---
title: "Epidicus"
author: "Plautus"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
url: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-epidicus/
cite: "Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, Epidicus. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-epidicus/"
---

# Epidicus

*Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

A slave’s schemes for his master’s son go wrong and right again.

> Latin: ed. Friedrich Leo, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0119.phi009, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0119.phi009.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

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

## Contents

1. [Lines 1–370](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-epidicus/1.md)
2. [Lines 371–733](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-epidicus/2.md)

## 1. Lines 1–370

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

[¶0] (Enter THESPRIO, followed by EPIDICUS.
EPIDICUS: (pulling THESPRIO by the cloak.)
Harkye! young man.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Heús, adulescens.

[¶1] THESPRIO:
Who pulls me by the cloak, when thus in haste?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quís properantem mé reprehendit pállio?

[¶2] EPIDICUS:
An intimate.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Familiaris.

[¶3] THESPRIO:
I confess it; for with your annoyance you are too intimate.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Fateor, nam odio es nimium familiariter.

[¶4] EPIDICUS:
But do look back, Thesprio!

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Réspice vero, Thésprio.

[¶5] THESPRIO: (looking round.)
What? Is it Epidicus that I see?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Oh,
Epidicumne ego conspicor?

[¶6] EPIDICUS:
Why surely you’ve the use of your eyes.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Satis recte oculis uteris.

[¶7] THESPRIO:
Greetings to you.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Salve.

[¶8] EPIDICUS:
May the Gods grant what you desire. I’m glad that you’ve got here safe.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Di dent quae velis.
veníre salvom gaudeo.

[¶9] THESPRIO:
What besides?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quid ceterum?

[¶10] EPIDICUS:
According to the usage, a dinner shall be given you.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quod eo adsolet:
cena tibi dabitur.

[¶11] THESPRIO:
I agree.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Spondeo.

[¶12] EPIDICUS:
What to do?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid?

[¶13] THESPRIO:
That I’ll accept it, if you offer it.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Me accepturum, si dabis.

[¶14] EPIDICUS:
How are you? Fare you as you could wish?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid tú agis? ut vales? exemplum adesse intellego. euge,
córpulentior videre atque habitior.

[¶15] THESPRIO:
The proof’s before you.
EPIDICUS:
Marvellous! You seem quite plump and hearty.
THESPRIO: (pointing to his left hand.)
Thanks to this.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Huic gratia.

[¶16] EPIDICUS:
Which, indeed, you ought to have parted with long ago.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quám quidem te iam diu
perdidisse oportuit.

[¶17] THESPRIO:
I’m less of a pilferer now than formerly.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Mínus iam furtificus sum quam antehac.

[¶18] EPIDICUS:
How so?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid ita?

[¶19] THESPRIO:
I rob above-board.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Rapio propalam.

[¶20] EPIDICUS:
May the immortal Gods confound you, with what huge strides you do walk! for when I caught sight of you at the harbour, I began to run at a rapid pace;

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Di immortales te infelicent, ut tu es gradibus grandibus.
nam út apud portum te conspexi, curriculo occepi sequi:

[¶21] I was hardly able to overtake you just now.
THESPRIO:
You are a town wit.

> Latin: vix adipiscendi potestas modo fuit.
Thesprio:
Scurra es.

[¶22] EPIDICUS:
I know that you, on the other hand, are a military gentleman.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Scio
te esse equidem hominem militarem.

[¶23] THESPRIO:
Speak out as boldly as you please.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Audacter quam vis dicito.

[¶24] EPIDICUS:
How say you? Have you been well all along?

> Latin: quid ais? perpetuen valuisti?
Epidicvs:
Varie.

[¶25] THESPRIO:
In a varied way.
EPIDICUS:
Those who are well in a varied way, a race of men of the goat kind or of the panther kind, don’t please me.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Qui varie valent,
capreáginum hominum nón placet mihi néque pantherinúm genus.

[¶26] THESPRIO:
What do you wish me to tell you but that which is fact?
EPIDICUS:
To answer to these things fairly;

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid tíbi vis dicam nisi quod est? ut illaé res? responde.
Thesprio:
Probe.

[¶27] how’s our master’s son? Is he well?
THESPRIO:
Stout as a boxer and an athlete.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid erílis noster filius?
Thesprio:
Valet púgilice atque athletice.

[¶28] EPIDICUS:
You’ve brought me joyous tidings on your arrival. But where is he?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Voluptábilem mihi nuntium tuo advéntu adportas, Thesprio.
sed ubíst is?

[¶29] THESPRIO:
I came here together with him.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Advenit simul.

[¶30] EPIDICUS:
Where is he then? Unless, perchance, you’ve brought him in your wallet, or, perhaps, in your knapsack.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Vbi is ergo est? nisi si in vidulo
aut si in mellina attulisti.

[¶31] THESPRIO:
May the Gods confound you!

> Latin: Thesprio:
Di te perdant.

[¶32] EPIDICUS:
I want to make enquiries of you. Lend me your attention; attention shall be lent you in return.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Te volo—
percóntari: operam da, ópera reddetúr tibi.

[¶33] THESPRIO:
You say what’s law.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Ius dícis.

[¶34] EPIDICUS:
It becomes me to do so.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Me decet.

[¶35] THESPRIO:
But why now are you acting the Praetor over us?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Iam tu autem nobis praeturam geris?

[¶36] EPIDICUS:
What other person in Athens will you say is more deserving of it than I?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quem díces digniorem esse hominem hódie Athenis alterum?

[¶37] THESPRIO:
But still, Epidicus, one thing is wanting for your Praetorship.

> Latin: Thesprio:
At únum a praetura tua,
Epídice, abest.

[¶38] EPIDICUS:
What, pray?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quidnam?

[¶39] THESPRIO:
You shall know; two lictors two osier bundles of twigs—

> Latin: Thesprio:
Scies:
lictores duo, duo ulmei
fasces virgarum.

[¶40] EPIDICUS: (shaking his fist at him.)
Woe unto you! But how say you—?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Vae tibi.
sed quíd ais?

[¶41] THESPRIO:
What is it you ask?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quid rogas?

[¶42] EPIDICUS:
Where are the arms of Stratippocles?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Vbi árma sunt Stratíppocli?

[¶43] THESPRIO:
I’ faith, they’ve gone over to the enemy.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Pól illa ad hostis transfugerunt.

[¶44] EPIDICUS:
What, his arms?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Armane?

[¶45] THESPRIO:
Aye, and quickly too.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Atque equidem cito.

[¶46] EPIDICUS:
Do you say that seriously?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Sérione dicis tu?

[¶47] THESPRIO:
Seriously I say it; the enemy have got them.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Sério, inquam: hostes habent.

[¶48] EPIDICUS:
By my troth, a disgraceful affair.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Édepol facinus improbum.

[¶49] THESPRIO:
Still, before now, other persons have done the same. This affair will turn out to his honor.

> Latin: Thesprio:
At iam ante alii fecerunt idem.
erit illi illa res honori.

[¶50] EPIDICUS:
How so?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Qui?

[¶51] THESPRIO:
Because it has been so to others before.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quia ante aliis fuit.

[¶52] EPIDICUS:
Mulciber, I suppose, made the arms which Stratippocles had;

> Latin: Mulciber, credo, arma fecit quaé habuit Stratippocles:

[¶53] they flew over to the enemy.
THESPRIO:
Why, then, e’en let this son of Thetis lose them; the daughters of Nereus will bring him others.

> Latin: travolaverunt ad hostis.
Epidicvs:
Tum ille prognatus Theti
sine perdat: alia apportabunt éi Nerei filiae.

[¶54] EPIDICUS:
Only this must be looked to, that material may be found for the armourers, if in each campaign he yields a spoil to the enemy.

> Latin: id módo videndum est, ut materies suppetat scutariis,
si in singulis stipendiis is ad hostis exuvias dabit.

[¶55] THESPRIO:
Have done now with these matters.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Supersede istis rebus iam.

[¶56] EPIDICUS:
You yourself make an end of them when you please.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Tu ipse, ubi lubet, finem face.

[¶57] THESPRIO:
Cease your enquiries then.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Desiste percontarier.

[¶58] EPIDICUS:
Say, where is Stratippocles himself?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Loquere ipse: ubist Stratippocles?

[¶59] THESPRIO:
There is a reason, for which reason he has been afraid to come together with me.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Est causa qua causa simul mecum ire veritust.

[¶60] EPIDICUS:
Pray, what is it?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quidnam id est?

[¶61] THESPRIO:
He doesn’t wish to see his father as yet.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Patrem videre se nevolt etiam nunc.

[¶62] EPIDICUS:
For what reason?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quapropter?

[¶63] THESPRIO:
You shall hear; because he has purchased out of the spoil a young female captive of charming and genteel figure.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Scies.
quia forma lepida et liberali captivam adulescentulam
dé praeda mercatust.

[¶64] EPIDICUS:
What is it I hear from you?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid ego ex te audio?

[¶65] THESPRIO:
That which I’m telling you.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Hoc quod fabulor.

[¶66] EPIDICUS:
Why has he purchased her?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Cúr eam emit?

[¶67] THESPRIO:
To please his fancy.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Animi causa.

[¶68] EPIDICUS:
How many fancies has this man? For assuredly, before he went away from home to the army, he himself commissioned me, that a music-girl whom he was in love with should be purchased of a Procurer for him. That I have managed to accomplish for him.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quót illic homo animos habet?
nam cérto, prius quam hinc ád legionem abiít domo,
ipsús mandavit mi, áb lenone ut fídicina,
quam amábat, emeretúr sibi. id ei ímpetratum réddidi.

[¶69] THESPRIO:
Whichever way the wind is at sea, Epidicus, in that direction the sail is shifted.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Vtcúmque in alto ventust, Epidice, exim velum vortitur.

[¶70] EPIDICUS:
Woe unto wretched me! He has utterly undone me!

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Vaé misero mihí, male perdidit me.

[¶71] THESPRIO:
What’s the meaning of this? What’s the matter, pray?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quíd istuc? quidnam est?

[¶72] EPIDICUS:
Well now—she whom he has bought, at what sum has he purchased her?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid istanc quam emit, quanti eam emit?

[¶73] THESPRIO:
A very little.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Vili.

[¶74] EPIDICUS:
That I don’t ask you.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Haud istuc te rogo.

[¶75] THESPRIO:
What then?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quid ígitur?

[¶76] EPIDICUS:
For how many minae?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quot minis?

[¶77] THESPRIO: (holding up all his fingers four times.)
For so many.
EPIDICUS:
Forty minae?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Tot: quadraginta minis.

[¶78] THESPRIO:
For that purpose, he borrowed the money on interest of a Banker at Thebes, at a didrachm for each silver mina per day.
EPIDICUS:
Surprising!

> Latin: íd adeo argentum ab danista apud Thébas sumpsit faenore,
in dies minasque argenti singulas nummis.
Epidicvs:
Papae.

[¶79] THESPRIO:
This Banker, too, has come together with him, and is dunning for his money.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Ét is danista advenit una cúm eo, qui argentum petit.

[¶80] EPIDICUS:
Immortal Gods! now I’m fairly done for!

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Di immortales, ut ego interii basilice.

[¶81] THESPRIO:
Why so, or.what’s the matter, Epidicus?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quid iam? aut quid est,
Epídice?

[¶82] EPIDICUS:
He has proved my ruin!

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Perdidit me.

[¶83] THESPRIO:
Who?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quís?

[¶84] EPIDICUS:
Who? He who lost his arms.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ille qui arma pérdidit.

[¶85] THESPRIO:
But why so?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Nam quíd ita?

[¶86] EPIDICUS:
Because he himself was every day sending me letters from the army—but I shall hold my tongue; it’s best to do so.
It’s best for a man in servitude to know more than he says; that’s true wisdom.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quia cottidie ipse ad me ab legione epistulas
mittebat—sed taceam optumum est,
plus scire satiust quam loqui servom hominem. ea sapientia est.

[¶87] THESPRIO:
On my faith, I don’t understand why you are alarmed. You are frightened, Epidicus; I see it by your countenance. You seem here, in my absence, to have got into some scrape or other.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Néscio edepol quid tu timidus es, trepidas, Epidice, ita voltum tuom†
videór videre commeruisse hic me absente in te aliquid mali.

[¶88] EPIDICUS:
Can’t you cease annoying me?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Potin út molestus ne sies?

[¶89] THESPRIO:
I’ll be off.
(Moves as if going.)

> Latin: Thesprio:
Abeo.

[¶90] EPIDICUS:
Stand still; I’ll not let you go from here.
(Holds him.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Asta, abire hinc non sinam.

[¶91] THESPRIO:
Why do you hold me back?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quíd nunc me retinés?

[¶92] EPIDICUS:
Is he in love with her whom he has purchased out of the spoil?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Amatne ístam quam emit de praeda?

[¶93] THESPRIO:
Do you ask me?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Rogas?

[¶94] He dotes to death upon her.
EPIDICUS:
The hide will be stripped from off my back.

> Latin: deperit.
Epidicvs:
Detegetur corium de tergo meo. †

[¶95] THESPRIO:
He loves her, too, more than ever he loved you.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Plusque amat quam te umquam amavit.

[¶96] EPIDICUS:
May Jupiter confound you!

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Iuppiter te perduit.

[¶97] THESPRIO:
Let me go now; for he has forbidden me to go to our house; he ordered me to come here (pointing to the house) to our neighbour’s, Chaeribulus; there he bade me wait; he’s about to come there himself.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Mítte nunciam, nam ílle me vetuit domum
venire, ad Chaeribulum iussit huc in proxumum;
íbi manere iussit, eo venturust ipsus.

[¶98] EPIDICUS:
Why so?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid ita?

[¶99] THESPRIO:
I’ll tell you;

> Latin: Thesprio:
Dicam:

[¶100] because he doesn’t wish to meet with or see his father, before he has paid down this money which is owing for her.

> Latin: quía patrem prius convenire se non volt neque conspicari,
quám id argentum, quod debetur pro illa, denumeraverit.

[¶101] EPIDICUS:
O dear! an involved business, i’ faith.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Eú edepol res turbulentas.

[¶102] THESPRIO:
Do let go of me, that I may now be off forthwith.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Mitte me ut eam nunciam.

[¶103] EPIDICUS:
When the old gentleman knows this, our ship will fairly founder.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Haécine ubi scibit senex,
púppis pereunda est probe.

[¶104] THESPRIO:
What matters it to me in what way you come to your end?

> Latin: Thesprio:
Quíd istuc ad me attinet,
quó tu intereas modo?

[¶105] EPIDICUS:
Because I don’t wish to perish alone; I’d like you to perish with me, well-wisher with well-wisher.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quía perire solus nolo, te cupio perire mecum,
benevolens cum benevolente.

[¶106] THESPRIO: (tearing himself away from EPIDICUS.)
Away with you from me to utter and extreme perdition with those terms of yours!

> Latin: Thesprio:
Abi ín malam rem maxumam a me
cum ístac condicione.

[¶107] EPIDICUS:
Be off, then, if you are in great haste about anything.
THESPRIO: (aside.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
I sane, siquidem festinas magis.

[¶108] I never met with any person from whom I parted with greater pleasure.
(Goes into the house of CHAERIBULUS.)
EPIDICUS: (to himself.)
He’s gone away from here; you are now alone. In what plight this matter is, you now see, Epidicus. Unless you have some resources in your own self, you are done for. Ruination so great is impending over you—unless you support yourself stoutly, you cannot hold up; to such a degree are mountains of misfortune threatening to tumble on you.

> Latin: Thesprio:
Numquam hominem quemquam conveni, unde abierim lubentius.—
Epidicvs:
Illic hinc abiit. solus nunc es. quo in loco haec res sit vides,
Epidice: nisi quid tibi in tete auxili est, absumptus es.
tantae in te impendent ruinae: nisi suffulcis firmiter,
non potes subsistere, itaque in te inruont montes mali.

[¶109] Neither does any plan just now please me by means of which to find myself disengaged from my entanglement. To my misfortune, by my trickeries I have forced the old man to imagine that he was making purchase of his own daughter; whereas he has bought for his own son
a music-girl whom he was fond of, and whom on his departure he commissioned me about. He now, to please his fancy, has brought another one from the army. I’ve lost my hide, for when the old man finds out that he has been played tricks with, he’ll be flaying my back with twigs. But still, do you take all precautions.
(He stands still and thinKs.)

> Latin: néque ego nunc quó modo
me éxpeditum ex impedito faciam, consilium placet.
égo miser pérpuli
meís dolis senem, ut censeret suam sese emere filiam:
ís suo fílio
fídicinam emit, quam ipse amat, quam ábiens mandavit mihi.
sí sibi nunc álteram
áb legione adduxit animi causa, corium perdidi.
nam úbi senex sénserit
síbi data esse verba, virgis dorsum despoliet meum.
át enim tu praecave.

[¶110] That’s of no use! clearly this head of mine is addled! You are a worthless fellow, Epidicus. (In another tone.) What pleasure have you in being abusive? Because you are forsaking yourself. What am I to do? Do you ask me the question? Why you yourself, in former days, were wont to lend advice to others.

> Latin: át enim—bat enim, nihil est istuc. plane hoc corruptumst caput.
néquam homo es, Epidice.
quí lubidost male loqui?
quía tu tete deseris.
quíd faciam? mén rogas?
tu quidem antehac aliis solebas dare consilia mutua.

[¶111] Well, well; something must be found out. But why delay to go meet the young man, that I may know how the matter stands? And here he is himself. He is in a grave mood. He’s coming with Chaeribulus, his year’s-mate. I’ll step aside here, whence at my leisure I’ll follow their discourse.
(He steps aside.) (Enter STRATIPPOCLES and CHAERIBULUS.)

> Latin: aliquid aliqua reperiundumst. sed ego cesso ire obviam
adulescenti, ut quid negoti sit sciam. atque ipse illic est.
tristis est. cum Chaeribulo incedit aequali suo.
huc concedam, orationem unde horum placide persequar.

[¶112] STRATIPPOCLES:
I’ve told you all the matter, Chaeribulus, and
I have fully disclosed to you the sum of my griefs and loves.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Rem tibi sum elocutus omnem, Chaeribule, atque admodum
meorum maerorum atque amorum summam edictavi tibi.

[¶113] CHAERIBULUS:
You are foolish, Stratippocles, beyond your age and lineage. Does it shame you, because you have bought a captive girl, born of good family, from among the spoil? Who will there be to impute it as a fault to you?

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Praeter aetatem et virtutem stultus es, Stratippocles.
idne pudet te, quia captivam genere prognatam bono
de praeda es mercatus? quis erit, vitio qui id vortat tibi?

[¶114] STRATIPPOCLES:
Through doing this, I’ve found that those who are envious are all enemies to me;

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Qui invident omnes inimicos mi illoc facto repperi;

[¶115] but I’ve never offered or criminal assault against her chastity.

> Latin: at pudicitiae eius numquam nec vim nec vitium attuli.

[¶116] CHAERIBULUS:
Then, so far, in my opinion at least, you are a still more deserving man, inasmuch as you are temperate in your passion.

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Iam istoc probior [es] meo quidem animo, cúm in amore temperes.

[¶117] STRATIPPOCLES:
He effects nothing who consoles a desponding man with his words: he is a friend, who, in dubious circumstances, aids in deed when deeds are necessary.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Nihil agit qui diffidentem verbis solatur suis;
is est amicus, qui in re dubia re iuvat, ubi rest opus.

[¶118] CHAERIBULUS:
What do you wish me to do?

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Quid tibi me vis facere?

[¶119] STRATIPPOCLES:
To lend me forty minae of silver,
to be paid to the Banker from whom I borrowed it on interest.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Argenti dare quadraginta minas,
quod danistae detur, unde ego illud sumpsi faenore.

[¶120] CHAERIBULUS:
On my word, if I had it, I would not deny you.

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Si hercle haberem …

[¶121] STRATIPPOCLES:
What then does it signify your being bounteous in talk, if all aid in the matter is dead outright.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Nam quid te igitur retulit
beneficum esse oratione, si ad rem auxilium emortuom est?

[¶122] CHAERIBULUS:
Why faith, I myself am quite wearied and distracted with being dunned.

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Quin edepol egomet clamore differor, difflagitor.

[¶123] STRATIPPOCLES:
I had rather my friends of that sort were thrust into a furnace than into litigation.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Malim istius modi mihi amicos furno mersos quam foro.

[¶124] But now I could wish to buy me the assistance of Epidicus at a weighty price, a fellow whom I’ll hand over well-liquored with stripes to the baker, unless he this day finds me forty minae before I’ve mentioned to him the last syllable of the sum.
EPIDICUS: (apart.)

> Latin: sed operam Epidici nunc me emere pretio pretioso velim.
quem quidem égo hominem irrigatum plagis pistori dabo,
nisi hodie prius comparassit mihi quadraginta minas,
quam argenti fuero elocutus ei postremam syllabam.

[¶125] The matter’s all right; he promises well; he’ll keep faith, I trust.
(Ironically.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Salva res est: bene promittit, spero servabit fidem.

[¶126] Without any expenditure of my own, an entertainment is already provided for my shoulder-blades. I’ll accost the man. (He goes up to STRATIPPOCLES.) The servant Epidicus wishes health to his master Stratippocles, on his arrival from abroad.
STRATIPPOCLES: (turning round.)
Where is he?

> Latin: sine meo sumptu paratae iam sunt scapulis symbolae.
aggrediar hominem. advenientem péregre erum [suom] Stratippoclem
impertit salute servos Epidicus.
Stratippocles:
Vbi is est?

[¶127] EPIDICUS:
Here he is; I’m delighted that you have returned safe.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Adest.
salvom huc advenisse—

[¶128] STRATIPPOCLES:
I believe you as much in that as I do myself.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Tam tibi istuc credo quam mihi.

[¶129] EPIDICUS:
Have you been well all along?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Benene usque valuisti?

[¶130] STRATIPPOCLES:
I’ve been free from disease; in mind I’ve been ailing.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
A morbo valui, ab animo aeger fui.

[¶131] EPIDICUS:
As regarded myself, I’ve taken care of what you entrusted to me; it has been obtained; the female captive has been bought, about which matter you were sending me letters so often.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quod ad me attinuit, ego curavi: quod mandavisti mihi
impetratum est, empta ancilla, quod tute ad me litteras
missiculabas.

[¶132] STRATIPPOCLES:
You’ve lost all your labour.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Perdidisti omnem operam.

[¶133] EPIDICUS:
But why have I lost it?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Nam qui perdidi?

[¶134] STRATIPPOCLES:
Because she is not dear to my heart, nor does she please me.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Quia meo neque cara est cordi neque placet.

[¶135] EPIDICUS:
What means it, then, that you gave me such strict injunctions, and sent letters to me?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid retulit
mihi tanto opere te mandare et mittere ad me epistulas?

[¶136] STRATIPPOCLES:
Formerly I did love her; but now another passion influences my heart.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Illam amabam olím, nunc iam alia cura impendet pectori.

[¶137] EPIDICUS:
I’ faith, it is a shocking thing for that to be unpleasant for a man which you have managed well for him; where I’ve done well, I’ve in reality done ill, since love has shifted sides.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Hercle miserum est ingratum esse hómini id quod facias bene.
ego quod bene feci male feci, quia amor mutavit locum.

[¶138] STRATIPPOCLES:
I wasn’t right in my mind when I sent those letters to you.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Desipiebam mentis, cum illa scripta mittebam tibi.

[¶139] EPIDICUS:
Is it proper that I should be the atonement for your folly,
so as for you to substitute my back as the scape-goat for your folly?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Men piacularem oportet fieri ob stultitiam tuam,
ut meum tergum tuae stultitiae subdas succidaneum?

[¶140] STRATIPPOCLES:
Why are we making words about that? This man (pointing to himself) has need of forty minae, ready money, and in all haste, for him to pay a Banker, and speedily too.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Quid istic? verba facimus. huic homini ópust quadraginta minis
celeriter calidis, danistae quas resolvat, et cito.

[¶141] EPIDICUS:
Only tell me from what quarter you wish me to get them. From what banker am I to seek them?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Dic modo unde auferre me vis. a quo trápezita peto?

[¶142] STRATIPPOCLES:
From where you like. But if I don’t finger them before sunset,
don’t you enter my house; off with yourself to the mill.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Vnde libet. nam ni ante solem occasum elo …
meam domum ne inbitas: tu te in pistrinum …

[¶143] EPIDICUS:
You easily say that without risk and concern, and with a gay heart. I know our floggers; I feel the pain when I’m beaten.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Facile tu istuc sine periclo et cura, corde libero
fabulare; novi ego nostros: mihi dolet cum ego vapulo.

[¶144] STRATIPPOCLES:
How say you now? Will you suffer me to destroy myself?

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Quid tu nunc? patierin ut ego me interimam?

[¶145] EPIDICUS:
Don’t do that. I’ll cope with this peril and bold attempt in preference.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ne feceris.
ego istuc accedam periclum potius atque audaciam.

[¶146] STRATIPPOCLES:
Now you please me; now do I commend you.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Nunc places, nunc ego te laudo.

[¶147] EPIDICUS:
I’ll submit to this in any way that’s pleasing to you.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Patiar ego istuc quod lubet.

[¶148] STRATIPPOCLES:
What then is to be done about this music-girl?

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Quid illa fiet fidicina igitur?

[¶149] EPIDICUS:
Some method shall be found out; by some means I’ll disengage myself; some way I shall get extricated.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Aliqua res reperibitur,
aliqua ope exsólvar, extricabor aliqua.

[¶150] STRATIPPOCLES:
You are full of scheming; I know you of old.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Plenus consili es.
novi ego te.

[¶151] EPIDICUS:
There is a rich Captain of Eubœa, abounding in plenty of gold, who, when he knows that that one was bought for you, and that this other one has been brought here,
will forthwith be entreating you, of his own accord, to transfer that other one to him. But where is she whom you have brought with you?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Est Euboicus miles locuples, multo auro potens,
qui úbi tibi istam emptam esse scibit atque hanc adductam alteram,
continuo te orabit ultro ut illam tramittas sibi.
sed ubi illa est quam tu adduxisti tecum?

[¶152] STRATIPPOCLES:
I shall have her here just now.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Iam faxo hic erit.

[¶153] CHAERIBULUS:
What are we now doing here?

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Quid hic nunc agimus?

[¶154] STRATIPPOCLES:
Let’s go in-doors here at your house, that, for the present, we may pass this day merrily.
(They go into the house of CHAERIBULUS.)

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Eamus intro huc ad te, ut hunc hodie diem
luculentum habeamus.—

[¶155] EPIDICUS: (to himself.)
Go in-doors; I’ll now call a council in my heart to adopt measures about this money business,
against whom, in especial, war is to be declared, and out of whom I’m to get the money. Epidicus, consider what you are to do; thus suddenly has this business been thrown upon you. But now you must not be slumbering, nor have you any leisure for delay. Now must you be daring!’Tis my fixed determination to lay siege to the old man. I’ll go indoors; I’ll tell the young man, my master’s son,
not to walk abroad here, or come anywhere in the way of the old gentleman.
(Goes into the house of CHAERIBULUS.) (Enter APAECIDES and PERIPHANES, from the house of the former.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ite intro, ego de re argentaria
iam senatum convocabo in corde consiliarium,
quoi potissimum indicatur bellum unde argentum auferam.
Epidice, vide quid agas, ita res subito haec obiectast tibi;
non enim núnc tibi dormitandi neque cunctandi copia est:
adeundumst. senem oppugnare certumst consilium mihi.
i ábi intro atque ádulescenti dic iam nostro erili filio,
ne hinc foras ámbulet neve usquam óbviam veniat seni.—

[¶156] APAECIDES:
Mostly all men are ashamed when they have no occasion to be; when they ought to be ashamed, then does shame forsake them, when there’s a necessity for their being ashamed. That man, in fact, are you. What is there to be ashamed of
in your bringing home a wife, poor, but born of good family? Especially her, whose daughter you say this girl is, who is at your house?

> Latin: Apoecides:
Plérique homines, quós cum nil refért pudet,
úbi pudendum est íbi eos deserit pudor,
quom úsus est ut pudeat.
ís adeo tu és. quid est quód pudendúm siet,
génere natám bono paúperem domum
dúcere te uxorem?
praesértim eam, qua ex tibi cómmemores hanc quaé domist
fíliam prognatam.

[¶157] PERIPHIANES:
I have some regard for my son.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Révereor filium.

[¶158] APAECIDES:
But, i’ faith, the wife whom you buried I thought you had felt some respect for;
whose tomb as oft as you see, you straightway sacrifice victims to Orcus; and not without reason, in fact, since you’ve been allowed to get the better of her by surviving her.

> Latin: Apoecides:
At pól ego te crédidi
úxorem, quam tu éxtulistí, pudore éxsequi,
cúius quotiéns sepulcrúm vides, sácruficas
ílico Orco hóstiis, néque adeo iniúria,
quiá licitumst eam tíbi vivendo vincere.

[¶159] PERIPHIANES:
Ah me! I was a Hercules while she was with me; and, upon my faith, the sixth labour was not more difficult to Hercules than the one that fell to my lot.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Oh,
Hércules égo fui, dum ílla mecúm fuit;
neque séxta aerumna acérbior Herculí, quam illa mihi obiéctast.

[¶160] APAECIDES:
I’ faith, money’s a handsome dowry.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Pulcra édepol dos pecuniast.

[¶161] PERIPHIANES:
Troth, so it is, which isn’t encumbered with a wife.
(Enter EPIDICUS, from the house of CHAERIBULUS, softly crossing the stage.)
EPIDICUS: (at the door, as he enters.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quae quidem pol non maritast.

[¶162] Hist! hist! be silent, and have good courage; with a fair omen have I come out of doors, the bird upon the left hand. (Pointing to his head.) I’ve got a sharp knife, with which to embowel the old man’s purse;
but see! here he is before the house of Apaecides, the two old fellows, just as I want. Now I shall change me into a leech, and suck out the blood of these who are called the pillars of the Senate.
PERIPHIANES:
Let him be married at once.
APAECIDES:
I approve of your design.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
St, tacéte, habete animúm bonum.
liquido éxeo foras auspício, aví sinistra;
acútum cultrum habeó, senis qui exénterem marsúppium.
sed eccum ípsum ante aedis conspicor Apoecide†
qualis volo vetulos duo.
iam ego mé convortam in hirúdinem atque eorum éxsugebo sánguinem,
senáti qui columén cluent.
…
(Apoecides):
cóntinuo ut maritus fiat.
Periphanes:
Laudo consilium tuom.

[¶163] PERIPHIANES:
For I’ve heard that he’s entangled with love with a certain music-girl, I don’t know who. At that I’m vexed to death.
EPIDICUS: (apart.)
By my troth, all the Deities do aid, amplify, and love me; really, these men themselves are pointing out to me the way by means of which I’m to get the money out of them. Now then, come, equip yourself, Epidicus, and throw your cloak about your neck (suiting the action to the word.)
and pretend as though you had been in search of the man all the city over. On with it, if you are going to do it! (He hurries past the OLD MEN as though he didn’t see them, and calls out aloud.) Immortal Gods! I do wish I could meet with Periphanes at home, whom I’m tired with searching for all over the city, throughout the doctors’ shops, throughout the barbers’ shops, in the gymnasium, and in the Forum, at the perfumers’ shops and the butchers’ stalls, and round about the bankers’ shops.

> Latin: nam égo illum audivi in amorem haerere apud néscio quam fidicinam,
íd ego excrucior.
Epidicvs:
Di hercle omnis me ádiuvant augent amant:
ipsi hí quidem mihi dant viam, quo pacto ab se argentum auferam.
age núnciam orna te, Epidice, et palliolum in collum conice
itaque ádsimulato quasi per urbem totam hominem quaesiveris.
áge, si quid agis. di immortales, utinam conveniam domi
Periphanem, per omnem urbém quem sum defessus quaerere:
per medicinas, per tonstrinas, in gymnasio atque in foro,
per myropolia et lanienas circumque argentarias.

[¶164] I’m become hoarse with enquiring; I’ve almost dropped down with running.

> Latin: rogitando sum raucus factus, paene in cursu concidi.

[¶165] PERIPHIANES:
Epidicus!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Epidice.

[¶166] EPIDICUS: (looking round.)
Who is it that’s calling Epidicus back?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Epidicum quis est qui revocat?

[¶167] PERIPHIANES:
It’s I, Periphanes.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Ego sum, Periphanes.

[¶168] APAECIDES:
And I, Apaecides.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Et ego Apoecides sum.

[¶169] EPIDICUS:
And I, indeed, am Epidicus. But, master, I find that you’ve both met me at the nick of time.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Et ego quidem sum Epidicus. sed, ere, optuma
vos video opportunitate ambo advenire.

[¶170] PERIPHIANES:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid rei est?

[¶171] EPIDICUS:
Wait, wait! (puffs and blows.) prithee, do let me get breath!

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Mane ⟨dum⟩, sine respirem quaeso.

[¶172] PERIPHIANES:
By all means, rest yourself.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Immo adquiesce.

[¶173] EPIDICUS:
I’m quite faint;

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Animo malest.

[¶174] I must recover my breath.
APAECIDES:
Do rest yourself at your leisure.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Recipe anhelitum.
Periphanes:
Clementer, requiesce.

[¶175] EPIDICUS:
Lend me your attention. All the men of the army have been remanded home from Thebes.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Animum advortite.
a legione omnes remissi sunt domum Thebis.

[¶176] APAECIDES:
Who knows for certain that this has been done?

> Latin: Apoecides:
⟨Quis hoc⟩
dicit factum?

[¶177] EPIDICUS:
I say that it has been done.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ego ita factum esse dico.

[¶178] PERIPHIANES:
Are you sure of that?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Scin tu istuc?

[¶179] EPIDICUS:
I am sure of it.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Scio.

[¶180] PERIPHIANES:
Why are you sure of it?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Qui tu scis?

[¶181] EPIDICUS:
Because I’ve seen the soldiers marching through the streets in shoals. They are bringing back their arms and their baggage-horses.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quia ego ire vidi milites plenis viis;
arma referunt et iumenta ducunt.

[¶182] PERIPHIANES:
Very good indeed!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Nimis factum bene.

[¶183] EPIDICUS:
Then, what prisoners they’ve got with them! boys, girls, in twos and threes; another one has got five; there’s a crowd in the streets; they are looking out each for his son.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Tum captivorum quid ducunt secum! pueros, virgines,
binos, ternos, alius quinque; fit concursus per vias,
filios suos quisque visunt.

[¶184] PERIPHIANES:
I’ troth, a business very well managed!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Hercle rem gestam bene.

[¶185] EPIDICUS:
Then, filly as many of the courtesans as there are in the whole city were going decked out each to meet her lover;
they were going to trap them; that’s the fact, inasmuch as I gave especial attention to it; several of these had with them nets beneath their garments. When I came to the harbour, forthwith I espied her waiting there, and with her were four music-girls.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Tum meretricum numerus tantus, quantum in urbe omni fuit,
obviam ornatae occurrebant suis quaeque amatoribus,
eos captabant. id adeo qui maxime animum advorterim?
pleraeque eae sub vestimentis secum habebant retia.
quom ad portam venio, átque ego illam ílli video praestolarier
et cum ea tibicinae ibant quattuor.

[¶186] PERIPHIANES:
With whom, Epidicus?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quicum, Epidice?

[¶187] EPIDICUS:
With her whom your son has been loving and doting on for years,
with whom he’s making all haste to ruin credit, property, himself, and yourself. She was on the lookout for him at the harbour.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Cum illa quam tuos gnatus annos multos deamat, deperit,
ubi fidemque remque seque teque properat perdere;
ea praestolabatur illum apud pórtam.

[¶188] PERIPHIANES:
Just see the sorceress now!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Viden veneficam?

[¶189] EPIDICUS:
But decked out, sparkling with gold, and adorned so splendidly! so nicely! so fashionably!

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Sed vestita, aurata, ornata ut lepide, ut concinne, ut nove.

[¶190] PERIPHIANES:
What was she drest in? Was it a royal robe, or was it a plain dress?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid erat induta? an regillam induculam an mendiculam?

[¶191] EPIDICUS:
A skylight one, according as these women coin names for garments.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Inpluviatam, ut istaec faciunt vestimentis nomina.

[¶192] PERIPHIANES:
What! was she dressed in a skylight?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Vtin inpluvium induta fuerit?

[¶193] EPIDICUS:
What’s there wonderful in that? As though many women didn’t go through the streets decked out with farms upon them. But when the tax is demanded, they declare it cannot be paid; while to these hussies, to whom a larger tax is paid, it can be paid. Why, what new names every year these women are finding for their clothing—
the thin tunic, the thick tunic, your fulled linen cloth, chemises, bordered shifts’ the marigold or saffron-coloured dress, the under-petticoat or else the light vermilion dress, the hood, the royal or the foreign robe, the wave pattern or the feather-pattern, the wax or the apple-tint. The greatest nonsense! From dogs, too, do they even take the names.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid istuc tam mirabile est?
quasi non fundis exornatae multae incedant per vias.
at tributus quom imperatus est, negant pendi potis:
illis quibus tributus maior penditur, pendi potest.
quid istae, quae vesti quotannis nomina inveniunt nova?
tunicam rallam, tunicam spissam, linteolum caesicium,
indusiatam, patagiatam, caltulam aut crocotulam,
subparum aut subnimium, ricam, basilicum aut exoticum,
cumatile aut plumatile, carinum aut cerinum—gerrae maxumae.
cani quoque etiam ademptumst nomen.

[¶194] PERIPHIANES:
How so?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Qui?

[¶195] EPIDICUS:
They call one the Laconian. These names compel men to make auctions.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Vocant Laconicum.
haec vocabula auctiones subigunt ut faciant viros.

[¶196] PERIPHIANES:
But do you say on as you commenced.
EPIDICUS:
Two other women behind me began to speak thus between themselves; I, like my wont, went away a little distance from them; I pretended that I wasn’t attending to their talk: I didn’t quite hear all, and still I wasn’t deceived
in a word they said.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Quin tu ut occepisti loquere?
Epidicvs:
Occepere aliae mulieres
duae post me sic fabulari inter sese—égo abscessi sciens
paulum ab illis, dissimulabam earum operam sermoni dare;
nec satis exaudibam, nec sermonis fallebar tamen,
quae loquerentur.

[¶197] PERIPHIANES:
I long to hear it.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Id lubidost scire.

[¶198] EPIDICUS:
Then one of them said to the other with whom she was talking—

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ibi illarum altera
dixit illi quicum ipsa ibat—(

[¶199] PERIPHIANES:
What?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid?

[¶200] EPIDICUS:
Be quiet then, that you may hear. After they had caught sight of her whom your son is dying for: “Prithee, how happily and luckily has it befallen that woman for her lover to be wishing to set her free.” “Who is he?”

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Tace ergo, ut audias)
postquam illam sunt conspicatae, quam tuos gnatus deperit:
“quam facile et quam fortunate évenit illi, obsecro,
mulieri, quam liberare volt amator.” “quisnam is est?”

[¶201] said the other. She mentioned Stratippocles.
PERIPHIANES:
Troth now, I’m undone; what is it I hear of you?

> Latin: inquit altera illi. ibi illa nominat Stratippoclem
Periphanai filium.
Periphanes:
Perii hercle. quid ego ex te audio?

[¶202] EPIDICUS:
That which really took place. After this, I myself, when I heard them talking, began again to draw closer towards them little by little, as though the crowd of people was pushing me, whether I would or no.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Hoc quod actum est. egomet postquam id illas audivi loqui,
coepi rursum vorsum ad illas pauxillatim accedere,
quasi retruderet hominum me vis invitum.

[¶203] PERIPHIANES:
I understand.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Intellego.

[¶204] EPIDICUS:
Then the one asked the other, “How do you know?” “Why, because a letter has been brought her to-day from Stratippocles; that he has borrowed money on interest from a banker at Thebes; that it is ready, and he himself has brought it for that purpose.”

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ibi illa interrogavit illam: “qui scis? quis id dixit tibi?”
“quin hodie adlatae tabellae sunt ad eam a Stratippocle,
eum argentum sumpsisse apud Thébas ab danista faenore,
id paratum et sese ob eam rem id ferre.”

[¶205] PERIPHIANES:
Tell on—I’m undone!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Certo ego occidi.

[¶206] EPIDICUS:
She said that she had heard so from her and from the letter which she had seen.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Haec sic aibat: sic audivisse ex eapse atque epistula.

[¶207] PERIPHIANES:
What am I to do now? I ask your advice, Apaecides.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid ego nunc faciam? consilium a te expetesso, Apoecides.

[¶208] APAECIDES:
Let us find some clever, useful expedient; for he, indeed, will either be here just now, or is here already.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Reperiamus aliquid calidi conducibilis consili.
nam ille quidem aut iam hic aderit, credo hercle, aut iam adest.

[¶209] EPIDICUS:
If it were right for me to be wiser than you, I could give you some good advice, which you will praise, I fancy, both of you—

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Si aequom siet
me plus sapere quam vos, dederim vobis consilium catum,
quod laudetis, ut ego opino, uterque,

[¶210] PERIPHIANES:
Then where is it, Epidicus?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Ergo ubi id est, Epidice?

[¶211] EPIDICUS:
Yes, and useful for this purpose,

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Atque ad eam rem conducibile.

[¶212] APAECIDES:
Why do you hesitate to mention it?

> Latin: Apoecides:
Quid istuc dubitas dicere?

[¶213] EPIDICUS:
It’s proper for yourselves, who are the wiser, to be the first to speak, and for me to speak afterwards.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Vos priores esse oportet, nos posterius dicere,
qui plus sapitis.

[¶214] PERIPHIANES:
Aye, aye, of course—come, say on.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Eia vero, age díc.

[¶215] EPIDICUS:
But you’ll laugh at me.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
At deridebitis.

[¶216] APAECIDES:
On my word, we will not do so.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Non edepol faciemus.

[¶217] EPIDICUS:
Well then, if it pleases you, use my advice; if it doesn’t please you, find better.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Immo, si placebit, utitor,
consilium si non placebit, reperitote rectius.

[¶218] There’s neither sowing nor reaping for me in this matter; only that I do wish the same that you wish.

> Latin: mihi istic nec seritur nec metitur, nisi ea quae tu vis volo.

[¶219] PERIPHIANES:
I return you thanks. Make us partakers in your wisdom.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Gratiam habeo; fac participes nos tuae sapientiae.

[¶220] EPIDICUS:
Let a wife at once be chosen for your son; and so take vengeance on this music-girl whom he wants to liberate, and who is corrupting him for you; and so let it be managed, that even until her dying day she may remain a slave.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Continuo arbitretur uxor tuo gnato atque ut fidicinam
illam quam is volt liberare, quae illum corrumpit tibi,
ulciscare atque ita curetur, usque ad mortem ut serviat.

[¶221] APAECIDES:
It ought to be so managed.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Fieri oportet.

[¶222] PERIPHIANES:
I am ready to do anything, so long only as this may be brought about

> Latin: Periphanes:
Facere cupio quidvis, dum id fiat modo.

[¶223] EPIDICUS:
Well then, now there’s an opportunity of doing so, before he comes into the city, as to-morrow he will be here; to-day he will not have come.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Em,
nunc occasiost faciundi, prius quam in urbem advenerit,
sicut cras hic aderit, hodie non venit.

[¶224] PERIPHIANES:
How do you know?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Qui scis?

[¶225] EPIDICUS:
I do know, because another person told me, who came from there, that he would be here in the morning.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Scio.
quia mihi alius dixit qui illinc venit, mane hic adfore.

[¶226] PERIPHIANES:
Then say you what we are to do.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quin tu eloquere, quid faciemus?

[¶227] EPIDICUS:
I’m of opinion that you ought to do thus:
you must pretend as though you were desirous to give her liberty to the music-girl for your own whim, and as though you were violently in love with her.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Sic faciundum censeo
quasi tu cupias liberare fidicinam animi gratia
quasique ames vehementer tu illam.

[¶228] PERIPHIANES:
To what advantage does that tend?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quam ad rem istuc refert?

[¶229] EPIDICUS:
Do you ask that? Why, that you may purchase her beforehand with money, before your son comes, and may say that you bought her to set her at liberty—

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Rogas?
ut enim praestines argento, prius quam veniat filius,
atque ut eam te in libertatem dicas emere,

[¶230] PERIPHIANES:
I understand.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Intellego.

[¶231] EPIDICUS:
When she’s bought, you must remove her somewhere out of the city; unless your own
feelings are any way opposed.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Vbi erit empta, ut aliquo ex urbe amoveas; nisi quid est tua
secus sententia.

[¶232] PERIPHIANES:
O no, skilfully suggested.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Immo docte.

[¶233] EPIDICUS:
But what say you, Apaecides?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid tua autem, Apoecides?

[¶234] APAECIDES:
Why, what should I? Except that I think you’ve contrived it very cleverly.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Quid ego iam nisi te commentum nimis astute intellego?

[¶235] EPIDICUS:
Then, in consequence, all thoughts of marriage with her will be removed from him, so that he will make no difficulties as to what you wish.
APAECIDES:
Long life to you, wise as you are, it really does please us.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Iam ⟨simul⟩ igitur amota ei erit omnis consultatio
nuptiarum, ne gravetur quod velis.
Periphanes:
Vive sapis,
et placet.

[¶236] EPIDICUS:
Do you then skilfully do whatever you are going to do.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Tum tu igitur calide quidquid acturu'sacturus es age.

[¶237] PERIPHIANES:
I’ faith, you speak to the purpose.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Rem hercle loquere.

[¶238] EPIDICUS:
I have found, too, how this suspicion may be removed from yourself.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Et repperi, haec te qui abscedat suspicio.

[¶239] PERIPHIANES:
Let me know it.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Sine me scire.

[¶240] EPIDICUS:
You shall know it; just listen.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Scibis, audi.

[¶241] APAECIDES:
He’s come with a breast full of counsel.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Sapit hic pleno pectore.

[¶242] EPIDICUS:
There’s need of a person to carry the money there for the music-girl; but there’s no equal necessity for yourself to do it.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Opus est homine qui illo argentum deferat pro fidicina;
nam te nolo neque opus factost.

[¶243] PERIPHIANES:
Why so?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid iam?

[¶244] EPIDICUS:
Lest he should think you are doing it for the sake of your son—

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ne te censeat
fili causa facere,

[¶245] PERIPHIANES:
Cleverly thought of!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Docte.

[¶246] EPIDICUS:
By which means you’ll keep him away from her;

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quo illum ab illa prohibeas:

[¶247] lest any difficulty might arise by reason of that suspicion.

> Latin: ne qua ob eam suspicionem difficultas evenat.

[¶248] PERIPHIANES:
What person shall we find suited to this purpose?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quém hominem inveniemus ad eam rem utilem?

[¶249] EPIDICUS: (pointing to APAECIDES.)
He will be the best; he will be able to take all due precautions, as he understands the laws and ordinances.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Hic erit optimus,
hic poterit cavere recte, iura qui et leges tenet.

[¶250] PERIPHIANES:
Epidicus, receive my thanks. But I’ll attend to this with all care.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Epidico habeas gratiam.

[¶251] EPIDICUS:
I’ll find him and bring him here to you, to whom the music-girl belongs;
and I’ll take the money along with him.
(Pointing to APAECIDES.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Sed ego istuc faciam sedulo:
ego illum conveniam atque adducam hunc ad eum quoiast fidicina,
atque argentum ego cum hoc feram.

[¶252] PERIPHIANES:
For how much, at the lowest, can she be bought?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quanti émi potest minimo?

[¶253] EPIDICUS:
What, she? Perhaps she might possibly be bought at the lowest for forty minae; but if you give me more, I shall return it. There’s no trickery in this matter. This money, too, of yours won’t be locked up ten days.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Illane?
ad quadraginta fortasse eam posse emi minimo minis.
verum si plus dederis, referam, nihil in ea re captiost.
atque id non decem occupatum tibi erit argentum dies.

[¶254] PERIPHIANES:
How so?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quidum?

[¶255] EPIDICUS:
Why, because another young man is dying with love for this woman,
one abounding in money, a great warrior, a Rhodian, a spoiler of his foes, a boaster; he’ll buy her of you, and give the money with pleasure. You only do it; there’s a large profit for you here.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quia enim mulierem alius illam adulescens deperit,
auro opulentus, magnus miles Rhodius, raptor hostium,
gloriosus: is emet illam de te et dabit aurum lubens.
face modo, est lucrum hic tibi amplum.

[¶256] PERIPHIANES:
I really pray the Gods it may be so.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Deos quidem oro.

[¶257] EPIDICUS:
You’ll obtain your prayer.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Impetras.

[¶258] APAECIDES:
Why then, don’t you go in-doors and bring the money out here? I’ll go visit the Forum. Epidicus, do you come thither.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Quin tu is intro atque huic argentum promis? ego visam ad forum.
Epidice, eo veni.

[¶259] EPIDICUS: (to APAECIDES.)
Don’t you go away from there before I come to you.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ne abitas prius quam ego ad te venero.

[¶260] APAECIDES:
I’ll wait till then.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Vsque opperiar.—

[¶261] PERIPHIANES: (to EPIDICUS.)
Do you follow me in-doors.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Sequere tu intro.—

[¶262] EPIDICUS:
Go and count it out; I’ll not detain you at all.
(Exit APAECIDES, and PERIPHANES goes into his house.) (EPIDICUS, alone.)
EPIDICUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
I, numera, nil ego te moror.

[¶263] I do think that in the Attic land there is no spot of land so fertile as is this Periphanes of ours; why, from the locked and sealed-up money-chest I summon forth silver just as much as I please.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
nullum esse opinor ego agrum in agro Attico
aeque feracem quám hic est noster Periphanes:
quin ex occluso atque obsignato armario
decutio argenti tantum quantum mihi lubet.

[¶264] But this, i’ troth, I am afraid of, that if the old man should come to know it, he’ll be making parasites of elm-twigs, to be shaving me quite clean. But one matter and consideration disturbs me—what music-girl, one that goes out on hire, I’m to show to Apaecides. (He muses.) And that as well I’ve got: this morning the old gentleman bade me
bring for him on hire some music-girl to his house here, to sing for him while he was performing a sacrifice. She shall be hired, and be instructed beforehand in what way she’s to prove herself cunning towards the old man. I’ll away in-doors; I’ll get the money out of the swindled old fellow.
(He goes into the house of PERIPHANES.) (Enter STRATIPPOCLES and CHAERIBULUS, from the house of the latter.)
STRATIPPOCLES:
I’m distractedly in suspense and worn to the heart with waiting how the fair promises of Epidicus will turn out for me. I’ve been tormented too long. Whether there is to be anything, or whether there is not, I wish to know.

> Latin: quod pol ego metuo si senex resciverit,
ne ulmos parasitos faciat, quae usque attondeant.
sed me una turbat res ratioque, Apoecidi
quam ostendam fidicinam aliquam conducticiam.
atque id quoque habeo: mane me iussit senex
conducere aliquam fidicinam sibi huc domum,
⟨quae⟩, dum rem dinam faceret, cantaret sibi;
ea conducetur atque ei praemonstrabitur
quo pacto fiat subdola adversus senem.
ibo intro, argentum accipiam ab damnoso sene.—
Stratippocles:
Expectando éxedor míser atque exénteror,
quó modo mi Épidici blánda dicta évenant.
nímis diu máceror: sítne quid nécne sit,
scíre cupió.

[¶265] CHAERIBULUS:
For all these resources you may still seek some other resources for yourself. For my part, I knew at the first, or the instant, that there was no help for you in him.

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Per illám tibi cópiam
copíam parare aliám licet: scivi équidem in principio ilico
nullám tibi esse ín illo copiam.

[¶266] STRATIPPOCLES:
Upon my faith, I’m ruined!

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Interii hércle ego.

[¶267] CHAERIBULUS:
You act absurdly in tormenting yourself in mind. By my troth, if I should catch him, I would never allow that slave of a fellow to be laughing at us with impunity.

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Ábsurde facis qui ángas te animi; si hércle ego illum semel préndero,
númquam inridére nos íllum inultúm sinam servom hominem.

[¶268] STRATIPPOCLES:
What can you expect him to do, you, who have such great wealth at home, and have not a coin of it, as you say, and have in yourself no resources for your friend?

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Quíd illum facere vís, qui, tibi quoi dívitiae domi máxumae sunt,
is númmum nullum habés neque sodáli tuo in te cópiast.

[¶269] CHAERIBULUS:
I’ faith, if I had had it, I should have proffered it with pleasure; but something in some manner, in some way, in some direction, from some person, some hope I have for you, that there’ll be some good fortune for you to share with me.

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Si hercle hábeam, polliceár lubens, verum áliquid aliqua aliquó modo
alicúnde ab alíqui aliqua tíbi spes est fore méliorem fortúnam.

[¶270] STRATIPPOCLES:
Woe to you, you sneaking fellow.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Vaé tibi, muricide homo.

[¶271] CHAERIBULUS:
Why does it please you to abuse me?

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Qui tibi lubet mihi male loqui?

[¶272] STRATIPPOCLES:
Why, because you are prating to me about something in some manner, from somewhere or other, from some persons,
that nowhere exists, and I won’t admit it to my ears. Of no more assistance are you unto me than he who never yet has been born.
(They stand near the door of the house of CHAERIBULUS.) (Enter EPIDICUS, from the house of PERIPHANES, with a bag of money round his neck.)
EPIDICUS: (to PERIPHANES, within the house.)

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Quippe tú mi aliquíd aliquo modo alicunde ab aliquibus blatis
quod nusquamst neque ego id inmitto in aures meas
nec míhi plus adiuménti †ades, quam ille quí numquam etiam nátust.

[¶273] You’ve done your duty then; it now befits me to do mine. Through this care of mine, you may be allowed to be at ease. (In a lower voice.) This, in fact, is now lost to you; don’t at all be setting your hopes on it. (Holding some of the coins in his hands.) How very shining it is! You only trust me for that.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Fecísti iam officium tuom, me meum nunc facere oportet.
per hanc cúram quieto tibi licet esse—hoc quidem iam periit:
ne quid tibi hinc in spem referas, oppido hoc pollinctum est;

[¶274] This way I’m going to act, this way my forefathers have acted before me. O ye immortal Gods, what a brilliant day you have bestowed upon me in this how propitious and how favourable to my requests! But why do I delay to take my departure hence, that I may bear this supply with lucky auspices to the colony. I’m delaying while I’m standing here. But what means this? Before the house I see the two companions,
my master and Chaeribulus. (Accosting them.) What are you doing? Take this, will you.
(Gives STRATIPPOCLES the bag of money.)

> Latin: crede modo mihi: sic ego ago, sic egerunt nostri.
pro di immortales, mihi hunc diem dedistis luculentum,
ut facilem atque impetrabilem! sed ego hinc migrare cesso,
ut importem in coloniam hunc ⟨meo⟩ auspicio commeatum?
mihi cesso, cum sto. sed quid hoc? ante aedis duo sodales,
erum et Chaéribulum, conspicor. quid hic ágitis? accipe hoc sis.

[¶275] STRATIPPOCLES:
How much is there in this?

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Quantum hic inest?

[¶276] EPIDICUS:
As much as is enough, and more than enough; a superabundance; I’ve brought more by ten minae than you owe to the Banker. So long as I please and obey you, I value my own back at a straw.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quantum sat est, et plus satis: superfit.
decem minis plus attuli quam tu danistae debes.
dum tibi ego placeam atque obsequar, meum térgum flocci facio.

[¶277] STRATIPPOCLES:
But why so?

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Nam quid ita?

[¶278] EPIDICUS:
Because I shall make your father a bag-murderer.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quia ego tuom patrem faciam parenticidam.

[¶279] STRATIPPOCLES:
What kind of expression is that?

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Quid istúc est verbi?

[¶280] EPIDICUS:
I don’t at all care for your old-fashioned and every-day words; you chouse by purses full, but I’ll chouse by bags full. For the procurer took away a whole lot of money for the music-girl (I paid it; with these hands I counted it out), her whom your father supposes to be his own daughter. Now, again, that your father may be deceived, and assistance be provided for you,
I’ve discovered a method. In such a way have I persuaded the old gentleman—and had a talk to this effect, that, when you returned, you might not have possession of her —

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Nil moror vetera et volgata verba;
peratum ductarent: ego follitum ductitabo.
nam leno omne argentum abstulit pro fidicina (ego resolvi,
manibus his denúmeravi) pater suam natam quam esse credit;
nunc iterum ut fallatur pater tibique auxilium apparetur
inveni: nam ita suasi seni atque hanc habui orationem
…
ut cum rediisses ne tibi eius copia esset.

[¶281] STRATIPPOCLES:
Bravo!—bravo!
EPIDICUS:
She’s now at your house in place of her.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Euge.
…
(Epidicvs):
ea iam domist pro filia.

[¶282] STRATIPPOCLES:
I understand.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
⟨Iam⟩ teneo.

[¶283] EPIDICUS:
Now he has given me Apaecides by way of guarantee in this matter (he’s waiting for me at the Forum), as if to seem the purchaser.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Nunc cautorem
dedit mihi ad hanc rem Apoecidem, is ápud forum manet me,
[quasique amaret] caveat.

[¶284] STRATIPPOCLES:
Not a bad precaution!

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Haud male.

[¶285] EPIDICUS:
The cautious man’s now taken in himself;

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Iam ípse cautor captust.

[¶286] your own father himself placed this purse around my neck. He’s making preparation, that immediately on your arrival home you shall be married.

> Latin: ipse in meo cóllo tuos pater cruminam collocavit;
is adornat, adveniens domi extemplo ut maritus fias.

[¶287] STRATIPPOCLES:
In one way only will he persuade me; if Orcus takes her away from me, who has been brought with me.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Vno persuadebit modo, si illam, quae adducta est mecum,
mi adempsit Orcus.

[¶288] EPIDICUS:
Now I’ve hit upon this scheme: I’ll go by myself alone to the procurer’s house; I’ll instruct him,
if any one comes to him, to say that the money has been paid him for the music-girl; inasmuch as, the day before yesterday, I paid it down with my own hands for this mistress of yours, whom your father takes to be his own daughter. Then the procurer, unknowingly, will be staking his accursed head,
as though he had received the money for her who has now been brought here together with you.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Nunc ego hanc astutiam institui.
deveniam ad lenonem domum egomet solus, eum ego docebo,
si quid ad eum adveniam, ut sibi essé datum argentum dicat
pro fidicina, argenti minas se habere quinquaginta
(quippe ego qui nudiustertius meis manibus denumeravi
pro illa tua amica, quam pater suam filiam esse retur):
ibi leno sceleratum caput suom imprudens alligabit,
quasi pro illa argentum acceperit, quae tecum adducta nunc est.

## 2. Lines 371–733

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

[¶0] CHAERIBULUS:
You are more versatile than a potter’s-wheel.

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Vorsutior es quam rota figularis.

[¶1] EPIDICUS:
Now I’ll get ready some artful music-girl, who’s hired at a didrachm, to pretend that she has been purchased, and cleverly to trick the two old fellows: Apaecides, together with her, will bring her to your father.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Iam ego parabo
aliquam dolosam fidicinam, nummo conducta quae sit,
quae se emptam simulet, quae senes duo dócte ludificetur.
eam ducet simul Apoecides ad tuom patrem.

[¶2] STRATIPPOCLES:
How adroitly managed!

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Vt parate.

[¶3] EPIDICUS:
Her, prepared beforehand with my devices, and provided with my schemes, I shall send to him. But I’m talking at too great length; you have delayed me too long: you now know these things how they are to be; I’ll be off.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Eam pérmeditatam, meis dolis astutiisque onustam
mittam. sed nimis longum loquor, diu me éstis demorati.
haec scitis iam ut futura sint. abeo.—

[¶4] STRATIPPOCLES:
Success attend you!
(Exit EPIDICUS.)

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Bene ambulato.

[¶5] CHAERIBULUS:
He is very clever at artful tricks.

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Nimis dóctus ille ⟨est⟩ ad male faciendum.

[¶6] STRATIPPOCLES:
Indeed, by his plans, he has saved me, that’s sure.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Me equidem certo
servavit consiliis suis.

[¶7] CHAERIBULUS:
Let’s go hence into my house.

> Latin: Chaeribvlvs:
Abeamus intro hinc ad me.

[¶8] STRATIPPOCLES:
Yes, and a little more joyfully than I came out of your house, by the courage and conduct of Epidicus, do I return into camp with the spoil.
(They go into the house.) (Enter PERIPHANES.)

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Atque aliquantó lubentius quam abs te sum egressus intus;
virtute atque auspicio Epidici cum praeda in castra redeo.—

[¶9] PERIPHIANES: (to herself.)
Not only for the sake of the face were it right for men to have a mirror for themselves wherein to look at their faces; but one with which they might be enabled to examine the heart of discretion,
and therefore be able to examine the resources of the mind; when they had looked in that, they might afterwards consider how they had once passed their lives in youth. Just as myself, for instance, who, for the sake of my son, began to torment myself in mind, as though my son
had been guilty of some offence against, me, or as though my own misdeeds had not been most heavy in my youth. In truth, we old fellows are out of our senses sometimes. This, in my own opinion at least, has proved advantageous. But my friend Apaecides is coming with the spoil.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Non oris causa modo homines aequom fuit
sibi habere speculum, ubi os contemplarent suom,
sed qui perspicere possent cor sapientiae,
[igitur perspicere ut possent cordis copiam]
ubi id inspexissent, cogitarent postea,
vitam ut vixissent olim in adulescentia.
vel ego, qui dudum fili causa coeperam
ego med excruciare animi, quasi quid filius
meus déliquisset me erga aut quasi non plurima
male facta mea essent solida in adulescentia.
profecto deliramus interdum senes.
[fuit conducibile hoc quidem mea sententia.]
sed meus sodalis it cum praeda Apoecides.

[¶10] I’m glad that the negotiator has returned safe.
(Enter APAECIDES, with a MUSIC-GIRL.)

> Latin: venire salvom mercatorem gaudeo.

[¶11] PERIPHIANES:
How goes it?
APAECIDES:
The Gods and Goddesses are favouring you.

> Latin: quid fit?
Apoecides:
Di deaeque te adiuvant.

[¶12] PERIPHIANES:
The omen pleases me.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Omen placet.

[¶13] APAECIDES:
A person with whom all things go on prosperously. But do you order her to be taken in-doors.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Quin omini omnes suppetunt res prospere.
sed tu hanc iubé sis intro abduci.

[¶14] PERIPHIANES: (going to the door of his house, and calling.)
Hallo there! come out of doors here, some one. (A SERVANT comes out.) Take that woman into the house!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Heus, foras
exite huc aliquis. duce istam intro mulierem.

[¶15] And, do you hear?
SERVANT:
What do you desire?
PERIPHIANES:
Take care you don’t permit this woman to associate with my daughter, or to see her. Now do you understand? I wish her to be shut up apart in that little chamber; there’s a great difference between the manners of a maiden and a courtesan.
(The SERVANT leads the MUSIC-GIRL into the house.)

> Latin: atque audin?
Servvs:
Quid vis?
Periphanes:
Cave siris cum filia
mea cópulari hanc neque conspicere. iam tenes?
in aediculam istanc sorsum concludi volo.
divortunt mores virgini longe ac lupae.

[¶16] APAECIDES:
You speak cleverly and judiciously; each man cannot keep too strict a guard upon the chastity of his daughter.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Docte et sapienter dicis. † num nimis potest
pudicitiam quisquam suae servare filiae.

[¶17] Upon my faith, we certainly did forestall this woman from your son just in time.
PERIPHIANES:
Why so?

> Latin: edepol ne ístam temperi gnato tuo
sumus praémercati.
Periphanes:
Quid iam?

[¶18] APAECIDES:
Because another person told me that he had just seen your son here.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Quia dixit mihi
iam dudum se alius tuom vidisse hic filium:

[¶19] PERIPHIANES:
I’ troth, he was stirring in this business.
APAECIDES:
Upon my faith, it really is so, clearly.

> Latin: hanc edepol rem apparabat.
Periphanes:
Planum hercle hoc quidem est.

[¶20] You really have a clever servant, and worth any price.
PERIPHIANES:
At his weight in gold he would not be dear.
APAECIDES:
How well he kept that Music-girl quite in ignorance that she was purchased for you; so full of joke and fun did he bring her hither along with him.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Ne tú habes servom graphicum et quantivis preti,
non carust auro contra. ut ille fidicinam
fecit ⟨sese ut⟩ nesciret esse emptam tibi!
ita ridibundam atque hilaram huc adduxit simul.

[¶21] PERIPHIANES:
It’s wonderful how that could be managed.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Mirum hoc qui potuit fieri.

[¶22] APAECIDES:
He said that you were going to offer a sacrifice at home for your son,
because he had returned safe from Thebes.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Te pro filio
facturum dixit rem esse divinam domi,
quia Thebis salvos redierit.

[¶23] PERIPHIANES:
He hit upon the right thing.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Rectam institit.

[¶24] APAECIDES:
Yes, and he himself told her that she had been hired to assist you here in the sacrifice. He said that you were about to perform it, and that you had a sacrifice at home.
But I then made pretence that I was ignorant, as it were, inasmuch as I made myself out half-witted.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Immo ipsus illi dixit conductam esse eam,
quae hic administráret ad rem divinam tibi.
[facturum hoc dixit rem esse divinam tibi domi]
ego illic me autem sic assimulabam: quasi
stolidum, combardum me faciebam.

[¶25] PERIPHIANES:
Why yes; it was right to do so.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Em istuc decet.

[¶26] APAECIDES:
An important trial of a friend is going on at the Forum; I want to go as his advocate.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Res magna amici apud forum agitur, ei volo
ire advocatus.

[¶27] PERIPHIANES:
Go, and when you have leisure, return to me mediately.

> Latin: Periphanes:
At quaeso, ubi erit otium,
revortere ad me extemplo.

[¶28] APAECIDES:
I’ll be here just now.
(Exit.)

> Latin: Apoecides:
Continuo hic ero.—

[¶29] PERIPHIANES: (to himself.)
Nothing is there more opportune to man than a friend in need; without labour of your own, what you want is done nevertheless. If I had commissioned any one upon this business, a less skilful person, and less fitted for this matter, he would have been gulled; and so, grinning with his white teeth,
my son would have most deservedly laughed at me.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Nihil homini amicost opportuno amicius:
sine tuo labore quod velis actumst tamen.
ego si allegavissem aliquem ad hoc negotium
minus hominem doctum minusque ad hanc rem callidum,
os sublitum esset, itaque me albis dentibus
meus dérideret filius meritissumo.

[¶30] But who is this I see coming this way, that with his swaggering makes his scarf to be streaming in the wind?
(He stands aside.) (Enter a CAPTAIN, with his SERVANT.)
A CAPTAIN: (to his SERVANT.)

> Latin: sed quis hic est quém ⟨ego⟩ huc advenientem conspicor,
suam qui undantem chlamydem quassando facit?

[¶31] Take care not to pass by any house without asking where lives the old gentleman, Periphanes of Plothea. Take care that you don’t return to me without knowing it.
PERIPHIANES: (coming forward.)

> Latin: Miles:
Cave praéterbitas ullas aedis, quin roges,
senex híc ubi habitat Periphanes Platenius.
incertus tuom cave ad me rettuleris pedem.

[¶32] Young man, if I point out to you the person whom you are in search of, what thanks shall I get of you?
A CAPTAIN:
In arms, by the might of war, I’ve deserved that all people ought to give me thanks.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Adulescens, si istunc hominem, quem tu quaeritas,
tibi commonstrasso, ecquam abs te inibo gratiam?
Miles:
Virtute belli armatus promerui, ut mihi
omnis mortalis agere deceat gratias.

[¶33] PERIPHIANES:
You haven’t found out, young man, a tranquil spot
where to recount your virtues as you wish; for, if an inferior vaunts his battles to a superior, by his lips they become soiled; but this Periphanes of Plothea whom you are seeking, I am he, if you want him for anything.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Non repperisti, adulescens, tranquillum locum,
ubi tuas virtutes explices, ut postulas.
nam strenuiori deterior si praedicat
suas pugnas, de illius illae fiunt sordidae.
sed istúm quem quaeris Periphanem Platenium,
ego sum, si quid vis.

[¶34] A CAPTAIN:
Him, you mean, who in his youth
among kings in arms, by his skill in war, gained vast wealth?

> Latin: Miles:
Nempe quem in adulescentia
memorant apud réges armis, arte duellica
divitias magnas indeptum?

[¶35] PERIPHIANES:
Aye, if you were to hear of my achievements, drop ping your hands you would run off home.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Immo si audias
meas púgnas, fugias manibus dimissis domum.

[¶36] A CAPTAIN:
I’ faith, I’m rather in search of one to whom to speak of my own, than of one to be speaking of his to me.

> Latin: Miles:
Pol égo magis unum quaero, meas cui praedicem,
quam illum qui memoret suas mihi.

[¶37] PERIPHIANES:
This is not the place for it.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Hic non est locus;

[¶38] Do you then look out for another person, into whom to stuff your scraps of nonsense.
(Aside.)

> Latin: proin tu alium quaeras cui centones sarcias.

[¶39] And yet this is folly, for me to impute that to him as a fault, which I myself used to do in my youth when I was a soldier; in recounting my battles I used to tear out men’s ears by the roots, when I had once begun.

> Latin: atque haec stultitiast me illi vitio vortere
egomet quod factitavi in adulescentia,
cum militabam: pugnis memorandis meis
eradicabam hominum auris, quando occeperam.

[¶40] A CAPTAIN:
Lend your attention, that you may learn what I’ve come to you about. I’ve heard that you have purchased my mistress.

> Latin: Miles:
Animum advorte, ut quod ego ad te advenio intellegas.
meam amicam audivi te esse mercatum.

[¶41] PERIPHIANES: (aside.)
Heyday! now at last I know who he is; the officer whom Epidicus was telling me about a short time since. (To the OFFICER.) Young man, it is
as you say; I have purchased her.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Attatae,
nunc demum scio ego hunc qui sit: quem dudum Epidicus
mihi praedicavit militem. adulescens, itast
ut dicis, emi.

[¶42] A CAPTAIN:
I want a few words with you, if it is not inconvenient to you.

> Latin: Miles:
Volo te verbis pauculis,
si tibi molestum non est.

[¶43] PERIPHIANES:
Upon my faith, I don’t know whether it’s convenient or not, until perhaps you say what you want.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Non edepol scio,
molestum necne sit, nisi dicis quid velis.

[¶44] A CAPTAIN:
I want you to transfer her to me, and take the ransom.
PERIPHIANES:
You may have her.

> Latin: Miles:
Mi illam ut tramittas, argentum accipias: adest.

[¶45] A CAPTAIN:
But why should I hesitate to speak out to you? I wish at once to make her my freed-woman, that she may be my mistress.
PERIPHIANES:
I’ll make short work with you; she was bought for me for fifty minae of silver; if sixty minae are paid down to me, I’ll let the damsel employ your holidays,
and so assuredly so, that, if you like, you may remove her from this country.

> Latin: nam quid ego apud te vera parcam proloqui?
ego illám volo hodie facere libertam meam,
mihi concubina quae sit.
Periphanes:
Te absolvam brevi:
argenti quinquaginta mi illa empta est minis;
si sexaginta mihi denumerantur minae,
tuas póssidebit mulier faxo ferias;
atque ita profecto, ut eam ex hoc exoneres agro.

[¶46] A CAPTAIN:
Is she then purchased by me?

> Latin: Miles:
Estne empta mi istis legibus?

[¶47] PERIPHIANES:
On those terms you may have her.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Habeas licet.

[¶48] You have made a good bargain.
(Going to the door of his house.)
Hallo there! bring out of doors the Music-girl you took in. The harp, too, as well, that was thrown in with her, I’ll make you a present of it for nothing.
PERIPHIANES: (MUSIC-GIRL.) (taking her by the hand and leading her to the CAPTAIN.)

> Latin: Miles:
Conciliavisti pulchre.
Periphanes:
Heus, fóras educite
quam introduxistis fidicinam. atque etiam fides,
ei quae accessere, tibi addam dono gratiis.

[¶49] Come, take her, please.
A CAPTAIN:
What madness possesses you? What mystery are you devising for me? Why don’t you order the Music-girl to be brought from in-doors?

> Latin: age accipe hanc sis.
Miles:
Quae te intemperiae tenent?
quas tu mihi tenebras trudis? quin tu fidicinam
produci íntus iubes.

[¶50] PERIPHIANES:
Why, this is the Music-girl. There’s no other one here.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Haec ergo est fidicina.
hic alia nullast.

[¶51] A CAPTAIN:
You can’t impose on me. Why don’t you bring out here the Music-girl Acropolistis?

> Latin: Miles:
Non mihi nugari potes.
quin tu huc producis fidicinam Acropolistidem?

[¶52] PERIPHIANES:
This, I tell you, is she.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Haec inquamst.

[¶53] A CAPTAIN:
This, I tell you, is not she. Do you suppose that I can’t know my own mistress?

> Latin: Miles:
Non haec inquamst. non novisse me
meam rere amicam posse?

[¶54] PERIPHIANES:
It was this Music-girl, I tell you, for whom my son was dying with love.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Hanc, inquam, filius
meus deperibat fidicinam.

[¶55] A CAPTAIN:
This is not she.

> Latin: Miles:
Haec non est ea.

[¶56] PERIPHIANES:
How, not she?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid? non est?

[¶57] A CAPTAIN:
It is not.

> Latin: Miles:
Non est.

[¶58] PERIPHIANES:
Where in the world, then, does, she come from? For my part, i’ faith, I certainly paid the money for her.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Vnde haec igitur gentiumst?
equidem hercle argentum pro hac dedi.

[¶59] A CAPTAIN:
Foolishly paid, I guess, and a mighty mistake.

> Latin: Miles:
Stulte datum
reor et peccatum largiter.

[¶60] PERIPHIANES:
Nay, but this is she; for I sent the servant who is in the habit of attending my son; he himself this moment purchased the Music-girl.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Immo haec east.
nam servom misi, qui illum sectari solet
meum gnátum: is ipse hanc destinavit fidicinam.

[¶61] A CAPTAIN:
Well then, this fellow has cut you up joint by joint, old gentleman, this servant of yours.

> Latin: Miles:
Em istíc homo te articulatim concidit, senex,
tuos servos.

[¶62] PERIPHIANES:
How, cut me up?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid? concidit?

[¶63] A CAPTAIN:
Such is my suspicion;
for she has been palmed upon you for that Music-girl. Old gentleman, you’ve been bubbled clearly and cleverly. I shall now go seek her wherever she is.
Warrior, farewell!
(Exeunt the OFFICER and SERVANT.)

> Latin: Miles:
Sic suspiciost,
nam pro fidicina haec cerva supposita est tibi.
senex, tibi os est sublitum plane et probe.
ego illám requiram iam ubi ubi est.—

[¶64] PERIPHIANES: (stamnping with rage.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Bellator, vale.

[¶65] Bravo, bravo! Epidicus You’re a clever fellow! You have fought well—you’re a man! you’ve wiped my nose when snivelling, worthless fellow that I am!
(To the MUSIC-GIRL.)

> Latin: euge, euge, Epidice, frugi es, pugnavisti, homo es,
qui me emunxisti mucidum, minimi preti.

[¶66] Did Apaecides purchase you to-day of the procurer? (A pause.) Come now, tell me.

> Latin: mercatus te hodie est de lenone Apoecides?

[¶67] MUSIC-GIRL:
I never heard of that person before to-day, nor, indeed, was any one able to purchase me for any money; I’ve been free now for more than five years.

> Latin: Fidicina:
Fando ego istunc hominem numquam audivi ante hunc diem,
neque me quidem emere quisquam ulla pecunia
potuit: plus iam sum libera quinquennium.

[¶68] PERIPHIANES:
What business have you, then, at my house?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid tibi negotist meae domi igitur?

[¶69] MUSIC-GIRL:
You shall hear;

> Latin: Fidicina:
Audies.

[¶70] I came, being hired to perform for an old gentleman while he was sacrificing.
PERIPHIANES:
I do confess that I am the most worthless of all men in Athens of Attica. But do you know Acropolistis the Music-girl?

> Latin: conducta veni, ut fidibus cantarem seni,
dum rem divinam faceret.
Periphanes:
Fateor me omnium
hominum esse Athenis Atticis minimi preti.
sed tu novistin fidicinam Acropolistidem?

[¶71] MUSIC-GIRL:
As well as my own self.

> Latin: Fidicina:
Tam facile quam me.

[¶72] PERIPHIANES:
Where does she live?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Vbi habitat?

[¶73] MUSIC-GIRL:
Since she has been made free,
I don’t know for certain.

> Latin: Fidicina:
Postquam liberast
ubi habitet dicere admodum incerte scio.

[¶74] PERIPHIANES:
Well now, I should like to know who has made her free, if you know?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Eho an libera illa est? quis eam liberaverit,
volo scíre, si scis.

[¶75] MUSIC-GIRL:
That which I have heard, you shall hear; I heard that Stratippocles, the son of Periphanes, had provided in his absence that she should be made free.

> Latin: Fidicina:
Id quod audivi audies.
Stratippoclem aiunt Periphanai filium
absentem curavisse ut fieret libera.

[¶76] PERIPHIANES:
By heavens, I’m undone, most clearly, if these things are true. Epidicus has disembowelled my purse!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Perii hercle, si istaec vera sunt; planissume
meum exenteravit Epidicus marsuppium.

[¶77] MUSIC-GIRL:
I’ve heard to that effect. Do you want me for anything else?

> Latin: Fidicina:
Haec sic audivi. numquid me vis ceterum?

[¶78] PERIPHIANES:
Away to perdition in the veriest torments, and off this instant!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Malo cruciatu ut pereas atque abeas cito.

[¶79] MUSIC-GIRL:
Won’t you give me back my harp?
PERIPHANES:
Neither harp nor pipes.

> Latin: Fidicina:
Fides non reddis?
Periphanes:
Neque fides neque tibias.

[¶80] Make haste, then, and escape from here, if the Gods love you!
MUSIC-GIRL:
I’ll be off. At a future time, however, you’ll restore it, with the greater disgrace to yourself.
(Exit.)

> Latin: propera igitur fugere hinc, si te di amant.
Fidicina:
Abiero.
flagitio cum maiore post reddes tamen.—

[¶81] PERIPHIANES: (to himself.)
What now? Shall I, who have been placed before so many edicts, allow him to get with impunity? No; even though as much again should be required to be lost, I’ll lose it rather than
allow myself to be held in derision with impunity and plundered by them. That I should have been thus cheated openly to my face, and that I should have been set at nought before this Apaecides, who is famed as being the framer and founder of all the laws and ordinances! He too declares that he is a wise man! that the hammer,
forsooth, should be wiser than the handle!
(He stands aside.) (Enter PHILIPPA, at a distance.)
PHILIPPA: (to herself.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid nunc? qui in tantis positus sum sententiis, †
[eamne egó sinam impune? immo etiam si alterum]
[tantum perdundumst, perdam potius quam sinam]
[me impune irrisum esse, habitum depeculatui]
ei sic data esse verba praesenti palam!
atque mé minoris facio prae illo, qui omnium
legum atque iurum fictor, conditor cluet;
is etiam sese sapere memorat: malleum
sapientiorem vidi excusso manubrio.

[¶82] If a mortal being has aught of misery, through which, miserable creature, to be wretched from the heart, that same do I experience, for whom full many a woe unites in the same spot, which, all, at the same instant are beating against my breast. A multitude of troubles keep me in suspense.
Poverty and misery alarm the thoughts of my heart; nor have I anywhere a spot of safety where to fix my hopes; in such a way has my daughter fallen into the power of the enemy; nor do I know where she now is.
PERIPHIANES: (apart.)

> Latin: Philippa:
Sí quid est homini míseriarum quód miserescat, míser ex animost.
íd ego expérior, cui múlta in unúm locum
cónfluont, quaé meum péctus pulsánt simul:
multiplex aerumna me exercitam habet,
paupértas, pavór territát mentem ánimi,
neque úbi meas spes cóllocem habeo úsquam munitúm locum.
ita gnáta mea hostiumst potita, neque ea nunc ubi sit scio.

[¶83] Who is this woman coming from a distance with a breast filled with alarms, and who thus bewails her lot?
PHILIPPA: (to herself.)
It was told me that Periphanes was living in this neighbourhood.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quis illaec est mulier, timido pectore peregre adveniens
quae ipsa se miseratur?
Philippa:
In his dictust locis habitare mihi
Periphanes.

[¶84] PERIPHIANES: (apart.)
She’s mentioning me; need of hospitality has befallen her, I suppose.
PHILIPPA: (to herself.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Me nominat haec; credo ego illi hospitio usus venit.

[¶85] I would be very willing to give a reward to any one who would point me out that man, or where he dwells.
PERIPHIANES: (apart.)

> Latin: Philippa:
Pervelim mercedem dare, qui monstret eum mihi hominem aut ubi habitet.

[¶86] I recognize her; for I think I have seen her before; where, I know not. Is it, or is it not she, whom my mind suspects her to be?
PHILIPPA: (seeing him.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Noscito ego hanc, nam videor nescio ubi mi vidisse prius.
éstne ea an nón east quam animus retur meus?

[¶87] Good Gods! I have seen this person before!
PERIPHIANES: (to himself.)

> Latin: Philippa:
Di boni, visitavi … antidhac?

[¶88] It surely is she, a poor woman whom I remember having an intrigue with at Epidaurus.
PHILIPPA: (to herself.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Certo eást … quam in Épidauro paupérculam memini cómprimere.

[¶89] Surely it is he, who at Epidaurus first violated my maiden modesty.
PERIPHIANES: (to himself.)

> Latin: Philippa:
Plane hícine est, qui mihi in Épidauro primús pudicitiam pépulit.

[¶90] She who had the daughter by me whom I’ve now got at home.
PHILIPPA: (to herself.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quaé meo compréssu peperit fíliam quam dómi nunc habeo.

[¶91] What if I accost him?
PERIPHIANES: (to himself.)
I don’t know whether to make up to her.
If this is she—
PHILIPPA: (to herself.)
But if it is the man, as length of years renders me doubtful—
PERIPHIANES: (to himself.)

> Latin: quíd si adeam—
Philippa:
Hau scio án congrediar—
Periphanes:
Si haéc east.
Philippa:
Si is ést homo, sicut
ánni multi dúbia dant.

[¶92] Length of time renders my mind uncertain. But if it is she, whom with some doubt I conjecture it to be, I’ll accost her circumspectly.
PHILIPPA: (to herself.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Lónga dies meum incértat animum. sín east quam incerte aútumo,
hánc congrediar ástu.

[¶93] A woman’s artfulness must be employed by me.
PERIPHIANES: (to himself.)

> Latin: Philippa:
Múliebris adhibenda míhi malitia nunc est.

[¶94] I’ll address her.
PHILIPPA: (to herself.)
I’ll bring my powers of conversation to bear against him.
PERIPHIANES: (accosting her.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Cómpellabo.
Philippa:
Orátionis áciem contra cónferam.

[¶95] Health to you!
PHILIPPA:
That health I accept for me and mine.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Salva sis.
Philippa:
Salutem accipio mi et meis.

[¶96] PERIPHIANES:
What besides?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid ceterum?

[¶97] PHILIPPA:
Health to yourself; what you lent me, I return.

> Latin: Philippa:
Salvos sis: quod credidisti reddo.

[¶98] PERIPHIANES:
I don’t impeach your punctuality.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Haud accuso fidem.

[¶99] Don’t I know you?
PHILIPPA:
If I know you, I’ll move your feelings, so that you shall know me.

> Latin: novin ego te?
Philippa:
Si ego te novi, animum inducam, ut tu noveris.

[¶100] PERIPHIANES:
Where have I been in the habit of seeing you?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Vbi te visitavi?

[¶101] PHILIPPA:
You are unfairly hard upon me.

> Latin: Philippa:
Inique iniuriu'siniurius es.

[¶102] PERIPHIANES:
Why so?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid iam?

[¶103] PHILIPPA:
Because you think it right that I should be the prompter of your memory.

> Latin: Philippa:
Quia
tuae memoriae interpretari me aequom censes.

[¶104] PERIPHIANES:
You speak to the purpose.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Commode
fabulata es.

[¶105] PHILIPPA:
You say what’s strange to me, Periphanes.

> Latin: Philippa:
Mira memoras.

[¶106] PERIPHIANES:
Ah now! that’s better.

> Latin: Periphanes:
⟨Te memini⟩—
Philippa:
Em istuc rectius.

[¶107] Do you remember, Philippa—
PHILIPPA:
Yes, I remember that.

> Latin: Perphanes:
Meministin—
Philippa:
Memini id quod memini.

[¶108] PERIPHIANES:
At Epidaurus—

> Latin: Periphanes:
At in Epidauro—

[¶109] PHILIPPA:
Ah! you have moistened my burning breast with a little drop of comfort.

> Latin: Philippa:
Ah, guttula
pectus ardens mi aspersisti.

[¶110] PERIPHIANES:
How I relieved the poverty of you, a poor young maiden, and your mother?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Virgini pauperculae,
tuaeque matri me levare paupertatem?

[¶111] PHILIPPA:
What, are you he who for your own gratification brought heavy troubles upon me?

> Latin: Philippa:
Tun is es,
qui per voluptatem tuam in me aerumnam obsevisti gravem?

[¶112] PERIPHIANES:
I am he. Health to you.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Ego sum. salve.

[¶113] PHILIPPA:
I am in health, since I see you in health.

> Latin: Philippa:
Salva sum, quia te esse salvom sentio.

[¶114] PERIPHIANES:
Give me your hand.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Cedo manum.

[¶115] PHILIPPA: (extending her hand, which he takes.)
Take it—you hold by the hand a woman distrest and full of woes.

> Latin: Philippa:
Accipe. aerumnosam et miseriarum compotem
mulierem retines.

[¶116] PERIPHIANES:
What is it that disturbs your features?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid est quod voltus turbatust tuos?

[¶117] PHILIPPA:
The daughter whom I had by you—

> Latin: Philippa:
Filiam quam ex te suscepi—

[¶118] PERIPHIANES:
What of her?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid eam?

[¶119] PHILIPPA:
When I had brought her up, I lost her; she fell into the hands of the enemy.

> Latin: Philippa:
Eductam perdidi.
hostium est potita.

[¶120] PERIPHIANES:
Keep your mind in quiet and at rest. Why look, she’s here at my house safe and sound. For immediately I heard from my servant that she was a captive, instantly I gave the money for her to be purchased;
he managed this affair as discreetly and frugally as in other matters he is egregiously—dishonest.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Habe animum lenem et tranquillum. tace.
domi meae eccam salvam et sanam. nam postquam audivi ilico
ex meo servo, illam esse captam, continuo argentum dedi,
ut emeretur. ille eam rem ádeo sobrie et frugaliter
accuravit, ut⟨ut⟩ ad alias res est impense inprobus.

[¶121] PHILIPPA:
Let me see her, whether it is she or no.

> Latin: Philippa:
Fac videam, si mea, si salva ⟨mihi sit⟩.

[¶122] PERIPHIANES: (going to the door of his house.)
Hallo there! you—Canthara, this instant bid my daughter come out before the house, that she may see her mother.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Eho, istinc, Canthara,
iube Telestidem huc prodire filiam ante aedis meam,
ut suam videat matrem.

[¶123] PHILIPPA:
My spirits now at last return to me.
(Enter ACROPOLISTIS from the house.)

> Latin: Philippa:
Remigrat animus nunc demum mihi.

[¶124] ACROPOLISTIS:
Why is it, father, that you have called me out before the house?

> Latin: Acropolistis:
Quid est, pater, quod me excivisti ante aedis?

[¶125] PERIPHIANES:
That you may see and accost your mother, and wish her health on her arrival, and give her kisses.
ACROPOLISTIS: (looking about.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Vt matrem tuam
videas, adeas, advenienti des salutem atque osculum.

[¶126] What mother of mine?
PERIPHIANES: (pointing to PHILIPPA.)
She who, half dead, is following your gaze.

> Latin: Acropolistis:
Quam meam matrem?
Periphanes:
Quae exanimata exsequitur aspectum tuom.

[¶127] PHILIPPA:
Who is this that you are requesting to kiss me?

> Latin: Philippa:
Quis istaec est quam tu osculum mihi ferre iubes?

[¶128] PERIPHIANES:
Your own daughter.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Tua filia.

[¶129] PHILIPPA:
What, she?

> Latin: Philippa:
Haecine?

[¶130] PERIPHIANES:
She.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Haec.

[¶131] PHILIPPA:
What—am I to kiss her?

> Latin: Philippa:
Egone osculum huic dem?

[¶132] PERIPHIANES:
Why not, her who was born of you?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quor non, quae ex te nata sit?

[¶133] PHILIPPA:
Man, you are mad.

> Latin: Philippa:
Tú homo insanis.

[¶134] PERIPHIANES:
What, I?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Egone?

[¶135] PHILIPPA:
Yes, you.
PERIPHANES:
Why?

> Latin: Philippa:
Tune.
Periphanes:
Quor?

[¶136] PHILIPPA:
Because this woman—I neither know nor understand who she is, nor have I beheld her with my eyes before this day.

> Latin: Philippa:
Quia ego hanc quae siet
neque scio neque novi, neque ego hanc oculis vidi ante hunc diem.

[¶137] PERIPHIANES:
I know why you are mistaken; because this woman has her dress and ornaments changed.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Scio quid erres: quia vestitum atque ornatum immutabilem
habet haec, …

[¶138] PHILIPPA:
Puppies have one smell, pigs quite another;

> Latin: Philippa:
… aliter catuli longe olent, aliter suis.

[¶139] I say that I do not know her, who she is.
PERIPHIANES: (stamping with rage.)
Oh! by our trust in Gods and men, what is this? Am I following the calling of a Procurer, to be keeping strange women in my house, and to be emptying my house of my money? (To ACROPOLISTIS.) What are you to be calling me your father and kissing me? Why stand you stupidly there? Why do you keep silent?

> Latin: ne ego eam novisse …
Periphanes:
Pro deum atque hominum fidem,
quid? ego lenocinium facio, quí habeam alienos domi
atque argentum egurgitem domo prosus? quid tu, quae patrem
tuom vocas me atque osculare, quid stas stupida? quid taces?

[¶140] ACROPOLISTIS:
What do you want me to say?

> Latin: Acropolistis:
Quid loquar vis?

[¶141] PERIPHIANES: (pointing to PHILIPPA.)
She denies that she is your mother.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Haec negat se tuam esse matrem.

[¶142] ACROPOLISTIS:
Don’t let her be so,
if she don’t choose. For my own part, whether she likes it or not, I shall be my mother’s daughter still. It isn’t right for me to compel this woman to be my mother if she doesn’t like.

> Latin: Acropolistis:
Ne fuat,
si non volt: equidem hac invita támen ero matris filia;
non med istanc cogere aequom est meam esse matrem, si nevolt.

[¶143] PERIPHIANES:
Why then did you call me father?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Cur me igitur patrem vocabas?

[¶144] ACROPOLISTIS:
That is your own fault, not mine; ought I not to call you father when you call me daughter? Her too, as well (pointing to PHILIPPA) if she were to call me daughter, I should call mother.

> Latin: Acropolistis:
Tua istaec culpast, non mea.
non patrem ego te nominem, ubi tu tuam me appellas filiam?
hanc quoque etiam, si me appellet filiam, matrem vocem.

[¶145] She declares that I am not her daughter; then she is not my mother. In fine, this is no fault of mine; what I’ve been taught, I’ve told you all of it. Epidicus was my instructor.
PERIPHIANES:
I’m undone! I’ve upset my waggon!

> Latin: negat haec filiám me suam ésse: non ergo haec mater mea est.
postremo haec mea culpa non est: quae didici dixi omnia;
Epidicus mihi fuit magister.
Periphanes:
Perii, plaustrum perculi.

[¶146] ACROPOLISTIS:
Have I done anything amiss towards that?

> Latin: Acropolistis:
Numquid ego ibi, pater, peccavi?

[¶147] PERIPHIANES:
Upon my faith, if I ever hear you call me father, I’ll put an end to your life, you jade!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Si hercle te umquam audivero
me patrem vocare, vitam tuam ego interimam.

[¶148] ACROPOLISTIS:
I shan’t call you so.

> Latin: Acropolistis:
Non voco.

[¶149] When you want to be my father, then be so; when you don’t want, don’t be my father.
PHILIPPA: (to PERIPHANES.)

> Latin: ubi voles pater esse, ibi esto; ubi noles, ne fueris pater.

[¶150] What? Did you purchase her for that reason, because you supposed her to be your daughter? By what signs did you recognize her?
PERIPHIANES:
By none.

> Latin: Philippa:
Quid, ⟨si⟩ ob eam rem hanc emisti, quia tuam gnatam es ratus,
quibus de signis agnoscebas?
Periphanes:
Nullis.

[¶151] PHILIPPA:
Why did you suppose her to be our daughter?

> Latin: Philippa:
Qua re filiam
credidisti nostram?

[¶152] PERIPHIANES:
My servant Epidicus told me so.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Servos Epidicus dixit mihi.

[¶153] PHILIPPA:
What if it had seemed to your servant otherwise? Prithee, could you not have known?

> Latin: Philippa:
Quid si servo aliter visumst, non poteras novisse, obsecro? †

[¶154] PERIPHIANES:
How should I, who had never seen her after having once beheld her.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid ego, qui illam ut primum vidi, numquam vidi postea?

[¶155] PHILIPPA:
Wretched creature, I’m quite undone!
(Begins to weep.)

> Latin: Philippa:
Perii misera.

[¶156] PERIPHIANES:
Don’t weep, madam; go in-doors; be of good courage; I’ll find her out.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Ne fle, mulier. intro abi, habe animum bonum;
ego illam reperiam.

[¶157] PHILIPPA:
An Attic citizen from Athens here purchased her Indeed, they said it was a young man who had bought her.

> Latin: Philippa:
Hinc Athenis civis eam émit Atticus:
adulescentem equidem dicebant emisse.

[¶158] PERIPHIANES:
I will find her; hold your peace. Only do go in-doors, and keep an eye upon this Circe, this daughter of the Sun.
(She goes into the house, followed by ACROPOLISTIS.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Inveniam, tace.
abi modo intro atque hanc asserva Circam Solis filiam.

[¶159] All business laid aside, I’ll give my attention to seeking for Epidicus. If I find him, I’ll make this day become the final one for him.
(Exit.) (Enter STRATIPPOCLES, from the house of CHAERIBULUS.)
STRATIPPOCLES: (to himself.)
The Banker is inattentive to me, not to seek the money of me, or bring this woman who has been purchased out of the spoil. But see—here comes Epidicus How’s this, that in gloominess his brow is wrinkled?
(at a distance.)
EPIDICUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: ego relictis rebus Epidicum operam quaerendo dabo:
si invenio, exitiabilem égo illi faciam hunc ut fiat diem.—
Stratippocles:
Male morigerus mi est danista, qui a me argentum non petit
neque illam adducit quae ⟨empta⟩ ex praedast. séd eccum incedit Epidicus.
quid illuc est quod illí caperrat frons severitudine?

[¶160] If Jupiter unto himself were to take the eleven Gods beside himself, even then, all of them would not be able to rescue Epidicus from torture. I’ve seen Periphanes buying the thongs; Apaecides was together with him; now, I do believe that these persons are in search of me. They have found it out; they know that they’ve been imposed upon.
STRATIPPOCLES: (coming forward.)
What are you about, my ready occasion?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Si undecim deos praeter sese secum adducat Iuppiter,
ita non omnes ex cruciatu poterunt eximere Epidicum.
Periphanem emere lora vidi, ibi aderat una Apoecides;
nunc homines me quaeritare credo. senserunt, sciunt
sibi data esse verba.
Stratippocles:
Quíd agis, mea commoditas?

[¶161] EPIDICUS:
That which a wretched fellow is about.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quod miser.

[¶162] STRATIPPOCLES:
What’s the matter with you?

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Quid est tibi?

[¶163] EPIDICUS:
Why don’t you prepare for me the necessaries for flight before I’m quite undone? For the two fleeced old gentlemen are hunting for me through the city; they are carrying in their hands handcuffs an inch and a half thick.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quin tu mi adornas ad fugam viaticum,
prius quam pereo? nam per urbem duo defloccati senes
quaeritant me, in manibus gestant copulas secum simul.

[¶164] STRATIPPOCLES:
Be of good heart—

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Habe bonum animum.

[¶165] EPIDICUS:
Of course I will, whose freedom is so close at hand.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quippe ego quoi libertas in mundo sitast.

[¶166] STRATIPPOCLES:
I will preserve you.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Ego te servabo.

[¶167] EPIDICUS:
I’ faith, they’ll do it better for me, if they catch me.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Edepol me illi melius, si nacti fuant.

[¶168] But who’s this young woman, this greyish old fellow, too, that’s coming along?
(are seen at a distance.)

> Latin: sed quis haec ést muliercula et ille gravastellus qui venit?

[¶169] STRATIPPOCLES:
This is the Banker, and this is the woman whom I purchased out of the spoil.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Hic est danista, haec illa est autem, quam emi de praeda.

[¶170] EPIDICUS:
What, is this she?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Haecinest?

[¶171] STRATIPPOCLES:
It is she. Isn’t she just like what I told you? Look at her.
EPIDICUS:
Is it she?

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Haec est. estne ita ut tibi dixi? aspecta et contempla, Epidice:

[¶172] STRATIPPOCLES:
Survey her, Epidicus. Even from her nail to the top of her hair she is most lovely! Is she not? Do look at her! Observe her! You’ll be looking at a picture beautifully painted.

> Latin: usque ab unguiculo ad capillum summumst festivissuma.
estne consímilis quasi cum signum pictum pulchre aspexeris?

[¶173] EPIDICUS:
Judging from your words you are foretelling that my hide will be beautifully painted; me, whom Apelles and Zeuxis, the pair of them, will be painting with elm-tree pigments.
(Enter the BANKER and TELESTIS.)
STRATIPPOCLES: (to the BANKER.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ex tuis verbis meum futurum corium pulchrum praedicas,
quém Apella atque Zeuxis duo pingent pigmentis ulmeis.

[¶174] Immortal Gods! I’m surprised at your slowness. The man that’s spoken of in the proverb with swollen feet, would have got here sooner than you have arrived for me.
A BANKER.: (pointing to TELESTIS.)

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Di immortales, sicin iussi ad me ires? pedibus † pulmunes
qui perhíbetur prius venisset quam tu advenisti mihi.

[¶175] I’ faith,’twas she delayed me.
STRATIPPOCLES:
If indeed you delayed for her sake,
because she wished it, you have come too quickly.

> Latin: Danista:
Haec edepol remorata med est.
Stratippocles:
Siquidem istius gratia
id remoratu'sremoratus es quod ista voluit, nimium advenisti cito.

[¶176] A BANKER:
Well, well, dispatch with me and count out the money, that I mayn’t be detaining my friends.

> Latin: Danista:
Age age, absolve ⟨me⟩ atque argentum numera, ne comites morer.

[¶177] STRATIPPOCLES:
It has been counted out.
A BANKER.: (giving him a bag.)
Take this bag; put it into it.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Pernumeratumst.
Danista:
Tene cruminam: huc inde.

[¶178] STRATIPPOCLES:
You come discreetly provided! Wait till I bring out the money to you.
A BANKER:
Make haste.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Sapienter venis.
opperire, dum effero ad te argentum.
Danista:
Matura.

[¶179] STRATIPPOCLES:
It’s at home.
(Goes into the house of CHAERIBULUS.)

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Domist.—

[¶180] EPIDICUS: (looking steadily at TELESTIS.)
Have I the use of my eyes quite unimpaired, or is it otherwise?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Satin ego oculis utilitatem optineo sincere an parum?

[¶181] Do I not behold in you, Telestis, the daughter of Periphanes, born at Thebes of your mother Philippa, and conceived at Epidaurus?

> Latin: videon ego Telestidem te, Periphanai filiam,
ex Philippa matre natam Thebis, Epidauri satam?

[¶182] TELESTIS:
What person are you who are making mention of the name of my parents and my own?

> Latin: Telestis:
Quis tu homo es, qui meum parentum nomen memoras et meum?

[¶183] EPIDICUS:
Don’t you know me?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Non me nosti?

[¶184] TELESTIS:
Not, indeed, so far as recurs to my mind just now.

> Latin: Telestis:
Quod quidem nunc veniat in mentem mihi.

[¶185] EPIDICUS:
Don’t you remember my bringing you a crescent upon your birthday, and a little gold ring for your finger?
(STRATIPPOCLES returns with the money.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Non meministi me auream ad te afferre natali die
lunulam atque anellum aureolum ín digitum?

[¶186] TELESTIS:
I remember it. What, are you that person?

> Latin: Telestis:
Memini, mi homo.
tune is es?

[¶187] EPIDICUS:
I am, and (pointing to STRATIPPOCLES, at a distance) he there is your brother by another mother and the same father.
TELESTIS: (in agitation.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ego sum, ét istic frater, qui te mercatust, tuos.
… ália matre, uno patre.

[¶188] What of my father? Is he alive?
EPIDICUS:
Be of calm and composed feelings; hold your peace.

> Latin: Telestis:
Quid pater meus? vivit?
Epidicvs:
Animo liquido et tranquillo es, tace.

[¶189] TELESTIS:
The Gods will that from being lost I should be saved, if you speak the truth.

> Latin: Telestis:
Di me ex perdita servatam cupiunt, si vera autumas.

[¶190] EPIDICUS:
I have no occasion to be telling untruths to you.
STRATIPPOCLES: (to the BANKER.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Non habeo ullam occasionem, ut apud te falsa fabuler.

[¶191] Take this money, Banker; here are forty minae. If any piece shall be doubtful I’ll change it.
(Gives him the money.)
A BANKER:
You do well. Kindly farewell.
(Exit.)
STRATIPPOCLES: (to TELESTIS.)
Now then you are my own—

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Accipe argentum hoc, danista. hic sunt quadraginta minae.
siquid erit dubium, immutabo.
Danista:
Bene fecisti, bene vale.—
Stratippocles:
Nunc enim tú mea es.

[¶192] TELESTIS:
Why yes—sister, i’ faith, that you may know it as well. Greetings to you, brother.

> Latin: Telestis:
Soror quidem edepol, ut tu aeque scias.
salve, frater.

[¶193] STRATIPPOCLES: (to EPIDICUS.)
Is this woman in her senses?

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Sanan haec est?

[¶194] EPIDICUS:
In her senses, if she calls you her brother.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Sana, si appellat suom.

[¶195] STRATIPPOCLES:
How’s this? Have I just now become her brother while going in-doors and coming out?

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Quid? ego modo ⟨amator sum⟩ huic frater factus, dum intro eo atque exeo?

[¶196] EPIDICUS:
What good fortune there is, do you in silence keep your peace thereon and rejoice.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quod boni est id tacitus taceas tute tecum et gaudeas.

[¶197] STRATIPPOCLES:
Sister, you have both lost and found me!

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Perdidisti et repperisti me, soror.

[¶198] EPIDICUS:
Simpleton, hold your tongue! Through my endeavours, there’s ready for you at home, in fact, a Music-girl for you to make love to; I too, through my endeavours, have restored your sister to liberty.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Stultu'sstultus es, tace.
tibi quidem quod ames domi praéstost, fidicina, opera mea;
et sororem in libertatem idem opera concilio mea.

[¶199] STRATIPPOCLES:
Epidicus, I confess—

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Epidice, fateor—

[¶200] EPIDICUS:
Be off into the house, and order the water to be made warm for her. The rest I’ll let you know afterwards, when there’s leisure.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Abi intro ac iúbe huic aquam calefieri;
cetera haec posterius faxo scibis, ubi erit otium.

[¶201] STRATIPPOCLES:
Follow me this way, sister.

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Sequere hac me, soror.

[¶202] EPIDICUS:
I’ll bid Thesprio come across to you. But remember, if the old gentlemen are at all savage, you, with your sister, to run and help me.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ego ad vos Thesprionem iussero
huc transire. sed memento, si quid saevibunt senes,
suppetias mihi cum sorore ferre.

[¶203] STRATIPPOCLES:
That will be easy.
(He and TELESTIS go into the house of PERIPHANES.)

> Latin: Stratippocles:
Facile istuc erit.—

[¶204] EPIDICUS: (going to the door of the house of CHAERIBULUS.)
Thesprio, come this way through the garden. Come to my rescue at home! The matter’s of importance! (To himself.) I care much less for the old fellows than I did just now. I’ll return in-doors, that the strangers may be attended to on their arrival. I’ll tell these same things that I know, in-doors to Stratippocles. I shall not take to flight; I’m determined to be there at home, and he shan’t throw it in my teeth
that he has been provoked by my running away. I’ll away in-doors; I’ve been talking too long.
(Goes into the house of PERIPHANES.) (Enter PERIPHANES and APAECIDES, with thongs in their hands.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Thesprio, exi istac per hortum, adfer domum auxilium mihi,
magnast res. minoris multo facio quam dudum senes.
remeabo intro, ut accurentur advenientes hospites.
eádem haec intus edocebo quae ego scio Stratippoclem.
non fugio, domi adesse certumst; neque ille haud obiciet mihi
pedibus sese provocatum. abeo intro, nimis longum loquor.—

[¶205] PERIPHIANES:
Hasn’t this fellow quite made a laughing-stock of us two decrepit old people?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Satine illic homo ludibrio nos vetulos decrepitos duos
habet?

[¶206] APAECIDES:
Why yes, I’ faith, you’ve really kept me plagued in a shocking fashion.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Immo edepol tu quidem míserum med habes miseris modis.

[¶207] PERIPHIANES:
Now do hold your tongue. Only let me catch the fellow!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Tace sis, modo sine me hóminem apisci.

[¶208] APAECIDES:
I’ll tell you now, that you may know it. It’s best for you to seek another companion; so much, while I’ve been following you,
has the congested blood, from weariness, come down into the knees of poor me.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Dico ego tibi iam, ut scias:
alium tibi te comitem meliust quaerere; ita, dum te sequor,
lassitudine invaserunt misero in genua flemina.

[¶209] PERIPHIANES:
After how many fashions has this fellow made sport of me and you to-day! besides, how he has disembowelled my silver resources for me!

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quot illic homo hodie me exemplis ludificatust atque te,
ut illic autem exenteravit mihi opes argentarias!

[¶210] APAECIDES:
Away with him from me; for surely he’s the son of Vulcan in his wrath: wherever he touches, he sets all on fire; if you stand by him, he scorches you with his heat.
(unperceived, from the house.)
EPIDICUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: Apoecides:
Apage illum a me, nam ille quidem Volcani iratist filius:
quaqua tangit, omne amburit, si astes, aestu calefacit.

[¶211] More than the twelve Gods, the immortal Gods as many as are in the heavens, are now assistants in my rescue, and are fighting on my side. As to whatever I have offended in, I have aid and assistance at home. All my enemies I quite spurn by the heels.
PERIPHIANES: (looking about.)
Where in the world shall I look for him?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Duodecim deis plus quam in caelo deorumst immortalium
mihi nunc auxilio adiutores sunt et mecum militant.
quidquid ego malefeci, auxilia mi et suppetiae sunt domi,
apolactizo inimicos omnis.
Periphanes:
Vbi illum quaeram gentium?

[¶212] APAECIDES:
So long as you look for him without me, you may look for him even in the middle of the sea, as far as I’m concerned.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Dum sine me quaeras, quaeras mea causa vel medio in mari.

[¶213] EPIDICUS: (coming forward, and addressing PERIPHANES)
Why are you looking for me? Why are you taking this trouble? Why are you worrying him? (Pointing to APAECIDES.) See, here I am. Have I run away from you? Have I betaken myself from the house? Have I hid myself from your sight? I don’t entreat you either. Do you wish to bind me? Look then, I present my hands. (Holding out his hands.) You have got thongs; I saw you purchase them. Why do you delay now? Do bind me!

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid me quaeris? quid laboras? quid hunc sollicitas? ecce me.
num te fugi, num ab domo apsum, num oculis concessi tuis?
…
nec tibi supplico. vincire vis? em, ostendo manus;
tú habes lora, ego te emere vidi: quid nunc cessas? colliga.

[¶214] PERIPHIANES:
It’s all over. He gives bail to me of his own accord for his appearance.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Ilicet, vadimonium ultro mi hic facit.

[¶215] EPIDICUS:
Why don’t you bind me?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quin colligas?

[¶216] APAECIDES:
A wicked slave, upon my faith!

> Latin: Apoecides:
Edepol mancipium scelestum.

[¶217] EPIDICUS:
Really, Apaecides, I don’t want you to intercede for me.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Te profecto, Apoecides,
nil moror mihi deprecari.

[¶218] APAECIDES:
You easily obtain your wish, Epidicus.
EPIDICUS: (to PERIPHANES.)

> Latin: Apoecides:
Facile exoras, Epidice.

[¶219] Are you going to do anything?
PERIPHIANES:
What, at your pleasure?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ecquid agis?
Periphanes:
Tuon arbitratu?

[¶220] EPIDICUS:
Troth, at my own, indeed, and not at yours, are these hands to be bound by you to-day.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Meo hercle vero atque hau tuo
colligandae haec sunt tibi hodie.

[¶221] PERIPHIANES:
But I don’t choose; I shan’t bind them.
APAECIDES: (to PERIPHANES.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
At non lubet, non colligo.

[¶222] He’s preparing to throw a dragnet over you; he’s framing some plan, I know not what.

> Latin: Apoecides:
Tragulam in te inicere adornat, nescio quam fabricam facit.

[¶223] EPIDICUS:
You are causing delay to yourself, while I stand unbound; bind them, I tell you, bind them together.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Tibi moram facis, cum égo solutus asto. age, inquam, colliga.

[¶224] PERIPHIANES:
But I choose rather to question you unbound.

> Latin: Periphanes:
At mihi magis lubet solutum te rogitare.

[¶225] EPIDICUS:
But you shall know nothing.
PERIPHIANES: (turning to APAECIDES.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
At nil scies.

[¶226] What am I to do?
APAECIDES:
What are you to do? Let him be complied with.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid ago?
Apoecides:
Quid agas? mos geratur.

[¶227] EPIDICUS:
You are a worthy person, Apaecides.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Frugi es tú homo, Apoecides.

[¶228] PERIPHIANES:
Hold out your hands then.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Cedo manus igitur.

[¶229] EPIDICUS: (holding out his hands.)
They don’t at all object; bind them fast together too.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Morantur nihil. atque arte colliga.

[¶230] Don’t be afraid.
(PERIPHANES binds his hands.)
I’m submissive.
When the job is done, then pronounce your judgment.
PERIPHIANES:
There, that is good.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Nihil moror.
Epidicvs:
Obnoxiose.
Periphanes:
Facto opere arbitramino.

[¶231] EPIDICUS:
Now then, to the point, with your enquiries of me; ask me what you please.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Bene hoc habet. age nunciam ex me exquire, rogita quod lubet.

[¶232] PERIPHIANES:
In the first place, with what assurance did you presume to say that she who was bought the day before yesterday was my daughter?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Qua fiducia ausu'sausus es primum, quae emptast nudiustertius,
filiam meam dicere esse?

[¶233] EPIDICUS:
I chose to; on that assurance.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Libuit: ea fiducia.

[¶234] PERIPHIANES:
Do you say so? You chose to?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Ain tu? libuit?

[¶235] EPIDICUS:
I do say so. Even lay me a wager that she is not the daughter—

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Aio. vel da pignus, ni ea sit filia.

[¶236] PERIPHIANES:
A woman whom the mother declares she doesn’t know?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quam negat novisse mater?

[¶237] EPIDICUS:
Then, if she isn’t the daughter of her mother, make me a bet about it, my didrachm to your talent.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ni ergo matris filia est,
in meum nummum, in tuom talentum pignus da.

[¶238] PERIPHIANES:
Why, that’s a mere catch. But who is this woman?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Enim istaec captiost.
sed quis east mulier?

[¶239] EPIDICUS:
The mistress of your son, that you may know the whole matter.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Tui gnati amica, ut omnem ⟨rem⟩ scias.

[¶240] PERIPHIANES:
Did I not give you the thirty minae for my daughter?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Dedin tibi minas triginta ob filiam?

[¶241] EPIDICUS:
I confess that they were given, and that with that money I purchased this Music-girl, your son’s mistress,
instead of your daughter. As to those thirty minae, in fact, I imposed upon you.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Fateor datas
et eo argento illam me emisse amicam fili fidicinam
pro tua filia: is te eam ob rem tetigi triginta minis.

[¶242] PERIPHIANES:
For what reason did you play a trick upon me about that hired Music-girl?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quo modo mé ludos fecisti de illa conducticia
fidicina?

[¶243] EPIDICUS:
I’ faith, I really did do it, and I think it was rightly done.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Factum hercle vero, et recte factum iudico.

[¶244] PERIPHIANES:
In the last place, what has been done with the silver I gave you?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid postremo argento factum est quod dedi?

[¶245] EPIDICUS:
I’ll tell you; I gave it to a person neither bad nor yet good —your son Stratippocles.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Dicam tibi:
neque malo homini neque maligno tuo dedi Stratippocli.

[¶246] PERIPHIANES:
Why did you dare to give it him?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quor dare ausu'sausus es?

[¶247] EPIDICUS:
Because it pleased me.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quia mi libitum est.

[¶248] PERIPHIANES: (stamping.)
Plague on it! what insolence is this?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quae haec, malum, impudentiast?

[¶249] EPIDICUS:
Am I to be bawled at just as if I were a slave?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Etiam inclamitor quasi servos?

[¶250] PERIPHIANES: (ironically.)
As you are a free man, I rejoice.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Cum tu es liber, gaudeo.

[¶251] EPIDICUS:
I have deserved to become so.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Merui ut fierem.

[¶252] PERIPHIANES:
You—deserved?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Tu meruisti?

[¶253] EPIDICUS:
Go look in-doors; I’ll let you know that this is the truth.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Vise intro: ego faxo scies
hoc ita esse.

[¶254] PERIPHIANES:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid est negoti?

[¶255] EPIDICUS:
The thing itself will tell you so at once. Only do go in-doors.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Iam ipsa res dicet tibi.
abi modo intro.
Apoecides:
Ei, non illuc temerest.

[¶256] PERIPHIANES:
Aye, aye! this is not without its meaning.
Do you keep an eye on him, Apaecides.
(Goes into his house.)

> Latin: Periphanes:
Adserva istum, Apoecides.—

[¶257] APAECIDES:
What’s the meaning of this, Epidicus?

> Latin: Apoecides:
Quid illuc, Epidice, est negoti?

[¶258] EPIDICUS:
I’ faith, it’s with the greatest injustice that I’m standing here bound, through whose aid his daughter has been discovered to-day.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Maxima hercle iniuria
vinctus asto, cuius haec hodie ópera inventast filia.

[¶259] APAECIDES:
Do you say that you have found his daughter?

> Latin: Apoecides:
Ain tu te illius invenisse filiam?

[¶260] EPIDICUS:
I have found her, and she is at home. But how hard it is, when, for services done, you reap a harvest of evil.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Inveni, et domi est.
sed ut acerbum est, pro bene factis cum mali messim metas.

[¶261] APAECIDES:
What, her whom this day we’ve both been weary with seeking throughout the city?

> Latin: Apoecides:
Quamne hodie per urbem uterque sumus defessi quaerere?

[¶262] EPIDICUS:
I’m weary with finding, you weary with seeking.
(from the house.)
PERIPHIANES: (at the door, to those within.)

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ego sum defessus reperire, vos defessi quaerere.

[¶263] Why do you entreat me thus earnestly in his behalf? For I find that he does deserve that I should be pleased to act according to his deserts. (To EPIDICUS.) Hold out your hands, you, that I may unbind them.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Quid isti oratis opere tanto? mi ⟨orandum⟩ esse intellego,
ut liceat merito huius facere. cedo tu ut exsolvam manus.

[¶264] EPIDICUS:
Don’t you touch them.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Ne attigas.

[¶265] PERIPHIANES:
But do you present them to me.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Ostende vero.

[¶266] EPIDICUS:
I don’t choose.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Nolo.

[¶267] PERIPHIANES:
You don’t do right.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Non aequom facis.

[¶268] EPIDICUS:
Upon my faith, I’ll never allow myself to be unbound this day, unless you give me satisfaction.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Numquam hercle hodie, nisi supplicium mihi das, me solvi sinam.

[¶269] PERIPHIANES:
You ask what’s very fair and very just. Shoes, a tunic, and a cloak I’ll give you.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Optumum atque aequissumum oras. soccos, tunicam, pallium
tibi dabo.

[¶270] EPIDICUS:
What next, after that?

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Quid deinde porro?

[¶271] PERIPHIANES:
Your freedom.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Libertatem.

[¶272] EPIDICUS:
But after that? There’s need for a new-made freed-man to pick a bit.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
At postea?
novo liberto opus est quod pappet.

[¶273] PERIPHIANES:
It shall be given; I’ll find you food.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Dabitur, praebebo cibum.

[¶274] EPIDICUS:
On my word, never this day shall you release me, unless you beg my pardon.

> Latin: Epidicvs:
Numquam hercle hodie, nisi me orassis, solves.

[¶275] PERIPHIANES:
I do entreat you, Epidicus, to forgive me, if unawares in fault I’ve done anything wrong.

> Latin: Periphanes:
Oro te, Epidice,
mihi ut ignoscas, siquid imprúdens culpa peccavi mea.

[¶276] But by way of return for this matter, be a free man.
EPIDICUS:
Against my inclination do I grant you this pardon, but I’m compelled by necessity. Unbind them then, if you choose.
(He holds out his hands, which are unbound by PERIPHANES, and they go into his house.)

> Latin: at ob eam rem liber esto.
Epidicvs:
Invitus do hanc veniam tibi,
nisi necessitate cogar. solve sane, si lubet.

[¶277] (coming forward.) This is that man who by his roguery has gained his freedom. Clap your hands, and fare you well! Stretch your loins, and rise from your seats.

> Latin: Poeta:
Hic is homo est qui libertatem malitia invenit sua.
plaudite et valete. lumbos porgite atque exsurgite.