---
title: "The Pot of Gold · Aulularia"
author: "Plautus"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
url: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-aulularia/
cite: "Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, The Pot of Gold · Aulularia. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-aulularia/"
---

# The Pot of Gold · Aulularia

*Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

A miser finds a pot of gold and lives in terror of losing it.

> Latin: ed. Friedrich Leo, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0119.phi003, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0119.phi003.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the references the two texts share (line numbers), cut where both reach the end of a sentence.

## Contents

1. [Lines 1–433](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-aulularia/1.md)
2. [Lines 434–834](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-aulularia/2.md)

## 1. Lines 1–433

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-aulularia/1/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-aulularia/1/#p-N

[¶0] EUNOMIA, the sister of Megadorus. PHAEDRA, the daughter of Euclio. STAPHYLA, an old woman, servant of Euclio.
THE HOUSEHOLD GOD:
Lest any one should wonder who I am, I will tell you in a few words. I am the household God of this family, from whose house you have seen me coming forth. It is now many years that I have been occupying this house, and I inhabited it
for the father and the grandfather of this person who now dwells here. But beseeching me, his grandfather entrusted to me a treasure of gold, unknown to all. He deposited it in the midst of the hearth, praying me that I would watch it for him. He, when he died, was of such an avaricious disposition,
that he would never disclose it to his own son, and preferred rather to leave him in want than to show that treasure to that son. He left him no large quantity of land, on which to live with great laboriousness and in wretchedness.

> Latin: Lar familiaris:
Ne quis miretur qui sim, paucis eloquar.
ego Lar sum familiaris ex hac familia
unde exeuntem me aspexistis. hanc domum
iam multos annos est cum possideo et colo
patri avoque iam huius qui nunc hic habet.
sed mí avos huius obsecrans concredidit
thensaurum aúri clam omnis: in medio foco
defodit, venerans mé ut id servarem sibi.
is quoniam moritur (ita avido ingenio fuit),
numquam indicare id filio voluit suo,
inopemque optavit potius eum relinquere,
quam eum thensaurum commonstraret filio;
agri reliquit ei non magnum modum,
quo cum labore magno et misere viveret.

[¶1] When he died who had entrusted that gold to me, I began to take notice whether his son would any how pay greater honor to me than his father had paid me. But he was in the habit of venerating me still less and less by very much, and gave me a still less share of devotion.

> Latin: ubi is óbiit mortem qui mihi id aurum credidit,
coepi observare, ecqui maiorem filius
mihi honorem haberet quam eius habuisset pater.
atque ille vero minus minusque impendio
curare mínusque me impertire honoribus.

[¶2] So in return was it done by me; and he likewise ended his life. He left this person who now dwells here, his son, of the same disposition as his father and grandfather were. He has an only daughter; she is always every day making offerings to me, either with incense, or wine, or something or other;
she presents me, too, with chaplets. Out of regard for her, I have caused this Euclio to find this treasure, in order that he might more readily give her in marriage if he should wish; for a young man of very high rank has ravished her; this young man knows who it is that he has ravished;
she knows him not, nor yet does her father know that she has been ravished. This day I shall cause the old gentleman here, our neighbour, to ask her as his wife; that will I do for this reason, that he may the more easily marry her who has ravished her. And this old gentleman who shall ask her as his wife,
the same is the uncle of that young man who debauched her in the night time at the festival of Ceres. But this old fellow is now making an uproar in the house, as usual; he is thrusting the old woman out of doors, that she may not be privy to the secret. I suppose he wants to look at the gold, if it be not stolen.
(Enter EUCLIO, driving out STAPHYLA.)

> Latin: item a me contra factum est, nam item obiit diem.
is ex se húnc reliquit qui hic nunc habitat filium
pariter moratum ut pater avosque huius fuit.
huic filia una est. ea mihi cottidie
aut ture aut vino aut aliqui semper supplicat,
dat mihi coronas. eius honoris gratia
feci, thensaurum ut hic reperiret Euclio,
quo illam facilius nuptum, si vellet, daret.
nam eam compressit de summo adulescens loco.
is scit adulescens quae sit quam compresserit,
illa illum nescit, neque compressam autem pater.
eam ego hódie faciam ut hic senex de proxumo
sibi uxórem poscat. id ea faciam gratia,
quo ille eam facilius ducat qui compresserat.
et hic qui poscet eam sibi uxorem senex,
is adulescentis illius est avonculus,
qui illam stupravit noctu, Cereris vigiliis.
sed hic senex iam clamat intus ut solet.
anum foras extrudit, ne sit conscia.
credo aurum inspicere volt, ne subreptum siet.

[¶3] EUCLIO:
Get out, I say, be off, get out; by my troth, you must budge out of this house here, you pryabout woman, with your inquisitive eyes.

> Latin: Evclio:
Exi, ínquam. age exi. exeúndum herclé tibi hinc est foras,
circumspectatrix cum oculis emissiciis.

[¶4] STAPHYLA:
Pray why are you beating me, wretched creature that I am?

> Latin: Staphyla:
Nam cur me miseram verberas?

[¶5] EUCLIO:
That you may be wretched, and that, curst as you are. you may pass a curst life, well befitting you.

> Latin: Evclio:
Vt misera sis
atque ut te dignam mala malam aetatem exigas.

[¶6] STAPHYLA:
But for what reason have you now pushed me out of the house?

> Latin: Staphyla:
Nam qua me nunc causa extrusisti ex aedibus?

[¶7] EUCLIO:
Am I to be giving you a reason, you whole harvest of whips. Get away there from the door! There, do look, if you please, how she does creep along. But do you know how matters stand with you? If I just now take a stick or a whip in my hand, I’ll quicken that tortoise pace for you.

> Latin: Evclio:
Tibi egó rationem reddam, stimulorum seges?
illuc regredere ab ostio. illuc sis vide,
ut incédit. at scin quo modo tibi res se habet?
si hercle hodie fustem cepero aut stimulum in manum,
testudineum istum tibi ego grandibo gradum.

[¶8] STAPHYLA:
O that the Gods would drive me to hang myself, rather indeed than that I should be a slave in your house on these terms!

> Latin: Staphyla:
Vtinam me divi adaxint ad suspendium
potius quidem quam hoc pacto apud te serviam.

[¶9] EUCLIO:
Hark how the hag is grumbling to herself! By my troth, you wretch, I’ll knock out those eyes of yours, that you mayn’t be able to watch me, what business I’m about.

> Latin: Evclio:
At ut scelesta sola secum murmurat.
oculos hercle égo istos, improba, ecfodiam tibi,
ne me observare possis quid rerum geram.

[¶10] Get out (pushes her with his hands)—further yet! still further! further! There now, stand you there! By my faith, if you budge a finger’s breadth, or a nail’s width from that spot, or if you look back until I shall order you, i’ faith, I’ll give you up at once as a trainer for the gibbet.
(Aside.)

> Latin: abscede etiam nunc—etiam nunc—etiam—ohe,
istic astato. si hercle tu ex istoc loco
digitum transvorsum aut unguem latum excesseris
aut si respexis, donicum ego te iussero,
continuo hercle ego te dedam discipulam cruci.

[¶11] I know for sure that I did never see one more accursed than this hag, and I’m sadly in fear of her, lest she should be cheating me unawares, or be scenting it out where the gold is concealed, a most vile wretch, who has eyes in the back of her head as well.

> Latin: scelestiorem me hac anu certo scio
vidisse numquam, nimisque ego hanc metuo male,
ne mi ex insidiis verba imprudenti duit
neu persentiscat aurum ubi est absconditum,
quae in occipitio quoque habet oculos pessima.

[¶12] Now I’ll go and see whether the gold is just as I concealed it, that so troubles wretched me in very many ways.
(He goes into his house.)
STAPHYLA:
By heavens, I cannot now conceive what misfortune, or what insanity, I am to say has befallen my master; in such a way does he
often, ten times in one day, in this fashion push wretched me out of the house. I’ faith, I know not what craziness does possess this man; whole nights is he on the watch; then, too, all the day long does he sit for whole days together at home like a lame cobbler.

> Latin: nunc ibo ut visam sitne ita aurum ut condidi,
quod me sollicitat plurimis miserum modis.—
Staphyla:
Noenum mecastor quid ego ero dicam meo
malae rei evenisse quamve insaniam,
queo comminisci; íta me miseram ad hunc modum
decies die uno saepe extrudit aedibus.
nescio pol quae illunc hominem intemperiae tenent:
pervigilat noctes totas, tum autem interdius
quasi claudus sutor domi sedet totos dies.

[¶13] Nor can I imagine now by what means to conceal the disgrace of my master’s daughter, whose lying-in approaches near; and there isn’t anything better for me, as I fancy, than to make one long capital letter of myself, when I’ve tied up my neck in a halter.
(Enter EUCLIO, from his house.)
EUCLIO: (to himself.)

> Latin: neque iam quo pacto celem erilis filiae
probrum, propinqua partitudo cui appetit,
queo comminisci; neque quicquam meliust mihi,
ut opinor, quam ex me ut unam faciam litteram
longam, ⟨meum⟩ laqueo collum quando obstrinxero.

[¶14] Now, with my mind at ease, at length I go out of my house,
after I’ve seen that everything is safe in-doors. Now do you return at once into the house (to STAPHYLA), and keep watch in-doors.
STAPHYLA:
Keep watch in-doors upon nothing at all, forsooth! or is it, that no one may carry the house away. For here in our house there’s nothing else for thieves to gain, so filled is it with emptiness and cobwebs.

> Latin: Evclio:
Nunc defaecato demum animo egredior domo,
postquam perspexi salva esse intus omnia.
redi núnciam intro atque intus serva.
Staphyla:
Quippini?
ego intus servem? an ne quis aedes auferat?
nam hic apud nos nihil est aliud quaesti furibus,
ita inaniis sunt oppletae atque araneis.

[¶15] EUCLIO:’Tis a wonder that, for your sake, Jupiter doesn’t now make me a King Philip, or a Darius, you hag of hags. I choose those cobwebs to be watched for me. I am poor, I confess it—I put up with it. What the Gods send, I endure. Go in-doors, shut to the door, I shall be there directly.

> Latin: Evclio:
Mirum quin tua me causa faciat Iuppiter
Philippum regem aut Dareum, trivenefica.
araneas mihi ego illas servari volo.
pauper sum; fateor, patior; quod di dant fero.
abi intro, occlude ianuam. iam ego hic ero.

[¶16] Take you care not to let any strange person into the house.

> Latin: cave quémquam alienum in aedis intro miseris.

[¶17] STAPHYLA:
What if any person asks for fire?
EUCLIO:
I wish it to be put out, that there may be no cause for any one asking it of you. But if the fire shall be kept in, you yourself shall be forthwith extinguished. Then do you say that the water has run out, if any one asks for it.

> Latin: quod quispiam ignem quaerat, extingui volo,
ne causae quid sit quod te quisquam quaeritet.
nam si ignis vivet, tu extinguere extempulo.
tum aquam aufugisse dicito, si quis petet.

[¶18] STAPHYLA:
The knife, the hatchet, the pestle and mortar, utensils that neighbours are always asking the loan of—
EUCLIO:
Say that thieves have come and carried them off. In fact, in my absence, I wish no one to be admitted into my house; and this, too, do I tell you beforehand,
if Good Luck should come, don’t you admit her.

> Latin: cultrum, securim, pistillum, mortarium,
quae utenda vasa semper vicini rogant,
fures venisse atque abstulisse dicito.
profecto in aedis meas me absente neminem
volo intro mitti. atque etiam hoc praedico tibi,
si Bona Fortuna veniat, ne intro miseris.

[¶19] STAPHYLA:
I’ faith, she takes good care, I think, not to be admitted; for though close at hand, she has never come to our house.

> Latin: Staphyla:
Pol ea ipsa credo ne intro mittatur cavet,
nam ad aedis nostras numquam adit, quamquam prope est.

[¶20] EUCLIO:
Hold your tongue, and go in-doors.

> Latin: Evclio:
Tace atque abi intro.

[¶21] STAPHYLA:
I’ll hold my tongue, and be off.

> Latin: Staphyla:
Taceo atque abeo.—

[¶22] EUCLIO:
Shut the door, please, with both bolts. I shall be there directly.
(STAPHYLA goes into the house.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Occlude sis
fores ambobus pessulis. iam ego hic ero.

[¶23] I’m tormented in my mind, because I must go away from my house I’ faith, I go but very unwillingly; but I know full well what I’m about; for the person that is our master of our ward has given notice that he will distribute a didrachm of silver to each man; if I relinquish that, and don’t ask for it, at once I fancy that all
will be suspecting that I’ve got gold at home; for it isn’t very likely that a poor man would despise ever such a trifle, so as not to ask for his piece of money. For as it is, while I am carefully concealing it from all, lest they should know, all seem to know it,
and all salute me more civilly than they formerly used to salute me; they come up to me, they stop, they shake hands; they ask me how I am, what I’m doing, what business I’m about. Now I’ll go there whither I had set out; afterwards, I’ll betake myself back again home as fast as ever I can.
(Enter EUNOMIA and MEGADORUS, from their house.)

> Latin: discrucior animi, quía ab domo abeundum est mihi.
nimis hercle invitus abeo. sed quid agam scio.
nam noster nostrae qui est magister curiae
dividere argenti dixit nummos in viros;
id si relinquo ac non peto, omnes ilico
me suspicentur, credo, habere aurum domi.
nam non est veri simile, hominem pauperem
pauxillum parvi facere quin nummum petat.
nam nunc cum celo sedulo omnis, ne sciant,
omnes videntur scire et me benignius
omnes salutant quam salutabant prius;
adeunt, consistunt, copulantur dexteras,
rogitant me ut valeam, quid agam, quid rerum geram.
nunc quo profectus sum ibo; postidea domum
me rursum quantum potero tantum recipiam.

[¶24] EUNOMIA:
I could wish you, brother, to think that I utter these words by reason of my own regard and your welfare, as is befitting your own sister to do. Although I’m not unaware that we women are accounted troublesome; for we are all of us deservedly considered very talkative,
and, in fact, they say at the present day that not a single woman has been found dumb in any age. Still, brother, do you consider this one circumstance, that I am your nearest relation, and you in like manner are mine. How proper it is that I should counsel and advise you,
and you me, as to what we may judge for the interest of each of us; and for it not to be kept concealed or kept silence upon through apprehension, but rather that I should make you my confidant, and you me in like manner. For that reason, now, have I brought you here apart out of doors, that I might here discourse with you upon your private concerns.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Velím te arbitrári med haéc verba, fráter,
meai fidei tuaique rei
causa facere, ut aequom est germanam sororem.
quamquam haud falsa sum nos odiosas haberi;
nam multum loquaces merito omnes habemur,
nec mutam profecto repertam ullam esse
⟨aut⟩ hodie dicunt mulierem ⟨aut⟩ ullo in saeclo.
verum hoc, frater, unum tamen cogitato,
tibi proximam me mihique esse item te;
ita aequom est quod in rem esse utrique arbitremur
et mihi te et tibi ⟨me⟩ consulere et monere;
neque óccultum id habéri neque pér metúm mussári,
quin participem pariter ego te et tu me ut facias.
eo núnc ego secreto ted huc foras seduxi,
ut tuam rém ego tecum hic loquerer familiarem.

[¶25] MEGADORUS:
Best of women, give me your hand.
(Takes her hand.)
EUNOMIA: (looking about.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Da mi, optuma femina, manum.

[¶26] Where is she? Who, pray, is this best of women?

> Latin: Evnomia:
Vbi ea est? quis ea est nam optuma?

[¶27] MEGADORUS:
Yourself.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Tu.

[¶28] EUNOMIA:
Do you say so?

> Latin: Evnomia:
Túne ais?

[¶29] MEGADORUS:
If you say no, I say no.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Si négas, nego.

[¶30] EUNOMIA:
Indeed, it’s right that the truth should be spoken; for the best of women can nowhere be found;

> Latin: Evnomia:
Decet te équidem vera próloqui;
nam optúma nullá potest eligi:

[¶31] one is only worse than another, brother.
MEGADORUS:
I think the same, and I’m determined never to contradict you on that point, sister. What do you wish?

> Latin: alia ália peior, fráter, est.
Megadorvs:
Idem ego árbitror,
néc tibi advorsari certum est de istac ré umquam, soror.

[¶32] EUNOMIA:
Give me your attention, I beg of you.
MEGADORUS:’Tis at your service; use and command me, please, if you wish for aught.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Dá mihí óperam amabó.
Megadorvs:
Tuast, útere atque
ímpera, si quíd vis.

[¶33] EUNOMIA:
A thing that I consider very greatly for your advantage
I’m come to recommend you.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Íd quod in rém tuam óptumum esse árbitror,
téd id monitum advénto.

[¶34] MEGADORUS:
Sister, you are doing after your usual manner.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Soror, móre tuo facis.

[¶35] EUNOMIA:
I wish it were done.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Fáctum volo.

[¶36] MEGADORUS:
What is it, sister?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quid ést id, sorór?

[¶37] EUNOMIA:
That you may enjoy everlasting blessings in being the father of children.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Quod tibí sempitérnum
salútare sit: liberís procreándis
(ita dí faxint) volo te úxorem
domum dúcere.

[¶38] MEGADORUS:
May the Gods so grant it.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Ei occidí.

[¶39] EUNOMIA:
I wish you to bring home a wife.
MEGADORUS:
Ha! I’m undone.
EUNOMIA:
How so?

> Latin: Evnomia:
Quid ita?

[¶40] MEGADORUS:
Because, sister, your words are knocking out the brains of unfortunate me; you are speaking stones.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quia míhi misero cerebrum éxcutiunt
tua dícta, soror: lapidés loqueris.

[¶41] EUNOMIA:
Well, well, do this that your sister requests you.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Heia, hoc face quod te iubet soror.

[¶42] MEGADORUS:
If she requests me, I will do it.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Si lubeat, faciam.

[¶43] EUNOMIA:’Tis for your own interest.
MEGADORUS:
Yes, for me to die before I marry.

> Latin: Evnomia:
In rem hoc tuam est.
Megadorvs:
Vt quidem emoriar prius quam ducam.

[¶44] Let her who comes here to-morrow, be carried out of the house the day after, sister; on that condition, give me her whom you wish to give; get ready the nuptials.

> Latin: sed hís legibús si quam dáre vis dúcam:
quae crás veniat, peréndie forás feratur;
his legibús dare vís? cedo: nuptiás adorna.

[¶45] EUNOMIA:
I am able, brother, to provide you with a wife with a very large marriage-portion.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Cum máxima possúm tibi, fratér, dare dote;
sed ést grandiór natu: média est múlieris aetas.

[¶46] But she’s somewhat aged; she’s of the middle-age of woman. If you request me, brother, to ask her for you, I’ll ask her.

> Latin: eam sí iubes, fratér, tibi me póscere, poscam.

[¶47] MEGADORUS:
Would you like me to ask you a question?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Núm non vis me intérrogare te?

[¶48] EUNOMIA:
Yes, if you like, ask it.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Ímmo, si quid vís, roga.

[¶49] MEGADORUS:
Suppose any old man, past mid-age, brings home a middle-aged wife, if by chance he should have a child by this old woman, do you doubt at all but that the name of that child is Posthumus, all prepared?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Post mediam aetatem qui media ducit uxorem domum,
si eam senex anum praegnatem fortuito fecerit,
quid dubitas, quin sit paratum nomen puero Postumus?

[¶50] Now, sister, I’ll remove and lessen this labour for you. I, by the merits of the Gods and of my forefathers, am rich enough; these high families, haughty pride, bountiful portions, acclamations, imperiousness, vehicles inlaid with ivory, superb mantles and purple, I can’t abide, things that by their extravagance reduce men to slavery.

> Latin: nunc ego istúm, soror, laborem demam et deminuam tibi.
ego virtute deum et maiorum nostrum dives sum satis.
istas magnas factiones, animos, dotes dapsiles,
clámores, impéria, eburata véhicla, pallas, púrpuram,
nil moror quae in servitutem sumptibus redigunt viros.

[¶51] EUNOMIA:
Tell me, pray, who is she whom you would like to take for a wife?

> Latin: Evnomia:
Dic mihi, quaeso, quis ea est, quam vis ducere uxorem?

[¶52] MEGADORUS:
I’ll tell you. Do you know that Euclio, the poor old man close by?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Eloquar.
nostin hunc senem Euclionem ex proximo pauperculum?

[¶53] EUNOMIA:
I know him; not a bad sort of man, i’ faith.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Novi, hominem haud malum mecastor.

[¶54] MEGADORUS:
I’d like his maiden daughter to be promised me in marriage. Don’t make any words about it, sister; I know what you are going to say; that she’s poor. This poor girl pleases me.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Eius cupio filiam
virginem mihi desponderi. verba ne facias, soror.
scio quid dictura es: hanc esse pauperem. haec pauper placet.

[¶55] EUNOMIA:
May the Gods prosper it.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Di bene vortant.

[¶56] MEGADORUS:
I hope the same.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Idem ego spero.

[¶57] EUNOMIA:
What do you want me now for? Do you wish for anything?

> Latin: Evnomia:
Quid me? num quid vis?

[¶58] MEGADORUS:
Farewell.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Vale.

[¶59] EUNOMIA:
And you the same, brother.
(Goes into the house.)

> Latin: Evnomia:
Et tu, frater.—

[¶60] MEGADORUS:
I’ll go meet Euclio, if he’s at home. But, see! the very person is betaking himself home, whence, I know not.
(Enter EUCLIO.)
EUCLIO: (to himself.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Ego conveniam Eúclionem, si domi est.
sed eccum ⟨video⟩. nescio unde sese homo recipit domum.

[¶61] My mind had a presentiment that I was going to no purpose when I left my house; and therefore I went unwillingly; for neither did any one of the wardsmen come,
nor yet the master of the ward, who ought to have distributed the money. Now I’m making all haste to hasten home; for I myself am here, my mind’s at home.
MEGADORUS: (accosting him.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Praesagibat mi animus frustra me ire, quom exibam domo;
itaque abibam invitus; nam neque quisquam curialium
venit neque magister quem dividere argentum oportuit.
nunc domum properare propero, nam egomet sum hic, animus domi est.

[¶62] May you be well, and ever fortunate, Euclio!

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Salvos atque fortunatus, Euclio, semper sies.

[¶63] EUCLIO:
May the Gods bless you, Megadorus!

> Latin: Evclio:
Di te ament, Megadore.

[¶64] MEGADORUS:
How are you? Are you quite well, and as you wish?
EUCLIO: (aside.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quid tu? recten atque ut vis vales?

[¶65] It isn’t for nothing when a rich man accosts a poor man courteously;

> Latin: Evclio:
Non temerarium est, ubi dives blande appellat pauperem.

[¶66] now this fellow knows that I’ve got some gold; for that reason he salutes me more courteously.

> Latin: iam illic homo aurum scit me habere, eo me salutat blandius.

[¶67] MEGADORUS:
Do you say that you are well?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Ain tu te valere?

[¶68] EUCLIO:
Troth, I’m not very well in the money line.

> Latin: Evclio:
Pol ego haud perbene a pecunia.

[¶69] MEGADORUS:
I’ faith, if you’ve a contented mind, you have enough to passing a good life with.
EUCLIO: (aside.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Pol si est animus aequos tibi, sat hábes qui bene vitam colas.

[¶70] By my faith, the old woman has made a discovery to him about the gold;’tis clear it’s all out. I’ll cut off her tongue, and tear out her eyes, when I get home.

> Latin: Evclio:
Anus hercle huic indicium fecit de auro, perspicue palam est,
cui ego iam linguam praecidam atque oculos effodiam domi.

[¶71] MEGADORUS:
Why are you talking to yourself?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quid tu solus tecum loquere?

[¶72] EUCLIO:
I’m lamenting my poverty; I’ve a grown-up girl without a portion, and one that can’t be disposed of in marriage; nor have I the ability to marry her to anybody.

> Latin: Evclio:
Meam pauperiem conqueror.
virginem habeo grandem, dote cassam atque inlocabilem,
neque eam queo locare cuiquam.

[¶73] MEGADORUS:
Hold your peace; be of good courage, Euclio: she shall be given in marriaye; you shall be assisted by myself. Say, if you have need of aught; command me.
EUCLIO: (aside.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Tace, bonum habe animum, Euclio.
dabitur, adiuvabere a me. dic, si quid opust, impera.

[¶74] Now is he aiming at my property, while he’s making promises; he’s gaping for my gold, that he may devour it;

> Latin: Evclio:
Nunc petit, cum pollicetur; inhiat aurum ut devoret.

[¶75] in the one hand he is carrying a stone. while he shows the bread in the other. I trust no person, who, rich himself, is exceedingly courteous to a poor man; when he extends his hand with a kind air, then is he loading you with some damage. I know these polypi, who, when they’ve touched a thing, hold it fast.

> Latin: altera manu fert lapidem, panem ostentat altera.
nemini credo qui large blandust dives pauperi:
ubi manum inicit benigne, ibi onerat aliqua zamia.
ego istos novi polypos, qui ubi quidquid tetigerunt tenent.

[¶76] MEGADORUS:
Give me your attention, Euclio, for a little time: I wish to address you in a few words,
about a common concern of yours and mine.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Da mi operam parumper. paucis, Euclio, est quod te volo
de communi re appellare mea et tua.

[¶77] EUCLIO: (aside.)
Alas! woe is me! my gold has been grabbed from in-doors: now he’s wishing for this thing, I’m sure, to come to a compromise with me; but I’ll go look in my house.
(He goes towards his door.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Ei misero mihi,
aurum mi intus harpagatum est. nunc hic eam rem volt, scio,
mecum adire ad pactionem. verum intervisam domum.

[¶78] MEGADORUS:
Where are you going?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quo abis?

[¶79] EUCLIO:
I’ll return to you directly, for there’s something I must go and see to at home.
(He goes into his house.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Iam ad te revortar: nunc est quod visam domum.—

[¶80] MEGADORUS:
By my troth, I do believe that when I make mention of his daughter,
for him to promise her to me, he’ll suppose that he’s being laughed at by me; nor is there out of the whole class of paupers one more beggarly than he.
(EUCLIO returns from his house.)
EUCLIO: (aside.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Credo edepol, ubi mentionem ego fecero de filia,
mi ut despondeat, sese a me derideri rebitur;
neque illo quisquam est alter hodie ex paupertate parcior.

[¶81] The Gods do favour me; my property’s all safe. If nothing’s lost, it’s safe. I was very dreadfully afraid, before I went in-doors! I was almost dead! (Aloud.) I’m come back to you, Megadorus, if you wish to say anything tome.
MEGADORUS:
I return you thanks; I beg that as to what I shall enquire of you, you’ll not hesitate to speak out boldly.

> Latin: Evclio:
Di me servant, salva res est. salvom est si quid non perit.
nimis malé timui. prius quam íntro redii, exanimatus fui.
redeo ad te, Megadore, si quid me vis.
Megadorvs:
Habeo gratiam.
quaeso, quod te percontabor, ne id te pigeat proloqui.

[¶82] EUCLIO:
So long, indeed, as you enquire nothing that I mayn’t choose to speak out upon.

> Latin: Evclio:
Dum quidem né quid perconteris quod non lubeat proloqui.

[¶83] MEGADORUS:
Tell me, of what sort of family do you consider me to be sprung?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Dic mihi, quali me arbitrare genere prognatum?

[¶84] EUCLIO:
Of a good one.

> Latin: Evclio:
Bono.

[¶85] MEGADORUS:
What think you as to my character?
EUCLIO:’Tis a good one.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quid fide?
Evclio:
Bona.

[¶86] MEGADORUS:
What of my conduct?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quid factis?

[¶87] EUCLIO:
Neither bad nor dishonest.

> Latin: Evclio:
Neque malis neque improbis.

[¶88] MEGADORUS:
Do you know my years?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Aetatem meam scís?

[¶89] EUCLIO:
I know that they are plentiful, just like your money.

> Latin: Evclio:
Scio esse grandem, item ut pecuniam.

[¶90] MEGADORUS:
I’ faith, for sure I really did always take you to be a citizen without any evil guile, and now I think you so.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Certe edepol equidem te civem sine mala omni malitia
semper sum arbitratus et nunc arbitror.

[¶91] EUCLIO: (aside.)
He smells the gold. (Aloud.) What do you want with me now?

> Latin: Evclio:
Aurum huic olet.
quid nunc me vis?

[¶92] MEGADORUS:
Since you know me, and I know you, what sort of person you are—a thing, that may it bring a blessing on myself, and you and your daughter, I ask your daughter as my wife. Promise me that it shall be so.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quoniam tu me et ego te qualis sis scio,
quae res recte vortat mihique tibique tuaeque filiae,
filiam tuám mi uxorem posco. promitte hoc fore.

[¶93] EUCLIO:
Heyday! Megadorus, you are doing a deed that’s not becoming to your usual actions, in laughing at me, a poor man, and guiltless towards yourself and towards your family. For neither in act, nor in words, have I ever deserved it of you, that you should do what you are now doing.

> Latin: Evclio:
Heia, Megadore, haud decorum facinus tuis factis facis,
ut inopem atque innoxium abs te atque abs tuis me inrideas.
nam de te neque re neque verbis merui ut faceres quod facis.

[¶94] MEGADORUS:
By my troth, I neither am come to laugh at you, nor am I laughing at you, nor do I think you deserving of it.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Neque edepol ego te derisum venio neque derideo,
neque dignum arbitror.

[¶95] EUCLIO:
Why then do you ask for my daughter for your self?

> Latin: Evclio:
Cur igitur poscis meam gnatam tibi?

[¶96] MEGADORUS:
That through me it may be better for you, and through you and yours for me.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Vt propter me tibi sit melius mihique propter te et tuos.

[¶97] EUCLIO:
This suggests itself to my mind, Megadorus, that you are a wealthy man, a man of rank; that I likewise am a person, the poorest of the poor; now, if I should give my daughter in marriage to you, it suggests itself to my mind that you are the ox, and that I am the ass; when I’m yoked to you,
and when I’m not able to bear the burden equally with yourself, I, the ass, must lie down in the mire; you, the ox, would regard me no more than if I had never been born; and I should both find you unjust, and my own class would laugh at me; in neither direction should I have a fixed stall, if there should be any separation; the asses would tear me with their teeth, the oxen would butt at me with their horns.

> Latin: Evclio:
Venit hoc mihi, Megadóre, in mentem, ted esse hominem divitem,
factiosum, me autem esse hominem pauperum pauperrimum;
nunc si filiam locassim meam tibi, in mentem venit
te bovem esse et me esse asellum: ubi tecum coniunctus siem,
ubi onus nequeam ferre pariter, iaceam ego asinus in luto,
tu me bos magis haud respicias, gnatus quasi numquam siem.
et te utar iniquiore ét meus me ordo inrideat,
neutrubi habeam stabile stabulum, si quid divorti fuat:
asini me mordicibus scindant, boves incursent cornibus.

[¶98] This is the great hazard, in my passing over from the asses to the oxen.

> Latin: hoc magnum est periclum, ab asinis ad boves transcendere.

[¶99] MEGADORUS:
The nearer you can unite yourself in alliance with the virtuous, so much the better. Do you receive this proposal, listen to me, and promise her to me.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quam ad probos propinquitate proxime te adiunxeris,
tam optumum est. tu condicionem hanc accipe, ausculta mihi,
atque eam desponde mi.

[¶100] EUCLIO:
But indeed there is no marriage-portion.

> Latin: Evclio:
At nihil est dotis quod dem.

[¶101] MEGADORUS:
You are to give none; so long as she comes with good principles, she is sufficiently portioned.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Ne duas.
dum modó morata recte veniat, dotata est satis.

[¶102] EUCLIO:
I say so for this reason, that you mayn’t be supposing that I have found any treasures.

> Latin: Evclio:
Eo dico, ne me thensauros repperisse censeas.

[¶103] MEGADORUS:
I know that; don’t enlarge upon it. Promise her to me.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Novi, ne doceas. desponde.

[¶104] EUCLIO:
So be it. (Starts and looks about.) But, O Jupiter, am I not utterly undone?

> Latin: Evclio:
Fiat. sed pro Iuppiter,
num égo disperii?

[¶105] MEGADORUS:
What’s the matter with you?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quíd tibi est?

[¶106] EUCLIO:
What was it sounded just now as though it were iron?

> Latin: Evclio:
Quid crepuit quasi ferrum modo?—

[¶107] MEGADORUS:
Here at my place, I ordered them to dig up the garden. (EUCLIO runs off into his house.) But where is this man? He’s off, and he hasn’t fully answered me; he treats me with contempt.
Because he sees that I wish for his friendship, he acts after the manner of mankind. For if a wealthy person goes to ask a favour of a poorer one, the poor man is afraid to treat with him; through his apprehension he hurts his own interest. The same person, when this opportunity is lost, too late, then wishes for it.
EUCLIO: (coming out of the house, addressing STAPHYLA within.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Hic apud me hortúm confodere iussi. sed ubi hic est homo?
abiit neque me certiorem fecit. fastidit mei,
quia videt me suam amicitiam velle: more hominum facit;
nam si opulentus it petitum pauperioris gratiam,
pauper metuit congrediri, per metum male rem gerit.
idem, quando occasio illaec periit, post sero cupit.

[¶108] By the powers, if I don’t give you up to have your tongue cut out by the roots, I order and I authorize you to hand me over to any one you please to be incapacitated.

> Latin: Evclio:
Si hercle ego te non elinguandam dedero usque ab radicibus,
impero auctorque ⟨ego⟩ sum, ut tu me cuivis castrandum loces.

[¶109] MEGADORUS:
By my troth, Euclio, I perceive that you consider me a fit man for you to make sport of in my old age, for no deserts of my own.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Video hercle ego te me arbitrari, Eúclio, hominem idoneum,
quem senecta aetate ludos facias, haud merito meo.

[¶110] EUCLIO:
I’ faith, Megadorus, I am not doing so, nor, should I desire it, had I the means.

> Latin: Evclio:
Neque edepol, Megadore, facio, neque, si cupiam, copia est.

[¶111] MEGADORUS:
How now? Do you then betroth your daughter to me?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quid nunc? etiam mihi despondes filiam?

[¶112] EUCLIO:
On those terms, and with that portion which I mentioned to you.

> Latin: Evclio:
Illis legibus,
cum illa dote quam tibi dixi.

[¶113] MEGADORUS:
Do you promise her then?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Sponden ergo?

[¶114] EUCLIO:
I do promise her.

> Latin: Evclio:
Spondeo.

[¶115] MEGADORUS:
May the Gods bestow their blessings on it.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Di bene vertant.

[¶116] EUCLIO:
May the Gods so do. Take you care of this, and remember that we’ve agreed, that my daughter is not to bring you any portion.

> Latin: Evclio:
Ita di faxint. illud facito ut memineris,
convenisse ut ne quid dotis mea ad te afferret filia.

[¶117] MEGADORUS:
I remember it.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Memini.

[¶118] EUCLIO:
But I understand in what fashion you, of your class, are wont to equivocate;

> Latin: Evclio:
At scio quo vos soleatis pacto perplexarier:

[¶119] an agreement is no agreement, no agreement is an agreement, just as it pleases you.

> Latin: pactum non pactum est, non pactum pactum est, quod vobis lubet.

[¶120] MEGADORUS:
I’ll have no misunderstanding with you. But what reason is there why we shouldn’t have the nuptials this day?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Nulla controversia mihi tecum erit. sed nuptias
num quae causa est quin faciamus hodie?

[¶121] EUCLIO:
Why, by my troth, there is very good reason for them.

> Latin: Evclio:
Immo edepol optuma.

[¶122] MEGADORUS:
I’ll go, then, and prepare matters. Do you want me in any way?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Ibo igitur, parabo. numquid me vis?

[¶123] EUCLIO:
That shall be done. Fare you well.
MEGADORUS: (going to the door of his house and calling out.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Istuc. ei et vale.

[¶124] Hallo! Strobilus, follow me quickly, in all haste, to the fleshmarket.
(Exit MEGADORUS.)
EUCLIO:
He has gone hence. Immortal Gods, I do beseech you! How powerful is gold! I do believe, now, that he has had some intimation that I’ve got a treasure at home; he’s gaping for that; for the sake of that has he persisted in this alliance.
(EUCLIO, alone.)
EUCLIO: (going to the door of his house, he opens it, and calls to STAPHYLA within.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Heus, Pythodice, sequere propere me ad macellum strenue.—
Evclio:
Illic hinc abiit. di immortales, obsecro, aurum quid valet.
[credo ego illúm iam inaudivisse mi esse thensaurum domi.]
id inhiat, ea affinitatem hanc obstinavit gratia.

[¶125] Where are you who have now been blabbing to all my neighbours that I’m going to give a portion to my daughter? Hallo! Staphyla, I’m calling you!

> Latin: Evclio:
ubi tu es, quae deblateravisti iam vicinis omnibus,
meae me filiae daturum dotem? heus, Staphyla, te voco.

[¶126] Don’t you hear? Make haste in-doors there, and wash the vessels clean. I’ve promised my daughter in marriage; to-day I shall give her to be married to Megadorus here.
(from the house.)
STAPHYLA: (as she enters.)

> Latin: ecquid audis? vascula intus pure propera atque elue:
filiam despondi ego: hodie huic nuptum Megadoro dabo.

[¶127] May the Gods bestow their blessings on it! But, i’ faith, it cannot be;’tis too sudden.

> Latin: Staphyla:
Di bene vortant. verum ecastor non potest, subitum est nimis.

[¶128] EUCLIO:
Hold your tongue, and be off. Take care that things are ready when I return home from the Forum, and shut the house up. I shall be here directly.
(Exit.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Tace atque abi. curata fac sint cum a foro redeam domum;
atque aedis occlude; iám ego hic adero.—

[¶129] STAPHYLA:
What now am I to do?

> Latin: Staphyla:
Quid ego nunc agam?

[¶130] Now is ruin near at hand for us, both for myself and my master’s daughter; for her disgrace and her delivery are upon the very point of becoming known; that which even until now has been concealed and kept secret, cannot be so now. I’ll go in-doors, that what my master ordered may be done when he comes. But, by my faith, I do fear that I shall have to drink of a mixture of bitterness!
(Exit.) (Enter STROBIOUS, ANTHRAX, and CONGRIO, with MUSIC GIRLS and PERSONS carrying provisions.)
STROBILUS:
After my master had bought the provisions, and hired the cooks and these music- girls in the market-place, he ordered me to divide these provisions into two parts.

> Latin: nunc nobis prope adest exitium, mi atque erili filiae,
nunc probrum atque partitudo prope adest ut fiat palam;
quod celatum atque occultatum est usque adhuc, nunc non potest.
ibo intro, ut erus quae imperavit facta, cum veniat, sient.
nam ecastor malum maerore metuo ne mixtum bibam.—
Pythodicvs:
Postquam óbsonavit erus et conduxit coquos
tibicinasque hasce apud forum, edixit mihi
ut dispertirem obsonium hic bifariam.

[¶131] LYCONIDES:
By my troth, but you really shan’t be dividing me, I tell you plainly. If you wish me to go anywhere whole, I’ll do my best.

> Latin: Anthrax:
Me quidem hercle, dicam ⟨tibi⟩ palam, non divides;
si quo tu totum me ire vis, operam dabo.

[¶132] ANTHRAX:
A very pretty and modest fellow, indeed. As if, when you are a conger by name, you wouldn’t like to be cut into pieces.

> Latin: Congrio:
Bellum et pudicum vero prostibulum popli.
post si quis vellet, te haud non velles dividi.

[¶133] LYCONIDES:
But, Anthrax, I said that in another sense, and not in the one which you are pretending.
STROBILUS:
Now my master’s going to be married to-day.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Atque ego istuc, Anthrax, alio vorsum dixeram,
non istuc quo tu insimulas. sed erus nuptias
meus hodie faciet.

[¶134] ANTHRAX:
Whose daughter is he to marry?

> Latin: Anthrax:
Cuius ducit filiam?

[¶135] STROBILUS:
The daughter of this Euclio, his near neighbour here. For that reason he has ordered half of these provisions here to be presented to him—one cook, and one music-girl likewise.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Vicini huius Euclionis ⟨senis⟩ e proximo.
ei adeo obsoni hinc iussit dimidium dari,
cocum alterum itidemque alteram tibicinam.

[¶136] ANTHRAX:
That is, you take one half to him, the other half home?

> Latin: Anthrax:
Nempe huc dimidium dicis, dimidium domum?

[¶137] STROBILUS:’Tis just as you say.
ANTHRAX:
How’s that? Couldn’t this old fellow provide from his own resources for the wedding of his daughter.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Nempe sícut dicis.
Anthrax:
Quíd? hic non poterat de suo
senex óbsonari filiai nuptiis?

[¶138] STROBILUS:
Pshaw!

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Vah.

[¶139] ANTHRAX:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Anthrax:
Quid negotist?

[¶140] STROBILUS:
What’s the matter, do you ask? A pumice stone isn’t so dry as is this old fellow.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Quid negoti sit rogas?
pumex non aeque est aridus atque hic est senex.

[¶141] ANTHRAX:
Do you really say that it is as you affirm?

> Latin: Anthrax:
Ain tandem?

[¶142] STROBILUS:
Do be judge yourself. Why, he’s for ever crying out for aid from Gods and men, that his property has gone, and that he is ruined root and branch,
if the smoke by chance escapes out of doors through the rafters of his house. Why, when he goes to sleep, he ties a bag beneath his gullet.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Ita esse ut dixi. tute existuma: …
suam rem periisse seque eradicarier.
quin divom atque hominum clamat continuo fidem,
de suo tigillo fumus si qua exit foras.
quin cum it dormitum, follem obstringit ob gulam.

[¶143] ANTHRAX:
Why so?

> Latin: Anthrax:
Cur?

[¶144] STROBILUS:
That when he sleeps, he may lose no breath.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Ne quid animae forte amittat dormiens.

[¶145] ANTHRAX:
And does he stop up the lower part of his windpipe as well,
lest, perchance, he should lose any breath as he sleeps?

> Latin: Anthrax:
Etiamne obturat inferiorem gutturem,
ne quid animai forte amittat dormiens?

[¶146] STROBILUS:
In that ’tis as fair that you should credit me, as it is for me to credit you.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Haec mihi te ut tibi med aequom est, credo, credere.

[¶147] ANTHRAX:
Why really, I do believe you.

> Latin: Anthrax:
Immo equidem credo.

[¶148] STROBILUS:
But, further, do you know how it is?

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
At scin etiam quo modo?

[¶149] I’ faith, he grieves to throw away the water when he washes.

> Latin: aquam hercle plorat, cum lavat, profundere.

[¶150] ANTHRAX:
Do you think a great talent
might be begged of this old fellow for him to give us, through which we might become free?

> Latin: Anthrax:
Censen talentum magnum exorari pote
ab istóc sene ut det, qui fiamus liberi?

[¶151] STROBILUS:
By my troth, if you were to ask it, he would never let you have the loan of hunger. Why, the other day, the barber had cut his nails; he collected all the parings, and carried them off.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Famem hercle utendam si roges, numquam dabit.
quin ipsi pridem tonsor unguis dempserat:
collegit, omnia abstulit praesegmina.

[¶152] ANTHRAX:
I’ faith, you do describe a miserably stingy wretch.

> Latin: Anthrax:
Edepol mortalem parce parcum praedicas.

[¶153] LYCONIDES:
But do you think that he does live so very stingily and wretchedly?

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Censen vero esse parcum et misere vivere?

[¶154] STROBILUS:
A kite, the other day, carried off his morsel of food; the fellow went crying to the Praetor; there, weeping and lamenting, he began to request that he might be allowed to compel the kite to give bail.

> Latin: pulmentum pridem éi eripuit miluos:
homo ad praetorem plorabundus devenit;
infit ibi postulare plorans, eiulans,
ut sibi liceret miluom vadarier.

[¶155] There are innumerable other things that I could mention, if I had the leisure. But which of you two is the sharper? Tell me.

> Latin: sescenta sunt quae memorem, si sit otium.
sed uter vestrorum est celerior? memora mihi.

[¶156] LYCONIDES:
I—as being much the better one.
STROBILUS:
A cook I ask for, not a thief.

> Latin: Anthrax:
Ego, et multo melior.
Pythodicvs:
Cocum ego, non furem rogo.

[¶157] LYCONIDES:
As a cook, I mean.
STROBILUS: (to ANTHRAX.)
What do you say?
ANTHRAX:
I’m just as you see me.

> Latin: Anthrax:
Cocum ergo dico.
Pythodicvs:
Quid tu ais?
Congrio:
Sic sum ut vides.

[¶158] LYCONIDES:
He’s a nine-day cook; every ninth day
he’s in the habit of going out to cook.

> Latin: Anthrax:
Cocus ille nundinalest, in nonum diem
solet ire coctum.
Congrio:
Tun, trium litterarum homo,
me vituperas? fur.

[¶159] ANTHRAX:
You, you three-lettered fellow;
do you abuse me, you thief?
LYCONIDES:
To be sure I do, you trebly-distilled thief of thieves.

> Latin: Anthrax:
Etiam fur, trifurcifer.

[¶160] STROBILUS:
Now do you hold your tongue for the present, and, that lamb, whichever is the fatter of the two—
LYCONIDES:
Very well.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Tace nunciam tu, atque agnum hinc uter est pinguior
⟨cape atque abi intro ad nos.⟩
Anthrax:
Licet.—

[¶161] STROBILUS:
Do you, Congrio,
take that, and go in-doors there (pointing to EUCLIO’S house; and (to a MUSIC-GIRL and some of the PEOPLE with provisions) do you follow him;

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Tu, Congrio,
⟨quem illic reliquit agnum,⟩ eum sume atque abi
… intro illuc, et vos illum sequimini.

[¶162] the rest of you this way, to our house.
LYCONIDES:
By my troth, you’ve made an unfair
division; they’ve got the fattest lamb.

> Latin: vos ceteri ite huc ad nos.
Congrio:
Hercle iniuria
dispertivisti: pinguiorem agnum isti habent.

[¶163] STROBILUS:
But the fattest music-girl shall be given you then. Do you, therefore, go along with him, Phrygia. And do you, Eleusium, step in-doors here, to our house.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
At nunc tibi dabitur pinguior tibicina.
i sane cum illo, Phrugia. tu autem, Eleusium,
huc intro abi ad nos.

[¶164] LYCONIDES:
O you crafty Strobilus,
have you pushed me off here upon this most miserly old fellow, where if I ask for anything, I may ask even to hoarseness before anything’s found me?
STROBILUS:’Tis very foolish, and ’tis thanklessly done, to do a service to you, when what you do goes for nothing.

> Latin: Congrio:
O Pythodice subdole,
hucine detrusti me ad senem parcissimum?
ubi si quid poscam, usque ad ravim poscam prius
quam quicquam detur.
Pythodicvs:
Stultus et sine gratia es.
† tibi recte facere, quando quod facias perit.

[¶165] LYCONIDES:
But how so?

> Latin: Congrio:
Qui vero?

[¶166] STROBILUS:
Do you ask? In the first place then, there will be no confusion for you there in the house; if you want anything to use,
bring it from your own home, don’t lose your trouble in asking for it. But here, at our house, there’s great confusion, and a large establishment— furniture, gold, garments, silver vessels. If anything’s lost here (as I know
that you can easily keep hands off—if nothing’s in your way), they may say, “The cooks have stolen it; seize them, bind them, beat them, thrust them in the dungeon”. Nothing of that sort will happen to you, inasmuch as there will be nothing for you to steal. Follow me this way.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Rogitas? iam principio in aedibus
turba istic nulla tibi erit: siquid uti voles,
domo abs te adferto, ne operam perdas poscere.
hic autem apud nos magna turba ac familia est,
supellex, aurum, vestis, vasa argentea:
ibi si perierit quippiam (quod te scio
facile abstinere posse, si nihil obviam est),
dicant: coqui abstulerunt, comprehendite,
vincite, verberate, in puteum condite.
horum tibi istic nihil eveniet: quippe qui
ubi quid subripias nihil est. sequere hac me.

[¶167] LYCONIDES:
I follow.
STROBILUS: (knocking at the door of EUCLIO’S house.)

> Latin: Congrio:
Sequor.

[¶168] Ho, there Staphyla, come out and open the door.
STAPHYLA: (from within.)
Who calls there?

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Heus, Staphyla, prodi atque ostium aperi.
Staphyla:
Qui vocat?

[¶169] STROBILUS:
Strobilus.
(Enter STAPHYLA.)

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Pythodicus.

[¶170] STAPHYLA:
What do you want?

> Latin: Staphyla:
Quid vis?

[¶171] STROBILUS:
For you to take in these cooks, and this music-girl, and these provisions for the wedding. Megadorus bade me take these things to Euclio.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Hos ut accipias coquos
tibicinamque obsoniumque in nuptias.
Megadorus iussit Euclioni haec mittere.

[¶172] STAPHYLA:
Are you about to make this wedding, Strobilus, in honor of Ceres?

> Latin: Staphyla:
Cererin, Pythodice, has sunt facturi nuptias?

[¶173] STROBILUS:
Why?

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Qui?

[¶174] STAPHYLA:
Because I don’t see any wine brought.

> Latin: Staphyla:
Quia temeti nihil allatum intellego.

[¶175] STROBILUS:
Why, that will be brought just now, when he himself comes back from the market.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
At iam afferetur, si a foro ipsus redierit.

[¶176] STAPHYLA:
There’s no firewood here in our house.

> Latin: Staphyla:
Ligna hic apud nos nulla sunt.

[¶177] LYCONIDES:
There are the beams.

> Latin: Congrio:
Sunt asseres?

[¶178] STAPHYLA:
I’ faith, there are.

> Latin: Staphyla:
Sunt pol.

[¶179] LYCONIDES:
There is wood, then; don’t you be seeking it out of doors.

> Latin: Congrio:
Sunt igitur ligna, ne quaeras foris.

[¶180] STAPHYLA:
What, you unpurified fellow, although your business is with the fire,
for the sake of a dinner, or of your own hire, do you request us to set our house on fire?

> Latin: Staphyla:
Quid, impurate? quamquam Volcano studes,
cenaene causa aut tuae mercedis gratia
nos nostras aedis postulas comburere?

[¶181] LYCONIDES:
I don’t ask you.

> Latin: Congrio:
Haud postulo.

[¶182] STROBILUS:
Take them in-doors.

> Latin: Pythodicvs:
Duc istos intro.

[¶183] STAPHYLA:
Follow me.
(They follow her in-doors, and STROBILUS goes with the others into the house of MEGADORUS.) (Enter PYTHODICUS, from the house of MEGADORUS.)
PYTHODICUS:
Mind you your business; I’ll step in and see what the cooks are doing, to observe whom, i’ faith, to-day it is a most laborious task.

> Latin: Staphyla:
Sequimini.—
Pythodicvs:
Curate. ego intervisam quid faciant coqui;
quos pol ut ego hodie servem, cura maxuma est.

[¶184] Unless I manage this one thing, for them to cook the dinner down in the dungeon; thence, when cooked, we might bring it up again in small baskets. But if they should eat below whatever they should cook, those above would go without their dinner, and those below have dined. But here am I chattering, as though I had no business,
when there’s such a pack of thieves in the house.
(Goes into the house.) (Enter EUCLIO, with some chaplets of flowers in his hand.)

> Latin: nisi unum hoc faciam, ut in puteo cenam coquant:
inde cóctam sursum subducemus corbulis.
si aútem deorsum comedent, si quid coxerint,
superi incenati sunt et cenati inferi.
sed verba hic facio, quasi negoti nil siet,
rapacidarum ubi tantum sit in aedibus.

[¶185] EUCLIO:
I wished at length to screw up my courage to-day, so as to enjoy myself at the wedding of my daughter. I come to the market, I enquire about fish; they tell me that it is dear, that lamb is dear, beef is dear,
veal, large fish, and pork, all of them are dear. And for this reason were they still dearer; I hadn’t the money. I came away thence in a rage, since I had nothing wherewithal to make a purchase; and thus did I baulk all those rascals. Then I began to think with myself upon the road,
“If you are guilty of any extravagance on a festive day, you may be wanting on a common day, unless you are saving.” After I disclosed this reasoning to my heart and appetite, my mind came over to my opinion, that I ought to give my daughter in marriage at as little expense as possible.

> Latin: Evclio:
Volui animum tandem confirmare hodie meum,
ut bene me haberem filiai nuptiis.
venio ad macellum, rogito pisces: indicant
caros; agninam caram, caram bubulam,
vitulinam, cetum, porcinam: cara omnia.
atque eo fuerunt cariora, aes non erat.
abeo íratus illinc, quoniam nihil est qui emam.
ita illís impuris omnibus adii manum.
deinde egomet mecum cogitare intervias
occepi: festo die si quid prodegeris,
profesto egere liceat, nisi peperceris.
postquam hanc rationem ventri cordique edidi,
accessit animus ad meam sententiam,
quam minimo sumptu filiam ut nuptum darem.

[¶186] Now I’ve bought a bit of frankincense, and these chaplets of flowers; these shall be placed upon the hearth for our household God, that he may grant a propitious marriage to my daughter. But what do I—? Do I behold my house open? There’s a noise, too, within; is it that I’m robbed, wretch that I am?
LYCONIDES: (speaking within the house.)

> Latin: nunc tusculum emi hoc et coronas floreas:
haec imponentur in foco nostro Lari,
ut fortunatas faciat gnatae nuptias.
sed quid ego apertas aedis nostras conspicor?
et strepitust intus. numnam ego compilor miser?

[¶187] Seek of the neighbours a bigger pot if you can; this one’s too little, it can’t hold it.
EUCLIO:
Woe to me! By my faith, I’m a dead man; the gold’s being carried off—my pot’s being looked for. I am certainly murdered, unless I make haste to run with all haste in-doors here! Apollo, prithee do assist and help me, whom thou hast already, before this, helped in such circumstances.
Pierce with thine arrows the plunderers of my treasures. But am I delaying to run, before I perish outright.
(He runs into his house.) (Enter ANTHRAX, from the house of MEGADORUS.)
ANTHRAX: (speaking to some within.)

> Latin: Congrio:
Aulam maiorem, si pote, ex vicinia
pete: haec est parva, capere non quit.
Evclio:
Ei mihi,
perii hercle. aúrum rapitur, aula quaeritur.
[nímirum occidor, nisi ego intro huc propere propero currere.]
Apollo, quaeso, subveni mi atque adiuva,
confige ságittis fures thensaurarios,
⟨si⟩ cui in re tali iam subvenisti antidhac.
sed cesso prius quam prorsus perii currere?

[¶188] Dromo, do you scale the fish. Do you, Machaerio, have the conger and the lamprey boned.

> Latin: Anthrax:
Dromo, desquama piscis. tu, Machaerio,
congrum, murenam exdorsua quantum potest.

[¶189] I’m going to ask the loan of a baking-pan of our neighbour Congrio. You, if you are wise, will have that capon more smoothly picked for me than is a plucked play-actor. But what’s this clamour that’s arising here hard by? By my faith, the cooks, I do believe, are at their usual pranks.

> Latin: ego hinc artoptam ex proximo utendam peto
a Congrione. tu istum gallum, si sapis,
glabriorem reddes mihi quam volsus ludiust.
sed quid hoc clamoris oritur hinc ex proximo?
coqui hercle, credo, faciunt officium suom.

[¶190] I’ll run in-doors, lest there may be any disturbance here for me as well.
(Retreats into the house of MEGADORUS.) (Enter CONGRIO, in haste, from the house of EUCLIO.)
LYCONIDES: (roaring out.)
Beloved fellow-citizens, fellow-countrymen, inhabitants, neighbours, and all strangers, do make way for me to escape! Make all the streets clear! Never have I at any time, until this day, come to Bacchants, in a Bacchanalian den, to cook; so sadly have they mauled wretched me and my scullions with their sticks.

> Latin: fugiam intro, ne quid turbae hic itidem fuat.
Congrio:
†Óptati vires populares, íncolae, accolae, ádvenae omnes,
date viam qua fugere liceat, facite totae plateae pateant.
neque ego umquam nisi hodie ad Bacchas veni in Bacchanal coquinatum,
ita me miserum et meos discipulos fustibus male contuderunt.

[¶191] I’m aching all over, and am utterly done for; that old fellow has so made a bruising school of me; and in such a fashion has he turned us all out of the house, myself and them, laden with sticks. Nowhere, in all the world, have I ever seen wood dealt out more plentifully. Alackaday! by my faith, to my misery, I’m done for; the Bacchanalian den is opening, here he comes. He’s following us. I know the thing I’ll do: that the master himself has taught me.
(Enter EUCLIO, from his house, driving the COOKS and the MUSIC GIRL before him.)
EUCLIO: (calling out, while CONGRIO and the others are running off)
Come back! Where are you running to, now? Hold you!

> Latin: totús doleo atque oppidó perii, ita me íste habuit senex gýmnasium;
áttat, perii hercle ego miser,
áperit bacchanal, adest,
séquitur. scio quam rem geram: hoc
ipsús magistér me dócuit.
neque lígna ego usquam gentium praebéri vidi púlchrius,
itaque ómnis exegit foras, me atque hos, onustos fustibus.
Evclio:
Redi. quó fugis nunc? téne, tene.

[¶192] LYCONIDES:
Why are you crying out, you stupid?

> Latin: Congrio:
Quid, stólide, clamas?

[¶193] EUCLIO:
Because this instant I shall give your name to the Triumvirs.

> Latin: Evclio:
Quia ad trís viros iam ego déferam nomén tuom.

[¶194] LYCONIDES:
Why?

> Latin: Congrio:
Quam ob rem?

[¶195] EUCLIO:
Because you’ve got a knife.
LYCONIDES:’Tis the proper thing for a cook.

> Latin: Evclio:
Quia cultrum habes.
Congrio:
Cocum decet.

[¶196] EUCLIO:
Why did you threaten me?

> Latin: Evclio:
Quid comminatus escomminatu's
mihi?

[¶197] LYCONIDES:
I think that it was badly managed, that I didn’t pierce your side with it.

> Latin: Congrio:
Istud male factum arbitror, quia nón latus fódi.

[¶198] EUCLIO:
There’s not a person that’s living this day a greater rascal than you,
nor one to whom designedly I would with greater pleasure cause a mischief.

> Latin: Evclio:
Homo nullust te scelestior qui vivat hodie,
neque quoi égo de industria ámplius male plús libens fáxim.

[¶199] LYCONIDES:
I’ faith, though you should hold your noise, really that’s quite clear; the thing itself is its own witness. As it is, I’m made softer by far with your sticks than any ballet-dancer. But what right have you to touch us, you beggarman? What’s the matter?

> Latin: Congrio:
Pol etsí taceas, palam id quidem est: res ipsa testist;
ita fustibus sum mollior magis quam úllus cinaédus.
sed quid tibi nos tactiost, mendice homo?

[¶200] EUCLIO:
Do you even ask me? Is it that I’ve done less than I ought to have done? Only let me—
(Is going to strike him.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Quae res?
etiam rogitas? an quia minus quam aéquom erat feci?

[¶201] LYCONIDES:
Now, by my faith, at your great peril, if this head should feel it!

> Latin: Congrio:
Sine, at hércle cum magnó malo tuo, si hóc caput séntit.

[¶202] EUCLIO:
Troth, I don’t know what may happen hereafter; your head feels it just now! But what business, pray, had you in my house, in my absence, unless I had ordered you? I want to know that.

> Latin: Evclio:
Pol ego haud scio quid post fuat: tuom núnc caput séntit.
sed in aedibus quid tibi meis nam erat negoti
me absente, nisi ego iusseram? volo scíre.

[¶203] LYCONIDES:
Hold your noise, then; because we came to cook for the wedding.

> Latin: Congrio:
Tace érgo.
quia venimus coctum ad nuptias.

[¶204] EUCLIO:
Why the plague do you trouble yourself
whether I eat meat raw or cooked, unless you are my tutor.

> Latin: Evclio:
Quid tu, malum, cúras,
utrum crudum an coctum ego edim, nisi tu mi es tutor?

[¶205] LYCONIDES:
I want to know if you will allow or not allow us to cook the dinner here?

> Latin: Congrio:
Volo scire, sínas an non sinas nos coquere hic cenam?

[¶206] EUCLIO:
I, too, want to know whether my property will be safe in my house.

> Latin: Evclio:
Volo scire ego item, meae domi mean sálva futura?

[¶207] LYCONIDES:
I only wish to carry the things away safe that I brought here! I don’t care for yours; should I be coveting your things?

> Latin: Congrio:
Vtinam mea mihi modo auferam, quae ádtuli, salva:

## 2. Lines 434–834

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-aulularia/2/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-aulularia/2/#p-N

[¶0] EUCLIO:
I understand; don’t teach me; I know.

> Latin: me haud paenitet, tua ne expetam.
Evclio:
Scio, né doce, novi.

[¶1] LYCONIDES:
What is it, on account of which you now hinder us from cooking the dinner here? What have we done? What have we said to you otherwise than you could wish?

> Latin: Congrio:
Quid est quá prohibes nunc gratia nos coquere hic cenam?
quid fecimus, quid diximus tibi secus quam velles?

[¶2] EUCLIO:
Do you even ask me, you rascally fellow? You who’ve been making a thoroughfare of every corner of my house, and the places under lock and key? If you had stopped by the fireside, where it was your business,
you wouldn’t have had your head broken. It has been done for you deservedly! Therefore that you may now know my determination; if you come nearer to the door here, unless I order you, I’ll make you to be the most wretched of creatures. Do you now know my determination?
(He goes into his house.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Etiam rogitas, sceleste homo, qui angulós in omnis
mearum aedium et conclavium mihi pervium facitis?
ibi ubí tibi erat negotium, ad focum si adesses,
non fissile auferres caput: merito id tibi factum est.
adeo ut tu meam sententiam iam noscere possis:
si ad ianuam huc accesseris, nisi iussero, propius,
ego te faciam miserrimus mortalis uti sis.
scis iam meam sententiam.—

[¶3] LYCONIDES:
Where are you going? Come you back again!

> Latin: Congrio:
Quo abis? redi rursum.

[¶4] So may Laverna love me well, I’ll expose you at once with loud abuse here before the house, if you don’t order my utensils to be restored to me! What shall I do now? Verily, by my faith, I came here with unlucky auspices; I was hired for a didrachm; I stand in more need now of a surgeon than of wages.
(Enter EUCLIO, from his house, with the pot of money under his cloak.)
EUCLIO: (to himself, as he enters.)

> Latin: ita me bene amet Laverna, ⟨uti⟩ te iam, nisi reddi
mihí vasá iubes, pípulo hic differam ante aédis.
quíd ego nunc agám? ne ego edepol véni huc auspició malo.
nummo sum conductus: plus iam medico mercedest opus.

[¶5] This, by my faith, wherever I shall go, really shall be with me, and with myself will I carry it,
nor will I ever again entrust it to that place, for it to be in such great peril. (Speaking to CONGRIO and his SCULLIONS.) Now, then, go you all of you in the house, cooks and music-girls; introduce even, if you like, a whole company of hirelings; cook, bustle, and hurry now at once just as much as you please.

> Latin: Evclio:
Hoc quidem hercle, quoquo íbo, mecum erit, mecum feram,
neque isti id in tantis periclis umquam committam ut siet.
ite sane nunciam omnes, et coqui et tibicinae,
etiam íntro duce, si vis, vel gregem venalium,
coquite, facite, festinate nunciam quantum libet.

[¶6] LYCONIDES:
O dear, I’m a ruined man.

> Latin: Congrio:
Temperi, postquam implevisti fusti fissorum caput.

[¶7] EUCLIO:
Be off! your labour was hired here, not your talk.

> Latin: Evclio:
Intro abite, opera huc conducta est vostra, non oratio.

[¶8] LYCONIDES:
Harkye, old gentleman, for the beating, by my faith, I shall demand of you a recompense. I was hired a while ago to cook, and not to be basted.

> Latin: Congrio:
Heus, senex, pro vapulando hercle égo abs te mercedem petam.
coctum ego, non vapulatum, dudum conductus fui.

[¶9] EUCLIO:
Proceed against me at law! Don’t be troublesome! Either cook the dinner, or away with you from the house to downright perdition!

> Latin: Evclio:
Lege agito mecum. molestus ne sis. i et cenam coque,
aut abi in malum cruciatum ab aedibus.

[¶10] LYCONIDES:
Go there yourself then. (CONGRIO and the COOKS and MUSIC-GIRL go back into the house.)
(EUCLIO, alone.)

> Latin: Congrio:
Abi tu modo.—

[¶11] EUCLIO:
He’s gone. Immortal Gods! A poor man, who begins to have dealings or business with an opulent one, commences upon a rash undertaking! Thus, for instance, Megadorus who has pretended that, for the sake of honoring me, he sends these cooks hither, is plaguing unfortunate me in every way; for this reason has he sent them, that they might purloin this (putting his hand on the pot) from unfortunate me.

> Latin: Evclio:
Illic hinc abiit. di immortales, facinus audax incipit
qui cum opulento pauper homine coepit rem habere aut negotium.†
veluti Megadorus temptat me ómnibus miserum modis,
qui simulavit mei honoris mittere huc causa coquos:
is ea causa misit, hoc qui surriperent misero mihi.

[¶12] Just as I might expect, even my dunghill-cock in-doors, that was bought with the old woman’s savings, had well nigh been the ruin of me; where this was buried, he began to scratch there all round about with his claws. What need of more words? So exasperated were my feelings, I took a stick, and knocked off the head of the cock—a thief caught in the act.

> Latin: condigne etiam meus med intus gallus gallinacius,
qui érat anu peculiaris, perdidit paenissume.
ubi erat haec defossa, occepit ibi scalpurrire ungulis
cirum circa. quid opust verbis? ita mihi pectus peracuit:
capio fustem, obtrunco gallum, furem manufestarium.

[¶13] I’ faith, I do believe that the cooks had promised a reward to the cock, if he should discover it; I took the opportunity out of their hands, however. What need of many words? I had a regular battle with the dunghill- cock. But see, my neighbour Megadorus is coming from the Forum. I can’t, then, venture to pass by him, but I must stop and speak to him.
(He retires close to his door.) (Enter MEGADORUS, at a distance.)
MEGADORUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: credo edepol ego illi mercedem gallo pollicitos coquos,
si id palam fecisset. exemi ex manu † manubrium.
[quid opust verbis? facta est pugna in gallo gallinacio.]
sed Megadorus meus affinis eccum incedit a foro.
iam hunc non ausim praeterire, quin consistam et conloquar.

[¶14] I’ve communicated to many friends my design about this proposal; they speak in high terms of the daughter of Euclio. They say that it was discreetly done, and with great prudence. But, in my opinion, indeed, if the other richer men were to do the same, so as to take home as their wives, without dower, the daughters of the poorer persons,
both the state would become much more united, and we should meet with less ill feeling than we now meet with; both, they, the wives, would stand in fear of punishment more than they do stand in fear of it, and we husbands should be at less expense than we now are.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Narravi amicis multis consilium meum
de condicione hac. Euclionis filiam
laudant. sapienter factum et consilio bono.
nam meo quidem animo sí idem faciant ceteri
opulentiores, pauperiorum filias
ut indotatas ducant uxores domum,
et multo fiat civitas concordior,
et invídia nos minore utamur quam utimur,
et illaé malam rem metuant quam metuont magis,
et nos minore sumptu simus quam sumus.

[¶15] In the greater part of the people this is a most just way of thinking; in the smaller portion there is an objection among the avaricious, whose avaricious minds and insatiate dispositions there is neither law nor magistrate to be able to put a check upon. But a person may say this; “How are these rich women with portions to marry, if this law is laid down for the poor?”

> Latin: in maximam illuc populi partem est optimum;
in pauciores avidos altercatio est,
quorum animis avidis atque insatietatibus
neque lex neque sutor capere est qui possit modum.
namque hoc qui dicat “quo illae nubent divites
dotatae, si istud ius pauperibus ponitur?”

[¶16] Let them marry whom they please, so long as the dowry isn’t their companion. If this were so done, the women would acquire for themselves better manners for them to bring, in place of dowry, than they now bring. I’d make mules, which exceed horses in price,
to become cheaper than Gallic geldings.
EUCLIO: (aside.)

> Latin: quo lubeant, nubant, dum dos ne fiat comes.
hoc sí ita fiat, mores meliores sibi
parent, pro dote quos ferant, quam nunc ferunt,
ego faxim muli, pretio qui superant equos,
sint viliores Gallicis cantheriis.

[¶17] So may the Gods favour me, I listen to him with delight; very shrewdly has he discoursed on the side of economy.
MEGADORUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Ita me di amabunt ut ego hunc ausculto lubens.
nimis lépide fecit verba ad parsimoniam.

[¶18] No wife should then be saying: “Indeed, I brought you a marriage-portion far greater than was your own wealth;”

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Nulla igitur dicat “equidem dotem ad te adtuli
maiorem multo quam tibi erat pecunia;

[¶19] “why, it really is fair that purple and gold should be found for me, maid-servants, mules, muleteers, and lacqueys, pages to carry compliments, vehicles in which I may be carried.”
EUCLIO: (aside.)

> Latin: enim míhi quidem aequomst purpuram atque aurum dari,
ancillas, mulos, muliones, pedisequos,
salutigerulos pueros, vehicla qui vehar.”

[¶20] How thoroughly he does understand the doings of the wives! I wish he were made Prefect of the manners of the women.
MEGADORUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Vt matronarum hic facta pernovit probe.
moribus praefectum mulierum hunc factum velim.

[¶21] Now, go where you will, you may see more carriages among the houses than in the country when you go to a farm-house. But this is even light, in comparison with when they ask for their allowance; there stands the scourer, the embroiderer, the goldsmith, the woollen-manufacturer, retail dealers in figured skirts, dealers in women’s under-clothing,
dyers in flame-colour, dyers in violet, dyers in wax-colour, or else sleeve-makers, or perfumers; wholesale linendrapers, shoemakers, squatting cobblers, slipper-makers; sandal makers stand there; stainers in mallow colour stand there;

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Nunc quoquo venias plus plaustrorum in aedibus
videas quam ruri, quando ad villam veneris.
sed hoc étiam pulchrum est praequam ubi sumptus petunt.
stat fullo, phyrgio, aurifex, lanarius;
caupones patagiarii, indusiarii,
flammarii, violarii, carinarii;
stant manulearii, stant † murobatharii,
propolae linteones, calceolarii;
sedentárii sutores diabathrarii,
solearii astant, astant molocinarii;

[¶22] hairdressers make their demands, botchers their demands; boddice-makers stand there; makers of kirtles take their stand. Now you would think them got rid of; these make way, others make their demands; three hundred duns are standing in your hall; weavers, lace-makers, cabinet-makers,
are introduced; the money’s paid them. You would think them got rid of by this; when dyers in saffron colours come sneaking along; or else there’s always some horrid plague or other which is demanding something.
EUCLIO: (aside.)

> Latin: [petunt fullones, sarcinatores petunt;]
strophiarii astant, astant semul sonarii.
iam hosce absolutos censeas: cedunt, petunt
treceni, cum stant thylacistae in atriis
textores limbularii, arcularii.
ducuntur, datur aes. iam absolutos censeas,
cum incedunt infectores corcotarii,
aut aliqua mala crux semper est, quae aliquid petat.

[¶23] I would accost him, if I didn’t fear that he would cease to descant upon the ways of women; for the present I’ll leave him as he is.

> Latin: Evclio:
Compellarem ego illum, ni metuam ne desinat
memorare mores mulierum: nunc sic sinam.

[¶24] MEGADORUS:
When the money has been paid to all the nicknack mongers, for these saffron-coloured garments and stomachers, your wife’s expenses, then at the last comes the tax-gatherer and asks for money. You go, your account is being made up with your banker; the tax-gatherer waits, half-starved, and thinks the money will be paid. When the account has been made up with the banker,
even already is the husband himself in debt to the banker, and the hopes of the tax-gatlherer are postponed to another day. These, and many others, are the inconveniences and intolerable expenses of great portions; but she who is without portion is in the power of her husband;

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Vbi nugivendis res soluta est omnibus,
ibi ad postremum cedit miles, aes petit.
itur, putatur ratio cum argentario;
miles inpransus astat, aes censet dari.
ubi disputata est ratio cum argentario,
etiam ipsus ultro debet argentario:
spes prorogatur militi in alium diem.
haec sunt atque aliae multae in magnis dotibus
incommoditates sumptusque intolerabiles.
nam quae indotata est, ea in potestate est viri;

[¶25] the portioned ones overwhelm their husbands with loss and ruin. But see; here’s my connexion by marriage before the house! How do you do, Euclio?

> Latin: dotatae mactant et malo et damno viros.
sed eccum adfinem ante aedes. quid agis, Euclio?

[¶26] EUCLIO:
With very great pleasure have I listened to your discourse.

> Latin: Evclio:
Nimium lubenter edi sermonem tuom.

[¶27] MEGADORUS:
Did you hear me?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
An audivisti?

[¶28] EUCLIO:
Everything from the very beginning.
MEGADORUS: (eyeing him from head to foot.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Vsque a principio omnia.

[¶29] Still, in my way of thinking indeed, you would be acting a little more becomingly
if you were more tidy at the wedding of your daughter.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Tamen meó quidem animo aliquánto facias rectius,
si nitidior sis filiai nuptiis.

[¶30] EUCLIO:
Those who have display according to their circumstances and splendour according to their means, remember themselves, from whence they are sprung; neither by myself, Megadorus, nor by any poor man, are better circumstances enjoyed than appearances warrant.

> Latin: Evclio:
Pro re nitorem et gloriam pro copia
qui habent, meminerunt sese unde oriundi sient.
neque pol, Megadore, mihi neque quoiquam pauperi
opinione melius res structa est domi.

[¶31] MEGADORUS:
Surely they are; and may the Gods, I hope, make them so to be, and more and more may they prosper that which you now possess.
EUCLIO: (aside.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Immo est ⟨quod satis est⟩, et di faciant ut siet
plus plusque ⟨et⟩ istuc sospitent quod nunc habes.

[¶32] That expression don’t please me, “which you now possess.” He knows that I’ve got this, as well as I do myself: the old woman has discovered it to him.

> Latin: Evclio:
Illud mihi verbum non placet “quod nunc habes.”
tam hoc scit me habere quam egomet. anus fecit palam.

[¶33] MEGADORUS:
Why do you separate yourself thus alone, apart from the Senate?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quid tu te solus e senatu sevocas?

[¶34] EUCLIO:
Troth, I was considering whether I should accuse you deservedly.

> Latin: Evclio:
Pol ego ut te accusem merito meditabar.

[¶35] MEGADORUS:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Quid est?

[¶36] EUCLIO:
Do you ask me what’s the matter? You who have filled every corner in my house, for wretched me, with thieves? You who have introduced into my dwelling five hundred cooks, with six hands a-piece, of the race of Geryon,
whom were Argus to watch, who was eyes all over, that Juno once set as a spy upon Jupiter, he never could watch them; a music-girl besides, who could alone drink up for me the Corinthian fountain of Pirene, if it were flowing with wine?

> Latin: Evclio:
Quid sit me rogitas? qui mihi omnis angulos
furum implevisti in aedibus misero mihi,
qui mi intro misti in aedis quingentos coquos,
cum senis manibus, genere Geryonaceo;
quos si Argus servet, qui oculeus totus fuit,
quem quondam Ioni Iuno custodem addidit,
is numquam servet. praeterea tibicinam,
quae mi interbibere sola, si vino scatat,
Corinthiensem fontem Pirenam potest.

[¶37] And then as to provisions—
MEGADORUS:
Troth, there’s enough for a procurer even. I sent as much as a lamb.

> Latin: tum obsonium autem—
Megadorvs:
Pol vel legioni sat est.
etiam agnum misi.

[¶38] EUCLIO:
Than which lamb, I, indeed, know right well that there is nowhere a more curious beast existing.

> Latin: Evclio:
Quo quidem agno sat scio
magis curionem nusquam esse ullam beluam.

[¶39] MEGADORUS:
I wish to know of you why is this lamb curious?

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Volo ego ex te scire qui sit agnus curio.

[¶40] EUCLIO:
Because it’s all skin and bone, so lean is it with care;

> Latin: Evclio:
Quia ossa ac pellis totust, ita cura macet.

[¶41] why, even when alive, by the light of the sun you may look at its entrails; it’s just as transparent as a Punic lantern.

> Latin: quin exta inspicere in sole ei vivo licet:
ita is pellucet quasi lanterna Punica.

[¶42] MEGADORUS:
I bought it to be killed.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Caedundum conduxi égo illum.

[¶43] EUCLIO:
Then it’s best that you likewise should bargain for it to be carried out for burial; for I believe it’s dead by this time.

> Latin: Evclio:
Tum tu idem optumumst
loces éfferendum; nam iam, credo, mortuost.

[¶44] MEGADORUS:
Euclio, I wish this day to have a drinking with you.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Potare ego hodie, Euclio, tecum volo.

[¶45] EUCLIO:
By my troth, I really must not drink.

> Latin: Evclio:
Non potem égo quidem hercle.

[¶46] MEGADORUS:
But I’ll order one cask of old wine to be brought from my house.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
At ego iussero
cadum unum vini veteris a me adferrier.

[¶47] EUCLIO:
I’ faith, I won’t have it; for I’ve determined to drink water.

> Latin: Evclio:
Nolo hercle, nam mihi bibere decretum est aquam.

[¶48] MEGADORUS:
I’ll have you well drenched this day, if I live, you who have determined to drink water.

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Ego te hodie reddam madidum, si vivo, probe,
tibi cui decretum est bibere aquam.

[¶49] EUCLIO: (aside.)
I know what plan he’s upon;

> Latin: Evclio:
Scio quam rem agat:

[¶50] he’s aiming at this method, to overcome me with wine, and after that, to change the settlement of what I possess: I’ll take care of that, for I’ll hide it somewhere out of doors. I’ll make him lose his wine and his trouble together.

> Latin: ut me deponat vino, eam adfectat viam,
post hoc quod habeo ut commutet coloniam.
ego id cavebo, nam alicubi abstrudam foris.
ego faxo et operam et vinum perdiderit simul.

[¶51] MEGADORUS:
Unless you want me for anything, I’m going to bathe, that I may sacrifice.
(He goes into his house.)

> Latin: Megadorvs:
Ego, nisi quid me vis, eo lavatum, ut sacruficem.—

[¶52] EUCLIO:
By my faith, you pot (taking it from under his cloak), you surely have many enemies, and that gold as well which is entrusted to you! Now this is the best thing to be done by me, to take you away, my pot, to the Temple of Faith, where I’ll hide you carefully. Faith, thou dost know me, and I thee; please, do have a care
not to change thy name against me, if I entrust this to thee. Faith, I’ll come to thee, relying on thy fidelity.
(He goes into the Temple of faith.) (Enter STROBILUS.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Edepol, ne tu, aula, multos inimicos habes
atque istuc aurum quod tibi concreditum est.
nunc hoc mihi factu est optumum, ut ted auferam,
aula, in Fidei fanum: ibi abstrudam probe.
Fides, novisti me et ego te: cave sis tibi,
ne in me mutassis nomen, si hoc concreduo.
ibo ad te fretus tua, Fides, fiducia.—

[¶53] STROBILUS:
This is the duty of a good servant, to do what I’m intending, not to consider the commands of his master a bore or trouble to him. For that servant who resolves to serve his master with hearty goodwill,
him it behoves to act expeditiously for his master, slowly for himself; but if he sleeps, let him so sleep as to bethink himself that he is a servant. But he who lives in servitude to one in love, as I am serving, if he sees love overcoming his master, this I think to be the duty of the servant; to restrain him for his safety, not to impel him onwards towards his own inclination.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Hóc est servi facinus frugi, facere quod ego persequor,
ne morae molestiaeque imperium erile habeat sibi.
nam qui ero ex sententia servire servos postulat,
in erum matura, in se sera condecet capessere.
sin dormitet, ita dormitet, servom sese ut cogitet.
[nám qui amanti ero sérvitutem servit, quasi ego servio,]
si érum videt superare amorem, hoc servi esse officium reor,
retinere ad salutem, non enim quo incumbat eo impellere.

[¶54] Just as a float of bulrushes is placed beneath boys who are learning to swim, by means of which they may labour less, so as to swim more easily and move their hands; in the same way do I consider that it is proper for the servant to be a buoy to his master thus in love, so as to bear him up lest he should go to the bottom; and so … should he learn the will of his master, that his eyes should know what his mouth chooses not to speak.

> Latin: quasi pueri qui nare discunt scirpea induitur ratis,
qui laborent minus, facilius ut nent et moveant manus,
eodem modo servom ratem esse amanti ero aequom censeo,
ut ⟨eum⟩ toleret, ne pessum abeat tamquam …
† erile imperium ediscat, ut quod frons velit oculi sciant;

[¶55] What he orders, he should hasten to perform more swiftly than the swift steeds. He who shall have a care for these things, will escape the castigation of the ox’s hide, nor by his own means will he ever bring the fetters to brightness. Now, my master’s in love with the daughter of this poor man, Euclio; word has just now been brought to my master that she is given to Megadorus here:

> Latin: quod iubeat citis quadrigis citius properet persequi.
qui éa curabit, abstinebit censione bubula,
nec sua opera rediget umquam ín splendorem compedes.
nunc erus meus amat fíliam huius Euclionis pauperis;
eam ero nunc renuntiatum est nuptum huic Megadoro dari.

[¶56] he has sent me here to spy out, that he may be made acquainted with the things that are going on. Now, without any suspicion, I’ll sit here by the sacred altar. From this spot I shall be able, in this direction and that, to witness what they are about.
(He sits by the altar, and on seeing EUCLIO, hides behind it.) (Enter EUCLIO, from the Temple)
EUCLIO:
O Goddess Faith, do thou but take care not to discover to any person that my gold is there. I have no fear that any one will find it, so well is it concealed in its hiding place.

> Latin: is speculatum huc misit me, ut quae fierent fieret particeps.
nunc sine omní suspicione in ara hic adsidam sacra;
hinc ego et huc et illuc potero quid agant arbitrarier.
Evclio:
Tu modo cave quoiquam indicassis aurum meum esse istic, Fides:
non metuo ne quisquam inveniat, ita probe in latebris situmst.

[¶57] By my troth, he will surely have a charming booty there, if any one shall meet with that pot loaded with gold. But I entreat thee, Faith, to hinder that. Now I shall go wash me, that I may perform the sacrifice; so that I may not delay my new connexion by marriage, but that, when he sends to me, he may forthwith take my daughter home. Over and over again now, Goddess Faith, do thou take care that I shall carry away the pot safe from thy Temple.

> Latin: edepol ne illic pulchram praedam agát, si quis illam invenerit
aulam onustam auri; verum id te quaeso ut prohibessis, Fides.
nunc lavabo, ut rem divinam faciam, ne affinem morer
quin ubi accersát meam extemplo filiam ducat domum.
vide, Fides, etiam atque etiam nunc, salvam ut aulam abs te auferam:

[¶58] To thy fidelity have I entrusted the gold; in thy grove and Temple is it placed.
(Goes into his house.)
STROBILUS: (coming from behind the altar.)
Immortal Gods, what a deed did I hear this person speaking of, how that he had hidden here, in the Temple of Faith, a pot filled with gold; prithee, beware you, how you are more faithful to him than to myself! And he, as I fancy, is the father of her whom my master’s in love with.

> Latin: tuae fide concredidi aurum, in tuo luco et fano est situm.—
Strobilvs:
Di immortales, quod ego hunc hominem facinus audivi loqui:
se aulam onustam auri abstrusisse hic intus in fano Fide.
cave tu illi fidelis, quaeso, potius fueris, quam mihi.
atque hic pater est, ut ego opinor, huius, erus quám amat, ⟨virginis⟩.

[¶59] I’ll go hence into it; I’ll thoroughly ransack the Temple, to see if I can anywhere find the gold, while he’s engaged. But if I do find it, O Goddess Faith, I’ll offer to thee a gallon jug full of honeyed wine, that I’ll surely offer to thee; but I’ll drink it up myself, when I have offered it.
(Retreats behind the altar.) (Enter EUCLIO, from his house.)
EUCLIO: (to himself.)
It wasn’t for nothing that the raven was just now croaking on my left hand;

> Latin: ibo hinc intro, perscrutabor fanum, si inveniam uspiam
aurum, dúm hic est occupatus. sed si repperero, o Fides,
mulsi congialem plenam faciam tibi fideliam.
id adeo tibi faciam; verum ego mihi bibam, ubi id fecero.—
Evclio:
Non temere est quod corvos cantat mihi nunc ab laeva manu;

[¶60] he was both scratching the ground with his feet and croaking with his voice. At once my heart began to jump about, and to leap within my breast. But why do I delay to run?
EUCLIO: (He discovers STROBILUS, and drags him from behind the altar.)

> Latin: semul radebat pedibus terram et voce croccibat sua:
continuo meum cor coepit artem facere ludicram
atque in pectus emicare. sed ego cesso currere?

[¶61] Out, out, you earthworm, who have this instant crept out of the earth; who just now were nowhere seen, and now that you are seen shall die for it.

> Latin: Evclio:
⟨I⟩ foras, lumbrice, qui sub terra erepsisti modo,
qui modo nusquam comparebas, nunc, cum compares, peris.

[¶62] By my faith, you juggler, I’ll receive you now after a disagreable fashion.
(Begins to shake and beat him.)

> Latin: ego pol te, praestrigiator, miseris iam accipiam modis.

[¶63] STROBILUS:
What the curst plague does ail you? What business have you with me, old fellow? Why do you torment me? Why are you dragging me? For what reason are you beating me?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quae te mala crux agitat? quid tibi mecum est commerci, senex?
quid me adflictas? quid me raptas? qua me causa verberas?

[¶64] EUCLIO:
You out-and-out whipping-post, do you even ask that, you, not thief, but thrice-dotted thief.

> Latin: Evclio:
Verberabilissime, etiam rogitas, non fur, sed trifur?

[¶65] STROBILUS:
What have I stolen from you?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quid tibi súrrupui?

[¶66] EUCLIO:
Give me that back here, if you please.

> Latin: Evclio:
Redde huc sis.

[¶67] STROBILUS:
What do you want me to give you back?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quid tibi vis reddam?

[¶68] EUCLIO:
Do you ask me that?

> Latin: Evclio:
Rogas?

[¶69] STROBILUS:
As for me, I’ve taken nothing away from you.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Nil equidem tibi abstuli.

[¶70] EUCLIO:
But give up that which you have taken away for yourself. Are you going to do so?

> Latin: Evclio:
At illud quod tibi abstuleras cedo.
ecquid agis?

[¶71] STROBILUS:
Do what?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quid agám?

[¶72] EUCLIO:
You can’t carry it off.

> Latin: Evclio:
Auferre non potes.

[¶73] STROBILUS:
What do you want?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quid vis tibi?

[¶74] EUCLIO:
Lay it down.

> Latin: Evclio:
Pone.

[¶75] STROBILUS:
Troth, for my part, I think that you are in the habit of quizzing, old gentleman.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Id quidem pol te datare credo consuetum, senex.

[¶76] EUCLIO:
Put that down, please; cease your quibbling; I’m not trifling now.

> Latin: Evclio:
Pone hoc sis, aufer cavillam, non ego nunc nugas ago.

[¶77] STROBILUS:
What am I to put down? Why don’t you mention it, whatever it is, by its own name?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quid ego ponam? quin tu eloquere quidquid est suo nomine.

[¶78] By my faith, I really have neither taken nor touched anything.
EUCLIO:
Show me your hands, here.

> Latin: non hercle equidem quicquam sumpsi nec tetigi.
Evclio:
Ostende huc manus.

[¶79] STROBILUS:
Well, I do show them; see, here they are.
(Holdinq out his hands.)

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Em tibi, ostendi, eccas.

[¶80] EUCLIO:
I see them. Come, show me the third, as well.
STROBILUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Video. age ostende etiam tertiam.

[¶81] Sprites, and frenzy, and madness, possess this old fellow. Are you doing me an injustice, or not?
EUCLIO:
A very great one, I confess, inasmuch as you are not strung up; and that too shall be done this moment, un less you do confess.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Laruae hunc atque intemperiae insaniaeque agitant senem.
facisne iniuriam mihi?
Evclio:
Fateor, quia non pendes, maximam.
atque id quoque iam fiet, nisi fatere.

[¶82] STROBILUS:
What am I to confess to you?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quid fatear tibi?

[¶83] EUCLIO:
What it was you took away hence.

> Latin: Evclio:
Quid abstulisti hinc?

[¶84] STROBILUS:
May the Gods confound me, if I’ve taken away anything of yours, (aside) and if I don’t wish I had taken it away.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Di me perdant. si ego tui quicquam abstuli
nive adeo abstulisse vellem.

[¶85] EUCLIO:
Come then, shake out your cloak.

> Latin: Evclio:
Agedum, excutedum pallium.

[¶86] STROBILUS:
At your pleasure.
(Shakes it.)

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Tuo arbitratu.

[¶87] EUCLIO:
You haven’t it among your under-clothing?

> Latin: Evclio:
Ne inter tunicas habeas.

[¶88] STROBILUS:
Search where you please.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Tempta qua lubet.

[¶89] EUCLIO:
Pshaw! how civilly the rascal speaks, that I mayn’t suppose he has taken it away! I know your tricks. Come, show me here again that right hand.

> Latin: Evclio:
Vah, scelestus quam benigne: ut ne abstulisse intellegam.
novi sycophantias. age rusum óstende huc manum
dexteram.

[¶90] STROBILUS:
Here it is.
(Extending it.)

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Em.

[¶91] EUCLIO:
Now show me your left.

> Latin: Evclio:
Nunc laevam ostende.

[¶92] STROBILUS:
Well, then, I show you both, in fact.
(Extending them.)

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quin equidem ambas profero.

[¶93] EUCLIO:
Now I leave off searching. Give back that here.

> Latin: Evclio:
Iam scrutari mitto. redde huc.

[¶94] STROBILUS:
Give back what?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quid reddam?

[¶95] EUCLIO:
Are you trifling with me? You certainly have got it.

> Latin: Evclio:
A, nugas agis,
certe habes.

[¶96] STROBILUS:
I, got it? Got what?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Habeo ego? quid habeo?

[¶97] EUCLIO:
I shan’t say; you want to hear. Whatever you have of mine, give it back.

> Latin: Evclio:
Non dico, audire expetis.
id meum, quidquid habes, redde.

[¶98] STROBILUS:
You are mad; you’ve searched me all over at your own pleasure, and yet you’ve found nothing of yours in my possession.
EUCLIO: (starting.)

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Insanis: perscrutatus es
tuo arbitratu, neque tui me quicquam invenisti penes.

[¶99] Stop, stop; who was that? Who was the other that was within here, together with yourself? Troth, I’m undone; he’s now rummaging about within. If I let this one go, he’ll escape. At last, I’ve now searched this one all over; he has got nothing. Be off where you please;

> Latin: Evclio:
Máne, mane. quís illic est? quis hic íntus alter érat tecum simul?
perii hercle: ille nunc íntus turbat, hunc si amitto hic abierit.
postremo hunc iam perscrutavi, hic nihil habet. abi quo lubet.

[¶100] Jupiter and the Gods confound you!
STROBILUS:
He returns his thanks not amiss.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Iuppiter te dique perdant.
Evclio:
Haud male egit gratias.

[¶101] EUCLIO:
I’ll go in here now, and I’ll at once throttle this accomplice of yours. Will you not fly hence from my sight? Will you away from here, or no?
STROBILUS:
I’m off.

> Latin: ibo intro atque illi socienno tuo iam interstringam gulam.
fugin hinc ab oculis? abin an non?
Strobilvs:
Abeo.

[¶102] EUCLIO:
Take you care, please, how I see you.
(He goes into the Temple.) (STROBIOUS, alone.)

> Latin: Evclio:
Cave sis † te videam.—

[¶103] STROBILUS:
I would rather that I were dead outright, by a shocking death, than not lay an ambush this day for that old fellow. But he’ll not venture now to hide his gold here; he’ll now be carrying it with him, I guess, and be changing the spot.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Emortuom ego me mavelim leto malo
quam non ego illi dém hodie insidias seni.
nam híc iam non audebit aurum abstrudere:
credo ecferet iam secum et mutabit locum.

[¶104] But hark! there’s a noise at the door. (Looking in the direction of the Temple.) See, the old fellow’s bringing out the gold with him! Meanwhile, I’ll step aside here to the door.
(Conceals himself near the door.) (Enter EUCLIO, from the Temple, with the pot of money.)
EUCLIO: (to himself.)
I had thought that there was the very greatest dependence upon Faith; very nearly had she played me a pretty trick. If the raven hadn’t come to my assistance, to my sorrow I should have been undone.

> Latin: attat, foris crépuit. senex eccum aurum ecfert foras.
tantisper huc ego ad iánuam concessero.
Evclio:
Fide censebam maxumam multo fidem
esse, ea sublevit os mihi paenissume:
ni subvenisset corvos, periissem miser.

[¶105] Troth, I very much wish that raven would come to me which gave me the warning, that I might say something kind to him; for I would as soon give him something to eat as lose it. Now I’m thinking of a lonely spot where I shall hide this. The grove of Sylvanus, outside of the wall, is unfrequented,
and planted with many a willow; there will I choose a spot. I’m determined to trust Sylvanus, rather than Faith.
(Exit.)
STROBILUS: (re-appearing from his hiding-place.)
Capital! capital! the Gods will me to be safe and preserved! Now will I run before to that place, and climb up into some tree, and thence will I watch where the old fellow hides the gold.

> Latin: nimis hercle ego illum corvom ad me veniat velim,
qui indicium fecit, ut ego ílli aliquid boni
dicam; nam quod edit tam duim quam perduim.
nunc hoc ubi abstrúdam cogito solum locum.
Silvani lucus extra murum est avius,
crebro salicto oppletus. ibi sumam locum.
certumst, Silvano potius credam quam Fide.—
Strobilvs:
Euge, euge, di me salvom et servatum volunt.
iam ego illúc praecurram atque inscendam aliquam in arborem
indeque óbservabo, aúrum ubi abstrudat senex.

[¶106] Although my master bade me remain here, I’m resolved rather to risk a mishap along with emolument.
(Exit.) (Enter LYCONIDES and EUNOMIA, from the house of MEGADORUS.)
LYCONIDES:
I’ve told you all, mother; as well as I do myself, you understand all about the daughter of Euclio. Now, I do entreat you, my mother, make mention of it to my uncle, and I now unask of you, mother, that which before I entreated of you, to conceal this from Megadorus.

> Latin: quamquam hic manere mé erus sese iusserat;
certum est, malam rem potius quaeram cum lucro.—
Lyconides:
Dixi tibi, mater, iuxta rem mecum tenes,
super Euclionis filia. nunc te obsecro
resecroque, mater, quod dudum obsecraveram:
fac mentionem cum avonculo, mater mea.

[¶107] EUNOMIA:
You know, yourself, that what you desire to be done, I desire, and I trust that I shall obtain this of my brother; and the reason is good, if ’tis so as you say, that in a drunken fit you debauched this damsel.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Scis tute facta velle me quae tu velis,
et istúc confido ⟨a⟩ fratre me impetrassere;
et causa iusta est, siquidem ita est ut praedicas,
te eam cómpressisse vinulentum virginem.

[¶108] LYCONIDES:
Could I, my mother, tell a falsehood in your presence?
PHAEDRA: (PHAEDRA cries out in labour, in EUCLIO’S house.)

> Latin: Lyconides:
Egone ut te advorsum mentiar, mater mea?

[¶109] I die, my nurse; my pangs are coming on! I entreat thee for thy protection, Juno Lucina!
LYCONIDES:
Ah! my mother, I see a more convincing proof for you; she’s crying aloud—she’s in the pangs of labour.

> Latin: Phaedrivm:
Perii, mea nutrix. obsecro te, uterum dolet.
Iuno Lucina, tuam fidem!
Lyconides:
Em, mater mea,
tibi rem potiorem verbo: clamat, parturit.

[¶110] EUNOMIA:
Come in-doors here, with me, my son, to my brother,
that I may obtain a grant from him of that which you beg of me.

> Latin: Evnomia:
Ei hac intro mecum, gnate mi, ad fratrem meum,
ut istúc quod me oras impetratum ab eo auferam.—

[¶111] LYCONIDES:
Go; I’ll follow you this instant, mother. (EUNOMIA goes into the house.) But my servant, Strobilus, I wonder where he is, whom I ordered to wait here for me. Now I reflect with myself, if he’s lending me his assistance, it isn’t fair that I should be angry with him.

> Latin: Lyconides:
I, iam sequor te, mater. sed servom meum
Strobilum miror ubi sit, quem ego me iusseram
hic opperiri. nunc ego mecum cogito:
si mihi dat operam, me illi irasci iniurium est.

[¶112] I’ll go in-doors, where they are sitting in judgment upon my life.
(Goes into the house of MEGADORUS.) (Enter STROBILUS, with the pot of money.)
STROBILUS:
I, by myself, exceed the riches of the Griffins, who inhabit the golden mountains, For I’m unwilling to make mention of those other kings, beggarly fellows—I am the king Philip. O charming day!

> Latin: ibo intro, ubí de capite meo sunt comitia.—
Strobilvs:
Picis divitiis, qui aureos montes colunt,
ego solus supero. nam istos reges ceteros
memorare nolo, hominum mendicabula:
ego sum ille rex Philippus. o lepidum diem.

[¶113] for when I went from here, just now, I arrived there much the first, and, long before, I placed myself in a tree, and thence observed where the old fellow hid the gold. When he departed thence, I let myself down from the tree, and dug up the pot full of gold. Thence, from that spot,
I saw the old fellow betaking himself back again; he didn’t see me, for I turned a little on one side, out of the path. Heyday! here he comes himself. I’ll go and hide this away, at home.
(Goes into the house of MEGADORUS.) (Enter EUCLIO, tearing his hair and wringing his hands.)
EUCLIO:
I’m ruined! I’m done for! I’m murdered! Whither shall I run? Whither not run? Stop him—stop him. Whom? who? I don’t know. I see nothing! I’m going blindfold; and, in fact, whither I am going, or where I am, or who I am,
I can’t in my mind find out for certain. (To the AUDIENCE.) I beseech you, give me your aid (I beg and entreat of you), and point me out the person that has taken it away. What’s the matter? Why do you laugh? I’m acquainted with you all; I know that there are many thieves here, who conceal themselves with white clothes and chalk, and sit as though they were honest! (To one of the SPECTATORS.) What say you? You I’m resolved to believe; for I perceive, even by your looks, that you are honest.

> Latin: nam ut dudum hinc abii, multo illo adveni prior
multoque prius me conlocavi in arborem
indéque spectabam aúrum ubi abstrúdebat senex.
ubi ille ábiit, ego me deorsum duco de arbore,
exfodio aulam auri plenam. inde ex eo loco
video recipere se senem; ille me non videt,
nam ego declinavi paululum me extra viam.
attat, eccum ipsum. íbo ut hoc condam domum.—
Evclio:
Perii ínterii occidi. quó curram? quo nón curram? tene, téne. quem? quis?
nesció, nil video, caécus eo atque equidém quo eam aut ubi sim aút qui sim
nequeó cum animo certum ínvestigare. óbsecro vos ego, mi aúxilio,
oro óbtestor, sitís et hominem demónstretis, quis eam ábstulerit.
quid est? quíd ridetis? nóvi omnes, scio fúres esse hic cómplures,
qui véstitu et creta óccultant sese átque sedent quasi sínt frugi.
quid aís tu? tibi credére certum est, nam essé bonum ex voltu cógnosco.

[¶114] Well then, none of these has got it? You’ve been the death of me! Tell me, then, who has got it? You don’t know? Oh, wretched, wretched me! I’m done for! wofully undone! In most sorry plight I go; so much groaning, and misfortune, and sorrow, has this day brought upon me, hunger and poverty, too. I’m the most utterly ruined of all men upon the earth! For what need of life have I, who have
lost so much gold that I so carefully watched? I pinched myself, and my inclinations, and my very heart! Now others are rejoicing at this, my loss and my misfortune! I cannot endure it.
(He runs about, crying and stamping.)
LYCONIDES: (Enter LYCONIDES, from the house of MEGADORUS.)

> Latin: hem, némo habet horum? occídisti. dic ígitur, quis habet? néscis?
heu mé miserum, miseré perii, male pérditus, pessime ornatus eo:
tantúm gemiti et mali maéstitiaeque hic diés mi optulít, famem et paúperiem.
perditíssimus ego sum omnium ín terra; nam quid mi ópust vita, qui tántum auri
perdidí, quod concustódivi sedúlo? egomet me défraudavi
animúmque meum geniúmque meum; nunc eó alii laetíficantur
meo málo et damno. pati néqueo.

[¶115] What person, I wonder, is this before our house lamenting, and that utters complaints with his moaning? Why, surely, this is Euclio, as I imagine. I’m utterly undone! The thing’s all out; he knows now, as I suppose, that his daughter is brought to bed. I’m in a state of uncertainty now
what I shall do, whether go or remain, accost him or fly.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Quínam homo hic ante aédis nostras éiulans conquéritur maerens?
átque hic quidem Euclio ést, ut opinor. óppido ego interií: palamst res,
scit peperisse iam, ut ego opinor, filiam suam. nunc mi incertumst
abeam an maneam, an adeam an fugiam. quid agam édepol nescio.

[¶116] EUCLIO:
What person is it that speaks there?
LYCONIDES:’Tis I, wretch that I am.

> Latin: Evclio:
Quís homo hic loquitur?
Lyconides:
Égo sum miser.

[¶117] EUCLIO:
Yes, and so am I, and wretchedly ruined, whose lot is misfortune so great and sorrow.

> Latin: Evclio:
Immo égo sum, et misere pérditus,
cui tanta mala maestitudoque optigit.

[¶118] LYCONIDES:
Be of good courage.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Animo bono es.

[¶119] EUCLIO:
How, prithee, can I be so?

> Latin: Evclio:
Quo, obsecro, pacto esse possum?

[¶120] LYCONIDES:
Because that deed which is afflicting your mind, I did it, and I confess it.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Quia istuc facinus, quod tuom
sollicitat animum, id ego feci et fateor.

[¶121] EUCLIO:
What is it I hear from you?

> Latin: Evclio:
Quid ego ex te audio?

[¶122] LYCONIDES:
That which is the truth.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Id quod verumst.

[¶123] EUCLIO:
What evil, young man, have I deserved, by reason of which you should do thus, and go to ruin both me and my children?

> Latin: Evclio:
Quid ego ⟨de te⟩ commerui, adulescens, mali,
quam ob rem ita faceres meque meosque perditum ires liberos?

[¶124] LYCONIDES:
A Divinity was my prompter; he prompted me to do it.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Deus impulsor mihi fuit, is me ád illam inlexit.

[¶125] EUCLIO:
How?

> Latin: Evclio:
Quo modo?

[¶126] LYCONIDES:
I confess that I have done wrong, and I know that I deserve censure; for that reason I’m come to beseech you, that, with feelings assuaged, you will pardon me.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Fateor peccavisse ét me culpam commeritum scio;
id adeo te oratum advenio ut animo aequo ignoscas mihi.

[¶127] EUCLIO:
Why did you dare do so, to touch that which was not your own?

> Latin: Evclio:
Cur id ausu'sausus es facere, ut id quod non tuom esset tangeres?

[¶128] LYCONIDES:
What do you wish to be done? The thing has been done; it can’t be undone. I believe that the Gods willed it, for if they hadn’t willed it, I know it wouldn’t have happened.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Quid vis fieri? factum est illud: fieri infectum non potest.
deos credo voluisse; nam ni vellent, non fieret, scio.

[¶129] EUCLIO:
But I believe that the Gods have willed that I should be the death of you in fetters.

> Latin: Evclio:
At ego deos credo voluisse ut ápud me te in nervo enicem.

[¶130] LYCONIDES:
Don’t say that!

> Latin: Lyconides:
Ne ístuc dixis.

[¶131] EUCLIO:
What business then have you to touch what is my own against my will?

> Latin: Evclio:
Quid tibi ergo meam me invito tactiost?

[¶132] LYCONIDES:
Because I did it under the evil influence of wine and love.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Quia vini vitio atque amoris feci.

[¶133] EUCLIO:
Most audacious man, that you should dare to come here to me with that speech, you impudent fellow! For if this is lawful, so that you may be able to excuse it—let us openly, in broad daylight, plunder their golden trinkets from ladies—after that, if we are caught, let us excuse ourselves, that we did it when intoxicated,
by reason of being in love. Too cheap are wine and love, if one in liquor and in love is allowed to do with impunity whatever he pleases.

> Latin: Evclio:
Homo audacissime,
cum istacin te oratione huc ad me adire ausum, impudens!
nam si istuc ius est ut tu istuc excusare possies,
luci claro deripiamus aurum matronis palam,
post id si prehensi simus, excusemus ebrios
nos fecisse amoris causa. nimis vilest vinum atque amor,
si ebrio atque amanti impune facere quod lubeat licet.

[¶134] LYCONIDES:
But I come to you of my own accord to supplicate you on account of my folly.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Quin tibi ultro supplicatum venio ob stultitiam meam.

[¶135] EUCLIO:
Persons don’t please me, who, when they’ve done wrong, excuse themselves. You knew that you had no right there; you oughtn’t to have touched.

> Latin: Evclio:
Non mi homines placent qui quando male fecerunt purigant.
tu illam scibas non tuam esse: non attactam oportuit.

[¶136] LYCONIDES:
Therefore, inasmuch as I did dare to touch, I make no objection to keep by all means.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Ergo quia sum tangere ausus, haud causificor quin eam
ego habeam potissimum.

[¶137] EUCLIO:
You, keep what is my own against my will?

> Latin: Evclio:
Tun habeas me invito meam?

[¶138] LYCONIDES:
Against your will, I do not ask; but I think that that which was yours ought to be mine. Moreover, Euclio, you’ll find, I say, that mine it ought to be.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Haud te invito postulo; sed meam esse oportere arbitror.
quin tu iam invenies, inquam, meam illam esse oportere, Euclio.

[¶139] EUCLIO:
Now really, on my word, I’ll drag you to the Praetor and take proceedings against you,
unless you make restitution.

> Latin: Evclio:
Iam quidem hercle te ad praetorem rapiam et tibi scribam dicam,
nisi refers.

[¶140] LYCONIDES:
Make restitution of what to you?

> Latin: Lyconides:
Quid tibi ego referam?

[¶141] EUCLIO:
What you’ve stolen of mine.

> Latin: Evclio:
Quod surripuisti meum.

[¶142] LYCONIDES:
I, stolen of yours? Whence, or what is it?

> Latin: Lyconides:
Surripui ego tuom? unde? aut quid id est?

[¶143] EUCLIO:
So shall Jupiter love you, how ignorant you are about it!

> Latin: Evclio:
Ita te amabit Iuppiter,
ut tu nescis.

[¶144] LYCONIDES:
Unless, indeed, you tell me what you are enquiring for.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Nisi quidem tu mihi quid quaeras dixeris.

[¶145] EUCLIO:
The pot of gold, I say, I’m asking back of you, which you confessed to me that you had taken away.

> Latin: Evclio:
Aulam auri, inquam, te reposco, quam tu confessu'sconfessus es mihi
te abstulisse.

[¶146] LYCONIDES:
By my faith, I’ve neither said so, nor have I done it.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Neque edepol ego dixi neque feci.

[¶147] EUCLIO:
Do you deny it?

> Latin: Evclio:
Negas?

[¶148] LYCONIDES:
Yes, I do utterly deny it; for neither the gold nor yet this pot, what it means, do I know or understand.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Pernego immo. nam neque ego aurum neque istaec aula quae siet
scio nec novi.

[¶149] EUCLIO:
Give me up that pot which you took away from the wood of Sylvanus. Come, give it me back! I would rather give you the one-half of it. Although you are a thief to me, I’ll not be hard upon the thief. Give it me back.

> Latin: Evclio:
Illam, ex Silvani luco quam abstuleras, cedo.
i, refer. dimidiam tecum potius partem dividam.
tam etsi fur mihi es, molestus non ero. i vero, refer.

[¶150] LYCONIDES:
You are not in your senses, to call me a thief; I thought, Euclio, that you
had come to the knowledge of another matter; as concerns myself, it is a great matter which I wish to speak with you upon at your leisure, if you are at leisure.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Sanus tu non es qui furem me voces. ego te, Euclio,
dé alia re rescivisse censui, quod ad me attinet;
† magna est res quam ego tecum otiose, si otium est, cupio loqui.

[¶151] EUCLIO:
Tell me, in good faith, have you not stolen that gold?

> Latin: Evclio:
Dic bona fide: tu id aurum non surripuisti?

[¶152] LYCONIDES:
In good faith, No.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Bona.

[¶153] EUCLIO:
Nor know who has taken it away?

> Latin: Evclio:
Neque ⟨eum⟩ scis qui abstulerit?

[¶154] LYCONIDES:
In good faith, No, to that as well.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Istuc quoque bona.

[¶155] EUCLIO:
But if you should know who has taken it away, will you discover it to me?

> Latin: Evclio:
Atque id si scies
qui abstulerit, mihi indicabis?

[¶156] LYCONIDES:
I will do so.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Faciam.

[¶157] EUCLIO:
Nor accept of a share from him,
whoever he is, for yourself, nor harbour the thief?

> Latin: Evclio:
Neque partem tibi
ab eo qui habet indipisces neque furem excipies?

[¶158] LYCONIDES:
Even so.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Ita.

[¶159] EUCLIO:
What if you deceive me?

> Latin: Evclio:
Quid ⟨si⟩ fallis?

[¶160] LYCONIDES:
Then may great Jupiter do unto me what he pleases.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Tum me faciat quod volt magnus Iuppiter.

[¶161] EUCLIO:
I’m satisfied. Come, then, say what you wish.

> Latin: Evclio:
Sat habeo. age nunc loquere quid vis.

[¶162] LYCONIDES:
If you know me but imperfectly, of what family I’m born: Megadorus here is my uncle; Antimachus was my father; my name is Lyconides;
Eunomia is my mother.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Si me novisti minus,
génere quo sim gnátus: hic mihi ést Megadorus avonculus,
meus pater fuit Antímachus, ego vocor Lyconides,
mater est Eunomia.

[¶163] EUCLIO:
I know the family; now, what do you want?

> Latin: Evclio:
Novi genus. nunc quid vis? id volo
noscere.

[¶164] LYCONIDES:
I want to know this. You have a daughter of yours?

> Latin: Lyconides:
Filiam ex te tú habes.

[¶165] EUCLIO:
Why, yes, she’s there at home.

> Latin: Evclio:
Immo éccillam domi.

[¶166] LYCONIDES:
You have, I think, recently betrothed her to my uncle?

> Latin: Lyconides:
Eam tu despondisti, opinor, meo avonculo.

[¶167] EUCLIO:
You have the whole matter.

> Latin: Evclio:
Omnem rem tenes.

[¶168] LYCONIDES:
He has now bade me announce to you his refusal of her.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Is me nunc renuntiare repudium iussit tibi.

[¶169] EUCLIO:
A refusal, when the things are got ready, and the wedding’s prepared?

> Latin: Evclio:
Repudium rebus paratis, exornatis nuptiis?

[¶170] May all the immortal Gods and Goddesses confound him, so far as is possible, by reason of whom this day, unhappy wretch that I am, I have lost so much gold!

> Latin: ut illum di immortales omnes deaeque quantum est perduint,
quem propter hodie auri tantum perdidi infelix, miser.

[¶171] LYCONIDES:
Be of good heart, and speak in kindly terms; now, a thing—may it turn out well and prosperously to you and your daughter.—May the Gods so grant—say.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Bono animo es, bene dice. nunc quae res tibi et gnatae tuae
bene feliciterque vortat—ita di faxint, inquito.

[¶172] EUCLIO:
May the Gods so grant.

> Latin: Evclio:
Ita di faciant.

[¶173] LYCONIDES:
And for me, too, may the Gods so grant it. Now, then, do you listen.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Et mihi ita di faciant. audi nunciam.

[¶174] The man that admits a fault is not so much to be despised, if he feels a sense of shame when he excuses himself. Now, Euclio, I do beseech you, that what unawares I have done wrong towards yourself or your daughter, you will grant me pardon for the same, and give her for a wife to me, as the laws demand. I confess that I did violence to your daughter
on the festival of Ceres, by reason of wine and the impulse of youth.

> Latin: qui homo culpam admisit in se, nullust tam parvi preti,
quom pudeat, quin purget sese. nunc te obtestor, Euclio,
ut si quid ego erga te imprudens peccavi aut gnatam tuam,
ut mi ignoscas eamque uxorem mihi des, ut leges iubent.
ego me iniuriam fecisse filiae fateor tuae,
Cereris vigiliis, per vinum atque impulsu adulescentiae.

[¶175] EUCLIO:
Woe is me! What shocking deed do I hear of you?

> Latin: Evclio:
Ei mihi, quód ego facinus ex te aúdio?

[¶176] LYCONIDES:
Why do you exclaim? You whom I’ve made to be a grandfather now at the very wedding of your daughter. For your daughter has just been brought to bed in the ninth month after—calculate the number; for that reason, in my behalf, has my uncle sent his refusal.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Cur eiulas,
quém ego avom feci iam ut esses filiai nuptiis?
nam tua gnata peperit, decumo mense post: numerum cape;
ea re repudium remisit avonculus causa mea.

[¶177] Go in-doors; enquire whether it is so or not as I say.
EUCLIO:
I’m undone utterly; so very many misfortunes unite themselves for my undoing. I’ll go in-doors, that I may know what of this is true.
(He goes into his house.)

> Latin: i intro, exquaere, sitne ita ut ego praedico.
Evclio:
Perii oppido,
ita mihi ad malum malae res plurimae se adglutinant.
ibo intro, ut quid huius verum sit sciam.—

[¶178] LYCONIDES:
I’ll follow you this instant. This matter seems now to be pretty nearly in the haven of safety. Now, where to say my servant Strobilus is, I don’t know,
but yet I’ll wait here still a little while; after that I’ll follow this man indoors; now, in the meantime, I’ll give him leisure to enquire of the nurse about my doings, the attendant of his daughter, whether she knows the truth.
(Moves as if going.) (Enter STROBILUS, at a distance.)
STROBILUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: Lyconides:
Iam te sequor.
haec própemodum iam esse ín vado salútis res vidétur.
nunc servom esse ubi dicam meum Strobilum non reperio;
nisi etiam hic opperiar tamen paulisper; postea intro
hunc subsequar. nunc interim spatium ei dabo exquirendi
meum factum ex gnatae pedisequa nutrice anu: ea rem novit.

[¶179] Immortal Gods, with what and how great delights do you present me! I’ve got a four pound pot filled with gold; who there is richer than I?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Di ímmortales, quíbus et quantis mé donatis gaúdiis.
quadrilibrem aulam aúro onustam hábeo. quis me est ditior?

[¶180] What man is there greater than I at Athens now; any one, I mean, to whom the Gods are propitious?
LYCONIDES: (to himself.)

> Latin: quis me Athenis nunc magis quisquam est homo cui di sint propitii?

[¶181] Why, surely, I seemed just now to hear the voice of some one speaking here.
STROBILUS: (to himself.)
Ha! do I not see my master?

> Latin: Lyconides:
Certo enim ego vocem hic loquentis modo mi audire visus sum.
Strobilvs:
Hem,
érumne ego aspició meum?

[¶182] LYCONIDES: (to himself.)
Do I see Strobilus now, my servant?
STROBILUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: Lyconides:
Videón ego hunc servóm meum?

[¶183] ’Tis he himself.
LYCONIDES: (to himself.)
’Tis no other.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Ipsus est.
Lyconides:
Haud alius est.

[¶184] STROBILUS: (to himself.)
I’ll accost him.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Congrediar.

[¶185] LYCONIDES: (to himself.)
I’ll step out towards him. I do think that he has been, as I requested him, to the old woman, the nurse herself of this damsel.
STROBILUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: Lyconides:
Contollam gradum.
credo ego illum, út iussi, eámpse anum adiisse, huius nutrícem virginis.

[¶186] Why don’t I tell him that I’ve found this prize, and speak out? For that reason, I’ll beg of him to make me free. I’ll go and speak to him. (Addressing him.) I’ve found—
LYCONIDES:
What have you found?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quin ego illi me invenisse dico hanc praedam [atque eloquar,]
igitur orabo ut manu me emittat. ibo atque eloquar.
repperi—
Lyconides:
Quid repperisti?

[¶187] STROBILUS:
Not that which the boys cry out that they’ve found in the bean.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Non quod pueri clamitant
in faba se repperisse.

[¶188] LYCONIDES:
And are you trifling with me then, as you are in the habit of doing?
(He turns as if to go away.)

> Latin: Lyconides:
Iamne autem, ut soles? deludis.

[¶189] STROBILUS:
Master, stop; I’ll speak out then; do listen.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Ere, mane, eloquar iam, ausculta.

[¶190] LYCONIDES:
Come then, tell me.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Age ergo loquere.

[¶191] STROBILUS:
I’ve found to-day, master very great riches.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Repperi hodie,
ere, divitias nimias.

[¶192] LYCONIDES:
Where, pray?

> Latin: Lyconides:
Vbinam?

[¶193] STROBILUS:
A four pound pot, I say, full of gold!

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Quadrilibrem, inquam, aulam auri plenam.

[¶194] LYCONIDES:
What crime is this that I hear of from you?
STROBILUS:
I’ve stolen it from this old fellow, Euclio.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Quod ego facinus audio ex te? Euclioni hic seni subripuit.

[¶195] LYCONIDES:
Where is this gold?
STROBILUS:
In my box at home; I now wish to be made free.

> Latin: ubi id est aurum?
Strobilvs:
In arca apud me. nunc volo me emitti manu.

[¶196] LYCONIDES:
I, make you free, you fellow,
brimful of wickedness?

> Latin: Lyconides:
Égone te emittám manu,
scélerum cumulatissume?

[¶197] STROBILUS:
Out upon you, master, I know what you would be at. Troth, I’ve cleverly tried your inclination; you were just getting ready to take it away from me; what would you do, if I had found it?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Abi, ere, scio quam rem geras.
lépide hercle animum tuom temptavi. iám ut eriperes apparabas:
quid faceres, si repperissem?

[¶198] LYCONIDES:
You can’t make good your pretences. Come, give up the gold!

> Latin: Lyconides:
Non potes probasse nugas.
i, redde aurum.

[¶199] STROBILUS:
I, give up the gold?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Reddam ego aurum?

[¶200] LYCONIDES:
Give it up, I say, that it may be given back to him.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Redde, inquam, út huic reddatur.

[¶201] STROBILUS:
Where am I to get it from?

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Vnde?

[¶202] LYCONIDES:
That which you confessed just now to be in your box.

> Latin: Lyconides:
Quod modo fassu'sfassus es esse in arca.

[¶203] STROBILUS:
I’ faith, I’m in the habit of talking nonsense;’twas in that way I was speaking.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Soleo hercle ego garrire nugas.

[¶204] LYCONIDES: (seizing him.)
But do you know what?—

> Latin: Lyconides:
…

[¶205] STROBILUS:
Even kill me outright, i’ faith, you never shall get it hence of me …
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE AULULARIA BY CODRUS URCEUS.)
STROBILUS:
— the pot belonging to the old fellow, which I’ve not got.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Itá loquor.

[¶206] LYCONIDES:
I will have it, whether you will or no; when I’ve tied you up all fours, and torn asunder your body for you tied up to the beam. But why do I delay to rush upon the jaws of this rascal, and why this instant do I not compel his soul to take its journey before its time? Are you going to give it me or not?

> Latin: Lyconides:
At scin quo modo?
…

[¶207] STROBILUS:
I will give it you.
LYCONIDES:
I want you to give it me now, and not at a future time.
STROBILUS:
I’ll give it now; but I entreat you to allow me to recover breath. (LYCONIDES lets him go.) Aha! What is it you want me to give you, master?
LYCONIDES:
Don’t you know, you rascal? And do you dare to refuse me the four pound pot full of gold which you just now said you had stolen? (Calling at the door.) Hallo there! Where now are the flogging men?
STROBILUS:
Master, do hear a few words. Lyc. I won’t hear; floggers, hallo there—hallo!
(Enter two FLOGGING SLAVES.)
SLAVE.:
What’s the matter?
LYCONIDES:
I want the chains to be got ready.
STROBILUS:
Listen to me, I beg of you; afterwards order them to bind me as much as you please.
LYCONIDES:
I will hear you; but hasten the matter very quickly.
STROBILUS:
If you order me to be tortured to death, see what you obtain; in the first place, you have the death of your slave. Then, what you wish for you cannot get. But if you had only allured me by the reward of dear liberty, you would already have obtained your wish. Nature produces all men free, and by nature all desire freedom. Slavery is worse than every evil, than every calamity; and he whom Jupiter hates, him he first makes a slave.
LYCONIDES:
You speak not unwisely
STROBILUS:
Now then hear the rest. Our age has produced masters too grasping, whom I’m in the habit of calling Harpagos, Harpies, and Tantali, poor amid great wealth, and thirsty in the midst of the waters of Ocean; no riches are enough for them, not those of Midas, not of Crœsus; not all the wealth of the Persians can satisfy their Tartarean maw. Masters use their slaves rigorously, and slaves now obey their masters but tardily; so on neither side is that done which would be fair to be done. Their provisions, kitchens, and store-cellars, avaricious old fellows shut up with a thousand keys. Slaves, thievish, doubledealers, and artful, open for themselves things shut up with a thousand keys, which the owners hardly like to be granted to their lawful children, and stealthily do they carry off, consume, and lick them up—fellows that will never disclose their hundred thefts even at the gibbet; thus in laughter and joking do bad slaves take revenge upon their slavery. So then, I come to the conclusion that liberality renders slaves faithful.
LYCONIDES:
Rightly, indeed, have you spoken, but not in a few words, as you promised me. But if I do make you free, will you give me back what I’m asking for?
STROBILUS:
I will give it back; but I wish for witnesses to be present; you’ll pardon me, master, I trust you but little.
LYCONIDES:
Just as you please; let there be present even a hundred; then I shouldn’t care about it.
STROBILUS: (going to the door of the house of MEGADORUS.)
Megadorus, and you, Eunomia, please come here, I beg of you; the business finished, you shall return directly.
(Enter MEGADORUS and EUNOMIA.)
MEGADORUS:
Who’s calling us? Ha! Lyconides!
EUNOMIA:
Ha! Strobilus, what is the matter? Say.
LYCONIDES:’Tis a short matter.
MEGADORUS:
What is it?
STROBILUS:
I’m calling you as witnesses. If I bring here a four pound pot full of gold and give it up to Lyconides, Lyconides makes me a free man, and orders me to be my own master. (To LYCONIDES.) Do you not promise me so?
LYCONIDES:
I do promise so.
STROBILUS:
Have you heard now what he has said?
MEGADORUS:
We have heard.
STROBILUS:
Swear, then, by Jupiter.
LYCONIDES:
Alas! to what I am reduced by the misfortunes of others! You are too insulting; still, I’ll do what he bids me.
STROBILUS:
Hark you, our generation hasn’t much confidence in people: the documents are signed; the twelve witnesses are present; the registrar writes down the time and the place; and still, the pleader is found to deny that it has been done.
LYE.:
But release me speedily, please.
STROBILUS:
Here, take this stone.
(Giving him a stone.)
LYCONIDES:
If I knowingly deceive you, so may Jupiter reject from me his blessings, the city and citadel safe, as I do this stone. (He throws it.) Have I now satisfied you?
STROBILUS:
I am satisfied; and I’m going to bring the gold.
LYCONIDES:
Go with the speed of Pegasus, and return devouring the road with your rapid steps. (Exit STROBILUS.) Any impertinent slave, that wishes to be more wise than his master, is a nuisance to a decent man. Let this Strobilus be off as a free man to utter perdition, if he only brings me the pot full of pure gold, so that I may restore Euclio, my father-in-law, from his grief to joy, and obtain the favour of his daughter, who is just brought to bed by reason of my debauching her. But see! Strobilus is returning, loaded; as I guess, he’s bringing the pot; and, for sure, it is the pot that he’s carrying.
(Enter STROBIOUS, carrying the pot of gold.)
STROBILUS:
Lyconides, I bring you my findings that I promised—the four pound pot of gold; have I been long?
LYCONIDES:
Why, yes. (He takes some of the gold out of the pot.) O immortal Gods, what do I behold? Or what is it I hold? More than six hundred Philippean pieces, three or four times over. But let’s call out Euclio forthwith.
LYCONIDES: (going to the door of EUCLIO’S house.)
Ho, Eucho, Euclio!
MEGADORUS:
Euclio, Euclio!
EUCLIO: (opening his window.)
What’ the matter?
LYCONIDES:
Come down to us, for the Gods will you to be saved; we’ve got the pot.
EUCLIO:
Have you got it, or are you trifling with me?
LYCONIDES:
We’ve got it, I say. Now, if you can, fly down hither.
EUCLIO: (having come out of the house to them.)
O great Jupiter! O household Divinity and Queen Juno! and Alcides, my treasurer! that at length you do show pity upon a wretched old man. (Taking the pot in his arms.) O my pot! O how aged I, your friend, do clasp you with joyful arms, and receive you with kisses; with a thousand embraces even I cannot be satisfied. O my hope! my heart! that dissipates my grief.
LYCONIDES: (aside, to MEGADORUS.)
I always thought that to be in want of gold was the worst thing for both boys and men, and all old people. Indigence compels boys to be guilty of misdeeds, men to thieve, and old men themselves to become beggars. But ’tis much worse, as I now see, to abound in gold beyond what’s necessary for us. Alas! what miseries has Euclio endured on account of the pot, that a little while since was lost by him!
EUCLIO:
To whom shall I give deserved thanks? Whether to the Gods, who show regard for good men, or to my friends, upright men, or to them both? Rather to both, I think; and first to you, Lyconides, the origin and author of so great a good; you do I present with this pot of gold; accept it with pleasure. I wish it to be your own, and my daughter as well, in the presence of Megadorus, and his good sister, Eunomia.
LYCONIDES: (receiving the pot of gold.)
The favour is received, and is returned, in thanks, as you deserve, Eucho, a father-in-law most acceptable to me.
EUCLIO:
I shall think the favour sufficiently returned to me, if you now receive with pleasure my gift, and myself as well for your father-in-law.
LYCONIDES:
I do receive it; and I wish my house to be that of Euclio.
STROBILUS:
What still remains, master,—remember now that I’m to be free.
LYCONIDES:
You’ve well put me in mind. Be you a free man, O Strobilus, for your deserts; and now prepare in-doors the dinner that has been so disturbed.
STROBILUS: (coming forward.)
Spectators, the avaricious Euclio has changed his nature; he has suddenly become liberal; so, too, do you practise liberality; and if the play has pleased you well, loudly clap your hands.

> Latin: Strobilvs:
Vel hercle énica,
numquam hinc feres a me …
…
pro illís corcotis, stróphiis, sumptu uxório
ut admemordit hominem
(Evclio):
ego ecfodiebam ín die denos scrobes.
(Evclio):
nec noctu nec diu quietus umquam ⟨servabam⟩ eam: nunc dormiam.
qui mi holera cruda ponunt, hallec adduint.