---
title: "Epidicus"
author: "Plautus"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 1 of 2
url: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-epidicus/1/
cite: "Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, Epidicus, section 1. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-epidicus/1/"
---

# 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.

## 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.