---
title: "The Two Bacchises · Bacchides"
author: "Plautus"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 2 of 3
url: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-bacchides/2/
cite: "Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, The Two Bacchises · Bacchides, section 2. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-bacchides/2/"
---

# 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.

## 2. Lines 435–830

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

[¶0] I’m sorely vexed, to my sorrow, that on my account these things should be said about my friend. In his innocence he incurs this suspicion for my sake.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Propter me haec nunc meo sodali dici discrucior miser;
innocens suspicionem hanc sustinet causa mea.

[¶1] PHILOXENUS:
The manners, Lydus, now are altered.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Alii, Lyde, nunc sunt mores.

[¶2] LYDUS:
That, for my part, I know full well. For formerly, a man used to receive public honors by the votes of the people, before he ceased to be obedient to one appointed his tutor.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Id equidem ego certo scio.
nam olim populi prius honorem capiebat suffragio,
quam magistro desinebat esse dicto oboediens;

[¶3] But now-a-days, before he is seven years old, if you touch a boy with your hand, at once the child breaks his tutor’s head with his tablet. When you go to complain to the father, thus says the father to the child: “Be you my own dear boy, since you can defend yourself from an injury.” The tutor then is called for; “Hallo! you old good-for-nothing,”
“don’t you be touching the child for this reason, that he has behaved so boldly.” and thus the despised tutor becomes just like a lantern with his oiled linen rags. Judgment pronounced, they go away thence. Can this preceptor then, on these terms, keep up his authority, if he himself is to be beaten the first?
MNESILOCHUS: (aside.)

> Latin: at nunc, prius quam septuennis est, si attingas eum manu,
extemplo puer paédagogo tabula disrumpit caput.
cum patrem adeas postulatum, puero sic dicit pater:
“noster esto, dum te poteris defensare iniuria.”
provocatur paedagogus: “eho senex minimi preti,
ne attigas puerum istac causa, quando fecit strenue.”
[it magister quasi lucerna uncto expretus linteo.]
itur illinc iure dicto. hócine hic pacto potest
inhibere imperium magister, si ipsus primus vapulet?

[¶4] This is a severe accusation. So far as I understand his words,’tis strange if Pistoclerus has never thumped Lydus with his fists.
LYDUS: (seeing MNESILOCHUS.)

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Acris postulatio haec est. cum huius dicta intellego,
mira sunt ni Pistoclerus Lydum pugnis contudit.

[¶5] But who is it that I see standing here before the door? O Philoxenus, I would not prefer for myself to behold even the propitious Gods rather than him.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Sed quis hic est, quem astantem video ante ostium? o Philoxene,
deos propitios me videre quam illum ⟨haud⟩ mavellem mihi.

[¶6] PHILOXENUS:
Who’s this?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Quis illic est?

[¶7] LYDUS:
Why, he’s Mnesilochus, the friend of your son. He is not of a like turn of mind with him who reclines and takes his meals in brothels.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Mnesilochus, gnati tui sodalis [Pistocleri].
haud consimili ingenio atque ille est qui in lupanari accubat.

[¶8] Fortunate Nicobulus! who begot him for himself.
PHILOXENUS: (advancing.)

> Latin: fortunatum Nicobulum, qui illum produxit sibi.

[¶9] My greetings to you, Mnesilochus; I’m glad that you have arrived safe.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Salvos sis, Mnesiloche, salvom te advenire gaudeo.

[¶10] MNESILOCHUS:
May the Gods favour you, Philoxenus.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Di te ament, Philoxene.

[¶11] LYDUS:
He, now, was born at a lucky moment for his father; he goes to sea, attends to the interests of his family, takes care of the house, is obedient and attentive to the wish and commands of his father.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Hic enim rite productust patri:
in mare it, rem familiarem curat, custodit domum,
obsequens oboediensque est mori atque imperiis patris.

[¶12] He, when but a boy, was the companion of Pistoclerus in his boyhood;’tis not by three days that he is the older in age, but his disposition is more improved by thirty years than that of the other.

> Latin: hic sodalis Pistoclero iam puer puero fuit;
triduom non interest aetatis úter maior siet:
verum ingenium plus triginta ánnis maiust quam alteri.

[¶13] PHILOXENUS:
Beware of a mischief, and forbear to speak of him unjustly.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Cave malo et compesce in illum dicere iniuste.

[¶14] LYDUS:
Hold your peace. You’re a foolish man, who cannot bear to have him badly spoken of who does badly.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Tace,
stultus es qui illi male aegre patere dici qui facit.

[¶15] But I would rather have him draw upon my mishaps than upon my savings.

> Latin: [nam illum meum malum promptare malim quam peculium.]

[¶16] PHILOXENUS:
Why so?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
[Quidum?]

[¶17] LYDUS:
Because, if he were to draw upon my mishaps, he would each day be making them less.

> Latin: Lydvs:
[Quia, malum si promptet, in dies faciat minus.]

[¶18] MNESILOCHUS:
Why, Lydus, are you censuring your pupil, my friend?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid sodalem meum castigas, Lyde, discipulum tuom?

[¶19] LYDUS:
Your friend is ruined.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Periit tibi sodalis.

[¶20] MNESILOCHUS:
May the Gods forbid it.
LYDUS:’Tis so as I say. And further, I myself saw it when he was undone; I am not censuring him from hearsay.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Ne di sirint.
Lydvs:
Sic est ut loquor.
quin ego cum peribat vidi, non ex audito arguo.

[¶21] MNESILOCHUS:
What has been done by him?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid factum est?

[¶22] LYDUS:
He is disgracefully doting upon a harlot.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Meretricem indigne deperit.

[¶23] MNESILOCHUS:
Won’t you be silent now?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Non tu taces?

[¶24] LYDUS:
She, too, like a tide, most voraciously swallows all up, whenever she has touched any one.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Atque acerrume aestuosam: absorbet ubi quemque attigit.

[¶25] MNESILOCHUS:
Where does this woman live?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Vbi ea mulier habitat?

[¶26] LYDUS:
Here.
(Points to the house.)

> Latin: Lydvs:
Hic.

[¶27] MNESILOCHUS:
Whence do they say she comes?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Vnde eam esse aiunt?

[¶28] LYDUS:
From Samos.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Ex Samo.

[¶29] MNESILOCHUS:
What’s her name?
LYDUS:
Bacchis.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quae vocatur?
Lydvs:
Bacchis.

[¶30] MNESILOCHUS:
You are wrong, Lydus; I know the whole affair, just as it is. You are blaming Pistoclerus without reason, and in his innocence.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Erras, Lyde: ego omnem rem scio
quem ad modumst. tu Pistoclerum falso atque insontem arguis.

[¶31] For he is carefully performing the business enjoined on him by his friend and companion, his sincere well-wisher. Neither is he himself in love, nor do you suppose him so.

> Latin: nam ille amico et benevolenti suo sodali sedulo
rem mandatam exsequitur. ipsus neque amat nec tu creduas.

[¶32] LYDUS:
Is it necessary for him carefully to perform the business enjoined upon him by his friend in this fashion—for himself, sitting down, to hold a damsel in his lap who is kissing him? Can the business thus entrusted be in no way transacted unless ever and anon
he is placing his hand upon the bosom of Bacchis, or never withdraws his lips from hers? But I’m ashamed to make mention of other things which I have seen him do; when, in my presence, I saw him take most unbecoming liberties with the person of Bacchis, and yet not be at all ashamed. What need of words is there? My pupil, your friend, his son (pointing to PHILOXENUS), is ruined.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Itane oportet rem mandatam gerere amici sedulo,
ut ipsus in gremio osculantem mulierem teneat sedens?
nullon pacto res mandata potest agi, nisi identidem
manus ferát ⟨ei⟩ ad papillas, lábra ab labris nusquam auferat?
nám alia memorare quae illum facere vidi dispudet:
cum manum sub vestimenta ad corpus tetulit Bacchidi
me praesente, neque pudere quicquam. quid verbis opust?
mihi discipulus, tibi sodalis periit, húic filius;

[¶33] For I say that he is ruined, whose modesty in fact is lost. What need of words is there? Had I been willing to wait only a little time, that I might have had a better opportunity of viewing him, I then should, I think, have seen more than would have been proper for me to see, and for him to do.
MNESILOCHUS: (aside.)

> Latin: nám ego illum periisse dico quoi quidem periit pudor.
[quid opust verbis? si opperiri vellem paulisper modo,]
[ut † opinor illius inspectandi mi esset maior copia,]
[plus viderem quam deceret, quam me atque illo aequom foret.]

[¶34] Friend, you have undone me. And ought I not to punish this woman with death? I should prefer that I should perish after some dreadful fashion.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Perdidisti me, sodalis. egone ut illam mulierem
capitis non perdam? perire me malis malim modis.

[¶35] Isn’t it the fact, you know not whom to deem faithful to yourself, or in whom to put your trust?

> Latin: satin ut quem tu habeás fidelem tibi aut cui credas néscias?

[¶36] LYDUS:
Don’t you see how much he grieves that your son, his friend, has been corrupted? and how he is afflicting himself with sorrow?

> Latin: Lydvs:
Viden ut aegre patitur gnatum ésse corruptum tuom,
suom sodalem, ut ipsus sese cruciat aegritudine?

[¶37] PHILOXENUS:
Mnesilochus, I beg this of you, that you will influence his feelings and his disposition.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Mnesiloche, hoc tecum oro, ut illius animum atque ingenium regas;

[¶38] Preserve for yourself a friend as well as a son for me.
MNESILOCHUS:
I fain would do so.
LYDUS: (to PHILOXENUS.)

> Latin: serva tibi sodalem ét mihi filium.
Mnesilochvs:
Factum volo.

[¶39] Much better, too, would you leave me here together with him.
PHILOXENUS:
Mnesilochus has cares,
more than enough.

> Latin: Lydvs:
Melius esset, me quoque una si cum illo relinqueres.
Philoxenvs:
Adfatim est.

[¶40] LYDUS:
Rate the man soundly, who disgraces me, yourself his friend, and others, by his excesses.
PHILOXENUS: (to MNESILOCHUS.)

> Latin: Lydvs:
Mnesiloche, cura, ei, concastiga hominem probe,
qui dedecorat te, me amicosque alios flagitiis suis.

[¶41] Upon you do I impose all this responsibility. Lydus, follow me this way.
LYDUS:
I follow you.
(Exeunt PHILOXENUS and LYDUS.) (MNESILOCUHS, alone.)

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
In te ego hoc onus omne impono. Lyde, sequere hac me.
Lydvs:
Sequor.—

[¶42] MNESILOCHUS:
Which of the two now I should think to be my greater enemy, my companion or Bacchis, is extremely doubtful. Has she chosen him in preference? Let her keep him, that’s the best. Surely, by my troth, she has done this to her own loss. For never let any one entrust to me aught that is sacred,
if I don’t by an abundant example, and—assuredly love her. I’ll make her not to say that she has got hold of a person to make a fool of. But I’ll go home now and pilfer something from my father. Even to such straits will I force her, that beggary shall be the lot of —my father. But do I really now possess my wits with a mind unimpaired,
who am in this fashion prating here of these things that are to come to pass? I’ faith, I’m of opinion that I’m in love, inasmuch as I know for sure I am. But still, than that she, from my abundance, should, by the scraping of a single feather, grow the richer, I’d rather outvie a beggar in begging.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Inimiciorem nunc utrum credam magis
sodalemne esse an Bacchidem, incertum admodumst.
illum exoptavit potius? habeat. optumest.
ne illa illud hercle cum malo fecit suo;
nam mihi divini numquam quisquam creduat,
ni ego illam exemplis plurumis planeque—amo.
ego faxo hau dicet nactam quem derideat.
nam iam domum ibo atque—aliquid surrupiam patri.
id istí dabo. ego istanc multis ulciscar modis.
adeo égo illam cogam usque ut mendicet—meus pater.
sed satine ego animum mente sincera gero,
qui ad hunc modum haec hic quae futura fabulor?
amo hercle opino, ut pote quod pro certo sciam.
verum quam illa umquam de mea pecunia
ramenta fiat plumea propensior,
mendicum malim mendicando vincere.

[¶43] Never, by Heaven, while I live, shall she make a laughing-stock of me. For I have made up my mind to pay down all the gold at once to my father. Upon me, therefore, needy and penniless, shall she fawn, at the time, when it shall be for her advantage not a whit the more than if she were saying her pretty things to a dead man at his tomb.

> Latin: numquam edepol viva me inridebit. nam mihi
decretumst renumerare iam omne aurum patri.
igitur mi inani atque inopi subblandibitur
tum quom blandiri nihilo pluris referet,
quam si ad sepulcrum mortuo narres logos.
[sed autem quam illa umquam meis opulentiis]
[ramenta fiat gravior aut propensior,]
[mori me malim éxcruciatum ínopia.]

[¶44] Beyond a doubt,’tis my fixed determination to give the gold up to my father. Likewise, I’ll entreat that, for my sake, my father won’t hurt Chrysalus, nor censure him at all on my account with respect to the gold which he has deceived him about. For ’tis right that I should have a care for him, who, for my sake,
has told this falsehood. (To some ATTENDANTS) Do you follow me.
(Goes into his father’s house.) (Enter PISTOCLERUS from the house of BACCHIS.)
PISTOCLERUS: (speaking to BACCHIS as he comes out.)
Before other matters, Bacchis, will I give place to what you enjoin me, that I find out Mnesilochus, and bring him, together with myself, to you. But at this my mind is surprised, if my messenger has reached him, what it is that delays him. I’ll go into his house here, and see if perchance he’s at home.
(Enter MNESILOCHUS from his father’s house.)
MNESILOCHUS: (as he enters.)

> Latin: profecto stabilest me patri aurum reddere.
eadem éxorabo, Chrysalo causa mea
pater ne noceat, neu quid ei suscenseat
mea causa de auro quod eum ludificatus est;
nam illi aequomst me consulere, qui causa mea
mendacium éi dixit. vos me sequimini.—
Pistoclervs:
Rébus aliis antevortar, Bacchis, quae mandas mihi:
Mnesilochum ut requiram atque ut eum mecum ad te adducam simul.
nam illud animus meus miratur, si a me tetigit nuntius,
quid remoretur. ibo ut visam huc ad eum, si forte est domi.

[¶45] I’ve given up to my father all the gold. Now could I wish that she should meet me, after I am penniless, this fair one so scornful of me. Yet with what great difficulty did he grant me a pardon for Chrysalus. But I prevailed on him at last that he wouldn’t be at all angry with him.
PISTOCLERUS: (apart.)

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Reddidi patrí omne aurum. nunc ego illam me velim
convenire, postquam inanis sum, contemptricem meam.
sed veniam mihi quam gravate páter dedit de Chrysalo;
verum postremo impetravi, ut ne quid ei suscenseat.

[¶46] Isn’t this my friend?
MNESILOCHUS: (apart.)
Isn’t this my foe that I see?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Estne hic meus sodalis?
Mnesilochvs:
Estne hic hostis, quem aspicio, meus?

[¶47] PISTOCLERUS:
For sure ’tis he.
MNESILOCHUS:’Tis he.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Certe is est.
Mnesilochvs:
Is est.

[¶48] PISTOCLERUS: (apart.)
I’ll go to meet him, and I’ll mend my pace. (Aloud.) Health to you, Mnesilochus!

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Adibo contra et contollam gradum.
salvos sis, Mnesiloche.

[¶49] MNESILOCHUS:
Hail!

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Salve.

[¶50] PISTOCLERUS:
As you are arrived safe from abroad, a dinner must be given.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Salvos quom peregre advenis,
cena detur.

[¶51] MNESILOCHUS:
A dinner pleases me not, which excites my choler.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Non placet mi cena quae bilem movet.

[¶52] PISTOCLERUS:
Has any vexation befallen you on your arrival?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Numquae advenienti aegritudo obiecta est?

[¶53] MNESILOCHUS:
Aye, and a very grievous one.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Atque acerruma.

[¶54] PISTOCLERUS:
From what quarter?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Vnde?

[¶55] MNESILOCHUS:
From a person whom heretofore I had supposed to be my friend.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Ab homine quem mi amicum esse arbitratus sum antidhac.

[¶56] PISTOCLERUS:
Many live after that manner and method, who, when you think them to be friends, are found false with their deceitfulness, strong in their talking, slothful in their doing, of faith infirm. Not one is there whom they don’t envy on their enjoying prosperity; through their own indolence do they themselves take right good care that no envy is directed against them.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Multi more isto atque exemplo vivont, quos cum censeas
esse amicos, reperiuntur falsi falsimoniis,
lingua factiosi, inertes opera, sublesta fide.
nullus est quoi non invideant rem secundam optingere;
sibi ne ínvideatur, ipsi ignavia recte cavent.

[¶57] MNESILOCHUS:
By my troth, you surely understand their ways most thoroughly. But still this one misfortune do they find from their bad disposition; they are the friends of no one, while they themselves are all at enmity against themselves; and these, while they are deceiving themselves, in their foolishness imagine that others are deceived. Just so is he whom I supposed to be as much a friend to me as I am to my own self.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Edepol ne tu illorum mores perquam meditate tenes.
sed etiam unum hoc: ex ingenio malo malum inveniunt suo:
nulli amici sunt, inimicos ipsi in sese omnis habent.
ei se cum frustrantur, frustrari alios stolidi existumant.
sicut est hic, quem esse amicum ratus sum atque ipsus sum mihi:

[¶58] He, so far as in him lay, has taken all care to do whatever injury he could towards me, to turn all my own resources against me.

> Latin: ille, quod in se fuit, accuratum habuit quod posset mali
faceret in me, inconciliaret copias omnis meas.

[¶59] PISTOCLERUS:
This same must me a bad man.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Improbum istunc esse oportet hominem.

[¶60] MNESILOCHUS:
I judge that so he is.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Ego ita esse arbitror.

[¶61] PISTOCLERUS:
Troth now, prithee, do tell me who it is.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Obsecro hercle loquere, quis is est.

[¶62] MNESILOCHUS:
He lives on good terms with yourself. But were he not; so, I would entreat you to do him whatever harm you could do.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Benevolens vivit tibi.
nam ni ita esset, tecum orarem ut éi quod posses mali
facere faceres.

[¶63] PISTOCLERUS:
Only tell me the person, who he is; if I don’t do him an injury, some way or other, do you say that I’m the greatest of cowards.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Dic modo hominem qui sit: si non fecero
ei male aliquo pacto, me esse dicito ignavissimum.

[¶64] MNESILOCHUS:
The person’s a bad one, but he’s your friend, i’ faith.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Nequam homost, verum hercle amicus est tibi.

[¶65] PISTOCLERUS:
So much the rather, then, tell me who he is. In good sooth, I set no value on the esteem of a worthless person.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Tanto magis
dic quis est; nequam hominis ego parvi pendo gratiam.

[¶66] MNESILOCHUS:
I appear, then, not to be able to avoid disclosing to you his name.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Video non potesse quin tibi eius nomen eloquar.

[¶67] Pistoclerus, you have utterly undone me, your friend.

> Latin: Pistoclere, perdidisti me sodalem funditus.

[¶68] PISTOCLERUS:
How’s that?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quid istuc est?

[¶69] MNESILOCHUS:
How’s that? Did I not send you a letter from Ephesus about my mistress, that you should find her out for me?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid est? misine ego ad te ex Epheso epistulam
super amica, ut mi invenires?

[¶70] PISTOCLERUS:
I own you did; and I have discovered her.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Fateor factum, et repperi.

[¶71] MNESILOCHUS:
How now? Was there not a choice for you of other Courtesans in Athens, for you to form engagements with, instead of with her whom I had recommended to your care?
Could you yourself begin to love, and to contrive an injury against myself?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid? tibi non erat meretricum aliarum Athenis copia
quibuscum haberes rem, nisi cum illa quám ego mandassem tibi
occiperes tute † amare et mi ires consultum male?

[¶72] PISTOCLERUS:
Are you in your senses?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Sanun es?

[¶73] MNESILOCHUS:
I have found out the whole affair from your tutor; don’t deny it. You’ve ruined me.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Rem repperi omnem ex tuo magistro. ne nega.
perdidisti me.

[¶74] PISTOCLERUS:
What, still upbraiding me without reason with these rebukes of yours?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Etiamne ultro tuis me prolectas probris?

[¶75] MNESILOCHUS:
Why? You’re in love with Bacchis.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid? amas Bacchidem?

[¶76] PISTOCLERUS:
But look you, two persons of the name of Bacchis are living here in this house.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Duas ergo hic intus eccas Bacchides.

[¶77] MNESILOCHUS:
How, two?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid? duas?

[¶78] PISTOCLERUS:
Aye, and the two are sisters.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Átque ambas sorores.

[¶79] MNESILOCHUS:
You are now designedly telling idle stories.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Loqueris nunc nugas sciens.

[¶80] PISTOCLERUS:
In fine, if you persist in thinking there’s but little confidence in me, I’ll take you upon my shoulders, and carry you hence into their house.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Postremo, si pergis parvam mihi fidem arbitrarier,
tollam ego ted in collum atque intro hinc auferam.

[¶81] MNESILOCHUS:
Well, I’ll go; but stay a moment.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Immo ibo, mane.

[¶82] PISTOCLERUS:
I will not stay, and you shall not be holding me under a false suspicion.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Non maneo, neque tu me habebis falso suspectum.

[¶83] MNESILOCHUS:
I follow you then.
(They go into the house of BACCHIS.) (Enter a PARASITE and a BOY.)

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Sequor.—

[¶84] PARASITE:
Of a debauched and unscrupulous fellow am I the Parasite—a Captain, who has brought his mistress with him from Samos.

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Parasitus ego sum hominis nequam atque improbi,
militis, qui amicam secum avexit ex Samo.

[¶85] Now he has ordered me to go to her, and make enquiry whether she will pay back the gold, or whether she will depart together with him. You, boy, who have for some time been with her, whichever of these is the house, do you knock. Go to the door forthwith. (The BOY goes to knock.) Are you coming back from there, you hangdog? How the graceless scoundrel does knock!

> Latin: nunc me ire iussit ad eam et percontarier,
utrum aurum reddat anne eat secum semul.
tu dudum, puere, cum illac usque isti semul:
quae harum sunt aedes, pulta. adi actutum ad fores.
recede hinc dierecte. ut pulsat propudium!

[¶86] You can gobble up a loaf three feet wide, and yet you don’t know how to knock at a door. (He calls out and knocks violently.) Is there any one in-doors? Hallo! is there any one here? Does any one open this door? Who’s coming out?
(Enter PISTOCLERUS from the house.)
PISTOCLERUS:
What’s the matter? What’s this knocking? Why, what the confounded torment possesses you, to be exerting your strength in this fashion on another person’s door?

> Latin: comesse panem tris pedes latum potes,
fores pultare nescis. ecquis in aedibust?
heus, ecquis hic est? ecquis hoc aperit ostium?
ecquis éxit?
Pistoclervs:
Quid istuc? quae istaec est pulsatio?
… quae te mala crux agitat, quí ad istunc modum
alieno viris tuas extentes ostio?

[¶87] You’ve almost broken the door down. What do you want now?

> Latin: fores paene exfregisti. quid nunc vis tibi?

[¶88] PARASITE:
Young gentleman, my respects.

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Adulescens, salve.

[¶89] PISTOCLERUS:
And my respects. But whom are you looking for?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Salve. sed quem quaeritas?

[¶90] PARASITE:
For Bacchis.

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Bacchidem.

[¶91] PISTOCLERUS:
But which of them?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Vtram ergo?

[¶92] PARASITE:
Of that I know nothing, only it’s Bacchis. In a few words, the Captain, Cleomachus,
has sent me to her, either for her to pay back the tyro hundred golden Philippeans, or to go hence this day, together with him, to Elatia.

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Nil scio nisi Bacchidem.
paucis: me misit miles ad eam Cleomachus,
vel ut ducentos Phílippos reddat aureos
vel ut hinc in Elatiam hodie eat secum semul.

[¶93] PISTOCLERUS:
She doesn’t go: she says she shan’t go. Begone, and take back this message—she loves another person, and not him. Take yourself off from the house.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Non it. negat se ituram. abi et renuntia.
alium illa amat, non illum. duc te ab aedibus.

[¶94] PARASITE:
You’re too hasty.

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Nimis iracunde.

[¶95] PISTOCLERUS:
And would you know now hasty I am?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
At scin quam iracundus siem?

[¶96] By my faith, your phiz isn’t far off from a mishap; so much are these teeth-crackers (looking at his fists) longing in my fists.
PARASITE: (aside.)

> Latin: ne tíbi hercle haud longe est os ab infortunio,
ita dentifrangibula haec meis manibus gestiunt.

[¶97] So far as I understand his words,’tis a warning to me, lest he should knock my nut-crackers out of my jaws. (To PISTOCLERUS.) At your own peril, I’ll tell him this.

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Cum ego huius verba interpretor, mihi cautiost,
ne nucifrangibula excussit ex malis meis.
tuo ego istaec igitur dicam illi periculo.

[¶98] PISTOCLERUS:
What do you say?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quid ais tu?

[¶99] PARASITE:
I’ll tell him that which you bade me.

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Ego istuc illi dicam.

[¶100] PISTOCLERUS:
Who are you? Tell me.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Dic mihi,
quis tu es?

[¶101] PARASITE:
I’m the skill of his body

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Illius sum integumentum corporis.

[¶102] PISTOCLERUS:
He needs must be a scampish fellow, who has got so worthless a skin.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Nequam esse oportet cui tu integumentum improbu'simprobus es.

[¶103] PARASITE:
He’ll be coming here, swollen up with wrath.

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Sufflatus ille huc veniet.

[¶104] PISTOCLERUS:
I wish he may burst.
PARASITE: (about to go.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Dirrumptum velim.

[¶105] Is there anything you want?
PISTOCLERUS:
Be off; you must do so this instant.

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Numquid vis?
Pistoclervs:
Abeas. celeriter factost opus.

[¶106] PARASITE:
Good-bye, teeth-cracker.
(Exit.)

> Latin: Parasitvs:
Vale, dentifrangibule.—

[¶107] PISTOCLERUS:
And you, skin of his body, good-bye! This matter has come to such a point, that what advice to give my friend about his mistress, I know not; who, in his pet, has given up all the gold to his father, and not a coin is there that may be paid to the Captain.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Et tu, integumentum, vale.
in eum nunc haec res vénit locum, ut quid consili
dem meo sodali super amica nesciam,
qui iratus renumeravit omne aurum patri,
neque nummus ullust qui reddatur militi.

[¶108] But I’ll step aside, for the door makes a noise. O, here’s Mnesilochus coming out, and pensive, too.
(He stands apart.) (Enter MNESILOCHUS from the house of BACCHIS.)

> Latin: sed huc concedam, nam concrepuerunt fores.
Mnesilochus eccum maestus progreditur foras.

[¶109] MNESILOCHUS:
Insolent, of a froward, passionate, ungovernable, inconsiderate disposition, without reason and moderation, am I; without fine principles of rectitude and honor, hard of belief, powerless to control my passions,
born of a temper ill-disposed, unamiable and ungracious is my life. In fine, I am that which I could wish others to be. There’s not a person more worthless, or more unworthy for the Gods to bless, or for men to love or to associate with.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Pétulans, protervo íracundo ánimo, indomito incógitato,
sine modo et modestia sum, sine bono iure atque honore,
incredibilis imposque animi, ínamabilis inlepidus vivo,
malevolente ingenio natus. postremo id mi est quod volo
ego esse áliis. credibile hóc est?
nequiór nemost neque indígnior quoi
di béne faciant neque quém quisquam
homo aút amet aut ádeat.

[¶110] ’Tis more just that I should have enemies than friends—’tis more reasonable that the bad should give me their assistance than the good.

> Latin: inimícos quam amícos aequómst med habére,
malós quam bonós par magís me iuváre.

[¶111] There’s not a person more deserving of all the reproaches that are befitting worthless men, than I, who have given up to my father the money that was in my power. Could this be believed by any one whatever? Am I not a madman, who have miserably undone myself and the device of Chrysalus?
PISTOCLERUS: (aside.)

> Latin: ómnibus probris, quae ímprobis viris
dígna sunt, dígnior núllus est homo;
quí patri réddidi omne aúrum amans, ⟨mihi⟩
quód fuit praé manu. súmne ego homo miser?
pérdidi mé simulque óperam Chrysali.

[¶112] He must now be consoled by me; I’ll accost him. (Aloud.) Hallo, Mnesilochus! what’s the matter?
MNESILOCHUS:
I’m ruined.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Consólandus hic mist, íbo ad eum.
Mnesíloche, quid fit?
Mnesilochvs:
Périi.

[¶113] PISTOCLERUS:
May the Gods grant better things!

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Di mélius faciant.

[¶114] MNESILOCHUS:
I’m ruined.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Périi.

[¶115] PISTOCLERUS:
Won’t you hold your tongue, simpleton?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Non táces, insipiens?

[¶116] MNESILOCHUS:
Hold my tongue?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Táceam?

[¶117] PISTOCLERUS:
You are not now quite right in your senses.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Sanús satis non es.

[¶118] MNESILOCHUS:
I’m undone. Many sharp and poignant woes are now arising in my breast. Did I not put faith in that accusation? Without any cause was I angry with you.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Périi.
múlta mala mi in péctore nunc ácria atque acérba eveniunt.
criminin me habuisse fídem? immérito tibi íratus fui.

[¶119] PISTOCLERUS:
Come, come, do have a good heart.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Heia, bonum habe ánimum.

[¶120] MNESILOCHUS:
Whence have it? A dead man is of more value than I am.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Vnde habeam? mortuos pluris pretist
quam égo sum.

[¶121] PISTOCLERUS:
The Captain’s Parasite came here, just now, to fetch the gold hence. I drove the fellow away from this door and from this fair one, and packed him off through my harsh language.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Militis parasitus venerat modo aurum petere hinc,
eum ego meis dictis malis his foribus atque hac ⟨platea abegi⟩;
reppuli, reieci hominem.

[¶122] MNESILOCHUS:
But of what service is that to me? Wretch that I am, what shall I do? I have nothing; and he certainly will carry her off.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid mi id prodest? ⟨quom ipse veniet,⟩
quid faciam? nil habeo miser. ille quidem hanc abducet, scio.

[¶123] PISTOCLERUS:
By my faith, if I had the means, I’d engage not.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Si mihi sit, nón pollicear.

[¶124] MNESILOCHUS:
I know you’d give it me; I know your ways; and were you not in love, I should now have the very greatest possible confidence in your assistance. At present, you yourself have more than enough of your own business, for me to suppose that you, who are in want yourself; are able to give me any assistance.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Scio, dares, novi ⟨tuom⟩.
sed nisi ames, non habeam tibi fidem tantam; ⟨eó quod amas tamen⟩
nunc agitas sat tute tuarum rérum; ⟨sin libér sies⟩
egone ut opem mi ferre posse pútem inopem te? ⟨non potest⟩.

[¶125] PISTOCLERUS:
Do but hold your tongue: some Divinity will favour us.
MNESILOCHUS.:
Nonsense.
(Moves as if going.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Tace modo: deus respiciet nos aliquis.
Mnesilochvs:
Nugae. ⟨vale⟩.

[¶126] PISTOCLERUS:
Do stay.
(Takes hold of him.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Mane.

[¶127] MNESILOCHUS:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid est?

[¶128] PISTOCLERUS:
Why, I see Chrysalus here, your main resource.
(Enter CHRYSALUS, at a distance.)
CHRYSALUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Tuam cópiam eccam Chrysalum video. ⟨tace.⟩

[¶129] It’s right this man (pointing to himself) should be worth his weight in gold: it’s fair that a statue of gold should be erected for him. For, this day, two exploits have I achieved; with twofold spoils have I been graced. So cleverly have I gulled my elder master this day, that he has been made a fool of. The crafty old blade, by my crafty tricks, have I compelled and constrained to believe me in everything.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Hunc hóminem decet auro éxpendi, huic décet statuam statui éx auro;
nam dúplex hodie facinús feci, duplicíbus spoliis sum adféctus.
érum maiorem méum ut ego hodie lúsi lepide, ut lúdificatust.
cállidum senem cállidis dolis
cómpuli et pérpuli, mi ómnia ut créderet.

[¶130] Then, for the son of the old gentleman, my master here in love, together with whom I drink, with whom I eat and go a-courting, I have procured regal and golden trea sures, that he may take from thence at home, and not go seeking abroad. Those Parmenos and those Syruses,
please me not, who filch some two or three minae from their masters. There’s nothing more worthless than a servant without skill—worthless, if he has not a breast mightily well-stocked, so that, whenever there is necessity, he may draw his supply from his own breast. No one can be a person well to do …
unless he understands both how to do good and how to do evil. With rogues he must be a rogue; with thieves let him filch whatever he can. It befits him who is truly wise, to be a person that can shift his very skin.
Good with the good let him be, bad with the bad: just as things are, so let him ever frame his humour. But I should like to know how much gold my master has taken for himself, and what he has given up to his father.

> Latin: núnc amanti ero fílio senis,
quícum égo bibo, quícum édo et amo,
régias cópias aúreasque óptuli,
út domo súmeret neú foris quaéreret.
nón mihi istí placent Pármenonés, Syri,
quí duas aut trís minas aúferunt eris.
néquius nil ést quam egens cónsili servós, nisi
hábet multipotens péctus:
úbicumque usús siet, péctore expromát suo.
nullús frugi esse pótest homo,
nisi qui ét bene et mále facere tenet.
ímprobis cum ímprobus sit, hárpaget fúribus,
fúretur quód queat,
vórsipellem frúgi cónvenit esse hominem,
péctus quoi sapít: bonus sít bonis, malus sít malis;
utcúmque res sit, ita ánimum hábeat.
séd lubet scíre quantum aúrum erus sibi
démpsit et quíd suo réddidit patri.

[¶131] If he is a prudent person, he has made a Hercules of his parent: he has given him the tenth part, and has kept back nine for himself. But, see! the person whom I was looking for; he meets me most opportunely. (To MNESILOCHUS.) Has any of your money fallen down, my master, that thus, in silence, you are looking down upon the ground?

> Latin: sí frugi est, Hérculem fécit ex patre:
décimam partem eí dedit, síbi novem abstulit.
séd quem quaero óptume eccum óbviam mihi est.
núm qui nummi éxciderúnt, ere, tibi,
quod síc terram optuére?

[¶132] Why do I see you two sad and sorrowful?

> Latin: quid vós maestos tam trístesque esse cónspicor?

[¶133] I like it not; and ’tis not without some reason. Are you going now to give me any answer?

> Latin: non plácet nec temere est étiam. quin mihi réspondetis?

[¶134] MNESILOCHUS:
I’m undone, Chrysalus.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Chrýsale, occidi.

[¶135] CHRYSALUS:
Perhaps you took too little of the gold.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Fortassis tu auri dempsisti parum?

[¶136] MNESILOCHUS:
How, a plague, too little? Why, yes, indeed, a very great deal less than too little.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quam, malum, parum? immo vero nimio minus multo parum.

[¶137] CHRYSALUS:
Why the mischief then, simpleton, since by my skill an opportunity was procured for that very purpose, that you might take as much as you pleased,
did you thus take it up with the tips of two fingers? Or, didn’t you know how rarely an opportunity of that kind presents itself to a person?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid igitur, stulte? ⟨an tu,⟩ quoniam occasio ad eam rem fuit
mea virtute parta, ut quantum velles tantum sumeres,
sic hoc digitulis duobus sumebas primoribus?
an nescibas quam eius modi hómini raro tempus se daret?

[¶138] MNESILOCHUS:
You are mistaken.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Erras.

[¶139] CHRYSALUS:
Why, surely,’tis you yourself that were mistaken, when you dip’t your fingers in not deep enough.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
At quidem túte errasti, cum parum immersti ampliter.

[¶140] MNESILOCHUS:
I’ faith, you’d upbraid me more than now you do, if you knew the matter better. I’m undone.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Pol tu quam nunc med accuses magis, si magis rem noveris.
occidi.

[¶141] CHRYSALUS:
My mind is now foreboding further mischief from those words.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Animus iam istoc dicto plus praesagitur mali.

[¶142] MNESILOCHUS:
I’m ruined.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Perii.

[¶143] CHRYSALUS:
How so?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid ita?

[¶144] MNESILOCHUS:
Because I’ve given all up to my father, with every particle of it.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quia patri omne cum ramento reddidi.

[¶145] CHRYSALUS:
Given it up?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Reddidisti?

[¶146] MNESILOCHUS:
Given it up.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Reddidi.

[¶147] CHRYSALUS:
What, all?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Omnene?

[¶148] MNESILOCHUS:
Every jot.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Oppido.

[¶149] CHRYSALUS:
We are done for. How came it into your mind to do this deed so foul?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Occisi sumus.
qui in mentem venit tibi istuc facinus facere tam malum?

[¶150] MNESILOCHUS:
I had a suspicion, Chrysalus, by reason of a charge, that Bacchis and he (pointing to PISTOCLERUS) had been playing me false; for that reason, in my anger, I gave up all the gold
to my father.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Bacchidem atque hunc suspicabar propter crimen, Chrysale,
mi male consuluisse: ob eam rem omne aurum iratus reddidi
meo patri.

[¶151] CHRYSALUS:
What did you say to your father when you gave up the gold?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid, ubi reddebas aurum, dixisti patri?

[¶152] MNESILOCHUS:
That I had at once received this gold from his host, Archidemides.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Mé id aurum accepisse extemplo ab hospite Archidemide.

[¶153] CHRYSALUS:
Eh! by that speech you have this day consigned Chrysalus to the torture; for, when he shall set eyes on me, the old gentleman will carry me off that instant to the executioner.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Em,
istoc dicto dédisti hodie ín cruciatum Chrysalum;
nam úbi me aspiciet, ad carnuficem rapiet continuo senex.

[¶154] MNESILOCHUS:
I’ve besought my father.
CERYS.:
I suppose, to do, in fact, the thing that I was speaking of?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Ego patrem exoravi.
Chrysalvs:
Nempe ergo hoc ut faceret quod loquor?

[¶155] MNESILOCHUS:
Nay, not to punish you, or to blame you at all on account of this business. And with some difficulty I’ve prevailed. Now, Chrysalus, this must be your care.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Immo tibi ne noceat neu quid ob eam rem suscenseat;
atque aegre impetravi. nunc hoc tibi curandumst, Chrysale.

[¶156] CHRYSALUS:
What do you wish should be my care?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid vis curem?

[¶157] MNESILOCHUS:
That once again you should make a second inroad upon the old gentleman. Contrive, devise, invent whatever you please; frame your plans, so that this day you may cleverly deceive the old man unawares, and carry off the gold.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Vt ad senem etiam álteram facias viam.
compara, fabricare finge quod lubet, conglutina,
ut senem hodie doctum docte fallas aurumque auferas.

[¶158] CHRYSALUS:
It scarcely seems possible to be done.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vix videtur fieri posse.

[¶159] MNESILOCHUS:
Set about it, and you’ll easily effect it.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Perge, ac facile ecfeceris.

[¶160] CHRYSALUS:
How the plague “easily,” for me, whom he has this moment caught out in a lie? Should I entreat him not to believe me at all, he would not venture even to believe me in that.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quam, malum, fácile, quem mendaci prendit manufesto modo?
quem si orem ut mihi nil credat, id non ausit credere.

[¶161] MNESILOCHUS:
Aye, and if you were to hear what things he said about you in my presence.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Immo si audias quae dicta dixit me adversum tibi.

[¶162] CHRYSALUS:
What did he say?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid dixit?

[¶163] MNESILOCHUS:
That if you were to say that this sun was the sun,
he would believe it was the moon, and that that is the night which is now the day.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Si tu illum solem sibi solem esse diceres,
se illum lunam credere esse et noctem qui nunc est dies.

[¶164] CHRYSALUS:
By my troth, I’ll bamboozle the old chap right well this very day, so that he shan’t have said that for nothing.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Emungam hercle hominem probe hodie, ne id nequiquam dixerit.

[¶165] PISTOCLERUS:
Now, what would you have us do?
CHRYSALUS:
Why, nothing, except that I beg you’ll still love on. As for the rest, ask of me as much gold as you please; I’ll find it you. Of what use is it for me to have the name of Chrysalus, unless I give proofs by fact?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Nunc quid nos vis facere?
Chrysalvs:
Énim nil nisi ut ametis impero.
ceterum quantum lubet me poscitote aurum: ego dabo.
quid mihi refert Chrysalo esse nomen, nisi factis probo?

[¶166] But now, tell me, Mnesilochus, how much gold is requisite for you.

> Latin: sed nunc quantillum usust auri tibi, Mnesiloche? dic mihi.

[¶167] MNESILOCHUS:
There’s occasion for two hundred pieces at once, to pay the Captain for Bacchis.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Militi nummis ducentis iam usus est pro Bacchide.

[¶168] CHRYSALUS:
I’ll find it you.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Ego dabo.

[¶169] MNESILOCHUS:
Then we have need of some for current expenses.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Tum nobis opus est sumptu.

[¶170] CHRYSALUS:
Aye, aye, I wish us to do each thing deliberately; when I’ve accomplished the one, then I’ll set about the other. First, for the two hundred pieces, I shall direct my engine of war against the old gentleman.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Ah, placide volo
unum quidque agamus: hoc ubi egero, tum istuc agam.
de ducentis nummis primum intendam ballistam in senem;

[¶171] If with that engine I batter down the tower and the outworks, straight at the gate that instant I’ll attack the old town and the new one; if I take it, then carry to your friends the gold in baskets, just as your heart wishes.
PISTOCLERUS:
Our hearts are with you, Chrysalus.

> Latin: ea ballista si pervortam turrim et propugnacula,
recta porta invadam extemplo in oppidum anticum et vetus:
si id capso, geritote amicis vostris aurum corbibus,
sicut animus sperat.
Pistoclervs:
Apud test animus noster, Chrysale.

[¶172] CHRYSALUS:
Now, do you go in-doors to Bacchis, Pistoclerus, and quickly bring out—

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nunc tu abi intro, Pistoclere, ad Bacchidem, atque ecfer cito

[¶173] PISTOCLERUS:
What?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quid?

[¶174] CHRYSALUS:
A pen, some wax, tablets, and some cord.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Stilum, ceram et tabellas, linum.

[¶175] PISTOCLERUS:
I’ll have them here this instant.
(Goes into the house.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Iam faxo hic erunt.—

[¶176] MNESILOCHUS:
What now are you about to do? Do tell me that.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid nunc es facturus? id mihi dice.

[¶177] CHRYSALUS:
Let a breakfast be prepared; there will be you two, and your mistress will make a third with you.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Coctumst prandium?
vos duo eritis atque amica tua erit tecum tertia?

[¶178] MNESILOCHUS:
Just as you say.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Sicut dicis.

[¶179] CHRYSALUS:
Pistoclerus has no mistress?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Pistoclero nulla amica est?

[¶180] MNESILOCHUS:
O yes, she’s here; he’s in love with the one sister, I with the other, both of the name of Bacchis.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Immo adest.
alteram ille amat sororem, ego alteram, ambas Bacchides.

[¶181] CHRYSALUS:
What were you going to say?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid tu loquere?

[¶182] MNESILOCHUS:
This; how we are to manage.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Hoc, ut futuri sumus.

[¶183] CHRYSALUS:
Where are your couches laid out?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vbist biclinium
vobis stratum?

[¶184] MNESILOCHUS:
Why o you ask that?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Quid id exquaeris?

[¶185] CHRYSALUS:
So the matter stands; I wish to be informed. You know not what I am about to do, nor what a great exploit I shall attempt.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Res itast, dici volo.
nescis quid ego acturus sim nec facinus quantum exordiar.

[¶186] MINES.:
Give me your hand, and follow me close, to the door. Peep in.
(CHRYSALUS looks in at the door of the house of BACCHIS.)

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Cedo manum ac subsequere propius me ad fores. intro inspice.

[¶187] CHRYSALUS:
Hurra!’Tis a very pretty place, this, and exactly as I could wish it to be.
(Re-enter PISTOCLERUS, with pen and tablets.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Euax, nimis bellus átque ut esse maxume optabam locus.

[¶188] PISTOCLERUS:
The things that you ordered—what’s ordered for a good purpose is forthwith done by the obedient.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quae imperavisti. imperatum bene bonis factum ilicost.

[¶189] CHRYSALUS:
What have you brought?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid parasti?

[¶190] PISTOCLERUS:
Everything that you bade me bring.
CHRYSALUS: (to MNESILOCHUS.)

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quae parari tu iussisti ómnia.

[¶191] Do you take the pen at once, and these tablets.
MNESILOCHUS: (taking them.)
What then?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Cape stilum propere et tabellas tu has tibi.
Mnesilochvs:
Quid postea?

[¶192] CHRYSALUS:
Write there what I shall bid you; for I wish you to write for this reason,
that your father may know the hand when he reads it.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quod iubebo scribito istic. nam propterea ⟨te⟩ volo
scribere, ut pater cognoscat litteras quando legat.

[¶193] Write now.
MNESILOCHUS:
What shall I write?

> Latin: scribe.
Mnesilochvs:
Quid scribam?

[¶194] CHRYSALUS:
Health to your father, in your own language.
(MNESILOCHUS writes.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Salutem tuo patri verbis tuis.

[¶195] PISTOCLERUS:
Suppose he were to write “disease and death,” in preference, that would be much better.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Quid si potius morbum mortem scribat? id erit rectius.

[¶196] CHRYSALUS:
Don’t you interrupt us.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Ne interturba.

[¶197] MNESILOCHUS:
What you have ordered is now written on the wax.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Iam imperatum in cera inest.

[¶198] CHRYSALUS:
Tell me in what terms.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Dic quem ad modum.

[¶199] MNESILOCHUS:
“Mnesilochus sends health to his father.”

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
“Mnesilochus salutem dicit suo patri.”

[¶200] CHRYSALUS:
Write this, too, quickly:

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Adscribe hoc cito:

[¶201] “My father, Chrysalus is always and everywhere talking at me, and in no measured terms, because I gave you up the gold, and because I did not cheat you of it.”
(MNESILOCHUS writes.)

> Latin: “Chrysalus mihi usque quaque loquitur nec recte, pater,
quia tibi aurum reddidi et quía non te fraudaverim.”

[¶202] PISTOCLERUS:
Stop till he has written it.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Mane dum scribit.

[¶203] CHRYSALUS:
It befits the hand of a lover to be active.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Celerem oportet esse amatoris manum.

[¶204] PISTOCLERUS:
I’ faith, that hand is more active by far at lavishing than at writing.

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Atque † idem hercle em perdundum magis quam ad scribundumst cito.

[¶205] MNESILOCHUS:
Say on; that’s written down.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Loquere. hoc scriptumst.

[¶206] CHRYSALUS:
“Now, my dear father, do you henceforth be on your guard against him,”
“for he is forming knavish plans to deprive you of the gold, and has declared that he will have it beyond a doubt.” Write legibly.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
“Nunc, pater mi, proin tu ab eo ut caveas tibi,
sycophantias componit, aurum ut abs ted auferat;
et profecto se ablaturum dixit.” plane adscribito.

[¶207] MNESILOCHUS:
You only dictate.
(Writes.)

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Dic modo.

[¶208] CHRYSALUS:
“And he promises that he will give this gold to me, for me to give away to naughty women, and to consume it and live like a Greek in dens of infamy. But, father, do you take care that he does not impose on you this day; I entreat you, do beware.”

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
“Atque id pollicetur se daturum aurum mihi,
quod dem scortis quodque in lustris comedim congraecem, pater.
sed, pater, vide né tibi hodie verba det: quaeso cave.”

[¶209] MNESILOCHUS:
Only say on.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Loquere porro.

[¶210] CHRYSALUS:
Just write on, then.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Adscribe dum etiam.

[¶211] MNESILOCHUS:
Only say what I am to write
CHRYSALUS: (MNESILOCHUS writing.)

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Loquere quid scribam modo.

[¶212] “But, father, what you promised me I beg that you will remember, that you will not beat him, but keep him in chains at your house at home.” Do you give me the wax and cord forthwith. Come, fasten it, and seal it in an instant.
MNESILOCHUS: (sealing the tablets.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
“Sed, pater, quod promisisti mihi, te quaeso ut memineris,
ne illum verberes; verum apud te vinctum adservato domi.”
cedo tu ceram ac linum actutum. age obliga, obsigna cito.

[¶213] Prithee, what use is there in this writing after such a fashion,
that he is to give no credence to you, and to keep you in chains at home?

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Obsecro, quid istís ad istunc usust conscriptis modum,
ut tibi ne quid credat atque ut vinctum te adservet domi?

[¶214] CHRYSALUS:
Because it pleases me so. Can’t you possibly take care of your own self, and have no thought about me? In confidence in myself I undertook the task, and at my own peril do I carry on the matter.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quia mi ita lubet. potin ut cures te atque ut ne parcas mihi?
mea fiducia ópus conduxi et meo periclo rem gero.

[¶215] MNESILOCHUS:
You say what’s true.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Aequom dicis.

[¶216] CHRYSALUS:
Give me the tablets.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Cedo tabellas.

[¶217] MNESILOCHUS: (giving them.)
Take them.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Accipe.

[¶218] CHRYSALUS:
Give attention now; Mnesilochus, and you, Pistoclerus, do you take care that each of you goes at once and reclines on his couch
with his mistress; so ’tis requisite; and on that same spot where the couches are now laid, do you forthwith commence to carouse.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Animum advortite.
Mnesiloche et tu, Pistoclere, iam facite in biclinio
cum amica sua uterque accubitum eatis, ita negotiumst,
atque ibidem ubi nunc sunt lecti strati potetis cito.

[¶219] PISTOCLERUS:
Anything else?

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
Numquid aliud?

[¶220] CHRYSALUS:
This, and this especially: when you shall have once taken your places together, don’t you arise anyhow, until the signal shall be given by me.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Hoc, atque etiam: úbi erit accubitum semel,
ne quoquam exsurgatis, donec a me erit signum datum.

[¶221] PISTOCLERUS:
O skilful commander!

> Latin: Pistoclervs:
O imperatorem probum!

[¶222] CHRYSALUS:
You ought by this time to have taken your second draught.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Iam bis bibisse oportuit.

[¶223] MNESILOCHUS:
Capital; let’s go.

> Latin: Mnesilochvs:
Fugimus.—

[¶224] CHRYSALUS:
Do you take care of your duty, and I’ll do mine.
(MNESILOCHUS and PISTOCLERUS go into the house.) (CHRYSALUS, alone.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vos vostrum curate officium, ego efficiam meum.

[¶225] CHRYSALUS:
A tremendously great business am I undertaking, and I have my fears how in this one day I may accomplish it. But now I have occasion for the old blade to be fierce and savage at me. For it suits not this plan of mine
that the old fellow should be calm when he has beheld me in his presence. I’ll turn him about this day, finely, if I live. I’ll have him parched as well as ever pea was parched. I’ll walk before the door, that when he comes out, at once as he comes up, I may put the letters in his hand.
(Stands near the door of BACCHIS.) (Enter NICOBULUS, at a distance.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
insánum magnum molior negotium,
metuoque ut hodie possiem emolirier.
sed nunc truculento mi atque saevo usus senest;
nam non conducit húic sycophantiae
senem tranquillum ésse ubi me aspexerit.
versabo ego illum hodie, si vivo, probe.
tam frictum ego illum reddam quam frictum est cicer.
adambulabo ad ostium, ut, quando exeat,
extemplo advenienti ei tabellas dem in manum.

[¶226] NICOBULUS:
This is a matter of great vexation to me, that Chrysalus has thus escaped me this day.
CHRYSALUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Nimium illaec res est magnae dividiae mihi,
supterfugisse sic mihi hodie Chrysalum.

[¶227] I’m all right: the old fellow is in a passion. Now’s my time for me to accost my man.
NICOBULUS:
Who speaks hard by? (Looking round.) Why surely this is Chrysalus, I think.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Salvos sum, iratus est senex. nunc est mihi
adeundi ad hominem tempus.
Nicobvlvs:
Quis loquitur prope?
atque hic quidem, opinor, Chrysalust.

[¶228] CHRYSALUS: (aside.)
I’ll accost him.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Accessero.

[¶229] NICOBULUS:
My honest servant, hail to you. What’s doing now? How soon do I set sail for Ephesus, to bring back the gold home from Theotimus? What—silent? I swear by all the Gods, if I didn’t love my son so much as to wish everything done for him that he desires …
that your sides should be wealed now right well with rods, and that in irons at the mill you should be lingering out your life. I’ve learnt of Mnesilochus all your wicked pranks.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Bone serve, salve. quid fit? quam mox navigo
in Ephesum, ut aurum repetam ab Theotimo domum?
taces? per omnis deos adiuro, ut ni meum
gnatum tam amem atque ei facta cupiam quae is velit,
ut tua iam virgis latera lacerentur probe
ferratusque in pistrino aetatem conteras.
omnia rescivi scelera ex Mnesilocho tua.

[¶230] CHRYSALUS:
Has he accused me?’Tis very good; I am a bad one, I am a cursed one—a wicked one. Only reflect upon the matter. I’ll utter not one word.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Men criminatust? optimest: ego sum malus,
ego sum sacer, scelestus. specta rem modo;
ego verbum faciam ⟨nullum⟩.

[¶231] NICOBULUS:
What? Hangdog, do you even threaten me?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Etiam, carnufex,
minitare?

[¶232] CHRYSALUS:
You’ll find out before long what sort of man he is. He ordered me just now to carry this letter to you. He requested that that which is there written may be done.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nosces tu illum actutum qualis sit.
nunc has tabellas ferre me iussit tibi.
orabat, quod istic esset scriptum ut fieret.

[¶233] NICOBULUS:
Give it me.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Cedo.

[¶234] CHRYSALUS:
Take notice of the seal.
(Gives him the tablets.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nosce signum.

[¶235] NICOBULUS:
I know it. Where is he himself?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Novi. ubi ipse est?

[¶236] CHRYSALUS:
I don’t know.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nescio.

[¶237] I ought to know nothing now; I’ve forgotten everything. I know that I’m a slave; I know not even that which I do know. (Aside.) Now from the springe this thrush is catching at the worm; he’ll be finely noosed this day, so well I’ve set the snare.

> Latin: nil iam me oportet scire. oblitus sum omnia.
scio me ésse servom. nescio etiam id quod scio.
nunc ab trasenna hic turdus lumbricum petit;
pendebit hodie pulcre, ita intendi tenus.

[¶238] NICOBULUS:
Stay here but a moment; I’ll return to you directly, Chrysalus.
(Goes into his house.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Mane dum parumper; iam exeo ad te, Chrysale.—

[¶239] CHRYSALUS:
How he does dissemble with me; how ignorant I am of the business he’s about. He has gone to fetch slaves from in-doors to bind me. The ship speeds prosperously on; finely, too, is this craft boarding it. But I’ll hold my tongue, for I hear the door opening.
(Re-enter NICOBULUS, with SLAVES carrying fetters.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vt verba mihi dat, ut nescio quam rem gerat.
servos arcessit intus qui me vinciant.
bene navis agitatur, pulcre haec confertur ratis.
sed conticiscam, nam audio aperiri fores.

[¶240] NICOBULUS:
Artamo, do you fasten the hands of that fellow this very instant.
(The SLAVES bind him.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Constringe tu illi, Artamo, actutum manus.

[¶241] CHRYSALUS:
What have I done?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid feci?

[¶242] NICOBULUS:
Pitch your fist into him if he mutters a word. (To CHRYSALUS, pointing at the tablets.) What does this letter say?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Impinge pugnum, si muttiverit.
quid hae locuntur litterae?

[¶243] CHRYSALUS:
Why do you ask me? As I received it from him, so I’ve brought it sealed to you.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid me rogas?
ut ab illo accepi, ad te obsignatas attuli.

[¶244] NICOBULUS:
Come now, you rascal, have you not shamefully abused my son in your talk, because he gave me up that gold,
and said that you would still take that gold away from me by some knavish trick?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Eho tu, … loquitatusne es gnato meo
male per sermonem, quia mi id aurum reddidit,
et te dixisti id aurum ablaturum tamen
per sycophantiam?

[¶245] CHRYSALUS:
Have I said so?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Egone istuc dixi?

[¶246] NICOBULUS:
You have.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ita.

[¶247] CHRYSALUS:
What person is there, who says that I’ve said so?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quis homost qui dicat me dixisse istuc?

[¶248] NICOBULUS:
Hold your tongue. No person says so; this letter which you have brought me accuses you. See,’tis this that requests you to be chained.
(Points to the open tablets.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Tace,
nullus homo dicit: hae tabellae te arguont,
quas tu attulisti. em hae te vinciri iubent.

[¶249] CHRYSALUS:
Ah! your son has been making a Bellerophon of me; I myself brought this letter, for the purpose that I might be bound. Be it so.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Aha, Bellorophontem tuos me fecit filius:
egomet tabellas tetuli ut vincirer. sine.

[¶250] NICOBULUS:
This I am doing for this reason, because you persuade my son to live like a Greek with you, you thrice-dotted villain.
CHRYSALUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Propterea hoc facio, ut suadeas gnato meo
ut pergraecetur tecum, tervenefice.

[¶251] O fool, fool, you know not that you are at this moment on sale;

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
O stulte, stulte, nescis nunc venire te;

[¶252] and that you are standing on the very stone as the auctioneer puts you up.
NICOBULUS: (overhearing him.)

> Latin: atque in eopse adstas lapide, ut praeco praedicat.

[¶253] Answer me; who is selling me?
CHRYSALUS:
He whom the Gods favour dies in youth, while he is in his health, has his senses and judgment sound. This person (pointing to NICOBULUS), if any God had favoured him, ought to have been dead more than ten years—aye, more than twenty years ago.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Responde: quis me vendit?
Chrysalvs:
Quem di diligunt
adulescens moritur, dum valet sentit sapit.
hunc si ullus deus amaret, plus annis decem,
plus iam viginti mortuom esse oportuit:

[¶254] ’Tis for long, he has walked, a nuisance, on the earth; so devoid is he of either judgment or sense. He is of as much value as a rotten mushroom is.

> Latin: terrai ódium ámbulat, iam nil sapit
nec sentit, tantist quantist fungus putidus.

[¶255] NICOBULUS:
Do you think that I am a nuisance to the earth? Away with him in-doors, and tie him tightly to the post. You shall never take away any gold from here.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Tun terrae me odium esse autumas? abducite hunc
intro atque adstringite ad columnam fortiter.
numquam auferes hinc aurum.

[¶256] CHRYSALUS:
No, but you’ll soon be giving it me.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Át qui iam dabis.

[¶257] NICOBULUS:
I, give it you?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Dabo?

[¶258] CHRYSALUS:
You’ll be entreating me, too, of your own accord to receive it, when you shall come to know this accuser of mine, in how great danger and in what a dreadful situation he is. Then will you be offering his liberty to Chrysalus; but I certainly shan’t accept it.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Atque orabis me quidem ultro ut auferam,
cum illum rescisces criminatorem meum
quanto in periclo et quanta in pernicie siet.
tum libertatem Chrysalo largibere;
ego adeo numquam accipiam.