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

# 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.

## 3. Lines 825–1211

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-bacchides/3/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-bacchides/3/#p-N

[¶0] NICOBULUS:
Tell me, source of mischief,
tell me, in what danger is my son Mnesilochus.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Dic, scelerum caput,
dic, quo in periclo est meus Mnesilochus filius?

[¶1] CHRYSALUS:
Follow me this way; I’ll soon let you know.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Sequere hac me, faxo iam scies.

[¶2] NICOBULUS:
Where on earth shall I follow you?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quo gentium?

[¶3] CHRYSALUS:
Only three steps.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Tres unos passus.

[¶4] NICOBULUS:
Aye, ten even.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Vel decem.

[¶5] CHRYSALUS:
Come, then, Artamo, do you open you this door out a very little way; softly, don’t make it creak. (The door of the house of BACCHIS is opened.) That’s enough. Now, step you hither. (To NICOBULUS, who looks in.) Do you see the entertainment?
NICOBULUS: (still looking in.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Agedum tu, Artamo,
forem hanc pauxillum áperi; placide, ne crepa;
sat est. accede huc tu. viden convivium?

[¶6] I see Pistoclerus and Bacchis right opposite.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Video exadvorsum Pistoclerum et Bacchidem.

[¶7] CHRYSALUS:
Who are upon that other couch?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Qui sunt in lecto illo altero?

[¶8] NICOBULUS: (looking on the other side.)
Wretch that I am, I’m undone.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Interii miser.

[¶9] CHRYSALUS:
Do you recognize that person?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Novistine hominem?

[¶10] NICOBULUS:
I do recognize him.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Novi.

[¶11] CHRYSALUS:
Now tell me, if you please, does that woman seem of handsome appearance?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Dic sodes mihi,
bellan videtur specie mulier?

[¶12] NICOBULUS:
Very much so.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Admodum.

[¶13] CHRYSALUS:
Well, do you take her to be a courtesan?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid illám, meretricemne esse censes?

[¶14] NICOBULUS:
Why not?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quippini?

[¶15] CHRYSALUS:
You are mistaken.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Frustra es.

[¶16] NICOBULUS:
Who is she then, prithee?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quis igitur obsecrost?

[¶17] CHRYSALUS:
You’ll find out from me. indeed, you’ll get no more information to-day.
(Enter CLEOMACHUS, at a distance.)
CLEOMACHUS: (aloud.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Inveneris.
ex me quidem hodie numquam fies certior.

[¶18] Is this Mnesilochus, the son of Nicobulus, by force to detain my own mistress? What proceeding is this?

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Meamne híc Mnesilochus, Nicobuli filius,
per vim ut retineat mulierem? quae haec factiost?

[¶19] NICOBULUS:
Who’s this?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quis illést?

[¶20] CHRYSALUS: (aside.)
This Captain’s opportunely come for me.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Per tempus hic venit miles mihi.

[¶21] CLEOMACHUS:
He doesn’t consider that I am a soldier, but a woman, who cannot defend myself and mine. But may neither Bellona nor Mars ever put confidence in me, if I don’t put him out of life, if I meet him, or if I don’t make him lose possession of his existence.

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Non me arbitratur militem, sed mulierem,
qui me meosque non queam defendere.
nam neque Bellona mi umquam neque Mars creduat,
ni illum exanimalem faxo, si convenero,
nive exheredem fecero vitae suae.

[¶22] NICOBULUS:
Chrysalus, who’s this that’s threatening my son?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Chrysale, quis ille est qui minitatur filio?

[¶23] CHRYSALUS:
This is the husband of that woman with whom he is now reclining.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vir hic ést illius mulieris quacum accubat.

[¶24] NICOBULUS:
What! The husband?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid, vir?

[¶25] CHRYSALUS:
The husband, I say.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vir, inquam.

[¶26] NICOBULUS:
Prithee, is she married then?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Nuptanest illa, obsecro?

[¶27] CHRYSALUS:
You’ll know before very long.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Scies haúd multo post.

[¶28] NICOBULUS:
Wretch that I am; I’m utterly undone.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Oppido interii miser.

[¶29] CHRYSALUS:
How now? Does Chrysalus seem such a villain to you?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid nunc? scelestus tibi videtur Chrysalus?

[¶30] Come, chain me now, and do listen to your son. Didn’t I tell you that you would discover what sort of person he is?

> Latin: age nunc vincito me, auscultato filio.
dixin tibi ego illum invénturum te qualis sit?

[¶31] NICOBULUS:
What shall I do now?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid nunc ego faciam?

[¶32] CHRYSALUS:
Order me at once to be released, if you please; for, if I’m not released, he’ll just now be overpowering the young man in our presence.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Iube sis me exsolvi cito;
nam ní ego exsolvor, iam manufesto hominem opprimet.

[¶33] CLEOMACHUS:
There’s no gain that I should this day take so much delight in making,
as I should in falling upon him as he reclines with her, so that I might kill them both.
CHRYSALUS: (to NICOBULUS.)

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Nihil est lucri quod me hodie facere mavelim,
quam illum cubantem cum illa opprimere, ambo ut necem.

[¶34] Don’t you hear what he says Why don’t you order me to be released?
NICOBULUS: (to the SLAVES.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Audin quae loquitur? quin tu me exsolvi iubes?

[¶35] Unbind him. I’m ruined; wretch that I am! I’m in a dreadful fright.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Exsolvite istum. perii, pertimui miser.

[¶36] CLEOMACHUS:
Then I’d make her, who publicly puts up her person for sale, not to say that she has got a person for her to laugh at.
CHRYSALUS: (to NICOBULUS.)

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Tum illam, quae corpus publicat volgo suom,
faxo se haud dicat nactam quem derideat.

[¶37] You may make terms with him for a little money.
NICOBULUS:
Make terms, then, I beg, for what you like; so that he mayn’t, in our presence, fall upon the young man, or kill him outright.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Pacisci cum illo paulula pecunia
potes.
Nicobvlvs:
Pacisce ergo, obsecro, quid tibi lubet,
dum ne manifesto hominem opprimat neve enicet.

[¶38] CLEOMACHUS:
Unless the two hundred Philippeans are repaid to me at once, I’ll this instant swallow the lives of them both outright.
NICOBULUS: (to CHRYSALUS.)

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Nunc nisi ducenti Philippi redduntur mihi,
iam illorum ego animam amborum exsorbebo oppido.

[¶39] Make terms with him, if you can; prithee, do make haste; agree for any sum you like.
CHRYSALUS:
I’ll go, and do it carefully. (Goes up to CLEOMACHUS.) Why are you exclaiming so?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Em illuc pacisce, si potes; perge obsecro,
pacisce quid vis.
Chrysalvs:
Ibo et faciam sedulo.
quid clamas?

[¶40] CLEOMACHUS:
Where’s your master?

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Vbi erus tuos est?

[¶41] CHRYSALUS:
Nowhere; I don’t know. Do you wish the two hundred pieces to be promised you at once, so as to make no riot or disturbance here?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nusquam. nescio.
vis tibi ducentos nummos iam promittier,
ut ne clamorem hic facias neu convicium?

[¶42] CLEOMACHUS:
There’s nothing that I would desire more.

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Nihil est quod malim.

[¶43] CHRYSALUS:
And that I may heap many a curse upon you?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Atque ut tibi mala multa ingeram?

[¶44] CLEOMACHUS:
Just as you please.
CHRYSALUS: (aside.)
How the villain does cringe.

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Tuo arbitratu.
Nicobvlvs:
Vt subblanditur carnufex.

[¶45] (To CLEOMACHUS.) This is the father of Mnesilochus: follow me; he shall promise it you. Do you ask for the gold. As to the rest, a word’s enough.
(They go up to NICOBULUS.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Pater hic Mnesilochi est; sequere, is promittet tibi.
tu aurum rogato; ceterum verbum sat est.

[¶46] NICOBULUS:
What has been done?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid fít?

[¶47] CHRYSALUS:
I’ve struck the bargain for two hundred Philippeans.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Ducentis Phílippis rem pepigi.

[¶48] NICOBULUS:
Well done! Goddess Salvation,
thou hast saved me. Well, how soon am I to say I’ll pay it?
CHRYSALUS: (to CLEOMACHUS.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ah, salus
mea, servavisti me. quam mox dico “dabo”?

[¶49] Do you ask it of him; and (to NICOBULUS) do you promise it him.
NICOBULUS:
I promise it. (To CLEOMACHUS.) Come, ask me.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Roga hunc tu, tu promitte huic.
Nicobvlvs:
Promitto, roga.

[¶50] CLEOMACHUS:
Will you give me two hundred golden Philippean pieces, lawful money?

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Ducentos nummos aureos Philippós probos
dabin?

[¶51] CHRYSALUS:
“They shall be given,” say: do answer him.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
“Dabuntur” inque. responde.

[¶52] NICOBULUS:
I’ll give them.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Dabo.

[¶53] CHRYSALUS:
Well, now, filthy fellow is there anything owing to you?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid nunc, impure? numquid debetur tibi?

[¶54] Why are you plaguing him? Why are you frightening him about death? Both I and he wish you every ill luck. If you have a sword, still we have a spit at home; with which, in fact, if you provoke me,
I’ll make you more full of holes than a rat’s skin when caught in a trap. I’ faith, for my part, some time since I found out what suspicion it was that tormented you; namely, that he was with that wife of yours.

> Latin: quid illí molestu'smolestus es? quid illum morte territas?
et ego te et ille mactámus infortunio.
si tibi est machaera, at nobis veruinast domi:
qua quidem te faciam, si tu me inritaveris,
confossiorem soricina nenia.
iam dudum hercle equidem sentio, suspicio
quae te sollicitet: eum esse cum illa muliere.

[¶55] CLEOMACHUS:
Yes; and so he is.

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Immo est quoque.

[¶56] CHRYSALUS:
So may Jupiter, Juno, Ceres, Minerva, Hope, Latona, Ops, Virtue, Venus, Castor, Pollux, Mars, Mercury, Hercules,
Summanus, the Sun, Saturn, and all the Deities, prosper me, he neither reclines with her, nor walks, nor kisses, nor does that which is wont to be reported.
NICOBULUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Ita me Iuppiter Iuno Ceres
Minerva † Latona Spes Opis Virtus Venus
Castor Polluces Mars Mercurius Hercules
Summanus Sol Saturnus dique omnes ament,
ut ille cum illa neque cubat neque ambulat
neque osculatur neque illud quod dici solet.

[¶57] How he does swear! He’s saving me, however, by his perjury.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Vt iurat! servat me ille suis periuriis.

[¶58] CLEOMACHUS:
Where then, at this moment, is Mnesilochus?

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Vbi nunc Mnesilochus ergost?

[¶59] CHRYSALUS:
His father has sent him into the country.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Rus misit pater.

[¶60] And she has gone hence to the citadel, to see the temple of Minerva. The door’s open now; go in, and see if he’s there.

> Latin: illa autem in arcem ábiit aedem visere
Minervae. nunc apertast. i, vise estne ibi.

[¶61] CLEOMACHUS:
I’ll be off to the Forum next.

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Abeo ad forum igitur.

[¶62] CHRYSALUS:
Or rather, by my troth, to very perdition.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vél hercle ín malam crucem.

[¶63] CLEOMACHUS:
Am I to demand this gold to-day?

> Latin: Cleomachvs:
Hodie exigam aurum hoc?

[¶64] CHRYSALUS:
Demand it, and go hang yourself; don’t you suppose, you worthless fellow, that we shall be entreating of you. (Exit CLEOMACHUS.)
He’s taken himself off. Permit me, master, I entreat you by the immortal Gods, to go in-doors here to your son.
(Pointing to the house of BACCHIS.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Exige, ac suspende te:
ne supplicare ⟨hunc⟩ censeas ⟨tibi⟩, nihili homo.—
ille est amotus. sine me (per te, ere, opsecro
deos immortales) ire huc intro ad filium.

[¶65] NICOBULUS:
But why go in there?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid eo intro ibis?

[¶66] CHRYSALUS:
That with many words I may rebuke him, since after this fashion he has been going on this way.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vt eum dictis plurumis
castigem, cum haec sic facta ad hunc faciat modum.

[¶67] NICOBULUS:
Well, I beg you will do so, Chrysalus; and I entreat you not to spare him in your talking to him.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Immo oro ut facias, Chrysale, et ted opsecro,
cave pársis in eum dicere.

[¶68] CHRYSALUS:
And do you instruct even myself? Isn’t it sufficient, if this day he shall hear from me more harsh things than ever Clinias heard from Demetrius?
(Goes into the house of BACCHIS.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Etiam me mones?
satin est si plura ex me audiet hodie mala,
quam audivit umquam Clinia ex Demetrio?—

[¶69] NICOBULUS:
This servant of mine is very like a running eye; if you have it not, you don’t wish for it or desire it;

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Lippi illic oculi servos est simillimus:
si non est, nolis esse neque desideres;

[¶70] if you have it, you can’t keep off from rubbing it. But if he hadn’t, by lucky chance, been here to-day, the Captain would have surprised Mnesilochus with his wife, and have killed him as an adulterer detected in the fact. Now, in a manner have I ransomed my son with the two hundred Philippeans
which I have promised to give to the Captain; which, however, I shall not rashly pay him down, before I have met with my son. By my troth, I’ll never rashly give credence in anything to Chrysalus. But I have a mind even once again to read over this letter;’tis right that when a letter is sealed we should give credence to it.
(Goes into his house.) (Enter CHRYSALUS from the house of BACCHIS.)
CHRYSALUS:
The two brothers, the sons of Atreus, are said to have done a most famous deed, when, with arms, and horses, and an army, and with chosen warriors, and with ships a thousand in number, after the tenth year, they subdued Pergamus, the native land of Priam, founded by hands divine. Not more decidedly did it fall by the engine of war, than I shall storm my master here,
without a fleet, and without an army and so great array of soldiers. I have won, I have taken by storm this gold from his father for my master’s son, in his amour. Now, before the old man comes here, I wish to lament until he does come out. O Troy! O my country! O Pergamus! O Priam! old man, you are undone, you, who’ll be wretchedly and shockingly choused out of four hundred golden Philippeans.

> Latin: si est, abstinere quin attingas non queas.
nam ni illic hodie forte fortuna hic foret,
miles Mnesilochum cum uxore opprimeret sua
atque obtruncaret moechum manufestarium.
nunc quasi ducentis Phílippis emi filium,
quos dare promisi militi: quos non dabo
temere etiam prius quam filium convenero.
numquam edepol quicquam temere credam Chrysalo;
verum lubet etiam mi has perlegere denuo:
aequomst tabellis consignatis credere.—
Chrysalvs:
Atrídae duo fratrés cluent fecísse facinus máxumum,
quom Priami patriam Pergamum divina moenitum manu
armis, equis, exercitu atque eximiis bellatoribus
mille cum numero navium decumo anno post subegerunt.
non pedibus termento fuit praeut égo erum expugnabo meum
sine classe sineque exercitu et tanto numero militum.
[cepi expugnavi amanti erili filio aurum ab suo patre.]
nunc prius quam húc senex venit, libet lámentari dum éxeat.
o Troia, o patria, o Pergamum, o Priame periisti senex,
qui misere male mulcabere quadringéntis Philippis aureis.

[¶71] For those tablets, sealed on the one side and on the other, they are not tablets, but the horse which the Greeks sent, of wood. Pistoclerus is the Epeus; from him were these received. Mnesilochus is the Simon left behind. Behold him! not in Achilles’ tomb, but on a couch he reclines: he has Bacchis with him; just as the other formerly had the fire with which to give the signal;
so now does she inflame himself. I am Ulysses, by whose advice they do these things. Then, the characters which there are written, are the soldiers in this horse, armed and of high courage. So even thus far has the matter prospered with me. This horse, too, will be making his attack, not on a citadel, but on a coffer A ruin, a destruction, a cleaner-out of the old man’s gold, will this horse prove this day.

> Latin: nam ego has tabellas obsignatas consignatas quas fero
non sunt tabellae, sed equos quem misere Achivi ligneum.
[Epiust Pistoclerus: ab eo haec sumptae; Mnesilochus Sino est]
[relictus, ellum non in busto Achilli, sed in lecto accubat;]
[Bacchidem habet secum: ille olim hábuit ignem qui signum daret,]
[hunc ipsum exurit; ego sum Vlixes, cuius consilio haec gerunt.]
tum quae hic sunt scriptae litterae, hoc in equo ínsunt milites
armati atque animati probe. ita res successit mi usque adhuc.
atque hic equos non in arcem, verum in arcam faciet impetum:
exitium excidium exlecebra fiet hic equos hodie auro senis.

[¶72] To this silly old man of ours, in fact, I give the name of Ilium; the Captain is Menelaüs; I, Agamemnon; I, too, am Ulysses, the son of Laërtes; Mnesilochus is Alexander, who will be the destruction of his father’s fortunes; he has borne off the Helen, on whose account I am now carrying on the siege of Ilium. For there I have heard say that Ulysses was both bold and full of mischief, just as I am.

> Latin: nostro seni huic stolido, ei profecto nomen facio ego Ilio;
miles Menelaust, ego Agamemno, ídem Vlixes Lartius,
Mnesilochust Alexander, qui erit exitio rei patriae suae;
is Helenam avexit, cuia causa nunc facio obsidium Ilio.
nam illi ítidem Vlixem audivi, ut ego sum, fuisse et audacem et malum:

[¶73] I have been detected in my tricks—he, discovered in a beggar’s guise, had almost perished, while he was spying out there the doings of the Trojans. Similarly has it happened to myself to-day. I have been bound, but by my devices I have redeemed myself; he, too, preserved himself by artifice. I have heard that there were three destinies attending Troy, which were fatal to it; if the statue should be lost from the citadel; whereas the second was the death of Troilus;

> Latin: ⟨ín⟩ dolis ego prénsus sum, ille mendícans paene invéntus interiit,
dum íbi exquirit fata Iliorum; adsímiliter mi hodie óptigit.
vínctus sum, sed dólis me exemi: item se ílle servavít dolis.
Ílio tria fuísse audivi fáta quae illi fórent exitio:
signum ex arce si periisset; alterum etiamst Troili mors;

[¶74] the third was when the upper lintel of the Phrygian gate should be demolished. Just so are there three fatalities for this Troy of ours, corresponding with those three; for, first of all, when, a short time since, as I told our old gentleman the lying story about his host, and the gold, and the bark, then, that instant, did I steal the statue from the citadel. And even then two fatalities were remaining, and no further had I taken this city.

> Latin: tertium, cum portae Phrygiae limen superum scinderetur:
paria item tria eis tribus sunt fata nostro huic Ilio.
nam dúdum primo ut díxeram nostró seni mendácium
et de hóspite et de auro ét de lembo, ibi sígnum ex arce iam abstuli.
iam dúo restabant fáta tunc, nec mágis id ceperam óppidum.

[¶75] Afterwards, when I carried the letter to the old man, then I killed my Troilus. When he supposed, just now, that Mnesilochus was with the Captain’s wife, from that, with difficulty, did I disengage myself. And that danger do I compare to what they say, how that Ulysses, recognized by Helen, was betrayed to Hecuba. But as, in olden time, by his coaxing arts, he liberated himself from her, and persuaded her to let him go,
so I, by my devices, have rescued myself from the danger, and have deceived the old man. Afterwards, I engaged with the blustering Captain, who, unarmed, takes cities with his words, and there I repulsed my man. Then I engaged in fight with the old gentleman; straightway by one lying device did I vanquish him; by one blow, in a moment, did I take the spoils away from him. He now will give the two hundred Philippean pieces to the Captain,
which he has promised that he will give. … Now, I have occasion for another two hundred, to be distributed when Ilium is taken, that there may be the usual draught of honeyed wine with which the soldiers may celebrate their triumph. But this Priam is far superior to him of old. Not fifty sons only has he, but four hundred, and all choice ones, without a blemish;

> Latin: post ubi tabellas ad senem detuli, ibi occidi Troilum,
cum censuit Mnesilochum cum uxore esse dudum militis.
[íbi vix me exsolvi: íd periclum adsímilo, Vlixem ut praédicant]
[cógnitum ab Helena esse proditum Hecubae; sed ut olim ille se]
[blanditiis exemit et persuasit sé ut amitteret,]
[ítem ego dolis me illo éxtuli e períclo et decepí senem.]
post cúm magnifico mílite, urbes vérbis qui inermús capit,
conflixi atque hominem reppuli; dein pugnam conserui seni:
eum ego ádeo uno mendácio devíci, uno ictu extémpulo
cépi spolia. is núnc ducentos númmos Philippos míliti,
quos dáre se promisít, dabit.
nunc álteris etiam ducentis usus est, qui dispensentur
Ílio capto, ut sit mulsum qui triumphent milites.
[sed Príamus hic multo illi praestat: non quinquaginta modo,]
[quadringéntos filios habet átque equidem omnis lectos sine probro:]

[¶76] all these this day will I cut off at two single blows. Now, if there were any purchaser for this Priam of ours, I would sell the old fellow in the lump, whom I have on sale the moment that J shall have taken the city. But, lo! I see our Priam standing before the door; I’ll go and speak to him.
(Enter NICOBULUS from his house.)

> Latin: [eos égo hodie omnis contruncabo duóbus solis ictibus.]
[nunc Príamo nostro si ést quis emptor, cómptionalém senem]
[vendam ego, venalem quem habeo, extemplo ubi oppidum expugnavero.]
sed Príamum adstantem eccum ánte portam vídeo. adibo atque adloquar.
Nicobvlvs:

[¶77] NICOBULUS:
Pray, whose voice is it that sounds near me?
CHRYSALUS:
O Nicobulus!

> Latin: Quóianam vox própe me sonat?
Chrysalvs:
O Nicobule.

[¶78] NICOBULUS:
What’s the matter?
CHRYSALUS:
O, capital!

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid fit?

[¶79] NICOBULUS:
Well, have you done aught of what I sent you upon?
CHRYSALUS:
What—ask you that? Step closer this way.

> Latin: quíd quod te misi, écquid egísti?
Chrysalvs:
Rógas? congredere.

[¶80] NICOBULUS: (coming nearer.)
Well, I do come closer.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Gradior.

[¶81] CHRYSALUS:
I am an excellent pleader. By rebuking him, and by whatever hard language I really was able to think of, I forced the fellow to tears.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Optumus sum oratór. ad lacrumas coégi hominem cástigando
maleque dictis, quae quidem quívi comminisci.

[¶82] NICOBULUS:
What did he say?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid ait?

[¶83] CHRYSALUS:
He uttered not a word: crying, he listened in silence to what I was saying; in silence he wrote down on his tablets; these sealed he gave to me;

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Verbum
nullum fecit: lacrumans tacitus auscultabat quae ego loquebar;
tacitus conscripsit tabellas, obsignatas mi has dedit.

[¶84] he bade me deliver them to you. (Gives him the tablets.) But I am afraid that they sing to the same tune that the former ones did. Observe the seal, is it his?
NICOBULUS:
I recognize it. I’d like to read them over.
(Goes to a distance.)

> Latin: tíbi me iussit dare, sed metuo, né idem cantent quod priores.
nosce signum. estne eius?
Nicobvlvs:
Novi. libet perlegere has.

[¶85] CHRYSALUS:
Read them through. (Aside.) Now is the upper lintel being cut down, now is the destruction of Troy near at hand. The wooden horse is shaking it right cleverly.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Perlege.
nunc súperum limen scínditur, nunc ádest exitium Ílio,
turbát equos lepide lígneus.

[¶86] NICOBULUS:
Chrysalus, just step here while I am reading these through.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Chrysále, ades, dum ego has pérlego.

[¶87] CHRYSALUS:
Prithee, what need is there for me to be near you?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid mé tibi adesse opus ést?

[¶88] NICOBULUS:
That you may know what’s written here.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Volo, [ut quod iubeo facias]
út scias quae hic scrípta sient.

[¶89] CHRYSALUS:
I don’t care, and I don’t wish to know.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Níl moror neque scíre volo.

[¶90] NICOBULUS:
Still, do come here.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Támen ades.

[¶91] CHRYSALUS:
What need is there?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quid opúst?

[¶92] NICOBULUS:
Hold your tongue.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Taceas:
quód iubeo id faciás.

[¶93] CHRYSALUS:
I’ll stay.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Adero.
Nicobvlvs:
Eúge litterás minutas.

[¶94] CHRYSALUS:
I won’t, I say.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Quí quidem videát parum;
vérum, qui satis vídeat, grandes sátis sunt.

[¶95] NICOBULUS:
But I will, I say.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Animum advórtito igitur.

[¶96] CHRYSALUS:
What need is there?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nólo inquam.

[¶97] NICOBULUS:
Still do you only do that which I bid you.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
At volo ínquam.
Chrysalvs:
Quid opust?
Nicobvlvs:
Át enim id quod te iúbeo facias.

[¶98] CHRYSALUS:
I’ll come.’Tis right to do so; your own servant ought to be obedient at your command.
(Goes up to him.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Iústumst ⟨ut⟩ tuós tibi servos tuo árbitratu sérviat.

[¶99] NICOBULUS: (looking at the tablets.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Hoc áge sis nunciam.
Chrysalvs:
Vbi lubet, recita: aúrium operam tíbi dico.

[¶100] Heyday! he hasn’t been sparing of his wax or pen. But whatever it is, I’m resolved to read it through. Attend to me, please, this very instant.
CHRYSALUS:
When you choose, read on; I devote to you the attention of my ears.
NICOBULUS: (looking close.)
Bless me! the letters are small.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ceraé quidem haud parsit néque stilo;
sed quídquid est, pellégere certumst.
“Patér, ducentos Phílippos quaeso Chrýsalo
da, si esse salvom vis me aut vitalem tibi.”
malum quidem hercle magnum.

[¶101] CHRYSALUS:
To one, indeed, who cannot see well with his eyes but they are quite large enough for one who can see well.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Tibi dico.

[¶102] NICOBULUS:
Give your attention then.
(He reads.) “Father, I beseech you, do give two hundred Philippeans to Chrysalus, if you wish me to be safe or alive for you—”
CHRYSALUS:
By my troth, really a very great mistake,
I tell you.
NICOBULUS:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid est?

[¶103] CHRYSALUS:
He hasn’t first written the salutation to you.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Non prius salutem scripsit?

[¶104] NICOBULUS: (looking.)
I don’t see it anywhere.
CHRYSALUS:
Even from its very commencement the letter is an impertinent one.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Nusquam sentio.

[¶105] If you are wise, you’ll not give it; but at the best, if you give it him, why, let him find out some other porter for himself, if he is wise; for I won’t carry it if you order me ever so much. I’ve been quite enough suspected as it is, when I was guiltless of a fault.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Non dabis, si sapies; verum si das maxume,
ne ille alium gerulum quaerat, si sapiet, sibi:
nam ego non laturus sum, si iubeas maxume.
sat sic suspectus sum, cum careo noxia.

[¶106] NICOBULUS:
Listen on now, while I read through what’s written.
(Reading.) “I am ashamed, father, to appear before you in your presence; such disgraceful conduct of mine have I heard that you are aware of, that I have formed an intercourse with the wife of a strange Captain.”

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ausculta porro, dum hoc quod scriptumst perlego.
Chrysalvs:
Inde a principio iam inpudens epistula est.
Nicobvlvs:
“Pudet prodire me ad te in conspectum, pater:
tantum flagitium te scire audivi meum,
quod cum peregrini cubui uxore militis.”

[¶107] By my troth, you are not joking there; for I have saved your life from the consequences of this foul deed with two hundred golden Philippeans.

> Latin: pol haud derides; nam ducentis aureis
Philippís redemi vitam ex flagitio tuam.

[¶108] CHRYSALUS:
There’s not a particle of these things but what I’ve told him.
NICOBULUS: (reading.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nihil est illorum quin ego illi dixerim.

[¶109] “I confess that I have acted foolishly. But I beseech you, father, do not forsake me, if, in my folly, I have transgressed.”

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
“Stulte fecisse fateor. sed quaeso, pater,
ne me, in stultitia si deliqui, deseras.

[¶110] “Of fierce desires, and eyes uncontrolled, have I been; I have been urged on to do a deed of which I am now ashamed.” It were proper, then, that you should have taken heed before you were ashamed.

> Latin: ego animo cupido atque oculis indomitis fui;
persuasumst facere quoius me nunc facti pudet.”
prius té cavisse ergo quám pudere aequom fuit.

[¶111] CHRYSALUS:
All these very same words did I say to him only just now.
NICOBULUS: (reading.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Eadem istaec verba dudum illi dixi omnia.

[¶112] “I beseech you, father, to consider that it is enough that Chrysalus”
“has reproached me with many cutting words, and by his advice has made me a better man, so that ’tis right that you should return him sincere thanks.”

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
“Quaeso ut sat habeas id, pater, quod Chrysalus
me obiurigavit plurumis verbis malis,
et me meliorem fecit praeceptis suis,
ut te ei habere gratiam aequom sit bonam.”

[¶113] CHRYSALUS:
Is that written there?

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Estne istuc istic scriptum?

[¶114] NICOBULUS:
Look and see, then you’ll know.
(Shows him the letter.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Em specta, tum scies.

[¶115] CHRYSALUS:
He that has so offended, how humble to all he is, and of his own accord.
NICOBULUS: (reading.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Vt qui deliquit supplex est ultro omnibus.

[¶116] “Now, father, if even yet I may be allowed to ask anything of you, do give me two hundred Philippean pieces, I do entreat you.”

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
“Nunc si me fas est obsecrare abs te, pater,
da mihi ducentos nummos Philippos, te obsecro.”

[¶117] CHRYSALUS:
By my troth, now, not one even, if you are wise.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Ne unum quidem hercle, si sapis.

[¶118] NICOBULUS:
Let me read on. (Reading.) “In set form I have taken an oath that I would give this to the woman this day before nightfall,”
“ere she leaves me. Now, father, have a care that I be not forsworn, and take me hence away from her as soon as you can, on whose account I have incurred so much loss and guilt. Take care and let not the two hundred pieces be a cause of annoyance to you; I will repay you innumerable times as much, if I live.”

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Sine perlegam.
“ego ius iurandum verbis conceptis dedi,
daturum id me hodie mulieri ante vesperum,
prius quam á me abiret. nunc, pater, ne perierem
cura atque abduce me hinc ab hac quantum potest,
quam propter tantum damni feci et flagiti.
cave tíbi ducenti nummi dividiae fuant;
sescenta tanta reddam, si vivo, tibi.

[¶119] “Farewell, and do attend to these matters.” Now, Chrysalus, what do you think?

> Latin: vale atque haec cura”. quid nunc censes, Chrysale?

[¶120] CHRYSALUS:
I won’t give you one bit of advice this day, and I won’t run the risk, that if any mistake is made, you should say that you had done it by my counsel. But, as I conceive, if I were in your place,
I would rather give the gold than suffer him to be corrupted. There is a twofold choice consider which you would adopt; either to lose the gold, or for a lover to be forsworn. I neither order you, nor forbid you, nor do I persuade you.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nihil ego tibi hodie consili quicquam dabo,
neque ego haud committam ut, si quid peccatum siet,
fecisse dicas de mea sententia.
verum, ut ego opinor, sí ego in istoc sim loco,
dem potius aurum quam illum corrumpi sinam.
duae condiciones sunt: utram tu áccipias vide:
vel ut aurum perdas vel ut amator perieret.
ego neque te iubeo neque veto, neque suadeo.

[¶121] NICOBULUS:
I’m sorry for him.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Miseret me illius.

[¶122] CHRYSALUS:
You don’t do anything surprising—he is your son.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Tuos est, non mirum facis.

[¶123] If still more must be lost,’tis better for it to go, than for this disgrace to be everywhere proclaimed.

> Latin: si plus perdundum sit, periisse suaviust,
quam illud flagitium volgo dispalescere.

[¶124] NICOBULUS:
By my troth, I certainly had much rather he had been at Ephesus, so long as he was well, than that he had returned home. But why don’t I hasten to get rid of that which is doomed to be squandered away?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ne ille edepol Ephesi multo mavellem foret,
dum salvos esset, quam revenisset domum.
quid ego istic? quod perdundumst properem perdere.

[¶125] I’ll bring you just now from in-doors twice two hundred Philippeans, both those which, a little time since, to my sorrow, I promised to the Captain, and these others. Wait there; I’ll be out to you, Chrysalus, this instant.
(Goes into his house.)
CHRYSALUS:
Troy is laid waste, the chiefs have razed Pergamus. I knew some time ago that I should be the ruin of Pergamus.

> Latin: binos ducentos Philippos iam intus ecferam,
et militi quos dudum promisi miser
et istos. mane istic, iam exeo ad te, Chrysale.—
Chrysalvs:
Fit vasta Troia, scindunt proceres Pergamum.
scivi ego iam dudum fore me exitio Pergamo.

[¶126] I’ faith I wouldn’t dare make a bet with him who should say that I was deserving of severe torture; so great confusion am I making. But the door makes a noise; the plunder’s being brought forth from Troy. For the present I’ll hold my tongue.
(with the money in two bays.)

> Latin: edepol qui me esse dicat cruciatu malo
dignum, ne ego cum íllo pignus haud ausim dare;
tantas turbellas facio. sed crepuit foris:
ecfertur praeda ex Troia. taceam nunciam.

[¶127] NICOBULUS:
Take you this gold, Chrysalus; go, carry it to my son.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Cape hoc tibi aurum, Chrysale, i, fer filio.

[¶128] But I’ll go hence to the market-place to pay this to the Captain.

> Latin: ego ad forum autem hinc ibo, ut solvam militi.

[¶129] CHRYSALUS:
For my part, I’ll not receive it; do you seek somebody at once to take it. I won’t have it entrusted to me.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Non equidem accipiam. proin tu quaeras qui ferat.
nolo ego mihi credi.

[¶130] NICOBULUS:
But do take it; you’re worrying me now.
(Holds it to him.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Cape vero, odiose facis.

[¶131] CHRYSALUS:
For my part, I’ll not take it.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Non equidem capiam.

[¶132] NICOBULUS:
But, prithee do.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
At quaeso.

[¶133] CHRYSALUS:
I am telling you what is the fact.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Dico ut res se habet.

[¶134] NICOBULUS:
You are delaying me.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Morare.

[¶135] CHRYSALUS:
I don’t want, I say, the gold to be entrusted to me. At all events, find some person to keep a watch upon me.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Nolo, inquam, aurum concredi mihi.
vel da aliquem qui servet me.

[¶136] NICOBULUS:
You’re plaguing me.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ohe, odiose facis.

[¶137] CHRYSALUS:
Well, give it me, if it must be so.
(Holds out his hand.)

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Cedo, sí necesse est.

[¶138] NICOBULUS: (gives him the money.)
Take care of it. I’ll be back here just now.
(Exit.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Cura hoc. iam égo huc revenero.—

[¶139] CHRYSALUS:
I’ve taken care—that you shall be a most wretched old fellow; this is bringing an undertaking to a fair ending; even as it has proved my lot to go rejoicing, laden with the spoil.

> Latin: Chrysalvs:
Curatum est—esse te senem miserrumum.
hoc est incepta efficere pulcre: bellule
mi evenit, ut ovans praeda onustus incederem;

[¶140] With safety to myself, and the city taken by stratagem, I now bring home my whole army unhurt. But, Spectators, don’t you now be surprised that I don’t go in triumph;’tis such a common thing, I don’t care for it. Still however, the soldiers shall be received with the usual honeyed wine.

> Latin: salute nostra atque urbe capta per dolum
domum reduco íntegrum omnem exercitum.
sed, spectatores, vos nunc ne miremini
quod non triumpho: pervolgatum est, nil moror;
verum tamen accipientur mulso milites.

[¶141] Now I’ll carry off all this booty at once to the Quaestor.
(Goes into the house of BACCHIS.)
PHILOXENUS: (Enter PHILOXENUS.)
The more I revolve it in my breast, what disturbances my son has raised, into what a course of life, and into what habits he unwittingly has headlong plunged himself, the greater is my concern, and the more do I dread lest he may be ruined or corrupted. I know it; I once was of the same age, and I did all these things; but in a quiet way.

> Latin: nunc hanc praedam omnem iam ad quaestorem deferam.—
Philoxenvs:
Quam mágis in pectore meó foveo quas méus filius turbás turbet,
quam se ád vitam et quos ád mores praecípitem inscitus capéssat,
magis cúrae est magisque adfórmido, ne is péreat neu corrúmpatur.
scio, fúi ego illa aetate ét feci illa omnía, sed more modésto;

[¶142] I was gay, I had my mistress, I drank, I feasted, I made presents, but still it was seldom I did so. The methods, too, please me not which I see parents in general employ towards their sons. I have determined to give some latitude to my son, that he may have some scope for his inclinations. I think that’s right; but still, I don’t wish him to give way too much to sloth and wantonness. Now I’m going to Mnesilochus,
to see whether, as I requested, by his endeavours he has turned him for me to virtue and to sobriety; as, indeed, I am sure he has done if he has met him, of such a disposition is he by nature.
(Exit.) (Enter NICOBULUS, wringing his hands.)

> Latin: neque plácitant mores quíbus video volgo ⟨ín⟩ gnatos essé parentes:
[duxi, hábui scortum, pótavi, dedi, donavi, sed enim íd raro.]
ego dáre me meo gnato ínstitui, ut animo óbsequium sumére possit;
aequom ésse puto, sed nimis nolo desídiae ei dare lúdum.
nunc Mnésilochum, quod mándavi,
viso écquid eum ad virtútem aut ad
frugem ópera sua compúlerit, sic
ut eúm, si convenít, scio fe- cisse: eóst ingenio nátus.

[¶143] NICOBULUS:
Whoever there are in any place whatsoever, whoever have been, and whoever shall be, in time to come, fools, blockheads, idiots, dolts, sots, oafs, lubbers, I singly by far exceed them all in folly and absurd ways.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quicúmque ubi ubi sunt, quí fuerunt quiqué futuri sunt pósthac
stultí, stolidi, fatuí, fungi, bardí, blenni, buccónes,
solús ego omnis longe ántideo stultítia et moribus índoctis.

[¶144] I’m undone. I’m ashamed of myself; that I at this time of life should disgracefully have been twice made a fool of! The more I think of this confusion which my son has made, the more am I incensed. I’m ruined, and I’m utterly destroyed; I’m distracted in every possible way. All plagues harass me, by all modes of death do I perish. This day has Chrysalus rent me in pieces; Chrysalus has plundered wretched me;

> Latin: perií, pudet: hocine me aétatis ludós bis factum esse índigne?
magis quam íd reputo, tam mágis uror quae méus filius turbávit.
perdítus sum atque eradícatus sum, omníbus exemplis éxcrucior.
omnía me mala conséctantur, omníbus exitiis ínterii.
Chrysálus med hodie láceravit, Chrysálus me miserum spóliavit:

[¶145] he, the villain, by his clever tricks, has shaved, to the very quick, simple me, just as he has pleased. For the Captain says that she is a Courtezan, whom that fellow said was his wife; and he has informed me of everything, as each particular happened; how that she had been hired by him for this year; how that that much gold was left to be repaid, which I, most simple man, had promised him.’Tis this, this, I say, through which my breast boils with indignation;’tis this, in fine, by which I am distracted;
that I, at my time of life, should be made a fool of, aye, by Heaven, so made a very sport of, and with my hoary head and white beard, that wretched I should be bamboozled out of my gold. Undone am I, inasmuch as this slave of mine has dared in this way to set not the value of a nutshell upon me. And I—if any other way I had lost a greater sum—I should have taken it less amiss, and have deemed it less of a loss to me.
(Enter PHILOXENUS.)
PHILOXENUS: (as he enters.)

> Latin: is mé scelus auro usque áttondit dolis dóctis indoctum, út lubitumst.
ita míles memorat méretricem esse eam quam ílle uxorem esse áiebat,
omníaque ut quidque actum est memoravit, eam síbi hunc annúm condúctam,
relicúom id auri factúm quod ego ei stultíssimus homo promísissem: hoc,
hoc ést quo ⟨cor⟩ peracéscit; hoc ést demum quod pércrucior,
me hoc aétatis ludíficari, [immo edepol sic ludos factum]
canó capite atque albá barba miserúm me auro esse emúnctum.
perii, hóc servom meum nón nauci facere ésse ausum! atque ego, si álibi
plus pérdiderim, minus aégre habeam minusque íd mihi damno dúcam.

[¶146] For sure, some person, I know not who, seems to be talking near to me. But who’s this I see?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Certo híc prope me mihi néscio quis loqui vísust; sed quem vídeo?

[¶147] Really,’tis the father of Mnesilochus.
NICOBULUS:
Hah! I see a partner in affliction. Save you, Philoxenus!

> Latin: hic quidémst pater Mnesilochi.
Nicobvlvs:
Eúge, socium aerúmnae et mei mali vídeo.
Philoxéne, salve.

[¶148] PHILOXENUS:
And you; whence are you betaking yourself?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Et tu. unde ágis?

[¶149] NICOBULUS:
From a place whence comes a wretched and a luckless mortal.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Vnde homo miser átque infortunátus.

[¶150] PHILOXENUS:
Why, troth, I’m surely on the earth, the spot where it befits a wretched and a luckless mortal to be.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
At pól ego ibi sum, esse ubi míserum hominem decet átque infortunátum.

[¶151] NICOBULUS:
We now, as we are of like age, are meeting with similar fortunes.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Igitúr pari fortuna, aétate ut sumus, útimur.

[¶152] PHILOXENUS:
So it is. But as to yourself, what’s the matter with you?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Sic est. séd tu,
quíd tibist?

[¶153] NICOBULUS:
I’ faith, mine’s the same mishap as your own.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Pól mihi par, idem est quód tibi.

[¶154] PHILOXENUS:
Does this misfortune in any way relate to your son?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Númquid nam ad fílium haec aégritudo áttinet?

[¶155] NICOBULUS:
Such is the fact.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ádmodum.

[¶156] PHILOXENUS:
The same disease exists in my own breast.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Idém mihi mórbus in péctorest.

[¶157] NICOBULUS:
Aye, and that very worthy fellow, Chrysalus, has been ruining my son, myself, and all my fortunes.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Át mihi Chrýsalus óptumus homo
pérdidit fílium, me átque rem omném meam.

[¶158] PHILOXENUS:
Pray now, what is this mishap of yours about your son?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Quíd tibi ex fílio nam, óbsecro, aegrést?

[¶159] NICOBULUS:
You shall know:

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Scies:

[¶160] together with your own son he’s undone; both of them are keeping mistresses alike.

> Latin: íd, perit cúm tuo: ambo aéque amicás habent.

[¶161] PHILOXENUS:
How do you know?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Qui scís?

[¶162] NICOBULUS:
I have seen them.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Vidi

[¶163] PHILOXENUS:
Ah! wretch that I am! I’m ruined outright.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Eí mihi, dísperii.

[¶164] NICOBULUS:
Why do we hesitate a moment to knock and to call them both hither out of doors.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quíd dubitamus púltare atque huc évocare ambós foras?

[¶165] PHILOXENUS:
I don’t object.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Haud moror.

[¶166] NICOBULUS: (knocks at the door of the house of BACCHIS.)
Hallo there! Bacchis! Bid the door to be opened this instant, if you please, unless you had rather the door and the posts be knocked to bits with hatchets.
(Enter FIRST BACCHIS and SECOND BACCHIS from the house.)

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Heus Bacchis, iube sis actutum aperiri fores,
nisi mavoltis fores et postes comminui securibus.

[¶167] 1st BACCHIS:
Who is it that calls out my name with such a noise and tumult, and is knocking so hard at the door?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Quis sónitu ac tumúltu tantó nominát me atque púltat aedes?

[¶168] NICOBULUS:
I and this person here.
(Pointing to PHILOXENUS.)
1st BACCHIS:
Pray, what’s the matter now? Who has been driving these sheep to us?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ego átque hic.
Bacchis:
Quid hóc est negóti nam, amábo?
quis hás huc ovís adegit?

[¶169] NICOBULUS:
These most shocking hussies call us sheep.
2nd BACCHIS:
Their shepherd’s asleep, as they come straying thus from the flock.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ovís nos vocánt pessumaé.
Soror:
Pastor hárum
dormít, quom haec eunt síc a pecú balitántes.

[¶170] 1st BACCHIS:
But, i’ faith, they are not white; they both look dirty.

> Latin: Bacchis:
At pól nitent, haud sórdidae vidéntur ambae.

[¶171] 2nd BACCHIS:
Because they have both been shorn just now.
PHILOXENUS:
How they seem to be laughing at us.

> Latin: Soror:
Attonsae haé quidem ámbae usque súnt.
Philoxenvs:
Vt vidéntur
derídere nós.

[¶172] NICOBULUS:
Let them, just as long as they please.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Sine suo úsque arbitrátu.

[¶173] 1st BACCHIS:
Don’t you think that these sheep are shorn three times a year?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Rerín ter in annó tu has tónsitari?

[¶174] 2nd BACCHIS:
I’ faith, to-day one of them has been already shorn twice, that’s sure.

> Latin: Soror:
Pol hódie altera iám bis detónsa certo est.

[¶175] 1st BACCHIS:
They are old and fleeceless, both of them.
2nd BACCHIS:
But I think they have been in good plight once.

> Latin: Bacchis:
Vetulaé sunt, † thimiame.
Soror:
At bonás fuisse crédo.

[¶176] 1st BACCHIS:
Prithee, do you see how they are looking with a sheep’s eye at us?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Vidén limulís, obsecró, ut intuéntur?

[¶177] 2nd BACCHIS:
By my troth, I really do believe they are without any ill design.

> Latin: Soror:
Ecástor sine ómni arbitrór malitia ésse.

[¶178] PHILOXENUS:
This happens to us deservedly, for having come here.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Merito hóc nobis fít, qui quidem húc venerímus.

[¶179] 1st BACCHIS:
Well, let them be driven in-doors to fold.
2nd BACCHIS:
I don’t know what occasion there is for that, as they have neither milk nor wool. Let them stand as they are.

> Latin: Bacchis:
Cogántur quidem íntro.
Soror:
Haud sció quid eo opús sit,
quae néc lac nec lánam ullam habént. sic sine ástent.

[¶180] Of whatever value they have been, they are now out of date; all their fruit has fallen off them by this. Don’t you see, how, straying unattended, they are ranging about at liberty? Why, I fancy that they must be dumb with age; they don’t bleat even, though they are absent from the rest of the flock.

> Latin: exsólvere quánti fuére, omnis frúctus
iam illís decidít. non vidés, ut palántes
solaé liberaé
grasséntur? quin aetate crédo esse mútas:
ne bálant quidém, quom a pecú cetero ábsunt.

[¶181] They seem both silly and worthless.

> Latin: stultae átque haud malaé videntur.

[¶182] 1st BACCHIS:
Let’s return in-doors, sister.
NICOBULUS:
Stay where you are, both of you; these sheep want you.

> Latin: Soror:
Revórtamur íntro, sorór.
Nicobvlvs:
Ilico ámbae
manéte: haec ovés volunt vos.

[¶183] 2nd BACCHIS:
Why, surely this is a prodigy; sheep are addressing us with a human voice.

> Latin: Soror:
Pródigium hoc quidémst: humana nós voce appellánt oves.

[¶184] PHILOXENUS:
These sheep will return you the heavy and great injury which they owe to you.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Haec oves vobis malam rem magnam, quam debent, dabunt.

[¶185] 1st BACCHIS:
If you owe me aught, I forgive it you; keep it to yourself; I’ll never demand it of you. But what is the reason that you are threatening mischief to us?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Si quam debes, te condono: tibi habe, numquam abs te petam.
sed quid est quapropter nobis vos malum minitamini?

[¶186] PHILOXENUS:
Because they say that our two lambs are shut up here.
(Pointing to the house.)

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Quia nostros agnos conclusos istic esse aiunt duos.

[¶187] NICOBULUS:
And besides those lambs, my dog is there concealed that bites. If they are not now produced to us and sent out of the house, we shall be furious rams; we shall attack you forthwith.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Et praeter eos agnos meus est istic clam mordax canis:
qui nisi nobis producuntur iam atque emittuntur foras,
arietes truces nos erimus, iam in vos incursabimus.

[¶188] 1st BACCHIS:
Sister, I have something to say to you in private.
2nd BACCHIS:
How now, prithee?
(They go apart.)
NICOBULUS:
Whither are they going?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Soror, ést quod te volo sécreto.
Soror:
Eho, amábo.
Nicobvlvs:
Quo illaec ábeunt?

[¶189] FIRST BACCHIS:
Sister, I give to you that old fellow that’s farthest off, that you may have him cleverly smoothed down; I’ll now attack this other one that’s angry; if we can only entice them here indoors.

> Latin: Bacchis:
Senem illúm tibi dedo ultériorem, lepide út lenitum réddas;
ego ad húnc iratum adgrédiar, ⟨si⟩ possúmus nos hos intro ínlicere huc.

[¶190] 2nd BACCHIS:
I’ll manage my task with cleverness, although ’tis to caress an old skeleton.

> Latin: Soror:
Meum pénsum ego lepide accúrabo, quamquam ódiost mortem ampléxari.

[¶191] 1st BACCHIS:
Take care and do your best.
2nd BACCHIS:
Be quiet; do you do yours; I’ll manage what I have said.

> Latin: Bacchis:
Facito út facias.
Soror:
Taceás. tu tuom facito: égo quod dixi haud mútabo.

[¶192] NICOBULUS:
Why are these two women holding a council here in private?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid illaéc illic in cónsilio duae sécreto consúltant?

[¶193] PHILOXENUS:
What say you, my good fellow—?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Quid aís tu, homo?

[¶194] NICOBULUS:
What would you with me?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid mé vis?

[¶195] PHILOXENUS:
I really am ashamed to tell you a certain thing.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Pudet dícere me tibi quíddam.

[¶196] NICOBULUS:
What is it that you’re ashamed about?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid est quód pudeat?

[¶197] PHILOXENUS:
Still, as you are a person, a friend of mine, I’m determined to entrust you with what I could wish. (Whispers.) I’m good for nought.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Sed amíco homini tibi quód volo credere cértumst.
nihilí sum.

[¶198] NICOBULUS:
I’ve known that this long time; but tell me why you’re good for nought?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Istuc iam prídem scio. sed quí nihili es? id mémora.

[¶199] PHILOXENUS:
I’ve been terribly touched with birdlime: troth, my heart is pierced by the goad.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Tactús sum vehementér visco;
cor stímulo foditur.

[¶200] NICOBULUS:
I’ faith,’twere much better if your flanks were goaded, you worthless fellow.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Pól tibi multo aequíus est coxendícem.

[¶201] But what is it? Although I suspect that I myself pretty well know already what it is; still, I should even like to hear it from yourself.
PHILOXENUS:
Do you see that woman?
(Pointing to the SECOND BACCHIS.)

> Latin: sed quíd istuc est? etsí iam ego ipsus quid sít probe scire putó me;
verum aúdire etiam ex té studeo.
Philoxenvs:
Viden hánc?

[¶202] NICOBULUS:
I see her.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Video.

[¶203] PHILOXENUS:
She’s not an uncomely person.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Haud mala est múlier.

[¶204] NICOBULUS:
Troth, but she is decidedly uncomely; and you are a good-for-nothing fellow.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Pol véro ista mala et tú nihili.

[¶205] PHILOXENUS:
Why more? I’m in love.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Quid múlta? ego amo.

[¶206] NICOBULUS:
You, in love?
PHILOXENUS:’Pon honor.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
An amas?
Philoxenvs:
ναὶ γάρ.

[¶207] NICOBULUS:
And do you, you rotten creature, presume to become a lover at your time of life?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Tun, hómo putide, amatór istac fieri aétate audes?

[¶208] PHILOXENUS:
Why not?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Quí non?

[¶209] NICOBULUS:
Because it’s a disgrace.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quia flágitium est.

[¶210] PHILOXENUS:
What need of words? I am not vexed with my son, nor yet is it right you should be vexed with yours: if they are in love, they do wisely.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Quid opúst verbis? meo fílio non sum irátus,
neque té tuost aequom esse íratum: si amánt, sapienter fáciunt.

[¶211] 1st BACCHIS:
… Follow me this way.
(They approach the old men.)
NICOBULUS:
See, they are moving at last, these allurers and enticers to disgrace. (To the women.) How now? Do you this instant restore us our sons and my servant, or am I to try rougher means with you?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Sequere hác.
Nicobvlvs:
Eunt eccas tándem
probri pérlecebrae et persuástrices. quid núnc? etiam reddítis nobis
filiós et servom? an ego éxperior tecúm vim maiorem?

[¶212] PHILOXENUS:
Won’t you away with you? You surely are not a man, to address a pretty woman so rudely in that fashion.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Ábin hinc?
non hómo tu quidem es, qui istóc pacto tam lépidam inlepide appélles.

[¶213] 1st BACCHIS:
Most worthy old gentleman, by whatsoever is upon the earth, let me entreat this of you, that you will cease to attack this error with such great vehemence.

> Latin: Bacchis:
Senex óptime quantumst ín terra, sine ⟨me⟩ hóc exorare ábs te,
ut istúc delictum désistas tanto ópere ire oppugnátum.

[¶214] NICOBULUS:
If you don’t away with you, although you are so handsome, I’ll be doing you some great mischief just now.
1st BACCHIS:
I shall endure it; I don’t apprehend that any blow that you can give, will cause me any pain.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ni abeás, quamquam tu bélla es, malum tíbi magnum dabo iám.
Bacchis:
Patiar,
non métuo, ne quid míhi doleat quod férias.

[¶215] NICOBULUS:
How smooth of speech she is. O me! I am in alarm.
1st BACCHIS: (aside.)
He’s more calm already.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Vt blandíloquast!
ei míhi, metuo.
Soror:
Hic magis tránquillust.

[¶216] (Aloud.) Step this way with me in-doors; and there, if you choose, correct your son.
(Takes his arm.)

> Latin: Bacchis:
I hac mécum intro atque ibi, sí quid vis, filiúm concastigáto.

[¶217] NICOBULUS:
Avaunt from me, abomination!
(Shakes her off.)
1st BACCHIS:
Do, my love, let me prevail upon you.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Abin á me, scelus?
Bacchis:
Sine, méa pietas, te exorem.

[¶218] NICOBULUS:
You, prevail upon me?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Exores tú me?

[¶219] 2nd BACCHIS:
For sure, I shall prevail, at all events, upon this gentleman.
(Pointing to PHILOXENUS.)
PHILOXENUS:
Yes, I beg of you to show me in-doors.

> Latin: Soror:
Ego quídem ab hoc certe exórabo.
Philoxenvs:
Immo ego te óro, ut me intro abdúcas.

[¶220] 2nd BACCHIS:
What a dear man you are.
PHILOXENUS:
But do you know on what condition you are to show me in-doors?
2nd BACCHIS:
That you are to be with me.

> Latin: Soror:
Lepidúm te.
Philoxenvs:
At scin quo pácto me ad te intro ábducas?
Soror:
Mecum út sis.

[¶221] PHILOXENUS:
You mention all that I desire.
2nd BACCHIS:
…

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Omnía quae cupio cómmemoras.

[¶222] NICOBULUS:
I have seen wicked men; but not one worse than yourself.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Vidi égo nequam homines, vérum te
nemínem deteriorem.

[¶223] PHILOXENUS:
I am as I am.
1st BACCHIS: (to NICOBULUS.)

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Íta sum.

[¶224] Step this way in-doors with me, where you may be elegantly received with viands, wine, and unguents.

> Latin: Bacchis:
I hac mécum intro, ubi tibi sít lepide victíbus, vino atque unguéntis.

[¶225] NICOBULUS:
Enough, enough now of your banquets; it matters not to me how I’m received. My son and Chrysalus have choused me out of four hundred Philippeans. If I don’t surely this day put him to the torture, may I never receive as large a sum again.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Satis, sátis iam vostrist cónvivi: me níl paenitet ut sim ácceptus:
quadringéntis Philippis fílius me et Chrysálus circumduxérunt.
quem quídem ego ut non excrúciem, altérum tantum auri nón meream.

[¶226] 1st BACCHIS:
What, pray, if half the gold is paid you back? Will you go in-doors here with me, and so control your feelings as to forgive them their faults?
PHILOXENUS:
He’ll do it.
(Takes his arm.)

> Latin: Bacchis:
Quid tándem, si dimídium auri reddítur, in hac mecum íntro? atque ut
eis délicta ignoscás.
Philoxenvs:
Faciet.

[¶227] NICOBULUS:
Certainly not—I won’t—I don’t care—let me alone, now. (Shakes him off.) I had rather punish them both.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Minime, nolo. nil móror, sine sic.
malo íllos ulcisci ámbo.

[¶228] PHILOXENUS:
Take you care, you good-for-nothing man, that through your own fault you don’t lose even that which the favouring Gods offer you. One half of the gold is offered; take it, and carouse, and enjoy yourself with your partner.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Etiám tu, homo nihili? quód di dant boni cáve culpa tua amissis:
dimídium auri datur: áccipias, potésque et scortum accúmbas.

[¶229] NICOBULUS:
What, am I to carouse in that very place where my son is being corrupted?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Egon úbi filius corrúmpatur meus, íbi potem?

[¶230] PHILOXENUS:
You must carouse there.

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Potandumst.
Nicobvlvs:
Age iam, íd ut ut est, étsi est dédecori, patiár, facere inducam ánimum:

[¶231] NICOBULUS:
Am I to be the witness of it when she is reclining with him at table?
1st BACCHIS:
Nay, so far as I’m concerned, i’ faith, I’ll recline at table with your own self.

> Latin: egon, cum haéc cum illo accubet, ínspectem?
Bacchis:
Immo equidém pol tecum accúmbam, te amábo et te amplexábor.

[¶232] NICOBULUS:
My head does itch so. (Aside.) I’m a ruined man—I can scarce deny her.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Caput prúrit, perii, víx negito.

[¶233] PHILOXENUS:
And has it not before this come into your mind, that if, while you live, you enjoy yourself,
that, i’ faith, is for no very long time; and that, if you lose the present day, it can never return to you after you are dead?

> Latin: Bacchis:
Non tíbi venit in mentém, amabo, si dúm vivas tibi béne facias
tam pól id quidem esse haud perlónginquom, neque, si hóc hodie amissís, post in
morte éventurum esse úmquam?

[¶234] NICOBULUS:
What am I to do?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Quid agó?

[¶235] PHILOXENUS:
What are you to do? Do you even ask it?

> Latin: Philoxenvs:
Quid agas? rogitás etiam?

[¶236] NICOBULUS:
I should like, and yet I’m afraid.
1st BACCHIS:
What are you afraid of?

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Libet ét metuo.
Bacchis:
Quid métuis?

[¶237] NICOBULUS:
Lest I should be exposed before my son and my servant.
1st BACCHIS:
Pray now, my honey; such things do happen. He’s your own son; whence do you suppose that he is to have money, except that only which you give him yourself? Let me obtain pardon of you for them both.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Ne obnóxius filio sim ét servo.
Bacchis:
Mel méum, amabo, etsi haec fíunt,
tuost: únde illum sumére censes, nisi quód tute illi déderis?
hanc véniam illis sine te éxorem.

[¶238] NICOBULUS: (aside.)
How she does work her way.
She’s now prevailing on me against that which I was quite resolved upon.
1st BACCHIS:
I will love you, and embrace you.

> Latin: Nicobvlvs:
Vt terebrát! satin offirmátum
quod míhi erat, id me exórat?

[¶239] NICOBULUS:
Through your doing, and for your sake am I corrupted.
1st BACCHIS:
I certainly had rather ’twere for your own than for mine.
NICOBULUS:
Come then, however that may be, although it is to my disgrace, I’ll submit; I’ll induce my feelings to do so.
1st BACCHIS:
Have I that solemnly promised? …
NICOBULUS:
What I have once said, I will not alter.

> Latin: tua sum ópera et propter te ímprobior.
Bacchis:
Nemínis quam mea mavéllem.
satin égo istuc habeo fírmatum?
Nicobvlvs:
Quod sémel dixi haud mutábo.

[¶240] 1st BACCHIS:
The day wears apace. Come into the house, to take your places at table: your sons are expecting within—
NICOBULUS:
How soon, in fact, we may be dead, d’ye mean?

> Latin: Bacchis:
It diés, ite intro accúbitum,
filií vos exspectánt intus.
Nicobvlvs:
Quam quídem actutum emoriámur.

[¶241] 1st BACCHIS:’Tis evening, already; come, follow us.
PHILOXENUS:
Lead us in like bondsmen.
(They go into the house.)
1st BACCHIS: (to the SPECTATORS.)

> Latin: Soror:
Vespér hic est, sequimini.
Nicobvlvs:
Dúcite nos quo lúbet tamquam quidem addíctos.

[¶242] Right cleverly are these persons entrapped themselves, who for their sons had laid a snare.
(Goes in.)

> Latin: Bacchis:
Lepide ípsi hi sunt captí, suis qui filiís fecere insídias.

[¶243] The COMPANY of COMEDIANS:
Had not these old men been worthless from their youth upwards, they would not, with their hoary heads, have this day done an action so disgraceful; nor, indeed, should we have represented this, if we had not, before this, seen it happen
that fathers became the rivals of their sons in the houses of procurers. Spectators, we wish you Farewell! and that you will grant us loud applause.

> Latin: Grex:
Hí senes nisi fuíssent nihili iam índe ab adulescéntia,
non hodie hoc tantum flagitium facerent canis capitibus;
neque adeo haec faceremus, ni antehac vidissemus fieri,
ut apud lenones rivales filiis fierent patres.
spectatores, vos valere volumus et clare adplaudere.