,  about  whom 
J  heard  you  talking  just  now.       Dor.  It  was  she. 

Per.  0  well  done;  I  love  you  with  reason;  you've  re- 
stored me  my  son.     Do  let  me  see  her. 

Dor.  Let's  go  in-doors  then. 

Per.  Let's  go.  {Turning  round.)  Come  here,  Lycissa. 
Do  you  go  tell  these  things  to  Acanthio.  I'll  go  here  to 
Dorippa's  house.  {Eccit  Lycissa.  Dorippa,  Peristrata, 
and  Syra  go  into  the  house  q/*LYsiMACHUs.)] 

Act  V. — Scene  I. 

Bmer  Chaeinus,^ow  the  house  of  DbM-ITKOj  in  a  travelling 

habit. 

Char,  {looking  towards  the  door).  O  higher  and  lower^ 
portions  of  the  threshold,  now  both  of  you  farewell.  This 
day  for  the  last  time  do  I  raise  this  foot*  within  my  father's 
house.  The  ease,  the  enjoyment,  the  in-dwelling,  the  habita- 
tion of  this  house  is  henceforth  for  me  cut  off,  destroyed,  and 
alienated.  I  am  undone  !  The  household  Grods  of  my  parents, 
the  Lar  the  father  of  the  family^,  to  you  do  I  recommend, 

*  Higher  and  Zotoer)— Ver.  910.  According  to  some  writers,  the  threshold  was 
sacred  to  Vesta.  Tertullian  mentions  a  Deity  called  "  Limentinus,"  or  "  the  God 
ef  the  Threshold." 

*  Father  qf  tlie  /am»/y)— Ver.  915.  The  "Lares"  seem  to  have  beer  dividfti 


Sc.  11.  THE  MERCHANT.  175 

that  you  will  kindly  protect  the  possessions  of  my  j.arents.  I 
shall  now  seek  other  household  Grods  for  myself,  another  Lar, 
another  city,  another  state.  The  people  of  Attica  I  do  de- 
test ;  for  where  worse  manners  are  on  the  increase  every  daj , 
where,  those  who  are  friends,  those  who  are  faithless,  you  are 
not  able  to  distinguish,  and  where  that  is  torn  SLW&jfrom  i/(m, 
h^hich  especially  pleases  your  taste,  there,  in  fact,  if  a  kingdom 
were  given  one,  that  country  is  not  desirable.  {Stands  aside 
in  deep  thought.) 

Scene  II. — IJnter'EvTYC-B.TJS,from  the  home  o/*Ltsimachtjs, 
at  a  distance. 

EuT.  (to  himself).  Thou  who  art  the  overlooker  of  Gods 
and  of  men,  and  the  mistress  of  mortals  as  well,  inasmuch  as 
thou  hast  indulged  me  in  this  hope  that  I  entertained,  I  do 
return  thee  thanks.  "What  Deity  is  there  now  that  is  joyous 
with  gladness  like  mine  ?  That  was  at  home  which  I  was  iu 
search  of.  There  did  I  find  six  companions,  life,  friendship, 
my  native  land,  festivity,  mirth,  and  jollity.  On  finding 
these,  at  the  same  moment  did  I  utterly  destroy  ten  very  bad 
things,  wrath,  hatred,  folly,  ruin,  perverseness,  grief,  tears, 
exile,  want,  and  loneliness.  Ye  Grods,  1  pray  you  grant  me 
a  speedy  opportunity  of  meeting  him. 

Char.  (  to  himself,  not  seeing  Euttchus).  I'm  ready  pre- 
pared, as  you  see.  Pride  I  cast  aside ;  I'm  my  own  companion, 
attendant,  horse,  groom,  esquire ;  I'm  my  own  master,  I,  too, 
obey  myself;  for  my  own  self  do  I  carry  what  I  require.  0 
Cupid !  how  powerful  art  thou.  For  easily  dost  thou  render 
finy  one  resolute  through  thy  deeds,  and  then  again,  the  same 
person  difiident  forthwith  from  being  over  bold. 

EuT.  {to  himself).  I'm  thinking  which  way  to  run  in 
search  of  him. 

Chab.  {continuing).  The  matter's  resolved  upon,  that  I'll 
seek  her  everywhere,  wherever  in  the  world  she  has  been 
carried  off*  from  hence ;  and  neither  shall  any  river  stand  in 
my  way,  nor  mountain,  nor  the  sea,  indeed,  nor  heat,  nor 

into  two  classes — the  private  and  the  public  Lares.  The  private,  or  "  familiares," 
were  probably  the  same  as  the  "  Penates,"  under  another  name.  The  public 
Lares  were  the  "  urbani,"  presiding  over  the  cities ;  "  rustici,"  over  the  country ; 
"  compitales,"  over  cioss-roads ;  "  marini,"  over  tte  sea. 


176  MEECATOR ;  Act  V. 

citld ;  I  dread  neither  wind  nor  hail ;  the  torrents  of  rain  I'll 
eiibmit  to  ;  labour,  heat,  and  thirst,  will  I  endure.  I'll  neither 
stop  nor  rest  anywhere  at  night,  or  in  the  day,  assuredly, 
before  I  shall  have  met  with  either  my  mistress  or  my  death. 

EtJT.  {loohing  round).  Some  voice,  I  know  not  who's,  flew 
to  my  ear.  Char,  {continuing).  You  do  I  invoke,  ye  Lares 
of  the  roads^^,  that  you  m^U  kindly  lend  me  aid. 

EuT.   (seeing  Charinus).  Jupiter!  isn't  that  Charinus  ? 

Char,  {turning  round).  Fellow-citizens,  fare  ye  well. 

EuT.  (aloud).  Charinus,  stop,  this  instant. 

Char.  Who  calls  me  back  ?     Exit.  Hope,  Safety,  Victory. 

Char.  AVhat  do  you  want  with  me  ? 

EuT.  To  go  along  with  you. 

Char.  Look  for  another  companion ;  these  companions 
that  have  ])ossession  of  me,  will  not  part  wath  me. 

EuT.  Who  are  they  ?  Char.  Care,  misery,  sickness,  tears, 
and  lamentation. 

EuT.  Drive  away  those  companions,  and  look  this  way  and 
return.  Char.  If  indeed  you  wish  to  speak  to  me,  do  you 
follow.     (Moves  on.) 

EuT.  Stop,  this  instant!  Char.  You  do  amiss,  in  de- 
laying me  as  I  haste ;  the  sun  is  setting. 

EuT.  If  you  would  make  haste  in  this  direction,  just  as 
you  are  hastening  in  that  one,  you^'d  be  doing  more  rightly ; 
this  way  there  is  now  a  prospering  gale,  only  tack  about. 
Here  is  a  fair  Westerly  breeze ;  there  is  a  showery  Southern 
blast.  The  one  causes  a  calm;  the  other  stirs  up  all  the 
waves.  Betake  yourself  towards  the  land,  Charinus,  in  this 
direction.  Don't  you  see  right  opposite  ?  Black  clouds  and 
showers  are  coming  on.  Look  now  to  the  left,  how  full  the 
heaven  is  of  brightness.     Don't  you  see  right  opposite  ? 

Char.  He  has  thrown  religious  scruples^  in  my  way ;  I'll 
betake    myself   in  that  direction.     (Tarns  towards  EuTY- 

CKUS.) 

EuT.  You  are  wise.     O  Charinus,  turn  your  steps,  and 

*  Lares  of  the.  roatfe)— 'Ver.  944.  He  seems  here  to  allude  to  the  class  of  Lares 
wb3  were  usually  called  "  Compitales,"  and  whose  statues  were  erected  at  the 
cross-roads.  Varro  tells  us  that  there  were  265  stations  for  Lares  at  the  corneni 
of  the  streets  of  Rome. 

2  Throvm  reliffious  scruples) — Ver.  961.  He  considers  the  remark  made  bj 
Sutychus  as  ominous,  wlxicb  it  would  be  impious  for  him  to  disregard. 


Sc.  1.1.  THE  MEBCHiJIT.  177 

ttiTH  your  feet  as  well,  in  the  opposite  direction     Extend 
your  arm.     Catch  hold  of  me.     Do  you  hold  me  new  f 

Char.  I'm  holding  you. 

EuT.  Hold  on,  then.     "Whither  now  were  you  going  ? 

Cha-R.  Into  banishment.     Eut.  "What  to  do  there  ? 

Char.  As  a  wretched  person  would.  Eur.  Don't  fear ;  this 
instant  shall  I  restore  you  to  joyousness  before  you  go  away. 

Char.  I'm  going.     {Moves.) 

Eut.  a  thing  that  you  especially  long  to  hear,  the  same 
shall  you  hear  for  you  to  rejoice  at.  Stay  this  instant ;  I'm 
come  as  a  friend,  full  of  the  kindest  feelings. 

Char.  "What  is  it  ?     Eut.  Your  mistress 

Char.  "What  of  her  P     Eut.  I  know  where  she  is. 

Char.  Prithee,  do  you  ?     Eut.  She's  safe  and  sound. 

Char.  "Where  is  she  safe  ?     Eut.  I  know  where. 

Char.  I'd  much  rather  I  did. 

Eut.  Can't  you  possibly  be  calm  in  your  feelings  P 

Char.  "What  if  my  feelings  are  agitated  ? 

Eut.  I'll  bring  them  for  you  into  a  safe  and  tranquil  state ; 
don't  you  fear. 

CttAR.  Prithee  *         *         *  do  say  where  she  is 

— where  you've  seen  her.     "Why  are  you  mute  ?     Speak — 
you  are  torturing  to  death  wretched  me  by  your  silence. 

Eut.  She  isn't  far  from  here. 

Char.  "Why  then  don't  you  point  her  out,  if  you  see  her  ? 

Eut.  I'  faith,  I  don't  see  her  at  this  moment ;  but  I  saw 
her  just  now. 

Char.  Why,  tTten,  don't  you  cause  me  to  see  her  ? 

Eut.  I  will  cause  it. 

Char.  That  means  a  long  time  for  one  in  love. 

Eut.  Are  you  still  in  apprehension  ?  I'll  disclose  it  all. 
No  person  is  there  living  more  beloved  by  me  than  is  he 
who  has  got  her ;  nor  is  there  one  to  whom  it  is  right  that 
I  should  be  a  better  wisher. 

Char.  I  don't  care  about  that ;  I'm  looking  for  her. 

Eut.  About  her,  then,  I'm  telling  you.  Eeally,  this  has 
not  come  into  my  mind  but  this  moment,  to  tell  it  you 

Char.  Tell  me,  then,  where  she  is.     Eut.  In  our  house. 

Char.  If  you  are  telling  the  truth,  a  worthy  house,  and 
aptly  built,  l'  deem  it.     But  how  am  I  to  credit  that  ?    llavo 
you  seen  her ;  or  do  you  speak  from  hearsay  ? 
ToL.  u,  jr 


178  MEECATOE;  Act  V 

EuT.  I've  seen  her  myself. 

Chae.  Who  took  bcr  to  your  house  ? 

EuT.  Why,  you're  asking  an  unfair  question.  "What 
matters  it  to  you  with  whom  she  came  ? 

Chae.  So  long  as  she's  there Eut.  She  certainly  is. 

Chae.  Then,  for  these  tidings,  do  you  wish  whatever  you 
please.     Eut.  What  if  I  do  wish  ? 

Chae.  Pray  to  the  Gods  to  bring  its  fulfilment. 

Eut.  Tou  are  laughing  at  me. 

Chae.  My  fortunes,  in  fine,  are  redeemed,  if  I  can  see  her. 
But  why  don't  I  lay  aside  this  garb  ?  ( Goes  to  the  door  of 
Demipho's  house,  and  calls.)  Hallo,  somebody,  come  here  this 
instant  out  of  doors.  Come  out,  and  bring  me  thence  a  cloak 
this  way. 

Eut.  Well,  now  how  much  you  do  gratify  me. 

Chae.  (to  a  Boy  who  enters^  bringing  his  cloak) .  You  boy, 
who  have  come  with  such  speed,  take  my  scarf  {giving  it), 
and  now  stand  aside  there ;  that,  if  these  things  are  not  true, 
I  may  hasten  to  go  upon  this  intended  journey.  {To  Euty- 
OHUS.)  Are  you  telling  the  truth  ? 

Eut.  EeaJly,  Charinus,  you  are  not  ashamed  of  anything. 
Don't  you  believe  me  ? 

Chae.  Eor  my  part,  I  really  do  believe  everything  that 
you  tell  me.  But  why  don't  you  introduce  me  to  her,  that 
I  may  see  her  ? 

Eut.  Wait  a  little.     Chae.  Wby  am  I  to  wait  ? 

Eut.  It's  not  a  convenient  moment  to  go  into  the  house. 

Chae.  Tou  are  torturing  me  to  death.  Eut.  There's  no 
need,  I  tell  you,  for  you  to  go  into  the  house  just  now. 

Chae.  Answer  me — for  what  reason  ? 

Eut.  She's  not  at  leisure.     Chae.  Why  so  ? 

Eut.  Because  it  isn't  convenient  to  ber, 

Chae.  Is  it  so  ?  IS'ot  convenient  to  her  who  loves  me,  and 
whom  I  love  in  return?  He's  trifling  with  me  in  every 
way.  I'm  too  foolish  to  believe  him.  He's  onlg  delaying  me. 
{Turns  to  the  Boy.)     I'll  put  on  my  scarf  again. 

Eut.  Stop  a  little,  and  listen  to  this. 

Chae.  {talcing  off  the  cloak).  You  boy,  take  this  cloak^, 
please.     {Puts  on  the  travelling  scarf.) 

*  Take  iJiis  cloak) — Ver.  1001.    Though  commonly  rendered  "cloak,"  the 
pallium"  aiffered  materially  from  that  articb  of  dress.    It  was  a  square  piece 


St.  II.  THE  MEHCHANT.  170 

EuT.  Eeallj  this  hasn't  come  but  this  moment  into  my 
mind  to  tell  it  you.  My  mother's  dreadfully  angry  with  my 
fatlier,  because  he  has  brought  into  the  house  a  harlot  before 
her  very  eyes,  while  she  was  away  in  the  country.  She  sus- 
pects that  she's  his  own  mistress. 

Char,  {not  attending  to  him).  I've  taken  up  my  belt^ 
{Puts  it  on.) 

EuT.  She's  now  enquiring  into  this  matter  in-doors. 

Char,  (inattentive).  Now  my  sword's  in  hand.  (Tahinq 
it  from  the  Boy.) 

EuT.  But  if  I  were  now  to  introduce  you  ? 

Char,  (inattentive).  I'll  take  my  bottle,  and  be  off  from 
here.  (Moves.) 

Etjt.  Stop,  stop,  Charinus ! 

Char.  You  are  mistaken ;  you  can't  deceive  me. 

Eut.  And,  i'  faith,  I  have  no  wish. 

Char.  Why,  then,  don't  you  allow  me  to  proceed  upon 
my  journey  ?     Eut.  I  won't  let  you. 

Char.  I'm  delaying  myself.  Boy,  do  you  this  instant  be 
off  hence  in-doors.  (The  Boy  goes  into  the  house.)  Now  I've 
ascended  the  chariot ;  now  I've  taken  the  reins  in  my  hands. 
(Imitating  the  action  of  a  charioteer.) 

Eut.  You  are  not  in  your  senses. 

Char,  Feet  of  mine,  why  don't  ye  betake  yourselves  into 

of  cloth,  which  came  direct  from  the  loom  in  that  shape,  and  required  no  cutting 
out  by  the  tailor.  The  "  pallia"  were  mostly  worn  in  an  undyed  state,  cr-nse- 
quentlj  white,  brown,  and  grey  were  the  prevailing  colours.  They  were  sometimes 
dyed  of  crimson,  purple,  and  saffron  colour.  Sometimes  they  were  striped,  like  our 
plaids  or  checks.  Flowers  were  sometimes  interwoven,  and  occasionally  with  gold 
thread.  Wool  was  the  most  common  material.  They  were  not  only  used  for  wearing, 
but  for  spreading  over  beds  and  couches,  and  covering  the  body  during  sleep. 
Sometimes  they  were  used  as  carpets,  and  sometimes  as  awnings  or  curtains; 
and  indeed  the  word  as  often  means  "  a  blanket "  as  a  garment.  When  worn,  the 
"  pallium"  was  passed  over  the  left  shoulder,  then  drawn  behind  the  back  and 
under  the  right  arm,  leaving  it  bare,  and  then  thrown  again  over  the  left  shoulder 
See  Dr.  Smith's  Dictionary  of  Greek  and  Roman  Antiquities. 

^  My  belt) — Ver.  1005.  The  "zona,"  "girdle"  or  "belt,"  would  be  employed 
by  the  traveller  to  tuck  up  his  long  clothing,  for  the  sake  of  expedition ;  it  was 
also  used  either  as  a  purse  or  for  the  purpose  of  holding  the  purse.  The  traveller 
would  require  his  sword  for  the  purposes  of  safety,  while  the  "amjnUa,"  or 
"  leather  bottle,"  was  to  hold  the  oil  with  which  the  feet  were  anointed  wheu 
galled  with  walking. 


IbO  MEHCATOB;  Act  V- 

tlie  chariot,  straight  for  Cyprus,  since  my  father  deterniinea 
on  my  banishment  ? 

EuT.  You  are  silly.     Prithee,  don't  be  saying  this. 

Char,  {as  tlion^gh  to  himself).  I'm  resolved  to  persist — to 
use  my  endeavours  to  seek  her  out  where  she  is. 

EvT.  Why,  she's  at  our  house. 

Char,  {as  though  to  himself).  For  what  that  person 
said,  he  told  a  falsehood  in  it. 

EuT.  Keally,  I  told  you  the  truth. 

Char,  {continuing).  ^Jfow  I've  come  to  Cyprus. 

EuT.  Nay,  but  follow  me,  that  you  may  see  her  whom 
you  are  looking  for.     {Moves  towards  his  Father's  house.) 

Char,  {pretending  not  to  hear).  Enquiring  there,  I  didn't 
find  her.     Eut.  I'll  not  care  then  for  my  mother's  anger. 

Char,  {still  pretending).  I'll  still  go  on  to  seek  her. 
Now  I've  got  to  Ciialcis ;  I  see  there  my  former  host  at 
Zacynthus ;  I  tell  him  why  I've  come  thither ;  I  make 
enquiry  if  he  has  heard  say  who  has  brought  her  thither,  who 
has  got  possession  of  her. 

EiTT.  Why  don't  you  cease  that  nonsense,  and  step  with 
me  this  way  in-doors  ?  Chae.  {still  pretending).  My  host 
answered  that  figs  grew,  not  bad  ones,  at  Zacynthus. 

EtJT.  He  didn^t  say  false  there. 

Char,  {continuing).  But  he  says  that  he  has  heard  about 
my  mistress,  that  she's  here  at  Athens. 

Eut.  Eeally,  this  Zacynthian  is  quite  a  Calchas^. 

Char,  {continuing).  I  get  aboard  ship,  and  start  at  once. 
I'm  now  at  home ;  now  I've  returned  from  banishment.  My 
friend,  Eutychus  {turning  towards  him),  greetings  to  you! 
How  have  you  been  ?  How  are  my  parents  ?  Are  they  well  ? 
Bo  you  come  to  my  mother,  you  say — you  in^vite  me  kindly ; 
you  speak  politely.  At  your  house  to-morrow ;  for  the  pre- 
sent at  home.     So  it  is  proper ;  so  it  ought  to  be  done. 

Eut.  How  now  ?  What  are  you  dreaming  about  ?  This 
man's  not  in  his  senses.  Char.  Why  don't  you,  as  a  friend, 
make  haste  to  cure  me  then  ? 

Eut.  Follow  me,  please.  Char,  {running  close  behind 
him).  I'm  following. 

Caichas) — Ver.  1025.  The  soothsayer  who  attended  the  Grecian  army  U  frny 


Sc.  IV.  THE  MEECHANT.  18  i 

EuT.  (turning  round).  Softly,  pray:  you  are  treading  ou 
my  heels.     Don't  you  hear  nie  ? 

Chae.  I've  heard  you  for  some  time  past. 

EcT.  I  want  a  reconciliation  to  be  made  between  my 
father  and  mother ;  for  now  she's  in  a  passion 

Chae.  (pushing  Mm).  Only  do  go  on.  Eut.  About  that 
woman 

Chae.  (^pushing  him).  Only  do  go  on. 

But.  Therefore  take  care Chae.  (pushing  him).  Nay, 

but  do  go  on  then ;  I'll  make  her  as  mild  as  Juno  is  when  she's 
kind  to  Jupiter.    (  They  go  into  the  house  (?/'Lysimachus.) 

ScEifE  III. — Enter  Dbmipho  and  Ltsimachtjs. 

[Lts.  Demipho^,  this  saying  of  the  mse,  I  think  you  have 
often  heard,  "  Pleasure  is  the  bait  for  misfortune ;"  because, 
by  it,  not  less  are  men  ?aught  than  are  fishes  with  the  hook. 
Although  aged  people  fly  tifom  it,  still  you  don't  pay  that 
regard  to  your  old  age :  since  it  hasn't  even  withdrawn  love 
from  you,  but  has  forced  you  to  it  even  more  vehemently. 
Wherefore  it  utterly  confounds  yourself  and  your  understand 
ing  and  your  mind,  and  dazzles  your  eyesight.  Myself  too  hav< 
you  brought  into  great  trouble,  and  I  know  not  what  to  do 

Dem.  Lysimachus,  this  is  the  will  of  the  Gods,  not  of 
men.  If  you  reflect  upon  this  with  yourself,  you  wiU  be  of 
opinion  that  you  are  not  doing  right,  in  censuring  so  heavily 
a  person  your  friend  and  the  sharer  of  your  secrets.]  As 
though  you  yourself  had  naver  done  anything  like  this  action. 

Lts.  By  heavens,  n^ver,  I  took  care  not  to  do  anything  : 
wretch  that  I  am,  /  am  scarcely  alive ;  for  my  wife  is  ly'^g 
all  in  a  ferment  about  her, 

Dem.  But  I'll  undertake  to  clear  you,  so  that  she  mayn't 
be  angry.     Lys.  Follow  me — but  I  see  my  son  coming  out. 

Scene  IV. — JEnter  Euttchus,  from  the  house  of 
Ltsimachus. 

Eut.  (as  he  comes  out,  to  Chaeikus,  within).  I'll  go  to  my 
father,  that  he  may  know  my  mother's  wrath  is  appeasejl. 
I'll  return  just  now. 

>  Demipko) — Ver.  1037.  This,  and  the  next  ten  lines,  are  generally  looked  upoc 
as  spurious.  They  have  probably  been  inserted  by  some  busy  interjwlater,  to 
snpply  what  Piautus  had  intended  us  to  suppose  as  having  transpirt'il  bpt-V/ecB 
Dtinjpho  and  Lyahmchus  before  theF  enter. 


JS2  MEKCATOB;  Act  V. 

Lts.  {to  Demipho).  The  beginning  pleases  me.  {Going  up  to 
EiiTYCHUS.)  What  are  you  about  ?  How  g;>es  it,  Eutychus  ? 

EuT.  Extremely  opportunely  have  you  both  met  me. 

Lys.  "What's  the  matter  ? 

EuT.  Tour  wife  is  peaceful  and  appeased.  Gire  me  youl 
right  hands  this  moment.     {Shakes  hands  mth  them  both.) 

Lts.  The  Gods  are  favouring  me. 

EuT.  {to  Demipho).  I  bring  you  word  that  you  have  got 
no  mistress.  Dem.  The  Gods  confound  you.  Why,  prithee, 
what  aifair  is  this  ? 

EuT.  I'll  tell  you.    Give  your  attention  then,  both  of  you. 

Lys.  Well  then,  we  are  giving  you  our  attention,  both  of  us. 

EuT.  Those  who  are  born  of  a  good  family,  if  they  are  of 
bad  tendencies,  by  their  own  faultiness  withdraw  nobleness 
from  their  rank,  and  disgrace  their  disposition. 

Dem.  He  says  what's  true.  Lys.  Then  it's  to  yourself  he 
says  it. 

EuT.  For  this  reason  is  this  the  more  true ;  for  at  this 
time  of  life,  it  wasn't  just  for  you  to  take  awi^y  from  your  son, 
a  young  man,  his  mistress,  purchased  with  his  own  money. 

Dem.  How  say  you  ?     Is  she  the  mistress  of  Charinus  ? 

EiTT.  {aside).  How  the  rogue  does  dissemble. 

Dem.  Why,  he  said  that  he  had  bought  her  as  a  maid- 
servant for  his  mother.  Eut.  AVas  it  for  that  reason,  then, 
vou  bought  her,  you  young  lover,  you  old  boy  ? 

Lys.  Very  well  said,  i'  troth!  Proceed,  proceed.  I'll 
stand  by  him  here  on  the  other  side.  Let's  both  load  him 
well  with  such  speeches  as  he's  worthy  of. 

Dem.  {aside).  I'm  done  for.  Eut.  Who  has  done  an  in- 
justice so  great  to  his  blameless  son  ;  whom,  in  fact,  upon  my 
faith,  I  brought  back  home  just  when  he  was  setting  out  in 
*e//-banishment ;  for  he  was  going  into  exile. 

Dem.  Has  he  gone  then?  Lys.  What,  do  you  speak, 
you  hobgoblin  ?  At  this  time  of  life  you  ought  to  abstain 
from  those  pursuits. 

Dem.  I  confess  it ;  undoubtedly  I*ve  acted  wrong. 

Eut.  What,  do  you  speak,  you  hobgoblin  ?  You  ought  at 
this  time  of  life  to  have  done  with  these  guilty  practices. 
Just  as  the  seasons  of  the  year,  so  different  lines  of  conduct 
befit  different  ages;  but  if  this  is  prober,  that  old  feUowa 
should  be  wenching  in  their  old  age,  wl  ere  in  the  world  ia 
our  common  welfare  ? 


Sc.  IV.  THE  MERCHANT.  183 

Dem.  Alas !  wretcli  that  I  am !  I'm  undone. 

EuT.  The  young  men  are  more  in  the  habit  of  giving 
their  attention  to  following  those  pursuits. 

Dem.  Troth,  now,  prithee,  do  take  her  to  yourselves,  with 
pigs  and  witli  basket^. 

EuT.  Eestore  her  to  your  son;  let  him  have  her,  now, 
as  he  wishes. 

Dem.  So  far  as  I'm  concerned,  he  may  have  her. 

EuT.  High  time,  i'  faith,  since  you  haven't  the  power  of 
doing  otherwise. 

Dem.  For  this  injury  let  him  take  what  satisfaction  he 
likes  ;  only  do  you  make  peace,  I  beg  of  you,  that  he  mayn't 
be  angry  with  me.  I'  faith,  if  I  had  known  it,  or  if,  indeed, 
he  had  told  me  in  the  slightest  way  of  joke  that  he  was  in 
love  with  her,  I  shouM  never  have  proceeded  to  take  her 
away  from  him  so  in  love.  Eiitychus,  you  are  his  com- 
panion, preserve  and  rescue  me,  I  beg  of  you.  Make  this 
old  fellow  your  client.  You  shall  say  that  I'm  mindful  of  a 
kindness. 

Lts.  Entreat  him  that  he'll  pardon  his  offences  and  his 
youthful  a^e^. 

Dem.  Heyday  now,  are  you  still  persisting  in  inveighing 
against  me  with  your  airs  ?  I  trust  that  a  like  opportunity 
will  befall  me  as  well  for  returning  you  a  similar  compliment. 

Lys.  I've  loiig  made  an  end  of  those  pursuits. 

Dem.  And  really  so  shall  I  from  this  time  forward. 

Lts.  Not  a  bit  of  it.  Through  usage  your  inclinations  wiU 
be  leading  you  to  it  again. 

Dem.  Prithee,  do  now  be  satisfied.  Eather,  scourge  me 
with  thongs  even,  if  you  like. 

Lts.  You  say  right.  But  that  your  wife  will  do,  when 
she  comes  to  know  of  this. 

Dem.  There's  no  need  for  her  to  come  to  know  of  it. 

EuT.  What's  that  ?  She  shan't  come  to  know  of  it ;  don't 
be  afraid.  Let's  go  in-doors  ;  this  place  isn't  a  suitable  one 
for  your  practices,  for  there  to  be  persons  to  overhear  who 
are  passing  through  the  street,  while  we  are  talking. 

>  With  pigs  and  v}ithh(uikeC)—YQr.^O%\.  "Cum  porcis,  cum  piscina."  This 
was  probably  a  countrified  expression,  analogous  to  our  phrases  "  with  bag  and 
baggage,"  "  stump  and  rump." 

■'  And  his  yotUhftd  age) — Ver.  1090.  Of  course  this  is  said  in  a  tone  of  keen 
Mid  well-merited  :iatire. 


154  MEBCATOB.  Act  V. 

Dem.  Why,  faith,  you  say  what*8  right;  that  way  the 
story  will  be  shorter.     Let's  be  off. 

EuT.  Your  son  is  in-doors  here  at  our  house. 

Dem.  It's  very  good.  We'll  pass  that  way  through  the 
garden^  home.  Lts.  Eutychus,  I  want  this  affair  to  be 
settled  before  I  set  my  foot  again  within  doors. 

EuT.  What  is  it  ?  Lts.  Each  person  thinks  aVout  his  own 
concerns.  Answer  me  this :  do  you  know  for  certain  that 
your  mother  isn't  angry  with  me  ? 

EuT.  I  do  know  it.     Lts.  Take  care. 

EuT.  Trust  me  for  it.     Are  you  satisfied  ? 

Lts.  I  am.     But  still,  troth  now,  prithee,  do  take  care. 

EuT.  Don't  you  believe  me  ?  Lts.  Yes,  I  do  believe 
you ;  but  still  I'm  dreadfully  afraid. 

Dem.  Let's  go  in-doors. 

EuT.  Aye,  but  I  think  we  must  pronounce  the  law  for  the 
old  men  before  we  depart,  on  what  terms  they  are  to  keep 
check  upon  themselves  and  to  be  continent.  Whoever  shall 
be  sixty  years  of  age,  if  we  know  of  any  one,  whether  husband 
or,  i'  faith,  whether  bachelor,  in  fact,  who  goes  a  wenching, 
upon  these  terms  shall  we  deal  with  him  ;  we  shall  deem  him 
a  fool.  And,  i'  faith,  so  far  as  we're  concerned,  he  shall  be 
in  want  who  has  squandered  away  his  property.  And  let  no 
one  hereafter  forbid  his  youthful  son  to  be  in  love  and  to  keep 
a  mistress,  so  it  be  done  in  a  decent  manner.  If  he  shall 
forbid  him,  let  him,  unknown  to  himself,  suffer  more  loss  than 
if  he  had  openly  permitted  him.  Let  this  law,  then,  from 
this  night  forward,  be  binding  upon  the  old  men.  (lb  the 
Audience.)  Young  men,  kindly  fare  you  well ;  and  if  this 
law,  enacted  for  the  sake  of  the  old  ones,  pleases  you,  it  is 
right  that  you  should  give  us  loud  applause. 

»  Through  the  garden)— Ver.  1102.  He  means  that  he  will  be  able  to  go  home 
the  back  way,  so  that  perhaps  his  wife  may  not  see  whence  he  has  come.  This 
line  shows  that  the  houses  of  Lysimachus  and  Demipho  are  on  the  same  side  of 
the  street,  and  not,  as  Cotter  says,  one  on  one  side,  the  other  on  the  other,  with 
their  doors  opposite. — It  may  be  here  remarked,  that  it  is  not  improbable  that  • 
ooDuderable  portion  of  this  Flajr  has  perished. 


CISTE1.1ARIA;  OR,  THE  CASKET. 


Bramatis  ^3frsontr. 
The  God  of  Help,  who  speaks  the  Prologue  in  the  Second  AoiL 

Demipho,  a  merchant  of  Lemnos. 
Alcesimarchus,  a  young  naan  of  Sicyon. 
Lampadiscus,  servant  of  Demipho. 

Phanostbata,  wife  of  Demipho. 

SiLENiuM,  their  daughter,  beloved  by  Alcesimarchus. 

Meuenis,  a  Procuress. 

Halisca,  her  servant. 

A  Procuress,  the  mother  of  Gymnasium. 

Gymnasium,  a  Courtesan. 


Seen*.— Sicyon,  in  Peloponnesus.    Before  the  houses  of  Dcmipbo,  SiuattlTft, 
ud  the  faXher  of  Alci^mabchux 


THE  SUBJECT. 


Dbhipho,  a  merchant  of  Lemnos,  having  ravished  Phanostrata,  a  ycnag  woman 

of  Sicyon,  she  is  brought  to  bed  of  a  female  child.  This  she  gives  to  her  servant 
Lampadiscus,  to  be  exposed.  On  this  being  done,  in  the  sight  of  Lampadiscus, 
a  Procuress  picks  up  the  infant,  and  afterwards  makes  a  present  of  it  to  her 
friend  Melsenis,  by  whom  it  is  brought  up,  under  the  name  of  Silenium.  Al- 
cesimarchus,  a  young  man  of  Sicyon,  falls  violently  in  love  with  her,  and  takes 
her  under  his  protection.  In  the  meantime,  Demipho,  who  has  married 
another  wife,  after  her  death  marries  Phanostrata,  and  comes  to  live  at  Sicyon. 
He  and  his  wifie  are  then  anxious,  if  possible,  to  regain  their  lost  child.  The 
daughter  of  Demipho  by  his  first  wife  is  destined  by  her  father  to  become  the 
wife  of  Alcesi  march  us ;  on  hearing  which,  Melasnis  removes  her  foster-child 
from  his  protection.  At  this  conjuncture  Lampadiscus  finds  out  the  Pro- 
curess that  had  taken  up  the  infant  wlien  exposed,  and  from  her  discovers 
that  the  child  of  his  mistress  is  with  Melaenis.  He  informs  his  mistress  of 
this,  while  Melaenis  is,  unknown  to  them,  standing  by;  upon  which  she  deter- 
mines to  confess  the  truth,  and  to  restore  Silenium  to  her  parents.  While  she  is 
tliinking  upon  this  plan,  Alcesimarchus  lays  hands  on  Silenium,  and  carries  her 
off  to  his  father's  house.  In  the  confusion  attendant  on  this,  Halisca,  the  servant 
of  Melaenis,  drops  a  casket  in  the  street,  containing  some  trinkets  which  had 
been  worn  by  Silenium  at  the  time  when  she  was  exposed.  Phanostrata  and 
Lampadiscus  find  the  casket,  and  on  Halisca  coming  to  search  for  it,  they  dis- 
cwor  where  Silenium  i&.  They  go  into  the  house,  and  Phanostrata  disoovera 
oer  loJi^-lotit  child. 


CISTELLARIA;  OR,  THE  CASKET. 


THE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 

I  Supposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammarian.] 

A  YOUNG  man  of  Lemnos  ravishes  (^Comprimit)  a  woman  of  Sicyon.  He  (Z») 
returns  to  his  country,  and  becomes  father  of  a  daughter  by  his  marriage  there. 
The  woman  of  Sicyon  (Sicyonia)  also  bears  a  daughter.  A  servant  takes 
(Tollit')  and  exposes  her,  and  keeps  watch  in  secret;  her  (^Eam),  taken  up,  a 
Courtesan  presents  to  another.  Coming  back  afterwards  from  Lemnos  (^Lemno), 
he  marries  her  whom  he  had  ravished;  and  his  daughter  born  at  Lemnos 
{Lemnt)  he  promises  in  marriage  to  a  young  man  captivated  by  passion  (^Amo7-e') 
for  the  one  that  had  been  exposed.  On  makmg  enquiry  (^Requirens),  the  servant 
finds  her  whom  he  had  exposed ;  and  so  (itaque)  legaUy  and  properly  does 
Alcesimarchus  (Akesimarchtis)  gain  her  recognized  as  a  tree  woman,  whom 
before  he  had  had  as  a  concubine. 


Act  I. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Silenium,  GtTmnasium,  and  Peocuhess,  from  the 
house  q/SiLENiUM. 

SiL.  Inasmuch  as  hitherto  I  have  loved  you,  and  have 
deemed  you  to  be  my  friend,  my  dear  Gymnasium,  and  your 
mother  as  well ;  so  have  you  shown  it  to  me  this  day,  both 
you  and  she.  If  you  had  been  my  own  sister,  how  more  you 
two  could  possibly  have  held  me  in  esteem  I  know  not ;  but, 
according  as  is  my  way  of  thinking,  I  conceive  it  could  not 
possibly  be  ,  such  ready  assistance,  all  other  things  laid  aside, 
have  you  given  me.  For  this  reason  do  I  love  you,  and  for 
it  a  vast  obligation  have  you  botli  conferred  upon  me. 

Gym.  I'  faith,  at  such  a  price  as  this,  indeed,  it's  easy  for 
us  to  give  you  our  attendance  and  to  do  you  good  offices ;  so 
handsomely  and  so  elegantly  have  you  entertained  ua  at 
breakfast  at  yoiu*  house,  as  we  shall  ever  remember. 

SiL.  It  has  been  done  with  hearty  good  will  by  me,  and 
will  be  done,  to  get  those  things  which  I  shall  think  you  are 
desirous  of. 

'  Cistellaria)  A  word  formed  by  Plautus  from  the  diminutive  of  "  cistella,** 

"  a  casket." 


188  CI8TELLABIA  ;  Act  I. 

Pkoc.  As  the  man  said,  who  was  borne  by  a  prospering 
breeze  on  a  calm  sea:  "  I  rejoice  that  we  came^  to  you;"  in 
such  a  delightful  manner  have  we  been  here  this  day  received ; 
nor  except  in  the  management,  was  there  anything  there  at 
your  house  but  what  pleased  me. 

SiL.  How  so,  prithee  ? 

Peoc.  Too  seldom  did  the  servant  give  me  something  to 
drink,  and,  as  it  was,  it  clouded  the  colour  of  the  wine. 

GrTM.  Pray,  is  that  becoming  to  he  mentioned  here  ? 

Peoc.  It's  both  right  and  proper ;  there's  no  other  person 
here.  Sil.  "With  reason  do  I  love  you  both,  who  esteem 
and  honor  me. 

Peoc.  I'  faith,  my  dear  Silenium,  it  befits  this  class  to  be 
kindly  disposed  among  themselves,  and  carefully  to  keep  up 
friendships,  when  you  see  these  matrons  of  elevated  rank, 
tsorn  of  the  noblest  families,  bow  they  value  friendship,  and 
how  carefully  they  keep  it  united  between  themselves.  If 
we  do  that  same  thing,  if  we  imitate  the  same  example^ 
still  as  it  is,  with  difficulty  do  we  exist  with  tlieir  extreme  dis- 
like. Of  their  own  enjoyments  they  would  have  us  to  be  in 
want,  in  resources  of  our  own  they  would  have  us  not  to  pos- 
sess any  power,  and  to  stand  in  need  of  them  in  all  matters, 
that  we  may  be  tlieir  humble  servants^.  If  you  wait  upon 
them,  you'd  rather  he  giving  your  room  than  your  company. 
So  very  kind  are  they  before  the  world  to  our  class ;  in  pri- 
vate, if  ever  there's  the  opportunity,  underhandedly  they 
pour  cold  water^  upon  us.  They  declare  that  we  are  in  the 
habit  of  having  commerce  witli  their  husbands ;  they  say  that 
we  are  their  supplanters  ;  they  attempt  to  crush  us.  Because 
we  are  the  free  daughters  of  slaves*,  both  I  and  your  mother, 
we  became  Courtesans ;  she  brought  up  yourself,  and  I  this 
girl  {pointing  to  Gymkasium),  by  chance-fathers.     Nor  yet 

^  Tfiat.  we  eaiae) — Ver.  15.  "  Ventum."  There  is  probably  a  poor  pun  intended 
:n  the  otlier  meaning  of  this  word,  as  the  accusative  case  of  "  ventus,"  "  wind." 

'  May  he  their  hurnble  servants)— Ver.  33.  "  Ut  simus  sibi  supplices."  Lite- 
rally, "that  we  may  be  suppliants  to  themselves." 

'  Pour  cold  water) — Ver.  36.  Meaning,  in  other  words,  "  They  try  to  do  us 
all  the  mischief  they  can." 

♦  Free  daughterg  of  slaveg)—Ver.  89.  The  "  professse,"  or  "  courtesans,"  at 
Rome,  were  mostly  of  the  class  of  "  libertinae  " — "  children  of  slaves  who  had 
been  made  free,"  or  else  freed-women  themselves,  who  had  been  the  mistresses  of 
their  former  owners.  From  this  circumstance,  "  to  lead  a  libertine  life"  Citint 
to  mean  the  same  as  "  to  pas.s  a  loose  "  or  "  uncliaste  life." 


Sc.  1.  OR,  TUE  CASKET.  180 

for  the  sake  of  vanity  have  I  driven  her  to  the  calling  of  a 
Courtesan,  hut  that  I  mightn't  starve. 

SiL.  But  it  had  been  better  to  give  her  in  marriage  to  a 
husband  in  preference. 

Proc.  Heyday,  now  !  Surely,  faith,  she's  married  to  a  hus- 
band every  day ;  she  has  both  been  married  to  one  to-day, 
she'll  be  marryiug  again  to-night.  I've  never  allowed  her  to 
go  to  bed  a  widow.  For  if  she  weren't  to  be  marrying,  the 
household  would  perish  with  doleful  famine. 

Gym.  It  behoves  me,  mother,  to  be  just  as  you  wish  I 
jiliould  be. 

Proc.  I'  troth,  I  don't  regret  it,  if  you  will  prove  such  as 
you  say  you'll  be ;  for  if,  indeed,  you  shall  be  such  as  I  intend, 
you'll  never  be  a  Hecale^  in  your  old  age,  and  you'll  ever 
Jteep  that  same  tender  age  which  you  now  have,  and  you'll 
prove  a  lo^s  to  many  and  a  profit  to  myself  full  oft,  without 
any  outlay  of  my  own. 

G-YM.  May  the  Gods  grant  it. 

Proc.  AVithout  your  own  energies^,  the  Goda  cannot  pos- 
sibly do  anything  in  this. 

Gym.  I'  faith,  for  my  own  part,  I'll  zealously  devote  my 
energies  to  it.  But  wliat  mean  you  amid  this  conversation, 
apple  of  my  eye,  my  own  Silenium  ?  (never  did  I  see  you 
more  sad ;)  prithee,  do  tell  me,  why  does  mirth  so  shun  you  / 
And  you  are  not  so  neat  as  you  usually  are.  (SiLEJriTTM  sighs.') 
Do  look  at  that,  please,  how  deep  a  sigh  she  heaved.  Tou  are 
pale  too.  Tell  us  both  what's  the  matter  with  you,  and  in 
what  you  want  our  aid ;  so  that  we  may  know.  Prithee,  don't 
by  your  tears  be  causing  me  anxiety. 

SiL.  My  dear  Gymnasium,  I'm  sadly  affected  j  I  feel  ill, 
I  am  shocidngly  distrest ;  I  am  pained  in  spirits,  I  feel  pain 
in  my  eyes,  I  am  in  pain  from  faintness.  "What  shall  I  say, 
but  that  my  own  folly  drives  me  to  sadness  ? 

Gym.  Take  you  care,  then,  that  you  have  your  folly  en- 
tombed  in  that  very  same  place  from  which  it  takes  its  rise. 

1  A  Hecale) — Ver.  49.  "  Hecala"  seems  a  preferable  reading  here  to  "Hecata." 
Hecale  was  a  very  poor  old  woman,  whom  Plutarch  mentions  as  having  enter- 
tamed  Theseus  on  one  of  his  expeditions.  "  As  poor  as  Hecale,"  became  a 
proverb.  Her  poverty  is  mentioned  by  Ovid,  in  tlie  Remedy  of  Love,  in  con* 
•unction  with  that  of  the  beggar  Irus. 

'  WitJtouf  your  own  energies) — Ver.  62.  This  is  very  siicUar  t«  OUr  jnrotert, 
chit  '*  Pn.vidence  helps  thase  who  help  themselves.*' 


190  CISTELLAETA ;  Act  1. 

SiL.  What  shall  I  do  ?  Gym.  Hide  it  in  darkness,  in  the 
very  deepest  recesses  of  your  breast.  Take  you  care  and 
have  it  so,  that  you  yourself  are  alone  sensible  of  your  own 
folly,  without  any  other  witnesses. 

SiL.  But  I've  got  the  heart-ache. 

GrTM.  Why  so?  Por  what  reason  have  you  th^  heart- 
ache, prithee,  tell  me,  a  thing  that  I  neither  have,  nor  any 
other  woman  whatever,  according  as  the  men  say  ? 

SiL.  If  there's  any  heart  to  feel  pain,  it  does  feel  pain ;  but  if 
there  isn't,  still  this  pains  me  here.  (Pointing  to  her  left-side.) 

Pkoc.  This  woman's  in  love. 

GrTM.  Come  now,  to  begin  to  be  in  love,  is  it  bitter,  prithee  ? 

Pkoc.  Why,  troth,  love  is  most  fruitful  both  in  honey  and 
in  gall ;  inasmuch  as  it  produces  sweetness  in  a  mere  taste, 
but  causes  bitterness  even  to  repletion. 

SiL.  Of  that  character  is  the  malady  that  afflicts  me,  my 
dear  Gymnasium. 

Gtm.  Love  is  full  of  treachery. 

SiL.  He's  taking  his  spoils  of  me,  then. 

Gym.  Be  of  good  courage,  you'll  get  the  better  of  this 
malady.  Sil.  I  trust  it  will  be  so,  if  the  physician  comes 
that  can  administer  the  medicine  to  this  malady. 

Gym.  He  wdll  come.  Sil.  A  hard  expression  is  that  to 
one  in  love,  "  He  will  come,"  unless  he  does  come.  But  by 
my  own  fault  and  foolishness,  am  I,  wretched  creature,  more 
afflicted,  because  for  him  alone  have  I  longed  for  myself,  with 
whom  to  pass  my  life. 

Peoc.  That  is  more  suitable  to  a  married  woman,  my  dear 
Silenium,  to  love  hut  one,  and  with  him  to  pass  her  life,  to 
whom  she  has  once  been  married;  but,  indeed,  a  Courtesan  is 
most  like  a  flourishing  city ;  she  cannot  alone  increase  her 
fortunes  without  a  multitude  of  men. 

Sil.  1  want  you  to  give  heed  to  this  matter ;  the  thing  on 
account  of  which  you  have  been  sent  for  to  me,  I'll  disclose. 
Now,  my  mother,  because  I  don't  wish  myself  to  be  called 
a  Courtesan,  complied  with  my  desire ;  in  that  matter  she 
indulged  myself  who  have  been  obedient  to  her ;  to  allow  me 
to  live  with  him  alone  whom  I  so  ardently  loved. 

Peoc.  I'  faith,  she  acted  foolishly.  But  look,  have  you 
ever  kept  company  with  any  man  ? 

Sil.  With  no  one,  indeed,  except  Alcesimarchus ;  nor  has 


Sc.  1.  OB,  THE  CASKET,  191 

any  other  person  whatever  committed  an  infringement  on  my 
chastity.  Pboc.  Prithee,  by  what  means  did  this  man  gain 
your  good  graces  ? 

SiL.  At  the  festival  of  Bacchus  my  mother  took  me  to  see 
the  procession.  While  I  was  returning  home,  from  a  secret 
look-out  he  secretly  traced  me  even  to  the  door ;  after  that,  he 
insinuated  himself  into  the  friendship  of  my  mother  and  my- 
self as  well,  by  endearments,  presents,  and  gifts. 

Peoc.  I  should  like  a  man  of  that  sort  to  be  offered  me. 
How  I'd  work  him. 

SiL.  What  need  is  there  of  words  ?  Through  intercourse, 
I  on  the  other  hand  began  to  love  him,  and  he  myself, 

Peoc.  0  my  dear  Silenium ! 

SiL.  What's  the  matter  ?  Peoc.  You  ought  to  pretend 
to  be  in  love ;  for  if  you  fall  in  love  at  once,  you'll  be  much 
better  consulting  the  interests  of  him  whom  you  love  than 
your  own. 

SiL.  But  in  solemn  form  he  took  an  oath  before  my  mother 
that  he  would  take  me  as  his  wife.  Now,  another  woman  is 
about  to  be  taken  home  by  him,  a  Lemnian  lady,  his  relation, 
who  is  living  here  hard  by  (pointing  to  Demjpho's  house) ; 
for  his  father  has  compelled  him.  Now  my  mother  is  enraged 
with  me,  because  I  didn't  return  home  to  her,  when  I  came 
to  know  of  this  matter,  that  he  was  about  to  take  another  as 
his  wife. 

Peoc.  Nothing's  unfair  in  love. 

SiL.  Now,  I  entreat  you  that  you'll  let  her  {pointing  to 
Gymnasium)  be  here  only  for  the  next  three  days,  and  keep 
house  for  me  ;  for  I've  been  sent  for  to  my  mother's  house. 

Peoc.  Although  this  will  be  a  troublesome  three  days  for 
me,  and  you'll  be  causing  me  a  loss,  I'll  do  so. 

SiL.  You  act  kindly  and  like  a  friend.  But  you,  my  dear 
Gymnasium,  if  in  my  absence  Alcesimarchus  shall  come,  don't 
you  chide  him  roughly ;  however  he  has  deserved  of  mystif, 
still  he  has  my  affections ;  but,  prithee,  act  gently,  so  that 
you  mayn't  say  anything  that  may  cause  him  pain.  Take  the 
keys  {giving  them  to  her)  ;  if  you  have  need  to  take  out  any- 
thing for  use,  take  it  out.     I  wish  to  go 

Gym.  {weeping).  How  you  have  drawn  tears  from  me. 

SiL.  My  dear  Gymnasium,  kindly,  farewell. 

Gym.  Take  care  of  yourself,  there's  a  dear.  Prithee,  wil! 
you  go  in  this  dishabille  ?  CPointing  to  hei^  dress.^ 


102  CISTELLARIA ;  Acl  1. 

SiL.  It's  right  that  such  neglect  should  attend  upon  my 
prospects  thus  disarranged. 

Gym.  At  least  do  lift  up  that  outer  garment^. 

SiL.  Let  it  be  dragged,  while  I  myself  am  bemg  dragged 
down. 

Gym.  Since  so  it  pleases  you,  fare  you  well  and  prosper. 

SiL.  If  I  could,  I  would.  {Exit 

Gym.  Mother,  do  you  wish  anything  of  me,  before  I  go  in- 
doors ?     Upon  my  faith,  to  me  she  does  seem  to  be  in  love. 

pROC.  For  this  reason,  then,  it  is,  that  I'm  repeatedly  diu- 
niug  it  into  your  ears,  not  to  be  in  love  with  any  man.  Go 
in-doors. 

Gym.  Do  you  wish  anything  of  me  ? 

Peoc.  That  you  may  fare  well.  Gym.  Fare  you  well. 
(Gymnasium  yotfs  into  the  house  ©/"SileKIUm.) 

Scene  .II. — The  Peogueess,  alone. 

pROC.  (to  the  Audience).  It's  the  same  fault  vAth  myself 
fts  with  a  great  part  of  W5  women  who  are  following  this  call- 
ing;  who,  as  soon  as  ever  we  have  got  our  load  of  food,  are 
forthwith  full  of  talk  ;  more  than  is  enough  do  we  say.  "Why, 
myself  now,  inasmuch  as  I*m  filled  to  my  heart's  content, 
and  because  I've  charged  myself  quite  full  of  the  choicest 
of  wine»  it  pleases  me  to  use  my  tongue  more  at  freedom ;  to 
my  misfortune  I  can't  keep  silent  on  that  which  it  were  ne- 
cessary to  be  silent  upon.  But  once  upon  a  time,  that  girl, 
who  has  gone  hence  in  tears,  from  a  lane  I  carried  off  a  little 
child  exposed.  There  is  here  a  certain  youth,  of  the  highest 
rank ;  his  father,  of  a  very  high  family,  is  living  at  Sicyon^ ;  he 
is  dying  desperately  in  love  for  this  young  woman,  who  has  just 
now  gone  hence  in  tears ;  on  the  other  hand,  she  is  smitten 
with  love.  I  made  a  present  of  her  to  my  friend,  this  Courtesan : 
who  had  often  made  mention  of  it  to  me  that  somewhere  I 
must  find  for  her  a  boy  or  a  girl,  just  born,  that  she  herself 
might  pass  it  off  as  her  own.  As  soon  as  ever  the  opportunity 
befell  me,  I  immediately  granted  her  request  in  that  which 

^  Outer  garment') — Ver.  116.  "  Araiculum"  was  a  general  name  for  the  outer 
garment,  sucii  as  the  "  pallium,"  "  toga,"  or  "  chlamys,"  in  contradistinction  to 
the  "  tunica,"  or  "  under-clothing." 

'  Licir^j  at  Sicyon) — Ver.  131.  This  was  a  very  ancient  city  in  the  north  of 
the  Peloponnesus,  not  far  from  Corinth.  According  to  Pliny  the  Elder,  it  was 
&moas  for  itt>  shopif«.  stored>  with  all  kinds  of  metals. 


Sc.   in.  OE,  THE  CASKET.  103 

she  had  asked  of  me.  After  she  had  received  this  female 
child  from  me,  at  once  she  was  brought  to  bed  of  the  same 
female  child  which  she  had  received  from  me,  without  the  aid 
of  a  midwife  and  without  pain,  just  as  other  women  bring 
forth,  who  seek  a  trouble  to  themselves ;  but  she  said  that 
her  lover  was  a  foreigner,  and  that  by  reason  of  that  circum- 
stance she  was  palming  it  off.  This,  we  two  alone  are  aware 
of,  I  who  gave  tlie  child  to  her,  and  she  who  received  it  from 
me;  {to  the  Audience)  except  yourselves,  indeed.  Thus 
was  this  affair  managed;  if  any  occasion  should  arise,  I  wish 
you  to  remember  this  circumstance.    I'm  off*  home.     {Exit. 

'  Scene  III. — Enter  the  God  of  Help^,  who  speaks  the 
Peologue. 
{To  the  Audience.)  This  old  woman  is  both  a  much-talker 
and  a  much- tippler.  Isn't  it  the  fact  that  she  has  hardly 
left  room  to  a  Divinity  for  him  to  speak,  so  much  has  she 
forestalled  him  in  talking  about  the  substitution  of  this  girl  ? 
But  if  she  had  held  her  tongue,  still  I  was  about  to  mention 
it — a  G-od,  who  could  do  it  better ;  for  my  name  is  Help. 
Now  {to  the  Audience)  lend  your  attention,  that  I  may 
clearly  explain  this  plot  to  you.  Some  time  since,  at  Sicyon, 
there  was  the  Festival  of  Bacchus ;  a  merchant  of  liemnos"-^ 
came  hither  to  the  games,  and  he,  an  ungovernable  young 
man,  ravished  a  maiden^  in  the  dark,  in  the  street,  at  the  dead 
of  night.  He,  as  he  knew  that  he  was  deserving  of  a  lieavy 
punishment,  at  once  found  shelter  with  his  heels,  and  made  off 
for  Lemnos,  where  he  then  lived.  She  whom  he  had  ravished, 
the  ninth  ensuing  month  completed,  brought  forth  a  daughter 
liere*.  Since  she  did  not  know  the  person  guilty  of  this 
deed,  who  he  was,  she  made  the  servant^  of  her  father  partaker 
of  her  counsels,  and  gave  to  that  servant  the  child  to  be  ex- 
posed to  death.  He  exposed  it ;  this  woman  took  up  the 
child ;  that  servant,  who  had  exposed  it,  secretly  took  note 
whither  or  to  what  house  she  carried  away  the  child.    As  you 

*  God  of  Help)  For  the  purposes  of  the  Prologue,  which  is  here  introduced^ 
"  help,"  or  "  assistance,"  is  personified  as  a  Divinity,  under  the  name  ai 
■'  Auxilium,"  who  is  to  assist  Silenium  in  the  discovery  of  her  parents. 

*  Merchant  of  Lemnos) — Ver.  158.  Demipho. 
'  A  maiden) — Ver.  159.  Phanostrata. 

*  A  d/amghter  here) — Ver.  164.  Silenium. 
'  The  servant) — Ver.  166.  Lampadiscus. 

Vol.  II.  u 


194  CISTELLAEIA  f  Act  II. 

have  heard  her  own  self  confess,  she  gave  this  child  to  the 
Courtesan  Melaenis ;  and  she  brought  her  up  as  being  her 
own  daughter,  honestly  and  virtuously.  But  then,  this  Lem- 
nian  married  a  neighbour  there,  his  relation,  for  his  vvi^e. 
She  departed  this  life ;  there  she  was  compliant  to  her  hus- 
band. After  he  had  performed  the  due  obsequies  to  his  wife, 
at  once  he  removed  hither ;  here  he  married  for  his  wife  that 
same  woman^  whom  formerly,when  a  maid,  he  ravished.  When 
he  understood  that  it  was  she  whom  he  had  ravished,  she 
told  him  that,  in  consequence  of  the  violation,  she  had  brought 
forth  a  daughter,  and  had  at  once  given  her  to  a  servant  to 
be  exposed.  He  forthwith  ordered  this  same  servant  to 
make  enquiries,  if  anyhow  he  could  discover  who  had  taken 
it  up.  Now  to  that  task  is  the  servant  always  assiduously  de- 
voting his  attention,  if  he  can  find  out  that  Courtesan,  whom 
formerly,  when  he  himself  exposed  her,  he  from  his  hiding- 
place  had  seen  take  her  up.  Now,  what  remains  unpaid,  I  wish 
to  discharge,  that  my  name  may  be  struck  out,  so  that  I 
mayn't  remain  a  debtor.  A  young  man^  is  here  at  Sicyon, 
liis  father  is  alive ;  with  affection  he  distractedly  dotes  upon 
this  exposed  girl,  who  just  now  went  hence  in  tears  unto  her 
mother ;  and  she  loves  him  in  return,  which  is  the  most  delight- 
ful love  of  all.  As  human  matters  go,  nothing  is  granted  for 
everlasting :  the  father  is  wishful  to  give  the  young  man  a 
wife.  When  the  mother^  came  to  know  of  this,  she  ordered 
her  to  be  sent  for  home.  Thus  have  these  matters  come  to 
pass.  Kindly  fare  you  well,  and  conquer  by  inborn  valour,  as 
you  have  done  before ;  defend  your  allies,  both  ancient  ones 
and  new ;  increase  resources  by  your  righteous  laws  ;  destroy 
your  foes ;  laud  and  laurels  gather ;  that,  conquered  by  you, 
the  Poeni*  may  suffer  the  penalty.  (JExit. 

Act  II. — Scene  I. 
Enter  Alcesimaechus  am,d  Mel^nis. 
Alc.  I  do  believe  that  Love  was  the  first  to  invent  torture 
among  mankind.     This  conjecture  do  I  form  from  myself  at 

'  That  same  woman) — Ver.  179.  An  exactly  similar  circumstance  forms  the 
groundwork  of  the  plot  in  the  Hecyra  of  Terence. 

'  A  young  man) — Ver.  191.  Alcesimarchus. 

'  When  the  mother) — Ver.  197.  Melaenis. 

«  The  Pceni) — Ver.  203.  This  Play  was  probably  written  towards  the  end  cf  the 
B^/lbud  Panic  wiu' 


Kc.  1.  OB,  THE  CASKET.  lOf* 

liume,  not  to  go  seek  it  out  of  doors ;  I,  who  surpass  all  men, 
exceed  them  in  the  pangs  of  my  feelings.  I'm  tossed,  tor- 
mented, agitated,  goaded,  whirled  on  the  wheel  of  love  in  my 
misery,  I'm  deprived  of  sensation,  carried  one  luay,  carried 
another  way,  I'm  torn  and  rent  asunder;  such  clouded 
faculties  of  mind  have  I,  where  I  am,  there  I  am  not ;  where 
I  am  not,  there  my  thoughts  are ;  to  such  a  degree  have  I 
now  all  kinds  of  feelings  in  me ;  what  I  like,  then  all  at  once 
I  like  not  the  same ;  so  much  does  love  trifle  with  me  changing 
my  mind,  drive  me,  pursue,  desire,  and  seize  for  itself, 
retain,  trepan,  and  promise ;  what  it  gives,  it  gives  not ; 
it  deludes  me ;  what  this  moment  it  has  persuaded  me,  it 
now  dissuades  me  from  ;  what  it  has  dissuaded  mo  from,  it 
now  points  out  to  me  that  same.  After  the  manner  of  the 
sea  is  it  experienced  by  me ;  so  much  does  it  distract  my 
enamoured  feelings  ;  and  only  in  that,  in  my  misery,  I  do  not 
sink  utterly,  is  there  any  evil  removed  from  me  thus  ruined ; 
in  such  a  way  has  my  father  detained  me  these  six  days 
running  in  the  country,  at  his  house  there ;  nor  has  it  been 
allowed  me  in  the  meantime  to  visit  my  mistress.  Isn't  this 
dreadful  to  relate  ? 

Mel.  Are  you  joking  for  this  reason,  because  you've 
got  another  wife  engaged,  a  rich  lady  of  Lemnos  ?  Have 
her  then!  We  are  neither  of  a  family  so  great  as  you  are, 
nor  is  our  wealth  so  substantial  as  yours  ;  but  still  I  have  no 
fears  that  any  one  will  impeach  our  oath ;  you  then,  if  you  shall 
feel  any  pain,  will  know  for  what  reason  you  do  feel  pain. 

Alc.  May  the  G-ods  confound  me Mel.  AVhatever 

you  wish  for,  I  desire  it  may  befall  you. 

Alc.  If  ever  I'll  marry  that  wife  which  my  father  has  en- 
gaged for  me. 

Mel.  And  me,  if  ever  I  give  you  my  daughter  for  a  wife. 

Alc.  Will  you  allow  me  to  be  forsworn  ? 

Mel.  Yes,  and  a  little  more  easily  than  myself  and  my 
affairs  to  go  to  ruin,  and  my  daughter  to  be  trifled  with. 
Begone  !  go  seek  where  there  is  confidence  enough  in  your 
oaths  ;  here  now,  with  us,  Alcesimarchus,  you've  renounced 
your  title^  to  our  friendship. 

'  Renounced  your  title) — Ver.  245.  *'  Conf'registi  tesseram.'  Literally,  "  yon 
nave  broken  your  tally,"  or  "  ticket."  These  were  pieces  of  wood  cut  in  half, 
wid  fitting  each  other.     They  were  exchanged  by  friends,  and  denoted  thtii 

o2 


196  cistellahia;  Act  II. 

Alo.  Make  trial  of  me  but  once..  Mel.  I  have  made  thai 
trial  full  oft ;  which  I  lament  has  been  so  made. 

Alc.  Grive  her  back  to  me.  Mel.  Under  new  circum- 
stances I'll  use  an  old  proverb :  "  What  I  have  given,  I  wish 
I  liad  not  given ;  w  lat's  left,  that  I  shall  not  give." 

Alc.  Won't  you  restore  her  again  to  me  ? 

Mel.  Answer  yourself  for  me. 

Alc.  You  won't  restore  her  then  ? 

Mel.  You  know  the  whole  of  my  resolution  already. 

Alc.  Is  that  quite  resolved  upon  by  you  in  your  heart  ? 

Mel.  Why,  in  fact,  I'm  thinking  about  something  else; 
i'  fiiith,  I  don't  at  present  catch  these  words  of  yours  with 
my  ears. 

Alc.  Not  hear  ?    Why,  what  are  you  doing  ? 

Mel.  Then  do  you  give  heed  at  once,  that  you  may  know 
what  you  are  doing. 

Alc  Then,  so  may  the  Q-ods  and  Goddesses  of  above  and 
below,  and  of  middle  rank^,  and  so  may  Juno  the  queen  and 
the  daughter^  of  supreme  Jove,  and  so  may  Saturn  his 
uncle 

Mel.  I'  troth,  his  father- 


Alc.  And  so  may  Ops  the  opulent,  bis  grandam 

Mel.  Indeed,  his  mother,  rather. 

Alc.  Juno  his  daughter,  and  Saturn  his  uncle,  supreme 
Jove — You  are  maddening  me ;  it's  through  you  I  make 
these  mistakes.     Mel.  Gro  on  saying  so. 

Alc.  Is  it  that  I'm  to  know^  what  conclusion  you  are 
going  to  come  to  ?  Mel.  Gro  on  talking ;  I  shaU  not  send 
her  back,  that's  resolved  upon. 

Alc  Why  then,  so  may  Jupiter,  and  so  may  Juno  and 
Saturn,  to  me,  so  may — I  don't  know  what  to  say — Now  I 
know — Yes,  madam,  listen,  that  you  may  know  my  mind ; 

readiness,  on  the  presenting  thereof,  to  entertain  each  other  with  hospitality.  She 
means  that  Alcesimarchus  has  broken  his  word,  and  has  lost  his  right  to  be  con- 
sidered as  a  friend.     See  the  Poenulus,  1.  1047. 

1  Of  middle  rank) — Ver.  249.  "  Medioxtuni."  By  these  are  meant  the  De- 
migo(1s. 

-  And  the  dmighter) — Ver.  250.  In  his  confusion  he  calls  Juno,  the  sister  and 
wife  of  Jupiter,  his  daughter. 

'  Thai  tm  to  know) — Ver.  255.  According  to  the  suggestion  of  Rost,  th« 
rejiding  "  sciam,"  "  I  may  know,"  has  been  preferred  to  "  scias,"  "  you  may  know." 
«i  the  present  passage. 


tic.  III.  OR,  THE  CASKET.  197 

may  all  the  Deities,  great  and  small,  and  those  honored  with 
the  platter^  *  *  *  cause  me  not  sur- 

viving to  give  a  kiss  this  day  to  Silenium,  if  I  don't  this  very 
day  murder  you  and  your  daughter  and  myself,  and  after 
that,  vrith  the  break  of  day,  if  I  don't  to-morrow  kill  you 
both,  and  indeed,  by  all  the  powers,  if  at  the  third  onset  I 
don't  demolish  you  all,  if  you  don't  send  her  back  to  me. 
I've  said  Mhat  I  intended.  Earewell.  {Goes  into  his 
Father's  house.) 

Mel.  (to  herself).  He's  gone  in-doors  in  a  rage.  "What 
ehall  I  do  now  ?  If  she  comes  back  to  him,  matters  will  be 
just  in  the  same  position.  When  satiety  begins  to  take  pos- 
session ;  he'll  be  turning  her  out  of  doors,  when  he  shall  be 
biinging  home  this  Lemnian  wife.  But  still  I'll  go  and  fol- 
low him ;  there's  necessity  for  caution,  lest  he,  in  love,  should 
be  doing  some  mischief.  In  fine,  since  with  strict  justice  a  poor 
person's  not  allowed  to  contend  with  a  rich  one,  I'll  lose  my 
labour  rather  than  lose  my  daughter.  But  who's  this  that 
straight  along  the  street  is  directing  his  course  this  way? 
Both  the  other  matter  do  I  fear,  and  this  do  I  dread ;  so 
utterly  in  trepidation  am  wretched  I.     {She  stands  aside.) 

Scene  II. — Unter  Lampadiscus. 
Lam.  (to  himself).  I've  followed  the  old  woman  with  my 
clamour  through  the  streets ;  I've  kept  her  most  dreadfully 
plagued.  In  what  a  multitude  of  ways  has  she,  this  day, 
kept  guard  upon  herself,  and  been  able  to  remember  nothing. 
How  many  alluring  things,  what  advantages  I've  promised 
her.  How  many  inventions  I've  applied  to  her,  how  many 
stratagems  in  questioning  her.  With  difficulty  have  I  ex- 
torted it  from  her  that  she  should  tell  me,  because  I  promised 
to  give  her  a  cask  of  wine. 

Scene  III. — Unter  'Pb^a.sostilat a.,  from  her  house. 

Phan.  (to  herself).  I  seemed  just  now  to  be  hearing  the 
voice  of  my  servant  Lampadiscus  before  the  house. 

Lam.  (stepping  for u;ard).  You  are  not  deaf,  mistress,  you 
heard  aright. 

»  Honored  with  the  platter) — Ver,  259.  *'  Patellarii.''  These  were  the  Lure* 
and  Penates,  the  household  Gods,  to  whom  offerings  were  made  of  victnaa;  in 
small  plates  or  platters.  Ovid,  in  the  Fasti,  B.  2,  1.  634,  says:  "Offer,  too  a 
ghare  of  the  viands,  that  the  presented  platter  testimony  of  the  pleasing  honor, 
Buy  feed  the  well-4tirt  Lares." 


IDS  CISTELLABIA ;  A.et  II. 

Phax.  AVIiat  art  you  doing  here  ? 

Lam.  a  thing  for  you  to  rejoice  at. 

Phan.  AVhat's  that  ? 

Lam.  {pointing  to  the  house  of  ^ihE^iTJU).  A  little -while 
ago,  I  saw  a  woman  coming  out  of  that  house  there. 

Phak.  Her  that  took  up  my  daughter? 

Lam.  You  have  the  matter  right. 

Pha>%  What  after  that  ?  Lam.  I  told  her  in  what  way 
I  had  seen  her  take  up  the  daughter  of  my  mistress  from 
the  Hippodrome.     Then  she  was  in  a  fright. 

Mel.  (apart).  Now  my  body's  in  a  shudder,  my  heart  is 
throbbing;  for  I  recollect  that  from  the  Hippodrome  the 
/ittle  female  infant  was  brought  to  me,  and  that  I  brought  it 
up  as  my  own. 

Phan.  Come,  prithee,  do  go  on ;  my  soul's  longing  to 
hear  how  tlie  matter  proceeded. 

Mel.  {apart).  I  only  wish  you  couldn't  hear. 

Lam.  I  proceed         *  *  *         saying^,  "  This 

i)ld  woman  calls  you  her  daughter  wrongfully.  *  * 

*  •  *  *  *  *      •       *  Yov  this 

woman  here  is  your  foster-mother,  so  don't  think  she  is  your 
mother.  I'm  to  take  you  back  and  invite  you  to  opulence, 
where  you  may  be  settled  in  a  noble  family,  where  youi* 
father  may  present  you  with  twenty  great  talents  for  a  por- 
tion. Por  this  is  not  a  place  where  after  the  Etrurian  mode^ 
you  are  disgracefully  to  earn  a  dowTy  for  yourself  hy  prosti- 
tution of  your  person." 

Phax.  Is  she,  pray,  a  Courtesan,  who  took  it  up  ? 

Lam.  Yes,  she  was  a  Courtesan.  But  how  it  happened,  I'U 
tell  you  about  that  matter.  I  was  now  winning  her  over  to 
me  by  my  persuasion.  The  old  woman  embraced  her  knees, 
weeping  a7id entreating  that  she  would  not  forsake  her ;  saying 
that  she  was  her  own  daughter ;  and  she  took  a  solemn  oath  to 
me  that  she  herself  had  borne  her.  "  Her,"  said  she,  "  whom 
you  are  in  search  of,  I  gave  to  a  friend  of  mine  to  bring  her 

1  Saying') — Ver.  294.  We  are  to  suppose  that  on  following  the  Procuress  to  her 
cwn  house,  he  says  this  to  Gymnasium,  taking  her  for  the  young  woman  whom  he 
is  in  searcli  of.     Probably  a  large  portion  of  the  Play  is  lost  here. 

-  The  Etrurian  mode) — Ver.  300.  Tlie  Tuscans  or  Etrurians,  who  were  said  te 
hiive  been  originally  a  colony  from  Lydia,  are  by  some  writers  s'^ated  to  have 
forced  their  young  women  to  gain  their  marriage-portions  by  prostitution.  Uer»> 
dolus  iiUudL-b  to  this  custom  of  the  Lvdians, 


Sc.  111.  OR,  THE  CASKET.  199 

up  as  lier  own  daughter ;  and  she  ia  alive,"  said  she.  "  Where 
la  she  ?"  immediately  said  I. 

Phan.  Preserve  me,  ye  Grods,  I  do  entreat  you. 

Mel.  {apart).  But  me  you  are  undoing ! 

Phan.  You  ought  to  have  enquired  to  whom  she  gave  it. 

Lam.  I  did  enquire,  and  she  said  to  the  Courtesan 
Melaenis. 

Mel.  {apart).  He  has  mentioned  my  name  ?  I'm  utterly 
undone ! 

Lam.  When  she  mentioned  her,  I  straightway  asked, 
"  Where  does  she  live?"  said  I ;  "  take  and  show  me."  "  She 
has  been  carried  off  hence,"  says  she,  "to  live  abroad." 

Mel.  He's  sprinkling^  a  little  cold  water  now. 

Lam.  "  Wherever  she  has  been  carried  off,  thither  we  ^-ill 
follow.  Do  you  trifle  in  this  fashion?  Ton  are  undone, 
if,  i'  faith,  you  don't  disclose  this."  I  insisted  to  such  a 
degree,  that  the  old  woman  swore  that  she  would  soon  in- 
form me. 

Phax.  But  you  oughtn't  to  have  let  her  go. 

Lam.  She's  all  safe  ;  but  she  said  that  she  wished  first  to 
meet  a  certain  woman,  a  friend  of  hers,  with  whom  this  was  a 
matter  of  interest  in  common,  and  I'm  sure  she'll  come. 

Mel.  {apart).  She'll  be  discovering  me,  and  adding  hep 
own  distress  to  mine. 

Phan.  Make  me  acquainted  what  you  now  wish  me  to  do. 

Lam.  Go  in-doors,  and  be  of  good  heart.  If  your  hus- 
band shall  come,  bid  him  w^ait  at  home,  lest  he  should  be 
required  by  me,  if  I  want  him  for  anything.  I'm  going  to  run 
back  to  the  old  woman. 

Phan.  Lampadio,  prithee,  do  take  care. 

Lam.  I'll  have  this  matter  well  managed. 

Phai^".  I  trust  in  the  Grods  and  in  yourself. 

Lam.  And  I  in  the  same  —  that  you'll  now  go  home. 
(PHA^'OSTEATA  goes  into  her  house.) 

Mel.  {coming  forward).  Young  man,  stay  and  listen. 

Lam.  What,  are  you  calling  to  me,  woman  ?     Mel.  To  you. 

Lam.  What's  the  matter  ?     For  I'm  fully  engaged. 

Mel.  {Pointing  to  the  house  of  Demipho).  Who  lives 
there  ?     Lam.  Demipho,  my  master. 

'  He's  sprinJcU'Tff) — ^Ver.  .S18.  This  metaphor,  which  is  also  used  iii  the  Tn- 
nummus,  is  tak.>i  from  the  cublom  of  throwing  cold  water  on  persons  when  in  a 
faipting  state 


200  CISTELLAEIA :  Act  II. 

Mel.  It  is  lie,  I  suppose,  that  has  betrothed  his  daugh- 
ter with  such  great  wealth  to  Alcesimarchus  ? 

Lam.  It  is  he  himself.  Mel.  How  now,  you?  What 
other  daughter,  then,  are  you  people  now  in  search  of? 

Lam.  I'll  tell  you  ;  not  his  daughter  by  his  wife,  but  his 
wife's  daughter. 

Mel.  What's  the  meaning  of  that  speech  ? 

Lam.  By  a  former  woman,  I  say,  my  master  had  a  daugh- 
ter born. 

Mel.  Surely,  just  now  you  said  you  were  m  search  of  the 
daughter  of  her  who  has  been  talking  here. 

Lam.  Her  daughter  I  am  in  search  of. 

Mel.  In  what  way  then,  pray,  is  she  a  "  former  woman," 
who  is  now  his  wife  ? 

Lam.  Woman,  whoever  you  are,  you  weary  me  with  your 
prating.  The  middle  woman^  whom  he  had  for  a  wife,  of  her 
this  maiden  was  born  that's  being  given  to  Alcesimarchus. 
That  wife  is  dead.     Do  you  understand  now  ? 

Mel.  I  understand  that  quite  weU ;  but  it's  this  knotty 
point  I'm  enquiring  about,  how  the  first  can  be  the  last,  the 
last  be  the  first. 

Lam.  The  fact  is  this ;  this  woman  he  ravished  before  he 
took  her  home  as  his  wife ;  before  that  she  was  pregnant, 
and  before  that  she  gave  birth  to  a  daughter :  after  she  gave 
birth  to  her,  she  ordered  the  infant  to  be  exposed  ;  I  mi/self 
exposed  her ;  another  woman  took  her  away ;  I  was  on  the 
look-out ;  after  that,  my  master  married  her.  That  girl,  her 
daughter,  we  are  now  in  search  of.  (Mel^nis  turns  aside 
her  head.)  Why  now,  with  face  upturned,  are  you  looking 
up  towards  the  heavens  ? 

Mel.  Now,  then,  be  off"  at  once  whither  you  were  hasten- 
ing ;  I  won't  detain  you ;  I  understand  it  now. 

Lam.  I'  troth,  to  the  Deities  I  do  give  thanks  ;  for  if  you 
hadn't  understood  me,  I  do  think  you  would  never  have  let 
me  go.  {^xit. 

Mel.  (to  herself).  Now  it's  necessary  for  me  to  be  honest, 
whether  I  will  or  no,  although  I  had  rather  not ;  I  find  the 
thing  is  discovered.     Now  will  I  myself  lay  them  under  an 

1  The  middle  woman) — Ver.  347.  "  Medioxumam."  The  middle  woman,  although 
his  first  wife,  and  the  mother  of  the  daughter  whom  he  had  betrothed  to  Alcesi- 
niHrc'hus;  he  having  had  Phanostrata  the  tirst,  as  a  woman  (when  he  ravishea 
ber  J,  but  not  »s»  a  wife  until  after  the  death  of  his  tirst  wife. 


Act  III.  OR,  THE  CASKET.  201 

obligation  to  me,  rather  than  she  shall  peach  upon  me.    I'll  go 
home,  and  I'U  bring  SHenium  to  her  parents.  {Uxit. 

Act  III. — Scene  I. 
IJnter  Mel^nis,  Silenium,  and  Halisca.. 

Mel.  I've  disclosed  the  whole  matter  to  you  ;  follow,  my 
Silenium,  that  you  may  rather  belong  to  those  to  whom  you 
ought  to  belong,  than  be  mine.  Although  against  my  will  I 
shall  part  with  you,  still  I'll  reconcile  my  mind  to  consult 
that  which  in  especial  conduces  to  your  benefit.  (  Giving  her 
a  casket.)  For  here  in  this  are  the  trinkets^,  together  with 
which  she  who  gave  you  to  me  formerly  brought  you  to  me  ; 
that  your  parents  may  recognize  you  the  more  easily.  Take 
this  casket,  Halisca,  and  then  go  and  knock  at  that  door 
(jpointing  to  the  house  of  Demipho)  :  say  that  I  request  that 
some  one  will  come  from  within.     Make  haste,  quickly. 

Scene  II. — Unter  Alcesimaiichus,/^©^  his  Fatheb's 
house,  with  his  svmrd  drawn. 

Alc.  {calling  aloud).  Death,  receive  me  unto  thyself,  a 
friend  and  well-wisher  to  me  ! 

SiL.  My  mother,  to  our  sorrow,  we  are  undone ! 

Alc.  (aloud,  to  himself).  Whether  shall  I  pierce  my  side 
here  (striking  his  right  side)  or  on  the  left. 

Mel.  (to  Silenium).  What's  the  matter  with  you? 

SiL.  (pointing).  Don't  yon  see  Alcesimarchns?  He's  grasp- 
ing a  sword.  Alc.  (aloud,  in  a  frantic  manner).  What  art 
about?     Thou  art  delaying.     Quit  the  light  0/ Jay. 

SiL.  Do  run  and  aid  him,  pray,  that  he  mayn't  kill  him- 
self. (They  run  to  assist  him,  on  which  Halisca  drops  the 
casket.) 

Alc.  0  Safety  more  healthful  than  my  own  safety,  you 
now,  whether  I  wish  or  don't  wish,  alone  do  cause  me  to  live, 

Mel.  Pie  on  it !  Were  you  ready  to  commit  such  violence  ? 

Alc.  I've  nought  to  do  with  you — to  you  I'm  dead. 
{Clasping  Silenium  in  his  arms.)  Her,  as  I  hold  her,  I'm  de- 
termined not  to  lose.     For,  by  heaven,  I  am  resolved  hence- 

*  Are  the  tn,nkets) — Ver.  371.  The  discovery  in  the  Kudens  depends  on  a 
sin.ilar  circumstance.  This  custom  of  attaching  trinkets  to  the  persons  of  chil- 
dren when  exposed,  will  be  more  fully  remarked  upon  in  the  Notes  to  the  Tr«aa^ 
jation  of  lereuce. 


I 


202  CISTELLARIA  Act  IV. 

forth  to  have  her  entirely  ri vetted  fast  unto  me.  {Goes  to  the 
door  of  the  house,  and  calls.)  Where  are  you,  servants  ?  Shut 
the  door  with  bolts,  with  bars,  when  I  shall  have  carried 
her  within  the  threshold!  (He  carries  Silenium  into  the 
house,  followed  hy  Halisca.) 

Mel.  (exclaiming,  while  wringing  her  hands).  He's  gone 

off:  he  has  carried  the  damsel  away.     I'll  go — I'll  at  once 

ollow  him  in-doors,  that  he  may  know  of  me  these  same 

hings,  if  from  being  angered  with  me  I  can  render  him 

[J leased.     CGoes  into  the  house.) 

Act  IV. — Scene  I. 
Unter  Lampadiscus. 
Lam.  I  do  believe  I  never  saw  a  more  tormenting  old 
flag  than  this  is.  "What  she  just  now  confessed  to  me,  is 
she  to  be  denying  it?  But  look,  I  see  my  mistress. 
Why  (seeing  the  casket  on  the  ground),  how's  this,  that  this 
casket  is  lying  here  with  these  trinkets,  and  that  I  see  no 
other  person  in  the  street  ?  I  must  act  the  child's  part^ ;  I'll 
stoop  to  j)ick  up  the  casket.     (Picks  it  up.) 

Enter  Ph ano strata, /totti  her  hou^e. 

Phan.  What  are  you  about,  Lampadio  ? 

Lam.  (cjiving  the  casket  to  Phanostrata).  Is  this  casket 
from  out  of  our  house  here,  I  wonder.  For  I  picked  it  up, 
lying  here  near  the  door. 

PiiAN".  What  news  do  you  bring  about  the  old  woman  ? 

Lam.  That  there's  not  one  other  on  earth  more  wicked. 
She  denies  all  those  things  which  she  just  now  confessed  to 
me.  But,  i'  faith,  for  me  to  allow  that  old  jade  to  be  laugh- 
ing at  me,  it's  preferable  for  me  to  die  by  any  kind  of  death. 

Phan.  Ye  Grods,  I  do  adjure  you  by  our  trust  in  you! 
(Opening  the  casket.) 

Lam.  Why  do  you  call  upon  the  Grods  r 

PuAisr.  Save  us!     Lam.  What's  the  matter? 

Phan.  These  are  the  trinkets  with  which  you  exposed 
my  little  daughter  to  death.     Lam.  Are  you  in  your  senses  ? 

Phan.  These  certainly  are.     Lam.  Do  you  persist  ? 

^  Act  the  child't  part) — Ver.  392.  He  alludes  to  his  taking  up  tiie  toys  ot 
tnnkcts,  wtiich  were  made  for  children  to  play  with.  "Conquiniscam,"  verj 
uunecebsarily  it  would  seem,  has  an  indelicate  meaning  given  to  it  by  Lambinus. 


Sc.  II.  OR,  THE  CASKET.  203 

Phan.  TLdse  are  they. 

Lam.  If  any  other  woman  were  to  speak  to  nie  after  that 
fashion,  I  should  say  she  was  drunk. 

Pha]s^.  By  heaven!  I'm  talking  no  nonsense.  But  pri- 
thee, whence  in  the  world  did  these  come,  or  what  Deity 
placed  this  before  our  door  ?  As  though  for  a  given  purpose, 
at  the  very  instant  sacred  Hope  comes  to  my  aid  ? 

Scene  II, — ^w^er  Halisca,  at  a  distance,  from  the  house  of 
the  Father  o/'Alcesimaechus. 
Hal.  (to  herself).  Unless  the  Gods  give  me  some  aid,  I'm 
utterly  undone ;  nor  do  I  know  whence  I  am  to  seek  for 
aid.  To  such  a  degree  does  carelessness  possess  wretched 
me  in  mind,  which  I  sadly  fear  may  be  lighting  upon  my 
own  back,  if  my  mistress  knows  that  I'm  so  negligent  as  I 
really  am.  The  casket  which  I  took  and  held  in  my  hands 
here  before  the  door,  where  it  is  I  know  not ;  except,  as  I 
fancy,  it  was  dropt  by  me  about  this  spot,  {Looks  about  on 
the  ground.')  My  good  sirs  (to  the  Audience),  my  kind 
{Spectators,  do  give  me  information  if  any  one  has  seen  it,  if 
any  one  has  taken  it  away,  or  any  one  picked  it  up ;  and 
whether  in  this  direction  or  that  he  has  taken  his  departure  ? 
{She  pauses  for  a  reply.)  I'm  none  the  wiser  for  asking 
these  persons,  or  for  worrying  them,  w'ho  are  always  delighted 
at  a  woman's  mishaps.  Now  I'll  mark  if  there  are  any  foot- 
steps here ;  for  if  no  one  liad  passed  this  way  since  I  went 
in-doors,  the  casket  would  be  lying  here.  Why  say  "  here  ?" 
It's  lost,  I  guess ;  it's  done  for.  It's  all  over  wnth  unhappy 
and  unlucky  me !  It's  nowhere,  and  nowhere  am  I.  This, 
by  its  loss,  has  proved  my  loss.  But  still,  as  I've  begun,  I'll " 
e'en  go  on  ;  I'll  make  search  ;  for  both  within  do  I  fear,  and 
without  I  am  afraid ;  so  much,  on  either  side,  does  fear 
agitate  me  now.  In  this  are  mortals  intensely  wretched.  He 
is  now  joyous,  whoever  he  is,  tdat  has  found  it,  which  is  of  no 
use  at  all  to  any  person  else ;  to  myself  it  may  be.  But  I 
cause  delay  to  myself,  while  I'm  doing  this  with  remissness. 
Halisca,  attend  to  what  you  are  about :  look  down  upon  the 
ground,  and  look  round  about ;  search  with  your  eyes ;  giiesi 
with  shrewdness. 

;  Lam.  {apart,  at  a  distance^.  Mistress! 
Phan,  {apart).  Well,  what's  the  matter? 


204  CISTELIA.EIA ;  Act  IV 

Lam.  {apart).  That's  she.  (Pointing  at  Halisca.) 

Phan.  {apart).  Who? 

Lam.  {apart.)  She  who  let  fall  the  casket.  Why  surely 
she's  tracing  out  that  spot  where  it  fell. 

Phan.  {apart.)  It  seems  so.  Hal.  {to  herself,  looJcing  on 
the  ground).  But  that  person  has  gone  this  way;  this  way  I 
perceive  the  imprint  of  his  shoe^ ;  this  way  I'll  folloAv  him. 
{She  moves  along,  still  looking  on  the  ground.)  In  tins  spot 
now  has  he  stopped,  along  with  another  person.  Here  now  a 
circle-  presents  itself  to  my  sight,  nor  did  he  go  straight  for- 
ward this  way ;  here  he  came  to  a  pause.  This  way  did  he 
come  out  of  that  circle.  Here  was  a  conference  with  some 
one.  It  points  to  two  persons  now.  Who  are  these  ?  Hey- 
day !  I  see  the  footsteps  of  only  one.  But  he  has  gone  tliis 
way.  I'll  consider  it :  hither  he  went  from  thence ;  from 
hence  he  has  never  gone.  I'm  troubling  myself  to  no  pur- 
]>ose.  What's  lost  is  lost ;  my  hide^  along  with  the  casket. 
I'll  go  in-doors  again.  (  Going  towards  the  house  of  the  Fatheb 
of  Alcesimarchus.) 

Phan.  {calling  out).  Hallo,  woman — stop;  there  are  some 
persons  who  wish  to  meet  with  you. 

Hal.  Who's  calling  me  back  ? 

Lam.  a  good  female  and  a  bad  male  want  you. 

Hal.  Away  with  you,  bad  male ;  I  want  a  good  one. 
(To  herself)  After  all,  he  who  calls  knows  better  what  he 
wants  than  I  who  am  called ;  I'll  return.  {Aloud.)  Prithee, 
have  you  seen  any  person  hereabouts  pick  up  a  casket  with 
some  trinkets,  which  I,  to  my  misfortune,  have  lost  here? 
For  when,  just  now,  we  were  running  into  the  nouse  of  Alce- 
simarchus,  that  he  mightn't  put  an  end  to  his  life,  at  that 

•  Of  hit  ihoe) — Ver.  443.  "  Socci."  Tlie  "  soccus "  was  a  loose  shoe  woni 
especially  by  the  Comic  actors.     Its  use  was  probably  derived  from  Greece. 

2  Here  now  a  circle) — Ver.  445.  "  Turbo."  Schmieder  thinks  that  this  means 
•*  a  whirlwind,"  and  that  she  intends  to  say  that  she  has  lost  the  track,  in 
consequence  of  the  wind  blowing  round  the  dust,  and  so  obliterating  the  foot- 
marks.  Perhaps,  however,  she  means,  that  just  there  the  trick  is  lost  by  its  being 
till  in  confusion,  witliout  beginning  or  end,  so  far  as  she  can  see.  Some  would  read 
"  turba,"  a  "  multitude,"  as  meaning  that  the  throng  in  the  street  hinders  her 
♦rom  clearly  seeing  the  imprints  of  the  feet. 

'  3/y  hide) — Ver.  452.  She  alludes  to  the  flogging  which  she  may  expect  for 
n»*r  carelessness,  which  will  cause  her  to  lose  her  skin,  or  literally,  as  Plautiu 
•»ijr»  (^uite  in  accordance  with  our  vulgar  parlance),  her  "  leather." 


Sc.  J  J.  OE,  THE  CASKET.  205 

moment  I  think  that,  through  terror,  the  casket  fell  down 
from  me  here. 

Lam.  {aside  to  Phanostbata).  This  woman's  to  our  pui'- 
pose ;  let's  then  give  heed  to  her  a  little,  mistress. 

Hal.  To  my  sorrow,  I'm  utterly  undone.  What  shall  I 
say  to  my  mistress,  who  bade  me  with  such  earnestness  take 
care  of  it,  through  which  Silenium  might  the  more  readily 
recognize  her  parents — who,  when  little,  was  adopted  by  my 
Diistress  as  her  own,  and  whom  a  certain  Courtesan  gave  to 
her? 

Lam.  {aside).  She's  talking  about  this  matter  of  ours. 
According  as  she  gives  these  indications  by  her  talk,  she 
must  surely  know  where  your  daughter  is. 

Hal.  Now  is  she  desirous  of  her  own  accord  to  restore  her 
to  her  father  and  mother,  whose  daughter  she  is ;  prithee,  my 
■^ood  sir,  you  are  attending  to  something  else ;  I  commend  my 
matter  to  you. 

Lam.  I'm  giving  my  attention  to  this,  and  this  is  as  good 
as  food  to  me,  that  you  are  talking  of;  but  amid  my  attend- 
ing to  this  matter,  I  was  answering  this  mistress  of  mine 
what  she  was  enquiring ;  now  I  return  to  you.  If  you  have 
need  of  anything,  say  you,  and  give  your  orders.  "Wliat  were 
you  looking  for  ? 

Hal.  My  good  sir  and  my  good  madam,  I  greet  you. 

Phan.  And  we  you.     But  what  are  you  looking  for  ? 

Hal.  I'm  tracing  footsteps  here,  the  way  that  something 
has  escaped  me  here,  I  don't  know  how. 

Phan.  What  is  it  ?     Lam.  What  is  it,  pray  ? 

Hal.  Something  to  bring  a  loss  to  another,  and  a  cala- 
mity on  our  family. 

Lam.  {aside  to  Phai^'O strata).  A  worthless  baggage  is 
this,  mistress,  and  a  crafty  one. 

PHAif.  {aside).  I'  faith,  and  so  she  seems. 

Lam.  {aside).  She  imitates  a  worthless  animal  and  a  mis- 
chievous. 

Phak.  {aside).  Which  one,  prithee?  Lam.  {aside).  A 
caterpillar,  which  twisting  about  winds  itself  in  the  leaf  of 
the  vine ;  just  in  the  same  way  does  she  begin  a  story  that 
twists  about.     {To  Halisca.)  What  are  you  looking  for  ? 

Hal.  a  casket,  my  good  young  man,  has  flown  away  from 
m"^  here. 


tiO()  JISTELLAEIA ;  Act  IV. 

Lam.  You  ought  to  have  put  it  in  a  cage. 

Hal.  I'  faith,  the  booty  was  no  great  one. 

Lam.  It's  a  wonder,  if  a  whole  troop  of  slaves^  isn't  there 
ir  the  casket. 

Phan.  Do  let  her  speak.    Lam.  If  indeed  she  would  speak. 

Phak.  {to  Halisca).  Come  say  you,  what  was  in  it  ? 

Hal.  Trinkets  only.  Lam.  There's  a  certain  man,  who 
declares  that  he  know^s  where  it  is. 

Hal.  But,  by  my  faith,  he'll  confer  an  obligation  on  a 
certain  woman  if  he'll  discover  it.  Lam.  But  this  certain 
man  wishes  a  reward  to  be  given  to  him. 

Hal.  But,  by  my  faith,  this  certain  woman,  that  has  lost 
this  casket,  declares  that  she  has  nothing  to  give  to  this  cer- 
tain man. 

Lam.  But  still  this  certain  man  looks  for  some  money. 

Hal.  But  still  he  looks  for  it  in  vain. 

Lam.  But,  by  my  faith,  good  woman,  in  no  matter  does 
this  certain  man  give  his  pains  for  nothing. 

Phan.  Lend  me  your  conversation :  it  w^ill  now  be  for  your 
own  advantage.     We  confess  that  we  have  got  the  casket. 

Hal.  Then  may  Salvation  preserve  you ;  where  is  it  now  ? 

pHAif.  {producing  the  casket).  See,  here  it  is,  safe.  But  I 
wish  to  discourse  with  you  upon  a  matter  of  importance  to 
myself;  I  take  you  as  a  sharer  with  me  in  my  own  preserva- 
tion. 

Hal.  "What  matter  is  this,  or  who  are  you  ? 

Phan.  I  am  the  mother  of  her  who  had  these  things 
with  her,  when  exposed. 

Hal.  Do  you  live  here  then  ?    {Pointing  to  the  house.) 

Phan.  You  are  a  diviner.  But,  prithee,  good  woman,  do 
lay  aside  all  mystification,  and  to  the  point ;  tell  me  at  once, 
whence  did  you  get  these  trinkets  ? 

Hal.  This  daughter  of  my  mistress  had  them. 
•    Lam.  You  tell  a  falsehood ;  for  my  own  mistress's  daughter 
had  them,  not  yours. 

Phan.  Don't  interrupt.     Lam.  I'll  be  mum. 

Phan.  Good  woman,  go  on  speaking.  Where  is  she  who 
had  them  ? 

Hal.  {^pointing  to  the  home  o/'Alcesimaiichtjs).  Here, 
'  •  Troop  of  slaves) — Ver.  42&.  This  is  said  in  allusion  to  the  runaway  pru 
cecsities  of  slav^es. 


Act  y.  OB,  THE  CASKET.  207 

next  door.  Phan.  By  the  powers,  surely  the  son-in-law  of 
my  husband  is  living  there. 

Lam.  Surely Phan.  {to  Lampadiscus).  Interrupting 

again?  {To  Halisca.)  Go  on  relating  it.  How  many 
years  old  is  she  said  to  be  ? 

Hal.  Seventeen.     Phan.  She  is  my  own  daughter  then  ! 

Lam.  'Tis  she,  as  the  number  of  her  years  has  proved. 

Hal.  What  you  are  seeking,  you  have  found;  I  now 
seek  what's  mine.  Lam.  Why,  faith,  they've  found  what's 
their  own,  I'll  seek  for  number  tbree^. 

Phan".  My  daughter,  the  object  which  I  was  seeking,  1 
have  discovered. 

Hal.  It's  proper  to  keep  in  safety  what  has  been  entrusted 
in  confidence,  lest  a  kindness  should  turn  out  a  detriment  to 
the  well-deserving.  This  fosterling  of  ours  is  assuredly  your 
daughter,  and  my  mistress  is  about  to  restore  you  your  own, 
and  for  that  purpose  has  she  come  from  her  house.  But, 
prithee,  enquire  of  her  own  self;  I  am  hut  a  servant. 

Phan.  You  ask  what's  just. 

Hal.  To  her  rather  do  I  choose  this  obligation  to  belong. 
But  I  beg  that  you'll  restore  me  that  casket. 

Phan.  What's  to  be  done,  Lampadio  ? 

Lam.  What's  your  own,  keep  as  your  own. 

Phan.  But  I  feel  compassion  for  her. 

Lam.  This  I  think  ought  to  be  done  ;  give  her  the  casket, 
and  go  in-doors  together  with  her. 

Phan.  I'll  follow  your  advice.  {Giving  it  to  Halisca.) 
Take  you  the  casket.  Let's  go  in-doors.  But  what's  the 
name  of  your  mistress  ? 

Hal.  Melaenis.  Phan.  Go  first ;  I'll  follow  you  at  once. 
{Exit  Lampadiscus,  and  the  others  go  into  the  house  oj 

the  PaTHER  q/'ALCESIMAECHrS.) 

Act  V. 
Unter  Demipho. 

Dem.  What  affair  is  this,  that  all  persons  are  talking 
about  in  the   street — that  my  daughter  has  been   found  ? 

'  For  number  three) — Ver.  507.  "  Qusero  tertiam."  Literally,  "  I  seek  a 
third."  This  he  says  by  way  of  joke;  as  one  has  been  looking  for  her  daughter 
another  for  the  casket,  he  must  look  for  something  a   well,  a  mistress,  to  wit 


208  CIBTELLARIA.  Act  V. 

They  say,  too,  that  Lampadio^  haa  been  seeking  nie  in  the 
loTum. 

Enter  Lampadiscus. 

Lam.  Master,  whence  come  you  ?     Dem.  From  the  Senate. 

Lam.  I  rejoice  that  through  my  means  there  is  an  addition 
to  your  children. 

Dem.  But  it  don't  please  me ;  I  don't  want  that  I  shoula 
be  having  more  children  by  means  of  another  person.  Bui 
what  is  the  meaning  of  this  ? 

Lam.  (^pointing  to  the  house  of  the  Father  q/*ALCESiMAR- 
CHUs).  Make  haste,  and  go  in-doors  here  to  the  house  of  your 
neighbour ;  you'll  at  once  recognize  your  daughter.  Your 
wife's  in-doors  there  as  well.     Go  quickly. 

Dem.  I'm  resolved  that  this  shall,  before  all  other  matters, 
be  attended  to.  {They  go  into  the  house  of  the  Father  of 
Alcesimarchus.) 

The  Company  of  Comedians. 
Don't  you  wait.  Spectators,  till  they  come  out  to  you ; 
no  one  will  come  out;  they'll  all  finish  the  business  in- 
doors ;  when  that  shall  be  done,  they'll  lay  aside  their 
dress ;  then,  after  that,  lie  that  has  done  amiss  will  get  a 
beating^  ;  he  that  has  not  done  amiss  will  get  some  drink. 
Now  as  to  what's  left,  Spectators,  for  you  to  do,  after  the 
manner  of  your  ancestors,  give  your  applause  at  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  Play. 

1  Lampadlo) — Ver.  524.  Lampadiscus  is  called  here,  and  in  Act  IV.,  *'  Lam- 
padio."  This  was  probably  intended  as  a  familiar  name,  by  which  the  family  called 
h  m :  though  some  Commentators  are  of  opinion  that  Lampadio  is  the  real  name, 
and  Lampadiscus  a  diminutive. 

'  Get  a  heating) — Ver.  535.  It  has  been  already  remarked,  that  as  the  actors  in 
nrly  times  were  slaves,  it  was  the  custom  after  the  Play  was  over  for  the  ^dilea 
|0  srder  those  to  be  flogged  who  had  not  given  Mtisfaction  to  the  Audience. 


TRUCULENTTJS ;  THE  CHURl. 


©ramatis  persona, 

StRAlK)l»HAKEs,  a  Captain  in  the  Babylonian  seryioi^ 

Strabax,  a  young  man  from  the  country. 

DufARCMus,  a  young  Athenian, 

Stratilax,  the  Churl,  the  servant  of  Sbrabax, 

Callfcles,  an  aged  Athenian. 

Geta,  servant  of  Dinarchus. 

Cyamus,  servant  of  Phrone^um* 

Phronesium,  a  Courtesan* 

AsTAPHiUM,  her  servant. 

Syra,  the  female  hair-dresser  of  PhmiesStUXL 

A  Maid-servant  of  Callicles. 

.  '  >•  Mutes,  female-servants  of  Phronesium. 

Archylis,  }  ' 

Sbene.— Atb«)fl ;  before  the  houses  of  Phb(»ve8Iux  and  of  the  father  of  SnusA4 


roh  OL 


THE   SUBJECT. 


PuRONESiUM,  a  Courtesan,  has  three  admirers — Dinarchus,  a  dissipated  jonng 
Athenian;  Strabax,  a  young  man  from  the  country;  and  Stratophanes,  an 
officer  in  the  Babylonian  army.  To  impose  upon  the  last,  slie  palms  off  a  child 
upon  him,  pretending  that  it  is  hers,  and  that  he  is  the  father  of  it.  In  the  tirsi 
part  of  the  Play,  Dinarchus  returns  from  abroad,  and  is  admitted  by  the  ser- 
rant  Astaphium  into  the  house  of  Phronesiura.  After  this,  Astaphium  goes 
to  the  house  where  Strabax  lives,  to  invite  him  to  visit  Phronesium,  but  is 
roughly  repulsed  by  Stratilax,  his  servant.  Dinarchus  quits  the  house  of 
Phronesium,  not  having  been  allowed  to  see  her,  on  the  excuse  that  she  is  at 
the  bath.  Phronesium  at  length  comes  out,  and,  in  their  conversation,  tells 
Dinarchus  that  she  is  pretending  to  have  been  pregnant  by  the  Captain  Stra- 
tophanes, and  has  procured  a  child  to  pass  off  as  his.  She  also  begs  Dinar- 
chus to  make  her  a  present,  which  he  promises  to  do,  and  then  takes  his  leave. 
She  then  gets  everything  in  readiness  to  look  as  though  she  had  just  lain 
in.  The  Captain  arrives  from  abroad,  and  produces  his  presents ;  but  as  ready 
money  does  not  form  a  part  of  them,  Phronesium  expresses  extreme  dissatisfac- 
tion and  contempt.  At  this  moment  Geta,  the  servant  of  Dinarchus,  comes 
with  his  present,  in  money  and  provisions.  A  quarrel  ensues  between  the  Cap- 
tain and  Geta,  who  at  last  takes  to  his  heels,  on  which  Phronesium  goes  into 
her  house.  Strabax  then  arrives  from  the  country  with  some  ready  money,  and 
is  admitted  to  visit  Phronesium.  Stratilax  comes  to  look  for  him,  and  after 
some  parley  falls  a  prey  to  the  allurements  of  Astaphium.  Dinarchus  then 
arrives,  but,  despite  of  his  recent  generosity,  suffers  a  repulse.  Before  he  quits 
the  stage,  Callicles,  an  old  gentleman,  comes  with  two  female-servants,  whom  hf 
examines  as  to  what  they  have  done  with  a  female  child  that  his  daughter  ha? 
been  recently  dehvered  of.  They  confess  that  they  have  carried  it  to  Phrone- 
sium to  be  passed  off  as  her  own,  and  that  Dinarchus  is  really  the  father  of  it 
Dinarchus,  in  great  alarm,  overhears  this  conversation,  and  then  accosts  Cal. 
licles,  and,  confessing  his  fault,  offers  to  marry  his  daughter  forthwith.  His 
offer  is  accepted ;  on  which  he  revisits  Phronesium,  to  request  her  to  restore  to 
him  the  child.  She,  however,  prevails  upon  him  to  lend  it  to  her  for  a  few 
days,  that  she  may  fully  carry  out  her  design  of  imposing  upon  the  Captain. 
After  this,  Stratophanes  appears  agahi,  and  brings  fresh  presents.  He  then 
has  a  quarrel  with  Strabax,  and  the  Piay  ends  by  Phronesium  promising  t« 
divide  her  favours  between  them  both.  The  text  of  this  Piay  is  in  a  most  oor- 
rapt  stat«. 


TRUCULENTUS;  THE  CHURL 


THE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 

[Supposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammarian.] 

Three  (7Ve«)  young  men  are  desperately  in  love  for  the  same  woman— one  from 
the  country  (iB«re),  another  from  the  city,  the  third  from  abroad ;  and  tha 
{UtqtK.)  she  may  touch  the  Captain  for  a  heavy  haul,  she  secretly  (Cfam) 
passes  off  as  her  own  a  child  that  has  been  born  by  stealth.  A  servant  uses 
great  violence  ( Ft)  and  churlish  manners,  that  Courtesans  (Lujhb)  may  not 
squander  the  savings  of  his  master ;  and  (^E()  yet  he  is  softened.  The  Cap- 
tain arrives,  and  for  the  sake  of  the  child  (iVa<t)  gives  costly  presents.  At 
length  (^Tandem),  the  father  of  her  that  has  been  debauched  comes  to  know 
all,  and  agrees  that  {Utque)  he  shall  marry  her  who  has  seduced  her;  and  he 
asks  back  his  own  (jSttum)  child  that  has  been  passed  off  by  the  Courtesan  as 
hers. 


THE  PEOLOGTJE. 
A  TERT  small  portion  of  room  does  Plautus  ask  from 
out  of  your  vast  and  pleasant  city  within  the  walls,  whither, 
without  builders,  he  may  transport  Athens.  What  then? 
"Will  you  give  it  or  not?  They  nod  assent.  I  fancied, 
indeed,  that  I  should  obtain  it  of  you  without  hesitation. 
What  if  I  were  to  ask  something  of  your  private  means  ? 
They  shake  their  heads.  Only  see,  i'  faith,  how  the  ancient 
habit  still  indwells  among  you,  to  keep  your  tongues  ever 
ready  for  a  denial.  But  let's  to  the  point,  on  account  of 
which  I  came  hither.  Let  this  be  Athens,  just  as  this  is  our 
stage,  only  for  the  while  that  we  perform  this  Play.  Here 
{pointing  to  her  house)  dwells  a  female  whose  name  is  Phro- 
nesium ;  she  has  in  herself  the  manners  of  the  present  age ; 
she  never  asks  of  her  lover  that  which  has  been  given ;  but 
what  is  left,  she  does  her  best  that  it  mayn't  be  left,  by  beg- 
ging for  it  and  carrying  it  off,  as  is  the  habit  of  the  women ; 
for  all  of  them  do  this  when  they  discover  that  they  are  loved. 
She  is  pretending  to  a  Captain  that  she  has  been  brought \q 
bed,  that  the  more  speedily  she  may  sweep  away  his  property 
from  him  every  atom.     Why  say  more  f     If  the  life  of  this 

f2 


I 


212  TBtrCtJLEKTrs  J  Act  1. 

woman  should  only  last,  he  will  be  sweeping  off  his  sub- 
stance with  his  very  life  into  her  hands.  *  •  # 

Act  I. — ScEWE  I. 
Enter  Diis^archtjs. 
Din.  (to  himself)  Not  a  whole  life  is  sufficient  for  a  lover 
thoroughly  to  learn,  until  he  has  become  full  well  aware  of 
this,  in  how  many  modes  he  may  come  to  ruin ;  nor  does 
Venus  herself,  in  whose  hands  lie  the  sram  and  substance  of 
iovers,  ever  instruct  ns  in  that  art  of  reckoning — in  how 
many  ways  one  in  lore  may  be  deluded,  in  how  many  modes 
he  may  come  to  ruin,  and  with  how  many  modes  of  entreaty 
he  may  be  entreated.  How  many  blandishments  are  there 
in  it,  how  many  pettish  ways  in  it,  how  many  perils  must  be 
courted!  Ye  Gods  I  by  our  trust  in  you!  Hey!  what 
ground  for  perjury  as  well,  besides  the  everlasting  presents  ! 
In  the  first  place  then,  there's  the  yearly  allowance  j  that's 
her  first  haul^.  Tor  that  the  favour  of  three  night»  i»  granted. 
In  the  meantime  she's  trying  for  either  money,  or  wine,  or 
oil,  or  corn,  to  'prove  whether  you  are  lavish  or  thrifty.  Just 
like  the  person  that  throws  a  casting-net  into  a  fish-pond ; 
when  the  net  has  gone  and  sunk,  tlien  he  contracts  the  folds ; 
but  if  he  has  rightly  thrown  it,  he  takes  care  that  the  fish 
may  not  escape ;  then  in  this  direction  and  that  does  he  enfold 
the  fisii  netted  well,  until  he  has  taken  them  out  of  the  water : 
just  so  is  the  lover.  If  he  gives  that  which  is  asked  for,  and 
is  lavish  rather  than  thrifty,  nightly  favours  are  given  in 
addition.  Meanwhile  he  swallows  down  the  hook.  If  once 
he  has  partaken  of  the  cup  of  love  unmixed,  and  that  draught 
has  made  its  way  within  his  breast,  forthwith  both  himself  is 
ruined,  and  his  fortune,  and  his  credit.  If  the  mistress  is 
angry  with  her  lover  perchance,  doubly  is  the  lover  ruined, 
both  in  fortune  and  in  mind ;  but  if  one  man  is  preferable  to 
another  in  Tier  eyes,  just  as  much  is  he  ruined ;  if  he  enjoys" 
but  few  of  her  favours,  in  mind  is  he  ruined ;  if  he  enjoys 
them  in  abundance,  he  himself  is  jovous,  his  fortunes  are 
ruined.  *  *  *  dl^hus  is  it  in  the  houses 

kept  by  procurers ;  before  you've  given  a  single  thing,  she's 
preparing  a  hundred  to  ask  for;  either  a  golden  trinket's 

'■  Tier  first  haul) — Ver.  31.  '*  Bolns."    This  is  a  metaphorical  eipression, 
j^lludiiig  to  the  casting  of  the  net  in  fislihig. 


So.  1.  THE  CHURL.  210 

lost,  or  a  maitle  ha&  been  torn,  or  a  female  sen-ant  bought ; 
or  some  silver  vessel,  or  some  vessel  of  brass,  or  expensive 
couch,  or  a  Grecian  cabinet,  or  there's  always  something  to 
be  lost  and  for  the  lover  to  be  replacing  for  his  mistress.  And 
with  one  common  earnestness  do  we  conceal  these  losses  while 
we  are  losing  our  fortunes,  and  our  credit,  and  ourselves,  lest 
our  parents  or  our  relatives  should  know  something ;  whom, 
while  we  conceal  it  from  them,  if  we  were  to  make  acquainted 
with  it,  for  them  in  time  to  restrain  our  youthful  age,  we 
should  be  gi\ing  what  has  been  received  from  them  before  to 
our  descendants  in  reversion ;  I'd  be  for  causing,  that  as  there 
are  now  more  procurers  and  harlots,  there  should  be  fewer 
and  fewer  of  spendthrift  fellows  than  there  are  at  present ; 
for  now-a-days  there  are  almost  more  procurers  and  harlots 
than  flies  at  the  time  when  it  is  most  hot.  For,  if  they  are 
nowhere  else,  the  procurers  with  their  harlots  are  around  the 
bankers'  shops  each  day  as  though  on  siege.  That  score  is 
the  principal  one ;  inasmuch  as  I  know  for  certain,  that  now- 
a-days  there  are  more  harlots  ready  for  the  money  than  there 
are  weights  for  weiffhing  it.  And  I  really  don't  know  what 
purpose  to  say  it  is  to  serve  that  these  procurers  are  thus  keep- 
ing them  at  the  bankers*  shops,  except  as  in  the  place  of  ac- 
eount-books,  where  the  sums  lent  on  loan  may  be  set  down — 
the  sums  received  I  mean,  those  expended  let  no  one  take  count 
of.  In  fine,  in  a  great  nation,  amid  numberless  persons,  the 
state  being  tranquil  and  in  quiet,  the  enemy  vanquished,  it 
befits  all  to  be  in  love  who  have  anything  to  give.  Now,  this 
Courtesan  {pointing  to  the  house)  Phronesium,  who  dwells  here, 
has  totally  expelled  from  my  breast  her  own  name.  Phrone- 
sium, for  Phronesis  is  wisdom^.  For  I  confess  that  I  was  with 
her  first  and  foremost;  a  thing  that's  very  disastrous  to  a  lover's 
cash.  The  same  woman,  after  she  had  found  another  out,  a 
greater  spendthrift,  who  would  give  more,  a  Babylonian  Cap- 
tain^,  whom  the  hussy  said  was  troublesome  and  odious  to 
her,  forthwith  banished  me  from  the  spot.     He  now  is  said 

*  Phronegig  is  wisdom) — Ver.  81.  He  alludes  to  the  reKemblance  of  the  name 
of  Phronesium  to  the  Greek  word  (PpourjaU,  "  prudence,"  or  "  forethought." 
This  line,  however,  is  thought  by  some  to  be  spurious,  and  to  be  a  mere  gloss  or 
explanation. 

2  Babylonian  Captain) — Ver.  87.  He  does  not  mean  an  officer,  a  native  of 
Babylon,  but  probably  a  Greek,  serving  for  pav  in  the  Babylonian  army.  Thus 
X«3i>p]u)0  aoii  the  Ten  Thousand  were  Greeks  in  the  pay  of  the  Younger  Cjru*. 


214  TBrcuLENTrs ;  A<Jt  I. 

to  be  about  to  arrive  from  abroad.  For  tl  at  reason  haa 
she  now  cooked  up  this  device ;  she  pretends  that  she  haa 
been  brought  to  bed.  That  she  may  push  me  out  of  doors, 
and  with  the  Captain  alone  live  the  life  of  a  jovial  Greek, 
she  pretends  that  this  Captain  is  the  father  of  the  child ;  for 
that  reason  does  this  most  vile  hussy  need  a  palmed-oif  child. 
She  fancies  that  she's  deceiving  me!  Does  she  suppose 
that  she  could  have  concealed  it  from  me,  if  she  had  been 
pregnant  ?  Now  I  arrived  at  Athens  the  day  before  yester- 
day from  Lemnos,  whither  I  have  been  on  an  embassy  from 
this  place  on  the  public  service.  But  who's  this  woman  ? 
It's  her  servant-maid  A^<taphium.  With  her  too  as  well  I've 
had  some  acquaintanceship.     {Stands  aside.) 

Scene  II. — Unter  Abtatrivm,  from  the  hoj*se  o/*Phrone- 

SIUM. 

AsT.  (speaking  to  the  Servants  within).  Listen  at  the  door 
and  guard  the  housfc,  that  no  one  who  comes  may  go  awa}' 
more  loaded  than  he  came,  or  who  has  brought  empty  hands 
into  our  house  may  take  them  full  out  of  it,  (To  herself.) 
I  know  the  ways  of  people ;  of  such  habits  are  the  young  men 
now-a-days.  For  as  soon  as  ever  the  jolly  companions  have 
arrived  at  the  courtesans'  houses,  their  plans  are  formed. 
When  they've  arrived  in-doors,  some  one  of  them  is  inces- 
santly bestowing  kisses  on  his  mistress.  While  they  are  en- 
gaged, the  others  are  pilfering^.  But  if  they  see  that  any 
one  is  obsei'ving  them,  they  play  some  trick,  by  which  to 
amuse  the  observer  with  pleasantry  and  sport.  Full  oft  do 
they  devour  that  belonging  to  us  just  as  the  sausage-makers^ 
do.  Upon  ray  faith,  this  is  the  case,  and  some  of  the  Spectators 
(to  the  Audience),  i'  faith,  you  know  full  well  that  I  tell  no 
lie  in  this.  There  with  them  is  the  struggle  and  the  valour,  to 

*  Othei's  are  pilfering') — Ver.  107.  This  is  somewhat  similar  to  a  passage  in 
Ovid's  Art  of  Love,  B.  3,  1.  449,  where  he  speaks  of  the  liabit  of  well-dressed 
thieves  getting  into  the  houses  of  the  courtesans,  and  the  consequences.  "  Per- 
haps the  best  dressed  of  the  number  of  these  may  be  some  thief,  anil  he  may  be 
attracted  by  a  desire  for  your  clothes.  '  Give  me  back  my  property  !'  full  oft  do 
the  plundered  damsels  cry;  'give  me  back  my  property!'  tne  whole  Forum  re- 
sounding with  their  cries." 

'  The  gausage-makers) — Ver.  118.  It  would  appear  from  this  passage  that  it 
was  the  custom  to  send  the  ingredients  to  the  sausage-makers  to  be  made  up 
into  sausages ;  and  that  these  worthies  gave  occasion  to  complalc  f  their  dis- 
honesty, by  purloining  a  portion  cf  what  was  entrusted  to  them. 


Sc.  II.  THE  CHURL.  215 

carry  oft  a  booty  from  the  plunderers.  But  we  again  nicely 
give  a  like  return  to  these  robbers  of  us ;  for  they  them- 
selves look  on,  while  we  are  heaping  up  their  property ;  indeed, 
of  their  own  accord  even  do  they  themselves  bring  it  to  us. 

DiK.  (apart).  In  those  words  she's  surely  lashing  myself; 
for  I've  been  heaping  up  presents  there. 

AsT.  (in  answer  to  some  one  who  calls  from  Phroniksium's 
house).  I  well  recollect  it.  I'  troth,  his  own  self,  if  he's  at 
home,  I'D  at  once  bring  here  with  me.     (Runs  on.) 

Diw.  (calling  out).  Hallo!  Astaphium,  do  stop  a  moment, 
before  you  go  away. 

AsT.  Who's  calling  me  back?  Din.  Tou  sball  know-, 
look  back  this  w^ay. 

AsT.  Who  is  it  ?  Din.  One  who  wishes  many  a  blessing 
to  yourselves. 

AsT.  Grive  them  then,  if  you  wish  us  to  have  them. 

Din.  I'll  let  you  have  them.    Only  do  look  back  this  way. 

AsT.  O  dear,  you're  teazing  wretched  me  to  death,  who- 
ever you  are.  (Runs  on.) 

Din.  Worst  of  women,  stop.  Ast.  Best  of  men,  go  on ; 
you  are  troublesome.  (Turns  round.)  Is  that  Dinarchus? 
Why,  it  is  he. 

Din.  He's  going  to  your  house ;  and  do  you  give  me  your 
hand  (holding  out  his)  in  return,  and  walk  together  with  me. 

Ast.  I  am  your  servant,  and  am  obedient  to  your  command. 
(  Gives  her  hand.) 

Din.  Yourself,  how  are  you?  Ast.  I'm  well,  and  am 
holding  by  the  hand  one  who's  weU.  Since  you've  arrived  from 
abroad,  a  dinner  must  be  given^. 

Din.  You  speak  obligingly.  Ast.  But,  prithee,  do  let  me 
go  whither  she  ordered  me.     (Withdrawing  her  hand.) 

Din.  (lets  go  her  hand).  Be  off  then.     But  how  say  you — ? 

AsT.  What  do  you  want  ?  Din.  He,  that  you  are  on  your 
road  to,  who  is  it  that  you're  going  to  fetch  ? 

Ast.  Achiva,  the  midwife. 

Din.  You  are  an  artful  damsel. 

Ast.  I'm  as  usual  then ;  that's  my  practice. 

Din.  You  deceitful  hussy,  I've  caught  you  detected  in  a  lie. 

Ast.  How  so,  pray?     Din.  Because  you   said  that  you 

A  dinner  must  he  given) — Ver.  129.  Allusion  is  here  made  to  the  custom  ol 
Droviding  an  entertainment  of  welcome,  "  caena  viatica,"  for  a  friend  oa  liis 
arrival  from  abroad     See  die  Bacchides,  1.  94 


216  TEUCULENTirS  ;  Act  L 

were  going  to  bring  "his  own  self,**  and  not  "herself."  A 
woman,  then,  has  been  made  out  of  a  man.  You  are  an 
fcrtful  one. 

AsT.  A  conjurer !  Din.  But,  pray,  tell  me,  Astaphium. 
who  is  this  person  ?     A  new  lover  ? 

AsT.  I  think  that  you  are  a  gentleman  too  much  at  hia 
ease. 

Din.  "Why  now  do  you  think  so?  Ast.  Because  you 
trouble  yourself  about  things  that  don*t  concern  your  own 
clothing  and  food. 

Din.  It's  yourselves  have  made  me  a  gentleman  at  ease. 

Ast.  Why  so  ?  Din.  I'll  explain  it  to  you.  I've  lost 
my  property  ;  with  my  property  you've  robbed  me  of  occu- 
pation. If  I  had  preserved  my  property,  there  had  been 
something  with  which  I  might  have  been  occupied. 

Ast.  And  do  you  suppose  that  you  can  possibly  well 
manage  the  affairs  of  state,  or  those  of  love,  on  any  other 
terms  without  being  a  gentleman  at  ease  ? 

Din.  It  was  she  held  a  public  employment,  not  I ;  you 
misinterpret  me.  But,  against  the  law,  in  spite  of  my  tax 
paid  for  pasturage^,  she  has  received  other  cattle  beside 
myself. 

Ast.  Most  persons  who  manage  their  property  badly,  da 
the  same  as  you  are  doing ;  when  they  haven't  wherewith  to 
pay  the  tax,  they  blame  the  farmers  of  the  taxes. 

Din.  My  pasturage  contract  with  you  turns  out  but 
badly ;  now  in  its  turn,  I  wish  to  have,  according  to  my  nar' 
row  circumstances,  a  little  bit  of  arable  land  here  with  you. 

A  ST.  Here  is  no  arable,  but  the  field  is  pasture  land.  If 
you  desire  some  ploughing,  you  had  better  go  to  those^  who 

1  Tax  paid  fir  pasturage) — Ver.  146.  "  Scripturam."  This  passage  is  some- 
"rhat  difficuL  1,  be  understood.  Dinarchus  seems  to  say  that  he  is  reduced  to 
idleness  from  having  squandered  his  property  upon  Phronesium,  and  retorts  upon 
Astaphium,  by  saying  that  he  himself  has  no  public  oflBce,  but  that  Phronesium  » 
a  publican,  alluding  to  her  calling  as  a  public  courtesan ;  and  he  then  proceeds  to 
accuse  her  of  letting  the  public  pasture,  for  which  he  had  paid  the  rent  or  tax 
("  scripturam  "),  to  another.  Part  of  the  Roman  revenue  arose  from  the  letting 
of  the  uncultivated  lands,  through  the  medium  of  "  publicani,"  or  ''  farmers  o| 
the  public  revenue,"  who  used  to  sublet  them  to  private  persons.  He  therefore 
means  to  say,  that  Phronesium  has  undertaken  the  duties  of  a  publican,  but  has 
failed  in  duly  performing  them.  It  is  possible  that  a  pun  may  be  intended  on  the 
word  "  scriptura,"  which  also  signifies  a  "  writing  "  or  "  deed,"  and  may  allude  t« 
gome  preceding  compact  which  had  been  made  between  Phronesium  and  himself 

^  Go  to  tbote) — Ver.  152*  The  whole  of  this  passage  has  been  aomew^val 


Sc.  11.  THE  CHUBL.  217 

are  in  the  habit  of  ploughing ;  we  hold  this  public  emolument, 
the  right  of  pasturage  ;  those  are  farmers  of  other  taxes. 

Din.  Full  well  enough  do  I  know  both  sides. 

AsT.  I'  troth,  it's  that  way  you  are  a  gentleman  at  ease, 
since  you've  been  going  wrong  both  in  that  direction  ana  in 
this.     But  the  acquaintance  of  which  do  you  like  the  best  ? 

Din.  Tou  are  the  more  exacting,  but  they  are  perjured. 
"Whatever' s  given  to  them  is  lost  outright,  nor  with  them- 
selves is  there  any  show  at  all  of  it ;  you,  if  you  gain  any- 
thing, do  at  least  drink  and  feast  it  away.  In  short,  they 
are  unprincipled ;  you  are  good-for-nothings,  and  full  of  airs. 

AsT.  All  this  abuse  which,  Dinarchus,  you  are  uttering 
against  us  and  them,  you  utter  against  yourself,  both  as  re- 
spects us  and  them. 

Din.  How's  that  ?  Ast.  I'll  tell  the  reason ;  because  he 
who  accuses  another  of  dishonesty,  him  it  behoves  to  look 
into  himself.  Tou  who  are  so  prudent,  have  got  nothing 
from  us;  we,  who  are  good-for-nothings,  have  got  all  out 
of  you. 

Din.  O  Astaphium !  you  were  not  in  the  habit  of  speaking 
to  me  in  that  fashion  formerly,  but  courteously,  when  I  my- 
self possessed  that  which  is  now  in  your  possession. 

A  ST.  While  he's  alive,  you  may  know  a  person ;  when 
he's  dead,  you  may  keep  yourself  quiet.  I  used  to  know 
you  when  you  were  alive. 

Din.  Do  you  consider  me  to  be  dead  ? 

Ast.  Prithee,  how  can  it  be  plainer  ?  He  who  formerly 
was  esteemed  a  first-rate  lover,  for  him  to  be  bringing  to  hia 
mistress  nought  but  lamentations^. 

Din.  I'  faith,  through  your  own  faults  it  was  done,  who 
in  former  days  were  in  haste  to  plunder  me,  Tou  ought  to 
have  done  it  leisurely,  that,  imscathed,  I  might  last  the 
longer  for  you. 

Ast.  a  lover  is  like  an  enemy's  fortress. 

Din.  On  what  ground  ?  Ast.  The  sooner  the  lover  can 
be  taken  by  storm,  the  better  it  is  for  the  mistress. 

modified  in  the  translation,  as  the  meaning  of  Astaphium  is  gross  in  the  extreme, 
and  so  much  to  the  discredit  of  Dinarchus,  that  any  compassion  for  tlie  ili- 
treatment  he  afterwards  experiences  ?70u]d  be  quite  thrown  away  upon  him. 

•Nought  but  limentaiUm)'^Y'i!,   169.    **Meras    querimomsiii '*    UtW^i 

mere  complaiuts." 


218  TRUCULENTUS;  Act  1 

Din.  I  confess  it ;  but  far  diiferent  is  the  friend  from  the 
lover.  I'  faith,  for  sure,  the  oldest  friend's  the  best  one  pos- 
sible for  a  man.  I'  faith,  my  lands  and  tenements  are  not 
yet  all  gone. 

AsT,  Why  then,  prithee,  are  you  standing  before  the  door 
as  a  stranger  and  an  alien  ?  Do  go  in-doors.  Eeally  you 
are  no  stranger ;  for,  upon  my  faith,  not  one  person  this  day 
does  she  more  love  in  her  heart  and  soul — {aside)  if,  indeed, 
you've  got  land  and  tenements. 

Din.  Tour  tongues  and  talk  are  steeped  in  honey ;  your 
doings  and  dispositions  are  steeped  in  gall  and  sour  ^dnegar. 
From  your  tongues  you  utter  sweet  words  ;  you  make  your 
lovers  of  bitter  heart  if  any  don't  give  you  presents. 

AsT.  I've  not  learnt  to  say  what's  false. 

Din.  It  was  not  this  liberality  of  mine  that  taught  you  to 
say  what's  false,  but  those  niggardly  fellows  who  are  strug- 
gling against  their  appetites.  You  are  a  sly  one,  and  the 
same  artful  coaxer  that  you  used  to  be. 

AsT.  How  ardently  longed  for  have  you  returned  from 
abroad !   But,  prithee,  do  come,  my  mistress  wants  to  see  you. 

Din.  How  so,  pray  ? 

AsT.  You  alone  of  all  mankind  does  she  love. 

Din.  (aside).  Well  done,  lands  and  tenements  ;  you  have 
come  to  my  aid  in  good  time.  {To  Astaphium.)  But  how 
say  you,  Astaphium ? 

AsT.  What  do  you  want  r 

Din.  Is  Phronesium  in-doors  just  now  ? 

AsT.  To  you  at  all  events  she's  in-doors. 

Din.  Is  she  well  ? 

AsT.  Aye,  faith,  and  I  do  believe  she'll  be  still  better  when 
she  sees  you. 

Din.  This  is  our  greatest  fault :  when  we're  in  love,  then 
we  are  undone ;  if  that  w^hich  we  wish  is  told  us,  when  mani- 
festly they  are  telling  lies,  in  our  folly  we  believe  it  t )  be 
true ;  verily  as  though  with  a  tide  we  fluctuate. 

AsT.  Heyday  now — such  is  not  the  fact. 

Din.  Do  you  say  that  she  loves  me  ? 

AsT.  Aye,  you  only,  alone. 

Din.  I  heard  that  she  was  brought  to  bed. 

AsT.  Oh,  prithe-?,  Dinarchus,  do  hold  your  tongue. 

Din.  Whysof 


Sc.  III.  THE  CHURL.  219 

AsT.  I  shudder  in  my  alarm,  as  often  as  riention  is  made 
of  childbirth,  with  such  difficulty  has  Phronesium  survived 
for  you.  Prithee,  do  come  in-doors  now  ;  do  go  to  see  her 
and  wait  there  a  little.  She'll  be  out  just  now  ;  for  she  was 
at  the  bath. 

Din.  AA^hat  do  you  say  ?  She  who  was  never  pregnant,  how 
could  she  be  brought  to  bed?  For  really,  I  never,  that  I  am 
aware  of,  perceived  her  to  be  in  a  breeding  state. 

AsT.  She  concealed  it  from  you  and  was  afraid,  lest  you 
tihould  persuade  her  to  have  recourse  to  abortion^,  and  so 
destroy  the  child. 

Din.  Troth  then,  who's  the  father  of  this  child  ? 

AsT.  A  Babylonian  Captain,  whose  arrival  she  is  now  ex- 
pecting. So  much  so,  indeed,  that,  according  as  was  reported, 
they  say  that  he'll  be  here  just  now.  I  wonder  he  has  not 
arrived  by  this. 

Din.  Shall  1  go  in,  then  ? 

AsT.  Why  not  ?  As  boldly  as  at  home,  into  your  own 
house  ;  for  even  still  are  you  now  one  of  us,  Dinarchus. 

Din.  Hov\'  soon  are  you  on  your  return  ? 

AsT.  I'll  be  there  this  instant ;  it's  close  at  hand  where 
I  was  going. 

Din.  But  do  return  directly ;  meanwhile  I'll  wait  for  you 
at  your  house,     {lie  goes  into  the  house  o/'Pheonesiiim.) 

Scene  III. — Astaphium,  alone. 
AsT.  {laughing).  Ha,  ha,  ha  !  I'm  at  rest,  since  my  plague 
has  gone  in-doors  ;  now,  indeed,  I  shall  speak  according  to  my 
own  inclination,  freely,  as  I  please.  My  mistress  has  sung  a 
funeral  dirge^  at  our  house  for  this  fellow,  her  lover,  over  his 
estate ;  for  his  lands  and  tenements  are  mortgaged  for  his 
treats  in  his  amour.  But  with  him  does  my  mistress  speak 
freely  upon  the  objects  of  her  plans,  and  so  he  is  rather  a 
friend  by  way  of  counsel  to  her  than  by  way  of  maintenance. 
While  he  had  it,  he  gave ;  now  he  has  got  nothing ;  what 
he  did  have,  we  have  got ;  what  we  had,  he  has  now  got  the 

'  Recourse  to  ahortwm) — Ver.  203.  Tlie  practice  of  procuring  abortion  was  not 
rleemed  criminal  either  at  Rome  or  Athens ;  tliough  at  the  latter  place  tiere 
was  a  law  which  imposed  a  penalty  on  any  person  who  administered  a  potion  to  a 
woman  for  that  purpose. 

"^  A  funeral  dirge)— Ypt.  213.  "Naenia"  was  a  funeral  song  among  tht 
Romans,  recited  or  tiiaiited  by  hired  female  mourners,  called  "  prieticaB.'' 


220  TErCULENTUS ;  Act  I 

same.  The  comm:>n  course  of  things  has  happeneil.  For. 
tunes  are  wont  to  change  upon  the  instant.  Life  is  checquered- 
We  remember  him  as  rich,  and  he  us  as  poor ;  owr  remi- 
niscences have  shifted  places.  He  must  be  a  fool  to  wonder 
at  it.  If  he  is  in  want,  it's  necessary  that  he  should  allow  us 
to  make  a  living ;  that's  proper  to  be  done.  'Twere  a  dis- 
grace for  us  to  have  compassion  on  men  that  squander  away 
their  fortunes.  A  clever  Procuress  ought  to  have  good  teeth  ; 
to  smile  upon  whoever  comes,  to  address  him  in  flattering 
terms ;  to  design  mischief  in  her  heart,  hut  to  speak  fairly 
with  her  tongue.  A  Courtesan  it  befits  to  be  like  a  briar ; 
whatever  man  she  touches,  for  either  mischief  or  loss  cer- 
tainly to  be  the  result.  A  Courtesan  ought  never  to  listen  to 
the  plea  of  a  lover,  but,  when  he  has  nothing  to  give,  do  you 
pack  him  off  home  from  service  as  a  deserter^ ;  and  never  is 
any  gallant  good  for  anything  unless  he's  one  who  is  the 
enemy  of  his  own  fortune.  It's  trifling,  if,  when  he  has  just 
given,  he  doesn't  take  a  pleasure  in  giving  afresh.  That 
person's  esteemed  with  us  who  forgets  that  that  has  been 
given  which  he  has  given.  As  long  as  he  has  anything,  so 
long  let  him  go  on  loving ;  when  he  has  got  nothing,  then 
let  him  look  out  another  employment ;  if  he  himself  has 
got  nothing,  let  him,  with  a  contented  mind,  make  way  for 
others  who  have.  He's  a  proper  lover  who,  neglecting  his 
aflairs,  squanders  away  his  property.  But  among  themselves 
the  men  declare  that  we  act  ill,  and  are  greedy.  Prithee,  do 
we  in  fact  at  all  act  ill  ?  For,  by  my  troth,  never  did  any 
lover  whatever  give  enough  to  his  mistress  ;  nor,  i'  faith,  have 
we  ever  received  enough,  nor  has  any  woman  ever  asked  for 
enough.     For  when  a  gallant  is  barren  with  his  gifts  ♦ 

•         *  *  *         If  he  denies  that  he  has  anything  to 

give,  alone  ♦  *  *  #  #     ^q^  ^q 

we  receive  enough,  when  a  person  has  not  enough  to  give  us. 
It  is  ever  our  duty  to  look  after  fresh  givers,  who  take  from 
untouched  treasures,  and  make  presents  to  us.  Just  like 
this  young  man  from  the  country,  who  dwells  here  {pointing 
to  the  house  where  Steabax  lives),  i'  faith,  a  very  pleasant 

»  At  a  deserter) — ^Ver.  229.  "  Infrequente,"  a  soldier  "  negligent  of  his  duty"'— 
a  deserter."    She  alludes  to  a  custom  annong  the  Romans  of  dismissing  bad 

foldiers  from  the  service ;  sometimes,  however,  they  merely  secluded  their  fropn 

Ub»  other  soldiers  or  as  we  say  "  sent  thero  to  Coventry." 


JC.  IV.  THE  CHtTEL. 

creature,  and  a  very  bounteous  giver.  But  he,  without  the 
knowledge  of  his  father,  even  this  very  last  night,  leapt  over 
the  wall  by  way  of  the  garden,  and  came  to  Our  house.  I  wish 
to  meet  with  him.  But  one  servant  has  he,  a  very  great 
savage,  who,  when  he  sees  any  one  of  us  near  the  door,  if  you 
approach  that  way,  drives  us  off  just  as  he  scares  the  geese 
away  with  his  noise  from  the  corn  ;  he's  such  a  bumpkin. 
But  come  what  may,  I'll  knock  at  the  door.  {Knocks  at  the 
door,  and  calls.)  Who,  I  wonder,  has  the  keeping  of  thia 
door  ?     Is  anybody  coming  out  from  in-doors  ? 

IScEKE  IV. — Unter  8tra.tijjAX,  from  the  house  of  the 'FA.ruER 
o/'Strabax. 

Steat.  "Who's  this^,  that's  so  sturdily  plying  his  battering- 
ram  against  our  door  ? 

AsT.  It's  I.     Look  round  at  me.     Stbat.  Who's  I? 

AsT.  Am  I  not  seen  bi/  you  ? 

Steat.  {turning  to  her).  Woe  worth  thee!  What  mean 
you  by  this  coming  so  near  this  door,  or  whifs  this  knocking  ? 

AsT.  Health  to  you. 

Steat.  Enow  of  thy  health  have  I ;  I  care  nought  for't, 
I've  got  no  health  ;  I'd  rather  be  sick,  than  be  a  hit  the 
sounder  with  health  from  thee.  Thia  I  want  to  know,  what^a 
owing  thee  here  in  our  house  ? 

AsT.  Do  keep  close 

Steat.  Yea,  faith,  to  my  own  good  woman  I  trust ;  let  him 
keep  close  to  thee  whose  habit  'tis.  A  rare  fine  joke  !  a  »illy 
hussy  to  be  tempting  a  countryman  to  naughty  tricks. 

Ast.  Kee^  close  your  anger,  I  meant. 

Steat.  As  thee'st  begun  with  me,  so  I'd  e'en  lay  a  wagef^ 
there's  not  another  like  thee. 

»  Who's  this)-~-XeT.  254.  Except  that  in  one  or  two  histaiices  he  coins 
Words,  there  is  no  proof,  so  far  as  the  language  of  the  original  is  caficemed,  tliat 
Stratiiax,  the  churl  or  clodhopper,  speaks  in  any  peculiar  manner.  But  from 
the  fact  of  his  being  introduced  as  a  perfect  specimen  of  a  rude  ch-wa^  there  can 
be  little  doubt  that  on  the  stage  he  speaks  the  Latin  language  with  the  bUrr  or 
patois  of  a  countryman.  In  the  translation,  an  attempt  has  been  made  to  denote 
this  probable  peculiarity  of  speech,  by  making  him  to  substitute  *'  thee  "  for 
"  thou,"  before  verbs  in  the  second  person  singular.  Warner,  in  his  version,  re- 
presents him  throughout  as  speaking  in  a  sort  of  ^omersetshu-e  dialect. 

»  Lay  a  wager) — Ver.  262.  The  meaning  of  this  passage  seems  to  be,  "  accord- 
mg  to  the  way  you  have  begun,  I'd  lay  a  wager  your  equal  can't  be  found;''  but 
tiip  passage  seems  hopelessly  corrupt,  though  a  dozen  different  readiogs  tiave  bMB 


222  TEUCULENTUS ;  Act  1. 

AsT.  {half  to  herself).  Eeally  this  fellow's  very  cHurlisb. 

Steat.  Woman,  dost  thee  go  on  abusing  me  ? 

AsT.  Why,  what  did  I  say  to  you  ? 

Steat.  Why,  because  thee  dost  call  me  churlish.  There- 
fore now,  if  thee  doesn't  be  off  this  instant,  and  tell  me 
quickly  what  thee  want'st,  adzookers,  woman,  I'll  be,  here 
this  very  instant,  trampling  thee  beneath  my  feet  like  a  sow 
her  piglings. 

AsT.  This  is  indeed  right  country,  and  no  mistake  ;  'tis  an 
abominable  and  truly  a  monkey  race. 

Steat.  {holding  up  his  fist).  Dost  thee  tbrow  the  country 
in  my  teeth,  when  thee  hast  found  a  man  who's  ashamed  of 
what's  foul  ?  Hast  thee  come  hither  to  tempt  me  with  thy 
decked  out  bones^  ?  Was  it  for  that,  shameless  slut,  thee 
dyed  thy  mantle  of  its  smoke-dried  colour,  or  art  thee  so  fine 
because  that  thee' s  been  a  stealing?  Come  thee  towards 
me  then. 

AsT.  Now  you  charm  me.  Steat.  How  much  I  wish 
I  could  charm  thee. 

AsT.  You  tell  a  lie.     Steat.  Tell  me 

AsT.  What  ?  Steat.  What  I  ask  thee.  Dost  thee  wish 
to  be  taken  for  a  bondswoman,  who  dost  carry  on  thee  those 
rings  ?     {Pointing  to  her  fingers.) 

AsT.  They  give  them  to  those  who  are  worthy. 

Steat.  These  are  the  spoils  of  Laverna^  which  thee  dost 
possess.     {Lays  hold  of  her.) 

Ast.  Don't  be  touching  me.     {Moving  away?) 

Steat.  I,  touch  thee  ?  So  help  me  my  weeding-hoe,  I'd 
rather  i'  the  country  for  me  to  be  harnessed  like  an  ox  with 
crumpled  horns,  and  with  it  spend  the  livelong  night  upon 
the  straw,  than  that  a  hundred  nights  with  thee,  with  a  din 
ner  apiece,  were  given  me  for  nothing !  But  what  busi- 
ness, woman,  hast  thee  at  our  house  ?  Why  dost  thee  come 
running  this  way  as  often  as  we  come  to  town  ? 

Ast.  I  want  to  meet  with  your  women. 

Steat.  What  women  art  thee  talking  to  me  about,  when 
there's  not  even  a  single  woman-fly  within  the  house  ? 

*  Decked  out  hones) — Ver.  269.  "  Ossibus,"  "  with  your  bones."  Probably,  in 
tllusion  to  her  thinness,  he  insinuates  that  she  is  "  a  skeleton."  ♦'  Exornatis  " 
may  apply  either  to  her  dress  or  to  the  paint  upon  her  face. 

*  Spoils  ofLavema) — Ver.  274.  Laverna  was  the  tutelary  Divinity  of  thieve*, 
end  he  intends  to  iusinui'-^e  that  she  has  stolen  the  rings. 


Sc.  IV,  THE  CHURL.  223 

AsT.  What,  does  no  woman  live  here  ? 

Steat.  They've  gone  into  the  country,  I  say.     Be  off. 

AsT.  Why  are  you  bawling  out,  you  lunatic  ? 

Steat.  If  thee  doesn't  make  haste  to  get  away  from  this 
with  prodigious  speed,  I'll  forthwith  be  separating  even  from 
thy  brains  those  falsified,  daintily  arranged,  corkscrew  curls  of 
thine,  with  all  their  grease  a^  well. 

AsT.  For  what  reason,  pray  ?  Steat.  Why,  because  thee 
hast  even  presumed  to  approach  our  door  anointed  up  with 
thine  unguents,  and  because  thee  hast  those  cheeks  so  nicely 
painted  pink. 

AsT.  I'  troth,  it  was  by  reason  of  your  clamour  that  I 
coloured  in  my  alarm. 

Steat.  And  is  it  so  ?  Thee  coloured  ?  As  though, 
hussy,  thee  really  hadst  left  to  thy  skin  the  power  of  re- 
ceiving any  colour.  Redden  up  thy  cheeks,  thee  hast  given 
all  thy  skin  its  colour  with  chalk^.  Ye  are  scoundrelly  jades. 
What's  the  reason,  abominable  hussies,  that  this  way  *  * 
*  *  *  ?     I  know  more  than  thee  think:*st  I 

know. 

AsT.  Prithee,  what's  this  that  you  know  ? 

Steat.  How  Strabax,  my  master's  son,  is  ruining  himself 
at  your  house ;  how  you  are  all  enticing  him  to  fraud  and 
present-making. 

Ast.  If  you  appeared  in  your  senses,  I'd  teU  you.  You're 
uttering  abuse  onli/ ;  not  a  person  is  in  the  habit  of  being 
ruined  here  at  our  house ;  they  waste  their  property  ;  when 
they've  wasted  their  property,  they  may  go  bare  thence,  if 
they  choose.     I  don't  know  this  young  man  of  yours. 

Steat.  Indeed  so.     Ast.  In  sober  truth. 

Steat.  Aye,  but  that  garden  walP  that's  in  our  garden 
says  so,  which  is  becoming  every  night  less  by  a  brick,  over 
w  hich  he  travels  to  your  house  on  the  road  to  destruction. 

Ast.  The  wall's  an  old  one ;  it  isn't  wonderful  if  the 
bricks,  heing  old,  do  tumble  down. 

Steat.  And  says  thee,  hussy,  that  old  bricks  do  tumble 
down  ?     By  my  fakes,  may  never  any  mortal  man  henceforth 

iU  colour  with  chalk) — Ver.  2i>2.  Chalk  was  much  used  by  the  Bomaa 
lemales  for  the  purposes  of  a  cosmetic. 

«  That  garden  waliy-Ver.  301.  "  Maceria."  This  was  a  wall  mad«  U  loMi 
tiles  or  bricks,  laid  on  each  ether  without  mortar. 


224  TETJCTJLEKTTJS  ;  Act  I. 

trust  me  upon  the  twc  grand  points^,  if  I  donU  inform  of 
these  goings  on  of  yoUrs  to  my  elder  master. 

AsT.  Is  he  a  savage  as  well  ?  Stbat.  Why,  he  didn't  get 
his  money  by  enriching  harlots,  but  by  thriftiuess,  and  living 
hard ;  which  now,  houoeeer^  is  being  carried  off  to  you,  abomi- 
nable jades.  {Takes  her  by  the  shoulders  and  snakes  her.) 
There's  for  thee,  six-clawed  hussy ;  a  wretched  life  to  both  of 
ye.  Am  I  to  keep  mum  about  these  matters  P  But,  lookye 
now,  1*11  be  off  to  the  Forum  at  once  and  tell  these  going! 
on  to  the  old  gentleman,  that  he  mayn't  somehow  be  cherish* 
ing  within  this  matting^  a  whole  swarm  of  misfortunes. 

(JSadt 

AsT.  {to  herself).  Upon  my  faith,  if  this  fellow  were  living 
on  mustard,  I  don't  think  he  could  possibly  be  as  snappish. 
But,  i'  troth,  how  much  a  well-wisher  to  his  master  he  is. 
Still,  although  he  is  a  savage,  I  trust  that  he  can  be  changed 
by  coaxing,  allurements,  and  other  arts  of  the  courtesan. 
I've  seen  a  horse  from  unruly  become  tamed,  and  other  brutes 
as  well.  Now  I'R  go  back  to  see  my  mistress.  But  see,  my 
plague's  coming  out.  {The  door  of  Phrgnesium's  hotise  is 
opened.)  He's  coming  out  with  a  sad  air ;  he  hasn't  even  yet 
had  a  meeting  with  Phronesium. 

Scene  Y. — ^^erDiKAECStTs,/row  Pheonesium's  house. 

Din.  I  do  believe  that  the  fishes,  that  are  always  bathing  as 
»ong  as  they  live>  do  not  take  so  long  in  bathing  as  this  Phro- 
nesium does  in  bathing.  If  women  could  be  loved  on  as  long 
as^  they  take  in  bathing,  all  lovers  would  be  becoming  bath- 
keepers. 

AsT.  Can't  you  endure  waiting  for  a  short  time  even  ? 

^  The  (too  grand  points) — Ver.  805.  Alciatus  thinks  that  the  "two  things'* 
here  mentioned  are  "  yes  "  and  "  no."  turnebus  thinks  that  they  mean  "  things 
human  and  divine." 

«  Within  this  matting) — Vei*.  312.  "In  segestro."  He  seems  to  derive  his 
metaphor  from  the  usage  in  gardening  of  covering  up  trees  with  straw  or  lass 
matting,  and  of  insects  getting  into  the  folds  and  hatching  their  eggs  and  swarm- 
ing there. 

«  As  long  a«) — Ver.  322.  Warner  says  that  he  does  not  well  comprehend  this 
passage.  The  meaning,  however,  seems  to  be,  that  if  women  could  be  courtea 
Bs  long  a  time  as  they  took  in  bathing,  then  lovers  would  certainly  be  keeping 
baths,  or  becoming  bath-men,  that  they  might  be  able  for  so  long  a  time  to  ergof 
the  opportunity  of  courting  them. 


Sc.  \l  THE  CHUEL.  22^ 

Din.  Why,  'pon  my  faith,  I'm  wretchedly  tired  with  wait- 
ing already. 

AsT.  1,  as  well,  shall  be  obliged  to  go  bathe  from  weariness 

Din.  But,  i'  faith,  Astaphium,  prithee  do  go  in-doors  and 
tell  her  that  I'm  here.  Do  go  at  once,  and  persuade  her 
that  she  has  bathed  long  enough  by  this. 

AsT.  Very  well.  {Going.)  Din.  And  do  you  heara«  well  ? 

AsT.  What  do  you  want  P  {Comes  back.)  Din.  May  the 
Grods  confound  me  for  calling  you  back.  I  had  nothing  to 
say  to  you,  only  do  be  off. 

AsT.  Why  did  you  call  me  back  then,  you  worthless  and 
good-for-nothing  fellow  ?  A  delay  to  me  which  has  produced 
fully  a  mile's  delay  tor  you.  {Goes  info  the  hottse  of  Pheone- 

SITJM.) 

Din.  {to  himself.)  But  yet  why  was  she  standing  here  so  long 
before  the  house  ?  Some  one,  I  don't  know  who,  she  certainly 
was  waiting  for ;  the  Captain,  I  suppose.  That's  it ;  see  now, 
how,  just  like  vultures^,  a  whole  three  days  beforehand  they 
foresee  on  what  day  they  are  to  have  a  feast.  They're  all  agape 
for  him ;  on  him  are  all  their  minds  Jixed.  No  one  will  be 
giving  any  more  attention  to  myself,  when  he  comes,  than  if 
I  had  been  dead  two  hundred  years  ago.  How  delightful  a 
thing  it  is  to  keep  one's  money !  Ah  wretched  me !  after 
it's  done  I'm  punished,  who  lost  what  I  once  had.  But 
now,  if  any  great  and  splendid  fortune  should  chance  to  fall 
to  my  lot,  now,  after  I  know  it,  what  sweets  and  what  bitters 
come  of  money,  by  my  troth,  I'd  so  keep  it,  I'd  live  in  a 

manner  so  sparing,  that in  a  few  days  I'd  make  there  to 

be  none  at  all.  I'd  then  confute  those  who  now  censure  me. 
But  I  perceive  that  this  tide-like  door  is  opening  {the  door  of 
Pheonesium's  house  is  opened),  which  sucks  up  whatever 
comes  within  its  bolts. 

Scene  VI. — Enter  Pheonesium,^o^  her  house. 

Pheon.  Please  now,  is  my  door  apt  to  bite^,  that  you  are 
afraid  to  come  in,  my  love  ? 

'  Jugt  like  vultures)— Ver.  335.  Vultures  were  supposed,  some  days  before - 
Hand,  to  scent  out  a  place  where  a  dead  carcase  was  about  to  be.  Plinj  the 
El<ler  mentions  this  behef. 

•^  Apt  to  bite) — Ver.  350.  Taubmann  has  a  notion  that  this  remark  refers  to 
the  inscription  otten  set  up  in  the  Koman  vestibules:  "  Cave  canem,"  "Beware  of 
the  flog." 

VOL.  II.  Q 


226  TRUCULENTUS  ;  Act  1. 

DiTX.  (aside).  Behold  the  spring !  How  all  blooming  it  is  ! 
how  fragrantly  does  it  smell !  how  brightly  does  it  shine. 

Phron.  Why  so  ill-mannered,  as  not,  on  your  arrival  from 
Lemnos^,  to  give  a  kiss  to  your  mistress,  my  Dinarchus  ? 

Din.  (aside).  0  dear,  by  my  troth,  I'm  being  punished 
now,  and  most  terribly 

Phro]S'.  Why  do  you  turn  yourself  away  ? 

Din.  My  greetings  to  you,  Phronesium. 

Phroist.  Grreetings  to  you  as  well.  Will  you  dine  here 
to-day,  as  you've  arrived  in  safety  ? 

Din.  I'm  engaged.     Phron.  Where  will  you  dine  tJien  ? 

Din.  Wherever  you  request  me  ;  here. 

Phron.  You'll  give  me  pleasure  by  doing  so.  (They  take 
their  places  at  a  collation  spread  before  the  house.) 

Din.  I'  troth,  myself  still  more.  You'll  give  me  your  com- 
pany to-day,  I  suppose,   my  Phronesium  ? 

Phron.  If  it  could  possibly  be  done,  I  would. 

Din.  Grive  me  my  shoes^  then — make  haste,  remove  the 
table.     Phron.  Are  you  in  your  senses,  pray  ? 

Din.  By  heavens,  I  cannot  drink  now ;  so  sick  at  heart 
am  I.    Phron.  Stay ;  something  shall  be  done.     Don't  go. 

Din.  Ah,  you've  refreshed  me  with  cold  water !  My 
senses  have  now  returned.  Take  off  my  shoes^ ;  give  me 
something  to  drink. 

Phron.  By  my  faith,  you  are  just  the  same  that  you  used 
to  be.     But  tell  me,  have  you  sped  successfully  ? 

Din.  I'  troth,  successfully  enough,  indeed,  hither  to  you, 
inasmuch  as  I  enjoy  the  opportunity  of  seeing  you. 

Phron.  Embrace  me  then.     Din.  With  pleasure.     (He 

^  From  Lemnos) — Ver.  353.  This  may  be  intended  as  a  hit  at  the  people  of 
Lemnos,  who  were  remarkable  for  their  rude  and  unpolished  manners. 

2  Give  me  my  shoes) — Ver.  362.  "  Soleas."  These  were  a  kind  of  slipper  or 
Bandal  much  in  use  among  the  Romans  in  the  house ;  but  it  was  considered  effemi- 
nate to  wear  them  in  the  street.  They  were  taken  off  when  persons  reclined  on 
the  "  tricHnia,"  or  couches,  at  meals.  Dinarchus  is  calling  to  the  servant  to 
fetch  his  slippers,  as  he  is  going  to  leave  the  entertainment  given  him  on  his 
return  by  Phronesium.  This  appears  to  be  set  out  on  the  stage  in  the  front  of 
the  house;  but  there  is  probably  some  portion  of  the  Play  .bst  here,  in  whieh 
Phronesium  orders  it  to  be  laid  out.  The  last  Scene  in  the  Asinaria  is  somewhat 
similar. 

3  Take  off  my  shoes) — Ver.  365.  This  he  says  to  the  servant  whose  duty  it 
•was  to  take  off  the  slippers  of  the  guests  before  they  reclined.  Limiers  suggests, 
most  probably  incorrectly,  that  this  is  going  on  inside  of  Phronesium's  house, 
knd  that  the  door  is  opened  wide,  so  that  the  Audience  cau  E-ee  ia 


I 


Sc.  A'i.  THE  cuuKL.  227 

embraces  her.)     Oh,  this  is  honey  sweeter  than  sweet  honey 
In  this,  Jove,  my  fortune  does  exceed  thine  ownl 

Pheon.  Won't  you  give  me  a  kiss  ? 

Din.  Aye,  ten  even.     {Kisses  her.) 

Phron.  You  are  not  niggardly  in  that.  Tou  pron.ise 
more  than  I  ask  of  you.     (Turns  away  her  head.) 

DiK.  I  only  wish  that  from  the  first  I  had  been  as  sparing 
of  my  property,  as  you  are  now  tlirifty  of  your  kisses. 

Pheon.  If  I  could  possibly  cause  you  any  saving,  i'  troth, 
I  could  wish  it  done. 

Din.  Have  you  bathed  then  ?  Phron.  I' troth,  indeed  I 
have  then,  to  my  own  satisfaction  and  that  of  my  eyes.  Do 
I  seem  to  be  loathsome  to  you  ? 

Din.  r  faith,  not  to  myself  indeed ;  but  I  remember  that 
there  was  once  a  time  when  between  ourselves  we  were  loath- 
some^, the  one  to  the  other.  But  what  doing  of  yours  is  this 
I've  heard  upon  my  arrival  ?  What  new  matter  have  you 
been  scheming  here  in  my  absence  ? 

Pheon.  Why,  what  is  it  ?  Din.  In  the  first  place,  that 
you've  been  blessed  with,  children,  and  that  you've  safely  got 
over  it,  I'm  delighted. 

Pheon.  {to  some  Attendants  near  the  door).  Go  you 
away  from  there  into  the  house,  and  shut  the  door.  (  They 
go  in,  and  shut  the  door.)  You  now  alone  are  left  to  be  pre- 
sent at  my  communication;  to  you  I've  ever  entrusted  my 
designs.  For  my  own  part,  I've  neither  had  any  child  nor 
have  I  been  pregnant ;  but  I've  pretended  that  I  was  preg- 
nant ;  I  wasn't  though. 

Din.  For  what  reason,  O  my  life  ? 

Pheon.  On  account  of  a  Babylonian  Captain,  who  kept 
me  as  though  his  wife  for  a  year,  while  he  was  here. 

Din.  That  I  knew.  But  what  means  this  ?  For  what 
purpose  was  your  design  in  pretending  this  ? 

Pheon.  That  there  might  be  a  certain  bond  and  tie-  for 
him  to  be  returning  to  me  again.  Now  he  has  lately  sent 
me  a  letter  hither,  that  he'll  make  trial  how  much  I  value 

•  Were  loatlisome) — Ver.  379.  "  Sorderemus  unus  alteri ;"  he  to  her  because 
he  had  spent  all  his  money,  she  to  him  for  her  covetousni-ss  and  ill-nature. 

"^  And  tie) — Ver.  393.  "  Kedimiculum."  The  "redimicula"  were,  properly 
strings  or  ribbons  which  fell  on  the  shoulders  from  the  "  mitra"  or  head- 
dress of  females,  and  were  probably  used  for  the  purpose  of  tying  it  under  tl*» 
chin.      They  hung  down  on  each  side,  over  the  breast. 

<i2 


228  TiiucuLENTUs;  Act  1. 

him.  If  I  should  raise  and  bring  up  the  child  which  I  sho\dd 
bear,  that  then  I  sliould  have  all  his  property. 

Din.  I  listen  with  pleasure.  In  fine,  what  is  it  you  ares 
contriving  ? 

Phron.  My  mother  ordered  the  servant-maids,  since  now 
tlie  tenth  month  is  arriving  close  at  hand,  each  to  go  in  some 
different  direction,  to  seek  out  and  bespeak  a  boy  or  a  girl,  to 
be  passed  off  as  my  own.  Why  need  I  make  many  words  ? 
YoM  know  Syra,  the  female  hair-dresser^,  who  now  lives  hard 
by  our  house  ? 

Din.  I  know  her.  Phron.  She,  with  the  utmost  care, 
went  about  among  the  families,  and  secretly  found  out  a 
child,  and  brought  it  to  me.     She  said  it  was  given  to  her. 

Din.  O  shocking  traiRc !  She  then  hasn't  borne  this  child 
who  at  first  did  bear  it,  but  you  who  come  afterwards. 

Phron.  Tou  have  the  whole  matter  in  its  order.  Now, 
as  the  Captain  has  sent  a  message  before  to  me,  he'll  be 
here  no  long  time  hence. 

Din.  Now,  in  the  mean  time,  you  are  treating  yourself  here 
as  though  one  who  had  just  lain  in  ? 

Phron.  Why  not,  when,  without  trouble,  the  matter  can 
be  nicely  managed  ?  It's  proper  that  every  one  should  be 
alive  at  his  own  trade. 

Din.  What's  to  become  of  me  when  the  Captain  comes  ? 
Forsaken,  can  I  live  without  you  ? 

Phron.  When  I've  got  from  him  that  which  I  want,  I 
shall  easily  find  a  way  how  to  create  discord  and  a  separation 
between  us  ;  after  that,  my  delight,  I  shall  be  always  at  your 
side. 

Din.  Aye,  faith,  but  I'd  rather  it  were  at  my  couch^. 

Phron.  Moreover,  I  wish  to  sacrifice  to-day  to  the  Deities 
for  the  child,  on  this  the  fifth  day^,  as  is  proper  to  be  done. 

Din.  I  think  i/ou  ought.  Phron.  Can't  you  venture  to 
give  me  some  trifling  present  ? 

*  The  female  hair-dresser) — Ver.  403.  "  Tonstricem  "  Warner  translates  the 
word  "  tonstrix,"  "  tire- woman ;"  but  the  real  meaning  is,  "  a  female  hair-dresser  " 
or  "  barber."  They  were  women  who  used  to  cut  the  hair  and  pare  the  nails  of 
females. 

*  Atmy  couch) — Ver.  420.  "  Adcubuo."  There  is  a  play  on  the  resemblance 
of  this  word  to  that  used  by  her,  "  adsiduo,"  "at  your  side." 

'  On  this  the  fifth  day) — Ver.  422.  The  Greeks  sacrificed  to  the  Gods  and 
named  their  children  on  the  fifth  day  after  their  birth ;  the  Romans  on  the  ninth, 
if  .1  male,  on  the  eighth,  if  a  female. 


Act  11.  THE  CHUEL.  229 

Din.  Upon  my  faith,  my  delight,  I  seem  to  be  making  a 
gain  for  myself  when  you  ask  anything  of  me. 

Phuon.  (agide).  And  I,  when  I've  got  it. 

Din.  I'll  take  care  it  shall  be  here  just  now.  I'll  send 
my  servant  hither.     Phron.  Do  so. 

Din.  But  whatever  it  shall  be,  do  take  it  in  good  part. 

Phron.  I'  troth,  I'm  sure  that  you'll  give  all  attention  to 
your  present,  of  which  I  shan't  be  ashamed  so  long  as  you 
send  it  to  me. 

Din.  Do  you  wish  anything  else  of  me  ?  Phron.  That, 
when  you  have  leisure,  you'll  come  again  to  see  me. 

Din.  Pare  you  well. 

Phron.  Farewell.     (Goes  into  her  hou^e.) 

Din.  (to  himself).  0  immortal  Gods  !  'twere  the  part  not 
of  a  woman  in  love,  but  of  a  partner  of  kindred  feelings  and 
confiding,  to  do  what  she  just  now  has  done  for  me,  in  dis- 
closing to  me  the  palming  of  the  child  upon  the  Captain, — a 
thing  that  a  sister  entrusts  not  to  her  own  born  sister.  She 
discloses  herself  now  to  me  from  her  very  soul,  that  she 
will  never  prove  faithless  to  me  ao  long  as  she  exists.  Ought 
I  not  to  love  her  ?  Ought  I  not  to  wish  her  well  ?  I'll 
rather  not  love  myself,  than  that  love  should  be  wanting  for 
her.  Shall  I  not  send  her  a  present  ?  This  instant,  then, 
I'll  order  five  minae  to  be  brought  to  her  from  my  house, 
besides  catering  to  the  amount  of  a  mina  at  least.  Much 
rather  shall  kindness  be  shown  to  her  who  wishes  kindly  to 
me,  than  to  myself,  who  do  every  mischief  to  myself.     (JExit. 

Act  II. — Scene  I. 
Unter  PHRONESiUM,/row  her  house. 
Phron,  (speaking  at  the  door  to  the  Servai^its  within). 
Give  the  breast  to  that  child.  (To  herself,  coming  forward.) 
How  wretchedly  and  anxiously  are  mothers^  distressed  in 
mind.  I'  faith,  'twas  craftily  contrived  ;  and  when  I  revolve 
this  matter  in  my  mind,  we  are  accounted  to  be  much  less 
artful  than  we  naturally  are  in  disposition.  I'm  n^w  speak- 
ing of  what,  but  lately,  for  the  first  time,  I've  been  taught  at 
home ;  how  great  is  my  anxiety  of  mind,  what  panp;s  I  do 
feel  in  my  heart,  lest  through  the  death  of  the  child   che 

»  Anxiously  are  7nothers)—'Ver  448.  This,  of  course,  she  says  ironically,  mtb 
&  smiU'-  on  hev  face. 


'2S0  TRUCULENTUS ;  Act  II. 

plot  should  fail.  Because  I'm  styled  its  motlier,  for  that 
reason  am  I  the  more  anxious  for  its  life,  who  have  ven- 
tured thus  secv<>nY  i,o  attempt  a  stratagem  so  great.  In 
my  avarice,  for  the  sake  of  gain,  have  I  entered  on  this  dis- 
graceful scheme  ;  the  pangs  of  others  have  I  falsely  shammed 
for  myself.  You  must  attempt  nothing  by  craftiness,  un- 
less you  Mould  carry  it  out  with  cunning  and  with  cai'e. 
(To  the  Audience.)  You  yourselves  now  see  in  what  garb^ 
I  go ;  I'm  now  pretending  that  I'm  an  invalid  from  having 
lain  in.  A  thing  that  a  woman  attempts  to  do  in  fraud, 
unless  she  is  perfect  in  carrying  it  out,  that  same  is  as  bad 
as  disease  to  her,  that  same  is  as  had  as  old  age  to  her,  that 
to  her,  wretched  creature,  is  wretchedness:  if  she  begins  to 
do  what's  right,  soon  does  weariness  of  it  overtake  her. 
How  very  few  are  tired  who  have  commenced  to  do  what's 
wrong ;  how  very  few  carry  it  out,  if  they  have  commenced 
to  do  anything. aright.  To  a  female  it  is  a  much  less 
burden  to  do  bad  than  good.  In  that  I'm  an  artful  one, 
through  the  agency  of  my  mother^  and  my  own  artful  dis- 
position am  I  artful,  who  liave  thus  feigned  to  the  Babylonian 
Captain  that  I  am  pregnant.  I  wish  now  the  Captain  may 
find  this  artful  plot  concocted  well.  He'll  be  here  no  long 
time  hence,  I  suppose;  forewarned  of  that  I'm  now  forearmed, 
and  I'm  wearing  this  garb,  as  thougli  I  had  just  lain  in  in 
pregnancy.  {Calls  to  the  Servants  tvithin.)  Bring  me 
hither  some  myrrli  and  fire  for  the  altar,  that  I  may  pay 
9,doration  to  my  Lucina.  (Thei/  bring  it.)  Place  it  here 
(pointing  to  an  altar  near  the  door),  and  go  out  of  my  sight. 
Ho  there  !  Pitheciuni,  help  me  to  lay  me  down.  Come 
hitlier ;  thus  is  it  proper  to  help  one  w^ho  has  just  lain  in. 
(A  couch  is  brought  in  by  Astaphium  and  two  Handmaids, 
and  she  lays  herself  down,)  Take  off"  my  sandals  ;  tlirow 
a  coverlet  here  over  me,  Archylis.  Astaphium,  where  are 
you  ?  Bring  me  hither,  holy  herbs,  frankincense,  and  sweet- 
meats. Bring  water  for  my  hands.  (The  Servants  go  and 
fetch  the  things  as  ordered.)  i^Tow,  i'  faith,  I  could  wish 
that  the  Captain  should  come.     (The  Servants  stand  aside.) 

'  In  what  garb) — Ver.  461.  She  alludes  to  the  dress  she  is  wearia; — that  of  a 
woman  wlio  has  just  lain  in. 

2  Afjency  of  viy  mother) — Ver.  469.  This  may,  perhaps,  mean  the  Procuress 
wild  h;id  instrufted  htr  in  her  evil  ways.  These  wretches  were  generally  thus 
tailed  by  t'.tir  di;it:pics. 


SC.  II.  THE  CHUEL  231 


Scene  II. — Enter  Stratophanes,  at  a  distance,  followed  hif 
a  Seryant  and  several  Female  Slates. 

Strat.  {to  the  Audience).  Don't  you  be  expecting.  Spec- 
tators, that  I  should  recount  my  combats ;  with  my  hands 
in  battle  I'm  wont  to  recount  them,  and  not  in  words.  I 
know  that  many  a  soldier  have  told  lies ;  both  the  Homeric 
poetlings^,and  a  thousand  others  besides  them  could  be  named, 
who  have  been  both  convicted  and  condemned  for  their  sham 
battles.  He's  not  to  be  commended  who  trusts  another  any 
u  further  than  he  sees.  It  pleases  me  not  when  those  com- 
'  mend  more  who  hear  than  those  who  see ;  of  more  value  is 
one  eye-witness  than  ten  hearsays.  Those  who  hear,  speak 
of  what  they've  heard ;  those  who  see,  know  beyond  mistake. 
I  like  him  not  whom  the  town-gossips-  are  praising,  and  the 
men  of  his  maniple  are  mum  about;  nor  yet  those  whose 
tongues  at  home  make  blunt  the  edge^  of  our  swords.  The 
valiant  are  much  more  serviceable  to  the  public  than  the 
eloquent  and  skilled.  Valour  easily  finds  for  itself  a  fluent 
eloquence ;  without  valour,  for  my  own  part,  I  esteem  an  elo- 
quent citizen  as  a  hired  mourner*,  who  praises  other  people, 
but  can't  do  the  same  for  herself.  JNTow,  after  ten  months, 
am  I  come  to  Athens  of  Attica  to  see  my  mistress,  how  she 
gets  on,  whom  I  left  pregnant  by  my  embrace. 

Phron.  (raising  herself  on  the  couch,  and  speaking  to  As- 
taphium).  See  who's  talking. 

AsT.  (coming  forward,  and  looJcing  ahout).  The  Captain's 
now  close  at  hand,  my  mistress  Phronesium:  Stratophanes 
is  coming  to  you.  (In  a  low  voice.)  Now  is  it  requisite  for 
you  to  pretend  yourself  an  invalid. 

Phron.  (in  a  low  voice).  Hold  your  tongue.     What,  the 

^Homeric  poetUngs)  —  Ver.  483.  By  "  Homeronidae,"  he  probably  means 
'*  wretclied  imitators  of  Homer." 

2  Whom  the  tovm-gossips) — Ver.  489.  He  does  not  admire  those  would-be  heroes 
whose  praises  are  in  tlie  mouths  of  the  gossips  about  town  (scurrae),  but  whose 
achievements  are  never  witnessed  by  the  soldiers  who  serve  under  their  command 
(manipulares). 

3  Make  blunt  the  edge) — Ver.  490.  This  remark  might,  perhaps,  with  some 
justice  be  applied  to  some  of  the  senators  of  modern  times ;  whose  fault  it  certainly 
is  not  if  their  tongues  fail  to  blimt  the  edge  of  the  swords  of  their  countrymen  when 
fighting  the  battles  of  their  fellow-citizens  "  who  live  at  home  at  ease." 

*  A  hired  mouiiier) — Ver.  493.  I'lie  "  praeficae"  were  the  women  who  chanted 
the  "  nac;-!."     bee  the  Note  to  L  21.3. 


232  TRUCULENTUS  •  Aot  11. 

plague,  dc  I  want  you  for  as  an  adviser  in  this  matter  ?  Is 
it  possible  to  excel  myself  in  craftiness  ? 

Strat.  {to  himself  Y  Madam's  brought  to  bed,  as  I  fancy. 

AsT.  {in  a  low  voice).  Would  you  like  me  to  accost  the 
gentleman  ? 

Phron.  I  wish  you.  (Astaphium  moves  forward.) 

Strat.  O  delightful !  Why,  see,  here's  Astaphium  coming 
to  meet  me.  Ast.  {affecting  surprise).  By  all  the  powers! 
welcome  to  you,  Stratophanes,  that  you're  safe  arrived 

Strat.  I  know  it  all.  But,  prithee,  has  Phronesium  been 
brought  to  bed  ? 

Ast.  She  has  been  delivered  of  a  very  fine  boy. 

Strat.  Is  it  like  me  at  all  ? 

AsT.  Do  you  ask  the  question?  Why,  the  moment  it 
was  born,  it  asked  for  a  sabre  and  shield  for  itself. 

Strat.  It's  my  own ;  I  know  it  at  once  from  the  proofs. 

Ast.  Indeed  it  is  extremely  like  you. 

Strat.  Ye  Gods  above !  Is  it  of  full  growth  already  ?  Has 
it  already  chosen  some  army  which  it  intends  to  plunder  ? 

Ast.  Why  really,  it  was  only  bom  five  days  ago. 

Strat.  What  then,  after  it  was  h(ym  ?  After  so  many 
days,  i'  faith,  something  really  ought  by  this  time  to  have 
been  done.  What  business  had  it  to  leave  the  womb  before 
it  could  go  forth  to  battle  ? 

Ast.  Follow  me,  and  wish  her  joy,  and  congratulate  her. 

Strat.  I  follow.  {They  move  to  the  other  side  of  the  stage.) 

Phron.  {in  a  faint  voice).  Prithee,  where  is  she  who  has 
left  me  here  and  forsaken  me  ?  Ast.  I'm  here ;  I'm  bringing 
you  Stratophanes,  so  much  longed  for  by  you. 

Phron.  Prithee,  where  is  he  ? 

Strat.  {going  close  to  the  couch).  Mars,  on  his  arrival  from 
abroad,  salutes  Neriene  his  spouse^.  Since  you've  well  got 
over  it,  and  since  you've  been  blest  with  offspring,  I  congra- 
tulate you  in  that  you  have  given  birth  to  a  great  glory  to  me 
and  to  yourself. 

Phron.  Welcome  to  you,  you  who  have  almost  deprived 
me  of  life  and  light ;  and  who  have,  for  your  own  gratification, 
centred  in  my  body  the  cause  of  great  anguish,  with  the  pangs 
of  which  I'm  even  now  dreadfully  afflicted. 

Strat  ,  Well,  well ;  not  to  your  misfortune,  my  love,  do 

>  Nerien  his  spouse)— Ver.  513.  Aulua  GelUus  also  meotious  Nem,  or  Neriene 
9«  tUe  wife  of  Murs. 


Sc.  li.  THE  citURL.  233 

these  pains  befall  you.  You've  brought  forth  a  son 'v\  ho' 11 
be  filling  your  house  with  plunder. 

Phron.  By  the  powers,  there's  very  much  greaterneed  to 
have  our  granaries  well  filled  with  wheat ;  lest,  before  he  takes 
the  plunder,  hunger  should  be  putting  an  end  to  us  here. 

Stea-T.  Be  of  good  heart. 

Phron.  Do,  please,  take  a  kiss  from  me  here.  I  cannot  lift 
up  my  head ;  such  pain  I've  felt,  and  in  such  pain  I  now  am  ; 
and  I  cannot  as  yet,  of  my  own  strength,  walk  upon  my  ftet. 

Stra.t.  {stooping  down,  and  kissing  her).  If,  right  from 
the  middle  of  the  sea,  you  were  to  order  me  to  take  a  kiss 
from  you,  I  would  not  hesitate  to  fetch  it,  my  sweet.  Vou'vo 
experienced  it  already  so  to  be ;  and  now  shall  you  experi- 
ence it,  my  Phronesium,  that  I  do  dote  upon  you.  {J*oinHng 
to  a  distance  behind  him.)  See  there,  I've  brought  you  two 
female  slaves  from  Syria ;  I  present  you  with  them.  {To 
a  Servant  behind  him.)  Do  you  bring  those  women  this 
way.  Now,  these  were  both  of  them  queens  at  their  own 
homes ;  but  with  mg  own  hand  I  laid  waste  their  country, 
I  present  you  with  them.    {Handing  them  forward  to  he-r.) 

Phron.  Are  you  dissatisfied  with  the  number  of  female 
slaves  I  have  already,  that  you  must  be  still  makijig  ad- 
ditions to  the  number,  to  be  devouring  food  for  me  ? 

Strat.  I'  troth,  if  this  indeed  isn't  acceptable  to  you^ 
you  boy  {beckoning  to  the  Servant),  do  you  give  me  that 
bag.  See  here,  my  love,  I've  brought  this  mantle  from 
Panchaeai  for  you.  Take  it  for  yourself.  {He  presents  it  to  her.) 

Phron.  What,  is  so  little  as  this  to  be  given  me  in  return 
for  pain  so  great  ? 

Strat.  {aside).  I' faith,  to  my  misfortune,  I'm  iir.done! 
My  son's  already  costing  me  his  weight  in  gold.  {To  i'uno- 
NESTUM.)  Do  you  still  set  such  little  value  on  me  r  I've 
brought  you  a  purple  garment  from  Sarra^,  and  two  pretty 
ones  from  Pontus.  {Takes  the  garments  from  the  Servant, 
and  presents  them.)  Take  this  for  yourself,  my  love.  (  /b  the 
Servant.)  Take  those  Syrian  women  hence  out  of  my  sight. 
(27ie Servant  takes  them  into  the  house.)  Do  you  love  me  at  all  ? 

»  From  Panchcea) — ^Vnr.  534.  Panchaea  was  a  distnct  of  Arabia  Felix,  whicli 
was  said  to  produce  frankincense. 

2  From  Sarra) — Ver.  537.  Sarra  was  a  name  of  the  city  of  Tyre,  which  was  so 
called  from  the  *'  murex,"  or  shell-fish,  from  which  the  Tyrian  purple  wu-  ;:»- 
tractcd.  und  which,  in  tha  Phopuician  language,  was  called  by  that  name. 


234  TRUCULENTUS  ;  Act  II, 

PiiRON.  Not  at  all,  i'  faith  ;  nor  do  you  deserve  it. 

Strat.  {aside).  What,  is  nothing  enough  for  her?  Eeallyj 
to  myself  she  hasn't  even  said  one  word.  I  do  believe  that 
these  presents  would  sell  for  more  than  twenty  minaB,  which 
I  have  given  her.  Now  she's  desperately  enraged  with  me  •. 
I  perceive  and  understand  it ;  but  I'll  address  her  still.  {Tg 
Phronesium.)  What  say  you  then?  Do  you  wish  me,  my 
love,  to  go  to  dinner  where  I  was  invited,  and  after  that  to 
return  hither  to  your  house  to  sleep  ?  Why  are  you  silent  ? 
{Aside.)  V  troth,  beyond  a  doubt,  I'm  undone.  But  what 
fine  affair  is  tliis  ?  Who's  this  fellow  that's  leading  such  a 
long  train  ?  I'm  resolved  to  watch  whitlier  they  are  taking 
it.  It's  being  brought  to  her,  I  do  believe ;  but  I'll  soon 
know  more.  {He  stands  at  a  distance.) 

Scene  III. — Unfer  Gteta,  at  a  distance,  followed  hy  Slaves 
with  presents  from  DiNARCHUS. 

Get  A.  Get  on,  get  on  this  way  together  with  you,  mules 
laden  with  money  only  to  be  squandered,  you  emptyers  out  of 
the  house,  you  carriers  oif  of  property  by  waggon-loads !  (  To 
#A(?  Audience.)  And  can't  he  who  is  in  love  do  without  being 
good  for  nought,  and  cleaning  himself  out  by  his  disgraceful 
practices  ?  But  how  I  know  this,  don't  any  one  be  asking  that 
of  me;  we've  a  lover  at  home,  who's  engaged  in  disgraceful 
pursuits ;  who  esteems  property  just  as  dung :  he's  in  dread  of 
the  public  officers^ ;  most  cleanly  in  his  ways  is  he.  He  wishes 
his  house  to  be  cleaned  out ;  whatever  he  has  at  home,  it's 
swept  completely  "  dehors^."  Since  he  himself  is  sending  his 
own  self  to  ruin,  for  my  part,  i'  faith,  I'll  help  him  by  stealtli, 
and  not  through  my  assistance,  indeed,  shall  he  be  ruined 
e'en  a  bit  the  less  speedily  than  he  may.  For  now  from  these 
provisions,  from  the  one  mina  I've  just  now  abstracted  five 
didrachms ;  I've  deducted  for  myself  the  Herculean  share^. 

*  The  public  officers) — Ver.  555.  "  Publicos,"  *'  the  public  officers."  He  al- 
udes  to  tlie  ^diles,  whose  duty  it  was  to  see  that  the  streets  and  houses  were 
icpt  clean  and  free  from  nuisances. 

'^  I'ehors) — Ver.  55G.  In  the  text,  e^o).  The  Greek  word  is  used  just  in  the 
w-ay  we  should  employ  the  French  word  "  dehors,"  of  like  meaning. 

'  Herculean  share) — Ver.  oGO.  "  Herculaneam."  The  share  of  Hercules,  which 
w^as  tlie  *ithe  or  tenth.  From  this  passage  it  ts  clear,  beyond  all  doubt,  that 
-*  ituunnus"  means  a  "  didrachm,"  as  he  makes  five  of  them  the  tenth  oart  of  a 
'  uiina,"  which  consisted  of  one  hundred  drachmae. 


Sc.  III.  THE  CHURL.  235 

But  tljia  is  just  like  as  though  a  person  should  turn  off  a 
stream  for  himself  from  a  river ;  if  it  is  not  turned  off  into  a 
channel,  still  all  that  water  would  go  into  the  sea.  For  this 
is  going  into  the  sea,  and  is  being  utterly  wasted  to  no  good 
purpose  whatever.  When  I  see  these  things  going  on,  I 
pilfer,  I  purloin,  from  plunder  I  plunder  take.  1  take  a 
harlot  to  be  just  like  what  the  sea  is ;  what  you  give  her 
she  s\yallows  down,  and  yet  never  overflows.  But  this  at 
least  the  sea  does  preserve  ;  what's  in  it  is  seen.  Give  her  as 
mucii  as  ever  you  please,  it's  never  seen  either  by  the  giver 
or  the  acceptor.  For  instance,  this  liarlot  by  her  blandish- 
ments has  reduced  my  poor  master  to  poverty ;  has  robbed 
him  of  fortune,  life,  honor,  and  friends.  {^Catching  sight  of 
her.)  Heyday  !  why  look,  she's  close  by.  I  do  think  she  has 
heard  me  saying  all  this.  She's  pale,  as  she  has  been  delivered 
of  a  child.  I'll  address  her,  as  though  I  didn't  know  her. 
{Addressing  Phronesium.)  I  present  you  my  respects. 

Phron".  Our  Greta,  what  is  it  you're  about  ?    How  are  you  ? 

Geta.  I'm  well,  and  I'm  come  to  one  who's  not  so  well, 
and  I'm  bringing  something  with  which  she  may  get  well. 
My  master,  the  apple  of  your  eye,  bade  me  bring  these  presents 
to  you,  which  you  see  those  persons  carrying,  and  these  five 
minae  of  silver. 

Phrov.  I'  faith,  it's  not  thrown  away,  that  I'm  so  very 
fond  of  him. 

Geta.  He  bade  me  beg  that  you  would  accept  these  in 
kind  part. 

Phroi^.  I'  troth,  I  do  accept  them  kindly  and  thankfuUy. 
{To  Cyamtjs,  who  comes  out  of  the  house.)  Go,  Cyamus,  and 
order  tliem  to  be  taken  in-doors.  Do  you  hear  at  all  this 
which  has  been  ordered  ?    {The  Servants  take  up  the  things.) 

Geta.  I  don't  want  them  to  take  away  the  vessels ;  I'd 
ike  to  have  them  emptied. 

Phron.  An  impudent  feUow,  i'  faith,  how  busy  he  is. 

Geta.  What  ?  do  you  say  that  I'm  impudent,  you  who 
yourself  are  a  receptacle  of  villany  ? 

Phron.  Tell  iue,  I  beg  of  you,  where  is  Dinarchus  ? 

Geta.  At  home.  Phron.  TeU  him,  that,  for  these  presents 
which  he  has  sent  me,  I  love  him  the  most  of  all  men,  and 
that  in  return  I  hold  him  in  the  highest  esteem  of  all,  and 
entreat  that  he  will  come  hither  to  me. 

Geta.  Tliis  instant.     But  who's  that  person,  pray  {lookint 


23G  TEUCULENTUS;  Aft  II 

towards  Stratophakes),  that's  devouring  himself^,  scowling 
with  malignant  eyes  ?  I'  faith,  the  man's  distressed  in  hia 
mind,  whoever  he  is. 

Phron.  I'  troth,  he's  deserving  of  it. 

Geta.  What's  the  matter?  Pheon".  Prithee,  don't  you 
know  ?  He  that's  yonder  used  to  live  with  me  ;  he,  there,  is 
the  father  of  my  child.  He  ordered  it  to  be  brought  up  till 
about  a  before-daylight  breakfast^.  I  waited  his  coming,  I 
listened  to  his  injunctions  ;  I  attended  to  the  child. 

G-ETA.  The  good-for-nothing  fellow  that  I  knew  so  well, 
prithee,  is  that  he  ? 

Phron.  That's  he.  G-eta.  He  looks  at  me  as  he  groans. 
He  heaved  a  sigh  from  the  very  bottom  of  his  breast.  Observe 
that  now ;  he  gnashes  his  teeth  ;  he  strikes  his  thigh.  Prithee, 
is  he  deranged^,  that  he's  beating  his  own  self? 

Strat.  (coming  forward) .  Now  will  I  at  once  summon  up 
my  ungovernable  indignation  and  my  wrath  from  my  breast ! 
(To  G-ETA.)  Say,  whence  are  you  ?  To  whom  do  you  belong  ? 
Why  have  you  dared  to  speak  rudely  against  me  ? 

Get  A.  It's  my  pleasure.  Strat.  Do  you  answer  me  in 
that  way  ? 

Geta.  In  this  way  (snaps  his  fingers)  ;  I  don't  care  one 
straw  for  you. 

Strat.  {to  Phbottesium).  "What  say  ycu?  Why  have 
you  dared  to  say  that  you  love  another  man  ? 

Phron.  I  chose  to.  Strat.  Say  you  so,  indeed  ?  I'll 
first  make  trial  of  that.  Do  you,  for  the  sake  of  such  a 
shabby  present,  vegetables,  and  comestibles,  and  vinegar- 
water,  bestow  your  love  upon  an  effeminate,  frizzle-pated, 

'  Devouring  himself') — Ver.  591.  Either  he  means,  that,  to  judge  from  his 
looks,  he  is  feeding  upon  his  spleen;  or  else,  the  Captain  is  standing  on  one 
side,  gnawing  his  finger-nails  from  vexation. 

2  Before-daylight  breakfast) — Ver.  594.  This  passage  is  probably  in  a  corrupt 
state.  If  it  is  nor,  her  meaning  seems  to  be,  that  the  Captain  didn't  care  much 
about  his  child,  but  took  care  about  its  supjwrt  for  a  very  short  period,  and  no  longer. 
Perhaps,  as  "jentaculum"  meant  "an  early  meal,  taken  before  daylight,"  she 
may  intend  to  hint  that  the  Captain,  on  hearing  of  her  pregnancy,  interested  him- 
self in  her  offspring,  and  contributed  to  her  support  and  tliat  of  the  cliild  in  the 
embryo  state;  but  that  after  it  came  to  light,  and  required  a  meal  (to  speak  figu- 
ratively), beyond  the  period  of  the  "jentaculum,"  he  took  no  notice  of  it,  but  waa 
ready  to  allow  it  to  starve. 

»  Is  lie  deranged) — Ver.  599.  "  Harjolus."  Literally,  "  a  soothsayer,"  or 
•'  diviner."  In  their  prophetic  frenzy,  these  persous  jften  had  the  appearance  of 
iieiDg  mad,  and  were  so  considered. 


Sc.  111.  HIE  cnuEL.  237 

dark-hauTit  frequenting,  drum-drubbing  debauchee',  a  fellow 
not  worth  a  nutshell  ? 

Geta.  What  new  thing's  this  ?  Do  you  dare,  you  rogue, 
to  speak  ill  of  my  master,  you  spring-head  of  vice  and  per- 
jury ? 

Strat.  Add  a  single  word  to  that;  by  the  powers,  I'll 
that  instant  here  with  this  cut  you  up  into  mincemeat  I'pon 
the  spot.     {Shaking  his  sword  at  him,) 

GrETA.  Only  touch  me ;  I'll  that  instant  be  making  a  lamb 
of  you  on  the  spot,  and  I'll  slice  you  asunder  in  the  middle. 
If  you  have  the  renown  of  a  warrior  with  your  troops,  still 
I'm  a  Mars^  in  the  kitchen. 

Pheok.  {to  Steatophanes).  If  you  did  the  thing  that's 
right,  you'd  not  be  abusing  my  visitors,  whose  gifts  I  hold  as 
acceptable  and  pleasing,  and  your  own  which  I  have  received 
of  you  as  unacceptable. 

Stbat.  Then,  i'  faith,  I'm  both  deprived  of  my  presents 
and  undone  as  well ! 

GrETA.  Clearly  it  is  so.  Pheon.  Why  then  are  you  now 
here,  with  your  annoyance,  who  confess  that  you  are  worsted 
in  every  point  ? 

Steat.  {aside).  V  faith,  I'm  this  day  undone,  if  I  don't 
drive  this  fellow  away  from  you.     {He  approaches  GtETa.) 

Geta.  {holding  up  Tiis  Jist) .  Only  approach  this  way ;  only 
step  this  way ! 

Steat.  Scoundrelly  fellow,  threatening  even  ?  WTiom  thi^ 
very,  very,  very  instant  I'll  be  chopping  up  into  splinters. 
What  business  have  you  coming  here  ?  What  business  have 
vou  to  approach  her  ?  {Pointing  to  Pheonesium.)  What 
business  have  you,  I  say,  to  be  knowing  my  mistress  ?  Tou 
shall  die  this  instant  if  you  make  the  slightest  movement 
with  your  hand. 

Geta.  Why  shouldn't  I  move  my  hand? 

Steat.  Do  as  I  commanded ;  stop  ;  I'll  this  instant  cut  you 
up  into  mincemeat  on  the  spot. 

>  Drum-dn^Ung  debaitchee) — Ver.  608.  "  Typanotriba."  Literally,  "  drum," 
or  "  tambourine  beater."  He  alludes  to  the  eunuch-priests  of  Cybele,  who  used 
to  beat  tambourines  in  her  procession — probably  in  allusion  to  debauchees,  emas- 
culated by  riot  and  dissipation. 

2  A  iV«r«)— Ver.  613.  In  the  text  "  Ares."  This  was  tlie  Greek  name  of  ILu^ 
tlie  God  of  War. 


238  TRUCUL3NTUS;  Act  III 

GrETA.  (aside).  I'm  done  for.     Strat.  'Twere  best  fo  be  off. 

GrETA.  It's  a  ticklish  point ;  you  have  a  longer  sword  there 
than  this  is  ('pointing  to  a  knife  in  his  girdle)  ;  but  just  let  me 
t^o  seek  a  spit,  if  indeed  I  must  be  having  a  battle  with  you. 
I'll  be  oif  home.  Warrior,  for  me  and  you  I'll  choose  an 
impartial  judge.  {Aside.)  But  why  am  I  delaying  to  betake 
myself  off  hence,  while  with  a  safe  inside  I  may  ?      (Exit. 

Scene  IV. — Phroitesiijm  and  Stratophaites. 

Phron".  (to  her  Servants).  Give  me  my  sandals^,  and 
take  me  at  once  in-doors ;  for  my  head  aches  shockingly  from 
the  air. 

Strat.  What's  to  become  of  me,  to  whom  the  two  female 
slaves  cause  ache  enough^  with  which  I  presented  you  ?  (Phro- 
nesium  is  led  into  the  house.)  Are  you  off  then  ?  WeU, 
thus  one's  used  in  return.  How  can  you  possibly  shut  me 
out.  (The  door  is  slammed  to.)  Prithee,  can  anything  bo. 
more  clear  than  that  I'm  now  shut  out  ?  I'm  finely  fooled. 
Be  it  so.  AYith  how  little  difficulty  (placing  his  foot  against 
the  door)  might  I  now  be  persuaded  to  break  the  ankles  of 
this  entire  mansion!  Do  the  manners  of  covetous  women 
change  at  all  ?  Since  she  has  brought  forth  a  son,  she  has 
plucked  her  spirit  up.  Now  it's  as  though  she  said  to  me, 
"  I  neither  ask  you  nor  forbid  you  to  come  into  the  house." 
But  I  won't — I  shan't  go — I'll  make  her  to  be  saying  in  a 
very  few  days  that  I'm  a  cruel  man.  (To  his  Attendants.) 
Follow  me  this  way.     A  word's  enough.  {Exit. 

Act  III. — Scene  I. 
Enter  Strabax. 
Strab.  (to  himself).  One  morning  a  short  time  sinee  my 
father  ordered  me  to  go  hence,  to  deal  out  the  mast  for  food 
for  the  oxen.  After  I  got  there  a  person  arrived  at  the  farm- 
house (so  it  pleased  the  Gods),  who  was  owing  money  to  my 
father,  who  had  formerlg  purchased  some  Tarentine  sheep  of 
my  father  ;  he  asked  for  my  father ;  I  said  he  was  in  the  city ; 

*  Mt/  sandals) — Ver.  628.  She  gets  up  from  the  couch  where  she  h?fs  been  re- 
clining before  her  house,  and  calls  for  her  sandals.  Sandals  were  generally 
vw^rn  by  women  alone,  and  the  use  of  them  in  public  by  the  other  sex  w.as 
regarded  as  efFemirate     Cicero  censures  Verres  and  Clodius  for  wearing  them. 


I 


8c.  II.  THE  CIIUEL.  239 

1  enquired  what  he  wanted  with  him.  The  fellow  takes  a 
purse  from  off  his  neck,  and  gives  me  twenty  minae;  with 
[)leasure  I  receive  them,  and  stow  thetn  in  my  purse ;  these  bad 
sheep^,  the  minae,  have  I  brought  in  my  purse  hither  to  the 
city.  By  my  troth,  Mars  has  proved  very  angry  with  my 
father;  for  his  sheep  are  not  very  faraway  from  the  wolves^. 
Now,  with  this  one  stroke  shall  I  send  adrift  those  finical 
town,  gallants,  and  be  bundling  them  all  out  of  doors.  My 
father,  in  the  first  place,  I'm  quite  resolved  to  ruin,  root  and 
branch  ;  then  next  in  turn,  my  mother.  Now  to-day  I'U  carry 
this  money  to  her  whom  I  love  more  than  my  own  motlier. 
(Goes  towards  the  door  o/'Pheonesium,  and  knocks.)  Hillo 
there — is  any  one  here?  There's  not  a  woman.  la  any  one 
going  to  open  this  door  ? 

AsTAPHiTJM  opens  the  door. 

AsT.  "Why  so  a  stranger,  pray,  my  dear  Strabax  ?  Why 
don't  you  come  in  at  once  ?  Ought  you  to  have  been  doing 
so,  you,  indeed,  who  are  so  intimate  ? 

Steab.  I'll  go  in  then,  that  you  mayn't  think  I'm  loiter- 
ing.    {Goes  into  the  house.) 

AsT.  You  act  obligingly. 

Scene  II. — Enter  Steatilax. 

Steat.  (to  himself).  It  seems  marvellous  to  me,  that 
Strabax,  my  master's  son.  hasn't  returned  from  the  country, 
unless  perchance  he  has  slily  slipt  in  here  into  this  den  of  cor- 
ruption of  liis. 

AsT.  {aside).  Now,  faith,  he'll  be  roaring  at  me  if  he 
espies  me. 

St  RAT.  I'm  much  less  savage  now,  Astaphium,  than  I  was 

'  These  bad  sheep) — Ver.  650,  "  Perperas."  Literally,  "  worthless,"  as  having 
no  fleece  on  them.  He  is  alluding  to  the  common  pun  upon  "  mina,"  the  sum  r 
money  so  denominated,  and  "  mina,"  the  sheep  that  had  no  fleece  on  the  belly 
and  he  calls  the  former  by  the  latter  appellation.  See  the  Pseudolus,  1.  329,  aaa 
the  Bacchides,  1.  1 1 29,  and  the  Notes. 

2  Far  away  from  the  wolves') — Ver.  653.  Still  calling  the  money  "  oves,'* 
"  sheep,"  he  says  that  they  are  not  far  off  from  the  wolves — alluding  to  Phrone- 
sium,  for  whom  they  were  destined  by  him.  The  pun  is  improved  by  the  fiu;t 
that  Courtesans  were  frequently  termed  "lupse,"  "she-woh-es."  He  not  im- 
probably mentions  Mars,  because  he  was  the  fatluer  of  Romuius  and  Kemus,  arid 
migiit  be  supposed  to  be  indebted  to  the  she-wolf  for  suckling  his  children,  when 
exposed  by  the  order  of  Amulios. 


240  TEUCULE>'Ttrs ;  Act  111. 

lefote:  I'm  not  churlisli  now  ;  don't  thee  fear.  {She  runs  to 
9  distance.)    What  wouldst  thee  be  at  ?    What  ? 

A  ST.  A\Tiat,  say  i/ou  ?  Why,  I'm  waiting  for  your  churlish- 
aess. 

^^TBAT.  Say,  command  me  what  thee  dost  please,  and  in 
what  way  thee  dost  please.  I've  got  all  my  manners  anew : 
my  old  ones  I've  parted  with.  I  can  e'en  fall  in  love,  or 
take  a  mistress  now. 

A  ST.  Upon  my  faith,  you  do  tell  me  fine  news.  But  tell 
me,  have  you ? 

Strat.  a  mistress^,  perhaps,  thee  means. 

AsT.  You've  understood  nicely  what  I  meant  to  say. 

Stbat.  Hark  you,  since  I've  been  so  many  times  back- 
wards and  forwards  to  the  city,  I've  become  quite  a  chat- 
terer ;  I'm  now  a  right  good  stalker^. 

AsT.  Prithee,  what's  that  ?  That's  nonsense  ;  perhaps  you 
intend  to  mean  "  talking." 

Stbat.  Just  so ;  it  differs  mighty  little  from  stalking. 

A  ST.  Prithee,  do  follow  me  in-doors,  my  love. 

Stbat.  {holding  out  some  money  to  her).  Take  this  for 
tlivself ;  keep  it  as  a  ledger^  for  thee,  that  thee  mayst  give 
me  thy  company  this  night. 

.A ST.  {taking  the  money).  Ton  are  the  death  of  me,  with 
your  "ledger."  "What  kind  of  beast  am  I  to  say  that  is  ? 
Why  don't  you  say  "pledge?" 

Strat.  The  "  r"  I  make  a  saving  of;  just  as  the  Prae- 
nestmes*  have  "conia,"  for  "ciconia." 

'  A  mistress) — ^Ver.  674.  "  Parasitum."  This  word,  if  the  correct  reading, 
cannot  mean  anything  else  than  "  a  mistre.ss"  here,  in  which  sense  Lambinus 
a.ssert-8  that  it  was  sometimes  used.  If  that  is  not  the  case,  we  must  be  content  to 
agree  with  Schmieder,  that  the  passage  is  corrupt. 

2  Right  good  stalker) — Ver.  678.  He  means  to  say  "  cavillator,"  a  "  chatterer  ;"* 
but  instead  thereof,  mispronouncing  the  word,  he  calls  it  "  cauUator,"  which  was 
perhaps  a  word  of  no  meaning;  it  has  been  translated  "  .stiiiker,"  fVom  its  re- 
semblance to  "  oauiis,"  "  a  stalk." 

^  As  a  ledger)— V^er.  683.  In  his  bungling,  he  calls  "  arrhabo,"  a  "  pledge" 
or  "  earnest,"  "  rhabo,"  which  had  no  meaning.  Of  course  this  cannot  be 
literally  translated,  but  something  tantamount  is  given  in  the  Tr.inslation,  in 
ord«r  to  convey  the  spirit,  by  making  him  miscall  "  pledge"  "  ledger." 

*  The  Pr(enestines)—Ver.  686.  In  the  Trinummus,  1.  609,  he  jokes  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  people  of  Prajneste,  for  using  the  expression  "  tammodo."  Here  he 
says  that  they  were  in  the  habit  of  calling  "  ciconia,"  a  "  stork,"  "  conia."  They 
ar?  also  alluded  to,  apparently  as  braggarts,  in  the  Fragment  at  the  beginning  ol 
t/;e  oacchides. 


Act  IV.  THE  CHTTEL.  211 

AsT.  Prithee,  do  follow  me.  Steat.  I'll  wait  here  a  little 
for  Strabax,  till  he  comes  from  the  farm. 

AsT.  Why,  Strabax  is  at  our  house.  He  has  just  come 
from  the  farm. 

Stkat.  What,  before  he  went  to  his  own  mother  ?  Alas, 
the  man's  worth  nought,  i'  faith. 

AsT.  What  now,  your  old  habit  ? 

Steat.  Well,  I'll  say  nought.  AsT.  Prithee,  do  come  in- 
doors.    Grive  me  your  hand.     {Takes  his  hand.) 

Steat.  T^ZZ,  take  it.  (To  #Ad  Audience.)  I'm  being  led 
off  into  a  public-house,  where  I  shall  be  but  poorly  enter- 
tained for  my  money.    {They  go  into  the  house  of  Pheo- 

NESIUM.) 

Act  IY. — Scene  I. 
Enter  Dinaechtjs. 
Din.  {to  himself).  There's  not  a  person  bom,  nor  will  there 
be  bom,  nor  can  there  be  found  one,  to  whom  I  would  now  wish 
praises  to  be  given,  or  on  whom  attentions  bestowed,  rather 
than  on  Yenus.  Ye  great  Grods,  how  joyous  I  am,  and  how 
I'm  transported  with  joyousness !  Such  great  tidings  of  joy 
has  Cyamus  brought  to  me  this  day ;  that  my  presents  have 
been  esteemed  and  deemed  acceptable  by  Phronesium.  While 
this  now  is  a  delight,  then  besides  this  in  especial  is  rare 
honey-drink  to  me,  that  the  Captain's  presents  are  held 
as  disagreable  and  not  acceptable.  I'm  all  enraptured !  The 
ball's  my  own^ ;  if  the  Captain's  sent  adrift,  the  woman  will 
be  mine.  I'm  saved,  because  I'm  going  to  ruin ;  if  I  didn't 
go  to  ruin,  it's  clear  I  should  die.  Now  I'll  keep  watch,  what's 
going  on  there,  who  goes  into  the  house,  who  comes  out  of 
doors ;  from  here  at  a  distance  will  I  observe  what  is  to  be 
my  lot.  Because  I've  got  nothing,  my  feelings  remind  me  of 
one  thing ;  I'll  do  everything  by  begging. 

Scene  II. — Enter  Astaphitjm,  from  the  house  of  Pheo- 

NESIUM. 

AsT.  {speaking  to  her  Misteess  as  she  comes  out).  I'll  cle- 
verly do  my  duty,  mistress;  do  you  only  take  care  that  in-doors 
1  The  halts  my  ovm) — Ver.  701.  "  Mea  pila  est."  A  figure  derived  from  the 
game  of  bandy-ball,  which  appears  to  have  been  played  by  striking  the  ball  with 
the  fists,  as  we  do  with  the  feet.  See  the  Rudens,  1.  721,  and  the  Ncte.  W 
have  a. similar  proverbial  saying:  "  He  has  the  ball  at  his  foot." 

VOL.  I'.  n 


242  TBUCULENTUS;  Act  IV. 

^ou  do  yours  as  well ;  love  that  whicli  you  ought,  your  own 
interest;  clean  that  fellow  thoroughly  out.  Now,  while  it 
pleases  the  fellow,  while  he  has  got  something,  adapt  the  oppor- 
tunity to  that  purpose.  Display  all  your  charms  to  your  lover 
that  you  may  heighten  his  joys.  I  meantime  will  stay  here 
behind  and  watch  at  this  door  so  long  as  he  is  thus  transport- 
ing hi^ presents  home  to  you ;  nor,  in  the  meantime,  will  I  admit 
any  one  from  there  to  you  who  may  cause  you  annoyance.  Do 
you  go  on,  just  as  you  please.  Are  you  not  diddling  these 
fellows  ? 

Din.  How  now,  Astaphium,  tell  me,  who  is  this  fellow 
that's  on  the  road  to  ruin  ? 

AsT.  Prithee,  were  you  here  ? 

Din.  What — am  I  troublesome  ? 

AsT.  More  now  than  you  were ;  for  unless  a  person  is  of 
use  to  us,  he  is  troublesome  to  us.  But,  prithee,  do  lend  me 
your  attention,  that  I  may  say  what  I  want. 

Din.  "Why,  what  is  it  ?    Does  it  concern  myself  ? 

AsT.  Not  a  rap.  But  what  hauls  he  is  making  present  of 
m-doors.    Din.  How?     Some  new  lover? 

AsT.  A  fresh  one,  and  a  brimming  treasure  she  has  hit  upon. 

Din.  "Who  is  he  ? 

AsT.  I'll  tell  you,  but  you  be  muin.  Don't  you  know  this 
Strabax  ?     (Pointing  to  his  Fathee*s  house.) 

Din.  Why  shouldn't  I  ? 

AsT.  He  alone  rules  the  roast  here  at  our  house.  He  just 
now  is  a  landed  estate  to  us.  With  right  good  spirit  is  he 
wantonly  wasting  away  his  property. 

Din.  He*s  on  the  road  to  ruin ;  i'  faith,  I,  too,  have  come 
to  ruin.  AsT.  You  are  a  simpleton,  to  expect  with  words 
to  make  undone  what  is  done. 

Din.  Even  Thetis,  too,  in  weeping,  made  lamentation  for 
her  son.  Can  I  not  now  be  admitted  in-doors  to  your  house? 

AsT.  Why  so  rather  than  the  Captain  ? 

Din.  Why,  because  I've  given  more. 

AsT.  But  you  were  admitted  more,  when  you  were  giving 
m(yre  ;  let  those  who  give,  in  return  for  that  which  they  give, 
enjoy  our  services.  You've  learnt  your  letters;  since  you 
know  them  yourself,  let  others  learn  them. 

Din.  Let  them  learn,  so  long  as  it  is  allowed  me  to  com 
my  lesson,  that  I  may  not  forget  what  I  have  paid  forw 


SC.  II.  THE  CHUEI..  243 

AsT.  In  the  meantime,  while  you,  wJio  are  a  master,  shall 
be  conning  your  lesson,  she,  as  well,  is  desirous  to  con  hers. 

Din.  How  so  ?    Ast.  In  receiving  money  ever  and  anon. 

Din.  Tor  my  own  part,  this  very  day  I  gave  five  minsB  of 
silver  to  be  carried  to  her,  besides  one  for  provisions. 

AsT.  I  know  that  the  same  was  brought ;  with  it  we  are 
now  enjoying  ourselves  upon  your  liberality. 

Din.  Tor  these  enemies  of  mine  here  to  be  devouring  my 
property!  By  heavens,  I'd  rather  that  I  were  dead  than 
isubmit  to  tliat ! 

Ast.  You  are  a  simpleton.    Din.  How's  that  ? 

Ast.  Wait.    Din.  Why  so  ? 

AsT.  Because,  1'  troth,  I'd  rather  that  my  enemies  should 
envy  me,  than  I  my  enemies ;  for  to  envy  because  it  goes  well 
with  another,  mid  goes  badly  with  yourself,  is  wretchedness. 
Those  who  are  envious,  are  in  want ;  they  who  are  envied, 
possess  property. 

Din.  May  I  not  be  a  partaker  of  the  provisions  bought  with 
the  mina  ? 

Ast.  If  you  wanted  to  be  a  partaker,  you  should  have 
taken  half  home.  For  here  an  account  of  the  receipts  is 
entered  just  as  at  Acheron ;  we  take  in-doors  ;  when  it's  got 
by  us,  it  can't  be  carried  out  of  doors.  {Turning  on  her 
heel.)     Kindly  farewell. 

Din.  {catching  hold  of  her) .  Do  stay. 

Ast.  {struggling).  Let  me  go!     Leave  off! 

Din.  Do  let  me  go  in.     Ast.  Yes,  to  your  own  house. 

Din.  Aye,  but  here  into  your  house. 

Ast.  You  cannot  go. 

Din.  I  can,  very  well.    Do  let  me  try. 

AsT.  No,  wait  here;  it's  sheer  violence  to  try.  I'd  say 
that  you  are  here,  if  she  wasn't  engaged.  {Buns  to  the  door.) 

Din.  Ha !    Do  stop  !      Ast.  It's  of  no  use. 

Din.  Are  you  going  to  return  or  not  ? 

Ast.  I'd  return,  but  a  voice  is  calling  me  that  has  more 
influence  with  me  than  you  have. 

Din.  In  one  word  I'fl  say  it.    You'U  receive  me  ? 

AsT.  You  are  telling  a  He — be  off.  One  word,  you  said  j 
but  now  three  words  have  you  uttered,  and  those  untrue. 
{Goes  into  the  house,  and  shuts  the  door.) 

Din.  {to  himself).  She's  off,  and  she^s  gone  hence  in-dooiu 
£2 


241  TEtrcuLENTUS ;  Act  IV. 

That  I  sliould  endure  these  things  to  be  done  to  me.  By 
heavens,  enticer,  with  my  cries  I'll  be  exposing  you  to  ridicule 
in  the  street,  you  who,  contrary  to  law,  have  received  money 
from  many  a  one.  Upon  my  faith,  I'll  forthwith  cause  yo"* 
name  to  be  before  every  magistrate^,  and  after  that  I'll  sue 
you  for  fourfold^,  you  sorceress,  you  kidnapper  of  children. 
By  the  powers,  I'll  now  disclose  all  your  disgraceful  deeds. 
Worthless  creature  that  I  am,  who  have  lost  everything 
I  had!  I'm  become  desperate,  and  now  I  haven't  the 
slightest  bit  of  concern  what  shoes  I  weai-^.  But  why  am  I 
irying  here  ?  What,  suppose  she  were  to  order  me  to  be  let 
in  ?  I  could  swear  in  solemn  form  that  I  wouldn't  do  it  if 
she  wished.  It's  nonsense.  If  you  thump  a  goad  with  your 
fists,  your  hands  are  hurt  the  most.  It's  no  good  to  be 
angry  at  a  thing  of  nothing ;  a  creature  that  doesn't  value 
you  a  straw.  {Starting.)  But  what's  this?  O  immortal 
Gods,  I  see  old  Callicles,  him  who  was  my  connexion  by 
marriage*,  bringing  two  female  slaves  in  bonds,  the  one  the 
hair-dresser  of  this  Phronesium,  the  other  his  own  servant- 
maid.  I'm  greatly  alarmed !  inasmuch  as  one  care  has  so 
recently  taken  possession  of  my  heart,  I'm  afraid  lest  all  my 
former  misdeeds  should  be  discovered.    {Sta/nds  aside.) 

Scene  III. — Enter  Callicles,  attended  ly  Slaves,  with  his 

Maid-servant  and  Stea,  hound. 

Call,  (to  his  Servant).  Do  I  use  ill  language  to  you, 

or  do  I  wish  you  so  very  iU  ?     According  to  my  ideas,  you 

have  both  pretty  well  experienced  how  mild  and  gentle  a 

^  Before  every  magistrate) — Ver.  757.  He  probably  alludes  to  the  Praetor  and 
the  Triumviri ;  which  last  magistrates  had  especial  jurisdiction  over  the  conduct 
of  courtesans. 

2  Site  you  for  fourfold) — Ver.  758.  He  will  sue  her  for  a  fourfold  return,  which, 
In  cases  of  fraud  and  extortion,  a  person  was  sometimes  condemned  to  make. 

3  What  shoes  I  wear) — Ver.  761.  The  Romans  were  very  particular  as  to  their 
dress  in  the  street,  and  they  were  especially  careful  not  to  wear  the  shoes  which 
Ihey  used  in-doors,  nor  such  as  were  too  big,  or  fitted  loosely  to  the  feet.  Ovid 
Bays,  in  the  Art  of  Love,  B.  1. 1.  516,  "  let  not  your  foot  wallop  about,  losing 
itself  in  the  shoe,  down  at  heel,"  enjoining  the  men  to  be  careful  on  this  point. 
The  expression  is  used  figuratively  here,  signifying  that  he  will  throw  off  all  re- 
gard for  appearances. 

*  Was  my  connexion  by  marriage) — Ver.  767.  He  probably  calls  him  "  adfinis," 
or  "  connexion,"  from  the  fact  cf  himself  having  been  formerly  betrothed  to  h.% 
daughter. 


Sc.  III.  THE  CatTEl.  215 

person  I  am.  I  interrogated  you  hotJi^  as  you  were  lashed 
and  hanging  up  hy  the  a?-ms  ;  I  well  remember  it ;  the  way  in 
which  you  quite  confessed  each  point,  I  know.  Here  now,  I 
wish  in  the  same  way  to  learn ;  do  you  confess  without  a 
punishment.  Although  you  are  both  of  you  of  the  ser- 
pent nature,  I  tell  you  beforehand,  you  mustn't  be  having 
double  tongues,  lest  with  your  two  tongues  I  should  be 
putting  you  to  death ;  unless,  perhaps,  you  wish  to  be  taken 
to  the  men  who  go  clink,  clink^. 

Maid.  Violence  forces  me  to  confess  the  truth ;  the  thongs 
do  so  gall  my  arms.  Call.  But,  if  you  confess  the  truth 
to  me,  you  shall  be  relieved  from  the  chains. 

Dim.  (apart).  Even  now,  what's  the  matter,  I'm  at  a  loss 
to  know  and  uncertain ;  except  that  still  I'm  afraid. 

Stea.  What  I've  done  wrong  I  know  not. 

Call.  First  of  all,  then,  you  stand  apart.  {They  stand 
apart.)  Aye,  so ;  that's  what  I  mean  ;  that  you  mayn't  be 
making  signs  between  you,  I'll  be  a  party-wall.  (To  his 
Maid-seevakt.)    Speak  you. 

Maid.  What  am  I  to  speak  about  ? 

Call.  What  was  done  with  the  child  that  my  daughter 
was  delivered  of?  My  grandchild,  /  mean?  Tell  me  the 
circumstances  of  the  case. 

Maid.  I  gave  it  to  her.     (Pointing  to  Stea.) 

Call,  (to  the  Maid-seevant).  Now  hold  your  tongue. 
(  To  Stea.)  Did  you  receive  the  child  from  her  ? 

Stea.  I  did  receive  it. 

Call,  (to  Stea).  Hold  your  tongue;  I  want  no  more; 
you've  confessed  enough. 

Stea.  I'm  not  going  to  deny  it. 

Call.  By  this  you've  now  caused  some  relief  for  your 
shoulder-blades.     So  far,  the  account  of  each  of  them  tallies. 

Din.  (apart).  Ah  wretched  me!  my  doings  are  now  being 
disclosed,  which  I  hoped  would  be  concealed. 

Call,  (to  the  Maid-seevant).  Speak,  you.  Who  bade 
you  give  the  child  to  her  ? 

Maid.  My  elder  mistress.  Call,  (to  Stea).  What  say 
you  ?     Why  did  you  receive  it  ? 

'  Men  who  go  cUnk,  clink)— Ver.  778.  "  Tintinnaculos."  The  executioners  or 
torturers  are  so  called,  either  from  their  putting  fetters  on  the  persons  to  l>o 
punished,  or  else  from  their  fastening  bells  (tintinnabuia)  upon  them,  to  preTent 
Uieir  ru:auu'  away. 


246  TEUCTJLEIfTUS  ;  Act  IV. 

Stba.  My  young  mistress  entreated  me  that  the  child 
might  be  brought,  and  that  all  this  might  remain  secret. 

Call,  {to  Stba).  Speak,  you.  "What  did  you  do  with 
this  child  ?     Stea.  I  took  it  to  my  mistress. 

Call.  What  did  your  mistress  do  with  this  child  ? 

Syea.  Gave  it  at  once  to  my  mistress. 

Call.  Plague  on  it,  to  what  mistress  ? 

Maid.  There  are  two  of  them. 

Call,  {to  the  Maid).  Take  you  care,  unless  I  ask  you 
Anything,  only  to  answer  that  which  I  ask  of  you. 

Stea.  The  mother,  I  say,  made  a  present  of  it  to  the 
daughter. 

Call.  Tou  are  saying  more  than  you  Ji^  just  now. 

Stea.  You  are  asking  more. 

Call.  Answer  me  quickly ;  what  did  she  do^  to  whom  it 
was  given  ?     Tell  me. 

Stea.  She  passed  it  off  as Call.  Whose  ? 

Stea.  As  her  own  son.  Call.  As  her  own  son  ?  Ye  Gods, 
by  my  trust  in  you  I  do  appeal  to  you,  how  much  more  easily 
does  another  than  she  to  whom  it  belongs,  bring  forth  another's 
child !  She,  by  the  labours  of  another,  has  brought  forth  this 
child  without  pain.  A  child  blest  indeed !  two  mothers  it  has 
got,  and  grandams  two^.  I'm  now  afraid  how  many  fathers  there 
may  have  been.    Do  see,  please,  the  shocking  deeds  of  women ! 

Maid.  I'  troth,  this  fraud  relates  rather  to  the  men  than 
to  the  women.  'Twas  a  man,  and  not  a  woman,  that  caused 
her  pregnancy. 

Call.  I  know  that  too.    You  were  a  trusty  guardian  for  it. 

Maid.  He  can  do  the  most,  who  is  strong  the  most.  He 
was  a  man;  he  was  the  strongest;  he  prevailed;  what  he 
wanted,  he  carried  off. 

Call.  And,  i'  faith,  he  too  brought  a  heavy  mishap,  in  fact, 
upon  yourself.  Maid.  The  thing  itself  experienced,  I  myself 
fully  know  that,  even  if  you  had  held  your  tongue. 

Call.  Never,  this  day,  have  I  been  able  to  make  you  de- 
clare who  he  was. 

Maid  {aside,  on  catching  sight  of  Dinaechus).  I've  held 
my  tongue;  but  now  I  shan't  hold  my  tongue,  since  he's 
here ;  it's  necessary  I  should  tell. 

*  And  grandams  two) — Ver.  804.  Plautus  must,  of  course,  mean  two  grand- 
mothers by  the  mother's  side  alone;  otherwise  there  was  nothing  wonderful  iii  • 
child  having  two  grandmothers. 


Sc.  III.  THE  CHURL.  247 

Din.  {apart).  I'm  petrified;  in  my  wretchedness,  I  daro 
not  move  myself;  the  matter's  all  out !  The  trial's  now  going 
on  here  for  my  life!  These  are  my  misdeeds,  this  is  my 
folly.     I'm  in  dread  how  soon  I  may  be  named. 

Call,  {to  the  Maid-seevant).  Speak  out,  who  was  it 
debauched  my  maiden  daughter  ? 

Maid.  I  see  him  near  you.     Call.  Hussy,  who  was  it  ? 

Maid.  A  supporter  of  the  wall^. 

Din.  {apart).  I'm  neither  alive  nor  dead,  nor  know  I 
what  I  am  now  to  do ;  neither  know  I  how  to  go  away  hence, 
nor  how  to  accost  him ;  I'm  numbed  with  fear. 

Call.  Will  you  tell  me,  or  no  't  Maid.  It  is  Dinarchus, 
to  whom  you  first  betrothed  her. 

Call,  {looking  round).  Where  is  this  person  whom  you 
mention  ? 

Din.  {steppingforioard).  Here  I  am,  CaUicles.     {Falling 
on  the  ground.)   By  your  knees  I  do  entreat  you  that  you  wiD ' 
bear  with  wisdom  that  which  was  done  in  folly ;  and  that 
you  will  pardon  me  that,  which,  losing  my  senses,  I  did 
through  the  bad  influence  of  wine. 

Call.  You  please  me  not.  You  throw  the  blame  on  what  is 
dumb^,  that  which  cannot  speak.  But  the  wine,  if  it  could 
speak,  would  defend  itself.  It's  not  wine  that's  in  the  habit  of 
ruling  men,  but  men  wine ;  those,  indeed,  who  are  virtuous 
men ;  but  he  who  is  bad,  although  he  drinks  water,  or  if  indeed 
he  abstains  from  intoxicating  liquors,  still,  by  nature  he's  bad. 

Din.  Well,  I'm  sensible  that  many  reproaches  must  be 
heard  by  me,  which  I  would  prefer  not.  I  confess  that  I've 
offended  you,  and  am  privy  to  the  crime. 

Maid.  CaUicles,  prithee  beware  that  you  do  injury  to  no 
person ;  the  accused  is  pleading  his  cause  at  large,  the  wit- 
nesses you  are  keeping  in  bonds. 

Call,  {to  his  Slaves).  Eelease  those  women.  {They  are 
unbound.)  Come  {to  each  of  them  in  turn),  do  you  be  off  home, 
and  you  home  as  mcU.  ( To  Syra.)  Tell  your  mistress  this . 
she  must  give  up  the  child,  if  any  one  asks  for  it.    (Syra  goeft 

'  Supporter  of  the  wall) — Ver.  818.  Dinarchus,  in  his  fright,  is  sneaking  clooc 
to  the  wall.  The  servant  espying  him,  sneeringly  calls  him  "  patronus  parieti," 
"the  patron"  or  "  supporter  of  the  wall" 

'  On  what  is  dumb)— Ver.  825.  By  throwing  the  bkme  on  wine,  that  could  not 
de&iid  itself. 


248  TKUCULENTU« ;  Act  IV. 

into  the  house  o/*Puronesium,  and  exit  the  Mjl1d-seeva:nt.) 
You,  Dinarchus,  let's  go  before  the  judge. 

Din.  "Why  do  you  wish  me  to  go  before  the  judge  ?  Tou 
are  the  Praetor  to  me.  But  I  entreat  of  you,  Callicles,  that 
you'll  give  me  your  daughter  for  a  wife. 

Call.  I'  faith,  I  find,  indeed,  that  you've  come  to  a  decision 
on  that  point  yourself;  for  you  haven't  waited  till  I  gave  her ; 
you  have  helped  yourself.  Now  keep  her,  as  you've  got  her, 
but  I'll  fine  you  this  grand  haul ;  six  great  talents  will  I 
deduct  from  her  dowry  for  this  folly. 

Din.  Tou  act  kindly  towards  me. 

Call.  'Twere  best  for  you  to  demand  your  son  back  from 
thence.  (Fointinff  to  the  hotise  of  Vkho^^sivm.)  But  your 
wife,  as  soon  as  possible,  take  away  from  my  house.  I  shall 
at  once,  therefore,  send  a  messenger  to  that  kinsman  of  mine 
by  marriage,  and  tell  him  to  look  out  for  another  match  for 
his  son.  (JExit. 

Din.  (to  himself).  But  I'll  demand  back  the  child  of  her, 
lest  by-and-by  she  should  deny  it.  That's  of  no  use ;  for 
she  herself,  of  her  own  accord,  has  discovered  the  whole 
matter  to  me,  how  it  happened.  But  see,  right  opportunely, 
i'  faith,  is  she  coming  out  of  doors  from  her  house.  Assuredly, 
a  far-darting  sting  has  that  woman,  who  even  from  that  dis- 
tance is  wounding  my  heart.     (Stands  aside.) 

Scene  TV. — Unfer  Pheonesitjm  and  Astaphium,  from  the 
hotise  of  the  former. 

Phhon.  (to  herself).  A  woman  is  a  spoony  and  a  troUoping 
slut,  if  she  hasn't  a  view  to  her  own  interests,  even  in  her  cups. 
If  her  other  limbs  are  soaked  in  wine,  at  least  let  her  head  be 
sober.  But  it's  a  vexation  to  me  that  ray  halr-dresser  has 
been  thus  badly  treated.  She  has  been  telling  me  that  this 
child  has  been  discovered  to  be  the  son  of  Dinarchus.  "When 
I  heard  that         *  *  *  *  (She  moves, 

as  if  going.) 

Din.  (apart).  She's  going,  in  whose  hands  are  all  my  for- 
tune and  my  children. 

Phbon.  (seeing  Dinaechtjs).  I  see  him  who  has  consti- 
tuted me  the  guardian  of  his  property. 

Din.  (coming  forward).  Madam,  here  am  I. 


Sc.  IV.  THE  CHFEL.  249 

Pheon.  It  certainly  is  he.     "WTiat's  the  matter,  my  love  ? 

Din.  No  love ;  cease  your  trifling.  I've  nothing  now  to 
do  with  that  subject. 

Phron.  By  my  faith,  I  know  what  you  want,  and  what 
you  desire,  and  what  you  ask  for.  You  want  to  see  me ; 
you  desire  to  caress  me ;  you  ask  for  the  child. 

Din.  (aside).  Immortal  Grods !  liow  plain  she  speaks. 
How,  in  a  few  words,  has  she  hit  upon  the  very  point ! 

Pheon.  As  for  me,  I  know  that  you  are  betrothed,  and  that 
you  have  a  son  by  your  betrothed,  and  that  a  wife  is  now 
going  to  be  married  by  you ',  that  now  your  thoughts  are  else- 
where, that  myself  you  are  going  to  consider  as  forsaken.  But 
still  consider,  the  little  mouse,  how  sagacious  an  animal  it  is, 
which  never  entrusts  its  life  to  one  hole  onl;i/ ;  inasmuch  as, 
if  one  hole  is  blocked  up,  it  seeks  another  as  a  place  of  refuge. 

Din.  When  there's  leisure,  then  I'll  talk  to  you  on  those 
matters  more  at  large ;  at  present,  give  me  up  the  child. 

Pheon.  No  ;  do,  there's  a  dear,  let  it  be  at  my  house  the 
few  next  days. 

Din.  Certainly  not.      Pheon.  Do,  there's  a  dear. 

Din.  "What  occasion  is  there  ? 

Pheon.  It's  for  my  interest.  This  for  the  next  three  days 
at  least,  until  the  Captain  is  circumvented  somehow ;  for  that 
same  purpose.  If  I  get  anything,  it  shall  be  for  your  own 
advantage  as  well.  If  you  take  the  child  away,  all  hope  in 
the  Captain  will  evaporate  from  my  heart. 

Din.  I  would  have  that  done ;  but,  when  it's  talcen  home, 
to  do  it  again^,  if  I  were  to  wish  it,  I  have  not  the  opportunity 
Now  make  use  of  the  child,  and  take  care  of  it,  because  you 
have  the  means  by  which  to  take  care  of  it. 

Pheon.  Upon  my  faith,  I  do  love  you  much  for  this  matter. 
When  you  shall  be  afraid  of  a  scolding  at  home,  do  you  take 
shelter  here  in  my  house.  At  least,  prove  a  friend,  to  help 
me  to  a  profitable  speculation. 

Din.  (moving).  Kindly  farewell,  Phronesium. 

Pheon.  Won't  you  any  longer  call  me  "  apple  of  yout 

^  To  do  U  again) — ^Ver.  873.  "  Refacere."  This,  in  most  of  the  Editions,  is 
printed  as  "  re  facere,"  "  to  do  in  reality ;"  but  that  does  not  seem  to  be  tht 
proper  reading.  Dinarchus  appears  to  mean,  "  You  may  keep  the  child  tor  tiie 
present,  in  order  to  carry  out  your  plans;  for  when  I  have  once  taken  it  homo  1 
fchall  not  be  able  to  do  it  again" — or,  in  other  words,  "  Itnd  it  to  you  for  you'  pur- 
pooes." 


250  TEUCULENTirs ;  Act  V. 

eye  ?'*  DiN.  That  name  too,  meanwhile,  shall  be  repeated 
full  oft. 

Phkon.  Do  you  wish  for  anything  else  ? 

DiK.  Fare  thee  well;  when  I  have  leisure,  I'll  come  to 
your  house.  {Eocit. 

Pheon.  Well,  he*s  gone  away  from  here,  and  has  taken 
his  departure ;  we  may  say  here  whatever  we  please.  'Tis 
a  true  proverb  that's  quoted,  "  Where  the  friends  are,  there 
are  the  riches."  Through  him,  there's  still  some  hope  that 
the  Captain  may  be  duped  to-day ;  whom,  by  the  powers, 
I  love  better  than  my  own  self, — so  long  as  I  get  out  of  him 
what  I  want :  since,  when  we  have  got  much,  not  much  of  it 
is  seen  that  has  been  given.  Such  are  the  brilliant  prospects 
of  Courtesans! 

AsT.  Hush  I  hush !  be  quiet. 

Pheon.  Prithee,  what  is  it  ? 

AsT.  The  father  of  the  child  is  coming. 

Pheon".  Well,  let  him  come  here.  Let  him,  if  it  only  is 
he,  let  him  come  himself  straight  up  to  me  here  just  as  he 
chooses.  If  he  does  come,  for  very  sure,  i'  faith,  I'll  do  him 
to-day  with  some  cunning  tricks.    {They  go  into  the  house.) 

Act  V. — Scene  I. 

PHEOirasiUM  and  Astaphiitm  appear  hefbre  the  door  of  the 
house.     Enter  Steatophanes. 

Stbat.  (to  himself).  That  I  should  love^  for  this!  I'm 
taking  an  atonement  for  my  offences  to  my  mistress !  That 
that  may  be  taken  by  her  in  kindly  part  which  I've  squandered 
before,  I'll  add  this  as  well.  But  what's  this  ?  I  see  the 
mistress  and  her  maid  before  the  house.  I  must  accost  her. 
{Addressing  them.)  What  are  you  doing  here  ? 

Pheon.  Don't  speak  to  me. 

Steat.  Yon  are  too  angry.  {Fats  her  on  the  shoulder.) 

Pheon.  Leave  me  alone.  Can't  you  possibly  cease  to  be 
an  annoyance  to  me  ? 

Steat.  What  is  the  matter,  mg  dear  little  Astaphium  ? 

AsT.  I'  faith,  she's  angry  with  you  wdth  good  reason. 

»  That  I  should  love) — Ver.  889.  "  Ec  mi  amare."  It  is  much  more  easy  tj 
guess  at  the  sense  of  this  passage,  than  a':  what  is  really  the  projser  reading  of  it 
as  it  is  evidently  cornipt. 


Sc.  II.  TUE  CHUEL.  251 

Phbdn.  AVTiat,  I  ?  I'm  not  even  half  spiteful  enough  to- 
wards that  fellow. 

Steat.  My  love,  if  I  have  at  all  offended  before,  I  present 
you  with  this  mina  of  gold.  If  you  smile  upon  me,  deign  me 
a  look. 

Pheon.  My  hand  forbids  me  to  believe  anything,  before 
it  holds  in  its  possession.  "VVe  require  food  for  the  child  j 
we  require  it  for  the  dame^,  as  well,  that  bathes  the  child ; 
we  require  it  for  the  nurse^,  as  well,  that  she  may  have  a 
leather  bottle  full  of  old  wine  in  ample  style,  that  night  and 
day  she  may  tipple ;  we  stand  in  need  of  fire ;  we  want  coals, 
too ;  we  want  swathes,  napkins,  the  cradle,  the  cradle-bed ;  oil 
we  want;  the  child  requires  flour, ybr^a^;  all  day  we  are 
wanting  something ;  never,  in  the  same  one  day,  can  our  task 
be  performed,  but  what  there's  always  need  of  something ;  for 
the  children  of  officers  cannot  be  reared  upon  medlars^. 

Steat.  Look  upon  me  then.  Take  this  (jpresenting  the 
money)^  with  which  to  satisfy  these  necessities. 

Pheon.  {taking  it).  Give  it  me,  although  it's  very  little. 

Steat.  Whatever  you  shall  order,  shall  be  given  at  youi* 
demand.     Give  me  a  kiss  now.     {Tries  to  hiss  her.) 

Pheon.  Leave  me  alone,  I  say!     You  are  a  nuisance! 

Steat.  {aside).  It's  no  use,  I'm  not  loved  hy  her  ;  the  day 
wears  apace.  More  than  ten  pounds  of  silver  have  I  lost  in 
this  short  time  by  reason  of  my  passion. 

Pheon.  {giving  the  money  to  Astaphium).  Take  this,  and 
carry  it  away  in-doors.     (Astaphium  carries  it  in.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Steabax,^(w»  the  house. 

Steab.  {to  himself).  Where  in  the  world  is  my  mistress  ? 
I  get  on  with  no  business,  either  in  the  country  or  here,  at 
this  rate;  I'm  spoiling  with  mouldiness,  I'm  grown  so  dread- 
fully numbed  with  lying  waiting  here  upon  the  couch.  But 
look,  I  perceive  her.    Hallo !  sweetheart,  what  are  you  about  ? 

Steat.  What  fellow  is  that  ?  Pheon.  One  that,  upon  my 
honor,  I  love  far  more  than  yourself. 

»  F<yr  the  dame)—Ver.  898.  "  Matri."    Literally,  "  the  mother." 
2  For  the  nurse)— Yer.  899.  Even  in  those  days,  nurses  were  famed  for  their 
toping  propensities.    See  the  Andria  of  Terence,  1.  229. 

»  Upon  medlars) — ^Ver.  904.  It  is  not  known  whether  "  setanium"  or  "  seta- 
rum"  here  means  "  medlars"  or  "onions."  Some  Commentators  think  it  meaoi 
an  inferior  kind  of  pulse,  used  as  food  for  the  children  of  the  poor. 


252  TEUCULENTUS;  Acl   V. 

•   8trat.  Than  myself?    In  what  way? 

Pheon.  WTii/,  this  way,  that  you  are  not  to  be  troublesome 
to  me.    (Moves  as  if  going.) 

Steat.  Are  you  going  now,  after  you've  got  the  gold  ? 

PHRor.  What  you've  given  me,  I've  put  away  in-doors. 

Steab.  Come  here,  sweetheart ;  I've  got  something  to  say 
to  you. 

Pheon.  "Why,  I  was  just  coming  to  you. 

Steab.  To  me,  my  charmer  ? 

Pheon.  In  serious  truth,  i'  Mth. 

Steab.  Although  I  seem  a  simpleton  to  you,  I  like  myself 
to  have  a  bit  of  recreation.  For  pretty  though  you  are,  you 
are  so  to  your  own  loss,  unless  I  amuse  myself  a  bit  with  you. 

Pheon.  Should  you  like  me  to  embrace  you  and  give  you 
a  kiss  ? 

Steab.  Do  whatever  you  like,  I'll  deem  it  agreable.  {She 
hisses  him.) 

Steat.  "What,  shall  I  suffer  her  to  be  embracing  other 
men  before  my  eyes  ?  I'  faith,  'twere  better  that  I  were  dead. 
AVoman,  take  your  hands  off  of  him,  unless,  perhaps,  by  this 
b  .ord  of  mine,  won  from  the  enemy,  you  wish  yourself  and 
l..m  to  die.     (Flourishing  his  sword.) 

Pheon.  There's  no  use  in  "  badinage^,"  Captain.  If  you 
want  yourself  to  be  loved,  with  gold,  Stratophanes,  not  with 
iroa,  may  you  prevent  him  from  loving  me. 

Steat.  How,  the  plague,  are  you  pretty  or  witty,  to  be 
fond  of  a  fellow  of  that  description  ? 

Pheon.  (aside,  to  Steatophanes).  Don't  it  come  to  your 
recollection  what  an  actor  once  said  upon  the  stage  ?  "  All 
people  have  an  eye  to  their  profit,  and  are  not  over  delicate." 

Steat.  That  you  couid  ^ossibli/  caress  this  fellow,  so  dirty 
and  foul! 

PflEON".  Although  he  is  dirty,  although  he  is  foul,  still,  he's 
pretty  to  me.     Steat.  Didn't  I  give  you  some  gold  ? 

Pheon.  To  me  ?     You  gave  money  for  the  child's  food. 

Steab.  Now,  if  you  hope  to  have  her,  another  mina  of 
gnlti  is  requisite. 

Steat.  A  sore  mishap  upon  these  people,  and  a  weighty  one! 

Steab.  By  all  means,  keep  that  by  way  of  provision  for 
yv.ir  own  journey. 

'  N;i  tise  in  badinage) — Ver.  923.  ^Xvapclv^  "  to  trifle,"  "  to  play  xipon ;"  aj 
%.-j^-.  ixaciXj  correi>ponding  with  our  use  of  the  French  term  "  badina^." 


Se.  II.  THE  cnrnL.  253 

8trat.  "VYhat  does  she  owe  you  ?     Steab.  Three  things. 

Steat.  "What,  pray  ?  Steab.  Perfumes,  her  favours,  and 
kisses. 

Phron.  (apart).  He  answers  him  like  for  like.  {To 
Steatophanes.)  But  now,  at  all  events,  if  you  do  love  me, 
do  you  give  me  some  little  trifle  from  your  most  abundant 
treasures. 

Steat.  Do  say,  there's  a  dear,  what  it  is  that  I'm  to  give 
you ;  only  say.     If  I  have  it  left,  you  shall  have  it. 

Pheon.  Mere  kickshaws^  you're  talking  about.  Be  off,  be 
off.     (Strabax  kisses  her.) 

Steat.  I've  considered  this  over  with  myself.  My  ffood 
sir,  take  you  care,  wiU  you,  that  she  don't  inflict  a  wound 
upon  you,  whose  teeth  are  made  of  iron.  She's  allowing  access 
to  her  to  all  in  common.     Ton  take  your  hand  off  of  her. 

Steab.  {striking  him).  Then,  by  my  troth,  do  you  take  that, 
with  a  hearty  punch,  warlike  man ! 

Steat.  I've  given  her  gold.     Steab.  And  I,  silver. 

Steat.  And  I  a  mantle  and  a  purple  garment. 

Steab.  And  I,  sheep  and  wool ;  and  many  other  thing? 
that  she  shall  ask  for  I'll  give.  'Twere  better  for  you  to  con- 
test it  with  me  with  minse  than  with  menaces^. 

Pheok.  Upon  my  faith  you  are  a  funny  mortal,  my  Strabax. 

Prithee,  do  proceed (Aside.)  A  fool  and  a  madman  are 

contending  for  their  ruin ;  I'm  all  right. 

Steat.  Come,  younker,  do  you  ofler  something  first. 

Steab.  AVhy  no ;  do  yju  squander  first,  and  come  to  ruin 

Steat.  (to  Pheonesium).  "Well,  here's  a  talent  of  silver 
for  you.     It's  in  Philippean  coins.     Take  it  for  yourself. 

Pheon.  (taking  the  money).  So  much  the  better.  Be  one 
of  our  family,  but  live  at  your  own  expense. 

Steat.  (to  Steabax).  Where  is  that  which  you  are  going 
to  give  ?     Open  your  purse-strings^. 

•  Mere  Idchshaws) — Ver.  938.  Ka/X7ra?.  This  is  from  the  Greek  Kaynrv^ 
"  a  caterpillar,"  and  meaas  "  nonsensical,  trifling  stuff."  He  gives  her  a  hint,  in 
the  next  line,  to  beware  of  the  great  teeth  of  the  countrymen. 

-  With  mincB  than  with  menaces) — Ver.  944.  "  Melius,  te  minis  certare  mecumj 
quam  minaciis."  He  plays  upon  the  resemblance  of  the  word  "  minis,"  "  with 
minac,"  to  "  minaciis,"  "  with  threats,"  and  means  that  money  is  more  likely 
than  menaces  to  hare  weight  with  Phronesmo. 

*  Open  your  purse-strings)— Yer.  950.  "  Solve  zonam."  Literally,  "  loosen 
your  girdle."  The  girdle  was  sometimes  used  as  the  purse  itself.  At  other  tmxea 
tne  purse  was  placed  there  f:r  safety 


254  TExrcTJLENTrs.  Act  V 

Phron.  That's  a  challenge. 

Strat.  (to  Strabax).  What  are  you  afraid  of? 

Strab.  You  are  from  abroad^.  I  live  here  (points  to  his 
Father' s  Jiome) .  I  am  afraid.  Strat.  I  am  not.  Walk  off,  tlien, 

Strab.  I'm  bringing  her  some  sheep  fastened  in  a  purse 
to  my  neck. 

Strat.  Because  I  gave  that,  how  I  did  flounder  the  fellow*. 

Strab.  Why  no,  indeed,  it's  I,  who  am  going  to  give. 

Phron.  (to  Stbatophanes).  Come  in-doors  now,  prithee, 
and  (to  Strabax)  do  you  then  stay  with  me  here. 

Strat.  You  will  give  me  your  company  then  ? 

Strab.  (to  Phronesium).  'What  say  you  ?    Phrow.  Wliat  ? 

Strab.  What  do  you  say  ?  What,  with  this  fellow  ?  Am 
I  to  be  postponed  ? 

Strat.  I  have  made  my  present. 

Phron.  (to  Stratophanes).  You  have  given;  (pointing 
to  Strabax)  he's  going  to  give  just  now;  the  one  I've  got, 
the  other  I  expect.  But  each  of  the  two  shall  be  indulged 
to  his  heart's  content. 

Strab.  So  be  it.  As  I  see  the  matter  stands,  that  must 
be  taken  that's  offered.  Strat.  Indeed,  I  shall  assuredly  not 
be  letting  you  take  possession  of  my  couch. 

Phrok.  (aside).  V  faith,  I've  cleverly  netted  them,  and 
quite  to  my  satisfaction.  (To  the  Audience.)  And  as  I  see  my 
affairs  successfully  managed,  yours  likewise^  would  I  success- 
fully manage.  I'll  caress  you  in  reality.  If  you  are  disposed 
to  be  doing  anything,  take  care,  will  you,  and  let  me  know  at 
once.  For  the  sake  of  Venus,  applaud ;  this  Play  is  in  her  honor. 
Spectators,  kindly  farewell ;  grant  applause,  and  then  rise  up*. 

'  You  are  from  abroad) — ^Ver.  951.  He  alludes  to  the  alleged  service  of  Stra- 
tophanes  in  the  Babylonian  army,  and  implies  that  he  hesitates  to  answer  to  the 
challenge  because  he  does  not  know  whether  Stratophanes  may  not  turn  out 
to  be  a  sharper. 

•  Flounder  thefeShw) — ^Ver.  953.  Stratophanes  plumes  himself  with  the  idea 
that,  he  having  given  the  money  to  Phronesium,  the  other  will  not  dare  to  answer 
his  challenge. 

'  Yours  likevoise) — Ver.  960.  There  has  been  some  doubt  as  to  the  meaning  of 
fliis  and  the  next  two  lines ;  but,  on  examination,  it  is  clear  that  they  have  an  in- 
decent signification. 

♦  Then  rise  up) — Ver.  964.  Cicero,  in  his  Treatise  "  On  Old  Age,"  informs  ni 
that  this  Play  was  a  favourite  one  of  Plautus.  It  is  difficult  to  see  for  what 
fpason,  as,  compared  with  many  of  the  others,  it  seems  to  be  deficient  in  plot,  and 
Um  ChurL  from  whom  it  takes  its  name  Las  scarcely  nxiy  cart  in  the  business  of  it. 


PERSA;   THE  PERSIAN. 


JBramatis  ^crsonaf. 

ToxiLUS,  a  servant. 
Sagaristio,  a  servant. 
Saturio,  a  Parasite. 
P^EGNiuM,  a  boy. 
DoRDALUS,  a  Procurer. 

Lkmniselene,  a  Courtesan,  beloved  by  Toxilus, 

SoPHOCLiDiscA,  her  attendant. 

A  Young  Woman,  daughter  of  Saturio. 


Scene — Athens  :  before  the  houses  of  Dordalvs  and  of  the  Master  of 


THE   SUBJECT. 


T^xiLus,  who  IS  left  in  charge  of  his  master's  house  m  his  absence,  is  desirous  ol 
obtaining  the  liberty  of  his  mistress  Lemniselene,  who  belongs  to  the  Procurer 
Dordalus.  He  applies  to  his  friend  Sagaristio  to  lend  him  the  sum  necessary 
for  that  purpose.  Sagaristio  has  not  the  money  himself,  but  succeeds  in 
finding  some  for  the  use  of  his  friend.  With  the  view  of  getting  back  the 
money  when  paid  to  Dordalus,  Toxilus  prevails  on  the  Parasite  Saturio  to 
allow  his  daughter  to  be  sold  by  Sagaristio  to  Dordalus,  as  though  she  were  a 
slave.  While  these  arrangements  are  being  made,  Lemniselene  sends  her 
attendant  Sophoclidisca  with  a  letter  to  Tosilus,  and  he  at  the  same  time  sends 
the  boy  Pasgnium  with  a  message  to  Lemniselene.  On  receiving  the  money 
from  Sagaristio,  Toxilus  pays  it  to  Dordalus,  who  sets  Lemniselene  at  liberty. 
Immediately  after  this,  Sagaristio,  dressed  as  a  Persian,  brings  the  daughter  of 
Saturio,  also  dressed  as  a  Persian  captive,  and  sells  her  to  Dordalus,  without 
warranty,  for  a  large  sum  of  money.  Immediately  upon  the  departu'-e  of 
Sagaristio,  Saturio  makes  his  appearance,  and  claiming  his  aaugnter,  taKes  her 
away  Toxilus  and  Sagaristio  conciade  with  a  feast,  and  make  merry  over 
the  Procurer's  misfortuues. 


^ 


PERSA;  THE  PERSIAN". 


THE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 

LSupposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammarian.  ] 

His  master  being  absent  {Profecto),  Toxilus  purchases  {Emit)  his  mistress,  and 
contrives  that  the  Procurer  sets  her  at  liberty ;  and  he  then  persuades  him  to 
buy  of  her  capturer  a  young  woman,  a  captive  {Raptam),  the  daughter  of  his 
Parasite  being  dressed  up  (Szibomatd)  for  tfiat  purpose;  and  {Atque)  as 
he  carouses,  he  makes  sport  of  Dordalus,  thus  cajoled. 


Act  I. — Scene  I. 
Enter  Toxilijs  and  Sagaeistio,  on  different  sides, 

Tox.  {to  himself).  He  who,  falling  in  love,  destitute  of 
means,  has  first  entered  upon  the  paths  of  love,  has  in  his 
own  labours  exceeded  all  the  labours  of  Hercules.  For  with 
the  lion^,  and  with  the  Hydra,  with  the  stag,  with  the  ^Eto- 
.ian  boar,  with  the  birds  of  Stamphalus,  with  Antaeus,  would 
I  rather  contend  than  with  love.  So  wretched  am  I  become 
with  hunting  after  money  \o  borrow ;  and  yet,  those  whom  I 
ask  know  of  nothing  to  Enswer  me,  except  "I  have  got 
none." 

Sag.  {apart).  The  servant  that  is  desirous  faithfully  to 
serve  his  master,  i'  troth,  it  surely  does  behove  him  to  trea- 
sure up  full  many  a  thing  in  his  breast  which  he  may  think 
will  please  his  master,  both  present  and  abroad.  I  neither 
serve  with  cheerfulness,  nor  am  I  quite  to  my  master's  satis- 
faction ;  but,  as  though  fi-om  a  running  eye,  my  master  is 

'  The  Persian)  As  "  Persa"  signifies  "  a  male  Persian,"  the  Play  is  evidently- 
named  from  the  character  assumed  by  Sagaristio,  who,  as  a  Persian,  sells  the 
daughter  of  Saturio,  dressed  up  as  a  captive,  to  the  Procurer  Dordalus. 

2  With  the  lion) — Ver.  3  Tlie-  conquest  of  the  Nemaean  lion,  the  Hydra  of 
Lerna,  the  brazen-footed  stag,  the  Erymanthian  boar,  the  birds  of  Lake  Stym- 
phalus,  and  the  giant  AntaBus,  formed  part  yf  the  labours  of  Hercules.  See  th» 
Met.morpliosea  of  Uvid,  Books  9  »nd  10. 

VOL.  n.  a 


258  PER8A  Act  I. 

still  uuable  to  keep  his  hands  off  me,  in  giving  me  his  com- 
mands, in  making  me  the  support  of  his  affairs. 

Tox.  "Who's  this  that's  standing  opposite  to  me  ? 

Sag.  Who's  that  that's  standing  opposite  to  me  ? 

Tox.  It's  like  Sagaristio. 

Sag.  Surely  this  is  my  friend  Toxilus. 

Tox.  Certainly  it  is  he.     Sag.  I  think  it  is  he. 

Tox..  I'll  go  meet  him.     Sag.  I'll  go  up  and  accost  him. 

Tox.  {meeting  Mm).  0  Sagaristio,  may  the  Gods  bless  you. 

Sag.  0  Sagaristio,  the  Gods  grant  you  what  you  may  de- 
sire.    How  fare  you  ? 

Tox.  Just  as  I  can.     Sag.  "What's  the  matter  ? 

Tox.  I  still  live.     Sag.  Quite  then  to  your  satisfaction  ? 

Tox.  If  the  things  come  to  pass  which  I  desire,  quite. 

Sag.  You  deal  with  your  friends  in  a  very  silly  fashion. 

Tox.  How  so  ? 

Sag.  Because  you  ought  to  give  them  your  commands. 

Tox.  As  for  myself,  you  were  already  dead  to  me,  because 
I  haven't  seen  you. 

Sag.  Business,  upon  my  faith 

Tox.  In  the  iron  chain  line,  perhaps. 

Sag.  For  more  than  a  twelvemonth  I've  been  promoted  in 
chains  to  be  commanding  officer  in  the  basting  line^  at  the 
mill. 

Tox.  Why,  that's  your  old  line  of  service. 

Sag.  Have  you  been  quite  well  all  along  ? 

Tox.  Not  very. 

Sag.  I'  faith,  it's  with  reason  then  you  are  so  pale. 

Tox.  I've  been  wounded  in  the  battles  of  "Venus ;  Cupid 
has  pierced  my  heart  with  his  arrow. 

Sag.  Do  servants  then  fall  in  love  here  ? 

Tox.  Why,  what  could  I  do  ?  Was  I  to  be  struggling 
against  the  Gods  ?  Was  I,  like  the  sons  of  Titan,  to  bo 
waging  war  with  the  Deities,  with  whom  I  am  not  quite  able 
to  cope  ? 

Sag.  Do  you  only  take  care  that  "catapultae"  made  of 
elm^  don't  pierce  your  sides. 

*  In  the  hasting  line) — Ver.  22.  "  Triburms  vapularis."  Literally,  "  a  vapnlary 
Triliune."  By  this  droll  expression  he  means,  promoteJ  above  all  others  to  the 
distinction  of  a  flogging.  The  military  Tribune  was  an  officer  high  in  rank  in  the 
Roman  armies. 

'  Made  of  elm) — Ver.  28.  He  means  the  e.m-twigs,  which  were  s^peciaJly 
Bsed  for  the  puuibhment  :f  slaves. 


I 


3c.  I.  THE  PERSIAN.  259 

Tox.  In  right  royal  manner  I'm  celebrating  the  feast?  of 
Freedom^. 

Sao.  How  so  ?    Tox.  Because  my  master's  gone  abroad. 

Sag.  Do  you  say  so  ?     Is  he  gone  abroad  ? 

Tox.  If  you  can  bear  to  be  enjoying  yourself,  do  you 
come:  you  shall  live  with  me;  you  shall  be  treated  with 
right  royal  entertainment. 

Sag.  Out  upon  it  {rubhing  himself)  ;  my  shoulder-blades 
Are  quite  itching  now,  because  I've  heard  you  mention  these 
things. 

Tox.  But  this  one  thing  is  torturing  me. 

Sag.  "Why,  what  is  it  ? 

Tox.  This  day  is  the  very  last  day,  to  determine  whether 
my  mistress  is  to  be  free,  or  whether  she  is  to  endure  lasting 
servitude. 

Sag.  What,  then,  do  you  now  desire  ? 

.Tox.  You  have  it  in  your  power  to  make  me  your  friend 
for  ever. 

Sag.  In  what  way  ? 

Tox.  In  lending  me  six  hundred  didrachms,  for  me  to  pay 
the  same  for  her  freedom,  which  I  will  forthwith  refund  you 
in  the  next  three  or  four  days.  Come,  do  be  good-natured ; 
give  me  your  help. 

Sag.  "With  what  assurance,  you  impudent  yeZZot^,  do  you 
venture  to  ask  so  much  money  of  me  ?  Why,  if  I  myself 
were  to  be  sold  all  in  one  lot,  it's  hardly  possible  for  as 
much  to  be  received  as  you  are  asking  me  for ;  for  now  you 
are  asking  for  water  from  a  pumice-stone,  which  is  all  a-dry 
itself 

Tox.  Ought  you  to  be  treating  me  in  this  fashion  ? 

Sag.  What  am  I  to  do  ? 

Tox.  Do  you  ask  the  question?  Beg  it  on  loan  from 
somebody. 

Sag.  Tou  do  the  same  as  you  are  asking  me. 

•  Feast  of  Freedom) — Ver.  29.  "Agito  Eleutheria."  He  is  speaking  of  his 
enjoying  fall  range  in  the  absence  of  his  master,  and  for  that  purpose  borrows  a 
figure  from  the  Eleutheria,  or  "  Feast  of  Liberty,"  a  festival  which  the  Greeks, 
after  the  battle  of  Plataea,  instituted  in  honor  of  Jupiter  or  Zeus  Eleutherius, 
"  The  Deliverer."  This  festival  was  not  only  a  mark  of  gratitude  to  the  Deity, 
■to  whom  they  believed  themselves  indebted  for  their  victory  over  the  Persians, 
but  employed  as  a  bond  of  linion  among  themselves.  It  w.is  celebrated  each 
year  at  I'l.Ufra,  and  every  fifth  year  with  additional  solemnities,  and  contest* 
iNo  skveb  were  allowed  to  minister  on  the  occasion  of  thb  festival. 

82 


'21f>D  PERSA;  Act  tk 

Tox.  I've  been  trying ;  I've  found  it  nowliere. 

Sag.  I  really  will  try,  if  any  one  will  trust  me. 

Tox.  Am  I  then  to  consider  it^  as  a  thing  in  possibility  ? 

Sag.  If  I  had  had  it  at  home,  I'd  promise  it  at  once.    Thia 
is  in  my  power,  to  use  my  best  endeavours. 

Tox.  Whatever  it  is,  come  you  home  to  me. 

Sag.  Still  do  you  try  to  get  it ;  I'll  carefully  do  the  same. 
If  anything  shall  turn  up,  I'll  let  you  know  at  once. 

Tox.  I  entreat  you,  and  entreat  over  and  over  again,  do 
give  me  your  stanch  help  in  this. 

Sag.  O  dear !  you  are  worrying  me  to  death  by  your  im^ 
portunity. 

Tox.  It's  through  the  fault  of  love,  and  not  my  own,  that 
I'm  now  become  a  silly  prater  to  you. 

Sag.  Then,  i'  troth,  I'll  now  be  taking  my  leave  of  you. 
{Moving^ 

Tox.  Are  you  going  away,  then  ?     A  good  walk  to  you. 
E lit  betake  yourself*  back  as  soon  as  you  can,  and  diO  take'- 
care  that  I  haven't  to  seek  you ;  I  shall  be  close  at  home 
until  I  have  cooked  up  a  mishap  for  the  Procurer. 

(Eccit  Sagaeistio,  and  Toxilus  goes  into  the  hoztse. 

Scene  II. — Unter  Satueio. 
Sat.  (to  himself).  The  old  and  ancient  calling  of  my  fore- 
fathers do  I  follow,  and  hold,  and  cultivate  with  great  care. 
For  never  was  there  any  one  of  my  forefathers,  but  that  by 
acting  the  parasite  they  filled  their  bellies :  my  father, 
grandfather,  great-grandfather,  great-great-grandfather,  his 
father,  and  his  grandfather,  jast  like  mice,  always  fed  on  the 
victuals  of  others,  and  in  love  of  good  eating  no  one  could 
excel  them.  Hard  Heads^  was  their  surname.  From  them 
have  I  derived  this  calling,  and  the  station  of  my  forefathers ; 
nor  do  I  wish  myself  to  turn  informer^,  nor  indeed  does  it 

I  Am  I  then  to  consider  it) — Ver.  47.  "Nempe  habeo  in  mundo?"  Literally, 
'*  I  have  it  in  the  world,  I  suppose  ?"  implying. that  he  presumes,  that  if  possible, 
Sagaristio  will  comply  with  his  request, 

-  Hard  Heads)— Yev.  62.  "  Duris  capitonibus."  Literally,  "  hard  large 
heads."  He  probably  alludes  to  the  necessity  which  there  was  for  Parasites 
to  have  particularly  hard  heads,  in  order  to  be  proof  aganist  the  ill-usage  to 
which  they  were  subjected.  The  expression  would  be  more  likely  to  catch  a 
laufih  from  a  Roman  Audience,  as  there  was  a  noble  family  at  Rome  of  the 
surname  of  Capito. 

*  To  turn  piforrriery-rVeT.  64-  "  Qjiadrapdari."    He  aeems  to  thwk  that  he  m 


Sc.  III.  THE  PEESIAN.  261 

become  me,  without  risk  of  my  own,  to  go  seize  upon  tlie 
goods  of  other  people  ;  nor  do  those  persons  please  who  do 
so ;  I'm  speaking  out.  For  whoever  does  this,  more  for  the 
sake  of  the  public  than  of  his  own  benefit,  my  mind  can  be 
induced  to  believe  that  he  is  a  citizen  both  faithful  and  de- 
serving ;  but  if  he  should  not  prosecute  to  conviction  tho 
breaker  of  the  laws,  let  him  pay  one  half  of  the  intended 
penalty  to  the  public.  And  let  this,  too,  be  written  in  that  law ; 
when  an  informer  has  prosecuted  any  one,  let  the  other  in  his 
turn^  sue  him  for  just  as  much,  and  upon  equal  terms  let  them 
come  before  the  Triumvirs*.  If  that  were  done,  assuredly  I'd 
tnake  those  nowhere  to  be  seen,  who  here  with  their  whitened 
nets^  lay  siege  to  the  property  of  others.  But  am  I  not  a 
simpleton,  to  be  taking  care  of  the  public  interests  when  there 
are  the  magistrates,  whose  duty  it  is  to  take  care  of  them  ? 
Kow  I'll  in-doors  here  ;  I'll  go  look  after  the  scraps  from 
yesterday,  whether  they  have  rested  well  or  not ;  whether  they 
have  had  a  fever^  ;  whether  they've  been  well  covered  up  or 
not,  so  that  no  one  could  creep  up  to  them.  But  the  door 
is  opening  ;  I  must  pause  in  my  steps. 

Scene  III. — Enter  Toxilus,  ^rom  the  house  of  his  Master. 

Tox.  (to  himself).  I've  hit  upon  the  whole  matter,  so 

that  with  his  own  money  the  Procurer  may  this  day  make 

reduced  to  the  alternative  of  getting  a  living  either  by  being  a  Parasite  or  an 
informer,  and  prefers  the  first.  Informers  were  called  "  quadruplatores "  at 
Rome,  because  tiiey  received  the  fourth  part  of  the  tines  paid  by  the  persons 
against  whom  they  informed. 

'  Let  the  other  in  his  turn) — Ver.  73.  In  case  of  his  not  obtaining  a  conviction. 
It  is  not  improbable  that  the  practices  of  informers  were  an  especial  annoyanca 
at  the  time  when  this  Play  was  written. 

2  The  Triumvirs) — Ver.  74.  For  an  account  of  the  magistrates  called  "  Tres- 
viri,"  or  "  Triumviri,"  see  the  Notes  to  the  Aulularia  ana  tne  Amplntryon. 

'  Whitened  nets)— Ver.  76.  By  the  use  of  the  word  "  albo,"  "  white,"  Grono- 
vius  is  led  to  think  that  the  passage  refers  to  the  white  book  or  paper  upon  which 
the  rules  and  ordinances  of  the  Praetor  were  written,  and  that  the  allusion  is  to 
the  habit  of  informers  hampering  people,  by  repeated  accusations  of  infringing 
the  Praetor's  rules.  It  seems,  however,  not  improbable  that  he  likens  the  accusa- 
tions of  the  informers  (who  of  course  pretended  that  they  were  only  actuatt-i 
by  a  desire  for  the  public  good)  to  whitened  nets,  by  reason  of  their  speciousr.ess, 
^nd  tiie  difficulty  of  avoiding  the  meslies  wiiich  they  spread  in  every  direction. 

*  Had  a  fever)— Ver.  80.  By  this  expresaiuu  he  probably  u:eans,  "  whetntr 
ttiey  iiave  been  warmed  up  anaia 


262  PERSA ;  Act  I, 

her  his  freed-woman.  But  see,  here's  the  Parasite  whose 
assistance  I  have  need  of.  I'll  make  believe  as  though  I 
didn't  see  him ;  in  that  way  I'll  allure  the  fellow.  {Goes  to 
the  door,  and  calls  to  the  Servants  within.)  Do  you  attend, 
you  there,  and  quickly  make  haste,  that  I  mayn't  have  any 
delay  when  I  come  in-doors.  Mix  the  honied  wine ;  get. 
ready  the  quinces  and  the  junkets^,  that  they  may  be  nicely 
warmed  upon  the  dishes,  and  throw  in  some  scented  cala- 
mus^.  I'  faith,  that  boon-companion  of  mine,  I  fancy,  will  be 
here  just  now. 

Sat.  (apart).  He's  meaning  me — Iwavo! 

Tox.  1  think  that  he'll  be  here  just  now  from  the  hatha 
when  he  has  bathed. 

Sat.  (apart).  How  he  does  keep  everything  in  its  due 
order. 

Tox.  Take  you  care  that  the  gravy-cakes^  and  the  cheese- 
biscuits^  are  hot ;  don't  be  giving  them  to  me  unbaked. 

Sat.  (apart).  He's  speaking  the  very  fact;  they  are  worth 
nothing  raw,  only  if  you  swallow  them  warm.  Then,  unless 
the  broth  for  the  gravy-cakes  is  of  a  thick  consistency,  that 
miserable,  thin,  pale,  transparent  stuff,  is  worth  nothing  at 
all.  The  broth  for  a  gravy-cake  ought  to  be  like  a  soup. 
I  don't  want  it  to  be  going  into  my  bladder,  I  want  it  for 
my  stomach. 

Tox.  {^wetending  not  to  see  him).  Some  one,  I  know  not 
who,  is  talking  near  me  liere. 

Sat.  (accosting  him).  0  my  earthly  Jupiter,  your  fellow* 
feaster  addresses  you. 

Tox.  O  Saturio,  you've  come  opportunely  for  me. 


The  junkets) — Ver.  89.  "  Colutea."  These,  according  to  some,  were  the 
fruit  of  a  tree  called  by  the  same  name ;  others  take  tlie  word  to  mean  a  large 
kind  of  quince.  As  there  is  some  doubt  on  the  subject,  a  general  name  has  been 
adopted  in  the  Translation.  Warner  thinks  that  tlie  word  means  '■'■  inyrrli ;"  but 
it  is  pretty  clear  that  he  is  mistaken.  Qainces  were  used  in  the  wines  of  the 
ancients,  as  we  learn  from  Columella. 

-  Calamus) — Ver.  90.  Supposed  to  be  "  sweet-scented  rush."  This  was  used, 
probably,  for  flavoring  the  wine. 

^  The  gmvy-cakes) — Ver.  94.  "  Collyrse."  These  were  cakes  eaten  with  broth 
or  gravy. 

*  The  cheese-buicmts) — Ver.  94.  "  Colliphia."  These  ■*ere  mitde  of  a  mixtort 
of  flour  and  new  cneesa 


So.  III.  THE  PEESIAN.  263 

Sat.  Upon  my  faith,  you  are  telling  a  lie,  and  it  becomes 
you  not;  for  as  Hungerio^  I'm  come,  not  as  Saturio  am  1 
come. 

Tox.  But  you  shall  have  something  to  eat ;  for  now  the 
creature-comforts  for  the  stomach  are  smoking  away  in-doors. 
I've  ordered  the  remnants  to  be  warmed. 

Sat.  Why,  it's  the  proper  thing  for  the  gammon  to  be 
served  up  cold  the  day  after. 

Tox.  I've  ordered  it  so  to  be  done. 

Sat.  Any  caviare^  ? 

Tox.  G-et  out — do  you  ask  the  question  ? 

Sat.  You  have  a  capital  notion  of  what's  good^. 

Tox.  But  do  you  at  all  remember  the  matter  about  which 
I  was  making  mention  to  you  yesterday  ? 

Sat.  I  recollect ;  that  the  lamprey  and  the  conger  ought 
not  to  be  made  warm;  for  they  are  much  better  stripped 
of  their  meat*  when  cold.  But  why  do  we  delay  to  com- 
mence the  engagement  ?  While  it's  the  morning,  it  befits 
all  people  to  eat. 

Tox.  It's  almost  too  early  in  the  morning. 

Sat.  The  business  tliat  you  begin  to  do  in  the  morning, 
that  same  lasts  on  throughout  the  day. 

Tox.  Prithee,  do  give  your  attention  to  this.  Por  yester- 
day I  mentioned  it  to  you,  and  entreated  you  to  lend  me  six 
hundred  didrachms. 

Sat.  I  recollect  it  and  am  aware,  both  that  you  did  ask 
me,  and  that  I  hadn't  any  to  lend.  A  Parasite's  good  for 
nothing  that  has  got  money  at  home ;  he  has  a  longing  at  once 
to  begin  upon  an  entertainment,  and  to  gobble  away  at  his 

'  Hungerio) — ^er.  105.  In  the  original,  "  Esurio,"  "  Hungerer."  He  puns  on 
his  name,  which  he  b-iys  ought  to  have  no  relation  to  "satur,"  "  full,"  but  rather 
to  "  esuriens,"  *'  one  who  is  hungry." 

-Any  caviare) — Ver.  109.  "  Halec,"  or  "alec,"  was  a  "pickle,"  or  "salt 
liquor,"  made  from  fish,  and,  perhaps,  especially  herrings.  It  was  probably  whgA. 
for  much  the  same  purposes  as  anchovy  sauce  with  us. 

^  A  capiUd  notion  of  what^s  good) — Ver.  110.  "  Sapis  multun  ad  Genium;'* 
more  literally,  "  you  have  much  good  taste  for  enjoyment." 

*  Stripped  of  theirmeat) — Ver.  113.  "  Oppectuntur."  This  word  comes  from 
"  pecten,"  "  a  comb,"  and  was  not  improbably  used  in  especial  reference  to  fish, 
8s  the  picking  the  meat  off  of  a  conger  or  a  lamprey  does  reduce  it  to  somewhat 
of  the  appearance  of  a  comb.  As  to  eating  fish  cold,  see  the  words  of  Feripla- 
comeujis,  in  the  Miles  Gloriosus,|l.  760,  and  the  Note. 


Si54  persa;  Act  1' 

own  expense,  if  be  has  anything  at  home.  A  Parasite  ought 
to  be  a  right  down  needy  Cynic ;  he  ought  to  have  a  leatht.r 
bottle^,  a  strigil,  an  utensiP,  a  pair  of  slippers,  a  cloak,  and  a 
purse;  and  in  that  a  little  of  the  needful,  with  which  he 
may  just  cheer  up  the  existence  of  his  own  household. 

Tox.  I  don't  want  money  now ;  lend  me  your  daughter. 

Sat.  By  my  troth,  never  to  any  person  whatsoever  have 
I  lent  her  as  yet. 

Tox.  Not  for  that  purpose  which  you  are  insinuating. 

Sat.  "Why  do  you  want  her  then  ?  Tox.  You  shall  know ; 
because  she's  of  a  pretty  and  genteel  figure. 

Sat.  Such  is  the  fact.  Tox.  This  Procurer  {^pointing  to 
the  house  of  Doedalus)  neither  knows  yourself  nor  your 
daughter. 

Sat.  How  should  any  one  know  me,  except  him  who  finds 
me  food  ? 

Tox.  Such  is  the  fact.  This  way  you  can  find  some 
money  for  me.     Sat.  I'  faith,  I  wish  I  could. 

Tox.  Then  do  you  allow  me  to  sell  her. 

Sat.  Ton  to  sell  her  ? 

Tox.  Wliy  no,  I'll  depute  another  person  to  sell  her,  and 
to  say  that  he  is  a  foreigner ;  since  it  isn't  six  months  since 
that  Procurer  removed  hither  from  Megara^. 

Sat.  The  remnants  are  spoiling;  this,  however,  can  be 
done  afterwards. 

Tox.  Do  you  understand  on  what  terms  it  can  ?  Never,  on 
my  word,  shall  you  eat  here  this  day,  so  don't  be  mistaken, 
before  you  declare  to  me  that  you'll  do  this  that  I'm  request- 
ing ;  and  unless  you  bring  your  daughter  with  you  hither  at 
once  as  soon  as  you  can,  by  my  faith,  I'll  cashier  you  from 


*  A  leather  hottle) — Ver.  126.  "  Ampullam."  This  was  probably  the  bottle  in 
which  unguents  were  kept  by  the  Parasite  for  the  convenience  of  bathers.  See 
the  soliloquy  of  Gelasimus  the  Parasite,  in  the  Stichus,  1.  '228. 

"  An  utensil) — Ver.  126.  "  Scaphium."  If  this  word  has  not  the  same  mean- 
ing here  as  "  matuhi,"  it  will  probably  signify  a  bottle,  which  he  ought  to  be  in 
the  habit  of  carrying  about  with  him,  for  taking  home  any  wine  left  after  the 
entertainment.  The  use  of  the  "socci"  would  show  that  his  avocations  were 
more  confined  to  in-doors  than  the  street,  where  tne  use  of  them  was  considered 
effeminate.     On  the  "  stngil,"  see  the  Notes  to  the  Stichus,  1.  228. 

'  From  Megara) — Ver.  139.  This  was  a  city  not  far  from  Athens,  on  the  coa 
fines  of  Attica. 


Sc.  ITI.  THE  PERSIAN.  265 

this  squad.  What  now?  What's  the  matter?  Why  don't 
you  say  what  you  will  do  ? 

Sat.  I'  troth,  prithee  sell  even  myself  as  well,  if  you  like, 
BO  long  as  you  sell  me  with  my  stomach  full. 

Tox.  If  you  are  going  to  do  this,  do  it. 

Sat.  Tor  my  part,  I'll  do  what  you  desire. 

Tox.  You  act  kindly.  Make  haste,  be  off  home  ;  cleverly 
tutor  your  daughter  beforehand,  instruct  her  cunningly, 
what  she  is  to  say,  where  she  is  to  declare  she  was  born, 
who  were  her  parents,  how  she  was  kidnapped.  But  let  her 
declare  that  she  was  born  at  a  distance  from  Athens ;  and  let 
her  shed  tears  when  she  makes  mention  of  it. 

Sat.  Now  won't  you  hold  your  tongue  ?  Three  times  more 
artful  is  she  than  you  would  have  her  be. 

Tox.  I'  troth,  you  say  what's  excellent.  But  do  you  know 
what  you  are  to  do  ?  Get  a  tunic  and  a  girdle,  and  bring  a 
scarf  and  a  broad-brimmed  hat  for  him  to  wear  who  is  to  sell 
her  to  this  Procurer 

Sat.  Well — capital !     Tox.  As  thougb  he  were  a  foreigner. 

Sat.  I  approve  of  it 

Tox.  And  do  you  bring  your  daughter  cleverly  drest  up 
after  a  foreign  fashion. 

Sag.  "  Oil  sont^"  the  dresses  ?  Tox.  Borrow  them  of  the 
chorus-leader^.  He  ought  to  lend  them  ;  the  jEdiles^  have 
contracted  for  them  to  be  found. 

Sat.  I'll  have  them  here  just  now.  But  I'm  to  be 
acquainted  with  nothing  of  these  matters  ? 

Tox.  I'  faitb,  nothing,  in  fact.  3ut,  when  I've  got  the 
money,  do  you  at  once  claim  her  of  the  Procurer. 

Sat.  Let  him  keep  her  for  himself,  if  I  don't  immediately 
carry  her  off  from  him. 

*  Ou  sonf) — Ver.  161.  The  word  "whence"  is  expressed  in  the  text  by  the 
Greek  nodev.  It  has  been  previously  remarked,  that  the  Romans  interlarded 
their  dialogue  with  Greek  expressions,  in  the  same  way  that  we  adopt  French 
words  and  phrases. 

2  The  chai'us-leader) — "Ver.  161.  "  Chorego."  As  to  the  "  choragus  "  or  "  master 
of  the  wardrobe,"  see  the  Curculio,  Act  IV.,  Sc.  1  (and  the  Note),  where  he  is  intro- 
duced as  one  of  the  Dramtitis  Personse.  See  the  Notes  also  to  the  Trinummus,  1  858. 

3  The  jEdiles) — Ver.  162.  It  has  been  observed  in  previous  Notes  that  the 
^diles  had  the  management  of  the  representations  on  the  stage ;  and  probably 
they  had  a  contract  with  the  "  choregi "  that  they  should  always  have  dresses  and 
'  properties  "  in  readiness  foe  tne  use  ot  tne  actors. 


266  PEESA ;  Act  IL 

Tox.  Be  off  and  attend  to  this.  (Uxit  Saturio.)  In  the 
meantime,  I  want  to  send  a  boy  to  my  mistress ;  that  she 
may  be  of  good  courage,  and  that  I  shall  manage  it  to-day. 
I'm  talking  too  much  at  length.     (Goes  into  the  house.) 

Act  II. — Scene  I. 
Enter  Sophoclidisca  and  LemniselenEj^ow  the  house  of 

DORDALUS. 

Soph.  It  were  enough  to  tell  an  untaught,  thouglitlesa, 
silly  girl  the  same  thing  so  many  times  over ;  really,  in  fact, 
I  do  imagine  that  I'm  quite  looked  upon  by  you  as  a  block- 
head and  a  country  booby.  Although  I  do  drink  wine,  still 
I'm  not  in  the  habit  of  swallowing  down  your  commands 
together  with  it.  I  really  had  fancied  that  both  myself  and 
my  ways  had  now  been  sufficiently  proved  by  you ;  for,  as 
for  me,  I've  attended  you  now  these  five  years ;  whereas,  in 
that  time,  a  cuckoo  even,  I  do  believe,  if  he  had  gone  to  school, 
could  by  now  have  been  made  to  know  his  letters  well; 
while,  in  the  meantime,  whether  speaking  or  not  speaking^, 
you  have  not  made  yourself  acquainted  with  my  disposition. 
Can  you  not  hold  your  tongue  ?  Can  you  not  cease  advising 
me  ?  I  remember,  and  I  know,  and  I  understand,  and  I 
keep  in  mind ;  i'  faith,  you  are  in  love,  poor  thing  ;  on  that 
account  your  mind's  disturbed.  I'll  cause  that  that  shall  be 
calmed  for  you. 

Lemn.  Wretched  is  the  person  that's  in  love.  (Goes  into 
the  house.) 

Soph,  (to  herself).  Grood  for  nothing,  indeed,  he  certainly 
is,  who  is  in  love  with  nothing.  What  need  has  that  person 
of  life  ?  I  ought  to  go,  that  I  may  prove  obedient  to  my 
mistress ;  that  through  my  aid  she  may  the  sooner  become  a 
free  woman.  I'll  go  meet  this  Toxilus,  hoicever ;  his  ears  I'll 
stuff  with  what  has  been  enjoined  upon  me.    (Stands  aside.) 

Scene  II. — Enter,  from  the  house,  Toxiltjs  and  P^gnium. 
Tox.  Are  these  things  quite  clear  and  certaiQ  to  you — do 
you  quite  remember  and  understand  them  ? 

*  Or  not  speaking) — Ver.  176.  Sclimieder  thinks,  that  by  this  expression  So- 
phoclidisca alludes  to  the  habitual  taciturnity  of  Lemniselene;  indeed,  her  quiet 
and  inoffensive  disposition  is  observable  throughout  the  Play.  In  the  concluding 
Scene  the  Procurer  calls  her  "  ignavia."  "  luino  of  kziness." 


8c.  II.  THE  PEESIAW.  267 

P^G.  Better  than  you  who  have  instructed  me. 

Tox.  Say  you  so,  you  whip-rascal  ? 

P^G.  I  really  do  say  so.     Tox.  What  did  I  say  then  ? 

P^G.  I'll  tell  it  to  her  all  correctly. 

Tox.  I'  faith,  you  don't  know  it. 

P^G.  Troth  now,  lay  me  a  wager  that  I  don't  remember 
and  know  it  all. 

Tox.  Why,  for  my  part,  I'll  lay  a  wager  with  you  on  this, 
whether  you  know  your  own  self,  how  many  fingers  you  have 
this  day  upon  your  hand. 

P^G.  Without  hesitation — if  you  are  desirous  to  lose. 

Tox.  A  fair  truce  rather  let  there  be. 

P^G.  For  that  reason,  then,  do  you  let  me  go. 

Tox.  I  both  bid  and  permit  you.  But  I  wish  you  so  to 
attend  to  it,  that  you  are  back  home  while  I'm  thinkiug  that 
you  are  there. 

P^G.  I'll  do  so.    {Moves  towards  their  oum  house,) 

Tox.  Whither  are  you  now  going  ? 

P^G.  Home ;  that  I  may  be  at  home  while  you  are  think- 
ing that  I  am  there. 

Tox.  Ton  are  a  rascal  of  a  boy,  and for  this  service  I'll 

give  you  something  to  add^  to  your  savings. 

Pjgg.  I'm  aware  how  want  of  shame  is  wont  to  be  imputed 
to  a  master's  word,  and  that  masters  cannot  ever  be  compelled 
to  appear  before  the  judge  on  account  of  those  promises. 

Tox.  Be  off  now. 

P^G.  I'll  give  you  reason  to  command  me. 

Tox.  But,  Paegnium,  take  you  care  and  give  that  letter  to 
Lemniselene  herself,  and  teU.  her  what  I  bade  you. 

Soph,  {apart).  Do  I  delay  to  go  whither  I  was  sent? 

P^G.  I'moff.  Tox.  Then  do  be  oif;  I'll  off  home.  Take 
care  and  manage  this  business  with  attention.  Ply  post 
haste.     (  Goes  into  the  house.) 

Pjeg.  That's  what  the  ostrich^  is  wont  to  do  in  the  Circus, 

*  Give  you  something  to  add) — Ver.  191.  "  Peculiabo."  Some  Commentators 
will  have  it  that  an  indecent  allusion  is  intended  here.  Possibly  they  are  not  mis- 
taken ;  but  it  is  a  rather  far-fetched  one. 

'  The  ostrich') — Ver.  198.  "  Marinus  passer."  Literally,  the  "  sea- sparrow.* 
Paegnium  alludes  to  the  mode  in  which  the  ostrich  runs,  in  answer  to  the  order 
of  Toxilus,  who  tells  him  to  fly.  The  ostrich,  as  it  runs,  flaps  it  wings  as  though 
flyinf     Referring  to  Roman  customs,  P»gnium  speaks  as  though  he  had  see* 


268  PEESA ;  Act  II. 

He's  off  froiu  here  ni-aoors  there.  Biit  who's  this  woman 
that's  coming  towards  me  ? 

Soph,  {advancing).  Surely  this  is  Paegnium. 

Pjeg.  This  is  Sophoclidisca,  the  private  servant  of  her  vo 
whom  I'm  sent. 

Soph,  {aside) >  There's  not  a  person  this  day  that's  reported 
to  be  more  arttul  than  this  boy.     I'll  accost  him. 

PiEG.  At  this  bar^  I  must  come  to  a  stop. 

Soph.  Paegnium,  my  charmer  of  a  boy,  save  you ;  how  are 
you  ?     How  do  you  do  ? 

P^G.  Sophoclidisca,  the  Grods  will  favour  me. 

Soph.   Why  "me?"     Which  of  us  V 

P^G.  I'  faith,  I  don't  know.  But  if  they  were  to  do  as 
you  deserve,  by  my  troth  they'd  hold  you  in  hate,  and  treat 
you  but  badly. 

Soph.  Do  leave  off  your  abusive  talking. 

P^G.  Since  I'm  saying  just  as  you  I'm  talking  to  deserve, 
properly,  not  abusively.. 

Soph.  What  are  you  about  now  ? 

P^G.  Standing  opposite  to  you,  looking  at  a  worthless 
woman. 

Soph.  For  my  own  part,  assuredly,  I  do  not  know  any 
more  good-for-nothing  boy  than  yourself. 
'    P^G.  What  mischief  do  I  do,  or  to  what  person  do  I 
speak  abusively?      Soph.  I'  faith,  to  every  one  that  you 
have  the  opportunity. 

P^G.  Not  an  individual  has  ever  thought  so. 
'    Soph.  But,  i'  faith,  full  many  a  one  knows  that  so  it  is. 

PiEG.  Heyday,  indeed !     Soph.  Heyday,  indeed ! 

PiEG.  According  to  your  own  disposition  you  judge  of  the 
ways  of  others. 

>  Soph.  I  certainly  do  confess  that  I'm  just  as  befits  one 
of  a  Procurer's  household  to  he. 

ostriches  m  the  Roman  Circus.  These,  and  wild  beasts  of  every  description,  were 
hunted  there  at  the  "  Venationes,"  for  the  amusement  of  the  people.  It  is  not 
improbable  that  ostriches  had  been  recently  introduced  into  Rome,  as  aorming  part 
of  the  spoil  of  the  Carthaginians.  The  Elmperor  Probus,  several  centuries  after 
this  period,  gave  a  "  Venatio"  of  a  thousand  ostriches  in  the  Circus. 

^  At  this  bar  ) — Ver.  202.  Seeing  Sophoclidisca,  he  knows  that  »lie  will  stop  him 
for  a  hit  of  gossip,  aad  he  consequently  stales  her  an  '*  -rbex,"  a  "bar"  or  '•  im- 
■pediment. ' 


Sc.  II.  THE  PEESIAiy  26& 

Py£G.  I've  now  had  enough  ol'your  chattering. 

Soph.  What  say  you  ?  Do  you  plead  guilty  to  what  I 
take  you  to  be  ? 

P^G.  If  I  were  so,  I  should  confess  it. 

Soph.  Be  off  then  ;  you've  got  the  victory.  ~ 

P^G.  Now  then  be  off  with  you. 

Soph.  Do  you  then  tell  me  this — whither  are  you  goicg  ? 

P^G.  Whither  are  you  ?     Soph.  Say  you. 

P^G.  Say  you.     Soph.  I  was  the  first  to  ask. 

P^G.  Then  you  shall  be  the  last  to  know. 

Soph.  I'm  going  not  far  hence. 

P^G.  And  I,  indeed,  not  far. 

Soph,  Whither  then,  you  rascal  ? 

P^G.  Unless  I  know  first  of  you,  you  shall  never  know  this 
of  me  that  you  are  enquiring. 

Soph.  On  my  honor  you  shall  never  this  day  know  before 
I've  heard  it  of  you. 

P^G.  Is  such  the  fact  ?     Soph.  Is  such  the  fact  ? 

Pjsg.  You  are  a  worthless  one. 

Soph.  Eogue.     P^g.  That  befits  me. 

Soph.  Me  then  it  does  not  befit. 

PiEG.  What  do  you  say  ?  Are  you  quite  determined,  you 
hussy,  to  conceal  whither  you  are  going  ? 

Soph.  And  are  you  quite  resolved  to  hide  whither  you  are 
betaking  yourself,  you  scoundrel  ? 

P^G.  You  are  giving  answer  to  what  I  say  like  for  like ; 
be  off  with  you  then,  since  such  is  your  determination.  I 
don't  care  at  all  to  know.     Good-bye.     (^Moving.) 

Soph.  Stop !     P^g.  But  I'm  in  a  hurry. 

Soph.  And,  i'  faith,  I  as  well. 

P^G.  Have  you  got  anything  ?     {^Pointing  to  her  hand.) 

Soph.  Have  you  anything  ?     {^Pointing  likewise.) 

P^G.  Eeally  nothing  whatever. 

Soph.  Show  me  your  hand  then. 

PiEG.  (showing  his  right  hand).  Is  this  the  hand  ? 

Soph.  Where  is  that  other,  the  pilfering  left  hand? 

P^G.  {hiding  his  left  hand).  Why,  it  is  at  home,  d'ye  see ; 
I've  not  brought  one  hither. 

Soph,  {trying  to  seize  his  hand).  You've  got  something, 
w  I  Kit  it  is  I  know  not. 

P.^G.  {pushing  her  axcay).  Don't  be  mauling  me  abou^ 
you  bhe-groper. 


270  PER8A ;  Act  11, 

Soph.  "But  suppose  I'm  in  love  with  you. 

P^G.  You  employ  your  pains  to  no  purpose. 

Soph.  Why  so  ?  Vmq.  Why,  because  you  are  in  love  vrth 
nothing  at  all,  when  you  are  in  love  with  one  who  doesn't 
return  it. 

Soph.  It  befits  these  youthful  looks  and  age  to  be  on  the 
watch  for  pleasure  in  good  time ;  so  that,  when  your  hair 
comes  to  change  its  hue,  you  may  not  be  always  in  a  gro- 
velling servitude.  Why,  really,  as  yet  you  are  not  eighty 
pounds  in  weight. 

P^G.  Still,  that  warfare  is  waged  much  more  successfully 
by  spirit  than  by  weight.     But  I'm  losing  my  pains. 

Soph.  Why  so  ? 

Pjeo.  Because  I'm  teaching  those  who  know  it  all.  But 
I'm  loitering  here.    (Moves.) 

Soph,  (taking  hold  of  him).  Do  stop. 

P^G.  You  are  annoying  to  me. 

Soph.  And  so  I  shall  be  then,  if  I  don't  find  out  whither 
you  are  betaking  yourself. 

P^G.  To  your  house. 

Soph.  And  I  to  your  house,  i'  faith. 

P^G.  Why  thither  ? 

Soph.  What's  that  to  you  ? 

P^G.  (standing  before  her).  Why,  you  shan't  go  now, 
unless,  in  return,  I  know. 

Soph.  You  are  teazing.     P^g.  I  choose  to. 

Soph.  Never,  upon  my  faith,  shall  you  wring  this  out  of 
me,  so  as  to  prove  yourself  more  artful  than  I  am. 

P^G.  It's  a  misery  to  contend  with  you  in  artfulness. 

Soph.  You  are  a  mischievous  baggage. 

P^G.  What  is  there  for  you  to  fear  ? 

Soph.  The  very  same  that  there  is  for  you. 

P^G.  Say  then,  what  is  it  ? 

Soph.  But  I'm  forbidden  to  tell  this  to  any  person,  and 
am  instructed  that  all  the  dumb  people  are  to  speak  of  it 
hefore  myself 

Pjeg.  And  most  especially  was  I  cautioned  not  to  trust 
this  to  any  person,  so  that  all  the  dumb  people  were  to  men- 
tion this  before  myself 

Soph.  Still,  do  you  do  so ;  on  giving  our  words,  let's  trust 
each  other. 

P-SG.  1  know  /^w— all  procuresaea  are  light  of  faith,  and 


8c.  III.  flic  PEitsiAir.  271 

the  weight  of  a  water-guat^  is  not  more  light  than  is  the  word 
of  a  procurer. 

Soph.  Tell  me,  there's  a  dear. 

Vmq.  Tell  me,  there's  a  dear. 

Soph.  I  don't  want  to  be  your  dear. 

Vjeq.  You'll  easily  prevail  upon  nie  in  that. 

Soph.  Keep  it  yourself.  PiEO.  And  you  be  mum  about 
this.    (Showing  her  a  letter.) 

Soph.  It  shall  be  kept  a  secret. 

PiEG.  It  shall  not  be  known.     (She  shows  Mm  a  letter?^ 

Soph.  I'm  carrying  this  letter  to  Toxilus,  your  master. 

P^G.  Be  off;  he's  there  at  home.  And  I  am  carrying  this 
pinewood  tablet  sealed,  to  Lemniselene,  your  mistress. 

Soph.  What's  written  there.  P^g.  If  you  don't  know, 
pretty  much  like  yourself,  I  don't  know,  except  soft  words, 
perhaps. 

Soph.  I'm  off.     Pjeg.  And  I'll  be  off. 

Soph.  Move  on  then.    (  They  go  into  the  respective  houses.) 

Scene  III. — Miter  Sagaeistio. 

Sag.  (to  himself).  To  Jove  the  opulent,  the  renowned, 
the  son  of  Ops^,  the  strong,  the  mighty  in  power,  who 
riches,  hopes,  kind  plenty  does  bestow,  joyously  and  grate- 
fully do  I  offer  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving,  inasmuch  as 
in  a  friendly  way  they  have  bestowed  for  my  friend  this 
opportunity  of  satisfying  his  necessity  and  of  borrowing  the 
money,  so  that  I  can  lend  him  aid  in  his  need.  Whereas  I 
no  more  dreamed,  or  thought,  or  imagined  that  I  should 
have  this  opportunity — that  same  has  now  fallen  from  heaven 
as  it  were.     For  my  master  has  sent  me  to  Eretria^ ;  he 

*  Weight  of  a  water-gnaf) — Ver.  243.  "  Tipulae,"  a  "  water-gnat,"  or  "  water- 
spider."  This  is  a  very  pretty  illustration.  On  a  sunny  day  these  little  animals 
may  be  seen  in  hundreds  skating  over  the  surface  of  still  water.  Warner  suggests 
that  this  simile  may  have  been  a  proverbial  one. 

2  The  son  of  Ops) — Ver.  250.  He  seems  to  intend  a  jingle  on  the  resemblance 
between  "  Jove  the  opulent"  and  "  the  son  of  Ops."  The  Goddess  Ops  of  the 
Romans  w  us  the  same  Divinity  as  the  Rhea  of  the  Greeks,  and  was  daughter  of 
Coelus  ana  Terra,  and  became  the  mother  of  Jupiter  by  her  husband  Saturn. 
Slie  was  also  known  by  the  name  o'^  Cybele,  Bona  Dea,  Magna  Mater,  and  Tellus. 

»  Eretria) — Ver.  260  This  was  a  city  in  the  is'and  of  Euboea,  on  the  Eastern 
MAst  of  Greece. 


272  PETISA.;.-.  Act  n. 

hii9  ^Yen  me  the  money  to  purchase  some  trained  oxen 
for  him ;  but  he  said  that  the  fair  would  take  place  seven 
d;iys  hence ;  a  simpleton  to  trust  this  money  to  me  whoso 
jjropensity  he  knew ;  for  this  money  I  shall  misapply  in  som€> 
other  purpose :  there  were  no  oxen  for  me  to  buy.  Now  I'll 
both  promote  the  success  of  my  friend,  and  will  give  my  in- 
cliniition  full  enjoyment.  The  pleasures  that  belong  to  a  long 
time  will  I  serve  up  in  a  single  day.  Crack,  crack^  it  will 
be  upon  my  back  ;  I  don't  care.  Now,  to  a  person  that  is 
my  friend  I  shall  present  these  trained  oxen  from  out  of  my 
purse;  for  this,  in  fact,  is  a  delightful  thing,  handsomely 
to  bite  your  thrice-dotted  niggardly,  antiquated,  covetous, 
spiritless  people,  who  against  their  servant  seal  up  the  salt- 
cellar with  the  salt.  It's  a  virtue,  when  occasion  prompts, 
to  hold  them  in  contempt.  What  will  he  do  to  me  ?  He'll 
order  me  to  be  beaten  with  stripes,  the  fetters  to  be  put  on. 
I  may  get  a  beating.  Don't  let  him  fancy  that  I  shall  go 
oegging  to  him.  "Woe  be  unto  him  !  Nothing  new  can  now 
be  inflicted  upon  me  but  what  I  have  already  experienced  it. 
But  see,  here  comes  Paegnium,  Toxilus's  boy. 


Scent;  IY. — Enter  P^gnifm,  from  the  home  of  Dordalus. 

PiEG.  {to  himself).  My  task  that  was  set  me  I've  finished ; 
now  I'm  hastening  home. 

Sag.  Stop,  although  you  are  in  haste — Paegnium,  listen 
to  me, 

P^G.  Tou  ought  to  buy  a  person,  for  you  to  desire  to  be 
obedient  to  you.     (Moves  on.) 

Sag.  Stop  there,  /  say.  PiEG.  You'd  be  giving  some 
trouble,  I  fancy,  if  I  were  to  be  owing  you  anything,  who  are 
now  so  troublesome. 

Sag.  You  rascal,  will  you  look  back  then  ? 

P.EG.  I  am  aware  of  what  age  I  am  ;  for  that  reason  you 
rill  all  get  off  for  this  abuse  with  impunity. 

Sag.  Where  is  Toxilus,  your  master  ? 

PvEG.  Wherever  he  pleases,  and  he  don't  ask  your  advice. 

Sag.  Won't  you  tell  me,  then,  where  he  is,  you  villain? 

»  (Jrackt  (Tack)— Yer.  265.  "  Tax.  t»»  "    The  noise  of  the  cracking  of  ttM 


Sc.  IV.  THE  PERSIAN.  27S 

P^Q.  I  don't  know,  I  say,  you  eim-twig  spoiler^. 
8ag.  You  are  abusive  to  your  senior. 
P^G.  As  you  deserved  it  first,  do  you  put  up  with  it. 
yij  master  bade  me  hold  my   labour  at  his  bidding,  my 
tongue  in  freedom. 

Sag.  Will  you  not  tell  me,  where  is  Toxilus  ? 
P^o.  I  tell  you  that — ^you  may  go  to  perdition  ever- 
lasting. 

Sag.  This  day  you  shall  be  flogged  with  a  rope's  end. 
P^G.  On  your  account,  indeed,  you  cuckoo !    I'  faith,  you 
carrion,  if  I  were  to  give  you  a  broken  head,  I  shouldn't  be 
afraid  of  that. 

Sag.  I  understand  you,  you've  been  up  to^  some  bad  work 
just  now. 

P^G.  So  I  have.     What  business  is  that  to  you  ?     But  I 
haven't,  like  yourself,  all  for  nothing. 
Sag.  Assurance ! 

P^G.  I'  faith,  I  certainly  am ;  for  I  am  assured  that  J 
shall  be  free ;  don't  be  hoping  that  you'll  ever  be  so. 
Sag.  Can't  you  cease  your  impertinence  ? 
Pjeg.  That  which  you  are  mentioning,  you  can't  do  i/om- 
self.     Sag.  Away  with  you  to  utter  perdition. 

PiEG.  And  off"  home  vdth  you ;    for  there  it's  all  ready 
prepared  for  you. 

Sag.  He  summons  me^  on  my  recognizances. 
P^G.  I  only  wish  the  sureties  may  be  out  of  the  way,  so 
that  you  may  get  to  prison. 

Sag.  Why's  this  ?     P^g.  Aye^  why  is  it  ? 
Sag.  Still  abusing  me,  rascal  ? 

P-EG.  Why,  inasmuch  as  you  are  a  slave,  it  ought  at 
least  to  be  allowed  a  slave  to  abuse  you. 

»  Elm  twig  spoiler) — Ver.  279.  "  Ulmitriba."  This  word  is  composed  of  the 
Latin  "  ulmus,"  "  an  elm,"  and  the  Greek  rpijSco,  "  to  rub"  or  "  wear ;"  and 
may  mean  either  "  one  beaten  "  or  "  rubbed  with  elm-twigs,"  or  "  one  that  wears 
elm-twigs." 

2  You^ve  been  up  to) — Ver.  285.  This  passage  is  somewhat  modified  in  the 
Translation. 

•  He  summons  me) — Ver.  290.  The  meaning  of  this  allusion  is  somewhat 
•bscure ;  but  it  seems  likely  that  when  Paegnium  uses  the  word  '*  praesto," 
**  ready,"  or  "  in  preparation,"  Sagaristio  understands  him  to  speak  of  "  pras," 
*  a  surety"  or  "  bail ;"  on  which  he  remarjcs  that  P»gnmm  ig  calling  hini  ja 
ais  surety. 

TOL.  II.  S 


274  PERSA ;  Act  11. 

SAfr.  And  is  it  80  ?  Just  look  {holding  up  his  Jist)  what 
I  shall  give  you. 

PvEG.  Nothing  ;  for  nothing  have  you. 

Sag.  May  all  the  Grods  and  Goddesses  confound  me,  if  I 
don't  this  very  day,  if  I  lay  hold  of  you,  fell  you  to  the 
ground  with  blows. 

PiEG,  I  am  your  friend ;  I  trust  that  what  you  wish  may 
befaU  you,  and  that  it  may  come  to  pass ;  if  you  fell  me^, 
may  others  make  you  feel  yourself  fixed  to  the  cross  before 
long. 

Sag.  But    you   may  the    G-ods   and    Groddesses Tou 

understand  what  I  was  going  to  say  after  that,  if  I  hadn't 
been  able  to  restrain  my  tongue.     Can't  you  be  oif  ? 

P^G.  You  drive  me  off  with  ease ;  for  already  my  sha- 
dow's getting^  a  whipping  in-doors.     (Goes  info  the  house.) 

Sag.  (to  himself).  May  the  Gods  and  Goddesses  confound 
that  fellow  !  just  like  a  crawling  serpent  he  has  got  a  double 
tongue,  and  is  a  wicked  one.  Upon  my  faith,  I'm  glad  he's 
gone.  (Going  towards  the  door.)  Open,  you  door.  But 
look!  he's  coming  from  within,  the  person  that  I  most 
especially  wished  to  meet  with. 

Scene  Y. — !Enter  Toxilvs,  from  his  Master's  house,  followed 

hy  SOPHOCLIDISCA. 

Tox.  (to  Sophoclidisca).  Tell  her  that  it's  now  arranged 
whence  the  money  is  to  come.  Bid  her  be  of  good  heart ; 
tell  her  that  I  love  her  exceedingly.  "When  she  cheers  up, 
then  does  she  cheer  me  up.  AYhat  I've  told  you  to  teU  her, 
do  you  quite  understand  it  ? 

Soph.  Better  than  your  legs^  under-stand  you,  do  I  under- 
stand it. 

» If  you  fell  me) — ^\''er.  296.  "  Tu  ut  me  defigas,  te  cruci  ipsuiti  propediem  alii 
affigant."  Literally,  "  should  you  fix  me  down,  may  others  before  long  be  fixing 
yourself  up  to  the  cross;"  the  play  being  upon  the  verbs  "defigo"  and  "affigo." 
An  attempt  has  been  made  to  give  a  somewhat  similar  pun  in  the  Translation. 

'  My  shadow's  getting)— Ver.  299.  Being  close  to  the  house,  and  in  a  hurry  to 
get  home,  he  says  that  his  shadow  is  in  the  house  already,  getting  the  beating 
which  awaits  its  owner  for  having  been  so  long  on  his  errand. 

»  Better  than  your  legs) — ^Ver.  307.  "  Magis  calleo,  quam  aprugnum  coUum 
rallet."  This  pnn  carnot  be  appreciated  ir  a  literal  translation,  and  another  J8 
•abstituted,  for  wh'ch  we  are  indebted  to  V'amer.    The  play  is  UDon  the  resem* 


f5c»  V,  THE  PERSIAN.  275 

Tox.  Make  all  haste,  be  off  home.  (Sophoclidtsca  gnea 
into  the  Jiouse  of  DordaJjUS.) 

Sag.  (apart).  Now  I'll  make  myself  a  perfect  droll  towards 
him ;  I'll  carry  myself  with  arms  a-kimbo,  and  assume  a 
lordly  air^.     (Struts  along.) 

Tox.  But  who's  this  that's  walking  like  a  two-handled 
jug2? 

Sag.  (apart).  I'll  spit  about  me  in  a  dignified  style. 
(Spits  about.) 

Tox.  Why,  surely  this  is  Sagaristio.  How  are  you,  Saga- 
ristio  ?  How  do  you  do  ?  Is  there  any  tiny  hope  in  you  aa 
to  that  which  I  entrusted  to  you  ? 

Sag.  (in  a  lofty  way).  Step  this  way ;  it  shall  be  seen  to ; 
I  would  have  it  done.     Advance — move  forward. 

Tox.  What's  this  swelling^  here  upon  your  neck ?  (Touclies 
his  neclc.) 

Sag.  It's  a  tumour;  forbear  to  press  it,  for  when  any 
person  touches  it  with  a  rude  hand,  pain  is  the  result. 

Tox.  When  did  that  first  come  upon  you  ?     Sag.  To-day. 

Tox.  Tou  should  order  it  to  be  lanced. 

Sag.  I'm  afraid  to  lance  it  before  it's  ripe,  lest  it  should 
cause  me  more  trouble. 

Tox.  I'd  like  to  examine  your  complaint.  (Comes  nearer.) 

Sjlq.  (retreating).  Be  off",  and  do  be  careful,  will  you,  of 
the  horns.     Tox.  Why  so  ? 

Sag.  Because  a  couple  of  oxen  are  here  in  the  purse. 

Tox.  Do  let  them  out,  please ;  don't  starve  them  with 
hunger — do  let  them  go  to  pasture. 

Sag.  Why,  I'm  afraid  that  I  mayn't  be  able  to  drive  them 
back  to  their  stall,  lest  they  should  wander. 

blance  of  "calleo,"  "  to  understand,"  '*  calleo,"  "to  be  hard,"  and  "collum," 
"  the  hard  part,"  jr  "  brawn,  of  a  boar's  neck."  Literally  translated,  it  is,  "  I 
understand  in  a  better  degree  than  the  brawn  of  a  boar's  neck  is  hard."  This 
pun  occurs  also  in  the  Poenulus,  1.  577. 

»  Assume  a  lordly  air) — Ver.  308.  "  Amicibor."  By  the  use  of  this  word,  he 
clearly  refers  to  some  peculiar  way  of  assuming  a  jaunty  air,  probably  by  tucking 
up  a  portion  of  the  dress  In  the  same  way  we  read  in  our  old  Novelists  of 
military  men  "  cocking  their  hats"  to  look  fierce.  To  spit  with  noise  and  gesture 
was  also  considered  to  give  an  air  of  importance. 

'  Like  a  two- handled  jug)— Ver.  309.  "  Ansatus."  His  arms  beiiig  arkimbo, 
he  compares  him  to  a  jug  with  two  handles. 

»  Whafs  this  swelling)— Ver.  313.  He  has  the  purse  slung  round  his  ncy;H 
nnderneath  his  iress.  Tliis  bulges  out,  and  Toxilus  asks  him  what  it  is.  Th'jp» 
4fj  a  somewhat  similar  Scene  in  the  Asinaria,  between  Libanus  and  Leonidifc. 

t2 


276  peesa;  Act  111. 

Tox.  I'll  drive  tliem  back;  be  of  good  heart 

Sag.  You  shall  be  trusted  then;  I'll  lend  them  yen 
Follow  this  way,  please  {talcing  the  'purse  from  his  neck)  ;  in 
this  there  is  the  money  which  you  were  asking  me  lor  a 
short  time  since. 

Tox.  "What  is  it  you  say  ? 

Sag.  My  master  has  sent  me  to  Eretria  to  purchase  some 
oxen ;  at  present  my  Eretria  shall  be  this  house  of  yours. 

Tox.  Ton  speak  quite  enchantingly ;  and  I  shall  very 
soon  return  you  all  the  money  safe;  for  now  I've  ar- 
ranged and  put  in  readiness  all  my  devices,  in  which  way 
I'm  to  get  this  money  out  of  this  Procurer. 

Sag.  So  much  the  better. 

Tox.  Both  for  the  damsel  to  be  set  at  liberty,  and,  still  fur- 
ther, for  himself  to  pay  the  money.  But  follow  me  ;  I  have 
need  of  your  assistance  in  this  affair. 

Sag.  Make  use  of  it  just  as  you  please.  {They  go  into  the 
house.) 

Act  III. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Sattjeio  an'd  his  Daughtee^,  in  the  hahit  of  a 
Peesian. 

Sat.  May  this  same  matter  turn  out  well  for  me,  and  for 
yourself,  and  for  my  stomach,  and  for  everlasting  victuals 
for  it  as  well  for  all  time  to  come ;  that  I  may  have  more 
than  enough,  a  superfluity,  and  that  it  may  outlast  me. 
Eollow  me  this  way,  my  daughter,  with  the  Gods'  good 
leave.  The  matter  to  which  we  are  to  give  our  attention,  you 
know,  you  remember,  you  understand  ;  to  you  I  have  commu- 
nicated all  my  designs.  Eor  that  reason  have  I  dressed  jon 
out  after  this  fashion ;  young  woman,  to-day  you  are  to  be 
sold. 

Datj.  Prithee,  my  d^ar  father,  although  you  do  eagerly 
long  for  victuals  at  another's  cost,  are  you  for  the  sake  of 
your  appetite  going  to  sell  your  own  daughter  ? 

Sat.  It  is  a  wonder,  indeed,  if  I  don't  sell  you,  who  ai-e 
my  own,  for  the  sake  of  King  Philip  or  Attains^,  rather  than 
my  own. 

'  Daughter)  Her  name  is  not  given  in  the  Play  though  she  pretends,  when 
asked  by  Dordalus,  that  it  is  Lucris, 

-  FliUip  or  Attahis) — Ver.  340.  Attains  was  the  name  of  three  wealthy  kingi 
srf  T' TgHmus.     PiiJlip  wan  the  name  of  several  of  Uie  Macedonian  monarcii. 


SC.  I.  THE  PEESIAN.  277 

Dau.  Wlietlier  do  you  regard  me  as  your  slave  or  as  yoiir 
daug  iter  ? 

Sai.  I'  faith,  that  of  the  two  which  shall  appear  most  for 
the  interest  of  my  stomach;  it's  my  authority  over  you,  I 
suppose,  not  yours  over  me. 

Dau.  This  power  is  yours,  father ;  but  still,  although  our 
circumstances  are  but  very  limited,  it's  better  to  pass  our 
lives  with  frugality  and  moderation  ;  for  if  disgrace  is  added 
to  poverty,  poverty  will  be  more  unendurable,  our  character 
more  frail. 

Sat.  Why  really  you  are  impertinent. 

Datj.  I  am  not,  nor  do  I  think  that  I  am,  when,  though  of 
youthful  age,  I  give  good  advice  to  my  father.  Por  enemies 
carry  about  slander  not  in  the  form  in  which  it  took  its  rise. 

Sat.  Let  them  carry  it  about,  and  let  them  go  to  utter 
and  extreme  perdition.  I  don't  value  all  their  enmities  any 
more  than  if  an  empty  table  were  now  set  before  me. 

Dau.  Father,  the  scandal  of  men  is  everlasting ;  even 
then  does  it  survive,  when  you  would  suppose  it  to  be 
dead. 

Sat.  What  ?    Are  you  afraid  lest  I  should  sell  you  ? 

Dau.  I  am  not  afraid  of  that,  father;  but  I  wish  you  not 
to  pretend  to  do  so. 

Sat.  Then  it's  in  vain  you  wish  me  not ;  this  shall  be  done 
rather  after  my  own  fashion  than  yours. 

Dau.  Shall  be  done ! 

Sat.  "What  is  the  matter, now? 

Dau.  Father,  reflect  upon  these  words :  if  a  master  has 
threatened  punishment  to  a  slave,  although  it  is  not  in- 
tended to  be,  stillj  when  the  whip  is  taken  up,  while  he  is 
taking  off  his  tunics,  with  what  an  amount  of  misery  is  he 
afflicted.     Now,  that  which  is  not  to  be,  I'm  still  in  fear  of. 

Sat.  Damsel  or  woman  none  will  there  ever  be,  but  what 
she  must  be  good  for  nothing,  who  is  too  wise  to  be  giving 
satisfaction  to  iier  parents. 

Dau.  Damsel  and  woman  none  can  there  be,  but  what  she 
must  be  good  for  nothing,  who  holds  her  peace  if  she  seea 
anything  going  on  wrong. 

Sat.  'Tvvere  better  for  you  to  beware  of  a  mischief. 

Dau.  But  if  I  cannot  beware,  what  am  1  to  do  ?  !Fcf 
it's  as  to  yourself  I  wish  to  beware. 


278  PEESA;  Act  III. 

-    Sat.  Wliat,  am  I  a  miscliief  ? 

Dau.  You  are  not,  nor  is  it  becoming  for  me  to  say  so ; 
but  for  this  purpose  am  I  using  my  endeavours,  that  others 
may  not  say  so  who  have  that  liberty. 

Sat.  Let  each  one  say  what  he  pleases  ;  from  this  purpose 
I  shall  not  be  moved. 

Dau.  But,  could  it  be  after  my  own  way,  you  would  be 
acting  prudently,  rather  than  foolishly. 

Sat.  It  is  my  pleasure.  Datj.  I  know  that  I  must  let  it 
be  your  pleasure  so  far  as  I'm  concerned;  but  it  should  not 
please  you  to  be  your  pleasure,  if  I  had  my  way. 

Sat.  Are  you  going  to  be  obedient  to  your  father's  orders, 
or  not  ?     Dau.  To  be  obedient. 

Sat.  Do  you  know  then  what  I  instructed  you  ? 

Dau.  Everything.     Sat.  Both  this,  how  you  were  stolen  ? 

Dau.  I  understand  it  perfectly  well. 

Sat.  And  who  your  parents  were  ? 

Daf.  I  keep  it  in  my  memory.  You  cause  me  of  neces- 
sity to  be  artful ;  but  take  you  care,  when  you  wish  to  give 
me  in  marriage,  that  this  story  doesn't  cause  the  match  to 
be  given  up. 

Sat.  Hold  your  tongue,  simpleton.  Do  you  not  see  the 
customs  of  people  now-a-days,  that  marriage  is  easily  effected 
here  with  a  reputation  of  any  kind  ?  So  long  as  there's  a 
marriage-portion,  no  fault  is  reckoned  as  a  fault. 

Dau.  Then  take  you  care,  and  let  this  occur  to  your 
thoughts,  tliat  I  am  without  a  fortune. 

Sat.  Take  you  care,  please,  how  you  say  that.  By  my 
faith,  through  the  merits  of  tlie  Gods  and  of  my  ancestors 
I'll  say  it,  you  must  not  say  that  you  are  without  a  fortune, 
wno  nave  a  marriage-portion  at  home.  Why  look,  I've  got 
a  wliole  carriage-full^  of  books  at  home.  If  you  carefully 
give  your  attention  to  this  matter  in  which  we  are  exerting 
ourselves,  six  hundred  bon-mots  shall  be  given  you  out  of 
them  as  a  fortune,  all  Attic  ones=^,  too  ;  you  shall  not  receive 

»  Whole,  carriage-full)— N^r.  393.  "  Soracum."  This,  which  was  also  called 
"  sarracum,"  was,  according  to  Festus,  a  vehicle  especially  used  for  the  purpose  of 
carrying  dresses,  scenery,  and  theatrical  properties. 

-  All  Attic  ones) — Ver.  396  In  this  remark  lie  refers  to  the  pure  language  of 
Altica,  in  contrast  with  the  patois,  or  mixture  of  Greek  and  Latin,  spoken  by 
Uie  Sicilians.     It  is  not  improbable  that  the  Parasite  alludes  to  the  examplft  *4 


Sc.  lil.  THE  I'EfibiAN.  279 

a  single  Sicilian  one.  "With  this  for  a  fortune,  you  miglit 
saffly  marry  a  beggar  even^. 

Dau.  AVhy,  then,  don't  you  take  me,  father,  if  you  aro 
going  to  take  me  anywhere  ?  Either  do  you  sell  me,  or  do 
icith  me  what  you  please. 

Sat.  Tou  ask  what's  fair  and  right.     Follow  me  this  way. 

Dau.  I'm  obedient  to  your  command.  {They  go  into  the 
house,  to  ToxiLUS.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Dordalus,  from  his  hoiise. 

Doe.  {to  himself).  I  wonder  what  I'm  to  say  my  neighbour 
is  going  to  do,  who  swore  to  me  that  he  would  pay  the 
money  to-day  ?  But  if  he  should  not  pay  it,  and  this  day  go 
by,  I  shall  have  forfeited  the  money,  he  his  oath.  But  the  door 
there  makes  a  noise.     I  wonder  who's  coming  out  of  doors  ? 

Scene  III. — Enter  ToxiLus,^om  his  Master's  house,  with 
a  purse  in  his  hand. 

Tox.  {speaking  at  the  door  to  the  Persons  within).  Take 
you  care  of  that  in-doors ;  I  shall  betake  myself  home  just  now. 

Dor.  Toxilus,  how  are  you  ?  Tox.  How  now ! — pimping 
filth  mixed  up  with  mud !  How  now ! — public  dung-heap  1 
dirty,  dishonest,  lawless,  enticer,  disgrace  to  the  public ;  you 
hawk  after  money,  greedy  and  envious;  you  impudent, 
rapacious,  craving  fellow  (in  three  hundred  lines  no  person 
could  run  through  your  villanies),  will  you  take  the  money  ? 
{Holding  out  the  purse.)  Take  the  money,  will  you,  shame- 
less fellow.  Take  hold  of  the  money,  will  you.  Are  you 
going  to  take  the  money,  then  ?  Can  I  make  you  take  the 
money,  filth  ?  {Keeps  moving  it  away.)  Tou  didn't  suppose 
that  I  should  have  had  so  much  money — you,  who  didn't 
venture  to  trust  me  at  all  except  upon  oath  ? 

Dor.  Do  let  me  recover  breath,  so  as  to  give  you  an 
answer.  Eellow,  dregs  of  the  populace,  you  stable  for  she- 
slaves,  you  liberator  of  harlots,  you  surface  for  the  lash,  you 
wearer-out  of  the  fetters,  you  citizen  of  the  treadmill,  you 

Homer,  who,  ^lian  informs  us,  was  said  to  have  given  Ins  "  Cypnan  poems''  aa 
a  portion  to  his  daughter. 

»  Marry  a  heggar  even) — Ver.  397.  As  being  sure  of  always  Oeing  above  wwjt 


280  PERSA  ;  Act  III. 

8lave  everlastingly,  you  gormandizer,  glutton,  pilferer,  run- 
away, give  me  the  money,  will  you.  Grive  me  the  money^ 
impudence.  Can  I  get  the  money  out  of  you?  Grive  me 
the  money,  I  say.  Why  don't  you  give  me  the  money  ? 
Are  you  ashamed  of  nothing  ?  You  impersonation  of  sla- 
very, a  Procurer  is  asking  money  of  you  for  the  liberation 
of  your  mistress,  so  that  all  may  hear  it. 

Tox.  Troth  now,  prithee,  do  hold  your  tongue.  For  sure 
your  voice  is  in  first-rate  strength. 

Dor.  I've  got  a  tongue  made  for  returning  a  compliment. 
Salt  is  provided  for  me  at  the  same  price  as  for  yourself; 
Unless  this  tongue  protects  me,  it  shall  never  lick  a  bit  of 
salt. 

Tox.  I'll  cease  to  be  angry  now.  It  was  for  this  I  blamed 
you,  because  you  refused  to  trust  me  for  the  money. 

Doe.  'Twas  a  wonder,  indeed,  that  1  didn't  trust  you,  that 
you  might  do  the  same  to  me  that  some  of  the  bankers  do^. 
When  you've  entrusted  them  with  anything,  tliey  imme- 
diately run  more  quickly  away  from  the  Forum  than  a 
hare,  wlien,  at  the  games^,  he's  let  out  of  the  entrance  of 
Ms  cage. 

Tox.  (Jiolding  out  the  money).  Take  this,  will  you. 

Dor.  Why  don't  you  give  it  then  ? 

Tox.  {giving  it).  There  will  be  here  six  hundred  di- 
drachms,  full  weight  and  counted ;  cause  the  damsel  to  be 
set  at  liberty,  and  bring  her  out  here  forthwith. 

Dor.  I'll  have  her  here  this  moment.  I'  faith,  I  don't 
know  to  whom  now  to  give  this  money  to  be  tested^. 

Tox.  Perhaps  you  are  afraid  to  entrust  it  to  any  one's 
hands  ?     Doe.  Strange  if  I  wasn't.     More  quickly,  now-a- 

»  Some  qfihe  bankers  oo)— Ver.  485.  As  to  the  character  of  the  "  argentarii," 
or  "  bankers,"  at  Rome  at  this  period,  see  the  Curculio,  1.  373,  and  the  Pseu- 
dolus,  ].  '296,  and  the  Notes  to  those  passages. 

2  When,  at  the  games) — Ver.  437.  He  probably  alludes  to  the  games  in  the  Circns, 
at  the  Floralia,  or  Festival  of  Flora,  when  hares  and  deer  were  hunted.  See  the 
Fasti  of  Ovid,  B.  5,  1.  872.  These  animals  were  sometimes  brought  in  nets,  and 
sometimes  in  cages,  the  "  porta,"  or  "  door,"  of  which  is  here  mentioned  Pro- 
bably, one  reason  for  hunting  the  hare  was  the  fact  that  it  is  destructive  td 
flowe.-s  (especially  pinks  and  carnations),  which  were  tinder  the  tutelage  of 
Flora. 

'  To  be  tested) — Ver.  441.  The  "  argentarn"  were  licensed  to  be  "  probatore^,' 
"  triers"  or  "  assayers"  of  the  goodness  of  the  coin  in  circulation. 


Adt  IV.  THE  PEllSIAN.  281 

days,  do  bankers  abscond  from  the  Forum,  than  a  wheel  spina 
round  in  a  race. 

Tox.  (pointing).  Do  you  go  that  way,  through  the  alleys, 
the  back  way  to  the  Forum^  ;  let  this  damsel  pass  through 
the  same  way  to  our  house,  through  the  garden. 

Doe.  I'll  have  her  here  this  moment. 

Tox.  But  not  in  public  view.     Doe.  Very  discreet. 

Tox.  To-morrow  she  must  go  to  return  thanks^. 

Doe.  r  faith,  just  so  indeed. 

Tox.  While  you've  been  loitering,  you  might  have  got 
hsuik.     {Exit  DoEDALUS  ;  Toxilus  goes  into  the  house.) 

Act  IV. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Toxilus. 

Tox.  {to  himself^.  If  you  give  attention  to  any  matter 
with  steadiness  or  with  good  management,  that  same  is  wont 
properly  to  thrive  to  your  satisfaction.  And,  by  my  faith, 
pretty  nearly  according  as  each  man  gives  attention  to  his 
business,  in  the  same  manner  do  the  results^  finally  ensure 
him  success.  If  he  is  knavish  or  a  rogue,  the  business  turns 
out  badly  which  he  has  commenced ;  but  if  he  uses  good 
management,  it  results  profitably.  Cleverly  and  skill'ully 
did  I  commence  upon  this  business;  for  that  reason  do  I 
trust  that  it  will  turn  out  well  for  me.  Now,  I'll  this  day 
have  the  Procurer  so  hampered,  that  he  shan't  know  himself 
which  way  to  extricate  himself.     {Goes  to  the  door.)     Saga*- 

*  Back  way  to  the  Forum) — Ver.  445.  Dordalus  is  to  go  through  his  house 
(which  adjoins  that  of  the  master  of  Toxilus)  to  the  Forum,  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring  the  manumission  of  Lemniselene  from  the  Prsetor,  who  sits  in  court 
there.  The  reason  for  his  being  advised  by  Toxilus  to  go  the  back  way  probably 
is,  that  he  does  not  wish,  by  their  walking  in  the  main  street,  to  attract  attention 
to  the  fact  that  he  has  purchased  her  freedom.  The  Procurer,  too,  having  to 
carry  the  money  to  the  assayers,  probably  would  not  like  to  attract  too  much 
attention  to  his  precious  burden.  As  they  are  to  come  back  the  same  way,  Lem- 
niselene is  to  enter  the  house  where  Toxilus  lives  at  the  back  entrance,  which  ac- 
counts for  her  coming  thence,  in  the  Fifth  Act,  without  having  appeared  on  the 
stage  since  she  went  back,  after  speaking  with  Sophoclidisca,  into  the  house  oi 
Dordalus. 

^  Go  to  return  tJumks) — Ver.  448.  It  was  the  custom  solemnly  to  return  thanks 
to  the  Deities  on  liberation  from  servitude. 

»  The  results') — Ver,  453.  "  Pof  tprincipia  "  Literally,  "  the  continuwice  of  • 
ihing  after  it  is  once  be^uiu" 


I 


282  PERSA ;  Act  IV. 

ristio,  hallo !  Come  forth,  and  bring  out  tLe  ycung  woman, 
and  that  letter  which  I  sealed  for  you,  which  you  brought 
me  all  the  way  from  Persia,  from  my  master. 

ScEKE  II. — Enter  Sagaeistio  and  the  Daughter  of  Sa- 
TVJLio,from  the  hoiise,  each  dressed  in  Persian  costume. 

Sac.  Have  I  delayed  at  all  ? 

Tox.  Bravo !  bravo !  dressed  out  in  splendid  style.  (To 
Sagaeistio.)  The  tiara^  does  finely  set  off  your  dress. 
Then,  too,  how  beautifully  does  the  slipper  become  this 
stranger  damsel !    But  are  you  thoroughly  up  in  your  parts  ? 

Sag.  Tragedians  and  Comedians  have  never  been  up  so  well. 

Tox.  Troth,  you  are  giving  me  kind  assistance.  Come, 
be  off  that  way  (pointing),  to  a  distance  out  of  sight,  and 
hold  your  tongue.  When  you  see  me  conversing  with  the 
Procurer,  that  wiU  be  the  time  to  accost  us  ;  now  be  off,  you, 
— away  with  you.  (Sagaeistio  and  the  Damsel  yo  aside^ 
out  ofsi^ht.) 

Scene  III. — Enter  Doedalus. 

Doe.  (to  himself).  The  man  to  whom  the  Deities  are  pro- 
pitious, in  his  way  they  throw  some  profit.  For  I  this 
day  have  made  a  saving  of  two  loaves  daily ;  this  way,  she 
who  this  day  was  my  slave  is  now  her  own ;  by  his  cash  he 
has  prevailed  ;  this  day  then  she'll  be  dining  at  the  expense 
of  another,  she'll  be  tasting  nothing  of  mine.  Am  I  not  a 
worthy  man,  am  I  not  a  courteous  citizen,  who  this  day  have 
made  the  extensive  state  of  Attica  still  larger,  and  increased 
it  by  a  female  citizen  ?  But  how  obliging  have  I  been 
to-day !  To  how  many  have  I  given  credit,  and  have  from  no 
person  taken  surety  ;  so  readily  did  I  give  credit  to  all :  and 
I  don't  fear  that  of  those  whom  I've  trusted  to-day  any  one 
will  forswear  himself  against  me  upon  trial.  I  wish  from 
this  day  forth  to  be  honest — a  thing  that  never  will  be  and 
never  was. 

Tox.  (apart).  This  fellow,  this  very  day,  by  clever  contri- 
vances, I'll  catch  in  a  springe ;  and  so  the  snare  is  cunningly 

'  The  tiara) — ^Ver.  465.  The  "  tiara"  was  a  head-dress  with  a  large  high  crown, 
which  covered  the  ears,  and  was  worn  especially  by  the  Armenians,  Parthians^ 
and  Persians.  The  King  of  Persia  wore  an  erect  "  tiara,"  while  that  of  his  sub- 
iects  was  soft  and  flexible,  falKng  on  one  side. 


Sl-.  III.  THE  FERSIXS.  283 

laid  for  him;  I'll  accost  the  fellow.  (Aloud.)  "W"hat  are 
you  about  ?     Dor.  Giving  credit. 

Tox.  Whence  do  you  betake  yourself,  Dordalus  ? 

Dob.  I'm  going  to  give  you  credit^. 

Tox.  May  the  Gods  grant  whatever  you  may  desire. 
How  now,  have  you  given  the  damsel  her  liberty  by  this  ? 

Dob.  I'm  going  to  give  you  credit,  i'  faith,  I'm  going  to 
give  you  credit,  I  repeat. 

Tox.  Are  you  now  increased  in  number  by  one  freed- 
woman  ?  Dor.  You  worry  me  to  death.  Why,  I  tell  you 
that  I'll  give  you  credit. 

Tox.  Tell  me  in  sober  truth,  is  she  now  at  liberty  ? 

Dor.  Go,  go  to  the  Forum,  to  the  Praetor^ ;  make  all  en- 
quiries, since  you  don't  choose  to  give  me  credit.  She  is  at 
liberty,  I  say.     Do  you  hear  me  at  all  ? 

Tox.  May  all  the  Deities  bless  you  then.  And  never 
from  this  time  forward,  will  I  wish  to  you  or  yours  what 
you  don't  wish. 

Dor.  Be  off :  don't  be  swearing  that.     I  quite  believe  you. 

Tox.  Where  is  your  freed-woman  now  ? 

Dor.  At  your  house. 

Tox.  Do  you  say  so  ?     Is  she  at  our  house  ? 

Dor.  I  do  say  so,  I  tell  you;  she  is  at  your  house,  I  say. 

Tox.  So  may  the  Deities  favour  me,  for  this  thing  many 
blessings  from  me  are  in  store  for  you:  for  there's  a  certain 
matter,  which  I  refrained  from  mentioning  to  you  ;  now  I'll 
disclose  it,  and  from  it  you  can  make  a  very  large  profit. 
I'll  give  you  cause  to  remember  me  so  long  as  you  exist. 

Dob.  My  ears  are  wanting  some  kind  deeds  by  way  of 
assistance  to  these  kind  words. 

Tox.  It's  onli/  your  deserts,  that  I  should  do  as  you  de- 
serve. And  that  you  may  know  that  I  will  do  so,  take  this 
letter  (showing  him  a  letter)  ;   read  it  over. 

*  To  give  you  credit) — Ver.  484.  He  probably  says  this  satirically,  as  Toxilas 
has  really  paid  him  the  money.  If  so,  we  must  suppose  that  his  soliloquy  is 
spoken  in  a  bantering  manner,  on  the  absurdity  of  trusting  people.  Perhaps  he 
has  been  just  requested  f.t  the  Forum  to  give  credit  to  some  intended  customers. 
It  is  not  improbable  that  a  portion  of  this  Play  is  lost  here,  or  that  it  is  in  a  very 
corrupt  state. 

«  To  the  Prator) — Ver.  488.  Who  has  just  manumitted  the  damsel,  by  his 
lictor  laying  upon  her  the  "■  vindicta,"  or  *'  festuca,"  the  rod  of  liberty,"  and 
then  registering  her  name. 


28i  PER£A.;  Act  IV. 

Doe.  What  has  this  got  to  do  with  me  ? 

Tox.  "Why  yes,  it  bears  reference  to  yourself,  and  it  does 
relate  to  you.  But  it  has  just  now  been  brought  me  froiu 
Persia,  from  my  master. 

Dos.  When  ?     Tox.  Not  long  since. 

Doe.  What  does  it  say  ? 

Tox.  Make  enquiry  of  its  own  self:  it  will  tell  you  itself. 

Doe.  Grive  it  me,  then.     {Taking  it  from  Toxilus.) 

Tox.  But  read  it  aloud. 

Doe.  Be  silent  while  I  read  it  over. 

Tox.  I'll  not  utter  a  word. 

Doe.  (reading).  "  Timarchides  sends  health  to  Toxilus 
and  all  the  family.  If  you  are  well,  I  am  glad ;  I  am  quite 
well,  and  carrying  on  my  business,  and  am  making  money ; 
and  I  am  not  able  to  return  home  for  these  eight  months, 
for  there  is  some  business  which  detains  me  here  ;  the  Per- 
sians have  taken  Chrysopolis^,  a  city  of  Arabia,  full  of  good 
things,  and  an  ancient  town ;  there  the  booty  is  being  col- 
lected, that  a  public  auction  may  be  made;  this  matter 
causes  me  to  be  absent  from  home.  I  wish  attention  and 
hospitality  to  be  shown  to  the  person  who  brings  tliis  letter 
to  you.  Attend  to  what  he  wants  ;  for  at  his  own  house  at 
home  he  has  shown  me  the  greatest  attentions."  What  has 
it  to  do  with  me  or  my  welfare,  what  matters  the  Persians 
are  about,  or  what  your  master  is  doing  ? 

Tox.  Hold  your  tongue,  silly  babbler ;  you  don't  know 
what  blessing  awaits  you.  It's  in  vain  that  Fortune  is  ready 
to  light  for  you  her  torch  that  leads  to  profit. 

Doe.  What  Fortune  is  this  that  leads  to  profit  ? 

Tox.  {'pointing  to  the  letter).  Ask  that  which  knows:  I 
know  about  as  much  as  yourself,  except  that  I  was  the 
first  to  read  it  through.  But  as  you've  begun,  learn  the 
matter  from  the  letter. 

Doe.  You  counsel  me  aright.     Keep  silence. 

Tox.  Now  you'll  come  to  that  which  does  relate  to  your 
interest. 

Doe.  (reading  on).  "  The  person  that  brings  this  letter, 
has  taken  with  him  a  well-bred  female  of  engaging 
charms,  who  has  been   stolen,   and  brought  from  the  in- 

'  Ckrynopolis) — Ver.  515.  Chrysopolis  (Golden  City)  would  have  peculiaf 
ehanns  to:  the  ear  of  Dordalus;  of  course  there  was  no  such  place  in  reality- 


Sc.  III.  THE  PERSIAN.  285 

most  parts  of  Arabia  ;  I  wish  you  to  take  charge  of  her  that 
she  may  be  sold  there;  but  he  who  makes  purcliase  of 
her,  must  buy  her  at  his  own  risk;  nobody  will  promise 
or  give  a  warranty.  Take  you  care  that  he  receives  money 
fidl  weight  and  counted.  IPay  attention  to  this,  and  give 
attention  that  the  stranger  is  attended  to.     rarewell." 

Tox.  What  then  ?  After  you  have  read  over  what  has 
been  committed  to  the  wax,  do  you  believe  me  now  ? 

Dor.  Where  now  is  this  stranger  that  brought  this  let- 
ter ?  Tox.  He'll  be  here  just  now,  I  believe ;  he  has  sent 
for  her  from  the  ship. 

Doe.  I  don't  want  any  lawsuits  or  quirks  at  all.  Why 
should  I  be  laying  out  so  much  money  at  such  a  distance  ? 
Unless  I  get  her  on  warranty,  what  need  have  I  of  this 
purchase  ? 

Tox.  Will  you,  or  will  you  not,  hold  your  tongue  ?  I  never 
did  believe  you  to  be  such  a  blockhead.  What  are  you  afraid 
off  ,  _  _ 

Doe.  I'  faith,  I  really  am  afraid ;  I've  experienced  it  now 
so  many  times,  and  it  wiU  not  befall  me  without  having 
already  experienced  it,  to  be  getting  stuck  in  such  a  quag- 
mire. 

Tox.  There  seems  to  be  no  risk. 

Doe.  I  know  that ;  but  I'm  afraid  about  myself. 

Tox.  It  matters  nothing  whatever  to  me,  so  far  as  I'm 
concerned  ;  it's  for  your  sake  I  mentioned  it,  that  I  might  at 
the  earliest  moment  give  you  an  opportunity  of  advanta- 
geously purchasing  her. 

Doe.  I  return  you  thanks  ;  bat  it's  a  nicer  thing  for  you 
to  become  wise  through  others,  than  for  others  through 
yourself. 

Tox.  Surely  no  person  can  follow  after  her  from  the  in- 
most parts  of  Arabia.  Will  you  make  purchase  of  her,  then  ? 

Doe.  Only  let  me  see  the  commodity. 

Tox.  Tou  say  what's  fair.  But  look,  most  a  propos,  the 
stranger  is  coming  himself,  who  brought  this  letter  hither. 

Doe.  {pointing  down  the  side-scene).  Is  that  he  ? 

Tox.  That's  he.  Doe.  And  is  that  the  girl  that  was 
utolen  ? 

Tox.  I  know  just  about  as  well  as  yourself,  except  that  1 


28t5  persa;  Act  IV 

have  seen  her.  Upon  my  faith,  she  certainly  is  genteel  look- 
ing, whoever  she  is. 

Doe.  Faith,  she  has  pretty  regular  features. 

Tox.  {aside).  With  what  contempt  the  hang-dog  doe» 
speak  of  her.  {To  Dobdalus.)  Let's  examine  her  beauty  in 
silence. 

Dor.  I  approve  of  your  advice.     (They  stand  aside.) 

Scene  IV. — Enter  Sagaristio  and  the  Dattghtee  of 
Satueio,  dressed  as  Peesians. 

Sag.  Doesn't  Athens  seem  to  you  a  rich  and  opulent 
place  ? 

Datj.  I've  seen  the  appearance  of  the  city ;  the  customs 
of  the  people  I've  observed  but  little  of. 

Tox.  {apart).  At  the  very  outset  has  she  forborne  to  make 
a  wise  remark. 

Doe.  {apart).  I  cannot  by  her  very  first  words  form  an 
estimate  of  her  wisdom. 

Sag.  What  as  to  that  which  you  have  seen  ?  How  doea 
the  city  seem  fortified  to  you,  with  its  wall  ? 

Datj.  If  the  inhabitants  have  good  morals,  I  think  it's  pro- 
perly fortified.  If  Perfidiousness,  and  Peculation,  and  Avarice 
are  exiled  from  the  city.  Envy  in  the  fourth  place,  Ambition 
in  the  fifth.  Scandal  in  the  sixth,  Perjury  in  the  seventh. 

Tox.  {apart).  Bravo ! 

Dau.  Idleness  in  the  eighth.  Injustice  in  the  ninth,  Immo- 
rality, which  is  the  very  worst  in  its  attack,  in  the  tenth.  If 
these  things  shall  not  be  away  from  it,  a  wall  a  hundred-fold 
were  too  little  for  preserving  its  interests. 

Tox.  {apart).  What  say  you  ?  Doe.  {apart) .  What  do  you 
mean? 

Tox.  {apart).  Tou  are  among  those  ten  companions;  you 
must  depart  in  banishment  from  here. 

Dor.  {apart).  ^Wa^  so?  Tox.  {apart).  Because  you  are 
perjured. 

Dor.  {apart).  Beally  she  has  spoken  not  without  some 
cleverness. 

Tox.  {apart).  That's  to  your  advantage,  I  say ;  you  buy 
her. 


Sc.  ly.  THE  PERSIAN.  287 

Doe.  {apart).  Upon  my  faith,  the  more  I  look  at  her,  the 
more  she  pleases  me. 

Tox.  {apart).  If  you  do  buy  her,  immortal  Gods,  no  other 
Procurer  will  be  more  wealthy  than  yourself;  at  your  will 
you'll  be  turning  people  out  of  their  estates  and  households  ; 
you'll  be  transacting  business  with  mel«  of  the  highest  rank  ; 
they'll  be  longing  for  your  favour ;  they'll  be  coming  to  make 
merry  at  your  house. 

Don.  {apart).  But  I  shan't  allow  them  to  be  admitted. 

Tox.  {apart).  But  then  at  night  they'll  be  singing^  before 
your  threshold,  and  be  burning  down  your  door  ;  do  you  at 
once  order  your  house  to  be  fastened  with  a  door  of  iron-, 
change  for  a  house  of  iron,  fix  in  thresholds  of  iron,  a  bar  of 
iron  and  a  ring  ;  if  you  don't  prove  sparing  of  the  iron,  do 
you  order  thick  fetters  of  iron  to  be  rivetted  upon  yourself. 

Dob.  {apart).  Away  to  utter  perdition  !  Tox.  {pushint/ 
him).  Go  then,  make  purchase  of  her,  and  follow  my  advice. 

Dor.  {apart).  Only  let  me  know  how  much  he  asks  for 
her. 

Tox.  {apart).  Should  you  like  me  to  call  him  here  ? 

Dor.  {apart).  I'll  go  to  him. 

Tox.  {accosting  him).  How  fare  you,  guest  ? 

Sag.  I'm  come ;  I've  brought  her  {pointing  to  the  Dam- 
sel), as  I  just  now  said  I  would.  For  yesterday  at  night  the 
ship  arrived  in  harbour :  I  want  her  to  be  sold,  if  she  can  ; 
if  she  cannot,  I  intend  to  go  away  from  here  as  soon  as  I  can. 

Dor.  Greetings  to  you,  young  man.  Sag.  If  indeed  I 
shall  dispose  of  her  at  her  own  price 

Tox.  {pointing  to  Dordaltjs).  Why,  you'll  either  sell 
her  handsomely  with  him  for  your  purchaser,  or  you  can  to 
no  one. 

Sag.  Are  you  a  friend  of  his  ?  Tox.  In  the  same  measure 
as  all  the  Divinities  who  inhabit  the  heavens. 

Dor.  Then  you  are  an  assured  enemy  to  me ;  for  to  the 
race  of  procurers  no  God  was  ever  so  kind  as  to  prove  pro- 
pitious. 

>  They'll  he  singing') — Ver.  577.  "  Occento  "  seems  to  have  a  twofold  meaning 
— "  to  sing  to  "  or  "  serenade,"  or  "  to  sing  against,"  "  to  defame  in  abusive 
songs."    Perhi^ps  the  latter  is  the  meaning  in  the  present  passage. 

*  With  a  door  of  iron) — Ver.  578.  De  I'CEuvre  suggests  that  Plautus  liert 
alludes  to  the  story  of  Jupiter  and  Danae. 


268  PERSA ;  Act  IV 

Sag.  Attend  to  the  business  in  hand.  Have  you  any 
need  to  purchase  her  ? 

Dor.  If  you  have  need  for  her  to  be  sold,  I,  too,  have  need 
to  purchase  her  ;  if  you  have  no  sudden  occasion  to  seZZ,  just 
in  the  same  degree  have  I  to  huy. 

Sag.  State  a  sum ;  name  a  price.  Dor.  The  commodity 
is  your  own  ;  it's  for  you  to  name  a  sum. 

Tox.  (to  Sagaristio).  He  asks  what's  right. 

Sag.  Do  you  wish  to  buy  at  a  bargain  ? 

Dor.  Do  you  wish  to  sell  at  a  handsome  profit  ? 

Tox.  I'  faith,  I'm  sure  that  both  of  you  would  like  to  do  so. 

Dor.  Come,  boldly  name  your  price. 

Sag.  I  tell  you  beforehand  ;  no  one  will  dispose  of  her  to 
you  on  warranty.     Do  you  so  understand  it,  then  ? 

Dor.  I  understand  it.  Declare  what's  the  lowest  price  at 
which  you'll  offer  her,  for  which  she  may  be  taken  hy  the 
purchaser. 

Tox.  Hold  your  tongue,  hold  your  tongue.  Really,  upon 
my  faith,  vou  are  a  very  simple  man,  with  your  childish  ways. 

Dor.  Why  so  ? 

Tox.  Why  because  I  wish  you  first  to  make  enquiries 
)f  the  damsel  which  relate  to  your  interest. 

Dor.  And  really,  upon  my  faith,  you've  given  me  no  bad 
advice.  Look  at  that,  will  you.  I,  an  experienced  Procurer, 
had  almost  fallen  into  the  pit,  if  you  had  not  been  here.  How 
important  a  point  it  is  to  have  a  person  your  friend  at  hand 
when  you  are  about  anything. 

Tox.  I  want  you  to  make  enquiry  of  her,  of  what  family 
or  in  what  country  she  was  born,  or  of  what  parents,  so  that 
you  mayn't  say  that  you've  bought  her  at  hazard  by  my 
persuasion  or  suggestion. 

Doe.  On  the  contrary,  I  approve  of  your  counsel,  I  tell  you. 

Tox.  (to  Sagaristio).  Unless  it's  troublesome,  he's  de- 
sirous to  make  a  few  enquiries  of  her. 

Sag.  By  all  means  ;  at  his  own  pleasure. 

Tox.  (to  DoRDALTJs).  Why  do  you  delay  ?  Go  to  him 
yourself;  and  do  you  yourself  ask  him  as  well,  that  you 
may  be  allowed  to  make  such  enquiries  as  you  please ; 
although  he  has  told  me  that  he  gives  permission  to  do 
so  of  her,  still  I  had  rather  that  you  yourself  should  go  to 
aim,  that  he  mayn't  be  holding  you  in  contempt. 


SC.  IV.  THE  PEESIAIf.  250 

Dor.  You  give  me  very  proper  advice.  (Accosting  Saoa- 
EiSTio.)  Stranger,  I  should  like  to  ask  some  questions  of 
her.     {Pointing  to  the  Young  Woman.) 

Sao.  From  earth  to  heaven,  whatever  you  like. 
Doe.  Just  bid  her  to  step  this  way  to  me. 
Sag.  {to  the  Young  Woman).  Go  you,  then,  and  humour 
him.     {To  DoEDALUS.)  Make  enquiry,  question  her,  just  as 
you  please. 

Tox.  {to  DoEDALUs).   Well,  welU,  get  on  then;   make 
your  preparations.     {Aside  to  the  Young  Woman.)    Take 
you  care  to  commence  with  a  good  omen. 
Dau.  The  auspices  are  favourable. 

Tox.  {Aside  to  the  Young  Woman).  Hold  your  tongue. 
(  To  Doedalus.)  Step  you  aside  here ;  I  will  now  conduct  her 
to  you. 

Doe.  Do  what  you  think  is  most  for  my  interest. 
Tox.  {to  the  Young   Woman,  who  advances  with  him). 
Follow  me.     {To  Doedalus.)  I've  brought  her,  if  you  are 
A'ishful  to  make  any  enquiries  of  her. 
Dor.  But  I  want  you  to  be  present. 
Tox.  I  cannot  do  otherwise  than  pay  atteiition  to  this 
stranger   {pointing  to  Sagaristio),  whom  my  master  bade 
me  shoiu  courtesy  to.  What  if  he  doesn't  choose  that  I  should 
be  present  together  with  you  ? 
Sag.  Yes,  but  do  come. 

Tox.  {to  DoRDALus).  I'll  lend  you  my  assistance,  then. 
Dob.  You're  lending  it  yourself  as  well  when  you  are 
assisting  your  friend. 

Tox.  Examine  her.  {Aside  to  the  Young  Woman.) 
Hark  you,  be  on  your  guard. 

Dau.  {aside).  Enough  has  been  said  to  me.  {Aloud.) 
Although  I  am  a  slave,  I  know  my  duty,  so  that  whatever  he 
asks  I'U  tell  the  truth  as  I  have  heard  it. 

Tox.  {pointing  to  Dordalus).  Young  woman,  this  is  an 
honorable  man.     Dau.  I  believe  you. 

Tox.  You'll  not  be  long  in  servitude  with  him. 
Dau.  I'  faith,  and  so  I  trust,  if  my  parents  do  their  duty. 
Doe.  I  do  not  wish  you  to  be  surprised,  if  we  make  en- 
quiries of  you  about  either  your  country  or  your  parents. 

^  Wdl,  weU) — Ver.  614.  In  Weise's  Edition  these  words  are  given  to  Sfiga- 
ristio,  but  they  seem  better  in  tlie  mouth  of  Toxilus. 
VOL.  II.  V 


2':0  peesa;  Act  IV. 

Daf.  Why  should  I  be  surprised  at  that,  my  dear  sir  r  My 
state  of  servitude  has  forbidden  me  to  be  surprised  at  any 
misfortune  of  my  own. 

Tox.  (aside).  May  the  Gods  confound  her!  so  cunning 
and  crafty  is  she.  She  has  got  shrewd  sense :  how  readili/ 
she  does  say  what's  needed. 

Doe.  What's  your  name  ? 

Tox.  (aside).  Now  I'm  afraid  she'll  be  tripping. 

Datt.  My  name  was  Lucris^  in  my  own  country. 

Tox.  The  name  and  the  omen  are  worth  any  price.  Why 
4on't  you  make  purchase  of  her  ?  (Aside.)  I  was  greatly 
afraid  that  she  would  be  tripping.     She  has  got  herself  free. 

Doe.  If  I  make  purchase  of  you,  I  trust  that  you'll  prove 
Lucris  to  myself  as  well. 

Tox.  If  you  do  make  purchase  of  her,  never,  on  my  word, 
do  I  think  that  she'll  remain  your  slave  throughout  the 
month. 

Doe.  And  so  indeed  I'd  hope,  i'  faith. 

Tox.  That  what  you  wish  may  come  to  pass,  employ  your 
own  energies.  (Aside.)  In  nothing  even  as  yet  has  she  made 
a  slip. 

Doe.  Where  were  you  bom  ? 

Datj.  According  to  what  my  mother  told  me,in  the  kitchen*, 
in  a  comer  on  the  left  hand. 

Tox.  (to  DoEDALUs).  This  woman  will  prove  a  lucky 
Courtesan  for  you  ;  she  has  been  bom  in  a  warm  spot,  where 
full  oft  there  is  an  abundance  of  all  good  things.  (Aside.) 
The  Procurer  was  taken  in  when  he  asked  where  she  was 
bom.     She  has  played  him  off  nicely. 

Doe.  But  I  ask  of  you,  what  is  your  country  ? 

Dau.  What  should  be  mine  but  that  where  I  now  am  ? 

Doe.  But  this  I'm  asking,  what  was  ? 

Datt.  Everything  that  was,  do  I  consider  as  nothing,  since 
it  was,  and  is  not  now.  Just  like  a  man  when  he  has  breathed 
lorth  his  spirit ;  why  enquire  of  him  who  he  was  ? 

'  Was  Lvcris) — Ver.  633.  He  is  enchanted  with  her  name  of  Lucris,  because 

It  so  closely  resembles  "  lucrum,"  "  profit "  or  "  gain." 

«  In  the  Tdtchen) — Ver.  637.  This  is  the  first  of  her  evif.icns  of  a  direct  answer 
to  Dordalus.  The  cleverness  of  all  of  them  is  admiral  Cj  and  shows  a  wish,  If 
possible,  to  save  her  conscience  in  the  awkward  position  "j:  which  she  hm  beeo 
okced  by  the  ^nttony  of  her  father. 


Sc.  IV.  THE  PEIlSIAlf.  291 

Tox.  {aside).  So  may  the  Deities  kindly  favour  me,  right 
cleverly.     And  yet  I  really  do  pity  her. 

Dor.  But  still,  young  woman,  come,  tell  me  at  once  which 
is  your  country  ?     "Why  are  you  silent  ? 

Dau.  For  my  part,  I  really  am  telling  you  my  country. 
Since  I'm  in  servitude  here,  this  is  my  country. 

Tox.  Do  cease  now  making  enquiries  about  that.  Don't 
you  see  that  she's  unwilling  to  declare,  lest  you  should  recall 
to  her  the  remembrance  of  her  misfortunes  ? 

Doe.  "What's  the  matter  ?     Is  your  father  in  captivity  ? 

Daxi.  Not  in  captivity ;  but  what  he  had,  he  has  lost. 

Tox.  She  will  prove  to  be  born  of  a  good  family ;  she 
knows  how  to  say  nothing  but  the  truth. 

Doe.  Who  was  he  ?     Tell  me  his  name  ? 

Dau.  "Why  should  I  tell  of  him,  wretched  man,  who  he 
was  ?  Por  the  present  'twere  proper  for  him  to  be  called 
Miserable,  and  me  Miserable. 

Doe.  "What  kind  of  a  person  was  he  considered  by  the 
public  ? 

Datt.  Not  a  person  more  acceptable ;  slaves  and  free 
persons  all  liked  him. 

Tox.  You  do  speak  of  a  miserable  man,  inasmuch  as  he'i 
almost  lost  himself,  and  has  lost  his  friends. 

Doe.  I  shall  purchase  her,  I  think. 

Tox.  What,  stiU  "  I  think  ?" 

Doe.  I  imagine  that  she's  of  a  noble  family. 

Tox.  You'll  make  riches  by  her. 

Doe.  May  the  Gods  grant  it  so. 

Tox.  Do  you  only  buy  her. 

Datj.  Now  this  I  tell  you :  my  father  wiU  be  here  di- 
rectly, when  he  knows  that  I've  been  sold,  and  will  ransom 
me  thus  separatedyroaw  him. 

Tox.  What  say  you  now  ?     Doe.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Tox.  Do  you  hear  what  she  says  ? 

Dau.  Eor  although  his  fortunes  are  broken,  he  still  has 
friends.     {Pretends  to  cry.) 

Doe.  Don't  weep,  please ;  you'll  soon  be  at  liberty,  if — 
you  have  sweethearts  enough^.  Would  you  like  to  belong  to 
me? 

I  Have  sweethearts  enottghy-Yer.  662.  This  is  a  somewhat  modified  transia,- 
tion  of  tlie  passage.  The  Procurer  uses  a  brutal  expression^  which  well  belita 
tm  character. 

U2 


292  PEES  a;  ActlY. 

Datj.  So  long,  indeed,  as  I  don't  belong  to  you  too  long, 
I'd  like. 

Tox.  How  well  she  does  keep  in  mind  her  liberty.  She'll 
be  producing  you  fine  hauls.  About  it,  if  you  are  about  it.  I'U 
go  back  to  him.  (2b  the  Young  Woman.)  Do  you  follow  me. 
\To  Sagaeistio.)  I've  brought  her  back  to  you. 

Doe.  Young  man,  are  you  disposed  to  sell  her  ? 

Sag.  I'd  like  it,  rather  than  lose  her. 

Doe.  Do  you  compress  it  then  into  a  few  words ;  state  the 
price  at  which  she's  ofiered. 

Sag.  I'll  do  so,  as  I  see  you  wish  it.  Take  her  for  a 
hundred  minaB. 

Doe.  That's  too  much.     Sag.  Eor  eighty. 

Doe.  That's  too  much. 

Sag.  There  can't  a  didrachm  be  abated  from  the  price 
which  I  shall  now  name. 

Doe.  What  is  it,  then  ?     Speak  out  at  once  and  name  it. 

Sag.  At  your  own  risk,  she's  offered  at  sixty  minsB. 

Doe.  Toxilus,  what  am  I  to  do  ? 

Tox.  {adde  to  Doedalus).  The  Grods  and  Goddesses  are 
pursuing  you  with  their  vengeance,  you  rogue,  for  not  making 
haste  to  purchase  her. 

Doe.  Take  them,  then. 

Tox.  Well  done,  you  have  got  a  rich  prize !  Ee  off,  and 
fetch  the  money  out  here.  On  my  faith,  she's  not  dear  at 
three  hundred  minsB. 

Sag.  Hark  you,  for  her  clothing  there'll  be  ten  minae 
added  to  this  as  well. 

Doe.  Yes,  be  deducted,  not  added. 

Tox.  Do  hold  your  tongue,  will  you ;  don't  you  see  that 
lie's  seeking  an  excuse  to  have  the  bargain  broken  ?  Why 
don't  you  be  off  and  fetch  the  money  ? 

Doe.  {to  Toxilus,  as  he  is  going).  Hark  you,  do  you  keep 
an  eye  upon  him. 

Tox.  Why  don't  you  then  go  in  ? 

Doe.  I'll  go  and  fetch  the  money.     {Ooes  into  his  home.) 

Scene  Y. —  The  Daughtee  of  Satueio,  Toxilus,  and 
Sagaeistio. 

Tox.  Upon  my  word,  young  lady,  you  have  given  us  praise- 
worthy aid,  good,  and  wise,  and  sensible. 


Sc.  yi.  THE  PEESIAiy.  293 

Datj.  If  for  good  persons  anything  good  is  vione,  the  same 
is  wont  to  be  both  important  and  pleasing. 

Tox.  Do  you  hear,  you  Persian,  when  you've  got  the 
money  of  him,  do  you  pretend  as  though  you  are  going 
straight  to  the  ship. 

Sag.  Don't  teach  me. 

Tox.  Betiike  yourself  back  again  to  our  house,  that  way 
(^pointing)  down  the  lane  through  the  garden. 

Sag.  You  are  naming  what's  intended  to  be  done. 

Tox.  But  don't  you  at  once  be  changing  your  quarters 
with  the  money,  I  recommend  you. 

Sag.  "What's  worthy  of  yourself,  do  you  take  to  be  worthy 
of  me? 

Tox.  Hold  your  tongue ;  lower  your  voice ;  the  spoil  is 
coming  out  of  doors. 

Scene  VI. — Re-enter  Dordalus,  j^row  his  house^  with  a  hag 
of  money. 

Dor.  Sixty  minae  of  assayed  silver  are  here  (^'pointing  at 
the  hag),  less  two  di drachms. 

Sag.  What's  the  meaning  of  those  didrachms  ? 

Doe.  To  pay  for  this  bag,  or  else  to  cause  it  to  come  home 
again. 

Sag.  Lest  you  mightn't  be  enough  of  a  Procurer,  did  you 
fear,  wretched,  filthy,  avaricious  creature,  that  you  might 
lose  your  bag  ? 

Tox.  Pray,  let  him  alone ;  since  he  is  a  Procurer,  he  isn't 
doing  anything  surprising. 

Dor.  I've  judged  from  omens  that  I  should  make  some 
pi-ofit  to-day ;  nothing  is  of  value  so  small  to  me,  but  that 
I  grudge  to  lose  it.  Come,  take  this,  will  you  ?  {Holds  out 
the  hag  to  Sagaristio.) 

Sag.  Place  it  around  my  neck,  if  it  is  not  too  much 
trouble. 

Dor.  Certainly,  it  shall  be  done.   (Hangs  it  round  his  neck.) 

Sag.  Is  there  anything  else  that  you  wish  with  me  ? 

Tox.  AVhy  are  you  in  such  haste  ? 

Sag.  My  business  is  of  that  nature ;  the  letters  that  have 
been  entrusted  me,  I  want  to  deliver ;  and  I've  heard  that 
my  twin-brother's  a  slave  here ;  I  wish  to  be  off  to  geek  him 
out,  and  redeem  him. 


294i  PEESA ;  Act  lY 

Tox.  And,  i'  faith,  you've  not  badly  put  me  in  mind  of  it ; 
I  think  that  I've  seen  here  one  very  like  you  in  figure,  of 
just  the  same  size. 

Sag.  AYhy,  it  must  surely  be  my  brother^. 

Dob.  But  we'd  like  to  know  what  your  name  is. 

Tox.  "What  does  it  matter  to  us  to  know  ? 

Sag-.  Listen  then,  that  you  may  know ;  my  name  is  Lyinj^- 
speakerus^,  Virgin-seller-onides,  Trifle-great-talker-ides,  Sil- 
ver-screwer-outides,  Thee-worthy-to-talk-to-ides,  "Wheedler* 
out-of-coin-ides,  What-he-has-once-got-hold-of-ides,  Never- 
again-part-with-it-ides. 

Doe.  Dear  me ;  upon  my  faith,  this  name  of  yours  is 
written  in  many  ways. 

Sag.  Such  is  the  way  with  the  Persians ;  we  have  long 
names  of  many  words  twisted  together.  Do  you  wish  for 
anything  else  ? 

Doe.  Parewell! 

Sag.  And  you  farewell ;  for  my  mind's  aboard  ship  already. 

Doe.  You'd  better  have  gone  to-morrow,  and  dined  here 
to-day.     (Sagaeistio  i^  ^omy.)     Earewell! 

{Exit  Sagaeistio. 


Scene  YII. — Toxiltjs,  Doedalus,  cmd  the  Datjghtee  of 
Satueio. 

Tox.  Since  that  fellow's  gone,  I  may  say  here  whatever 
I  please.  This  day  has  assuredly  shone  a  gainful  one  for 
you;  for  you've  not  been  buying  her,  but  making  a  clear 
profit  of  her. 

Doe.  He  indeed  quite  understands  what  he  has  been  about, 

*  Be  my  brother) — Ver.  705.  Sagaristio  is  afraid  that  Dordalus  may  remember 
having  seen  him  before  about  the  city,  and  he  artfully  preoccupies  the  ground, 
by  saying  that  he  is  searching  for  his  twin-brother,  whom  he  has  lost. 

«  Lying -speakerua) — Ver.  709.  He  here  uses  an  assemblage  of  long  worda 
made  for  the  occasion,  and  coined  out  of  Latin  and  Greek,  hashed  up  together 
which,  however,  contain  in  themselves  an  account  of  the  part  whfch  he  is  the* 
acting  to7"irds  the  Procurer.    The  lines  in  the  original  are  as  follows : 

Vaniloquidorus,  Virginisvendonides, 
Nugipolyloquides,  Argentiexterebronides, 
Tedigniloquides,  Nummorumexpalponides, 
Quodseme  arripides,  Nuuquampoateareddidfi*. 


I 


Sc.  VIII.  THE  PEESIAN.  295 

in  having  sold  me  a  stolen  woman  at  my  own  risk ;  lie  has 
got  the  money,  and  taken  himself  off.  How  do  I  know  now 
whether  she  mayn't  be  claimed  at  once  ?  Whither  am  I  to 
follow  him  ?     To  the  Persians,  nonsense. 

Tox.  I  imagined  that  my  services  would  be  a  cause  for 
thankfulness  with  you. 

Doe.  Why,  yes,  indeed,  I  do  return  you  thanks,  Toiilus, 
for  I  found  that  you  zealously  gave  me  your  assistance. 

Tox.  What,  I,  to  you  ? 

Doe.  In  seriousness,  yes.  By-the-bye,  I  forgot  just  now  t« 
give  some  directions  in-doors,  which  I  intended  to  be  given 
Do  keep  watch  on  her.    (^Pointing  to  the  Young  Woman.) 

Tox.  She's  all  safe,  for  certain  (Doedalus  goes  into  his 
house.) 

Dau.  My  father's  delaying  now. 

Tox.  What,  if  I  put  him  in  mind  ? 

Dau.  It's  full  time. 

Tox.  {going  to  the  side  of  the  stage,  and  calling  aloud). 
Hallo!  Saturio,  come  forward;  now's  the  opportunity  for 
taking  vengeance  on  the  enemy. 

Enter  Satueio. 

Sag.  See,  here  I  am.    Have  I  delayed  at  all  ? 

Tox.  Well,  ^o  you  off  there  at  a  distance  out  of  sight ; 
keep  slence.  When  you  see  me  talking  to  the  Procurer,  do 
you  then  make  a  row. 

Sat.  a  word's  enough  to  the  wise.    (He  withdraws  out  of 


Scene  YIII. — Enter  DoEDALUS,y5'07»  his  house,  with  a  whip 
in  his  hand. 

Dob.  On  coming  into  the  house,  I  lashed  them  all  with 
the  whip ;  my  house  and  furniture  are  in  such  a  dirty  state. 
Tox.  Are  you  returned  at  last  ? 
Doe.  I'm  returned. 

Tox.  Assuredly,  I  have  this  day  done  you  many  services. 
Doe.  I  confess  it ;  I  give  you  thanks. 
Tox.  Do  you  want  anything  else  with  me  ? 
Doe.  That  happiness  may  attend  you. 
Tox.  I'  faith,  aU  that  indeed  I  shall  surely  enjoy  at  home 


296  PEESA ;  Act  y. 

now ;  for  I  sliall  now  go  take  my  place  at  table  with  your 

freed-woman.     You,  when  I'm  gone 

Doe.  Why  don't  you  hold  your  tongue  ?  I  know  what  it 
is  you  want.     (Toxilus  goes  into  the  house.) 

Scene  IX. — Enter  Satueto,  in  a  seeming  rage. 

Sat.  If  I  don't  prove  the  destruction  of  that  fellow 

Doe.  I'm  undone. 

Sat.  And  most  luckily  there  he  is,  himself,  before  the  door. 

Dait.  {running  towards  him).  Most  welcome,  my  dea/r 
father.     ( She  embraces  him.) 

Sat.  Welcome,  my  child. 

Doe.  {aside).  That  Persian  has  utterly  ruined  me ! 

Dau.  {to  DoEDALTJs).  This  is  my  father. 

Doe.  Ha ! — what  ? — father  ?  I'm  utterly  undone !  Why 
then,  in  my  misery,  do  I  delay  to  bewail  my  sixty  minae  ? 

Sat.  By  my  faith,  you  scoundrel,  I'll  give  you  cause  to 
bewail  your  own  self  as  well.     Doe.  I'm  undone ! 

Sat.  Come,  walk  before  a  magistrate.  Procurer. 

Doe.  Why  do  you  summon  me  before  a  magistrate  ? 

Sat.  I'll  teU.  you  there,  before  the  Praetor.  But  before 
the  magistrate  I  summon  you. 

Doe.  Don't  you  summon^  a  witness  ? 

Sat.  What,  for  your  sake,  hangdog,  am  I  to  be  touching 
the  ear  of  any  being  that's  free — you,  who  are  here  trading 
in  persons,  free  citizens  ? 

Doe.  Let  me  but  speak Sat.  I  won't. 

Doe.  Hear  me.  Sat.  I'm  deaf.  Walk  on — follow  me 
this  way  {dragging  him),  you  villanous  mo  user  after  maidens ! 
Follow  after  me  this  way,  my  daughter,  to  the  Praetor. 

Datj.  I'll  foUow.  {Exit  Satueio,  dragging  Doedalus, 
his  J) ATJQKT^n  following.) 

Act  V. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Toxiltjs,  from  the  house. 

Tox.  {to  himself).  The  foe  subdued,  the  citizens  safe,  the 
state  in  tranquillity,  peace  fully  ratified,  the  war  finished,  our 

'  Don't  you  summon) — Ver.  753.  See  the  Notes  to  the  Curculio,  I.  621.  A 
slave,  or  a  person  of  infamous  character,  might  be  dragged  by  force,  whfu  sum- 
moned to  appear  before  the  Praetor, 


Sc.  I.  THE  PEESIAir.  297 

affairs  prospenng,  tne  army  and  tlie  garrisons  untouclied; 
xnasmuch,  Jupiter,  and  all  you  other  Deities  potent  in  the 
heavens,  you  have  kindly  aided  us,  for  that  reason  do  I  return 
and  give  you  thanks ;  because  I  have  been  fully  revenged 
upon  my  foe.  Now,  for  this  reason,  among  my  partners  will 
I  divide  and  allot  the  spoil,  (lb  the  Slaves  in  the  house ^ 
who  obey  his  orders?)  Come  out  of  doors  ;  here,  before  the 
entrance  and  the  door,  I  wish  to  entertain  my  commates 
with  hospitality.  Lay  down  the  couches  here;  place  here 
the  things  that  are  usual.  Here  am  I  determined  that  m.y 
eagle^  shall  be  first  pitched ;  from  which  spot  I'll  cause  all  to 
become  merry,  joyous,  and  delighted,  by  the  aid  of  whom 
those  things  which  I  wished  to  be  effected  have  been  ren- 
dered for  me  easy  to  be  done ;  for  worthless  is  the  man  who 
knows  how  to  receive  a  kindness,  and  knows  not  how  to 
return  it. 

Enter  Lemniselene,  Sagaristio,  and  PiEGiTiUM:,yro?»  the 


Lem.  My  Toxilus,  why  am  I  without  you  ?  And  why  are 
you  without  me  ? 

Tox.  Come  then,  my  own  one,  approach  me,  and  embrace 
me,  please.     Lem.  Indeed  I  will.     {Embraces  him.) 

Tox.  0,  nothing  is  there  more  sweet  than  this.  But, 
there's  a  dear,  apple  of  my  eye,  why  don't  we  at  once  betake 
us  to  the  couches  ? 

Lem.  Everything  that  you  wish,  the  same  do  I  desire. 

Tox.  It's  mutual.  Come,  come — come  then.  You,  Saga- 
ristio, recline  in  the  upper  place. 

Sag.  I  don't  at  all  care  for  it.  Give  me  but  equal  shares 
in  what  I've  earned.     Tox.  All  in  good  time. 

Sag.  For  me  that  "  good  time"  is  too  late. 

Tox.  Attend  to  the  matter  in  hand.  Take  your  place ; 
this  delightful  day  let's  keep  as  a  joyous  birthday  of  mine. 
(To  the  Slaves.)  Bring  water  for  our  hands ;  arrange  the 
table.  {The  Slaves  obey,  and  the  Guests  take  their  places.) 
To  you,  blooming  one  {addressing  Lemniselene),  I  give 
this  blooming  wreath.  {Places  a  garland  on  her  head.)  You 
shall  be  our  governess  here.     Come,  lad,  commence  these 

»  That  my  eagle) — Ver.  765.  He  looks  upon  himself  as  a  general  who  has  led 
his  troops  to  victory ;  and  alludes  to  the  eagles  or  standards  of  the  Roman  army, 
which  were  entrusted  to  the  Pnmii>ilas.  or  first  Centurion  of  the  Leg-on 


I 


2i/8  PERSA ;  Act  V. 

games  fro3i  the  top  -vNitli  a  round  of  seven  cups.  Bestir 
your  hands ;  make  haste.  Psegnium,  you  are  slow  in  giving 
me  the  cups ;  really,  do  give  them.  Here's  luck  to  me,  luck 
to  you,  luck  to  my  mistress,  luck  to  us  all.  This  much 
U'ished-for  day  has  been  sent  me  by  the  Grods  this  day,  inas- 
much as  I  am  allowed  to  embrace  you  a  free  woman.  (^He 
drinks.) 

Lem.  By  your  own  agency  it  was  effected.  ( Giving  him 
the  cup.)  This  cup  my  hand  presents  to  you,  as  it  becomes 
a  mistress  to  her  love. 

Tox.  Give  it  me.     Lem.  Take  it.     (  Gives  him  the  cup.) 
Tox.  Here's  luck  to  him  who  envies  me,  and  to  him  who 
rejoices  in  this  joy.     {Drinks.) 

Scene  II. — I^nter  Doedalus,  at  a  distance. 

Dor.  {to  himself).  Those  who  are,  and  those  who  shall 
be,  and  those  who  have  been,  and  those  who  are  to  be  here- 
after, all  of  them  I  singly  by  far  surpass,  in  being  the  most 
wretched  of  men  alive.  I'm  undone,  ruined  quite !  This  day 
has  shone  upon  me  the  most  unfortunate  of  days;  that 
miner  Toxilus  has  so  outmanoeuvred  me,  and  has  so  laid 
waste  my  property !  A  whole  cartload  of  silver,  to  my  mis- 
fortune, have  I  upset,  and  lost,  and  have  not  that  for  which 
I  did  upset  it.  May  all  the  Deities  utterly  confound  that 
Persian,  and  all  Persians,  and  all  persons  besides  !  in  such  a 
way  has  Toxilus,  the  wretch,  conjured  this  up  against  me. 
Because  I  didn't  trust  him  for  the  money,  for  that  reason 
has  he  contrived  this  plan  against  me, — a  fellow,  that,  by  my 
faith,  if  I  only  live,  I'll  bring  to  torture  and  the  fetters  ;  if, 
indeed,  his  master  ever  returns  here,  as  I  trust  he  will. 
{Catching  sight  of  the  Bevellers.)  But  what  its  it  I  see  ?  Do 
look  at  that.  What  play  is  this  ?  By  my  troth,  they're 
carousing  here  surely.  I'll  accost  them.  {He  goes  up  to 
them.)  O  worthy  sir  {to  Toxiltjs),  my  greetings  to  you — 
you,  too  {to  Lemniselene),  my  worthy  freed-woman. 

Tox.  Why  surely  this  is  Dordalus. 

Sag.  Invite  him,  then,  to  come. 

Tox.  {to  Dordalus).  Come  here,  if  you  like.  {Aside.) 
Come,  let's  sing  his  praises.  {Aloud.)  Dordalus,  most  de- 
lightful fellow,  welcome,  l>ere's  a  place  for  you ;  take  your 
place  here  {pointin^i  to  a  couch).     Bring  water  for  his  feet 


Sc.  II.  THE  PERSIAN.  299 

(to  the  Slaves.)  Are  you  going  to  give  it,  lad?  {Is going 
to  pat  DoEDALUS  on  the  shoulder^ 

Dor.  Don't  you,  please,  be  touching  me  with  a  single 
finger,  lest  I  should  fell  you  to  the  ground,  you  villain. 

r^G.  {holding  up  a  cup).  And  I  this  very  instant  will 
be  striking  out  your  eye  with  this  tankard. 

Dor.  What  do  you  say,  gallows^,  you  wearer-away  of  the 
whip  ?  How  have  you  imposed  upon  me^  to-day  ?  Into 
what  embarrassments  have  you  thrown  me?  How  have  I 
been  baulked  about  the  Persian  ? 

Tox.  You'll  be  off  with  your  abuse  from  here,  if  you  are 
wise. 

Doe.  {to  Lemniselene).  But,  my  worthy  freed-woman, 
you  knew  of  this,  and  concealed  it  from  me. 

Lem.  It's  folly  for  a  person  who  can  enjoy  himself  to  turn 
to  brawling  in  preference.  'Twere  more  proper  for  you  to 
arrange  about  those  matters  another  time. 

Dor.  My  heart's  in  flames. 

Tox.  Give  him  a  goblet,  then ;  put  out  the  fire,  if  his 
heart's  in  flames,  that  his  head  mayn't  be  burnt. 

Dor.  You're  making  sport  of  me,  I  find. 

Tox.  "Would  you  like^  a  new  playfellow  for  you,  Psegnium  ? 
{Pointing  at  Doedalus.)  But  sport  on  as  you  are  wont,  as 
this  is  a  place  of  freedom.  (P^gnium  struts  about  round 
DoRDALUs.)  O  rare !  you  do  stalk  in  a  princely  style  and 
right  merrily. 

P^G.  It  befits  me  to  be  merry,  and  I've  a  longing  to 
play  this  Procurer  some  pranks,  since  he's  deserving  of  it. 

Tox.  As  you  commenced,  proceed. 

P^G.  {striking  him).  Take  that.  Procurer! 

Dor.  I'm  undone  !  he  has  almost  knocked  me  down ! 

P^G.  Hey — be  on  your  guard*  again.  {Strikes  at  him.) 

^  Gallows) — Ver.  800.  "  Crux."  Literally,  "  cross ;"  in  allusion  to  it  as 
peculiarly  the  instrument  of  the  punishment  of  slaves. 

2  Imposed  upon  me) — Ver.  801.  "  Manus  adita  est."  Literally,  "  your  hanu 
was  gone  to."  This  is  probably  an  allusion  to  the  practice  of  kissing  the  hand 
in  irony  to  a  person  when  he  is  loudly  complaining  of  having  been  imposed  upon. 

3  Would  you  like) — Ver.  807.  This  passage  has  been  somewhat  modified  in 
the  Translation. 

^  Be  on  your  gtuird)— Ver.  814.  In  Weise's  Edition,  "servo,"  in  this  line, 
seems  to  be  not  so  conformable  to  the  sense  of  the  passage  as  "  serva,"  which  baji 
Deen  adopted. 


300  PEESA ;  Act  V. 

Dob.  Sport  on  just  as  you  please,  whi^  your  master's 
away  from  here. 

Pjsg.  {skipping  around  him) .  Don't  you  see  how  obedient 
I  am  to  your  request  ?  But  why,  on  the  other  hand,  are 
not  you  obedient  to  my  request  as  well,  and  why  don't  you  do 
that  which  I  advise  you  ? 

Doe.  Wbat's  that  ? 

P^G.  Do  you  take  a  stout  rope  for  yourself,  and  go  hang 
yourself. 

Doe.  (shaking  his  stick).  Take  you  care,  will  you,  that  you 
don't  touch  me,  lest  I  give  you  a  heavy  return  with  this 
walking-stick,     P^g.  Make  use  of  it ;  I  give  you  leave. 

Tox.  Come,  come,  Paegnium,  put  an  end  to  it. 

Doe.  By  my  faith,  I'll  utterly  destroy  you  all. 

Tox.  But  he,  who  dwells  above^  us,  wishes  you  all  ill,  and 
will  do  you  all  iU.     It's  not  they  that  tell  you  so,  but  I. 

Tox.  Come  (to  the  Slaves),  carry  round  the  honied 
wine^  ;  give  us  drink  in  goblets  quite  full :  it's  a  long  time 
now  since  we  last  drank ;  we've  been  athirst  too  long. 

Doe.  May  the  Gods  grant  that  you  may  drink  that  which 
may  never  pass  through  you. 

PiEG.  I  cannot  forbear.  Procurer,  from  at  least  dancing  a 
hornpipe^  for  you,  which  Hegea  formerly  composed.  But 
just  look  if  it  quite  pleases  you.  (^He  dances.) 

Sag.  (rising).  I'd  like  also  to  repeat  that  one  whicb  Dio- 
dorus  formerly  composed  in  Ionia.     (Goes  close  to  Doe- 

DALUS.) 

Doe.  I'll  be  doing  you  a  mischief,  if  you  are  not  off! 

Sag.  Still  muttering,  impudence  ?  If  you  provoke  me, 
I'U  just  now  be  bringing  you  the  Persian  again. 

Doe.  I'  faith,  I'm  silenced  now.  Why,  you  are  the  Persian 
that  has  been  fleecing  me  to  the  quick ! 

Tox.  Hold  your  tongue,  simpleton ;  this  is  his  twin- 
brother. 

•  Who  dwells  above) — Ver.  826.  He  alludes  to  Jupiter,  the  King;  of  Heaven. 

2  The  honied  wine) — Ver.  828.  He  probably  mentions  "  mulsum,"  because  that 
was  the  draught  with  which  soldiers  were  regaled  after  victory. 

3  A  hornpipe) — Ver.  831.  "  Staticulum."  This  was  probably  danced,  the 
performer  not  moving  from  the  spot ;  and  perhaps  was  sonr  ething  similar  to  our 
hornpipe -iances.  Of  Hetfea  and  Diodorus,  the  dancing  wasters,  no  recordi 
are  left. 


Sc.  II.  THE  PEHSIAN.  301 

DoiL  Is  it  lie  ?     Tox.  Aye,  and  a  very  twin  of  twins. 

Doe.  May  the  Gods  and  Goddesses  rack  both  yourself 
and  your  twin-brother. 

Sag.  Him,  you  mean,  who  has  been  ruining  you;  for  I 
don't  deserve  anything. 

Dor.  But  still,  what  he  deserves,  I  hope  that  that  may 
])rove  to  your  undoing. 

Tox.  {to  Sagaristio).  Come,  if  you  like,  let's  have  some 
sport  with  this /eZZo«7,  unless  he  isn't  deemed  worthy  of  it. 

Sag.  Just  now  it's  right. 

Lem.  {aside).  But  it  isn't  proper  for  me. 

Tox.  {aside).  For  the  reason,  I  suppose,  that  he  made  no 
difficulties  when  I  purchased  you. 

Lem.  {aside).  But  still 

Tox.  {aside).  No  "  still."  Beware,  then,  of  a  mishap, 
will  you,  and  obey  me.  It  becomes  you  to  be  heedful  of  my 
orders ;  for,  i'  faith,  had  it  not  been  for  me  and  my  protec- 
tion, he  would  before  long  have  made  a  street-walker  of  you. 
But  such  are  some  of  those  who  have  gained  their  free- 
dom, unless  they  thwart  their  patron,  they  don't  appear 
to  themselves  free  enough,  or  wise  enough,  or  honest 
enough,  unless  they  oppose  him,  unless  they  abuse  him, 
unless  they  are  found  ungrateful  to  him  who  has  been  kind. 

Lem.  (aside).  V  troth,  your  kindnesses  command  me  to 
pay  obedience  to  your  commands. 

Tox.  {aside).  I  clearly  am  your  patron,  who  paid  the 
money  for  you  to  that  man  {pointing  to  Doedalus)  ;  in  re- 
turn for  that,  I  choose  that  he  shaU  be  made  sport  of. 

Lem.  {aside).  For  my  part,  I'll  do  my  utmost. 

Dob.  For  sure,  these  persons  are  consulting  to  do  some- 
thing, I  know  not  what,  to  injure  me. 

Sag.  Hark  you.     Tox.  What  do  you  say  ? 

Sag.  Is  this  person  here,  Dordalus  the  Procurer,  who 
deals  in  free  women?  Is  this  he  who  was  formerly  sl 
stalwart  ? 

Doe.  TVhat  means  this  ?  (P^gnitjm  strikes  Mm.)  Oh, 
oh !  he  has  given  me  a  slap  in  the  face  !  I'll  do  you  a  mis- 
chief.  {Shakes  hisjlst  at  him.) 

Tox.  But  we  have  done  you  one,  and  shall  do  it  again  too. 

Doe.  (PjGGJfiUM  pinching  him).  Oh,  oh !  he's  pinching 
my  behind. 


802  PEESA.  Act  Y. 

PiEa.  Of  course ;  it  bas  been  many  a  time  twitcbed  be- 
fore tbis. 

Dob.  Are  you  still  prating,  you  bit  of  a  boy  r 

Lem.  {to  r>OBi)Ai*us).  My  patron,  do,  there's  a  dear,  come 
in-doors  to  dinner. 

Dor.  My  lump  of  laziness,  are  you  now  scof&ng  at  me  ? 

Lem.  What,  because  I  invite  you  to  enjoy  yourself  ? 

Dor.  I  don't  want  to  enjoy  myself. 

Lem.  Then  don't. 

Tox.  How  then?  The  six  hundred  didrachms,  how  are 
they  ?     What  disturbances  they  do  cause. 

Dor.  (aside).  I'm  utterly  undone !  They  understand  full 
well  how  to  return  the  compliment  to  an  enemy. 

Tox.  Have  we  now  had  satisfaction  enough  ? 

Dor.  I  confess  it ;  I  hold  up  my  hands^  to  you. 

Tox.  And,  ere  long,  you  shall  be  holding  them  beneath 
the  bilboes^.    Be  off  in-doors. 

Sag.  To  perdition ! 

Dor.  {to  the  Audiewce).  Have  ^Q^e  fellows  here  worked 
me  in  too  slight  a  degree  ?  (  Goes  into  his  house,} 

Tox.  {calling  after  him).  Keep  in  mind  that  you  met  with 
a  Toiilus.  (  To  the  Audience.)  Spectators,  kindly  fare  you 
well.     The  Procurer  is  demolished.     Grrant  us  your  applause. 

»  H(M  np  my  hands) — Ver.  860.  "  Manus  dare,"  "  to  extend  the  hands,"  waa 
a  term  applied  to  the  gladiators  in  the  Amphitheatres,  who  extended  their 
hands  for  mercy,  when  they  acknowledged  themselves  defeated. 

2  Bemath  the  bilboes) — Ver.  861.  "  Furca."  This  inatrument,  in  shape  of  the 
ktter  V,  was  placed  round  the  :ieck  of  offenders,  anL  tb«ir  bao^  tied  to  tba 


CASTNA; 


OR,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEFEATED. 


IBramatfs  ^persona?. 

SrALiifo,  an  aged  Athenian. 

Chalinus,  the  armour-bearer  of  Euthynicns,  son  cf  Staiiro 

Olympic,  bailiff  of  Stalino. 

Alcfsimus,  a  neighbour  of  Stalino. 

A  Cook. 

Male  Slaves. 

Cleostrata,  wife  of  Stalino. 
^'akdaltsca,  her  maid-servant. 
5'vRRHiXA,  wife  of  Alcesimns. 
T\v<»  Maid-sekvasts  of  Cleostrata. 


r»-— Athens  •  before  the  ,uM>iBti  o»  Staijho  and  Ahcu/mvt 


THE   SUBJECT. 


A  SERVANT,  having  obtained  from  a  woman  a  female  infant  which  was  about  tfl 
be  exposed,  brings  it  to  his  mistress,  Cleostrata,  who  brings  it  up  with  the 
greatest  care.  The  child  is  called  Casina;  and  when  she  grows  ;ir,  loth  Sta- 
hno,  the  husband,  and  Euthynicus,  the  son  of  Cleostrata,  fall  in  love  with  her. 
Cleostrata,  being  aware  of  this,  and  favouring  the  passion  of  Euthynicus,  is 
desirous  to  give  Casina  in  marriage  to  Chalinus,  his  armour-bearer,  as  a  covert 
method  of  putting  her  in  the  power  of  Euthynicus.  On  the  other  hand, 
Stalino  wishes  her  to  be  married  to  Olympio,  the  bailiff  of  his  farm,  as  a  means 
of  getting  her  into  his  own  possession.  It  is  at  last  arranged  that  the  matter 
shall  be  decided  by  lot,  which  being  drawn,  Olympio  is  the  winner.  Cleostrata 
then  resorts  to  a  stratagem  to  defeat  her  husband's  plan.  With  the  assistance  of 
Myrrhina  and  her  own  female  servants,  she  dresses  up  Chalini?  r-  represent 
Casina,  who  is  taken  by  the  bridegroom  Olympio  to  a  house  m  the  vicinity, 
which  has  been  secretly  engaged  by  Stalino.  The  Play  concludes  with  Olympio 
«nd  Stalino  rushing  out  of  the  house  in  dismay,  after  having  been  soundly 
beaten  bv  Chalinus.  Stalino  implores  pardon  of  his  wife,  which,  at  the  inter- 
cession of  Aiyrrhina,  is  granted.  It  is  then  discovered  that  Casma  is  really 
the  daughter  of  Alcesimus,  and  ttie  Audience  is  informed  that  she  ia  tc  ho 
riven  in  marriage  to  Euthynicna« 


CASIM; 
OR,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEFEATED. 


THE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 

[Supposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammarian.] 

Two  fellow-servants  seek  their  fellow-servant  (^Conservam)  as  a  wife;  the  o.cl 
man  prompts  the  one  (^AUuni),  his  son  the  other.  A  decision  by  lot  (Sor$) 
fevours  the  old  man ;  but  he  is  deceived  by  a  stratagem ;  and  so  (/to)  for 
him,  in  place  of  the  damsel,  a  rascally  (Nequani)  servant  is  substituted,  who 
thrashes  his  master  and  the  bailiff.  The  young  man  (^AdoUscens)  marries 
Casina,  when  known  to  be  a  citizen. 


THE  PEOLOaUEi. 

I  BID  you,  most  worthy  Spectators,  welcome;  who  most 
highly  esteem  the  Goddess  Faith^,  and  Eaith  esteems  you. 
If  I  have  said  the  truth,  then  give  me  loud  applause,  that 
even  now,  from  the  very  beginning  forward,  I  may  know 
that  you  are  favourably  disposed  towards  me.  Those  who 
make  use  of  aged  wine,  I  deem  to  be  wise ;  and  those  as 
well,  who,  through  choice,  are  the  spectators  of  ancient  Plays. 
Since  antique  works  and  words  are  pleasing  to  you,  'tis  just 
that  ancient  Plays  should  in  preference  please  you ;  for  the 
new  Comedies  which  come  out  now-a-days  are  much  more 
worthless  than  the  new-coined  money^.     "We,  since  we  have 

*  The  Prologue)  This  Prologue  appears  to  have  been  written  many  years, 
after  the  death  of  the  author,  and  indeed  bears  internal  marks  of  having  been  com- 
posed at  a  period  nearer  to  the  Augustan  age  than  the  time  of  Plautus.  Judging, 
however,  from  the  fourteenth  hne,  there  were,  at  the  time  when  it  was  written, 
some  persons  still  surviving  who  had  been  present  at  the  original  representation 
of  the  Play. 

«  Faith)— Yer.  2.  She  was  worshipped  under  the  name  of  Fides.  Further 
reference  is  made  to  her  in  the  Aulularia,  where  her  Temple  is  represented. 

'  The  new-coined  money) — Ver.  10.  He  seems  to  refer  to  the  circulation  of 
«ome  coin  of  a  base  or  alloyed  character,  probably  much  to  the  annoyance  of  tbe 
public. 

VOL.  II.  X 


300  CASINA ; 

heard  the  report  in  public,  that  you  ardently  wish  for  the  Playo 
of  Plautus,  have  brought  forward  this  ancient  Comedy  of  his^ 
which  you,  who  are  among  the  older  ones,  \i2lyq  formerly  ap- 
proved. But  I  am  aware  that  those  who  are  among  the  younger 
3nes  are  not  acquainted  with  it ;  still,  that  they  may  make  ac- 
quaintance with  it,  we  will  carefully  use  our  best  endeavours. 
When  this  was  first  represented,  it  surpassed  all  other  Plays. 
In  those  days  there  was  the  very  elite  of  the  poets,  who  have 
now  departed  hence  to  the  place  common  to  all.  But  though 
departed,  yet  do  they  prove  of  advantage  to  those  who  are  still 
existing.  All  of  you,  with  the  greatest  earnestness,  I  would 
have  entreated  that  you'll  kindly  lend  attention  to  this  our  com- 
pany. Dismiss  from  your  thoughts  cares  and  monies  due ; 
let  no  man  stand  in  dread  of  his  duns.  'Tis  a  holiday  this — 
to  the  bankers  a  holiday  has  been  given.  "Tis  now  a  calm  ; 
about  the  Torum  these  are  Halcyon  days^.  Beasonably  do 
they  act :  during  the  games^  they  ask  no  man /or  money  ;  but 
during  the  games  to  no  one  do  they  pay.  If  your  ears  are 
disengaged,  give  me  your  attention  ;  I  wish  to  mention  to  you 
the  name  of  the  Play.  "  Clerumense^"  this  Comedy  is  called 
in  Greek ;  in  Latin,  "  Sortientes."  Diphilus  wrote  it  in 
Greek,  and  after  that,  over  again,  Plautus  with  the  barking 
name*  in  Latin  afresh.      {Pointiny  to  the  house  of  Staliko.) 

-  Halcyon  days) — Ver.  26.  *'  Alcedonia,"  "  days  of  calm."  This  flexure  is  de- 
rived from  the  circumstance  that  by  the  ancients  the  sea  was  supposed  to  be 
always  calm  when  the  female  kinp^sher  (alcedo)  was  sitting;  and  the  saying 
became  proverbial.  Ovi>l,  in  the  Metamorphoses,  B.  11,  speaking  of  Ceyx  and 
Halcyon,  who  were  changed  into  kingfishers,  says,  1.  744  et  seq.^  "  Nor,  when 
now  birds,  is  the  conjugal  tie  dissolved;  they  couple  and  they  become  parents; 
and  for  seven  calm  days,  in  the  winter-time,  does  Halcyone  brood  upon  her  nest, 
floating  on  the  sea.  Then  the  passage  of  the  deep  is  safe;  iEolus  keeps  the 
winds  in,  and  restrains  them  from  sallying  forth,  and  secures  a  smooth  sea  for 
his  descendants." 

2  During  the  games) — Ver.  27.  The  public  games,  or  shows,  at  Rome,  were 
represented  on  days  that  were  "  nefasti,"  when  no  law-suits  were  carried  on,  and 
no  person  was  allowed  to  be  arrested  for  debt. 

3  Clerumence) — Ver.  31.  The  Greek  word  KKrjpovfifPoi,  the  "  lot- drawers." 
This  passage  is  considered  by  some  Commentators  to  prove  that  the  Greek 
01  was  pronounced  like  the  Latin  "  ae." 

*  With  the  barking  name) — Ver.  34.  It  is  not  fully  ascertained  whether  the 
'barking  name"  alludes  to  that  of  Plautus  or  of  Casina;  the  former  is,  most 
piobably,  the  case.  Indeed,  Festus  tells  us  that  "  plautus"  actually  was  the  nama 
of  a  species  of  dog  with  long,  loose  ears,  which  buug  down.    Some  Commenta* 


OR,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEFEATED.  307 

An  old  married  man  is  living  here ;  lie  has  a  son ;  he,  with  his 
father,  is  dwelling  in  this  house.  He  has  a  certain  slave,  who 
with  disease  is  confined — aye,  faith,  to  his  bed,  he  really  i*, 
that  I  may  tell  no  lie.  But  sixteen  years  ago,  it  happened 
that  on  a  time  this  servant,  at  early  dawn,  beheld  a  female 
child  being  exposed.  He  went  at  once  to  the  woman  who 
was  exposing  it,  and  begged  her  to  give  it  to  himself.  He 
gained  his  request :  he  took  it  away,  and  carried  it  straight 
home.  He  gave  it  to  his  mistress,  and  entreated  her  to 
take  care  of  it,  and  bring  it  up.  His  mistress  did  so  ;  with 
great  care  she  brought  it  up,  as  though  it  had  been  her 
own  daughter,  not  much  different.  Since  then  she  has  grown 
up  to  that  age  to  be  able  to  prove  an  attraction  to  the  men ; 
but  this  old  gentleman  loves  this  girl  distractedly,  and, 
on  the  other  hand,  so  does  his  son  as  well.  Each  of  them 
now,  on  eitlier  side,  is  preparing  his  legions,  both  father 
and  son,  each  unknown  to  the  other.  The  father  has  de- 
puted his  bailiff  to  ask  her  as  his  wife;  he  hopes  that,  if 
she's  given  to  him,  an  attraction  out  of  doors  will  be,  un- 
known to  his  wife,  provided  for  him.  But  the  son  has  de- 
puted his  armour-bearer  to  ask  her  for  himself  as  a  wife.  He 
knows  that  if  he  gains  that  request,  there  will  be  an  object 
for  him  to  love,  within  his  abode.  The  wife  of  the  old  gen- 
tleman has  found  out  that  he  is  gratifying  his  amorousness ; 
for  that  reason,  she  is  making  common  cause  together  with 
her  son.  But  this  father,  when  he  found  out  that  his  son  was 
in  love  with  this  same  woman^  and  was  a  hindrance  to  him, 
sent  the  young  man  hence  upon  business  abroad.  His  mo- 
ther, understanding  this,  still  lends  him,  though  absent,  her 
assistance.  Don't  you  expect  it;  he  will  not,  in  this  Play, 
to-day,  return  to  the  city.  Plautus  did  not  choose  it:  he 
broke  down  the  bridge  that  lay  before  him  in  the  way. 
There  are  some  here,  who,  I  fancy,  are  now  saying  among 
themselves,  "  Prithee,  what  means  this,  i'  faith  ? — the  mar- 
riage of  a  slave^  ?   Are  slaves  to  be  marrying  wives,  or  asking 

tors  reject  this  explanation,  and  think  that  the  "  an  "  in  "  Plantus "  suggested 
the  notion,  from  its  resemblance  to  the  baying  of  a  dog.  This  is,  however,  veir 
problematical. 

1  Marriage  of  a  slave) — Ver.  68.  The  ingenious  Rnst  suggests  this  explanation 
ef  the  passage:  The  slaves  at  Rome  were  not  allowed  to  contract  marriagea 
wtween  themselves,  or  what  was  in  legal  terms  called  '*  matrimonium."    They 

x2 


308  CASiTf  A ; 

them  for  themselves  ?  They've  introduced  something  new — 
a  thing  that's  done  nowhere  in  the  world."  But  I  affirm  that 
this  is  done  in  Greece^,  and  at  Carthage,  and  here  in  our  own 
country,  and  in  the  Apulian  country ;  and  that  the  marriages 
of  slaves  are  wont  to  be  solemnized  there  with  more  fuss  than 
even  those  of  free  persons.  If  this  is  not  the  fact,  if  any  one 
pleases,  let  him  bet  with  me  a  stake  towards  a  jug  of  honied 
wine^,  so  long  as  a  Carthaginian  is  the  umpire  in  my  cause, 
or  a  Grreek  in  fact,  or  an  Apulian.  {A  pause.)  What  now  ? 
You  don't  take  it  ?  No  one's  thirsty,  I  find.  I'll  return  to 
that  foundling  girl,  whom  the  two  slaves  are,  with  all  their 
might,  contending  for  as  a  wife.  She'll  be  found  to  be  both 
chaste  and  free,  of  freeborn  parents,  an  Athenian  girl,  and 
assuredly  of  no  immodesty  at  all  will  she  be  guilty^  in  tliis 
Comedy  at  least.  But  i'  faith,  for  sure,  directly  afterwards, 
when  the  Play  is  over,  if  any  one  offers  the  money,  as  I 
guess,  she'll  readily  enter  into  matrimony  with  him,  and  not 
wait  for  good  omens.  Thus  much  I  have  to  say.  Farewell ; 
be  prosperous  in  your  affairs,  and  conquer  by  true  valour,  as 
hitherto  you've  done*. 

were,  however,  permitted  to  live  together  in  "  contubemiom,"  or  what  was  in 
common  parlance  called  "quasi  matrimonium."  This  he  supposes  to  have  in 
time  come  to  be  styled,  in  common  parlance,  "matrimonium"  by  the  lower 
classes,  and  consequently  to  have  given  great  offence  to  some  martinets,  who 
insisted  on  giving,  on  all  occasions,  the  strict  legal  term  to  the  unions  of  slaves. 
He  therefore  excuses  this  shock  to  their  feelings,  by  pleading  the  example  of  the 
Greeks,  Carthaginians,  and  Apulians. 

1  Dwie  in  Greece)— Ver.  71.  Rost  remarks, that  in  reality,  "matrimonium," 
or  "  marriage,"  in  the  strict  legal  sense,  was  no  more  permitted  by  the  Greeks  to 
their  slaves  than  it  was  by  the  Romans.  He  is  of  opinion,  however,  that  Plautus 
here  refers  to  the  superior  humanity  and  kindliness  of  the  Greeks,  wlio  did  not 
object  to  call  the  union  of  slaves  by  the  name  of  marriage,  in  common  parlance, 
although  those  unfortunate  persons  were  denied  all  the  immunities  of  married 
people.  As  to  the  usage  among  the  Carthaginians  and  Apulians,  with  relation 
to  the  intermarriages  of  slaves,  no  account  has  come  down  to  us. 

2  Jug  of  lionied  wine) — Ver.  75.  As  he  only  ventures  to  wager  a  jug  of 
"  mulsum  "  on  his  correctness,  it  is  not  improbable  that  the  speaker  of  the  Pro- 
logue is  not  very  careful  in  what  he  asserts  as  to  the  customs  of  other  nations. 

3  Will  she  he  guilty) — Ver.  83.  Warner  thinks  that  these  words  imply  that  i) 
the  Greek  Comedy,  from  which  the  present  one  was  taken,  Casma  was  introduceij 
ou  the  stage,  and  represented  as  acting  immodestly. 

^Hitherto  you've  done) — Ver.  88.  The  conclusion  of  this  Play  is  limiiar  to 
that  of  the  Cistellaiia. 


Act  I.  OR,  THE  STIIATAGEM  DEFEATED.  309 

Act  p. — Scene  I. 
Unter  Olympic,  Ckkli^u^  following  him, 

Ol.  Isn't  it  to  be  allowed  me  for  myself  to  speak  and 
think  about  my  own  affairs  by  myself,  just  as  I  choose,  with- 
out you  as  an  overlooker  ?  Why  the  plague  are  you  fol- 
lowing me  about  ? 

Cha.  Because  I'm  resolved,  just  like  your  shadow,  wher- 
ever you  go,  to  follow  you  about.  Why  troth,  even  if  you  are 
ready  to  go  to  the  cross,  I'm  determined  to  follow  you.  Hence 
judge  of  the  sequel,  whether  you  can  or  not,  by  your  arti- 
fices, slily  deprive  me  of  Casina  for  a  wife,  just  as  you  are 
attempting. 

Ol.  What  business  have  you  with  me  ?  Cha.  What  say 
you,  impudence  ?  Why  are  you  creeping  about  in  the  city, 
you  bailiff"  2^  so  very  valuable  in  this  place  ? 

Ol.  Because  I  choose.  Cha.  But  why  ain't  you  in  the 
country,  at  your  post  of  command  ?  Why  don't  you  rather 
pay  attention  to  the  business  that  has  been  entrusted  to  you, 
and  keep  yourself  from  meddling  in  city  matters  ?  Have 
you  come  hither  to  deprive  me  of  my  betrothed  ?  Be  off 
to  the  country — be  off"  to  your  place  of  command,  and  be 
hanged  to  you. 

Ol.  Chalinus,  I  have  not  forgotten  my  duty.  I've  given 
charge  to  one  who  will  still  take  care  that  all's  right  in  the 
country.  When  I've  got  that  for  which  I  came  hither  to 
the  city,  to  take  her  as  my  wife  whom  you  are  dying  for 
— the  fair  and  charming  Casina,  your  fellow-servant — ^when 

»  Act  I.) — This  Play  is  named  after  Casina,  the  female  slave;  and  it  is  ratlier 
singular  that  neither  she  nor  Euthyuicus,  two  of  the  parties  most  interested, 
appear  as  characters  in  it. 

2  You  bcdliff) — Ver.  98.  The  "  villicus "  was  an  upper  slave,  who  had  the 
management  of  the  country  farm,  and  all  the  business  on  it,  except  that  relative 
to  the  cattle.  His  duty  was  to  watch  over  the  other  slaves ;  never  to  leave  the 
farm  but  for  the  purpose  of  going  to  market ;  to  take  care  of  the  implements  of 
husbandry,  keep  an  account  of  the  stock,  distribute  food  and  clothing  to  the  la- 
bourers, perform  the  sacrifices,  buy  what  was  necessary  for  tJie  household,  and  sell 
the  produce  of  the  farm.  Cato  says  that  it  was  especially  a  part  of  his  duty  to 
avoid  Soothsayers.  Of  course  he  would  be  of  more  use  in  the  country  than  is 
town. 


310  CASIKA ;  Act  1. 

I've  carried  lier  off  witK  myself  into  the  country  as  my  wiie, 
I'll  then  stick  fast  in  the  country,  at  my  post  of  command. 

Cha.  What,  you  marry  her  ?  By  my  faith,  'twere  better 
I  should  die  by  a  halter,  than  that  you  should  be  the  winner 
of  her. 

Ol.  She's  mv  prize ;  do  you  put  yourself  in  a  halter  at 
once.  Cha.  Fellow,  dug  up  from  your  own  dunghill,  is 
she  to  be  your  prize  ? 

Ol.  You'll  find  that  such  is  the  fact.  Woe  be  unto  you !  in 
what  a  many  ways,  if  I  only  Hve,  I'U  have  you  tormented  at 
my  wedding ! 

Cha.  What  wiU  you  do  to  me  ? 

Ol.  What  will  I  do  to  you  ?  In  the  first  place  of  all, 
you  shall  hold  the  lighted  torch  for  this  new-made  bride  of 
mine ;  that  always,  in  future,  you  maybe  worthless^, and  not 
esteemed.  Then  next  after  that,  when  you  get  to  the  country- 
house,  a  single  pitcher^  shall  be  found  you,  and  a  single  path, 
a  single  spring,  a  single  brass  cauldron,  and  eight  casks ; 
and  unless  these  shall  be  always  kept  filled,  I'll  load  you 
with  lashes.  I'll  make  you  so  thoroughly  bent  with  carry- 
ing water,  that  a  horse's  crupper  might  be  manufactured  out 
of  you.  And  then,  in  future,  unless  in  the  country  you 
either  feed  on  pulse,  or,  like  a  worm,  upon  the  soil,  should  you 
require  to  taste  of  any  hetter  food,  never,  upon  my  faith,  is 
hunger  as  full  of  hungriness  as  I'U  make  you  to  be  in  the 
country.  After  that,  when  you're  tired  out,  and  starved 
with  famine,  care  shall  be  taken  that,  at  night,  you  go  to  bed 
as  you  deserve. 

Cha.  What  will  you  do  ? 

Ol.  Ton  shall  be  shut  up  fast  in  a  nook  with  bars,  where 
you  can  listen  while  I'm  caressing  her,  while  she  is  say- 
ing to  me,  "  My  soul,  my  own  Olympio,  my  life,  my  sweet, 

•  May  he  worthless) — Ver.  118.  It  has  been  suggested  by  Muretus  that  this 
refers  to  some  superstition  among  the  ancients,  that  those  who  had  carried  a  torch 
before  the  bride  at  a  wedding  were  doomed  to  be  unlucky  in  future  life ;  perhaps, 
however,  there  is  no  ground  for  this  supposition,  beyond  the  present  passage  ;  as  it 
is  not  likely  that  they  would  have  found  any  free  persons  to  undertake  the  duty 
of  torchbearer,  if  they  were  to  be  afterwards  considered  as  of  such  ominous 
character. 

2  A  single  pitcher) — Ver.  121.  To  be  "  drawers  of  water,"  as  well  as  "hewers 
of  woffu,"  waa  the  lot  of  the  unfortunate  slave,  from  the  earliest  age»  if  ~-ht 
world. 


Act  II.  OB,  THE  STEATi.GEM  DEFEATED.  311 

my  deliglit,  do  let  me  kiss  your  dear  eyes,  my  love  !  do,  there' a 
a  dear,  let  yourself  be  loved !  my  own  day  of  happiness,  my 
sparrow-chick,  my  own  dove,  my  leveret!"  When  these 
expressions  shall  be  being  uttered  to  me,  then  will  you,  you 
villain,  be  wriggling  about  like  a  mouse  in  the  middle  of  the 
wall.  Now,  that  you  mayn't  be  trying  to  give  me  an  an- 
swer, I'U  off  in-doors  ;  I'm  tired  of  your  talk.  (^Qoes  into 
the  home  q/*  Staling.) 

Cha.  I'll  follow  you.  Here,  indeed,  on  my  word,  assu- 
redly you  shall  do  nothing  without  me  for  an  overlooker. 
{Follows  him  into  the  house^ 

Act  II. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Cleosteata  and  Paedalisca,^ow  the  house  of 
Staling. 

Cle.  {at  the  door,  to  the  Servants,  tcithin).  Seal  fast  the 
store-rooms^,  bring  back  the  signet  to  me.  I'm  going  here 
to  my  next  door  neighbour ;  if  my  husband  wants  me  for 
anything,  take  care  and  send  for  me  thence. 

Pae.  The  old  gentleman  ordered  a  breakfast  to  be  got  ready 
for  him  to-day. 

Cle.  Tut !  Hold  your  tongue,  and  be  off.  (Pardalisca 
goes  into  the  house.)  I  don't  prepare  it,  and  it  shan't  be 
cooked ;  since  he  sets  himself  against  myself  and  his  son,  for 
the  sake  of  his  passion  and  his  appetite.  A  disgraceful  fellow 
that !  I'll  punish  this  lover  with  himger,  I'll  punish  him  with 
thirst,  with  abuse,  with  hardships.  By  my  faith,  I'll  tho- 
roughly worry  him  with  disagreable  speeches  ;  I'll  make  him  to 
pass  a  life  in  future  just  as  he  deserves—;/?^  food  for  Acheron, 
a  hunter  after  iniquity,  a  stable  of  infamy !  Now  I'll  away 
hence  to  my  neighbours,  to  lament  my  lot.  But  the  door 
makes  a  noise ;  and  see,  she's  coming  out  of  doors  herself. 
On  my  word,  I've  not  started  for  my  call  at  a  convenient 
time. 

^  Seal  fast  the  store-rooms) — Ver.  144.  This  passage  bears  reference  to  the 
•.omrnon  practice  of  the  ancients,  who  were  in  the  habit  of  sealing  boxes  and  cnp- 
bOiirds  with  the  impression  of  their  signets,  stamped  on  wax.  So  in  St.  Matthew, 
xxvii ,  66 :  "So  they  went  and  made  the  sepulchre  sure,  sealing  the  stone,  and 
setting  a  watch;"  and  in  Daniel,  vL,  17:  "A  stone  was  brought,  and  laid  upon 
the  mouth  of  the  den ;  and  the  king  sealed  it  with  his  own  signet,  and  with  th« 
R^net  of  his  lords." 


812  CASINA ;  Act  IT. 

Scene  II. — Enter 'Myb.b.kiisa,  from  the  house  o/*Alcesimus. 

Mtrr.  (to  her  Sertants,  at  the  door).  Follow  me,  my 
attendants^,  here  next  door.  You  there!  Does  any  one 
hear  this  that  I  say  ?  I  shall  be  here,  if  my  husband  or  any 
person  shall  seek  me.  Did  I  order  my  distaff  to  be  taken 
there  ?  For  when  I'm  at  home  alone,  (bowsiness  takes  eifect 
iipon^  my  hand. 

Cle.  Myrrhina,  good  morrow.  Mtee.  Grood  morrow,  my 
dear  Cleostrata.     But,  prithee,  why  are  you  sad  ? 

Cle.  So  all  are  wont  to  be  who  are  unjfortunately  married ; 
at  home  and  abroad,  there's  always  enough  to  make  them 
sad.     But  I  was  going  to  your  house. 

Myeb.  And,  troth,  I  was  coming  here  to  yours.  But  what 
is  it  that  now  distresses  your  mind  ?  For  the  thing  that 
distresses  you,  that  same  is  a  trouble  to  me. 

Cle.  On  my  word,  I  do  believe  you.  For  with  good 
reason  no  female  neighbour  of  mine  do  I  love  better  than 
yourself,  nor  any  one  with  whom  I  have  more  ties  of  in- 
timacy^ to  afford  me  pleasure. 

Mtre.  I  thank  you  kindly,  and  I  long  to  know  what 
this  is. 

Cle.  My  husband  has  put  slights  upon  me  in  a  most 
unworthy  manner. 

Myee.  Hah!  What  is  it?  Prithee,  repeat  that  same 
again  ;  for,  on  my  word,  I  don't  in  my  mind  sufficiently  com- 
prehend your  complaints. 

Cle.  My  husband  has  put  slights  upon  me  in  a  most  un- 
worthy manner,  and  I  have  not  the  advantage  of  enjoying 
my  own  rights. 

Myee.  'Tis  surprising,  if  you  say  the  truth ;  for  husbands 
can  scarce  obtain  from  their  wives  what's  their  own  right. 

Cle.  Why,  against  my  will,  he  demands  a  female  servant 
of  me,  who  belongs  to  myself,  and  was  brought  up  at  my 
own  expense,  for  him  to  give  to  his  bailiff.  But  he  is  in  love 
with  her  himself. 

Myee.  Pray,  do  hold  your  tongue.  Cle.  {loohing  round). 
But  here  we  may  speak  at  present ;  we  are  alone 

'  My  attendants) — Ver.  160.  It  was  considered  unbecoming  for  women  ot  rank 
and  character  to  appear  abroad  without  their  attendants. 
'  Takes  effect  vi>o»)— Ver.  164.    "Calvitur"  Literally,  "baulks"  or     au» 


Sc.  III.       OE,  THE  STEATAQEM  DEFEATED  313 

Mtee.  It  is  SO.  Eut  whence  did  you  get  ber  ?  I'or  a 
good  wife  ought  to  have  no  property  unknown  to  her  hus- 
band ;  and  she  who  has  got  any,  it  is  not  to  her  credit,  for 
she  must  either  have  purloined  it  from  her  husband,  or  ob- 
tained it  by  unfaithfulness.  "Whatever  is  your  own,  aU  that 
I  take  to  be  your  husband's. 

Cle.  Surely,  you're  saying  aU  this  out  of  opposition  to 
your  friend. 

Mtee.  Do  hold  your  tongue,  will  you,  simpleton,  and  at- 
tend to  me.  Do  you  forbear  to  oppose  him,  wiU  you.  Let 
him  love  on ;  that  which  he  chooses  let  him  do,  so  long  as 
nothing's  denied  you  at  home. 

Cle.  Are  you  quite  in  your  senses  ?  For  really,  you  are 
Baying  these  things  against  your  own  interest. 

Myee.  Silly  creature,  do  you  always  take  care  and  be  on 
guard  against  this  expression  from  your  husband 

Cle.  What  expression  ? 

Myre.  "  Woman !  out  of  doors  with  you^ !" 

Cle.  {in  a  low  voice).  'St!  be  quiet. 

Myee.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Cle.  Hush!     {Looks  in  a  particular  direction.) 

Myee.  Who  is  it  that  you  see  ? 

Cle.  Why  look,  my  husband's  coming;  go  you  in-doors. 
Make  all  haste ;  be  oif,  there's  a  dear. 

Myee.  You  easily  prevail ;  I'm  off. 

Cle.  At  a  future  time,  when  you  and  I  shall  have  more 
.eisure,  then  I'll  talk  to  you.     For  the  present,  adieu ! 

Myee.  Adieu!  {Goes  into  her  house.  Cleosteata  «^awc?« 
aside.) 

ScEKE  III. — Enter  Staling. 
Sta.  (^0  himself) .  I  do  believe  that  love  excels  all  tilings 
and  delights  that  are  exquisite.  It  is  not  possible  for  anything 
to  be  mentioned,  that  has  more  relish  and  more  that's  deli- 
cious in  it.  Really,  I  do  much  wonder  at  the  cooks,  who 
employ  sauces  so  many,  that  they  don't  employ  this  one 
seasoning,  which  excels  them  all.  For  where  love  shall  be  the 
seasoning,  that  I  do  believe  will  please  every  one;  nor  can  there 
be  anything  relishing  or  sweet,  where  love  is  not  mixed  with  it. 

>  Woman!  out  of  doors  with  you) — Ver.  196.  "  I  foras,  mulier."  This  was  the 
<0chcicai  fom  used  oq  occasioo^  of  divorce  or  sei^aration.  • 


314  CAS  IN  A  ;  Act  II. 

The  gaU  wliicli  is  bitter,  that  same  it  will  make  into  honey ; 
a  man  from  morose  into  one  cheerful  and  pleasant.  This 
conjecture  do  I  form  rather  from  myself  at  home  than  froip 
anything  I've  heard ;  who,  since  I've  been  in  love  with  Casina, 
more  than  in  my  young  days  have  excelled  Neatness  herself  in 
neatness  ;  I  give  employment  to  all  the  perfumers ;  wherever 
an  unguent  is  excellent,  I  perfume  myself,  that  I  may  please 
her.  And  I  do  please  her,  as  I  think.  But  inasmuch  as  she 
keeps  living  on,  my  wife's  a  torment.  (^Catches  sight  of  his 
Wife,  andspeahsin  a  low  voice.)  I  espy  her  standing  there  in 
gloominess.  This  plaguy  baggage  must  be  addressed  by  me 
with  civility.  {Going  towards  her.)  My  own  wife  and  mj 
delight,  what  are  you  about  ?     (Takes  hold  of  her.) 

Cle.  (shaking  him  off).  Gret  you  gone,  and  keep  your 
hand  off! 

Sta.  O  fie !  my  Juno.  Tou  shouldn't  be  so  cross  to  vour 
own  Jupiter.     Where  art  come  now  ? 

Cle.  Let  me  alone.     {Moves  as  if  going?) 

Sta.  Do  stay.      Cle.  {still  going).  I  shan't  stay. 

Sta.  I'  troth,  then  I'll  follow  you.     {Follows  her.) 

Cle.  {turning  round).  Prithee,  are  you  in  your  senses? 

Sta.  In  my  senses,  inasmuch  as  I  love  you. 

Cle.  I  don't  want  you  to  love  me. 

Sta.  You  can't  have  your  way  there. 

Cle.  Tou  plague  me  to  death. 

Sta.  I  onlg  ^^^sh  you  spoke  the  truth. 

Cle.  There  I  believe  you.    {Moves  on.) 

Sta.  Do  look  back,  O  my  sweet  one. 

Cle.  About  as  much,  I  suppose,  as  you  are  to  me. 
Whence  is  this  strong  smell  of  perfumes,  prithee  ? 

Sta.  {aside).  O  dear,  I'm  undone  ;  to  my  misfortune,  I'm 
caught  in  the  i'^ct.  Why  delay  to  rub  it  off  my  head  witli 
my  cloak  ?  {Rubs  his  head  with  his  cloak.)  May  good  Mercury^ 
confound  you,  you  perfumer,  who  provided  me  with  this. 

Cle.  How  now,  you  worthless  grey  gnat^ !  I  can  hardly 
restrain  myself  from  saying  what  you  deserve.  In  your 
old  age,  good-for-nothing,  are  you  walking  along  the  streets 
reeking  with  perfumes  ? 

»  May  good  Mercury) — Ver.  224.  He  probably  mentions  Mercury,  as  being  th« 
tutelary  Divinity  of  tradesmen. 
*  Worihlegg  ffrey  gnat) — ^Ver.  225.  Being  both  troublesome  and  insignificant 


Sc.  III.  OR,  THE  STEATAGEM  DEFEATED.  315 

Sta.  I'  faith,  I  lent  my  company  to  a  certain  friend  oj 
miney  while  he  was  purchasing  some  perfumes. 

Cle.  How  readily  he  did  trump  that  up.  Are  you 
ashamed  of  anything  ? 

Sta.  Of  everything  that  you  like. 

Cle.  In  what  dens  of  iniquity  have  you  been  lying  ? 

Sta.  (with  an  air  of  surprise).  I,  in  dens  of  iniquity  ? 

Cle.  I  know  more  than  you  think  I  do. 

Sta.  "What  is  it  that  you  know  ? 

Cle.  That  not  one  among  all  the  old  men  is  more  worth- 
less tlian  yourself,  an  old  man.  Whence  come  you,  good- 
for-nothing  ?  Where  have  you  been  ?  In  what  den  amusing 
yourself?  Where  have  you  been  drinking  ?  You  are  come, 
on  my  word ;  look  at  his  cloak,  how  it's  creased.  {Points  at  it.) 

Sta.  May  the  Gods  confound  both  me  and  yourself,  if  I 
this  day  have  put  a  drop  of  wine  hkto  my  mouth. 

Cle.  Very  well  then ;  just  as  you  like :  drink,  eat,  and 
squander  away  your  property ! 

Sta.  Hold,  wife ;  there's  now  enough  of  it ;  you  din  me  too 
much.  Do  leave  a  little  of  your  talk,  that  you  may  wrangle 
with  me  to-morrow.  But  what  say  you?  Have  you  by  this 
time  subdued  your  temper,  so  as  to  do  that  in  preference 
which  your  husband  wishes  to  be  done,  rather  than  strive 
against  liim  ? 

Cle.  About  what  matter  are  you  speahing  ? 

Sta.  Do  you  ask  me  ?  About  the  handmaid  Casina — that 
she  may  be  given  in  marriage  to  our  bailiff,  an  honest  ser- 
vant, where  she'll  be  well  off,  in  wood,  warm  water,  food, 
and  clothing,  and  where  she  may  properly  bring  up  the 
children  which  she  may  have,  in  preference  to  that  rascally 
servant  of  an  armour-bearer^,  a  good-for-nothing  and  dis- 
honest, a  fellow  that  hasn't  this  day  a  leaden  dump  of  money 
his  own. 

Cle.  Upon  my  faith,  I  am  surprised  that  in  your  old  age 
you  do  not  remember  your  duty. 

Sta.  How  so  ?  Cle.  Because  if  you  were  to  act  rightly 
or  becomingly,  you'd  let  me  manage  the  maid-servants, 
which  is  my  own  province. 

*  An  armour-bearer) — ^Ver.  241.  The  "armiger"  was  a  genera]  "camp- 
servant,"  who  was  ready  to  hold  the  arms,  pitch  the  tent,  or  run  on  the  messagai 
oi  his  n»aster. 


316  cASiNA ;  Act  IL 

Sta.  Why  the  plague  do  you  wish  to  give  her  to  a  fellow 
that  carries  a  shield  ? 

Cle.  Because  it's  our  duty  to  gratify  our  only  son. 

Sta.  But  although  he  is  an  only  one,  not  a  bit  the  more 
is  he  my  only  son  than  I  am  his  only  father.  It's  more 
becoming  for  him  to  conform  to  me,  than  for  me  to  him. 

Cle.  By  my  troth,  sir,  you're  providing  for  yourself  a 
serious  piece  of  trouble. 

Sta.  {aside).  She  suspects  it,  I  find  that.  {To  Ms  wife.) 
What,  I,  do  you  mean  ? 

Cle.  Tou  ;  but  why  do  you  stammer  so  ?  Why  do  you 
wish  for  this  with  such  anxiety  ? 

Sta.  Why,  that  she  may  rather  be  given  to  a  servant  that's 
honest,  than  to  a  servant  that's  dishonest. 

Cle.  What  if  I  prevail  upon,  and  obtain  of  the  bailiff, 
that  for  my  sake  he'll  give  her  up  to  the  other  one  ? 

Sta.  But  what  if  I  prevail  upon  the  armour-bearer  to  give 
her  up  to  the  other  one  ?  And  I  think  that  I  can  prevail 
upon  him  in  this. 

Cle.  That's  agreed  upon.  Should  you  like  that,  in  your 
name,  I  should  call  Chaliuus  hither  out  of  doors  ?  Do  you 
beg  of  him,  and  I'll  beg  of  the  bailiff. 

Sta.  I'm  quite  willing. 

Cle.  He'll  be  here  just  now.  N^ow  we'll  make  trial  which 
of  us  two  is  the  most  persuasive.     {Slie  goes  into  the  house.) 

Sta.  {to  himself).  May  Hercules  and  the  Gods  confound 
her ! — a  thing  that  now  I'm  at  liberty  to  say.  I'm  wretchedly 
distracted  with  love ;  but  she,  as  though  on  purpose,  thwarts 
me.  My  wife  has  some  suspicion  now  of  this  that  I'm  plan- 
ning ;  for  that  reason  is  she  purposely  lending  her  assistance 
to  the  armour-bearer. 

Scene  IY. — Enter  Chalintjs, /rom  the  house. 

Sta.  {aside,  on  seeing  him).  May  all  the  Grods  and  God- 
desses confound  him ! 

Cha.  {addressing  him).  Your  wife  said  that  you  were 
calling  me. 

Sta.  Why  yes,  I  did  order  you  to  be  sent  for. 

Cha.  Tell  me  what  you  want. 

Sta.  In  the  first  place,  I  want  you  to  speak  to  m9  with  a 
more  cheerful  countenance. 


So.  lY  OR,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEEEATED.  317 

Cha.  It  would  be  folly  for  me  to  be  morose  toward  you 
whose  rule  is  the  strongest. 

Sta.  Indeed !  I  consider  you  to  be  an  honest  fellow. 

Cha.  So  I  find.  But  if  you  think  so,  why  don't  you  give 
me  my  freedom  ? 

Sta.  Why  so  I  wish  to  do ;  but  it's  of  no  use  for  me  to 
wish  a  thing  to  be  done,  unless  you  aid  me  with  your 
actions. 

Cha.  What  you  wish,  I  only  wish  myself  to  be  acquainted 
with  it. 

Sta.  Listen  then ;  I'U  tell  you.  I've  promised  to  give 
Casina  as  a  wife  to  our  bailifi".  Cha.  But  your  wife  and 
vour  son  have  promised  her  to  me. 

Sta.  I  know  it ;  but  whether  now  would  you  prefer  your- 
self to  be  single  and  a  free  man,  or,  as  a  married  man,  to  pass 
your  lives,  yourself  and  your  children,  in  slavery  ?  This  choice 
is  your  own :  whichever  condition  of  these  two  you  prefer, 
take  it. 

Cha.  If  I  am  free,  I  live  at  my  own  cost ;  at  present  I  live 
at  yours.  As  to  Casina,  I'm  resolved  to  give  way  to  no  born 
man. 

Sta.  Gro  in-doors,  and  at  once  be  quick  and  call  my  wife 
here,  out  of  doors ;  and  bring  hither  together  with  you  an 
um^,  with  some  water,  and  the  lots. 

Cha.  I'm  quite  agreable. 

Sta.  I'  faith,  in  some  way  or  other  I'U  now  ward  off  this 
weapon  of  yours ;  for  if,  as  it  is,  I  shall  not  be  able  to 
prevail  by  persuasion,  at  least  I'll  try  it  by  lot.  There  I  shall 
take  vengeance  upon  you  and  your  abettors. 

Cha.  Still,  for  all  that  the  lot  will  fall  to  me 

Sta.  Aye,  faith,  for  you  to  go  to  perdition  with  direful 
torments. 

Cha.  She  shall  marry  me,  contrive  what  you  wiU,  in  any 
way  you  please. 

»  An  umy-Ver.  279.  "  Sitella,"  or  "  sitnla,"  though  usually  called  an  "  nrn," 
was  a  vessel  shaped  like  a  water-pitcher,  from  which  lots  were  drawn.  It  had  a 
wide  belly  and  a  narrow  neck  irith  a  handle  on  each  side,  and  stood  on  legs. 
Th^ vessel  was  filled  with  water,  and  the  lots,  made  of  heavy  wood,  which  sank, 
being  put  into  it,  the  vessel  was  shaken,  and  as  only  one  lot  could  come  to  the  top 
at  a  time,  the  percon  who  had  chosen  the  number  which  was  the  first  to  come  up 
was  the  winner. 


318  CASINA;  Act  II 

Sta..  "Won't  you  away  hence  from  my  sight  ? 

Cha.  Unwillingly  you  look  upon  me,  still  I  shall  Hve  on. 
{Goes  into  the  house.) 

ISta.  (to  himself).  Am  I  not  a  wretched  man  ?  Don't  all 
things  go  quite  contrary  with  me  ?  I'm  now  afraid  that  my 
wife  will  prevail  upon  Olympio  not  to  marry  Casina.  If  that's 
done,  why  look,  it's  all  over  with  me  in  my  old  age  !  If  she 
does  not  prevail,  there  is  still  some  tiny  hope  in  the  lota. 
But  if  the  lots  fail  me,  I'll  make  a  pillow  of  a  sword,  and 
lay  me  down  upon  it.  But  see,  most  opportunely  Olym- 
pio's  coming  out  of  doors. 

Scene  Y. — Enter  Olympio, ^om  the  house,  gjpeahing  to 
Cleosteata,  within. 

Ol.  By  my  faith,  all  in  an  instant  shut  me  up  in  a  hot 
furnace,  and  parch  me  there  for  a  hard-baked  biscuit^,  good 
mistress,  before  you  shall  gain  that  point  of  me  which  you 
desire. 

Sta.  {apart).  I'm  all  right.  My  hope's  realized,  accord- 
ing as  I  hear  his  words. 

Ol.  {at  the  door,  to  his  Mistress,  within).  But  why  do 
you  frighten  me  about  liberty?  Why,  even  though  you 
should  oppose  it,  and  your  son  as  well,  against  your  wills 
and  in  spite  of  you  both,  for  a  single  penny^  I  can  become  free. 

Sta.  {stepping  forward).  What's  this?  Who  are  you 
wrangling  with,  Olympio  ? 

Ol.  With  the  same  person  that  you  always  are. 

Sta.  What,  with  my  wife  ?  Ol.  What  wife  are  you  speak- 
ing of  to  me  ?  Eeally  you  are  a  hunter,  as  it  were  :  your 
nights  and  days  you  pass  with  a  female  cur^. 

Sta.  What  does  she  say?  What's  she  talking  to  you 
about  ?  Ol.  She's  begging  and  entreating  of  me  that  I  won't 
be  taking  Casina  as  my  wife. 

Sta.  What  did  you  say  after  that  ? 

»  A  hard-baked  biscuit)— Ver.  293.  "  Panis  rubidus,"  literally,  "  red  bread," 
was  probably  a  kind  of  bread  or  biscuit,  which  received  its  name  from  its  being 
highly  baked,  tUl  it  was  "  red,"  or  of  a  deep-brown  colour. 

«  For  a  single  penny)— Ver.  299.  "Libella,"  the  same  as  the  "as;"  a  small 
rilver  coin,  the  tenth  part  of  the  "  denarius." 

»  With  a  female  cur)— Ver.  303.  "  Cum  cane."  literally,  '♦  with  a  bitch  •*•  an 
expression  too  coarse  for  ears  polita^ 


So.  VI.  OE,  THE  STEATAGEM  DEFEATED.  SlU 

Ol.  "Why,  I  declared  that  I  wouldn't  give  way  to  Jupiter 
himself,  if  he  were  to  entreat  me. 

St  A.  May  the  Gods  preserve  you  for  me !  Ol.  She's  now 
all  in  a  ferment ;  she's  swelling  so  against  me. 

Sta.  By  my  troth,  I  could  like  her  to  burst  in  the  middle. 

Ol.  I'  faith,  I  fancy  she  will,  if  indeed  you  manage  cle- 
verly. But  your  amorousness,  i'  faith,  is  a  cause  of  trouble 
to  me ;  your  wife  is  at  enmity  with  me,  your  son  at  enmity, 
my  fellow-servants  at  enmity. 

Sta.  What  matters  that  to  you?  So  long  as  {'pointing 
to  himself)  this  Jupiter  only  is  propitious  to  you,  do  you 
take  care  and  esteem  the  lesser  Grods  at  a  straw's  value. 

Ol.  That's  great  nonsense ;  as  if  you  didn't  know  how 
suddenly  your  human  Jupiters  take  to  dying.  So  after  all,  if 
you,  my  Jupiter,  are  dead  and  gone,  when  your  realm  devolves 
upon  the  lesser  Gods,  who  shall  then  come  to  the  rescue  of 
my  back,  or  head,  or  legs  ? 

SxA.  Affairs  will  go  with  you  better  than  you  expect,  if  I 
obtain  this — the  enjoyment  of  my  Casina. 

Ol.  I'  faith,  I  do  not  think  it  possibly  can  be  ;  so  earnestly 
IS  your  wife  striving  that  she  shall  not  be  given  to  me. 

Sta.  But  this  way  I'll  proceed :  I'll  put  the  lots  in  an 
urn,  and  draw  the  lots  for  yourself  and  Chalinus.  I  find 
that  the  business  has  come  to  this  pass ;  it's  necessary  to 
fight  with  swords  hand  to  hand. 

Ol.  What,  if  the  lot  should  turn  out  different  from  wliat 
you  wish  ?  Sta.  Speak  with  good  omen.  I  rely  upon  the 
Gods ;  we'll  trust  in  the  Gods. 

Ol.  That  expression  I  wouldn't  purchase  at  a  rotten 
thread,  for  all  people  are  relying  upon  the  Gods ;  but  still 
I've  frequently  seen  many  of  those  deceived  who  relied  upon 
the  Gods. 

Sta.  But  hold  your  tongue  a  little  while.     {Pointing.) 

Ol.  What  is  it  you  mean  ? 

Sta.  Why  look ;  here's  Chalinus  coming  from  the  house, 
out  here,  with  the  urn  and  the  lots.  Now,  with  standards 
closing,  we  shall  fight. 

Scene  YI. — Enter  Cleosteata  and  Chalinus,  with  the 

urn  and  lots. 
Clk.  Let  me  know,  Chalinus,  what  mj  husband  wants 


320  OAGIKA  Act  IL 

with  me.  Cha.  By  my  troth,  he  wants  to  see  you  burn- 
ing outside  of  the  Metiau  gate^. 

Cle.  I'  faith,  I  believe  he  does  want  that. 

Cha.  But,  by  my  troth,  I  don't  believe  it,  but  I  know  it 
for  certain. 

St  A.  (aside  to  Olympic).  I've  got  more  men  of  business 
than  I  imagined:  I've  got  this  fellow,  a  Diviner,  in  my 
house.  What,  if  we  move  our  standards  nearer,  and  go  to 
meet  them  ?  Follow  me.  (Goes  up  to  Cleostbata  and  Cha- 
LiNTJS.)     What  are  you  about  ? 

Cha.  All  the  things  are  here  which  you  ordered ;  your 
wife,  the  lots,  the  urn,  and  myself. 

Sta.  By  yourself  only,  there  is  more  here  than  I  want. 

Cha.  I'  faith,  so  it  seems  to  you  indeed.  I'm  a  stinger 
to  you  now ;  I'm  pricking  that  dear  little  heart  of  yours ; 
even  now  it's  palpitating  from  alarm. 

Sta.  Whip-knave Cle.  Hold  your  tongue,  Chalinus. 

Ol.  Do  make  that  fellow  be  quiet.  Cha.  No,  that  fellow 
rather  {pointing  to  Olympic),  who  has  learned  to  misbehave^. 

Sta.  {to  Chalinus).  Set  the  urn  down  here.  (Chalinus 
puts  it  down.)  Grive  me  the  lots :  lend  your  attention  noiv. 
But  I  did  think,  my  wife,  that  I  could  have  prevailed  upon 
you  thus  far,  for  Casina  to  be  given  me  as  my  wife,  and 
even  now  I  think  so. 

Cle.  She,  given  to  you  ?     Sta.  Why  yes,  to  me dear 

me,  I  didn't  mean  to  say  that.  While  I  meant  for  myself^,  I 
said  him;  {aside)  why  really,  while  I'm  wanting  her  for 
myself,  I've  already,  i'  faith,  been  chattering  at  random. 

Cle.  {overhearing  him).  TJpon  my  word,  you  really  have; 
and  you  are  still  doing  so. 

Sta.  For  him — no,  no ;  for  myself,  i'  faith*.     Plague  take 

*  The  Metian  gate)—Ver.  337.  As  he  writes  for  a  Roman  audience,  the  author 
does  not  see  any  impropriety  in  speaking  of  the  "  Metian  gate,"  although  the 
scene  is  at  Athens.  The  bodies  of  the  dead  were  burned  outside  of  the  Metian  or 
Esquiline  gate. 

2  Learned  to  misbehave') — Ver.  345.  As  an  indecent  allusion  is  covertly  made 
here,  the  translation  of  the  passage  is  somewhat  modified. 

3  While  I  meant  for  myself)— Ver.  35  D.  Wishing  to  correct  himself,  in  his  con- 
fusion he  only  gets  deeper.  He  means  to  say  •  "  While  I  meant  for  him,  I  saio 
myself." 

♦  For  myself  f  faith)— Yet.  352.  For  the  third  time  he  commits  the  camt 
mistake. 


Sc.  VI.  OE,  THE  STEATAGEM  DEFEATED.  321 

it,   at   last,  with  great  difficulty,   I've  got   into   the  right 
road ! 

Cle.  Very  often,  i'  faith,  you  are  making  your  mistakes. 

Sta.  Such  is  the  case  when  you  desire  anything  very 
much.  But  each  of  us,  both  he  {pointirig  to  Olympic)  and 
1,  apply  to  you  for  our  rights 

Cle.  How's  that?  Sta.  Why,  I'll  tell  you,  my  sweet. 
As  to  this  Casina,  you  must  make  a  present  of  her  to  thi^ 
jailiff  of  ours. 

Cle.  But,  i'  faith,  I  neither  do  make  it,  nor  do  I  in 
tend  it. 

Sta.  In  that  case,  then,  I'll  divide  the  lots  between  them. 

Cle.  Who  forbids  you?  Sta.  I  judge  with  reason  that 
that  is  the  best  and  fairest  way.  In  fine,  if  that  happens 
which  we  desire,  we  shall  be  glad;  but  if  otherwise,  we'll 
bear  it  with  equanimity.  {Giving  a  lot  to  Oltmpio.)  Tak-i 
this  lot — take  it ;  see  wliat's  written  on  it. 

Ol.  {looTcing  at  it).  Number  one.  Cha.  It  isn't  fair,  be- 
cause that  fellow  has  got  one  before  me. 

Sta.  (giving  one  to  Chalintjs).  Take  this,  will  you. 

Cha.  (taking  it).  Give  it  me.  Stop  though;  one  thing 
has  just  now  come  into  my  mind.  {To  Cleostbata.)  Do 
you  see  that  there's  nu  other  lot  in  there  by  chance  at  the 
bottom  of  the  water. 

Sta.  Whip-rascal !  do  you  take  me  to  be  your  own  self? 
{To  Cleosteata.)  There  is  none  ;  only  set  your  feelings  at 
rest. 

Ol.  {to  Chalinus).  May  it  prove  lucky  and  fortunate  to 
me,  a  great  mischance  to  you ! 

Cha.  I'  faith,  it  will  certainly  fall  to  you,  I  fancy ;  I  know 
your  pious  ways.  But  stop  a  bit ;  is  that  lot  of  yours  of 
poplar  or  of  fir  ? 

Ol.  Why  do  you  trouble  yourself  about  that  ? 

Cha.  Why,  because  I'm  afraid  that  it  may  float  on  tha 
surface  of  the  water.     {They  go  up  to  the  urn.) 

Sta.  Capital ! — take  care !  Now  then,  both  of  you,  throw 
rour  lots  in  here.  {Pointing  to  the  urn.)  Look  now,  wife, 
ftll's  fair.     {They  throio  them  in.) 

Ol.  Don't  you  trust  your  wife, 

Sta.  Be  of  good  courage. 

VOL.  II.  T 


S22  CAS15A ;  Act  II. 

Ol.  Upon  my  faith,  I  do  believe  that  she'll  lay  a  speL 
upon  the  lots  this  very  day,  if  she  touches  them. 

Sta.  Hold  your  tongue. 

Ol.  I'll  hold  my  tongue.     I  pray  the  Gods 

Cha.  Aye,  that  this  day  you  may  have  to  endure  tlie  chain^ 
and  the  bilboes^.     Ol.  That  the  lot  may  fall  to  me. 

Cha.  Aye,  faith,  that  you  may  hang  up  by  the  feet. 

Ol.  Aye,  that  you  may  blow  your  eyes  out  of  your  head 
through  your  nose. 

Cha.  (to  Staling).  What  are  you  afraid  of?     It  must  be 

ready  by  this (Turning  to  Olympio.)  A  halter  for  you, 

Xmean. 

Ol.  (to  Chalinus).  You're  undone  I 

Sta.  Grive  attention,  both  of  you. 

Ol.  I'll  be  mum. 

Sta.  Now  you,  Cleostrata,  that  you  may  not  say  that  any- 
thing has  been  done  cheatingly  by  me  in  this  matter,  or  sus- 
pect it,  I  give  you  leave,  do  you  yourself  draw  the  lots. 

Ol.  (to  Staling).  Tou  are  ruining  me. 

Cha.  He's  gaining  an  advantage  rather, 

Cle.  (to  Staling).  Tou  do  what's  fair. 

Cha.  (to  Olympig).  I  pray  the  Gods  that  your  lot  aay 
run  away  out  of  the  urn. 

Ol.  Say  you  so  ?  Because  you  are  a  runaway  yourself,  do 
you  wish  all  to  follow  your  example  ?  I  wish,  indeed,  that 
that  lot  of  yours,  as  they  say  that  of  the  descendants  of  Her- 
cules' once  did,  may  melt  away  while  the  lots  are  drawing. 

'  Eiidttre  the  chain) — Ver.  372.  "  Ganis."  Literally,  ''  the  dog."  This  was 
the  small  chain,  which  was  also  called  "  catillus."  It  has  been  referred  to  iu  a 
previous  Note. 

2  The  bilboes')— Ver.  372.  "  Furcam." 

*  Descendcmts  €>f  Hercules) — Ver.  381.  Pausanias  says  that  the  sons  of  Aristo 
demus  and  Cresphontes  drew  lots,  on  condition  that  the  party  whose  lot  came  first 
out  of  the  urn  should  receive  Messenia,  and  the  other  Lacedaemon.  Temcnus, 
favouring  Cresphontes,  pkced  the  lots  in  the  water,  taking  care  that  tlie  one 
belonging  to  Cresphontes  should  be  of  baked  clay,  while  the  other  was  of  cLiy 
yttly  dried  in  the  snn,  which  of  coorse  melted  on  coming  in  contact  with  tlie 
wftter;  by  which  stratagem  Cresphontes  gained  possession  of  Messenia.  Apol- 
loiioms  relates  the  same  story  in  a  different  manner.  He  says  that  Temenns, 
Procles  and  Eurysthenes,  tlie  sons  of  Aristodemus,  jointly,  and  CresphontevS, 
drew  lots,  on  condition  that  the  one  whose  lot  should  appear  first  should  liave 
Argr>8,  the  second  have  Lacedaemon,  and  the  third  Messenia.  Cresphontes  having 
long  set  Li»  miud  upon  gaining  Messenia^  had  his  lot  made  of  unbaked  clay,  which 


Sc.  Yl.  on,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEFEATED.  323 

Cha.  And  you,  that  you  may  melt  away  j  ourself,  awJ  just 
now  be  made  hot  with  twigs. 

Sta.  Attend,  will  you,  to  the  business  in  hand,  Olympio ! 

Ol.  Yes,  if  this  thrice-dotted^  fellow  '11  let  me. 

Sta.  May  this  prove  lucky  and  fortunate  to  me. 

Ol.  Yes  indeed ;  to  me  as  well. . 

Cha.  Not  so.      Ol.  By  my  troth,  yes,  Isai/. 

Cha.  By  my  troth,  yes,  for  myself,  I sa^. 

Sta.  (to  Olympic).  He'll  be  the  winner;  you'll  live  in 
wretchedness.  Do  you  give  him  a  punch  in  the  face  thia 
instant !     Well,  what  are  you  about  ? 

Cle.  (to  Olympic).  Don't  you  raise  your  hand. 

Ol.  (to  Staling).  With  clenched  or  open  hand  am  I  to 
strike  him  ? 

Sta.  Do  just  as  you  please. 

Ol,  (striking  Cualinus).  There's  for  you,  take  that  I 

Cle.  {to  Olympic).  What  business  have  you  to  touch 
him? 

Ol.  Because  my  Jupiter  ('pointing  to  Staliitg)  commanded 
me. 

Cle.  (^0  Chaliitus).  Do  you  slap  him  in  the  face  in  return. 
(Chalinus  strikes  Olympic  in  theface^ 

Ol.  (calling  out  to  Staling).  I'm  being  murdered,  I'm 
being  punched  with  his  fists,  Jupiter! 

Sta.  (to  Chalinus).  What  business  had  you  to  touch  him  ? 

Cha.  Because  this  Juno  of  mine  (pointing  to  Cleosteata) 
ordered  me. 

Sta.  I  must  put  up  with  it,  since,  as  long  as  I  live,  my  wife 
will  have  the  mastery. 

Cle.  (to  Staling).  He  (pointing  to  Chalinus)  ought  tr 
oe  allowed  to  speak  as  much  as  that  fellow. 

Ol.  Why  hy  his  talk  does  he  occasion  me  an  unlucky  omenl 

Sta.  I  think,  Chalinus,  you  should  be  on  your  guard 
against  a  mishap. 

Cha.  Full  time,  after  my  face  has  been  battered  \ 

melted ;  the  others  being  taken  out,  there  was  no  necessity  to  look  for  the  remain- 
ing one,  and  thus  the  trick  succeeded. 

»  Th7^e-dotted)—YeT.  384.  "  Literatus."  Lambinns  thinks  that  this  alludes 
to  his  back  being  marked  by  sti-ipes.  There  is^  however,  more  reason  to  believe 
that  it  refers  to  the  custom  of  branding  slaves  and  criminals.  The  Grreka 
marked  criminals  on  the  forehead  with  0,  the  beginning  of  the  weed  6a3>avaSf 
to  denote  tliat  tbey  were  dead  in  law. 

t2 


L 


324  CASiNA ;  Act  II. 

Sta.  Come,  wife,  now  then  draw  the  lots.  ( To  the  Sek- 
Vants.)  Do  you  give  your  attention.  {To  Cleosteata.)  And 
give  it,  you,  as  well. 

Ol.  "Where  I  am  I  know  not.  I'm  undone,  I've  got  my 
heart  full  of  maggots,  I  think ;  it's  jumping  about  dready ; 
with  its  throbbing  it  beats  against  my  breast. 

Cle.  (^putting  her  hand  into  the  urn).  I've  got  hold  of  a 
lot. 

Sta.  Draw  it  out,  then. 

Cha.  {to  Olympic).  Are  you  not  dead  now  ? 

Ol.  Show  it.    {She  shows  it.)    It's  mine. 

Cha.  Beally  this  is  an  unlucky  mishap. 

Cle.  You  are  beaten,  Chalinus. 

Sta.  Then  I'm  glad  that  we  are  to  survive  after  all,  Olympic. 

Ol.  Through  my  own  piety  and  that  of  my  forefathers  haa 
it  happened. 

Sta.  Wife,  go  in-doors  and  make  ready  for  the  wedding. 

Cle.  I'll  do  as  you  bid  me. 

Sta.  Do  you  know  that  it's  to  a  distance  in  the  country, 
at  the  farm-house,  that  he  is  to  take  her  ?     Cle.  I  know. 

Sta.  Go  in-doors,  and  although  this  is  disagreable  to  you, 
still  take  care  and  attend  to  it. 

Cle.  Very  well.     (  Goes  into  the  house.) 

Sta.  {to  Olympic).  Let  us,  as  well,  go  in-doors ;  let's  en- 
treat them  to  make  all  haste. 

Ol.  Am  I  delaying  at  all  ?  Eor  in  his  presence  {pointing 
to  Chalii^us)  I  don't  want  there  to  be  any  further  conversa- 
tion.    {They  go  into  the  house.) 

Scene  VII. — Chalinus,  alone. 

Cha.  {to  himself).  If  now  I  were  to  hang  myself,  I  should 
be  losing  my  pains,  and  besides  my  pains,  putting  myself 
to  the  expense  of  purchasing  a  rope,  and  doing  a  plea- 
sure to  my  evil-wishers.  "What  need  is  there  for  one,  who, 
indeed,  am  dead  even  as  it  is?  At  the  lots  I'm  beaten; 
Casina's  to  be  married  to  the  bailiff.  And  this  now  is  not 
so  much  to  be  regretted,  that  the  bailiff  has  got  the  bettei*, 
as  the  fact  that  the  old  man  so  vehemently  desired  that 
she  shouldn't  be  given  me,  and  should  marry  him.  How 
frightened  he  was,  how  in  hia  misery  he  did  bustle  about, 


Sc.  VIII.  uK,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEFEATED.  325 

how  he  did  caper  about  after  the  bailiff  had  won.  Bj-the- 
bye,  I'll  step  aside  here;  I  hear  the  door  opening.  (Sees 
Staling  and  Olympic,  coming  out.)  My  well-wishers  ana 
friends^  are  coining  out.  Here  in  ambush  I'U  lay  in  wait 
against  them.     {Goes  on  one  side.) 

ScEifE  YIII. — Enter  Staling  and  Oltmpig,^(9w  the  house, 

Ol.  Only  let  him  come  into  the  country;  I'll  send  the 
fellow  back  into  the  city  to  you  with  his  porter's  knot^,  as 
black  as  a  collier. 

Sta.  So  it  ought  to  be. 

Ol.  I'll  have  that  done  and  well  taken  care  of. 

Sta.  I  intended,  if  he  had  been  at  home,  to  send  Chalinua 
to  cater  with  you ;  that,  even  in  his  sadness,  I  might,  in 
addition,  inflict  this  misfortune  upon  our  foe. 

Cha,  {apart ^  retreating  to  the  wall  of  the  house).  I'll  betake 
me  back  again  to  the  wall ;  I'll  imitate  the  crab.  Their  con- 
versation must  be  secretly  picked  up  by  me ;  for  the  one  of 
them  is  tormenting  me,  the  other  wasting  me  luith  anguish. 
Why,  this  whip-rascal  is  marching  along  in  his  white  garb^, 
a  very  receptacle  for  stripes.  My  own  death  I  defer ;  I'm 
determined  to  send  this  fellow  to  Acheron  before  me. 

Ol.  How  obsequious  have  I  been  found  to  you !  A  thing 
that  you  especially  desired,  that  same  have  I  put  in  your 
power ;  this  day  the  object  that  you  love  shaR  be  with  you, 
unknown  to  your  wife. 

Sta.  Hush !  So  may  the  Deities  kindly  bless  me,  I  can 
ftardly  withhold  my  lips  from  kissing  you  on  account  of  this, 
my  own  delight ! 

*  Well-wishers  and  friends') — Ver.  418.  Of  course  this  is  said  ironically. 

'  With  his  porter's  knot) — Ver.  421.  From  a  passage  of  Festus,  it  is  con- 
'ectured  that  the  word  "furca"  here  means  an  implement  by  means  of  which 
Jurdens  were  slung  over  the  shoulder,  for  much  the  same  purpose  as  the 
knot  of  the  porters  of  the  present  day. 

*  In  his  white  garb) — Ver.  429.  Lipsius  thinks  that  Olympic  has  assumed  the 
white  dress  on  becoming  the  f reed-man  of  Stalino.  There  is  more  reason,  however,  for 
believing  that  he  has  assumed  it  as  his  wedding-garment,  according  to  the  usuai 
custom  among  the  Romans,  with  whom  the  bridegroom,  bride,  and  guests  invite^ 
to  the  wedding,  were  drest  in  white.  So  in  the  Scripture,  St.  Matthew  rxii.,  11 — 12, 
**  When  the  King  came  in  to  see  the  guests,  he  saw  there  was  a  man  which  ha? 
not  on  a  wedding-garment,  and  he  said  unto  aim,  'Fiiend,  how  earnest  thjou  in 
hither,  not  having  a  wedding-garment  ?'  " 


326  CASij? A ;  Act  IL 

Cha.  {apart).  "What?  Kiss  him?  "VVliat's  the  meaning 
of  this  ?     What's  this  delight  of  yours  ? 

Ol.  Do  you  love  me  at  all  now  ? 

Sta.  Aye,  by  my  faith,  myself  even  less  than  you.  May 
I  embrace  you  ? 

Ol.  Tou  may.     (Staling  embraces  Mm.) 

Sta.  How,  when  I  touch  you,  I  do  seem  to  myself  to  be 
tasting  honey ! 

Cha.  (apart).  I  really  do  think  he  intends  to  choke  the 
oailifF. 

Ol.  {pushing  Staling  away).  Awaj  with  you,  you  lover; 
get  off,  with  your  too  close  acquaintanceship ! 

Cha.  (apart).  T  faith,  I  think  that^  this  very  day  they*ll  be 
making  terms.  Surely,  this  old  fellow  is  an  universal  admirer. 
This  is  the  reason,  this  is  it  why  he  made  him  his  bailiff; 
some  time  ago,  too,  when  I  came  in  his  way,  he  wanted  to 
make  me  his  chamberlain  upon  the  like  terms. 

Ol.  How  subservient  have  I  proved  to  you  to-day,  how 
attentive  to  your  pleasure ! 

Sta.  How  surely,  so  long  as  I  live,  will  I  prove  more  of  a 
well-wisher  to  you  than  to  my  own  self!  How  will  I  this 
day  give  full  many  a  kiss  to  Casina !  How  will  I,  unknown 
to  my  wife,  right  pleasantly  enjoy  myself ! 

Chal.  (apart).  Oho!  Now,  faith,  at  last  I've  got  into 
the  right  track.  It's  himself  that's  dying  for  Casina.  I've 
caught  the  feDows. 

Sta.  Even  now,  by  my  troth,  am  I  longing  to  embrace  her ; 
even  now  to  be  kissing  her. 

Ol.  Do  let  her  be  brought  out  first ^ww  the  house.  Why 
the  plague  are  you  in  such  a  hurry  ? 

Sta.  I'm  in  love. 

Ol.  But  I  don't  think  that  this  can  possibly  be  managed 
to-day. 

Sta.  It  can,  if,  indeed,  you  think  that  you  can  possibly 
receive  your  freedom  to-morrow. 

Cha.  (apart).  Why,  really,  I  must  make  still  better  use 
here  of  my  ears ;  now,  in  one  thicket,  I  shall  be  cleverly 
catcliing  two  boars. 

Sta.  (pointing  to  the  house  <?/'Alcesimus).  At  the  house 

*  /  timik  thai) — Ver,  441.  This  and  the  next  six  lines  have  fceen  modifieu  is 
tne  Translation,  as  they  are  replete  with  gross  indecency. 


Sc,  yill.  OR,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEFEATED.  327 

of  this  friend  and  neighbour  of  mine  there's  a  place  pro- 
vided ;  I  have  confided  to  him  all  my  amorousness :  he  said 
that  he  would  find  me  a  room. 

Ol.  What  will  his  wife  do  ?    Where  will  she  be  ? 

Sta.  I've  cleverly  contrived  that :  my  wife  will  invite  her 
here,  to  her  own  house,  to  the  wedding ;  to  be  here  \\ith  her, 
to  help  her,  to  sleep  with  her.  I  have  requested  it,  and  my 
wife  has  said  that  she  will  do  so.  She'll  be  sleeping  here : 
I'll  take  care  her  husband  is  away  from  home.  You  shall 
take  your  wife  home  into  the  country;  that  country  shall  be 
this  house,  for  a  period,  until  I've  had  my  marriage  with 
Casina.  Hence,  before  daylight,  you  shall  afterwards  take 
her  home  to-morrow.     Isn't  it  very  skilfully  managed  ? 

Ol.  Cleverly! 

Cha.  (apart).  Only  do  proceed;  contrive  away.  By 
my  troth,  to  your  own  mischance  are  you  so  clever. 

Sta.  Do  you  know  what  you  must  do  now  ? 

Ol.  Tell  me. 

Sta.  {giving  him  a  purse).  Take  this  purse.  Be  off  and 
buy  some  provisions:  make  haste.  But  I  want  it  nicely 
done :  delicate  eatables,  just  as  she  herself  is  a  delicate  bit. 

Ol.  Very  well.  Sta.  Buy  some  cuttle-fish,  mussels, 
calamaries,  barley-fish^. 

Cha.  {apart).  Aye,  wheaten  fish,  if  you  know  what 
you're  about. 

Sta.  Some  sole-fish^. 

Cha.  {apart).  Prithee,  why  those  rather  than  soles  of 
wood,  with  which  your  head  may  be  banged,  you  most  vile 
old  fellow? 

Ol.  Should  you  like  some  tongue-fish^  ? 

*  Barley-Jish) — Ver.  476.  "  Hordeias."  This  was  the  name  of  some  fish  now  un- 
known ;  for  want  of  a  better  name,  and  to  express  the  pun  contained  in  the  original, 
it  has  been  called  "barley-lish"  in  the  translation,  as  Chalinus  puns  on  its 
resemblance  to  "  hordeum,"  ^'  barley." 

"^  Some  sole-fisK) — Ver  477.  "Soleas."  Chalinus  puns  on  this  word,  which 
means  either  "  sole-fish  "  or  "  thin  shoes."  He  thinks  "  sculponese  "  better  suited, 
rith  which  to  bang  the  old  fellow's  head.  These  were  wooden  shoes  worn  by  the 
instic  slaves,  and  resembled  either  the  clogs  of  the  north  of  England,  with 
wooden  soles  and  upper  leathers,  or  the  sabots  of  the  Contineut,  which  are  made 
•  atirely  of  wood. 

*  Some  tongue-fisK) — Ver.  480.  *'  Lingulaca"  was,  according  to  Festus,  a  kind 
of  fish,  or  a  talkative  woman.  To  give  some  idea  of  the  play  on  the  word,  it  has 
been  rendered  "  tongue-fish."  Warner  says,  in  a  Note  to  his  Translation,  t.'iui 
roall  flat-fish,  or  young  soles,  are  called  "  tongues'*  in  the  west  of  England 


328  CASINA ;  Act  111. 

Sta.  "What  need  is  tliere,  since  my  wife's  at  home  ?  She 
is  our  tongue-fisli,  for  she's  never  silent. 

Ol.  "While  I'm  about  it,  I  must  make  choice  out  of  the 
supply  of  fish  what  to  purchase. 

Sta.  You  say  what's  good :  be  oif.  I  don't  care  to  spare 
for  cost;  provide  abundantly.  But  it's  requisite  also  tliat 
I  should  see  this  neighbour  of  mine,  that  he  may  attend  to 
what  I've  requested. 

Ol.  Am  I  to  go  now  ?  Sta.  I  wish  you.  (Exit  Olym 
pio.    Staling  ffoes  into  the  house  q/*  Alcesimtis.) 

Chal.  {coming  forward) .  By  three  freedoms  I  could  not 
be  induced  this  day  to  do  other  than  provide  a  heavy  re- 
tribution for  them,  and  at  once  disclose  all  this  matter  to 
my  mistress.  I've  caught  and  fully  detected  my  enemies 
in  their  guilt.  But  if  my  mistress  is  ready  now  to  do  her 
duty,  the  cause  is  all  our  own :  I'U  cleverly  be  beforehand 
with  the  fellows.  With  omens  in  our  favour  the  day  pro- 
ceeds: just  conquered,  we  are  the  conquerors.  I'll  go  in- 
doors, that  that  which  another  cook  has  seasoned,  I  now,  in 
my  turn,  may  season  after  another  fashion ;  and  that  for 
him  for  whom  it  was  prepared,  it  may  really  not  be  pre- 
pared ;  and  that  that  may  be  prepared  for  him,  which  before 
was  not  prepared^.     {Goes  into  the  home.) 

Act  III. — Scene  I. 
^i»^er  Alcesimus  and  Staling,  ^om  the  house  of  the  former. 

Sta.  Now,  Alcesimus,  I  shall  know  whether  you  are  the 
very  picture  of  friend  or  foe  to  me ;  now  is  the  proof  upon 
view ;  now  is  the  contest  going  on.  "  But  why  do  I  do  so;'^ 
forbear  to  correct  me ;  save  yourself  all  that.  "  With  your 
hoary  head,  at  an  age  unfit ;"  save  yourself  that  as  weL. 
"  One  who  has  a  wife ;"  save  yourself  that  likewise. 

Alo.  I  never  saw  a  person  more  distracted  with  love 
than  yourself.     Sta.  Do  take  care  that  the  house  is  clear. 

Alc.  Why,  faith,  men-servants,  maid-servants,  all  of  them 
I'm  determined  to  send  out  of  the  house  to  yours. 

Sta.  Heyday !  with  your  adroitness  you  are  very  adroit ! 
But  only  take  care  and  remember  the  lines   which   Colax 

*  Was  not  prepared) — ^Ver.  497.  He  means  that,  spite  of  his  preparationa, 
Olyrapio  shall  not  have  Casina,  and  that  he  himself  will;  in  which,  howe/er,  he 
IS  disappointed  in  the  end,  as  she  is  given  to  Euthynicua. 


Sc.  TI.  OE,  THE  STEATAGEM  DEFEATED.  329 

repeats^ ;  take  care  that  every  one  comes  with  his  own  pro- 
visions, as  if  they  were  going  to  Sutrium^. 

Alc.  I'll  remember  it. 

Sta.  "VVhy  now  there's  no  public  ordinance^  better  ordered 
than  yourself,  in  fact.  Attend  to  this.  I'm  now  going  to 
the  Forum  ;  I  shall  be  here  just  now. 

Alc.  Luck  go  with  you. 

Sta.  Take  care  that  your  house  gets  a  tongue. 

Alc.  Why  so  ? 

Sta.  That  when  I  come,  it  may  invite  me. 

Alc.  Pooh,  pooh !  you  are  a  person  that  stands  in  good 
need  of  a  basting;  you're  making  too  free  with  your  fun. 

Sta.  Of  what  use  is  it  for  me  to  be  in  love,  unless  I'm  quite 
ready  and  talkative  ?  But  take  you  care  that  you  haven't 
to  be  sought  for  by  me. 

Alc.  I'll  be  at  home  all  the  while.  {Exit  Staling  ;  Al- 
CESIMTJS  goes  into  his  house.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  CLEOSTRATA,/rom  her  house. 
Cle.  {to  herself).  This  was  the  reason,  then,  i'  faith,  why 
my  husband  entreated  me,  with  such  great  earnestness,  to 
make  haste  and  invite  my  female  neighbour  to  our  house — 
that  the  house  might  be  clear  for  him  to  be  taking  Casina 
there.  Now,  therefore,  I  shall  by  no  means  invite  her, 
80  that  liberty  of  free  range  shan't  be  any  way  given  to 
worn-out  bell-wethers.  (Alcesimus  is  coming  out  of  his 
house.)  But  look,  the  piUar  of  the  Senate's  coming  forward, 
the  safeguard  of  the  public,  my  neighbour,  the  person  who 
is  finding  free  range  for  my  husband.  I'  faith,  the  measure 
of  wit"*  that  has  been  sold  to  him,  was  purchased  at  no 
cheap  rate. 

>  Which  Colax  repeats) — ^Ver.  506.  Colax.  or,  the  Flatterer,  was  a  Play  ol 
Menander's,  which  was  translated  by  the  Roman  Comic  writer  Nsevius,  a  little 
before  the  time  of  Plautus.  It  was  not  allowed  to  be  acted  at  Rome,  on  account 
«f  some  satirical  passages  in  it  which  bore  reference  to  tlie  family  of  the  Metelli. 

2  Going  to  Sutrium) — Ver.  607.  This  was  a  proverbial  expression  (used  in  the 
Colax),  wliich  had  originated  at  the  time  wlien  Brennus  attacked  Rome.  Sutrium 
vas  a  Roman  colony  in  Etniria.  Fearing  an  attacK  upon  it  by  tlie  Gauls,  Ca- 
millus  ordered  that  some  troops  should  march  to  the  assistance  of  the  Sutrians, 
t)ut  that  they  should  carry  their  own  provisions  with  them. 

3  Public  ordinance) — Ver.  507.     See  the  Pseudolus,  1.  748. 

*  The  measure  of  unt) — Ver.  521.  "Salis."  Literally  "salt."  The  meinmc 
of  this  passage  is  obscure  iu  the  extreme,  and  it  is  difficult  to  form  a  conjecture 
Ik  hat  it  really  is,  further  than  that  it  is  not  complimentary  to  Alcesiniiiis. 


330  CASINA ;  Act  III 

Alc.  (to  himself).  I'm  wondering  that  my  wife,  who's 
already  waiting  at  home,  dressed  out,  to  be  sent  for,  hasn't 
been  invited  by  this  to  my  neighbour's  here.  But  see,  here 
she  is  ;  she's  come  to  fetch  her,  I  guess.  {Going  up  to  Cleo- 
8TEATA.)  Good  day,  Cleostrata ! 

Cle.  And  you  the  same,  Alcesimus.     "Where's  your  wife  ? 

Alc.  She's  waiting  in-doors  for  you  to  send  for  her ;  for 
your  husband  requested  me  to  send  her  to  help  you.  Do 
you  wish  me  to  call  her  ?  (Going  towards  the  door.) 

Cle.  Let  it  alone ;  I  don't  care  ;  *         *         if  she's 

busy.     Alc.  She's  at  leisure. 

Cle.  I  don't  care  about  it ;  I  don't  want  to  be  trouble- 
some  to  her ;  I'll  see  her  at  a  future  time. 

Alc.  Are  you  not  getting  ready  for  a  wedding  there  at 
your  house  ? 

Cle.  I  am  getting  ready  and  making  preparations. 

Alc.  Don't  you  require  an  assistant  then  ? 

Cle.  We  have  enough  at  home.  "When  the  marriage  has 
iaken  place,  then  I'll  call  upon  her ;  for  the  present,  fare- 
well, and  bid  her  the  same  from  me.   (Goes  into  her  house.) 

Alc.  {to  himself).  "What  am  I  to  do  now  ?  To  my  sorrow 
I've  done  a  most  disgraceful  action  for  the  sake  of  that  vile 
and  toothless  goat,  who  has  engaged  me  in  this.  I've  pro- 
mised the  aid  of  my  wife  out  of  doors,  as  though  to  go  lick 
dishes^  like  a  dog.  A  worthless  fellow,  to  tell  me  that  hia 
wife  was  going  to  send  for  her,  whereas  she  herself  declares 
that  she  does  not  want  her.  And  upon  my  faith,  it's  a  wonder 
if  this  female  neighbour  of  mine  hasn't  already  her  suspicions 
of  this.  But  yet,  on  the  other  hand,  when  I  reflect  with 
myself  on  this  notion,  if  there  were  anything  of  that,  there 
would  have  been  enquiries  of  me.  I'll  go  in-doors,  that  I 
may  lay  up  the  sliip^  again  in  the  dockyard.  {Goes  into  his 
house.) 

Scene  III. — Enter  Cleostbata, yrom  her  house, 
Cle.  {to  herself).  Kow  he  has  been  finely  made  a  fool  Oi. 

»  To  go  lick  dishes) — Ver.  535.  He  alludes  to  the  habit  of  puppies,  and 
pr(iwn-up  d  ogs  as  well,  of  being  very  ready  to  find  their  way  to  the  cupboards  o( 
their  neighbours. 

*  Lay  up  the  ship) — Ver.  541.  He  means  his  wife,  who  is  all  dressed  out  rpaiiy 
for  her  voyage  to  her  neighbours,  and  whom  be  will  now  order  to  be  unn'ggea  ano 
Itowel  mto  dock. 


Sc.  III.  OK,  THE  STEATAftEM  DEFEATED.  331 

In  what  a  bustle  are  these  unfortunate  old  fellows.  Now  1 
do  wish  that  that  good-for-nothing  decrepit  jusband  of  mine 
would  come,  that  I  might  make  a  fool  of  him  in  his  turn,  after 
I  have  thiis  fooled  the  otlier  one.  For  I  long  to  make  a  bit  of 
a  quarrel  between  these  two.  But  look,  he's  coming.  Why, 
when  you  see  him  so  serious,  you'd  think  him  a  decent  person. 
(^She  stands  on  one  side,  unseen.) 

JEnter  Staling. 

Sta.  (aloud,  to  himself).  It's  a  great  folly,  to  my  notion 
at  least,  for  any  man  that's  in  love  to  go  to  the  Forum  on 
that  day  on  which  the  object  w^iich  he  loves  is  close  at 
haiuU  ;  as  I  in  my  folly  have  been  doing ;  I've  spent  the  day, 
standing  pleading^  for  a  certain  relative  of  mine,  who,  faith, 
I'm  very  delighted  has  lost  his  cause;  so  that  he  hasn't  for 
nothing  chosen  me  as  his  advocate  to-day.  He  ought  first 
to  ask  and  make  enquiry,  whether  his  mind  is  at  home  or 
not  at  home,  whom  he's  choosing  for  his  advocate  ;  if  he  says 
it  isn't,  without  his  mind  he  should  send  liim  off  home. 
{Catches  sight  of  his  wife.)  But  look,  there's  my  wife  before 
the  house !  Alas !  wretch  that  I  am !  I'm  afraid  that  she 
isn't  deaf,  and  has  heard  this. 

Cle.  {apart).  By  my  troth,  I  have  heard  it  to  your  great  cost. 

Sta.  I'll  go  nearer  to  her.  {Goes  up  to  Cleostra.tjl.) 
Wliat  are  you  about,  my  delight  ? 

Cle.  I'  faith,  I  was  waiting  for  you. 

Sta.  Are  the  things  ready  now  ?  Have  you  by  this 
brought  over  here  to  our  house  this  female  neighbour  of  yours, 
who  was  to  assist  you  ? 

Cle.  I  sent  for  her  as  you  requested  me ;  but  this  com- 
panion of  yours,  your  very  good  friend,  was  in  a  pet  w^tli 
his  wife  about  sometliing,  I  don't  know  what ;  he  said,  when 
I  went  to  fetch  her,  that  he  wouldn't  send  her. 

Sta.  That's  your  greatest  fault ;  you  are  not  courteousi 
enough. 

Cle.  It's  not  the  part  of  matrons,  but  of  harlots,  to  be 
showing  courtesies,  my  husband,  to  the  husbands  of  others. 

*  Is  close  at  hand) — Ver.  548.  "  In  mundo."  There  is  some  doubt  what  is  the 
meaning  of  this  expression  here.     Warner  renders  it  "  in  all  her  trim." 

2  Standing  pleading) — Ver.  550.  It  was  the  Cfistom  at  Rome,  as  -witli  us  far 
the  advocate  to  stand  while  pleading  the  cause  of  his  client. 


332  Ci^siNA;  ActllL 

Go  yourself  and  fetch  her ;  I  wish  to  attend  in-doors,  my 
husband,  to  what  is  requisite  to  be  done. 

Sta.  Make  haste  then. 

Cle.  Very  well.  (Aside.)  Now,  faith,  I  shall  inspire  some 
apprehensions  in  his  heart.  I'll  this  day  render  this  love- 
sick man  completely  miserable.    {She  goes  into  the  home.) 

Scene  TV. — IJnter  ALCESiMUS,y>ow  his  house. 

Alc.  (to  himself).  I'll  go  see  here  if  the  lover  has  come 
back  home  from  the  Forum,  who,  an  old  ghost,  has  been 
making  fools  of  myself  and  my  wife.  But  see,  there  he  is 
before  his  house.  (Addressing  Staling.)  I'  faith,  'twas  just 
in  good  time  I  was  coming  to  your  house. 

Sta.  And,  i'  faith,  I  to  yours.  How  say  you,  you  good- 
for-nothing  fellow  ?  What  did  I  enjoin  you  ?  What  did  I 
beg  of  you  ? 

Alc.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Sta.  How  nicely  you've  had  your  house  empty  for  me ! 
How  well  you  have  sent  your  wife  over  to  our  house  here ! 
Isn't  it  through  yourself  that  I  and  the  opportunity  are  lost, 
both  of  us  ? 

Alc.  Why  don't  you  go  hang  yourself?  Why,  'twas  you 
yourself  said  that  your  wife  would  come  and  fetch  mine  from 
our  house  ? 

Sta.  Then  she  declares  that  she  has  been  to  fetch  her, 
and  that  you  said  you  wouldn't  let  her  go. 

Alc.  But  she  herself,  of  her  own  accord,  said  to  me  that 
she  didn't  care  for  her  assistance. 

Sta.  But  'tis  she^  herself  who  has  deputed  me  to  come 
and  fetch  lier. 

Alc.  But  I  don't  care  for  that. 

Sta.  But  you  are  proving  my  ruin. 

Alc.  But  that's  as  it  should  be.  But  I  shall  still  go  on 
delaying ;  but  I  very  much  long  for  nothing  but  to  do  you 
some  mischief;  but  I'll  do  it  with  pleasure.  Never  this  day 
shall  you  have  a  "  but"  the  more  than  I.  But,  in  fine,  really, 
upon  my  faith,  may  the  Grods  confound  you. 

Sta.  What  now  ?  Are  you  going  to  send  your  wife  to  my 
house  ? 

*  Bvt  His  she) — Ver.  586.  The  repetition  of  "  quin,**  "  but,"  is  intended  as  a 
iudicruus  mark  of  tlie  contempt  that  these  antagonists  have  lor  each  other. 


Sc.  Y.  OR,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEFEATED.  333 

Alc.  Tou  may  take  her,  and  be  off  to  utter  and  extreme 
perdition,  both  with  her  and  with  that  one  of  yours,  and  with 
that  mistress  of  yours  as  well.  Away  with  you,  and  attend 
to  something  else ;  I'll  at  once  bid  my  wife  to  pass  thither 
through  the  garden  to  your  wife. 

Sta.  IS'ow  you  are  proving  yourself  a  friend  to  me  in 
genuine  style!  (Alcesimus  goes  into  his  house.)  Under 
what  auspices  am  I  to  say  that  this  passion  was  inflicted 
upon  me,  or  what  have  I  ever  done  amiss  towards  A^enus, 
that  when  I'm  thus  in  love  crosses  so  many  should  befall  me 
in  my  path?  {A  noise  is  heard.)  Heyday!  what's  that  noise, 
prithee,  that's  going  on  in  our  house  ? 

Scene  Y. — Enter  Paedalisca,  running  out  of  the  house. 

Par.  (bawling  out  at  the  door).  I'm  undone,  I'm  undone,  I'm 
utterly,  utterly  ruined !  My  heart  is  deadened  with  fear.  My 
limbs,  in  my  misery,  are  all  a-trembling !  I  know  not  whence 
to  obtain  or  look  for  any  assistance,  safety,  or  refuge  for  my- 
self, or  any  means  of  .relief :  things  so  surprising,  in  a  manner 
so  surprisingly  done,  have  I  just  now  witnessed  in-doora,  a 
new  and  unusual  piece  of  audacity.  Be  on  your  guard, 
Cleostrata!  prithee  do  get  away  from  her,  lest  amid  such 
transports  she  may  be  doing  you  some  mischief!  Tear  away 
that  sword  from  her,  who's  not  in  possession  of  her  senses ! 

Sta.  AVhy,  what  is  the  matter — that  she,  frightened  and 
half  dead  with  fear,  rushes  hither  out  of  doors  ?  Pardalisca ! 

Par.  (looking  mldly  about  her).  Whence  do  my  ears  catch 
the  sound  ? 

Sta.  Just  look  back  at  me. 

Par.  My  master!     Sta.  What's  the  matter?     What? 

Par.  I'm  undone.     Sta.  How  undone  ? 

Par.  I'm  undone,  and  you  are  undone. 

Sta.  Disclose  it,  what's  the  matter  with  you  ? 

Par.  Woe  to  you! 

Sta.  Aye,  and  the  same  to  yourself. 

Par.  That  I  mayn't  fall  down,  prithee  do  hold,  hold  me. 
(Staggers,  on  which  Staling  supports  her.) 

Sta.  "Whatever  it  is,  tell  me  quickly. 

Par.  Do  support  my  throbbing  breast,  prithee  do  make  a 
little  air  with  your  cloak. 

Sta.  (farming  her  icith  the  lappet  of  his  cloak)    I'm  in  alarm 


33 1  CASI^A ;  Act  III. 

as  to  what  is  the  matter ;  (aside)  unless  this  woman  has  been 
somewhere  upsetting  herself  with  the  pure  cream^  of  Bacchus. 

Par.  Hold  my  ears,  pray  do.  {Her  head  falls  on  her 
shoulder.) 

Sta.  Away  to  utter  perdition ;  breast,  ears,  head,  and  your- 
eeU',  may  the  Gods  confound !  For,  unless  I  quickly  learn 
from  you  this  matter,  whatever  it  is,  I'll  forthwith  be  knock- 
mg  your  brains  out,  you  viper,  you  hussey,  wiio  have  thus  far 
been  making  a  laughing-stock  of  me. 

Pae.  My  master !     Sta.  What  do  you  want,  my  servant  ? 

Par.  You  are  too  angry. 

Sta.  You  are  saying  so  too  soon.  But  whatever  this  is, 
tell  it ;  relate  in  a  few  words  what  has  been  the  disturbance 
in-doors. 

Par.  You  shall  know.  Hear  this  most  foul  crime  w  hicL 
just  now  in-doors  at  our  house  your  female  slave  began  to  at- 
tempt after  this  fashion,  a  thing  that  does  not  befit  the  regu- 
lations of  Attica. 

Sta.  What  is  it? 

Par.  Fever  prevents  the  use  of  my  tongue. 

Sta.  What  is  it  ?  Can  I  possibly  learn  from  you  what  is 
the  matter  ? 

Par.  I'll  tell  you.  Your  female  slave,  she  whom  you  in- 
tend to  give  as  a  wife  to  your  bailiff,  in-doors  she 

Sta.  In-doors  what  ?     What  is  it  ? 

Par.  Is  imitating  the  wicked  practices  of  wicked  women, 
in  threatening  her  husband 

Sta.  What  then?     Par.  Ah! 

Sta.  What  is  it  ?  Par.  She  says  that  she  intends  to  take 
her  hushand^s  life.     A  sword 


Sta.  {starting).  Hah !     Par.  A  sword 

Sta.  What  about  that  sword  ? 

Par.  She  has  got  one.  Sta.  Ah!  wretch  that  I  amt 
Why  has  she  got  it  ? 

Par.  She  is  pursuing  them  all  at  home  nil  over  the  house, 
and  she  won't  allow  any  person  to  approach  her ;  and  so,  all, 
biding  in  chests  and  under  beds,  are  mute  with  fear. 

Sta.  I'm  murdered  and  ruined  outright !  What  malady 
is  this  that  has  so  suddenly  befallen  her  ? 

•  With  the  pure  creaTn) — Ver.  621-2.  "  Nisi  hsec  meraclo  se  uspiam  percnssit 
floi  e  Liberi."  Literally,  "  Unless  she  has  somewhere  struck  herself  with  th« 
nearly  unmixed  flower  of  Liber.** 


Sc.  V.  OE,  THE  STEATAQEM  DEEEATED.  335 

Par.  She  is  mad.  Sta.  I  do  think  that  I  am  the  most 
unfortunate  of  men  ! 

Pab.  Aye,  and  if  you  were  to  know  the  speeches  she 
uttered  to-day. 

Sta.  I  long  to  know  about  what  she  said. 

Par.  Listen.  By  all  the  Q-ods  and  Q-oddesses  she  swore 
that  she  would  murder  the  person  with  whom  she  should  bed. 

Sta.  Will  she  murder  me  ? 

Par.  Does  that  bear  reference  to  yourself  in  any  way  ? 

Sta.  Pshaw !      Par.  "What  business  have  you  with  her  ? 

Sta.  I  made  a  mistake ;  him,  the  bailiff,  I  meant  to  say. 

Par.  It's  on  purpose^  that  you  are  turning  aside  from  the 
high  road  into  bye-paths. 

Sta.  Does  she  threaten  anything  against  myself? 

Par.  She  is  hostile  to  you  individually  more  than  any 
person. 

Sta.  Por  what  reason  ? 

Par.  Because  you  have  given  her  as  a  wife  to  Olympio ; 
site  says  that  she  11  neither  suffer  your  life,  nor  her  own,  nor 
that  of  her  husband,  to  be  prolonged  until  the  morrow.  I  have 
been  sent  hither  to  tell  you  this,  that  you  might  beware 
of  her. 

Sta.  (aside).  By  my  troth,  to  my  misery  I'm  quite  undone ! 
There  neither  is  nor  ever  was  any  old  man  in  love  so  wretched 
as  I. 

Par.  (aside,  to  the  Audience).  Don't  I  play  him  off 
cleverly?  Por  everything  that  I've  been  telling  him  as 
taking  place,  I've  been  telling  him  falsely.  My  mistress 
and  she  who  lives  next  door  have  concocted  this  scheme. 
I've  been  sent  to  fool  him. 

Sta.  Hark  you,  Pardalisca !      Par.  What  is  it  ? 

Sta.  There  is Par.  What? 

Sta.  There  is  sometliing  that  I  want  to  enquire  of  you 
about. 

Par.  Tou  are  causing  me  delay. 

Sta.  Why,  you  are  causing  me  sorrow.  But  has  Casina 
got  that  sword  even  still  ? 

Par.  She  has ;  but  two  of  them. 

'  Ifs  on  purpose) — Ver.  658.  Slie  hints  bj  tliis  tl\at  she  weU  knows  what  liia 
thoughts  are,  and  that  really  it  is  no  mistake  on  his  part;  but  that  he  is 
designedly  deviating  from  the  open  path  of  rectitude,  aud  tirmng  audc  i»to  Vam 
bye-puths  of  lust  aud  dapicity 


3,1G  casina;  Act  II J 

Sta.  Why  two  ?  Pah.  She  says  that  this  very  day  she'll 
murder  you  with  the  one,  the  bailiff  with  the  other. 
-  Sta.  lamnowthemoatutterly  murdered  of  all  people  that 
do  exist.  I'll  put  on  me  a  coat  of  mail ;  I  think  that's  the 
best.  What  did  my  wife  do  ?  Didn't  she  go  and  take  them 
away  from  her  ? 
.   Par.  No  person  dares  go  near  her. 

Sta.  She  should  have  prevailed  on  her. 

Par.  She  is  entreating  her.  She  declares  that  assuredly 
she  will  lay  them  down  on  no  other  terms,  unless  she  under- 
stands that  she  shall  not  be  given  to  the  bailiff. 

Sta.  But  whether  she  likes  it  or  no,  because  she  refuses, 
she  shall  marry  him  this  day.  For  why  shouldn't  I  carry 
this  out  that  I've  begun,  for  her  to  marry  me  ? — that,  in- 
deed, I  didn't  intend  to  say — but,  our  bailiff? 

Par.  You're  making  your  mistakes  pretty  often. 

Sta.  It's  alarm  that  impedes  my  words.  But,  pritliee,  do 
tell  my  wife,  that  I  entreat  her  to  prevail  upon  her  to  put 
down  the  sword,  and  allow  me  to  return  in-doors. 

Par.  I'll  tell  her.      Sta.  And  do  you  entreat  her. 

Par.  And  I'll  entreat  her. 

Sta.  And  in  soft  language,  in  your  usual  way.  But  do 
you  hear  me  ?  If  you  manage  this,  I'll  give  you  a  pair  of 
phoes^  and  a  gold  ring^  for  your  finger,  and  plenty  of  nice 
things. 

Par.  I'll  do  my  best.      Sta.  Take  care  and  prevail. 

Par.  Now  then  I'll  be  off;  unless  you  detain  me  for 
anything. 

Sta.  Be  off,  and  take  care. 

Par.  {aside).  Look,  his  assistant  is  returning,  at  last, 
with  the  provisions ;  he's  bringing  a  train  after  him.  {She 
goes  into  the  house.) 

*  A  pair  of  shoes) — Ver.  693.  Perhaps  these  would  prove  very  acceptable  to 
Pardalisca,  who,  as  a  slave,  was  probably  condemned  to  wear  the  heavy 
"scalponeae"  before  mentioned,  in  1.  478. 

*  And  a  gold  ring) — Ver.  694.  Slaves  were  not  in  pjeneral  allowed  to  wear  other 
than  iron  rings,  called  "  condalia."  See  the  Notes  to  the  Trinummus,  1.  1014» 
iMeursius,  as  quoted  by  Limiers,  goes  so  far  as  to  suppose  that  this  is  an  implied 
promise  of  her  liberty  to  Pardalisca,  becau.'je  of  this  inability  of  the  slaves  to  wwu 
gold  rings.    That  seems,  however,  to  oe  a  '.pry  far-fetcheil  notion. 


Sc.  A^I.  Oa,  THE  StEATAaEM  DEFEATED.  337 

Scene  VI. — Enter  Olympic,  a  Cook,  and  JiU  AssisTANTts, 
yjtth  ^provisions. 

Ol.  {to  the  Cook).  See,  you  thief,  that  you  lead  on  your 
briars  beneath  their  banners^. 

Cook.  But  how  are  they  briars  P 

Ol.  Because  that  which  they  have  touchedj  they  instantly 
seize  hold  of ;  if  you  go  to  snatch  it  from  them,  they  instantly 
rend  it ;  so,  wherever  they  come,  wherever  they  are,  with  a 
twofold  loBs^  do  they  mulct  their  masters. 

Cook.  Heyday,  indeed  ! 

Ol.  Well,  well !  This  way  I'm  delaying  to  go  meet  my 
master  with  a  magnificent,  patrician,  and  patronizing  air. 
(^He  struts  along.) 

Sta.  My  good  man,  save  you.     Ol.  I  admit  tiiat  so  lam^. 

Sta.  How  goes  it  P 

Ol.  You  are  in  love,  but  I'm  hungering  and  thirsting. 

Sta.  You  have  come  capitally  provided. 

Ol.  Pooh!  pooh  !     {Goes  towards  the  door.) 

Sta.  But  stop  you,  although  you  do  hold  me  in  con- 
tempt  

Ol.  O  dear,  O  dear !  your  converse  has  a  bad  smell  to 
me.     {Moving  away.) 

Sta.  What's  the  matter  ?  Ol.  {pointing  to  the  baskets  qf 
provisions).  That's  the  matter. 

Sta.  Will  you  not  stop  there  P 

Ol.  Why,  really,  you  are  causing  me  ennui*. 

'  Briars  beneath  their  banners) — Ver.  702.  This  figure  is  derived  partly  from 
jE;ardening,  partly  from  ir  ilitary  tactics.  The  assistants  of  the  Cook  are  compared 
1 1  briars,  because  they  tear  and  carry  off  everything  they  meet ;  and  their  leader 
IS  requested  to  keep  tliem  "  sub  signis,"  "  beneath  the  banners,"  lest,  like  soldiers 
on  a  march,  leaving  their  ranks,  they  should  stroll  about  to  plunder  and  steal. 
The  bad  character  of  the  hired  cooks  has  been  referred  to  in  the  Pseudolus.  It 
will  be  also  found  enlarged  upon  in  the  Aulularia. 

'  With  a  twofold  loss) — Ver.  706.  Probably,  pilfering  in  all  directions,  ar^d 
then  getting  paid  for  their  services. 

3  /  admit  that  so  I  am) — ^Ver.  709.  *'  Fateor."  His  conscience  prickmg  hira 
for  his  disgraceful  conduct,  he  is  glad  to  catch  the  opportunity  of  alleging  that  he 
really  is  a  "  bonus  vir  "  vice  thus  paying  homage  to  virtue. 

*  Causing  me  ennui) — Ver.  715.  This  is  in  Greek  in  the  original — Trpdyiiara 
fioL  TTapexfis.  More  literally,  "You  give  me  trouble."  It  was  a  pliiase 
generally  used  by  a  superior  when  annoyed  by  an  inferior,  and  aptly  show^  liie 
degraded  position  to  which  Stalino  has  reduced  himself  by  his  base  assocWiona 

VOL.  n.  s 


k 


538  CASiNA ;  Ajt  III. 

Sta.  I  sliall  be  giving  you  a  grand  coup^,  I  fancy,  if  you 
don't  stand  still  forthwith.     {Catches  hold  of  him.) 

Ol.  0  mon  Dieu^ !  Can't  you  get  away  from  me,  unless 
you  would  like  me  to  be  sick  just  now  ? 

Sta.  Do  stop  a  bit. 

Ol.  How's  this  ?    (^Staring  at  him.)  What  person's  this  ? 

Sta.  I'm  your  master.     Ol.  "What  master  ? 

Sta.  He  whose  slave  you  are. 

Ol.  I,  a  slave  ?     Sta.  At/e,  and  mine. 

Ol.  Am  I  not  a  free  man  ?     Eemember !  remember ! 

Sta.  Stop  and  stay  you  there !     {Catches  hold  of  him.) 

Ol.  Let  me  alone.     Sta.  I  am  your  slave. 

Ol.  That's  very  good. 

Sta.  My  dear  little  Olympio,  my  father,  my  patron,  I  dc 
beg  of  you 

Ol.  Well,  you  certainly  are  in  your  senses. 

Sta.  Of  course  I  am  your  slave. 

Ol.  What  need  have  I  of  so  worthless  a  slave  ? 

Sta.  Well  now,  how  soon  are  you  going  to  provide  me 
some  amusement^  ? 

Ol.  If  the  dinner  were  but  drest. 

Sta.  Then  let  them  be  off  this  instant  in-doors.  {To 
the  Cook  and  his  Assistants.)  Gro  you  into  the  house  and 
despatch  with  all  haste.  I'll  come  in  just  now.  Have  the 
dinner  charmingly  sauced  up*  for  me;  I  want  to  have  a 
charming  meal.  I  really  don't  care,  now,  to  be  eating  in 
the  style  of  i/our  sumptuous  foreigners^.     Be  off,  will  you ; 

with  his  servant  OljTnpio.  An  attempt  has  been  made  in  the  translation,  perhaps 
not  very  successfully,  to  pourtray  the  impression  intended  to  be  conveyed  by  the 
passage  oy  tne  use  of  the  French  word  "  ennui." 

1  A  grand  coup) — Ver.  716.   Meya  kukov.    Literally,  "  A  great  mischief" 

2  0  mon  D{eu)—YeT.  717.  'Q  Zev.     Literally,  "  0  Zeus !"  or  "  0  Jupiter  !'* 

»  Provide  me  some  amusement) — Ver.  727.  He  perhaps  alludes  to  the  gratifi- 
cation of  his  villanous  intentions  with  regard  to  Casina.  If  not,  his  meaning  is 
still  more  gross.  He  is,  without  exception,  the  most  despicable  character,  with  the 
exception  of  Dinarchus,  ui  the  Truculentus,  depicted  in  any  Play  of  Plautns. 

*  Charmingly  sauced  up) — Ver.  731.  By  the  use  of  the  word  "  ebria,"  he  either 
means  that  the  hashes  are  to  be  swimming  with  sauces  and  gravies,  or  that  plenty 
of  wine  is  to  be  provided. 

*  In  the  style  of  your  sumptuous  foreigners) — Ver.  733.  Barbarico  ritu.  He 
perhaps  alludes  to  the  Eastern  style  of  entertainments,  which  were  probably  ac- 
companied with  more  magnificence,  and,  at  the  same  time,  greater  sobriety, 
which  doubtless  would  not  agree  with  his  Epicurean  notions. 


Act  TV.  OE,   THE  STATAGEM  DEFEATED.  339 

bub   for  tlie  present,  however,   I  take  up  my  abode  here. 
{The  Cook  and  his  Assistants  go  into  the  house.') 

Ol.  Is  there  anything  that  detains  you  here  ? 

Sta.  The  servant-maid  says  that  Casina  has  got  a  sword 
in-doors,  to  deprive  you  and  me  of  life  with  it. 

Ol.  I  understand  it.  Just  let  her  alone  with  it.  They  are 
imposing  on  you :  I  know  these  worthless  baggages.  How- 
ever, do  you  now  go  into  the  house  with  me. 

Sta.  But,  i'  faith,  I'm  fearful  of  mischief:  only  do  you 
go.     Eeconnoitre,  first,  what's  going  on  within. 

Ol.  My  life's  as  dear  to  me  as  yours  is  to  you. 

Sta.  But  only  do  go  now. 

Ol.  If  you'll  go  yourself,  I'U  go  in  with  you.  {They  ^o 
info  the  house.) 

Act  IV. — Scene  I. 
Enter  PAEDALiscAjyrowz  the  house,  laughing  aloud. 

Par.  {to  herself).  Upon  my  faith,  I  do  not  believe  that  at 
^em'e2^,novdoIthink  that  at  Olympia,  or  anywhere  else,  there 
ever  where  such  funny  games  as  these  ridiculous  games  that  are 
going  on  in-doors  here  with  our  old  gentleman  and  our  bailiff 
Olympio.  In-doors,  all  over  the  house,  all  are  in  a  bustle ; 
the  old  man  is  bawling  away  in  the  kitchen,  and  urging  on 
the  cooks.  "  "Why  don't  you  go  to  work  at  once  ?  Why 
don't  you  serve  up,  if  you  are  going  to  serve  up  ?  Make 
haste  ;  the  dinner  ought  to  have  been  cooked  by  this."  And 
then  this  bailiff  is  strutting  about  with  his  chaplet^,  clothed 
in  white  and  finely  rigged  out.  And  then  these  women  are 
dressing  up  the  armour-bearer  in  the  bedroom,  to  give  him 
to  be  married  to  our  bailiff  in  place  ^f  Casina ;  but  the  artfid 
baggages  very  cleverly  conceal  what  the  upshot  of  this^  is 
really  to  be.  Then  too,  in  a  manner  quite  worthy  of  them,  the 
cooks  are  very  cleverly  doing  their  best  to  the  end  that  the 
old  gentleman  mayn't  get  his  dinner.     They  are  upsetting 

»  At  Nemea) — Ver.  746.  Nemea  was  a  town  near  Corinth,  where  games  were 
held  in  honor  of  Hercules,  in  remembrance  of  his  slaying  the  Nemean  Lion.  At 
Olympia,  in  Ells,  the  Olympic  games  in  honor  of  Jupiter  were  celebrated. 

2  With  his  chaplet) — Ver.  754.  Among  the  Romans  the  bridegroom  wore  a 
jpreath  or  chaplet  of  flowers  on  his  head. 

3  The  upshot  qfthis) — Ver.  759.  The  meaning  of  this  passage  is  obscure.  It 
perhaps,  however,  means  that  they  conceal  from  Chalinus  how  far  they  intend 
bim  to  go  in  the  joke,  for  fear  lest  he  should  refuse  his  services. 

z2 


MO  casika;  Act  IV. 

the  pots,  and  putting  out  the  fire  with  the  water.  At  the 
request  of  these  ladies  they  are  so  doing ;  they,  too,  are 
determined  to  bundle  the  old  fellow  dinuerless  out  of  doors, 
that  they  by  themselves  may  blow  out  their  own  stomachs. 
I  know  these  female  gluttons ;  a  merchant-ship^  full  of  vic- 
tuals they  can  devour.     But  the  door  is  opening. 

ScEiOB  II. — Unter  StaIjITSo,  from  the  house. 

Sta.  {speaking  to  Cleosteata,  within).  If  you  are  wise, 
wife,  you'll  dine,  after  all,  when  the  dinner's  cooked.  I 
shall  dine  in  the  country,  for  I'm  desirous  to  attend  the  new- 
made  husband  and  the  newly-made  bride  into  the  country 
(I  know  the  mischievous  habits  of  persons),  that  no  one  may 
carry  her  off.  Do  you  people  indulge  your  appetite.  But 
do  make  haste  and  send  him  and  her  out  immediately,  that  at 
least  we  may  get  there  in  daylight.  I  shall  be  here  to- 
morrow ;  to-morrow,  wife,  I'll  be  having  a  banquet  still. 

Pah.  (aside).  'Tis  as  I  said  it  would  be ;  the  women  are 
packing  the  old  fellow  dinnerless  out  of  doors. 

Sta.  {to  Pakdalisca).  What  are  you  doing  here  ? 

Pae.  I'm  going  whither  she  sent  me. 

Sta.  Eeally  ?     Pae.  Seriously. 

Sta.  "What  are  you  looking  for  here  ? 

Pae.  Eeally  I'm  looking  for  nothing  at  all. 

Sta.  Be  off;  you  are  loitering  here  ;  the  others  are  bustling 
about  in-doors. 

Pae.  I'm  off. 

Sta.  Be  off,  then,  will  you,  away  from  here,  you  jade  of 
jades.  (Paedalisca  goes  into  the  house.)  Is  she  gone 
then  ?  I  may  now  say  here  anything  I  please.  He  that's  in 
love,  i'  faith,  even  if  he  is  hungry,  isn't  hungry  at  all.  But 
see,  the  bailiff,  my  associate-,  conipanion,  and  husband-in- 
copartnership,  is  coming  out  of  doors  with  wreath  and  torch. 

>  A  merckant'8h{p)—VeT.  766.  "  Corbitam,"  "  a  merchant-ship.*'  This  word 
gave  rise  to  the  French  word  "  corvette."  Merchant-ships  are  said  to  have  been 
so  called  from  their  carrying  a  "corbis,"  or  "basket,"  at  the  mast-head;  probably 
to  show  at  a  distance  that  they  were  traders,  and  not  ships  of  war. 

2  My  associate) — Ver.  784.  "  Socins,"  "  associate,"  seems  certainly  a  much 
more  rational  reading  than  "  socerus,"  "  father-in-law,"  which  Weise  adopts. 
Amid  all  his  folly,  we  can  hardly  imagine  Stalino  calling  Olympio  his  fother-ir>- 
la-.v.  From  the  present  passage  it  would  appear  that  the  bridegroom  was  oie  of 
those  who  held  the  torcJjes  before  the  bnde  when  sh*'  was  led  to  his  hotwe. 


OC.  III.       OR,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEFEATED.  84l 

Scene  III. — Enter  Olympic,  dressed  in  white^  with  a  wreath 
on  his  head,  and  a  torch  in  his  hand,  accompanied  hy  Musi« 

CIANS. 

Ol.  (^0  one  of  the  Musicians).  Come,  piper,  while  they  are 
escorting  the  new-made  bride  out  of  doors,  make  the  whole 
of  this  street  resound  with  a  sweet  wedding-tune^.  (-He  sings 
aloud.)    lo  Hymen  hymenaee !     lo  Hymen ! 

Sta.  (accosting  him).  How  fare  you,  my  preserver? 

Ol.  I'm  very  hungry,  faith ;  and,  in  fact,  I'm  not  thirsty 
a  little. 

Sta.  But  I'm  in  love.  Ol.  Still,  upon  my  faith,  love,  I 
shan't  be  making  any  trial  of  you.  For  some  time  past  my 
inside  has  been  grumbling  with  emptiness. 

Sta.  But  why  is  she  now  delaying  so  long  in-doors,  just  as 
though  on  purpose  ?  The  greater  the  haste  I'm  in,  in  so 
much  the  less  is  she. 

Ol.  What  if  I  were  even  to  trill  an  hymeneal  lay  ? 

Sta.  I  agree  to  that ;  and  I'll  help  you  at  these  our  common 
nuptials. 

Ol.  (Staling  joining,  they  sing).  Hymen  hymenaee!  lo 
Hymen.! 

Sta.  Upon  my  faith,  I'm  dreadfully  done  up ;  one  may  burst 
one's  self  with  singing  this  hymeneal  lay ;  if  I  do  burst  this 
way2, 1  can't  burst  any  other,  that  I  may  make  sure  of. 

Ol.  Upon  my  faith,  for  sure,  if  you  were  a  horse,  you'd 
never  be  broken  in. 

Sta.  On  what  grounds  ?     Ol.  Tou  are  too  hard-mouthed. 

Sta.  Have  you  ever  found  me  so  ? 

Ol.  The  Grods  forbid !  But  the  door  makes  a  noise ;  they 
are  coming  out. 

Sta.  I'  troth,  the  Grods  do  will  me  to  be  preserved  at  last.  I 
already  smell  Casina^  at  a  distance.  (  They  move  to  a  distance,) 

'  Wedding-^iie) — Ver.  787.  "  Hymenaso."  The  nuptial-song  was  called 
"  Hymena3us,"  in  honor  of  Hymen,  the  God  of  Marriage.  The  above  words  were 
probably  the  refrain,  or  Chorus  of  the  song. 

"^  If  I  do  hurst  this  way) — Ver.  801.  Tlie  meaning  of  this  passage  is  obscure, 
but  there  is  no  doubt  that  it  is  of  an  indecent  nature.  The  translation  is  conse- 
quently somewhat  modified. 

3  Already  smell  Casino) — Ver.  805.  Some  Commentators  explain  this  passage 
as  one  of  indecent  allusion,  but  there  is  really  no  occasion  for  such  a  construction  ; 
no  doubt,  the  bride  was  usually  perfumed  to  the  highest  pitch,  and  Stalino  mny 
ver  J  naturally  say  that  he  smells  her  at  n  distauce. 


3i2  CASINA ;  Act  IV 

Scene  IV. — Enter,  from  the  house,  two  Female  Seetants 

leading  Chalinus,  veiled  and  dressed  in  women's  clothes^ 

as  Castka. 

Sert.  Move  on,  and  raise  your  feet  a  little  over  the 
threshold^,  newly-married  bride ;  prosperously  commence  this 
journey,  that  you  may  always  be  alive  for  your  husband,  that 
you  may  be  his  superior  in  power,  and  the  conqaeror,  and 
that  your  rale  may  gain  the  upper  hand.  Let  your  husband 
find  yoa  in  clothes  ;  you  plunder  your  husband ;  by  night  and 
day  to  be  tricking  your  husband,  prithee,  do  remember. 

Ol.  (jto  Staling).  Upon  my  faith,  at  her  downright  peril, 
the  instant  she  offends  me  ever  so  little ! 

Sta.  Hold  your  tongue.     Ol.  I  shall  not  hold  my  tongue. 

Sta.  "What's  the  matter?  Ol.  These  wicked  jades  are 
wickedly  teaching  her  wicked  lessons. 

Sta.  Instead  of  being  all  ready,  they'll  be  bringing  this 
matter  all  into  confusion  for  me.  They  are  striving  at  that, 
wishing  for  it,  that  they  may  have  it  all  undone. 

Serv.  Come,  Olympio,  as  soon  as  you  please,  receive  this 
wife  of  yours  from  us.     {They  present  Chalifus  to  him.^ 

Ol.  Hand  her  to  me  then,  if  you  are  going  to  hand  her  to 
me  at  all  to-day.     (^They  hand  Chalinus  to  him.) 

Sta.  {to  the  Female  Servants).  Be  off  in-doors. 

Serv.  Prithee,  do  deal  gently  with  her  who  is  so  young  and 
inexperienced.     Sta.  It  shall  be  so.     Farewell ;  be  off  now. 

Serv.  Farewell.     (  They  go  into  the  house.) 

Sta.  Is  my  wife  now  gone  ? 

Ol.  She's  in  the  house ;  don't  be  afraid. 

Sta.  Hurra !  Now,  faith,  I'm  free  at  last.  {Addressing 
himself  to  Chalinus  as  Casina.)  My  sweetheart,  my  spring- 
flower^,  my  little  honey !     {Embraces  him.) 

Ol.  But,  hark  you !  you'll  beware,  if  you  are  wise,  of  some 
mishap  :  she's  mine. 

Sta.  I  know  that ;  but  mine's  the  first  enjoyment. 

Ol.  {holding  him  the  torch).  Hold  this  torch /or  me. 

Sta.  Why,  no,  I'll  hold  her  in  my  arms  in  preference. 

»  A  little  over  the  threshold) — Ver.  806.  When  the  bridal  procession  left  the 
house  of  the  bride,  and  when  it  reached  that  of  the  husband,  the  bride  was  hfted 
over  the  threshold  by  "  pronubi,"  men  who  had  been  married  to  only  one  wife,  that 
8he  might  not  touch  it  with  her  foot,  which  was  deemed  an  evil  omen. 

^  Afy  spring- flower) — Ver.  821.    "  Verculum.*'    Literally,  "  My  little  spring. 
The  Koinau  names  ot  endearmeut  seem  to  ivttve  been  i6i;nerally  -try  silly  ones. 


Act  Y.        OR,  THE  STEATAGEM  DEFEATED.  343 

All-powerful  Yenus,  a  happy  existence  hast  tho  x  given  me  in 
giving  me  the  possession  of  her  !  A  dear  little  body  !  a  dear 
little  honey  !    \Hugs  Chalinus,  who  pretends  to  struggle.) 

Ol.  {sliouting  aloud).  O  my  dear  little  wife  !  {Jumps  alout 
on  one  leg.) 

Sta.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Ol.  She  has  trod  upon  my  toes. 

Sta.  {aside).  I'll  compliment  her,  as  it  were.  A  mist  is  not 

so  soft  as  is {Pulls  Chalinus  about.)     A  pretty  little 

bosom,  upon  my  faith.  (Chalinus  gives  him  a  thrust  with  his 
elbow,  on  which  he  roars  out.)     Woe  to  unfortunate  me ! 

Ol.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Sta.  She  struck  me  in  the  breast  with  her  elbow. 

Ol.  Why  then,  pray,  do  you  maul  her  about  ?  But  she 
does  not  do  so  to  me,  who  touch  her  gently.  {CkaJjUSTIS  gives 
him  a  poke  with  his  elbow.)     0  me  ! 

Sta.  What's  the  matter?  Ol.  Prithee,  how  robust  she 
is !  she  has  almost  laid  me  flat  with  her  elbow. 

Sta.  She  wishes,  then,  to  go  to  bed^. 

Ol.  Nay  but,  why  don't  we  be  oif  ? 

Sta.  {taking  hold  of  Chalinus).  My  pretty,  pretty  little 
dear !     {They  go  info  the  house  of  Alcesimus.) 

Act  Y. — Scene  I. 

Unter  Mtrrhina  and  PAKDALiscA,^om  the  house  of 
Staling. 

Myre.  Having  been  well  and  handsomely  entertained  in- 
doors, we've  come  out  here  in  the  street  to  see  the  wedding- 
sports.  I'd  like  to  know  how  Chalinus  gets  on — the  newly- 
married  bride  with  her  new-made  husband.  Never,  upon  my 
faith,  any  day  did  I  laugh  so  much,  nor  in  the  time  that's  to 
come  do  I  think  I  shall  laugh  more  ;  and  no  poet  ever  did  con 
trive  a  more  artful  plot  than  this  was  skilfully  contrived  by  us. 
I'd  now  very  much  like  the  old  fellow  to  come  out,  with  hia 
face  well  battered,  than  whom  there  is  not  a  more  wicked  old 
man  alive.  Not  even  him  do  I  deem  to  be  more  wicked  who 
finds  the  room  for  him.  Nom*,  Pardalisca,  do  you  be  guard 
here  {pointing  to  the  door  of  her  house)  ;  that  whoever  comea 
out  from  here,  you  may  have  some  sport  with  him. 

>  To  go  to  bed) — Ver.  839.  There  is  a  childish  play  here  on  the  word* 
*cubito,"  "with  her  elbow,"  and  "oubitum."  "  to  go  to  oed." 


34 i  CASIX;V;  Act  V 

Pae.  I'll  do  it  with  pleasure,  and  in  my  usual  way. 

Mter.  Observe  from  here  everything  that's  going  on  in- 
doors. 

Par.  Prithee,  get  behind  me.  Mter.  Tou  have  liberty, 
too,  to  say  freely  and  boldly  to  him  anything  you  like. 

Par.  {in  a  low  voice).  Be  quiet ;  your  door  makes  a  noise. 
(  They  hide  themselves.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Olympic,  in  great  alarm,  from  the  house  of 
Alcesimus. 
Ol.  (bawling  aloud).  Neither  where  to  fly  to,  nor  where 
to  conceal  myself,  nor  how  to  hide  this  disgrace,  do  I  know ; 
so  much  have  my  master  and  myself  been  supereminently 
disgraced  at  these  nuptials  of  ours.  I'm  now  so  ashamed, 
and  now  so  afraid,  and  so  ridiculous  are  we  both.  But,  a  sim- 
pleton, I'm  now  doing  what's  new  to  me :  I'm  ashamed  at  that 
which  has  never  shamed  me  before.  {To  the  Atjdiekce.)  Lend 
me  your  attention,  while  I  repeat  my  exploits  ;  it's  worth 
your  while  to  catch  them  with  your  ears  ;  so  ridiculous  to  be 
heard,  to  be  repeated,  are  these  mishaps  which  I  have  met  with 
in  the  house.  [When  straightway^  I  had  led  my  new-made 
bride  into  the  room,  I  fastened  the  bolt ;  but,  however,  the 
gloom  there  was  just  like  the  night.  I  placed,  I  propped 
things  against  the  door  ;  I  struggled  hard^  that  before  the  old 
fellow  *  *  *  *  with  my  bride.     Then 

^  When  straightway) — Ver.  865.  With  tliis  line  commences  a  part  of  the  Play 
which  is  in  a  very  imperfect  state,  and  as  to  the  reason  for  the  appearance  ol 
which  in  that  form  the  Critics  are  divided  in  opinion.  As  it  is  full  of  the  grossest 
indecencies  (which  have  precluded  the  possibi'ity  of  translating  some  parts  of  it),  it 
has  been  sujigested  that  Plautus  himself  wrote  it  in  this  tragmentary  form,  as 
being  sufficient  to  show  his  meaning,  without  displaying  these  indelicacies  in  all 
their  amplitude.  Another  opinion  is,  th;it  these  passages  are  really  the  composi- 
tion of  Plautus,  but  that  they  have  been  reduced  to  their  present  state  by  lapse  of 
time,  or  possibly,  by  reason  of  the  MSS.  having  been  subjected  to  castration  by 
the  fastidious  students  of  the  middle  centuries.  A  third  opinion  is,  that  the  por- 
tion between  this  line  and  1.  927,  and  some  few  lines  in  the  next  Scene  as  well, 
were  not  the  composition  of  Plautus,  but  that  they  were  composed  by  some  of  the 
learned  in  the  middle  ages,  to  fill  up  the  liiatus  which  existed  in  this  part  of  the 
Play,  or  was  supposed  to  exist  there.  If  so,  the  writers  might  certainly  have 
employed  their  time  and  talents  to  better  advantage,  as  they  have  fairly  distanced 
Plautus  in  the  very  woi-st  of  his  indecencies. 

2  I  struggled  hard) — Ver.  867.  This  word  is  given  as  "mollio."  to  soften,"  in 
all  the  Editions.  "  Molio"  seems  much  moro  appropriate,  aa4  is  used  by  FrontiilU* 
m  tho  3. me  sense  as  "  n[ioUar  " 


Sc.  II.        OB,  THE  STEATAGEM  DEFEATED.  345 

I  began  to  be  slow  in  my  proceedings,  for  I  looked  behind  me 
every  now  and  then,  lest  the  old  fellow  should  break  in  * 
*  *  *  *,  a  kiss,  that  provocative  to  lust, 

I  asked  of  her  first.  She  pushed  back  my  hand,  and  allowed 
me  not  to  give  her  a  kiss  in  a  quiet  way.  But  then  the  more 
anxious  was  I,  the  more  desirous  to  assert  my  privilege  with 
Casina,  and  1  longed  to  do  the  old  fellow  out  of  that  task. 
The  door  I  blocked  up,  so  that  the  old  man  might  not  over- 
power me. 

Enter  Cleosteata  and  two  Female  Seetants,  from  tTie 


Myee.  {apart  to  Cleosteata).  Come  now,  you  accost  him 
{Fainting  to  Oltmpio.) 

Cle.  {accosting  Oltmpio).  "Where  is  your  newly-made 
bride  ? 

Ol,  {aside).  By  heavens,  I'm  utterly  undone ;  the  thing's 
all  out. 

Cle.  {overhearing  Mm).  It's  right,  then,  that  you  should 
relate  the  whole  affair  as  it  happened.  What's  going  on 
in-doors  ?  How  fares  Casina  ?  Is  she  quite  obsequious  to 
your  will  ? 

Ol.  I'm  ashamed  to  tell  it. 

Cle.  Eelate  it  in  its  order  just  as  you  proceeded. 

Ol.  Upon  my  faith,  I  am  ashamed. 

Cle.  Proceed  boldly.  After  you  went  to  bed,  I  want  you 
to  tell  what  took  place  after  that. 

Ol.  But  it's  a  disgraceful  matter. 

Cle.  I'll  take  care  that  those  who  hear  it  shall  be  on  their 
guard  as  to  mentioning  it. 

Ol.  That's  the  principal  thing. 

Cle.  You  kill  me  with  weariness.  Why  don't  you  pro- 
ceed ? 

Ol.  Ubi 

*  *  *  *        us  subtus  porro 

*  *  *         quid.     Ol.  Babse! 
Cle.  Quid?     Ol.  Papse! 

*  *  quid  est  ?     Ol.  Oh,  erat  maximum. 
Gladimn  ne  haberet  metui ;  id  quserere  occoepi. 
Dum,  gladiumne  habeat,  quaere,  arripio  capulum. 

Sed,  quom  cogito,  non  habuit  gladium  ;  nam  id  esset  frigidiuai 
Cle.  Eloquere.     Ol.  At  pudet. 


340  CASINA ;  Act  V. 

Cle    Nuni  rad-x  fuit  ?     Ol.  Non  fuit. 

Cle.  Num  cucumis  ? 

Ol.  Profecto  hercle  non  fuit  quidquam  olerum ; 
]NI'isi  quidquid  erat,  calamitas  profecto  attigerat  nunquam. 
Ita,  quidquid  erat,  grande  erat. 

Myrr.  Quid  fit  denique  ?     Edisserta. 

Ol.  sepit  veste  id,  qui  eatis.     Ubi  ilium  saltum  vide« 

obseptum ; 

Bogo,  ut  altero  sinat  ire.     Ita,  quidquid  erat,  grande  erat. 
Tollo  ut  obvortam  cubitissim  #  *  # 

UUum  mutire         #  #  *  #  * 

Surgo,  ut  ineam  in       *  *  *  *  * 

Atque  illam  in       *  *  *  *  * 

Myrr.  Perlepide  narrat       *  *  *  # 

Ol.  When  I  addressed  Casina,  "  Casina,"  said  I,  "  my 
dear  wife,  why  do  you  slight  your  husband  in  this  fashion  ? 
Really,  upon  my  faith,  you  do  this  quite  without  my  deserving 
it,  inasmuch  as  I  have  given  you  the  preference  as  my  wife." 
Slie  answered  not  a  word.  When  I  attempted  a  kiss,  a 
beard  pricked  my  lips  just  like  briars.  Forthwith,  as  I  was 
upon  my  knees,  she  struck  my  head  with  her  feet.  I  tumbled 
headlong  from  the  bed ;  she  leapt  down  upon  me  and  punched 
my  face.  Prom  there  in  silence  out  of  doors  I  came  in  this 
guise ;  by  your  leaves  I  say  it ;  may  the  old  fellow  drink  of 
the  same  cup  that  I  have  been  drioking  of. 

Cle.  Most  excellent.     But  where' s  your  cloak  ? 

Ol.  {pointing  to  the  house  of  Alcesimus).  I  left  it  here 
in-doors. 

Cle.  Well  now ;  hasn't  a  very  nice  trick  been  played  you? 

Ol.  Yes,  and  deservedly.  Hush !  the  door  makes  a  noise. 
What,  is  she  following  me,  I  wonder?  (They go  to  a  distance.) 

Scene  III. — Enter  Staling,  in  haste,  from  the  house  of 
Alcesimus. 

Sta.  {aloud  to  himself).  I'm  branded  with  the  greatest 
disgrace,  nor  what,  under  my  circumstances  to  do,  do  I  know. 
Kor  yet  how  to  look  my  wife  in  the  face;  so  utterly  un- 
done am  I !  All  my  misdeeds  are  discovered.  In  every  way, 
to  my  confusion,  I  am  ruined !  So  clearly  am  I  hooked  fast 
by  the  jaws !  nor  know  I  in  what  way  to  clear  myself  before 
mv  wife;  wretch  that  I  am,  to  have  been  stripped  of  my 
cloak  1  #  *  #  *  These 


Se.  TV,        oil,  THE  STRATAGEM  DEFEATED.  347 

ciandestine  nuptials  are  all  discovered.         #  ♦  « 

*  I  judge  it  best  for  me  *  *  #         * 

She  taught  my  wife         *        the  way         *  *         But 

who  is  there,  what  person  would  be  ready  to  undertake  this 
office  for  me  ?  "What  now  to  do  I  know  not,  except  to  imitate 
worthless  slaves,  and  fly  from  the  house ;  for  there's  no 
safety  for  my  shoulder-blades  if  I  return  home.  I  may  tell 
lies  there ;  i'  faith,  I  shall  get  a  basting,  though  much  against 
my  will,  although  I  have  earned  my  punishment.  I'll  at 
once  betake  myself  in  this  direction  in  flight.  (^He  begins  to 
run?) 

Ol,  {coming  forward  with  the  others).  Hallo  there !  Stop, 
this  instant,  you  amorous  one  ! 

Sta.  {to  himself).  I'm  utterly  imdone !  I'm  being  called 
back.     I'U  be  ofi",  as  though  I  didn't  hear.     {Buns  on.)'] 

Scene  IV. — Enter  Chalihus,^ow  the  Aoz^e  of  Alcesimus, 
dressed  in  woman's  clothes. 

Cha.  "Where  are  you,  you  who  imitate  the  morals  of  the 
Massilians^  ?  Now,  if  you  wish  to  be  taking  liberties  with 
me,  is  a  good  opportunity     [  *  *  *  at  your 

risk.  By  my  troth,  you  are  undone.  Come,  only  step  this 
way.  *  *  *  j^ow  I  fancy  that  when  a 

witness  out  of       *  *  *  *  *  * 

*  *  rUfind  #  *  *  * 
thus  out  of  the  street  I  order  #  *  *  * 
a  murmur  I         *             *             * 

Sta.  Now  am  I  in  extreme  danger,  between  the  stone  ana 
the  sacrifice,  nor  know  I  which  way  to  fly  *  * 

*  *  *  The  wolf-dogs  *  *  * 
it  was             #             *             # 

1  Of  the  Massilians) — Ver.  928.  It  is  not  at  all  settled  by  Commentators  what 
is  tlie  mianing  of  this  line.  Massilia,  now  Marseilles,  was  a  colony  of  the  Phocaeans. 
Cicero,  m  his  Speech  for  L.  Flaccus,  particularly  alludes  to  the  strictness  of  their 
morals.  It  is  possible  that  this  good  character  may  have  passed  into  a  proverb, 
and  that  Chalinus  banteringly  calls  Stalino  one  who  cultivates  Massilian  or  the 
strictest  morals.  Schmieder,  however,  thinks  that  a  pun  on  the  word  "Mas- 
silienses"  is  intended,  and  that  as  Stalino  has  met  with  a  "  mas,"  or  "  male." 
where  he  had  hoped  to  find  a  female,  ChaHnus  comes  forward  and  asks  him  what 
he  thinks  of  the  Mas-silians ;  just  as  we  in  a  similar  case  might  say  (thougk 
perhaps  rather  tamely)  the  Man-chester  people 


348  CASiiTA ;  Act  V. 

Cha.  r  faith,  I  do  think  *  #  *  « 

old  there  now  like  new.] 

St  A.  {turning  about).  I'll  go  this  way.  I  trust  that  the 
omen  of  a  bitch's  barking  will  prove  the  better^. 

Cle.  AVhat  are  you  doing,  my  husband,  my  good  man  V 
Whence  come  you  in  this  guise  ?  What  have  you  done  with 
your  wa. king-stick,  or  hoiv  disposed  of  the  cloak  you  had? 

Seev.  While  he  was  playing  bis  loving  pranks  with 
Casina,  he  lost  it,  1  fancy. 

Sta.  (aside).  Utterly  undone  ! 

Cha.  (coming  up  to  Staling).  Shall  we  go  to  bed  again  P 
I  am  Casina. 

Sta.  Away  with  you  to  utter  perdition ! 

Cha.  Don't  you  love  me  ? 

Cle.  Nay,  but  answer  me ;  what  has  become  of  your  cloak  ? 

[Sta.  (running  ahout,  exclaiming).  Upon  my  faith,  wife, 
the  Bacchantes  !  Bacchantes^ !  Bacchantes  ! 

Seev.  He's  making  pretence  on  purpose  ;  for,  upon  my 
word,  no  Bacchantes  are  exhibiting  at  the  present  time. 

Sta.  I  forgot  that.     But  still,  the  Bacchantes  ! 

Cle.  How,  the  Bacchantes  ?     Why,  that  cannot  be. 

Seev.  By  my  troth,  you  are  in  a  fright. 

Sta.  Wliat  I  ? 

Cle.  (to  the  Seevant).  I'  faith,  do  tell  no  lies,  for  it's 
quite  clear. 

#  ******  *1 


Sta.  Won't  you  hold  your  tongue  P 


*  Will  prove  the  hetter) — ^Ver.  938.  It  is  somewhat  difficult  to  say  exactly 
what  he  means.  In  1.  927,  he  seems  to  be  annt  yed  at  being  called  back  as  he  is 
running  (probably  down  one  of  the  streets  that  debouched  on  the  stage).  "  Revo- 
camen,"  "  being  called  back,"  was  particularly  considered  as  a  bad  omen  among 
the  Romans.  He,  perhaps,  now  changes  his  mind,  and  says  to  himself,  "This  is 
a  bad  omen ;  Til  turn  back ;  and  bad  as  it  is,  the  barking  of  my  wife  may  prove  a 
better  one." 

2  Bacchantes!  Bacchantes!^ — Ver.944.  He  tries  to  m!iko  an  excuse  byimplica- 
tifn:  pretending  to  be  in  a  fright,  he  shouts  out,  wishing  tliem  to  believe  that  he 
has  met  a  gang  of  Bacchanalian  votaries  (who  were  not  very  particular  as  to 
doing  miscliief  to  any  one  they  met).  Unfortunately  for  him,  a  servant-maid 
Buggests  that  no  feast  of  Bacchus  is  going  on  at  that  time  of  the  year,  and  thai 
eon«equentJy  the  Bacc.iantes  are  not  "  out." 


Sc.  IV.       OE,  THE  STEATAGEil  DEFEATED.  3 1:9 

Ol.  I'  troth,  I  certainly  shall  not  hold  my  tongue  ;  for  with 
the  greatest  earnestness  you  begged  me  to  ask  for  Casina  as 
my  wife. 

Sta.  That  I  did  on  account  of  my  love  for  you. 

Cle.  I'  faith,  of  her  rather.  {Turning  to  CuALi^fUS.)  He'd 
have  been  making  an  attack  upon  you,  in  fact. 

Sta.  I  been  doing  these  things  that  you  mention  ? 

Cle.  And  do  you  ask  me  that  ? 

Sta.  If  indeed  I  have  done  so,  I've  been  doing  wrong. 

Cle.  Just  come  back  in-doors  here ;  I'll  remind  you,  if 
you  have  forgotten  anything. 

Sta.  Troth,  I  think,  I'll  believe  you  in  preference  as  to  what 
you  say.  But,  wife,  do  grant  pardon  to  your  husband  for  this  ; 
Myrrhina,  do  entreat  Cleostrata !  If  ever,  from  this  time 
forward.  I  love  Casina,  or  even  think  of  it,  should  I  love  her, 
I  say,  should  I  ever  hereafter,  in  fact,  be  guilty  of  such  a 
thing,  there's  no  reason,  wife,  why  you  shouldn't  lasih  me 
with  twigs  as  I  hang  up  hy  the  arms. 

Mtee.  On  my  word,  I  do  think  that  forgiveness  may  be 
granted  for  this. 

Cle.  {to  Mteehika).  I'U  do  as  you  request  me.  {To 
Staling.)  On  tliis  account  with  the  less  difficulty  do  I  now 
grant  you  this  pardon,  that,  from  being  a  long  one,  we  mayn't 
be  making  this  Play  still  longer. 

Sta.  You  are  not  angry  ?     Cle.  I  am  not  angry. 

Sta.  Am  I  to  trust  your  word  ? 

Cle.   You  may  my  word. 

Sta.  No  person  ever  did  have  a  more  amiable  wife  than 
I've  got. 

Cha.  Keep  to  her,  ^^e?j.  Cle.  (^o  Chalintjs).  Come  you, 
give  him  back  his  walking-stick  and  cloak. 

Cha.  {taking  tJiem  from  behind  him,  where  he  had  hela 
them).  Take  them,  if  you  wish.  Upon  my  faith,  a  great  in- 
justice has  reaUy  been  most  egregiously  done  me  ;  I've  been 
married  to  two  husbands ;  neither  has  behaved  to  me  as  to  a 
new-made  bride. 

The  Company  o/'Platees. 
Spectators,  what's  to  be  done  within,  we'll  tell  you  here. 
This  Casina  will  be  discovered  ro  be  the  daughter  of  thii 


330  CASINA,  Act  v. 

person  next  door^,  and  she'll  be  married  to  Euthynicus,  our 
master's  son.  Now  it's  only  fair  that  with  your  deserving 
hands  you  should  give  us  deserved  applause.  He  who  does 
so,  may  he  always  keep  his.  mistress  without  the  knowledge  of 
his  wife.  But  he  who  doesn't  with  his  hands  clap  as  loud  as 
he  can,  in  place  of  a  mistress,  may  a  he-goat,  soused  in  bilge- 
water,  be  palmed  off  upon  him^. 

*  Of  this  person  next  door) — Ver.  968.  Schmieder  suggests  that  Myrrhina  has 
not  hitherto  seen  Casina,  but  now,  on  hearing  so  much  of  her,  enquires  into  her 
history,  on  which  Chalinus  explains  how  he  begged  her  of  the  woman  who  was 
going  to  expose  her,  and  Myrrhina  then  recognizes  in  her  her  own  child,  whom 
?he  had  ordered  to  be  exposed.  This  practice,  especially  with  regard  to  female 
children,  was  by  no  means  uncommon  among  the  ancients,  and  even  with  the 
more  respectable  classes.  We  must  remember,  however,  that  in  the  Prologue  it 
is  stated  that  the  servant  who  found  her  is  ill  in  bed. 

«  Palmed  off  upon  Mm) — Ver.  973.  Warner,  in  bis  concluding  Note  to  tLi« 
Play,  informs  us  that  "  Machiavel  had  undoi\btedly  this  Comedy  of  Plautif  is 
tus  eje  when  he  wrote  his  C*^ii*." 


P(ENU1US; 
THE  YOUNG  CARTHAGINIAN, 


Bramatis  persona?. 
Hanno,  a  Carthaginian. 

Aqobastocles,  a  young  Carthaginian,  living  at  CftlydafW 
Anthemonides,  a  Captain. 
MiuPHio,  servant  of  Agorastocles. 
CoLLYBiscus,  bailiflf  of  Agorastocles. 
Lycus,  a  Procurer. 
Syncerastus,  servant  of  Lycus. 
A  Boy. 
Some  Assistants.    [Advocati.] 

Adelphasium,  )   .  n,     ^ 

}  sisters,  Courtesans. 
Anterastylis,  J 

GiDDENEME,  their  Nurse. 

A  Maid-servajjt. 

Soent—C^jdon,  a  city  of  ^tolia.    Before  the  houses  of  Aqokastoclbi  hA 
Ltcus,  and  the  Temple  oi  Venus. 


THE  SUBJECT 


Thkre  were  twt  cousins,  citizens  of  Carthage ;  the  daughters  of  one  of  them, 
named  Hanno,  were  stolen  In  their  childhood,  and  being  carried  off  to  Calydon, 
were  there  purchased  by  Lycus,  a  Procurer.  In  the  same  place  there  is  living 
Agorastocles,  the  son  of  the  cousin  of  Hanno,  who,  having  been  stolen  in  his 
infancy,  was  sold  to  a  wealthy  old  man,  and  finally  adopted  by  him.  Here, 
without  knowing  their  relationship,  Agorastocles  falls  in  love  with  Adelphasiuin, 
the  elder  of  the  sisters,  while  Anthemonides,  a  military  oflBcer,  entertams  a 
passion  for  AnterastylLs,  the  younger  sister.  The  Procurer  being  at  enmity 
with  Agorastocles,  the  latter,  with  the  assistance  of  his  servant  Milphio, 
devises  a  plan  for  outwitting  him.  Cullybiscus,  the  bailiff  of  Agorastocles,  is 
dressed  up  as  a  foreigner,  and,  a  sum  of  money  being  given  him  for  the  purpose, 
pretends  to  take  up  his  abode  in  the  house  of  Lycus.  On  this  being  effected, 
by  previous  arrangement  Agorastocles  comes  with  witnesses,  and  accuses  the 
Procurer  of  harbouring  his  slave,  and  encouraging  him  to  rob  his  master.  At 
this  conjuncture,  Hanno  arrives  at  Calydon  in  search  of  his  daughters.  He 
discovers  them,  and  finds  that  Agorastocles  is  the  son  of  his  deceased  cousin. 
The  play  ends  with  the  removal  of  the  damsels  from  the  house  of  Lycus,  who 
is  brought  to  task  for  his  iniquities ;  and  Adelphasium  is  promised  by  her 
father  in  marriage  to  Aj^rastocles. 


PCEXULUS; 
THE  YOUNG  CARTHAGINIAN'. 


THE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 
{^Supposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammarian,  j 
A  HOY  (P«er),  seven  years  old,  is  stolen  at  Carthage.  An  old  man,  a  hater  ((?«"  ) 
of  women,  adopts  him  when  bought,  and  {Et)  makes  him  his  heir.  His  turo 
kinswomen  and  their  nurse  (Nutrix)  are  also  carried  off.  Lycus  buys  thexi 
and  torments  (^Vexat)  Agorastocles  in  love.  But  he  palms  off  his  bailiffs  th 
some  gold  upon  the  Procurer  (^Lenoni),  and  so  convicts  him  of  theft.  Hanno, 
the  Carthaginian,  comes  (^Venit),  discovers  him  to  be  the  son  of  his  cousin,  ami 
recognizes  his  own  (5m<m)  daughters  whom  he  had  lost. 


THE  PEOLOaUE. 
I  HAVE  a  raind  to  imitate  the  Achilles  of  Aristarchus^  r 
from  that  Tragedy  I'll  take  for  myself  the  opening :  "  Be 
silent,  and  hold  your  tongues,  and  give  attention."  The 
head-manager  it  is  who  bids  you  listen,  that  with  a  good 
grace  they  may  be  seated  on  the  benches,  both  those  who 
have  come  hungry  and  those  who  have  come  well  filled. 
You  who  have  eaten,  by  far  the  most  wisely  have  you  done ; 
you  who  have  not  eaten,  do  you  be  filled  with  the  Play,  But 
he  who   has   something   ready  for   him  to   eat,    'tis   realli/ 

1  The  young  Carthaginian)  Cicero  uses  the  word  "  Pcenulus,"  as  signifying 
merely  "  a  Carthaginian."  It  is  difficult  to  say  whether  the  Play  is  so  styled  in 
reference  to  Hanno,  merely  as  a  citizen  of  Carthage,  or  whether  the  word  refers 
to  the  young  man  Agorastocles,  in  the  sense  of  the  "  young  Carthaginian."  From 
an  expression  used  in  the  Fifth  Act,  "  a  man's  great  toe,"  it  would  appear  that 
Hanno  was  represented  on  the  stage  as  a  person  of  diminutive  stature;  in  conse- 
quence of  which,  it  has  been  suggested  that  the  meaning  is  *'  the  little  Cartha- 
ginian." Lipsius  thinks  that  this  Prologue  was  not  written  by  Plautus,  and 
imieed  some  schc^ars  suspect  the  whole  Play  to  be  spurious. 

-  Achilles  of  Aristarchus) — Ver.  1.  Aristarchus  was  a  Tragic  Poet,  the  con- 
temporary of  Euripides,  and  flourished  about  250  years  before  the  time  ol 
Plautus.  His  Tragedy  of  Achilles  no  longer  exi.sts.  We  are  informed  by  Festos 
that  it  was  translated  into  Latin  by  the  Poet  Eunios. 

VOL.  II.  2  ▲ 


354  PffiNtTLiTS ; 

jrreat  folly  in  him,  for  our  sakes,  to  come  here  to  sit  fasting, 
Bise  up,  cryer!  bespeak  attention  among  the  people:  I'm 
now  waiting  to  see  if  you  know  your  duty.  Exercise  your 
voice,  by  means  of  which  you  subsist  and  find  your  clothes  ; 
for  imless  you  do  cry  out,  in  your  silence  starvation  will  be 
creeping  upon  you.  Well,  now  sit  down  again,  that  you  may 
earn  double  wages.  Heaven  grant  success^ !  do  you  obey  my 
commands.  Let  no  worn-out  debauchee^  be  sitting  in  the 
front  of  the  stage,  nor  let  the  lictor  or  his  rods^  be  noisy  in 
the  least ;  and  let  no  seat-keeper*  be  walking  about  before 
people's  faces,  nor  be  showing  any  to  their  seats,  while  the 
actor  is  on  the  stage.  Those  who  have  been  sleeping  too  long  at 
home  in  idleness,  it's  right  for  them  now  to  stand  contentedly, 
or  else  let  them  master  their  drowsiness.  Don't  let  slaves  be 
occupying  the  seats^,  that  there  may  be  room  for  those  who 
are  free ;  or  else  let  them  pay  down  the  money  for  their 
places^ ;  if  that  they  cannot  do,  let  them  be  off  home,  and 
escape  a  double  evil,  lest  they  be  variegated  both  here  with 
scourges,  and  with  thongs  at  home,  if  they've  not  got 
things  in  due  order  when  their  masters  come  home.  Let 
nurses  keep  children,  baby-bantlings,  at  home,  and  let 
no  one  bring  them  to  see  the  Play ;  lest  both  they  them- 

*  Heaven  grant  success) — Ver.  16.  '*  Bonum  factum  est."  Literally,  "  it  is  a 
good  deed."  This  was  a  stated  form,  placed  at  the  commencement  of  Roman 
edicts  and  proclamations,  as  ensuring  a  good  omen. 

«  Woi^n-out  debauchee)— N ex.  17.  "  Scortum  exoletum."  As  the  word  "  scor- 
tum"  may  apply  to  either  sex,  it  is  not  improbable  that  this  is  intended  as  a  notice 
to  the  old  and  battered  debauchees,  that  they  are  not  to  take  the  hberty  of  occu- 
pying the  front  of  the  stage,  as  perhaps,  in  their  effrontery,  they  had  lately  been 
in  the  habit  of  doing. 

3  Or  his  rods)— Ver.  18.  These  "  virgse"  were  used  by  the  lictors  for  the  pur- 
poses of  punishment,  and  if  stiff  and  hard,  would  be  likely  to  make  a  noise  when 
Btruck  against  any  object. 

*  No  seat-keeper) — Ver.  19.  *'  Designator."  It  was  the  duty  of  this  ofl5cer  to 
point  out  to  persons  then-  seats. 

*  Occupying  the  seats) — Ver.  23.  It  has  been  previously  remarked  that  only 
standing  room  was  provided  in  the  theatres  for  the  slaves. 

*  The  money  for  their  places) — Ver.  24.  *'  iEs  pro  capite."  The  meaning  of 
this  term,  as  here  used,  is  not  exactly  known.  Some  think  that  it  means,  that 
if  the  slaves  want  seats,  let  them  pay  down  money  for  their  freedom,  on  which 
they  will  be  entitled  to  them.  It  is  not  improbable  that  the  piiiase  meanu, 
"  let  them  pay  money  lor  their  seats ;"  and  Muretus  supposes  that  the  right  i<i 
ietting  out  certab  seats  wa?  •••iMirveti  by  the  *ctor*ia«  their  own  perquisile. 


THE  Toryo  CAT^Tn.\r,Tyi\y-.  ?.55 

selves  may  be  athirst',  and  the  children  may  die  with  hun- 
ger ;  and  that  they  mayn't  be  squealing  about  here,  in  their 
hungry  fits,  just  like  kids.  Let  the  matrons  see  the  piece  in 
silence,  in  silence  laugh,  and  let  them  refrain  from  screaming 
here  with  their  shrill  voices ;  their  themes  for  gossip  let  them 
carry  off  home,  so  as  not  to  be  an  annoyance  to  their  husbands 
both  here  and  at  home.  And,  as  regards  the  managers  of 
the  performance,  let  not  the  palm  of  victory  be  given  to  any 
player  wrongfully,  nor  by  reason  of  favour  let  any  be  driven 
out  of  doors,  in  order  that  the  inferior  may  be  preferred  to 
the  good  ones.  And  this,  too,  besides,  which  I  had  almost 
forgotten :  while  the  performance  is  going  on,  do  you,  lac- 
queys, make  an  onset  on  the  cookshops ;  now,  while  there's 
an  opportunity,  now,  while  the  tarts^  are  smoking  hot,  hasten 
there.  These  injunctions,  which  have  been  given  as  the 
manager's  command.  Heaven  prosper  them  !  troth  now,  let 
every  one  remember  for  himself.  Now,  in  its  turn,  I  wish 
to  go  back  to  the  plot,  that  you  may  be  equally  knowing 
with  myself.  Its  site,  its  limits,  its  boundaries  I'll  now 
lay  down  ;  for  that  purpose  have  I  been  appointed  surveyor. 
But,  unless  it's  troublesome,  I  wish  to  give  you  the  name  of 
this  Comedy :  but  if  it  is  an  annoyance,  I'll  tell  you  still, 
since  I  have  leave  from  those  who  have  the  management. 
This  Comedy  is  called  the  "  Carthaginian^ ;"  in  the  Latin, 
Plautus  has  called  it  "  the  Pulse-eating  Kinsman*."  You 
have  the  name,  then ;  now  hear  the  rest  of  the  story ;  for 
here  will  this  plot  be  judged  of  hy  you.  Its  own  stage  is 
the  proper  place  for  every  plot ;  you  are  the  critics ;  I 
pray  you    lend  attention.      There  were   two   cousins-ger- 

*  May  be  athirst) — Ver.  30.  This  is  not  the  only  place  where  Plautus  refers 
to  the  love  which  the  Roman  nurses  had  for  the  bottle. 

'  While  the  tarts') — ^Ver.  43.  "  Seriblitas."  These  were  a  kind  of  tarts  or 
cakes  which  had  letters  stamped  upon  them,  and  were  probably  so  called  from 

scribo,"  "  to  write." 

'  The  Carthaginian) — Ver.  53.  "  Carchedonius,"  the  old  Roman  name  for 
"  Carthaginian,"  from  KapxT)da)v,  the  Greek  for  "  Carthage." 

*  Pulse-eating  Kinsman) — Ver.  54.  "  Patruus  pultiphagonides."  The  Roman 
"  puis,"  or  "  pottage,"  was  composed  of  meat,  water,  honey,  cheese,  and  eggs. 
There  was  a  particular  sort  of  "  puis,"  called  "  puis  Punica,"  or  "  Punic  pottage." 
As  this  Play  was  written  at  the  period  of  the  secor.d  Carthaginian  war,  Plautus 
voiud  tot  obiect  to  hold  their  enemies  up  to  contempt  as  mere  "  pcrridge- 

2a2 


356  PdNULFS ; 

man'^,  Carthaginians,  of  a  very  high  and  very  wealthy  family. 
One  of  them  is  still  alive,  the  other's  dead.  The  more  con- 
fidently do  I  inform  you  of  this,  because  the  undertaker^  told 
nie  so,  who  anointed  him  for  the  pile.  But  the  only  son 
there  was  of  that  old  man  who  died,  being  separated  from  his 
father,  was  stolen  at  Carthage  when  seven  years  old,  six  years, 
in  fact,  before  his  father  died.  When  he  saw  that  his  only 
m  was  lost  to  him,  he  himself,  from  grief,  fell  sick ;  he 
jiade  this  cousin-german  of  his  his  heir ;  he  himself  de- 
parted for  Acheron  without  taking  leave^.  The  person  who 
stole  the  child,  carried  him  off  to  Calydon,  and  sold  him 
here  to  a  certain  rich  old  man  for  his  master,  one  de- 
sirous of  children,  hut  a  hater  of  women.  This  old  man, 
without  knowing  it,  bought  the  son  of  his  host,  that  same 
child,  and  adopted  him  as  his  own  son,  and  made  him  his 
heir  when  he  himself  departed  this  life.  This  young  man  is 
dwelling  here  in  this  house.  {Pointing  to  the  house  of  Ago- 
RASTOCLES.)  Onco  moro  do  I  return  to  Carthage.  If  you 
A\  ant  to  give  any  commission,  or  anything  to  be  managed — 
unless  a  person*  gives  the  money,  he  will  be  mistaken ;  but  he 
wlio  does  give  it  will  be  very  much  more  mistaken.  But  this 
father's  cousin  of  his  at  Carthage,  the  old  man  who  is  still  alive, 
had  two  daughters.  The  one  when  in  her  iifth  year,  the  other 
in  her  fourth,  were  lost,  together  with  their  nurse,  from  the 
walks  in  the  suburbs^.     The  person  who  kidnapped  them, 

1  Two  c<yusins-germa<') — Ver.  59.  "  Fratres  fratrueles."  "  Sons  of  brothers." 
This  clears  up  all  the  confusion  that  otherwise  seems  to  exist  in  the  Play,  by 
reason  of  Agorastocles  continually  calling  Hanno  his  "  patruus,"  whicli  Warner 
(to  avoid  confusion,  as  he  says)  translates  "  uncle."  It  is  pretty  clear  that 
"  patruus"  was  a  terra  extending  not  only  to  uncles,  but  to  other  collateral  rela- 
tives of  the  father ;  not  only  father's  brothers,  but  father's  cousins. 

2  The  undertaker') — Ver.  62.  "  Pollinctor."  This  was  properly  the  servant  of 
the  "  libitinarius,"  or  "  undertaker."     See  the  Asinaria,  1.  916,  and  the  Note. 

3  Witiiovt  taking  leave) — "\'er.  71.  "Sine  viatico."  Literally,  "without  pro- 
visions for  the  journey."  This,  probably,  simply  means  that  he  died  suddenly  and 
unexpectedly.  Some  think  that  it  refers  to  the  ceremony  of  placing  a  piece  of 
money  in  the  mouths  of  the  dead,  for  payment  to  Charon,  on  ferrying  ti)em  over 
the  Styx.     If  so,  the  allusion  here  appears  to  be  very  purposeless. 

*  Unless  a  person) — Ver.  81-2.  These  two  lines  also  occur  almost  verbatim  in 
tfu'  Menaechmi,  1.  54-5. 

*  In  the  suburbs) — Ver.  86.  "  Magalia,"  or  "  magara,"  was  a  nan  e  given  to 
•be  httts  or  cottages  peculiar  to  the  neighbourhood  of  Carthp^je.    The  word,  pnv 


THE  YOUNG  CAHTHAGINIAN.  357 

carried  them  off  to  Anactorium^,  and  sold  them  al,  both 
nurse  and  girls,  for  ready  money,  to  a  man  (if  a  Procurer  is 
a  man)  the  most  accursed  of  men,  as  many  as  the  earth  con- 
tains ;  but  do  you  yourselves  now  form  a  conjecture  what 
sort  of  man  it  is  whose  name  is  Lycus^.  He  removed,  not 
long  ago,  from  Anactorium,  where  he  formerly  lived,  to 
Calydon^  here,  for  the  sake  of  his  business.  He  dwells  ir 
that  house.  (^Pointing  to  the  house  <?/'Lycus.)  This  young 
man  is  dying  distractedly  in  love  with  one  of  them,  his  kins- 
woman, not  knowing  that  fact ;  neither  is  he  aware  who  she 
is,  nor  has  he  ever  touched  her  (so  much  does  the  Procurer 
hamper  him)  ;  neither  has  he  hitherto  ever  had  any  improper 
connexion  with  her,  nor  ever  taken  her  home  to  his  house ; 
nor  has  that  Frocurer  been  willing  to  send  her  there.  Be- 
cause he  sees  that  he  is  in  love,  he  wishes  to  touch  this  man 
for  a  good  haul.  A  certain  Captain,  who  is  desperately  in 
love  with  her,  is  desirous  to  buy  this  younger  one  to  be  his 
mistress.  But  their  father,  the  Carthaginian,  since  he  lost 
them,  has  been  continually  seeking  them  in  every  quarter, 
by  sea  and  land.  "When  he  has  entered  any  city,  at  once  he 
seeks  out  all  the  courtesans,  wherever  each  of  them  is  living ; 
he  gives  her  gold,  and  prolongs  the  night  in  his  enquiries  ; 
after  that  he  asks  whence  she  comes,  of  what  country,  whether 
she  was  made  captive  or  kidnapped,  born  of  what  family,  who 
her  parents  were.  So  diligently  and  so  skilfully  does  he 
seek  for  his  daughters.  He  knows  all  languages,  too  ;  but, 
though  he  knows  them,  he  pretends  not  to  know  tliem  : 
what  need  is  there  of  talking  ?  He  is  a  Carthaginian  all 
over*.  He,  iu  the  evening  of  yesterday,  came  into  har- 
bour here  on  board  ship.  The  father  of  these  girls,  the 
same  is  the  father's  cousin  of  this  young  man.     Now  d'yo 

bably,  here  means  a  suburb  of  that  city,  wiiich  received  its  name  from  these  hute, 
and  was  used  by  the  inhabitants  as  a  public  walk. 

*  Anactorium) — Ver.  87.  This  was  a  town  of  Acarnania,  in  Greece. 

*  Natne  is  Lycus) — Ver.  92.  From  the  Greek  word  Xu/eoy,  "a  wolf." 

'  To  Calt/dofi) — Ver.  94.  Calydon  was  a  city  of  ^tolia,  which  was  situate  in 
the  centre  of  Greece. 

*  A  Carthaginian  all  over) — Ver.  113.  This  is  intended  as  a  reflection  upon 
tiie  proverbial  faithlessness  of  the  Carthaginians.  "  Funica  fides,"  "  Punic  faith,' 
was  a  common  proverb  with  tlie  Romans. 


358  pcENTTLrs ;  Act  L 

take^  tbis ?  If  3011  d  >  take  it,  draw  it  out :  take  care  not  to 
break  it  asunder;  pray,  let  it  proceed.  {Moving  as  if  to  go.) 
Dear  me !  I  had  almost  forgotten  to  say  the  rest.  He  wiio 
adopted  this  young  man  as  his  own  son,  the  same  was  tlie 
guest  of  that  Carthaginian,  this  old  man's  father.  He  will 
come  here  to-day,  and  discover  his  daughters  here,  and  this 
person,  his  cousin's  son,  as  indeed  I've  learnt.  He,  I  sag, 
who'll  come  to-day,  will  find  his  daughters  and  this  his 
cousin's  son.  But  after  this,  farewell ! — attend ;  I'm  off ;  I 
now  intend  to  become  another  man^.  As  to  what  remains, 
some  others  remain  who'll  explain  all  to  you.  I'll  go  and 
dress.  With  kindly  feelings  do  you  then  recognize  me. 
Farewell !  and  give  me  your  aid,  that  Salvation  may  prove 
propitious  to  you. 

Act  I. — Scene  I. 
Enter,  from  his  house,  Agorastocles,  follotoed  hy  Milphio. 

Ago.  Full  oft  have  I  entrusted  many  matters  to  you, 
Milphio,  matters  of  doubt  and  necessity,  a«fi?  standing  in  need 
of  good  counsel,  which  you  wisely,  discreetly,  cleverly,  and 
skilfully  have  by  your  aid  brought  to  completion  for  me.  For 
which  services  I  do  confess  that  hoth  your  liberty  and  many 
kind  thanks  are  due  unto  you. 

Mil.  An  old  adage,  if  you  timely  introduce  it,  is  a  clever 
thing :  but  your  compliments  are  to  me  what  are  wont  to  be 
called  sheer  nonsense,  and,  upon  my  faith,  mere  bagatelles^. 

'  Uye  take) — Ver.  116.  There  seems  to  be  au  equivocal  meaning  here  in  th« 
word  "  tenetis,"  which  may  mean  either  "  to  understand,"  or  "  to  take  hold  with 
the  hand."  "Dirumpatis"  also  may  mean  either  "  break  off"  a  rope  or  cord,  or 
•'  interrupt."  Though  Lambinus  tliinks  that  some  indecent  allusion  is  intended, 
t  is  much  more  probable  that  Scaliger  is  right  in  supposing  that  allusion  is  mMde 
to  the  boyish  diversion  of  two  parties  pulling  at  the  ends  of  a  rope  till  it  either 
breaks,  or  one  side  lets  go. 

2  Become  another  man) — Ver.  125.  He  will  go  to  dress  for  a  part  in  the  Play; 
that  of  Agorastocles,  as  some  have  suggested. 

3  Afere  bf*gatelles) — Ver.  138.  h.rjpoi.  This  word  almost  exactly  answers  to 
the  word  "bagatelles,"  or  "kickshaws,"  borrowed  by  us  from  the  French.  As 
to  the  origin  of  the  word  "  gerrse,"  in  the  sense  of  "  trifles,"  or  '*  nonsense,' 
Festus  gives  the  following  anecdote : — "  Osier-twigs,  in  bundles,  were  called 
*  gerrae.'  When  the  Athenians  were  besieging  the  Syracnsans,  and  were  often 
calling  aloud  for  these  fascines,  the  besieged,  in  ridicule,  used  tc  cry  oat,  ^gerras. 


Sc.  I.  THE  YOUNG  CAETHAl  INIAN.  359 

Just  now,  you  are  full  of  kind  speecnes  towards  me ;  yester- 
day, without  hesitation,  upon  my  back  you  wore  out  three 
bulls'  hides  with  flogging. 

Ago.  But  if,  being  in  love,  I  did  anything  by  reason  oi 
my  distraction,  Milphio,  it's  only  reasonable  that  you  should 
pardon  me  for  it. 

Mil.  I've  seen  nothing  more  reasonable.  I,  too,  am  now 
dying  for  love ;  allow  me  to  thrash  you  just  as  you  did  me, 
for  no  fault  at  all ;  and  then,  after  that,  do  you  pardon  me 
being  thiLs  in  love. 

Ago.  If  you  have  a  mind  for  it,  or  it  gives  you  pleasure,  I 
do  permit  it ;  tie  me  up,  bind  me,  scourge  me ;  I  recommend 
you,  I  give  you  my  permission. 

Mil.  If,  hereafter,  you  should  revoke  your  permission , 
when  you  are  unloosed,  I  myself  should  be  hung  up^/or 


A  tto.  And  would  I  venture  to  do  that,  to  yourself  espe- 
cially ?  On  the  contrary,  if  I  see  you  but  struck,  it  gives 
me  pain  immediately. 

Mil.  To  me,  indeed,  i'  faith. 

Ago.  No,  to  me.  Mil.  I  could  prefer  that  to  he  the  case. 
But  what  now  do  you  wish  ? 

Ago.  Why  need  I  tell  a  lie  to  you  ?  I  am  desperately  in 
love. 

Mil.  My  shoulder-blades  feel  that. 

Ago.  But  I  mean  with  this  damsel,  my  neighbour  Adel- 
phasium,  the  elder  Courtesan  that  belongs  to  this  Procurer. 

Mil.  For  my  own  part,  I've  heard  that  from  yourself 
already. 

Ago.  I'm  on  the  rack  with  love  for  her.  But  than  this 
Procurer  Lycus,  her  master,  not  dirt  itself  is  more  dirty. 

Mil.  Do  you  wish  now  to  present  him  with  some  mis- 
chief? 

Ago.  I  should  like  it.  Mil.  "Why  look  then,  present  him 
\^4th  me. 

Ago.  Go  and  be  hanged !  Mil,  But  tell  me  seriously,  do 
you  wish  to  present  him  with  a  plague  ? 

on  wliich  account  that  word  came  in  use,   to  signify,  in  contempt,  anything 
trifling." 

'  Be  hung  up) — Ver.  148.  "  Pendeam."  He  alludes  to  the  pr? ctiae  :.'.  tying 
*^veii  up  by  the  hands  for  the  purpose  of  ^^ing  flogged. 


360  PCENULUS  Act  I. 

Ago.  I  should  like  it. 

Mil.  Well  then,  present  him  with  this  selfsame  me  ;  I'd 
cause  him  to  be  having  both  a  mischief  and  a  plague. 

Ago.  Tou  are  joking.  Mil.  Should  you  like  this  very 
day,  without  risk  to  yourself,  to  make  her  free^  ? 

Ago.  I  should  like  it,  Milphio. 

Mil.  I'll  manage  for  you  to  make  her  so.  Tou  have  in- 
doors three  hundred  golden  Philippean  pieces^. 

Ago.  Six  hundred  even.     Mil.  Three  hundred  are  enough. 

Ago.  To  do  what  mth  them  ? 

Mil.  Hold  your  peace.  This  day  I'll  make  you  a  present 
of  the  Procurer,  whole,  with  all  his  household. 

Ago.  What  to  do  ?  Mil.  Tou  shall  soon  know.  CoUy- 
biscus,  your  bailiff,  is  in  the  city  just  now.  The  Procurer 
doesn't  know  I  :m.     Do  you  fully  understand  ? 

Ago.  I'  faith,  I  understand  that ;  but  what  you  are  driving 
at  I  know  not. 

Mil.  Tou  don't  know  ?    Ago.  Not  J,  faith. 

Mil.  But  I'll  soon  let  you  know.  The  gold  shall  be  given 
him,  for  him  to  take  to  the  Procurer,  and  say  that  he's  a 
stranger  from  another  city;  that  he's  amorously  inclined, 
and  wishes  to  gratify  his  inclinations;  that  he  wants  IVee 
range  to  be  found  him,  where  he  may  secretly  indulge  his 
appetite,  so  that  there  may  be  no  overlooker.  The  Procurer, 
greedy  for  the  gold,  will  at  once  take  him  into  his  house; 
he'll  conceal  the  man  and  the  gold. 

Ago.  The  design  pleases  me. 

Mil.  Do  you  then  enquire  of  him  whether  your  slave  hasn't 
come  to  him.  He'll  think  that  I  am  being  sought  for;  im- 
mediately he'll  say  no  to  you.  Have  you  any  doubt  but  that 
the  Procurer  will  at  once  have  to  double  the  gold  for  you, 
and  be  considered  to  have  stolen  the  man  ?  Neither  has  he 
the  means  of  raising  it.  "When  he  comes  to  trial,  the  Praetor 
will  award^  his  whole  household  to  you.  Thus  with  a  pitfall 
Bhall  we  deceive  the  Procurer  Lycus. 

*  To  make  her  free) — Ver.  164.  "  Tuam  libertain."  "  Your  freed- woman ;"  you 
being  the  one  to  give  her  her  liberty. 

'  Philippenn  pieces) — Ver.  166.  The  Philippean  piece  had  the  head  of  Philip 
of  Macedon  on  ir,  and  was  in  value  about  two  guineas  of  our  money. 

»  PrcBtor  will  award) — Ver.  186.  In  consequence  of  his  being  unable  to  pay 
the  penalty  o.-  damiijtes  decreed  against  him. 


Sc.  II.  THE  YOUNG  CAETHAGINIA2?  361 

Ago.  The    design    pleases   me.      Mil.   Aye,  when  I've 

Eolished  it  up,  you'll  then  say  so  still  more  even ;  now  it's 
ut  in  the  rough. 

Ago.  I'm  going  to  the  Temple  of  Venus,  unless,  Milphio, 
you  wish  for  anything.     It's  the  Aphrodisia^  to-day. 

Mil.  I  know. 

Ago.  I  wish  to  amuse  my  eyes  with  the  harlot  finery. 

Mil.  Let's  first  proceed  to  this,  the  plan  we  have  resolved 
upon.  Let's  go  in-doors,  that  we  may  instruct  Collybiscus, 
the  bailifi",  how  to  plant  this  cheatery. 

Ago.  Although  Cupid  has  the  sway  in  my  heart,  still  I'll 
listen  to  you. 

Mil.  I'll  cause  you  to  be  glad  it's  done.  (Agoeastocles 
goes  into  his  house.)  There  is  a  speck  of  love  upon  this  man's 
breast,  which  cannot  by  any  means  be  washed  out  without 
great  harm  ;  this  Lycus,  too,  the  Procurer,  is  such  a  wicked 
person,  against  whom  the  engine  of  mischief  is  now  well 
aimed,  which  before  long  I  sliall  discharge  from  my  battery^. 
But  see,  here's  Adelphasium  coming  out,  and  Anterastylis. 
The  first  is  the  one  who  renders  my  master  distracted.  But 
I'll  call  him  out.  (Goes  to  the  door  and  calls.)  Hallo! 
Agorastocles,  come  out  of  doors  if  you  would  see  most  joyous 
sports ! 

JEnter  Agorastocles,  in  haste,  from  the  house. 

Ago.  What's  this  bustle,  Milphio  ? 

Mil.  {pointing  to  the  door  of  Lycus' s  house).  Why,  here's 
your  mistress,  if  you'd  like  to  see  her. 

Ago.  O  may  the  Grods  bestow  many  a  blessing  on  you, 
for  having  presented  to  me  a  sight  so  charming  as  this! 
(They  stand  apart.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Adelphasium,  Anteeasttlis,  and  an 

Attendant. 
Adel.  The  man  who  wants  to  find  abundance  of  employ- 
ment for  himself — a  woman  and  a  ship,  these  two  things,  let 

»  The  Aphrodisia) — Ver.  191.  The  Aphrodisia  were  festivals  periodically  cele- 
brated in  lionor  of  Venus  or  Aphrodite,  in  most  of  the  towns  of  Greece.  The 
worshippers  were,  however,  mostly  of  the  class  of  courtesans. 

2  From  my  battery)  —  Ver.  202.  "  Balistario."  According  to  Lipsius,  ''  balis* 
tarium"  was  th«'  same  as  the  balista  itself;  while  Turnebus  thiuka  it  was  Um 
place  where  the  '  balista"  was  mounted. 


362  pffiNULTjg  ;  Act  1. 

him  procure ;  for  no  two  things  do  produce  more  trouhle, 
if,  perchance,  you  begin  to  equip  them ;  neither  are  these 
two  things  ever  equipped  enough,  nor  is  the  largest 
amount  of  equipment  sufficient  for  them.  And  as  I  mention 
these  things,  from  experience  at  home  do  I  now  say  thus ; 
for  w^e  two,  even  from  daybreak  up  to  the  present  hour  of  the 
day,  have  never  ceased  either  washing,  or  scrubbing,  or 
rubbing,  or  dressing,  smoothing,  polishing,  painting,  trim- 
ming, with  all  our  might ,  and  at  the  same  time  the  two 
maid-servants,  that  have  been  provided  for  each  of  us,  have 
been  giving  us  their  assistance  in  washing  and,  cleaning ;  and 
in  carrying  water  two  men  have  become  quite  weary.  Fie 
lipon  it !  how  great  a  plague  there  is  in  one  female.  But  if 
there  are  two,  I  know  full  well  that  they  are  able  to  give  to 
any  one,  the  mightiest  nation  whatsoever,  more  trouble  than 
enough,  in  being  night  and  day,  always,  at  all  hours,  dress- 
ing, washing,  rubbing,  polishing.  In  fine,  there's  no  mode- 
ration in  women,  nor  do  we  understand  how  ever  to  set  a 
limit  to  washing  and  scrubbing.  But  she  who  is  washed 
clean,  unless  she  is  thoroughly  dressed,  in  my  notion  at  least, 
is  just  as  though  she  were  dirty. 

Ant.  I  really  wonder,  sister,  that  you  talk  in  this  fashion ; 
you  who  are  so  knowing,  and  discreet,  and  clever ;  for  when 
with  all  care  we  have  ourselves  in  trim,  hardly  and  with  diffi» 
culty  do  we  find  poor  pitiful  admirers. 

Adel.  Such  is  the  fact;  but  still  reflect  upon  this  one 
thing ;  a  limit  is  best  to  be  observed  in  all  thini^s,  sister  ;  all 
things  in  excess  give  too  much  trouble  to  mortals  of  them- 
selves. 

Ant.  Sister,  prithee,  do  reflect  that  we  are  accounted  just 
in  the  same  way  as  pickled  salt-fish^  is  thought  of — without 
any  relish  and  without  sweetness  ;  unless  full  oft  and  long  it 
is  soaked  in  water,  it  smells  badly,  and  is  salt,  so  that  you 
cannot  touch  it.  Just  so  are  we.  Women  of  this  class 
are  utterly  tasteless,  and  devoid  of  grace,  without  dress  and 
expense. 

Mil.  {apart).  She  surely  is  a  cook,  Agorastocles,  accord- 
ing to  my  notion  ;  she  knows  how  to  soak  pickled  fish. 

Ago.   (pushing  Jiim  away) .  Why  are  you  thus  troublesome  P 

»  Pickled gaJi-Ji^h)—Ver.  240.  "Salsa  muriatica.**  L'Wf.lly.  "the  pickle  d 
Mlt-fish,"  which  is  supposed  by  some  to  have  baea  tiie  thuuny 


Sc.  IT.  THE  YOUNG  CAETHAOINIAW.  363 

Adel.  Sister,  do,  there's  a  dear,  forbear.  It's  quite  suffi- 
cient for  others  to  say  that  to  us,  not  to  be  ourselves  as  welj 
proclaiming  our  foibles. 

Ant.  I'll  have  done,  then. 

Adel.  I  thank  you :  but  novr  answer  me  this ;  are  all 
things  here  which  ought  to  be  provided  for  propitiating  the 
Gods? 

Ant.  I've  taken  care  of  everything. 

Ago.  {apart).  How  charming  and  joyous  a  day,  and  fuU 
of  delight,  worthy  of  Venus,  by  my  troth,  wliose  Aphrodisia 
are  celebrated  to-day ! 

Mil.  {apart).  Any  thanks ^r  me,  for  calling  you  out  of 
doors  ?  Oughtn't^  I  now  to  be  presented  with  a  cask  of  old 
wine  ?  Say  it  shall  be  given.  Don't  you  answer  me  ?  His 
tongue  has  fallen  out,  I  imagine.  What,  plague  on  it,  have 
you  been  struck  with  amazement  standing  here  ?  {He  shakes 
him.) 

Ago.  {apart).  Do  let  me  love  on;  don't  disturb  me,  and 
do  hold  your  peace. 

Mil.  {apart) .  I'll  hold  my  peace. 

Ago.  {apart).  If  you  had  held  your  peace,  why  then  that 
"  I'll  hold  my  peace"  would  not  have  been  in  existence. 

Ant.  Let's  go,  my  sister.     {She  moves.) 

Adel.  How  now — why,  prithee,  are  you  now  hastening 
that  way  ? 

Ant.  Do  you  ask  me  ?  Because  our  master  is  waiting  for 
us  at  the  Temple  of  Venus. 

Adel.  Let  him  wait,  i'  faith.  Do  you  stay ;  there's  a 
crowd  just  now  at  the  altar.  Do  you  wish  yourself  to  be 
pushed  about  among  those  common  prostitutes,  the  doxies 
of  bakers,  the  cast-offs  of  the  spelt-bread  sellers  ;  wretched 
creatures,  daubed  over  with  grease^,  followers  of  poor  slaves, 
ivho  stink  for  you  of  their  stable  and  staU^,  their  seats  and 
very  sheds;  whom,  in  fact,  not  a  single  freeman  has  ever 

•  Daubed  over  vnth  grease') — Ver.  267.  "  Schoeno."  This  is,  by  some,  thought 
to  have  been  a  rank  oil  extracted  from  rushes.  Meursius,  liowever.  ridicules  the 
idea  of  an  oil  being  made  from  rushes,  and  reads  coeno,  "  dirt,"  in  the  present 
tassage. 

2  Of  their  stable  and  stall) — Ver.  268.  She  seems  to  refer  to  the  lowest  class  d 
iourtesans,  and  their  seats  in  the  prostitutes'  sheds  (menti  iied  by  Ballio  in  tim 
Pseadola^  1. 214>  where  thea  were  exi>o>utd  bv  the  '■'■  lenones    to  the  public  gaze. 


364  PCENULUS ;  Act  1. 

touched  or  taken  home  with  him,  the  twopenny  strumpets* 
of  dirty  trumpery  slaves  ? 

Mil.  (apart).  Away  with  you  to  utter  perdition!  Do 
you  dare,  then,  to  despise  the  slaves,  youhussey  r  As  if  she 
was  a  beauty,  as  if  kings  were  in  the  habit  of  making  her 
their  choice.  A  monstrosity  of  a  woman !  Diminutive  -i? 
she  is,  she  does  spit  out  such  mighty  words — seven  nights 
with  whom  I  wouldn't  purchase  at  a  cupful  of  vapour. 

Ago.  {apart).  Immortal  and  omnipotent  Divinities,  what 
is  there  among  you  more  beauteous  ?  What  have  you  that 
I  should  deem  you  more  immortal  than  I  am  myself,  in  be- 
holding with  my  eyes  these  delights  so  great  ?  But  Venus 
is  not  Venus  ;  for  my  own  part,  her  will  I  worship  as  Venus  ; 
that  she  may  love  me  and  prove  propitious.  Milphio! — 
hallo !  Milphio,  where  are  you  ? 

Mil.  (apart).  See,  here  I  am  with  you. 

Ago.  (apart).  But  I  want  you  boiled^. 

Mil.  (apart).  Why  really,  master,  you  are  making  merry. 

Ago.  (apart).  Why,  it  was  from  yourself  I  learnt  all  this. 

Mil.  (apart).  What,  even  to  be  in  love  with  her  whom 
you  have  never  touched  ?     Beally,  that  is  nonsense. 

Ago.  (apart).  V  faith,  the  Gods  as  well  do  1  love  and  fear 
from  whom,  nevertheless,  I  keep  off  my  hands. 

Ant.  Alas  !  upon  my  word,  w^hen  I  look  at  the  dress  of  ua 
both,  I'm  grieved  at  the  way  we  are  dressed  out. 

Adel.  Why  really,  it's  quite  in  a  proper  style ;  for  our 
master's  gain  and  our  own  we  are  dressed  quite  well  enough. 
For  no  profits  can  result,  if  the  outlay  exceeds  them,  sister  ; 
therefore,  that  is  better  to  be  had  which  is  enough,  than  that 
which  is  more  than  enough. 

Ago.  (apart).  So  may  the  Grods  love  me,  may  she  love 
me  (I  had  rather  she  than  the  Grods),  Milphio ;  why,  this 
woman  has  it  in  her  power  to  force  a  flint-stone  to  be  in  love 
with  her. 

'  Twopenny  strumpets) — Ver.  270.  " Diobolaria."  Literally,  "hired  for  a 
couple  of  obols." 

2  /  want  you  boiled) — Ver.  279.  He  puns  upon  the  word  "  assnm,"  which 
Milphio  uses.  He  intends  it  to  signify  "  here  am  I."  But  as  it  may  also  mean 
the  neuter  of  the  participle  "  assus,"  "  roasted."  Agorastocles  cliooses  to  take  tlie 
■entente  in  the  latter  ser.se,  as  meaning  "  here  I  am  roasted ;"  and  answers,  "  I'd 
Tather  you  were  boiled.  ** 


Sc.  TT.  THE  TOUXG  CARTHA.GINTA.5".  365 

Mil.  {a^art).  Upon  my  faith,  in  that  you  certainly  tell  no 
lie,  for  you  are  more  sejiseleas  than  a  flint-stone  to  be  in  \o\e 
with  her. 

Ago.  (apart).  But  consider  this,  will  you ;  I've  never  soiled 
her^  with  a  kiss.  Mil.  {apart).  I'll  run,  then,  somewhere 
to  a  fish-pond  or  a  pool,  and  fetch  some  soil. 

Ago.  {apart).  What  need  is  there  of  that  ? 

Mil.  {apart).  I'll  tell  you  ;  to  soil  her  lips  and  yours. 

Ago.  {apart).  To  utter  perdition  with  you! 

Mil.  {apart).  For  my  part,  I'm  there  already. 

Ago.  {apart).  Do  you  persist? 

Mil.  (apart).  I'll  hold  my  tongue. 

Ago.  {apart).  But  I  wish  you  to  do  so  always. 

Mil.  {apart).  "Why  really,  master,  you  challenge  me  at 
my  own  game,  and  still  you  make  fun  of  me. 

Ant.  At  present,  sister,  I  suppose  you  think  yourself 
quite  well  enough  drest ;  but  when  the  instances  of  other 
courtesans  are  compared,  then  you  will  be  having  the  heart- 
aclie,  if  perchance  you  should  see  any  one  more  nicely  drest. 

Adel.  Envy  was  never  inbred  in  me,  my  sister,  nor  yet 
spitefulness :  I  had  rather  by  far  that  I  was  adorned  with  a 
good  disposition  than  with  gold ;  gold  is  met  with  by  luck, 
a  good  disposition  is  found  by  nature.  I  very  much  prefer 
for  myself  to  be  called  good  than  fortunate.  It  more  befits 
a  courtesan  to  show  modesty  than  purple ;  and  more  does  it 
become  a  courtesan  to  show  modesty  than  golden  jewels. 
Evil  habits  soil  a  fine  dress  more  than  mud ;  good  manners, 
by  their  deeds,  easily  set  off  a  lowly  garb. 

Ago.  {apart  to  Milphio).  How  now,  you;  would  you  like 
to  play  a  merry  and  a  frolicsome  prank  ? 

SliL.  {apart).  I  should  like. 

Ago.  {apart).  Can  you,  then,  give  attention  to  me? 

Mil.  {apart).  I  can. 

Ago.  {apart).  Be  off  home,  and  go  hang  yourself. 

Mil.  {apart).  Why?  Ago.  {apart).  Because  you'll  never 
again  hear  so  many  words  as  sweet  as  these.  What  need 
have  you  to  live  ?     Only  listen  to  me,  and  go  hang  yourself. 

'  Never  soiled  her) — ^Ver.  291.  There  is  a  puerile  and  rather  Indelicate  phy 
in  thi.s  line  and  the  next  two  upon  the  resemblance  of  the  word  "  limus,"  "  mud,* 
and  ''  limn,"  "  to  rub,"  An  attempt  has  been  mads  to  give  something  analugoai 
io  tos  Translatio" 


866  pcE^rLUs;  Act!. 

Mil.  (apart)  "Why  yes,  if,  like  grapes  that  are  drying^, 
you'll  hang  together  with  me. 

Ago.  {apart).  But  I  do  love  her. 

Mil.  (apart).  But  I,  to  eat  and  drink. 

Adel.  {to  her  Sistee).  How  now,  you?  How  gay  you — P 

Ant.  What  is  it  you  ask  me  ? 

Adel.  Do  you  see  ?  My  eyes  which  were  full  of  dirt,  are 
they  clear  now  ? 

Ant.  {looking  close  at  her  eyes).  Why,  even  still  there's  a 
little  dirt  in  the  middle  of  the  eye. 

Adel.  Lend  me  your  right  hand,  please. 

Ago.  {apart).  And  would  you  really  touch  or  rub  her  eyes 
with  unwashed  hands  ? 

Ant.  Too  great  indolence  has  taken  possession  of  us  to-day. 

Adel.  Por  what  reason,  prithee  ? 

Ant.  Why,  because  we  didn't  come  long  since,  before  day- 
light, to  the  Temple  of  Venus,  to  be  the  first  to  place  fire 
upon  her  altar. 

Adel.  O,  there's  no  need  for  doing  that ;  those  who  have 
faces  suited  for  the  night  only,  make  haste  to  go  and  sacri- 
fice by  night ;  before  Venus  is  awake,  they  are  already  hurry- 
ing \sdth  all  haste  to  sacrifice;  for  if  they  were  to  come 
when  Venus  is  awake,  so  ugly  are  they,  upon  my  faith,  I  do 
believe  they  would  drive  Venus  herself  away  from  the  Temple. 

Ago.  {apart).  Milphio!  Mil.  {apart).  Poor  Milphio, 
i'  faith !     What  do  you  want  with  me  now  ? 

Ago.  {apart).  Troth  now,  prithee,  do  mark  how  she  speaks 
honied  wine ! 

Mil.  {apart).  Nothing  at  all,  except  tile-cakes^,  sesamum, 
and  poppies,  wheat  and  parched  nuts. 

Ago.  {apart).  Do  I  seem  at  all  to  he  in  love  ? 

Mil.  {apart).  In  love  to  your  loss,  a  thing  that  Mercury 
is  by  no  means  in  love  with^. 

*  Grapes  that  are  drying) — Ver.  311.  "  Uva  passa"  were  grapes  hung  up  in 
the  sun  to  dry,  and  then  scalded,  for  the  purpose  of  being  used  as  raisins,  or  for 
making  sweet  wine. 

2  Nothing  at  all,  except  tile-cakes) — Ver.  324.  "  Laterculi"  were  swpet  cakea  oi 
biscuits,  shaped  like  a  tile  or  brick.  The  things  here  named  were  probably  articles 
of  homely  diet,  compared  with  honied  wine. 

'  Mercury  is  by  no  means  in  love  with) — Ver.  326.  As  being  the  God  of  Mer- 
fifaaudize  and  Profit. 


Sc.  IT.  THE  rOUNG  OABTHAGINIATT.  3G7 

Ago.  {apart).  Why,  really,  by  my  troth,  it  befits  no  lover 
to  be  in  love  with  peli'. 

Ant.  Let's  go,  my  sister.  Adel.  Do,  please,  just  as  you 
like.     Follow  me  this  way. 

Ant.  I'll  foUow.    (  They  move.) 

Ago.  {apart).  They  are  going.    Wbat  if  we  accost  them? 

Mil.  {apart).  You  accost  them. 

Ago.  {going  towards  them).  In  the  first  place,  health  to 
you,  the  elder ;  and  you,  the  younger,  health  to  you  in  the 
second  degree  of  estimation ;  {to  the  Attendant)  you,  the 
third,  health  to  you,  without  any  place  in  my  estimation. 

Att.  In  that  case,  faith,  I've  wasted  my  oil  and  my  labour. 

Ago.  {to  A-DELphasium).  Whither  are  you  betaking  your- 
self? 

Adel.  What  I?  To  the  Temple  of  Venus. 

Ago.  Why  thither  ?    Adel.  To  propitiate  Venus. 

Ago.  How  now  ?  Is  she  angry,  then  ?  Upon  my  faith, 
she  is  propitious.  I  will  even  answer  for  her.  {Stands 
before  her.) 

Adel.  What  are  you  about?  Prithee,  why  are  you  annoy- 
ing me  ? 

Ago.  Thus  cruel  ?  Alas  !  Adel.  Let  me  go  away,  I  beg 
of  you. 

Ago.  Why  in  such  a  hurry  ?  There's  a  crowd  there  at 
present.  Adel.  I  know  it ;  there  are  other  females  there 
whom  I  wish  to  see,  and  bg  whom  to  be  seen. 

Ago.  How  can  it  give  you  pleasure  to  look  at  ugly  people, 
and  to  afford  one  so  beauteous  to  be  looked  at  ? 

Adel.  Because  to-day,  at  the  Temple  of  Venus,  there's  a 
fair  for  the  courtesans ;  there  the  dealers  meet ;  there  I  wish 
myself  to  be  shown. 

Ago.  To  wares  unsaleable,  its  right  to  entice  the  buyer 
of  one's  own  accord ;  good  wares  easily  meet  with  a  purchaser, 
although  they  may  be  placed  in  concealment.  How  say 
you  ?  When,  at  my  house  here  {pointing)  will  you  lay  your 
head  and  side  by  me  ? 

Adel.  On  the  day  on  which  Orcus  sends  away  the  dead^ 
from  Acheron.  Ago.  I've  got  in-doors  I  know  not  how 
many  golden  coins  in  a  state  of  madness. 

'  UrcuM  send*  avx^  the  dead) — Ver.  843.  Which,  of  conne,  meaiu  iieT«^ 


368  PCENUl.TTS ;  Act  1. 

Adel.  Ering  them  to  me ;  I'll  make  their  madness  pretty 
BOOM  come  to  an  end. 

Mil.  (ivitk  indignation).  A  nice  one,  upon  my  word  ! 

Ago.  Away  to  utter  and  extreme  'lerdition  with  you,  and 
go  and  be  hanged  ! 

Mil.  (aside  to  Agorastocles).  The  more  I  look  at  her, 
the  more  insignificant^  she  is,  and  a  mere  bauble. 

Ago.  Keep  your  prating  to  yourself;  I'm  tired  of  it. 
(  To  Adelphasium.)  Come,  do  lift  up  this  outer  garment. 
{Baises  it  from  the  ground,  and  attempts  to  embrace  her.) 

Adel.  I'm  in  a  state  of  purity^  ;  prithee  forbear  to  touch 
me,  Agorastocles. 

Ago.  What  am  I  to  do,  then  ? 

Adel.  If  you  are  wise,  you  may  be  saving  yourself  your 
anxiety. 

Ago.  What  ?  Me  not  be  anxious  on  your  account  ? 
What  are  you  about,  Milphio  ?  {Beckons  to  him.) 

Mil.  {aside).  See  now,  my  aversion,  thi^"^.  {Aloud.) 
AV^hat  is  it  you  want  with  me  ? 

Ago.  {pointing  to  Adelphasium).  Why  is  she  angry 
with  me  ? 

Mil.  Why  is  she  angry  with  you  ?  Why  should  I  trouble 
myself  about  that  ?     For  that  is  rather  your  own  concern. 

Ago.  On  my  word,  it's  all  over  with  you  this  very  instant, 
if  you  don't  make  her  as  smooth  for  me  as  the  sea  is  at  the 
time  when  the  halcyon*  is  rearing  her  young  ones  there. 

Mil.  What  am  I  to  do  ? 

Ago.  Entreat  her,  soothe,  and  flatter  her. 

IMiL.  I'll  do  so  with  all  diligence ;  but  see,  please,  that 
you  don't  afterwards  be  giving  this  ambassador  of  yours  a 
dressing  with  your  fists. 

•  The  more  insignificant) — Ver.  347,  "  Nimbata."  According  to  some  Com 
nicTitators,  this  word  is  a  substantive  here,  and  signities  a  "  sUght  fillet,"  of  the 
same  colour  with  the  hair  which  the  women  used  to  wear  upon  the  forehead ;  the 
idea  of  Turnebns,  however,  that  it  is  an  adjective,  signifying  "cloud-like,"  seems 
mfire  likely  to  be  correct. 

^  A  state  of  purity) — Ver.  349.  This  she  says,  probably,  because  she  is  espe- 
cially careful  to  avoid  pollution,  by  contact  with  the  male  sex,  when  on  the  eve  at 
worshipping  the  Goddess  in  her  Temple. 

3  My  aversion,  this) — Ver.  351.  "Odium  meum."  He  forgets  that  Aoelp'-xa 
Slum  is  only  the  innocent  cause  of  liis  master's  ;inxiety. 

*  When  the  halcyon) — Ver.  355.  See  the  Note  to  the  Citiina.  1  tC. 


Sc.  II.  THE  TOTING  CAETHAGINLUT. 

Ago.  I'll  not  do  so. 

Adel.  {to  her  Sister).  Let's  now  begone.  (Agok^-Sto- 
CLES  stands  before  her.)  Do  you  detain  me  still  ?  You  act 
badly ;  you  make  me  many  fair  promises^ ;  of  those  many, 
the  whole  come  to  nothing  at  all.  Not  once,  but  a  hundred 
times,  have  you  sworn  to  give  me  my  freedom.  While  de- 
pending on  you,  I  have  neither  anywhere  procured  any  other 
resources  for  myself,  nor  is  this  assistance  of  yours  at  all 
visible.  And  thus  none  the  less  am  I  still  a  slave.  Move 
on,  sister.     {To  Agobastocles.)   G-et  you  gone  from  me  ! 

Ago.  Utterly  undone!  Come  now,  Milphio,  what  are 
you  about  ?     (Pova's  at  Adelphasium.) 

Mil.  {addressing  Idelphasium).  My  joy,  my  delight, 
my  life,  my  pleasure,  apple  of  my  eye,  my  little  lip,  my 
health,  my  sweet  kiss,  my  honey,  my  heart,  my  biestings,  my 
cream-cheese 

Ago.  {aside).  Am  I  to  allow  these  things  to  be  said  in 
my  presence  ?  I'm  quite  distracted,  wretch  that  I  am,  if  I 
don't  order  him  at  full  speed  to  be  hurried  off  to  the  exe- 
cutioner in  a  chariot  and  four ! 

Mil.  {to  Adelphasium).  Prithee,  for  my  sake,  don't  be 
angry  with  my  master.     I'll  make 

Abel.  Let  me  alone.  Mil.  You  are  too  cross.  He'll 
pay  the  money  for  you,  and  make  you  a  citizen  of  Attica^, 
and  a  free  woman. 

Adel.  {to  Milphio,  who  is  standing  before  her).  But  why 
don't  you  let  me  go  away  ?  What  is  it  you  want  ?  Just 
as  he  wishes  me  well,  in  like  manner  do  you  wish  me  weU. 

Mil.  If,  indeed,  he  has  deceived  you  before,  from  this 
time  forw^ard  he  shall  be  truthful  to  you. 

Adel.  Get  you  gone  hence,  will  you,  you  trepanner. 

Mil.  I'll  obey  you.  But  on  what  terms — do  you  under- 
stand ?  Do  let  me  prevail  upon  you ;  do  let  me  take  you  by 
those  little  ears^ ;  do  let  me  give  you  a  kiss.  By  my  troth,  I 
shall  now  set  him  a  weeping,  if  I  don't  make  you  k!nd ; 

1  Many  fair  promises) — Ver.  359.  The  semicolon  seems  to  be  more  appro- 
priately placed  before  than  after  "  ex  multis." 

2  A  citizen  of  Attica') — Ver.  371.  Plautus  evidently  makes  a  slip  here,  for- 
getting that  Calydon  was  in  iEtolia,  and  not  in  Attica. 

3  By  those  little  ears) — Ver.  375.  It  was  a  common  practice  to  take  hold  of 
the  e;<rs  of  the  person  kissed.  The  Greeks  called  this  practice  ^vrpa,  because  it 
iesemb)pd  the  mode  of  taking  up  a  kind  of  jug,  which  was  so  c-alled,  by  its  ea«. 

VOL.  II.  '  2  B 


370  P(ETfT7LTJS  ;  Act  L 

and  (unless  I  do  make  you  kind  he  certainly  will  do  it) 
I'm  dreadfully  afraid  lest  he  should  beat  me.  I  kno^Y  the 
harsh  manners  of  this  crabbed  man.  Wherefore,  my  delight, 
pray  do  let  me  prevail  upon  you. 

Ago.  {aside).  I'm  not  a  man  worth  threepence^,  if  I  don't 
tear  out  the  eyes  and  teeth  of  that  whip-scoundrel.  {He  teaU 
MiLPHio.)  There's  your  delight  for  you!  There's  your 
honey  !  There's  your  heart !  There  are  your  biestings- ! 
There's  your  health !  There's  your  sweet  kiss !  {Giving  him 
a  blow  at  each  sentence.^ 

Mil.  Master,  you  are  rendering  yourself  guilty  of  impiety! 
You  are  beating  an  ambassador. 

Ago.  More  than  that  even  still.  {Beating  him  again?)  I  shall 
now  add  the  apple  of  the  eye,  the  little  lip  too,  and  the  tongue. 

Mil.  When  will  you  be  making  an  end  ? 

Ago.  Was  it  in  that  fashion  I  requested  you  to  plead  for 
me  ?    Mil.  How  then  was  I  to  plead  ? 

Ago.  Do  you  ask  me  that  ?  Why  thus  you  should  have 
said,  you  scoundrel :  "  his"  delight,  I  do  entreat  of  you,  "  his" 
honey,  "his"  heart,  "his"  little  lip,  "his"  tongue,  "his'* 
sweei\Ss,^,  "his"  biestings,  "his"  sweet  cream-cheese,  you 
whip-scoundrel.  All  these  things  which  you  spoke  of  as 
yours,  you  should  have  mentioned  as  mine. 

Mil.  {addressing  Adelphasitjm).  By  my  troth,  I  do  en- 
treat you,  his  delight  and  my  own  aversion ;  his  full-bosomed 
mistress,  my  enemy  and  evil-wisher;  his  eye,  my  eyesore; 
his  honey,  my  gall — don't  you  be  angry  with  him  ;  or,  if 
that  cannot  be,  do  take  a  rope  and  hang  yourself,  with  your 
master  and  your  household:  for  I  see  that  henceforth,  on 
your  account,  I  shall  have  to  live  upon  sighing ;  and  as  it 
IS,  I've  already  got  my  back  about  as  hard  with  weals  as  an 
oyster-shell,  by  reason  of  your  amours. 

Adel.  Prithee,  do  you  wish  me  to  hinder  him  from  beat- 
ing you,  rather  than  that  he  should  not  prove  untrue  to- 
wards me  ? 

Akt.  {to  her  Sistek).  Do  answer  him  in  somewhat  kindly 
terms,  there's  a  dear,  that  he  mayn't  be  annoying  to  us ;  for 
he's  detaining  us  from  our  purpose. 

•   Wcyrth  threepence)— Ver.  380.  "  Trioboli."    Literally,  "  of  three  obols  " 
"^  Ymtr  biestings)— Ver.  382.     "  Colostra."     Tliis  is   the  first  milk  after  a 
row  has  calved.     It  is  niudi  esteemed  lor  its  richness. 


Sc.  III.  THE  TOUNG  CARTHAGINIAir.  371 

Adel.  That's  true.  This  one  fault  more  will  1  pardon  you 
for,  Agorastocles.     I  am  not  angry. 

Ago.  You  are  not  ?     Adel.  I  am  not. 

Ago.  That  I  may  believe  you,  give  me  a  kiss  then. 

Adel.  I'll  give  you  one  by-and-by,  when  I  return  from 
the  sacrifice.     Ago.  Be  off,  then,  in  all  haste. 

Adel.  Follow  me,  sister.  Ago.  And  do  you  hear  too  ? 
Pay  all  compliments  to  Venus  in  my  name. 

Adel.  I'll  pay  them.     Ago.  Listen  to  this,  too 

Adel.  Wliat  is  it  ?  Ago.  Perform  the  ceremony  in  few 
words.  And  do  you  hear  ?  Look  back  at  me.  (She  looks 
back.)  She  did  look  back.  By  my  troth,  I  trust  that  Venus 
will  do  the  same  for  you.  (Adelphasium,  Antebastylis, 
and  Attendant,  yo  into  the  Temple  of  Venus.) 

Scene  III. — Agokastocles  and  Milphio. 

Ago.  What  now  do  you  advise  me  to  do,  Milphio  ? 

Mil.  To  give  me  a  beating,  and  then  have  an  auction^ ; 
for  (pointing  to  the  house)  really,  upon  my  faith,  with  utter 
impunity  you  might  put  up  this  house  for  sale. 

Ago.  Why  so  ?  Mil.  For  the  greater  part  you  make 
your  dwelling  in  my  mouth^. 

Ago.  Do  have  done  with  those  expressions. 

Mil.  Wliat  now  do  you  wish  ? 

Ago.  I  just  now  gave  three  hundred  Philippeans  to 
the  bailiff  Collybiscus,  before  you  called  me  out  of  doors.  I 
now  adjure  you,  Milphio,  by  this  right  hand,  and  by  thia 
left  hand  its  sister,  and  by  your  eyes,  and  by  my  passion, 
and  by  my  own  Adelphasium,  and  by  your  liberty^ 

Mil.  Why,  now  you  adjure  me  by  nothing  at  all. 

Ago.  My  dear  little  Milphio,  my  kind  occasion,  my  safe- 
guard, do  what  you  promised  me  you  would  do,  that  I  may 
prove  the  ruin  of  this  Procurer. 

'  Have  an  auction) — Ver.  409.  Some  Commentators  have  fancied  that  a  play 
IS  intended  upon  the  resemblance  of  the  word  "  auctio"  in  this  line  and  "  auctor' 
in  the  preceding  one. 

•  Dicellituj  ill  vvj  mouth) — Ver.  41 1.  He  says  that  his  master  may  sell  hn 
own  hou.sp,  for  lie  set-ms  to  have  taken  up  liis  abode  in  his  (Milphio's)  moutb 
m  reference  to  his  liaving  continually  to  speak  of  him  or  to  him. 

»  £^  your  liberty)— Wv.  418.  His  liberty  being  a  thing  non-existent. 
2  s^ 


372  pcENiTLtrs ;  Act  I, 

l\rii,.  Why,  tliat's  very  easy  to  he  clone.  Be  off,  bring  here 
with  you  your  witnesses ;  meanwhile,  in-doors  I'll  forth- 
with provide  your  bailiff  with  my  disguise  and  stratagems. 
Make  haste  and  be  off. 

Ago.  i  fly.     Mil.  That's  more  my  part^  than  yours. 

Ago.  Should  I  not,  should  I  not,  if  you  effect  this 
adroitly^ 

Mil.  Only  do  begone. 

Ago.  Ought  I  not  this  very  day 

Mil.  Only  do  be  off.     Ago.  To  give  you  freedom 

Mil.  Only  do  begone. 

A  GO.  By  my  troth,  I  should  not  deserve — ah  ! 

Mil.  B*ah !     Only  do  be  off. 

Ago.  As  many  as  are  the  dead  in  Acheron 

Mil.  "Will  you,  then,  move  off? 

Ago.  Nor  yet  as  many  as  there  are  waves  in  the  sea 

Mil.  Are  you  going  to  move  off? 

Ago.  Nor  as  many  as  there  are  clouds 

Mil.  Do  you  persist  in  going  on  this  way  ? 

Ago.  Nor  as  there  are  stars  in  heaven 

Mil.  Do  you  persist  in  dinning  my  ears  ? 

Ago.  Neither  this  thing  nor  that ;  nor  yet,  indeed,  seri- 
ously speaking — nor,  by  my  faith,  indeed.  What  need  is 
there  of  words  ?  And  why  not  ? — a  thing  that  in  one  word 
— here  we  may  say  an3'-thing  we  please — and  yet,  i'  faith,  not 
seriously  in  reality.  D'ye  see  how  'tis  ?  So  may  the  Gods 
bless  me ! — do  you  wish  me  to  tell  you  in  honest  truth  ?  A 
thing  that   here  we  may  between   ourselves — so  help   me 

Jupiter Do  you  see  how  ?    Look  you — do  you  believe 

what  I  tell  you  ? 

Mil.  If  I  cannot  make  you  go  away,  I  shall  go  away  myself : 

'  More  my  parf) — Ver.  425.  He  alludes  to  the  common  trick  of  slaves  takyig 
to  fliglit. 

2  Effect  this  adroitly) — Ver.  426.  Plautus  designedly  makes  Agorastocles  talk 
m  this  disjointed  and  unintelligible  manner,  both  for  the  purpose  of  showing  his 
own  distraction  and  teasing  Milphio.  He  does  not,  however,  seem  likely  to 
hurt  his  own  interest  by  his  promises.  Given  connectedly,  his  words  stand  thus 
(as  sriven  in  a  Note  to  Warner's  Translation) :  "  Should  I  not  give  you  your 
liberty  to-day,  if  you  do  what  you  have  promised — if  you  impose  upon  the 
pander,  and  deliver  Adelpliasium  to  me — I  do  not  deserve  so  many  Philippeans 
of  gold  as  there  are  dead  men  in  the  s  jades,  waves  in  the  sea,  or  stars  ia  %bt 
Iky." 


Act  II.  THE  YOUNG  CAllTHAGrNTA.N.  373 

for  really;  ^^^n  my  faitli,  there's  need  of  an  CEdipus^  as  a 
diviner  for  this  speech  of  yours,  him  who  was  the  interpreter 
to  the  Sphinx.  (He  goes  into  the  house  of  Agorastocles.) 
Ago.  He  has  gone  off  in  a  passion;  now  must  1  be- 
ware, lest,  through  my  own  fault,  I  place  an  impediment 
in  the  way  of  my  love.  I'll  go  and  fetch  the  witnesses  • 
since  love  commands  me,  a  free  man,  to  be  obedient  to  my 
own  slave.  (^Exit. 

Act  II. — Scene  I, 

Enter  Ltcus. 

Ltc.  {to  himself).  May  all  the  Grods  render  him  unfortunate, 
should  any  Procurer,  after  this  day,  ever  immolate  any  victim 
to  Venus,  or  should  any  one  sacrifice  a  single  grain  of  frank- 
incense. For  wretched  I,  this  day,  have  sacrificed  to  my  most 
wrathful  Deities^  six  lambs,  and  still  I  could  not  manage  to 
make  Venus  to  be  propitious  unto  me.  Since  I  could  not  ap- 
pease her,  forthwith  I  departed  thence  in  a  passion ;  I  forbade 
the  entrails  to  be  cut,  and  would  not  examine  them.  Inasmuch 
as  the  soothsayer  pronounced  them  not  propitious,  I  deemed 
the  Goddess  not  deserving.  By  these  means  I  fairly  played 
a  trick  upon  the  greedy  Venus.  When,  that  which  was 
enough,  she  would  not  have  to  be  enough,  I  made  a  pause. 
'Tis  thus  I  act,  and  thus  it  befits  me  to  act.  I'll  mu1ve  the 
other  Grods  and  Goddesses  henceforth  more  contented,  and 
less  greedy,  when  they  know  how  the  Procurer  put  a  trick 
upon  Venus.  The  soothsayer,  in  manner  right  worthy  of 
him,  a  fellow  not  worth  threepence,  said  that  in  all  the 
entrails  misfortune  and  loss  were  portended  to  me,  and  that 

'  Need  of  an  (Edijnis) — Ver,  441.  Juno,  in  her  displeasure  aeainst  the  city  of 
Thebes,  sent  the  Sphinx,  in  order  to  wreak  her  vengeance  against  the  inhabitants. 
Tliis  was  a  monster  with  the  face  and  speech  of  a  woman,  the  wings  of  a  bird,  and 
the  rest  of  the  body  resembling  that  of  a  dog  or  a  Hon.  The  monster  proposed 
enigmatical  questions  to  all  with  whom  it  met,  and  those  who  could  not  explain 
them  it  devoured.  On  the  Oracle  being  consulted,  they  were  informed  tl»at 
thej  would  not  get  rid  of  the  monster  uidess  they  could  find  out  the  meaning  of 
a  certain  enigma,  which  was,  "  What  is  that  animal  that  has  four  feet  in  the 
morning,  two  at  noon,  and  three  at  night  ?"  Oidipus,  at  length,  explained  this 
as  meaning  a  man,  who  crawls  on  all-fours  during  infancy,  during  manhood 
stands  on  two  legs,  and,  when  old,  makes  use  of  a  stick  as  a  third  leg  to  support 
lum.  On  hearing  this,  the  monster,  in  despair,  knocked  out  its  brains  against 
a  rock. 

-  My  most  wrathful  Deities) — Ver.  450.  These,  probably,  were  Mercury,  tlM 
God  of  Profit,  and  Venus,  the  Goddess  of  Lust. 


874  PCENITLTJS;  Act  II. 

the  Gods  were  angry  with  me.  In  what  matter  either  divine 
or  human  is  it  right  for  me  to  put  trust  in  him?  Just 
after  that,  a  mina  of  silver  was  given  me.  But  where,  pray, 
has  this  Captain  stopped  just  now,  who  gave  it  me,  and  whom 
I've  invited  to  breakfast  ?     But  look !  here  he  comes. 

Enter  Anthemonides. 

Anth.  So,  as  I  began  to  tell  you,  you  sorry  pimp,  about 
that  Pentethronic  battle^,  in  which,  with  my  own  hands,  in 
one  day,  I  slew  sixty  thousand  flying  men. 

Lyc.  Heyday!  Flying  men  ?   Anth.  Certainly  I  do  affirm  it. 

Ltc.  Prithee,  are  there  anywhere  men  that  fly  ? 

Anth.  There  w^ere ;  but  I  slew  them. 

Ltc.  How  could  you  ? 

Anth.  I'll  tell  you.  I  gave  birdlime  and  slings  to  my 
troops ;  beneath  it  they  laid  leaves  of  coltsfoot^. 

Ltc.  For  what  purpose  ? 

Anth.  That  the  birdlime  mightn't  adhere  to  the  slings. 

Lyc.  Proceed.  {Aside.)  I'  faith,  you  do  lie  most  egregi- 
ously.    {Aloud.)  What  after  that  ? 

Anth.  They  placed  pretty  large  pellets  of  birdlime  in  their 
slings :  with  which  I  ordered  them  to  be  taken  aim  at  as  they 
flew.  "Why  many  words  ?  Each  one  did  they  hit  with  the 
birdlime — they  fell  to  the  ground  as  thick  as  pears.  As 
each  one  dropped,  I  straightway  pierced  him  through  the 
brain  with  his  own  feathers,  just  like  a  turtle-dove. 

Ltc.  By  my  troth,  if  ever  this  did  take  place,  then  may 
Jupiter  make  me  to  be  ever  sacrificing,  and  never  propitiat- 
ing him. 

Anth.  And  don't  you  believe  me  in  this  ? 

Lyc.  I  do  believe,  in  the  same  degree  that  it  is  proper  that 
I  should  be  believed.  Come,  let's  go  in-doors,  until  the 
entrails  are  brought  home. 

Anth.  I  wish  to  relate  to  you  a  single  battle  more. 

Lyc.  I  don't  care  about  it.     Anth.  Do  listen. 

Lyc.  Upon  my  faith,  no. 

»  PentetJironic  battle) — ^Ver.  471.  Much  learning  and  discussion  have  been 
♦  aeted  on  this  word,  which  probably  is  only  intended  as  coined  by  the  Cap- 
tain, as  a  high-sounding  word  without  any  meaning. 

2  Leaves  of  coltsfoot) — Ver.  478.  'i"he  hairy  surface  of  the  leaves  of  coltsfoot 
vould  serve  to  keep  tlie  pelets  of  birdlime  together  at  the  moment  ot  beinj 
nurlcd  from  the  sling. 


THE  YOUNG  CARTHAGINIAN".  875 

Anth.  Why  then  I'll  break  your  head  this  instant,  if  you 
don't  listen,  or  else  be  off  to  utter  perdition! 

Lyc.  I'd  sooner  go  to  utter  perdition  ! 

Anth.  Are  you  determined  then  ? 

Lyc.  Determined.  Anth.  In  that  case,  do  you,  then,  upon 
tlivi  lucky  day,  the  Aphrodisia,  mak(i  over  to  me  the  younger 
one  of  your  courtesans. 

Lyc.  The  sacred  ceremony  has  hy  its  omens  been  to  me  to- 
day of  such  a  nature — I  put  oif  all  serious  matters  from  to- 
day until  another  day.  I  am  resolved  to  make  it  really  a 
holiday.     Now  let's  go  hence  in-doors.     Follow  me  this  way. 

Anth.  I  follow.  For  this  day,  then,  I'm  out  on  hire  to 
you.     {They go  into  the  house  o/L reus.) 

Act  III. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Agokastocles,  and  several  Assistants  walking  be- 
hind him. 

Ago.  So  may  the  Deities  love  me,  there's  nothing  more 
annoying  than  a  tardy  friend,  especially  to  a  man  in  love, 
who's  in  a  hurry  in  everything  that  he  does  ;  just  as  I'm 
leading  on  these  assistants,  fellows  of  most  crawling  step ; 
tiiey  are  more  slow  than  merchant-ships  in  a  calm  sea.  And 
upon  my  faith,  I  really  did  on  purpose  wave  my  aged  friends  ;  I 
knew  they  were  too  slow  through  their  years  ;  I  apprehended 
delay  to  my  passion ;  in  vain  I  selected  for  myself  these 
young  fellows  on  their  preferment,  timber-legged,  most  tardy 
chaps.  Well  {turning  round  to  them),  if  you  are  going  to  come 
to-day,  get  on,  or  get  off  hence  to  utter  perdition !  Is  this  the 
way  it  befits  friends  to  give  their  assistance  to  a  person  in 
love  ?  Why  sure,  this  pace  was  bolted  through  a  fine  flour- 
sieve^  ;  unless  you  have  been  practising  in  fetters  to  creep 
along  tlius  with  this  step. 

Assist.  Hark  you !  although  we  seem  to  you  of  the  com- 
monalty and  poor,  if  you  don't  speak  us  fair,  you  rich  man  of 
highest  rank,  we  are  in  the  habit  of  boldly  playing  the  mis- 
chief with  the  rich  man ;  we  are  under  no  engagement  to  you, 

*  Fineflour-aieve) — Ver.  511.  He  probably  alludes  to  the  time  that  the  fine 
fcour  takes  before  it  gets  down  to  the  holes  of  the  sieve  through  which  it  has  to 
pass.  Some  Commentators,  however,  fancy  that  it  is  a  general  allusion  to  the 
haiidmili,  and  that  he  means  to  tell  them  that  su-*jly  they  mujst  have  lost  all 
their  activity  by  their  punishment  at  the  mill. 


S76  P(ETTTJLUS;  Act  ITT. 

about  what  it  ia  that  you  love  or  hate.  Wlien  we  pjiid 
money  for  our  freedom^,  we  paid  our  own,  not  yours  ;  it's  right 
that  we  should  be  imder  no  restraint.  We  value  you  at 
nought ;  don't  you  fancy  that  we've  been  made  over  as  slaves 
to  your  passion.  It's  proper  for  free  men  to  go  through  the 
city  at  a  moderate  pace ;  I  deem  it  like  a  slave  to  be  runnin*^ 
along  in  a  bustle.  Especially  when  the  state  is  at  peace  and 
the  enemies  are  slain,  it  is  not  decent  to  make  a  tumult.  But 
if  you  were  for  making  greater  haste,  you  ought  to  have 
brought  us  here  as  assistants  the  day  before.  Don't  you 
fancy  it — not  any  one  of  us  will  this  day  be  running  through 
the  streets,  nor  yet  shall  the  people  pelt  us  with  stones  for 
madmen. 

Ago.  But  if  I  had  said  that  I  was  taking  you  to  a  Temple^ 
to  breakfast,  you  would  have  surpassed  a  stag  in  speed,  or  a 
man  on  stilts  in  your  steps.  JN'ow,  because  I  have  said  that  I 
am  taking  you  as  my  assistants  and  witnesses,  you  are  gouty, 
and  in  the  slowness  of  your  pace  have  been  outdoing  the  snail. 

Assist.  Why,  really,  is  there  not  good  cause  for  running 
swiftly,  where  you  are  to  drink  and  eat  at  another  man's  ex- 
pense as  much  as  you  please,  until  you  are  full,  what  you  need 
never  return  against  your  will  to  your  host,  at  whose  expense 
you  have  been  eating?  But  still, in  some  way  or  other, although 
we  are  poor  men,  we  have  at  home  something  to  eat ;  don't 
you  browbeat  us  in  such  a  contemptuous  way.  Whatever  that 
very  little  is,  that  little  of  ours  is  all  at  home  ;  we  neither  dun 
any  one  ourselves,  nor  does  any  one  dun  us.  Not  one  of  us 
is  going  to  burst  the  veins  of  his  lungs  for  your  sake. 

Ago.  You  are  too  warm ;  really,  I  said  this  to  you  in  joke. 

Assist.  Consider  it  said  in  joke  as  well  what  we  have  said 
t  J  you  in  answer. 

Ago.  Troth  now,  prithee,  do  give  me  this  aid  of  yours  liJce 

*  Paid  money  for  our  freedom) — Ver.  516.  This  passage  shows  that  they 
had  formerly  been  slaves.  It  is  not  improbable  that  numbers  of  liberated  slaves 
were  always  to  be  found  in  the  Forum,  ready  for  money  to  offer  their  services  as 
witnesses  of  any  transaction,  without  reference  to  its  morality.  They  are  here 
called  "  advocati ;"  which  literally  means,  "persons  summoned  to  one's  assist- 
ance."    Slaves  were  nrt  allowed  to  give  evidence  against  freemen. 

"^  To  a  Temph) — Ver.  527.  He  refers  to  the  practice  of  worsliippers  inviting 
their  friends  to  the  Temples,  to  join  them  in  eating  the  portions  that  were  'eft 
after  the  sacrifice.  See  the  Rudens,  where  this  practice  is  more  fully  referred  ta 
•  In  jedem"  may,  however,  possibly  mean  "  to  my  house." 


Sc.  I.  THE  YOUNG  CAETHAGI>'TAN  377 

a  fly-boat,  not  a  merchant- ship.  Do  hobble  along  at  least,  for 
I  do  not  ask  you  to  hurry. 

Assist.  If  you  wish  to  do  anything  quietly  and  leisurely. 
"we  lend  our  aid ;  if  you  are  in  a  hurry,  it  woiild  be  better  for 
you  to  hire  runners^  as  your  assistants. 

Ago.  You  understand  (the  matter  I've  informed  you  of), 
that  I  have  need  of  your  assistance  with  regard  to  this  Pro- 
curer, who  has  so  long  trifled  with  me  in  my  amour ;  that 
a  scheme  is  to  be  planned  against  him  about  the  gold  and  my 
servant. 

Assist.  All  that  we  know  already,  if  these  Spectators  know. 
For  the  sake  of  these  Spectators  it  is  that  this  Play  is  now 
being  acted.  'Twere  better  for  you  to  inform  them,  that 
when  you  do  anything,  they  may  know  what  it  is  you  are 
doing.  Don't  you  trouble  about  us ;  we  know  the  whole 
matter ;  since  we  all  learnt  it  together  in  company  with  your- 
self, so  that  we  can  answer  you. 

Ago.  Such  really  is  the  fact ;  but  come,  that  I  may  be  sure 
then  that  you  know  it,  repeat  the  matter  at  length,  and  tell 
me  what  I  told  you  just  now. 

Assist.  Are  you  trying  in  this  way  whether  we  know  ?  Do 
you  suppose  we  don't  remember  how  you  have  given  three 
hundred  Philippeans  to  CoUybiscus  your  bailiff",  for  him  to 
bring  here  to  the  Procurer,  your  enemy,  and  to  pretend  that 
he  is  a  foreigner  from  a  distance,  from  another  city  ?  When 
he  has  brought  them,  you'll  go  there  to  seek  your  servant 
together  with  the  money. 

Ago.  You  remember  it  by  heart ;  you  have  saved  me. 

Assist.  He'll  be  for  denying  it ;  he'll  suppose  your  Milphio 
is  being  looked  for.  He'll  have  to  pay  double  all  the  money 
stolen ;  the  Procurer  will  be  adjudged  to  you.  In  this  matter 
you  wish  us  to  be  your  witnesses. 

Ago.  You've  got  the  matter y^s^. 

Assist.  I'  faith,  hardly  with  the  tips^  of  our  fingers,  in- 
deed ;  it  is  so  very  small  a  one. 

Ago.  This  must  be  done  quickly  and  with  expedition. 
Make  as  much  haste,  then,  as  you  can. 

'  To  hire  runners) — Ver.  544.  Cursores.  See  the  Notes  to  the  Trinummus, 
I.  1023. 

2  Hardly  with  the  tips) — Ver.  464.  He  plays  upon  the  two  yneanings  of 
*'  rem" — "  the  business  in  hand,"  or  "  money"  or  *■  property.''  Agorastoclea 
means  it  in  tlie  former  sense,  but  the  assistants  take  it  in  the  latter,  and  probably 
ailaae  to  che  smaimess  ot  their  pay. 


378  PCENULUS ,  A  ct  III. 

Assist,  {moving  as  though  goin(j).  Kindly  fare  you  wt^ll, 
then ;  it's  better  for  you  to  provide  some  active  assistants, 
we  are  hut  slow  ones. 

Ago.  Ton  move  very  welU.  {Aside!)  But  very  badly  do 
you  speak  me,  faith.  {Aloud.)  Moreover,  I  could  wish  your 
thighs  to  fall  down  into  your  ankles. 

Assist.  And,  i'  faith,  we  that  your  tongue  had  fallen  into 
your  loins,  and  your  eyes  upon  the  ground. 

Ago.  Heyday!  it's  not  for  you  to  be  angry  at  what  I 
said  in  joke.  Assist.  Nor  for  you,  indeed,  to  be  speaking 
ill  to  your  friends  in  joke. 

Ago.  Drop  this.     What  I  want  to  do,  you  understand. 

Assist.  We  know  full  well :  to  undo  the  perjured  Pro- 
curer, it's  that  you  wish. 

Ago.  You've  got  the  matter  right.  See,  Milphio  and  the 
bailiff  are  opportunely  coming  out  together.  He's  coming 
rigged  out  like  a  nobleman,  and  appropriately,  for  the  plot. 

Scene  II. — Enter  Milphio  and  CoLLYBiscTrs,//'owi  the  house 
o/'Agorastocles,  dressed  as  a  person  of  quality. 

Mil.  Have  you  now  got  your  instru^'^ms  by  heart  ? 

Coll.  Nicely. 

Mil.  Take  care  you  understand  them,  please. 

Coll.  A¥hat  need  is  there  of  talking  ?  I  won't  let  my 
own  legs  understand^  as  well.  Mil.  Only  take  you  care 
that  your  speeches  are  learnt  by  heart  for  this  plot. 

Coll.  Why,  upon  my  faith,  I  am  more  perfect  tlian  tragic 
or  comic  actors  are.     Mil.  You  are  a  capital  fellow. 

Ago.  {to  the  Assistants).  Let's  go  nearer  to  them. 
{Accosting  Milphio  and  CoLLYBisctrs.)  Here  are  the  wit- 
nesses, 

Mil.  {to  Agoeastocles).  Eeally  you  could  not  have 
brought  as  many  men  better  suited  for  this  purpose  ;  for  not 
one  of  them  is  tongue-tied  as  a  witnes^ ;  they  are  genuine 

'  You  move  very  well) — Ver.  567.  *'  Optume  itis,  pessume — dicitis."  Rost 
suggests  that  the  meaning  of  these  words  is,  "  You'll  do  well  in  going  away,  for 
you  are  very  abusive."     The  passage  has  puzzled  many  of  the  Commentators. 

2  My  own  legs  understand) — Ver.  577.  "  Cillum  aprugnum  callere  seque 
non  sinam."  For  a  literal  transition  of  this  pun,  see  the  Persa,  1.  306,  and  the 
Note  to  the  passage. 

*  Tongue-tied  as  a  witness)— Y ex.  582.    "Nefastus,"  forbicden  to  give  evi- 


Sc.  II .  THE  TOUN G  CAETnAGINIAN.  379 

ttien  of  tlie  law-courts ;  there  they  take  up  their  abode  ;  there 
you  may  see  them  more  frequently  than  the  Prsetor.  At 
this  very  time  there  are  no  better  eookers-up  of  a  lawsuit^, 
to  stir  up  litigation,  than  are  these  men  ;  for  they,  if  there  is 
no  litigation,  sow  litigation. 

Assist.  May  the  Sods  confound  you ! 

Mil.  You  I  really  do  commend,  inasmuch  as,  whoever 
you  are,  still  you  act  both  worthily  and  kindly  in  giving  your 
aid  to  my  master  thus  in  love.  {To  Agoeastocles.)  But 
do  they  now  know  what  the  business  is  ? 

Ago.  The  whole  matter,  all  in  its  order. 
.  Mil.  In  that  case,  do  you,  then,  give  me  your  attention. 
Do  you  know  this  Procurer  Lycus  ?      Assist.  Perfectly. 

Coll.  But,  upon  my  faith,  I  don't  know  him,  of  what  ap- 
pearance he  is.  I  wish  that  you  would  point  this  fellow  out 
to  me. 

Assist.  "We'll  take  all  care :  we've  been  instructed  quite 
enough.  Ago.  (^om^iw^^oCoLLYBiscus).  He  has  got  three 
hundred  pieces  counted  out. 

Assist.  Then  it's  right,  Agorastocles,  that  we  should  see 
this  gold,  that  we  may  know  what  to  say  by-and-by  as  our 
testimony. 

Ago.  Come  andlooV  at  it.  {Opens  the  hag  which  Collt- 
Biscus  holds  in  his  hand.) 

Coll.  {to  the  Audience).  Undoubtedly  it's  gold,  Spec- 
tators— playhouse  gold^;  upon  this,  soaked  in  water,  in  fo- 
•eign  lands,  the  cattle  become  fat^ :  but,  for  the  carrying  out 
of  this  design,  'tis  real  Philippean  ffold. 

Assist.  We'll  make  believe  it  is  so.  Coll.  But  do  you 
make  believe  as  though  I  were  a  foreigner. 

Assist.  Just  so  ;  and,  in  fact,  as  though  you,  on  your 
arrival  to-day,  had  asked  us  to  show  you  a  spot  for  free- 

dence  as  witness,  either  through  incompetency  as  being  slaves,  or  throngh 
infamy  of  character. 

>  Cookersup  of  a  lawsuit) — Ver.  584..  *  Furis  coctiores."  "Jus"  means, 
according  to  the  context,  "law"  or  "justice."  As  the  same  word  also  means 
"  broth,"  Milphio  puns  upon  this  double  meaning,  in  conjunction  with  the  word 
"  coctior,"  "  better  versed  in." 

2  Playhoiise  gold) — Ver.  595.  He  alludes  to  tlie  practice  of  using  lupines  in 
their  purses  on  the  stage,  to  represent  gcid.  They  were  probably  used  for  this 
purpose  on  account  of  their  yellow  colour. 

'  Cottle  become  fat.) — Ver.  596.  He  means,  that  in  other  countries  thaa 
Greece  lupines  are  used  for  the  purpose  o»  fattening  cattle. 


380  P(ENULxrs ;  Act  III. 

dom  and  pleasure  ;  where  you  might  wench,  drink,  and  live 
like  a  Grreek. 

Mil.  Dear  me  !     Crafty  fellows,  upon  my  faith ! 

Ago.  But  it  was  I  who  instructed  them. 

Mil.  And  who  you,  in  your  turn  ? 

Coll.  Come,  be  off  in-doors,  Agorastocles,  lest  the  Pro- 
curer should  see  you  together  with  me,  and  some  accident 
might  befall  our  plan. 

Mil.  This  person  is  extremely  prudent.  (To  Agoeas- 
TOCLES.)  Do  as  he  bids  you.  Ago.  Let's  be  off.  {To  the 
Assistants.)  But  you — has  enough  been  said  ? 

Coll.  Do  you  be  off.  • 

Ago.  I'm  off.     Immortal  Grods,  I  beg 

Coll.  Nay,  but  why  don't  you  be  off  ?     Ago.  I'm  off. 

Coll.  You  do  wisely.  (Agobastocles  and  Milphio  go 
into  the  house.)     Hush  !  be  quiet. 

Assist.  What's  the  matter? 

Coll.  This  door  {pointing  to  the  door  of  the  house  of 
Ltcus)  was  guilty  of  a  great  indecency  just  now. 

Assist.  "What  indecency  is  that  ? 

Coll.  It  rumbled  aloud.  Assist.  May  the  Deities  con- 
found you !     G-et  you  behind  us. 

Coll.  Be  it  so.     (  Goes  behind  them.) 

Assist.  We'll  walk  first. 

Coll.  {aside).  They  do  what  town-fellows  are  in  the  habit 
of  doing  :  they  put  worthy  men  behind  themselves. 
,  Assist,  {pointing  to  the  Procubee's  house).    That  man 
that's  coming  out  is  the  Procurer. 

Coll.  He's  a  real  good  one ;  for  he's  like  a  bad  man^. 
Even  now,  as  he  comes  forth,  I'll  suck  out  his  blood  at  this 
distance. 

Scene  III. — Enter  JjYCV^,  from  his  house. 

Lto.  {speaking  to  Anthemonides,  within).  I'll  return 
here  this  moment.  Captain.  I  wish  to  find  us  some  fitting 
guests,  to  join  us.  Meanwhile,  they'll  bring  the  entrails ; 
and  at  the  same  time,  the  women,  I  suppose,  will  soon  be 
making  their  appearance  at  home  after  the  sacrifice.  Blil 
why  are  such  a  number  of  people  coming  this  way  r  I 
wonder  w^hat  they  are  bringing?     He,  too,  ir.  the   scarf, 

'  Like,  a  bad  ma7i) — Ver.  GU.  He  means  that  the  worse  the  man,  the  better 
the  Procurer. 


Sc.  III.  THE  rOUXG  CAETHAGINIAN.  381 

that's  fdllowing  at  a  distance,  who  is  he,  I  wonder?  He  is 
not  an  ^tolian. 

Assist.  We  greet  you,  Lycus.  Although  against  our  will, 
we  give  you  this  salulation,  and  although  in  a  very  moderate 
degree  do  we  entertain  good  wishes  for  procurers. 

Lyc.  May  you  all  be  fortunate — a  thing  that  I  know  for 
certain  you  neither  will  be,  nor  will  Fortune  permit  it  so  to  be. 

Assist.  That  is  a  treasure  hoarded  in  the  tongues  of  fools, 
to  deem  it  gainful  to  speak  amiss  to  their  superiors. 

Lyc.  He  who  knows  not  the  road  by  which  to  arrive 
at  the  sea,  him  it  befits  to  seek  a  river  as  his  own  com- 
panion. I  know  not  the  way  of  speaking  abusively  to  you. 
Now  you  are  the  rivers  to  me ;  you  I'm  resolved  to  follow. 
If  you  speak  blessings,  along  your  banks  I'll  follow  you ;  if 
you  utter  curses,  along  your  track  I'll  go. 

Assist.  To  do  good  to  the  bad  is  a  danger  just  as  great  as 
to  do  bad  tc  the  good. 

Lyc.  But  why  ?  Assist.  You  shall  learn.  If  you  do  any 
good  to  the  bad,  the  benefit  is  lost :  if  you  do  any  bad  to 
the  good,  it  lasts  for  a  length  of  time. 

Lyc.  Cleverly  said  !     But  what  does  that  matter  to  me  ? 

Assist.  Because  for  the  sake  of  your  own  well-doing  we 
came  hither,  although  in  a  very  moderate  degree  do  we  enter- 
tain good  wishes  for  procurers. 

Lyc.  If  you  bring  anything  that's  good,  I  give  you  thanks. 

Assist.  Of  our  own,  we  neither  bring  nor  give  you  any- 
thing that's  good,  nor  do  we  promise  you,  nor,  in  fact,  do  we 
wish  to  give  it. 

Lyc.  I'  faith,  I  do  believe  you ;  such  is  your  kindly  feel- 
ing.    But  what  now  do  you  wish  ? 

Assist,  (^pointing  to  Collybiscus).  This  person  in  the 
scarf,  whom  you  see,  with  him  Mars  is  angered. 

Coll.  (aside,  to  himself).  May  he  he  so  indeed  with  your 
own  heads  ! 

Assist.  "We  are  now  bringing  him  here,  Lycus,  to  you,  for 
tearing  asunder^. 

Coll.  {aside,  to  himself).  This  huntsman,  myself  wiU  be 

•  For  tearing  asunder) — Ver.  645.  "  Ad  diripiendum."  This  expression  is 
purposely  used,  as  being  susceptible  of  a  double  meaning.  It  may  either  nr.ean 
'*for  you  to  plunder,"  or  ''to  plunder  you."  In  the  use  of  the  word  "  (Juipo,* 
'» to  tear  to  pieces,"  allusion  is  made  to  the  woltish  name  of  Lycos. 


382  PCENULUS ;  Act  Til. 

going  home  to-daj  witli  some  spoil ;  the  dogs  are  cleverly 
driving  Lycus  into  the  toils. 

Lyc.  "Who  is  this  person  ?  Assist.  "We  really  don't  know 
who  he  is,  except  that  some  time  since,  after  daybreak, 
when  we  went  down  to  the  harbour,  at  the  same  moment  we 
saw  him  landing  from  a  merchant-ship.  Disembarking,  he 
came  up  to  us  at  once — he  saluted  us  ;  we  answered  him. 

Coll.  (aside).  The  artful  fellows!  how  cleverly  they  do 
enter  upon  the  plot ! 

Ltc.  "What  after  that  ?  Assist.  Then  he  joined  in  dis- 
course with  us :  he  said  that  he  was  a  foreigner,  unacquainted 
with  this  city :  that  he  wanted  a  convenient  place  to  be  found 
here,  for  him  to  indulge  his  appetite.  We  brought  the  man 
to  you ;  if  the  Grods  are  favourable  to  you,  it's  an  opportunity 
for  you  to  ply  your  trade. 

Ltc.  Is  he  eager  to  that  degree  ? 

Assist.  He  has  got  gold.     Ltc.  (aside).  That  booty  is  mine. 

Assist.  He  wishes  to  drink  and  wench. 

Ltc.  I'll  find  him  a  nice  place. 

Assist.  But  still  he  wants  to  be  quite  private,  in  a  quiet 
way,  that  no  persons  may  know  it,  and  that  there  may  be  no 
overlookers ;  for  he  has  been  a  soldier  in  Sparta,  as,  indeed, 
he  himself  has  told  us,  with  King  Attains^  ;  from  there  he 
fled  hither,  when  the  town  was  surrendered. 

Coll.  (aside).  Very  clever  that,  about  the  soldier !  about 
Sparta,  most  capital ! 

Ltc.  (in  a  loiv  voice).  May  the  Grods  and  Goddesses  bestow 
many  blessings  on  you,  for  having  given  me  kindly  informa- 
tion, and  finding  me  a  choice  prey. 

Assist.  Aye,  and,  as  he  himself  has  told  us,  that  you  may 
receive  him  the  better,  he  has  brought  three  hundred  Philip- 
pean  pieces  as  a  provision. 

Ltc.  I'm  a  king  if  I  can  to-day  entice  this  man  to  my 
house. 

Assist.  Nay  but,  he  really  is  your  own. 

Ltc.  Bv  my  troth,  prithee,  do  persuade  him  to  take  up 
his  abode  at  my  house,  as  the  best  iodgino^. 

Assist.  It  befit  us  neither  to  persuade  nor  to  dissuade  a 

'  With  King  Attains) — Ver.  663.  This  is  said  merely  for  its  absurdity;  as 
Attalus  was  king,  not  of  Sparta,  but  of  Pergamus  in  Asia  Minor 


Sc.  III.  THE  YOUNG  CABTHAGINIAIT.  383 

person  who  is  a  foreigner  ;  you'll  transact  your  own  business, 
if  you  are  prudent.  We  have  brought  the  ringdove  for  you, 
even  to  the  trapping-ground ;  now  it's  better  for  yourself  to 
catch  him,  if  you  wish  him  to  be  caught.  {They  move  as  if 
going.) 

Ltc.  Are  you  going  now  ? 

Coll.  {to  the  Assistants).  "What  about  the  matters  that 
I  commissioned  you  upon,  strangers  ? 

Assist,  {pointing  to  Lycus).  It's  better  for  you,  young 
sir,  to  speak  to  him  about  your  own  concerns  ;  he's  clever 
in  those  matters  which  you  are  enquiring  about. 

Coll.  {aside).  But,  for  my  part,  I  could  like  you  to  see 
when  I  deliver  him  the  gold. 

Assist,  {aside).  At  a  distance  there  we  shall  be  witnesses 
of  that. 

Coll.  {to  the  Assistants).  You've  given  me  kind  assist- 
ance.    {The  Assistants  go  out  of  sight.) 

Ltc.  {aside,  so  as  to  he  heard).  The  profit  comes  to  me. 

Coll.  {aside,  to  himself).  Aye,  just  so,  indeed,  the  way 
that  the  ass  kicks^  with  his  heels. 

Ltc.  I'll  speak  the  fellow  fairly.  {To  Colltbiscus.)  A 
stranger  salutes  a  stranger  ;  I'm  glad  that  you  have  arrived 
in  safety. 

Coll.  May  the  Deities  grant  you  many  blessings,  since 
you  wish  me  well. 

Ltc.  They  say  that  you  are  in  search  of  a  lodging. 

Coll.  I  am  in  search.  Ltc.  So  those  persons  told  me, 
who  left  me  just  now,  that  you  are  in  search  of  one  that  is 
free  from  flies. 

Coll.  By  no  means  in  the  world.      Ltc.  Why  so  ? 

Coll.  Because  if  I  had  been  looking  for  a  retreat  from 
the  flies^,  on  arriving  here  1  should  have  straightway  gone 
to  gaol.  I'm  in  search  of  this  kind  of  lodging,  where  I 
may  be  treated  more  delicately  than  the  eyes  of  King  An- 
tiochus^  are  in  the  habit  of  being  treated. 

^  The  way  that  the  ass  kicks') — Ver.  683.  Taubrnann  says  that  this  means 
that  as  the  ass  kicks  away  from  himself,  so  tlie  gain  will  go  from  Lycus,  not 
to  him. 

»  A  rei'^eatfrom  ihe  flips') — Ver.  690.  Under  this  name  he  refers  t-o  envioua 
»na  mquisitive  jjersuns  ana  Parasites. 

3  The  eyes  of  Kinfj  Antiochus) — Ver.  693.  This  is  probably  not  to  be  taken 
literuUv   as,  accordintr  to  Suidus,  the  chief  miuifiters  of  Autiochuii  were  ihvc 


'384  P(EXULrs;  ilct  III 

Ltc.  Upon  my  faith,  for  sure,  I  can  provide  jou  a  charm- 
ing one,  if,  indeed,  you  can  put  up  with  yourself  being  in  a 
chiu-ining  room,  on  a  couch  charmingly  laid,  a  charming  dam- 
sel cuddling  you. 

Coll.  Tou  are  in  the  riffht  road.  Procurer. 

Lyc.  "Where,  with  Leucadian,  Lesbian,  Thasian,  and  Coan 
wiiie^,  toothless  with  old  age^,  you  may  soak  yourself.  There 
I'll  quite  drench  you  with  the  effusion  of  unguents.  AVhy 
many  w^ords  ?  I'll  cause,  when  you've  bathed,  the  bath- 
keeper  to  set  up  unguent-shop  there.  But  (speaking  conji- 
deiitially)  all  these  things  that  I  have  mentioned  let  out  their 
serv  ices  for  pav. 

Coll.  Why  so? 

Ltc.  Because  they  demand  ready  money. 

Coll.  Why,  upon  my  faith,  you  are  not  more  ready  to  re- 
ceive than  I  to  give.     Ltc.  Why  then  follow  me  in-doors. 

Coll.  Lead  me  in-doors,  then;  you've  got  me  devoted 
to  your  will.  (  The  Assistants  come  forward.  Ltcus  and 
Colltbiscus  go  apart.) 

Assist,  (among  themselves).  What  if  we  call  AgorastocLs 
hither  out  of  doors,  that  he  himself  may  be  his  own  witness, 
past  all  exception  ?  (They  go  to  the  door  of  Agokastocles 
and  call  out,  in  a  loud  lohisper.)  Hallo  !  you  that  are  to  catch 
the  thief,  come  out  quickly,  that  you  yourself  may  witness 
him  giving  the  gold  to  the  Procurer. 

ScE]S"E  IV. — Enter  Agorastocles,  in  haste,  from  his  house. 

ago.  What's  the  matter?  What  is  it  you  want,  wit- 
nesses ? 

Assist.  Look  to  the  right  hand ;  your  servant  is  paying 
gold  to  the  Procurer  himself. 

Coll.  (apart  to  Ltcus).  Come,  take  this,  will  you:  here 
are  three  hundred  gold  coins,  counted  out,  which  are  called 
Philippeans.  (Gives  him  the  hag.)  With  these  do  you  pro- 
vide for  me.     I  wish  these  to  be  spent  with  all  speed. 

Ltc.  By  my  troth,  you  have  found  a  lavish  steward  for 
yourself.     Come,  let's  away  in-doors. 

C.I  lied.  ApuVeius  says  that  the  ministers  of  the  King  of  Persia  were  called 
his  "  eyes"  and  "  ears." 

'  And  Coan  tcine) — Ver.  698.  The  Chian  held  the  first  rank  among  the  wines 
3(  Greece,  while  the  Lesbian,  Th.isi.in,  and  Coan.  ranked  next  to  it. 

*  Toot/Uf^e  wWi  old  aaA\ — Ver.  699.  Having  by  a^e  lyst  all  its  acidity. 


Sc.  IV.  THE  YOUNG  CAETHAGINIAN.  885 

Coll.  I  follow  you.  Ltc.  Well,  well,  walk  on ;  and  then 
we'll  talk  together  about  the  other  matters  that  remain. 

Coll.  As  for  me,  I'll  teU  you  about  the  Spartan  affairs. 

Lyc.  Why  then  follow  me.  Coll.  Lead  me  in-doors; 
lead  me  in,  you  have  got  me  made  over  to  you.  {They  go 
into  the  house  o/*Lycus.) 

Ago.  What  do  you  advise  me  now  ? 

Assist.  To  be  moderate. 

Ago.  What  if  my  feelings  will  not  let  me  be  ? 

Assist.  Then  be  as  they  wiU  let  you. 

Ago.  Did  you  see  it,  when  tlie  Procurer  received  the 
money  ?    Assist.  We  saw  it. 

Ago.  Did  you  know  that  he  is  my  slave  ? 

Assist.  We  knew  it. 

Ago.  That  it  is  a  thing  against  the  reiterated  laws  of  the 
people  ?    Assist.  We  knew  it. 

Ago.  Well  then,  all  these  things  I  wish  you  to  keep  in 
memory  before  the  Praetor  by-and-by,  when  occasion  shall 
come. 

Assist.  We  remember  them.  Ago.  What  if,  while  the 
matter  has  so  recently  happened,  I  knock  at  the  door  ? 

Assist.  I  think  you  ought. 

Ago.  If  I  do  knock,  he  won't  open  it^ 

Assist.  Then  break  the  panneP. 

Ago.  If  the  Procurer  comes  out,  do  you  think  I  ought  to 
enquire  of  the  feUow  whether  my  slave  has  come  to  him  or 
not? 

Assist.  Why  not  ? 

Ago.  With  two  hundred  golden  Philippean  pieces  ? 

Assist.  Why  not  ? 

Ago.  Then  the  Procurer  will  be  going  astray  at  once. 

Assist.  About  what  matter  ?  Ago.  Do  you  ask  ?  Because 
a  less  sum  will  be  named  by  one  hundred  pieces. 

Assist.  You  judge  rightly.  Ago.  He'll  think  that  some 
other  person  is  being  looked  after. 

Assist.  No  doubt.    Ago.  He'll  be  denying  it  at  once. 

'  He  won't  open  it) — Ver.  729.  A  note  of  interrogation  seems  out  of  pl»c« 
ifter  "  redudftt." 

^  Break  the  pannet)—Ver.  729.  "  Panem  frangite"  LiteraQy,  " break  th« 
oread,"  meaning  the  "pannel."  He  plays  upon  the  resemblance  of  «ne  T«b 
"  pulto,"  "  to  knock,"  and  "  puis,"  "  pottage." 

xo^'-  ^^  2  0 


386  pffiNULUS ;  Act  III. 

Assist.  On  his  oath  even.  Ago.  The  fellow  Tsill  involve 
himself  in  the  guilt  of  theft 

Assist.  Beyond  a  doubt,  it  certainly  is  so. 

Ago.  Of  however  much  it  is  that  shall  have  been  brough 
to  him. 

Assist.  "Why  not  ?    Ago.  Jupiter  confound  you^ ! 

Assist.  Why  not  your  own  self?  Ago.  {going  towards 
the  door  o/*Lycus).  I'll  go  and  knock  at  this  door. 

Assist.  Even  so.  "Why  not  ?  Ago.  It's  time  to  be  quiet, 
for  the  door  makes  a  noise.  I  see  the  Procurer  Lycus  coming 
out  of  doors ;  come  this  way,  pray ! 

Assist.  Why  not  ?  But,  if  you  please,  cover  up  our  heads, 
that  the  Procurer  mayn't  know  us,  who  have  been  his  de- 
coyers^  into  so  great  a  calamity.  {He  throws  the  lappets  of 
their  garments  over  their  heads.) 

Scene  V. — Enter  JjYCVSy  from  his  house, 

Ltc.  (to  himself).  Let  all  soothsayers  go  hang  themselves 
now  at  once.  Why  should  I  believe  them  in  future,  as  to 
what  they  say  ?  Por  they,  just  now  at  the  sacrifice,  told  me 
that  evil  and  the  greatest  disaster  was  portended  to  me.  1 
have  since  then  amplified  my  fortune  with  profit. 

Ago.  (accosting  him).  Save  you,  Procurer. 

Ltc.  May  the  Gods  bless  you,  Agorastocles. 

Ago.  You  now  salute  me  more  kindly  than  hitherto. 

Ltc.  a  calm  has  come,  as  though  to  a  ship  at  sea.  Just 
as  the  wind  is,  to  that  quarter  is  the  sail  shifted. 

Ago.  May  those  ladies  be  well  in  your  house,  to  whom  I 
wish  it,  but  to  yourself  I  do  not  wish  it. 

Ltc.  They  are  well,  as  you  desire  ;  not  for  you,  though. 

Ago.  Send  your  Adelphasium  to  my  liouse,  to-day,  please, 
upon  this  celebrated  and  famous  festival,  the  Aphrodisia. 

Ltc.  Have  you  been  breakfasting  on  a  hot  breakfast  to- 
day?    Tell  me. 

Ago.  Why  so  ?  Ltc  Because  now  you  are  only  cool- 
ing your  mouth^,  when  you  ask  me. 

*  Jupiter  confound  you) — Ver.  739.  For  their  repeated  and  tiresome  answers 
of  "quippini?"  "why  not?" 

2  His  decoyers) — Ver.  745.  "  Illices."  "  Illex  "  was  a  bird-call,  quflil-prp«, 
or  decoy  used  by  fowlers  for  catching  birds. 

•  Cooling  your  mouth') — Ver.  760.  BecAose  in  opening  tiie  mouth,  toe  aa 
leads  to  cool  it 


Sc.  V.  THE  YOUNG  CAETHAGINIAN .  3S7 

Ago.  Attend  to  this,  Procurer,  will  you;  I've  heard  that 
my  slave  is  at  your  house. 

Ltc.  At  my  house  ?  You'll  find  that  has  never  been  the 
fact. 

Ago.  You  lie ;  for  he  has  come  to  your  house,  and  car- 
ried off  some  gold  there.  Word  has  been  brought  me  to 
tliat  effect,  by  persons  I  fully  believe.  {Pointing  to  the 
Assistants.) 

Lyc.  You  are  an  artful  fellow  :  you've  come  to  entrap  me 
with  your  witnesses.  There's  no  one  of  your  people  in  my 
house,  nor  anything  of  yours. 

Ago.  (turning  round  to  the  Assistants).  Eemember  that, 
assistants. 

Assist.  "We  will  remember  it. 

Lyc.  (laughing).  Ha,  ha,  ha!  I  now  understand  how  it  is. 
I've  this  instant  seen  through  it.  These  persons,  who  a 
short  time  since  introduced  that  Spartan  stranger  to  me, 
their  brain  is  now  fired  at  it,  because  I'm  going  to  make  a  gain 
of  these  three  hundred  Philippean  pieces  ;  now,  because  they 
knew  that  this  person  was  an  enemy  of  mine,  they  have  set 
him  on  to  say  that  his  slave,  together  with  his  gold,  is  in  my 
house.  It's  a  planned  contrivance  for  them  to  deprive  me  of 
it,  and  to  divide  it  among  themselves.  They  are  wanting  to  get 
away  the  lamb  from  the  wolf  ^.  They  are  wasting  their  pains. 

Ago.  "What,  do  you  deny  tha{  either  the  gold  or  my  slave 
is  at  your  house  ? 

Lyc.  I  do  deny  it ;  and,  if  it's  of  any  use,  I  make  myself 
hoarse  with  denying  it. 

Assist.  You  are  undone.  Procurer ;  for  that  person  whom 
we  told  you  was  a  Spartan,  is  his  bailiff;  who  brought  you 
just  now  the  three  hundred  Philippean  pieces ;  and  that  same 
gold,  too,  is  in  his  purse. 

Lyc.  (shaking  hisjlst  at  them).  Woe  unto  you! 

Assist.  That,  indeed,  is  close  at  hand  for  yourself. 

Ago.  Come,  you  hang-dog,  give  up  the  purse  this  instant. 
You  are  clearly  a  thief,  caught  by  me  in  the  fact.  {To  the 
Assistants.)  By  my  troth,  I  do  beg  of  you,  lend  me  your 
aid,  so  as  to  see  me  bring  my  slave  out  of  his  house,  (ifii 
goes  into  the  Peocueeb's  house.) 

» lamb  from  ths  wolf)— Yer.  776.  In  allusion  to  la  own 

2c2 


SSS  P(ENULts;  Act  III. 

Ltc.  I'  fuith,  I'm  now  undone  for  certain,  beyond  a 
doubt !  This  has  been  done  on  purpose  that  a  snare  might 
be  laid  for  me.  But  why  do  I  hesitate  to  betake  me  hence  to 
utter  perdition,  before  I'm  dragged  off  to  the  Praetor  by  the 
throat?  Alas!  what  soothsayers  I've  been  having  for  my 
diviners,  who,  if  they  promise  anything  that's  fair,  it  comes 
to  pass  but  slowly ;  that  which  they  promise  as  unfortunate, 
co!iies  directly.  Now  I'll  be  off:  I'll  consult  my  friends  in 
what  way — they  deem  it  l>est  m  especial  for  me  to  hang 
myself.  {Exit. 

Scene  VI. — Enter  Agorastocles,  yro?w  the  house  o/*Ltcus, 
driving  out  Colltbiscus. 

Ago.  Be  off  you,  get  out  you,  that  the  witnesses  may 
see  you  coming  out  from  here.  Isn't  this  my  servant  ?  ( J'o 
the  Assistants.) 

Coll.  I'  faith,  I  really  am,  Agorastocles. 

Ago.  How  now,  villanous  Procurer  ?  Assist.  He,  with 
whom  you  have  the  dispute,  has  made  off. 

Ago.  I  hope  he's  gone  hence  to  utter  perdition. 

Assist.  It's  proper  that  we  should  wish  the  same. 

Ago.  To-morrow  I'll  bring  my  action  against  the  fellow. 

Coll.  Anything  further  with  me ? 

Ago.  You  may  go ;  put  on  your  own  dress. 

Coll.  It  wasn't  for  nothing  that  I  turned  soldier.  I 
made  a  little  booty  in-doors.  "While  the  household  of  the 
Procurer  was  asleep,  I  got  myself  well  fiUed  with  the  entrails. 
I'll  be  off  from  here  in-doors. 

Ago.  (to  the  Assistants).  'Twas  kindly  done  by  you. 
Assistants,  you  have  lent  me  your  good  services.  To-mor- 
row morning  I  beg  you'll  meet  me  at  the  court  of  justice. 
(To  Colltbiscus.)  Do  you  follow  me  in-doors.  (To  the 
Assistants.)  To  you,  farewell ! 

Assist.  And  you,  farewell !  (Agobastocles  ffoes  into  his 
house,  followed  ly  Colltbiscus.)  This  fellow  wants  a  thing 
that's  notoriously  unfair ;  he  thinks  that  we  are  to  serve  him 
at  our  own  expense.  But  such  are  all  these  rich  people  of 
ours :  if  you  do  anything  of  service,  their  thanks  are  lighter 
than  a  feather ;  if  there's  any  offence,  they  show  vengeance 
like  lead.  Let's  now  go  to  our  houses,  if  you  like,  forthwith, 
since  we've  effected  that  for  which  we  lent  our  services,  to 
ruin  this  corruoter  of  our  fellow-citizens.  CExeunt, 


Act  IV.  THE  YOUNG  CAETUAGINIAN.  389 

Act.  IV. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Milphio. 

Mil.  l*m  awaiting  in  what  way  my  plot  is  to  proceed. 
I'm  bent  upon  ruining  this  Procurer,  since  he  torments  my 
afflicted  master ;  but  he  in  his  turn  beats  me,  and  strikes  me 
with  his  fist  and  heels.  It's  a  misery  to  be  in  the  service  of 
one  who  is  in  love,  especially  one  who  is  debarred  from  the 
object  which  he  woos.  Heyday !  I  see  Syncerastus,  the  Pro- 
curer's servant,  betaking  himself  from  the  Temple.  I'll 
listen  to  what  he  has  to  say.     (^He  stands  aside.) 

Scene  II. — Enter  Syncerastus,  with  some  cooking  utensils, 
from  the  Temple  of  Venus. 

Syn.  {to  himself)  It's  quite  clear  that  Gods  and  men 
neglect  the  benefit  of  him  who  has  a  master  like  a  person 
of  such  character  as  I  have/br  a  master.  There's  not  an- 
other person  anywhere  in  the  world  more  perjured  or  more 
wicked  than  is  my  master,  nor  one  so  filthy  or  so  defiled 
with  dirt.  So  may  the  Gods  bless  me,  I'd  rather  pass  my 
life  either  in  the  stone  quarries  or  at  the  mill,  with  my  sides 
hampered  with  heavy  irons,  than  pass  this  servitude  with  a 
Procurer.  AVhat  a  race  this  is !  What  con-uptors  of  men 
they  are !  Ye  Gods,  by  our  hopes  in  you,  every  kind  of  men 
you  may  see  there,  just  as  though  you  had  come  to  Acheron 
— horse  and  foot,  a  freed-man,  a  thief,  or  a  runaway,  tfjou. 
choose,  one  whipped,  chained,  or  condemned  to  slavery.  He 
who  has  got  money  to  pay,  whatever  sort  of  person  he  is — all 
kinds  are  taken  in ;  throughout  all  the  house,  in  consequence, 
are  darkened  spots  and  hiding-places:  drinking  and  eating 
are  going  on,  just  as  though  in  a  cookshop,  and  in  no  less 
decree.     There  may  you  see  epistles  written  in  letters  in- 

ribed  on  pottery^,  and  sealed  with  pitch :  the  names  are 

•  Inscribed  on potte7 y) — Ver.  837.  He  alludes  to  the  marks  denoting  the  age 
of  wine,  which  were  placed  upon  the  "amphoras"  or  "cadi,"  the  earthenware 
casks.  These  were  stopped  tight  with  wwd  or  cork,  made  impervious  to  the 
atmosphere  with  pitch  (as  here  mentioned),  or  with  clay,  or  a  composition  of 
gypsum.  On  the  outside  the  title  of  the  wine  was  either  painted,  or  inscribed  in 
earthenware  letters,  which  are  here  alluded  to.  The  date  of  the  vintage  was 
denoted  by  the  names  of  the  Consuls  then  in  office.  When  the  vessels  were  (if 
glass,  small  tickets,  called  •'  pittacia,"  were  suspended  from  them  stating  to  a 
aimilar  effect. 


390  PffiNULUS;  Act  ^V. 

npon  them  in  letters  a  cubit  long ;  sucli  a  perfect  levy  oi 
vintners^  have  we  ^ot  at  our  house. 

Mil.  {apart).  IJpon  my  faith,  it  is  quite  wonderful,  if  his 
master  doesn't  make  him  his  heir;  for  really,  the  way  he 
soliloquizes,  he's  making  a  speech  over  him  as  though  dead 
and  gone.  I'd  both  like  to  accost  the  fellow,  and  yet  1 
listen  to  him  with  extreme  delight. 

Syw.  (to  himself).  When  I  see  these  things  going  on,  I'm 
vexed  that  slaves,  purchased  at  the  heaviest  price,  should  at 
our  house  be  robbed  of  the  savings^  whicli  ought  to  go  to 
their  masters.  But  at  last  nothing  is  left  visible :  "  badly 
gotten,  badly  gone." 

Mil.  {apart).  This  man  goes  on  talking  quite  as  though 
he  himself  w^ere  an  honest  fellow,  when,  upon  my  faith,  he 
himself  is  able  to  make  worthlessness  more  worthless. 

Syn.  {to  himself).  Now  I'm  taking  home  these  vessels  from 
the  Temple  of  Venus,  where  with  his  sacrifice  my  master 
has  not  been  able  to  propitiate  Venus  on  her  festive  day. 

Mil.  {apart).  Charming  Venus  ! 

Stn.   (^0  himself).  But  our  Courtesans,  with  their  first 
ictims,  appeased  Venus  in  an  instant. 

Mil.  O  charming  Venus,  once  again ! 

Stn.  {moving).  Now  I'll  go  home. 

Mil.  {coming forward) .  Hallo!  Syncerastus! 

Stn".  {looking  around).  "Who's  calling  Syncerastus  ? 

Mil.  Tour  friend.  Syn.  You  don't  act  like  a  friend,  in 
causing  me  delay  when  I've  got  a  burden. 

Mil.  But  in  return  for  this  matter  I'll  lend  you  my  aid, 
when  you  please,  and  when  you  give  me  your  commands. 
Consider  the  agreement  signed. 

Syn.  If  so  it  is  to  be,  I'll  give  you  my  ser\'ices  in  this • 

Mil.  In  what  way  ?  Syn.  Why  that,  when  I'm  to  have 
a  beating,  you  yourself  may  substitute  your  hide. 

Mil.  Get  along  with  you.  Syn.  I  don't  understand  what 
sort  of  person  you  are. 

Mil.  I'm  good  for  nothing. 

»  Levy  of  vintners)— Y ex.  838.  He  calls  the  worthlpss  characters  who  are 
skulking  in  his  master's  iiouse  "  vinarii,"  ''  vintners,"  from  their  love  for  wine, 
if  which  the  Procurer  seems  to  be  in  possession  of  a  clioice  stock. 

2  Robbed  of  the  savings)— Yer.  843.  "  Expeculiatas."  He  alludes  to  those 
slaves  who,  having  run  away  from  their  masters,  are  lurking  in  the  Procm^r's 
house,  where  they  spend  all  their  savings  (peculinm),  wliich,  by  rights,  snoaid 
<C0  to  their  masters  towards  the  purchase  of  their  fn«dom. 


Sc.  II.  THE  YOUNG  CAKTHAGINIAIT.  391 

Syn.  Be  80  to  yourself,  then.     Mil.  I  want  you. 

Syn.  But  my  burden  is  pressing  me. 

Mil.  Then,  do  you  set  it  down,  and  turn  your  face  to  me. 

Syn.  I'll  do  so,  although  I  have  no  leisure.  (^Puts  dovm 
his  load.) 

Mil.  Save  you,  Syncerastus.  Syn.  O  Milphio,  may  all 
the  Grods  and  Groddesses  favour 

Mil.  What  person,  pray  ?  Syn.  Neither  you,  nor  me, 
Milphio,  nor  my  own  master,  in  fact. 

Mil.  Whom  are  they  to  favour,  then  ? 

Syn.  Any  one  else  they  please ;  for  not  one  of  us  is  de« 
serving  of  it. 

Mil.  You  speak  wittily.     Syn.  It  befits  me  to  do  so. 

Mil.  What  are  you  doing  ?  Syn.  I'm  doing  that  which, 
clearly,  adulterers  don't  generally  do. 

Mil.  What's  that?     Syn.  Bringing  all  off  in  safety^. 

Mil.  May  the  Gods  confound  you  and  your  master ! 

Syn.  May  they  not  confound  me.  I  could  make  them 
ruin  him,  if  I  chose — ruin  my  master,  did  I  not  fear  for 
myself,  Milphio. 

Mil.  What  is  it  ?    Tell  me. 

Syn.  You  are  a  bad  one.     Mil.  I  am  a  bad  one. 

Syn.  It  goes  hut  badly  with  me. 

Mil.  Just  tell  me,  then ;  you  ought  to  be  in  quite  other 
plight.  Why  is  it  that  it  goes  badly  with  you,  who  have  at 
home  in  superabundance  what  to  eat,  and  what  to  drink  ? 
You  don't  give  a  single  three-obol  piece  away  to  a  mistress, 
and  have  her  for  nothing. 

Syn.  May  Jupiter  so  love  me 

Mil.  I'  Mth,  in  the  degree  that  you  deserve,  to  wit. 

Syn.  How  I  do  long  for  this  family  to  come  to  ruin. 

Mil.  If  you  long  for  it,  lend  your  aid. 

Syn.  Without  feathers  it  isn't  easy  to  fly :  my  wings  have 
got  no  feathers. 

Mil.  Troth,  then,  don't  pluck  out  any  hairs ;  then,  in  the 
next  two  months,  your  arm-pits  will  be  fit  for  fiying. 

Syn.  Away  to  utter  perdition! 

Mil.  Away  yourself,  and  your  master ! 

^  AU  off  in  $afHy') — Ver.  9>fiZ.  There  is  an  indecent  allusion  in  this  pa«8a0a 
vhicb  is  modified  in  the  t. 


302  PffiNULUS ;  Act  IV. 

Syn.  But,  really,  if  a  person  knew  him  well,  tiie  felloTV 
might  soon  be  mmed. 

Mil.  Why  so  ?  Syk.  *  *  *  Just  as  though  you 
could  be  silent  on  any  matter. 

Mil.  I'll  keep  the  matter  more  strictly  secret  for  you  than 
that  which  has  been  told  to  a  dumb  woman. 

Syn.  I  could  easily  bring  my  mind  to  believe  you  there, 
if  I  did  not  know  you. 

Mil.  Trust  me  coldly  at  my  own  peril. 

Syn.  I  shall  trust  you  to  my  cost,  and  still  I  will  trust  you. 

Mil.  Don't  you  know  that  your  master  is  a  mortal  enemy 
of  my  master  ? 

Syn.  I  know  it.    Mil.  By  reason  of  the  love  affair  ? 

Syn.  You  are  losing  all  your  pains. 

Mil.  "Why  so  ?  Syn.  Because  you  arc  teaching  one  that 
has  been  taught. 

Mil.  Why,  then,  do  you  doubt  that  my  master  will  do  a 
mischief  to  your  master  with  pleasure,  so  far  as  he  can  do, 
with  his  deserving  it  ?  Then  besides,  if  you  lend  some  assist* 
ance,  on  that  account  he'll  be  able  to  do  it  the  more  easily. 

Syn.  But  I'm  afraid  of  this,  Milphio 

Mil.  What  is  it  that  you're  afraid  of? 

Syn,  That  while  I'm  preparing  the  plot  against  my  master, 
I  may  be  betrayed  by  yourself.  If  my  master  knows  that 
I've  been  talking  to  any  individual,  he'll  forthwith  be  making 
me  from  Syncerastus  into  Brokenlegs^. 

Mil.  On  my  word,  never  shall  any  mortal  be  made  the 
wiser  by  me ;   only  to  my  master  alone  will  I  tell  it ;  and  to 
him,  too,  in  such  a  way  that  he  shall  not  disclose  that  this 
'  matter  originated  in  yourself. 

Syn.  I  shall  trust  you  at  my  peril,  and  yet  I  will  trust 
you.     But  do  you  keep  this  a  secret  to  yourself 

Mil.  To  Faith  herself  \t  is  not  more  safely  confided.  Spealt 
out  boldly  (there's  room  and  opportunity) ;  we  are  here  alone. 

Syn.  If  your  master  chooses  to  act  with  caution,  he'll 
prove  the  ruin  of  my  master. 

Mil.  How  can  that  be  ?      Syn.  Easily. 

Mil.  Then  let  me  be  acquainted  with  this  "  easily,'  that 
be  may  know  it  as  well. 

>  Brokenleg8)—Yei.  886.  "  Crunfragium  j"  a  wora  coined  for  the  occasiat 


Sc    II.  THE  TOXTNG  CAETHi-QDrEAIT.  393 

Stn.  Because  Adelphasium,  whom  your  master  dotes  ou, 
is  free  by  birth. 

Mil.  In  what  way?  Syn.  In  the  same  way  that  her 
otlier  sister  Anterastylis  is. 

Mil.  But  how  am  I  to  believe  that  ? 

Syn.  Because  he  bought  them  at  Anactorium,  when  little 
children,  of  a  Sicilian  pirate. 

Mil.  For  how  much  ?      Syn.  Por  eighteen  minae. 

Mil,  {with  an  air  of  surprise).  These  two  for  eighteen 
minm^  ? 

Syn.  And  their  nurse  for  the  third.  He,  too,  who  sold 
them  told  him  that  he  was  selling  persons  who  had  been  kid- 
napped :  he  said  that  they  were  free-bom,  and  from  Carthage. 

Mil.  Te  Gods,  by  our  hopes  in  you !  you  mention  a  most 
interesting  matter ;  for  my  master  Agorastocles  was  bom  in 
the  same  place ;  he  was  sk>len  thence  when  about  six  years 
old ;  after  that,  the  person  who  stole  him  brought  him  here 
and  sold  him  to  my  master ;  that  person  adopted  him  as  heir 
to  his  wealth,  when  he  departed  tnis  life. 

Syn.  Tou  mention  everything  that  can  render  it  the  more 
easy ;  let  him  assert  their  freedom,  his  own  countrywomen, 
in  an  action  on  their  freedom. 

Mil.  Only  do  keep  silence  and  hold  your  tongue. 

Syn.  He  certainly  will  bring  the  Procurer  to  a  back- 
gammon, if  he  gets  them  away. 

Mil.  Nay  but,  I'U  cause  him  to  be  ruined  before  he  moves 
one  foot^ ;  'tis  so  contrived  already. 

Syn.  May  the  Gods  grant  it  so,  that  I  don't  continue  the 
slave  of  this  Procurer. 

Mil.  On  the  contrary,  upon  my  faith,  I'll  cause  you  to  be 
a  free  man  with  myself,  if  the  Gods  are  willing. 

Syn.  May  the  Gods  grant  it  so !  Do  you  detain  me  for 
anything  else,  Milphio  ? 

Mil.  Fare  you  well,  and  may  happiness  attend  you. 

Syn.  I*  faith,  that  lies  in  the  power  of  yourself  and  your 

»  For  eighteen  mince  ?) — ^Ver.  898.  He  asks  this  question,  as  thirty  minse  was 
about  the  average  price  for  a  single  slave. 

*  Moves  one  foot) — Ver.  908.  "  Calcem."  By  some  this  word  is  thought  to 
be  used  for  "  calculum,"  a  "  chessmmi,"  and  that  reference  is  made  to  the  use  of 
the  word  "incitas  "  in  the  previous  line,  which  was  the  mate  or  backgammon  io 
the  game  of  "  duodecim  scripta  "  (somewhat  similar  to  our  game  of  ba(  kgauniioL) 
and  in  which  "  calculi,"  "  pieces  "  or  "  chessmen,"  were  used 


394  PffiNULUS ;  Act  V 

master.    Farewell,  and  mind  that  these  things  have  been  told 

iu  secrecy. 

Mil.  This  has  not  been  mentioned  even.     Tarewell. 

Syn.  But  really  it's  of  no  use,  unless  this  is  done  while 
it  is  warm. 

Mil.  Tou  are  right  in  your  advice,  and  so  it  shall  be  done. 

Stn.  There's  excellent  material,  if  you  provide  an  excellent 
workman. 

Mil.  Can't  you  hold  your  tongue  ? 

Syn.  I'll  hold  my  tongue  and  be  off. 

Mil.  a  grand  opportunity  you've  made  for  me.  (Syn- 
CERASTUS  goes  into  the  house  o/'Lycus.)  He's  gone  from  here. 
The  immortal  Grods  do  will  my  master  to  be  preserved,  and 
this  Procurer  utterly  ruined ;  a  mischief  so  great  is  impend- 
ing upon  him.  Is  it  not  the  fact,  before  one  weapon  has  been 
launched,  then  another  presses  upon  him  ?  I'll  go  in-doors, 
that  I  may  recount  these  matters  to  my  master.  For  if  I  were 
to  call  him  out  hither  before  the  house,  and,  what  you've  {to  the 
Audience)  just  heard,  if  I  were  now  here  to  repeat  the  same, 
it  would  be  folly.  I'd  rather  in-doors  be  an  annoyance  to 
my  master  singly,  than  be  so  here  to  all  of  you.  Immortal 
Gods,  what  misfortunes,  what  great  calamities  do  this  day 
await  this  Procurer.  But  now  there's  no  reason  why  I 
should  delay.  This  business  is  resolved  upon ;  no  pausing  is 
allowed ;  for  both  this  must  be  cleverly  managed,  which  has 
just  now  been  entrusted  to  me,  and  that  plan  as  well  which 
was  formed  at  home  must  be  attended  to.  If  there's  any 
delay,  he  who  sends  me  a  heavy  mischance  will  be  acting 
rightly.  Now  I'U  off  in-doors ;  until  my  master  comes  from 
the  Forum,  I'll  wait  at  home.     {Goes  into  the  house  of  Ago- 

EASTOCLES.) 

Act  Y. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Hk^'SO,  followed  at  a  distance  hy  his  Servants. 

Han.  (Jto  himself).  Hyth  alonim^  vualonuth  sicorathi  si 
ma  com  sith, 

»  Hyth  alonim) — Ver.  930.  These  eighteen  lines  (or,  at  least,  the  first  ten) 
are  in  Punic,  the  native  language  of  Hanno.  The  following  is  the  meaning  oi 
them,  as  given  by  Plautus  in  the  next  eleven  lines:  "  I  worship  the  Gods  and 
Goddesses  who  preside  over  this  city,  that  I  may  have  come  hither  with  good 
oiiinn  as  to  this  business  of  mine,  on  which  I  have  come ;  and,  ye  Gods,  lend  me 
four  aid,  tliat  you  mav  ©ermit  vnu  ut  find  mv  diiu^iters  and  the  son  of  iu» 


Sc.  I.  THE  YOUNG  CAETHAGINIAN.  395 

Chi  mach  chui  yth  miimys  tyal  mictibariim  isclii, 
Lipho  canet  luth  byiiuthi  ad  aedin  bynuthii. 
Birnarob  syllo  homalonin  uby  misyrthoho 
Bythym  mothym  noctcthii  velech  Antidasmachon. 
Tssidele  berim  thyfel  yth  chylys  chon,  tern,  lyphul 
Uth  bynim  ysdibut  thinno  cuth  ru  Agorastocles 
Ythe  manet  ihy     *     *     chyrssB  lycoch  sith  naso 
Byuni  id  chil  luhili  gerbylim  lasibit  thym 
Bodyalyth  herayn  nyn  nuys  lym  moncoth  lusim. 
[Exalonim  volaiius  succuratim  mistim  Atticum  esse 
Concubitum  a  bello  cutim  beant  lalacant  choua 

cousin ;  those  who  were  stolen  away  from  me,  and  liis  son  from  my  cousin.  But 
nere  lived  formerly  my  guest  Antidamas.  They  say  that  he  has  done  that  which 
he  was  doomed  to  do.  They  say  that  his  son  Agorastocles  lives  here.  To  him 
am  I  carrying  with  me  this  token  of  hospitality.  He  has  been  jwinred  as  living 
in  this  neighbourhood.  I'll  make  enquiry  of  these  who  are  coming  hither  out  oi 
doors."  The  learned  Bochart,  in  his  Phaleg,  considers  that  the  first  ten  lines  are 
Punic,  and  that  the  other  eight  are,  possibly,  Lybic,  of  which  the  sense  had  been 
previously  given  in  Punic ;  and,  in  fact,  he  quite  despaired  of  translating  them 
His  translation  of  the  first  ten  very  nearly  agrees  with  that  given  by  Plautus 
himself.  Samuel  Petit,  in  his  Miscellanea,  considers  the  whole  to  be  Hebrew, 
and  translates  his  ver>ion  (which  consists  of  sixteen  lines)  as  follows:  1.  Give 
ear  and  attend,  0  Gods  and  Goddesses,  under  whose  protection  are  the  men 
of  this  city.  2.  Receive  as  acceptable  my  prayers  and  my  integrity.  Two 
daughters  did  I  beget,  my  strength.  3.  Urged  on  by  fate,  I  caused  them  on 
each  feast-day  of  the  Gods  to  go  to  the  gardens.  4.  With  much  rejoicing,  and 
on  the  day  of  song,  there  was  a  void.  5.  The  girls,  being  stolen,  forsook  me. 
Whither  shall  I  go,  pacing  all  chambers  ?  6.  Where  is  he  who  bore  them  away  ? 
that  I  may  remove  the  helplessness  of  my  sorrow  which  he  produces  for  me  like 
fruit,  in  being  the  father  of,  and  rearing,  children.  7.  They  have  said  that 
here,  assuredly,  Agorastocles  lives.  8.  I  have  a  token  of  hospitality,  the  likeness 
of  Saturn  (I'm  carrying  it),  9.  Between  us.  May  there  be  some  end  for  my 
journey,  that  rest  at  last  may  be  afforded  to  my  integrity.  10.  So  that  alone  and 
wretched  and  afflicted  I  may  not  wander  to  and  fro.  but  rather  that  I  may  meet 
with  my  children,  and  pay  my  vows  and  oblations  1 1.  To  the  Gods  and  Go<lde«ses 
whom  I've  invoked  as  my  advisers  and  assistants,  12.  To  purify  my  house  from 
the  griefs  with  which  I  was  affected  when  I  praised  them.  But  they  heard  not 
my  words,  and  I  am  most  afflicted  and  am  despondent  in  mind.  13.  0  my  hope, 
come  hither,  and  whatever  troubles  await  me,  cause  me  to  endure  them.  Take 
courage  from  the  truth  of  oracles,  and  of  the  responses  of  the  God  Tau,  from  di- 
>'inatif)ns,  and  forewarnings,  and  prodigies.  14.  Be  thou  speedily  fulfilled  ;  arouse 
thyself  and  pray.  Would  that  they  could  hear:  grief  would  depiirt  from  a 
devout  parent,  and  I  should  recognize  Aristodes,  my  brother's  son.  15.  At- 
tentively hear  this  lamentation,  0  God,  my  power,  make  haste  to  the  truth  Ov 
♦Jiy  promise  of  my  exaltation,  0  God,  and  my  evil  odours  shall  cease.  16.  Lni 
from  henceforth  wUl  I  to  the  best  of  my  means  show  iionor,  sacrificing  spelt  tl 
all  the  Gods,  and  singing  praises ! ! ! 


396  PCENULUS ;  Act  V. 

Enus  es  liuiec  silec  panesse  AtWdamascon 
Alem     *     *    induberte  felono     *     *    buthume 
Oeltum  comucro  lueni,  at  enim  avoso  uber 
Bent  hyach  Aristoclem  et  se  te  aneche  nasoctelia 
Elicos  alemus  [in]  duberter  mi  comps  vespiti 
Aodeanee  lictor  bodes  jussum  limnicoliis.] 

Scene  II. — Enter  Agoeastocles,  from  his  house,  followed 
hy  MiLPHio. 

Ago.  {in  a  loud  voice).  Do  you  say,  Milpbio,  that  Synce- 
rastus  told  you  that  both  of  these  women  were  freeborn,  and 
stolen  away  from  Carthage  ? 

Mil.  I  do  say  so ;  and  if  you  were  willing  to  act  wisely, 
you'd  at  once  assert  their  liberty  by  an  action  on  their  free- 
dom. Yov  it's  a  disgrace  to  you  for  you  to  allow  your  own 
country-people  to  be  slaves  before  your  eyes,  who  were  free 
women  at  home. 

Han.  {overhearing,  apart).  O  ye  immortal  Gods,  I  do  en- 
treat your  aid!  "What  speech  is  this  that  my  ears  devour! 
Surely  the  words  of  these  persons  are  made  of  chalk ;  how 
have  they  cleansed  away  all  the  dark  spots  of  woe  from  me  ! 

Ago.  If  you've  got  witnesses  of  this  matter,  I'll  do  as  you 
bid  me. 

Mil.  Why  speaJc  you  to  me  about  witnesses  ?  Why  don't 
you  stoutly  insist  upon  it  ?  Some  way  or  other.  Fortune  will 
be  vour  assistant. 

Ago.  It's  much  more  easy  to  begin  a  thing  than  to  bring 
it  about. 

Mil.  {catching  sight  of  Hanno,  attended  hy  his  Ser- 
vants). But  what  bird  is  this^,  pray,  that's  coming  liither 
with  the  tunic  on?  Is  he  from  the  baths^,  I  wonder,  enve- 
loped in  his  cloak  ?  I'  faith,  the  countenance  is  surely  Car- 
thaginian. The  man's  a  Grugga^.  I'  faith,  he  certainly  has 
got  some  ancient  and  antiquated  servants. 

Ago.    How  do  you  know?      Mil.    Don't  you  see  the 

'  What  bird  is  this) — Ver.  975.  The  "  tunica,"  or  "  garment,"  which  ITanno  is 
Tearing,  has  long  sleeves,  or  "  manicae,"  which  causes  Milphio  to  ask  if  he  is 
a  bird,  from  their  resemblance  to  wings. 

'  From  the  baths) — Ver.  976.  He  alludes  to  the  practice  of  th"  wes  making 
off  with  the  cloaks  of  persons  while  bathing  at  the  public  baths. 

»  A  Gugga) — Ver.  977.  Probablj  a  nickname  for  an  African,  ic  O0jmon  \it4 
%t  Borne. 


Sc.  II.  THE  TOUIfQ  CAETHAGI3riA5^.  397 

fellows  fol. owing,  loaded  with  luggage?     And,  as  I  fancy, 
they've  got  no  fingers  on  their  Lands. 

Ago.  Why  so  ? 

Mil.  Why,  because  they  go  with  their  rings  in  their  ears^, 
I'll  approach  them,  and  address  them  in  the  Punic  language : 
if  they  answer,  I'll  continue  to  speak  in  the  Punic  tongue 
if  not,  then  I'll  adapt  my  language  to  their  usage.  How 
say  you,  do  you  still  remember  anything  of  the  Punic  lan- 
guage? 

Ago.  jN'othing  at  all,  i'  faith ;  for  tell  me,  how  could  I  know, 
who  was  but  six  years  old  when  I  was  stolen  away  from  Car- 
thage ? 

Han.  {apart).  O  ye  immortal  Gods!  very  many  freebom 
children  have  been  lost  from  Carthage  after  this  manner. 

Mil.  How  say  you  ?    Ago.  What  do  you  want  ? 

Mil.  Should  you  like  me  to  address  this  person  in  the 
Punic  tongue  ? 

Ago.  Do  you  understand  it  ?  Mil.  No  Punic  man  this 
day  is  a  better  Punic  than  I. 

Ago.  Go  and  address  him,  as  to  what  he  wants,  why  he' a 
come,  who  he  is,  of  what  country,  and  whence  he  comes. 
Don't  be  sparing  of  your  questions. 

Mil.  {addressing  Hanno  and  his  Seeyants).  Avo^!  Of 
what  country  are  you,  or  from  what  city  ? 

Han.  Hanno  Muthumballe  bachaedreanech. 

Ago.  AVhat  does  he  say  ? 

Mil.  He  says  that  he  is  Hanno  from  Carthage,  a  Cartha- 
ginian, son  of  Muthumbal. 

Han.  Avo  !     Mil.  He  salutes  us. 

Han.  Donni^.  Mil.  He  intends  to  present  you  with 
some  "  donation"  out  of  this ;  what,  I  don't  know.  Don't  you 
hear  him  promise  ? 

'  Rings  in  their  ears) — Ver.  981.  The  Carthaginians,  no  doubt,  borrowed 
this  custom  from  the  Syrians  and  Phoenicians,  with  whom,  as  also  with  the 
Jews,  it  was  prevalent. 

2  Avo) — Ver.  994.  "  Hail."  Milphio's  knowledge  of  the  Punic  dialect  was 
probably  but  limited,  though  in  the  sequel  it  appears  that  he  does  know  some- 
thing of  it.  The  translation  of  these  Punic  expressions  is  from  Warner's  Trans- 
lation, where  the  Punic  is  given  in  a  form  somewhat  different  from  that  found  is 
the  modern  editions  of  the  text. 

''  Donm) — Ver.  998.  "My  masters."  Milphio  says  he  is  talking  about 
"  cifts,"  from  the  resemblance  of  the  word  to  the  Latin  "  doni,"  the  genitivt 
case  of  "  donum  "  "  a  gift." 


398  p(ENULUS;  Act  V, 

Ago.  Salute  him  again  in  Punic,  in  my  name. 

Mil.  {to  Hanno).  "  Avo  donni"  he  tells  me  to  say  to  you 
in  his  name.    {Pointing  to  Agorastocles.) 

Hak.  Mehar  bocca^ !  Mil.  Be  that  for  yourself  rather 
than  me ! 

Ago.  What  does  he  say  ?  Mil.  He  declares  that  his 
"  box"  for  his  teeth  is  painful.  Perhaps  he  takes  us  to  be 
doctors. 

Ago.  If  it  is  so,  tell  him  that  we  are  not;  I  don't  wish  a 
stranger  to  be  mistaken. 

Mil.  {to  Hanno).  Hear  you.     Eufen  nuco  istam^. 

Ago.  This  is  my  wish,  that  in  fact  everything  should  be  ex- 
plained to  him  just  as  it  is.  Ask  him  whether  he  has  need  of 
anything. 

Mil.  {to  Hanno).  Touwho  have  got  no  girdle^,  why  havn 
you  come  to  this  city,  or  what  is  it  you  seek  ? 

Han.  Muphursa*.     Ago.  What  is  it  lie  says  ? 

Han.  Moin  lechianna^.     Ago.  Why  has  he  come  ? 

Mil.  Don't  you  hear  ?  He  declares  that  he  is  wishful  to 
give  African  mice  to  the  ^diles  as  a  show  at  the  games. 

Han.  Lalech  lachananim  liminichot^. 

Ago.  What  does  he  say  now  ? 

Mil.  He  says  he  has  brought  latchets,  water- channels^, 
and  nuts ;  he's  now  begging  that  you'll  lend  him  your  assist- 
ance in  having  them  sold. 

Ago.  He  is  a  merchant,  I  suppose  ? 

»  Mehar  bocca) — Ver.  1002.  This  passage  has  been  rendered,  "  Oh  !  what  a 
son  of  tears!"  Milphio  says  he  is  talking  about  his  "  bucca,"  or  "cheek,"  beinj; 
in  pain.  An  attempt  has  been  made  in  the  Translation  to  preserve  in  some  slight 
degree  the  resemblance. 

'  Eufen  nuco  istarti) — Ver.  1006.    "  We  are  no  doctors." 

*  Got  no  girdle) — Ver.  1008.  The  Carthaginian  tunic  flowed  loose,  and  was 
not  fastened  with  a  girdle.  Milphio  perhaps  alludes  to  his  being  without  a 
purse,  which  was  generally  supported  by  the  girdle,  and  without  which  he  might 
think  that  a  stranger  had  no  business  in  such  a  wealthy  city  as  Calydon. 

*  Muphursa)— Ver.  1010.    "Open." 

*  Moin  lechianna) — ^Ver.  1010.  I  beg  an  entrance  for  Saturn.  Milphio  plays 
upon  the  very  slight  resemblance  of  "  muphursa  "  to  "  mures,"  "  mice."  Under 
the  name  of  "  African  mice,"  he  probably  alludes  to  "  panthers"  or  "  leopards," 
which  had  perhaps  been  recently  shown  by  the  ^diles,  for  the  first  time. 

«  Lalech  lachananim  liminickot) — Ver.  1013.  "  The  messenger  who  asks  a 
safe  abode  and  kind  endurance  here." 

'  Latchets,  water-channels) — Ver.  1014.  Milpnio  plays  upon  the  resemblance 
of  the  words  "  lalech  lachananim,"  to  "  ligulos  canales,"  which  (if  the  reading 
as  cocr«ct^  will  noeaii  ahoestrings  and  water-pipes — perfect  nooaeas* 


Sc.  II.  THE  YOUNG  CAETHAQINIAN.  3^ 

Han.  Is  amar  binam^.    Ago.  "What  is  it  he  says  ? 

Han.  Palum  erga  dectha^. 

Ago.  Milphio,  what  is  he  saying  now  ? 

Mil.  He  says  that  he  has  got  spades  and  forks^  given  him 
for  sale,  for  digging  the  garden  and  reaping  the  corn. 

Ago.  What  is  that  to  me  ? 

Mil.  He  wishes  you  to  be  informed  of  it,  so  that  you  mayn't 
suppose  that  he  has  taken  anything  secretly  and  by  stealth. 
He  has  really,  I  do  believe,  been  sent  here  to  your  harvesting. 

Han.  Muphonium  sucoraim^.  Mil.  So  there!  do  take 
care,  please,  how  you  do  what  he's  begging  of  you. 

Ago.  What  is  he  saying,  or  what  is  be  begging  ?  Ex- 
plain it. 

Mil.  Eor  you  to  order  him  to  be  placed  beneath  a  hurdle^, 
and  for  many  stones  to  be  heaped  upon  it,  so  as  to  put 
him  to  death. 

Han.  Grunebel  balsamen  ierasan  ! 

Ago.  Tell  me  what  it  is  that  he's  saying. 

Mil.  I'  faith,  now  I  really  don't  at  all  know. 

Han.  (speaking  in  their  own  language).  But  that  you 
may  know,  now  from  this  moment  henceforth  will  I  speak 
Latin.  {To  Milphio.)  Upon  my  faith,  you  must  be  a 
worthless  and  bad  servant,  to  be  laughing  at  a  person,  a 
foreigner  and  a  stranger. 

Mil.  But,  i'  faith,  at  yourself  a  person  that's  both  a  swindler 
and  a  cheat,  who  have  come  here  to  take  us  in,  you  half- 
and-half  Lybian,  you  double-tongue,  just  like  a  crawling 
reptile. 

Ago.  {to  Milphio).  Away  hence  with  your  abusiveness  ! 
do  restrain  your  tongue.  You'll  keep  it  from  uttering  abuse, 
if  you  are  prudent ;  I  don't  want  you  to  be  speaking  harshly 

'  Is  amar  hinarn) — Ver.  1016.  "Us  unarmed." 

2  Palum  erga  dectha) — Ver.  1017.    "  Naked  men." 

3  Spades  and  forks)— Ver.  1018.  Milphio  says  he  is  speaking  of  "  palas"  and 
*'  mergas,"  "  spades"  and  "  pitchforks,"  by  reason  of  the  resemblance  in  the 
sound. 

*  Muphonium,  swcomm)— Ver.  1023.  "  'Tis  on  account  of  your  Deities  before 
invoked. 

*  Beneath  a  hurdle)— Ver.  1025.  Milphio  says  he  is  speaking  of  "crates," 
"a  hurdle."  This  mode  of  stoning  to  death  was  oractised  among  the  Cas^ 
thaginiaos. 


100  PffiNTJLTTS  Act  V 

to  my  kit.smen.  I  was  bom  at  Carthage  ;  do  you  remembef 
that. 

Han.  0  my  fellow-countryman,  greetings  to  you ! 

Ago.  And  you,  troth,  whoever  you  are ;  and  if  you  have 
need  of  anything,  pray  mention  it,  and  command  me  for  the 
sake  of  our  common  country. 

Han.  I  return  you  thanks ;  but  I've  got  a  place  of  enter- 
tainment here ;  I'm  in  search  of  the  son  of  Antidamas ;  do 
point  me  out  Agorastocles,  if  you  know  him.  Do  you  know 
any  young  man  here  named  Agorastocles  ? 

Ago.  If,  indeed,  you  are  in  search  of  the  adopted  son  of 
Antidamas,  I  am  the  very  person  whom  you  are  in  search  of. 

Han.  {starting).  Hah'!  what's  that  I  hear  ? 

Ago.  That  I  am  the  son  of  Antidamas. 

Han.  If  so  it  is,  if  you  would  like  to  compare  the  token  of 
hospitality^,  see  here,  I've  brought  it.  {Shows  him  the  ticket.) 

Ago.  Come  then,  show  it  here.  {He  takes  it  in  his  hand, 
and  looks  at  it.)  It  is  exactly  true ;  for  I've  got  the  counter- 
part at  home. 

Han.  0  my  host,  hail  to  you  right  earnestly ;  for  it  was 
your  father,  then,  Antidamas,  that  was  my  own  and  my 
father's  guest;  this  was  my  token  of  hospitality  with  him. 

Ago.  Then  here  at  my  house  shall  hospitality  be  shown 
you  ;  for  I  don't  reject  either  Hospitality  or  Carthage,  from 
which  I  sprang. 

Han.  May  the  Gods  grant  you  all  you  may  desire.  How  say 
you  ?  How  could  it  happen  that  you  were  bom  at  Carthage, 
but  had  a  father  of  ^tolia  here  ? 

Ago.  I  was  stolen  away  from  there ;  this  Antidamas,  your 
guest,  bought  me,  and  adopted  me  as  his  son. 

Han.  He  himself,  likewise,  was  adopted  by  Demarchus. 
But  about  him  I  say  no  more,  and  return  to  you.  Tell  me,  dc 
you  at  all  remember  the  names  of  your  parents  ? 

Ago.  I  remember  my  father  and  my  mother's  name. 

Han.  Eepeat  them,  then,  to  me,  to  see  if  I  know  them,  pep- 
chance,  or  if  they  are  relatives  of  mine. 

Ago.  Ampsigura  was  my  mother,  and  lachon  my  father. 

Han.  I  could  wish  that  your  father  and  mother  were  alive. 

Ago.  Are  they  dead  ? 

'  Token  of  Jiospitality) — Ver.  1047.  As  to  the  "  tessera"  of  hospitality,  se« 
the  Cist?Jiria  1.  240,  and  the  Note  to  the  passage. 


Sc.  ll.  THE  YOUNG  CARTHAGINIAN".  401 

Han.  So  it  is,  a  thing  which  I  bore  with  much  grief;  for 
your  motlier  Ampsigiu-a  was  my  cousin-german  ;  your  father 
— he  was  my  uncle's  son,  and  when  he  died  he  made  me  his 
heir ;  of  whom  beiug  deprived  by  death,  I  am  greatly  affected. 
But  if  it  is  the  fact  that  you  really  are  the  son  of  Sachon, 
there  ought  to  be  a  mark  upon  your  left  hand,  a  bite  which 
an  ape  gave  you  when  a  child,  playing  with  it.  Show  it^  that 
1  may  look  at  it ;  open  your  hand. 

Ago.  {opening  his  hand.)  Look,  if  you  like ;  see,  there  it 
is.     My  kinsman,  welcome  to  you ! 

Han.  And  welcome  to  you,  Agorastocles !  I  seem  to  my- 
self to  be  born  again,  in  having  found  you. 

Mil.  By  my  troth,  I'm  delighted  that  this  matter  has 
fallen  out  so  happily  foryou.  {To  Hanno.)  And  would  you 
decline  to  take  advice  ? 

Han.  Eeally,  I  should  wish  to  he  advised. 

Mil.  His  father's  property  ought  to  be  restored  to  the 
son  ;  it's  fair  that  he  should  have  the  property  which  his 
father  possessed. 

Han.  I  vrish  no  otherwise ;  everything  shall  be  restored. 
I'll  give  his  own  property  to  him  all  safe,  when  he  comes  there. 

Mil.  Take  care  and  restore  it,  will  you,  even  though  he 
should  live  here  still. 

Han.  Nay  but,  he  shall  have  my  own  as  well,  if  anything 
should  happen  to  me^. 

Mil.  a  pleasant  project  has  just  now  come  into  my  mind, 

Han.  "What's  that  ? 

Mil.  There's  need  of  your  assistance. 

Han.  Tell  me  what  you  wisk.  Eeally,  you  shall  have 
my  services  just  as  you  please.     What  is  the  business  ? 

Mil.  Can  you  act  the  cheat  ? 

Han.  Towards  an  enemy,  I  can ;  to  a  friend,  it  would  be 
viere  folly. 

Mil.  I'  faith,  it  is  an  enemy  of  his.  {Pointing  at  Ago- 
rastocles.) 

Han.  I  could  do  him  a  mischief  mth  pleasure. 

Mil.  He's  in  love  with  a  person  who  belongs  to  a  Procurer. 

Han.  I  deem  that  he  acts  discreetly. 

»  Anything  should  happen  to  me) — Ver.  1085.    An  Euphemism  to  avert 
iD  omen. 

TOL.  II.  2  © 


402  pCENrLus ;  Act  V. 

Mil.  This  Procurer  lives  close  at  hand. 

Han.  I  could  do  him  a  mischief  with  pleasure. 

Mil.  He  has  two  slave  girls,  courtesans,  sisters ;  one  of 
these  he  is  desperately  in  love  with,  nor  has  he  ever  takei 
any  liberties  with  her. 

Ha.n.  It's  an  unhappy  kind  of  passion. 

Mil.  Tiie  Procurer  plays  upon  him. 

Han.  He's  enhancing  his  own  profits  thereby. 

Mil.  He  wishes  to  do  him  an  evil  turn. 

Han,  He's  right,  if  he  does  do  it. 

Mil.  Now  I  adopt  this  plan,  and  prepare  this  contrivance, 
that  we  should  cite  you ;  you  are  to  affirm  that  they  are 
your  daughters,  and  that  they  were  stolen  when  little  from 
Carthage,  and  to  maintain  the  cause  of  both  in  an  action  on 
their  freedom,  as  though  they  were  both  your  own  daughters. 
Do  you  understand  ? 

Hak.  On  my  faith,  I  do  understand ;  for  I  likewise  did 
have  two  daughters  who  were  stolen  away  when  little  chil- 
dren, together  with  their  nurse. 

Mil.  Upon  my  word,  you  do  feign  it  cleverly.  At  the 
very  commencement  this  amuses  me. 

Han.  {aside,  weeping).  Much  more,  i'  troth,  than  I  could 
wish. 

Mil.  (asiWeifo  Agorastocles).  Dear  me!  a  subtle  person, 
upon  my  word,  artful  and  knowing,  both  tricky  and  crafty ! 
How  he  does  whimper,  in  order  that  with  his  gestures  he 
may  effect  this  all  the  more  easily.  Even  myself,  now,  the 
master-workman,  does  he  excel  in  skill. 

Han.  But  their  nurse^,  of  what  appearance  was  she  ?  Tell 
me.     Mil.  Of  stature  not  tall,  of  a  dusky  complexion^. 

Han.  'Tis  the  very  person.  Mil.  Of  agreable  form,  with 
a  small  moutli,  and  very  dark  eyes. 

Han.  I'  faith,  you  really  have  depicted  her  form  exactly 
in  your  words. 

»  BtU  their  nurse) — Ver.  1111.  It  did  not  escape  the  accurate  Schmieder  that 
the  fact  iias  not  been  hitherto  communicated  to  Hanno  that  tlie  damsels  had  a 
nurse  who  was  stolen.  This,  then,  is  either  an  oversight  of  Plautus,  or  he  must 
mean  that  Hanno  thinks  he  has  asked  the  question,  and  has  received  an  answer 
in  the  affirmative. 

*  Of  a  dusky  complexiM)—VeT.  1112.  "Aquilo."  "Of  he  hue  of  deep 
water." 


I 


SC.  III.  THE  YOUNG  CARTHAGINIAIT.  403 

Mil.  Sliould  you  like  to  see  her  ? 

Han.  I'd  rather  see  my  daughters.  Still,  go  and  call  her 
out  of  doors.  If  they  are  my  daughters,  if  she  is  their  nurse, 
she'll  recognize  me  at  once. 

Mil.  {knocking  at  the  door  of  the  Peocurer's  hoiise). 
Hallo  there!  is  there  any  one  here?  Tell  Griddeneme  to 
come  out  of  doors ;  there's  a  person  wants  to  see  her. 


Scene  III. — JSnter  Giddeneme  and  a  'Boy,  from  the  home, 

GiD.  Who  is  it  that  knocks  ? 

Mil.  One  that's  a  near  acquaintance  of  yours. 

GiD.  What  do  you  want  ? 

Mil.  Come  now  {pointing  to  Hanno),  do  you  know  that 
person  in  the  tunic,  who  it  is  ? 

GiD.  Why,  whom  do  I  behold  ?  O  supreme  Jupiter !  this 
sure  is  my  master,  the  father  of  my  foster-childreu,  Hanno, 
the  Carthaginian! 

Mil.  Now,  do  see  the  cunning  hussey  !  this  Carthaginian 
is  really  a  clever  juggler;  he  has  brought  all  over  to  his 
own  opinion. 

GiD.  (running  up  to  Hanno).  O  my  master!  welcome  to 
you,  Hanno !  most  unhoped  for  by  myself  and  your  daugh- 
ters, welcome  to  you!  But  look  you,  don't  be  wondering, 
or  gazing  so  intently  upon  me.  Don't  you  know  Giddeneme, 
your  female  slave  ? 

Han.  I  know  her.  But  where  are  my  daughters  ?  That 
I'm  longing  to  know. 

GiD.  At  the  Temple  of  Venus^. 

Han.  What  are  they  doing  there  ?     Tell  me. 

GiD.  To-day  is  the  Aphrodisia,  the  festive  day  of  Venus ! 
they  have  gone  there  to  entreat  the  Goddess  to  be  propitious 
to  them. 

Mil.  I'  faith,  they've  fully  prevailed,  I'm  sure,  inasmuch 
as  he  has  arrived  here. 

Ago.  {aside  to  Giddeneme).  How  now,  are  these  his 
daughters  ? 

Giu.  Just  as  you  say.  {To  Hanno.)  Tour  kindness 
has  clearly  come  to  our  rescue,  in  your  having  arrived  here 
to-day  at  the  very  time ;  for  this  day  their  names  were  to 

>  Temple  of  Fentw)— Ver.  1113.  Venus  was  the  tuteoir  Divinity  of  Calydoiw 

2j>2 


404  P(E3fULUS ;  Act  V 

have  been  changed^,  and  thej  were  tt  have  made  a  livelihood, 
diuo^racetul  to  their  station,  by  their  persons. 

Boy.  Haudones  illi^.  Gid.  Havon  bene  si  illi,  in  mustine. 
Me  ips".  et  eneste  dum  et  alamna  cestinum^. 

Ago.  What  is  it  they  are  saying  among  them  selves?  Tell  me. 

Mil.  He's  saluting  his  mother,  and  she  this  her  son. 

Han.  Hold  your  peace,  and  let  alone  the  woman's  gear. 

Mil.  What  gear  is  that  ? 

Han.  Loud  talking  without  limit.  {To  Mtlphio.)  Do 
you  lead  these  people  in-doors  {pointing  to  his  Servants), 
and  bid  this  nurse  to  come  away  together  with  you  to  your 
house. 

Ago.  {to  MiLPHio).  Do  as  he  requests. 

GriD.  {to  Hanno).  But  who's  to  point  them  out  to  you  ? 

Ago.  I  will,  right  skilfully.     G-id.  I'll  go  away  then. 

Ago.  I*d  only  rather  that  you  would  do  so,  than  say  so. 
{She  goes  into  the  house  o/'Agorastocles.) 

Mil.  Upon  my  faith,  I  do  think  that  this  day  the  very 
thing  that  I  said  by  way  of  joke  will  be  coming  to  pass  both 
soberly  and  seriously,  that  these  will  be  discovered  to-day  to 
be  his  daughters. 

Ago.  Troth,  that  very  thing  is  quite  certain  now.  Do 
you,  Milphio,  take  them  {pointing  to  the  Servants)  in-doors ; 
we'll  wait  here  for  these  damsels.  I  wdsh  a  dinner  to  be  got 
ready  for  my  kinsman  on  his  arrival. 

Mil.  Lachananim*  you!  {aside  to  the  Servants),  whom 
I'll  just  now  be  packing  off  to  the  mill-stones,  and  from  there 
after  that  to  the  dungeou  and  the  oaken  log^.  I'll  give  you 
reason  to  praise  your  treatment  here  but  slightly. 

^  Names  were  to  have  been  changed) — Ver.  1139.  The  "  professae,"  or  "  cour- 
tesans," at  Kome,  were  registered  by  the  iEdiles,  and  usually  adopted  some  other 
tlian  their  family  name  for  the  purposes  of  their  calling. 

2  Havdones  illi) — Ver.  1141.    Shall  I  not  bid  him  welcome? 

3  Alamna  cestinum) — Ver.  1142.  "  Child,  remember  that  they  are  at  the  Fes- 
tival of  Venus.  The  time  is  not  proper  as  yet.  Hold  your  peace  at  preseut,  and 
keep  the  Captain  in  ignorance  of  this." 

<  Lachananim) — Ver.  1157.  "  Get  on  with  you,  and  be  thankful,"  according  to 
Petit. 

*  The  oal'en  log) — ^Ver.  1158.  The  "codex"  was  a  heavy  log  to  which  slaves 
were  chained,  and  which  they  were  condemned  to  drag  about  with  them.  It  is 
hard  to  say  why  Milphio  speaks  thus  harshly  to  the  servants  of  Hanno ;  perhaps 
however  all  this  b  said  in  a  jocular  way  i;  show  l-is  own  importance. 


Sc.  I\  THE  YOUNG  CA-ETHAGINIAN.  405 

Aao.  {to  Hanno).  Do  you  hear,  kinsman  ?  I  say,  don't 
you  revoke  what  has  been  said ;  promise  me  your  elder  daugh- 
ter iu  marriage. 

Han.  Consider  the  thing  as  agreed  on. 

Ago.  Do  you  promise  her,  then  P 

Han.  I  do  promise  her. 

Ago.  My  kinsman,  blessings  on  you!  for  now  you  are 
mine  beyond  a  doubt;  now  at  length  shall  I  converse  with 
her  wntliout  restraint.  Now,  kinsman,  if  you  wish  to  see 
your  daughters,  follow  me. 

Han.  AVhy,  really,  this  long  time  I've  been  longing  for 
it,  and  I'll  follow  you. 

Ago.  What  if  w^e  go  and  meet  them  ? 

Han.  But  I'm  afraid  lest  we  should  pass  them  on  tlie 
road.  Grreat  Jupiter,  do  now  reinstate  my  fortunes  for  me 
as  being  certain  instead  of  uncertain  ! 

Ago.  I  trust  that  my  charmer  will  be  my  own.  But  look, 
I  catch  sight  of  them. 

Han.  What,  are  these  my  daughters?  How  tall  from 
being  such  little  creatures  have  they  now  become ! 

Ago.  Do  you  know  how  it  is  ?  These  are  Grrecian  columns^ ; 
they  are  wont  to  be  erect.    (  They  stand  aside.) 

Scene  IV.— Enter  ADELrHASiuM  and  ANTEiiASTTLis,yr6>;« 
the  Temple  of  Venus, 

Adel.  'Tw^as  worth  the  while,  to-day,  of  him  who  has  a 
taste  for  loveliness  to  afford  a  feast  to  his  eyes,  in  coming  hither 
to  the  Temple  this  day  to  see  the  sights.  Upon  my  faith,  I 
was  charmed  there  to-day  with  the  most  elegant  offerings  of 
the  courtesans,  worthy  of  Venus,  the  most  handsome  Goddess ; 
nor  did  I  despise  her  worship  this  day  ;  so  great  an  abundance 
of  beauteous  objects  was  there  there,  each  nicely  arranged  in 
its  own  place.  The  odours  of  Arabia  and  of  myrrh  fflled 
everything.  The  festive  day  seemed  to  be  affected  with  no 
^loom,  Venus,  nor  did  thy  Temple  ;  so  great  a  throng  of  her 
dependants  was  there,  who  had  come  to  Venus  of  Caiydon. 

Ant.  But  certainly,  as  far  indeed  as  regarded  us  two,  sister, 
we  were  all-powerful  in  our  prayers,  beauteous  and  gainers  of 

«  Grecmn  coMmns)—Ver.  1173.  He  seems  to  allude  to  tlieir  upriglit  way  of 
waljang,  and  the  elegance  of  the  GreciaD  columns,  to  which  he  compares  them. 


408  pcE^nxs ;  Act  V. 

her  fnvoiir ;  neither  were  we  there  held  in  ridicule  by  the 
yoxiiig  men,  which,  i'  faith,  sister,  happened  to  all  the  rest. 

Adel.  I'd  rather  tliat  it  should  so  appear  to  other  persons, 
than  that  you,  sister,  should  praise  yourself. 

Ant.  Indeed,  I  trust  so.  Adel.  Troth,  and  so  do  I, 
when  I  reflect  of  what  breeding  we  and  the  others  are. 
AVe  were  born  in  that  station,  that  it  befits  us  to  be  un- 
blemished by  faultiness. 

Han.  (apart).  Jupiter,  who  dost  preserve  and  feed  the  race 
of  men,  through  whom  we  pass  this  mortal  life,  in  whose  hands 
are  the  hopes  of  life  in  all  men,  prithee,  do  grant  this  day  aa 
a  prosperous  one  for  my  fortunes !  Those  whom  I've  missed 
for  many  years,  and  whom  when  little  I  lost  from  their  native 
land,  to  them  restore  their  liberty,  that  I  may  be  sure  that 
for  an  indomitable  sense  of  duty  there  is  a  reward. 

Ago.  (apart).  I'll  engage  that  Jove  shall  do  it  all;  for  to 
me  he  is  indebted^,  and  stands  in  awe  of  me. 

Han.  (apart).  Prithee,  do  hold  your  peace.    (Se  weeps.) 

Ago.  (apart).  Kinsman,  do  not  weep. 

Ant.  (apart).  As  it  is  a  pleasure  for  a  man,  my  sister,  if 
he  succeeds  in  anything,  to  have  the  credit  of  victory,  just  so 
did  we  this  day  among  the  rest  excel  them  all  in  beauty. 

Adel.  Sister,  you  are  more  silly  than  I  could  wish. 
Prithee,  do  you  really  think  yourself  a  beauty,  if  your  face 
has  not  been  besmeared  with  soot^  ? 

Ago.  (apart).  O  kinsman !  O  kinsman,  dearest  of  all  kins- 
men^ to  me ! 

Han.  (apart).  What  is  it,  son  of  my  cousin?  My  son, 
tell  me,  what  is  it  you  wish  ? 

Ago.  (apart).  Why,  really,  I  do  wish  you  to  attend  to  this. 

Han.  (apart).  Why,  really,  I  am  attending  to  it. 

Ago.  (apart).  Kinsman,  kinsman,  dearest  of  all  kinsmen 
to  me! 

>  To  me  he  is  indebted) — Ver.  1204.  This  impious  expression  is  out  of  cha- 
racter with  Agorastocles,  and  the  latter  portion  of  the  line  is  supposed  to  be 
spurious. 

2  Besmeared  with  soof) — ^Ver.  1209.  Douza  iniorms  us  that  it  was  the  custom 
of  tlie  young  men  to  divert  themselves  at  the  expense  of  those  courtesans  \vh« 
were  not  handsome,  by  daubing  their  faces  with  soot  and  dirt. 

^Dearest  of  all  kinsmen) — Yer.  1210.  ' Patruissime."  A  word  coioed  bj 
Plautus  for  the  occasion. 


i 


ic.  ly.  THE  YOUNG  CAETH^GINIAN.  407 


IIan.  {apart).  "What's  the  matter  ?  Ago.  (aparf) .  ^he' a 
a  clever  and  a  nice  girl.     How  shrewd  she  is  ! 

Han.  (apart).  She  has  her  father's  disposition  in  being 
shrewd. 

Ago.  (apart).  How's  that  ?  This  long  time,  i'  faith,  she  has 
surely  used  up  your  shrewdness.  'Tis  from  here  (pointing 
to  himself)  she  now  derives  her  shrewdness ;  'tis  from  here 
her  sense ;  whatever  she  does  shrewdly,  through  my  love  does 
she  act  so  shrewdly. 

Adel.  We  are  not  bom  of  that  rank,  although  we  are 
slaves,  sister,  that  it  should  befit  us  to  do  anything  which 
any  man  may  laugh  at.  Many  are  the  faults  of  women ;  but 
of  the  many,  this  one  is  the  greatest,  to  please  themselves 
too  much,  and  to  give  their  attention  too  little  to  pleasing 
the  men. 

Ant.  It  was  a  very  great  delight  that  was  portended  in 
our  sacrifice  of  the  entrails,  sister,  and  what  the  soothsayer 
said  about  us  both 

Ago.  (apart).  I  wish  he  had  said  something  about  me  ! 

Ant.  That  we  should  be  free  in  a  few  days,  in  spite  of  our 
owner.  I  don't  know  why  I  should  hope  for  that,  unless 
the  Gods  or  our  parents  do  something. 

Ago,  (apart).  'Twas  through  confidence  in  me^,  kinsman, 
upon  my  faith,  that  the  soothsayer  promised  them  liberty, 
I'm  sure  of  it,   because  he  knows  I'm  in  love  with  fier. 

Adel.  Sister,  follow  me  this  way.     (Moves  as  if  going.) 

Ant.  1  follow.     (Moves  also.) 

Han.  (stepping  forward).  Before  you  go  away^,  I  want  you 
both.     Unless  it's  inconvenient,  stop. 

Adel.  Who's  calling  us  back? 

Ago.  One  who  wishes  to  do  you  a  kindness. 

Adel.  There's  opportunity  for  doing  it.  But  who  is  the 
person?     Ago.  A  friend  of  yours. 

'  Through  confidence  in  me) — Ver.  1226.  He  surmises  that  the  soothsayer 
(like  most  other  successful  prophets)  had  learnt  the  true  state  of  the  caa« 
beforehand. 

2  Before  you  go  away) — Ver.  1228.  Warner,  in  his  Note  on  this  passage,  sug- 
gests tliat  Plautus  lias  here  forgotten  the  rules  of  nature.  He  says,  "  It  19 
unnatural  to  sup{x>se  a  parent,  who  has  so  long  been  in  search  of  his  daughters, 
should  be  so  near  tliem  as  to  see  them,  and  hear  them  talk,  and  not  immediately 
fly  into  their  embraces.  And  when  he  does  speak  to  them,  he  teases  and  tor- 
mtnts  them  a,  long  time,  for  no  other  reason  thau  to  divert  the  Spectators." 


4.08  PCENULUS ;  Act  V, 

Adel.  One  who  is  not  an  enemy,  in  fact. 

Ago.  This  is  a  good  man,  my  love. 

Adel.  I'  faith,  I  should  prefer  him  rather  than  a  bad  one. 

Ago.  Ifj  indeed,  friendship  must  be  engaged  in,  with  such 
a  person  ought  it  to  be  engaged  in. 

Adel.  I  don't  beg  for  it.  Ago.  He  wishes  to  do  you 
many  services. 

Adel.  Being  good  yourself,  you  will  be  doing  good  to 
the  good. 

Han.  I  will  cause  you  joy 

Adel.  And,  i'  faith,  we  pleasure  to  you. 

Han.  And  liberty.  Adel.  At  that  price  you'll  easily 
make  us  your  own. 

Ago.  My  kinsman,  so  may  the  Gods  bless  me,  if  I  were 
Jupiter,  upon  my  faith  I'd  at  once  marry  her  for  my  wife, 
and  pack  Juno  out  of  doors.  How  quietly  did  she  utter 
her  words,  how  considerately  and  becomingly !  how  modestly 
did  she  frame  her  speech !  certainly  she  is  my  own ! 

Han.  {apart  to  Agobastocles).  But  how  skilfully  I  ac- 
costed her ! 

Ago.  Cleverly  and  becomingly,  upon  my  faith. 

Han.  Am  I  still  to  go  on  testing  them  ? 

Ago.  Compress  it  in  a  few  words;  the  people  who  are 
sitting  here  are  getting  thirsty^. 

Han.  "Well,  why  don't  we  proceed  to  do  that  which 
was  to  be  done?  {To  the  Women.)  I  summon  you  to 
justice. 

Ago.  Seize  hold  of  this  one,  kinsman,  if  you  are  wise. 
Should  you  like  me  to  catch  hold  of  her  ? 

Adel.  Is  this  person  your  kinsman^  Agorastocles  ? 

Ago.  I'll  soon  let  you  know.  Now,  by  my  word,  I'll  be 
nicely  revenged  on  you ;  for  I'll  make you  my  bride. 

Han.  Come  before  a  court  of  justice;  don't  delay! 

Ago.  Summon  me  as  your  witness^,  and  take  me ;  I'll  be 
a  witness  for  you ;  and  after  that,  her  {pointing  to  Adel- 
phasium)  will  I  love  and  embrace.     But  'twas  this,  indeed,  I 

^  Sitting  here  are  getting  thirsty) — Ver.  1241.  He  alludes  to  the  Spectators, 
and  means  that  they  must  be  tired  with  sitting  there  and  listening  to  such  a 
long  Play. 

^  Summon 'me  an  your  wilne$g) —\er.  1246  'Antestare  me."  See  the  NoU 
to  the  Curculfo,  1.  621. 


Sc.  IV.  THE  XGTTIS^G  CAHTnAGIIQA^r.  409 

intended  to  say — why  yes,  I  did  say  that  which  I  intended 
to  say. 

Han.  (to  the  Damsels).  Tou  are  lingering.  I  summon  you 
to  justice,  unless  it  is  more  becoming  for  you  to  be  dragged 
thither. 

Adel.  Why  do  you  summon  us  to  justice?  What  are 
we  in  your  debt  ?     Ago.  He'll  tell  it  there. 

Adel.  Are  even  my  own  dogs  barking  at  me  ? 

Ago.  Then,  troth,  do  you  caress  me;  give  me  a  kiss  in 
place  of  a  piece  of  meat ;  present  your  Hps  in  place  of  a 
bone^ :  that  way  I'll  render  this  dog  more  smooth  for  you 
than  oil. 

Han.  Come  on,  if  you  are  coming.  Adel.  Wbat  have 
we  done  to  you  ? 

Han.  You  are  thieves,  both  of  you. 

Adel.  AVhat,  we,  as  regards  you  ? 

Han.  Tou,  I  say.    Ago.  And  I  know  it. 

Adel.  What  theft  is  this?     Ago.  Enquire  of  him. 

Han.  Because  for  many  years  you  have  been  concealing 
my  daughters  from  me,  and,  in  fact,  persons  free-born,  and 
free,  and  born  of  the  highest  rank. 

Adel.  1'  faith,  you'll  never  find  that  villany  to  have  been 
committed  by  us. 

Ago.  Make  a  bet  of  a  kiss  now,  if  you  are  not  forsworn, 
which  is  to  give  it  to  the  other. 

Adel.  I've  nothing  to  do  with  you ;  prithee,  get  you  gone. 

Ago.  But,  i'  faith,  I've  got  something  to  do  with  you ;  for 
he  is  my  kinsman;  it's  necessary  for  me  to  be  his  advo- 
cate. And  I'll  inform  him  how  you  are  guilty  of  many  a 
theft,  and  in  what  way  you  have  got  his  daughters  as  slaves  at 
your  house,  whom  you  know  to  be  free  women  stolen  from 
their  native  land. 

Adel.  Where  are  these,  or  who  are  they,  prithee  ? 

Ago.  {aside  to  Hanno).  They  have  been  teased  sufiiciently. 

Han.   {aside).  Why  not  speak  out,  then? 

Ago.  {aside).  V  faith,  I'm  of  that  opinion,  kinsman. 

Adel.  I'm  dreadfully  afraid  what  this  business  can  mean, 

my  sister ;  so  astounded  am  I,  I  stand  here  without  my  senses. 

Han.  Damsels,  give  me  your  attention.   In  the  first  place, 

*  Your  lips  in  place  of  a  hone) — Ve"  1252  The  original  of  this  line  is  some- 
what indelicate,  and  tfte  traiisiaiion  of  it  has  been  modified.  She  expected  issisi- 
•nce  from  Agorastocks,  who  appears  to  her  to  be  taking  the  part  of  her  enensy . 


410  PCENULTJS ;  Act  V. 

if  it  could  possibly  come  to  pass,  for  the  Grods  not  to  send 
upon  the  innocent  what  is  undeserved,  that  could  I  have 
wished  to  happen ;  now  for  the  good  the  Gods  bestow  upon 
nie,  upon  yourselves  and  upon  your  nurse^,  'tis  due  that  we 
should  give  to  the  Deities  our  endless  thanks,  since  the  im- 
mortal Gods  approve  and  reward  our  piety.  You  are  my 
daughters,  both  of  you,  and  this  is  your  relation,  Agorastocles, 
the  son  of  my  cousin. 

Adel.  Prithee,  are  they  deluding  us  with  imaginary  joys  ? 

Ago.  Really,  so  may  the  Deities  preserve  me,  this  is  your 
father.     Give  him  your  hands. 

Adel,  {embracing  him).  Welcome,  father!  unhoped-for  by 
us,  allow  us  to  embrace  you ! 

Ant.  (embracing  him).  Welcome,  father!  much  wished  and 
longed  for !  We  are  both  your  daughters ;  we  both  embrace 
you. 

Ago.  Who'll  be  for  embracing  me  in  the  next  place  ? 

Han.  Now  am  I  happy !  JSTow  with  this  delight  do  I  allay 
the  miseries  of  many  a  year. 

Adel.  We  hardly  seem  to  believe  this. 

Han.  I'll  tell  you  something  to  make  you  believe  it  the 
more :  why,  it  was  your  nurse  who  recognized  me  first. 

Adel.  Prithee,  where  is  she  ? 

Han.  (pointing  to  Agorastocles).  She's  at  his  house. 

Ago.  (fo  Adelphasium,  who  is  embracing  her  father). 
Pray,  why  does  it  please  you  to  clasp  his  neck  so  long, 
before  he  lias  betrothed  you  to  me  ?  Dear  one,  much  longed- 
for,  blessings  on  you !     (He  embraces  her.) 

Adel.  (struggling).  Do  leave  off  your  salutations  ! 

Ago.  I  will  leave  off.  And  you  the  other  one.  {To  An- 
TEEAstylis,  whom  he  embraces.) 

Ant.  {strtbggling).  I  don't  want  that;  you  torment  me  to 
death ! 

Han.  Let  us  each  clasp  the  other  in  our  arms,  than  whom 
:s  there  anything  on  earth  more  happy? 

Ago.  Blessings  befall  the  deserving.  (Pointing  to  Hanno.) 
At  last  his  wishes  are  realized !     0  Apelles !  0  Zeuxis^  the 

*  And  upon  yow  nurse) — Ver.  1270.  "Matri.**  This  may  either  mean  their  own 
mother,  tlie  wife  of  Hanno,  if  then  living,  or  their  nurse  Giddenerae:  as  "mater" 
ifi  '.ised  ill  the  latter  sense  by  Plautus  in  the  Prologue  to  the  Menaichmi. 

*  0  Apelles!  0  Zeuxis) — Ver.  1289.  Apelles  ci  Cos  flourished  in  the  time  of 
Alexaader  the  Great.    He  was  tlie  most  celebrated  paiuter  of  hk  time-    Zt-uKia 


8c.  \.  THE  TOtJlfG  CAETHAGINIAT^.  411 

painter !  why  did  you  die  too  soon  ?  "Would  that  you  could 
paint  a  subject  after  this  !  For  I  don't  care  for  other  com* 
man  painters  to  be  treating  subjects  of  this  description. 

Han.  Grods  and  Goddesses  all!  I  return  you  deservedly 
extreme  thanks,  for  having  blest  me  with  this  gladness  so 
supreme  and  with  these  joys  so  great ;  as  my  daughters  havo 
returned  to  me  and  into  my  possession. 

Adel.  My  father,  your  own  piety  has  clearly  come  to  our 
aid. 

Ago.  Kinsman,  take  care  and  keep  it  in  memory  that 
you've  betrothed  your  elder  daughter  to  me 

Han.  I  remember  it. 

Ago.  The  portion,  too,  that  you  promised. 

Scene  Y. — Enter  Anthemonide8,^cww  the  house  of  liYCVS, 

Anth.  (to  himself).  If!  don't  take  full  revenge  for  that 
mina  which  I  gave  to  the  Procurer,  tlien  really  may  the 
townspeople  make  a  butt  of  me !  This  most  rascally  fellow 
even  brought  me  to  his  house  to  breakfast.  He  himself  went 
away  out  of  doors,  and  left  me  as  his  chamberlain^  in  the 
house.  When  neither  the  Procurer  nor  these  women  came 
back,  nor  anything  was  given  me  to  eat,  for  the  best  part  of 
the  breakfast  I  took  a  pledge^,  and  came  out  of  doors.  This 
way  I'll  pay  him.  I'll  touch  up  the  rascally  Procurer  in  the 
military  way  of  payment'*.  He  did  get  hold  of  a  person  for 
him  to  bamboozle  out  of  a  mina  of  silver  !  But  I  wish  that 
tny  mistress  would  now  come  in  my  way  while  thus  enraged. 
Then,  by  my  troth,  with  my  fists  I'd  make  her  quite  black 

of  Heraclsea  flourished  about  a  century  before  him,  and  was  equally  famous  as 
a  painter 

'  As  his  chamberlain) — Ver.  1301.  "  Atriensi."  The  duties  of  this  domestic 
are  fully  referred  to  in  tho  Notes  to  the  Asinaria. 

2  /  took  a  pledge) — Ver.  1303.  It  is  not  quite  clear  what  he  refers  to,  but  ho 
probably  means  to  say  that  he  has  laid  hold  of  something  valuable  in  the  Pro- 
curer's house,  which  will,  at  all  events,  procure  a  substitute  in  part  for  the 
"  prandium  "  out  of  which  he  has  been  clieated 

^Military  way  of  payment) — Ver.  1304.  By  the  mention  of  "  ses  militare," 
60ii-'3  Commentators  think  that  he  alludes  to  his  sword,  and  draws  it.  He  seems 
to  refer,  however,  to  the  stipend  which  the  soldiers  receive  for  their  services,  w'Ul 
foil  liberty  to  lay  their  hands  on  anything  that  belongs  to  the  enemy. 


412  PCENULUS ;  Act  V. 

aJl  over  ;  I'd  cover  her  so  with  swarthiness,  that  she  sliould 
be  much  more  swarthy  than  the  Eg^'ptiaiis,  or  tha7i  those  who 
carry  the  buckets^  at  the  games  in  the  Circus. 

Adel.  (running  to  Agorastocles).  Do  hold  me  fiist, 
please,  my  love ;  I  sadly  fear  the  kites ;  this  is  an  evil  animal 
— lest  perchance  he  may  carry  me  off,  your  chick. 

Ant.  {embracing  her  Fathee).  I  cannot  clasp  you  fast 
enough,  my  father ! 

Anth.  {to  himself).  I'm  delaying.  {Loohing  in  his  hand.) 
I  can  now  pretty  nearly  cater  a  breakfast  for  myself  with 
this.  {Raising  his  eyes.)  But  what's  this  ?  How's  this  ? 
What's  this  ?"  What's  this  I  see  ?  How  now  ?  What 
means  this  strange  conjunction  ?  What's  this  coupling 
together  ?  Who's  this  fellow  with  the  long  skirts,  just  hke 
9,  tavern-boy  ?  Do  I  quite  see  with  my  eyes  ?  Isn't  this 
my  mistress,  Anterastylis  ?  Why,  surely  it  is  she.  Fcjr 
some  time  past  I've  perceived  that  I'm  set  at  nought.  Isn't 
the  girl  ashamed  to  be  hugging  a  tawny  fellow  in  the 
middle  of  the  street  ?  I'  faith,  I  shall  give  him  up  forthwith 
to  the  executioner  to  be  tortured  all  over.  Surely  this  is  a 
womanish  race^,  with  their  tunics  hanging  down  to  their 
heels.  But  I'm  determined  to  accost  this  African  female 
lover.  {To  Hanno.)  Hallo  !  you  woman,  I  say,  are  you  not 
ashamed  ?  What  business  have  you  with  her,  pray  ?  Tell  me. 

Han.  Young  man,  greetings  to  you. 

Anth.  I  don't  want  tJiem  ;  that's  nothing  to  you.  What 
business  have  you  to  touch  her  with  a  finger  ? 

Han.  Because  I  choose.    Anth.  You  choose  ? 

Han.  I  say  so. 

Anth.  Away  to  utter  perdition,  you  shoe-latchet !  What,  do 
you  dare  to  be  acting  the  lover  here,  you  great  toe  of  a  man^, 
or  to  be  meddling  with  an  object  which  masculine  men  are  fond 

'  Carry  the  buckets) — Ver.  1309.  He  alludes  to  the  slaves  whose  duty  it  was 
to  hold  the  buckets  to  the  horses  in  the  Circus  for  them  to  drink  from.  Exposure 
to  sun  and  dust  would  tend  to  render  them  swarthy, 

^A  womanish  race) — Ver.  1321.  "Mulierosus"  generally  means  "fond  of 
women."  It  clearly,  however,  in  this  passage  means  "  womanish,"  or  "  woman- 
like." 

'  Yoti  great  toe  of  a  man) — Ver.  1328.  From  this  expression  it  has  been  con- 
jectured that  Hanno  was  a  man  of  diminutive  stature,  and  that  the  Play  took  its 
name  of  Pujuulus,  "  tlie  little  Carthaginian,"  from  that  circumstance- 


Sc.  V.  THE  TOUNG  CATTTHAGTNTAN.  413 

of,  you  skinnea  pilchard,  you  deformed  image  o/Serapis^,  you 
halt-apron,  you  sheepskin-jacket^^,  you  pot  of  stinking  sea- 
salt ;  more  crammed,  too,  to  boot,  with  leeks  and  garlick  than 
the  Roman  rowers  ? 

Ago.  Young  man,  do  your  jaws  or  your  teeth  itch,  that  you 
are  annoying  this  person,  or  are  you  in  search  of  a  heavy 
mishap  ? 

Anth.  "Why  didn't  you  use  a  drum^  while  you  were  saying 
that  ?  For  I  take  you  to  be  more  of  an  effeminate  wretch  than 
a  real  man. 

Ago.  Do  you  understand  what  sort  of  effeminate  wretch  I 
am  ?  {Galling  aloud.)  Servants,  come  out  of  doors,  bring  out 
some  cudgels ! 

Anth.  Hark  you,  if  I  have  said  anything  in  a  joke,  don't 
you  be  for  taking  it  seriously. 

Ant.  Prithee,  what  pleasure  have  you,  Anthemonides,  in 
speaking  rudely  to  our  kinsman  and  father  ?  For  this  is  our 
father  ;  he  has  just  now  recognized  us,  and  him  as  the  son 
of  his  cousin. 

Anth.  So  may  Jupiter  kindly  bless  me,  I  heartily  rejoice 
that  it  is  so,  and  I  am  delighted,  if,  in  fact,  any  great  misfor- 
tune befalls  this  Procurer,  and  since  a  fortune  awaits  you 
equal  to  your  merits. 

Ant.  I'  faith,  he  says  what's  worthy  of  belief;  do  believe 
him,  my  father.     Han.  I  do  believe  him. 

Ago.  And  I  believe  him.  But  look  {pointing),  I  espy 
the  Procurer  Lycus,  the  worthy  fellow ;  look,  there  he  is — 
he's  betaking  himself  homeward. 

Han.  Who  is  this  ? 

*  OfSerapis) — ^Ver.  1330.  It  is  not  fully  known  what  the  meaning  of  "  Sarapis  '* 
is,  as  it  occurs  nowhere  else.  It  has  been  conjectured,  that,  owing  to  the  African 
features  of  Hanno,  the  Captain  compares  him  to  the  little  ugly  images  of  Serapis, 
which  were  carried  about  in  harvest-time  by  the  priests  of  that  God,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  collecting  money. 

'  You  sheepskin-jacket) — Ver.  1331.  This  garment,  being  worn  with  the  wool 
on,  was  remarkable  for  its  offensive  smell.  "  Halagoras  hama "  is  supposed  to 
mean  the  pots  of  common  sea-salt  exposed  for  sale  in  the  market-place. 

^  Use  a  drum) — Ver.  1335.  The  priests  of  Cybele,  who  were  either  eunuchs,  or 
Pvrswns  of  effeminate  and  worthless  character,  walked  in  their  pri)ces.sions  beating 
a  "  tympanum,"'  a  "drum"  or  "  tambotrine."     The  Captain,  by  his  qmstion, 
oontcinpruously  implies  that  Agorastocles  is  such  a  character.     See  tiie  I'racff 
lentus,  I  608,  and  the  Note. 


414  PCENULTTS;  ActV. 

Aoo.  He*8  which  you  please,  both  the  Procurer  and  Lycus. 
He  has  been  keeping  your  daughters  in  servitude,  and  from 
myself  he  has  stolen  some  gold. 

Han.  a  pretty  fellow  for  you  to  be  acquainted  with ! 

Ago.  Let's  bring  him  to  justice. 

Han.  By  no  means.     Ago.  Por  what  reason  ? 

Han.  Because  'twere  better  for  an  action  of  damages  to 
be  brought  against  him^. 


Scene  VI. — Enter  Lxcus. 

Ltc.  {to  himself).  No  one,  in  my  opinion  at  least,  is  de- 
ceived, who  rightly  states  his  case  to  his  friends.  But  by 
all  my  Iriends  the  one  same  thing  is  agreed  upon,  that  I 
ought  to  hang  myself,  so  as  not  to  be  adjudged  to  Agoras- 
tocles. 

Ago.  {stepping forward).  Procurer,  let's  away  to  the  court 
of  justice. 

Lyc.  I  do  entreat  you,  Agorastocles,  that  I  may  be  at 
liberty  to  hang  myself. 

Han.  I  summon  you  to  justice. 

Ltc.  But  what  have  you  to  do  with  me  ? 

Han.  {pointing  at  his  Daughters).  Because  I  affirm  that 
both  of  these  are  my  daughters,  free  women,  and  free  by  birth, 
who,  when  little,  were  kidnapped  together  with  their  nurse. 

Ltc.  Indeed,  I  knew  that  already,  and  I  wondered  that 
no  one  came  to  assert  their  freedom ;  they  really  are  none  of 
mine,  indeed. 

Anth.  Procurer,  you  must  come  to  justice. 

Ltc.  You  are  talking  about  the  breakfast ;  it  is  owing  to 
you  ;  I'll  give  it. 

Ago.  Twofold  compensation  I  must  have  for  the  theft. 

Lyc.  {pointing  to  his  neck).  Take  it  out  of  this,  then. 

Han.  And  I  require  a  full  satisfaction. 

Ltc.  {pointing  to  his  neck).  Take  out  of  this  whatever  you 
please.     Anth.  And  I,  indeed,  a  mina  of  silver. 

Ltc.  ( 'pointing  to  his  neck).  Take  out  of  this  whatever  you 

'  Action  of  damages  to  he  brought  against  him) — Ver.  1356.  "  Multum  dici " 
has  been  adopted  as  the  reading,  in  preference  to  "  mnlto  induci,"  which  seema 
capable  of  no  translation  consistently  with  sense.  The  passage  may  possioly 
that  he  prefers  an  actior^  at  law  to  summary  proceedingii. 


Sc.  YII.  THE  TOUKG  CAETHAGINIAir.  415 

please.  I'll  at  once  settle  the  matter  for  all  with  my  neck, 
just  like  a  porter. 

Ago.  Do  you  refuse  me  in  any  way  ? 

Lyc.  Not  a  word,  in  fact. 

Ago.  Go  in-doors,  then,  damsels.  But  (to  Hanno),  my 
kinsman,  betroth  me  your  daughter,  as  you  promised. 

Han.  I  should  not  venture  to  do  otherwise. 

Anth.  Kindly  farewell !  Ago.  And  kindly  farewell  to  you ! 

Anth.  {holding  up  what  he  has  got  in  his  hand).  Procurer, 
I  take  this  as  a  pledge  with  me  for  my  mina. 

Lyc.  By  heavens,  I  am  ruined ! 

Ago.  "VVTiy  yes,  before  very  long,  when  you've  come  to 
justice. 

Lyc.  Nay  but,  I  own  myself  your  slave.  What  need  of 
the  Praetor  have  we  ?  But  I  beseech  you  that  I  may  be 
allowed  to  pay  the  simple  sum^,  three  hundred  Philippeans. 
I  think  it  can  be  scraped  together ;  to-morrow  I'll  have  an 
auction. 

Ago.  On  condition,  then,  that  you  shall  be  in  wooden  cus- 
tody at  my  house. 

Lyc.  So  be  it.  Ago.  Follow  me  in-doors,  my  kinsman, 
that  we  may  keep  this  festive  day  in  joyousness,  upon  his 
misfortune  and  our  good  fortune.  {To the  Avbi-e^ce).  Heartily 
fare  you  well.  To  great  length  have  we  gone ;  at  last  all 
these  misfortunes  fall  upon  the  Procurer.  Now — that  which 
is  the  last  seasoning  for  our  Play — if  it  has  pleased  you,  our 
Comedy  asks  applause. 


[ScEi?ii  VIP. — Agorastocles,  Lycus,  Hanko,  Anthemo- 
NiDES,  Adelphasium,  owc?  Anterastylis. 

Ago.  "What  is  it  you  are  about,  Captain  ?     Why  does  it 

*  Pat/  the  simple  sum)— Yer.  1379.  In  lieu  of  paying  double  the  amount,  aa  he 
might  be  forced  at  law  to  do,  for  being  an  accomplice  in  the  theft. 

-  Scene  VII.)  Many  of  the  ancient  MSS.  contain  this  additional  Scene,  which 
is  generally  supposed  not  to  have  been  the  composition  of  Plautus.  It  is  not 
improbable  that  at  some  period  the  last  Scene  may  have  been  lost,  and  that  the 
present  one  may  have  been  composed  to  supply  its  place,  as  it  is  evidently  not  the 
composition  of  a  person  who  was  aware  of  the  existence  rf  the  Scene  whicL 
precedes  it. 


*16  PCE1TULTJS  r  -«ct  V, 

please  you  to  speak  rudely  to  my  relative?  Don't  be  sur- 
prised that  the  damsels  do  follow  after  him  ;  he  has  just  now 
diticovered  that  both  of  them  are  his  own  daughters. 

Lyc.  {starting).  Hah  !  what  speech  was  it  that  reached  my 
ears  ?  Now  I  am  undone  !  (  To  Agokastocles.)  From  what 
house  were  these  females  lost  ? 

Ago.  They  are  Carthaginians. 

Lyc.  Then  I  am  ruined.  I  was  always  in  dread  of  that, 
lest  some  one  should  recognize  them,  a  thing  which  has  now 
come  to  pass.  Woe  unto  wretched  me !  My  eighteen  minae 
are  lost,  I  guess,  which  I  paid  for  them. 

Ago.  And  you  yourself  are  lost,  Lycus. 

Hai^.  Who  is  this  ? 

Ago.  Which  you  please,  he's  either  the  Procurer  or 
Lycus.  He  has  been  keeping  your  daughters  in  servitude, 
and  from  myself  he  has  stolen  some  gold. 

Han.  a  pretty  fellow  for  you  to  be  acquainted  with  ! 

Ago.  Procurer,  I  always  deemed  you  to  be  avaricious,  but 
they  know  you  to  be  a  thief  as  well,  who  know  more  of 
you. 

Lyc.  I'll  approach  him.  {He  falls  on  the  ground  before 
Agoeastocles.)  By  your  knees  I  do  beseech  you,  and  by 
him  {pointing  to  Hakno),  whom  I  understand  to  be  your  re- 
lative ;  since  you  are  deserving  persons,  as  it  befits  deserving 
persons  to  do,  do  then  come  to  the  aid  of  your  suppliant ! 
Indeed,  already  did  I  know  them  to  be  free  women,  and  was 
waiting  for  some  one  to  claim  their  freedom,  for  really  they 
are  none  of  mine.  Then  besides,  I'll  restore  your  gold  that 
I've  got  in  my  house,  and  I'll  make  oath  that  I  have  done 
nothing,  Agorastocles,  with  ill  intent. 

Ago.  As  it's  right  for  me  to  do,  I  shall  still  consult  my 
own  notions.     Let  go  of  my  knees. 

Lyc.  I'll  let  them  go,  if  such  is  your  determination.  {He 
rises  from  the  ground,  and  retires  to  a  distance.) 

Ago.  Hark  you !  Procurer.  Lyc.  What  do  you  want  with 
a  Procurer  amid  business  ? 

Ago.  Tou  to  restore  me  my  money  before  I  take  you  hence 
to  he  laid  in  fetters. 

Lyc.  May  the  G-ods  g^rant  better  things ! 

Ago.  Even  so ;  you'll  be  dining  away  from  home.  I  sea 


Sc.  Vli.  THE  YOUNG  CAttTHAGINIAlT.  417 

Gold,  silver,  and  your  neck.  Procurer,  the  three  things  are 
you  now  owing  to  me  all  at  once. 

Han.  What  it  befits  me  to  do  in  this  matter,  I^n  consider- 
ing with  myself.  If  I  should  attempt  to  take  vengeance  on 
thi^  fellow,  I  shall  be  engaging  in  litigation  in  a  strange  city. 
So  far  as  I  hear,  his  disposition  and  manners,  of  the  uatui-e 
that  they  are 

Adel.  My  father,  do  have  no  dealings  with  this  man,  I 
conjure  you. 

Ant.  Do  listen  to  my  sister.  Come,  put  an  end  to  your 
strife  with  the  rascal. 

Han.  Attend  to  this,  will  you.  Procurer.  Although  I 
know  that  you  deserve  to  come  to  ruin,  I'll  not  try  the  matter 
with  you. 

Ago.  Nor  I,  if  you  restore  me  my  gold;  Procurer,  when 
let  go  from  the  fetters — you  may  get  thrust  into  prison. 

Lyc.  What,  your  old  habit  still  ? 

Anth.  Carthaginian,  I  wish  to  excuse  myself  to  you.  If 
I  have  said  anything  in  my  passion  against  the  inclination  of 
your  feelings,  J  beg  that  you  will  pardon  it ;  and  as  you  have 
found  these  daughters  of  yours,  so  may  the  Deities  bless  me, 
it  is  a  pleasure  to  me. 

Han.  I  both  forgive  and  believe  you. 

Anth.  Procurer,  do  you  take  care  either  to  find  me  a  mis- 
tress, or  return  me  the  mina  of  gold. 

Lyc.  Should  you  like  to  have  my  music^girl  P 

Anth.  I  don't  care  for  a  music-girl;  you  don't  know 
which  is  the  greater,  their  cheeks  or  their  bosoms. 

Lyc.  I'll  find  one  to  please  you. 

Anth.  Mind  that 

Lyc.  {to  Agorastocles).  To-morrow  I'll  bring  back  your 
gold  to  your  house. 

Ago.  Take  care  that  you  keep  that  in  memory.  Captain, 
follow  me. 

Anth.    Tes,    I'll    follow  you.     (Lyctjs    goes    into    his 

'•) 

Ago.  (to  Hanno).  How  say  you,  kinsman  ?  When  are 
you  thinking  of  leaving  here  for  Carthage  ? — for  I'm  deter- 
mined to  go  together  with  you. 

Han.  Ah  soon  as  ever  I  can,  that  instant  I  shall  go. 

TOL.  II.  2  £ 


418  PffiNTJLUS.  Act  V. 

Ago.  It's  necessary  for  you  to  stop  here  some  days,  until 
I've  had  an  auction. 

Han.  I'U  do  just  as  you  wish. 

Ago.  Come,  please,  let's  be  off;  let's  enjoy  ourselves 
(  To  the  Audience.)  Grant  ua  your  applause.] 


EPIDICrS; 
OR,  THE  FORTUNATE  DISCOVERY. 


Bramatis  persona?. 

Periphanes,  an  aged  Athenian  of  rank. 
Stratippoclks,  bis  son  by  a  former  wife. 
Ap^cides,  an  aged  Athenian,  friend  of  Periphanes. 
EriDiCTTS,  servant  of  Periphanes. 
Ch^ribulus,  a  young  Athenian,  friend  of  Stratippocles- 
Thesprio,  armour-bearer  to  Stratippocles. 
A  Captain  of  Rhodes. 
A  Banker. 

Philippa,  a  woman  of  Epidaurus,  the  mother  of  Teiestis. 
AcROPOLiSTJS,  a  music-girl,  mistress  of  Stratippocles. 
Telestis,  daughter  of  Periphanes  and  Philippa, 
A  Music-girl. 


SoflB*— Atheni :  before  the  houses  of  Periphanes,  Ap^cides,  &nd 

COSBIBULUS. 


THE    SUBJECT. 


The  plot  of  this  Play  is  Df  an  involved  nature.  Periphanes,  an  aged  Athenian, 
has  a  son,  born  in  wedlock,  named  Stratippocles.  By  Philippa,  a  woman  of  E{>i- 
daurns,  whom  he  has  formerly  seduced,  he  ha»  had  a  daughter,  named  Telestia, 
who  has  been  residing  with  her  mother  at  Thebes.  A  war  arising  between 
the  Athenians  and  Thebans,  Stratippocles,  on  setting  out  for  the  army,  commiij- 
sions  Epidicus,  his  father's  servant,  to  purchase  fof  him  Acropolistis,  a  music- 
girl,  of  whom  he  is  enamoured.  Epidictis,  on  this,  persuades  Periphanes  that 
this  girl  is  really  his  daughter  by  Philippa,  whom  he  has  not  seerj  for  many 
years,  and  that  she  has  been  taken  captive  at  Thebes,  and  brought  to  Athens. 
On  this  the  old  man  gives  Epidicus  the  requisite  sum,  and  she  is  brought  home 
and  introduced  to  him  as  his  daughter  Telestis.  In  the  meantime,  Stratippocles 
meets  with  another  damsel  who  has  been  taken  captive,  and  agrees  with  a 
Banker  to  borrow  forty  minse,  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  her.  He  returns 
to  Athens,  and  resolves  not  to  meet  his  father  until  he  has  paid  the  money  to 
the  Banker  and  gained  possession  of  the  damsel,  and  Epidicus  is  threat- 
ened by  him  with  a  severe  punishment,  if  he  does  not  manage  to  raise  the 
sum  reqrired.  On  this  he  accosts  his  aged  master,  and  tells  him  that  he  must 
find  a  wife  for  his  son,  who  is  about  to  purchase  a  singing-girl  of  the  name  of 
Acropolistis.  The  old  man  is  persuaded  to  give  a  sum  of  money  to  Epidicus 
for  the  purpose  of  buying  Acropolistis,  that  she  may  be  kept  out  of  the  way  of 
his  son.  On  receiving  the  money,  Epidicus  hands  it  over  to  Stratippocles,  to 
be  paid  to  the  Banker.  The  old  gentleman  having  that  morning  ordered 
a  singing-girl  to  be  hired  to  perform  at  a  sacrifice  at  his  house,  she  is  brought 
to  him  as  Acropolistis,  having  been  instructed  how  to  play  her  part.  A  Cap- 
tain, who  admires  Acropolistis,  having  heard  that  Periphanes  has  purchased 
her,  applies  to  him,  and  offers  to  give  him  a  profit  of  ten  minse  if  he  will  trans- 
fer her  to  him.  Periphanes,  thereupon,  brings  to  him  the  music-girl  who 
is  assuming  that  character  (while  the  real  Acropolistis  is  taken  for  his 
daughter),  on  which  the  Captain  discoters  the  deception,  and  Periphanes  finds 
out  that  the  girl  is  already  free,  and  has  been  only  brought  to  his  house 
to  perform  at  the  sacrifice.  At  this  conjuncture  Philippa  arrives,  having 
heard  that  her  daughter  has  been  brought  to  Athens.  Periphanes  meets  her, 
and  assures  her  that  her  daughter  is  safe  at  his  house.  On  this,  Philippa  is 
introduced  to  Acropolistis,  and  declares  that  she  is  not  her  daughter,  and  that 
Periphanes  has  been  imposed  upon.  On  being  questioned,  Acropolistis  con- 
fesses that  she  has  only  called  Periphanes  her  father  because  he  has  called  her 
his  daughter.  Epidicus,  on  being  discovered  to  be  guilty  of  this  second  fraud 
upon  his  master,  is  greatly  alarmed ;  but  just  then  he  perceives  the  Banker, 
who  has  come  for  the  money,  leading  the  Theban  captive.  He  immediately 
recognizes  her  as  Telestis,  the  real  daughter  of  Periphanes  and  Pliilippa.  Stra- 
tippocles, somewhat  tc  his  sorrow,  is  informed  that  the  captive  is  his  half-sister, 
and  therefore,  most  probably,  consoles  himself  with  Acropoli^itis.  For  making  this 
discovery,  Epidicus  is  not  only  pardoned  by  Periphanes,  but  receives  his  treudoia. 


EPIDICUS; 
OR,  THE  FORTUNATE  DISCOVERY*. 


IKE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 

[Supposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammarian.] 

An  old  gentleman,  thinking  her  his  daughter,  purchases  (^Emit)  a  music-girl,  by 
the  advice  (Persuasu)  of  his  servant,  who,  a  second  time  {Iterum),  substi- 
tutes for  him,  in  place  of  his  son's  mistress,  another  one  hired ;  he  gives  (X>a<^ 
to  his  master's  son  the  money;  with  it  the  young  man,  not  knowing  it  (/m- 
prudens),  purchases  his  sister.  Soon  afterwards,  by  the  aid  of  a  woman  wkom 
he  has  seduced,  and  of  a  Captain,  the  old  man  understands  (Cognoscit)  that 
he  has  been  imposed  upon,  as  (^Ut)  the  one  is  in  search  of  his  mistresa, 
the  otlier  of  her  daughter.  But  (Sed)  on  finding  his  daughter,  he  girea 
his  servant  his  liberty. 

Act  I. — ScEXE  I. 
Enter  Tk^sfrto,  followed  hy  Epidicus. 

Epid.  {pulling  Thespeio  hy  the  cloak).  Harkye!  young 
man. 

Thes.  "Who  pulls  me  by  the  cloak,  when  thus  in  haste  ? 

Epid.  An  intimate.  Thes.  I  confess  it ;  for  with  your 
annoyance  you  are  too  intimate. 

Epid.  But  do  look  back,  Theaprio ! 

Thes.  {looJcing  round).  What?  Is  it  Epidicus  that  I  see ? 

Epid.  Why  surely  you've  the  use  of  your  eyes. 

Thes.  Grreetinga  to  you.  Epid.  May  the  Grods  grant  what 
you  desire.     I'm  glad  that  you've  got  here  safe. 

'  Or  the  Fortunate  Discovery)  Plautus  calls  this  Play  by  the  name  of  Epidicus, 
from  the  slave,  who  is  the  principal  actor  in  it.  It  will  be  seen  that  a  fortunate 
discovery  really  does  take  place  in  the  Fifth  Act,  where  Periphanes  not  only  finds 
his  long-lost  daugliter,  but  Stratippocles  is  prevented  from  unknowingly  beint^ 
guilty  of  incest.  That  Plautus  thought  very  highly  of  this  Play,  is  evident  from 
what  is  said  in  the  Bacchides,  1.  215,  where  Chrysalus  10  introduced  as  saying 
Ktuit  be  "  loves  the  Epidicus  3$  well  nh  bL»  own  selL" 


422  EP1DICU8 ;  Act  1. 

Thes.  What  besides  P  Epid.  According  to  the  usage,  a 
dinner  shall  be  given  you^. 

Thes.  I  agree.     Epid.  What  to  do  ? 

TiiES.  That  I'll  accept  it,  if  you  oifer  it. 

Epid.  How  are  you  ?     Pare  you  as  you  could  wish  ? 

Thes.  The  proof's  before  you,  Epid.  I  understand. 
{^Eyeing  him  from  top  to  toe.)  Marvellous!  You  seem  quite 
plump  and  hearty. 

Thes.  {pointing  to  his  left  hand).  Thanks  to  this. 

Epid.  AVhich,  indeed,  you  ought  to  have  parted  with^  long 
ago. 

Thes.  I'm  less  of  a  pilferer  now  than  formerly. 

Epid.  How  so?     Thes    I  rob  above-board^. 

Epid.  May  the  immortal  Gods  confound  you,  with  what 
huge  strides  you  do  walk !  for  when  I  caught  sight  of  you 
at  the  harbour,  I  began  to  run  at  a  rapid  pace  ;  I  was  hardly 
able  to  overtake  you  just  now. 

Thes.  You  are  a  town  wit.  Epid.  I  know  that  you, 
on  the  other  hand,  are  a  military  gentleman. 

Thes.  Speak  out  as  boldly  as  you  please. 

Epid.  How  say  you?     Have  you  been  well  all  along? 

Thes.  In  a  varied  way.  Epid.  Those  w^ho  are  well  in  a 
varied  way'^,  a  race  of  men  of  the  goat  kind  or  of  tlie  panther 
kind,  don't  please  me. 

Thes.  What  do  you  wish  me  to  teU  you  but  that  which 
is  fact  ? 

Epid.  To  answer  to  these  things  fairly ;  how's  our  master's 
son  ?     Is  he  well  ? 

Thes.  Stout  as  a  boxer  and  an  athlete. 

'  A  dinner  shall  be  given  ymi) — Ver.  6.  The  "  coena  viatica,"  or  *'  welcome 
entertainment,"  has  been  mentioned  in  the  Notes  to  the  Bacchides,  Act  I.,  Sc.  2. 

2  To  have  parted  with) — Ver.  9.  The  thieves  of  antiquity  are  said  to  have 
used  the  left  hand  for  the  purposes  of  their  nefarious  calling.  The  cutting  off  of 
the  hand  was  a  common  punishment. 

^  /  rob  above-board) — Ver.  10.  It  has  been  suggested  that  this  is  an  imita- 
tion of  a  passage  in  Aristophanes,  Act  II.,  Sc.  3,  where  Blepsidemus  says, 
"or  K€K\o(pa.s  aXX'  ^pnaKas.  '  "  You  have  not  pilfered,  but  plundered."  The 
thou(j;ht,  however,  is  quite  natural,  without  resorting  to  a  previous  author  for  it. 

*  Tn  a  varied  way) — Ver.  16.  He  puns  upon  the  different  meanings  of  the 
word  "  varie;"  and  alludes  to  the  checquered  or  striped  state  of  the  slave's  back 
after  whipping.  By  "varie,"  Thesprio  simply  means,  "sometimes  well,  and 
Ronietimes  ilL" 


Sc.  I.  OR,  THE  FOETUNATE  DISCOYEEY.  423 

Epid.  You've  brought  me  joyous  tidings  on  your  arrival. 
But  where  is  he  ? 

Thes.  I  came  here  together  with  him. 

Epid.    Where   is  he  then  ?      Unless,  perchance,  you've 
brought  him  in  your  wallet,  or,  perhaps,  in  your  knapsack. 

Thes.  May  the  Gods  confound  you ! 

Epid.  I  want  to  make  enquiries  of  you.      Lend  me  your 
attention  ;  attention  shall  be  lent  you  in  return. 

Thes.  You  say  what's  law^.     Epid.  It  becomes  me   to 
do  so. 

Thes.  But  why  now  are  you  acting  the  Praetor  over  us  ? 

Epid.  What  other  person  in  Athens  will  you  say  is  more 
deserving  of  it  than  I  ? 

Thes.  But  still,  Epidicus,  one  thing  is  wanting  for  your 
Prsetorship. 

Epid.  What,  pray  ?     ThEs.  You  shall  know ;  two  lictors^ 
two  osier  bundles  of  twigs 

Epid.  (shaking  his  fist  at  him).  Woe  unto  you!     But  how 
say  you ?     Thes.  What  is  it  you  ask  ? 

Epid.  AVhere  are  the  arms^  of  Stratippocles  ? 

Thes.  I'  faith,  they've  gone  over  to  the  enemy. 

Epid.  What,  his  arms  ?     Thes.  Aye,  and  quickly  too. 

Epid.  Do  you  say  that  seriously  ? 

Thes.  Seriously  I  say  it ;  the  enemy  have  got  them. 

Epid.  By  my  troth,  a  disgraceful  affair. 

Thes.    Still,  before   now,   other  persons   have   done  the 
same.     This  affair  will  turn  out  to  his  honor^. 

Epid.  How  so  ?     Thes.  Because  it  has  been  so  to  others 
before. 


•  Whot^s  law)—Ver.  23,  The  words  "  operam  da"  and  "  operam  dabo,"  used 
by  Epidicus,  were  terms  used  in  the  Koman  courts  of  law:  therefore  Thesprio  says, 
•'jus  dicis,"  meaning,  "you  talk  like  a  judge." 

2  Two  lictors) — Ver,  26.  The  Praetors  were  attended  by  lictors  As  one  part 
of  their  duty  was  to  scourge  refractory  slaves,  Thesprio  means  to  joke  Epidicus, 
by  telline;  him  that  he  requires  the  lictors  —  not  to  do  him  honor,  but  to 
scourge  him. 

*  Where  are  the  arms)— Ver.  27.  As  Thesprio  was  his  armour-bearer,  this 
question  cannot  be  considered  as  an  impertinent  one. 

♦  Will  turn  out  to  his  honor) — Ver.  31.  Schmieder  thinks  that  in  these  words 
there  is  a  covert  allusion  to  the  conduct  of  Terentius  Varro,  by  whose  bad  manage- 
ment the  Romans  lost  the  battle  of  Cannae,  when  fighting  against  Hannibal.  Tlia 
Senate,  however,  received  him  with  open  arras,  "  because  he  had  not  despaired 
fli'  the  stale."  .- 


424  jsriDicus ;  Act  1. 

Epid.  IMulciber,  I  suppose,  made  the  arms  which  Stratip- 
pocles  had ;  they  flew  over  to  the  eneniy^. 

Thes.  Why,  then,  e'en  let  this  son  of  Thetis  lose  them ; 
the  daughters  of  I^ereus  will  bring  him  others. 

Epid.  Only  this  must  be  looked  to,  that  material  may  be 
found  for  the  armourers,  if  in  each  campaign  he  yields  a 
spoil  to  the  enemy. 

Thes.  Have  done  now  with  these  matters. 

Epid.  You  yourself  make  an  end  of  them  when  you  please. 

Thes.  Cease  your  enquiries  then.  Epid.  Say,  where  is 
Stratippocles  himself? 

Thes.  There  is  a  reason,  for  which  reason  he  has  been 
afraid  to  come  together  with  me. 

Epid.  Pray,  what  is  it  ?  Thes.  He  doesn't  wish  to  see 
his  father  as  yet. 

Epid.  For  what  reason  ?  Thes.  You  shall  hear ;  because 
he  has  purchased  out  of  the  spoil  a  young  female  captive  of 
charming  and  genteel  figure. 

Epid.  What  is  it  I  hear  from  you  ? 

Thes.  That  which  I'm  telling  you. 

Epid.  Why  has  he  purchased  her  ? 

Thes.  To  please  his  fancy. 

Epid.  How  many  fancies  has  this  man  ?  Eor  assuredly, 
before  he  went  away  from  home  to  the  army,  he  himself 
commissioned  me,  that  a  music-girl  whom  he  was  in  love 
witli  should  be  purchased  of  a  Procurer  for  him.  That  I 
have  managed  to  accomplish  for  him. 

Thes.  Whichever  way  the  wind  is  at  sea,  Epidicus,  in  that 
direction  the  sail  is  shifted. 

Epid.  Woe  unto  wretched  me !  He  has  utterly  undone  me ! 

Thes.  What's  the  meaning  of  this  ?  What's  the  matter, 
pray  ? 

Epid.  Well  now — she  whom  he  has  bought,  at  what  sum 
has  he  purchased  her  ? 

Thes.  A  very  little.     Epid.  That  I  don't  ask  you. 

Thes.  What  then  ?     Epid.  For  how  many  minae  ? 

Thes.  {holding  up  all  his  Jingers  four  times).  For  so  many. 

*  Flew  over  to  the  enemy) — Ver.  82.  Plautus  seems  here  to  fancy  that  the 
arms  made  by  Mulciber  or  Vulcan,  for  Achilles,  were  taken  by  Hector  from 
Patroclus,  when,  in  fact,  they  were  made  at  the  request  of  Thetis,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  avenging  his  deatli.  He  probably  did  not  care  to  represent  a  slave  anj 
•  vamp-follower  as  bein^  particularly  correct  in  tUeir  knowUd^e  of  Hom«r. 


S.     1.  OR,  THE  FOETUNATE  DISCOVEET.  425 

Epid.  Forty  rainae  ?  Thes.  For  that  purpose,  he  borrowed 
the  money  on  interest  of  a  Banker  at  Thebes,  at  a  didrachra 
for  each  silver  mina  per  day. 

Epid.  Surprising! 

Thes.  This  Banker,  too,  has  come  together  with  him,  and 
is  dunning  for  his  money. 

Eptd.  Immortal  Gods!  now  I'm  fairly  done  for  i 

Thes.  "Why  so,  or  what's  the  matter,  Epidicus  ? 

Epid.  He  has  proved  my  ruin  1 

Thes.  Who? 

Epid.  Who  ?     He  who  lost  his  arms. 

Thes.  But  why  so  ?  Epid.  Because  he  himself  was  every 
day  sending  me  letters  from  the  army — but  I  shall  hold 
my  tongue ;  it's  best  to  do  so.  It's  best  for  a  man  in  servitude 
to  know  more  than  he  says ;  that's  true  wisdom. 

Thes.  On  my  faith,  I  don't  understand  why  you  are 
alarmed.  You  are  frightened,  Epidicus ;  I  see  it  by  your 
countenance.  You  seem  here,  in  my  absence,  to  have  got 
into  some  scrape  or  other. 

Epid.  Can't  you  cease  annoying  me  P 

Thes.  I'll  be  off.     {Moves  as  if  going.) 

Epid.  Stand  still ;  I'll  not  let  you  go  from  here.  {Holds 
Mm.)     Thes.  Why  do  you  hold  me  back  ? 

Epid.  Is  he  in  love  with  her  whom  he  has  purchased  out 
of  the  spoil  ? 

Thes.  Do  you  ask  me?    He  dotes  to  death  upon  her. 

Epid.  The  hide  will  be  stripped  from  off  my  back. 

Thes.  He  loves  her,  too,  more  than  ever  he  loved  you. 

Epid.  May  Jupiter  confound  you ! 

Thes.  Let  me  go  now ;  for  he  has  forbidden  me  to  go  to 
our  house  ;  he  ordered  me  to  come  here  (pointing  to  the  house) 
to  our  neighbour's,  Chseribulus ;  there  he  bade  me  wait ;  he's 
about  to  come  there  himself. 

Epid.  Why  so  ?  Thes.  I'll  tell  you;  because  he  doesu^t 
wish  to  meet  with  or  see  his  father,  before  he  has  paid  down 
this  money  which  is  owing  for  her. 

Epid.  O  dear !  an  involved  business,  i'  faith. 

Thes.  Do  let  go  of  me,  that  I  may  now  be  off  forthwith. 

Epid.  When  the  old  geutlemau  knows  this,  our  ship  will 
fairly  founder. 


42(5  EPiDicus ;  Act  I. 

Thes.  .  What  matters  it  to  me  in  what  way  you  come  to 
your  end  ? 

Epid.  Because  I  don't  wish  to  perish  alone;  I'd  like 
you  to  perish  with  me,  well-wisher  with  well-wisher. 

Thes.  (tearing  himself  awa^  from 'Efibicus).  Away  with 
you  from  me  to  utter  and  extreme  perdition  with  those 
terms  of  yours  ! 

Epid.  Be  off,  then,  if  you  are  in  great  haste  about  any- 
thing. 

Thes.  (aside).  I  never  met  with  any  person  from  whom  I 
parted  with  greater  pleasure.     (Goes  into  the  house  ofCKJE- 

EIBTJLUS.) 

Epid.  (to  himself).  He's  gone  away  from  here;  you  are 
now  alone.  In  what  plight  this  matter  is,  you  now  see,  Epi- 
dicus.  Unless  you  have  some  resources  in  your  own  self,  you 
are  done  for.  Ruination  so  great  is  impending  over  you — un- 
less you  support  yourself  stoutly,  you  cannot  hold  up ;  to  such 
a  degree  are  mountains  of  misfortune  threatening  to  tumble 
on  you.  Neither  does  any  plan  just  now  please  me  by  means 
of  which  to  find  myself  disengaged  from  my  entanglement. 
To  my  misfortune,  by  my  trickeries  I  have  forced  the  old  man 
to  imagine  that  he  was  making  purchase  of  his  own  daugh- 
ter ;  whereas  he  has  bought  for  his  own  son  a  music-girl  whom 
he  was  fond  of,  and  whom  on  his  departure  he  commissioned 
me  about.  He  now,  to  please  his  fancy,  has  brought  another 
one  from  the  army.  I've  lost  my  hide,  for  when  the  old  man 
finds  out  that  he  has  been  played  tricks  with,  he'll  be  flaying 
my  back  with  twigs.  But  still,  do  you  take  all  precautions. 
(He  stands  still  and  thinks.)  That's  of  no  use !  clearly  this 
head  of  mine  is  addled !  You  are  a  worthless  fellow,  Epi- 
dicus.  (In  another  tone.)  What  pleasure  have  you  in  being 
abusive  ?  Because  you  are  forsaking  yourself.  AVhat  am  J 
to  do  ?  Do  you  ask  me  the  question  ?  Why  you  yourself,  in 
former  days,  were  wont  to  lend  advice  to  others.  Well,  well ; 
something  must  be  found  out.  But  why  delay  to  go  meet 
the  young  man,  that  I  may  know  how  the  matter  stands  ? 
And  here  he  is  himself.  He  is  in  a  grave  mood.  He's 
coming  with  Chaeribulus,  his  year's-mate.  I'll  step  aside  here, 
whence  at  my  leisure  T'U  foliow  their  discourse.  {He  steps 
aside.) 


5c.  11.  OE,  THE  JFOETUNATE  DISCOVEET.  427 

Scene  II, — Enter  Steatippocles  and  Ch^eibtjlus. 

Steat.  I've  told  you  aU  the  matter,  Chseribulus,  and  I 
have  fully  disclosed  to  you  the  sum  of  my  griefs  and  loves. 

CHiEE.  You  are  foolish,  Stratippocles,  beyond  your  age  and 
lineage.  Does  it  shame  you,  because  you  have  bought  a  cap- 
tive girl,  born  of  good  family,  from  among  the  spoil?  "Who 
will  there  be  to  impute  it  as  a  fault  to  you  ? 

Steat.  Through  doing  this,  I've  found  that  those  who  are 
en\dous  are  all  enemies  to  me  ;  but  I've  never  offered  violence^ 
or  criminal  assault  against  her  chastity. 

Ch^e.  Then,  so  far,  in  my  opinion  at  least,  you  are  a  still 
more  deserving  man,  inasmuch  as  you  are  temperate  in  your 
passion. 

Steat.  He  effects  nothing  who  consoles  a  desponding 
man  w4th  his  words  :  he  is  a  friend,  who,  in  dubious  circum- 
stances, aids  in  deed  when  deeds  are  necessary. 

Chjee.  What  do  you  wish  me  to  do  ? 

Steat,  To  lend  me  forty  minae  of  silver,  to  be  paid  to  the 
Banker  from  whom  I  borrowed  it  on  interest. 

Ch^e.  On  my  word,  if  I  had  it,  I  would  not  deny  you. 

Steat.  "Wliat  then  does  it  signify  your  being  bounteous 
ni  talk,  if  all  aid  in  the  matter^  is  dead  outright. 

Ch^e.  Why  faith,  I  myself  am  quite  wearied  and  dis- 
tracted with  being  dunned. 

Steat.  I  had  rather  my  friends  of  that  sort  were  thrust 
into  a  furnace  than  into  litigation^.  But  now  I  could  wish 
to  buy  me  the  assistance  of  Epidicus  at  a  weighty  price,  a 
fellow  whom  I'll  hand  over  well-liquored  with  stripes  to  the 
baker*,  unless  he  this  day  finds  me  forty  minae  before  I've 
mentioned  to  him  the  last  syllable  of  the  sum. 

»  NevefT  offered  violejice) — Ver,  109.  This  is  a  very  important  passage,  as.it 
relieves  the  Audience  from  the  apprehension  they  might  otherwise  feel  in  the 
Fifth  Act,  that  Stratippocles  had  unconsciously  been  guilty  of  incest, 

2  If  all  aid  in  the  matter) — Ver.  116.  The  same  sentiment  occurs  in  the 
Trinummus,  1.  439. 

'  Into  Utigatlon) — Ver.  1 18.  "  Quam  Foro."  Literally,  "  than  in  the  Fonun." 
He  plays  on  the  resemblance  of  the  words  "  furno,"  "  oven"  or  "  furnace,"  and 
"  Foro,"  the  "  Forum."  He  had  rather  see  his  friends  dead  outright,  than  worried 
by  their  creditors. 

*  To  the  baker) — Ver.  120.  For  the  purpose  of  taking  his  place  at  the  hand- 
mill  for  grinding  corn,  which  was  probably  done  in  the  same  building  where  the 
bread  was  baked,  and  was  a  most  laborious  operation. 


4"/  EPIDICt^Sj  Act  1. 

EiTD.  (apart).  The  matter's  ail  right;  he  promises  well' 
he'll  keej.  %ith,  I  trust.  {Ironically.)  Without  any  expen- 
diture of  my  own,  an  entertainment^  is  already  provided  for 
my  shoulder-blades.  I'll  accost  the  man.  {Re  goes  up  to 
Steatippocles.)  The  servant  Epidicus  wishes  health  to  hia 
master  Strati ppocles,  on  his  arrival  from  abroad. 

S'TEA.T.  {turning  round).  Where  is  he  ? 

Epid.  Here  he  is ;  I'm  delighted  that  you  have  returned 
safe. 

Strat.  I  believe  you  as  much  in  that  as  I  ^  myself. 

Epid.  Have  you  been  well  all  along  ? 

Steat.  I've  been  free  from  disease ;  in  mind  I've  been 
ailing. 

Epid.  As  regarded  myself,  I've  taken  care  of  what  you 
entrusted  to  me  ;  it  has  been  obtained ;  the  female  captive 
has  been  bought,  about  wliich  matter  you  w^ere  sending  me 
letters  so  often. 

Steat.  You've  lost  all  your  labour. 

Epid.  But  why  have  I  lost  it  ? 

Steat.  Because  she  is  not  dear  to  my  heart,  nor  does  she 
please  me. 

Epid.  What  means  it,  then,  that  you  gave  me  such  strict 
injunctions,  and  sent  letters  to  me  ? 

Steat.  Formerly  I  did  love  her  ;  hut  now  another  passion 
influences  my  heart. 

Epid.  I'  faith,  it  is  a  shocking  thing  for  that  to  be  unplea- 
sant for  a  man  which  you  have  managed  well^or  him;  where  I've 
done  well,  I've  in  reality  done  ill,  since  love  has  shifted  sides. 

Steat.  I  wasn't  right  in  my  mind  when  I  sent  those  letters 
to  you. 

Epid.  Is  it  proper  that  I  should  be  the  atonement  for  your 
folly,  so  as  for  you  to  substitute  my  back  as  the  scape-goat^ 
for  your  folly  ? 

Steat.  AVhy  are  we  making  words  about  that  ?  This  man 
{pointing  to  himself)  has  need  of  forty  minae,  ready  money, 
and  in  all  haste,  for  him  to  pay  a  Banker,  and  speedily  too. 

^  An  entertainment') — Ver.  124.  As  already  mentioned,  "symbola"  was  a 
club  entertainment,  or  pic-nic  (in  ftie  original  6ex<se  of  the  word),  where  each 
provided  his  own  share  of  the  provisioos. 

'  As  the  scape-goat') — Ver.  139.  "  Succidanea"  was  a  term  applied  to  a  victin^ 
rcbetituted  \n  *Lice  of  acotber  which  had  not  &i  ^en  favourable  omen*. 


8c.  II.  OR,  THE  rOETriTATE  DISCOTEET.  429 

Epid.  Only  tell  me  from  what  quarter  you  wish  me  to  get 
them.     From  what  banker  am  I  to  seek  them  ? 

Stbat.  From  where  you  like.  But  if  I  don't  finger  them 
before  sunset,  don't  you  enter  my  house  ;  off  with  yourself  to 
the  mill. 

Epid.  You  easily  say  that  without  risk  and  concern,  and 
with  a  gay  heart.  I  know  owijloggers  ;  I  feel  the  pain  wheu 
I'm  beaten. 

Steat.  How  say  you  now  ?  WUl  you  suffer  me  to  de- 
stroy myself  ? 

Epid.  Don't  do  that,  I'll  cope  with  this  peril  and  bold 
attempt  in  preference. 

Steat.  Now  you  please  me  ;  now  do  I  commend  you. 

Epid.  I'll  submit  to  this  in  any  way  that's  pleasing  to 
you. 

Steat.  What  then  is  to  be  done  about  this  music-girl  ? 

Epid.  Some  method  shall  be  found  out ;  by  some  means 
I'll  disengage  myself;  some  way  I  shall  get  extricated. 

Steat.  You  are  full  of  scheming ;  I  know  you  of  old. 

Epid.  There  is  a  rich  Captain  of  Eubcea^,  abounding  in 
plenty  of  gold,  who,  when  he  knows  that  that  one  was  bought 
for  you,  and  that  this  other  one  has  been  brought  here,  will 
forthwith  be  entreating  you,  of  his  own  accord,  to  transfer 
that  other  one  to  him.  But  where  is  she  whom  you  hare 
brought  with  you  ? 

Steat.  I  shall  have  her  here  just  now. 

CHiEE.  What  are  we  now  doing  here  ? 

Steat.  Let's  go  in-doors  here  at  your  house,  that,  for  the 
present,  we  may  pass  this  day  merrily.  {They  go  into  the  house 
q/"  Ch.^eibijlus.) 

Epid.  {to  himself^.  Gro  in-doors ;  I'll  now  call^  a  council 
in  my  heart  to  adopt  measures  about  this  money  business, 
against  whom,  in  especial,  war  is  to  be  declared,  and  out  of 
whom  I'm  to  get  the  money.     Epidicus,  consider  what  you 

>  Captain  ofEvbcBo) — Ver.  152.  The  Captain  is  elsew  here  CAiled  a  Rhodian. 
Probably  it  is  meant  that  Khodes  was  the  place  of  his  birth,  and  the  island  of 
Euboea  that  of  his  residence. 

2  rilnow  call) — Ver.  158-159.  Echard's  adaptation  of  these  two  lines  is  so 
quaint,  that  it  is  worth  transcribing.  "  In  the  meantime  must  I  have  a  com- 
mitter^ of  the  whole  house,  to  consider  of  ways  and  means  for  the  raismg  suppl  e« 
to  carry  on  this  vigorous  war." 


430  EPiDious ;  Act  II 

are  to  do  ;  thus  suddenly  has  this  business  been  thrown  upon 
you.  But  now  you  must  not  be  slumbering,  nor  have  you 
any  leisure  for  delay.  Now  must  you  be  daring !  'Tis  my 
fixed  determination  to  lay  siege  to  the  old  man.  I'll  go  in- 
doors ;  I'll  tell  the  young  man,  ray  master's  son,  not  to  walk 
abroad  here,  or  come  anywhere  in  the  way  of  the  old  gentle- 
man.    {Goes  into  the  house  o/*Chjeeibultjs.) 

Act  II. — Scene  I. 

Enter  ApiECiDES  and  Peeiphanes,  from  the  house  of  the 
former. 

Ap.  Mostly  all  men^  are  ashamed  when  they  have  no  occa- 
sion to  he ;  when  they  ought  to  be  ashamed,  then  does  shame 
forsake  them,  when  there's  a  necessity  for  their  being  ashamed. 
That  man,  in  fact,  are  you.  What  is  there  to  be  ashamed 
of  in  your  bringing  home  a  wife,  poor,  hut  born  of  good 
family  ?  Especially  her,  whose  daughter  you  say  this  girl  is, 
who  is  at  your  house  ? 

?EEi.  I  have  some  regard  for  my  son^. 

Ap.  But,  i'  faith,  the  wife  whom  you  buried  I  thought 
you  had  felt  some  respect  for ;  whose  tomb  as  oft  as  you  see, 
you  straightway  sacrifice  victims  to  Orcus ;  and  not  without 
reason,  in  fact,  since  you've  been  allowed  to  get  the  better  of 
her  by  surviving  her. 

Peri.  Ah  me !  I  was  a  Hercules  while  she  was  with  me ; 
and,  upon  my  faith,  the  sixth  labour^  was  not  more  difficult 
to  Hercules  than  the  one  that  fell  to  my  lot. 

Ai.  I'  faith,  money's  a  handsome  dowry. 

Peei.  Troth,  so  it  is,  which  isn't  encumbered  with  a  wife. 

>  Mostly  all  men) — Ver.  165.  Apaecides  has  been  talking  in-doors  with  Peri- 
phanes  about  his  supposed  daughter  who  has  lately  come  home,  and  is  recom- 
mending him  to  atone  to  Philippa  for  his  conduct  to  her,  by  marrying  her.  It  is 
supposed  that  Terence  had  this  passage  in  view  in  the  Andria,  1.  637-8. 

'  Regard  for  my  son) — Ver.  171.  It  was  looked  upon  as  a  disgraceful  thing 
for  a  father  with  grown-up  sons  to  marry  again,  and  thereby  introduce -a  mother- 
in-law  into  his  family.  Apaecides  blames  Periphanes  for  this  scruple,  and  hints 
to  him  that  he  ought  not  to  be  more  ashamed  on  account  of  his  son,  than  oi 
his  late  wife,  who,  being  dead,  and  for  whom  he  had  no  hearty  liking,  could  not 
make  him  blush  at  a  second  marriage. 

3  The  sixth  labour) — Ver.  177.  The  sixth  labour  of  Hercules  was  his  combat 
with  the  Amazons,  when  he  took  Antiope  or  Hippolyts,  tlieir  queen,  and  carried 
Bff  her  girdle. 


8c.  I.l.  OK,  THJ5  rolfrrirWATH;  DISCOTJEBY.  431 

Scene  II. — Unter^FiBic\JS,from  the  house  of  CK^miBULVSy 
softly  crossing  the  stage. 

Epid.  (at  the  door,  as  he  enters).  Hist !  hist !  be  silent,  and 
have  good  courage ;  with  a  fair  omen  have  I  come  out  of  doors, 
the  bird  upon  the  left  hand^.  {Fointing  to  his  head.)  I've  got 
a  sharp  knife,  with  which  to  embowel  the  old  man's  purse ; 
but  see !  here  he  is  before  the  house  of  Apsecides,  the  two  old 
fellows,  just  as  I  want.  Now  I  shall  change  me  into  a  leech, 
and  suck  out  the  blood  of  these  who  are  called  the  pillars  of 
the  Senate. 

Peei.  Let  him  be  married  at  once. 

Ap.  I  approve  of  your  design. 

Peri.  Eor  I've  heard  that  he's  entangled  with  love  with 
a  certain  music-girl,  I  don't  know  who.  At  that  I'm  vexed 
to  death. 

Epid.  {apart).  By  my  troth,  all  the  Deities  do  aid,  amplify, 
and  love  me ;  really,  these  men  themselves  are  pointing  out 
to  me  the  way  by  means  of  which  I'm  to  get  the  money  out  of 
them.  Now  then,  come,  equip  yourself,  Epidicus,  and  throw 
your  cloak  about  your  neck  {suiting  the  action  to  the  word), 
and  pretend  as  though  you  had  been  in  search  of  the  man  all 
the  city  over.  On  with  it,  if  you  are  going  to  do  it !  {He 
hurries  past  the  Old  Men  as  though  he  didn't  see  them, 
and  calls  out  aloud.)  Immortal  Grods !  I  do  wish  I  could 
meet  with  Periphanes  at  home,  whom  I'm  tired  with  search- 
ing for  all  over  the  city,  throughout  the  doctors'  shops, 
throughout  the  barbers'  shops,  in  the  gymnasium,  and  in  the 
Eorum,  at  the  perfumers'  shops  and  the  butchers'  stalls-,  and 
round  about  the  banlters'  shops.  I'm  become  hoarse  with 
enquiring ;  I've  almost  dropped  down  with  running. 

Peri.  Epidicus!  J^fid.  {looking round).  Who  is  it  that's 
calling  Epidicus  back? 

Peri.  It's  I,  Periphanes.      Ap.  And  I,  Apsecides. 

Epid.  And  I,  indeed,  am  Epidicus.  But,  master,  I  find 
that  you've  both  met  me  at  the  nick  of  time. 

*  Bird  upon  the  left  hand)— Yer.  181.  Among  the  Romans  the  Augur  looked 
to  the  South,  having  the  Et»«t  on  his  left  hand,  which  was  considered  the  aus- 
picious quarter.     The  Greeks  considered  birds  on  the  left  hand  an  iD  omen. 

2  Butchers'  stalls)  — Ver.  196.  *'  Lanienas."  Madame  Dacier  thinks  that 
this  means  a  place  where  arras  were  sold,  and  the  "  lanistse,"  or  "  gkdiators  * 
exercised  themselves. 


432  BPlDicus ;  Act  ii. 

Pebi.  What's  the  matter  ?  Epid.  "Wait,  wait !  {puffs  ana 
blows) ;  prithee,  do  let  me  get  breath ! 

Peri.  By  all  means,  rest  yourself. 

Epid.  I'm  quite  faint ;  I  must  recover  my  breath. 

Ap.  Do  rest  yourself  at  your  leisure. 

Epid.  Lend  me  your  attention.  All  the  men  of  the  army 
have  been  remanded  home  from  Thebes^. 

Ap.  Who  knows  for  certain  that  this  has  been  done  P 

Epid.  I  say  that  it  has  been  done. 

Peei.  Are  you  sure  of  that  P      Epid.  I  am  sure  of  it. 

Peei.  Why  are  you  sure  of  it  ? 

Epid.  Because  I've  seen  the  soldiers  marching  through  the 
streets  in  shoals.  They  are  bringing  back  their  arms  and 
their  bag^mge-horses. 

Peei.  Very  good  indeed ! 

Epid.  Then,  what  prisoners  they've  got  with  them !  boys, 
girls,  in  twos  and  threes  ;  another  one  has  got  five ;  there's  a 
crowd  in  the  streets ;  they  are  looking  out  each  for  his  son. 

Peri.  I'  troth,  a  business  very  well  managed  ! 

Epid.  Then,  fully  as  many  of  the  courtesans  as  there 
are  in  the  whole  city  were  going  decked  out  each  to  meet 
her  lover ;  they  were  going  to  trap  thera ;  that's  the  fact, 
inasmuch  as  I  gave  especial  attention  to  it ;  several  of  these 
nad  with  them  nets  beneath  their  garments.  When  I  came 
to  the  harbour,  forthwith  I  espied  her  waiting  there,  and 
with  her  were  four  music-girls. 

Peei.  With  whom,  Epidicus  ? 

Epid.  With  her  whom  your  son  has  been  loving  and 
doting  on  for  years,  with  whom  he's  making  all  haate  to  ruin 
credit,  property,  himself,  and  yourself.  She  was  on  the  look- 
out for  him  at  the  harbour. 

Peei.  Just  see  the  sorceress  now  ! 

Epid.  But  decked  out,  sparkling  with  gold,  and  adorned 
BO  splendidly !  so  nicely !  so  fashionably  ! 

Peri.  What  was  she  drest  in  ?  Was  it  a  royal  robe,  or 
was  it  a  plain  dress  ? 

Epid.  A  skylight  one^,  according  as  these  women  coin 
names  for  garments. 

.•  Remanded  home  from  Thebes) — Ver  203.    Madame   Dacier  supposes,  an  J 
with  f?ir  reason,  that  in  this  Epidicus  tells  what  really  is  the  fact. 
■  A  sh/light  one) — Ver.  221.    "  Imcluviatam."    ii«har<i's  Note  to  this  pa5« 


^C.  II.  OE,  THE  rOETUNATE  DISCOVEET.  433 

Peei.  What !  was  she  dressed  in  a  skylight  ? 

Epid.  What's  there  wonderful  in  that  ?  As  though  many 
women  didn't  go  through  the  streets  decked  out  with  farms 
upon  them.  But  when  the  tax  is  demanded,  they  declare 
it  cannot  be  paid^;  while  to  these  hussies,  to  whom  a  larger 
tax  is  paid,  it  can  be  paid.  Why,  what  new  names  every 
year  these  women  are  finding  for  their  clothing — the  thin 
tunic,  the  thick  tunic,  ^our  fulled  linen  cloth,  chemises,  bor- 
dered shifts,  the  marigold  or  saffron- coloured  dress,  the  under- 
petticoat  or  else  the  light  vermilion  dress,  the  hood,  the 
royal  or  the  foreign  robe,  the  wave  pattern^  or  the  feather- 
pattern,  the  wax  or  the  apple-tint.  The  greatest  nonsense ! 
From  dogs,  too,  do  they  even  take  the  names. 

Peei.  How  so  ?  Epid.  They  call  one  the  Laconian^. 
These  names  compel  men  to  make  auctions. 

sage  is  much  to  the  purpose.  "  The  word  '  impluvium'  signifies  a  square  open 
place  which  the  Romans  had  in  their  houses  to  receive  rain  for  their  use ;  or  a 
square  courtyard,  that  received  the  rain  at  four  water-spouts;  from  whence  a 
habit  thev  had,  made  with  four  sides  or  four  pieces,  was  called  '  vestimentum  im- 
pluviatum.'  Here  Epidicus  takes  occasion  from  this  to  admire  at  a  woman's 
being  able  to  wear  a  courtyard  on  her  back.  Periphanes,  carrying  on  the 
humour,  tells  him  'tis  no  wonder,  since  they  frequently  wear  whole  houses  ana 
lands,  meaning  the  value  of  them."  The  word  "  impluvium"  has  been  previously 
rendered  "skylight,"  in  the  present  Translation.  See  the  Notes  to  the  Miles 
Gloriosus,  1.  159,  where  Periplecomenus  complains  of  Sceledrus  looking  down  his 
"  impluvium"  from  the  top  of  the  house.  The  garment  may,  however,  not  impro- 
bably have  been  called  "  impluviatum,"  from  its  being  of  a  greyish,  or  rain  colour. 
»  They  declare  it  cannot  be  paid) — Ver.  224.  He  means  that  their  dupes  or 
lovers  cannot  pay  their  taxes. 

2  The  wave  pattern) — Ver.  230.  "  Cumatile,"  from  the  Greek  KVfia,  "  a  wave." 
These  dresses  were  so  called,  probably,  from  their  being  undulated,  or,  as  we  call  it, 
"  watered."  Ovid,  m  the  Art  of  Love,  B.  3,  1.  177,  speaks  of  dresses  called 
"  undulatae,"  "  resembhng  the  waves ;"  as  also  does  Varro.  Some  Commentators 
think  that  "undulatae"  means  "  sea-green,"  and  Schmieder  takes  "cumatile"* 
to  mean  the  same.  From  its  juxtaposition  with  "  plumatile,"  "feather-pattern,"  it 
would  seem  that  the  pattern  rather  than  the  colour  is  alluded  to.  "  Plumatile" 
is  considered  by  some  simply  to  mean  embroidered ;  and  "  plumafta"  is  clearly 
used  in  that  sense  by  Lucan  in  the  Pharsalia,  B.  10,  1. 125.  For  a  list  of  the 
Roman  ladies'  dresses,  see  the  Aulularia,  1.  463,  et  seq. 

3  The  Laconian) — Ver,  231.  Probably  the  garments  had  their  name  from  their 
resemblance  to  the  colour  of  this  breed  of  dogs.  They  were  imported  from  La- 
conia,  and  hence  called  "  Laconici."  From  an  expression  in  the  Epodes  of  Horace, 
Ode  VI.,  1.  5-6,  they  appear  to  liave  been  used  as  shepherds'  dogs ;  but  Wanier  in 
a  Note  to  his  Translation,  supposes  them  to  have  been  of  the  greyhound  species. 
So,  in  Shakspeare's  Midsummer  Night's  Dream,  Act  IV.,  Sc.  1,  Theseus  say»; 

My  hounds  are  bred  out  of  the  Spartan  kind, 
So  flewed,  so  sanded 

VOL.  II.  2  r 


4:34  EPiDicus ;  .  Act  II. 

Peei.  But  do  you  say  on  as  you  commenced. 

Epid.  Two  otlier  women  behind  me  began  to  speak  thus 
between  themselves;  I,  like  my  wont,  went  away  a  little 
distance  from  them ;  I  pretended  that  I  wasn't  attending  to 
their  talk :  I  didn't  quite  hear  all,  and  still  I  wasn't  deceivec 
in  a  word  they  said. 

Peri.  I  long  to  hear  it. 

Epid.  Then  one  of  them  said  to  the  otlier  with  whom  she 
was  talking 

Peei.  What? 

Epid.  Be  quiet  then,  that  you  may  hear.  After  they  had 
caught  sight  of  her  whom  your  son  is  dying  for :  "  Prithee, 
how  happily  and  luckily  has  it  befallen  that  woman  for  her 
lover  to  be  wishing  to  set  her  free."  "  Who  is  he  ?"  said  the 
other.     She  mentioned  Stratippocles. 

Peri.  Troth  now,  I'm  undone ;  what  is  it  I  hear  of  you  ? 

Epid.  That  which  really  took  place.  After  this,  I  myself, 
when  I  heard  them  talking,  began  again  to  draw  closer 
towards  them  little  by  little,  as  though  the  crowd  of  people 
was  pushing  me,  whether  I  would  or  no. 

Peri.  I  understand.  Epid.  Then  the  one  asked  the  other, 
"  How  do  you  know  ?"  "  Why,  because  a  letter  has  been 
brought  her  to-day  from  Stratippocles ;  that  he  has  borrowed 
money  on  interest  from  a  banker  at  Thebes ;  that  it  is  ready, 
and  he  himself  has  brought  it  for  that  purpose." 

Peri.  Tell  on — I'm  undone ! 

Epid.  She  said  that  she  had  heard  so  from  her  and  from 
the  letter  which  she  had  seen. 

Peei.  What  am  I  to  do  now  ?  I  ask  your  advice,  ApsBcides. 

Ap.  Let  us  find  some  clever,  useful  expedient;  for  he, 
indeed,  will  either  be  here  just  now,  or  is  here  already 

Epid.  If  it  were  right  for  me  to  be  wiser  than  you,  I  could 
give  you  some  good  advice,  which  you  will  praise,  I  fancy, 
both  of  you 

Peri.  Then  where  is  it,  Epidicus  ?  j 

Epid.  Yes,  and  useful  for  this  purpose.  j 

Ap.  Why  do  you  hesitate  to  mention  it  ?  I 

Epid.  It's  proper  for  yourselves,  who  are  the  wiser,  to  be 
the  first  to  speak,  and  for  me  to  speak  afterwards. 

Peri.  Aye,  aye,  of  course — come,  say  on. 

Epid.  But  you'll  laugh  at  me. 

Ap.  On  my  word,  we  will  not  do  so. 


J.  II.  oil,  THE  FORTUNATE  DISCOTERT.  435 

Epid.  "Well  then,  if  it  pleases  you,  use  my  advice ;  if  it 
doesn't  please  you,  lind  better.  There's  neither  sowing  nor 
reaping^  for  me  in  this  matter ;  only  that  I  do  wish  the  same 
thafc  you  wish. 

Pebi.  I  return  you  thanks.  Make  us  partakers  in  your 
wisdom. 

Epid.  Let  a  wife  at  once  be  chosen  for  your  son ;  and  so 
take  vengeance  on  this  music-girl  whom  he  wants  to  liberate, 
and  who  is  corrupting  him  for  you;  and  so  let  it  be  managed, 
that  even  until  her  dying  day  she  may  remain  a  slave. 

Ap.  It  ought  to  be  so  managed. 

Peri.  I  am  ready  to  do  anything,  so  long  only  as  this  may 
be  brought  about 

Epid.  Well  then,  now  there's  an  opportunity  of  doing  so, 
before  he  comes  into  the  city,  as  to-morrow  he  will  be  here ; 
to-day  he  will  not  have  come. 

Peri.  How  do  you  know  ? 

Epid.  I  do  know,  because  another  person  told  me,  who 
came  from  there,  that  he  would  be  here  in  the  morning. 

Peri.  Then  say  you  what  we  are  to  do. 

Epid.  I'm  of  opinion  that  you  ought  to  do  thus :  i/ou  must 
pretend  as  though  you  were  desirous  to  give  her  liberty  to 
the  music-girl  for  your  own  whim,  and  as  though  you  were 
violently  in  love  with  her. 

Peri.  To  what  advantage  does  that  tend  ? 

Epid.  Do  you  ask  that  ?  Why,  that  you  may  purchase  her 
beforehand  with  money,  before  your  son  comes,  and  may  say 
that  you  bought  her  to  set  her  at  liberty 

Peri.  I  understand.  Epid.  When  she's  bought,  you  must 
remove  her  somewhere  out  of  the  city ;  unless  your  own  feel- 
ings are  any  way  opposed. 

Peri.  O  no,  skilfully  suggested. 

Epid.  But  what  say  you,  Apaecides  ? 

Ap.  Why,  what  should  I  ?  Except  that  I  think  you've 
contrived  it  very  cleverly. 

Epid.  Then,  in  consequence,  all  thoughts  of  marriage  vnth 
her  will  be  removed  from  him,  so  that  he  will  make  no  diffi- 
culties as  to  what  you  wish. 

'  Neither  sowing  nor  reaping) — Ver.  261.  "  Mihi  istic  nee  seritur  nee 
metitur."  This  proverbial  saying  (so  well  known  to  every  student  of  the  Etoa 
Grammar)  merely  means,  "  I  have  no  interest  whatever  in  the  matter." 

2r2 


I 


436  EPiDicus ;  Act  11. 

Ap.  Long  life  to  you,  wise  as  you  are,  it  really  does  please 
us.  Epid.  Do  you  then  skilfully  do  whatever  you  are  going 
to  do. 

Peei.  I'  faith,  you  speak  to  the  purpose. 

Epld.  I  have  found,  too,  how  this  suspicion  naay  be  re« 
moved  from  yourself. 

Peri.  Let  me  know  it. 

Epid.  Tou  shall  know  it ;  just  listen. 

Ap.  He's  come  with  a  breast  full  of  counsel. 

Epid.  There's  need  of  a  person  to  carry  the  money  there 
for  the  music-girl ;  but  there's  no  equal  necessity  for  your- 
self to  do  it. 

Peri.  Why  so?  Epid.  Lest  he  should  think  you  are 
doing  it  for  the  sake  of  your  son 

Peei.  Cleverly  thought  of! 

Epid.  By  which  means  you'll  keep  him  away  from  her ; 
lest  any  difficulty  might  arise  by  reason  of  that  suspicion. 

Peri.  What  person  shall  we  find  suited  to  this  purpose  ? 

Epid.  {pointing  to  Ap^cides.)  He  will  be  the  best ;  he 
will  be  able  to  take  all  due  precautions,  as  he  understands 
the  laws  and  ordinances. 

Peri.  Epidicus,  receive  my  thanks.  But  I'll  attend  to 
this  with  all  care. 

Epid.  I'll  find  him  and  bring  him  here  to  you,  to  whom 
the  music-girl  belongs ;  and  I'll  take  the  money  along  with 
him.     {Pointing  to  x\.PiECiDES.) 

Peei.  Eor  how  much,  at  the  lowest,  can  she  be  bought  ? 

Epid.  What,  she  ?  Perhaps  she  might  possibly  be  bought 
at  the  lowest  for  forty  minae ;  but  if  you  give  me  more,  I  shall 
return  it.  There's  no  trickery  in  this  matter.  This  money, 
too,  of  yours  won't  be  locked  up  ten  days. 

Peei.  How  so?  Epid.  Why,  because  another  young 
man  is  dying  with  love  for  this  woman,  one  abounding  in 
money,  a  great  warrior,  a  Ehodian,  a  spoiler  of  his  foes^,  a 
boaster ;  he'll  buy  her  of  you,  and  give  the  money  with  plea^ 
sure.     You  only  do  it ;  there's  a  large  profit  for  you  here. 

Peei.  I  really  pray  the  Grods  it  may  he  so. 

Epid.  You'll  obtain  your  prayer.      Ap.  Why  then,  don't 

•  A  Rhodian,  a  spoiler  of  his  foes)— Ver,  296.  The  Rhodians  were  ransidereo 
wealthy,  proud,  and  boastful. 


Act  III.  OE,  THE  FOUTUNATE  DISCO VEET.  437 

you  go  in-doors  and  bring  the  money  out  here?  I'll  go  visit 
the  Eorum.     Epidicua,  do  you  come  thither. 

Epid.  (^0  Ap^cides).  Don't  you  go  di^Sij from  there  heiovQ 
I  come  to  you. 

Ap.  I'LL  wait  tiU  then. 

Peri,  {to  Epidicus).  Do  you  follow  me  in-doors. 

Epid.  Go  and  count  it  out;  I'll  not  detain  you  at  alL 
JExit  Apjecides,  and  Pebiphanes  goes  into  his  house.) 

Scene  III. — Epidicus,  alone. 
Epid.  {to  himself).  I  do  think  that  in  the  Attic  land  there 
is  no  spot  of  land  so  fertile  as  is  this  Periphanes  of  ours  ;  why, 
from  the  locked  and  sealed-up  money-chest  I  summon  forth 
silver  just  as  much  as  I  please.  But  this,  i'  troth,  I  am  afraid 
of,  that  if  the  old  man  sliould  come  to  know  it,  he'll  be  making 
parasites  of  elm-twigs^,  to  be  shaving  me  quite  clean.  But  one 
matter  and  consideration  disturbs  me — what  music-girl,  one 
that  goes  out  on  hire,  I'm  to  show  to  Apaecides.  {He  muses.) 
And  that  as  well  I've  got :  this  morning  the  old  gentleman 
bade  me  bring  for  him  on  hire  some  music-girl  to  his  house 
here,  to  sing  for  him  while  he  was  performing  a  sacrifice-. 
She  shall  be  hired,  and  be  instructed  beforeliand  in  what  way 
she's  to  prove  herself  cunning  towards  the  old  man.  I'll 
away  in-doors ;  I'll  get  the  money  out  of  the  swindled  old 
fellow.     {He  goes  into  the  house  o/'Pektphanes.) 

Act  III. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Steatippocles  and  Ch^eibulus,  from  the  house  of 

the  latter. 

Steat.  I'm  distractedly  in  suspense  and  worn  to  the  heart 

with  waiting  how  the  fair  promises  of  Epidicus  will  turn  out 

for  me.     I've  been  tormented  too  long.     Whether  there  is 

to  be  anything,  or  whether  there  is  not,  I  wish  to  know. 

Ch^e.  For  all  these  resources  you  may  still  seek  some 
other  resources  for  yourself.     Eor  my  part,  I  knew  at  the 

>  Parasites  of  dm-twigs) — Ver.  308.  He  alludes  to  the  propensity  of  Parasites 
for  devouring  to  the  bone  all  who  came  in  their  way. 

2  Performing  a  sacrifice) — Ver.  313.  It  was  the  custom,  while  private  person 
were  sacrificing  to  the  Lares  or  household  Gods,  to  have  music  performed  apa» 
the  harp  or  the  pipe. 


438  EPiDicus ;  Act  III. 

fii'st,  on  tlie  instant,  that  there  was  no  help  for  you  in 
him^. 

Steat.  Upon  my  faith,  I'm  ruined ! 

Ch^b.  You  act  absurdly  in  tormenting  yourself  in  mind. 
By  my  troth,  if  I  should  catch  him,  I  would  never  allow  that 
slave  of  a  fellow  to  be  laughing  at  us  with  impunity. 

Stba-T.  What  can  you  expect  him  to  do,  you,  who  have 
such  great  wealth  at  home,  and  have  not  a  coin  of  it,  as  you 
say,  and  have  in  yourself  no  resources  for  your  friend  ? 

Ch^r.  I'  faith,  if  I  had  had  it,  I  should  have  proifered  it 
with  pleasure ;  but  something  in  some  manner^,  in  some  way, 
in  some  direction,  from  some  person,  some  hope  J  Aoye  for  you, 
that  there'll  be  some  good  fortune  ybr  you  to  share  with  me. 

Strat.  "Woe  to  you,  you  sneaking  fellow^. 

Ch-ER.  Why  does  it  please  you  to  abuse  me  ? 

Strat.  Why,  because  you  are  prating  to  me  about  some- 
thing in  some  manner,  from  somewhere  or  other,  from  some 
persons,  that  nowhere  exists,  and  I  won't  admit  it  to  my 
ears.  Of  no  more  assistance  are  yo'^  unto  me  than  he  who 
never  yet  has  been  bom.     {They  stand  near  the  door  of  the 

house  of  CHJiRIBULUS.) 

ScEiTE  II. —  'Enter  Epidictjs,  from  the  house  o/*Periphanes, 
with  a  hag  of  money  round  his  neck. 
Epid.  {to  Periphanes,  within  the  house).  You've  done 
your  duty  then ;  it  now  befits  me  to  do  mine.  Through  this 
care  of  mine,  you  may  be  allowed  to  be  at  ease.  {In  a  lower 
voice.)  This,  in  fact,  is  now  lost  to  you;  don't  at  all  be 
setting  your  hopes  on  it.  {Holding  some  of  the  coins  in  his 
hands.)  How  very  shining  it  is !  You  only  trust  me  for 
that.  This  way  I'm  going  to  act,  this  way  my  forefathers  have 
acted  before  me.  O  ye  immortal  Gods,  what  a  brilliant  day 
you  have  bestowed  upon  me  in  this !  how  propitious  and  how 
favourable  to  my  requests !     But  why  do  I  delay  to  take  my 

»  That  there  was  no  help  for  you  in  htm) — Ver.  322.  "  Nullam  tibi  esse  m 
illo  copiam." 

*  Something  in  some  manner) — Ver.  828.  This  admirablj  shows  how  hard  up 
the  stingy  Chaeribulus  is  for  an  excuse. 

3  Tou  sneaking  Jellow) — Ver.  330.  ''  Mureide."  Some  editions  have  "  muri- 
cide,"  "you  mouse-killing  fsllow;"  a  capital  name  for  a  sordid,  miserable 
creature. 


Sc.  II.  OE,  THE  FORTUNATE  DISCOVEET.  439 

departure  hence,  that  I  may  bear  this  supply  M^th  lucky 
auspices  to  the  colony^.  I'm  delaying  while  I'm  standing 
here.  But  what  means  this  ?  Before  the  house  I  see  the 
two  companions,  my  master  and  Chseribulus.  (Accosting 
them.)  What  are  you  doing?  Take  this,  will  you.  {Give^ 
Steatippocles  the  hag  of  money.') 

Steat.  How  much  is  there  in  this  ? 

Epid.  As  much  as  is  enough,  and  more  than  enough ; 
a  superabundance ;  I've  brought  more  by  ten  minae  than  you 
owe  to  the  Banker.  So  long  as  I  please  and  obey  you,  I 
value  my  own  back  at  a  straw. 

Steat.  But  why  so  ? 

Epid.  Because  I  shall  make  your  father  a  bag-murderer-. 

Steat.  What  kind  of  expression  is  that  ? 

Epid.  I  don't  at  all  care  for  your  old-fashioned  and  every- 
day words ;  you  chouse  by  purses  fulF,  but  I'll  chouse  by  bags 
full.  Eor  the  procurer  took  away  a  whole  lot  of  money  for 
the  music-girl  (I  paid  it ;  with  these  hands  I  counted  it  out), 
her  whom  your  fatlier  supposes  to  be  his  own  daughter. 
Now,  again,  that  your  father  may  be  deceived,  and  assistance 
be  provided  for  you,  I've  discovered  a  method.  In  such  a 
way  have  I  persuaded  the  old  gentleman — and  had  a  talk  to 
this  effect,  that,  when  you  returned,  you  might  not  have  pos- 
session of  her* 

Steat.  Bravo! — bravo! 

Epid.  She's  now  at  your  house^  in  place  of  her. 

*  To  the  colony) — Ver.  342.  He  means  the  house  of  Chaeribulus,  which  has 
jnst  been  peopled  by  his  master. 

2  A  hag -murderer) — Ver.  348.  "  Perenticidam."  A  word  coined  by  the  author 
for  the  occasion,  on  account  of  its  resemblance  to  "  parenticida,"  "  a  parricide." 

3  Chouse  by  purses  full) — Ver.  350.  Echard  gives  a  particular  meaning  te 
this  passage,  and  Warner  seems  to  adopt  his  notion,  which  certainly  seems  far- 
fetched. The  former  says,  in  a  Note,  "  Epidicus  here  carries  on  the  fancy  ot 
•  perenticida,'  and  '  parenticide,  and  the  Poet  has  luckily  hit  upon  a  line  that 
exactly  agrees  with  either.  For  the  common  punishment  of  parricides  was  to  put 
tliem  into  a  sack  with  a  cock,  a  serpent,  and  an  ape,  and  then  throw  them  into 
the  river.  Now  the  ward  '  ductare'  signifies  equally  *  to  bring  a  man  into 
punishment,'  or  '  to  cheat  him ;'  so  that  the  phrase  '  peratim  ductare'  is  the 
same  thing;  only  '  follis'  was  a  much  larger  sack  than  'pera.'  "  M.  Guiet  con- 
siders this  passage  to  be  spurious. 

*  Possession  of  her)— Yer.  355.  Madame  Dacier  is  of  opinion  that  some  lines 
are  wanting  here.     Echard  and  Warner  are  also  of  that  opinion. 

*  She's  now.  at  your  house)— Ver.  356.  That  is,  the  first  mistress  of  Stra- 
tippocles  18  at  his  father's  house  personating  the  lost  daughter. 


MO  EPiDicus ;  Act  111* 

Steat.  I  understand.  Epid.  Now  he  has  given  me  Apae- 
cides  by  way  of  guarantee  in  this  matter  (he's  waiting  for 
me  at  the  Porum),  as  if  to  seem  the  purchaser. 

Stkat.  Not  a  bad  precaution ! 

Epid.  The  cautious  man's  now  taken  in  himself;  your  own 
father  himself  placed  this  purse  around  my  neck^.  He's 
making  preparation,  that  immediately  on  your  arrival  home 
you  shall  be  married. 

Steat.  In  one  way  only  will  he  persuade  me;  if  Orcus 
takes  her  away  from  me,  who  has  been  brought  with  me. 

Epid.  Now  I've  hit  upon  this  scheme :  I'll  go  by  myself 
alone  to  the  procurer's  house ;  I'll  instruct  him,  if  any  one 
comes  to  him,  to  say  that  the  money  has  been  paid  him  for 
tlie  music-girl ;  inasmuch  as,  the  day  before  yesterday,  I  paid 
it  down  with  my  own  hands  for  this  mistress  of  yours,  whom 
your  father  takes  to  be  his  own  daughter.  Then  the  procurer, 
unknowingly,  will  be  staking  his  accursed  head,  as  though 
he  had  received  the  money  for  her  who  has  now  been  brought 
here  together  with  you. 

Ch^e.  You  are  more  versatile  than  a  potter's-wheel. 

Epid.  Now  I'll  get  ready  some  artful  music-girl,  who's 
hired  at  a  didrachm,  to  pretend  that  she  has  been  purchased, 
and  cleverly  to  trick  the  two  old  fellows :  Apsecides,  together 
with  her,  will  bring  her  to  your  father. 

Steat.  How  adroitly  managed ! 

Epid.  Her,  prepared  beforehand  with  my  devices,  and 
provided  with  my  schemes,  I  shall  send  to  him.  But  I'm 
talking  at  too  great  length ;  you  have  delayed  me  too  long : 
you  now  know  these  things  how  they  are  to  be ;  I'll  be  off. 

Steat.  Success  attend  you !     {Exit  EpiDictrs.) 

CHiEE.  He  is  very  clever  at  artful  tricks. 

Steat.  Indeed,  by  his  plans,  he  has  saved  me,  that's  sure. 

Ch^e.  Let's  go  hence  into  my  house. 

Steat.  Yes,  and  a  little  more  joyfully  than  I  came  out  of 
your  house,  by  the  courage  and  conduct  of  Epidicus,  do  I 
return  into  camp  with  the  spoil.     {They  go  into  the  hoiise.) 

»  This  purse  around  my  neclc) — Ver.  359.  Purses  containing  large  sums  ol 
money  were  generally  slung  round  the  neck  by  a  string.  See  the  Aalulario, 
L  2^    Asinaria,  L  661 ;  and  Tniculentos,  L  648. 


Act  I\.  OR.  THE  FOBTUNATE  DlSCOTEUT.  411 

Act  IV. — Scene  I. 
Unter  Peeiphanes. 
Peei.  (to  herself).  Not  only  for  the  sake  of  tlie  face  were 
it  right  for  men  to  have  a  mirror  for  themselves  wherein  to 
look  at  their  faces  ;  but  one  with  which  they  might  be  enabled 
to  examine  the  heart  of  discretion,  and  therefore  be  able  to 
examine  the  resources  of  the  mind ;  when  they  had  looked 
in  that,  they  might  afterwards  consider  how  they  had  once 
passed  their  lives  in  youth.  Just  as  myself,  for  instance, 
who,  for  the  sake  of  my  son,  began  to  torment  myself  in 
mind,  as  though  my  son  bad  been  guilty  of  some  oftence  against 
me,  or  as  though  my  own  misdeeds  had  not  been  most  heavy 
in  my  youth.  In  truth,  we  old  fellows  are  out  of  our  senses 
sometimes.  This,  in  my  own  opinion  at  least,  has  proved  ad- 
vantageous. But  my  friend  Apsecides  is  coming  with  the 
spoil.     I'm  glad  that  the  negotiator  has  returned  safe. 

Scene  II. — Unter  Ap-ecides,  mth  a  Music-girl. 

Peri.  How  goes  it  ?  Ap.  The  Gods  and  Goddesses  are 
favouring  you. 

Peri.  The  omen  pleases  me.  Ap.  A  person  with  whom 
all  things  go  on  prosperously.  But  do  you  order  her  to 
be  taken  in-doors. 

Peri,  {going  to  the  door  of  his  house,  and  calling).  Hallo 
there  !  come  out  of  doors  here,  some  one.  {A  Servant  comes 
out.)    Take  that  woman  into  the  house !    And,  do  you  hear  f 

Sert.  What  do  you  desire  ? 

Peei.  Take  care  you  don't  permit  this  woman  to  as- 
sociate with  my  daughter,  or  to  see  her.  Now  do  you  un- 
derstand? I  wish  her  to  be  shut  up  apart  in  that  little 
chamber ;  there's  a  great  difference  between  the  manners  of 
a  maiden  and  a  courtesan.  {The  Servant  leads  the  Music- 
girl  into  the  house.) 

Aie.  You  speak  cleverly  and  judiciously ;  each  man  cannot 
keep  too  strict  a  guard  upon  the  chastity  of  his  daughter. 
Upon  my  faith,  we  certainly  did  forestall  this  woman  from 
your  son  just  in  time. 

Pert.  Why  so?  Ap.  Because  another  person  told  me 
that  he  had  just  seen  your  son  here. 

Pebt.  I'  troth,  he  was  stirring  in  this  b'^  sineas. 


442  EPiDicuB ;  Act  IV» 

Ap.  Upon  my  faith,  it  really  is  so,  clearly.  You  really 
have  a  clever  servant,  and  worth  any  price. 

Pebi.  At  his  weight  in  gold  he  would  not  be  dear. 

Ap.  How  well  he  kept^  that  Music-girl  quite  in  ignorance 
that  she  was  purchased  for  you ;  so  full  of  joke  and  fun  did 
he  bring  her  hither  along  with  him. 

Peri.  It's  wonderful  how  that  could  be  managed. 

Ap.  He  said  that  you  were  going  to  offer  a  sacrifice  at 
home  for  your  son,  because  he  had  returned  safe  from  Thebes. 

Peri.  He  hit  upon  the  right  thing. 

Ap.  Yes,  and  he  himself  told  her  that  she  had  been  hired 
to  assist  you  here  in  the  sacrifice.  He  said  that  you  were 
about  to  perform  it,  and  that  you  had  a  sacrifice  at  home.  But 
I  then  made  pretence  that  I  was  ignorant,  as  it  were,  inas- 
much as  I  made  myself  out  half-witted^. 

Peri.  Why  yes  ;  it  was  right  to  do  so. 

Ap.  An  important  trial  of  a  friend  is  going  on  at  th* 
Porum  ;  I  want  to  go  as  his  advocate. 

Peri.  Gro,  and  when  you  have  leisure,  return  to  me 
mediately. 

AP.  I'll  be  here  just  now.  (Exit, 

Peri,  {to  himself).  Nothing  is  there  more  opportune  to 
man  than  a  friend  in  need ;  without  labour  of  your  own,  what? 
you  want  is  done  nevertheless.  If  I  had  commissioned  any 
pne  upon  this  business,  a  less  skilful  person,  and  less  fitted 
for  this  matter,  he  would  have  been  gulled  ;  and  so,  grinning 
with  his  white  teeth,  my  son  would  have  most  deservedly 
laughed  at  me.  But  who  is  this  I  see  coming  this  way,  that 
with  his  swaggering  makes  his  scarf  to  be  streaming  in  the 
wind  ?     {lie  stands  aside.) 

Scene  III. — Enter  a  Captain,  with  his  Servant. 

Capt.  {to  his  Servant).  Take  care  not  to  pass  by  any 
house  without  asking  where  lives  the  old  gentleman,  Peri- 

»  How  toeU  he  jfcep<)— Ver.  411.  The  cunning  of  Epidicus  is  admirably  shown 
here.  He  pretends  to  the  old  man  that  they  together  are  deceiving  the  Music- 
girl,  while,  in  reality,  he  is  imposing  on  the  old  man. 

2  Made  myself  oiU  half-witted^ — Ver.  420.  This  in  his  wisdom  he  pretended, 
that  she  might  not  fancy  that  he  was  a  cunning  fellow,  going  to  put  a  trick  upos 
her,  in  combination  with  Epidicus* 


So.  Ill  OB,  THE  FORTUNATE  DISCOVEET.  44)3 

phanes  of  Plothea^.     Take  care  that  you  don't  return  to  me 
without  knowing  it. 

Peri,  {coming  forward^.  Young  man,  if  I  point  out  to  you 
the  person  whom  you  are  in  search  of,  what  thanks  shall  I 
get  of  you  ? 

Capt.  In  arms,  by  the  might  of  war,  I've  deserved  that  all 
people  ought  to  give  me  thanks. 

Peri.  You  haven't  found  out,  young  man,  a  tranquil  spot 
where  to  recount  your  virtues  as  you  wish  ;  for,  if  an  inferior 
vaunts  his  battles  to  a  superior,  by  his  lips  they  become 
soiled ;  but  this  Periphanes  of  Plothea  whom  you  are  seeking, 
I  am  he,  if  you  want  him  for  anything. 

Capt.  Him,  you  mean,  who  in  his  youth  among  kings  in 
arms,  by  his  skill  in  war,  gained  vast  wealth  ? 

Peri.  Aye,  if  you  were  to  hear  of  my  achievements,  drop 
ping  your  hands  you  would  run  off"  home. 

Capt.  I'  faith,  I'm  rather  in  search  of  one  to  whom  to 
speak  of  my  own,  than  ot  one  to  be  speaking  of  his  to  me. 

Peri.  This  is  not  the  place ybreY.  Do  you  then  look  out  for 
another  person,  into  whom  to  stuff  your  scraps  of  nonsense^. 
(Aside.)  And  yet  this  is  folly,  for  me  to  impute  that  to  him  as 
a  fault,  which  I  myself  used  to  do  in  my  youth  when  I  was  a 
soldier ;  in  recounting  my  battles  I  used  to  tear  out  men's 
ears  by  the  roots,  when  I  had  once  begun. 

Capt.  Lend  your  attention,  that  you  may  learn  what  I've 
come  to  you  about.  I've  heard  that  you  have  purchased  my 
mistress. 

Peri,  {aside).  Heyday!  now  at  last  I  know  who  he  is;  the 
officer  whom  Epidicus  was  telling  me  about  a  short  time 
since.  {To  the  Officer.)  Young  man,  it  is  as  you  say;  I 
have  purchased  Tier. 

Capt.  I  want  a  few  words  with  you,  if  it  is  not  incon- 
venient to  you. 

Peri.  Upon  my  faith,  I  don't  know  whether  it's  convenient 
or  not,  until  perhaps  you  say  what  you  want. 

'  Periphanes  of  Plothea) — Ver.  433.  "  Plothenius."  Most  of  the  editions  have 
here  "  Plataenius"  "  of  Plataea."  As  this  was  in  Bceotia,  the  other  is  far  more 
likely  to  be  the  right  reading,  Plothea  being  a  Demus  of  Attica. 

*  Your  scraps  of  nonsense) — Ver.  450.  "  Centones.''  These  were  properly 
(Mtchwork  tales,  or  poems,  made  up  of  scraps  from  various  works. 


444  £111)1015  8 ;  Act  IV 

Capt.  I  want  you  to  transfer  lier  to  me,  and  take  the 
ransom.     Peei.  You  may  have  her. 

Capt.  But  why  should  I  hesitate  to  speak  out  to  you  ?  I 
wish  at  once  to  make  her  my  freed-woman,  that  she  may  be 
my  mistress^. 

Peri.  I'll  make  short  work  with  you;  she  was  bought  for  me 
for  fifty  minse  of  silver ;  if  sixty  minse  are  paid  down  to  me, 
I'll  let  the  damsel  employ  your  holidays^,  and  so  assuredly  so, 
that,  if  you  like,  you  may  remove  her  from  this  country. 

Capt.  Is  she  then  purchased  by  me  ? 

Peri.  On  those  terms  you  may  have  her.  You  have  made 
a  good  bargain.  {Going  to  the  door  of  his  house.)  Hallo 
there  !  bring  out  of  doors  the  Music-girl  you  took  in.  The 
harp,  too,  as  well,  that  was  thrown  in  with  her,  I'll  make  you 
a  present  of  it  for  nothing. 

Enter  a  Servant,  yr(wre  the  house,  leading  out  the  Music- 
girl. 

Peri,  {taking  her  hy  the  hand  and  leading  her  to  the  Cap- 
tain). Come,  take  her,  please. 

Capt.  What  madness  possesses  you  ?  "What  mystery  are 
you  devising  for  me  ?  Why  don't  you  order  the  Music-girl^ 
to  be  brought  from  in-doors  ? 

Peri.  Why,  this  is  the  Music-girl.  There's  no  other  one 
here. 

Capt.  You  can't  impose  on  me.  Why  don't  you  bring 
out  here  the  Music-girl  Acropolistis  ? 

Peri.  This,  I  tell  you,  is  she. 

Capt.  This,  I  tell  you,  is  not  she.  Do  you  suppose  that  1 
can't  know  my  own  mistress  ? 

Peri.  It  was  this  Music-girl,  I  tell  you,  for  whom  my  son 
was  dying  with  love. 

'  That  she  may  he  my  mvitress) — Ver.  464.  The  swaggering,  careless  cTiarac- 
t«r  of  the  Captain,  is  admirably  depicted  here,  as  he  does  not  hesitate  to  tel'  a 
perfect  stranger,  and  him  an  aged  man,  his  intentions,  at  the  possible  risk  ol 
shocking  him. 

2  Employ  your  holidays)— Ver.  468.  The  "  feriae,"  or  "  holidays,"  are  men- 
tioned in  the  Captivi,  1.  473.    See  the  Note  to  the  passage. 

3  Order  the  Music-girl') — Ver.  476.  Periphanes  has  ordered  the  girl  who  has 
just  come,  and  whom  he  takes  to  be  Acropolistis,  to  be  brought  out ;  whereas  th« 
Captain  is  in  love  with  the  first,  who  is  passing  for  the  old  gentleman's  da::ghter 
and  this  mistake  occasions  the  disputa 


Sc,  III.  OE,  THE  FORTUNATE  DlSCOVEliT.  4:15 

Capt.  This  is  not  she.     Peei.  How,  not  she  ? 

Capt.  It  is  not.  Peei.  Where  in  the  world,  then,  dooa 
she  come  from  ?  Por  my  part,  i'  faith,  I  certainly  paid  the 
money  for  her. 

Capt.  Poolishly  paid,  I  guess,  and  a  mighty  mistake. 

Peei.  Nay,  but  this  is  she  ;  for  I  sent  the  servant  who  is  in 
the  habit  of  attending  my  son ;  he  himself  this  moment  pur- 
chased the  Music-girl. 

Capt.  Well  then,  this  feUow  has  cut  you  up  joint  by  joint, 
old  gentleman,  this  servant  of  yours.    Peei.  How,  cut  me  up  ? 

Capt.  Such  is  my  suspicion  ;  for  she  has  been  palmed  upon 
you  for  that  Music-girl.  Old  gentleman,  you've  been  bubbled 
clearly  and  cleverly.  I  shall  now  go  seek  her  wherever  she  is. 
Warrior,  farewell !       {Exeunt  the  Oeficee  and  Seetant. 

Peei.  {stamping   with  rage).     Bravo,    bravo!    Epidicus 
Tou're  a  clever  fellow!     You  have  fought  well — you're  a 
man !  you've  wiped  my  nose  when  snivelling,  worthless  fellow 
that  I  am !     {To  the  Music-giel.)  Did  Apaecides  purchase 
you  to-day  of  the  procurer  ?     {A  pause.)  Come  now,  tell  me. 

Mtts.-G-.  I  never  heard  of  that  person  before  to-day,  nor, 
indeed,  was  any  one  able  to  purchase  me  for  any  money ;  I've 
been  free  now  for  more  than  five  years. 

Peei.  What  business  have  you,  then,  at  my  house  ? 

Mus.-Gt.  You  shall  hear ;  I  came,  being  hired  to  perform 
for  an  old  gentleman  while  he  was  sacrificing. 

Peei.  I  do  confess  that  I  am  the  most  worthless  of  all 
men  in  Athens  of  Attica.  But  do  you  know  Acropolistia 
the  Music-girl  ? 

Mus.-Gr.  As  well  as  my  own  self.  Peei.  Where  does  she 
live  ? 

MiJS.-Gr.  Since  she  has  been  made  free,  I  don't  know  for 
certain.  Peei.  Well  now,  I  should  like  to  know  who  has 
made  her  free,  if  you  know  P 

Mus.-Gr.  That  which  I  have  heard,  you  shall  hear ;  I  heard 
that  Stratippocles^,  the  son  of  Periphanes,  had  provided  in 
his  absence  that  she  should  be  made  free. 

*  /  heard  that  Stratippocles) — Ver.  506.  She  discloses  to  him  what  she  has 
heard  as  the  fact,  and  which  is  the  real  state  of  the  case.  Although  Acropolistis 
is  in  his  house,  in  the  character  of  his  daughter,  he,  not  knowing  who  she  really 
is,  is  alarmed  at  hearing  that  his  son  has  procured  her  liberation,  whict  he  hai 
just  taken  so  much  pains  to  prevent. 


446  EPiDicus ;  Act  lY. 

Peri.  By  lieavena,  I'm  undone^,  most  clear  y,  if  these 
tilings  are  true.     Epidicus  has  disembowelled  my  purse ! 

Mus.-G-.  I've  heard  to  that  effect.  Do  you  want  me  for 
anything  else  ? 

Pebi.  Away  to  perdition  in  the  veriest  torments,  and  off 
this  instant  ! 

Mus.-Gr.  Won't  you  give  me  back  my  harp  ? 

Peri.  Neither  harp  nor  pipes.  Make  haste,  then,  and 
escape  from  here,  if  the  Grods  love  you ! 

Mus.-Gr.  I'll  be  off.  At  a  future  time,  however,  you'll  re- 
store it,  with  the  greater  disgrace^  to  yourself.  {Exit. 

Peei.  (to  himself ) .  What  now?  Shall  I,  who  have  been 
placed  before  so  many  edicts^,  allow  him  to  get  o^with  im- 
punity? No;  even  though  as  much  again  should  be  re- 
quired to  be  lost,  I'll  lose  it  rather  than  allow  myself  to  be 
held  in  derision  with  impunity  and  plundered  by  them.  That 
I  should  have  been  thus  cheated  openly  to  my  face,  and  that 
I  should  have  been  set  at  nought  before  this  Apcecides,  who 
is  famed  as  being  the  framer  and  founder  of  all  the  laws  and 
ordinances !  He  too  declares  that  he  is  a  wise  man !  that 
the  hammer,  forsooth,  should  be  wiser  than  the  handle* !  {He 
stands  aside.) 

Scene  IV. — Enter  Philippa,  at  a  distance. 

Phil,  {to  herself).  If  a  mortal  being  has  aught  of  miser}% 

through  which,  miserable  creature,  to  be  wretched  from  the 

heart,  that  same  do  I  experience,  for  whom  full  many  a  woe 

unites  in  the  same  spot,  which,  aZZ,  at  the  same  instant  are 

*  Pm  undone) — Ver.  508.  Having  now  detected  tliis  piece  of  roguery  of 
which  Epidicus  has  been  guilty. 

*  With  tfie  greater  disgrace) — Ver.  514.  Probably  by  being  sued,  and  obliged 
to  give  it  up,  whether  he  will  or  no. 

'  Before  so  many  edicts) — Ver.  515.  "  Qui  in  tantis  positus  sum  sententiis." 
This  passage  has  been  explained  various  ways;  but  Madame  Dacier  seems  justi- 
fied in  thinkmg  that  Gronovius  has  found  the  right  meaning,  and  that  the  allusion 
is  to  the  custom  of  placing  the  name  of  the  proposer  at  the  head  of  the  yl^r)(f>ia-fiaTay 
or  public  edicts  of  the  Greeks ;  this  of  course  implied  that  the  proposer  was  a 
man  of  standing,  and  of  some  fair  pretensions  to  a  reputation  for  wisdom. 

*  Than  the  handle) — Ver.  523.  He  seems  to  compare  Apaecides  to  the  head  of 
the  hammer,  and  himself  to  the  handle,  and  says  that  they  are  equally  outwitted. 
He  probably  implies  thereby  that  he  has  been  in  the  habit  of  giving  the  impetra 
to  Apaecides  in  the  same  way  that  the  handle  of  the  hammer  does  to  the  head. 


8c.  TV.  on,  THE  roBTtJNATE  uTscnvEnr.  447 

beating  against  my  breast.  A  multitude  of  troubles  keep 
me  in  suspense.  Poverty  and  misery  alarm  the  thougbts  of 
my  heart ;  nor  have  I  anywhere  a  spot  of  safety  where  to  fix 
my  hopes ;  in  such  a  way  has  my  daughter  fallen  into  the 
power  of  the  enemy^ ;  nor  do  I  know  where  she  now  is. 

Peei.  (apart)'  Who  is  this  woman  coming  from  a  distance 
with  a  breast  filled  with  alarms,  and  who  thus  bewails  her  lot  ? 

Phil,  (to  herself).  It  was  told  me  that  Periphanes  was 
living  in  this  neighbourhood. 

Peei.  (apart).  She's  mentioning  me ;  need  of  hospitality 
has  befallen  her,  I  suppose. 

Phil,  (to  herself).  I  would  be  very  willing  to  give  a  re- 
ward to  any  one  who  would  point  me  out  that  man,  or 
where  he  dwells. 

Peei.  (apart).  I  recognize  her;  for  I  think  I  have  seen 
her  bofore;  where,  I  know  not.  Is  it,  or  is  it  not  she, 
whom  my  mind  suspects  her  to  be  ? 

Phil,  (seeing  him).  Good  Gods!  I  have  seen  this  person 
bofore ! 

Peei.  (to  himself).  It  surely  is  she,  a  poor  woman  whom 
I  remember  having  an  intrigue  with  at  Epidaurus. 

Phil,  (to  herself).  Surely  it  is  he,  who  at  Epidaurus  first 
violated  my  maiden  modesty. 

Peei.  (to  himself).  She  who  had  the  daughter  by  me  whom 
I've  now  got  at  home. 

Phil,  (to  herself) .  What  if  I  accost  him  ? 

Peei.  (to  himself).  I  don't  know  whether  to  make  up  to 
her.     If  this  is  she 

Phil,  (to  herself).  But  if  it  is  the  man,  as  length  of  years 
renders  me  doubtful 

Peei.  (to  himself).  Length  of  time  renders  my  mind  un- 
certain. But  if  it  is  she,  whom  with  some  doubt  I  conjecture 
it  to  be,  I'll  accost  her  circumspectly. 

Phil,  (to  herself).  A  woman's  artfulness  must  be  em- 
ployed by  me. 

Peei.  (to  himself').  I'll  address  her. 

'  Into  the  power  of  the  enemy) — ^Ver.  530.  Though  this  has  happened  probably 
some  time  since,  Philippa  has  not  had  an  opportunity  till  now  of  coming  in  search 
of  her  daughter,  by  reason  of  the  continuance  of  war.  As  soon  as  peace  is  made^ 
«be  repairs  to  Atliens, 


LIS  EPIDICU8  ;  Act  IV. 

PfliL.  (to  lierself).  I'll  bring  my  powers  of  conversation 
to  bear  against  him. 

Peei.  {accosting  Tier).  Health  to  you! 

Phil.  That  health  I  accept  for  me  and  mine. 

Peri.  "What  besides  ? 

Phil.  Health  to  yourself ;  what  you  lent  me,  I  return. 

Peei.  I  don't  impeach  your  punctuality.  Don't  I  know 
you? 

Phil.  If  I  know  you,  I'll  move  your  feelings,  so  that  you 
shall  know  me. 

Peei.  Where  have  I  been  in  the  habit  of  seeing  you  ? 

Phil.  You  are  unfairly  hard  upon  me. 

Peei.  "Why  so  ?  Phil.  Because  you  think  it  right  that  I 
should  be  the  prompter  of  your  memory. 

Peei.  You  speak  to  the  purpose. 

Phil.  You  say  what's  strange  tome,  Periphanes. 

Peei.  Ah  now!  that's  better.  Do  you  remember,  Phi- 
\ippa- 


Phil.  Yes,  I  remember  that.     Peei.  At  Epidaurus- 


Phil.  Ah !  you  have  moistened  my  burning  breast  with  a 
little  drop  of  comfort. 

Peei.  How  I  relieved  the  poverty  of  you,  a  poor  young 
maiden,  and  your  mother? 

Phil.  "What,  are  you  he  who  for  your  own  gratification 
brought  heavy  troubles  upon  me  ? 

Peei.  I  am  he.     Health  to  you. 

Phil.  I  am  in  health,  since  I  see  you  in  health. 

Peei.  Give  me  your  hand. 

Phil,  {extending  her  hand,  which  he  takes').  Take  it — you 
hold  hy  the  hand  a  woman  distrest  and  full  of  woes. 

Peei.  What  is  it  that  disturbs  your  features  ? 

Phil.  The  daughter  whom  I  had  by  you 

Peei.  What  of  her  ?  Phil.  When  I  had  brought  her  up, 
I  lost  her ;  she  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

Peei.  Keep  your  mind  in  quiet  and  at  rest.  Why  look, 
she's  here  at  my  house  safe  and  sound.  For  immediately 
I  heard  from  my  servant  that  she  was  a  captive,  instantly 
I  gave  the  money  for  her  to  be  purchased;  he  managed 
this  affair  as  discreetly  and  frugally  aa  in  other  matters  be 
is  egregiously — dishonest: 


Sc-  V.  OR,  THE  FOETUNATE  DISCOVERT.  449 

Phil.  Let  me  see  her,  whether  it  is  she  or  no. 

Peri,  {going  to  the  door  of  his  house).  Hallo  there!  you 
— Canthara,  this  instant  bid  my  daughter^  come  out  before 
the  house,  that  she  may  see  her  mother. 

Phil.  My  spirits  now  at  last  return  to  me. 

Scene  V. — Enter  AcEOPOLisTis,yro7»  the  house. 

AcRO.  "Why  is  it,  father,  that  you  have  called  me  out 
before  the  house  ? 

Peri.  That  you  may  see  and  accost  your  mother,  and  wish 
her  health  on  her  arrival,  and  give  her  kisses. 

AcRO.  {looking  about).  What  mother  of  mine? 

Pert.  ( i^ointing  to  Philippa) .  She  who,  half  dead,  is  follow- 
ing your  gaze. 

Phil.  Who  is  this  that  you  are  requesting  to  kiss  me  ? 

Peri.  Tout  own  daughter.      Phil.  "What,  she  ? 

Peri.  She.      Phil.  What — am  I  to  kiss  her  ? 

Peri.  AVhy  not,  her  who  was  born  of  you  ? 

Phil.  Man,  you  are  mad.      Peri.  What,  I  ? 

Phil.  Yes,  you.      Peri.  Why  ? 

Phil.  Because  this  woman — I  neither  know  nor  understand 
who  she  is,  nor  have  I  beheld  her  with  my  eyes  before  this  day. 

Peri.  I  know  why  you  are  mistaken ;  because  this  woman 
has  her  dress  and  ornaments  changed. 

Phil.  Puppies  have  one  smelP,  pigs  quite  another ;  I  say 
that  I  do  not  know  her,  who  she  is. 

Peri,  {stamping  with  rage).  Oh !  by  our  trust  in  Gods  and 
men,  what  is  this  ?  Am  I  following  the  calling  of  a  Procurer, 
to  be  keeping  strange  women  in  my  house,  and  to  be  empty- 
ing my  house  of  my  money  ?  {To  Acropolistis.)  What 
are  you  to  be  calling  me  your  father  and  kissing  me  ?  Why 
stand  you  stupidly  there  ?    Why  do  you  keep  silent  ? 

»  Bid  my  daughter) — Ver.  568.  "  Acropolistidem"  is  here  inserted  in  the 
editions  evidently  by  mistake,  and  is  pui-posely  omitted  in  this  Translation.  It  was 
probably  inserted  by  some  careless  or  injudicious  transcriber  in  the  middle  ages, 
m  the  place  of  "  Telestidem,"  as  Periplianes  knows  the  girl  in  his  house  as 
Telestis,  and  fancies  that  she  is  his  daughter.  At  the  same  time  he  knows  that 
Acropolistis  is  the  name  of  his  son's  mistress,  whom  he  has  so  recently  tried  UD- 
snccessfully  (as  he  supposes)  to  get  into  his  power. 

2  Have  one  smell) — Ver.  577.  She  means  that  all  aaimals  have  an  instbct  bv 
which  they  recognize  their  own  young. 

VOL.  II.  '       2  a 


450  EPiDicus ;  Act  IV 

AcEO.  What  do  you  want  me  to  say  ? 

Peei.  {'pointing  to  Philippa).  She  denies  that  she  is  your 
mother. 

AcEO.  Don't  let  her  be  so,  if  she  don't  choose.  Yov  my 
own  part,  whether  she  likes  it  or  not,  I  shall  be  my  mother's 
daughter  still.  It  isn't  right  for  me  to  compel  this  woman  to 
be  my  mother  if  she  doesn't  like. 

Peei.  "Why  then  did  you  call  me  father  ? 

AcRO.  That  is  your  own  fault,  not  mine ;  ought  I  not  to 
call  you  father  when  you  call  me  daughter?  Her  too,  as 
well  {pointing  to  Philippa),  if  she  were  to  call  me  daughter, 
I  should  call  mother.  She  declares  that  I  am  not  her 
daughter ;  then  she  is  not  my  mother.  In  fine,  this  is  no 
fault  of  mine ;  what  I've  been  taught,  I've  told  you  all  of 
it.     Epidicus  was  my  instructor. 

Peei.  I'm  undone !  I've  upset  my  waggon^ ! 

AcEO.  Have  I  done  anything  amiss  towards  that  ? 

Peei.  Upon  my  faith,  if  I  ever  hear  you  call  me  father, 
I'll  put  an  end  to  your  life,  you  jade ! 

AcEO.  I  shan't  call  you  so.  "When  you  want  to  be  my  father^ 
then  be  so  ;  when  you  don't  want,  don't  be  my  father. 

Phil,  {to  Peeiphanes).  What?  Did  you  purchase  her 
for  that  reason,  because  you  supposed  her  to  be  your  daugh- 
ter ?     By  what  signs  did  you  recognize  her  ? 

Peei.  By  none. 

Phil.  Why  did  you  suppose  her  to  be  our  daughter  ? 

Peei.  My  servant  Epidicus  told  me  so. 

Phil.  What  if  it  had  seemed  to  your  servant  otherwise  P 
Prithee,  could  you  not  have  known  ? 

Peei.  How  should  I,  who  had  never  seen  her  after  having 
once  beheld  her. 

Phil.  Wretched  creature,  I'm  quite  undone !  {Begins  to 
weep.) 

Peei.  Don't  weep,  madam ;  go  in-doors ;  be  of  good  cou- 
rage ;  I'll  find  her  out. 

Phil.  An  Attic  citizen  from  Athens  here  purchased  her 
Indeed,  they  said  it  was  a  young  man  who  had  bought  her. 

Peei.  I  will  find  her  ;  hold  your  peace.  Only  do  go  in-doors 

'  Vve  upset  my  waggon) — Ver.  591.  Evidently  a  proverbial  expression  bor<^ 
rowed  from  rustic  life.    "  To  upset  a  man's  apple-cart,"  is  used  in  cant  pbra 
oiogj  in  our  day,  as  meaning  to  do  a  person  a  disservice. 


Act  A^  OB,   THE    FOBTUNATE    DISCOTEBl.  451 

and  keep  an  eye  upon  this  Circe^,  tJiis  daughter  of  the  Sun. 
{She  goes  into  the  house,  followed  hy  Aceopolistis.)  All 
business  laid  aside,  I'll  give  my  attention  to  seeking  for 
Epidicus.  If  I  find  him,  I'll  make  this  day  become  the  final 
one  for  him.  {JExit, 

Act  V. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Steatippocles,^ow  the  house  o/"  Ch^bibultjs. 

Stbat.  {to  himself).  The  Banker^  is  inattentive  to  me,  not 
ta  seek  the  money  of  me,  or  bring  this  woman  who  has  been 
purchased  out  of  the  spoil.  But  see — here  comes  Epidicus 
How's  this,  that  in  gloominess  his  brow  is  wrinkled  ? 

Enter  Epidicus,  at  a  distance. 

Epid.  (to  himself).  If  Jupiter  unto  himself  were  to  take 
the  eleven  Gods^  beside  himself,  even  then,  all  of  them  would 
not  be  able  to  rescue  Epidicus  from  torture.  I've  seen  Peri- 
phanes  buying  the  thongs ;  Apaecides  was  together  with  him  ; 
now,  I  do  believe  that  these  persons  are  in  search  of  me. 
They  have  found  it  out ;  they  know  that  they've  been  im- 
posed upon. 

Stbat.  (coming  forward).  What  are  you  about,  my  ready 
occasion  ? 

Epid.  That  which  a  wretched  fellow  is  alout. 

Stbat.  "What's  the  matter  with  you  ? 

Epid.  Why  don't  you  prepare  for  me  the  necessaries  for 
flight  before  I'm  quite  undone?  Eor  the  two  fleeced  old 
gentlemen  are  hunting  for  me  through  the  city;  they  are 
carrying  in  their  hands  handcuffs  an  inch  and  a  half  thick. 

*  Upon  this  Circe) — Ver.  603.  He  calls  her  a  Circe,  because  she  has  laid  a 
spell  upon  him,  as  it  were  by  enchantments,  for  which  Circe  was  famous.  Per- 
haps, too,  he  calls  her  a  daughter  of  the  Sun,  from  his  not  knowing  who  her 
father  really  is,  when  he  has  so  recently  supposed  himself  to  be  so. 

*  The  Banker) — Ver.  606.  "  Danista."  This  was  from  a  Greek  word,  signi* 
fying  a  "banker,"  or  "usurer."  With  an  extraordinary  degree  of  cai«les&. 
ness,  Cotter  takes  it  to  be  the  proper  name  of  a  man,  and  calls  him  Danista. 

»  The  eleven  Gods) — Ver.  609.  He  alludes  to  the  eleven  who,  with  Jujnte^ 
made  the  "  Dii  majores."  They  are  thus  enumerated  in  two  rugged  lines  or 
Eimius: 

I  Juno,  Vesta,  Ceres,  Diana,  Minerva,  Venus,  Mars, 

Mercuriu.^  Jovi,  Neptunus,  Vulcanus,  Apollo. 
2  tt2 


452  EPiDicus ;  Act  V. 

Steat.  Be  of  good  heart- 


Epio.  Of  course  I  will,  whose  freedom  is  so  close  at  hand^. 

Stb.\.t.  I  will  preserve  you.  Epld.  I'  faith,  they'll  do  it 
better  for  me,  if  they  catch  me.  But  who's  this  young 
woman,  this  greyish  old  fellow,  too,  that's  coming  along  ? 

The  Banker  and  Telestis  are  seen  at  a  distance. 

Stbat.  This  IS  the  Banker,  and  this  is  the  woman  whom 
I  purchased  out  of  the  spoil. 

Epid.  What,  is  this  she  ? 

Strat.  It  is  she.  Isn't  she  just  like  what  I  told  you? 
Look  at  her. 

Epid.  Is  it  she  ? 

Strat.  Survey  her,  Epidicus.  Even  from  her  nail  to  the 
top  of  her  hair  she  is  most  lovely !  Is  she  not  ?  Do  look  at 
her !  Observe  her !  You'll  be  looking  at  a  picture  beauti- 
fully painted. 

Epid.  Judging  from  your  words  you  are  foretelling  that  my 
hide  will  be  beautifully^«m^e^;  7we,whomApelles  and  Zeuxis^, 
tiie  pair  of  them,  will  be  painting  with  elm-tree  pigments. 

Scene  II. — Unter  th^  Banker  and  Telestis. 

Strat.  {to  the  Banker).  Immortal  Grods!  I'm  surprised 
at  your  slowness.  The  man  that's  spoken  of  in  the  proverb 
with  swollen  feet,  would  have  got  here  sooner  than  you 
hftve  arrived  for  me. 

Ban.  {pointing  to  Telestis).  I'  faith,  'twas  she  delayed  me. 

Strat.  If  indeed  you  delayed  for  her  sake,  because  she 
wished  it,  you  have  come  too  quickly. 

Ban.  Well,  well,  dispatch  with  me  and  count  out  the 
money,  that  I  mayn't  be  detaining  my  friends. 

Strat.  It  has  been  counted  out. 

Ban.  {giving  him  a  lag).  Take  this  bag;  put  it  into  it. 

Strat.  You  come  discreetly  provided  !  Wait  till  I  bring 
out  the  money  to  you. 

Ban.  Make  haste. 

Strat.  It's  at  home,  (  Goes  into  the  house  ©/"C  e^ribulus.) 

1  7s  so  close  at  hand) — Ver.  617.  "  Quoi  libertas  in  mundo  sita  est."  This 
expression,  n  doubt,  is  intended  to  be  used  ironically  by  Epidicus. 

"  Apelles  and  Zeiixiis) — Ver.  625.  See  the  Notes  to  the  Poenulus,  1.  1289.  H« 
alludes  to  Periphanes  and  Apaecides,  who  will  cause  his  back  to  be  marked  with 
nlmrtwi^s. 


Sc.    II.  OE,    THE    I'OETUNATE    DISCOVERT.  453 

Epid.  {looking  steadily  at  Telestis).  Have  I  the  use  of 
my  eyes  quite  unimpaired,  or  is  it  otherwise  ?  Do  I  not 
behold  in  you,  Telestis,  the  daughter  of  Periphanes,  bom  at 
Thebes  of  your  mother  Philippa,  and  conceived  at  Epidaurus  ? 

Tel.  What  person  are  you  who  are  making  mention  of 
the  name  of  my  parents  and  my  own  ? 

Epid.  Don't  you  know  me  ?  Tel.  Not,  indeed,  so  far  as 
recurs  to  my  mind  just  now. 

Epid.  Don't  you  remember  my  bringing  you  a  crescent 
upon  your  birthday,  and  a  little  gold  ring  for  your  finger  ? 
(Steatippocles  returns  with  the  money?) 

Tel.  I  remember  it.     "What,  are  you  that  person  ? 

Epid.  I  am,  and  (^pointing  to  Steatippocles,  at  a  distance^ 
he  there  is  your  brother  by  another  mother  and  the  same 
fether. 

Tel.  {in  agitation).  What  of  my  father?     Is  he  alive  ? 

Epid.  Be  of  calm  and  composed  feelings;  hold  your 
peace. 

Tel.  The  Gods  will  that  from  being  lost  I  should  be 
saved,  if  you  speak  the  truth. 

Epid.  I  have  no  occasion  to  be  telling  untruths  to  you. 

Steat.  {to  the  Bakkee).  Take  this  money.  Banker  ;  here 
are  forty  minae.  If  any  piece  shall  be  doubtful  I'll  change 
it.     {Gives  him  the  money.) 

Ban.  You  do  well.     Kindly  farewell.  {Exit. 

Steat.  {to  Telestis).  Now  then  you  are  my  own 

Tel.  Why  yes — sister,  i'  faith,  that  you  may  know  it  as 
well.     Greetings  to  you,  brother. 

Steat.  {to  Epidictjs).  Is  this  woman  in  her  senses  ? 

Epid.  In  her  senses,  if  she  calls  you  her  hrother. 

Steat.  How's  this  ?  Have  I  just  now  become  her  bro- 
ther while  going  in-doors  and  coming  out  ? 

Epid.  What  good  fortune  there  is,  do  you  in  silence  keep 
your  peace  thereon  and  rejoice. 

Steat.  Sister,  you  have  hoth  lost  and  found  me  ! 

Epid.  Simpleton,  hold  your  tongue!  Through  my  en- 
deavours, there's  ready  for  you  at  home,  in  fact,  a  Music-girl 
for  you  to  make  love  to ;  I  too,  through  my  endeavours,  have 
restored  your  sister  to  liberty. 

Steat.  Epidicus,  I  confess 

Epid.  B3  off  into  the  house,  and  order  the  wat^r  to  be 


I 


454  EPiDiCxrs;  Act  V. 

made  warm"^  for  lier.  The  rest  I'll  let  you  know  afterwards, 
when  there's  leisure. 

Strat.  Follow  me  this  way,  sister. 

Epid.  I'll  bid  Thesprio^  come  across  to  you.  But  re- 
member, if  the  old  gentlemen  are  at  all  savage,  you,  with 
your  sister,  to  run  and  help  me. 

Strat.  That  will  be  easy.  (^He  and  Telestis  go  into  the 
house  o/Teriphanes.) 

Epid.  {going  to  the  door  of  the  house  of  Ch^ribulus). 
Thesprio,  come  this  way  through  the  garden.  Come  to  my 
rescue  at  home !  The  matter's  of  importance !  (  To  himself)  I 
care  much  lest  ibr  the  old  fellows  than  I  did^yx^t  now.  I'll 
return  in-doors,  that  the  strangers  may  be  attended  to  on 
their  arrival.  I'll  tell  these  same  tilings  that  I  know,  in-doors 
to  Stratippocles.  I  shall  not  take  to  flight ;  I'm  determined  to 
be  there  at  home,  and  he  shan't  throw  it  in  my  teeth  that  he 
has  been  provoked  by  my  running  away''.  I'll  away  in-doors  ; 
I've  been  talking  too  long.     {Ooes  into  the  house  o/Tebi- 

PHANES.) 

Scene  III. — Enter  Periphanes  and  Apjecides,  vnth  thongs 
in  their  hands. 

Peri.  Hasn't  this  fellow  quite  made  a  laughing-stock  of 
us  two  decrepit  old  people*  ? 

Ap.  "Why  yes,  I'  faith,  you've  really  kept  me  plagued  in 
a  shocking  fashion. 

*  The  water  to  he  made  wami) — Ver.  653.  A  bath  was  usually  taken  by  th« 
middle  and  upper  classes  immediately  on  arriving  from  a  journey. 

2  ril  bid  Thesprio) — Ver.  655.  Thesprio  only  appears  once,  and  that  at  the 
beginning  of  the  Play.  This  is  certainly  a  prevalent  fault  with  Plautus,  who  does 
not  make  tne  most  of  Ins  characters.  Artotrogus,  the  Parasite,  in  the  Miles 
Gloriosus,  is  lost  to  us  after  the  First  Scene.  Sceparnio  only  appears  in  the  First 
and  Second  Acts  of  the  Rudens,  and  the  honest  Grumio  is  lost  siglit  of  after  th» 
First  Act  of  the  Mostellaria.  It  is  not  a  sufficient  excuse  to  plead  that  Arto- 
trogus and  Thesprio  are  what  were  called  "  personse  protaticse,"  characters  whose 
business  it  is  to  introduce  the  plot,  and  do  no  more ;  even  though  this  example 
is  followed  by  Terence,  who  similarly  introduces  Sosia  in  the  Andria,  Davus  iu 
the  Phormio,  and  Philotis  in  the  Hecyra. 

3  By  my  running  away)— Ver.  663.  "  Pedibus."     Literally,  "  by  my  feet." 

*  Decrepit  oM  people) — Ver.  664.  "  Decrepitos."  From  the  verb  "  docrepo," 
*'  to  crackle,"  or  "  make  a  sputtering,"  as  a  candle  does  when  going  out,  or  ti.t 
iriek  of  a  lamp  when  the  oil  fkils. 


Sc.    III.  OE,    THE   rOETUNATE    DISCOVERT.  455 

Peri.  Now  do  hold  your  tongue.  Only  let  me  catch  the 
fellow! 

Ap.  I'll  tell  you  now,  that  you  may  know  it.  It's  best  for 
you  to  seek  another  companion;  so  much,  while  I've  been 
following  you,  has  the  congested  blood,  from  weariness, 
come  down  into  the  knees  of  poor  me. 

Peri.  xA.fter  how  many  fashions  has  this  fellow  made  sport 
of  me  and  you  to-day !  besides,  how  he  has  disembowelled  my 
silver  resources  for  me ! 

Ap.  Away  with  him  from  me;  for  surely  he's  the  son  of 
Vulcan  in  his  wrath :  wherever  he  touches,  he  sets  all  on 
fire ;  if  you  stand  by  him,  he  scorches  you  with  his  heat. 

Enter  Epidicus,  unperceived,  from  the  house. 

Epid.  (to  himself).  More  than  the  twelve  Gods,  the  im- 
mortal Grods  as  many  as  are  in  the  heavens,  are  now  assistants 
in  my  rescue,  and  are  fighting  on  my  side.  As  to  whatever 
I  liave  ofiended  in,  I  have  aid  and  assistance  at  home^.  All 
my  enemies  I  quite  spurn  by  the  heels^. 

Peri,  (looking  about).  "Where  in  the  world  shall  I  look 
for  him  ? 

Ap.  So  long  as  you  look  for  him  without  me,  you  may  look 
for  him  even  in  the  middle  of  the  sea,  as  far  as  I'm  concerned. 

Epid.  (coming  forward,  and  addressing  YEm:PKA.T!{E8).  Why 
are  you  looking  for  me  ?  Why  are  you  taking  this  trouble  ? 
AVhy  are  you  worrying  him  ?  (Pointing  to  Ap^cides.)  See, 
here  I  am.  Have  I  run  away  from  you  ?  Have  I  betaken 
myself  from  the  house  ?  Have  I  hid  myself  from  your  sight  ? 
I  don't  entreat  you  either.  Do  you  wish  to  bind  me  ?  Look 
then,  I  present  my  hands.  (Holding  out  his  hands.)  You 
have  got  thongs ;  I  saw  you  purchase  them.  Why  do  you 
delay  now  ?     Do  bind  me  ! 

Peri.  It's  aU  over^.  He  gives  bail  to  me  of  his  own  ac- 
cord for  his  appearance. 

"  Assistance  at  home) — Ver.  675.  He  alludes  to  Stratippocles,  Telestis,  Phi- 
lippa,  Thesprio,  and  probably  Chaeribulns,  who  are  all  ready  to  take  his  part  j 
and,  indeed,  have  good  reason  to  do  so,  from  the  opportune  discovery  which  he  htM 
just  made. 

■^  Spurn  by  the  heels') — Ver.  676.  'A7roXaKrifu>.  It  has  been  more  than  once 
remarked  that  the  use  of  Greek  words  was  much  affected  by  the  Romans,  in  th» 
tsame  way  that  we  make  use  of  French  phrases. 

^  It's  all  over) —Ver.  682.  "  Ilicet."  Literally,  "you  may  begone;"  tiM 
word  used  when  judicial  proceedings  had  terminated. 


456  EPIUICU3;  Act  Y, 

Epid.  Why  don't  you  bind  me  ? 

Ap.  a  wicked  slave,  upon  my  faith ! 

Epid.  Eeally,  Apaecides,  I  don't  want  you  to  intercede 
for  me. 

Ap.  You  easily  obtain  your  wish,  Epidicus. 

Epid.  {to  Periphanes).  Are  you  going  to  do  anything? 

Peri.  What,  at  your  pleasure  ?  Epid.  Troth,  at  my  own, 
indeed,  and  not  at  yours,  are  these  hands  to  be  bound  by 
you  to-day. 

Pert.  But  I  don't  choose ;  I  shan't  bind  them. 

Ap.  (to  Periphanes).  He's  preparing  to  throw  a  drag- 
net over  you  ;  he's  frainiiig  some  plan,  I  know  not  what. 

Epid.  You  are  causing  delay  to  yourself,  while  I  stand  un- 
bound ;  bind  them,  I  tell  you,  bind  them  together. 

Peri.  But  I  choose  rather  to  question  you  unbound. 

Epid.  But  you  shall  know  nothing. 

Peri,  {turning  to  Ap^cides).  What  am  I  to  do  ? 

Ap.  What  are  you  to  do  ?     Let  him  be  complied  with. 

Epid.  You  are  a  worthy  person,  Apaecides. 

Peri.  Hold  out  your  hands  then. 

Epid.  {holding  out  his  hands).  They  don't  at  all  object; 
bind  them  fast  together  too.  Don't  be  afraid.  (Periphanes 
hinds  his  hands.)  Tm  submissive.  When  the  job  is  done, 
then  pronounce  your  judgment^. 

Peri.  There,  that  is  good.  Epid,  Now  then,  to  the  point, 
with  your  enquiries  of  me ;  ask  me  what  you  please. 

Peri.  In  the  first  place,  with  what  assurance  did  you  pre- 
sume to  say  that  she  who  was  bought  the  day  before  yester- 
day was  my  daughter  ? 

Epid.  I  chose  to ;  on  that  assurance. 

Peri.  Do  you  say  so  ?    You  chose  to  ? 

Epid.  I  do  say  so.  Even  lay  me  a  wager  that  she  is  not 
the  daughter • 

Peri.  A  woman  whom  the  mother  declares  she  doesn't 
know? 

Epid.  Then,  if  she  isn't  the  daughter  of  her  mother,  make 
me  a  bet  ahout  it,  my  didrachm  to  your  talent^. 

Peri.  Why,  that's  a  mere  catch.     But  who  is  this  woman  ? 

*  Pronounce  your  judgment') — Ver.  692.  "  Arbitraminor"  seems  a  better  reading 
than  "  arhitramino." 

«  My  didrachm  to  your  talent) — Ver.  698.  The  moderate  odds  of  thre« 
hcasund  to  one. 


Sc.    III.  OR,    THE    rORTUNATE    DISCOYERT.  457 

Epid.  The  mistress  of  your  son,  that  you  may  know  the 
whole  matter. 

Peri.  Did  I  not  give  you  the  thirty  minae  for  my  daughter  ? 

Epid.  I  confess  that  they  were  given,  and  that  with  tliat 
money  I  purchased  this  Music-girl,  your  son's  mistress, 
instead  of  your  daughter.  As  to  those  thirty  minae,  in  fact, 
I  imposed  upon  you. 

Peri.  For  what  reason  did  you  play  a  trick  upon  me  about 
that  hired  Music-girl  ? 

Epid.  T  faith,  I  really  did  do  it,  and  I  think  it  was 
rightly  done. 

Peri.  In  the  last  place,  what  has  been  done  with  the  silver 
I  gave  1/ou? 

Epid.  I'll  tell  you ;  I  gave  it  to  a  person  neither  bad  nor 
yet  good^ — your  son  Stratippocles. 

Peri.  Why  did  you  dare  to  give  it  him  ? 

Epid.  Because  it  pleased  me.  Peri,  (stamping).  Plague 
on  it !  what  insolence  is  this  ? 

Epid.  Am  I  to  be  bawled  at  just  as  if  I  were  a  slave  ? 

Peri,  {ironically).  As  you  are  a  free  man,  I  rejoice. 

Epid.  I  have  deserved  to  become  so. 

Peri.  Ton — deserved  ?  Epid.  Go  look  in-doors ;  I'll  let 
you  know  that  this  is  the  truth. 

Peri.  What's  the  matter?  Epid.  The  thing  itself  will 
tell  you  so  at  once.     Only  do  go  in-doors. 

Peri.  Aye,  aye !  this  is  not  without  its  meaning.  Do  you 
keep  an  eye  on  him,  Apsecides.     {Goes  into  his  hovse.) 

Ap.  What's  the  meaning  of  this,  Epidicus  ? 

Epid.  I'  faith,  it's  with  the  greatest  injustice  that  I'm 
standing  here  bound,  through  whose  aid  his  daughter  has 
been  discovered  to-day. 

Ap.  Do  you  say  that  you  have  found  his  daughter? 

Epid.  I  have  found  her^  and  she  is  at  home.  But  how 
hard  it  is,  when,  for  services  done,  you  reap  a  harvest  of  evil. 

A  p.  What,  her  whom  this  day  we've  both  been  weary 
with  seeking  throughout  the  city  ? 

Epid.  I'm  weary  with  finding,  you  weary  with  seeking. 

^  Nor  yet  good) — Ver.  706.  "  Indigno"  is  read  here  in  some  editions  fo\ 
"benigno,"  and  is,  perhaps,  a  better  reading;  though  Epidicus  may,  possibly,  iis 
Rest  suggests,  intend  to  allude  satirically  to  the  undecided  and  versatile  character 
tf  Stratippocles. 


458  EPiDiccs.  Act  V 

Enter  PERiPHANES,/rom  tlie  home. 

Peri,  (jat  the  door,  to  those  within).  AVhy  do  you  entreat 
me  thus  earnestly  in  his  behalf?  For  I  find  that  he  does 
deserve  that  I  should  be  pleased  to  act  according  to  hia 
deserts.  {To  Epidictjs.)  Hold  out  your  hands,  you,  that 
I  may  unbind  them. 

Epid.  Don't  you  touch  them.  Peei.  But  do  you  present 
them  to  me. 

Epid.  I  don't  choose.     Peri.  Tou  don't  do  right. 

Epid.  Upon  my  faith,  I'll  never  allow  myself  to  be  un- 
bound this  day,  unless  you  give  me  satisfaction. 

Peei.  You  ask  what's  very  fair  and  very  just.  Shoes,  a 
tunic,  and  a  cloak  I'll  give  you. 

Epid.  What  next,  after  that  ?     Peei.  Tour  freedom. 

Epid.  But  after  that?  There's  need  for  a  new-made 
freed-man  to  pick  a  bit^. 

Peei.  It  shall  be  given ;  I'll  find  you  food. 

Epid.  On  my  word,  never  this  day  shall  you  release  me, 
unless  you  beg  my  pardon. 

Peei.  I  do  entreat  you,  Epidicus,  to  forgive  me,  if  un- 
awares in  fault  I've  done  anything  wrong.  But  by  way  of 
return  for  this  matter,  be  a  free  man. 

Epid.  Against  my  inclination  do  I  grant  you  this  pardon, 
but  I'm  compelled  by  necessity.  Unbind  them  then,  if 
you  choose.  (^He  holds  out  his  hands,  which  are  unbound 
hy  Peeiphanes,  and  they  go  into  his  house.) 

The  Company  q/*AcTOES,  coming  forward. 
This  is  that  man  who  by  his  roguery^  has  gained  his  free- 
dom.    Clap  your  hands,  and  fare  you  well !     Stretch  your 
loins,  and  rise /row  your  seats. 

'  To  pick  a  bit) — Ver.  724.   "  Pappet."    "  Pappo"  properly  signifies  "  to  eat 
pap,"  as  children  do. 
*  By  his  roguery)— Nee,  729.  "  Malitia,"  *  artfulness,"  "  trickery.*' 


MOSTELLARIA; 
OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE. 


IBramatis  persona?. 

Theuropides,  a  merchant  of  Athens. 

SiMO,  an  aged  Athenian,  his  neighbour. 

Philolaches,  son  of  Theuropides. 

Callidamates,  a  young  Athenian,  friend  of  PhilolachM 

Tranio,  servant  of  Philolaches. 

GRU>no,  servant  of  Theuropides. 

Phaniscus,  servant  of  Callidamates. 

Another  Servant  of  Callidamates. 

A  Banker. 

ABoT. 

Philematium,  a  music-girl,  mistress  of  Philot&cho*. 
ScAPHA,  her  attendant. 
Delphium,  mistress  of  Callidamates. 

Som»— Athens ;  before  the  booses  of  Theuropides  and  ^asA 


THE   SUBJECT. 


iViiiLE  Theuropides  is  absent  from  home  on  business,  his  £on  Philolaches  leads  a 
dissolute  life  at  home  with  his  friend  Callidamates  and  his  own  servant  Tranio 
While  they  are  in  the  midst  of  their  carousals,  the  father  of  Philolaches  unex- 
pectedly arrives  at  Athens.  Their  first  impulse  is  to  leave  the  house  imme- 
diately, but,  Callidamates  being  in  a  state  of  helpless  intoxication,  they  ui-e 
prevented  from  so  doing.  In  this  dilemma,  Tranio  undertakes  to  rescue  them.  He 
requests  them  to  remain  perfectly  quiet  in  the  house,  and  not  to  stir  out  of  it. 
The  house  is  then  shut  up,  and  he  sallies  forth  to  meet  Theuropides.  He  pre- 
tends to  him  that  the  house  has  been  shut  up  for  some  months  past,  in  conse- 
quence of  its  being  haunted.  In  the  midst  of  the  conversation,  he  is  accosted 
by  a  Banker,  who  duns  him  for  the  interest  of  some  money  which  Philolaches 
has  borrowed  of  him  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  the  freedom  of  Philematium, 
hus  mistress.  Theuropides  enquires  what  the  money  was  borrowed  for,  on  which 
Tranio  says  that  Philolaches  has  purchased  a  house  with  it.  On  Theuropides 
making  further  enquiries,  Tranio  says  that  he  has  bought  the  house  in  which 
Simo  is  living.  On  this,  Theuropides  wishes  to  examine  this  new  purchase,  and 
sends  Tranio  to  request  Simo  to  allow  him  to  do  so,  if  not  inconvenient.  Tranw 
obtains  the  permission,  Simo  being  ignorant  of  the  object,  and  they  go  over  the 
house,  Theuropides  being  much  pleased  with  his  son's  bargain.  Tranio  is 
then  sent  by  Theuropides  into  the  country  to  fetch  Philolaches  thence,  he 
having  pretended  that  he  is  there.  Shortly  after,  a  servant  of  Callidamates 
comes  to  the  house  that  is  shut  up  to  fetch  his  master  home.  Theuropides 
questions  him,  and  then  finds  out  the  deception  that  has  been  practised  upon 
him ;  and  on  receiving  further  information  from  Simo,  who  declares  that  he  has 
not  sold  his  own  house,  he  resolves  to  punish  Tranio.  The  latter,  on  finding 
this  to  be  the  case,  runs  to  an  altar  for  refuge.  Callidamates,  who  is  now  sober, 
and  has  got  out  of  the  house  by  the  back-gate,  now  makes  his  appearance, 
and,  at  his  earnest  intercession,  pardon  is  granted  by  Theuropdes  to  Philo. 
laches  and  Tnuuo. 


I 


MOSTELLARIA'; 
OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE. 


THE  ACROSTIC  ARGUMENT. 

[Supposed  to  have  been  written  by  Priscian  the  Grammarian.] 

pHiLOLACHES  has  given  liberty  to  (^Manumisii)  his  mistress  who  has  been 
bought  hy  him,  and  he  consumes  all  (  Omnem)  his  substance  in  the  absence  of  hia 
father.  When  he  returns,  Tranio  deceives  the  old  man  (^Senem)  ;  he  says  that 
frightful  (Terrifica)  apparitions  liavebeen  seen  in  the  house,  and  (^Et)  that  at 
once  they  had  removed  from  it.  A  Usurer,  greedy  of  gain  {Lucripeta).  comes 
up  in  the  meantime,  asking  for  the  interest  q/" some  money,  and  again  the  oIq 
man  is  made  sport  of  {Lusus) ;  for  the  servant  says  that  a  deposit  for  a  house 
which  has  been  bought  has  been  taken  up  (^Accepturri)  on  loan.  The  old 
man  enquires  {Requirit^  which  it  is;  he  says  that  of  the  neigiibour  next 
door.  He  then  looks  over  (Tnspectat)  it.  Afterwards  he  is  vexed  that  he  has 
been  laughed  at ;  still  by  (Ab^  the  companion  of  his  son  he  \&  finally  appeased. 


Acff  I. — Scene  I. 

Enter,  from  the  house  o/'Theueopides,  G^eumio,  pushing  out 
Teakio. 

GrEU.  Q-et  out  of  the  kitchen,  will  you ;  out  of  it,  yow 
wliip-scoundrel,  who  are  giving  me  your  cavilling  talk  amid 
the  platters ;  march  out  of  the  house,  you  ruin  of  your 
master.  Upon  my  faith,  if  I  onli/  live,  I'll  be  soundly  revenged 
upon  you  in  the  country.  G-et  out,  I  say,  you  steam  of  the 
kitchen.     Why  are  you  skulking  thus  ? 

Tea.  Why  the  plague  are  you  making  this  noise  here 
before  the  house?  Do  you  fancy  yourself  to  be  in  the 
country^  ?     Get  out  of  the  house ;  be  off  into  the  country. 

1  MosteUarixC)  This  is  a  word  probably  derived  from  "mostellum,"  the  dimi- 
jutive  of  "  monstrum,"  a  "  spectre"  or  "  prodigy."  It  was  probably  coined  by 
Plautus  to  serve  as  the  title  of  this  Play,  which  is  called  by  several  of  the  ancient 
Commentators  by  the  name  of  "  Phasma,"  "  the  Apparition." 

2  In  the  country) — Ver.  7.    Grumio  appears  to  have  been  cook  and  herdsman 


402  MOSTELLAIIIA  ;  Act  I. 

Go  and  hang  yourself.  Get  away  from  the  door.  (Striking 
him.)     There  now,  was  it  that  you  wanted  ? 

Giiii.  (running  away).  I'm  undone  !  Why  are  you  beat- 
ing me  ?     Tra.  Because  you  want  it. 

Gru.  I  must  endure  it.  Only  let  the  old  gentleman  re- 
turn home ;  only  let  him  come  safe  home^  whom  you  are  de- 
vouring in  his  absence. 

Tea.  Tou  don't  say  what's  either  likely  or  true,  you 
blockhead,  as  to  any  one  devouring  a  person  in  his  absence. 

Gnu.  Indeed,  you  town  wit,  you  minion  of  the  mob,  do  you 
throw  the  country  in  my  teeth  ?  Eeally,  Tranio,  I  do  believe 
that  you  feel  sure  that  before  long  you'll  be  handed  over  to 
the  mill.  "Within  a  short  period,  i'  faith,  Tranio,  you'll  full 
soon  be  adding  to  the  iron-bound  race^  in  the  country.  While 
you  choose  to,  and  have  the  opportunity,  drink  on,  squander 
his  property,  corrupt  my  master's  son,  a  most  worthy  young 
man,  drink  night  and  day,  live  like  Greeks^,  make  purchase 
of  mistresses,  give  them  their  freedom,  feed  parasites,  feast 
yourselves  sumptuously.  Was  it  thus  that  the  old  gentle- 
man enjoined  you  when  he  went  hence  abroad  ?  Is  it  after 
this  fashion  that  he  will  find  his  property  well  husbanded  ? 
Do  you  suppose  that  this  is  the  duty  of  a  good  servant,  to  be 
ruining  both  the  estate  and  the  son  of  his  master  ?  For  I 
do  consider  him  as  ruined,  when  he  devotes  himself  to  these 
goings  on.  A  person,  with  whom  not  one  of  all  the  young  men 
of  Attica  was  before  deemed  equally  frugal  or  more  steady,  the 
same  is  now  carrying  oif  the  palm  in  the  opposite  direction. 
Through  your  management  and  your  tutoring  has  that  been 
done. 

Tea.  What  the  plague  business  have  you  with  me  or  with 
what  I  do  ?  Prithee,  haven't  you  got  yotir  cattle  in  the  country 
for  you  to  look  to  ?     I  choose  to  drink,  to  intrigue,  to  keep 

combined,  and  perhaps  generally  employed  at  the  country  farm  of  Theuropides. 
On  this  occasion  he  seems  to  have  been  summoned  to  town  to  cook  for  the  enter- 
tainment which  Philolaches  is  giving  to  his  friends. 

1  The  iron-bound  race) — Ver.  18.  The  gang  of  slaves,  who,  for  their  mal- 
practices, are  working  in  the  country  in  chains. 

2  Live  like  Greeks) — Ver.  21.  "  Pergraecamini."  Though  the  Scene  is  at 
Athens,  Plautus  consults  the  taste  of  a  Roman  Audience,  as  on  many  other 
occasions,  in  making  the  Greeks  the  patterns  of  riotous  livers.  Asconius  Pedianus 
says  that  at  these  entertainments  the  Greeks  drank  off  a  cup  of  wine  every  tima 
they  named  a  Divinity  or  mentioned  a  friend. 


Sc.    I.  OE,    THE    HAUNTED    HOUSE.  463 

my  weuches ;  this  I  do  at  the  peril  of  my  ovvii  back,  and  not 
of  yours. 

Geu.  Then  with  what  assurance  he  does  talk !  (Turning 
away  in  disgust.)  Faugh ! 

Tra.  But  may  Jupiter  and  all  the  Deities  confound  you ; 
you  stink  of  garlick,  you  filth  unmistakeable,  you  clod,  you 
he-goat,  you  pig-sty,  you  mixture  of  dog  and  she-goat. 

Gnu.  What  would  you  have  to  be  done  ?  It  isn't  all  that 
can  smeU  of  foreign  perfumes,  if  you  smell  of  them  ;  or  that 
can  take  their  places  at  table  above  their  master,  or  live  on 
such  exquisite  dainties  as  you  live  upon.  Do  you  keep  to 
yourself  those  turtle-doves,  that  fish,  and  poultry;  let  me  enjoy 
my  lot  upon  garlick  diet.  You  are  fortunate ;  I  unlucky. 
It  must  be  endured.  Let  my  good  fortune  be  awaiting  me, 
your  bad  yourself. 

Tea.  Tou  seem,  G-rumio,  as  though  you  envied  me,  be- 
cause I  enjoy  myself  and  you  are  wretched.  It  is  quite  my 
due.  It's  proper  for  me  to  make  love,  and  for  you  to  feed  the 
cattle ;  for  me  to  fare  handsomely,  you  in  a  miserable  way. 

Geu.  0  riddle  for  the  executioner^,  as  I  guess  it  will  turn 
out;  they'll  be  so  pinking  you  with  goads,  as  you  carry 
your  gibbet^  along  the  streets  one  day,  as  soon  as  ever  the 
old  gentleman  returns  here. 

Tea.  How  do  you  know  v  hether  that  mayn't  happen  to 
yourself  sooner  than  to  me  ?  Geu.  Because  I  have  never 
deserved  it ;  you  liave  deserve  1  it,  and  you  now  deserve  it. 

Tea.  Do  cut  short  the  trouble  of  your  talking,  unless  you 
wish  a  heavy  mischance  to  befall  you. 

Geu.  Are  you  going  to  give  me  the  tares  for  me  to  take  for 
the  cattle  ?  If  you  are  not,  '^i^^e  me  the  money.  Go  on,  still 
persist  in  the  way  in  which  yr /u've  commenced !  Drink,  live 
like  Greeks,  eat,  stuff  yourselves,  slaughter  your  fallings  I 

Tea.  Hold  your  tongue,  and  be  off  into  the  country ;  I  in- 
tend to  go  to  the  Piraeus  to  get  me  some  fish  for  the  evening. 
To-morrow  I'll  make  some  one  bring  you  the  tares  to  the 
farm.  What's  the  matter  ?  Why  now  are  you  starmg  at 
me,  gallows-bird  ? 

»  Riddle  for  the  executioner)  — Ver.  52.  Riddled  with  holes  by  the  scourge 
of  the  executioner. 

2  You  carry  your  gibbet) — Ver.  53.  Bearing  his  own  cross ;  a  refinement  ai 
torture  which  was  too  often'employed  upon  malefactors. 


464  mostellarea;  Act  I. 

Geu.  I'  faith,  I've  an  idea  that  will  be  your  owu  title 
before  long. 

Tea.  So  long  as  it  is  as  it  is,  in  the  meantime  I'll  put  up 
with  that  "  before  long." 

GrRU.  That's  the  way ;  and  understand  this  one  thing,  that 
that  which  is  disagreable  comes  much  more  speedily  than, 
that  which  you  wish  for. 

Tra.  Don't  you  be  annoying;  now  then,  away  with  you 
into  the  country,  and  betake  yourself  off.  Don't  you  deceive 
yourself,  henceforth  you  shan't  be  causing  me  any  impedi- 
ment. {Exit. 

GrRF.  (to  Jiimself).  Is  he  really  gone?  Not  to  care  one 
straw  for  what  I've  said !  0  immortal  Grods,  I  do  implore  your 
aid,  do  cause  this  old  gentleman  of  ours,  who  has  now  been 
three  years  absent  from  here,  to  return  hither  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible, before  everything  is  gone,  both  house  and  land.  Unless 
he  does  return  here,  remnants  to  last  for  a  few  months  only 
are  left.  Now  I'll  be  off  to  the  country ;  but  look !  I  see  my 
master's  son,  one  who  has  been  corrupted  from  having  been 
a  most  excellent  young  man.  {Exit. 

Scene  II. — Enter  Philolaches,^^^^*  the  house  o/'Theuro- 

PIDES. 

Phil,  {to  himself^.  I've  often  thought  and  long  reflected 
on  it,  and  in  my  breast  have  held  many  a  debate,  and  in  my 
heart  (if  any  heart  I  have)  have  revolved  this  matter,  and 
long  discussed  it,  to  what  thing  I'm  to  consider  man  as  like, 
and  what  form  he  has  when  he  is  born?  I've  now  discovered 
this  likeness.  I  think  a  man  is  like  unto  a  new  house  w'hen  he 
is  born.  I'll  give  my  proofs  of  this  fact.  (  To  the  Audience.) 
And  does  not  this  seem  to  you  like  the  truth  ?  But  so  I'll 
manage  that  you  shall  think  it  is  so.  Beyond  a  doubt  I'J 
convince  you  that  it  is  true  what  I  say.  And  this  your- 
selves, I'm  sure,  when  you  have  heard  my  words,  will  say  is 
no  otherwise  than  just  as  I  now  affirm  that  it  is.  Listen 
while  I  repeat  my  proofs  of  this  fact ;  I  want  you  to  be 
equally  knowing  wdth  myself  upon  this  matter.  As  soon  as 
ever  a  house  is  built  up,  nicely  polished  off  ^,  carefully  erected, 

^  Polished  off) — Ver.  98.    From  this  passage  it  would  seem  that  pains  wer« 
taken  to  give  the  houses  a  smooth  and  pohshed  appearance  on  the  outside. 


Sc.  IT.  OE,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  465 

and  according  to  rul3,  people  praise  the  architect  and  ap- 
prove of  the  house,  they  take  from  it  each  one  a  model  for 
himself.  Each  one  has  something  similar,  quite  at  his  own 
expense ;  they  do  not  spare  their  pains.  But  when  a  worth- 
less, lazy,  dirty,  negligent  fellow  betakes  himself  thither  with 
an  idle  family,  then  is  it  imputed  as  a  fault  to  the  house, 
while  a  good  hottse  is  being  kept  in  bad  repair.  And  this 
is  often  the  case;  a  storm  comes  on  and  breaks  the  tiles 
and  gutters ;  then  a  careless  owner  takes  no  heed  to  put  up 
others.  A  shower  comes  on  and  streams  down  the  walls ; 
the  rafters  admit  the  rain ;  the  weather  rots  the  labours  of  the 
builder ;  then  the  utility  of  the  house  becomes  diminished ; 
and  yet  this  is  not  the  fault  of  the  builder.  But  a  great 
part  of  mankind  have  contracted  this  hahit  of  delay ;  if  any- 
thing can  be  repaired  by  means  of  money,  they  are  always 
still  putting  it  off,  and  don't         *  *  *  do  it 

until  the  walls  come  tumbling  down^  ;  then  the  whole  house 
has  to  be  built  anew.  These  instances  from  buildings  I've 
mentioned;  and  now  I  wish  to  inform  you  how  you  are 
to  suppose  that  men  are  like  houses.  In  the  first  place 
then,  the  parents  are  the  builders-up  of  the  children,  and 
lay  the  foundation  for  the  children  ;  they  raise  them  up,  they 
carefully  train  them  to  strength,  and  that  they  may  be  good 
both  for  service  and  for  view  before  the  public.  They  spare 
not  either  their  own  pains  or  their  cost,  nor  do  they  deem 
expense  in  that  to  be  an  expense.  They  refine  them,  teach 
tliem  literature,  the  ordinances,  the  laws  ;  at  their  own  cost 
and  labour  they  struggle,  that  others  may  wish  for  their 
own  children  to  be  like  to  them.  When  they  repair  to  the 
army,  they  then  find  them  some  relation^  of  theirs  as  a  pro- 
tector. At  that  moment  they  pass  out  of  the  builder's 
hands.  One  year's  pay  has  now  been  earned ;  at  that  period, 
then,  a  sample  is  on  view  how  the  building  will  turn  out. 

»  WaUs  come  tumbling  doton) — Ver.  114.  Warner  remarks  that  a  sentiment 
not  unlike  this  is  found  in  Scripture,  Ecclesiastes,  x.  18:  "  By  much  slothfulness 
the  building  decayeth ;  and  through  idleness  of  the  hands  the  house  droppeth 
through."  It  may  be  also  observed  that  the  passage  is  very  similar  to  the  words 
of  the  parable  of  the  foolish  man  who  built  his  house  upon  sand,  St.  Matthew, 
Xii.  26;  '*  And  the  rain  descended,  and  the  floods  came,  and  the  winds  blew  and 
seat  upon  that  house,  and  it  fell :  and  grtat  was  the  fall  thereof." 

2  Find  them  some  relation) — Ver.  127.    In  the  first  year  of  military  servic* 
ibe  Roman  youths  were  placed  under  the  tatelage  of  some  relation  or  friend. 
VOL.  II.  2  H 


466  mostellaria;  Act  1. 

But  1  was  always  discreet  and  virtuous,  just  as  lcr.g  as  1  waa 
niider  the  management  of  the  builder.  After  I  had  left  him 
to  follow  the  bent  of  my  own  inclinations,  at  once  I  entirely 
spoiled  the  labours  of  the  builders.  Idleness  came  on ;  that 
was  my  storm ;  on  its  arrival,  upon  me  it  brought  down  hail 
and  showers,  which  overthrew  my  modesty  and  the  bounds 
of  virtue,  and  untiled  them  for  me  in  an  instant.  After 
that  I  was  neglectful  to  cover  in  again ;  at  once  passion 
like  a  torrent  entered  my  heart ;  it  flowed  down  even 
unto  my  breast,  and  soaked  through  my  heart.  JS'ow  both 
property,  credit,  fair  fame,  virtue,  and  honor  have  forsaken 
me ;  by  usage  have  I  become  much  worse,  and,  i'  faith  (so 
rotten  are  these  rafters  ©/"wme  with  moisture),  I  do  not  seem 
to  myself  to  be  able  possibly  to  patch  up  my  house  to  prevent 
it  from  falling  down  totally  once  for  all,  from  perishing  from 
the  foundation,  and  from  no  one  being  able  to  assist  me. 
My  heart  pains  me,  when  I  reflect  how  I  now  am  and  how  I 
once  was,  than  whom  in  youthful  age  not  one  there  was  more 
active  in  the  arts  of  exercise^,  with  the  quoit,  the  javelin,  the 
ball,  racing,  arms,  and  horses.  I  then  lived  a  joyous  life^ ;  in 
frugality  and  hardihood  I  was  an  example  to  others ;  all, 
even  the  most  deserving,  took  a  lesson  from  me  for  them- 
selves. Now  that  I'm  become  worthless,  to  that,  indeed,  have 
I  hastened  through  the  bent  of  my  incliaations.     {He  stands 

'■■) 


Scene  III. — Enter  Philematium  and  Scapha,  with  all  the 
requisites  for  a  toilet. 

Phile.  On  my  word,  for  this  long  time  I've  not  bathed 
in  cold  water  -wath  more  delight  than  just  now  ;  nor  do  I  think 
that  I  ever  was,  my  dear  Scapha,  more  thoroughly  cleansed 
tJian  now. 

Sca.  May  the  upshot  of  everything  be  unto  you  like  a 
j)lenteous  year's  harvest. 

Phile.  "What  has  this  harvest  got  to  do  with  my  bathing  ? 

Sca.  Not  a  bit  more  than  your  bathing  has  to  do  with  the 
harvest. 

Philo.  (apart).  0  beauteous  Venus,  this  is  that  storm 

'  In  the  arts  of  exercise) — Ver.  147.  "Arte  gymnastica."  Literally,  "in  the 
gymnastic  art." 

2  Lived  a  joyous  life) — Ver.  148.  "  Victitabatn  volup."  Lambinus  stiggeeU 
that  the  true  reading  here  is  "  baud  voluj),"  "  not  voluptuously." 


Sc.  III.  OK,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  467 

of  mine  which  stripped  off  all  the  modesty  with  which  I  waa 
roofed;  through  which  Desire  and  Cupid  poured  their  shower 
into  my  breast;  and  never  since  have  I  been  able  to  roof 
it  in.  Now  are  my  walls  soaking  in  my  heart ;  this  building 
is  utterly  undone. 

PuiLE.  Do  look,  my  Scapha,  there's  a  dear,  whether  this 
dress  quite  becomes  me.  I  wish  to  please  Philolaches  my 
protector,  the  apple  of  my  eye. 

ScA.  Nay  but,  you  set  yourself  off  to  advantage  with 
pleasing  manners,  inasmuch  as  you  yourself  are  pleasing.  Tlie 
lover  isn't  in  love  with  a  woman's  dress,  but  witli  that 
which  stuffs  out^  the  dress. 

Philo.  {apart).  So  may  the  Gods  bless  me,  Scapha  is 
waggish ;  the  hussy's  quite  knowing.  How  cleverly  she  under- 
stands all  matters,  the  maxims  of  lovers  too  ! 

Phile.  Well  now  ?     Sca.  What  is  it  ? 

Phile.  Why  look  at  me  and  examine,  how  this  becomes 
me. 

ScA.  Thanks  to  your  good  looks,  it  happens  that  whatever 
you  put  on  becomes  you. 

Philo.  (apart).  Now  then,  for  that  expression,  Scapha, 
I'll  make  you  some  present  or  other  to-day,  and  I  won't 
allow  you  to  have  praised  her  for  nothing  who  is  so  pleasing 
to  me. 

Phile.  I  don't  want  you  to  flatter  me. 

ScA.  lleally  you  are  a  very  simple  woman.  Come  now, 
would  you  rather  be  censured  undeservedly,  than  be  praised 
M  ith  truth  ?  Upon  my  faith,  for  my  own  part,  even  though 
undeservedly,  I'd  much  rather  be  praised  than  be  found 
fault  with  with  reason,  or  that  other  people  should  laugh  at 
my  appearance. 

Phile.  I  love  the  truth ;  I  wish  the  trutb  to  be  told  me  ; 
I  detest  a  liar. 

ScA.  So  may  you  love  me,  and  so  may  your  Philolaches 
love  you,  how  charming  you  are. 

Philo.  (apart).  How  say  you,  you  hussy  ?  In  what  words 
did  you  adjure  ?  "  So  may  1  love  her  ?"  Why  wasn't  "  So 
may  she  love  me"  added  as  well?  I  revoke  the  present. 
What  I  just  now  promised  you  is  done  for;  you  have  lost 
the  present. 

»  That  which  stufft  ota)'-Yer.  164.    That  is,  the  body. 

2h2 


468  MOSTELLAEIA ;  Act  1. 

ScA.  Troth,  for  my  part  I  am  surprised  that  you,  a  person 
so  knoi?ring,  so  clever,  and  so  well  educated,  are  not  aware 
that  you  are  acting  foolishly. 

Phile.  Then  give  me  your  advice,  I  beg,  if  I  have  done 
wrong  in  anything. 

ScA.  I'  faith,  you  certainly  do  wrong,  in  setting  your  mind 
upon  him  alone,  in  fact,  and  humouring  him  in  particular  iii 
this  way  and  slighting  other  men.  It's  the  part  of  a  married 
woman,  and  not  of  courtesans,  to  be  devoted  to  a  single 
lover. 

Philo.  (apart).  0  Jupiter!  Why,  what  pest  is  this  that 
has  befallen  my  house  ?  May  all  the  Gods  and  Goddesses 
destroy  me  in  the  worst  of  fashions,  if  I  don't  kill  this  old 
hag  with  thirst,  and  hunger,  and  cold. 

Phile.  I  don't  want  you,  Scapha,  to  be  giving  me  bad 
advice. 

ScA.  You  are  clearly  a  simpleton,  in  thinking  that  he'll 
for  everlasting  be  your  friend  and  well-wisher.  I  warn  you 
of  that ;  he'll  forsake  you  by  reason  of  age  and  satiety. 

Phile.  I  hope  not. 

ScA.  Things  which  you  don't  hope  happen  more  frequently 
than  things  which  you  do  hope.  In  tine,  if  you  cannot  be 
persuaded  by  words  to  believe  this  to  be  the  truth,  judge 
of  my  words  from  facts ;  consider  this  instance,  who  I  now 
am,  and  who  I  once  was.  No  less  than  your  are  now,  was  I 
once  beloved,  and  I  devoted  myself  to  one,  who,  faith,  when 
with  age  this  head  changed  its  hue,  forsook  and  deserted  me. 
Depend  on  it,  the  same  will  happen  to  yourself. 

Philo.  (apart).  I  can  scarcely  withhold  myself  from  flying 
at  the  eyes  of  this  mischief-maker. 

Phile.  I  am  of  opinion  that  I  ought  to  keep  myself  alone 
devoted  to  him,  siQce  to  myself  alone  has  he  given  freedom 
for  himself  alone. 

Philo.  (apart).  O  ye  immortal  Gods!  what  a  charming 
woman,  and  of  a  disposition  how  chaste!  By  heaven,  'tis 
excellently  done,  and  I'm  rejoiced  at  it,  that  it  is  for  her 
sake  I've  got  nothing  left. 

ScA.  On  my  word  you  really  are  silly. 

Phile.  For  what  reason  ? 

ScA.  Because  you  care  for  this,  whether  he  loves  you. 

Phile.  Prithee,  why  should  I  not  care  for  it  ? 

ScA,  You  now  are  free.  You've  now  got  what  you  wanted } 


I 


Se.  III.  OB,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  409 

if  he  didn't  still  love  you,  as  much  money  as  he  gave  for 
your  liberty,  he'd  lose. 

Philo.  {apart).  Heavens,  I'm  a  dead  man  if  I  don't  tor- 
ture her  to  death  after  the  most  shocking  fashion.  That 
evil-persuading  enticer  to  vice  is  corrupting  this  damsel. 

Philo.  Scapha,  I  can  never  return  him  sufficient  thanks 
for  what  he  deserves  of  me ;  don't  you  be  persuading  me  to 
esteem  him  less. 

ScA.  But  take  care  and  reflect  upon  this  one  thing,  if  you 
devote  yourself  to  him  alone,  while  now  you  are  at  this 
youthful  age,  you'll  be  complaining  to  no  purpose  in  your 
aged  years. 

Philo.  {apart).  I  could  wish  myself  this  instant  changed 
into  a  quinsy,  that  I  might  seize  the  throat  of  that  old  witch, 
and  put  an  end  to  the  wicked  mischief-maker. 

Phile.  It  befits  me  now  to  have  the  same  grateful  feelings 
since  I  obtained  it,  as  formerly  before  I  acquired  it,  when  I 
used  to  lavish  caresses  upon  him. 

Philo.  {apart).  May  the  Grods  do  towards  me  what  they 
please,  if  for  that  speech  I  don't  make  you  free  over  again, 
and  if  I  don't  torture  Scapha  to  death. 

ScA.  If  you  are  quite  assured  that  you  will  have  a  provi- 
sion to  the  end,  and  that  this  lover  will  be  your  own  for  life, 
I  think  that  you  ought  to  devote  yourself  to  him  alone,  and 
assume  the  character  of  a  wife^. 

Phile.  Just  as  a  person's  character  is,  he's  in  the  habit  of 
finding  means  accordingly ;  if  I  keep  a  good  character  for 
myself  I  shall  be  rich  enough. 

Philo.  {apart).  By  my  troth,  since  selling  there  must  be, 
my  father  shall  be  sold  much  sooner  than,  while  I'm  alive, 
I'll  ever  permit  you  to  be  in  want  or  go  a-begging. 

ScA.  What's  to  become  of  the  rest  of  those  who  are  in  love 
with  you  ? 

Phile.  They'll  love  me  the  more  when  they  see  me  display- 
ing gratitude  to  one  who  has  done  me  services. 

»  A  nmrm  the  character  of  a  wj/e)— Ver.  220.  "  Capiundos  cnnes."  Literally, 
"the  nair  must  be  assumed."  Festus  says  that  it  was  usual  on  the  occasion  of 
the  niarriage  ceremony,  to  add  six  rows  of  curls  to  the  hair  of  the  bride,  in  imi- 
tation of  the  Vestal  virgins,  who  were  patterns  of  purity,  and  were  dressed  in 
that  manner.  Hence  the  term  "  capere  crines"  came  to  signify  "  to  become  a 
wife" 


470  MOSTELLABIA.  Act  I. 

Philo.  (apart).  I  do  wish  that  news  were  brought  me 
now  that  my  father's  dead,  that  I  might  disinherit  myself 
of  my  property,  and  that  she  might  be  my  heir. 

ScA.  This  property  of  his  will  certainly  soon  be  at  an  end ; 
day  and  night  there's  eating  and  drinking,  and  no  one  disr 
plays  thriftiness  ;  'tis  downright  cramming^. 

Philo.  {apart).  I'  faith,  I'm  determined  to  make  trial  on 
yourself  for  the  first  to  be  thrifty ;  for  you  shall  neither  eat 
nor  drink  anything  at  my  house  for  the  next  ten  days. 

Phile.  If  you  choose  to  say  anything  good  about  him,  you 
shall  be  at  liberty  to  say  it ;  if  you  speak  otherwise  than 
well,  on  my  word  you  shall  have  a  beating  instantly. 

Philo.  {apart).  Upon  my  faith,  if  I  had  paid  sacrifice  to 
supreme  Jove  with  that  money  which  I  gave  for  her  liberty, 
never  could  I  have  so  well  employed  it.  Do  see,  how,  from 
her  very  heart's  core,  she  loves  me !  Oh,  I'm  a  fortunate 
man ;  I've  liberated  in  her  a  patron  to  plead  my  cause  for  me. 

ScA.  I  see  that,  compared  with  Philolaches,  you  disregard 
all  other  men ;  now,  that  on  his  account  I  mayn't  get  a 
beating,  I'll  agree  with  you  in  preference,  if  you  are  quite 
satisfied  that  he  will  always  prove  a  friend  to  you. 

Phile.  Give  me  the  mirror^,  and  the  casket  with  my 
trinkets,  directly,  Scapha,  that  I  may  be  quite  dressed  when 
Philolaches,  my  delight,  comes  here. 

ScA.  A  woman  who  neglects  herself  and  her  youthful  age 
has  occasion  for  a  mirror;  what  need  of  a  mirror  have  you, 
who  yourself  are  in  especial  a  mirror  for  a  mirror. 

Philo.  {apart).  Por  that  expression,  Scapha,  that  you 
mayn't  have  said  anything  so  pretty  in  vain,  I'll  to-day  give 
something  for  your  sa^angs — to  you,  my  Philematium. 

Phile.  {while  Scapha  is  dressing  her  hair).  Will  you  see 
that  each  hair  is  nicely  arranged  in  its  own  place  ? 

ScA.  When  you  yourself  site  so  nice,  do  believe  that  your 
hair  must  be  nice. 

PmLO.  {apart).  Out  upon  it !  what  worse  thing  can  pos- 

'  ^Tis  dovmrighi  cramming') — Ver.  230.  "  Sagina  plane  est."  "Sagina"  was 
tne  term  applied  to  the  fattening  or  cramming  of  animals  for  the  purpose  of  kill- 
ing. The  use  of  the  term  implies  Scapha's  notion  of  the  bestial  kind  of  life  that 
Philolaches  was  leading. 

'^  Give  m,e  the  mirror) — Ver.  242.  Probably  a  mirror  with  a  handle,  such  ai 
the  servants  nsually  held  for  their  mistresses.  There  is  something  comical  in  tlif 
notion  of  a  female  coming  out  into  the  street  to  make  her  toilet. 


Sc.  III.  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  471 

sibly  be  spoken  of  than  this  woman  ?  Xow  the  jade's  a  flat- 
terer, ju:lt  now  she  was  all  contradictory, 

Phile.  Hand  me  the  ceruse^. 

ScA.  Why,  what  need  of  ceruse  have  you  T 

Phile.  To  paint  my  cheeks  with  it. 

ScA.  On  the  same  principle,  you  would  want  to  be  making 
ivory  white  with  ink. 

Philo.  {apart).  Cleverly  said  that,  about  the  ink  and  the 
ivory !     Bravo !  I  applaud  you,  Scapha. 

Phile.  Well  then,  do  you  give  me  the  rouge. 

ScA.  I  shan't  give  it.  You  really  are  a  clever  one.  Do 
you  wish  to  patch  up  a  most  clever  piece  with  new  daubing  ? 
It's  not  right  that  any  paint  should  touch  that  person,  nei- 
ther ceruse,  nor  quince-ointment,  nor  any  other  wash.  Take 
the  mirror,  then.     {Hands  her  the  glass.) 

Philo.  {apart.)  Ah  wretched  me ! — she  gave  the  glass  a 
kiss.  I  could  much  wish  for  a  stone,  with  which  to  break  the 
head  of  that  glass. 

ScA.  Take  the  towel  and  wipe  your  bands. 

Phile.  Why  so,  prithee  ? 

ScA.  As  you've  been  holding  the  mirror,  I'm  afraid  that 
your  hands  may  smell  of  silver ;  lest  Philolaches  should  sus- 
pect you've  been  receiving  silver  somewhere. 

Philo.  {apart).  I  don't  think  that  I  ever  did  see  anyone 
procuress  more  cunning.  How  cleverly  and  artfully  did  it 
occur  to  the  jade's  imagination  about  the  mirror ! 

Phile.  Do  you  think  I  ought  to  be  perfumed  with  unguents 
as  well  ? 

ScA.  By  no  means  do  so.     Phile.  Eor  what  reason  ? 

ScA.  Because,  i'  faith,  a  woman  smells  best^  when  she 
smells  of  nothing  at  all.  For  those  old  women  who  are  in  the 
habit  of  anointing  themselves  with  unguents,  vampt  up  crea- 
tures, old  hags,  and  toothless,  who  hide  the  blemishes  of  the 
person  with  paint,  when  the  sweat  has  blended  itself  with 
,the  unguents,  forthwith  they  stink  just  like  when  a  cook  has 
poured  together  a  variety  of  broths ;  what  they  smell  of,  you 

.  ^  Hand  me  the  ceruse) — Ver.  252.  White  lead,  or  "  cerussa,"  was  used  by 
the  Romao  women  for  the  purpose  of  whitening  the  complexion.  Ovid  mentions 
it  in  his  Treatise  on  tlie  Care  of  the  Complexion,  1.  73. 

'  A  woman  smells  best) — Ver.  267.  Cicero  and  Martial  have  a  similar  stmti- 
laent ;  their  opinion  has  been  followed  bj  many  modern  writers  *nd  other  peraons 
•s  welL 


472  MOSTELLAEIA ;  Act  1. 

ion't  know,  except  this  only,  that  you  understand  that  badly 
they  do  smell. 

Philo.  {apart).  How  very  cleverly  she  does  understand 
everything  !  There's  nothing  more  knowing  than  this  know- 
ing w^oman !  (  To  the  Audience.)  Tiiis  is  the  truth,  and  a 
very  great  portion,  in  fact,  of  you  know  it,  who  have  old 
women  for  wives  at  home  who  purchased  you  with  their  por- 
tions. 

Phile.  Come  now,  examine  my  golden  trinkets  and  my 
aiantle  ;  does  this  quite  become  me,  Scapha  ? 

ScA.  It  befits  not  me  to  concern  myself  about  that. 

Phile.  Whom  then,  prithee  ? 

ScA.  I'll  tell  you ;  Philolaches  ;  so  that  he  may  not  buy  any- 
thing except  that  which  he  fancies  will  please  you.  For  a 
lover  buys  the  favours  of  a  mistress  for  himself  with  gold  and 
purple  garments.  What  need  is  there  for  that  which  he 
doesn't  want  as  his  own,  to  be  shown  him  still?  A^q  is  to 
be  enveloped  in  purple  ;  gold  ornaments  are  unsuitable  for  a 
woman.  A  beautiful  woman  will  be  more  beautiful  naked 
than  drest  in  purple.  Besides,  it's  in  vain  she's  well-drest  if 
she's  ill-conducted;  ill-conduct  soils  fine  ornaments  worse 
than  dirt.     But  if  she's  beauteous,  she's  sufficiently  adorned. 

Philo.  (apart).  Too  long  have  I  withheld  my  hand. 
(Coming  forward.)  What  are  you  about  here  ? 

Phile.  I'm  decking  myself  out  to  please  you. 

Philo.  You  are  dressed  enough.  {To  Scapha.)  Go 
you  hence  in-doors,  and  take  away  this  finery.  (Scapha  goes 
into  the  house.)  But,  my  delight,  my  Philematium,  I  have  a 
mind  to  regale  together  with  you. 

Phile.  And,  i'  faith,  so  I  have  with  you ;  for  what  you 
have  a  mind  to,  the  same  have  I  a  mind  to,  my  delight. 

Philo.  Ha !  at  twenty  minse  that  expression  were  cheap. 

Phile.  Grive  me  ten,  there's  a  dear ;  I  wish  to  let  you 
have  that  expression  bought  a  bargain. 

Philo.  You've  already  got  ten  minae  with  you  ;  or  reckon 
up  the  account :  thirty  minae  I  gave  for  your  freedom 

Phile.  Why  reproach  me  with  that  ? 

Philo.  What,  I  reproach  you  with  it  ?  Why,  I  had  ra- 
ther that  I  myself  were  reproached  with  it ;  no  money  what- 
ever for  this  long  time  have  I  ever  laid  out  equally  well. 

Phile.  Sarely.  in  loving  you,  I  never  could  have  bettei 
emi?loyed  my  Daius. 


Sc.  IV.  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HC  USE.  473 

Philo.  The  account,  then,  of  receipts  and  expenditure 
fully  tallies  between  ourselves ;  you  love  me,  I  love  you. 
Each  thinks  that  it  is  so  deservedly.  Those  who  rejoice  at 
this,  may  they  ever  rejoice  at  the  continuance  of  their  ow  n 
happiness.  Those  who  envy,  let  not  any  one  henceforth  be 
ever  envious  of  their  blessings. 

Phile.  (^pointing  to  a  couch  on  the  stage).  Come,  take 
your  place,  then.  (At  the  door,  to  a  Seevaist,  who  obeys.) 
Boy,  bring  some  water  for  the  hands  ;  put  a  little  table  here. 
See  where  are  the  dice.  "Would  you  like  some  perfumes  ? 
(They  recline  on  the  couch.) 

Philo.  What  need  is  there  ?  Along  with  myrrh  I  am 
reclining.  But  isn't  this  my  friend  who's  coming  hither  wnth 
his  mistress  ?  'Tis  he ;  it's  Callidamates  ;  look,  he's  coming. 
Capital !  my  sweet  one,  see,  our  comrades  are  approaching ; 
they're  coming  to  share  the  spoil. 

Scene   IV. — Tenter  Callidamates,  at  a  distance,    drunJc, 
and  Delphium,  followed  ly  a  Servant. 

Call,  {to  his  Servant).  I  want  you  to  come  for  me^  in 
good  time  to  the  house  of  Philolaches ;  listen  you;  well 
then!  those  are  your  orders.  (Eccit  Servant.)  For  from 
the  place  where  I  was,  thence  did  I  betake  myself  off;  so 
confoundedly  tired  was  I  there  with  the  entertainment  and 
the  discourse.  Now  I'll  go  to  Philolaches  to  have  a  bout 
there  he'll  receive  us  with  jovial  feelings  and  handsomely. 
Do  I  seem  to  you  to  be  fairly  drenched,  my  bubsy  ? 

Del.  You  ought  always  to  live  pursuing  this  course  of  life^ 

Call.  Should  you  like,  then,  for  me  to  hug  you,  and  you 
me  ?     Del.  If  you've  a  mind  to  do  so,  of  course. 

Call.  You  are  a  charming  one.  (He  stumbles.)  Do  hold 
me  up,  there's  a  dear. 

Del.  (holding  him  by  the  arm).  Take  care  you  don't  falL 
Stand  up. 

Call.  O  !  you  are  the  apple  of  my  eye.  I'm  your  foster- 
ling, my  honey.     (He  stumbles.) 

Del.  (still  holding  him  up).  Only  do  take  care  that  you 

*  You  to  come  for  me) — Ver.  306.  Though  none  of  the  Editions  nay  so,  it  ia 
not  improbable  that  this  is  said  to  Phaniscus,  who,  in  the  sequel,  couies  to  fetch 
Callidamates  home.  The  duties  of  the  "  adversitor"  ha^'e  been  alluded  to  in  a 
previous  Note. 


474  MOSTELLABIA ;  Act  1. 

don't  recline  in  the  street,  before  we  get  to  a  place  where  a 
couch  is  ready  laid. 

Call.  Do  let  me  fall.     Del.   Well,  I'll  let  you.  {Lets  qo.) 

Call,  {dragging  her  as  he  falls).  But  that  as  well  which 
I've  got  hold  of  in  my  hand. 

Del.  If  you  fall,  you  shan't  fall  without  me  falling  with 
you.  Then  some  one  shall  pick  us  both  up  as  we  lie  {Aside.) 
The  man's  quite  drenched. 

Call,  (overhearing).  Do  you  say  that  I  am  drenched,  my 
bubsy  ? 

Del.  Grive  me  your  hand ;  I  really  do  not  want  *  * 
yi)U  hurt. 

Call,  {giving  his  hand).  There  now,  take  it. 

Del.  Come,  move  on  with  me. 

Call.  Where  am  I  going,  do  you  know  ? 

Del.  I  know. 

Call.  It  has  just  come  into  my  head :  why,  of  course  I'm 
going  home  for  a  boOze. 

Del.  Why  yes,  really  now  I  do  remember  that. 

Philo.  Won't  you  let  me  go  to  find  them,  my  life  ?  Of 
all  persons  I  wish  well  to  him  especially.  I'll  return  just 
now.  (  Goes  forivard  towards  the  door.) 

Phile.  That  "just  now"  is  a  long  time  to  me. 

Call,  {going  to  the  door  and  knocking).  Is  there  any  per- 
son here? 

Philo.  'Tis  he. 

Call,  {turning  round).  Bravo!  Philolaches,  good  day  to 
you,  most  friendly  to  me  of  all  men. 

Philo.  May  the  Grods  bless  you.  {Pointing  to  a  couch.) 
Take  your  place,  Callidamates.  {He  takes  his  place.)  Whence 
are  you  betalviiig  yourself  ? 

Call.  Whence  a  drunken  man  does. 

Philo.  Well  said.  But,  my  Delphium,  do  take  your 
place,  there's  a  dear.     {She  takes  her  place  on  a  couch.) 

Call.  G-ive  her  something  to  drink.  I  shall  go  to  sleep 
directly.     {JVbds  and  goes  to  sleep.) 

Philo.  He  doesn't  do  anything  wonderful  or  strange. 
What  shall  I  do  with  him  then,  my  dear  ? 

Del.  Let  him  alone  just  as  he  is. 

Philo.  Come,  you  bog.  Meanwhile,  speedily  pass  the 
goblet  round,  begixming  with  Delphium. 


8c.  y.  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HC  USE.  475 

Scene  V. — Enter  Tbanio,  at  a  distance. 
'  Tea.  (to  himself).  Supreme  Jove,  with  all  his  might  and 
resources,  is  seeking  for  me  and  Philolaches,  my  master's  son, 
to  be  undone.  Our  hopes  are  destroyed  ;  nowhere  is  there 
any  hold  for  courage ;  not  even  Salvation^  now  could  save  us 
if  she  wished.  Such  an  immense  mountain  of  woe  have  I 
just  now  seen  at  the  harbour :  my  master  has  arrived  from 
abroad;  Tranio  is  undone!  (To  the  Audience.)  Is  there 
any  person  who'd  like  to  make  gain  of  a  little  money,  who 
could  this  day  endure  to  take  my  place  in  being  tortured  ? 
"Where  are  those  fellows  hardened  to  a  flogging,  the  wearers- 
out  of  iron  chains,  or  those,  who,  for  the  consideration  of 
three  didrachms,  would  get  beneath  besieging  towers^,  where 
some  are  in  the  way  of  having  their  bodies  pierced  with 
fifteen  spears  ?  I'll  give  a  talent  to  that  man  who  shall  be 
the  first  to  run  to  the  cross  for  me;  but  on  condition  that 
twice  his  feet,  tvdce  his  arms^  are  fastened  there.  When  that 
shall  have  been  done,  then  ask  the  money  down  of  me.  But 
am  I  not  a  wretched  fellow,  not  at  full  speed  to  be  running 
home? 

Philo.  Here  come  the  provisions  ;  see,  here's  Tranio ;  he's 
come  back  from  the  harbour. 

Tra.  (running).  Philolaches! 

Philo.  What's  the  matter  ?     Tea.  Both  I  and  you • 

Philo.  What  about  "  Both  I  and  you  ?" 

Tea.  Are  undone ! 

Philo.  Why  so  ?     Tea.  Tour  father's  here. 

Philo.  What  is  it  I  hear  of  you  ? 

Tea.  We  are  finished  up.     Your  father's  come,  I  say. 

Philo.  (starting  up.)  Where  is  he,  I  do  entreat  you  ? 

Tea.  He's  coming. 

Philo.  Coming  ?     Who  says  so  ?     Who  has  seen  him  ? 

Tea.  I  saw  him  myself,  I  tell  you. 

>  Not  even  Salvation) — Ver.  342.  See  the  Captivi,  1.  535,  and  the  Note  to  the 
passage. 

'  Beneath  besieging  towers) — Ver  348.  "  False"  were  wooden  towers,  placed 
on  the  top  of  walls  or  fortified  places;  of  course  the  attack  of  these  wculd  imply 
extreme  danger  to  those  who  attempted  it. 

»  Tvnce  his  feet,  twice  his  arms) — Ver.  351.  Some  suppose  that  Ly  "bis 
pedes,  bis  brachia,"  he  means  that  two  nails  were  to  be  driven  into  each  leg  and 
foot.  It  seems  more  probable  that  he  means  two  for  the  leet  and  two  for 
the  hands. 


476  MOSTELLAKIA  Act  L 

Philo.  "Woe  unto  me !  what  am  I  about  ? 

Tba.  Why  the  plague  now  do  you  ask  me  wlat  you  are 
about  ?     Taking  your  place  at  table,  of  course. 

Philo.  Did  you  see  him  ?     Tea.  I  my  own  self,  I  tell  you. 

Philo.  Por  certain  ?     Tra.  Por  certain,  I  tell  you. 

Philo.  I'm  undone,  if  you  are  telling  the  truth. 

Tba.  What  good  could  it  be  to  me  if  I  told  a  lie  ? 

Philo.  What  shall  I  do  now  ? 

Tea.  {^pointing  to  the  table  and  couches).  Order  all  these 
things  to  be  removed  from  here.  {Pointing.)  Who's  that 
asleep  there  ? 

Philo.  Callidamates.     Tea.  Arouse  him,  Delphium. 

Del.  (bawling  out  in  his  ear) .  Callidamates!  Callidamates! 
awake!  Call,  {raising  himself  a  little).  lam  awake;  give 
me  something  to  drink. 

Del.  Awake ;  the  father  of  Philolaches  has  arrived  from 
abroad.     Call.  jTAope  his  father's  well. 

Philo.  He  is  well  indeed ;  but  I  am  utterly  undone. 

Call.  You,  utterly  undone  ?     How  can  that  be  ? 

Philo.  By  heavens !  do  get  up,  I  beg  of  you ;  my  father 
has  arrived. 

Call.  Tour  father  has  come  ?  Bid  him  go  back  again. 
What  business  had  he  to  come  back  here  so  soon  ? 

Philo.  What  am  I  to  do  ?  My  father  will,  just  now,  be 
coming  and  unfortunately  finding  me  amid  drunken  carousals, 
and  the  house  full  of  revellers  and  women.  It's  a  shocking 
bad  job,  to  be  digging  a  well  at  the  last  moment,  just  when 
thirst  has  gained  possession  of  your  throat ;  just  as  I,  on  the 
arrival  of  my  father,  wretch  that  I  am,  am  now  enquiring  what 
I  am  to  do. 

Tea.  {pointing  at  Callidamates).  Why  look,  he  has  laid 
down  his  head  and  gone  to  sleep.     Do  arouse  him. 

Philo.  {shaking  him).  Will  you  awake  now  ?  My  father, 
I  tell  you,  will  be  here  this  instant. 

Call.  How  say  you  ?  Tour  father  ?  Grive  me  my  shoes, 
that  I  may  take  up  arms.  On  my  word,  I'll  kill  your  father 
this  instant. 

Philo.  {seizing  hold  of  him).  Tou're  spoiling  the  whole 
business ;  do  hold  your  tongue.  {To  Delphium.)  Prithee, 
do  carry  him  off  in  your  arms  into  the  house. 

Call.  {To  Delphium,  who  is  lifting  'dm  up).  Upm  my 


Sc.  y.  OE,  THE  HAUNTED  HOrSE.  477 

faith,  I'll  be  making  an  utensil  of  you  just  now,  if  you  don't 
find  me  one.     {He  is  led  off  into  the  house.) 

Philo,  I'm  undone  ! 

Tka.  Be  of  good  courage ;  I'll  cleverly  find  a  remedy  for 
this  alarm.     Philo.  I'm  utterly  ruined! 

Tea.  Do  hold  your  tongue;  I'll  think  of  something  by 
means  of  which  to  alleviate  this  for  you.  Are  you  satisfied,  if 
on  his  arrival  I  shall  so  manage  your  father,  not  only  that  he 
shaU  not  enter,  but  even  that  he  shall  run  away  to  a  distance 
from  the  house  ?  Do  you  only  be  off"  from  here  in-doors, 
and  remove  these  things  from  here  with  all  haste. 

Philo.  "Where  am  I  to  be  ?  Tea.  "Where  you  especially 
desire :  with  her  {pointing  to  Philematium)  ;  with  this  girl, 
too,  you'U  be.     {Pointing  to  Delphium.) 

Del.  How  then  ?     Are  we  to  go  away  from  here  ? 

Tea.  Not  far  from  here,  Delphium.  For  carouse  away  in 
the  house  not  a  bit  the  less  on  account  of  this. 

Philo.  Ah  me !  I'm  in  a  sweat  with  fear  as  to  how  these 
fine  words  are  to  end  !  Tea.  Can  you  not  be  tranquil  in 
your  mind,  and  do  as  I  bid  you  ? 

Philo.  I  can  be.  Tea.  In  the  first  place  of  all,  Phile- 
matium, do  you  go  in-doors ;  and  you,  Delphium. 

Del.  We'U  both  be  obedient  to  you.  {They  go  into  the 
house.) 

Tea.  May  Jupiter  grant  it  so !  Now  then,  do  you  give 
attention  as  to  what  I'd  have  attended  to.  In  the  first  place, 
then,  before  anything,  cause  the  house  to  be  shut  up  at 
once.  Take  care  and  don't  let  any  one  whisper  a  word  in- 
doors. 

Philo.  Care  shall  be  taken.  Tea.  Just  as  though  no 
living  being  were  dwelling  within  the  house. 

Philo.  Very  well.  Tea.  And  let  no  one  answer,  when 
the  old  gentleman  knocks  at  the  door. 

Philo.  Anything  else  ? 

Tea.  Order  the  master-key^  of  the  house  to  be  brought  me 
at  once  from  within ;  this  house  I'll  lock  here  on  the  outside. 

>  Order  the  mcester-Tcey) — ^Ver.  395.  "  Clavem — Laconicam ;''  literally,  "  the 
Liconian  key."  This  was  a  kind  of  key  originally  invented  by  the  Spartans,  by 
means  of  which  a  door  could  be  locked  from  the  outside,  but  not  from  witliin. 
Aiconiing  to  some,  this  key  was  called  "  Laconica,"  from  its  rough  appearance, 
m  alhision  to  the  inelegant  exterior  of  the  Spartans.  In  his  Thesmophwiazi.MB, 
Aristophanes  informs  us  tliat  these  kev^  '^'«\ci  three  ward*. 


478  mostellaeia;  Act  I. 

Philo.  To  your  charge  I  commit  myself,  Trano,  and  my 
hopes.  (^He  goes  into  the  house^  and  the  things  are  remoted 
from  the  stage.) 

Tea.  (to  himself).  It  matters  not  a  feather  whether  a 
patron  or  a  dependant  is  the  nearest  at  hand  for  that  man  who 
has  got  no  courage  in  his  breast.  For  to  every  man,  whe- 
ther very  good  or  very  bad,  even  at  a  moment's  notice,  it 
is  easy  to  act  with  craft ;  but  this  must  be  looked  to,  this 
is  the  duty  of  a  prudent  man,  that  what  has  been  planned 
and  done  in  craftiness,  may  all  come  about  smoothly  and 
without  mishap ;  so  that  he  may  not  have  to  put  up  with 
anything  by  reason  of  which  he  might  be  loth  to  live ;  just 
as  I  shall  manage,  that,  from  the  confusion  which  we  shall 
here  create,  all  shall  really  go  on  smoothly  and  tranquilly, 
and  not  produce  us  any  inconvenience  in  the  results.  {Enter 
a  Boy,  from  the  house.)  But,  why  have  you  come  out  ?  I'm 
undone !  {The  Boy  shows  hvm,  the  hey.)  0  very  well,  you've 
obeyed  my  orders  most  opportunely. 

Boy.  He  bade  me  most  earnestly  to  entreat  you  some  way 
or  other  to  scare  away  his  father,  that  he  may  not  enter  the 
house. 

Tea.  Even  more,  tell  him  this,  that  I'll  cause  that  he  shan't 
venture  even  to  look  at  the  house,  and  to  take  to  flight, 
covering  up  his  head^  with  tae  greatest  alarm.  Give  me  the 
key  {taking  it),  and  be  off  in-doors,  and  shut  to  the  door,  and 
I'll  lock  it  on  this  side.  {The  Boy  goes  into  the  house^  and 
Teanio  locks  the  door.)  Bid  him  now  come  forthwith.  For 
the  old  gentleman  here  while  still  alive  this  day  will  I  institute 
games^  in  his  presence,  such  as  I  fancy  there  will  never 
be  for  him  when  he's  dead.  {Moving  away.)  I'll  go  away 
from  the  door  to  this  spot ;  hence,  I'll  look  out  afar  ii: 
which  direction  to  lay  the  burden  on  the  old  fellow  on  hit 
arrival.     {Exit  to  a  little  distance.) 

'  Covering  up  his  head) — Ver.  414-  With  the  ancients,  when  either  ashamea 
or  alarmed  at  anything,  it  was  the  custom  to  throw  a  part  of  the  dress  over  tht 
head,  as  a  hood. 

2  Will  I  institute  games) — Ver.  417.  He  plays  on  the  double  mealimg  c- 
"ludos,"  which  means  either  "tricks,"  or  " funeral  games'  in  hwor  of  th« 
dead,  according  to  the  context. 


Act  11.  OB,  THE  HATJIfTED  HOUSE.  479^ 

Act  II. — Scene  I. 
Enter  THEUKOPiDES,/oZZow;e^  hy  Attendants. 
Theu.  (to  himself).  Neptune,  I  do  return  extreme  thanks 
to  thee  that  thou  hast  just  dismissed  me  from  thee,  though 
scarce  alive.  But  if,  from  this  time  forward,  thou  shalt  only 
know  that  I  have  stirred  a  foot  upon  the  main,  there  is  no 
reason  why,  that  instant,  thou  shouldst  not  do  with  me  that 
which  thou  hast  now  wished  to  do.  Away  with  you,  away 
with  you  from  me  henceforth  for  ever  after  to-day ;  what  I 
was  to  entrust  to  thee,  all  of  it  have  I  now  entrusted. 

Enter  Teanio,  overhearing  him, 

Tra.  (apart).  By  my  troth,  Neptune,  you've  been  much 
to  blame,  to  have  lost  this  opportunity  so  fair. 

Theu.  After  three  years,  I've  arrived  home  from  ^gypt.. 
I  shall  come  a  welcome  guest  to  my  household,  I  suppose. 

Tea.  {apart).  Upon  my  faith,  he  might  have  come  a  much 
more  welcome  one,  who  had  brought  the  tidings  you  were 
dead. 

Theu.  Qoolcing  at  the  door).  But  what  means  this?  la 
the  door  shut  in  the  daytime  ?  I'll  knock.  {Knocks  at  the 
door.)  Hallo,  there !  is  any  one  going  to  open  this  door  for 
me? 

Tea.  {coming  forward,  and  speahing  aloud).  What  person 
is  it  that  has  come  so  near  to  our  house  ? 

Theu.  Surely  this  is  my  servant  Tranio. 

Tea.  O  Theuropides,  my  master,  welcome  ;  I'm  glad  that 
you've  arrived  in  safety.     Have  you  been  well  all  along  ? 

Theu.  All  along,  as  you  see. 

Tea.  That's  very  good. 

Theu.  What  about  vourselves  ?     Are  you  all  mad  ? 

Tea.  Why  so  ?         " 

Theu.  For  this  reason ;  because  you  are  walking  about 
outside ;  not  a  born  person  is  keeping  watch  in  the  house, 
either  to  open  or  to  give  an  answer.  With  kicking  wit  a 
my  feet  I've  almost  broken  in  the  pannels  ? 

Tea.  How  now  ?     Have  you  been  touching  this  house  ? 

Theu.  Why  shouldn't  I  touch  it  ?  Why,  with  kicking  :.t, 
I  tell  you,  I've  almost  broken  down  tte  door. 

Tea.  What,  you  touched  it  ? 


480  :NrOSTET,LARTA ;  Act  H. 

Thett.  I  touched  it,  I  tell  you,  and  knocked  at  it. 

Tra.  Out  upon  you !     Theu.  Why  so  ? 

TitA.   By  heavens!  'twas  ill  done. 

Theu.  What  is  the  matter  ?  Tba.  It  cannot  be  expressec?^ 
how  shocking  and  dreadful  a  mischief  you've  been  guilty  of. 

Thetj.  How  so  ? 

Tra.  Take  to  flight,  I  beseech  you,  and  get  away  from  the 
house.  Fly  in  this  direction,  fly  closer  to  me.  {Se  runs  to 
wards  Tranio.)     What,  did  you  touch  the  door  ? 

Theu.  How  could  I  knock,  if  I  didn't  touch  it  ? 

Tra.  By  all  that's  holy,  you've  been  the  death 

Theu.  Of  what  person  ?     Tra.  Of  all  your  family. 

Theu.  May  the  Gods  and  G-oddesses  confound  you  with 
that  oinen. 

Tra.  I'm  afraid  that  you  can't  make  satisfaction  for  your- 
self and  them. 

Theu.  For  what  reason,  or  what  new  affair  is  this  that  you 
thus  suddenly  bring  me  news  of? 

Tra.  And  {whispering)  hark  you,  prithee,  do  bid  those 
people  to  move  away  from  here.  {Pointing  to  the  At- 
tendants o/'Theuropides.) 

Theu.  {to  ^Ae  Attendants).  Move  away  from  here. 

Tra.  Don't  you  touch  the  house.  Touch  you  the  ground^ 
as  well.  {Exeunt  the  Attendants. 

Theu.  I'  faith,  prithee,  do  speak  out  now. 

Tra.  Because  it  is  now  seven  months  that  not  a  person  has 
set  foot  within  this  house,  and  since  we  once  for  aU  left  it. 

Theu.  Tell  me,  why  so  ? 

Tra.  Just  look  around,  whether  there's  any  person  to 
overhear  our  discourse. 

Theu.  {looking  around).  All's  quite  safe. 

Tra.  Look  around  once  more. 

Theu.  {looking  around).  There's  nobody ;  now  then,  speak 
out.  Tra.  {in  a  loud  whisper).  The  house  has  been  guilty 
of  a  capital  offence^. 

Theu.  I  don't  understand  gou.   Tba.  A  crime,  I  tell  you,has 

»  Touch  you  the  ground) — Ver.  457.  Tne  ancients  were  in  the  habit  of 
reverentially  tonching  the  earth,  when  engaged  in  any  afiairs  that  related  to 
the  dead  or  the  infernal  Deities. 

-  Guilty  of  a  capital  offence) — Ver.  464.    '  Capitalis  sec^^B  facta  est ;" 
isg  that  a  murder  had  been  oommitted  in  it. 


Sc.  I.  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  481 

been  committed  there,  a  long  while  ago,  one  of  olden  time  and 
ancient  date. 

Thku.  Of  ancient  date  ?  Tea.  'Tis  but  recently,  in  fact, 
that  we've  discovered  this  deed. 

Theu.  What  is  this  crime,  or  who  committed  it  ?  Tell 
me. 

Tea.  a  host  slew  his  guest,  seized  with  his  hand ;  he,  I 
fancy,  who  sold  you  the  house. 

Theu.  Slew  him  ? 

Tea.  And  robbed  this  guest  of  his  gold,  and  buried  this 
guest  there  in  the  house,  on  the  spot. 

Theu.  For  what  reason  do  you  suspect  that  this  took 
place? 

Tea.  I'll  tell  you ;  listen.  One  day,  when  your  son  had 
dined  away  from  home,  after  he  returned  home  from  dining; 
A\e  all  went  to  bed,  and  fell  asleep.  By  accident,  I  had 
forgotten  to  put  out  my  lamp ;  and  he,  all  of  a  sudden,  called 
out  aloud 

Theu.  What  person  ?     My  son  ? 

Tea.  Hist !  hold  your  peace :  just  listen.  He  said  that  a 
dead  man  came  to  him  in  his  sleep 

Theu.  In  his  dreams,  then,  you  mean  ? 

Tea.  Just  so.  But  only  listen.  He  said  that  he  had  met 
with  his  death  by  these  means 

Theu.   What,  in  his  sleep  ? 

Tea.  It  would  have  been  surprising  if  he  had  told  him 
awake,  who  had  been  murdered  sixty  years  ago.  On  some 
occasions  you  are  absurdly  simple.  But  look,  w^hat  he  said : 
"  I  am  the  guest  of  Diapontius,  from  beyond  the  seas ;  here 
do  I  dwell ;  this  has  been  assigned  me  as  my  abode ;  for 
Orcus  would  not  receive  me  in  Acheron,  because  prematurely 
I  lost  my  life.  Through  confiding  was  I  deceived :  my  enter- 
tainer slew  me  here,  and  that  villain  secretly  laid  me  in  the 
ground  without  funereal  rites,  in  this  house,  on  the  spot, 
for  the  sake  of  gold.  I^ow  do  you  depart  from  here ;  this 
house  is  accursed,  this  dwelling  is  defiled."  The  wonders 
that  here  take  place,  hardly  in  a  year  could  I  recount  them. 
Hush,  hush  !     {lie  starts.) 

Theu.  Troth  now,  what  has  happened,  prithee  ? 

Tea.  The  door  made  a  noise.  Was  it  he  that  was 
Itnocking  ? 

VOL.  II.  2  I 


4S2  MOSTELLAEIA ;  Act  II. 

Theu.  {turning  pale).  I  have  uot  one  drop  dF  blood  \  Dead 
men  are  come  to  fetch  me  to  Acheron,  while  alive ! 

Tea.  {aside).  I'm  undone !  those  people  there  will  mar  my 
plot.  {A  noise  is  heard  from  ivithin.)  How  much  I  dread, 
lest  he  should  catch  me  in  the  fact. 

Theu.  What  are  you  talking  about  to  yourself?  {Goes 
near  the  door.) 

Tea.  Do  get  away  from  the  door.  By  heavens,  fly,  I  do 
beseech  you. 

Theu.  Fly  where  ?     Fly  yourself,  as  well. 

Tea.  I  am  not  afraid  :  I  am  at  peace  with  the  dead. 

A  Voice  {from  within).  Hallo !  Tranio^. 

Tea.  {in  a  low  voice,  near  the  door).  You  won't  be  calling 
me,  if  you  are  wise.  {Aloud,  as  if  speaking  to  the  Appari- 
tion.) 'Tis  not  I  that's  guilty ;  I  did  not  knock  at  the  door. 

Theu.  Pray,  what  is  it  that's  wrong?  What  matter 
is  agitating  you,  Tranio  ?  To  whom  are  you  saying  these 
things  ? 

Tea.  Prithee,  was  it  you  that  called  me  ?  So  may  the 
G-ods  bless  me,  I  fancied  it  was  this  dead  man  expostulating 
because  you  had  knocked  at  the  door.  But  are  you  still 
standing  there,  and  not  doing  what  I  advise  you  ? 

Theu.  What  am  I  to  do  ?  Tea.  Take  care  not  to  look 
back.     Ply ;  cover  up  your  head  ! 

Theu.  "Why  don't  you  fly  ? 

Tea.  I  am  at  peace  with  the  dead. 

Theu.  I  recollect.  Why  then  were  you  so  dreadfully 
alarmed  just  now  ? 

Tea.  Have  no  care  for  me,  I  tell  you ;  I'll  see  to  myself 
You,  as  you  have  begun  to  do,  fly  as  quick  as  ever  you  can; 
Hercules,  too^,  you  will  invoke. 

Theu.  Hercules,  I  do  invoke  thee!    {Runs  off.) 

Tea.  {to  himself)  And  I,  as  well,  old  fellow,  that  this  day 
he'll  send  some  heavy  mishap  upon  you.     0   ye  immortal 

'  Hallo.'  Tranio') — Ver.  602.  Weise's  Edition  gives  these  words  to  Theu- 
ropides,  Rost,  no  doubt  rightly,  suggests  that  these  words  are  spoken  by 
Philolaches  from  inside  (perhaps  in  a  low  voice,  to  ask  Tranio  how  matters  are 
going  on).  On  this,  Tranio  turns  it  to  good  account,  by  pretending  that  the 
Ghost  is  calling  out  to  him  for  his  supposed  impiety  in  daring  to  knock  at  the 
door. 

-  Hercules,  too) — Ver.  514.  Hercules  having  slain  so  many  msjr.sters,  waa 
liAturally  regarded  as  a  Deit  /  likely  to  give  aid  in  extreme  danger. 


Act  111.  OB,  THE  HAUKTED  HOUSE.  483 

Grods,  I  do  implore  your  aid.     Plague  on  it !  what  a  mesa 
I  have  got  into  to-day.  {Ea;it, 

Act  III. — Scene  I. 

Enter  a  Bankee,  at  the  end  of  the  stage. 

Ban.  {to  himself).    I   never  knew  any  year   worse   for 

money  upon  interest,  than  this  year  has  turned  out  to  me. 

From  morning  even  until  night,  I  spend  my  time  in  the 

Forum ;  I  cannot  lend  out  a  coin  of  silver  to  auy  one. 

Enter  Tranio. 

Tra.  {apar£).  Now,  faith,  I  am  clearly  undone  in  an 
everlasting  way !  The  Banker's  here  w-ho  found  the  money 
with  which  his  mistress  was  bought.  The  matter's  all  out, 
unless  I  meet  him  a  bit  beforehand,  so  that  the  old  man  may 
not  at  present  come  to  know  of  this.  I'll  go  meet  him.  But 
{seeing  Theuropides)  I  wonder  why  he  has  so  soon  be- 
taken himself  homeward  again.  I'm  afraid  that  he  has  heard 
something  about  this  affair.  I'll  meet  him,  and  accost 
him.  But  how  dreadfully  frightened  I  am !  Nothing  is 
more  wretched  than  the  mind  of  a  man  with  a  guilty  con- 
science, such  as  possesses  myself.  But  however  this  matter 
turns  out,  I'll  proceed  to  perplex  it  still  further :  so  does  this 
affair  require. 

Enter  Theuropides. 

Tra.  {accosting  him).  Whence  come  you  ? 

Tiieu.  I  met  that  person  from  whom  I  bought  this  house. 

Tra.  Did  you  tell  him  anything  about  that  which  I  waa 
telling  you  ? 

Theu.  I'  faith,  I  certainly  told  him  everything. 

Tra.  {aside).  Woe  to  unfortunate  me !  I'm  afraid  that 
my  schemes  are  everlastingly  undone ! 

Theu.  What  is  it  you  are  saying  to  yourself? 

Tra.  Why  nothing.  But  tell  me,  prithee,  did  you  really 
tell  him  ? 

Theu.  I  told  him  everything  in  its  order,  I  tell  you. 

Tra.  Does  he,  then,  confess  about  the  guest  ? 

TiiEU.  Wliy  no  ;  he  utterly  denies  it. 

TuA.  Does  lie  deny  it  ? 

Theu.  Do  you  asl   me  again?     I  should  tell  you  if  he 
2i2 


484  mostellaria;  Act  III. 

had  confessed  it.     What  now  are  you  of  opinion  o  ight  to  be 
done  ? 

Tea.  "What  is  my  opinion  ?  By  my  troth,  I  beg  of  you, 
appoint  an  arbitrator  together  with  him  ;  but  take  you  care 
that  you  appoint  one  who  will  believe  me ;  you'll  overcome 
him  as  easily  as  a  fox  eats  a  pear^. 

Ban.  {to  himself).  But  see,  here's  Tranio,  the  servant  of 
Philolaches,  people  who  pay  me  neither  interest  nor  prin- 
cipal on  my  money.  ( Goes  towards  Teanio,  who  steps  for- 
ivard  to  meet  him!) 

Theu.  (to  Teanio).  Whither  are  you  betaking  yourself? 

Tea.  I'm  going  no  whither.  {Aside.)  For  sure,  I  am  a 
wretch,  a  rascal,  one  born  with  all  the  Gods  my  foes !  He'll 
now  be  accosting  me  in  the  old  man's  presence.  Assuredly, 
I  am  a  wretched  man  ;  in  such  a  fashion  both  this  way  and 
that  do  they  find  business  for  me.  But  I'll  make  haste  and 
accost  him.     {Moves  towards  the  Bankee.) 

Ban.   {apart).  He's  coming  towards  me.     I'm  all  right 
I've  some  hopes  of  my  money  ;  he's  smiling. 

Tea.  {to  himself).  The  fellow's  deceived.  (2b  ^Ae  Bankeb.^; 
I  heartily  bid  you  hail,  my  friend  Saturides^. 

Ban.  And  hail  to  you.     What  about  the  money  ? 

Tea.  Be  off  with  you,  will  you,  you  brute.  Directly  you 
come,  you  commence  the  attack^  against  me. 

Ban.  {apart).  This  fellow's  empty-handed. 

Tea.  {overhearing  him).  This  fellow's  surely  a  conjurer. 

Ban.  But  why  don't  you  put  an  end  to  this  trifling  ? 

Tea.  Tell  me,  then,  what  it  is  you  want. 

Ban.  Where  is  Philolaches  ? 

Tea.  You  never  could  have  met  me  more  opportunely 
than  you  have  met  me.     Ban.  How's  that  ? 

Tea.  {tahing  him  aside).  Step  this  way. 

Ban.  {aloud).  Why  isn't  the  money  repaid  me  ? 

'  As  a  fox  eats  a  pear) — Ver.  543.  This  may  either  mean,  very  easily  indeed, 
or  not  at  all.  It  is  not  clear  that  a  fox  will  eat  a  pear;  but  if  he  does,  his  teeth 
will  go  through  it  with  the  greatest  ease.  Not  improbably,  Tranio  uses  the  ex- 
pression for  its  ambiguity. 

-  Friend  Saturides)  —  Ver.  552.  A  nickname  coined  by  the  author,  from 
'satur,"  "brimful,"  of  money,  probably. 

^  Commence  the  attack) — Ver.  554.  "  I'ilum  injecisti."  Literally,  "  you  have 
thrown  the  dan."     "  To  throw  tlie  dart"  was  a  common  expression,   signifying 

->  make  tlie  first  fttt^cK;"  ^  the  darts  were  turown  before  recourse  was  bad 


Sc.  1,  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  485 

Tea.  I  know  that  you  have  a  good  voice  ;  don't  bawl  out 
BO  loud.     Ban.  (aloud).  V  faith,  I  certainly  shall  bawl  out. 

Tea.  O,  do  humour  me  now. 

Ban.  What  do  you  want  me  to  humour  you  in  ? 

Tea.  Prithee,  be  off  hence  home. 

Ban.  Be  off  ?     Tea.  Eeturn  here  about  mid-day. 

Bais.  "Will  the  interest  be  paid  then? 

Tea.  It  will  be  paid.    Be  off. 

Ban.  Why  should  I  run  to  and  fro  here,  or  use  or  waste 
my  pains  ?  What  if  I  remain  here  until  mid-day  in  pi-e- 
ference  ? 

Tea.  Why  no ;  be  off  home.  On  my  word,  I'm  telling 
the  truth.     Only  do  be  off. 

Ban.  (aloud).  Then  do  you  pay  me  my  interest.  Why 
do  you  trifle  with  me  this  way  ? 

Tea.  Bravo  !  faith.   Eeally  now,  do  be  off;  do  attend  to  me. 

Ban.  (aloud).  V  faith,  I'll  call  him  now  by  name. 

Tea.  Bravo !  stoutly  done !  Eeally  you  are  quite  rich 
now  when  you  bawl  out. 

Ban.  (aloud).  I'm  asking  for  my  own.  In  this  way  you've 
been  disappointing  me  for  these  many  days  past.  If  I'm 
troublesome,  give  me  back  the  money;  I'll  go  away  then. 
That  expression^  puts  an  end  to  all  replies. 

Tea.  (pretending  to  offer  it  him).  Then,  take  the  prin- 
cipaP. 

Ban.  (aloud).  Why  no,  the  interest;  I  want  that  first. 

Tea.  What  ?  Have  you,  you  fellow  most  foul  of  all  fel- 
lows, come  here  to  burst  yourself?  Do  w^hat  lies  in  your 
power.     He's  not  going  to  pay  you  ;  he  doesn't  owe  it. 

Ban.  Not  owe  it  ? 

Tea.  Not  a  tittle,  indeed,  can  you  get  from  here.  Would 
you  prefer  for  him  to  go  abroad,  and  leave  the  city  in  exile, 
driven  hence  for  your  sake  ?  Why  then,  in  preference 
let  him  pay  the-'^  principal. 

^  That  expression)— Wqt.  574.  By  "  hoc  verbum"  he  probably  alludes  to  the 
expression,  "  reddite  argentum,  "  down  with  the  money." 

2  Take  the  principal) — Ver.  575.  He  finds  he  must  say  sometliing,  so  he  says 
this,  although  he  has  no  money  with  him.  He  knows,  however,  that  the  usurer 
will  first  insist  on  the  interest  being  paid,  because  if  he  takes  the  principal,  it 
will  be  a  legal  waver  of  his  riglit  to  claim  the  interest. 

3  />€/  him  pat/  the) — Ver.  581.  "  Quin  sortem  potius  dare  licet?''  is  tb« 
readiiig  here,  Li  Wei^e's  Edition ;  but  the  line  seems  hopelessly  mcurrect. 


486  MOSTELLARIA ;  Act  III 

Ban.  But  T  don*t  nsk  for  it. 

Thku.  {calling  out  to  TuAHio,  from  a  distance).  Hark  you  ! 
you  whip-knave,  come  back  to  me. 

Tra.  {to  Theuropides).  I'll  be  there  just  now.  {To  the 
Banker.)  Don't  you  be  troublesome ;  no  one's  going  to 
pay  you ;  do  what  you  please.  You  are  the  only  person,  I 
suppose,  that  lends  money  upon  interest.  {Moves  towards 
Theuropides.) 

Ban.  {bawling  aloud).  Give  me  my  interest!  pay  me  my 
interest !  you  pay  my  interest !  Are  you  going  to  give  me 
my  interest  this  instant  ?     Give  me  my  interest ! 

Tra.  Interest  here,  interest  there !  The  old  rogue  knows 
how  to  talk  about  nothing  but  interest.  I  do  not  think  that 
ever  I  saw  any  beast  more  vile  than  you. 

Ban.  Upon  my  faith,  you  don't  alarm  me  now  with  those 
expressions.  This  is  of  a  hot  nature;  although  it  is  at  a 
distance  off,  it  scorches  badly^. 

Tra.  Don't  you  be  troublesome ;  no  one's  going  to  pay 
you  ;  do  what  you  please.  You  are  the  only  person,  I  sup* 
pose,  that  lends  money  upon  interest. 

Theu.  {to  Tranio).  Pray,  what  interest  is  this  that  he 
is  asking  for  ? 

Tra.  {in  a  low  voice,  to  Me  Banker).  Look  now;  his  father 
has  arrived  from  abroad,  not  long  since ;  he'll  pay  you  both 
interest  and  principal ;  don't  you  then  attempt  any  furtiier 
to  make  us  your  enemies.     See  whether  he  puts  you  off. 

Ban.  Nay  but,  I'll  take  it,  if  anything's  offered. 

Theu.  {to  Tranio,  connng  towards  him).  What  do  you  say, 
ihen ?     Tra.  What  is  it  you  mean  ? 

Theu.  Who  is  this  ?  What  is  he  asking  for  ?  Why  is  he 
thus  rudely  speaking  of  my  son  Philolaehes  in  this  way,  and 
giving  you  abuse  to  your  face  ?     What's  owing  him  ? 

Tra.  {to  Theuropides).  I  beg  of  you,  do  order  the  money 
to  be  thrown  in  the  face  of  this  dirty  brute. 

Tjieu.  I,  order  it  ? 

'  //  scorches  badly) — Ver.  592.  This  line  Is  given  by  Gruter  to  T)ienropi(]es, 
oy  Acidalius  to  Tranio,  and  by  Lambinus  to  the  Banker.  The  latter  seems  tlie 
most  appropriate  owner  of  it;  and  he  probably  alludes,  aside,  to  the  effects  (A 
liis  pressing  in  a  loud  voice  for  tbe  money.  Tranio  is  introduced  as  using  the 
same  expression,  in  1.  650 ;  but  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  hue,  as  there  in- 
Bened,  is  spurious. 


Sc.  I.  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  487 

Tra.  Order  the  fellow's  face  to  be  pelted  with  money. 

Ban.  {coming  Clearer).  I  could  very  well  put  Uf  with  a 
peltiug  witli  money. 

Theu.  {to  Tranio).  What  money's  this  ? 

Tra.  PKilolaches  owes  this  person  a  little. 

Theu.  How  much  ?      Tra.  About  forty  minsB. 

Ban.  {to  Theuropides).  Eeally,  don't  think  much  of  that ; 
it's  a  trifle,  in  fact. 

Tra.  Don't  you  hear  him  ?  Troth  now,  prithee,  doesn't 
he  seem  just  suited  to  be  a  Banker — a  generation  that's  most 
roguish  ? 

Theu.  I  don't  care,  just  now,  for  that,  who  he  is  or  whence 
he  is ;  this  I  want  to  be  told  me,  this  I  very  much  wish  to 
know — I  heard  from  him  that  there  was  interest  owing  on 
the  money  as  well. 

Tra.  Forty-four  minae  are  due  to  him.  Say  that  you'll 
pay  it,  that  he  may  be  off. 

Theu.  I,  say  that  I'll  pay  it  ? 

Tra.  Do  say  so.      Theu.  What,  I  ? 

Tra.  Tou  yourself.  Do  only  say  so.  Do  be  guided  by 
me.     Do  promise.     Come  now,  I  say ;  I  beg  of  you. 

Theu.  Answer  me ;  what  has  been  done  with  this  money  ? 

Tra.  It's  safe.     Theu.  Pay  it  yourselves  then,  if  it's  safe. 

Tra.  Tour  son  has  bought  a  house. 

Theu.  A  house  ?     Tra.  A  house. 

Theu.  Bravo !  Philolaches  is  taking  after  his  father !  The 
fellow  now  turns  to  merchandize.    A  house,  say  you  ? 

Tra.  a  house,  I  tell  you.    But  do  you  know  of  what  sort  i* 

Theu.  How  can  I  know  ? 

Tra.  Out  with  you !     Theu.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Tra.  Don't  ask  me  that.      Theu.  But  why  so? 

Tra.  Bright  as  a  mirror,  pure  brilliancy  itself. 

Theu.  Excellently  done,  upon  my  feith !  Well,  how  much 
did  he  agree  to  give  for  it  ? 

Tra.  As  many  great  talents  as  you  and  I  put  together 
make;  but  these  forty  miuaB  he  paid  by  way  of  earnest. 
{Pointing  to  the  Banker.)  From  him  he  received  what  we 
paid  the  other  man.     Do  you  quite  understand^  ?     For  after 

'  Do  you  quite  understand) — Ver.  629.  Warner  suggests,  that  by  using  this  ex- 
pression before  the  Banker,  he  intends  to  make  a  secret  of  the  house  being 
haunted;  and  that  he  keeps  up  the  nu'sterj-  in  tlie  succeeding  line. 


488  MOSTELLAEIA ;  Act  111. 

this  house  was  in  s".ch  a  state  as  I  mentioned  to  you,  be  ac 
once  purchased  another  house  for  liimself. 

Theu.  Excellently  done,  upon  my  faith ! 

Ban.  (^owc/imy  Teanio).  Harkyow.  Mid-day  is  now  close 
at  hand. 

Tea.  Prithee,  do  dismiss  this  puking  fellow,  that  he  mayn't 
worry  us  to  death.  Forty-four  minae  are  due  to  him,  both 
principal  and  interest. 

Ban.  'Tis  just  that  much ;  I  ask  for  nothing  more. 

Tea.  Upon  my  faith,  I  really  could  have  wished  that  you 
had  asked  more,  if  only  by  a  single  coin. 

Theu.  {to  the  Bankee).  Young  man,  transact  the  business 
with  me. 

Ban.  I'm  to  ask  it  of  you,  you  mean  ? 

Theu.   Come  for  it  to-morrow. 

Ban.  I'll  be  off,  then ;  I'm  quite  satisfied  if  I  get  it  to- 
morrow. (  Ea:it. 

Tea.  (aside).  A  plague  may  all  the  Grods  and  Goddesses 
send  upon  him !  so  utterly  has  he  disarranged  my  plans.  On 
my  word,  no  class  of  men  is  there  more  disgusting,  or  less 
acquainted  with  fair  dealing  than  the  banking  race. 

Theu.  In  what  neighhourhood  did  my  son  buy  this  house  ? 

Tea.  (aside).  Just  see  that,  now !     I'm  undone ! 

Theu.  Are  you  going  to  tell  me  that  which  I  ask  you  ? 

Tea.  I'll  tell  you ;  but  I'm  thinking  what  was  the  name 
of  the  owner.     (Pretends  to  think.) 

Theu.  Well,  call  it  to  mind,  then. 

Tea.  (aside).  What  am  I  to  do  now,  except  put  the  lie 
upon  this  neighbour  of  ours  next  door  ?  I'll  say  that  his  son 
has  bought  that  house.  I'  faith,  I've  heard  say  that  a  lie 
piping-hot  is  the  best  lie  ;  this  is  piping-hot ;  although  it  is 
at  a  distance  off,  it  scorches  badly.  Whatever  the  Gods 
dictate,  that  am  I  determined  to  say. 

Theu.  Well  now  ?    Have  you  recollected  it  by  this  ? 

Tea.  (aside).  May  the  Gods  confound  that  feUow ! — no 
this  other  fellow,  rather.  (To  Theueopides.)  Tour  son  has 
bought  the  house  of  this  next-door  neighbour  of  yours. 

Theu.  In  real  truth  ?  Tea.  If,  indeed,  you  are  going  to 
pay  down  the  money,  then  in  real  truth;  if  you  are  not 
going  to  pay  it,  in  real  truth  he  has  not  bought  it. 

Theu.  He  hasn't  bought  it  in  a  very  good  situation. 


Sc.  II.  OE,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  489 

Tea.  Why  yes,  iu  a  very  good  one. 

Theu.  1'  faith,  I  should  like  to  look  over  this  house ;  just 
knock  at  the  door,  and  call  some  one  to  you  from  witnin, 
Trani:. 

Tbjl.  {aside).  Why  just  look  now,  again  I  don't  know  what 
I'm  to  say.  Once  more,  now,  are  the  surges  bearing  me 
upon  the  self-same  rock.  What  now  ?  I'  faith,  I  can't  dis- 
cover what  I  am  now  to  do ;  I'm  caught  in  the  fact. 

Theu.  Just  call  some  one  out  of  doors ;  ask  him  to  show 
us  round. 

Tea.  {going  to  the  door  q/*SiMo's  house).  Hallo  there,  you  ! 
{Turning  round)  But  there  are  ladies  here;  we  must  first 
see  whether  they  are  willing  or  unwilling. 

Theu.  You  say  what's  good  and  proper ;  just  make  enquiry, 
and  ask.     I'll  wait  here  outside  until  you  come  out. 

Tea.  {aside).  May  all  the  Gods  and  Goddesses  utterly 
confound  you,  old  gentleman!  in  such  a  fashion  are  you 
thwarting  my  artful  plans  in  every  way.  Bravo!  very 
good!  Look,  Simo  himself,  the  owner  of  the  house,  is 
coming  out  of  doors.  I'll  step  aside  here,  until  I  have  con- 
vened the  senate  of  council  in  my  mind.  Then,  when  I've 
discovered  what  I  am  to  do,  I'll  join  him.  (Theueopidks 
and  Teaijio  stand  at  a  distance  from  8tmo's  house,  in  opposite 
directions,  Theueopides  being  out  of  sight.) 

Scene  II. — Snter  Simo,  from  his  house, 

Sim.  {to  himself).  I've  not  enjoyed  myself  better  at  home 
this  year  than  I  have  to-day,  nor  has  at  any  time  any  meal 
pleased  me  better.  My  wife  provided  a  very  nice  breakfast 
for  me  ;  now  she  bids  me  go  take  a  nap.  By  no  means !  It 
instantly  struck  me  that  it  didn't  so  happen  by  chance.  She 
pro\aded  a  better  breakfast  than  is  her  wont ;  and  then,  the 
old  lady  wanted  to  draw  me  away  to  my  chamber.  Sleep 
is  not  good^  after  breakfast — out  upon  it!  I  secretly  stole 
away  from  the  house,  out  of  doors.  My  wife,  I'm  sure,  is 
now  quite  bursting  with  rage  at  home. 

Tea.  {apart).  A  sore  mischance  is  provided  for  this  old 

*  Sleep  is  not  good) — Ver.  681.  It  was  a  custom  with  the  Romans  to  take  a 
nap  at  noon,  after  the  "  prandium."  The  modem  Italians  have  the  same  prac- 
tice, and  call  it  the  "  siesta."  Simo  has  \m  private  reas  )ns  for  thinking  that 
this  nap  is  not  wholesome  in  his  own  case 


490  MOSTELLARTA  ;  Act  III. 

fellow  by  the  evening ;  for  he  must  both  dine  and  go  to  bed 
in-doors  in  sorry  fashion. 

Sim.  {continuing).  The  more  I  reflect  upon  it  in  my  mind: 
if  any  person  has  a  dowried  wife,  sleep  has  no  charms  for  him. 
I  detest  going  to  take  a  nap.  It's  a  settled  matter  with  me 
to  be  off  to  the  Forum  from  here,  ratlier  than  nap  it  at 
home.  And,  i'  faith  (to  the  Audience),  I  don't  know  how 
your  uives  are  in  their  behaviour ;  this  wife  of  mine,  I  know 
right  well  how  badly  she  treats  me,  and  that  she  will  prove 
more  annoying  to  me  hereafter  than  she  has  been. 

Tra.  {apart).  If  your  escape,  old  gentleman,  turns  out 
amiss,  there'll  be  no  reason  for  you  to  be  accusing  any  one 
of  the  Gods;  by  very  good  right,  you  may  justly  lay  the 
blame  upon  yourself.  It's  time  now  for  me  to  accost  this 
old  fellow.  'Tis  down  upon  him^.  I've  hit  upon  a  plan 
wliereby  to  cajole  the  old  fellow,  by  means  of  which  to  drive 
grief  2  away  from  me.  I'll  accost  him.  {Accosting  him.)  May 
the  G-ods,  Simo,  send  on  you  many  blessings !  {Takes  him 
hy  the  hand.) 

Sim.  Save  you,  Tranio !     Tra.  How  fare  you  ? 

Sim.  Not  amiss.     What  are  you  about  ? 

Tra.  Holding  hy  the  hand  a  very  worthy  man. 

Sim.  You  act  in  a  friendly  way,  in  speaking  well  of  me. 

Tra.  It  certainly  is  your  due. 

Sim.  But,  i'  faith,  in  you  I  don't  hold  a  good  servant  hy 
the  hand. 

Thef.  {calling  from  a  distance,  where  he  is  not  perceived 
hy  Simo).  Hark  you!  you  whip-knave,  come  back  to  me. 

Tra.  {turning  round).  I'll  be  there  just  now. 

Sim.  Well  now,  how  soon ? 

Tra,  AVhat  is  it  ?     Sim.  The  usual  goings-on. 

Tra.  Tell  me  then,  these  usual  goings-on,  what  are  they  ? 

Sim.  The  way  that  you  yourselves  proceed.  But,  Tranio, 
ko  say  the  truth,  according  as  men  are,  it  so  befits  you  to 
humour  them  ;  reflecting,  at  the  same  time,  how  short  life  is. 

Tea.  What  of  all  this  ?  Dear  me,  at  last,  after  some  difTi- 

»  Down  upon  him)—Ver.  698.  "Hoc  habet."  Literally,  "he  has  it;"  a 
term  used  by  the  Spectators,  when  a  gladiator  received  a  wound  at  the  gladi- 
atorial games. 

-  By  means  of  which  to  drive  grief) — Ver.  699.    He  plays  upon  the 
hlance  of  the  words  "  dolo"  and  "  dolorem." 


Sc  II.  OK,  TSZ   HAUNTED  HOUSE.  491 

culty,  I  perceive  that  you  are  talking  about  these  goings-on 
of  ours. 

Sim.  I'  faith,  you  people  are  living  a  merry  life,  just  as 
befits  vou :  on  wine,  good  cheer,  nice  dainty  fisli,  you  eujoy 
life.     " 

Tba.  "Why  yes,  so  it  was  in  time  past,  indeed ;  hut  now 
these  things  have  come  to  an  end  all  at  once.     Sim.  How  so  ? 

Tra.  So  utterly,  Simo,  are  we  all  undone  ! 

Sim.  Won't  you  hold  your  tongue  ?  Everything  has  gone 
on  prosperously  with  you  hitherto. 

Tba.  I  don't  deny  that  it  has  been  as  you  say  ;  undoubt- 
edly, we  have  lived  heartily,  just  as  we  pleased;  but,  Simo, 
iy  such  a  way  has  the  breeze  now  forsaken  our  ship 

Sim.  "What's  the  matter  ?    In  what  way  ? 

Tra.  In  a  most  shocking  wai/. 

Sim.  What,  wasn't  it  hauled  ashore"^  in  safety? 

Tra.  Ah  me  !     Sim.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Tra.  Ah  wretched  me  !  I'm  utterly  undone ! 

Sim.  How  so  ?  Tra.  Because  a  ship  has  come,  to  smash 
the  hull  of  our  ship. 

Sim.  I  would  wish  as  you  would  wish,  Tranio,/or  ^our  oivn 
sake.     But  what  is  the  matter  ?    Do  inform  me. 

Tra.  I  will  inform  you.  My  master  has  arrived  from 
abroad. 

Sim.  In  that  case,  the  cord  will  be  stretched  for  you  ; 
thence  to  the  place  where  iron  fetters  clink ;  after  that, 
straight  to  the  cross. 

Tra.  Now,  by  your  knees,  I  do  implore  you,  don't  give 
information  to  my  master. 

Sim.  Don't  you  fear  ;  he  shall  know  nothing  from  me. 

Tra.  Blessings  on  you,  my  patron. 

Sim.  I  don't  care  for  clients  of  this  description  for  myself. 

Tra.  Now  as  to  this  about  which  our  old  gentleman  has 
sent  me. 

Sim.  First  answer  me  this  that  I  ask  you.  As  yet,  has 
your  old  gentleman  discovered  anything  of  these  matters  ? 

Tra.  Nothing  whatever. 

Sim.  Has  he  censured  his  son  at  all  ? 

*  WasnH  it  hauled  ashort)) — ^Ver.  723.  It  was  tlie  custom,  when  ships  wer« 
not  in  use,  especially  in  the  winter  time,  to  draw  them  up  on  shore,  by  mtana  of 
rollers  placed  beneath  them. 


492  MOSTELLARIA ;  Act  IlL 

:  Tea.  He  is  as  calm  as  the  calm  weather  is  wont  to  be. 
Now  he  has  requested  me  most  earnestly  to  beg  this  of 
you,  that  leave  may  be  given  him  to  see  over  this  house  of 
yours. 

Sim.  It's  not  for  sale.  Tra.  I  know  that  indeed ;  but 
the  old  gentleman  wishes  to  build  a  woman's  apartment^ 
here  m  his  own  house,  baths,  too,  and  a  piazza,  and  a  porch. 

Sim.  What  has  he  been  dreaming  of  ? 

Tra.  I'll  tell  you.  He  wishes  to  give  his  son  a  wife  as 
Boon  as  he  can ;  for  that  purpose  he  wants  a  new  apartment 
for  the  women.  But  he  says  that  some  builder,  I  don't  know 
who,  has  been  praising  up  to  him  this  house  of  yours,  as 
being  remarkably  well  built ;  now  he's  desirous  to  take  a 
njodel  from  it,  if  you  don't  make  any  objection 

Sim.  Indeed,  he  is  really  choosing  a  plan  for  himself 
from  a  piece  of  poor  workmanship. 

Tra.  It  was  because  he  heard  that  here  the  summer  heat 
was  much  modified ;  that  this  house  was  wont  to  be  inhabited 
each  day  all  day  long. 

Sim.  Why  really,  upon  my  faith,  on  the  contrary,  while 
there's  shade  in  every  direction,  in  spite  of  it,  the  sun  is 
always  here  from  morning  till  night :  he  stands,  like  a  dun, 
continually  at  the  door;  and  I  have  no  shade  anyw^here, 
unless,  perhaps,  there  may  be  some  in  the  well. 

Tra.  Well  now,  have  you  one  from  Sarsina,  if  you  have 
no  woman  of  Umbria^  ? 

Sim.  Don't  be  impertinent.     It  is  just  as  I  tell  you. 

Tra.  Still,  he  wishes  to  look  over  it. 

Sim.  He  may  look  over  it,  if  he  likes.  If  there  is  any- 
thing that  takes  his  fancy,  let  him  build  after  my  plan. 

Tra.  Am  I  to  go  and  call  this  person  hither  ? 

Sim.  Go  and  call  him. 

Tra.  (to  himself,  as  he  goes  to  the  other  side  of  the  stage  to 

*  A  womaTi's  apartment) — Ver.  741.  "  Gynaeceum."  Tliis  was  a  name 
borrowed  from  the  Greeks,  for  the  apartments  in  the  house  which  were  especially- 
devoted  to  the  use  of  the  females. 

-  No  woman  of  Umbria') — Ver.  756.  This  is  a  poor  pun  upon  the  difFt-rcnt 
acceptations  of  the  word  "umbra,"  which  may  sipriify,  according  to  the  context, 
"shade,"  or  "a  woman  of  Umbria."  Simo  means  it  in  the  former,  while 
Tranio  chooses  to  take  it  in  the  latter  sense.  Simo  does  not  like  this  attemjit  at 
wit,  and  tells  nim  not  to  be  impertinent.  We  may  here  observe,  that  Plautni 
was  i>orn  at  Sarsina,  a  town  of  Umbria. 


Sc.  II.  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE  493 

call  Theueopides).  They  say  that  Alexander  the  Great  and 
Agathocles^  achieved  two  very  great  exploits  ;  what  shall  be 
the  lot  of  myself,  a  third,  who,  unaided,  am  achieving  deeds 
imperishable?  This  old  fellow  is  carrying  his  pack-saddle, 
the  other  one,  as  well.  I've  hit  upon  a  novel  trade  for  my- 
self, not  a  bad  one ;  whereas  muleteers  have  mules  to  carry 
pack-saddles;  I've  got  men  to  carry  the  pack-saddles.  They  are 
able  to  carry  heavy  burdens;  whatever  you  put  upon  them,  they 
'•arry.  Now,  I  don't  know  whether  I  am  to  address  him.  I'll 
accost  him,  however.   {Calling  aloud.)  Hark  you,  Theuropides ! 

Theu.  {coming forward).  Well;  who's  calling  me? 

Tea.  a  servant  most  attached  to  his  master.  Where  you 
sent  me,  I  got  it  all  agreed  to. 

Theu.  Prithee,  why  did  you  stay  there  so  long  ? 
'  Tea.  The  old  gentleman  hadn't  leisure ;  I  was  waiting 
until  then. 

Theu.  Tou  keep  up  that  old  way  of  yours,  of  being  tardy. 

Tea.  Hark  you  !  if  you  please  reflect  upon  this  proverb : 
t^  blow  and  swallow^  at  the  same  moment  isn't  easy  to  be 
done ;  I  couldn't  be  here  and  there  at  the  same  time. 

Theu.  What  now  ? 

Tea.  Come  and  look,  and  inspect  it  at  your  own  pleasure, 

Theu.  Yery  well,  you  go  before  me. 

Tea.  Am  I  delaying  to  do  so  ?   Theu.  I'll  follow  after  you. 

Tea.  {as  they  advance).  Look,  the  old  gentleman  himself 
is  awaiting  you  before  the  door,  but  he  is  concerned  that  he 
has  sold  this  house. 

Theu.  Why  so? 

Tea.  He  begs  me  to  persuade  Philolaches  to  let  him  off. 

Theu.  I  don't  think  he  will.  Each  man  reaps  on  his  own 
farm^.  If  it  had  been  bought  dear,  we  shouldn't  have  had 
permission  to  return  it  on  his  hands.  Whatever  profit  there 
is,  it's  proper  to  bring  it  home.  It  don't,  now-a-days,  befit 
men  to  be  showing  compassion. 

Tea.  I'  faith,  you  are  losing  time  while  you  are  talking. 
Follow  me. 

'  Apnthocles) — Ver.  761.  Agathocles  rose  from  the  station  of  a  potter  to  be 
king  nt  Sicily. 

-  To  blow  and  sioaUow) — Ver.  777.  Or  "  exhale  and  inhale."  A  proverbial 
expression,  very  similar  to  that  in  use  with  us,  that  "  a  person  cannot  Uhvr  hot 
an<l  rnld  at  the  same  time." 

'  Jiefips  on  his  ovmjcvnn) — Ver.  "85.  A  country  proverb,  meaning  "  everj 
one  for  liimself^" 


494  mostellaria;  Act  111 

Thef.  Be  it  so.  Tea.  {to  Theuropides).  I'll  give  you 
my  services.  {Pointing.)  There's  the  old  gentleman.  {To 
SiMO.)  Well  now,  I've  brought  you  this  person. 

Sim.  I'm  glad  that  you've  arrived  safely  from  abroad, 
Theuropides.     Theu.  May  the  Grods  bless  you. 

Sim.  Your  servant  was  telling  me  that  you  were  desirous 
to  look  over  this  house. 

Theu.  Unless  it's  inconvenient  to  you. 

Sim.  Oh  no  ;  quite  convenient.  Do  step  in-doors  and  look 
over  it.     Theu.  {pausing).  But  yet — the  ladies 

Sim.  Take  you  care  not  to  trouble  yourself  a  straw  about 
any  lady.  Walk  in  every  direction,  wherever  you  like,  all 
over  the  house,  just  as  though  it  were  your  own. 

Thetj.  {a/part  to  Tranio).  "  Just  as  though ?" 

Tra.  {whispering).  Oh,  take  care  that  you  don't  throw  it  in 
his  teeth  now  in  his  concern,  that  you  have  bought  it.  Don't 
you  see  him,  how  sad  a  countenance  the  old  gentleman  has  ? 

Thett.  {apart),  I  see.  Tra.  {apart).  Then  don't  seem  to 
exult,  and  to  be  overmuch  delighted ;  in  fact,  don't  make 
mention  that  you've  bought  it. 

Theu.  {apart).  I  understand ;  and  I  think  you've  given  good 
advice,  and  that  it  shows  a  humane  disposition.  {Turning  to 
Simo.)  What  now  ? 

Sim.  Won't  you  go  in?  Look  over  it  at  your  leisure, 
just  as  you  like. 

Theu.  I  consider  that  you  are  acting  civilly  and  kindly. 

Sim.  Troth,  I  wish  to  do  so.  Should  you  like  some  one  to 
show  you  over. 

Theu.  Away  with  any  one  to  show^  me  over.  I  don't  want 
him.      Sim.  Why?    What's  the  matter ? 

Theu.  I'll  go  wrong,  rather  than  any  one  should  show  me 
over. 

Tra.  {'pointing).  Don't  you  see,  this  vestibule  before  the 
house,  and  the  piazza,  of  what  a  compass  it  is  ? 

Theu.  Troth,  really  handsome ! 

Tra.  Well,  look  now,  what  pillars  there  are,  with  what 
strength  they  are  built,  and  of  what  a  thickness. 

Theu.  I  don't  think  that  I  ever  saw  handsomer  pillars. 

»  Away  with  any  one  to  show) — Ver.  804.  He  says  this,  not  likinc;  the  men- 
tion of  the  word  "  perductor,"  which,  beside  meaning  an  "  attendant"  or  "  on« 
to  escort,"  signities  a  "  pander"  or  "  procurer."  So  in  the  next  line,  "  perducto' 
mews  *'  to  show  over'  or  " to  act  the  procurer  ** 


Sc.  II.  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  495 

Sim.  I'  faith,  they  were  some  time  since  bought  by  m& 
at  such  a  price  ! 

Tea.  {aside,  whispering).  Don't  you  hear — "They  were 
once^'?     He  seems  hardly  able  to  refrain  from  tears. 

Theu.  At  what  price  did  you  purchase  them  ? 

Sim.  I  gave  three  minaB  for  the  two,  besides  the  carriage. 
{^He  retires  to  some  distance.) 

Theu.  {after  looking  close  at  them,  to  Tranio).  Why,  upon 
my  word,  they  are  much  more  unsound  than  I  thought  them 
at  first. 

Tra.  "Why  so  ?  Theu.  Because,  i'  faith,  the  woodworm 
has  split  them  both  from  the  bottom. 

Tra.  I  think  they  were  cut  at  an  improper  season ;  that 
fault  damages  them ;  but  even  as  it  is,  they  are  quite  good 
enough,  if  they  are  covered  with  pitch.  But  it  was  no 
foreign  pulse-eating  artisan^  did  this  work.  Don't  you  see 
the  joints  in  the  door  ?  {Pointing.) 

Theu.  I  see  them.  Tra.  Look,  how  close  together  they 
are  sleeping. 

Theu.  Sleeping?  Tra.  That  is,  how  they  wink,  I  in- 
tended to  say.     Are  you  satisfied  ? 

Theu.  The  more  I  look  at  each  particular,  the  more  it 
pleases  me. 

Tra.  {pointing).  Don't  you  see  the  painting, where  one  crow^ 
is  baffling  two  vultures  ?  The  crow  stands  there ;  it's  pecking 
at  them  both  in  turn.     This  way,  look,  prithee,  towards  me'^, 

'  Foreign  puke-eating  artisan) — Ver.  817.  From  the  use  of  the  word 
"  pnltiphagus,"  he  probably  alhides  to  Carthaginian  workmen,  who  were  very 
skilful  at  working  in  wood.  In  the  Poenulus,  Hanno  the  Carthaginian  is  called 
"  patruus  pultipliagonides,"  "  the  pulse-eating  kinsman."  If  this  is  the  meaning, 
It  is  pretty  clear  that  he  is  not  speaking  in  praise  of  the  workmanship.  Some,  how- 
ever, think  that  as,  in  early  limes,  the  lower  classes  at  Rome  lived  upon  "  puis," 
"  pap"  or  "  pottage,"  tlie  Scene  being  at  Athens,  Roman  workmen  are  alluded 
to ;  if  so,  he  may  mean  to  speak  in  praise  of  the  work,  and  to  say  that  no 
bungling  artists  made  the  doors.  See  the  Note  in  p.  355.  The  joints  are  said  to 
wink,  from  the  close  conjunction  of  the  eyeJds  in  the  act  of  winking. 

2  Where  one  crow) — Ver.  821.  By  the  "crow,"  he  means  himself;  and  by 
the  "  vultures,"  the  two  old  men.  Simo  is  probably  standing  at  some  distance 
off;  and  knowing  that  his  master's  sight  is  not  good,  he  feels  that  he  may  deriae 
him  with  impunity. 

'  Towards  me)— Ver.  822.  "Ad  me."  Theuropides  thinks  he  means, 
"  in  my  direction  ;"  whereas  Tranio  really  means,  "  look  '  at  mc  '  and  you  will 
Be«  the  crow ;"  though  he  does  not  iutend  that  his  master  shah  take  it  ic.  tut 
eeoae. 


400  MOSTELLABIA ;  Act  IIL 

that  vou  may  be  able  to  see  the  crow.  (Theuropides  turns 
towards  him.)  Now  do  you  see  it  ? 

1'heu.  {looking  about).  For  my  part,  I  really  see  no  crow 
there. 

Tea.  But  do  you  look  in  that  direction,  towards  yourselves, 
since  you  cannot  discover  the  crow,  if  perchance  you  may  be 
able  to  espy  the  vultures.  (Theubopides  turns  towards  Simo.) 
Now  do  you  see  them  ? 

Theu.  Upon  my  faith,  I  don't  see  them. 

Tra.  But  I  can  see  two  vultures. 

Theu.  To  make  an  end  of  it  with  you,  I  don't  see  any 
bird  at  all  painted  here. 

Tra.  Well  then,  I  give  it  up.  I  excuse  you ;  it  is  through 
age  you  cannot  see. 

Theu.  These  things  which  I  can  see,  really  they  do  all 
please  me  mightily. 

Sim.  {coming forward^.  Now,  at  length,  it's  worth  your  while 
to  move  further  on.     Theu.  Troth,  you  give  good  advice. 

Sim.  {calling  at  the  door).  Ho  there,  boy  !  take  this  person 
round  this  house  and  the  apartments.  But  I  myself  would 
have  shown  you  round,  if  I  hadn't  had  business  at  the  Forum. 

Theu.  Away  with  any  one  to  show  me  over.  I  don't  want 
to  be  shown  over.  Whatever  it  is,  I'd  rather  go  wrong  than 
any  one  should  show  me  over. 

Sim.  The  house  I'm  speaking  of. 

Theu.  Then  I'll  go  in  without  any  one  to  show  me  over. 

Sim.  Gro,  by  all  means. 

Theu.  I'll  go  in-doors,  then. 

Tra.  {holding  him  hack).  Stop,  please;  let  me  see  whether 
the  dog 

Theu.  Very  well  then,  look.  (Tranio  loohs  into  the  passage.) 

Tra.  There  is  one.     Theu.  {looking  in).  Where  is  it  ? 

Tra.  {to  the  dog).  Be  off  and  be  hanged!  'St,  won't  you 
be  off  to  utter  perdition  with  you?  What,  do  you  stili 
linger  ?     'St,  away  with  you  from  here  ! 

Sim.  {coming  nearer  to  the  door).  There's  no  danger.  Tou 
only  move  on.  It's  as  gentle^  as  a  woman  in  childbed.  Tou 
may  boldly  step  in-doors  wherever  you  like.  I'm  going  hence 
to  the  Forum 

'  It's  as  fjmtle) — Ver.  840.  This,  probably,  is  intended  to  refer  to  tlie  statue 

of  a  dii^  lying  down  in  the  vestibule,  and  not  a  real  one.     Pictures  of  dng^.  uiih 

cave  v-aneni"  writteu  beneath,  were  sumetiuies  paiuted  on  the  wall  near  the  doflT 


Act  iV^.  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  407 

Theu.  You've  acted  obligingly.  Grood  speed  to  you . 
{Exit  SiMO.)  Tranio,  come,  make  that  dog  move  away  from 
the  door  inside,  although  it  isn't  to  be  feared. 

Tea..  Nay  but  {pointing),  you  look  at  it,  how  gently  it 
lies.  Unless  you'd  like  yourself  to  appear  troublesome  and 
cowardly 

Theu.  Very  well,  just  as  you  like. 

Tra.  Follow  me  this  way  then. 

Theu.  For  my  part,  I  shall  not  move  in  any  diiection  from 
your  feet.     {They  go  into  the  house.) 

Act  IV. — Scene  I. 
JEnter  Phaniscus. 

Pha.  {to  himself).  Servants  who,  though  they  are  free 
from  fault,  still  stand  in  awe  of  punishment,  those  same  are 
wont  to  be  serviceable  to  their  masters.  But  those  who  fear 
nothing,  after  they  have  merited  punishment,  hit  upon  foolish 
plans  for  themselves :  they  exercise  themselves  in  running ; 
they  take  to  flight.  But,  if  they  are  caught,  they  acquire 
from  punishment  a  hoard,  wliich  by  good  means  they  cannot. 
They  increase  from  a  very  iittle,  and  from  that  they  lay  by  a 
treasure.  The  resolution  that's  in  my  mind  is  to  be  deter- 
mined to  be  on  my  guard  against  punishment,  before  my 
back  comes  to  lose  its  state  of  soundness.  As  hitherto  it  has 
been,  so  does  it  become  my  hide  still  to  be,  without  a  bruise, 
and  such  that  I  should  decline  its  being  beaten.  If  I  have 
any  control  over  it,  I  shall  keep  it  well  covered  up^.  When 
punishment  is  being  showered  down  on  others,  don't  let  it  be 
showered  down  on  me.  But  as  servants  wish  their  master  to 
be,  such  is  he  wont  to  be.  He  is  good  to  the  good,  bad  to  the 
bad.  But  now  at  our  house  at  home  there  do  live  so  many 
rogues,  lavish  of  their  property^,  bearers  of  stripes.  When 
they  are  called  to  go  fetch  their  master,  "  I  shan't  go ;  don't 
be  plaguing  me ;  I  know  where  you  are  hurrying  off  to,"  is 
the  reply.  "  Now,  faith,  you  mule,  you're  longing  to  go  to 
pasturage  out  of  doors^."    With  better  deserts,  this  advantage 

'  Well  covered  up) — Ver.  805.  He  alludes  to  the  practice  of  stripping  dis. 
obedient  slaves,  for  the  purpose  of  flogging  them. 

-  Lavish  q f  their  pre  verty) — Ver.  870.  That  is,  of  their  backs. 

To  pasturage  out  of  doors) — Ver.  876.   This  was  probably  a  [roverr  a! 
TOL.  ir.  2  K 


498  MOSTELLARIA ,  Act  TV 

have  I  reaped  from  them,  and,  in  consequence,  I  have  come 
from  home.  I  alone,  out  of  so  many  servants,  am  going  to 
fetch  my  master.  When,  to-morrow,  my  master  comes  to  know 
this,  in  the  morning  he  will  chastise  them  with  bulFs-liide 
spoils.  In  fine,  I  care  less  for  their  backs  than  for  my  own. 
Much  rather  shall  they  be  bull's-hide-scourged  than  I  be 
rope-scoiu-ged^.      (^Moves  on.) 

Miter  another  Servant. 

Ser.  Hold  you  and  stop  this  instant.  Phaniscus!  look 
round,  I  say ! 

PflA.  (not  turning  round).  Don't  be  annoying  to  me. 

Ser.  Do  see  how  scornful  the  monkey  is ! 

Pha.  I  am  so  for  myself;  I  choose  to  be.  Why  do  you 
trouble  yourself  about  it  ?   (  Walking  on.) 

Ser.  Are  you  going  to  stop  this  instant,  you  dirty  para- 
site ?     Pha.  (turning  round).  How  am  I  a  parasite  ? 

Ser.  Why,  I'll  tell  you :  you  can  be  drawn  anywhere  by 
Tictuals.  Do  you  give  yourself  airs,  because  your  master's 
so  fond  of  you  ? 

Pha.  {rubbing  Ms  eyes).  O  dear,  my  eyes  do  ache^. 

Ser.  Why  so  ? 

Pha.  Because  the  smoke's  so  troublesome. 

Ser.  Hold  your  tongue,  will  you,  you  clever  workman,  who 
are  in  the  habit  of  coining  money  out  of  lead^. 

Pha.  Xou  cannot  compel  me  to  be  abusive  to  you.  My 
master  knows  me. 

Ser.  Why,  really,  his  own  pilloTv^  he  ought  to  knoWj^cw 
resting  on  when  drunk. 

plirase  for  going  to  the  "  thermopoKum,"  the  "  hot  liquor-shop"  or  "  tippling- 
house,"  so  much  frequented  by  tlie  slaves.  See  the  Trinummu8,  1.  1013,  and 
the  Note  to  the  passage. 

»  BtdVs-hide-scowrged — roper  scourged) — Ver.  882.  "  Bnc«dae — restio."  The 
»»tt€r  word  properly  agnifies  "  a  ropemaker."  The  lormer  i&  probably  coined  by 
Plautus. 

-  My  eyes  do  ache) — ^Ver.  890.  Phaniscus  probably  means  to  say,  that  the 
sight  of  him  is  as  annoying  to  his  eyes  as  smoke  can  be. 

»  Mmey  out  of  lead)  —  Ver.  892.  According  to  Erasmus^  (Adagia  Chil. 
V.  Cent.  1,)  this  was  a  proverbial  expression  among  the  Komans,  signifying  the 
abiKty  to  put  on  a  specious  appearance. 

*  His  own  pillmvy-\er.  894.  There  is  an  indelicate  allusion  7  thislmei  aofl 
aBot>ier  turu  has  beeu  given  to  it  in  the  Translatioa. 


Sc.  11.  OR,  THE  UJLCXTED  HOUSE  498 

Pha.  If  you  were  sober,  you  wouldn't  be  abusive, 
Ser.  Am  I  to  give  heed  to  you,  when  you  won't  to  me 
Pha.  But,  you  rascal,  you  come  along  with  me  to  fetch 
Lim. 

See.  Troth  now,  Phauiacus,  prithee,  do  leave  off  talking 
about  these  matters. 

Pha.  I'll  do  so,  and  knock  at  the  door.  {Knocks  at  the 
doorof  the  house  o/Tkevropides.)  Hallo  there!  is  there  any 
person  here  to  protect  this  door  from  a  most  serious  injury  ? 
{Knocking  again.)  Is  any  one,  is  any  one,  I  say,  coming  out 
here  and  going  to  open  it  ?  Why,  really,  no  one  comes  out 
here.  Just  as  befits  such  worthless  fellows,  so  they  are.  But 
on  that  account,  I've  the  more  need  to  be  cautious  that  no 
one  may  come  out  and  use  me  ill.    (  They  stand  aside,) 

Scene  II. — Enter  TJlA^"IO  and  Theueopides,^6>;w  the  house 
of  Hiuo, 

Tra.  "What's  your  opinion  of  this  bargain  ? 

Theu.  I  am  quite  delighted. 

Tra.  Does  it  seem  to  you  to  have  been  bought  too  dear  ? 

Theu.  I'  faith,  I'm  sure  that  I  never  anywhere  saw  a 
house  thrown  away,  this  one  only  excepted. 

Tra.  Does  it  please  you,  then  ? 

Theu.  Does  it  please  me,  do  you  ask  me?  Why  yes, 
upon  my  faith,  it  really  does  please  me  very  much. 

Tra.  What  a  fine  set  of  rooms  for  the  women !  What  a 
porch ! 

Theu.  Exceedingly  fine.  For  my  part,  I  don't  think  that 
there  is  any  porch  larger  than  this  in  the  public  buildings. 

Tra.  Why,  I  myself  and  Philolaches  have  taken  the  mea- 
sure of  all  the  porclies  in  the  public  buildings. 

Theu.   Well,  what  then  ? 

Tra.  This  is  far  larger  than  all  of  them. 

Theu.  Immortal  Gods — a  splendid  bargain !  On  my  word, 
if  he  w^ere  now  to  offer  six  great  talents  of  silver,  ready- 
money,  for  it,  I  would  never  take  it. 

Tra.  Upon  my  faith,  if  you  were  inclined  to  take  it,  I 
would  never  let  you. 

Theu.  My  money  has  been  well  invested  upon  tins  purchase. 

Tra.  Boldly  confess  that  by  my  advice  and  prompting  it 
[Was  done,  who  urged  him  to  take  up  the  monev  of  the 

2k2 


500  3IOSTELLAIIIA ;  Act    IV. 

Banlier  upon  interest,  which  we  paid  this  person  by  way  of 
deposit. 

Theu.  You've  saved  the  whole  ship.  Eighty  minae^,  you 
say,  are  owing  for  it  ? 

Tba.  Not  a  coin  more.      Theu.  He  may  have  it  to-day. 

Tba.  By  all  means  so,  that  there  may  be  no  dispute 
arising ;  or  else  pay  them  over  to  me,  1*11  then  pay  them  over 
lo  him. 

Theu.  But  still,  don't  let  there  be  any  taking  me  in,  if  I 
do  give  them  to  you. 

Tra.  Could  I  venture  to  deceive  you  in  deed  or  word 
even  in  jest  only  ? 

Theu.  Could  I  venture  not  to  be  oii  my  guard  against  you, 
so  as  not  to  trust  anything  to  you  ? 

Tba.  Why,  have  I  ever  imposed  upon  you  in  anything, 
since  I  was  your  servant  ? 

Theu.  But  I've  taken  good  care  of  that ;  I  owe  thanks  to 
myself  and  my  own  judgment  for  that.  If  I'm  only  on  my 
guard  against  you  solely,  I'm  quite  wise  enough. 

Tra.  {aside).  I  agree  with  you. 

Theu.  Now  be  off  into  the  country;  tell  my  son  that  I've 
arrived. 

Tra.  I'll  do  as  you  wish. 

Theu.  E-un  with  all  speed;  bid  him  come  to  the  city  at 
once  together  with  you. 

Tra.  VeryM^ell.  (Aside.)  Now  111  betake  myself  this  way 
by  the  back-door  to  my  boon-companions ;  I'll  tell  them  that 
things  are  quiet  here,  and  how  I  have  kept  him  away  from 
here.  (iJxit. 

Scene  III. — Theuropides,  Phaniscus,  and  another 
Servant. 
Pha.  (coming  forward).  Eeally,  I  don't  hear  either  the 
t;ound  of  revellers  here,  as  once  it  was,  nor  yet  the  music-girl 
Bin2:ing,  nor  any  one  else.     (Goes  towards  the  door.) 

Theu.  "What's  the  matter  here  ?  What  are  these  people 
seeking  at  my  house  ?  What  do  they  want  ?  What  are  they 
pepping  in  for  ? 

Pha.  I  shall  proceed  to  knock  at  the  door.     (Knocks.) 

'  Kighty  mincB) — Ver.  919.  Forty  havino;  been  already  paid  vaccording  to  hia 
story)  as  a  deposit,  and  there  being  120  minse  in  two  talents. 


Sc    III.  OR,  THE  HACyTED  HOUSe.  501 

Hallo  tb.ere,  unlock  the  door  !  Hallo,  Tranio !  are  you  going 
to  open  it,  I  say  ? 

Theu.  (advancin/f).  What  story's  this,  I  wonder  ? 

Pha.  (aloud).  Are  you  going  to  open  it,  I  say  i  I've 
come  to  fetch  my  master  Callidamates. 

Theu.  Harkye,  yon  lads !  what  are  you  doing  there  ?  Why 
are  you  breaking  down  that  door  ? 

Pha.  Our  master's  at  a  drink ing-party  here. 

Theu.  Your  master  at  a  drinking-party  here  ? 

Pha.  I  say  so.  Theu.  You're  carrying  the  joke  too  far, 
my  lad. 

Pha.  We've  come  to  fetch  him. 

Theu.  What  person?  Pha.  Our  master.  Prithee,  how 
often  must  I  tell  you  ? 

Theu.  There's  no  one  living  here  my  lad ;  for  I  do  think 
that  you  are  a  decent  lad. 

Pha.  Doesn't  a  young  gentleman  called  Philolaches  live 
in  this  house  ? 

ISer.  (aside).  This  old  fellow's  crack-brained,  surelj'. 

Pha.  You  are  entirely  mistaken,  respected  sir^ ;  for  unless 
he  moved  from  here  to-day  or  yesterday,  I  know  for  certain 
that  he's  living  here. 

Theu.  Why,  no  one  has  been  living  here  for  these  six 
months  past. 

See.  You  are  dreaming.     Theu.  What,  I  ? 

See.  You.  Theu.  Don't  you  be  impertinent.  Let  me 
speak  to  the  lad.     (Pointing  to  Phaniscus.) 

Pha.  ]S'o  one  lives  there  ?     O  dear 

Theu.  It's  the  ^t. 

Pha.  Keally !  why,  yesterday  and  the  day  before,  four,  five, 
six  days  ago,  all  along,  in  fact,  since  his  father  went  abroad 
from  here,  eating  and  drinking  have  never  ceased  for  a  single 
three  days  here. 

Theu.  What  is  it  you  say  ? 

Pha.  That  eating  and  drinking  have  never  stopped  for  a 
single  three  days  here,  bringing  in  wenches,  living  like 
Greeks,  hiring  harpists  and  music-girls. 

Theu.  Who  was  It  did  this  ? 

Pha.  Philolaches.     Theu.  AVhat  Philolaches  ? 

«  RefpecteltiryA'tt.Ui.  "  Tater."  Litcr-lly,  "  father.* 


602  MOSTELLABIA  ;  Act  IV. 

Pha.    ^e  whose  father  I  take  to  be  Theuropides. 

Theu.  (apart).  O  dear,  O  dear!  I'm  utterly  undone,  if  he 
says  the  truth  in  this.  1*11  continue  to  question  him  still 
Do  you  say  that  this  Philolaches,  whoever  he  is,  has  been  iu 
the  habit  of  drinking  here  together  with  your  master  ? 

Pha.  Here,  I  tell  you. 

Thetj.  My  lad,  contrary  to  your  appearance,  you  are  a  fool. 
See  now,  please,  that  youVe  not  perchance  been  dropping  in 
somewhere  for  an  afternoon's  whet^,  and  have  been  drinking 
there  a  little  more  than  was  enough. 

Pha.  What  do  you  mean?  Thext.  Just  what  I  say: 
don't  be  going  by  mistake  to  other  persons*  houses. 

Pha.  I  know  where  I  ought  to  go,  and  the  place  to  which 
I  was  to  come,  Philolaches  lives  here,  whose  father  is 
Theuropides ;  and  who,  after  his  father  w^ent  away  to  trade, 
made  free  a  music-girl  here. 

Thetj.  Philolaches,  say  you  ?  Pha.  Just  so ;  Philema^ 
tium,  I  mean. 

Theu.  For  how  much  ?     Skr.  For  thirty  talents. 

Pha.  No,  by  Apollo^ ;  you  mean  minse. 

Theu.  Do  you  say  that  a  mistress  was  purchased  for 
Philolaches  for  thirty  minaB  ? 

Pha.  I  do  say  so.  Thetj.  And  that  he  gave  her  her 
freedom  ? 

Pha.  I  do  say  so.  Theu.  And  that  after  his  father  had 
ileparted  hence  abroad,  he  has  been  carousing  here  continually 
with  your  master  ? 

Pha.  I  do  say  so.  Theu.  Well,  has  he  made  purchase  of 
the  house  next  door  here  ? 

Pha,  I  don't  say  so.  Theu.  Has  he  given  forty  min», 
too,  to  this  person,  to  be  as  a  deposit  ? 

Pha.  Kor  yet  do  I  say  so. 

Theu.  Ah  me !  you've  proved  my  ruin! 

Pha.  Aye,  and  he  has  proved  the  ruin  of  his  father. 

Theu.  You  prophesy  the  truth !    I  could  wish  it  false! 

Pha.  a  friend  of  his  father,  I  suppose  ? 

'  An  qfiemoon*8  whet) — Ver.  958.  "  Merondam."  According  to  some,  this 
meal  was  the  same  as  the  "  prandium,"  or  "  breakfiist ;"  while  others  take  it 
to  have  been  a  slight  meal  or  luncheon,  taken  at  about  four  or  live  ir  th« 
afternoon, 

«  JVo,  by  ApoUoy—Vev.  905.  Ma  rov  ^AroXXtt.  He  uses  a  Greek  a{\jumlca 


Sc.    lY.  OE,    THE    HAUNTED    HOUSE.  503 

Theu.  All  me!  Upon  my  faith,  you  do  prouounce  him 
to  be  a.  wretched  father. 

Pha.  Why  really,  this  is  nothing  at  all — thirty  min», 
in  comparison  with  the  other  expenses  he  has  incurred  in 
good  living-  He  has  ruined  his  father.  There's  one  ser\^ant 
there,  a  very  great  scoundrel,  Tranio  hy  name;  he  could 
even  waste  the  revenue  of  a  Hercules^.  On  my  word,  I'm 
sadly  distrest  for  his  father;  for  when  he  comes  to  know 
that  things  have  gone  on  thus,  a  hot  coal  will  be  scorching 
his  breast,  poor  man. 

Theu.  If,  indeed,  this  is  the  truth. 

Pha.  "What  am  I  to  gain,  that  I  should  tell  a  lie? 
{Knocks  again  at  the  door?)  Hallo,  you !  is  any  one  coming 
to  open  this  door  ? 

Ser.  AVhy  do  3'ou  knock  in  this  way,  when  there's  no  one 
in  the  house  ? 

Pha.  I  fancy  that  he's  gone  elsewhere  to  carouse.  Now 
then,  let's  begone.     {They  move  as  if  going.) 

Theu.  What,  my  lad,  are  you  off  then?  Liberty's  the 
overcoat  for  your  back^. 

Pha.  Nothing  have  I  with  which  to  cover  my  back,  except 
to  pay  respect  and  service  to  my  master. 

{Exeunt  Phaniscus  and  Serva>"t. 

Theu.  {to  himself).  By  my  troth,  I  am  undone !  What  need 
is  there  of  talking?  According  to  the  words  I  have  heard,  1 
surely  haven't  lately  voyaged  hence  to  ^gypt,  but  even  to 
some  desolate  land  and  the  most  remote  shores  have  I  been 
borne  about,  so  much  am  I  at  a  loss  to  know  where  I  now  am. 
But  I  shall  soon  know ;  for  see,  here's  the  person  of  whom 
my  son  bought  the  house. 

ScESTE  lY. — Enter  Simo. 

Theu.  What  are  you  about  ? 

Sim.  I'm  coming  home  from  the  Forum. 

'  The  revenue  of  a  Hercules) — Ver.  976.    It  was  the  custom  with  many  to 

devote  to  Hercules  the  tenth  part  of  their  possessions.     Consequently,  the  re- 
«^enues  belonging  to  the  Temples  of  this  Deity  would  be  especially  large. 

2  The  overcoat  for  your  back) — Ver.  982.  Schniieder  thinks  this  is  said  in- 
sultingly to  Phaniscus.  It  would,  however,  appear  otherwise:  Phaniscus  having 
no  "  paenula,"  or  "  overcoat,"  on,  Theuropides,  who  thinks  him  a  very  worthy  fei- 
ijir,  says^  "  My  good  fellow,  yoi\r  freedom  woiUd  iake  jou  a  very  tine  overcoat. 


504  MOSTELLAEIA.  Act    IV. 

Theu.  Has  anything  new  been  going  on  at  tlie  ForLm 
to-day? 

Sim.  Why  yes.     Theu.  What  is  it,  pray  ? 

Sim.  I  saw  a  dead  man  being  carried  to  burial. 

Theu.  Dear  me  !  that  is  something  new  ! 

Sim.  I  saw  one  who  was  dead  being  carried  out  to  burial^ 
They  said  that  he  had  been  alive  but  just  before. 

Theu.  Woe  to  that  head  of  yours ybr  your  nonsense  ! 

Sim.  Why  are  you,  thus  idling  about,  enquiring  after  the 
news?     Theu.  Because  I've  just  arrived  from  abroad. 

Sim.  I'm  engaged  out  to  dine :  don't  suppose  I  shall  in- 
vite you^.     Theu.  I'  faith,  I  don't  want. 

Sim.  But,  to-morrow,  unless  any  person  invites  me  first, 
I'll  even  dine  with  you. 

Theu.  I'  faith,  and  that,  too,  I  don't  want.  Unless  you 
are  engaged  with  something  of  greater  importance,  lend  me 
your  attention. 

Sim.  By  all  means.  Theu.  You  have  received,  as  far  as 
I  understand,  forty  minae  of  Philolaches. 

Sim.  Never  a  coin,  so  far  as  I  know. 

Theu.  What?     Not  from  my  servant  Tranio  ? 

Sim.  Much  less  is  that  the  case. 

Theu.  Which  he  gave  you  by  way  of  deposit  ? 

S[M.  What  are  you  dreaming  about  ? 

Theu.  What,  I?  Why,  really,  'tis  yourself,  who  hope 
that,  by  dissembling  in  this  manner,  you'll  be  able  to  make 
void  this  bargain. 

Sim.  Why,  what  do  you  mean  ?  Theu.  The  business  that, 
in  my  absence,  my  son  transacted  with  you  here. 

Sim.  How  did  your  son,  in  your  absence,  transact  any 
business  with  me  ?     What  pray,  or  on  what  day  ? 

Theu.  I  owe  you  eighty  minae  of  silver. 

Sim.  Not  to  me,  indeed,  upon  my  faith ;  but  still,  if  you 
do  owe  them,  give  them  me.  Faith  must  be  kept.  Don't  be 
attempting  to  deny  it. 

»  Being  canned  out  to  burial)— Yer.  991.  It  is  supposed  that  in  this  reply 
^e  plays  upon  the  question  of  Theuropides,  who  uses  the  word  "  processit" 
•n  his  quastion,  which  may  either  mean,  "  what  has  been  goiug  on?"  or  "  what 
Drocession  has  there  been  ? 

=  I  shall  invite  you) — f)6.  He  alludes  to  the  universal  custom  of  giving 
friends  a  *'  coena  viatica- '  or  welcome  entertainment,  on  arriving  firon:  (»ff  a 
'ourney. 


Act    \.  OR,    THE    HAUNTED    HOUSE.  505 

Theu.  Assuredly,  I  shall  not  deny  that  I  owe  them  :  and 
I  shall  pay  them.  Do  you  take  care  how  you  deny  that  you 
received  the  forty  from  him. 

Sim.  Troth  now,  prithee,  look  this  way  at  me,  and  answer 
me.  He  said  that  you  were  wishful  to  give  a  wife  to  your 
son  ;  for  that  reason,  he  said  that  you  intended  building  on 
your  own  premises. 

Theu.  J,  intended  building  here  ?     Sim.  So  he  told  me. 

Theu.  Ah  me!  I'm  ruined  outright!  I've  hardly  any 
voice  left^.     Neighbours,  I'm  undone,  ruined  quite  ! 

Sim.  Has  Tranio  been  causing  any  confusion  ? 

Theu.  Yes ;  he  has  thrown  everything  into  confusion. 
He  lias  made  a  fool  of  me  to-day  in  a  disgraceful  manner. 

Sim.  What  is  it  you  say  ? 

Theu.  This  matter  is  just  as  I  am  telling  you:  he  has 
this  day  made  a  fool  of  me  in  an  outrageous  manner.  Now 
I  beseech  you  that  you'll  kindly  aid  me,  and  lend  me  your 
assistance. 

Sim.  What  would  you  have  ? 

Theu.  I  beg  of  you,  come  this  way  together  with  me. 

Sim.  Be  it  so.  Theu.  Lend  me  the  assistance  of  your 
slaves  and  some  scourges. 

Sim.  Take  them  bi/  all  means. 

Theu.  At  the  same  time  I'll  tell  you  about  this,  in  what  a 
fashion  he  has  this  day  imposed  upon  me.  {They  go  into  the 
house  o/'SiMO.) 

Act  V. — Scene  I. 

Enter  Tranio. 

Tra.  {to  himself).  The  man  that  shall  prove  timid  in  cri- 
tical matters,  will  not  be  worth  a  nutshell.  And,  really,  to 
say  what  that  expression,  "  worth  a  nutshell,"  means,  I  don't 
know.  But  after  my  master  sent  me  into  the  country  to 
fetch  his  son  hither,  I  went  that  way  {pointing)  slily  through 
the  lane  to  our  garden.  At  the  entrance  to  the  garden  that's 
ill  the  lane,  I  opened  the  door ;  and  by  that  road  I  led  out 
all  the  troop,  both  men  and  women.  After,  from  being  in  a 
Btate  of  siege,  I  liad  led  out  my  troops  to  a  place  of  safety,  1 

'  Fve  hardly  cmy  voice  lefi^ — V«r.  1019.  "  Vocis  •  on  habeo  satiB."  UreiaJJy 
♦  I  hikve  not  voice  enough." 


500  MOSTELLAEIA ;  Act  V. 

adopted  the  plan  of  convoking  a  senate  of  my  comrades,  and 
when  I  had  convoked  it,  they  forthwith  banislied  me  from  the 
senate.  When  I  myself  perceived  that  the  matter  must  be 
decided  by  my  own  judgment,  as  soon  as  ever  I  could,  I  did 
the  same  as  many  others  do,  whose  affairs  are  in  a  critical  or 
a  perplexed  state ;  they  proceed  to  render  tliem  more  per- 
plexed, so  that  nothing  can  be  settled.  But  I  know  full  well, 
that  now  by  no  means  can  this  be  concealed  from  the  old 
man.  But  how's  this,  that  our  next  neighbour's  door  makes  a 
noise?  Why,  surely  this  is  my  master:  I'd  like  to  have  a 
taste  of  his  talk.     (^Goes  aside,  out  of  sight  q/"  Theueopides.) 

Enter  THEirEOPiDES,/row  Simo's  house. 

Theu.  (in  the  doorway,  speaking  to  Simo's  Sla^ves).  Do  you 
stand  there,  in  that  spot  wit-hin  the  threshold ;  so  that,  the 
very  instant  I  call,  you  may  sally  forth  at  once.  Quickly 
fasten  the  handcuffs  upon  him.  I'll  wait  before  the  house 
for  this  fellow  that  makes  a  fool  of  me,  whose  hide  I'll  make 
a  fool  of  in  fine  style,  if  I  live. 

Tra.  {apart).  The  affair's  all  out.  Now  it's  best  for  you, 
Tranio,  to  consider  what  you  are  to  do. 

Theu.  {to  himself).  I  must  go  to  work  to  catch  him  cle- 
verly and  artfully  when  he  comes  here.  I'll  not  disclose  to 
him  my  feelings  all  at  once ;  I'll  throw  out  my  line  ;  I'll  con- 
ceal the  fact  that  I  know  anything  of  these  matters. 

Tea.  {apart).  0  cunning  mortal!  not  another  person  in 
Athens  can  be  pronounced  more  clever  than  he.  One  can 
no  more  this  day  deceive  him  than  he  can  a  stone.  I'll  accost 
the  man ;  I'll  address  him. 

Theu.  (to  himself) .  Now  I  do  wish  that  he  would  come  here. 

Tea.  (apart).  V  faith,  if  me  indeed  you  want,  here  I  am 
ready  at  hand  for  you.     {Comes  forward.) 

Theu.  Bravo !  Tranio,  what's  being  done  ? 

Tea.  The  country  people  are  coming  from  the  country 
Pliilolaehes  will  be  here  in  a  moment. 

Theu.  I'  fai^-h,  he  comes  opportunely  for  me.  This  neigh, 
hour  of  ours  I  take  to  be  a  shameless  and  dishonest  fellow. 

Tea.  Why  so? 

Theu.  Inasmuch  as  he  denies  that  he  knows  you. 

Tea.  Denies  it?  Theu.  And  declares  that  you  neTei 
gave  him  a  single  coin  of  money 


Sc.  I.  OR,  THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE.  507 

Tea.  Out  with  you,  you  are  joking  me,  I  do  believe ;  he 
doesn't  deny  it. 

Theu.  How  so?  Tba.  I  am  sure  now  that  you  are 
joking ;  for  surely  he  doesn't  deny  it. 

Theu.  Nay  but,  upon  my  faith,  he  really  does  deny  it ;  or 
that  he  has  sold  this  house  to  Philolaches. 

Tea.  Well  now,  pray,  has  he  denied  that  the  money  was 
paid  him  ? 

Theu.  Nay  more,  he  offered  to  take  an  oath  to  me,  if  I 
desired  it,  that  he  had  neither  sold  this  house,  nor  had  any 
money  him  paid  been.  I  told  him  the  same  that  you  told 
me. 

Tea.  What  did  he  say  ?  Theu.  He  offered  to  give  up  all 
his  servants  for  examination. 

Tea.  Nonsense !    On  my  faith,  he  never  will  give  them  up. 

Theu.  He  really  does  offer  them. 

Tea.  Why  then,  do  you  summon  him  to  trial. 

Theu.  Wait  a  bit ;  I'll  make  trial  as  I  fancy.  I'm  deter- 
mined on  it.     Tea.  Bring  the  fellow  here  to  me. 

Theu.  What  then,  if  I  go  fetch  some  men  ? 

Tea.  It  ought  to  have  been  done  already ;  or  else  bid  the 
young  man  to  demand  possession  of  the  house. 

Theu.  Why  no,  I  want  to  do  this  first — to  put  the  ser- 
vants under  examination^. 

Tea.  I'  faith,  I  think  it  ought  to  be  done.  Meantime, 
I'll  take  possession  of  this  altar^.     (Huns  to  the  altar.) 

Theu.  Why  so  ?  Tea.  You  can  understand  nothing. 
AVhy,  that  those  may  not  be  able  to  take  refuge  here  whom 
he  shall  give  up  for  examination,  I'll  keep  guard  here  for 
you  ;  so  that  the  examination  may  not  come  to  nothing. 

Theu.  Get  u^from  the  altar.     Tea.  By  no  means. 

Theu,  Prithee,  don't  you  take  possession  of  the  altar. 

Tea.  Why  so  P 

Theu.  You  shall  hear ;  why,  because  I  especially  want 

^  Se7^a7iis  under  examinaii(m)^-Yer.  \07S.  "  Qusestioni."  "  Examination  by 
torture ;"  which  was  the  method  used  by  the  Bomans  for  extracting  confessions 
from  slaves. 

2  Take  possession  of  this  altar) — Ver.  1074.  When  a  person  took  refuge  at  an 
altar,  he  could  not  be  brought  to  justice,  or  have  violence  offered  to  his  person. 
According  to  some  writers,  there  were  always  two  altars  on  the  stage  of  C:me<ly, 
one  on  the  right  hand,  sacred  to  Apollo,  and  one  on  the  left,  devoted  o  that 
Divinity  or  Hero  in  honor  of  whom  the  Play  was  being  acted. 


508  MOSTELLARIA ;  Act  Y. 

this,  for  them  to  be  taking  refuge  there.  Do  let  them;  so 
much  the  more  easily  shall  I  get  him  fined  before  the  judg?. 

Tra.  What  you  intend  to  do,  do  it.  Why  do  you  wish  to 
BOW  further  strife  ?  You  don't  know  how  ticklish  a  tiling 
it  is  to  go  to  law. 

Theu.  Just  get  up,  {beckoning)  this  way ;  it's,  then,  to  ask 
your  advice  upon  something  that  I  want  you. 

Tea.  Still,  as  I  am,  I'll  give  my  advice  from  this  spot : 
my  wits  are  much  sharper  when  I'm  sitting^.  Besides,  ad- 
vice is  given  with  higher  sanction  from  holy  places^. 

Theu.  Get  up  ;  don't  be  trifling.  Just  look  me  in  the 
face.     Tea.  (looking  at  him).  I  am  looking. 

Theu.  Do  you  see  me?  Tjia.  I  do  see — that  if  any  third 
person  were  to  step  in  here,  he  would  die  of  hunger. 

Theu.  Why  so  ?  Tea.  Because  he  would  get  no  profit ; 
for,  upon  my  faith,  we  are  both  artful  ones. 

Theu.  I'm  undone!     Tea.  AYhat's  the  matter  with  you? 

Theu.  You  have  deceived  me.     Tea.  How  so,  pray  ? 

Theu.  You've  wiped  me  clean^.  Tea.  Consider,  please, 
if  it  wasn't  well  done  ;  is  your  nose  running  still  ? 

Theu.  Aye,  all  my  brains  besides  have  you  been  wiping 
out  of  my  head  as  well.  For  all  your  villanies  I  have  dis- 
covered from  their  very  roots ;  and  not  from  the  roots,  in- 
deed, i'  faith,  but  even  from  beneath  the  very  roots.  Never 
this  day,  by  my  troth,  will  you  have  planned  all  this  with- 
out being  punished.  I  shall  at  once,  you  villain,  order  fire 
and  faggots*  to  be  placed  around  you. 

Tea.  Don't  do  it ;  for  it's  my  w^ay  to  be  sweeter  boiled 
than  roasted. 

•  S/uirper  when  fm  sitting) — 1083.  Warner  suggests  that  a  little  niillery  is 
iHtended  liere,  upon  the  custom  of  sitting  when  dispensing  justice  and  paying 
adoration  to  the  Gods. 

2  [Vith  higher  sanction  from,  holy  places)— Ver.  1084.  The  ancients  made  use 
of  sacred  places  for  the  purpose  of  debating  on  affiiirs  of  importance  in,  as  being 
iikely  to  add  weight  and  authority  to  their  judgment.  Tlie  Roman  Senate  often 
met  in  the  Temples,  and  there  administered  justice  and  gave  audience  to  am- 
ba.-sadors. 

'  You've  wiped  vie  clean)— V^v.  1089.  "  Emungo,"  "  to  wipe  tlia  nose"  for  a 
person,  also  meant  "  to  cheat"  or  *'  impose  upon  him  ;"  prooably,  by  reason  of 
tiifc  state  of  helplessness  it  implied  in  the  party  who  was  so  treated. 

♦  Order  Jire  and  faggots) — Ver.  1099.  Though  a  suppliant  could  not  be  re- 
move 1  from  the  altar  by  force,  still  it  was  allowable  to  burn  him  away,  by  sun 
rounding  him  with  tire. 


Sc.  II.  OR,  THE  KAUKTED  UOUSE.  509 

Theu.  Upon  my  faith,  I'll  make  an  example  of  you. 

Tea.  Because  I  please  you,  you  select  me  for  an  ex- 
ample. 

Thetj.  Say  now :  what  kind  of  a  person  did  I  leave  my  son, 
when  I  went  away  from  here  ? 

Tea.  One  with  feet  and  hands,  with  fingers,  ears,  eyes, 
and  lips.     Theu.  I  asked  you  something  else  than  that. 

Tea.  For  that  reason  I  now  answer  you  something  else. 
But  look,  I  see  Callidamates,  the  friend  of  your  son,  coming 
this  way.  Deal  with  me  in  his  presence,  if  you  want  any- 
thing. 

Scene  II. — Unter  Callidamates,  at  a  distance. 

Call,  (to  himself).  When  I  had  buried  all  drowsiness^, 
and  slept  off  the  debauch,  Philolaches  told  me  that  his  father 
had  arrived  here  from  abroad ;  in  what  a  way  too  his  servant 
had  imposed  upon  the  man  on  his  arrival ;  he  said  that  he 
was  afraid  to  come  into  his  presence.  Now  of  our  company 
I  am  deputed  sole  ambassador,  to  obtain  peace  from  his 
father.  And  look,  most  opportunely  here  he  is.  {Accosting 
Thefeopides.)  I  wish  you  health,  Theuropides,  and  am 
glad  that  you've  got  back  safe  from  abroad.  You  must  dine 
here  with  us  to-day.     Do  so. 

Theu.  Callidamates,  may  the  Gods  bless  you.  For  your 
dinner  I  offer  you  my  thanks. 

Call.  Will  you  come  then?  Tea.  (To  Theukopides.) 
Do  promise  him  ;  I'll  go  for  you,  if  you  don't  like. 

Theu.  Whip-scoundrel,  laughing  at  me  still  ? 

Tea.  AVhat,  because  I  say  that  I'll  go  to  dinner  for  you  ? 

Theu.  But  you  shan't  go.  I'll  have  you  carried  to  the 
cross,  as  you  deserve. 

Tea.  Come,  let  this  pass,  and  say  that  I  shall  go  to  the 
dinner.     AVhy  are  you  silent  ? 

Call,  (to  Teanio).  But  why,  you  greatest  of  simpletons, 
have  you  taken  refuge  at  the  altar  ? 

Tea.  He  frightened  me  on  his  arrival.   (  To  Theueopides.) 

*  Buried  all  drowsiness) — Ver.  1102.  Generally  we  hear  of  a  person  "  being 
huried  in  sleep;"  but  Callidamates  considers  that  a  drunkard,  wiien  he  awakes 
from  his  sleep,  "  buries  slumber."  It  is  not  unlike  the  wordc  of  Shakspeare,  in 
Macbeth :  "  Macbeth  doth  murder  sleep !" 


510  M08TELLAUIA;  Act  V. 

Say  now,  what  I  have  done  amiss.  Look,  now  there's  an 
umpire  for  us  both ;  come,  discuss  the  matter. 

Theu.  I  say  that  you  have  corrupted  my  son. 

Tka..  Only  listen.  I  confess  that  he  has  done  amiss ;  that 
he  has  given  freedom  to  his  mistress ;  that  in  your  absence 
he  has  borrowed  money  at  interest ;  that,  I  admit,  is  squan- 
dered away.  Has  he  done  anything  different  to  what  sons  of 
the  noblest  families  do  ? 

Theu.  Upon  my  faith,  I  muet  be  on  my  guard  with  you ; 
you  are  too  clever  a  pleader. 

Call.  Just  let  me  be  umpire  in  this  matter.  (  To  Teanio.  ) 
Get  up;  I'll  seat  myself  there. 

Theu.  By  all  means :  take  the  management  of  this  dispute 
to  yourself.    {Pttskes  him  to  one  side  of  the  altar. ^ 

Tea.  Why,  this  is  surely  a  trick.  Make  me,  then,  not  to 
be  in  a  fright,  and  yourself  to  be  in  a  fright  in  my  stead. 

Theu.  I  consider  now  everything  of  trifling  consequence, 
compared  wdth  the  way  in  which  he  has  fooled  me. 

Tra.  1'  faith,  'twas  cleverly  done,  and  I  rejoice  that  it  was 
done.  Those  who  have  white  heads  ought  at  that  age  to  be 
wiser. 

Theu.  What  am  I  now  to  do  if  my  friend  Bemipho  or 
Philonides 

Tea.  Tell  them  in  what  way  your  servant  made  a  fool  of 
you.   You  would  be  affording  most  capital  plots  for  Comedies. 

Call.  Hold  your  tongue  awhile;  let  me  speak  in  my 
turn. — Listen.     Theu.  By  all  means. 

Call.  In  the  first  place  of  all  then,  you  know  that  I  am  the 
companion  of  your  son ;  he  has  gone  to  my  house,  for  he  is 
ashamed  to  come  into  your  presence,  because  he  knows  that 
you  are  aware  what  he  has  done.  Now,  I  beseech  you,  do 
pardon  his  simplicity  and  youthfulness.  He  is  your  son  ;  yoa 
know  that  this  age  is  wont  to  play  such  pranks ;  whatever  hfl 
has  done,  he  has  done  in  company  with  me.  We  have  acted 
WTong:  the  interest,  principal,  and  all  the  sum  at  which 
the  mistress  was  purchased,  all  of  it  we  will  find,  and  will 
contribute  together,  at  our  own  cost,  not  yours. 

Theu.  No  mediator  could  have  come  to  me  more  able  to 
influence  me  than  yourself.     I  am  neither  angry  with  him^, 

>  Neitker  angry  iDith  him)^yeu  1142.  "lUi,"  "with  him}"  eTJdently 
ing  riiilolachcs. 


Sc  IT.  OE,  IHE  UAUXTED  HOUSE.  511 

nor  do  I  blame  him  for  anything  :  nay  more,  in  my  presence, 
wench  on,  drink,  do  what  you  please.  If  he's  ashamed  of  thia, 
that  he  has  been  extravagant,  I  have  sufficient  satisfaction. 

Call.  I'm  quite  ashamed  myself. 

Tea.  He  grants  pardon  thus  far ;  now  then,  what  is  tc 
become  of  me  ? 

Theu.  Filth,  tied  up  as  vou  hang,  you  shall  be  beaten  with 
stripes. 

Tra.  Even  though  I  am  ashamed^  ? 

Theu.  Upon  my  faith,  I'll  be  the  death  of  you,  if  I  live ! 

Call.  Make  this  pardon  general ;  do,  pray,  forgive  Tranio 
this  offence,  for  my  sake. 

Theu.  I  would  more  readily  puD  up  with  your  obtaining 
any  other  request  of  me  than  tliat  I  should  forbear  sending 
to  perdition  this  fellow  for  his  most  villanous  doings. 

Call.  Pray,  do  pardon  him.     Tra.  Do  pardon  me  ? 

Theu.  Look  there,  don't  you  see  how  the  villain  sticka 
there  ?    {Pointing  to  the  altar.') 

Call.  Tranio,  do  be  quiet,  if  you  are  in  your  senses. 

Theu.  Only  do  you  be  quiet  in  urging  this  matter.  I'll 
subdue  him  with  stripes,  so  that  he  sliall  be  quiet. 

Cajl.  Eeally,  there  is  no  need.  Come  now,  do  allow 
yourself  to  be  prevailed  upon. 

Theu.  I  wish  you  would  not  request  me. 

Call.  Troth  now,  I  do  entreat  you. 

Theu.  I  wish  you  would  not  request  me,  I  tell  you. 

Call.  It's  in  vain  you  wish  me  not ;  only  do  grant  this  one 
pardon  for  his  offence,  pray,  for  my  sake,  I  do  entreat  you. 

Tra.  Why  make  this  difficulty  ?  As  if  to-morrow  I 
shouldn't  be  very  soon  committing  some  other  i^iult ;  then, 
both  of  them,  both  this  one  and  that,  you'll  be  able  tc 
punish  soundly. 

Call.  Do  let  me  prevail  upon  you. 

Theu.  "Well  then,  have  it  so ;  begone,  unpunished !  (Tra- 
nio Jwtwjos  down  from  the  altar.)  There  now,  {pointing  to  Cal- 
lidamates)  return  him  thanks  for  it.  {Coming  forward.) 
Spectators,  this  Play  is  finished ;  grant  us  your  applause-. 

•  Though  I  am  ashamed) — Vjr.  1146  This  piece  of  impudence  is  very 
charac-t eristic  of  Tranio. 

'-  Grant  us  your  applause)  — Ver.  1 1  GO.     We  may  here  remark  that  The  lo- 
triguing  Chambermaid^  one  of  Fielding's  Comedies  is  founded  upon  this 
Play. 


FRAGMENTS 
OF  THE  WRITINGS  OF  PLATJTTJS. 


.Part  I. — Fragments  found  quoted  from  Plays  now  extani, 
hut  which  are  not  to  le  found  there. 

In  the  "  Amphitryon." 
Quoted  hy  Nonius  Marcellus : 
And  to  us  no  other  person  than  a  servant- 


By  good  rights  a  pot  of  cinders  ought  to  be  broken  about 
rour  head. 

Don't  you  be  requiring  a  pot  full  of  water  to  be  poured 
upon  your  head. 

My  master  Amphitryon  is  busy. 

Seek  now  a  physician  for  yourself  upon  the  approach  jf 
tlie  malady.  Why.  surely  you  are  either  possessed  or  harassed 
by  sprites^.  Upon  my  faith,  you  are  a  wretched  man !  Go 
look  for  a  physician. 

What  ?  She  who  in  my  absence  has  made  her  person  com- 
mon ? 

You  positively  swore  that  you  had  said  it  to  me  in  jest. 

Who  cannot  determine  which  of  us  two  is  Amphitryon. 

If  this  has  not  happened  just  as  I  assert  that  it  has  happened; 
I  plead  not  my  cause,  but  do  not  accuse  me  of  criminality. 

Seized  by  the  throat,  I  hold  this  thief  caught  in  the  fact. 

Dig  there  twice  sixty  ditches  in  a  day. 

Stop  his  breath. 

Quoted  by  Priscian : 

Even  now  have  you  an  opportunity  of  going. 

Quoted  hy  Festus  : 

By  night  I  went  to  the  harbour  in  a  spy-boat. 

In  the  "Asinaria." 
Quoted  hy  Nonius  Marcelhis  : 

Who  will  make  even  wretched  me  famous  by  his  crimes* 
My  comrade,  I  suppose,  will  be  here. 

'  Pos«es»-:d  or  harassed  hy  sprites)  *'  Larvatus  aut  cerritus."  The  same 
expression  occurs  in  the  Monsechmi,  1.  890. 


FEAOME^TS  OF  THE  WRITINGS  OF  PLA.UTUS.  513 

In  the  "  Auliilaria." 

Quoted  hy  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

Neither  night  nor  day  was  I  ever  at  rest ;  now  I'll  go  to 
sleep. 

Really,  I  have  neither  taken  nor  touched  with  any  plea- 
sure. 

A  tipsy  man  is  wont  to  be  cured  by  sleep. 

Those  who  set  raw  herbs  before  me,  and  give  pickled  fish. 

I  dug  ten  ditches  in  a  day. 

Surely  this  headstrong  fellow  has  appointed  a  guard. 

Quoted  hy  Aulus  Gellius  : 
How  I  did  gull  the  fellow. 

Quoted  hy  Porphyrius,  a  Commentator  on  Horace  : 
Myrtle  [masculine],  myrtle  [feminine]^. 

In  the  "  Captivi." 

Quoted  hy  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

The  cap  that  he  had,  he  took  off",  and  raised  it  towards  the 
heavens. 

In  the  "  Casina." 

Quoted  hy  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

I'm  imdone ;  he'll  now  be  setting  my  loins  at  the  value  of 
a  straw. 

I'll  go  in-doors  to  my  wife,  and  submit  my  back  to  punish- 
ment. 

Quoted  hy  Cledonius : 
I'm  quite  tired. 

In  the  "  Miles  Gloriosus." 
Quoted  hy  Fulgentius  : 

In  such  a  way  do  you  keep  us  and  our  household  in  a 
worry. 

In  the  "  Poenulus." 
Quoted  hy  Charisius  : 
An  ill-omened  bird  came  in  the  evening. 

In  the  "  Pseudolus." 
Quoted  hy  Servius,  in  his  Commentary  on  the  j^neid: 
Unless,  perchance,  at  some  time  you  break  out  of  prison, 
your  house. 

»  Afi^rile  \Jeminl,e])  This  is  (juoted  to  show  tn&t  "  myrtus"  and  "  myrU' 
have  the  same  signification. 

TOL.  II.  2  L 


511  FRAGMENTS  OF  THE  WRITINGS  OF  PLAUTUS. 

In  the  "  Eudens." 
Quoted  by  Priscian  .- 
A  little  man,  made  of  potter's  clay  and  of  mad. 

Quoted  by  Diomedes  : 
Carry  away  the  pots. 

In  the  "  Stichus." 
Quoted  by  Charisius  : 
Is  not  this  at  the  public  charge ? 

In  the  "  Truculentus." 
Quoted  by  Priscian : 

I've  lost  my  goods,  and  I've  found  ills :  from  yourselves  I 
have  become  estranged. 


Part  II. — Fragments  of  Plays  now  lost. 
Yrom  the  "  Achari  Studium^ ;"  or,  "  Zeal  of  Acarus." 
Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

Whom,  by  stratagem,  I  have   beggared  after  wealth  so 
great. 

From  the  "  Agroicus ;"  or,  "  Country  Clown." 
Quoted  by  Festus  and  Nonius  Marcellus': 
Like  a  wolf  am  I  strong  in  the  shoulders;  my  loins  I 
have  unhurt. 

From  the  "  Addictus^  ;"  or,  "Man  Condemned." 
Quoted  by  an  anonymous  Commentator  on  the  Georgics  oj 
Virail,  B.  1,  1.  124: 

I'd  much  rather  do  my  work  than  go  to  sleep.     I  dread  a 
lethargy. 

From  the  "  Artamon^  ;"  or,  "  Ship's  Mainsail." 
Quoted  by  Festus  : 

Now  I'm  at  liberty  to  say  whatever  I  please ;  there's  no 
one  left  behind. 

^  Achari  Studium)  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  is  uncertain,  and  it  is  doubt- 
ful whetlier  it  was  a  Play  written  by  Plautus. 

2  Addictus)  Aulus  Gellius  tells  us  that  this  was  one  of  the  Comedies  which 
was  written  by  Plautus  when  he  was  in  the  service  of  a  baker. 

^  Artamori)  It  is  not  improbable  that  this  Play  was  so  called  from  the  nam* 
of  one  of  the  characters.  Some  Commentators,  according  to  Limiers,  have 
thought  tnat  it  might  oe  the  Asinaria  under  another  name,  because  the  wiieci 


FRAGMEIiTS  OE  THE  WRITINGS  OF  PLAUTUS.  515 

An  unguent,  wliicli  would  have  made  bilge-water  in  the 
nostrils  of  the  muleteers. 

From  the  "  Astraba^ ;"  or,  "  Clitellaria,"  "the  Bearer  of 
the  Pack-saddle." 

Quoted  hy  Varro : 

Follow,  follow,  Polybadiscus ;  I  wish  to  gain  my  expec- 
tations. 

PoLTB.  I'  faith,  I  certainly  do  follow ;  for  with  pleasure  do 
I  follow  what  I  hope  for. 

.Factious  women  make  provisions  dear  instead  of  cheap  for 
the  men.  , 

Quoted  hy  Nonius  Marcelius  : 

You  really  bore  me  through  with  an  auger. 
To  betake  himself  to  his   heels  forthwith  from  this  neigh- 
bourhood. 

Quoted  hy  Festus  : 

Let  it  be  well  bored  ;  and  add  dovetail  cramps. 

Quoted  by  Aulus  Gellius : 
Winnowings  of  corn^.  % 

Quoted  by  Varro  and  Festus : 

Not  like  her  are  the  wan  snails^  here,  twopenny*  liauntera 
of  the  theatres,  singular  creatures. 

Quoted  by  Varro  and  Aulus  Gellius  : 
Wheezing,  tender-footed,  shrivel-skinned,  diminutive  crea- 
tures. 

Quoted  by  Festus  and  Priscian  : 

With  ankles  worn  out,  with  saffron-coloured  legs. 

Quoted  hy  Nonius  Marcetlus  : 

With  hair  cut  short,  and  close-cropped  ears. 

Away  with  your  evils  ;  I  stand  in  need  of  good. 

Demsenetus,  in  that  Play,  is  called  "  Artemona."    Some  think  that  it  was 
Play  written  by  Plautius  or  Acutius. 

*  Astrabd)    Probably  so  called  from  the  name   of    one   of  the  character^ 
Nonius  Marcelius  mentions  this  Play  as  written  bv  Plautus. 

2  Winnowings  of  corm)  "Apluda." 

3  IVan  snail.s)  Limaces.    See  the  Bacchides,  1.  19. 

♦  Twopenny)  "  Diobolaria."    Literally,  "  that  may  oe  bought  for  two  obois. 
See  the  Notes  to  the  Pcenulus. 

Z    \i    U 


510  FRAGMENTS  OE  THE  WRITINGS  OF  PLAUTDS. 

Quoted  by  Festus  i 

Like  the  drawing-beam  of  a  well,  or  the  Grecian  javelin^, 
you  go  to  and  fro  on  even  ground. 

But  why  don't  you  go,  if  you  are  going  ?  You  are  too  slow 
in  your  pace. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

T  faith,  mother,  I've  been  more  trained  by  you  for  lying 
down  than  for  running ;  for  that  reason  I'm  somewhat  slow. 

Quoted  by  Fu/gentius,  on  the  Purity  of  Virgil : 
AVTiat  ?     Are  you  afraid  of  your  mistress,  lest  she  should 
strike  you  with  her  sleeve  ? 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

She  keeps  me  at  a  distance  from  her  very  great  riches, 
her  fair  and  ample  portion. 

I'  troth,  I'll  clear  myself  of  all,  even  to  croaking  hoarseness. 

Tou,  who,  as  it  were,  are  cleaning  out  the  alleys  of  the 
butcher. 

I'll  go  in-doors ;  for  really  it's  the  part  of  a  prostitute,  for 
a  Courtesan  to  be  standing  in  the  street  alone. 

They  have  been  mindful  of  their  duty. 

Quoted  by  j4uIus  Gellius  : 

Can  you  not,  fellow,  do  a  bold  deed  ?  There  are  plenty  of 
others  who  can  do  it ;  really  I  do  not  care  for  myself  to  be 
considered  a  daring  man. 

Quoted  by  Priscian  : 

"What,  are  you  then  my  dear  little  mother  ? 

My  own  dear  sister  born. 

If,  indeed,  you  request  according  to  my  means,  according 
to  my  limited  circumstances, 

Tou,  old  gentlemen,  are  wont  to  be  the  finders  of  very 
pleasant  jobs ybr  vs. 

I  could  neigh  after  this  little  mare,  if  she  were  left  by  her- 
self with  me  alone. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

For  such  a  smell  of  new  wine  has  reached  my  nostrils. 

*  Ch'ecian  javelin)  ''Pilum  Graecun."  The  true  reading  is  probably  "  pila 
Gneca,"  "  the  Grecian  ball,"  in  allusion  to  the  Greek  ball,  called  "  harpastum," 
a  «♦  hand-ball"  or  ''  catch-balL" 


FEAGMENTS  Or  THE  AYEITIIfGS  OF  PLAL'TCS.  617 

Quoted  by  Priscian  : 

Do  you  require  me  to  answer?  'Tis  unfair.  It  always 
becomes  me  voluntarily  to  make  my  terms  with  the  men ; 
that's  the  calling  I  follow.     Promising  is  good  for  nothing. 

From  the  "  Baccharia^." 

Quoted  by  Macrobius : 

What  mortal  is  there  that  ever  was  blessed  with  such  good 
fortune  as  I  now  am,  for  whose  stomach  this  procession  ia 
moving  along  ?  Even  this  sturgeon^,  which  has  hitherto  lain 
hidden  from  me  in  the  sea,  whose  side  with  my  teeth  I  shall 
just  now  stow  away  into  my  own  sides. 

From  the  "  Bis  Compressa,"  "The Woman  Twice  Seduced;" 
by  some  called  "  Boeotia^,"  "  The  Boeotian  Woman." 

Quoted  by  Aulus  Gellius  : 

May  the  Gods  confound  that  man  who  first  disclosed  the 
hours,  and  who  first,  in  fact,  erected  a  sun-dial  here ;  who, 
for  wretched  me,  minced  the  day  up  into  pieces.  For  when 
I  was  a  boy,  this  stomach  was  the  sun-dial,  one  much  better 
and  truer  than  all  of  these ;  when  that  used  to  warn  me  to  eat, 

*  Bacckaria)  It  is  doubtful  what  this  word  means;  whether  it  alludes  to 
Bacchus  or  the  Bacchanals,  or  whether  to  the  plant  called  by  us  "  fox-glove," 
which  was  said  by  the  ancients  to  be  much  used  in  enchantments. 

*  Sturgeon)  "  Acipenser."     This  was  a  fish  highly  esteemed  by  the  Romans. 

3  Bceotid)  This  passage  is  preserved  by  Aulus  Gellius,  B.  3,  c.  3,  who  tells  us 
that  it  is  an  extract  from  the  speech  of  a  Parasite.  Limiers  says  that  Antiphanes 
was  the  author  of  this  Comedy,  in  the  Greek,  which  he  called  Boicoria,  "  The 
Boeotian  Woman,"  and  that  it  was  translated  into  Latin  by  Plautus.  Plautus  intro- 
duces into  it  a  piece  of  raillery  on  the  invention  of  sun-dials,  the  use  of  which  had 
been  recently  introduced  into  Rome.  Warner  has  the  following  Note :  "  Salma- 
sius  lias  observed,  that  the  first  sun-dial  in  Rome  was  placed  there  A.u.c.  499; 
and  that  as  Plautus  lived  in  the  time  of  the  second  I'unic  War,  which  was 
about  A.u.c.  535,  the  invention  of  sun-dials  might  by  him  be  looked  upon  as  a 
modern  one.  But  what  the  Parasite  says  afterwards,  that  the  city  was  full  of 
them,  is  contradicted  by  ancient  authors,  who  assure  us  that  there  was  but  a 
single  one  iu  Rome  at  that  time ;  and  that  was  brought  from  Sicily.  The  ex- 
aggerations of  the  Parasite  must  be  attributed,  then,  to  the  ill-humour  he  is  in. 
It  appears  from  Aulus  Gellius,  B.  3,  c.  3,  that  The  Woman  Twice  Debauched, 
and  The  Boeotian,  are  two  distinct  Comedies ;  and  that  the  first  of  these,  the 
name  only  of  which  remains,  was  not  written  by  Plautus.  As  to  the  second,  if 
nas  been  thought  that  it  was  written  by  one  AquiUus ;  but  Aulus  Gellius  main 
tains  that  these  lines  are  very  worthy  of  Plautus,  and  thinks,  at  tlie  same  time^ 
that  he  can  discover  in  them  his  humour  and  taste." 


518  IRAOME>TS  OF  TliE  WRITINGS  OF  PIAUTUS. 

except  when  there  was  nothing  to  eat.  jN'ow,  even  when  tliere 
IS  something  to  eat,  it's  not  eaten,  unless  the  sun  chooses  ;  and 
to  such  a  degree  now,  in  tact,  is  the  city  filled  with  sun-dials, 
that  the  greater  part  of  the  people  are  creeping  along  the 
atreets  shrunk  up  with  famine. 

From  the  "  Calceolus,"  or  **  Little  Slipper." 
Quoted  by  Macrobiiis  : 

He  said  that  a  thin-shelled  nut-tree^  was  hanging  over  his 
tiles. 

From  the  "  Carbonaria,"  or  "  Charcoal  Manufactory." 

Quoted  hi/  Priscian : 

Close  by  the  altar  itself  I  concealed  the  gold. 

Quoted  by  Festus : 

I  want  gammon  of  bacon,  sow's  udders,  the  belly-piece, 
the  brawn,  the  kernels  of  the  throat. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus : 

Bearing  my  gibbet  I  shall  be  carried  through  the  city; 
afterwards  I  shall  be  nailed  to  the  cross. 

From  the  "  Ceecus^,"  "  The  Elind  Man  ;'*  or,  "  Pr^edones," 
"  The  Plunderers." 

Quoted  by  Sospiter  Charisius  : 

Xot  anything  at  all  was  done  except  with  art,  nor  was  any- 
thing placed  there  without  luxuriousness,  gold,  ivory,  silver, 
pictures,  purple,  spoils,  and  statues. 

And  never  shall  you  get  her  awav  from  me  against  my 
will. 

To  view  the  games  with  magnificence  and  pomp. 

He  is  abroad^. 

I  wish  his  farm  was  worth  as  much  again  as  it  is  worth. 

Such  are  the  robbers  ;  they  spare  no  one  whatever. 

'  Thin-shdled  nut-tree)  "  MoUuscam  nucem."  Del'CEnvre,  the  Delphin  Editor, 
B!iys  that  this  means  "  a  peach-tree."  It  does  not  appear,  though,  on  what  au- 
thority he  affirms  to  that  effect. 

-  Ccecus)  Parous  tliinks  that  this  was  not  a  Comedy  written  by  Plautus,  but 
OT  nnotl'.er  writer,  named  Accius. 

*  He  is  abroad)  "  Peregre  est."  This  may  also  mean  "he  is  from  abroajl,' 
Or  "  he  is  a  fnreigne  ." 


« 


rSlGMENTtJ  OF  THE  WUiriNGS  Or  PL.VUTUS.  51 'J 

T  wish  you  to  be  a  witness  that  it  is  carefully  done.  The 
enemies  are  withdrawn ;  the  stones  are  removed. 

If  he  does  not  readily  confess  where  the  gold  is,  we  wil 
cut  off  his  limbs  with  a  saw. 

I  have  not  done  otherwise  than  I  ought. 

A   Who  are  you  who  that  are  leading  me  ? 

B.  MuM 

A.  I'  troth,  I  am  undone !  it  is  the  African. 

From  the  "  Colax2,"  "  The  Flatterer." 
Quoted  hy  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

He  had  a  golden  goblet  of  eight  pounds'  weight ;  the  otlier 
would  not  accept  it. 

Found  hy  Angela  Mai  among  the  Fragments  of  Plautus  : 

Those  who,  giving  their  word,  by  breaking  it,  have  deceived 

him  who  trusted  them;  crafty  flatterers  who  are  near  the 

King,  who  in  their  speeches  say  one  thing  to  the  Eang,  hut 

mean  quite  otherwise  in  their  minds. 

From  the  "  Commorientes^ ;"  or,  "  The  Men  Dying  Together." 
Quoted  by  Priscian  ; 
Headlong  I'll  jump  into  the  pit. 

From  the  "  Condalium*;"   or,  "  The  Slave's  Eing." 
Quoted  by  Varro,  De  Lingua  Latind  : 
Shall  I  bear  this  thus  early'  in  the  morning,  like  one  out 
of  his  senses  ?     Light  the  torches. 

Festus  says,  under  the  word  "  Pro,"  Plautus  uses  "  Pro !" 
in  the  "  Condalium,"  as  an  exclamation  of  surprise. 

'  Mu)  An  interjection  used  by  one  grumbling  or  rebuking. 

'  Colax)  This  I'lay  was  written  in  Greek  by  Menander,  and  translated  intc 
Latin  by  Plautus,  or,  according  to  some,  by  Najvius.  Terence,  in  the  Prologue 
to  the  Eunuchus,  mentions  both  as  having  translated  it. 

3  Commorientes)  Terence,  in  the  Prologue  to  the  Adelphi,  1.  5,  tells  us  that 
this  Comedy  was  written  by  Diphilus,  who  called  it  "SwaTroOvrja-Kovres,  "  The 
Men  who  Died  Together,"  and  which  Plautus  translated,  and  called  "  Commo- 
rientes." Varro  quotes  the  opinion  of  Accins,  that  this  Play  was  not  written  by 
Plautus,  but  by  Aquilius.  The  words  of  Terence  are,  however,  appnrentiy  quite 
conclusive. 

♦  Condalium)  Thiswjrd  occurs  twice  in  the  Trinummus:  see  1.  1014,  and 
the  Note.  According  t)  AthenjELS,  Menander  wrote  this  Play  in  Greek,  and 
called  it  AatcrvXiov,  '  The  Ring."  Aulus  GeUius  is  of  opinion  that  Plautus  did 
cot  translate  it. 


620  TEAGMENTS  OF  THE  WRITI^"GS  OF  PLAUTrS, 

Prom  the  "  Coruicularia^." 
Quoted  by  Diomedes  the  Grammarian  : 
Let  the  house  be  scented  like  Arabia.  ' 

Quoted  hy  Varro,  De  Lingua  Latino, : 
He  who  for  ten  years  has  served  the  King  Demetrius. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

A  fair  and  prosperous  combat  has  this  day  befallen  us. 

Lydus,  my  companion,  health  of  my  life,  prithee,  my  cap. 

Quoted  by  VarrOy  De  Lingua  Latino, : 
Why  do  we  delay  to  institute  our  games  ?   See,  here's  oui 
Circus^. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

Who  love  my  maid-servant  Hedylium  as  their  own  eyes. 

May  Laverna  make  my  hands  famed  in  thefts. 

From  the  "  Dyscolus^." 
Quoted  by  Festus  : 

1  am  a  virgin ;  not  yet  have  I  learned  to  repeat  the  words 
used  at  w^eddings"*. 

Erom  the  "  Foeneratrix ;"  or,  "  The  Female  Usurer." 

Quoted  by  Festus : 

Hark  you!  What,  in  a  foreign  land,  a  freed-woman  is 
reported  to  have  said  to  her  patroness,  that  same  do  I  say 
to  you :  "  Freed-woman,  hail  to  you  !  Take  that  thump, 
Papyria^. 

'  Comicularia)  As  "cornicula"  means  a  "  chough,"  or  "little  crow,"  this 
word  may  possibly  be  a  stronger  diminutive  of  the  same  word,  somewhat 
similar  to  the  words  "  Asinaiia,"  "  Mostellaria,"  "Aulularia,"  and  "  Cistellaria," 
used  by  Plautus. 

2  Here's  our  Circus)  A  passage  very  similar  to  this  is  found  in  the  Miles 
Gloriosus,  1.  991. 

3  Dyscoltis')  Apparently  meaning,  "  The  Peevish  Man."  Parseus  thinks  that 
this  Play  was  not  written  by  Plautus 

*  Used  at  weddings)  "  Verba  nupta."  This  is  probably  in  allusion  to  the 
loose  songs  which  were  sung  by  boys  and  girls  at  the  door  of  the  chamber  of  the 
new-married  couple.  Ovid  alludes  to  them  in  the  Fasti,  B.  3, 1.  674-5.  "Now 
it  remains  for  me  to  say  why  the  girls  slug  indecent  songs;  for  they  assemble, 
and  repeat  by  rote  indelicate  abuse." 

*  Papyria)  The  meaning  of  this  passage  is  not  very  evident.  Wamei 
has  the  following  remarks  on  it.    "Ti:-  origiualis  *Vapula,  Papyria,' which 


I 


FRAGMENTS  O^   THE  WRITINGS  OE  PLAUTUS.  521 

Quoted  hy  Diomedes  the  Grammarian  : 
Which  I  shall  ransack  thoroughly. 

rrom  the  "  rretumi,"  "  The  Straits." 

Quoted  hy  Aulus  Gellius  : 

Now  this  is  just  the  ram's  answer^  which  is  given  at  the 
preat  games:  I  shall  perish  it' I  don't  do  it^;  if  1  do,  I 
shall  get  a  beating. 

From  the  "  ^rivolaria^"  "  The  Trifles." 
Quoted  by  Sospater  Charisius  : 
Let  us  discourse  leisurely. 

Quoted  by  Priscian  and  Festus  : 

He  was  to  me  the  bile,  the  dropsy,  the  cough,  the  chilly 
fever^. 

Quoted  by  Festus  and  Varro,  De  Lingua  Latino, : 

A.  Follow  me  this  way,  will  you,  all  you  legions  of  Lavema# 
Light  armed  soldiers,  where  are  you  ? 

B.  See,  here  they  are.   A.  Where  are  the  supernumeraries^? 
D.  See,  here  we  are.    A.  Come,  then,  fall  back,  all  of  you, 

as  the  veterans^  are  wont  to  do. 

Festus  says,  is  a  proverbial  expression,  by  which  those  who  were  made  free  were 
^veii  to  understand  that  their  masters  or  mistresses  had  still  some  authority 
over  them."  Limiers  says  that  "papyria"is  from  "papyrus,"  the  name  of  a 
tree,  whose  branches  are  very  supple  and  easily  bended.  Marolles,  with  some 
others,  supposes  it  to  be  a  proper  name,  and  translates  it  accordingly. 

1  Fretum)  The  Straits  of  Gibraltar  were  sometimes  so  called  by  the  Romans, 
par  eminence.     The  Greeks  similarly  called  them  7rnp0[x6s. 

^  Mam's  answer)  This,  perhaps,  means  an  answer  which,  like  the  head  of  a 
ram,  strikes  on  both  sides.  Some  would  read  it  "  Arictini,"  and  think  that  it 
means  the  answer  given  by  a  buffoon  named  Ariel inus.  It  may  allude  to 
tlie  games  in  the  Circus,  and  the  hardships  of  the  gladiators,  who  perhaps  were, 
in  certain  cases,  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  either  dying  on  the  one  hand,  or  ot 
being  punished  by  their  masters  on  the  other. 

^  If  I  donH  do  it)  Limiers  remarks  that  this  is  like  a  passage  in  the  Story  of 
Susanna,  in  the  Apocrypha,  v.  22 :  "  If  I  do  this  thing,  it  is  death  unto  me ; 
and  if  I  do  it  not,  I  cannot  escape  your  hands." 

*  Frivolaria)  Prisf^ian  reads  this  "  Fribularia,"  "  The  Seller  of  Trifles,"  or 
*'  The  Pedlar." 

5  The  chilly  fever)  '*  Febris  querquera."    Probably  the  quartan  ague. 

6  The  svpemumeraries)  "  Accensi."  These  were  the  same  as  the  "  ad- 
script ivi."     See  the  Mensechmi,  1.  184,  and  the  Note  to  the  passage. 

'  The  veterans)  "Triarii."  These  were  the  oldest  and  most  experienced 
troops  of  the  Roman  armies,  who  stood  behind  the  "  hastati"  and  "  principes/ 
m  a  half-kneeling  posture,  ready  to  rise  and  charge  the  enemy  in  case  of  eraevgeacf 


522  FRAGMENTS  OF  THE  WRITINQS  OF  PLAUTTTS. 

Quoted  by  Fes  f us  : 

You  must  do  it  actively,  wliat  you  do  do,  andnot  sluggisUy 

Quoted  hy  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

And  I  shall  get  the  better  of  all  the  female  hired  mourners^ 
in  screaming. 

Quoted  by  Festus : 

Then  first  her  breasts,  like  two  twin-brothers,  were  begin- 
ning to  swell;  this  I  meant  to  say,  like  two  twin-sisters. 
What  need  is  there  of  talking  ? 

Quoted  hy  Priscian  : 

0  friend  Cephalio !  out  of  many  my  only  one. 

Quoted  by  Festus  : 

Take  the  haunch  of  lamb^. 

From  the  "  Fugitivi^,"  "  The  Fugitives." 
Quoted  by  Varro,  De  Lingua  Latind : 

A.  "Well,  well,  see  the  weals,  what  great  ones  they  are ! 

B.  Now  I've  looked.     What's  the  matter  ? 

From  the  "  Gastron,"  "  The  Good  Cheer." 
Quoted  by  Varro,  De  Lingua  Latind  : 
INIeat  from  off  the  haunches,  it  is  veal ;  you  shall  have  a 
dinner. 

From  the  "  Hortulus,"  "The  Little  Garden." 
Quoted  by  Festus : 

Let  the  crier*  be  there  with  a  wreath ;  and  for  what  he'  - 
fetch,  let  him  be  sold. 

From  the  "  Kakistus*." 
Quoted  by  Fulgentius : 

1  had  ratlier  that  he  was  fastened  to  the  fishing-boat,  that 
he  might  be  always  fishing,  even  though  there  were  a  very 
great  tempest. 

*  Female  hired  mourners)  "  Praeficas."    See  the  Truculentus,  1.  493. 

2  Haunch  of  lamb)  "  Strebulum  agninum."  "  Strebulus"  was  said  to  be  the 
Wime  given  to  the  meat  about  the  haunclies  of  the  victims. 

^  Fugitivi)  This  Play  is  by  some  Commentators  supposed  to  have  been  written 
by  Turpilius,  and  not  by  Plautus. 

*  The  crier)  The  "  praeco,"  or  "  crier,"  acted  as  an  auctioneer ;  and,  according 
to  Festus,  slaves  were  crowned  with  a  wreath  wl«?n  put  up  for  sale. 

*  Kakistus)  Probably  the  name  of  a  character  in  the  Play,  and  derived  frora 
the  Grerk,  signifying  "  a  most  worthless  fellow."  Paraeus  thinks  that  this  Play 
was  uot  written  ty  Plautus,  but  by  another  writer  named  Acciub. 


FEACxMENTS  OF  THE  WRITINGS  OF  PLAUTUS.  623 

From  the  "  Lenones  Gemini,"  "  The  Twin 
Procurers." 
Quoted  by  Festus  and  Priscian  : 
This  boy  is  grieved  that  he  is  put  up  for  sale. 

Trom  the  "  Medicusi,"  "  The  Physician.** 
Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 

1  looked  in  a  mirror  ;  I  observed  my  cloak. 
Cheese  for  a  Parasite  may  be  scraped  with  sticks. 

Quoted  by  Priscian  : 

At  home  I  left  a  virgin  past  her  prime. 

Erom  the  "  Nervolaria^.'* 
Quoted  by  Varro,  De  Lingua  Latino, : 
With  a  file  I  forthwith  sharpened  the  rasp. 
Quoted  by  Fes/us : 

They  hinder  me  from  doing  my  business  in  another  quarter. 
Very  speedily  may  we  be  made  free. 
It  becomes  a  gallant  to  be  profusely  prodigal. 
"Wine  very  weak ;  because  it  makes  them  infirm  either  in 
body  or  in  mind. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 
Both  of  them  are  in  love  to  madness. 
From  the    "  Parasitus    Piger,"  "The  Lazy  Parasite;"    or 
"  Lipargus," 
Quoted  by  Varro^  De  Lingua  Latind  : 
From  thence,  well  drenched,  at  early  dawn  I  began  to  pro- 
ceed straight  homeward  on  my  way. 
Quoted  by  Festus : 

Both  decked  out  with  great  praises ;  in  fine,  we  are  both  not 
worth  a  nutshell. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 
Add  mussels,  sea-urchins,  and  oysters'^. 
Quoted  by  Priscian  : 

I  don't  want  a  drone  in  my  hive,  to  eat  up  the  food  of  tho 
bees. 

•  Medicus)  No  ancient  author  positively  affirms  that  this  Play  was  written  bv 
riautus,  but  it  is  generally  attributed  to  him  by  the  Commentators. 

2  Xervolaria)  Marolles  is  of  opinion  that  tliis  is  a  diminutive,  from  "  nervns,'' 
<Fhich  has  many  meanings ;  among  others,  a  "  thong,"  "  cord,"  or  "  chain,"  fol 
p!  isoners. 

'  And  oy^  zrs)  Thes3  three  names  of  shell-fisb  «ccur  \\\  the  Budens,  1.  297 


524  FEAGMENTS  OF  THE  WHITINGS  OF  PLAUTUS. 

From  the  "  Phagon^"  "The  Glutton.'* 
Quoted  by  Varro,  De  Lingua  Latino, : 
The  honor  of  the  minced  meat,  the   gammons,  ani  the 
kernels  of  pig's  throat  is  gone. 

From  the  "  Plocion^,"  "  The  Dealer  in  Tow." 
Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 
Por  he  has  a  red  forehead ;  he^s  slender  and  thin^. 

From  the  "  Saturio*." 

Festus  says,  "  Plautus  in  his  Saturio  mentions  that  the 
Komans  used  to  eat,  that  is  fed  upon,  the  flesh  of  puppies." 

Pliny  the  Elder,  in  his  29th  Book,  doubtless  alludes  to  this 
Play,  when  he  says,  "  The  Comedies  of  Plautus  give  proof  that 
puppies'  flesh  was  used  at  the  public  feasts." 

Quoted  from  Festu^s : 

She  cannot  be  drawn  back,  whichever  way  she  has  once 
proceeded. 

A.  I  see  it  has  fared  ill  with  you. 

B.  Why,  he  was  as  smooth  as  a  kidney. 

Gret  a  reinforcement  of  a  hundred  people,  to  amuse  you 
at  home. 

From  the  "  Scytha  Liturgus^,"  "  The  Scythian  Body-Guard." 

Quoted  by  Varro,  De  Lingua  Latind  : 

You  are  a  woman,  dear  wife !  be  off ;  I  understand  you  ;  1 
know  you  are  a  caviller. 

Quoted  by  Festus  : 

So  she  might  afterwards  produce  me  deformed  children ; 

*  Phagon)  According  to  Limiers,  some  of  the  learned  are  of  opinion  that  this 
Play  is  the  same  as  the  Poenulus. 

2  Plocion)  Tliis  Play  is  said  to  receive  its  name  from  the  Greek  7rA.oKta)wys, 
"  a  dealer  in  tow." 

3  And  thin)  "  Habrus"  is  the  word  used  here  in  Weise's  edition,  instead  of 
•*  labris,"  the  former  reading.  The  meaning  of  the  word  is  probably  quite  un- 
Jtnown ;  a  guess  has  been  made  from  the  context. 

*  Saturio)  Probably  so  called  from  one  of  the  characters  in  the  Play.  There  is 
a  Parasite  of  that  name  introduced  in  the  Persa. 

*  Liturgm)  Warner  has  tlie  following  Note :  "  The  Scythians  were  called 
'  Liturgi,'  from  the  Greek  Xeirovpyo?,  as  they  were  heretofore  the  same  m 
courts  as  the  Swiss  guards  are  now  in  the  court  of  France,  or  the  yeomen  of  th** 
guard  with  us.  By  some  passages  in  AthenaBus,  it  appears  that  this  piece  was 
tumslated  from  the  Greek  of  Antiplianes." 


FR.VGME2?TS  OF  THE  WEITlITOS  OF  PLAUTCTS.  525 

either  a  bandy-legged,  or  a  knock-kneed,  or  a  bow-legged,  or 
a  squint-eyed,  or  a  tusk-tootaed  son^. 

From  the  "  Trigemini,"  "  The  Three  Twins." 
Quoted  hy  Aulus  Gellius : 

Had  I  not  run  away,  he  would  have  bitten  me  through  the 
middle,  I  do  believe. 

From  the  "  Yidularia^." 
Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 
"Wherever  he  saw  each  stalk,  he  plundered  all. 

Quoted  by  Prisciun  : 

A  slave,  I  know  not  who,  leaped  out  of  the  myrtle 
grove. 

This  is  a  poor  aifair. 

Tell  me,  if"  you  please,  who  the  woman  is,  whom  you  desire 
to  make  your  wife. 

A  mussel  is  placed  before  it ;  but  I'll  tell  what  the  mark  is. 

Attend  to  me,  both  of  you,  please.  Put  down  the  wallet 
here. 

I  will  keep  it  as  though  you  had  given  it  aa  a  deposit, 
I  shall  return  it  to  neither. 

Until  this  matter  is  decided. 

1  don't  object  to  the  deposit. 

Penury,  mourning,  sorrow,  poverty,  cold,  hunger. 
Bacchanals  of  that  description  have  made  a  Pentheus^  of 
our  ship. 

jS'ow,  as  we've  left  the  wallet  as  a  deposit. 

Now  will  the  servant  coax  my  father  out  of  the  money. 

'  A  tusk-toothed  son)  This  passage  is  in  some  editions  found  inserted  in  Um 
Miles  Gloriosus,  after  line  722. 

2  Vidularia)  Probably  meaning  the  "  wallet,"  or  "  bag,"  being  a  diminutiva 
from  "vidulus,"  "a  wallet."  Warner  has  this  Note:  "  Limiers  observes,  that 
some  Commentators  have  been  of  opinion  that  this  piece  was  the  same  as  the 
Rudens,  on  accdunt  of  the  chest  in  that  Comedy,  and  the  bag  in  this,  being  one 
of  the  principal  incidents.  But  they  have  since  found  out  that  they  are  different 
pieces.  For  in  an  ancient  MS.,  after  the  word  '  Truculentus,'  are  the  worda 
'  incipit  Vidularia,' '  here  begins  Vidularia,'  which  is  a  proof  that  this  piece  imme- 
diately followed  the  other.  It  is  certain  that  the  subject  is  but  little  different  from 
the  Rudens,  as  may  be  gathered  from  the  few  fragments  which  are  left  of  it." 

2  Psntheus)  He  was  torn  to  pieces  by  the  Bacchanals,  led  on  by  his  mother 
Agave,  and  his  aunts  Ino  and  Autonoe.  See  the  Metamorphoses  of  Ovid,  B.  3,» 
720,  et  seq. 


520  FRAGMENTS  OF  THE  WRITINGS  OF  PLAUTUS. 

Aye  this,  that  this  is  my  country,  and  that  this  man  is  my 
father ;  but  that  person  is  the  father  of  the  Soterini. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus : 

I  liad  rather  that  those  who  belong  to  me  should  d.e,  than 
be  beggars :  good  men  pity  the  one ;  bad  men  laugh  at  the 
other. 

The  impression  seemed  right ;  his  ring  I  compared  with  it. 

Why  many  words  ?     "We  have  contended  enough. 

Quoted  by  Fidgentius  Planciades,  and  {according  to  Mar- 
cellus) by  another  Grammarian^  whose  name  is  unknown  : 

Order  him  to  be  sewed  up  in  a  sack^,  and  to  be  thrown 
uito  the  deep,  if  you  wish  for  provisions  to  be  cheap. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus: 

As  I  was  fishing  there,  with  my  three-pronged  fork  I  struck 
tlie  wallet. 

Quoted  by  Junius  Philargyrius,  in  his  Commentary  on  the 
Eclogues  of  Virgil : 

For  I've  heard  say  that  a  woman  once  brought  forth  a 
lion. 


Part  III. — Passages  quoted  from  Plays  of  Plautus,  the 
Names  of  which  are  lost. 

Quoted  by  Varro,  De  Lingua  Latind : 

In  the  fish-pond,  where  there  are  various  things. 

A  smoke-making  Epeus^,  who  has  victuals  cooked  for  our 
troops. 

The  odious  fellow  has  been  dinning  the  ears  of  all  the 
household. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus : 

For  your  father  never  had  even  any  intercourse  with  her. 

Quoted  by  Festus : 

Ton  may  be  off"  post  haste. 

Now,  for  your  deserts,  is  your  hide  made  so  thick. 

•  In  a  sack)  Parricides  were  punished  at  Rome  by  being  sewed  up  in  a  iBck 
with  an  ape,  a  dog,  a  cock,  and  a  viper,  and  then  thrown  into  the  sea. 

*  Smoke-making  Epetis)  He  probably  alludes  to  the  resemblance  of  some  one  to 
the  ingenious  workman  Epeus,  who  built  the  wooden  horse  which  aided  in  ths 
destruction  of  Troy.    See  the  Bacchides,  1.  937. 


FRAGMENTS  OF  THE  WRITINGS  OF  PLAUTUS.  527 

l\lay  the  Goda  prosper  it!  Take  the  purse;  in  it  there 
will  be  thirty  minae. 

I  do  believe  that,  among  men,  there  is  nothing  more 
swift  than  fame. 

He  is  a  fool,  considering  his  age  and  the  white  hue  of  his 
head. 

Are  my  eyes  dim  ?     Is  not  this  our  Hermio  ? 

He  has  forsworn  warfare. 

You  slip  in  upon  me  daily,  just  like  a  beaver  among  the 
mllows. 

"When  Plautus  says,  "  Herbam  do"  [I  give  you  grass],  he 
means,  "I  own  myself  subdued."  This  is  a  characteristic 
of  the  ancient  and  pastoral  life ;  for  those  who  in  the  fields 
were  contending  in  races  or  trials  of  strength,  when  they 
were  subdued,  plucked  some  grass  from  that  spot  on  which 
tlie  contest  took  place,  and  presented  it  to  the  adversary. 

Quoted  by  Festus  : 

Has  a  fever  ever  seized  upon  you  ? 

I  value  not  a  rush  your  MuneraP  or  your  Lenonian  Law, 
whether  it  had  been  proposed  or  not. 

Caught  in  your  treachery.  I'  faith,  you're  fitting  your  neck 
with  the  chain. 

But  I  see  pickled  fish  in  vessels  like  fish-ponds,  good 
oysters,  lobsters,  and  crabs^,  plump  sea-urchins,  shells  for  the 
fish-ponds. 

Don't  I  know  you,  you  seaman's  scribe^,  you  impudent 
slave's  collar  ? 

You  would  not  disoblige  him,  if  you  are  at  all  wise  in  the 
eyes  of  the  Persians. 

Whether  you  hold  it  sacred  or  profane,  it  matters  little. 

Full  of  sores,  loaded  with  fetters,  branded  with  irons,  filthy. 

Quoted  by  Nonius  Marcellus  : 
Swarms  of  dormice. 

>  MuneraV)  The  Cincian  or  Muneral  Law  was  a  "  plebiscitum"  passed  in  the 
time  of  M.  Cincius  Alimentus,  prohibiting  advocates  from  taking  fees  of  their 
clients  for  pleading  their  causes.  The  Lenonian  Law,  probably  like  the  "  Lex 
Julia,*'  defined  what  constituted  the  offence  of  "  lenocinium,"  or  "  procuring." 

-  Lobsters  and crahs)  "  Camanim  et  tagenia."  This  is,  perhaps,  not  the  mean- 
ing of  the  words ;  but  it  is  not  exactly  known  what  fish  are  meant  under  these 
names. 

'  Seajnan^s  scribe)  The  profession  of  a  secretary  or  clerk  was  looked  upon  with 
some  contempt.  Possibly,  by  the  present  terra  something  uf  tlie  crimp  genu » is  meant. 


528  FRAGMENTS  OF  THE  WEITINGS  OF  PLAUTUS. 

But  the  Procurer's  coming  out  of  doors.  Here  iu  a  secr^^t 
place  I'll  pick  up  liis  conversation. 

"Why  do  you  mutter  to  yourself,  and  torment  yourself? 
Nor  yet,  sword,  dare  you  to  grind  your  teeth  at  me  ? 

Quoted  by  Fulgentius : 

I  care  a  straw  for  what  you  do. 

Quoted  by  Donatus,  in  his  Commentary  on  the  Phormio 
'f  Terence: 
Make  money  of  it. 

Quoted  by  Junius  PhilargyriuSy  in  his  Commentary  on  the 
jreorgics  of  Virgil: 

They  hasten  to  prepare  the  breakfast. 

Quoted  by  Pontanus,  in  his  Commentary  on  Macrobius : 

He  does  not  eat  to  gather  strength,  but  he  desires  to 
gather  strength  that  he  may  eat. 

Quoted  by  Donatus^  in  his  Commentary  on  the  Ilecyra  of 
Terence  : 

Perhaps  suspect  that  they  are  in  love. 

Paulus  Diaconus,  quoting  from  Festus,  mentions  "  Thocus,** 
as  used  by  Plautus  to  signify  a  kind  of  seat. 

Quoted  by  Festus : 

Surely  you  have  ever  held  me  as  of  the  greatest  conse- 
quence in  your  affairs. 

Quoted  by  Diomedes  the  Grammarian  : 

What,  am  I  to  be  sold  to  him  ? 

Quoted  by  Charisius : 

Be  inside  there,  until  I  come  back  again. 

Charisius  says :  "  '  Butu  batta.'  These  words  Plautus  has 
used  as  signifying  a  *  mere  nothing,*  and  a  '  trifling  matter,' 
as  in  the  glossaries  of  the  ancients,  '  battati'  is  a  certain 
quivering  and  effeminate  sound  of  the  voice." 

Quoted  by  Servius,  in  his  Commentary  on  the  JEneid 
B.  1,  1.  178 : 

I'll  write  on  your  body  with  elm- tree  rods. 
On  the  JEneid,  B.  1,  1.  480: 

I  never  come  to  the  city ;  except  when  the  Grarraent  of 
Minerva^  is  borne  in  procession. 

»  Garment  of  Minerva)  "  Peplura."  For  aa  account  of  this,  8v>e  the  JTtH 
«jpie  to  the  Mercator,  1,  67. 


FSAGMENTS  OF  THE  WEITINGS  OF  PLAUTU8.  520 

On  the  JEneid,  B.  3, 1.  42 : 
To  defile  the  bauds. 

On  the  jEneid,  B.  6,  1.  296  : 
The  bird  itself  brings  about  its  own  death. 

On  the  .Eiieid,  B.  6, 1.  228  : 
I'll  lead  you  about  as  one  possessed. 

On  the  ^neid,  B.  12, 1.  619  : 

This  woman  is  poor. 

From  a  Fragment  of  Fhstus : 
Begone  then. 

Quoted  hy  an  ancient  Commentator  on  Horace,  Sat.  B.  2 
B.  5,  1.  11 : 

Cilix,  Lyciscus,  Sosia,  Stichus,  Parmeno,  come  out,  and 
bring  each  a  stick  in  his  hand. 

Quoted  hy  Porphyrius,  in  his  Commentary  on  the  Odes  of 

Horace  : 

This  weak  old  woman  portends  danger. 

Quoted  by  Phocas  the  Grammarian  : 

To  my  father  surely. 

Quoted  by  Diomedes  the  Grammarian : 

There  is  one :  she  has  cut  the  head  off. 

Quoted  by  Macrobius  ; 

With  me  dwell  disease,  maladies^,  and  debt. 

Quoteu  by.Aulus  Gellius : 

How  is  this  ?  My  cloak  is  creased — I  am  not  properly 
drest. 

Come  you  forth,  Davus ;  come,  sprinkle  some  vmter.  I 
want  this  vestibule  to  be  clean.  My  Venus  is  about  to 
come ;  it  should  not  be  dusty. 

Quoted  by  Festus : 

You  have  no  Syrus. 

I  hardly  can  survive  the  griefs  which,  ah  wretched  me ! 
wax  stronger  day  by  day. 
Quoted  by  Priscian : 
AVho  is  such  a  one  of  the  number  of  his  daughters. 

>  Disease^  maladies')  "  Patagus,  morbus."  Petit  says  that  these  words  should 
be  joined  together ;  and  that  they  signified  a  disease.  Perhaps  it  was  supposed 
to  be  caused  by  the  stunning  noise  made  by  tiie  Corybantes,  or  Priests  of  Cybeie, 
on  tbeir  brazuu  drums,  when  they  celebrated  the  Festival  of  th»t  Goddess 

TOL.  II.  2  M 


530  TBAGMENTS  OF  THE  WHITINGS  OF  PLAUTUS. 

Priscian  says  that  in  the  writings  cf  Plautus,  the  word 
"  pullaria,"  means  "  the  right  hand." 

Festus  says  that  Plaatus  uses  "vesperna"  to  signify 
"  coena,"  or  "  the  afternoon's  meal." 

Quoted  in  a  fragment  of  Festus : 

A.  A  sow's  stomach  *  *  (I'll  call  it  by  its  own 
name "  scrutillus.")  *  *  * 

B.  I  myself  to-day  *  *  if  I  had  eaten  anything — 
should  perhaps  have  drunk. 

Quoted  by  M.  Valerius  Prohus  the  Grammarian : 

This  is  my  stall. 

He  also  says  that  one  word  with  the  termination  "  dur,"  is 
found  in  Plautus,  "  magadur." 

Quoted  by  Fulgentius  : 

Bring  out  the  casket  with  the  trinkets. 

Quoted  by  Pontanus^  on  the  Commentary  ^^  In  Somnium 
Scipionis"  of  Macrobius : 

He  exposes  his  sears,  and  tells  of  his  dangers. 

"While  the  little  birds  begin  their  song  in  spring. 

To  repel  religious  scruples  from  himself. 


Part  IV. — Fragments  of  the  Plays  of  Plautus  loMch  have 

been  more  recently  discovered  hy  Angela  Mai^. 

Ofthe"Cistellaria." 

*         *        But  still  don't  you  quite  put  your  fists  in  my 

power     *     *     *     Neither  is  it  just  for  Grods  or  men  to  do 

so,  tliough  I  may  be  hereafter.      She  who  was  placed  under 

my  charge,  and  entrusted  to  my  honor,  who  was  to  pass  her 

life  with  me,  with  me  in  marriage     *     *     Let  her  enter  into 

the  compact ;  take  her  I  must,  and  not  put  her  aside.    *      * 

*  *     But  what  do  you  advise  me  now  ?  *  * 

*  *      "Where  are  the  things  I  commanded?     Surely 

*  *  *  'tis  not  enough,  I  think,  to  have  ad- 
vised the  guilty.  In  acting  this  way,  whether  are  you 
mad,  prithee,  or  are  you  dreaming  in  your  love  ?     *  * 

*  *     Who  do  not  wish  me  to  bring      *  *         a 

1  Angdo  Mai)  These  Frag^ments  were  discovered  by  the  learned  Mai  in  a 
Palempsist  MS.  in  the  Ambrosian  Library ;  and  prove  that  many  of  the  Plays  of 
Plautus  have  come  down  to  us  in  a  very  imperfect  state.  Those  Fragments  only 
are  here  presented  to  the  Reader,  wjiich  admit  of  a  somewhat  connected  meaning. 


FEAGMENTS  OF  THE  WEITINGS  OF  PLAUTUS.  531 

coat  of  mail;  after  that,  inany  with  lances,  many  liglit- 
armed  skirmishers,  many  of  them,  with  many  others.  The.se 
things  you         *  *  did  say  to  me.     Prithee,  did  I 

not  say  the  same  ?  Just  now,  indeed,  i'  faith,  you  did  say 
so,  not  indeed  in  my  presence.  Ton  are  a  juggler,  since, 
indeed,  you  are  not  here,  and  are  out  of  your  senses.  I 
see  that  you  are  greatly  suffering  from  the  poison  of  love, 
young  man^ ;  for  that  reason  do  1  wish  you  the  more  to  be 
advised.  Advise  me.  Take  you  care,  will  you,  never  to  go  to 
war  with  love.  What  shall  I  do  ?  Go  to  the  house^  of  her 
mother;  clear  yourself,  protest  on  oath,  blandly  supplicate 
her  with  prayers,  and  entreat  her  not  to  be  angry  with  you. 
I'  faith,  I'll  clear  myself  of  all,  even  to  croaking  hoarseness^. 
*  *  *  *     Troth,  if  so  it  were,  indeed,  that  my 

clever  little  woman  were  decked  out,  although  I  am  an  old  geld- 
ing, at  me,  even  now,  I  fancy  she  would  neigh*.  I  could  do 
the  same  for  this  little  mare,  if  she  alone  were  left  with  me 
by  herself^.  It  happens  very  opportunely  forme,  that  Alcesi- 
marchus  has  returned.  For  no  one,  when  alone,  is  wont  to 
be  very  unwilling.      *         *     Don't  be  alone  *  * 

But  when  I  put  a  construction  on  her  speeches,  on  my  faith, 
'tis  she,  as  I  guess,  who  has  corrupted  my  son.       *  * 

What  if  I  accost  her,  and  accuse  her  of  -evil  and  mischief  ? 
Allurements  or         *  * 

In  the  "  Miles  Gloriosus :" 

Between  lines  185  and  186,  read :  "  So  that  she  really  does 
not  fall  short  at  all  of  a  woman's  astuteness^." 

A  few  mutilated  lines  of  the  "  Vidularia"  were  found  by 
Mai,  which  are  incapable,  from  their  disjointed  nature,  of 

*  Young  man)  The  reader,  on  referring  to  the  Play,  will  find  that  Alcesi- 
marchus  must  be  the  person  here  addiessed. 

-  Go  to  the  house)  This  is  cleaily  iu  reference  to  the  visit  which  Alcesimar- 
chus  pays  to  the  house  of  Melajnis,  the  supposed  mother  of  Silenium. 

3  Croaking  hoarseness)  This  line  has  hitherto  appeared  in  the  Etlitions,  as  a 
Fragment  from  the  Clitellaria.  The  similarity  of  names  has  no  doubt  caused 
the  mistake. 

*  WotUd  neigh)  No  doubt  Demipho  says  this. 

*  With  me  by  herself)  This  line  is  also  found  quoted  among  the  Fragments 
of  the  Clitellaria,  clearly  bj'  mistake. 

«  Woman^s  astuteness)  This  line  is  rejected  by  Ritscliel,  as  a  gloss.  It  is 
probably  borrowed  from  the  Hecyra  of  Terence,  Act  II.,  so.  1,  1.  3. 

2  :m  2 


532  .       FiiA.o\£b:}fr3  of  the  wRixiNas  of  PLAUTua. 

any  connected  translation ;  with  the  exception  of  the  fol- 
lowing line: 

I'll  stand  here,  and  watch  if  any  one  accosts  my  friend. 

Of  the  "  Kakistus,"  some  fragments  were  discovered  by 
Mai ;  a  few  lines  of  which  only  admit  of  any  translation  : 

On  my  word,  yon  have  this  day  related  to  me  your  woes, 
many  in  number,  and  on  that  account       *  *        espe- 

cially, and  more  openly,         #  #  *        because  I 

had  compassion  on  you.  There  is  that  young  man  whom 
all  *  *  *  *  *  Pay  me  no 

interest         *  *  *  *         Por  I  ask  for  one 

to  lend  on  interest.  #  #  * 


The  various  readings  discovered  by  Angelo  Mai  have,  in 
all  cases,  been  examined,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  made  avail- 
able by  the  Editors  of  the  several  Editions  from  which  the 
present  Translation  has  been  made. 


ERRATA  IN  VOL  I. 


Page  51,  line  86,  for  "Tristia,  El.  13,"  read  "  Tristia,  B.  v..  El.  IS." 

u    ,^'  «  31, /or  "congratulate  in,"  reat?"  congratulate  him  in." 

«    101,  40. /or  "Oudendorf,"  read  "Oudendorp." 

165,  "  85, /or  "aquan."reaci"aquam." 

*;    231,  '•  87, /or" David."  rmrf" Daniel." 

400,  "  22, /or  "salutigeruti,"  read '*saliitij:eru2i.*» 

464,  "  21, /or  "  cauterio,"  read  "  canterio.'^ 

68a,  ••  40, /or  "rermn,"  read  "reum." 


INDEX. 


ACCENSI,  ii.,  521 

Accipitrina,  the  meaning  of,  i.,  167 

Acetura,  i.,  290 

Acheron,  i.,  27,  474 

Achilles,  i.,  136,  497 ;  the  arms  of,  ii.,  424 

Acipeiiser,  ii.,  517 

Actors,  slaves  performed  as,  i.,  88,  54, 

79  ;  ii-,  208;  beardless,  i.,  395 
Acts  of  the  Apostles,  quoted,  i.,  22.5,  431 
Addicti,  i.,  209 

Ad  incitas  redactus,  the  meaning  of,  i., 29 
Adonis,  and  Venus,  i.,  325 
Adorea,  ii,  9 
Ad  plures,  an  Euphemism,  the  meaning 

of,  i.,  16 
Adscriptivi,  i.,  827 
Adversitor,  i.,  339 
Advertising  houses  to  be  let, !.,  11 
Advocati,  the  duties  of,  performed  by 

slaves,  ii.,  376 
^diles,  their   duties,  i.,  2.30 ;  market 
officers,  ii,,  80 ;  their  duty  to  see  the 
streets  kept  clean,  ii.,  234 ;  managers 
of  the  Theatrical  representations,  ii., 
265 ;  their  duty  to  register  the  Cour- 
tesans, ii.,  404 
.S^dituus,  i.,  538 
iBsculapius,  the  God,  i.,  360 
..Etas  tua,  a  Periphrasis,  i.,  .351 
.Etolia,  i.,  427. 
African  mice,  what  animals  so  called,  iL, 

398 
After-dinner  powders,  i.,  224 
Agathocles,  King ;  i.,  281,  337 ;  ii.,  493 
Agoranomus,  i.,  106,  464 
Agrigentum,  ii.,  67 
A,fax  Telamon,  i.,  455 
Alazon,  a  Greek  Play,  i.,  74 
Albumazar,  the  old  Play  of,  quoted,  I., 

408 
Alcedonia,  halcyon  days,  ii.,  306 
Alcmaeon,  i.,  452 

Alexander,  a  name  of  Paris,  i.,  109 
Alia,  curare,  the  meaning  of  the  phrase, 

i.,  117 
Alliteration,  an  instance  of,  i.,  36 
Alnaschar's  reverie,  a  similar  pasnage  in 

Plautus,  ii,,  1U6 
Altars,  at  the  doors  of  the  Athenians, 
i.,  406;  places  of  refuge,  ii.,  507  :  two 
on  the  stage  of  Ck)medy,  ii..  507,  508 
An)^^iKuity,  an  expreasion  used  for  its, 

i..,  4«s4 
Imbracia.  i..  237 


Amiculum,  ii.,192 

Amphitryon,  his  descent,  ii.,  6;  durh- 
tion  of  the  time  represented  in  the 
Play  of,  ii.,  23 ;  the  Play  of,  highly  es 
teemed  by  the  Romans,  ii.,  62 
Ampulla,  ii.,  264 ;  for  the  use  of  tra- 
vellers, ii.,  179 
AmpuUarius,  ii.,98 

Anachronisms  of  Plautus,  ii.,  19,  56,  61 
Anactorium,  ii.,  317 
Anancaeum,  or  cup  of  necessity,  ii.,  80 
Angina,  the  disease  so  called,  i.,  29 
Animula,  in  Apulia,  i.,  102 
Antestari,  i.,  559 

Antiochus,  the  eyes  of  King,  ii.,  383 
Apelles,  ii.,  410,  451 
Apluda,  i.,  515 
Apollo,  the  Crod,  i.,  360 ;  Prostaterius,  i., 

162 ;  ii.,  163 
Aposiopesis,  i.,  126, 177 
Apples,  whj  given  to  pregnant  women, 

ii.,  33 
Aphrodisia,  a  festival  of  Venus,  ii.,  361 
Apuleius,  quoted,  i,,  319 
Arctnrus,  the  God,  ii.,  65 
Arcularii,  i.,  402 

Argentarii,  or  Bankers  at  Rome,  i,,  23 
assayers  of  coin,  ii.,  280 ;  their  charac^ 
ter,  ii.,  280.    See  "  Bankers" 
Argutus,  i.,  291 
Arimaspi,  the,  i.,  412 
Ariola,  i.,  104 
Aristarchus,  his  Tragedy  of  Achilles,  ii., 

353 
Aristodemus,  his  sons  and  Cresphontea 

draw  lots,  ii.,  322 
Aristophanes,  quoted,  ii.,  422, 477 
Aristotle,  quoted,  i.,  218 
Armarium,  i.,  470 
Armiger,  or  armour-bearer,  ii.,  316 
Armilla,  i.,  343 
Ars  ludicra,  i.,  407 
Articularius,  ii.,  172 
Asconius  Pedianus,  quoted,  ii.,  462 
Asibida.i.,  149 

Asses,  their  mode  of  kicking,  ii.,  383 
Astarte,  the  Goddess,  ii.,  170 
Athenseus,  quoted,  i.,  329 
Atriensis,  or  chamberlain,  i.,  284,  49| 

ii.,  411 
Atrium,  i.,  76 
Attalus,  King,  ii.,  276, 382 
Attica,  its  pure  dialect,  ii.,  278 
Auction,  mode  ol  >eUi)i*  U\,i.,  I9l 


5^4, 


INDEX. 


Aucut)are,  i.,  120 

Aula  for  Olla,  i.,  394 

Aulularia,  the  meaning  5f  the  word,  i., 

Aulus  Gellius,  quoted,  i.,  236,  316,  483; 

ii.,  232 
Aurichalcum,  what,  i.,  103 
Autolychus.i.,  167 
Aiixilium,  the  God,  ii ,  193 
Ave  sinistra,  i.,  292 
Bacch8e,i.,121 
Bacchanal,  i ,  155 
Bacchanals,  i ,  113 
Bacchantes,  their  outrageous  conduct, 

ii.,348 
Baccharia,  the  foxglove,  used  in  incanta- 
tions, ii-,  517 
Bacchus,  the  Indian  expedition  of,  i.  148 
Badizo,  i ,  512 

Baggage,  how  packed,  i ,  303 
Balani,  ii.,  77 
Balista,  i.,  36 

Balistarium,  ii-,  361  | 

Ball,  the  game  of,  i.,  427 ;  ii.,  96,  241,  516  | 

Bankers,  their  shops  at  Rome,  i.,  2:i ;  i 

their  fradulent  transactions,  i.,   270, 1 

280,  547, 562  i 

Bankers  of  deposit,  i.,  402 
Banquets,  public,  i.,  26 
Barbarians,  who  they  were,  i.,  4 
Barbarica  lex,  i.,  448' 
Barbers,  cut  the  nails  of  their  customers, 
i.,  390 

Base  coin,  circulated,  ii.,  305 

Basileus  Archou,  i-,  542 

Basilica,  the,  at  Rome,  i.,  464 

Bathing,  after  child-birth,  ii-,  31 ;  after 
a  journey,  ii.,  454 

Baths,  i,  22,  240 

Battati,  a  word  used  by  the  ancient  Ro- 
mans, ii.,  528 

Baxae,  i.,  336 

Bdellium,  i,  532 

Bollerophon,  i ,  190 

Benedicite,  the  formula  when  used,  i., 
514 

Ben  Jonson,  quoted,  i.,  357, 382 

Biclinium,  i ,  186 

Biers  used,  i.,  101 

Bird-catching,  i.,  155 

Black  bile,  i,,  454 

Blasphemy,  how  punished,  ii.,  140 

Blennus,  i.,  202 

Blow  hot  and  cold,  to,  ii.,  493 

Boddice-makers,  i.,  401 

Boia,  a  collar  so  called,  i,,  468 

Boii.  the,  i.,  468 

Bombastes  Furioso,  prototypes  of  the 
names  in,  i.,  70 

Bona  Fortuna,  i.,  ,379 

Bona  gratia,  a  legal  term,  i.,  127 

Bon-mots,  i.,  123 

Bonum  factum  est,  the  formula,  ii..  354 

Bo-peep,  the  game  mentioned  by  Virgil, 
Horace,  a)>d  Piautus,  ii.,  18£ 

Bracelets,  i.,  :V» 


Brachium,  probably  the  trmk  of  the 

elephant,  i.,  71 
Bride,  probably  highly   perfumed,  ii., 
341 ;  not  allowed  to  touch  the  thres- 
hold, ii,  3-1.2 
Bridegroom's  wreath,  or  chaplet,  ii.,  329 
Bromius,  a  name  of  Bacchus,  i.,  148 
Bucaedae,  ii.,  498 
Bucco,  i ,  202 

Bulla,  the,  its  uses,  ii.,  118 
BuUse,  or  bosses  on  doors,  i.,  498 
Bulrush-dose,  a,  i.,  244 
Bury  sleep,  to,  ii.,  509 
Busybodics,  i.,  12 
Butchers,  an  accusation  against  the,  i., 

464 
Butu  batta,  words  quoted  as  used  by 

Piautus,  ii ,  528 
Buying,  on  credit,  i.,  270 
Cabinet-makers,  i.,  402 ;  ii ,  495 
Cadmus,  the  story  of,  ii.,  50 
Caduceus,  of  Mercury,  ii.,  14 
Caesar,  Julius,  his    expression    at   the 

moment  of  his  assassination,  i.,  461 
Calamistratus,  i.,  509 
Calamus,  what  used  for,  ii.,  262 
Calchas,  i.,  354 
Calda,  or  Calida,  i.,  56, 112 
Calends,  slaves'  allowance  on  the,  i.,215 
Caliga,  i.,  39 
Calydon,  ii.,  357;  Venus,  the  tutelary 

Divinity  of,  ii.,  403 
Campanians,   the,  i.,  30;  ridiculed,  i., 

467 
Canal,  the,  at  Rome,  i.,  552 
Canis,  or  Catellus,  a  chain  so  called,  L, 

562 ;  ii  ,  322 
Cantharus,  i.,  156 

Cantio  lepida.  i.,  252 ;  suavis,  i ,  252 
Cap  of  freedom,  ii.,  22 
Cape  vorsoriam,  a  sea-phrase,  i.,  57 
Capere  crines,  meaning  of  the  term,  ii., 

469 
Capito,  a  family  of  that  name  at  Rome, 

ii.,  260 
Capitol,  tlie,  at  Rome,  i.,  7 
Capitols,  in  other  cities  besides  Rome,  i., 

541 
Captives,  how  employed,  i.,  441 
Captivi,  the  character  of  the  Play,  i., 

476 
Capua,  its  perfumes,  ii.,  91 
Capulus,  i.,  101,  521 
Caput,  meaning  liberty,  i.,  264 
Carchedonius,  ii.,  355 
Caria,  i.,  530 
Carinarii,  i.,  401 
Carthaginians,  their  food  ii.,  355 ;  their 

faithlessness,  ii.,  357 ;  their  use  of  ear- 
rings, ii.,  397;  skilful  at  working  iu 

wood,  ii.,  495 
Carystus,  i ,  290 
Casteria,  i.,  .504 
1  Catellus,  i.,  562 ;  ii.,  322 

Cato,  quoted,  i.,  70;  ii..  309 
'  Catullus,  quoted,  ii.,  91 


INDEX. 


535 


Caudum,  a  casket,  ii.,  315 

Causia,  i.,  45 

Cave  canem,  inscribed  in  the  Boman 

vestibules,  ii.,  225.  496 
Cenaculum,  what  it  was,  ii.,  40 
Censeo,  mcaninir  to  enlist,  ii.,  124 
Censor,  the  duties  of  the,  i.,  47 
Centauromachia,  i.,  550 
Centones,  ii.,  443 
Ceraria,  i.,  105 
Cercopia,  i ,  50 

Cercuri,  ships  so  called,  ii.,  138 
Ceres,  the  Goddess,  i.,  322 ;  Festival  of, 

i.,  376 
Cerriti,  i.,  360 

Cerussa,  or  white  lead,  used  as  a  cos- 
metic, ii.,  471 
Cetus,  i.,  393 
Chains,  called  singularia,  i.,  430 ;  called 

canis  or  catellus,  i.,  562 ;  ii.,  322 
Chalk,  used  as  a  cosmetic,  ii.,  223 
Chamberlain.    See  "  Atriensis  " 
Charcoal,  marks  with,  on  doors,  ii.,  151 
Chian  wine,  i.,  5'3L 
Children,  how  soon  named  after  birth, 

ii.,  228 
Chlamys,  i.,  143 
Choragium,  the  Comic,  i.,  428 
Chon^us,    the,  i.,    45;    supplied  the 

dresses  and  properties,  ii.,  265 
Ciccum,  ii.,  89 
Cicero,  a  quotation  bv,  from  Plautus,  i., 

17 ;  quoted,  i ,  17,  27, 174,  224,  316, 429, 

471 ;  his  censure  of  "Verres  and  Clo- 

dius,  ii.,2;J8 
Cinaedi,  dancing-masters,  i.,  342 
Cincian,  or  Muneral  law,  ii.,  527 
Cincticulum,  i.,  173 
Ciniflones,  i.,  401 
Circe,  ii,  451 
Cist«llatri.\,  i.,15 

Civil  causes,  trial  of,  at  Rome,  i.,  346 
Classia  Unomammia,  i.,  550 
Clathri,  i.,  89 
Claudian,  quoted,  i.,  4 
Claviger,  why  Hercules  so  called,  ii.,  101 
Clavis  Laconica,  a  key  so  called,  ii.,  477 
Cloacina,  a  title  of  Venus,  i ,  551 
Clypeus,  or  shield,  how  carried,  i.,  39 
Coan  wine,  ii.,  384 
Cobblers,  i.,  378 

Cocio,  the  meaning  of  the  word, !.,  488 
Coclites,  the  family  of  the,  i.,548 
Codex,  or  oaken  log,  ii.,  404 
Codrus  Urceus,  his  Supplement  to  the 

Aulularia,  i.,  418 
Coemptiouales,  i.,  198 
Coena  viatica,  i.,  157 ;  ii.,  215,  422,  604 
Colax,  a  Play  of  Menander,  ii.,  329 
Collicrepidse,  a  nickname  of  slaves,  i.,  56 
CoUiphia,  ii ,  262 
CoUyrse,  ii.,  262 
Colonies,  how  named,  i.,  305 
Colostra,  ii.,  371 
C-oltsfoot,ii.,374 
Columbar,  ii.,  104 
Colutca,  ii.,  262 


Comarchi,  i ,  542 

Combs,  i.,  438 

Comedy  of  Errors,  Shakspeare'8,founded 

on  the  Mensechmi,  i.,  319, 372 
Comitia  Centuriata,  i.,  311,  411;   Tri- 

buta,  i.,  447 
Comitium,  i.,  551 
Concenturio,  i.,  282 
Conceptis  verbis  jurare,  i.,  273 
Concio,  i.,  340 
Concreparius.  i.,147 
Condalium,  i.,  55;  ii.,  519 
Conditio,  i.,  219 
Conductores,  i.,  479 
Condus-promus,  i.,  284 
Conferri,  i.,  190 
Conger  eels,  eaten  cold,  i.,  108 
Congialis,  i.,  407 
Congra;care,  i ,  188 
Conjee trix,  i.,  104 

Conquisitores  of  the  Theatres,  ii.,  6 
Contubernalis,  i.,  77 
Contubernium,  ii.,  308 
Cooks,  their  habits,  i.,  293,  294;  their 
wages,  i.,  293,  397 ;  specimens  of  the 
class,  i.,  388 ;  their  bad  character,  ii., 
337 
Corbita,  ii.,340 
Cornicularia,  ii.,  520 
Cornucopia,  i.,  287 
Corvette,  the  word,  whence  derived,  ii., 

340 
Corybantes,  ii-,  529 
Cottabus,  the  game  of,  i.,  55 
Couch-coverings,  i.,  231 
Countryman,  blunders  of  a  Roman,  ii., 

240 
Courtesans,  subjected  to  maltreatment, 
ii.,  214 ;  ugly  ones,  how  treated,  ii.,  416 
Crapularii,  i.,  224 

Crepundia,  trinkets  or  toys,  ii.,  114 
Cresphoiites,  and  the  sons  of  Aristode- 

mus,  draw  lots,  ii.,  322 
Cross,  the  punishment  of  the,  i.,  77; 

bearing  the,  ii.,  463 
Crucisalus,  i.,  170 

Cruricrepidse,  a  nickname  of  slaves,  i.,  66 
Crypriolathronia,  i.,  72 
Cuckoo,  a  term  of  reproach,  i.,  260,  923 ; 

ii.,  172 
Culcita,  what  it  was,  i ,  130 
Cultri  (razors  or  scissors),  i.,  437 
Cum  porcis,  cum  piscin^  a  saying,  ii.,  183 
Cumatile,  applied  to  women's  clresses, 

ii,433 
ruriae,  at  Rome,  i.,  379 
Curiones,  i.,  379 

Curiosa,  an  unknown  meaning  of,  i.,404 
Cursores,  i.,  56 
Cursura,  i.,  227 

(;urtian  Lake,  the,  at  Rome,  i.,  658 
Custom-house  officers,  i.,  42 
Cuttle-fish,  the  cooking  of,  ii..  93 
Cyathus,  i.,248 

Cybele,  the  robe  of  the  Goddess,  i.,174; 
the  character  of  her  votaries,  ii.,  237, 
629 ;  the  priests  of,  ii.,  413 


536 


INDEX. 


Cygrnus,  i,,  358 

Cylindrus,  i.,  332 

Cynic  philosophers,  i.,  247 

Cyrene,  the  city  of,  ii.,  66;  its  growth  of 

materials  for  perfumes,  ii.,  91 
Daedalus,  ii.,  52 
Danae  and  Jupiter,  a  probable  allusion 

to  the  story  of,  ii.,  287 
Danaides,  the  punishment  of  the,  i..  274 
Dancing-masters,  i.,  342  ;  ii.,  300 
Dancing,  the  Ionian  mode  of,  i.,  252 
Daniel,  the  prophet,  quoted,  i  ,  231  j  ii., 

311 
Danista,  i.,270 
Dare  mancupio,  i.,  553 
Darius,  King,  i.,  378 
Darnel,  hurtful  to  the  eyesight,  1.,  85 
Dataria  lingua,  i.,  225 
Debtors,  insolvent,  how  treated,  1 ,  562 
Decrepitus,  the  derivation  of,  ii.,  454 
Defrutum,  i.,  290 
Deliriiim,  how  produced,  i.,  528 
Demarchi,  i.,  542 
Demophilus,  i.,  480 
Dentes  dentire,  i.,  71 
Dentilegi,  i.,  463 
Derisores,  i.,  429 
Deruncinatus,  i.,  457 
Dosdemona,  resemblance  of  the  cha- 
racter of  Alemena  to  that  of,  ii.,  26 
Designator,  or  seat-keeper  at  the  Thea- 
tres, ii.,  354 
Detexere,  ii ,  13 
Diabolus,  the  name,  how  translated  by 

Gueudeville,  i.,  509 
Diana,  of  Ephesus,  the  priests  of,  i.,  168 
Dicam  scribere,  i.,  414 
Dice,  games  with,  i.,  76, 429,  516,  522, 546 
Dictator,  the  Roman,  i.,  276 
Dierecte,  the  meaning  of,  i.,  25 
Dii  Majores,  ii.,  451 
Diodorus,  the  dancing-master,  ii.,  300 
Diodorus  Siculus,  quoted,  i-,  338 
Dione,  i.,  142 
Dionysia,  th  ■,  i.,  258 

Dionysus,  i.,  245 

Diphilus,the  poet,  ii.,  66 

Diroe,  the  fate  of,  i.,  263 

Disease,  the,  "  qui  sputatur,"  i.,  451 

Dispennare,  i.,  142 

Diviners,  accustomed  to  let  their  hair 
grow,  ii.,  80 

Divorce,  i.,  344, 385 ;  the  facilities  for,  at 
Rome,  i.,  129  ;  ii.,  169 ;  formula  of,  i., 
15;  ii.,313 

Doctor,  a  specimen  of  a,  i.,  360 

Dogs,  placed  in  the  Roman  vestibules, 
ii.,  496 

Door,  styled  a  "  fellow-slave,"  i.,  496 

Doors,  mode  of  knocking  at,  i.,  46 

Dormitator,  the  meaning  of,  i.,  46 

Dowries,  raised  by  prostitution  in  Etru- 
ria,  ii.,  198 

Drachma,  i.,  23 

.'Jrapetae,  i.,  543 

Dress,  of  Tragedy  and  Comedy,  i.,  455 

Dmubuess,  i.,  380 


Duns,  1.  tOl 

Duodecizi  scrijta,  the  game  c f ,  it,  393 

Durare,  "  to  full,"  i.,  52^ 

Dyers,  in  yellow  colours,  i.,  401 

Dyrrhachium,  i.,  320 

Eagles,  or   standards   of  the   Roman 

armies,  ii.,  297 
Earrings,  i.,  343 ;  worn  by  what  nations 

of  antiquity,  ii.,  397 
Earth,  custom  of  touching  the,  on  cer- 
tain occasions,  ii.,  480 
Eastern  entertainments,  ii.,  338 
Ebrius,   applied  to  the   seasoning  of 

victuals,  ii.,  .338 
Ecastor,  the  expletive,  i.,  4 
Ecclesiastes,  quoted,  ii.,  465 
Edepol,  the  expletive,  i.,  5 
Edicts,  the  name  of  the  proposer  at  the 

commencement  of  the  Greek,  ii.,  446 
Elatia,  i ,  180 

Elephant,    the  duration  of  its   preg- 
nancy, i ,  221 
Eleutheria,  or  Feast  of  Freedom,  li., 

239 
Elis,  or  Alls,  i.,  425 ;  its  distance  from 

^tolia,  i.,  461 
Embroiderers,  i.,  338 
Emeritus,  i.,  154 

Emungere,  the  meaning  of,  ii.,  508 
Endearment,  names  of.  ii.,  342,  370 
Enlisting,  i.,  71 
Ennius,  quoted,  11..  451 
Entrails,    feasts   upon  the,  after  the 

sacrifice,  i.,  106,  225 
Epeus.  i.,  196 ;  ii.,  526 
Epicharmus.  an  utterer  of  truisms,  i., 

218 
Epidaranus,  i.,320 
Epidicus,  the  Play,  admired  by  Plautus, 

ii.,  421 
Epityrura,  i.,  70 
Equivoques.    See  "Puns" 
Erasmus,  his  opinion  on  a  proverb,  i., 

383;  ii.,498 
Eretria,ii.,  271 
Esquiline,  or  Metian  Gate,  at  Rome,  I., 

88,272 
Etrurian  street,  at  Rome,  i.,  552 
Euphemism,  i.,  16  ;  ii.,  401 
Euripides,  quoted,  1.,  352 ;  the  Alemena 

of,ii.,  68 
Evantides,  i.,148 
Evil  eye,  the,  i.,  105,  502 
Evil  hand,  the,  ii.,  28 
Exercitor,  i.,  13 
Exorcism,  of  those  possessed  by  spirits 

ii.,  36 
Exuviae,  i.,  328 

Eye,  the  itching  of  the,  i.,  261 
False,  or  towers  used  in  siearts,  ii.,  475 
Fan-bearers,  i.,  14 
Fascination,  i.,  105,  502 
Fates,  the,  i.,  361 
Febris  querquera,  probably  the  qv  %rtaii 

ague,  li.,  521 
Females,  guardians'iup  of,  i.,  216 
'  Fereutarii.  i-.  25 


INDEX. 


537 


Iferwtrum,  i.,  201 
Feriae,  ii ,  444 

Feronia,  the  Groddess,  ii.,  22 
Feror,  a  particular  meaning  :/,  i.,  381 
Ferret,  the  habits  of  the,  L,  434 
Ferriterius,  i ,  56 
Ferrumiiiare,  i.,  138 

Festivals,  occasions  of  extreme  lawless- 
ness, i ,  560 
Fe!>tuca,  i.,  118 
Fidenae,  fall  of  the  scaffolding  at  the 

Theatre  of,  i.,  5«)0 
Pidius,  the  God,  i.,  480 
Fielding,  borrowed  from  the  Aulularia, 

i.,  376;  from  the  Mostellaria,  i ,  511 
Figured  skirts,  i.,  400 
Flagellum,  i.,  55 
Flies,  parasites  and  inquisitive  persons 

so  called,  ii.,  149,  383 
Floralia,  hares  and  deer  hunted  at  the, 

ii.,  2S0 
Follis,  i.,  389 
Football,  i.,  427 
Forum,  at  Rome,  shops  in  the  Old,  i., 

522 
Fox-glove,  ii.,  517 

Freeborn  women,  seduction  of,  i.,  414 
Frequens  Senatus,  i..  99 
Fretum,  the  Straits  of  Gibraltar,   so 

called,  ii.,  521 
Fructus  fuUonius,  i.,  292 
Fullones,  i.,  400 
Fur  trifurcifer,  i.,  391 
Furca,  the  punishment  of  the,  i.,  97,  363 
Furca,  used  as  a  porter's  knot,  i.,  325 
Furcifer,  i.,  97 
Furrier,  i.,  337 
Gallic  geldings,  i.,  399 
Game,  of  pulling  the  cord,  ii.,  358 
Ganeae,  i.,  352 

Ganymede,  the  story  of,  i.,  51,  325 
Gay's  Fables,  quoted,  i.,  407 
Genius,  i.,  243  ;  meaning,  capacity  for 

enjoyment,  i.,  43S) 
Gerrae,  origin  of  the  terra,  ii.,  358 
Gerulifiguli,  i.,  171 
Gervon,  i.,  403 
5iV>berish,  a  specimen  of  Roman,  ii„ 

294 
Gibraltar,  the  Straits  of,  called  "Fre- 
tum" by  the  Romans,  ii.,  520 
Girdle,  used  as  a  purse,  ii.,  253 
Glandium,  i.,  231,  470 
Glaucomam  iiijicere,   the  meaning  of, 

i.,  75 
Gluttony,  the  Goddess  of,  i.,  467 
Gods,  of  Nature,  who  they  were,  i ,  148 
Gold,  at  the  Theatres,  lupines  used  for, 

ii.,  379 
Good  omen,  formula  for  securing  a,  i., 

381 
Gorgonidonian,  i.,  70 
Gorgophone,  ii.,  56 
Gu.'»sij)s,  i  ,12,  543 
Gra'cia  Exotorica,  i.,  330 
Grand  points,  the  two,  ii.,  224 
Grecian  columns,  ii..  406 


Grecian  irust,  i,  488 

Greek,  drinking-song,  i ,  24i  ;  expres- 
sions, used,  i.,  22,  38 ;  ii  ,  337,  838.  502 : 
the  use  of,  much  atfected  by  the 
Romans,  ii ,  265,  455 ;  wines  mixed 
with  sea-water,  ii.,  90 

Greeks,  their  service  in  foreign  armies, 
ii.,  213;  their  riotous  mode  of  life, 
i.,  188  ;  ii.,  462 

Guests,  the  usual  number  of,  at  a  feast, 
i.,  236 

Gugga,  a  nickname  for  an  African,  ii., 
396 

Gymnasium,  i.,  395 

Gynaeceum,  the  women's  apartments, 
ii.,  492 

Hair,  cut  off  by  shipwrecked  pei^ons, 
ii.,  125 

Hairdressers,  i.,  401 

Halagoras  hama,  ii.,  413 

Halcyon  days,  ii.,  306 

Halec,  or  Alec,  ii.,  263 

Halophanta,  i.,  551 

Handball,  i.,  427  ;  ii.,  516 ;  how  played 
with,  ii.,  96 

Harpago,  i.,  13 

Harpastum,  i.,  427;  ii.,  516 

Head,  covering  the,  on  certain  occa- 
sions, ii.,  478 

Hecale,  ii.,  189 

Hecuba,  her  transformation,  i.,  352 

Hegea,  the  dancing-master,  ii ,  300 


Hellebore,  its  uses,  i.,  309 

Herbam  dare,  the  expression  explained, 

ii.,  527 
Hercle,  the  expletive,  1,4;  ii.,  19,  43 
Hercules,  offerings  to,  i.,  Is3 ;  and  Hip- 

polyta,  i.,  328;  or  Antiope,  ii.,  430; 

why  invoked  by  Parasites,  i.,  546 :  the 

Labours  of,  ii.,  258;  when  invokea,  ii., 

482 ;  the  revenues  of  his  Temples,  ii., 

503 
Herculeum  prandium,  i.,  223 
Herodotus,  quoted,  i.,  412 
Hiero,  King,  i.,  3;J7 
Hippodromus,  i.,  173 
Hippolvtaand  Hercules,  i.,  328;  ii.,  4S0 
Hircus,  i.,  290 
Hirnea,  ii.,  20 
Hispani,  the,  i.,  330 
Hobgoblins,  on  the  stage,  ii ,  87 
Hoc  nabet,  original  meaning  of  the  ex- 

pression,  ii.,  490 
Hogs,  a  distemper  of,  i.,  29 
Homer,  quoted,  i.,  142;  his  dowry  tc 

his  daughter,  ii.,  278 
Homeronidse,  ii ,  231 
Horace,  quoted,  i.,  59,  397,  537;  ii.,  4&3 
Horiola,  or  horia,  i.,  51 
Horn,  of  plenty,  i.,  287 
Horn  lanterns,  ii.,  16 
Horses'  dreams,  i.,  337 
Hortator,  or  pausarius,  ii.,  164 
Hostis,  the  meaning  of,  i.,  92 
Hot  liquor  shops,  i  ,  55;  ii.,  !57 
Hours,  the  day  haw  divided  lute  ii 


538 


INDEX. 


Houses,  polished  on  the  outside,  ii.,  464 

Humanum,  a  mortuary  sacrifice,  ii.,  99 

Hymenaeus,  the  nuptial  song,  ii.,  341 

lasion,  i.,  264 

Ilicet,  i ,  507 ;  ii.,  455 

Illex,  ii.,  386 

Illyrians,  the,  i.,  330 

Imagines,  of  the  Patricians,  ii.,  22 

Iramiuiis,  the  meaning  of,  i..  19 

Iraperare  provinciam,  i.,  129 

Impluviatus,  applied  to  women's 
dresses,  ii.,  433 

Impluviura,  i.,  76 

Import  duty,  on  what  paid,  i.,  62 

la  JUS  vocare,  i.,  501 

In  malam  crucera,  i.,  272 

In  mundo,  ii.,  331 

In  saginam,  i.,  39 

Incedere,  i.,  114 

Incomitiare,  i.,  548 

Indusiarii,  i ,  400 

Infernal  regions,  represented  in  paint- 
ings, i.,  474 

Inforare,  i.,  548 

Informers,  why  called  "Quadrupla- 
tores,"  ii.,  261 

Inimicus,  used  as  a  legal  term,  ii.,  41 

Insigne,  i.,  156 

Instinct  of  animals,  ii.,  449 

Integumeutum  corporis,  i.,  181 

Intestabilis,  i.,  529 

Intriguing,  how  carried  on,  L,  516 

Invocatus,  a  comical  meaning  of,  i.,  428 

Iphiclus,  ii.,  23 

Isis,  the  Goddess,  her  Festival,  1.,  517 

Istrians,  the,  i.,  330 

Jentaculum,  or  early  breakfast,  i.,  81, 
527.  531 ;  ii.,  236 

Jest-books,  i.,  232 

Judges-delegate,  i.,  166 

Jugula,  the  Constellation,  ii ,  12 

Juno  Lucina,  invoked,  i.,  411 

Jupiter,  his  epithets,  i.,  345 ;  Prodigialis, 
when  worshipped,  i.,  89  ;  supposed  to 
be  honored  by  the  performance  of 
the  Amphitryon  of  Plautus,  ii.,  62 

Jurator.  i.,  47 

Juvenal,  quoted,  i.,  454 

KafiTraS,  trifles,  ii.,  253 

Keepers  of  the  Temples,  i.,  538 

Kirtle-makers,  i ,  401 

Kissing,  a  peculiar  mode  of,  ii.,  369 

Lace  or  fringe  makers,  i.,  402 

Lacerta,  i.,  121 
Laciniae.  ii.,  140 

Laconian,  dresses,  ii.,    433;   dogs,  ii.j 

433 ;  simplicity,  i.,  447 
La?torian,  or  Quinavicenariau  law,  i., 

270;  ii.,  129 
Lamlwrare,  i-,  291 
Lambinus,  at  fault,  i.,  380 
Lanienae,  ii.,  431 
Ijanterns,  of  oiled  linen,  i.,  174;  Punic, 

i  ,404;  horn,  ii,  16 
I.ararium,  i.,  375 

Ijjires.  i  ,  5 ;  ii.,  175;  Compitales,  ii.,  176 
Larvati.  i.,  360 


Lascaris.  the  Grammarian,  his  episHc  to 

Bern  bo,  i.,  147 
Laserwort,    and    silphium,   grown  at 

Cyrere,  ii.,  91 
Laterculi,  cakes  or  biscuits  so  called, 

ii.,  366 
Latrones,  i ,  95 
Lattice,  or  trellis  work,  i.,  89 
Lautus,  one  of  its  meanings,  i.,  109 
Lav(>rna,  the  Goddess,  i.,  397 ;  ii.,  222 
Leather  masks,  ii.,  6 
Left-hand  omens,  i,  407 ;  ii.,  431 
Left-hand,  used  by  thieves,  ii.,  422 
Lege  agere,  i.,  93 

Legs,  of  slaves,  how  broken,  i.,  501 
Leranians.  the,  noted  for  their  rud& 

ness,  ii.,  226 
Lemnisci,  i.,  313 
Lenones,  their  calling,  ii.,  66 
Lenonian  law,  the,  ii.,  527 
Arjpoi^  bagatelles,  ii.,  358 
Letter,  to  make  one's  self  into  a,  i.,  378 
Leucadia,  the  Oppian,  i.,  552 
Lex  Julia,  ii.,  527 
LibatioiK,  to  the  Gods,  i.,  533 
Libella,  i.,  260,  471 
Libitinarii,  i.,  150 
Licking  dishes,  ii.,  330 
Lictors,  of  the  Triumviri,  i.,  505 ;  of  the 

Praetors,  ii.,  423 
Limaces,  snails,  i ,  152 ;  ii.,  51 
Limbuarii,  i.,  402 
Limentinus,  the  God,  ii.,  174 
Lingulaca,  ii.,  327 
Linus,  i.,  161 
Liparo,  King,  i.,  337 
Literatus,  applied  to  slaves,  ii.,  328 
Liturgi,  the  Scythian,  ii.,  524 
Lixabundus,  i.i  227 
Lixae,  i.,227 
Locare,  i.,  404 

Locust,  the  eye  of  the,  i-,  362 
Logi,  i.,  223 
Longanavis,  ii ,  98 
Looking-glasses,  of  the  ancients,  ii.,  21 

470 
Lorarii,  i.,  55,  95, 262 
Lorea,  i.,  115 
Lots,  how  drawn  by  the  Romans,  ii., 

317 
Louis  XII.  of  France,  proverbs  from 

Plautus  used  by  him,  i.,  489,  547 
Lover's  Leap,  the,  i.,  133 
Lucati,  quoted,  ii.,  433 
Lubentina,  an  epithet  of  "Venus,  i.,  401 
Lucian,  quoted,  i.,  164 
Lungs,  prescription  for  the,  ii.,  140 
Lupse,  Courtesans  so  called,  ii.,  239 
Lupines,  used    for  gold  coin  on  the 

stage,  ii.,  379 ;  where  used  for  fatten- 
ing cattle,  ii ,  379 
Lupus  in  fabula.  the  proverb,  i.,  241 
Lycanthropi,  or  wolf-men,  ii.,  50 
Lycurgus,  the  Spartan  lawgiver,  i.,  159 
Lycurgus,  the  King  of  Thrace,  i ,  4.52 
Lydians.  their  descendants  the  earlj 

Actors  at  Rome  i.  Z65 


INDEX. 


Maoeria,  a  garden-wall,  ii ,  223 
Machiavel,  whence    he   borrowed   his 

Clizia,  ii.,350 
Macrobius,  quoted,  i.,  236 
Mactare  infortunio,  ii ,  47 
Madness,    how  denoted,  i.,   357,    362; 

supposed  to  be  caused  by  Ceres  and 

Bacchus,  ii.,  53 
Magalia,  or  cottages  of  Carthage,  ii., 

356 
Magister,  his  duties,  i.,  173 
Magudans,  ii.,  92 

Mai,  Angelo,  his  discoveries  of  Frag- 
ments of  Plautus,  ii.,  530 
Slalacum  pallium,  i ,  159 
Malum,  signifying  punishment,  ii.,  4 
Mancupium,  i.,  222 
Manducus,  ii.,  87 
Maniples,  i.,26'li 
Manipularis,  i.,  Ill 
Man's  inhumanity  to  man,  a  proverb 

upon,  i.,  502 
Mantelets,  i.,  82 
Manu  asserere,  ii.,  108 
Manubrium  eximere,  i.,  399 
Manulearii,  i.,  401 
Manuleata  tunica,  i.,  290 
Manum  adire,  i ,  394;  ii.,  299 
Manumission   of  slaves,   the  formula 

used  on,  ii.,  40 
Manus  dare,  applied  to  gladiators,  ii., 

302 
Marinus  passer,  the  ostrich,  ii.,  267 
Aiarriages,  by  men  with  grown-up  fami- 
lies, reckoned  disgraceful,  ii.,  430 
Marriage-portion,    when    detained   by 

the  husband  in  cases  of  divorce,  ii.,  39 
Marriage-songs,  ii.,  520 
Mars,  the  God,  the  father  of  Romulus 

and  Remus,  ii.,  239 ;  and  Venus,  the 

story  of,  ii.,  98 
Martial,  quoted,  i.,  531 ;  ii.,  471 
l^lassic  wine,  i.,  314 
IMassilians,  the,  i.,  330 ;  famed  for  their 

nood  character,  ii.,  347 
Master,  of  the  feast,  i.,  247 
]\Iaster-key,  ii.,  477 
:Mastiffs,  i.,  429 
Mastigia,  i.,  56 

Jlatrons,  the  fillets  of  the,  i.,  110 
Jlatting-up  of  krees,  ii.,  224 
Medioxumi,  or  Demigods,  ii.,  196 
IVIegara,  ii.,  264 
Memoraculum,  i.,  121 
Menander,  the  Poet,  quoted,  i.,  191 
Meua2chmi,  early  Translation  of  the,  by 

Warner,  i.,  372 ;  the  merits  of  the  Play, 

i.,  372 
Mensarii,  i.,  23 
Mercenary  soldiers,  i.,  32,  95 
Mercury,  the  God,  i.,  233;  the  God  of 

merchandize,  ii.,  314 ;  the  Divinity  of 

tradesmen,  ii.,  314 
Alerenda,  what  meal  it  was,  ii.,  502 
Jierga,  a  pitchfork,  why  so  called,  ii.,98 
Morum.  i.,  3^8 
Metian  Gate.  the.  v,  88.  272 


Metreta,  a  measure,  of  what  caiiftcity, 

ii.,  137 
Micare,  i.,  79 
Midam  invenire,  i.,  417 
Military  strides,  i.,  303 
Millet,  i.,  121 

Mina,  i.,  9  ;  the  golden,  i.,  143 
Mina  ovis,  a  sheep  so  called,  i^  205,  272 
Mirrors,  ii,,  21.  470 
Mixtum,  i.,  388 
Modius,  i.,  124 
Mohawks,  of  Rome,  ii.,  8 
Moli^re,   probably  borrowed  from  the 
Bacchides  of  Plautus,  i.,  172 ;  borrowed 
from  the  Aulularia  of  Plautus,  i.,  376 
MoUusca  nux,  what  tree,  ii.,  518 
Molossici,  dogs  so  called,  i.,  429 
Monumenta  bubula,  i.,  215 
Mora,  the  game  of,  1.,  79 
Moros,  i.,  36 
Mortualia,  i.,  517 
Mostellaria,  the  derivation  of  the  uame, 

ii.,  461 
Mu!  the  interjection,  ii.,  519 
Mulierosus,  an  unusual  meaning  of,  ii., 

412 
Mulled  wine,  i.,  56 ;  ii  ,  87 
Mulsum,  i.,  197 ;  ii.,  300 
Muneral  or  Cincian  law,  ii.,  527 
Murobrecharii,  i.,  401 
Murteta,  ii.,  97 

Musca,  a  "  fly,"  a  term  of  reproach  for 
parasites  and  inquisitive  persons,  ii., 
149,383 
Music,  performed  during  sacrifice  to  the 

Gods,  ii..  437 
Nsenia,  i ,  313-  ii.,  219 
Naevius,  a  probable    reference  to  the 

Poet,  i.,  79 
Nai  yap,  i.,  107,  279 
Names,  of  endearment,  ii.,  342.  370 ;  two, 

unusual  with  the  Greeks,  i.,  149 
Nap,  taken  at  noon  by  the  Romans,  ii.489 
Nardine  wine,  i.,  112 
Nassa,  i.,  99 
Nassiterna,  i.,  152,  230 
Naupactus,  i.,  74 

Navales  pedes,  the  meaning  of,  i.,  335 
Nefastus,  applied  to  witnesses,  ii.,  378 
Nemean  games,  ii.,  339 
Neptune,  the  Temples  of,  the  God,  L,  91 
Neriene,  the  Goddess,  ii.,  232 
New-born  children,  the  custom  as  to  the 

maintenance  of,  ii ,  24 
New-year's  gifts,  i.,  104 
Night,  on  what  occasion  prolonged  'ry 

Jupiter,  ii ,  14 
Nightingale,  the  song  of  the,  i.,  154 
Nimbata,  possibly  a  fillet  for  the  head, 

ii.,  368 
Nostrils,  considered  to  be  the  seat  of 

anger,  ii.,  52 
Nummos  scribere,  i.,  499 
Nuramus,  its  value  exactly  asoertalmk^ 
ii.,234 
j  Nundiuie,  the,  i..  S^l 


/I'J 


INDEX. 


Nurses,  thoir  drinking  propensities,  ii., 

251,  355 
v)ath,  an  instance  oi  an  absurd  one,  ii., 

19 
Obgannire,  i.,  498 
Obelus,  its  value,  i.,  166  ;  ii.,  56 
Obtorto  coUo  rapi,  the  meaning  of,  ii., 

103 
Occentare,  the  meaning  of,  ii.,  287 
fEdipus,  the  story  of,  ii.,  372 
Offa,  i..  72 
Offerumenta,  ii..  98 
Oil,  used  in  the  Roman  dishes,  i.,  266 
Olive-pottage,  i.,  70 
Olympic  games,  the,  i.,  277,  339 
Omens,  i.,  235 ;  from  birds  on  the  left 

hand,  i.,  292,  407 ;  ii.,  431 
Onomatopflea.    See  "  Puns" 
Operae  non  esse,  the  meaning  of,  i.,  81 
Operam  dare,  a  judicial  terra,  ii.,  4i2ii 
Oppectere,  a  possible  meaning  of,  ii., 

263 
Ops,  the  Goddess,  ii.,  271 
Optio,  i.,  483 
Orator,  i ,  237 
Orcus,  i.,  293,  507 

Ordinances,  at  Rome,  hung  up  for  in- 
spection, i.,  57 
Orestos,  i  .  452 
Ori<-halcum,  what,  i.,  103 
Orion,  the  Constellation,  ii.,  12 
Ob,  meaning  effrontery,  i.,  78 
Os  subliuere,  i.,  30,  457 
Ostrich,  alluded  to,  ii.,  267 
Otway,   the  Poet,   probably  borrowed 
from  the  Bacchides  of  Plautus,  i.,  172 
Ovid,  quoted,  i.,  50,  51,  85,  99,  104, 133, 
1H5, 194,  223,  224,  233,  249.  287,  294,480, 
496,  515,  516,  552 ;  ii.,  50,  98,  154,  189, 
214,  244,  280,  306,  433, 471,  520,  525 
Owl,  note  of  the,  i.,  349 
Owl's  eyes,  i.,  537 
Pc-odaeogi,  their  duties,  i.,  168,  397 
Pajuula,  ii.,  503 
Palsemon,  ii.,  72 

Palaestra,  the  exercises  of  the,  i.,  156 ; 
ii.,  101;  how  distinguished  from  the 
Gymnasium,  i.,  173 
Palla,  or  mantle,  i,,  324 
Palladium,  the,  i  ,  197 
Pallium,  descri))tion  of  the,  ii.,  179 
Panchaea,  ii.,  233 
Panis  rubidus,  a  kind  of  biscuit,  ii.,  318 ; 

sordidus,  or  coarse  bread,  i.,  485 
Pappare,  ii.,  458 

l*ar,  meaning  of  the  word,  i.,  26 
Parasites,  originally  what,  i.,  69 ;  with 
but  one  eye,  i ,  325,  .548 ;  theii-  appe- 
tite,  ii.,  329;    how    treated,  i.,  430, 
447 ;     why    they   prowled   near   the 
Temples,  ii.,  71 
Parasitus,  the  word   used   in  a   good 
sense,  ii.,  240 ;  used  as  meaning  a  mis- 
tress, ii.,  240 
Parcae.  or  fates,  i.,  361 
farnjeno.the  name  of  a  slave  in  Comedy, 


Parricides,  the  punishment  of,  ii..  4Sk 

526 
Parthaon,  i.,  354 
Passports,  i.,  446 
Passum.  i.,  290 
Patagiarii,  i.,  400 
Patagus-morbus,  a  supposed  disease,  il, 

529 
Patellarii,   the  Lares  and  Penates  aj 

called,  ii.,  197 
Patrician  children,  playthings  of  the,  i. 

474  J        -  . 

Patruus,  meaning  of,  ii.,  356 
Pax !  the  interjection,  i.,  47,  252 
Pearled-barley  diet,  i.,  543 
Peculium,  i.,  24,  175,  251,  309,  427;  IL 

389 
Pedissequa,  i.,  487 
Pedissequus,  i.,  121,  400 
Pelias,  and  Medea,  i.,  296 
Pella,  i.,  494 
Pellio,  i.,  337 

Peniculus,  its  uses,  i.,  322,  332,  337 
Pentethronic  battles,  ii.,  374 
Pentheus,  and  Agave,  ii.,  154,  525 
Peplum,  exhibition  at  Athens  of  the,  iu 

137,  528 
Perductor,  ii,,  494 
Perenticida,  ii.,  439 
Perfumers,  i.,  401 
Perfumes,  from  what  manufactured,  ii- 

91 
Peristromatia,  1.,  231 
Perjeratiunculae,  i.,  223 
Perjury,  cognizance  probably  taken  of, 

by  the  priests,  ii.,  129 
Pernonides,  i.,  329 
Persian  Port,  the,  ii.,  19 
Persians,  noted  for  their  wealth,  i.,  214 
PersoUa  ebriola,  a  terra  of  reproach,  i. 

537 
Pestem  obpetere,  i.,  480 
Petasus,  i.,  45 
Petrarch,  a  supposed  composition  of,  i. 

147 
Phaon,  i.,  133 

Philemon,  the  Poet,  i.,  4, 149 
PhiHp,  King,  i.,  378 
Philippean  coins,  i.,  10 ;  ii.,  360 
Philomela,  changed  into  a  swallow,  and 

not  a  nightingale,  ii.,  90 
*Xua/3f  <J/,  "  to  trifle,"  ii.,  252 
Phoenix,  the  preceptor  of  Achilles,  i.,16] 
Phrygia,  i.,  391 
Phrygio,  i.,  338 
Phryxus,  and  Helle,  i.,  166 
Phylaca,  i.,  461 
Phvlacistse,  i.,  401 
Piatrix,  i.,  104 
Pici,  the  Griffins,  i.,  411 
Picnics,  i.,  234;  ii.,  428 
Pictures,  i.,  325 ;  made  of  wax,  i.,  615 
Pietas,  the  Goddess,  i.,  503 
Pigs  sacrificed  to  the  Lares,  i.,  S3A 
Pila  trigonalis,  i.,  42? 
Piutia,  King,  i.,  337 


INDEX. 


541 


llpers,  a  specimen  of  the  Roman,  i.,  249 

Mrseus,  tht;,  i.,  62 

Pirene,  the  Fountain  of,  i.,  403 

Pistrinum,  i.,  279,  3o4 

Pitch,  used  as  an  instrument  of  punish- 
ment, i.,  454;  and  resin,  used  in  the 
preparation  of  mummies,  ii.,  140 

Pithecusse,  the  Isles  of,  i.,  50 

Pittacia,  ii.,  3^9 

Plagusia,  ii.,  77 

Plato,  quoted,  i.,  427 

Plaudite,  by  whom  said  at  the  end  of 
the  Play,  i.,  66 

Plftustra,  i..  400 

Plautus,  quoted  by  Cicero,  i.,  17 ;  com- 
mends his  Epidicus,  i.,  164;  a  sup- 
posed description  of,  i.,  311 ;  his 
admiration  of  his  Pseudolus,  i..  316; 
his  anachronisms,  ii.,  19,  51,  61;  his 
admiration  of  his  Truculentus,  li., 
254 ;  his  name,  why  called  a  "  barking" 
name,  ii.,  306 ;  guilty  of  a  mistake,  ii., 
369,  402;  censured,  ii.,  407  ;  his  admi- 
ration of  his  Epidicus,  ii.,  421 ;  does 
not  make  the  most  of  his  characters, 
ii.,  454 ;  where  born,  ii.,  492 ;  list  of  his 
lost  Plays,  of  which  Fragments  re- 
main, ii.,  514,  et  seq. 

Plays  upon  words.    See  "  Puns." 

Pleaders,  at  Rome  stood  while  pleading, 
ii.,  331 

Pleading,  i.,  35,  3.=56 

Plebiscitum,  i.,  291 

Plenus.  apiilied  to  the  teeth,  i.,  544 

Pliny  the  Elder^  quoted,  i.,  221,  231,  262, 
451,648 

Pliny  the  Younger,  quoted,  i.,  474 

Plothea,  ii.,  443 

Plumatilis,  the  meaning  of,  applied  to 
women's  dresses,  ii.,  433 

Pluceus,  i.,  82 

J'oenulus,  meaning  of.  ii.,  353,  462 

Pol,  the  expletive,  i.,  5 

Polenta,  i.,  481 

PoUinctores,  i.,  522 

Pollio,  the  Actor,  i.,  164 

PoUucta,  a  term  applied  to  the  sacrifice 
to  Hercules,  ii.,  83 

Polymachferoplagides,  the  derivation  of 
the  name,  i  ,  301 

I'olymita,  tapestry  so  called,  i.,  262 

Polypus,  i.,  383 ;  ii.,  110 

Pompa,  its  meaning,  i.,  73 

Popae,  i.,  56,  272 

Popina,i., 55;  meaning  a"  kitchen,"  ii.,55 

Porricere,  i.,  268 

Porta  Trigemina,  i-,  23,  430 

Portion,  considered  disgraceful  not  to 
give  a,  on  marriage,  i.,  37 

Portisculus,  i.,  503 

Portitores.  i.,  42,  323 

Portorium,  i.,  62 

Posca,  i.,  113 ;  ii.,  106 

Posthumi,  i.,  381 

Po.sticulum,  the  meaning  of,  i.,  12 

Po-;tprincipia,  ii.,  2S1 

f'otcria,  i.,  56 

Potitii,  the.  i.,  159 

Praecautrix,  i.,  li>* 


PraBCo.  an  auctioneer,  i.,  221 ;  ii.,  522 

Praeficlae,  ii.,  219,  231 

Prsefiscini,  i.,  502;  a  droll  use  of  the 
word,  ii.,  84 

Prsenestines,  their  patois,  i.,  33;  ii.. 
240 ;  a  remark  on  their  courage,  i.,  153 

Praetor,  his  duties,  i.,  274,390;  manu- 
mission of  the  slaves  by,  ii.,  283 

Prandium,  i.,  81,  344 

Prisoner,  disgraceful  to  be  taken,  i.,  43? 

Private  life,  of  the  Romans,  described, 
i.,  552,  553 

Procurer's  household,  description  of  a, 
i.,  262,  263,  264,  265,  266;  ii.,  389 

Procuresses,  called  mothers,  ii.,2;i0 

Professse,  or  Courtesans,  of  what  class, 
ii.,  188 ;  register  of  the,  ii.,  404 

Proletarii,  the,  i.,  107 

Prologues,  tigurative  in  Plautus,  i.,  3 

Propudium,  i.,  537 

Prostitutes'  stalls,  i.,  266  ;  ii.,  363 

Protatic  characters,  ii.,  454 

Proverbs,  i.,  195,  241,  247,  261, 330,  383, 
427,  434,  488,  4S9,  502,  530,  547  ;  ii.,  64, 
329,  435,  442,  471,  493,  498;  a  probable 
one  relative  to  sailors,  ii ,  85 

Proverbs  of  Solomon,  quoted,  i.,  170 

Provinces,  distribution  of  the  RouiM. 
i.,  99 

Psalms,  a  quotation  from  the,  ii.,  66 

Pseudolus,  the  Play,  its  merits,  i.,  316 

Pterelas,  King,  slain  by  Amphitryon, 
ii.,  12 

Pulcher,  the  Roman  surname,  i.,  128 

Pulmentum,  or  diet  of  the  slaves,  1.,  87 

Pulparaentum,  i.,  248 

Pultiphagus,  the  meaning  of,  ii.,  499 

I  unic  dialect,  specimens  of  the,  ii.,  3W, 
895,  396,  397,  398,  399, 404 

Puns,  equivoques,  Onomatopcea,  and 
play  upon  words,  instances  of  in  the 
author,  i.,  76,  99, 104, 108, 137, 139, 143, 
148,  155,  156, 160,  165, 167, 168, 196, 240, 
244,  251,  258,  260.  265,  266, 271,  272,  2>S3, 
286, 2S9,  290,  291,  321,  323,  331,  332,  345, 
347,  349, 386,  389,  404,  407,  413,  429,  431, 
432,  433,  434,  438,  439,  447,  453,  466,  467, 
468,  469,  474, 475,  481 ,  484,  486,  491, 492, 
496,  522,  523,  529,  530, 531,  534,  &14,  &i8, 
549,  550,  557,  558,  562  ;  ii.,  13, 14, 15, 16, 
17, 18, 22,  28,  31,  ;J3,  38,  40, 42, 47,  58, 71, 
77,  80,  82,  83,  86,  »7,  88,  89.  95,  98,  101, 
103,  104,  111,  125,  144, 148,162,  239,  24f 
2.5^3,  271,  273,  274,  326,  343,  358.  364,  365, 
371,  377,  378,  379,  381,385,  392,  397,  398, 
399,  422, 427,  490,  492, 494,  495,  504 

Puppies,  the  Hesh  of,  eaten  by  the 
Romans,  ii.,  524 

Purses,  of  money,  how  carried,  ii.,440 

Puteus,  i.,  393 

Pyelus,  i.,  24u 

Pyrgopolinices,  the  derivation  ol  the 
name,  i.,69 

Pyrgoteles,  i ,  149 

Quadrantal,  i.,  532 
'  Quadrilibris,  i.,  418 
■  Quairupedanti  crucianti  canterio,    '  OU 

a  galloi)ing  dreary  dun,"  i.,  464 
I  Quadruplari.  ii-  Wii 


542 


INDEX. 


Quaestor,  the  city,  his  duties,  i.,  202, 427 

Quasi  matrimoiiium,  ii.,  308 

Qiiin,  used  in  contempt,  ii.,  333 

Quinavicenarian  law,  i..  170;  ii  ,  129 

Quinces,  ii.,  262 

Quinquatrus,  the,  i.,  104 

Rainbow,  the  common  belief  upon  the 

drinking  of  the,  i.,  534 
Ramentura,  i.,  185 

Ram's  answer,  the  meaning  of  the  ex- 
pression, ii.,  521 
Recuperatores,  i.,  166;  ii.,  124 
Rediinicula,  ii.,  227 
Reeds,  used  for  thatch,  ii.,  70 
Reliquum,  meaning  money  unpaid,  i., 

426 
Rem  remigio  suo  gerere,  the  meaning 

of,  i..  107 
Reraigia,  by  what  Poets  the  word  ap- 
plied to  tne  wings  of  Daedalus,  ii.,  52 
Repudium,  i.,  416 
liespondere,  a  peculiar  meaning  of,  i., 

469 
Reafcio,  ii.,  498 
Revocamen,  or  being  called  back, a  bad 

omen,  ii.  348 
Rhadama,  i.,  50 

Rhodians,  their  character,  ii.,  436 
Rings,  i.,  42;  of  the  slaves,  i.,  55;  of 
gold  not  allowed  to  be  worn  by  slaves, 
ii.,  336 
Ritschel,  his  Supplement  to  a  hiatus  in 
the  Trinummus,  i.,  61 ;  his  restora- 
tion of  the  commencement   of    the 
Bacchides,  i.,  151 
Robinson  Crusoe,  a  sentiment  in,  similar 

to  one  in  Plautus,  ii.,  73 
Rogare,  to  enlist,  i.,  71 
liogatio,  i.,  5.54 

Roman  stage,  its  extent,  i.,  519,  542 
Rubbing  down,  after  batliing,  i.,  310 
Rudens,  the  Play,  written  during  the 
second  Punic  war,  ii.,  68 ;   the  most 
picturesque  of  the  Plays  of  Plautus, 
li.,  68;  its  deficiencies,  ii.,  132 
Running  footmen,  i ,  56 
Rushes,"oil  supposed  to  have  been  ex- 
tracted from,  ii.,  363 
Sackbuts,  i.,  231 
Sacra  commovere,  i.,  261 
Sacrifice,  to  Hercules  before  commenc- 
ing a  journey,  ii.,  71 
Sacrificing,  exemption  from  the  expense 

of,  i.,  27 
Sagina,  i.,  39 ;  ii.,  470 
St.  Augustine,  quoted.,  i.,  159,  480 
St,  James's  Magazine,  a  quotation  from 

the,  i.,  105 
St.  John,  quoted,  i.,  247 
St.  Luke,  quoted.!., 383 
St.  Mark,  quoted,  i.,  452 
St.  Matthew,  quoted,  i.,  325 ;  ii.,  311,  465 
St.  Paul,  at  Ephesus,  i.,  168 
JSailing,  in  the  night,  i.,  234 
Sales,  by  auction,  i.,  222 
Salsa  muriatica,  ii.,  362 
bajsura  oveuit  anima;,  the  meaning  of, 

i.,'217 
bait  tu  taste,  with  a  persoii,  i.<  ^6 


Salus,  or  Salvation,  th«  Goddess,  i ,  Itt 

450 ;  ii.,  475 
Salutatores,  ii.,  51 
Salutigeruli  pueri,  i.,.  400 
Salvation,  or  Salus,  the  Groddess,  1.,  195 

450 ;  ii.,  475 
Sambucae,  i.,  231 
Samian  pottery,  i.,  162,  247 
Samuel,  the  First  Book  of,  quoted,  i.,  451 
Sandal-bearers,  i.,  14 
Sandapila,  i.,  101 
Sapere,  the  meanings  of,  i.,  99 
Sarra,  the  ancient  name  of  Tyre,  ii.,  233 
Sarsina,  the  birth-place  of  Plautus,  ii. 

492 
Sarta  tecta,  i.,  17 
Satisfaction,  for  perjury,  ii ,  41 
Saturn,  Carthagiuian  sacrifices  to  the 

God,  ii.,  47 
Saurea,  a  scourge,  i.,  496 
Sausage-makers,  their  dishonesty,  ii., 

214 
Scaliger,  a  curious  notion  of,  i.,  110 
Scaphium,  i.,  156 ;  ii.,  264 
Scene,  defects  of  the,  on  the  Roman 

stage,  i.,  100 
Scortum,  in  one  instance  probably  ap  • 

plied  to  males,  ii ,  354 
Scourers,  of  clothes,  i.,  400 
Scouring  brass,  i ,  120 
Scribes,  looked  upon  with  contempt  at 

Rome,  ii.,  527 
Scriblitae,  why  so  called,  ii.,  353 
Scriptura,  or  tax  for  pasturage,  ii.,  216 
Sculponeae,  ii.,  327 
Scurrae.or  town-gossips,  i ,  12 
Scythians,  the,  acted  as  "  Liturgi,"  ii., 

524 
Sealing,  documents,  i.,  35;  boxes  and 

cupboards,  ii.,  311 
Seleucia,  i.  8 
Seleucus,  King,  i.,  73 
Selling,  on  warranty,  i.,  553 
Semizonarii,  i.,  401 

Senate,  of  Rome,  met  in  Temples,  ii.,  508 
Separation,  formula  upon,  ii.,  42 
Serapis,  images  of  the  God,  ii.,  413 
Serpents,  swelling  of,  when  eni-aged,  i., 

249 
Servants,  nuisances  caused  by  idle,  i., 

543  ;  of  the  priests,  i.,  272 
Servius,  quoted,!.,  352 
Servus  dotalis,  i.,  483 
Setanium,  what  article  of  diet,  ii.,  251 
Sexcentoplagus,  i.,  460 
Shadwell,  the  Poet,  borrowed  from  the 

Aulularia,  i.,  376 
Shakspeare,  indebted  to  Plautws  for  the 

Comedv  of  Errors,  i.,  319, 372 ;  quoted, 

i.,  15,  36,  54,  58,  26C,  381,  403  ;  ii.,  154, 

433.508 
Sharpers,  i.,  43 
Shaving,  two  modes  of,  i.,  437 
Sheepskin  jackets,  ii.,  413 
Ships,  hauled  ashore  during  the  winter, 

ii.,  491 
Shoes,  care  of  the  Romans  as  to  their 

ii.,  244 
Sibyl,  the.  i..  257 


INDEX. 


543 


Sic  datiir,  the  meaning  of,  i.,  348 

Sic  dedero,  tiie  meaning  of,  i.,499 

Siccus,  a  meaning  of,  i.,  110 

Sicilian  dialect,  the,  i.,  319 

Sicily,  the  Kings  of,  i.,  337 

Sicyon,  i.,  301 ;  ii.,  192 

Signets,  i.,  42 

Sine  viatico,  the  meaning  of,  li.,  35G 

Sitella,  or  urn  for  drawing  lots,  ii-,  317 

Sitting,  custom  of,  when  dispensing 
iustice  and  worshipping  the  Grods, 
ii.,  508 

Skylight,  i.,  76;  dresses,  ii.,  433 

Slaves,  their  punishments,  i.,  77, 88,  363, 
492,  494,  501,  505  ;  ii-,  4,  404,  427.  462, 
497 ;  employed  as  tutors  for  children, 
i.,  158 ;  how  treated  at  Athens,  i  •  235 ; 
their  food,  i.,  247 ;  the  dungeon  for  j 
their  confinement,  i.,  393,  394 ;  had  no 
legal  existence,  i.,  453 ;  names  given 
to  them,  i ,  56,  457  ;  in  Comedy  how 
dressed,  i.,  462;  their  characteristics 
in  Comedy,  ii.,  45 ;  how  manumitted, 
ii.,  40, 106 ;  how  liberated,  i.,  274;  ii., 
281 ;  the  marriages  of,  ii.,  307,  308 ;  not 
allowed  to  wear  gold  rings,  ii.,  336; 
their  places  at  the  Theatres,  ii ,  354 ; 
the  average  price  of,  ii.,  393 ;  attended 
to  the  horses  in  the  Circus,  ii.,  412; 
examined  by  torture,  ii.,  507 ;  crowned 
with  a  wreath  when  put  up  for  sale, 
ii.,  522 

Sleeping,  in  the  Temples  of  the  Grods, 
for  what  purpose,  i ,  530 

Smell,  best  to,  of  nothing,  ii.,  471 

Smollett,  the  Novelist,  quoted,  i.,  310 

Snails,  i.,  152 

Soap,  i.,  400 

Soccus,  i.,  39 ;  of  Comedy,  ii.,  204 

Socrates,  i.,  278  ;  a  saying  of,  ii.,  51 

Solarium,  i.,  86 

Soldiers,  treatment  of  bad,  ii.,  220 

Soleae,  slippers  or  sandals,  when  used, 
ii.,  2*26 ;  by  whom  used,  ii.,  238 

Solon,  i.,  507 

Solstitial,  fever,  the,  i.,  30 ;  plant,  what 
it  was,  i.,  258 

Soracum,  ii.,  278 

Sorbere,  the  meaning  of,  i..  Ill 

Soricina  nsenia,  i.,  194 

Sortitio,  of  the  Romans,  i.,  99 

Speak  stones,  to,  i.,  381 

Spider-webs,  how  removed,  i.,  299 

Spiders,  considered  lucky,  i.,  378 

Spinther,  i.,  343 

Spinturniciuni,  what  it  was,  i.,120 

Spitting  about,  taken  to  denote  conse- 
quence, ii.,  275 

Spleen,  a  prescription  for  diseases  of 
the,  i.,  540 

Spondere,  i.,  24,  28,  535 

Sportul8e,orbaskets,forwhatused,i.,542 

Stage,  at  Rome,  how  formed,  i.,  325 

Stataria,  meaning  of  the  epithet  ap- 
plied to  Comedy,  i.,  147 

Staticuluui,  the  dixxwe  so  called,  ii.,  300 

Status  condictus  dies,  i ,  528 

Step-mothers,  noted  for  their  harsh 
ijess,  i. .  271 


Stone,  and  the  sacrifice,  to  stand  be^ 

tween  the,  i.,  456 
Stoning  to  death,  the  mode  of,  among 

the  Carthaginians,  ii.,  399 
Store-closet,  i.,  470 
Strategus,  i.,  247,  542 
Stratonicus,  ii.,  106 
Strebulum  agninum,  ii.,  522 
Street  doors,  how  opened,  i.,  75,  466 
Strenamobsc8evare,themeaniiigof,i.,235 
Striges.  i.,  294 
Strigil,  i.,  223 
Strophiarii,  ii.,  401 
Sturgeon,  ii.,  517 
Stvli  ulmei,  i.,  281 
Sublinere  os,  i ,  410 
Subsellium,  i ,  217,  237 
Succidanea,  applied  to  victims  for  sacri- 
fice, ii.,  428 
Sudatorium,  or  sweating-bath,  i.,  223, 224 
Sudiculum,  i.,  492 
Summanare,  i.,  549 
Summanus,theGod,i.,  194;  a  nickname, 

i.,  549 
Summer  travelling,  i.,  331 
Sun-dials,  alluded  to  in  a  Fragment  of 
Plautus,  ii ,  517;    when  first  intro- 
duced  at  Rome,  ii.,  517 
Supernumeraries,  i.,  327 
Surrender,  of  effects  by  insolvents,  i.,  .547 
Susanna,  the  Story  oi",  in  the  Apocry- 
pha, quoted,  ii.,  521 
Sutrium,  to  go  to,  meaning  of  the  say- 
ing, ii.,  329 
Sycophanta,  i , 43 
Sylvanus,  the  God,  i.,  410 
Sjmbola, i,  234 ;  ii-,  428 
Symbolura,  i.,  121, 166 
Syngraphus,  i.,  44-o 
Syracuse,  i.,  320;  the  siege  of,  by  the 

Athenians,  ii,,  359 
Syrians,  the,  i ,  29 
Syrus,  the  name  of  a  slave  in  Comedy, 

i,183 
Taberna  diversoria,  i.,  339 
Tabulae,  or  tablets  for  writing,  i.,  71 
Talent,  the  great,  i.,  389 
Talthybius,  i.,  227 
Tapestry,  Alexandrian,  i.,  282 
Tarentum,  i.,  320 

Tax-gatherer,  called  "  miles,"  i ,  402 
Temples,  property  deposited  in  the,  i., 
168 ;  sleeping  in  the,  i ,  .530 ;  feasts  in 
the,  after  sacrifice,  ii.,  376 
Terence,  quoted,  i.,  25,  411,  485 ;  ii.,  45, 
519 ;  referred  to,  i.,  183 ;  his  use  of  Pro- 
tatic  chai'acters,  ii.,  454;  a  supposed 
imitation  from  his  Hecyra,  ii..  531 
Terentius  Varro,  a  supposed  allusion  to 

his  conduct  at  Canna*,  ii ,  423 
Terraces,  on  the  houses,  i.,  86 
Tessera,  of  hospitality,  ii.,  400 
Tesseram  confringere,  ii.,  195 
Thales,  i.,  159,  438  ;  ii.,  109 
Thal.assinus  colos,  what  colour  it  was, 

i.,  1.30 
I  Tlianks,  returned  to  the  Cods  ou  iibera- 
I      tion  h'oni  .slavery,  ii  ,  281 
'  Theatre,  usages  of  tlie  Roman,  i..  426 


5U 


INDEX. 


Tnermopolia,  i.,  55  ;  ii.,  498 

Thick  shoes,  by  whom  worn,  ii.,  327 

Thieves,  at  the  public  baths,  ii.,  398; 
used  the  left  hand,  ii.,  422 

Thocus,  quoted  as  a  word  used  by  Plau- 
tus,  ii.,  528 

Tlijestes,  and  Atreus,  ii.,  80 

Thyrsus,  blows  with  the,  ii.,  32 

Tiara,  ii.,  282 

Tibicina,  i.,  391 

Tibicines,  i.,  249 

Tillotson,  Archbishop,  quoted,  i.,  450 

Tintinnaculi  viri.why  executioners  were 
so  called,  ii.,  245 

Tipula,  a  water-gnat,  ii.,  271 

Tithonus.  i.,  358 

ToUere,  to  "  father  "  a  child,  i.,  83 

Tongue-fish,  ii.,  327 

Tonstrix,  the  duties  of  the,  ii.,  228 

Torch -bearers,  at  marriage  ceremonies 
ii.,  310 

Tragi-comsdy  ii.,  5 

Trapezitse,  1.,  2.3 

Triarii,  of  the  lloraan  armies,  ii.,  522 

Tribunus  vapularis,  ii.,  258 

Trieterica,  th<!  Festival  of  the,  i ,  150 

Trifurcifer,  the  meaning  of,  ii.,  97 

Trigeminian  Gate,  the,  i.,  23,  4:30 

Trimodius,  i.,  320 

Trium  literarum  homo,  i.,  391 

Triumviri,  or  Tresviri,  or  Trisviri,  their 
duties,  i.,  4S5;  had  jurisdiction  over 
the  Courtesans,  ii.,  244 ;  Capitales,  i., 
396 :  Nocturni,  ii.,  8 

Trotting,  of  horses,  i.,  359 

Troy,  its  Destinies,  i.,  196 ;  the  Phry- 
gian Gate  of,  i.,  197 

Truculentus,  the,  a  favourite  Play  with 
Piautus.ii.,  254 

Truisms,  i.,  218, 425 

Tunics,  worn  loose  by  the  Carthaginians, 
ii^398 

Turbo,  the  meaning  of,  1.,  291 ;  ii.,  204 

Turpilucricupidus,  i.,  8 

Turtle-dove,  sacred  to  Venus,  1.,  156 

Tutebge,  of  friends  of  youths  on  enter- 
ing into  the  military  service,  ii.,  465 

Typanotriba,  to  whom  applied,  ii.,  237 

Tyre,  anciently  named.  Sarra,  ii.,  233 

Tyrian  purple,  ii.,  233 

Ulmitriba,  ii.,  273 

Ulysses,  recognized  by  Helen  when  a 
spy  in  Troy,  i.,  197 ;  carries  off  the 
Palladvuni  from  Troy,  i.,  304 

Umbilicus,  applied  to  mid-day,  i.,  326 

Umbraticus,  i.,  556 

Unctor,  i.,  14 

Under-clothes,  of  the  females,  i.,  400 

Unguents,  Greek,  i.,  224 

Unity  of  place,  a  specimen  of  its  ab- 
surdities, i ,  141 

Upupa,  i.,  474 

Usufacere,  ii.,  18 

Uva  passa,  ii.,  366 


Vacation-time, among  the  Ron;ans,  i.,  429 
Vadari  reuui,  i.,  5;i5 
Vadatus,  i.,  162 
Vadem  dare,  i.,  535 

Vadimonium  facere,  i.  535;  legere.  i.,  5"5 
Vse  victis,  origin  of  the  expression,  i.,313 
Vale,  when  said,  i.,  507 
Vampyre  owls,  i.,  294 
Vapula,  Papyria,  meaning  of  the  expres- 
sion, ii.,  520 
Varro,  quoted,  i.,  195 
Velabrum,  at  Rome,  i.,  448 
Velamenta,  emblems  of  peace,  ii.,  11 
Velitatio,  ii..  87 
Velites,  i.,  355 
Venales,  i.,  398 
Venationes,  or  hunting,  in  the  Roman 

Circus,  ii.,  2G8 
Veneflci,i.,296 
Venus,  the  sway  of,  i.,  256;  born  in  a 

shell,  ii.,  95 ;  and  Mars,  the  story  o^ 

ii.,  98 
Verbero,  ii.,  16 

Vernae,  their  character,  i.,  105 
Vestiplica,  i.,  14 

Vesperugo,  the  Evening-star,  ii.,  12 
Vetches,  parched,  eaten  by  slaves,  i ,  189 
Vide  me,  the  meaning  of  the  expression, 

i.,89 
Vidularia,  a  Play  of  Plautus  so  called. 

by  some  supposed  to  be  the  same  as 

the  Rudeus,  ii.,  525 
Viduli,  or  wallets,  how  made,  ii.,  109 
Villicus,  or  bailiff,  his  duties,  ii.,  309 
Vindicta,  i.,  538 
I  Vineae,  i.,  82 
Vinegar-water,  i.,  113 ;  ii.,  106 
Virgie,  or  rods  of  the  Lictors,  ii.,  354 
Vitta,  i.,  110 
Vultures,  i.,  8,  123 ;  ii.,  495 ;  the  dead 

scented  by,  ii.,  225 
Vorsipellis,  i.,  183 
"Washing,  before  sacrifice,  ii.,  60 
Wax,  used  for  sealin^r,  i.,  186 
Waxen  torches,  i.,  528 
Wedding-dress,  the,  ii.,  325 
Wheels,  i.,  442 

White  horses,  why  esteemed,  i.,  491 
Whitened,  nets  of  informers,  ii.,  ?.61 

sepulchres,  of  Scripture,  i.,  412 
Windows,  i.,  96 
Wine,  honied,  i.,  197 
Wine-casks,  labels  on  the,  ii.,  389 
Wine,  drunk  hot,  i ,  55, 112 
Wines,  aromatic,  i.,  112;  of  Greece, '^ 

531;  ii,  384 
Witnesses,  how  summoned,  i.,559 ;  ii.,409 
Women,  of  rank,  deemed  improper  for 

them  to  go  out  unattended,  ii.,312 
Wooden  horse,  of  Troy,  i..  .iVi 
Wormwood,  growing  in  Pontus,  i.,  61 
Zeus,  the  God,  i-,  277 
Zeuxis,  the  painter,  ii.,  410,  451 
Zona,  or  belt,  ii.,  179 


THE    END. 


I,OVDO>';    PRl.VTED   BV   WILLIAM   CLOWKS   AND   PONS,   LISinTD, 
SmC  SniCKr,   STAMFOUI)  STKCET,   S.E.,  AND  OBhAT  WINDMILL  STK££T,  TT. 


r 


PA  6569  .R5  1913  v. 2  SMC 
Plautus,  Titus  Maccius. 
The  comedies  of  Plautus