---
title: "The Two Bacchises · Bacchides"
author: "Plautus"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 1 of 3
url: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-bacchides/1/
cite: "Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, The Two Bacchises · Bacchides, section 1. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-bacchides/1/"
---

# The Two Bacchises · Bacchides

*Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

Twin courtesans named Bacchis, and two young men in love.

> Latin: ed. Friedrich Leo, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0119.phi004, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0119.phi004.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.

## 1. Lines 1–434

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

[¶0] SILENUS: (mounted on his Ass.)
’Tis a wonder if the spectators on the benches this day don’t hiss, and cough, and make a snorting noise at this ridiculous sight, furrow their brows, and, with cries with one consent, shout all aloud, and mutter imprecations.
Hardly in their youth can beardless actors, or mimics with their beards plucked out, find room upon the stage. Why comes forth this aged and lethargic go-between, who is borne upon the ass’s back? Listen, I pray, and give me your attention,
while I tell you the name of this quiet Comedy.’Tis proper for you to make silence for a Divinity. It befits not those to use the resources of the voice, who come here not to exclaim, but to be spectators. Give me attentive ears; but not into my hands I mean;
I wish my voice, as it flies, to strike these vacant ears. What do you fear? Are those blows more hurtful which open what is shut, or which close what is open? You’re very kind; the inhabitants of heaven do love you deservedly. There is profound silence—even the children are still—
and now, attend to a new-come messenger, on a new errand. Who I am—why I am come to you—I’ll tell you in a few words; at the same time, I’ll disclose to you the name of this Comedy. Now, behold, I shall tell you what you wish to know; do you then give me your attention.
I am a God of Nature, the foster-father of most mighty Bromius, him who, with a female army, gained a kingdom. Whatever about him renowned nations relate, some part, at least, has been accomplished by my advice. That which pleases me is never displeasing to him.’Tis right if one father another father does obey. Ass-borne do the Ionian multitudes style me, because I am borne on an ass for my conveyance. Who I am, you understand: if you understand, allow me now to tell the name of this quiet play;
at the same time, you may learn why I have come to you. Philemon formerly produced a play in Greek; this, those who speak the Greek language call “Evantides.” Plautus, who speaks the Latin, calls it “Bacchides.” ’Tis not to be wondered, then, if hither I have come.
Bacchus sends to you the Bacchides—the Bacchanalian Bacchanals. I am bringing them unto you. What! Have I told a lie? It don’t become a God to tell a lie; but the truth I tell—I bring not them; but the salacious ass, wearied with its journey, is bringing to you three, if I remember right.
One you behold; see now, what on my lips I bring—to wit, two Samian sisters, Bacchanalians, merry Courtesans, born of the same parents, at one time, at a twin-birth; not less alike than milk to milk, if you compare it,
or water to water; were you to see them you would think them halved; so much would you confuse your sight, that you would not be able to distinguish which was which. What remains you long to hear. Now give attention: the story of this Play I will disclose.
What country Samos is, is known to all; for seas, lands, mountains, and islands, have your legions made easy of access. There, Sostrata bore to her husband, Pyrgoteles Pyrocles, twin daughters at one birth;
and it pleased them, being initiated at the triennial festival of Bacchus, to call after his name the damsels of which they were the parents. The parents, as often happens, gave a turn to their future fortunes. A Captain carried one of them with him to Crete. The other of the twins sailed for Athens.
As soon as Mnesilochus, the son of Nicobulus, beheld her, he began to love her, and frequently paid her visits. Meantime, his father sent the youth to Ephesus, to bring back thence some gold, which he himself, some time before, had deposited with Archidemides,
an ancient friend of his, an aged Phœnician. When, for two years he had stayed at Ephesus, he received the sad news that Bacchis was gone from Athens, for some sailors of his acquaintance sent him word that she had set sail.
On this, he writes a letter to Pistoclerus, his only friend, the son of Philoxenus, entreating him to seek the fugitive with care and earnestness. While Pistoclerus is devoting his services to his friend, the twin-sisters, who have just returned to Athens, arouse a passion in the seeker.
The one wins Pistoclerus for herself; the other longs for the coming of Mnesilochus. What wonder if two bewitching, merry, pretty Bacchantes, should attract to themselves two unfledged Bacchanalians, and if they should ensnare their decrepit, most aged fathers, fit subjects for the undertaker, bowed down by the weight of their years?
But, see, here’s Pistoclerus, who is returning to the Bacchides so lately found, and in his simplicity is blowing in himself the sparks of passion so lately kindled. Now I’m off—do you attend.
(Exit.) (Enter PISTOCLERUS.
PISTOCLERUS:
… those who are of a thrifty turn of mind, modest, and without servility. … …
Chains, rods, and mills; their shocking brutality becomes worse. … …
She who keeps my friend and me engaged. …
(Exit.) (Enter FIRST BACCHIS.)
1st BACCHIS:
I have heard that Ulysses underwent toils innumerable, who, in wanderings, was twenty years away from his native land. But this young man by far outdoes Ulysses; who here in this spot is wandering within the walls of the city. …
1st BACCHIS:
… She was of the same name with myself. …
1st BACCHIS:
Sweep out the house with brooms, work briskly.
… Will some one call
that most dirty fellow with the water-pail and the water.
(CLEOMACHUS, SECOND BACCHIS.)
CLEOMACHUS:
… But if a life of wantonness is perchance preferred by you, consider the price that I agreed to give you that at that age you might not be following me for nought …
that from no one else you might be receiving a yearly pay, except from oneself, nor be toying with any man …
… like slugs upon a man.
(PISTOCLERUS, SECOND BACCHIS, SERVANT.) …

> Latin: Unknown:
quíbus ingenium in animo utibilest, modicum et sine vernilitate
víncla, virgaé, molae: saévitudo mala fit peior
convérrite … scópis, agite strénue
ecquis évocat
cum nassiterna et cum aqua istum impurissimum?
sícut lacte lactis similest
(Bacchis):
ílla mi cognominis fuit
(latro) suam qui auro vitam venditat
sció spiritum éius maiórem esse multo
quam folles taurini habént, cum liquescunt
petraé, ferrum ubí fit.
⟨Cuiatis tibi visust?⟩
Praenéstinum opino esse, ita erat gloriosus.
néque ⟨id⟩ haud subditiva glória oppidum arbitror.
(Pver):
ne a quóquam acciperes alio mercedem annuam,
nisi ab sése, nec cum quiquam limares caput.
limaces viri
cór meum, spés mea,
mél meum, suávitudó, cibus, gaúdium.
síne te amem
Cupidon tecum saevust anne Amor?
Vlíxem audivi fuisse aerumnosissimum,
qui annis viginti errans a patria afuit;
verum hic adulescens multo Vlixem anteit …
qui ílico errat intra muros civicos.
quidquid est nomen sibi
(Pistoclervs):
quaé sodalem átque me exércitos habet
nam crédo cuivis excantare cor potes.
sin lénocinium forte collibitum est tibi,
videas mercedis quid tibi est aecum dari,
ne istac aetate me sectere gratiis.
Arabus
Bacchis:
Quíd si hoc potis est út tu taceas, égo loquar?
Soror:
Lepidé, licet.
Bacchis:
Vbi me fugiet memoria, ibi tu facito ut subvenias, soror.
Soror:
Pol magis metuo, ne defuerit mi in monendo oratio.
Bacchis:
Pol ego metuo, lusciniolae ne defuerit cantio.
sequere hac.
Pistoclervs:
Quid agunt duae germanae meretrices cognomines?
quid in consilio consuluistis?
Bacchis:
Bene.

[¶1] PISTOCLERUS:
As like as milk is to milk;
whatever is her name …
SERVANT:
The soldier who sells his life for gold …
I know that his breath is much stronger than when the bellows of bull’s hide are blowing, when the rocks melt where the iron is made.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Pol haud meretricium est.
Bacchis:
Miserius nihil est quam mulier.

[¶2] PISTOCLERUS:
Of what country did he seem to you?
SERVANT:
I think he is of Praeneste; he was such a boaster.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quid esse dices dignius?
Bacchis:
Haec ita me orat, sibi qui caveat aliquem ut hominem reperiam,
ut istunc militem—ut, ubi emeritum sibi sit, se revehat domum.
id, amabo te, huic caveas.

[¶3] PISTOCLERUS:
… The city … and I don’t think it is in spurious boastfulness. …
(Enter FIRST and SECOND BACCHIS.)
1st BACCHIS:
… My heart, my hope,
my honey, my sweetness, my nutriment, my delight. …
Let me bestow on you my love …
the Arabian …
Has Cupid or has love overpowered you? …
Perhaps to suspect that you are in love. …
… Get money from that quarter …
… for I really do believe that with ease you can enchant the heart of any man.
2nd BACCHIS:
…
1st BACCHIS:
And suppose it is much better that you should hold your peace, and I should speak?
2nd BACCHIS:
With pleasure; you may proceed.
1st BACCHIS:
When my memory shall fail me, then do you take care to aid me, sister.
2nd BACCHIS:
I’ faith, I’m more afraid that I shan’t have the choice of prompting you.
1st BACCHIS:
Troth, I’m afraid the little nightingale may lose her powers of song. Follow this way.
(They move.) (Enter PISTOCLERUS.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quid isti caveam?
Bacchis:
Vt revehatur domum,
ubi ei dediderit operas, ne hanc ille habeat pro ancilla sibi;
nam si haec habeat aurum quod illi renumeret, faciat lubens.

[¶4] PISTOCLERUS:
What are these two Courtesans, the namesake-sisters, about?
1st BACCHIS:
Nothing is there more wretched than a woman.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Vbi nunc is homost?
Bacchis:
Iam hic credo aderit. sed hoc idem apud nos rectius
poteris agere; atque is dum veniat, sedens ibi opperibere.
eadem biberis, eadem dedero tibi, ubi biberis, savium.

[¶5] PISTOCLERUS:
What, say you, is there more worthy of it?
What have you been planning in your consultation?
1st BACCHIS:
What’s proper?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Viscus merus vostrast blanditia.
Bacchis:
Quid iam?

[¶6] PISTOCLERUS:
I’ faith, that doesn’t belong to the Courtesan.
1st BACCHIS:
This sister of mine entreats me so to find some person to protect her against this Captain; that when she as served her time he may bring her back home. Do you, I entreat you, be her protector.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quia enim intellego,
duae unum éxpetitis palumbem, † perii harundo alas verberat.
non ego istúc facinus mihi, mulier, conducibile esse arbitror.
Bacchis:
Quí, amabo?

[¶7] PISTOCLERUS:
Why should I protect her?
1st BACCHIS:
That she may be brought home again,
when she has fulfilled her engagement to him, so that he may not take her as a servant for himself. But, if she had the gold to pay him back again, gladly would she do so.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quia, Bacchis, bacchas metuo et bacchanal tuom.
Bacchis:
Quid est? quid metuis? ne tibi lectus malitiam apud me suadeat?

[¶8] PISTOCLERUS:
Where now is this person?
1st BACCHIS:
I expect that he’ll be here just now. But this you’ll be able to arrange better among ourselves; and sitting there, you shall wait until he comes. So you will drink some wine, and so, I’ll give you a kiss when you have drunk it.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Magis illectum tuom quam lectum metuo. mala tu es bestia.
nam huic aetati non conducit, mulier, latebrosus locus.
Bacchis:
Egomet, apud me ⟨si⟩ quid stulte facere cupias, prohibeam.
sed ego apud me te esse ob eam rem, miles cum veniat, volo,
quia, cum tu aderis, huic mihique haud faciet quisquam iniuriam:
tu prohibebis, et eadem opera tuo sodali operam dabis;
et ille adveniens tuam med esse amicam suspicabitur.
quid, amabo, opticuisti?

[¶9] PISTOCLERUS:
Your coaxing is mere birdlime.
1st BACCHIS:
How so?
PISTOCLERUS:
Because, in fact, I understand how you two are aiming at one poor pigeon, myself; (aside) very nearly is the limed reed breaking my feathers. Madam, I judge that such deeds befit me not.
1st BACCHIS:
Why so, I pray?
PISTOCLERUS:
Bacchis, it is, because I dread you Bacchantes, and your Bacchanalian den.
1st BACCHIS:
What is it that you dread? Surely, not that the couch in my house may lead you into mischief?
PISTOCLERUS:
Your allurements, more than your couch, do I dread. You’re a mischievous serpent. But, madam, a lurking-place does not befit this youthful age.
1st BACCHIS:
Should you wish at my house to do anything that’s unwise, I myself should hinder it. But, when the Captain comes, I wish you to be at my house for this reason; because, when you are present, no one will do her and me any injury.
You will prevent that, and by the same means you will be aiding your friend; this Captain, too, on arriving, will suspect that I am your mistress. Why are you silent, pray?
PISTOCLERUS:
Because these things are pleasant in the talking of; but in the practice, and when you make trial, the same are armed with stings. They pierce the feelings, goad one’s fortune, and wound one’s merits and character.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quia istaec lepida sunt memoratui:
eadem in usu atque ubi periclum facias, aculeata sunt,
animum fodicant, bona distimulant, facta et famam sauciant.

[¶10] 2nd BACCHIS:
What do you dread from her?
PISTOCLERUS:
What do I dread, do you ask? Am I a person in my youth to enter a place of exercise of such a nature, where people sweat to their undoing?—where for the quoit I rereive a loss, disgrace, too, for my running?

> Latin: Soror:
Quid ab hac metuis?
Pistoclervs:
Quid ego metuam rogitas? adulescens homo
penetrem me huius modi in palaestram, ubi damnis desudascitur?
[ubi pro disco damnum capiam, pro cursura dedecus?]

[¶11] 2nd BACCHIS:
How charmingly you do talk.
PISTOCLERUS:
Where I’m to take a turtle-dove instead of a sword, and where another puts into my hand the goblet instead of the cestus; the drinking-cup is in place of the helmet, the wreathed garland instead of the crest,
the dice in place of the lance. For the coat of mail I should have to assume a soft cloak; where, too, in place of a horse a couch must be given me,—for shield, a strumpet may be lying by me. Avaunt from me—avaunt!
2nd BACCHIS:
O, you’re too fierce.

> Latin: Bacchis:
Lepide memoras.
Pistoclervs:
Vbi ego capiam pro machaera turturem,
[ubique imponat in manum alius mihi pro cestu cantharum]
pro galea scaphium, pro insigni sit corolla plectilis,
pro hasta talos, pro lorica malacum capiam pallium,
ubi mihi pró equo lectus detur, scortum pro scuto accubet?
apage a me, apage.
Bacchis:
Ah, nimium ferus es.

[¶12] PISTOCLERUS:
I am attending to my own interests.
2nd BACCHIS:
You must be softened down; and, in fact, I offer you my aid in this.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Mihi sum.
Bacchis:
Malacissandus es.
equidem tibi do hanc operam.

[¶13] PISTOCLERUS:
But you are too expensive an assistant.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Ah, nimium pretiosa es operaria.

[¶14] 1st BACCHIS:
Do pretend that you are in love with me.
PISTOCLERUS:
Whether should I be pretending that in jest, or seriously?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Simulato me amare.
Pistoclervs:
Vtrum égo istuc iócon adsimulem an serio?

[¶15] 1st BACCHIS:
Well said! better to do the last. When the Captain comes here, I want you to embrace me.
PISTOCLERUS:
What need is there of my doing that?
1st BACCHIS:
I want him to see you. I know what I’m about?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Heia, hoc agere meliust. miles quom huc adveniat, te volo
me amplexari.
Pistoclervs:
Quid eo mi opus est?
Bacchis:
Vt ille te videat volo.
scio quid ago.

[¶16] PISTOCLERUS:
And I, i’ faith, I know not what I’m in fear of. But what say you—?
1st BACCHIS:
What’s the matter now?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Et pol égo scio quid metuo. sed quid ais?
Bacchis:
Quid est?

[¶17] PISTOCLERUS:
Well, suppose perchance on a sudden a breakfast or a drinking bout,
or else a dinner, should take place at your house, just as is the wont in such places of resort; where, then, should I take my place?
1st BACCHIS:
Near myself, my life, that with a she wit a he wit may be reclining at the repast. A place here, at our house, should you come late, is always at your service. When you wish right merrily to disport yourself, my rosebud, you say to me, “Do let me enjoy myself to-day,” I’ll provide you a delightful place where it may be so.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quid si apud te eveniát desubito prandium aut potatio
forte aut cena, ut solet in istis fieri conciliabulis,
ubi ego tum accumbam?
Bacchis:
Ápud me, mi anime, ut lepidus cum lepida accubet.
locus hic apud nos, quamvis subito venias, semper liber est.
ubi tu lepide vóles esse tibi, méa rosa, mihi dicito
“dato qui bene sit”: ego ubi bene sit tibi locum lepidum dabo.

[¶18] PISTOCLERUS:
Here is a rapid stream; not without hazard can this way be passed.
1st BACCHIS: (aside.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Rapidus fluvius est hic, non hac temere transiri potest.

[¶19] And, by my troth, something must you lose amid this stream. (Aloud.) Give me your hand and follow me.
PISTOCLERUS:
O, by no means.
1st BACCHIS:
Why so?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Atque ecastor apud hunc fluvium áliquid perdundumst tibi.
manum da et sequere.
Pistoclervs:
Aha, minime.
Bacchis:
Quid ita?

[¶20] PISTOCLERUS:
Because to a man in his youth nothing can be more alluring than these—night, women, wine.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quia istoc in lecebrosius
fieri nil potest: nox mulier vinum homini adulescentulo.

[¶21] 1st BACCHIS:
Away, then, with you; for my part, I don’t at all care for it, but for your own sake.

> Latin: Bacchis:
Age igitur, equidem pol nihili facio nisi causa tua.

[¶22] The Captain, then, shall take her off; don’t you be present at all if you don’t choose.
PISTOCLERUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: ille quidem hanc abducet; tú nullus ádfueris, si non lubet.

[¶23] And am I a thing of nothing, who cannot moderate my own passions?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Sumne autem nihili, qui nequeam ingenio moderari meo?

[¶24] 1st BACCHIS:
What’s there for you to fear?
PISTOCLERUS:
There’s nothing; all nonsense. Madam, I resign myself to you. I’m yours; to you do I devote my services.
1st BACCHIS:
You are a dear man. Now I wish you to do this. To-day I want to give a welcome entertainment to my sister.

> Latin: Bacchis:
Quid est quod metuas?
Pistoclervs:
Nihil est, nugae. mulier, tibi me emancupo:
tuos sum, tibi dedo operam.
Bacchis:
Lepidu'slepidus es. nunc ego te facere hoc volo.
ego sorori meae cenam hodie dare volo viaticam:

[¶25] For that purpose I shall at once order the money to be brought you from in-doors. Do you take care and cater for us a splendid entertainment.

> Latin: eo tibi argentum iubebo iam intus ecferri foras;
tu facito opsonatum nobis sit opulentum opsonium.

[¶26] PISTOCLERUS:
No, I’ll stand treat; for it would be a shame, that on my account you both should take trouble for me, and by reason of that trouble should pay the expense from your own means.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Ego opsonabo, nam id flagitium meum sit, mea te gratia
et operam dare mi ét ad eam operam facere sumptum de tuo.

[¶27] 1st BACCHIS:
But I can’t allow you to give anything.
PISTOCLERUS:
Do let me.
1st BACCHIS:
Well, I’ll let you, if you choose.

> Latin: Bacchis:
At ego nolo dare te quicquam.
Pistoclervs:
Sine.
Bacchis:
Sino equidem, si lubet.

[¶28] Prithee, do make haste.
PISTOCLERUS:
I shall be here again, before I cease to love you.
(Exit PISTOCLERUS.)
2nd BACCHIS:
You entertain me pleasantly upon my return, my sister.
1st BACCHIS:
How so, prithee?

> Latin: propera, amabo.
Pistoclervs:
Prius hic adero quam te amare desinam.—
Soror:
Bene me accipies advenientem, mea soror.
Bacchis:
Quid ita, obsecro?

[¶29] 2nd BACCHIS:
Because, in my way of thinking, this day a lucky haul has fallen to your lot.

> Latin: Soror:
Quia piscatus meo quidem animo hic tibi hodie evenit bonus.

[¶30] 1st BACCHIS:
He’s mine, assuredly. Now, sister, with respect to Mnesilochus, I’ll give you my aid, that here at home you may be receiving gold, rather than be going hence together with the Captain.

> Latin: Bacchis:
Meus ille quidemst. tibi nunc operam dabo de Mnesilocho, soror,
ut hic accipias potius aurum, quam hinc eas cum milite.

[¶31] 2nd BACCHIS:
That’s my desire.
1st BACCHIS:
My aid shall be given you. The water’s warm; let’s go in, that you may bathe. For, as you have travelled on board ship, you are faint, I think.
2nd BACCHIS:
A little so, sister. (PISTOCLERUS is seen at a distance.) Besides, he’s beginning to cause I don’t know what bustle. Let’s begone hence.
1st BACCHIS:
Follow me this way in-doors to bathe, that you may relieve your weariness.
(Enter PISTOCLERUS, accompanied by People with Provisions for the Entertainment, followed by LYDES.)

> Latin: Soror:
Cupio.
Bacchis:
Dabitur opera. aqua calet: eamus hinc intro, ut laves.
nám uti navi vecta es, credo timida es.
Soror:
Aliquantum, soror.
[simul huic nescio cui, turbare qui huc it, decedamus … ]
Bacchis:
Sequere hac igitur me intro in lectum, ut sedes lassitudinem.

[¶32] LYDUS:
For some time, Pistoclerus, I’ve been following you in silence,
watching what you were doing in this dress. For, so may the Gods favour me, even Lycurgus himself seems to me as if he could be led into debauchery here. Whither now are you betaking yourself hence in an opposite direction with such a train?

> Latin: Lydvs:
Iam dudum, Pistoclere, tacitus te sequor,
expectans quas tu res hoc ornatu geras.
namque ita me di ament, ut Lycurgus mihi quidem
videtur posse hic ad nequitiam adducier.
quo nunc capessis ted hinc adversa via
cum tanta pompa?

[¶33] PISTOCLERUS:
To this place (pointing to the house.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Húc.

[¶34] LYDUS:
Why to this place? Who lives there?

> Latin: Lydvs:
Quid huc? quis istíc habet?

[¶35] PISTOCLERUS:
Love, Pleasure, Venus, Beauty, Joy, Jesting, Dalliance, Converse, and Sweet-kissing.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Amor, Voluptas, Venus, Venustas, Gaudium,
Iocus, Lúdus, Sermo, Suavisaviatio.

[¶36] LYDUS:
What intercourse have you with these most destructive Deities?

> Latin: Lydvs:
Quid tibi commercist cum dis damnosissimis?

[¶37] PISTOCLERUS:
Bad are those men who speak evil of the good. You speak not well of even the Gods themselves; you do what is not right.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Mali sunt homines, qui bonis dicunt male;
tu dis nec recte dicis: non aequom facis.

[¶38] LTD.:
Is Sweet-kissing, then, some God?

> Latin: Lydvs:
An deus est ullus Suavisaviatio?

[¶39] PISTOCLERUS:
And do you not think she is? O Lydus, why, what a barbarians you are, you, whom I had deemed to be far more wise than Thales hinself. Go to, you are more foolish than Potitius, the foreigner, who, at an age so advanced, knew not the names of the Divinities.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
An non putasti esse umquam? o Lyde, es barbarus;
quem ego sapere nimio censui plus quam Thalem,
is stultior es barbaro poticio,
qui tantus natu deorum nescis nomina.

[¶40] LYDUS:
This dress of yours pleases me not.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Non hic placet mi ornatus.

[¶41] PISTOCLERUS:
But no one prepared it for you; it was prepared for myself, whom it pleases well.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Nemo ergo tibi
haec apparavit: mihi paratum est quoi placet.

[¶42] LYDUS:
And do you commence upon your repartees against myself even? You, who, if you had even ten tongues, ought to be silent.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Etiam me advorsus exordire argutias?
qui si decem habeas linguas, mutum esse addecet.

[¶43] PISTOCLERUS:
Not every age, Lydus, is suited for school.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Non omnis aetas, Lyde, ludo convenit.

[¶44] One thing especially is just now on my mind, how the cook may with due care attend to these things as befits the elegance of the entertainment.

> Latin: magis unum in mentemst mihi nunc, satis ut commode
pro dignitate opsoni haec concuret cocus.

[¶45] LYDUS:
Now have you undone yourself and me and all my labours, me who so oft have shown you what is right, all to no purpose.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Iam perdidisti te atque me atque operam meam,
qui tibi nequiquam saepe monstravi bene.

[¶46] PISTOCLERUS:
In the same place have I lost my labour where you’ve lost yours: your instructions profit neither me nor yourself.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Ibidem égo meam operam perdidi, ubi tu tuam:
tua disciplina nec mihi prodest nec tibi.

[¶47] LYDUS:
O obdurate heart!

> Latin: Lydvs:
O praeligatum pectus.

[¶48] PISTOCLERUS:
You are troublesome to me. Hold your tongue, Lydus, and follow me.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Odiosus mihi es.
tace atque sequere, Lyde, me.

[¶49] LYDUS:
Now, see that, please; he no longer calls me “tutor,” but mere “Lydus.”

> Latin: Lydvs:
Illuc sis vide,
non paedagogum iam me, sed Lydum vocat.

[¶50] PISTOCLERUS:
It seems not proper, nor can it be fit, that,
when a person is in a house, and is reclining at the feast together with his mistress, and is kissing her, and the other guests are reclining too, the tutor should be there too in their presence.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Non par videtur neque sit consentaneum,
cum haec ⟨qui emit⟩ intus sit et cúm amica accubet
cumque osculetur et convivae alii accubent,
praesentibus illis paedagogus una ut siet.

[¶51] LYDUS:
Are these provisions purchased for such a purpose, pray?

> Latin: Lydvs:
An hoc ad eas res opsonatumst, obsecro?

[¶52] PISTOCLERUS:
My intentions, indeed, expect so; how it falls out, is in the hands of the Gods.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Sperat quidem animus: quo evenat dis in manust.

[¶53] LYDUS:
Will you be having a mistress?

> Latin: Lydvs:
Tu amicam habebis?

[¶54] PISTOCLERUS:
When you see, then you’ll know.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Cum videbis, tum scies.

[¶55] LYDUS:
Aye, but you shall not have one, and I won’t allow it. Go back again home.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Immo neque habebis neque sinam. i prorsum domum.

[¶56] PISTOCLERUS:
Do leave me alone, Lydus, and beware of mischief.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Omitte, Lyde, ac cave malo.

[¶57] LYDUS:
What? Beware of mischief?

> Latin: Lydvs:
Quid? cave malo?
Pistoclervs:
Iam excessit mi aetas ex magisterio tuo.

[¶58] O yawning gulf, where art thou now? How gladly would I avail myself of thee!

> Latin: Lydvs:
O barathrum, ubi nunc es? ut ego te usurpem lubens.

[¶59] Already have I lived far longer than I could have wished.

> Latin: [video nimio iam multo plus quam volueram.]

[¶60] ’Twere much better now to have once existed than to be living still.

> Latin: vixisse nimio satiust iam quam vivere.

[¶61] That any pupil should thus threaten his tutor!
PISTOCLERUS:
My years are now advanced beyond your tutorship.

> Latin: magistron quemquam discipulum minitarier?

[¶62] LYDUS:
I want no pupils for me with heated blood.

> Latin: [nil moror discipulos mihi iam plenos sanguinis:]

[¶63] An up-grown one may harass me thus devoid of strength.

> Latin: [valens afflictat me vacivom virium.]

[¶64] PISTOCLERUS:
As I guess, I shall become a Hercules, and you a Linus.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Fiam, ut ego opinor, Hercules, tu autem Linus.

[¶65] LYDUS:
I’ faith, I fear more that through your goings-on I shall become a Phœnix, and have to tell the news to your father that you are dead.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Pol metuo magis, ne Phoenix tuis factis fuam
teque ad patrem esse mortuom renuntiem.

[¶66] PISTOCLERUS:
Enough of these stories.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Satis historiarumst.

[¶67] LYDUS:
This youth is lost to shame;
the man’s ruined. And does it then recur to you that you have a father?

> Latin: Lydvs:
Hic vereri perdidit.
compendium edepol haud aetati optabile
fecisti, cum istanc nactu'snactus es inpudentiam.
occisus hic homo est. ecquid in mentem est tibi
patrem tibi esse?

[¶68] PISTOCLERUS:
Am I your servant, or you mine?
LYDUS:
By my troth, you made an exchange not desirable for that age of yours,
when you gained these impudent ways.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Tibi ego an tu mihi servos es?

[¶69] Some bad master has been teaching you all this, not I. You are a scholar far more apt at these pursuits
than at those lessons which I taught you when I was losing my labour. Troth,’twas a bad piece of deceit you were guilty of at your age, when you concealed these vicious tendencies from myself and from your father.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Peior magister te istaec docuit, non ego.
nimio es tu ad istas res discipulus docilior,
quam ad illa quae te docui, ubi operam perdidi.
[edepol fecisti furtum in aetatem malum]
[cum istaec flagitia me celavisti et patrem.]

[¶70] PISTOCLERUS:
Lydus, you have thus far had liberty of speech; that is enough. So now do you follow this way, and hold your tongue.
(They go into the house of BACCHIS.) (Enter CHRYSALUS.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Istactenus tibi, Lyde, libertas datast
orationis. satis est. sequere hac me ac tace.—

[¶71] CHRYSALUS:
All hail, land of my master! which I joyfully behold after the two years that I have been absent hence at Ephesus. I salute thee, neighbour Apollo, who dost have thy shrine close by our house, and to thee do I make my prayer, that thou wilt not let me meet our old gentleman, Nicobulus, before I have seen
Pistoclerus, the friend of Mnesilochus, him to whom Mnesilochus has sent the letter about his mistress, Bacchis.
(Enter PISTOCLERUS from the house of BACCHIS.)
PISTOCLERUS: (to the FIRST BACCHIS within.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Erilis patria, salve, quam ego biennio,
postquam hinc in Ephesum abii, conspicio lubens.
saluto te, vicine Apollo, qui aedibus
propinquos nostris accolis, veneroque te,
ne Nicobulum me sinas nostrum senem
prius cónvenire quam sodalem viderim
Mnesilochi Pistoclerum, quem ad epistulam
Mnesilochus misit super amica Bacchide.

[¶72] ’Tis strange that you are so earnestly begging me to return, who am able by no possible means to depart hence, if I were willing,
so bound down, and so enchained with love do you hold me.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Mirumst me ut redeam te opere tanto quaesere,
qui abire hinc nullo pacto possim, si velim:
ita me vadatum amore vinctumque adtines.

[¶73] CHRYSALUS:
O, ye immortal Gods, I espy Pistoclerus! O, Pistoclerus, hail!

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Pro di immortales, Pistoclerum conspicor.
o Pistoclere, salve.

[¶74] PISTOCLERUS:
Hail, Chrysalus, to you!

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Salve, Chrysale.

[¶75] CHRYSALUS:
I will at present compress many speeches for you in a small space. You are glad that I am come; I give you credit for it.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Compendi verba multa iam faciam tibi.
venire tu me gaudes: ego credo tibi;

[¶76] You promise me lodging and an entertainment coming from my journey, as it is befitting, and I agree to come. I bring you the sincere greetings of your friend. Would you ask me where he is? He’s come.
PISTOCLERUS:
Is he alive and well?

> Latin: hospitium et cenam pollicere, ut convenit
peregre advenienti: ego autem venturum adnuo.
salutem tibi ab sodáli solidam nuntio:
rogabis me úbi sit: vivit.
Pistoclervs:
Nempe recté valet?

[¶77] CHRYSALUS:
That I was wishful to enquire of yourself.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Istuc volebam ego ex te percontarier.

[¶78] PISTOCLERUS:
How can I know?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Qui scire possum?

[¶79] CHRYSALUS:
No one better.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nullus plus.

[¶80] PISTOCLERUS:
Why, in what way?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quemnam ad modum?

[¶81] CHRYSALUS:
Because if she has been found whom he so loves, he is alive and well. If she is not found, he is not well, and is like to die. His mistress is the very life of a lover. If she is away, he is non-existent; if she is with him, his property is non-existent, and himself worthless and wretched.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quia si illa inventa est, quam ille amat, recte valet;
si non inventa est, minus valet moribundusque est.
animast amica amanti: sí abest, nullus est;
si adest, res nullast: ipsus est—nequam et miser.

[¶82] But what have you done in respect of his commission?

> Latin: sed tu quid factitasti mandatis super?

[¶83] PISTOCLERUS:
And ought I not to have his request complied with against his arrival, which his messenger brought to me from him? I’d sooner be dwelling in the realms of Acheron than not.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Egon ut, quod ab illoc attigisset nuntius,
non impetratum id advenienti ei redderem?
regiones colere mavellem Acherunticas.

[¶84] CHRYSALUS:
How now, have you found out this Bacchis?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Eho, an ínvenisti Bacchidem?

[¶85] PISTOCLERUS:
Yes, and a Samian one too.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Samiam quidem.

[¶86] CHRYSALUS:
Prithee, do take care that no one handles her carelessly: you know how soon a Samian vessel is wont to break.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vide quaeso, ne quis tractet illam indiligens;
scis tu ut confringi vas cito Samium solet.

[¶87] PISTOCLERUS:
What now, your old habit?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Iamne ut soles?

[¶88] CHRYSALUS:
Prithee, do tell me where she now is.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Dic ubi ea nunc est, obsecro.

[¶89] PISTOCLERUS:
Here, where you just now saw me coming out.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Hic, exeuntem me unde aspexisti modo.

[¶90] CHRYSALUS:
How capital that is! She’s living almost next door. Does she at all remember Mnesilochus?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vt istúc est lepidum: proximae viciniae
habitat. ecquidnam meminit Mnesilochi?

[¶91] PISTOCLERUS:
Do you ask me that? Aye, him alone does she esteem at the very highest value.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Rogas?
immo unice unum plurimi pendit.

[¶92] CHRYSALUS:
Indeed!

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Papae.

[¶93] PISTOCLERUS:
Yes, and were you to believe her, distractedly in love—she quite longs for him.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Immo ut eam credis? misera amans desiderat.

[¶94] CHRYSALUS:
That’s good.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Scitum istuc.

[¶95] PISTOCLERUS:
Yes, Chrysalus; see, now; not even so small
a space of time ever passes by as this, out that she is uttering his name.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Immo, Chrysale, em non tantulum
umquam intermittit tempus quin eum nominet.

[¶96] CHRYSALUS:
I’ faith, so much the better.
(Moving, as if about to go.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Tanto hercle melior.

[¶97] PISTOCLERUS:
Yes; but—
(Holds him.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Immo—

[¶98] CHRYSALUS:
Yes, faith, I’d rather be off.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Immo hercle abiero
potius.

[¶99] PISTOCLERUS:
And do you so unwillingly hear how your master’s interests have prospered?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Num invitus rem bene gestam audis eri?

[¶100] CHRYSALUS:
No, not the subject, but the actor offends my feelings with his tediousness. Even “Epidicus,” a play that I love quite as much as my own self,
were Pollio to act it, no play would I see so reluctantly. But, does Bacchis seem handsome, as well, to you?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Non res, sed actor mihi cor odio sauciat.
etiam Epidicum, quam ego fabulam aeque ac me ipsum amo,
nullam aeque invitus specto, sí agit Pellio.
sed Bacchis etiam fortis tibi visast?

[¶101] PISTOCLERUS:
Do you ask the question? Had I not got a Venus, I should pronounce her a Juno.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Rogas?
ni nanctus Venerem essem, hanc Iunonem dicerem.

[¶102] CHRYSALUS:
I’ faith, Mnesilochus, as I find these matters proceeding, there’s something ready for you to love;’tis needful that you find something to give her.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Edepol, Mnesiloche, ut hanc rem natam intellego,
quod ames paratumst: quod des inventost opus.

[¶103] But, perhaps you have need of gold for that other one?
PISTOCLERUS:
Yes, some Philippeans.

> Latin: nam istic fortasse auro est opust.
Pistoclervs:
Phílippeo quidem.

[¶104] CHRYSALUS:
And you have need of it directly, perhaps?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Atque eo fortasse iám opust.

[¶105] PISTOCLERUS:
Aye, and even sooner than directly. For there’s a Captain coming here just now—

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Immo etiam prius:
nam iam huc adveniet miles.

[¶106] CHRYSALUS:
A Captain, indeed!

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Et miles quidem?

[¶107] PISTOCLERUS:
Who is demanding some gold here for relinquishing Bacchis.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Qui de amittenda Bacchide aurum hic exiget.

[¶108] CHRYSALUS:
Let him come when he pleases, and so there be no delay.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Veniat quando volt, atque ita ne mihi sit morae.

[¶109] The money’s at home; I fear not for myself, nor do I go begging to any man; so long, at least, as this heart of mine shall be armed with its inventiveness. Go in; I’ll manage here. Do you tell them in-doors, that Mnesilochus is coming to Bacchis.
PISTOCLERUS:
I’ll do as you request.
(Goes into the house of BACCHIS.)

> Latin: domist: non metuo nec ⟨ego⟩ quoiquam supplico,
dum quidem hoc valebit pectus perfidia meum.
abi intro, ego hic curabo. tu intus dicito
Mnesilochum adesse Bacchidi.
Pistoclervs:
Faciam ut iubes.—

[¶110] CHRYSALUS:
The money business belongs to me.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Negotium hoc ad me adtinet aurarium.

[¶111] From Ephesus we have brought twelve hundred golden Philippeans, which our entertainer owed to our old gentleman. Hence, some contrivance will I this day contrive, to procure gold for this son of my master thus in love. But there’s a noise at our door—who’s coming out of doors, I wonder?
(Stands aside.) (Enter NICOBULUS from his house.)
NICOBULUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: mille et ducentos Philippos áttulimus aureos
Epheso, quos hospes debuit nostro seni.
inde ego hodie aliquam machinabor machinam,
unde aurum efficiam amanti erili filio.
sed foris concrepuit nostra: quinam exit foras?

[¶112] To the Piraeus will I go; I’ll go see whether any merchant-ship has come into harbour from Ephesus. For my mind misgives me; my son lingers there so long, and does not return.
CHRYSALUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ibo in Piraeum, visam écquae advenerit
in portum ex Epheso navis mercatoria.
nam meus formidat animus, nostrum tam diu
ibi desidere neque redire filium.

[¶113] Now, I’ll finely unravel him, if the Gods are propitious.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Extexam ego illum pulchre iam, si di volunt.

[¶114] There must be no sleeping; gold is requisite for Chrysalus. I’ll accost him, whom for sure this day I’ll make a ram of Phryxus of; so, even to the quick, will I shear him of his gold. (Accosting him.) His servant Chrysalus salutes Nicobulus.

> Latin: haud dormitandumst: opus est chryso Chrysalo.
adibo hunc, quem quidem ego hódie faciam hic arietem
Phrixi, itaque tondebo auro usque ad vivam cutem.
servos salutat Nicobulum Chrysalus.

[¶115] NICOBULUS:
O, immortal Gods! where is my son?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Pro di immortales, Chrysale, ubi mist filius?

[¶116] CHRYSALUS:
Why don’t you return the salutation first, which I gave you?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quin tu salutem primum reddis quam dedi?

[¶117] NICOBULUS:
Well, save you. But where on earth is Mnesilochus?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Salve. sed ubinamst Mnesilochus?

[¶118] CHRYSALUS:
He is alive and well.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vivit, valet.

[¶119] NICOBULUS:
Is he not come?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Venitne?

[¶120] CHRYSALUS:
He is come.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Venit.

[¶121] NICOBULUS:
Hurra! you’ve brought me to my senses. And has he all along been well?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Euax, aspersisti aquam.
benene usque valuit?

[¶122] CHRYSALUS:
Aye, well as a boxer and an athlete.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Pancratice atque athletice.

[¶123] NICOBULUS:
But what as to this—the business on account or which I sent him hence to Ephesus?
Has he rot received the gold from his entertainer, Archidemides?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid hoc? qua causa éum in Ephesum miseram,
accepitne aurum ab hospite Archidemide?

[¶124] CHRYSALUS:
Alas! my heart and my brain are cleft, Nicobulus, whenever mention is made of that fellow. Why don’t you call that entertainer of his your enemy?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Heu, cor meum et cerebrum, Nicobule, finditur,
istius hominis ubi fit quomque mentio.
tun hospitem illum nominas hostem tuom?

[¶125] NICOBULUS:
Troth now, prithee, why so?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid ita, obsecro hercle?

[¶126] CHRYSALUS:
Because, i’ faith, I know for sure,
that Vulcan, the Moon, the Sun, the Day, those four Divinities, never shone upon another more wicked.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quia edepol certo scio,
Volcanus, Luna, Sol, Dies, dei quattuor,
scelestiorem nullum inluxere alterum.

[¶127] NICOBULUS:
What, than Archidemides? Dear me!

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quamne Archidemidem?

[¶128] CHRYSALUS:
Than Archidemides, I say.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quam, inquam, Archidemidem.

[¶129] NICOBULUS:
What has he done?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid fecit?

[¶130] CHRYSALUS:
What has he not done? Why don’t you ask me that? In the first place, then, he began to make denials to your son,
and to assert that he didn’t owe three obols to you. Forthwith, Mnesilochus summoned to himself there our ancient host, the old gentleman, Pelago; in his presence, he at once showed the fellow the token, which you yourself had given to your son to deliver to him.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid non fecit? quin tu id me rogas?
primumdum infitias ire coepit filio,
negare se debere tibi triobulum.
continuo ántiquom hospitem nostrum sibi
Mnesilochus advocavit, Pelagonem senem;
eo praésente homini extemplo ostendit symbolum,
quem tute dederas, ad eum ut ferret, filio.

[¶131] NICOBULUS:
Well—when he showed him the token?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid ubi ei ostendit symbolum?

[¶132] CHRYSALUS:
He began to say that it was counterfeit, and that it was not a true token; and how many reproaches he did utter against him so undeserving of them! and he said that in other matters he had committed forgery.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Infit dicere
adulterinum et non eum esse symbolum.
quotque innocenti ei dixit contumelias!
adulterare eum aibat rebus ceteris.

[¶133] NICOBULUS:
Have you not the gold? In the first place, I want that to be told me.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Habetin aurum? íd mihi dici volo.

[¶134] CHRYSALUS:
Yes, after the Praetor had appointed delegates; being cast, at length compelled by force he paid down twelve hundred Philippeans.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Postquam quidem praétor recuperatores dedit,
damnatus demum, vi coactus reddidit
ducentós et mille Phílippum.

[¶135] NICOBULUS:
He owed that much.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Tantum debuit.

[¶136] CHRYSALUS:
Besides, listen to another struggle of his, as well, which he was desirous to enter on.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Porro etiam ausculta pugnam quam voluit dare.

[¶137] NICOBULUS:
What, besides, as well?
Oho! this will turn out now a regular hawk’s nest.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Etiamnest quid porro?
Chrysalvs:
Em, áccipitrina haec nunc erit.

[¶138] I’ve been deceived. I’ve entrusted my gold to an Autolycus for my host!

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Deceptus sum, Autolyco hospiti aurum credidi.

[¶139] CHRYSALUS:
Nay, but do you listen—

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quin tu audi.

[¶140] NICOBULUS:
Well, I wasn’t aware of the disposition of my avaricious entertainer.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Immo ingenium avidi haud pernoram hospitis.

[¶141] CHRYSALUS:
Afterwards, at last we had got the gold, and embarked on board ship, desirous for home. By chance, as I was sitting on the deck, while I was looking about me, at that moment I beheld
a long bark being fitted out by this cheating knave.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Postquam aurum abstulimus, in navem conscendimus,
domi cupientes. forte ut adsedi in stega,
dum circumspecto, átque ego lembum conspicor
longum, strigorem maleficum exornarier.

[¶142] NICOBULUS:
Troth, I’m undone; that bark breaks my heart.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Perii hercle, lembus ille mihi laedit latus.

[¶143] CHRYSALUS:
This was held in partnership by your host and some pirates.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Is erat communis cum hospite et praedonibus.

[¶144] NICOBULUS:
And that I should be such a blockhead as to trust him, when his very name of Archidemides
cried aloud to me that he would deprive me of it, if I should entrust anything to him.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Adeon me fuisse fungum, ut qui illi crederem,
cum mi ipsum nomen eius Archidemides
clamaret dempturum esse, si quid crederem?

[¶145] CHRYSALUS:
This bark was lying in wait for our ship. I began to watch them, to see what business they were about. Meanwhile, from harbour our ship set sail. When we had fully left the harbour, these fellows began to follow with their oars;
nor birds, nor winds more swiftly. As I discovered what scheme was being carried out, at once we dropped anchor. As they beheld us stopping, they began to keep their vessel back in harbour.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Is lembus nostrae navi insidias dabat.
occepi ego observare eos quam rem gerant.
interea e portu nostra navis solvitur.
ubi portu eximus, homines remigio sequi,
neque aves neque venti citius. quoniam sentio
quae res gereretur, navem extemplo statuimus.
quoniam vident nos stare, occeperunt ratem
turbare in portu.

[¶146] NICOBULUS:
Wicked wretches, by my troth. What did you do at last?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Edepol mortalis malos.
quid denique agitis?

[¶147] CHRYSALUS:
We returned again into harbour.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Rursum in portum recipimus.

[¶148] NICOBULUS:’Twas cleverly done by you. What after that?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Sapienter factum a vobis. quid illi postea?

[¶149] CHRYSALUS:
At nightfall they returned ashore.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Revorsionem ad terram faciunt vesperi.

[¶150] NICOBULUS:
Troth now, they intended to carry off the gold; they were attempting that plan, no doubt.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Aurum hercle auferre voluere: ei rei operam dabant.

[¶151] CHRYSALUS:
It didn’t escape me; I discovered it: I was almost terrified to death by it. As I saw that a scheme was being laid against the gold,
forthwith on this we came to this determination; the next day we carried away all the gold thence in their presence, openly and publicly, that they might know it was done.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Non me fefellit, sensi, eo exanimatus fui.
quoniam videmus auro insidias fieri,
capimus consilium continuo; postridie
auferimus aurum ómne illis praesentibus,
palam atque aperte, ut illi id factum sciscerent.

[¶152] NICOBULUS:
Skilfully managed, i’ faith. Tell me, what did they?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Scite hercle. cedo quid illi?

[¶153] CHRYSALUS:
Chopfallen at once,—soon as ever they saw us leaving the harbour with the gold,
shaking their heads, they hauled their bark ashore. We deposited all the gold with Theotimus, who is a priest there of Ephesian Diana.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Tristes ilico,
quom extemplo a portu íre nos cum auro vident,
subducunt lembum capitibus quassantibus.
nos apud Theotímum omne aurum deposivimus,
qui illic sacerdos est Dianae Ephesiae.

[¶154] NICOBULUS:
Who is this Theotimus?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quis istíc Theotimust?

[¶155] CHRYSALUS:
The son of Megalobyzus, who is now living at Ephesus, a man most dear to the Ephesians.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Megalobuli filius,
qui nunc in Ephesost Ephesiis carissimus.

[¶156] NICOBULUS:
By my troth, he’ll surely turn out very much more dear to me if he shall chouse me out of all that gold.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ne ille hercle mihi sit multo tanto carior,
si me illo auro tanto circumduxerit.

[¶157] CHRYSALUS:
But it is stowed away in the very temple itself of the Goddess Diana; there they keep guard at the public expense.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quin in eapse aede Dianai conditumst;
ibidem publicitus servant.

[¶158] NICOBULUS:
You kill me outright; much more safely would it have been kept in private hands.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Occidistis me;
nimio hic privatim servaretur rectius.

[¶159] But haven’t you brought any of the gold home here?

> Latin: sed nilne áttulistis inde auri domum?

[¶160] CHRYSALUS:
O yes; but how much he has brought, I don’t know.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Immo etiam. verum quantum attulerit nescio.

[¶161] NICOBULUS:
How’s that?—not know?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid? nescis?

[¶162] CHRYSALUS:
Because Mnesilochus went privately by night to Theotimus; and didn’t wish to entrust it to me, nor to any one in the ship. For that reason I don’t know
how much he has brought, but he hasn’t brought very much.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quia Mnesilochus noctu clanculum
devenit ad Theotimum, nec mihi credere
nec cuiquam in navi voluit: eo ego nescio
quantillum attulerit; verum haud permultum attulit.

[¶163] NICOBULUS:
Do you think it was even a half?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Etiam dimidium censes?

[¶164] CHRYSALUS:
By my troth, I know not; but I don’t think it.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Non edepol scio;
verum haud opinor.

[¶165] NICOBULUS:
Does he bring a third part?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Fertne partem tertiam?

[¶166] CHRYSALUS:
Troth, I think not; but I do not know the truth. Indeed, I know nothing at all about the gold, except that I do know nothing about it.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Non hercle opinor; verum verum nescio.
profecto de auro nil scio nisi nescio.

[¶167] Now, you yourself must take a voyage there on board ship, to carry home this gold from Theotimus; and, hearkye—
(Takes him by the arm.)
NICOBULUS:
What do you want?

> Latin: nunc tibimet illuc navi capiundumst iter,
ut illúd reportes aurum ab Theotimo domum.
atque heus tu.
Nicobvlvs:
Quid vis?

[¶168] CHRYSALUS:
Take care and remember to carry your son’s ring.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Anulum gnati tui
facito ut memineris ferre.

[¶169] NICOBULUS:
What need is there of the ring?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid opust anulo?

[¶170] CHRYSALUS:
Because that is the token agreed on with Theotimus, that the person who brings it to him,
to him he is to give up the gold.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quia id sígnumst cum Theotimo, quí eum illi adferet,
ei aurum ut reddat.

[¶171] NICOBULUS:
I’ll remember it, and you advise me well. But is this Theotimus rich?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Meminero, et recte mones.
sed divesne est istic Theotimus?

[¶172] CHRYSALUS:
What, do you ask that? Why, hasn’t he the soles fastened to his shoes with gold?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Etiam rogas?
quin auro hábeat soccis subpactum solum?

[¶173] NICOBULUS:
Why does he thus despise it?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Cur ita fastidit?

[¶174] CHRYSALUS:
He has such immense riches; he doesn’t know what to do with his gold.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Tantas divitias habet;
nescit quid faciat auro.

[¶175] NICOBULUS:
I wish he’d give it me.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Mihi dederit velim.

[¶176] But in whose presence was this gold delivered to Theotimus?

> Latin: sed qui praesente id aurum Theotimo datumst?

[¶177] CHRYSALUS:
In presence of the people; there’s not a person in Ephesus but what knows it.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Populo praesente: nullust Ephesi quin sciat.

[¶178] NICOBULUS:
My son at least did wisely there, in entrusting that gold to a rich man to keep. From him it may be recovered even at a moment’s notice.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Istuc sapienter saltem fecit filius,
cum diviti homini id aurum servandum dedit;
ab eo licebit quamvis subito sumere.

[¶179] CHRYSALUS:
Aye, and look here, he’ll never keep you waiting even thus much (shows his finger-nail) from receiving it on the very day you arrive there.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Immo em tantisper numquam te morabitur,
quin habeas illud quo die illuc veneris.

[¶180] NICOBULUS:
I thought that I had escaped a seafaring life, and that, at length, an old man of my years, I shouldn’t be sailing about. But now I find that I’m not allowed to have the choice whether I would or no;

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Censebam me effugisse a vita marituma,
ne navigarem tandem hoc aetatis senex;
id mi haud, utrum velim, licere intellego:

[¶181] ’tis my fine host Archidemides has done me this. Where, then, is my son, Mnesilochus, at present?

> Latin: ita bellus hospes fecit Archidemides.
ubi nunc est ergo meus Mnesilochus filius?

[¶182] CHRYSALUS:
He has gone to the market-place to pay his respects to the Deities and his friends.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Deos átque amicos iit salutatum ad forum.

[¶183] NICOBULUS:
Then I’ll go hence to meet him as soon as I can.
(Exit NICOBULUS.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
At ego hinc ad illum, ut convenam quantum potest.—

[¶184] CHRYSALUS:
He’s right well loaded, and carries more than his proper burden.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Ille est oneratus recte et plus iusto vehit.

[¶185] Not so very badly has this web been commenced by me, that I may find means for the son of my master in his amour. I’ve managed it so, that he may take as much of the gold as he chooses, and give up to his father as much as he may like to give up. The old gentleman will be going hence to Ephesus to fetch his gold;
here our life will be spent in a delicious manner, since the old man will leave me and Mnesilochus here, and not be taking us along with him. O! what a kick-up I shall be making here. But what’s to be done, when the old gentleman shall have discovered this? When he shall have found out that he has made his journey thither to no purpose,
and that we have misspent his gold, what will become of me after that? I’ faith, I think upon his arrival he’ll be changing my name, and at once be making me Crucisalus instead of Chrysalus. Troth, I’ll run away, if there shall be a greater necessity for it. If I’m caught, I’ll plague him for a punishment;

> Latin: exorsa haec tela non male omnino mihi est:
ut amantem erilem copem facerem filium,
ita feci, ut auri quantum vellet sumeret,
quantum autem lubeat reddere ut reddat patri.
senex in Ephesum íbit aurum arcessere,
hic nostra agetur aetas in malacum modum,
siquidem híc relinquet neque secum abducet senex
med et Mnesilochum. quas ego hic turbas dabo!
sed quid futurumst, cum hoc senex resciverit,
cum se excucurrisse illuc frustra sciverit
nosque aurum abusos? quid mihi fiet postea?
credo hercle adveniens nomen mutabit mihi
facietque extemplo Crucisalum me ex Chrysalo.
aufugero hercle, si magis usus venerit.
si ero reprehensus, macto ego illum infortunio:

[¶186] if his rods are in the fields, still my back’s at home. Now I’ll be off, and tell my master’s son this contrivance about the gold, and about his mistress Bacchis who has been found.
(Exit.) (Enter LYDUS from the house of BACCHIS.)
LYDUS:
Open and throw back straightway this gate of hell, I do entreat. For, really, I do deem it nothing else; inasmuch as no one comes here
but he whon all hopes have deserted, that he may yet be a decent person. Bacchis—no, not Bacchis is their name, but they are most determined Bacchanals. Avaunt from me, you sisters, who suck the blood of men. Richly and elegantly furnished is this house—for destruction. Soon as I beheld all this, at once I straight-way way betook myself to my heels.

> Latin: si illi sunt virgae ruri, at mihi tergum domist.
nunc ibo, erili filio hanc fabricam dabo
super auro amicaque eius inventa Bacchide.—
Lydvs:
Pándite atque aperíte propere iánuam hanc Orci, óbsecro.
nam équidem haud aliter esse duco, quippe quo nemo advenit,
nisi quem spes reliquere omnes, esse ut frugi possiet.
Bacchides non Bacchides, sed bacchae sunt acerrumae.
apage istas a me sorores, quae hominum sorbent sanguinem.
omnis ad perniciem instructa domus opime atque opipare—
quaé ut aspexi, me continuo contuli protinam in pedes.

[¶187] And ought I to carry these things concealed in secrecy? Ought I, Pistoclerus, to conceal from your father your excesses, or your misdeeds, or your places of resort? by which you are aiming to drive your father and myself, and your own self and all your friends, to disgrace, and shame, and ruin altogether, and to destroy us all. Within yourself you entertain no awe of either me or your own self on account of the deeds which you are doing
by which you have made your own father and myself as well, your friends and your connexions, to be abettors in the disgrace of your excesses. Now, before you add this mischief to the rest, I am resolved at once to tell your parent. This instant from myself will I remove this blame, and shall disclose the matter to the old gentleman, that he may forthwith draw forth his son out from this loathsome pollution.
(Exit.) (Enter MNESILOCHUS.)
MNESILOCHUS:
In many ways have I thought it over with myself, and thus I think it is; a man your friend, who is a friend such as the name imports—except the Gods—nothing does excel him. By fact have I experienced it so to be. For when I departed hence to Ephesus (’tis now almost two years ago it happened), from Ephesus I sent letters hither to my friend Pistoclerus,
requesting that he would find out my mistress Bacchis for me. I hear that he has found her, as my servant Chrysalus has brought me word. How aptly, too, has he framed a device against my father about the gold, that I may have abundance in my amour. I see ’tis right that I should make a due return.’Tis better for you to be styled extravagant than ungrateful;

> Latin: egone ut haec conclusa gestem clanculum? ut celem patrem,
Pistoclere, tua flagitia aut damna aut desidiabula?
[quibus patrem et me teque amicosque omnes affectas tuos]
[ad probrum, damnum, flagitium appellere una et perdere.]
neque mei neque te tui intus puditumst factis quae facis,
quibus tuom patrem meque una, amicos, adfinis tuos
tua infámia fecisti gerulifigulos flagiti.
[nunc prius quám malum istoc addis, certumst iam dicam patri]
de me hanc culpam demolibor iam et seni faciam palam,
ut eum éx lutulento caeno propere hinc eliciat foras.—
Mnesilochvs:
Múltimodis meditatus egomet mecum sum, et ita esse arbitror:
homini amico, qui est amicus ita uti nomen possidet,
nisi deos ei nil praestare; id opera expertus sum esse ita.
nám ut in Ephesum hinc abii (hoc factumst ferme abhinc biennium)
ex Epheso huc ad Pistoclerum meum sodalem litteras
misi, amicam ut mi inveniret Bacchidem. illum intellego
invenisse, ut servos meus mi nuntiavit Chrysalus.
condigne is quam techinam de auro advorsum meum fecit patrem,
ut mi amanti copia esset. [séd eccum video incedere.]
nam pol quidem meo animo ingrato hómine nihil inpensiust;

[¶188] but, i’ faith, in my way of thinking at least, there’s nothing more extravagant than the ungrateful man. The former the good will praise, the latter even the bad will censure.’Twere better for an ill-doer to escape than for a benefactor to be deserted. For this reason, then, it behoves me to take the greater care; I needs must be on the watch. Now, Mnesilochus, the sample is on view, now the contest is being decided,
whether you are or are not such as you ought to be; good or bad, of whichever kind; just or unjust, penurious or liberal, fretful or complying. Take you care, if you please, lest you let your servant exce. you in doing well. Whatever you shall prove, I warn you, you shall not be concealed. But see, I perceive my friend’s father and his tutor coming this way. I’ll listen what matter ’tis they are upon.
(He retires aside.) (Enter LYDUS and PHILOXENUS.)

> Latin: malefactorem amitti satius quam relinqui beneficum;
nimio inpendiosum praestat te quam ingratum dicier:
illum laudabunt boni, hunc etiam ipsi culpabunt mali.
qua me causa magis cum cura esse aecum, obvigilatost opus.
nunc, Mnesiloche, specimen specitur, nunc certamen cernitur,
sisne necne ut esse oportet, malus, bonus quoivis modi,
iustus iniustus, malignus largus, comis incommodus.
cave sis te superare servom siris faciundo bene.
utut eris, moneo, haud celabis. sed eccos video incedere
patrem sodalis et magistrum. hinc auscultabo quam rem agant.

[¶189] LYDUS:
I’ll now make trial, whether your heart is sharpened by wisdom in your breast. Follow me.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Nunc experiar, sitne aceto tibi cor acre in pectore.
sequere.

[¶190] PHILOXENUS:
Whither shall I follow? Whither are you now leading me?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Quo sequar? quo ducis nunc me?

[¶191] LYDUS:
To her who has undone, utterly destroyed your single, only son.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Ad illam quae tuom
perdidit, pessum dedit tibi filium unice unicum.

[¶192] PHILOXENUS:
How now, Lydus; those are the wiser who moderate their passion.’Tis less to be wondered at if this age does some of these things
than if it does not do so; I, as well, did the same in my youth.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Heia, Lyde, leniter qui saeviunt sapiunt magis.
minus mirandumst, illaec aetas si quid illorum facit,
quam si non faciat. feci égo istaec itidem in adulescentia.

[¶193] LYDUS:
Ah me! ah me! this over-indulgence has proved his ruin. For had he been without you, I should have had him trained up to moral rectitude; now, by reason of you and your trusting disposition, Pistoclerus has become abandoned.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Ei mihi, ei mihi, istaec illum perdidit assentatio.
nam absque te esset, égo illum haberem rectum ad ingenium bonum:
nunc propter te tuamque pravos factus est fiduciam
Pistoclerus.

[¶194] MNESILOCHUS: (aside.)
Immortal Gods! he names my friend.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Di immortales, meum sodalem hic nominat.

[¶195] What means this, that Lydus is thus exciting his master, Pistoclerus?

> Latin: quid hoc negoti est, Pistoclerum Lydus quod erum tam ciet?

[¶196] PHILOXENUS:’Tis but a little time, Lydus, that a man has a desire to indulge his inclinations; the time will soon come, when he will hate himself even. Humour him; so that care is taken that he offends not beyond the line of honor, e’en suffer him.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Paulisper, Lyde, est libido hómini suo animo obsequi;
iam aderit tempus, cum sese etiam ipse oderit. morem geras;
dum caveatur, praeter aequom ne quid delinquat, sine.

[¶197] LYDUS:
I’ll suffer him not, nor, for my part, while I’m alive, will I allow him to be corrupted.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Non sino, neque equidem illum me vivo corrumpi sinam.

[¶198] But you, who are pleading his cause for a son so profligate, was this same your own training, when you were a young man? I declare that for your first twenty years you had not even this much liberty, to move your foot out of the house even a finger’s length away from your tutor.

> Latin: sed tu, qui pro tam corrupto dicis causam filio,
eademne erat haec disciplina tibi, cum tu adulescens eras?
nego tibi hoc annis viginti fuisse primis copiae,
digitum longe a paedagogo pedem ut efferres aedibus.
ante solem exorientém nisi in palaestram veneras,
gymnasi praefecto haúd mediocris poenas penderes.

[¶199] When it did happen so, this evil, too, was added to the evil; both pupil and preceptor were esteemed disgraced.
Before the rising of the sun had you not come to the school for exercise, no slight punishment would you have had at the hands of the master of the school.

> Latin: id quom optigerat, hoc etiam ad malum accersebatur malum:
et discipulus et magister perhibebantur improbi.

[¶200] There did they exercise themselves rather with running, wrestling, the quoit, the javelin, boxing, the ball, and leaping, rather than with harlots or with kissing;

> Latin: ibi cursu luctando hásta disco pugilatu pila
saliendo sese exercebant magis quam scorto aut saviis:

[¶201] there did they prolong their lives, and not in secret-lurking holes. Then, when from the hippodrome and school of exercise you had returned home, clad in your belted frock, upon a stool by your masters would you sit; and there, when you were reading your book, if you made a mistake in a single syllable, your skin would be made as spotted as your nurse’s gown.
MNESILOCHUS: (aside.)

> Latin: ibi suam aetatem extendebant, non in latebrosis locis.
inde de hippodromo et palaestra ubi revenisses domum,
cincticulo praecinctus in sella apud magistrum adsideres
cum libro: cum legeres, si unam peccavisses syllabam,
fieret corium tam maculosum quam est nutricis pallium.