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

# The Brothers Menaechmus · Menaechmi

*Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

Long-lost twins in the same town, and every confusion that follows.

> Latin: ed. Friedrich Leo, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0119.phi010, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0119.phi010.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 1–422](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-menaechmi/1.md)
2. [Lines 407–804](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-menaechmi/2.md)
3. [Lines 805–1162](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-menaechmi/3.md)

## 1. Lines 1–422

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

[¶0] Prologus:
In the first place now, Spectators, at the commencement, do I wish health and happiness to myself and to you. I bring you Plautus, with my tongue, not with my hand: I beg that you will receive him with favouring ears.

> Latin: PROLOGVS:
Salutem primum iam a principio propitiam
mihi atque vobis, spectatores, nuntio.
apporto vobis Plautum, lingua non manu,
quaeso ut benignis accipiatis auribus.

[¶1] Now learn the argument, and give your attention; in as few words as possible will I be brief.
And, in fact, this subject is a Greek one; still, it is not an Attic, but a Sicilian one.

> Latin: nunc argumentum accipite atque animum advortite;
quam potero in verba conferam paucissuma.

[¶2] But in their Comedies the poets do this; they feign that all the business takes place at Athens, in order that it may appear the more Grecian to you.

> Latin: atque hoc poetae faciunt in comoediis:
omnis res gestas esse Athenis autumant,
quo íllud vobis graecum videatur magis;

[¶3] I will not tell you that this matter happened anywhere except where it is said to have happened.

> Latin: ego nusquam dicam nisi ubi factum dicitur.
atque adeo hoc argumentum graecissat, tamen
non atticissat, verum sicilicissitat.

[¶4] This has been my preface to the subject of this play. Now will I give the subject, meted out to you,
not in a measure, nor yet in a threefold measure, but in the granary itself; so great is my heartiness in telling you the plot.

> Latin: huic argumento antelogium hoc fuit;
nunc argumentum vobis demensum dabo,
non modio, neque trimodio, verum ipso horreo:
tantum ad narrandum argumentum ádest benignitas.

[¶5] There was a certain aged man, a merchant at Syracuse; to him two sons were born, twins, children so like in appearance that their own foster-mother,
who gave the breast, was not able to distinguish them, nor even the mother herself who had given them birth; as a person, indeed, informed me who had seen the children; I never saw them, let no one of you fancy so. After the children were now seven years old, the father
freighted a large ship with much merchandize. The father put one of the twins on board the ship, and took him away, together with himself, to traffic at Tarentum; the other one he left with his mother at home. By accident, there were games at Tarentum when he came there:

> Latin: mercator quidam fuit Syracusis senex,
eí sunt nati filii gemini duo,
ita forma simili pueri, út mater sua
non internosse posset quae mammam dabat,
neque adeo mater ipsa quae illos pepererat,
ut quidem ille dixit mihi, qui pueros viderat:
ego illós non vidi, ne quis vostrum censeat.
postquam iam pueri septuennes sunt, pater
oneravit navem magnam multis mercibus;
imponit geminum álterum in navem pater,
Tarentum avexit secum ad mercatum simul,
illum reliquit alterum ápud matrem domi.
Tarenti ludi forte erant, cum illuc venit.

[¶6] many persons, as generally happens at the games, had met together; the child strayed away there from his father among the people. A certain merchant of Epidamnus was there; he picked up the child, and carried it away to Epidamnus. But its father, after he had lost the child,
took it heavily to heart, and through grief at it he died a few days after at Tarentum. Now, after news reached the grandfather of the children at home about this matter, how that one of the children had been stolen,
the grandfather changed the name of that other twin. So much did he love that one which had been stolen, that he gave his name to the one that was at home. That you may not mistake hereafter, I tell you then this beforehand; the name of both the twin-brothers is the same. He gave the same name of Menaechmus to this one as the other had; and by the same name the grandfather himself was called.
I remember his name the more easily for the reason that I saw him cried with much noise.

> Latin: mortales multi, ut ad ludos, convenerant:
puér aberravit inter homines a patre.
Epidamniensis quidam ibi mercator fuit,
is puerum tollit avehitque Epidamnium.
pater eius autem postquam puerum perdidit,
animum despondit, eaque is aegritudine
paucis diebus post Tarenti emortuost.
postquam Syracusas de ea re rediit nuntius
ad avom puerorum, puerum surruptum alterum
patremque pueri Tarenti esse emortuom,
immutat nomen avos huic gemino alteri;
ita illum dilexit, qui subruptust, alterum:
illius nomen indit illi qui domi est,
Menaechmo, idem quod alteri nomen fuit;
et ipsus eodem est avos vocatus nomine
(propterea illius nomen memini facilius,
quia illúm clamore vidi flagitarier).
ne mox erretis, iam nunc praedico prius:
idem est ambobus nomen geminis fratribus.

[¶7] Now must I speed back on foot to Epidamnus,
that I may exactly disclose this matter to you. If any one of you wishes anything to be transacted for him at Epidamnus, command me boldly and speak out; but on these terms, that he give me the means by which it may be transacted for him. For unless a person gives the money, he will be mistaken;

> Latin: nunc in Epidamnum pedibus redeundum est mihi,
ut hanc rem vobis examussim disputem.
si quis quid vestrum Epidamnum curari sibi
velit, audacter imperato et dicito,
sed ita ut det unde curari id possit sibi.
nam nisi qui argentum dederit, nugas egerit;

[¶8] (in a lower tone) except that he who does give it will be very much more mistaken. But I have returned to that place whence I set forth, and yet I am standing in the self-same spot. This person of Epidamnus, whom I mentioned just now, that stole that other twin child, had no children, except his wealth.

> Latin: qui dederit, magis maiores nugas egerit.
verum illuc redeo unde abii, atque uno asto in loco.
Epidamniensis ille, quem dúdum dixeram,
geminum illum puerum qui surrupuit alterum,
ei liberorum, nisi divitiae, nil erat:

[¶9] He adopted as his son the child so carried off, and gave him a well-portioned wife, and made him his heir when he himself died. For as, by chance, he was going into the country, when it had rained heavily, entering, not far from the city, a rapid stream,
in its rapidity it threw the ravisher of the child off his legs; and hurried the man away to great and grievous destruction. And so a very large fortune fell to that youth. Here (pointing to the house) does the stolen twin now dwell. Now that twin, who dwells at Syracuse,
has come this day to Epidamnus with his servant to make enquiry for this own twin-brother of his. This is the city of Epidamnus while this play is acting; when another shall be acted, it will become another town; just as our companies, too, are wont to be shifted about.

> Latin: adoptat illum puerum surrupticium
sibi filium eique uxorem dotatam dedit,
eumque heredem fecit, quom ipse obiit diem.
nam rus ut ibat forte, ut multum pluerat,
ingressus fluvium rapidum ab urbe haud longule,
rapidus raptori pueri subduxit pedes
abstraxitque hominem in maximam malam crucem.
illi divitiae evenerunt maximae.
is illic habitat geminus surrupticius.
nunc ille geminus, qui Syracusis habet,
hodie in Epidamnum veniet cum servo suo
hunc quaeritatum geminum germanum suom.
haec urbs Epidamnus est, dum haec agitur fabula:
quando alia agetur, aliud fiet oppidum;
sicut familiae quoque solent mutarier:

[¶10] The same person now acts the procurer, now the youth, now the old man, the pauper, the beggar, the king, the parasite, the soothsayer …
(Enter PENICULUS.)
PENICULUS:
The young men have given me the name of Peniculus, for this reason, because when I eat, I wipe the tables clean. … The persons who bind captives with chains,
and who put fetters upon runaway slaves, act very foolishly, in my opinion at least. For if bad usage is added to his misfortune for a wretched man, the greater is his inclination to run away and to do amiss. For by some means or other do they release themselves from the chains;

> Latin: modo †ni caditat leno, modo adulescens, modo senex,
pauper, mendicus, rex, parasitus, hariolus
…
Penicvlvs:
Iuventus nomen fecit Peniculo mihi,
ideo quia mensam, quando edo, detergeo.
homines captivos qui catenis vinciunt
et qui fugitivis servis indunt compedes,
nimis stúlte faciunt mea quidem sententia.
nam homini misero si ad malum accedit malum,
maior lubido est fugere et facere nequiter.
nam se ex catenis eximunt aliquo modo.

[¶11] while thus fettered, they either wear away a link with a file, or else with a stone they knock out the nail;’tis a mere trifle this. He whom you wish to keep securely that he may not run away, with meat and with drink ought he to be chained; do you bind down the mouth of a man to a full table.

> Latin: tum compediti ánum lima praeterunt
aut lapide excutiunt clavom. nugae sunt eae.
quem tu adservare recte, ne aufugiat, voles,
esca atque potione vinciri decet.
apud ménsam plenam homini rostrum deliges;

[¶12] So long as you give him what to eat and what to drink at his own pleasure in abundance every day, i’ faith he’ll never run away, even if he has committed an offence that’s capital; easily will you secure him so long as you shall bind him with such chains. So very supple are these chains of food,
the more you stretch them so much the more tightly do they bind. But now I’m going directly to Menaechmus; whither for this long time I have been sentenced, thither of my own accord I am going, that he may enchain me. For, by my troth, this man does not nourish persons, but he quite rears and reinvigorates them; no one administers medicine more agreably.

> Latin: dum tu illi quod edit et quod potet praebeas,
suo arbitratu ádfatim cottidie,
numquam edepol fugiet, tam etsi capital fecerit,
facile adservabis, dúm eo vinclo vincies.
ita istaéc nimis lenta vincla sunt escaria:
quam magis extendas, tanto adstringunt artius.
nam ego ad Menaechmum húnc eo, quo iam diu
sum iudicatus; ultro eo ut me vinciat.
nam illic homo homines non alit, verum educat,
recreatque: nullus melius medicinam facit.

[¶13] Such is this young man; himself with a very well-stocked larder, he gives dinners fit for Ceres; so does he heap the tables up, and piles so vast of dishes does he arrange, you must stand on your couch if you wish for anything at the top. But I have now had an interval these many days,
while I’ve been lording it at home all along together with my dear ones;—for nothing do I eat or purchase but what it is most dear. But inasmuch as dear ones, when they are provided, are in the habit of forsaking us, I am now paying him a visit. But his door is opening; and see, I perceive Menaechmus himself; he is coming out of doors.
(Enter MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus, from his house.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (speaking at the door to his WIFE within.)

> Latin: ita est adulescens; ipsus escae maxumae
cerialis cenas dat, ita mensas exstruit,
tantas struices concinnat patinarias:
standumst in lecto, si quid de summo petas.
sed mi intervallum iam hos dies multos fuit:
domi domítus sum usque cum caris meis.
nam neque edo neque emo nisi quod est carissumum.
id quoque iam, cari qui instruontur deserunt.
nunc ad eum inviso. sed aperitur ostium.
Menaechmum eccum ipsum video, progreditur foras.

[¶14] Unless you were worthless, unless you were foolish, unless you were stark wild and an idiot, that which you see is disagreable to your husband, you would deem to be so to yourself as well. Moreover, if after this day you do any such thing to me, I’ll force you, a divorced woman, turned out of my doors to go visit your father. For as often as I wish to go out of the house, you are detaining me, calling me back, asking me questions;
whither I am going, what matter I am about, what business I am transacting, what I am wanting, what I am bringing, what I have been doing out of doors? I’ve surely brought home a custom-house officer as my wife; so much am I obliged to disclose all my business, whatever I have done and am doing. I’ve had you hitherto indulged too much. Now, therefore, I’ll tell you how I am about to act.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ní mala, ni stúlta sies, ni índomita impósque animi,
quód viro esse odió videas, túte tibi odio habeas.
praéterhac sí mihi tále post húnc diem
fáxis, faxó foris vídua visás patrem.
nám quotiens foras íre volo, mé retines, revocás, rogitas,
quó ego eam, quám rem agam, quíd negotí geram,
quíd petam, quid feram, quíd foris egerim.
portitorem domum duxi, ita omnem mihi
rem necesse eloqui est, quidquid egi atque ago.
nímium ego te habui délicatam; núnc adeo ut factúrus dicam.

[¶15] Since I find you handsomely in maids, provisions, wool, gold trinkets, garments, and purple, and you are wanting in nought, you’ll beware of a mischief if you’re wise; you’ll leave off watching your husband. (In a lower voice.) And therefore, that you mayn’t be watching me in vain, for your pains I shall find me a mistress to-day, and invite her to dinner somewhere out of doors.
PENICULUS: (apart.)

> Latin: quando égo tibi ancillás, penum,
lanam, aurum, vestem, purpuram bene praebeo nec quicquam eges,
malo cavebis si sapis, virum observare desines.
átque adeo, ne me nequiquam serves, ob eam industriam
hodie ducam scortum ad cenam atque aliquo condicam foras.

[¶16] This fellow pretends that he’s upbraiding his wife, but he’s addressing myself; for if he does dine out of doors, he really is punishing me, not his wife.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (to himself.)

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Illic homo se uxori simulat male loqui, loquitur mihi;
nam si foris cenat, profecto me, haud uxorem, ulciscitur.

[¶17] Hurra! I’ troth, by my taunts I’ve driven my wife from the door at last. Where now are your intriguing husbands? Why do they hesitate, all returning thanks, to bring presents to me who have fought so gallantly?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Euax, iurgio hercle tandem uxorem abegi ab ianua.
ubi súnt amatores mariti? dona quid cessant mihi
conférre omnes congratulantes, quia pugnavi fortiter?

[¶18] This mantle of my wife’s (taking it from under his cloak) I’ve just now stolen from in-doors, and I’m taking it to my mistress. This way it’s proper for a clever trick to be played this knowing husband-watcher. This is a becoming action, this is right, this is skilful, this is done in workman-like style; inasmuch as at my own risk I’ve taken this from my plague, this same shall be carried off to destruction. With the safety of my allies I’ve gained a booty from the foe.
PENICULUS: (aloud, at a distance.)

> Latin: hánc modo uxori intus pallam surrupui, ad scortum fero.
sic hóc decet, dari facete verba custodi catae.
hoc fácinus pulchrumst, hoc probumst, hoc lepidumst, hoc factumst fabre:
meó malo a mala abstuli hoc, ad damnum deferetur.
avórti praedam ab hostibus nostrum salute socium.

[¶19] Harkye! young man; pray what share have I in that booty?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Heús adulescens, ecqua in istac pars inest praeda mihi?

[¶20] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’m undone; I’ve fallen into an ambuscade.
PENICULUS:
Say a safeguard rather. Don’t be afraid.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Perii, in insidias deveni.
Penicvlvs:
Immo in praesidium, ne time.

[¶21] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What person’s this?
PENICULUS:’Tis I.
(Coming up to him.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
O my convenient friend—O my ready occasion, save you.
PENICULUS:
And save you.
(they shake hands.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What are you about?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quis homo est?
Penicvlvs:
Ego sum.
Menaechmvs:
O mea Commoditas, o mea Opportunitas,
salve.

[¶22] PENICULUS:
Holding my good Genius in my right hand.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Salve.
Menaechmvs:
Quid agis?
Penicvlvs:
Teneo dextera genium meum.

[¶23] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You couldn’t have come to me more à propos than you have come.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non potuisti magis per tempus mi advenire quam advenis.

[¶24] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. PENICULUS:
I’m in the habit of doing so; I understand all the points of ready occasion.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Ita ego soleo: commoditatis omnis articulos scio.

[¶25] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Would you like to be witness of a brilliant exploit?
PENICULUS:
What cook has cooked it? I shall know at once if he has made any mistake, when I see the remnants..

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Vin tu facinus luculentum inspicere?
Penicvlvs:
Quis id coxit coquos?
iam sciam, si quid titubatumst, ubi reliquias videro.

[¶26] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Tell me—did you ever see a picture painted on a wall, where the eagle is carrying off Ganymede, or Venus Adonis?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Dic mi, enumquam tu vidisti tabulam pictam in pariete,
ubi aquila Catameitum raperet aut ubi Venus Adoneum?

[¶27] PENICULUS:
Many a time. But what are these pictures to me?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Come, look at me. Do I at all bear any resemblance to them?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Saepe. sed quid istaé picturae ad me attinent?
Menaechmvs:
Age me aspice.
ecquid adsimulo similiter?

[¶28] PENICULUS:
What’s this garb of yours?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Quis istest ornatus tuos?

[¶29] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Pronounce me to be a very clever fellow.
PENICULUS:
Where are we to feed?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Dic hominem lepidissimum esse me.
Penicvlvs:
Vbi essuri sumus?

[¶30] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Only do you say that which I requested you.
PENICULUS:
Well, I do say so; very clever fellow.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Dic modo hoc quod ego te iubeo.
Penicvlvs:
Dico: homo lepidissime.

[¶31] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
And don’t you venture to add anything of your own to it?
PENICULUS:
— And very pleasant fellow.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ecquid audes de tuo istuc addere?
Penicvlvs:
Atque hilarissime.

[¶32] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Go on.
PENICULUS:
I’ faith, I really can’t go on, unless I know for what reason. You’ve had a fall-out with your wife; on that ground am I the more strongly on my guard against you.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
While you are interrupting me, you are delaying yourself.
PENICULUS:
Knock out my only eye, Menaechmus, if I speak one word but what you bid me.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Perge ⟨porro⟩.
Penicvlvs:
Non pergo hercle, nisi scio qua gratia.
litigium tibi est cum uxore, eo mi ábs te caveo cautius.

[¶33] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
… where, unknown to my wife, we will erect the funeral pile … and let us consume this day upon it.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Clam uxoremst ubi pulchre habeamus atque hunc comburamus diem.

[¶34] PENICULUS:
Well, come then, since you request what’s fair, how soon am I to set fire to the pile?
Why really, the day’s half dead already down to its navel.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Come this way from the door.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Age sane igitur, quando aequom oras, quam mox incendo rogum?
dies quidem iam ad umbilicum est dimidiatus mortuos.
Menaechmvs:
Te morare, mihi quom obloquere.

[¶35] PENICULUS:
Be it so.
(Moves from the door.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Come still more this way.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Oculum ecfodito per solum
mihi, Menaechme, si ullum verbum faxo nisi quod iusseris.
Menaechmvs:
Concede huc a foribus.

[¶36] PENICULUS:
Very well.
(Moves.)

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Fiat.
Menaechmvs:
Etiam concede huc.
Penicvlvs:
Licet.

[¶37] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus:
Even still, step aside boldly from the lioness’s den.
PENICULUS: (still moving.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Etiam nunc concede audacter ab leonino cavo.

[¶38] Well done; by my troth, as I fancy, you really would bean excellent charioteers.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Eu edepol ne tu, ut ego opinor, esses agitator probus.

[¶39] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why so?
PENICULUS:
That your wife mayn’t follow you, you are looking back ever and anon.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quidum?
Penicvlvs:
Ne te uxor sequatur, respectas identidem.

[¶40] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
But what say you?
PENICULUS:
What, I? Why, whatever you choose, that same do I say, and that same do I deny.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Sed quid ais?
Penicvlvs:
Egone? id enim quod tu vis, id aio atque id nego.

[¶41] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Could you make any conjecture at all from the smell, if perchance you were to take a smell at something?
PENICULUS:
Were the college of Augurs summoned …
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (holds out the skirt of the mantle.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ecquid tu de odore possis, si quid forte olfeceris,
facere coniecturam …? …
(Penicvlvs):
… captum sit collegium.

[¶42] Come then, take a sniff at this mantle that I’m holding. What does it smell of? Do you decline?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Agedum odorare hanc quam ego habeo pallam. quid olet? apstines?

[¶43] PENICULUS:
It’s as well to smell the top of a woman’s garment; for at this other place the nose is offended with an odour that can’t be washed out.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (holding another part.)

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Summum ólfactare oportet vestimentum muliebre,
nam ex istoc loco spurcatur nasum odore † inlucido.

[¶44] Take a smell here then, Peniculus, as you are so daintily nice.
PENICULUS:
Very well.
(He smells it.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Olfacta igitur hinc, Penicule. lepide ut fastidis.
Penicvlvs:
Decet.

[¶45] MENAECHMUS:
How now? What does it smell of? Answer me.
PENICULUS:
Theft, a mistress, and a breakfast. To you …
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You have spoken out … now it shall be taken to this mistress of mine, the Courtesan Erotium. I’ll order a breakfast at once to be got ready, for me, you, and her;

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid igitur? quid olet? responde.
Penicvlvs:
Furtum, scortum, prandium.
tibi fuant
elocutus, nam
nunc ad amicam deferetur hanc meretricem Erotium.
mihi, tibi atque illi iubebo iam adparari prandium.
Penicvlvs:
Eu.

[¶46] then will we booze away even to the morrow’s morning star.
PENICULUS:
Capital. You’ve spoken out distinctly. Am I to knock at the door then?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Knock—or hold, rather.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Inde usque ad diurnam stellam crastinam potabimus.
Penicvlvs:
Eu,
expedite fabulatu's fabulatus es. iam fores ferio?
Menaechmvs:
Feri.
vel mane etiam.

[¶47] PENICULUS:
You’ve removed the goblet a full mile by that.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Mille passum commoratu's commoratus es cantharum.

[¶48] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Knock gently.
PENICULUS:
You’re afraid, I think, that the doors are made of Samian crockery. (Goes to knock.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Hold, prithee, hold, i’ faith; see, she’s coming out herself. (The door of EROTIUM’S house is opened.) Ha you behold the sun, is it not quite darkened in comparison with the bright rays of her person.
(Enter EROTIUM, from her house.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Placide pulta.
Penicvlvs:
Metuis, credo, ne fores Samiae sient.
Menaechmvs:
Mane, mane obsecro hercle: eapse eccam exit. oh, solem vides
satin ut occaecatust prae huius corporis candoribus?

[¶49] EROTIUM:
My life, Menaechmus, save you.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Anime mi, Menaechme, salve.

[¶50] PENICULUS:
And what for me?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Quid ego?

[¶51] EROTIUM:
You are out of my number.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Extra numerum es mihi.

[¶52] PENICULUS:
… that same thing is wont to be done for the other supernumeraries of the legion.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I would order a skirmish to be got ready there at your house for me to-day.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Idem istuc aliis adscriptivis fieri ad legionem solet.
Menaechmvs:
Ego istic mihi hodie adparari iussi apud te proelium.

[¶53] EROTIUM:
To-day it shall be done.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
In that skirmish we two shall drink. Him shall you choose that shall be found there the better warrior with the goblet; do you make up your mind with which of the two you’ll pass this night. How much, my love, when I look upon you, do I hate my wife.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Hodie id fiet.
Menaechmvs:
In eo uterque proelio potabimus;
uter ibi melior bellator erit inventus cantharo,
† tuest legio adiudicato, cum utro hanc noctem sies.
ut ego uxorem, mea voluptas, ubi te aspicio, odi male.

[¶54] EROTIUM:
Meantime, however, you cannot help being wrapped in something of hers. What’s this?
(Takes hold of the mantle.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (taking it off.)
’Tis a new dress for you, and a spoil from my wife, my rosebud.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Interim nequis quin eius aliquid indutus sies.
quid hoc est?
Menaechmvs:
Induviae tuae atque uxoris exuviae, rosa.

[¶55] EROTIUM:
You have a ready way of prevailing, so as to be superior in my eyes to any one of those that pay me suit.
(Embraces him.)
PENICULUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Erotivm:
Superas facile, ut superior sis mihi quam quisquam qui impetrant.

[¶56] The harlot’s coaxing in the meantime, while she’s looking out what to plunder …
(to EROTIUM) for if you really loved him, by this his nose ought to have been off with your teething him..

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Meretrix tantisper blanditur, dum illud quod rapiat videt;
nam si amabas, iám oportebat nasum abreptum mordicus.

[¶57] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Take hold of this, Peniculus: I wish to dedicate the spoil that I’ve vowed.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Sustine hoc, Penicule: exuvias facere quas vovi volo.

[¶58] PENICULUS:
Give it me. (Holds it while MENAECHMUS puts it on.) But, i’ faith, prithee, do dance afterwards with the mantle on in this way.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Cedo; sed obsecro hercle, salta sic cum palla postea.

[¶59] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I—dance? I’ faith, you’re not in your senses.
PENICULUS:
Are you or I the most? If you won’t dance, then take it off.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (to EROTIUM.)
At a great risk have I
stolen this to-day. In my opinion, indeed, Hercules didn’t ever carry off the belt from Hippolyta with danger as great. Take this for yourself (he takes it off, and gives her the mantle), since you are the only one alive that’s compliant with my humours.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ego saltabo? sanus hercle non es.
Penicvlvs:
Egone an tu magis?
si non saltas, exue igitur.
Menaechmvs:
Nimio ego hanc periculo
surrupui hodie. meo quidem animo ab Hippolyta subcingulum
Hercules haud aeque magno umquam abstulit periculo.
cape tibi hanc, quando una vivis meis morigera moribus.

[¶60] EROTIUM:
With such feelings ’tis proper that real lovers should be animated.
PENICULUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Erotivm:
Hoc animo decet animatos esse amatores probos.

[¶61] Those, indeed, who are making haste to bring themselves down to beggary.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Qui quidem ad mendicitatem se properent detrudere.

[¶62] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I purchased that for my wife a year since at the price of four minae.
PENICULUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quattuor minis ego emi istanc anno uxori meae.

[¶63] The four minae are clearly gone for ever, as the account now stands.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Quattuor minae perierunt plane, ut ratio redditur.

[¶64] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Do you know what I wish you to attend to?
EROTIUM:
I don’t know; but I’ll attend to whatever you do wish.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Scin quid volo ego te accurare?
Erotivm:
Scio, curabo quae voles.

[¶65] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Order a breakfast, then, to be provided for us three at your house, and some dainties to be purchased at the market;
kernels of boars’ neck, or bacon off the gammon, or pig’s head, or something in that way, which, when cooked and placed on table before me, may promote an appetite like a kite’s: and-forthwith—
EROTIUM:
I’ faith, I will.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
We’re going to the Forum: we shall be here just now. While it’s cooking, we’ll take a whet in the meantime.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Iube igitur tribus nóbis apud te prandium accurarier
atque aliquid scitamentorum de foro opsonarier,
glandionidam suillam, laridum pernonidam,
aut sincipitamenta porcina aut aliquid ad eum modum,
madida quae mi adposita in mensa miluinam suggerant;
atque actutum.
Erotivm:
Licet ecastor.
Menaechmvs:
Nos prodimus ad forum.
iam hic nos erimus: dum coquetur, interim potabimus.

[¶66] EROTIUM:
Come when you like, the things shall be ready.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Only make haste, then. Do you follow me
(to PENICULUS.)

> Latin: Erotivm:
Quando vis veni, parata res erit.
Menaechmvs:
Propera modo.
sequere tu.—

[¶67] PENICULUS:
By my troth, I certainly shall keep an eye on you, and follow you. I wouldn’t take the wealth of the Gods to lose you this day.
(Exeunt MENAECHMUS and PENICULUS.)

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Ego hercle vero te et servabo et te sequar,
neque hodie ut te perdam, meream deorum divitias mihi.—

[¶68] EROTIUM: (speaking at the door of her house.)
Call Cylindrus, the cook, out of doors this moment from within.
(Enter CYLINDRUS, from the house.)

> Latin: Erotivm:
Evocate intus Culindrum mihi coquom actutum foras.

[¶69] EROTIUM:
Take a hand-basket and some money. See, you have three didrachmns here.
(Giving him money..)

> Latin: Erotivm:
sportulam cape atque argentum. eccos tris nummos habes.

[¶70] CYLINDRUS:
I have so.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Habeo.

[¶71] EROTIUM:
Go and bring some provisions, see that there’s enough for three; let it be neither deficient nor overmuch.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Abi atque obsonium adfer; tribus vide quod sit satis:
neque defiat neque supersit.

[¶72] CYLINDRUS:
What sort of persons are these to be?

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Cuius modi hí homines erunt?

[¶73] EROTIUM:
Myself, Menaechmus, and his Parasite.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Ego et Menaechmus et parasitus eius.

[¶74] CYLINDRUS:
Then these make ten, for the Parasite easily performs the duty of eight persons.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Iam isti sunt decem;
nam parasitus octo hominum munus facile fungitur.

[¶75] EROTIUM:
I’ve now told you the guests; do you take care of the rest.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Elocuta sum convivas, ceterum cura.

[¶76] CYLINDRUS:
Very well.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Licet.

[¶77] It’s cooked already; bid them go and take their places.
EROTIUM:
Make haste back.

> Latin: cocta sunt, iube ire accubitum.
Erotivm:
Redi cito.

[¶78] CYLINDRUS:
I’ll be here directly.
(Exit CYLINDRUS, and EROTIUM goes into her house.) (Enter MENAECHMUS SOSICLES and MESSENIO.)

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Iam ego hic ero.—

[¶79] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
There’s no greater pleasure to voyagers, in my notion, Messenio, than at the moment when from sea they espy the land afar.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Voluptas nullast navitis, Messenio,
maior meo animo, quam quom ex alto procul
terram conspiciunt.

[¶80] MESSENIO:
There is a greater, I’ll say it without subterfuge,—if on your arrival you see the land that is your own.

> Latin: Messenio:
Maior, non dicam dolo,
[quam] si adveniens terram videas quae fuerit tua.

[¶81] But, prithee, why are we now come to Epidamnus? Why, like the sea, are we going round all the islands?

> Latin: sed quaeso, quam ob rem nunc Epidamnum venimus?
an quasi mare omnis circumimus insulas?

[¶82] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
To seek for my own twin-brother born?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Fratrem quaesitum geminum germanum meum.

[¶83] MESSENIO:
Why, what end is there to be of searching for him? This is the sixth year that we’ve devoted our attention to this business.

> Latin: Messenio:
Nam quid modi futurum est illum quaerere?
hic annus sextust postquam ei reí operam damus.

[¶84] We have been already carried round the Istrians, the Hispanians, the Massilians, the Illyrians, all the Upper Adriatic Sea, and foreign Greece, and all the shores of Italy, wherever the sea reaches them. If you had been searching for a needle, I do believe you would, long ere this, have found the needle, if it were visible.

> Latin: Histros, Hispanos, Massiliensis, Hilurios,
mare superum omne Graeciamque exoticam
orasque Italicas omnis, qua adgreditur mare,
sumus círcumvecti. sí acum, credo, quaereres,
acum invenisses, si appareret, iam diu.

[¶85] Among the living are we seeking a person that’s dead; for long ago should we have found him if he had been alive.

> Latin: hominem inter vivos quaeritamus mortuom;
nam invenissemus iam diu, si viveret.

[¶86] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
For that reason I am looking for a person to give me that information for certain, who can say that he knows that he really is dead; after that I shall never take any trouble in seeking further.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ergo istuc quaero certum qui faciat mihi,
qui sese dicat scire eum esse emortuom:
operam praeterea numquam sumam quaerere.

[¶87] But otherwise I shall never, while I’m alive, desist; I know how dear he is to my heart.

> Latin: verum aliter vivos numquam desistam exsequi.
ego illúm scio quam cordi sit carus meo.

[¶88] MESSENIO:
You are seeking a knot in a bulrush. Why don’t we return homeward hence, unless we are to write a history?

> Latin: Messenio:
In scirpo nodum quaeris. quin nos hinc domum
redimus, nisi si historiam scripturi sumus?

[¶89] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Have done with your witty sayings, and be on your guard against a mischief.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Dictum facessas, datum edis, caveas malo.

[¶90] Don’t you be troublesome; this matter shan’t be done at your bidding.
MESSENIO: (aside.)
Aye, aye; by that same expression do I rest assured that I’m a slave; he couldn’t in a few words have said more in a plain-spoken way. But still I can’t restrain myself from speaking. (Aloud.) Do you hear, Menaechmus? When I look in the purse,
I find, i’ faith, we’re only equipped for our journey like summer travellers. By my troth, I guess, if you don’t be returning home, while you’re seeking your twin-brother, you’ll surely be groaning, when you have nothing left. For such is this race of people; among the men of Epidamnus there are debauchees and very great drinkers;

> Latin: molestus ne sis, non tuo hoc fiet modo.
Messenio:
Em
illoc enim vérbo esse me servom scio.
non potuit paucis plura plane proloqui.
verum tamen néqueo contineri quin loquar.
audin, Menaechme? quom inspicio marsuppium,
viaticati hercle admodum aestive sumus.
ne tu hercle, opinor, nisi domum revorteris,
ubi nihil habebis, geminum dum quaeres, gemes.
nam ita est haec hominum natio: in Epidamnieis
voluptárii atque potatores maxumi;

[¶91] swindlers besides, and many wheedlers are living in this city; then the women in the harlot line are said nowhere in the world to be more captivating. The name of Epidamnus was given to this city for the very reason, because hardly any person sojourns here without some damnable mishaps.

> Latin: tum sycophantae et palpatores plurumi
in urbe hac habitant; tum meretrices mulieres
nusquam perhibentur blandiores gentium.
propterea huic urbi nomen Epidamno inditumst,
quia nemo ferme huc sine damno devortitur.

[¶92] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’ll guard against that. Just give me the purse this way.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ego istúc cavebo. cedo dum huc mihi marsuppium.

[¶93] MESSENIO:
What do you want with it?

> Latin: Messenio:
Quid eo vis?

[¶94] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’m apprehensive then about yourself, from your expressions.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Iam aps te metuo de verbis tuis.

[¶95] MESSENIO:
Why are you apprehensive?

> Latin: Messenio:
Quid metuis?

[¶96] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Lest you should cause me some damnable mishap in Epidamnus. You are a great admirer of the women, Messenio, and I’m a passionate man, of an unmanageable disposition;

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ne mihi damnum in Epidamno duis.
tu magnus amator mulierum es, Messenio,
ego autem homo iracundus, animi perditi;

[¶97] of both these things will I have a care, when I’ve got the money, that you shall not commit a fault, and that I shall not be in a passion with you.
MESSENIO: (giving him the purse.)

> Latin: id utrumque, argentum quando habebo, cavero,
ne tu delinquas neve ego irascar tibi.

[¶98] Take and keep it; with all my heart you may do so.
(Enter CYLINDRUS, with a basket of provisions.)

> Latin: Messenio:
Cape atque serva. me lubente feceris.

[¶99] CYLINDRUS:
I’ve catered well, and to my mind. I’ll set a good breakfast before the breakfasters.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Bene opsonavi atque ex mea sententia,
bonum anteponam prandium pransoribus.

[¶100] But see, I perceive Menaechmus. Woe to my back; the guests are now already walking before the door, before I’ve returned with the provisions. I’ll go and accost him. Save you, Menaechmus.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
The Gods bless you, whoever you are. …

> Latin: sed eccúm Menaechmum video. vae tergo meo,
prius iám convivae ambulant ante ostium,
quam ego opsonatu redeo. adibo atque alloquar.
Menaechme, salve.
Menaechmvs:
Di te amabunt quisquis ⟨es⟩.

[¶101] CYLINDRUS:
… who I am?

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Quisquis … ⟨quis⟩ ego sim?

[¶102] MESSENIO:
I’ faith, not I, indeed.
CYLINDRUS:
Where are the other guests?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non hercle vero.
Cylindrvs:
Vbi convivae ceteri?

[¶103] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What guests are you enquiring about?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quos tu convivas quaeris?

[¶104] CYLINDRUS:
Your Parasite.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Parasitum tuom.

[¶105] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
My Parasite? Surely this fellow’s deranged.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Meum parasitum? certe hic insanust homo.

[¶106] MESSENIO:
Didn’t I tell you that there were many swindlers here?

> Latin: Messenio:
Dixin tibi esse hic sycophantas plurumos?
…

[¶107] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What Parasite of mine, young man, are you enquiring about?
CYLINDRUS:
Peniculus.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
… Where is my …?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quem tu parasitum quaeris, adulescens, meum?

[¶108] MESSENIO:
See, I’ve got your sponge [Peniculus] all safe in the wallet.

> Latin: Messenio:
Peniculum éccum in vidulo salvom fero.

[¶109] CYLINDRUS:
Menaechmus, you’ve come here too soon for breakfast; I’m but now returning with the provisions.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Menaechme, numero huc advenis ad prandium.
nunc opsonatu redeo.

[¶110] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Answer me this, young man: at what price do pigs sell here,
unblemished ones, for sacrifice?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Responde mihi,
adulescens: quibus hic pretiis porci veneunt
sacres sinceri?

[¶111] CYLINDRUS:
At a didrachm a-piece.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Nummis.

[¶112] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (holding out his hand.)
Receive, then, a didrachm of me; bid a sacrifice be made for you at my expense; for, by my faith, I really am sure in very truth that you are deranged, who are annoying me, a person that’s a stranger, whoever you are.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Nummum a me accipe:
iube té piari de mea pecunia.
nam équidem insanum esse te certo scio,
qui mihi molestu's molestus es homini ignoto, quisquis es.

[¶113] CYLINDRUS:
I am Cylindrus; don’t you know my name?

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Cylindrus ego sum: non nosti nomen meum?

[¶114] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Whether you are Cylindrus or Caliendrus, confound you. I don’t know you, and, in fact, I don’t want to know you.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Si tu Cylindrus seu Coriendrus, perieris.
ego te non novi, neque novisse adeo volo.

[¶115] CYLINDRUS:
Well, your name, however, is Menaechmus, that I do know.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Est tibi Menaechmo nomen, tantum quod sciam.

[¶116] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
You speak like a sane person when you call me by my name. But where have you known me?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Pro sano loqueris quom me appellas nomine.
sed ubi novisti me?

[¶117] CYLINDRUS:
Where have I known you,
you who have Erotium, this mistress of mine (pointing to the house), for your lady?

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Vbi ego te noverim,
qui amicam habes eram meam hanc Erotium?

[¶118] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
By my troth, I have not, nor do I know yourself what person you are.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Neque hercle ego habeo, neque te quis homo sis scio.

[¶119] CYLINDRUS:
Not know who I am, who have many a time filled the cups for your own self at our house, when you’ve been drinking?

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Non scis quis ego sim, qui tibi saepissime
cyathisso apud nos, quando potas?

[¶120] MESSENIO:
Woe to me, that I’ve got nothing with which to break this fellow’s head.

> Latin: Messenio:
Ei mihi,
quom nihil est qui illi homini diminuam caput.

[¶121] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Are you in the habit of filling the cups for me, who, before this day, have never beheld Epidamnus, nor been there?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Tun cyathissare mihi soles, qui ante hunc diem
Epidamnum numquam vidi neque veni?

[¶122] CYLINDRUS:
Do you deny it?

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Negas?

[¶123] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Upon my honor,, I decidedly do deny it.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Nego hercle vero.

[¶124] CYLINDRUS:
Don’t you live in that house?
(Pointing to the house of MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.)

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Non tu in illisce aedibus
† habitas?

[¶125] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
May the Gods send to perdition those that live there.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Di illos homines, qui illic habitant, perduint.

[¶126] CYLINDRUS:
Surely, this fellow’s mad, who is thus uttering curses against his own self.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Insanit hic quidem, qui ipse male dicit sibi.

[¶127] Do you hear, Menaechmus?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What do you want?

> Latin: audin, Menaechme?
Menaechmvs:
Quid vis?

[¶128] CYLINDRUS:
If you take my advice, that didrachm, which you just now promised to give me—
you would order, if you were wise, a pig to be procured with it for yourself.
For, i’ faith, you really for sure are not in your senses, Menaechmus, who are now uttering curses against your own self.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Si me consulas,
nummum illum quem mihi dudum pollicitu's pollicitus es dare—
nam tu quidem hercle certo non sanu's sanus es satis,
Menaechme, qui nunc ipsus male dicas tibi—
iubeas, si sapias, porculum adferri tibi.

[¶129] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Alas! By my faith, a very silly fellow, and an annoyance to me.
CYLINDRUS: (to MESSENIO.)

> Latin: Messenio:
Eu hercle hominem multum, et odiosum mihi.

[¶130] He’s in the habit of often joking with me in this fashion. How very droll he is, when his wife isn’t present. How say you—?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What do you mean, you rascal?

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Solet iocari saepe mecum illoc modo.
quam vis ridiculus est, ubi uxor non adest.
quid ais tu?
Menaechmvs:
Quid vis, inquam.

[¶131] CYLINDRUS: (pointing to the basket.)
Has this that you see
been provided in sufficient quantity for three persons, or am I to provide still more for yourself and the Parasite and the lady?

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Satin hoc quod vides
tribus vóbis opsonatumst, an opsono amplius,
tibi et parasito et mulieri?

[¶132] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What ladies—what Parasites are you talking about?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quas [tu] mulieres,
quos tu parasitos loquere?

[¶133] MESSENIO:
What, you villain, urges you to be an annoyance to him?

> Latin: Messenio:
Quod te urget scelus,
qui huic sis molestus?

[¶134] CYLINDRUS:
Pray what business have you with me? I don’t know you; I’m talking to this person, whom I do know.

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Quid tibi mecum est rei?
ego te non novi: cum hoc quem novi fabulor.

[¶135] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
By my troth, you are not a person in his right senses, that I know for sure.

> Latin: Messenio:
Non edepol tú homo sanus es, certo scio.

[¶136] CYLINDRUS:
I’ll have these things cooked directly; there shall be no delay. Don’t you be going after this anywhere at a distance from the house. Do you want anything?

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Iam ergo haec madebunt faxo, nil morabitur.
proin tu ne quo abeas longius ab aedibus.
numquid vis?

[¶137] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
You to go to utter and extreme perdition.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Vt eas maximam malam crucem.

[¶138] CYLINDRUS:
I’ faith,’twere better for you to go in-doors at once and take your place,
while I’m subjecting these things to the strength of the fire. I’ll go in-doors now, and tell Erotium that you are standing here, that she may fetch you away hence, rather than you be standing here out of doors.
(He goes into the house.)

> Latin: Cylindrvs:
Ire hercle meliust te interim atque accumbere,
dum ego haec appono ad Volcani violentiam.
ibo intro et dicam te hic adstare Erotio,
ut te hinc abducat potius quam hic adstes foris.—

[¶139] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Is he gone then? He is gone. By my faith, I find by experience that your words are not untrue.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Iamne abiit ⟨illic⟩? edepol haud mendacia
tua verba experior esse.

[¶140] MESSENIO:
Do you only be on your guard;

> Latin: Messenio:
Observato modo:

[¶141] for I do believe that some woman in the harlot line is living here, as, in fact. this madman said, who has just gone away from here.

> Latin: nam istic meretricem credo habitare mulierem,
ut quidem ille insanus dixit, qui hinc abiit modo.

[¶142] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
But I wonder how he came to know my name.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Sed miror qui ille noverit nomen meum.

[¶143] MESSENIO:
I’ faith,’tis far from surprising: courtesans have this custom; they send servant-boys and servant-girls down to the harbour;

> Latin: Messenio:
Minime hercle mirum. morem hunc meretrices habent:
ad portum mittunt servolos, ancillulas;

[¶144] if any foreign ship comes into port, they enquire of what country it is, and what its name is; after that, at once they set themselves to work, and fasten themselves upon him; if they inveigle him, they send him home a ruined man. Now in this harbour there stands a piratical craft,
against which I really think that we must be on our guard.

> Latin: si quae peregrina navis in portum advenit,
rogitant cuiatis sit, quid ei nomen siet,
postilla extemplo se applicant, agglutinant:
si pellexerunt, perditum amittunt domum.
nunc ín istoc portu stát navis praedatoria,
aps qua cavendum nobis sane censeo.

[¶145] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’ troth, you really counsel aright.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Mones quidem hercle recte.

[¶146] MESSENIO:
Then, in fine, shall I be sure that I’ve counselled aright, if you are rightly on your guard.

> Latin: Messenio:
Tum demum sciam
recte monuisse, si tu recte caveris.

[¶147] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Be silent for a moment, then; for the door makes a noise. Let’s see who’s coming out from there.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Tace dúm parumper, nam concrepuit ostium:
videamus qui hinc egreditur.

[¶148] MESSENIO:
Meanwhile, I’ll lay this down. (He puts down the wallet.)

> Latin: Messenio:
Hoc ponam interim.

[¶149] Do you keep watch upon these things, if you please, you sailors.
(Enter EROTIUM from her house.)
EROTIUM: (speacking to her SERVANTS within.)
Leave the door ajar thus; begone. I don’t want it shut: prepare, attend, and provide within; what is requisite, let it be done. Lay down the couches, burn the perfumes; neatness,
that is the charm for the minds of lovers. Our agreableness is for the lover’s loss, for our own gain. (To herself.) But where is he whom the Cook said was in front of the house? O, I see him there—one who is of service to me, and who profits me very much. And right willingly is such usage shown to him, as he deserves to be of especial importance in my house.

> Latin: asservatote haec sultis, navales pedes.
Erotivm:
Sine fóres sic, abi, nolo óperiri.
intús para, curá, vide, quod opúst fiat:
sterníte lectos, incéndite odores; múnditia
inlécebra animost amántium.
amánti amoenitás malost, nobís lucrost.
sed ubi ílle est, quem coquos ánte aedis esse áit? atque eccum video,
qui mi ést usui et plurímum prodest.
item hinc últro fit, ut méret, potissimus nostraé domi ut sit;

[¶150] Now I’ll accost him; I’ll address him of my own accord. (To MENAECHMUS.) My dear life, it seems wonderful to me that you are standing here out of doors, for whom the door is wide open, more so than your own house, inasmuch as this house is at your service. Everything’s ready as you requested
and as you desired; nor have you now any delay in-doors. The breakfast, as you ordered, is prepared here; when you please, you may go and take your place.

> Latin: nunc éum adibo, adloquar ultro.
animúle mi, mihi mirá videntur,
te hic stáre foris, fores quoí pateant,
magis quám domus tua domus quom haéc tua sit.
omné paratumst, ut iússisti
atque út voluisti, néque tibi
ullá morast intus.
prandium, út iussisti, hic cúratumst:
ubi lúbet, ire licet áccubitum.

[¶151] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
To whom is this woman addressing herself?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quícum haec mulier loquitur?

[¶152] EROTIUM:
Why, I’m talking to yourself.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Equidem tecum.

[¶153] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What business have I ever had with you, or have I now?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid mecum tibi
fuit umquam aut nunc est negoti?

[¶154] EROTIUM:
Troth, inasmuch as Venus has willed that you singly above all I should exalt; and that not without your deserving it. For, by my faith, you alone make me, by your kindnesses, to be thriving.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Quia pol te unum ex omnibus
Venus me voluit magnificare, neque id haud immerito tuo.
nam ecastor solus benefactis tuis me florentem facis.

[¶155] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
For sure this woman is either mad or drunk, Messemo, that addresses me, a person whom she knows not in so familiar a way.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Certo haec mulier aut insana aut ebria est, Messenio,
quaé hominem ignotum compellet me tam familiariter.

[¶156] MESSENIO:
Didn’t I say that these things are in the habit of occurring here? The leaves are falling now; in comparison with this, if we shall be here for three days, the trees will be tumbling upon you. For to such a degree are all these Courtesans wheedlers out of one’s money. But only let me address her. Harkye, woman, I’m speaking to you.

> Latin: Messenio:
Dixin égo istaec hic solere fieri? folia nunc cadunt,
praeut si triduom hoc hic erimus: tum arbores in te cadent.
nam ita sunt hic meretrices: omnes elecebrae argentariae.
sed sine me dum hanc compellare. heus mulier, tibi dico.

[¶157] EROTIUM:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Erotivm:
Quid est?

[¶158] MESSENIO:
Where have you yourself known this person?

> Latin: Messenio:
Vbi tu húnc hominem novisti?

[¶159] EROTIUM:
In that same place where he has known me for this long time,
in Epidamnus.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Ibidem ubi hic me iam diu,
in Epidamno.

[¶160] MESSENIO:
In Epidamnus? A man who, until this day, has never put a foot here inside of this city.

> Latin: Messenio:
In Epidamno? qui huc in hanc urbem pedem,
nisi hodie, numquam intro tetulit?

[¶161] EROTIUM:
Heyday! You are making fun, my dear Menaechmus. But, prithee, why not go in? There, it will be more suitable for you.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Heia, delicias facis.
mi Menaechme, quin, amabo, is intro? hic tibi erit rectius.

[¶162] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’ faith, this woman really does address me rightly by my name. I wonder very much what’s the meaning of this business.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Haec quidem edepol recte appellat meo me mulier nomine.
nimis miror, quid hoc sít negoti.

[¶163] MESSENIO: (aside.)
That purse that you are carrying has been smelt out by her.

> Latin: Messenio:
Oboluit marsuppium
huic istuc quod habes.

[¶164] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (aside.)
I’ faith, and rightly have you put me in mind. Take it, then; I’ll know now whether she loves myself or the purse most.
(Gives him the purse.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Atque edepol tu me monuisti probe.
accipe dum hoc. iam scibo, utrum haec me mage amet an marsuppium.

[¶165] EROTIUM:
Let’s go in the house to breakfast.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Eamus intro, ut prandeamus.

[¶166] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
You invite me kindly; so far, my thanks.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Bene vocas: tam gratiast.

[¶167] EROTIUM:
Why then did you bid me a while since prepare a breakfast for you?

> Latin: Erotivm:
Cur igitur me tibi iussisti coquere dudum prandium?

[¶168] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I, bid you prepare?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Egon te iussi coquere?

[¶169] EROTIUM:
Certainly you did, for yourself and your Parasite.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Certo, tibi et parasito tuo.

[¶170] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
A plague, what Parasite? Surely this woman isn’t quite right in her senses.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Cui, malum, parasito? certo haec mulier non sanast satis.

[¶171] EROTIUM:
Peniculus.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Peniculo.

[¶172] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Who is this Peniculus The one with which the shoes are wiped clean?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quis iste ést Peniculus? qui extergentur baxeae?

[¶173] EROTIUM:
Him, I mean, who came with you a while ago, when you brought me the mantle which you purloined from your wife.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Scilicet qui dudum tecum venit, quom pallam mihi
detulisti, quám ab uxore tua surrupuisti.

[¶174] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What do you mean? I, gave you a mantle, which I purloined from my wife? Are you in your senses?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid est?
tibi pallam dedi, quam uxori meae surrupui? sanan es?

[¶175] Surely this woman dreams standing, after the manner of a gelding.

> Latin: certe haec mulier cantherino ritu ástans somniat.

[¶176] EROTIUM:
Why does it please you to hold me in ridicule, and to deny to me things that have been done by you?

> Latin: Erotivm:
Qui lubet ludibrio habere me atque ire infitias mihi
facta quae sunt?

[¶177] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Tell me what it is that I deny after having done it?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Dic quid est id quod negem quod fecerim?

[¶178] EROTIUM:
That you to-day gave me your wife’s mantle.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Pallam te hodie mihi dedisse uxoris.

[¶179] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Even still do I deny it. Indeed, I never had a wife, nor have I one; nor
have I ever set my foot here within the city gate since I was born. I breakfasted on board ship; thence did I come this way, and here I met you.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Etiam nunc nego.
ego quidem neque umquam uxorem hábui neque habeo, neque huc
umquam, postquam natus sum, intra portam penetravi pedem.
prandi in navi, inde huc sum egressus, te conveni.

[¶180] EROTIUM:
See that now; I’m undone, wretched creature that I am! What ship are you now telling me about?

> Latin: Erotivm:
Eccere,
perii misera, quam tu mihi nunc navem narras?

[¶181] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
A wooden one, weather-beaten full oft, cracked full oft, many a time thumped with mallets. Just as the implements of the furrier; so peg is close to peg.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ligneam,
saepe tritam, saepe fixam, saepe excussam malleo;
quasi supellex pellionis, palus palo proxumust.

[¶182] EROTIUM:
Now, prithee, do leave off making fun of me, and step this way with me.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Iám, amabo, desiste ludos facere atque i hac mecum semul.

[¶183] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
… for, madam, you are looking for some other person, I know not whom, not me.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Nescio quem, mulier, alium hóminem, non me quaeritas.

[¶184] EROTIUM:
Don’t I know you, Menaechmus, the son of your father Moschus, who are said to have been born in Sicily, at Syracuse, where King Agathocles reigned, and after him Pintia, the third Liparo, who at his death left the kingdom to Hiero—which Hiero is now king?

> Latin: Erotivm:
Non ego te novi Menaechmum, Moscho prognatum patre,
qui Syracusis perhibere natus esse in Sicilia,
ubi rex Agathocles regnator fuit et iterum Phintia,
tertium Liparo, qui in morte regnum Hieroni tradidit,
nunc Hiero est?

[¶185] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
You say, madam, what is not untrue.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Haud falsa, mulier, praedicas.

[¶186] MESSENIO:
By Jupiter, hasn’t this woman come from there, who knows you so readily? …

> Latin: Messenio:
Pro Iuppiter,
num istaec mulier illinc venit, quae te novit tam cate?

[¶187] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (apart.)
Troth, I think she must not be denied.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Hercle opinor, pernegari non potest.

[¶188] MESSENIO: (apart.)
Don’t you do it. You are undone, if you enter inside her threshold.

> Latin: Messenio:
Ne feceris. periisti, si intrassis intra limen.

## 2. Lines 407–804

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

[¶0] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (apart.)
But you only hold your tongue … The matter goes on well. I shall assent to the woman, whatever she shall say, if I can get some entertainment. Just now, madam (speaking to her in a low voice),
I contradicted you not undesignedly; I was afraid of that fellow, lest he might carry word to my wife about the mantle and the breakfast. Now, when you please, let’s go in-doors.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quin tu tace modo.
bene res geritur. adsentabor quidquid dicet mulieri,
si possum hospitium nancisci. iam dudum, mulier, tibi
non imprudens advorsabar: hunc metuebam, ne meae
uxori renuntiaret de palla et de prandio.
nunc, quando vis, eamus intro.

[¶1] EROTIUM:
Are you going to wait for the Parasite as well?

> Latin: Erotivm:
Etiam parasitum manes?

[¶2] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’m neither going to wait for him, nor do I care a straw for him, nor, if he should come, do I want him to be admitted in-doors.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Neque ego illum maneo, neque flocci facio, neque, si venerit,
eum volo intromitti.

[¶3] EROTIUM:
By my faith, I shall do that not at all reluctantly. But do you know what I beg you to do?

> Latin: Erotivm:
Ecastor haud invita fecero.
sed scin quid te amabo ut facias?

[¶4] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Only command me what you will.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Impera quid vis modo.

[¶5] EROTIUM:
For you to take that mantle which you gave me just now to the embroiderer’s, that it may be trimmed again, and that some work may be added which I want.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Pallam illam, quam dudum dederas, ad phrygionem ut deferas,
ut reconcinnetur atque ut opera addantur quae volo.

[¶6] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’ faith, you say what’s right; in such a way shall it be disguised that my wife shan’t know that you are wearing it, if she should see you in the street.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Hercle qui tu recte dicis: eádem ignorabitur,
ne uxor cognoscat te habere, si in via conspexerit.

[¶7] EROTIUM:
Then take it away with you just now, when you go away.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Ergo mox auferto tecum, quando abibis.

[¶8] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
By all means.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Maxime.

[¶9] EROTIUM:
Let’s go in-doors.
(Goes into her house.)

> Latin: Erotivm:
Eamus intro

[¶10] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’ll follow you this instant; I only wish to speak to this person. So, there! Messenio, step to me this way.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Iam sequar te. húnc volo etiam conloqui.
eho Messenio, accede huc.

[¶11] MESSENIO:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Messenio:
Quid negoti est?

[¶12] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Listen.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
†sussciri.

[¶13] MESSENIO:
What need for it?

> Latin: Messenio:
Quid eo opust?

[¶14] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
There is need, I know what you’ll say to me—

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Opus est. scio ut me dices.

[¶15] MESSENIO:
So much the worse.

> Latin: Messenio:
Tanto nequior.

[¶16] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Hold your tongue … I’ve got some spoil; thus much of the business have I begun upon. Go, and, as quick as you can, take away those people at once to an inn. Then do you take care to come and meet me before sunset.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Habeo praedam: tantum incepi óperis. ei quantum potes,
abduc istos in tabernam actutum devorsoriam.
tum facito ante solem occasum ut venias advorsum mihi.

[¶17] MESSENIO:
Don’t you know that these people are harlots, master?

> Latin: Messenio:
Non tu istas meretrices novisti, ere.

[¶18] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Hold your tongue, I say, and go you away from here. It will cost me pain, not you, if I do anything here that’s foolish.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Tace, inquam …
mihi dolebit, non tibi, si quid ego stulte fecero.

[¶19] This woman is silly and inexperienced. So far as I’ve perceived just now, there’s some spoil for us here.
(He goes into the house of EROTIUM.)
MESSENIO:
I’m undone. Are you going away then? He is certainly ruined; the piratical craft is now leading the boat straight to destruction. But I’m an unreasonable fellow to wish to rule my master; he bought me to obey his orders, not to be his commander.

> Latin: mulier haec stulta atque inscita est; quantum perspexi modo,
est hic praeda nobis.—
Messenio:
Perii, iamne abis? periit probe:
ducit lembum dierectum navis praedatoria.
sed ego inscitus qui domino me postulem moderarier:
dicto me emit audientem, haud imperatorem sibi.

[¶20] (To the ATTENDANTS.) Follow me, that, as I’m ordered, I may come in good time to meet my master.
(Enter PENICULUS.)
PENICULUS:
More than thirty years have I been born yet during that time I never did any more mischievous or more evil trick than this day, when, to my misfortune, I thrust myself into the midst of the assembly. while I was gaping about there, Menaechmus stole away from me,
and went, I suppose, to his mistress, and didn’t want to take me. May all the Divinities confound that man who first mischievously devised the holding of an assembly, which keeps men thus engaged. By my troth, is it not fitting that men who are disengaged should be chosen for that purpose? These, when they are cited, if they are not present, let the officers exact the fine
forthwith … the senate …
Abundance of men are there who every day eat their victuals alone, who have no business, who are neither invited nor invite to feast; these ought to give their attendance at the assembly and the law-courts.

> Latin: sequimini, ut, quod imperatum est, veniam advorsum temperi.—
Penicvlvs:
Plus triginta ánnis natus sum, quom ínterea loci,
numquam quicquam facinus feci peius neque scelestius,
quám hodie, quom in contionem mediam me immersi miser.
ubi ego dúm hieto, Menaechmus se subterduxit mihi
atque abiit ad amicam, credo, neque me voluit ducere.
qui illum di omnes perduint, qui primus commentust …
contionem habere, qui homines occupatos occupat.
non ad eam rem ótiosos homines decuit deligi,
qui nisi adsint quom citentur, census capiat ilico?
…
…
adfatim est hominum, in dies qui singulas escas edint,
quibus negoti nihil est, qui essum neque vocantur neque vocant:
eos oportet contioni dare operam atque comitiis.

[¶21] If so it had been, this say I shouldn’t have lost my breakfast; to which I deemed myself as much accustomed, as to see myself alive. I’ll go; even yet the hope of the scraps comforts my mind. But why do I see Menaechmus here? He’s coming out of doors with a chaplet on? The banquet is removed; i’ faith, I come just in time to meet him.

> Latin: sí id ita esset, non ego hodie perdidissem prandium,
quoi tam credo † datum voluisse quam me video vivere.
ibo: etiamnum reliquiarum spes animum oblectat meum.
sed quid ego video? Menaechmus cum corona exit foras.
sublatum est convivium, edepol venio adversum temperi.

[¶22] I’ll watch the fellow, what he’s about, then I’ll go and accost him. (He steps aside.)
Enter MENAECHMUS SOSICLES, from the house of EROTIUM, with the mantle on.)
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (speaking to EROTIUM within.)
Can’t you rest content, if this day I bring it you back in good time, nicely and properly trimmed? I’ll cause you to say it isn’t itself, so much shall it be disguised.
PENICULUS: (apart.)

> Latin: observabo, quid agat, hominem. post adibo atque adloquar.
Menaechmvs:
Potine ut quiescas? ego tibi hanc hodie probe
lepideque concinnatam referam temperi.
non faxo eam esse dices: íta ignorabitur.

[¶23] He’s carrying the mantle to the embroiderer’s, the breakfast finished
and the wine drunk up, and the Parasite shut out of doors. By my troth, I’m not the person that I am, if I don’t handsomely avenge this injury and myself.’Tis requisite I should watch … I’ll give something.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (to himself.)

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Pallam ad phrygionem fert confecto prandio
vinoque expoto, parasito excluso foras.
non hercle is sum qui sum, ni hánc iniuriam
meque ultus pulchre fuero. observa quid dabo.

[¶24] O ye immortal Gods! on what man ever have you conferred more blessings in one day, who hoped for less?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Pro di immortales, quoí homini umquam uno die
boni dedistis plus, qui minus speraverit?

[¶25] I’ve been breakfasting, drinking, feasting with a mistress; and I’ve carried off this mantle, of which she shall no more be owner after this day.

> Latin: prandi, potavi, scortum accubui, apstuli
hanc, quoius heres numquam erit post hunc diem.

[¶26] PENICULUS:
Isn’t he now talking about me, and my share of the repast? I can’t well hear what he says.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Nequeo quae loquitur exaudire clanculum;
satur nunc loquitur de me et de parti mea.

[¶27] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (to himself.)
She says that I secretly gave her this, and that I stole it away from my wife. When I perceived that she was mistaken, at once I began to assent, as though I really had had acquaintanceship with her. Whatever the woman said, the same said I. What need of many words?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ait hanc dedisse me sibí, atque eam meae
uxori surrupuisse. quoniam sentio
errare, extemplo, quasi res cúm ea esset mihi,
coepi adsentari: mulier quidquid dixerat,
idem ego dicebam. quid multis verbis ⟨opust⟩?

[¶28] I was never entertained at less expense.
PENICULUS: (apart.)

> Latin: minore nusquam bene fui dispendio.

[¶29] I’ll accost the fellow; for I quite long to have a row.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Adibo ad hominem, nam turbare gestio.

[¶30] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Who’s this that’s coming up towards me? (Takes off the mantle, and hides it.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quis hic ést, qui adversus it mihi?

[¶31] PENICULUS:
What say you, you fellow lighter than a feather, most rascally and most abandoned—you disgraceful man—you cheat, and most worthless fellow?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Quid ais, homo
levior quam pluma, pessime et nequissime,
flagitium hominis, subdole ac minimi preti?

[¶32] Why have I deserved this of you? For what reason should you ruin me? How you stole yourself away from me just now at the Forum. You’ve been performing the funeral of the breakfast in my absence. Why did you dare to do so, when I was entitled to it in an equal degree?

> Latin: quid de te merui, qua me causa perderes?
ut surrupuisti te mihi dudum de foro!
fecisti funus med absente prandio.
cur ausu's ausus es facere, quoi ego aeque heres eram?

[¶33] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Young man, prithee, what business with me have you,
who are thus purposely insulting a person whom you know not? Do you wish a punishment to be given you for your abuse?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Adulescens, quaeso, quid tibi mecum est rei,
qui mihi male dicas homini ignoto insciens?
an tibi malam rem vis pro male dictis dari?

[¶34] PENICULUS:
Do be quiet; by my faith, I discover that you’ve done that already indeed.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
†Pol eam quidem edepol te dedisse intellego.

[¶35] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Answer me, young man, I beg; what is your name?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Responde, adulescens, quaeso, quid nomen tibist?

[¶36] PENICULUS:
Are you laughing at me, as well, as though you didn’t know my name?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Etiam derides, quasi nomen non noveris?

[¶37] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
By my troth, I never saw or knew you, that I’m aware of, before this day; but at all events, whoever you are, if you do what’s right, you won’t be an annoyance to me.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non edepol ego te, quod sciam, umquam ante hunc diem
vidi neque novi; verum certo, quisquis es,
si aéquom facias, mihi odiosus ne sies.
Penicvlvs:
Menaechme, vigila.
Menaechmvs:
Vigilo hercle equidem, quod sciam.

[¶38] PENICULUS:
Don’t you know me?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Non me novisti?

[¶39] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I shouldn’t deny it if I did know you.
PENICULUS:
Menaechmus, awake.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’ troth, I really am awake, so far as I know.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non negem, si noverim.

[¶40] PENICULUS:
Don’t you know your own Parasite?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Tuom parasitum non novisti?

[¶41] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Young man, I find that your headpiece isn’t sound.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non tibi
sanum est, adulescens, sinciput, intellego.

[¶42] PENICULUS:
Answer me; have you not purloined that mantle from your wife to-day, and given it to Erotium?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Responde, surrupuistin uxori tuae
pallam istanc hodie átque dédisti Erotio?

[¶43] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’ faith I have no wife, nor have I given the mantle to Erotium, nor have I purloined it.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Neque hercle ego uxorem habeo neque ego Erotio
dedi nec pallam surrupui.

[¶44] PENICULUS:
Are you really in your senses? … This matter’s settled. Did I not see you coming out of doors clad in a mantle?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Satin sanus es?
occisast haec res. non ego te indutum foras
exire vidi pallam?

[¶45] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Woe to your head. Do you think that all people are effeminate rogues because you are one?
Do you declare that I was clothed in a mantle?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Vae capiti tuo.
omnis cinaedos esse censes, tu quia es?
tun med indutum fuisse pallam praedicas?

[¶46] PENICULUS:
Troth, I really do.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Ego hercle vero.

[¶47] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Why don’t you go where you are deserving to go, or else request yourself to be atoned for, you downright madman?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non tu abis quo dignus es?
aut te piari iube, homo insanissime.

[¶48] PENICULUS:
By my troth, never shall any one prevail upon me not to tell your wife the whole matter now, just as it happened.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Numquam edepol quisquam me exorabit, quin tuae
uxori rem omnem iám, uti sit gesta, eloquar;

[¶49] All these insults shall be retorted upon yourself. I’ll take care that you shan’t have devoured the breakfast unpunished.
(He goes into the house of MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.)
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What’s the meaning of this business? Why, Just as I see each person, do they all make fun of me in this way? But the door makes a noise.
(Enter a MAID-SERVANT, from the house of EROTIUM.)

> Latin: omnes in te istaec recident contumeliae:
faxo haud inultus prandium comederis.—
Menaechmvs:
Quid hoc ést negoti? satine, ut quemque conspicor,
ita me ludificant? sed concrepuit ostium.

[¶50] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
Menaechmus, Erotium says that she entreats you much,
that at the same opportunity you’ll take this to the goldsmith’s, and add to it an ounce in weight of gold, and order the bracelet to be fashioned anew. (Gives him a bracelet.)

> Latin: Ancilla:
Menaechme, amare ait te multum Erotium,
ut hoc una opera ⟨sibi⟩ ad aurificem deferas,
atque huc ut addas auri pondo únciam
iubeasque spinter novom reconcinnarier.

[¶51] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Tell her that I’ll attend both to this and anything else that she shall wish, if she wishes anything else attended to.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Et istúc et aliud, si quid curari volet,
me curaturum dicito, quidquid volet.

[¶52] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
Do you know what this bracelet is?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I don’t know, unless it’s of gold.

> Latin: Ancilla:
Scin quid hoc sit spinter?
Menaechmvs:
Nescio, nisi aureum.

[¶53] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
This is the same one that you once said that you had secretly stolen out of the closet from your wife.

> Latin: Ancilla:
Hoc est quod olim clanculum ex armario
te surrupuisse aiebas uxori tuae.

[¶54] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
By my troth,’twas never done.
MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
Prithee, don’t you remember it?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Numquam hercle factum est.

[¶55] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Not in the least.

> Latin: Ancilla:
Non meministi, obsecro?

[¶56] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
Give it me back then, if you don’t remember it. (Tries to take it.)
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Stop. (Pretends to examine the bracelet.)

> Latin: redde igitur spinter, si non meministi.
Menaechmvs:
Mane.

[¶57] O yes, I really do remember it; it’s the same, I believe, that I presented to her.

> Latin: immo equidem memini. nempe hoc est, quod illí dedi.

[¶58] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
I’ faith, it is the same.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Where are the clasps which I gave her together with them?

> Latin: Ancilla:
Istuc.
Menaechmvs:
Vbi illae armillaé sunt, quas una dedi?

[¶59] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
You never gave her any.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Why, faith, I gave them together with this …
MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
Shall I say that you’ll attend to it?

> Latin: Ancilla:
Numquam dedisti.

[¶60] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Do say so; it shall be attended to.
I’ll take care that the mantle and the bracelet are brought back together.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Nam pol hoc unum dedi.
Ancilla:
Dicam curare?
Menaechmvs:
Dicito: curabitur.
et palla et spinter faxo referantur simul.

[¶61] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
My dear Menaechmus, do, pray, give me some earrings, the pendants to be made two didrachms in weight; that I may look on you with delight when you come to our house.

> Latin: Ancilla:
Amabo, mi Menaechme, inauris da mihi
faciendas pondo duom nummum, stalagmia,
ut te libenter videam, quom ad nos veneris.

[¶62] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Be it so. Give me the gold; I’ll find the price of the workmanship.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Fiat. cedo aurum, ego manupretium dabo.

[¶63] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
Give it yourself, please; at a future time I’ll give it you back.

> Latin: Ancilla:
Da sodes abs te: ⟨ego⟩ post reddidero tibi.

[¶64] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
No, give it yourself; at a future time I’ll give it you twofold.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Immo cedo abs te: ego post tibi reddam duplex.

[¶65] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
I haven’t any.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
But when you have it, do you give it me, then.

> Latin: Ancilla:
Non habeo.
Menaechmvs:
At tu, quando habebis, tum dato.

[¶66] MAID-SERVANT of Erotium.:
Do you wish for aught?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Say that I’ll attend to these things, (aside) to be sold as soon as they can, and for what they’ll fetch.
(The MAID-SERVANT goes into the house.)

> Latin: Ancilla:
Numquid [me] vis?—
Menaechmvs:
Haec me curaturum dicito—
ut quantum possint quique liceant veneant.

[¶67] Has she now gone off in-doors? She’s gone, and has shut the door. Surely all the Gods are favouring, amplifying, and prospering me. But why do I delay while opportunity and time are granted me to get away from these procurers’ dens? Make haste, Menaechmus; pull foot and quicken your pace.

> Latin: iamne abiit intro? abiit, operuit fores.
di me quidem omnes adiuvant, augent, amant.
sed quid ego cesso, dum datur mi occasio
tempusque, abire ab his locis lenoniis?
propera, Menaechme, fer pedem, confer gradum.

[¶68] I’ll take off this chaplet, and throw it away on the left hand side (throws the chaplet down), that, if they follow me, they may think I’ve gone in that direction. I’ll go and meet my servant, if I can, that he may learn from me these blessings which the Gods confer upon me.
(Enter, from her house, the WIFE of MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus, followed by PENICULUS.)
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
And shall I allow myself to remain in wedlock here,
when my husband secretly pilfers whatever’s in the house, and carries it thence off to his mistress?
PENICULUS:
Why don’t you hold your peace? I’ll let you now catch him in the fact; do you only follow me this way. (They go to the opposite side of the stage.) In a state of drunkenness, with a chaplet on, he was carrying the mantle to the embroiderer’s, which he purloined from you at home to-day.

> Latin: demam hanc coronam atque abiciam ad laevam manum,
ut, siquis sequatur, hac me abiisse censeant.
ibo et conveniam servom, si potero, meum,
ut haec, quae bona dant di mihi, ex me sciat.—
Matrona:
Egone hic me patiar frustra in matrimonio,
ubi vir compilet clanculum quidquid domist
atque ea ad amicam deferat?
Penicvlvs:
Quin tu taces?
manufesto faxo iam opprimes: sequere hac modo.
pallam ad phrygionem cum corona ébrius
ferebat, hodie tibi quam surrupuit domo.

[¶69] But see, here is the chaplet which he had on. (Seeing the chaplet on the ground.) Now am I saying false? Aha, this way has he gone, if you wish to trace his footsteps. And, by my faith, see, here he comes on his way back most opportunely, but he isn’t wearing the mantle.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What now shall I do to him?

> Latin: sed eccám coronam quám habuit. num mentior?
em hac ábiit, si vis persequi vestigiis.
atque edepol eccum óptume revortitur;
sed pallam non fert.
Matrona:
Quid ego nunc cum illoc agam?

[¶70] PENICULUS:
The same as usual; abuse him.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
So I am resolved.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Idem quod semper: male habeas; sic censeo.

[¶71] PENICULUS:
Let’s step aside this way watch him from ambush. (They retire on one side.)
(Enter MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (to himself.)
How we do practise a custom here that is very foolish and extremely troublesome, and how even those who are the most worthy and great do follow this habit: all wish their dependants to be many in number;

> Latin: huc concedamus: ex insidiis aucupa.
Menaechmvs:
Vt hóc utimúr maximé more móro
moléstoque múltum, atque utí quique súnt
optumí, maxumé morem habént hunc:
cliéntes sibi ómnes volúnt esse múltos:

[¶72] whether they are deserving or undeserving, about that they don’t enquire. Their property is more enquired about, than what the reputation of their clients is for honor. If any person is poor and not dishonest, he is considered worthless; but if a rich man is dishonest, he is considered a good client.

> Latin: boníne an malí sint, id haúd quaeritánt;
res magís quaeritúr quam cliéntum fidés
cuius modí clueat.
si ést pauper átque haud malús, nequam habétur,
sin díves malúst, is cliéns frugi habétur.

[¶73] Those who neither regard laws nor any good or justice at all, the same have zealous patrons. What has been entrusted to them, they deny to have been so entrusted; men full of litigation, rapacious, and fraudulent; who have acquired their property either by usury or by perjury; their whole pleasure is in litigation.
When the day for trial is appointed, at the same time it is mentioned to their patrons, in order that they may plead for them, about what they have done amiss. Before the people, or at law before the Praetor, or before the Aedile, is the cause tried. Just so, this day, a certain dependant has kept me very much engaged, nor was it allowed me to do what I wished, or in company with whom I wished; so fast did he stick to me, so much did he detain me.

> Latin: quí neque legés neque aequóm bonum usquám colunt,
sollícitos patrónos habént.
datúm denegánt quod datum ést, litiúm plení, rapaces
virí, fraudulénti,
qui aut faénore aut periúriis habént rem parátam,
mens est in quo …
eís ubi dicitur dies, simul patronis dicitur.
[quippe qui pro illis loquimur quae male fecerunt]
aut ád populum aut ín iure aut ápud aedilem rés est.
sicút me hodie nimis sóllicitum cliens quídam habuit, neque quód volui
agere aút quicum licitumst, ita med attinuit, ita detinuit.

[¶74] Before the Aedile, in behalf of his doings, very many and very disgraceful, did I plead his cause; a compromise I obtained, obscure and perplexed—more than enough I said, and than I needed to say, that surety for him might end this litigation. What did he do? Well, what? He gave bail. And never did I at any time see any person more clearly detected;

> Latin: ápud aediles pro eius factis plurumisque pessumisque
dixi causam, condiciones tetuli tortas, confragosas:
aut plus aut minus quám opus fuerat dicto dixeram † controversiam, ut
sponsio fierét. quid ille? qui … praedem dedit.
néc magis manufestum ego hominem úmquam ullum teneri vidi:

[¶75] three very adverse witnesses against all his misdeeds were there. May all the Gods confound him, he has so spoilt this day for me; and myself as well, who ever this day beheld the Forum with my eyes. I ordered a breakfast to be prepared; my mistress is expecting me, I’m sure; as soon as ever I had the opportunity,
I made haste immediately to leave the Forum. Now, I suppose, she’s angry with me; the mantle, however, will appease her that I gave her, the one I took away to-day from my wife and carried to Erotium here.
PENICULUS: (apart to the WIFE.)

> Latin: omnibus male factis testes tres aderant acerrumi.
di illum ómnes perdant, íta mihi hunc hódie corrupít diem,
meque adeo, quí hodie forum umquam oculis inspexi meis.
diem corrupi óptimum: iussi adparari prandium,
amica exspectat me, scio. ubi primum est licitum, ílico
properavi abire de foro. iratast, credo, nunc mihi;
placabit palla quam dedi,
quam hódie uxori ábstuli atque huic détuli Erótio.

[¶76] What say you now?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (apart.)
That I’m unfortunately married to a worthless fellow.
PENICULUS: (apart.)
Do you perfectly hear what he says?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (apart.)

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Quid aís?
Matrona:
Viro me malo mále nuptam.
Penicvlvs:
Satin aúdis quae illic lóquitur?

[¶77] Quite well.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
If I am wise, I shall be going hence in-doors, where it may be comfortable for me.
PENICULUS: (coming forward)
Stop; on the contrary, it shall be uncomfortable.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
… she is very sorrowful; this doesn’t quite please me, but I’ll speak to her.
Tell me, my wife, what is it amiss with you?

> Latin: Matrona:
Satis.
Menaechmvs:
Sí sapiam, hinc intro ábeam, ubi mi bene sít.
Penicvlvs:
Mane: male erit pótius.
Matrona:
Ne íllam ecastor faénerato ábstulisti.

[¶78] PENICULUS: (to the WIFE.)
The pretty fellow’s soothing you.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Can’t you cease being annoying to me? Did I address you?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (turning away from MENAECHMUS.)
Take yourself off—
away with your caresses from me.
Do you persist in it?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why are you offended with me?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You ought to know.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Síc datur.
Matrona:
Clanculum te istaec flagitia facere censebas potis?
Menaechmvs:
Quid illuc est, uxor, negoti?
Matrona:
Men rogas?
Menaechmvs:
Vin hunc rogem?
Matrona:
Aufer hinc palpationes.

[¶79] PENICULUS:
The rascal knows, but he pretends not to know.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Has any one of the servants done amiss? Do either the maid or the men-servants give you saucy answers? Speak out; it shan’t be done with impunity.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You are trifling.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Surely you are angry at some one of the domestics?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You are trifling.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Are you angry with me at all events?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Now you are not trifling.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ faith, I haven’t done wrong in anything.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Ah! now you are trifling again.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Wife, what’s the matter?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Do you ask me that?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Do you wish me to ask him?
(To PENICULUS.)
What’s the matter?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
The mantle.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
The mantle?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
A certain person has taken a mantle.
(MENAECHMUS starts.)

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Perge tu.
Menaechmvs:
Quid tu mihi
tristis es?
Matrona:
Te scire oportet.

[¶80] PENICULUS: (to MENAECHMUS.)
Why are you alarmed?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Scit, sed dissimulat malus.
Menaechmvs:
Quid negotist?
Matrona:
Pallam—
Menaechmvs:
Pallam?
Matrona:
Quidam pallam—
Penicvlvs:
Quid paves?

[¶81] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
For my part, I’m not alarmed at all—
(aside) except about one thing; the mantle makes my face mantle.
PENICULUS: (aside to MENAECHMUS.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Nil equidem paveo.
Penicvlvs:
Nisi unum: palla pallorem incutit.

[¶82] But as for me, you shouldn’t have slily devoured the breakfast. (To the WIFE.) Go on against your husband.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (making signs to PENICULUS.)

> Latin: at tu ne clam me comesses prandium. perge in virum.

[¶83] Won’t you hold your tongue?
PENICULUS:
Faith, I really will not hold my tongue. (To the WIFE.) He’s nodding to me not to speak.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non taces?
Penicvlvs:
Non hercle vero taceo. nutat, ne loquar.

[¶84] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
On my word, I really never did nod to you, or wink in any way.
PENICULUS:
Nothing is more audacious than this man, who resolutely denies those things which you see.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non hercle ego quidem usquam quicquam nuto neque nicto tibi.
Matrona:
Ne ego mecastor mulier misera.
Menaechmvs:
Qui tu misera es? mi expedi.
Penicvlvs:
Nihil hoc confidentius, qui quae vides ea pernegat.

[¶85] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By Jupiter and all the Gods, I swear, wife, that I did not nod to him; isn’t that enough for you?
PENICULUS:
She now believes you about that matter; go back again there.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Per Iovem deosque omnis adiuro, uxor, (satin hoc est tibi?)
me isti non nutasse.
Penicvlvs:
Credit iam tibi de isto: illuc redi.

[¶86] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Go back where?
PENICULUS:
Why, to the embroiderer, as I suppose. Go and bring the mantle back.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quó ego redeam?
Penicvlvs:
Equidem ad phrygionem censeo. ei, pallam refer.

[¶87] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What mantle is it?
PENICULUS:
Now I hold my tongue, since he doesn’t remember his own business.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Did you suppose that you could possibly commit these villanies unknown to me?
By heavens, you have assuredly taken that away from me at a heavy usury;
such is the return.
(Shaking her fist.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quae istaec palla est?
Penicvlvs:
Taceo iam, quando haec rem non meminit suam.
…
Menaechmvs:
Numquis servorum deliquit? num ancillae aut servi tibi
responsant? eloquere. impune non erit.
Matrona:
Nugas agis.
Menaechmvs:
Tristis admodum es. non mi istuc satis placet.
Matrona:
Nugas agis.
Menaechmvs:
Certe familiarium aliquoi írata es.
Matrona:
Nugas agis.
Menaechmvs:
Num mihi es irata saltem?
Matrona:
Nunc tu non nugas agis.
Menaechmvs:
Non edepol deliqui quicquam.
Matrona:
Em rursum nunc nugas agis.
Menaechmvs:
Dic, mea uxor, quid tibi aegre est?

[¶88] PENICULUS:
Such is the return. Do you make haste to eat up the breakfast in my absence; and then in your drunkenness make fun of me, with your chaplet on, before the house.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By all the powers, I have neither breakfasted, nor have I this day set foot inside of that house.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Bellus blanditur tibi.
Menaechmvs:
Potin ut mihi molestus ne sis? num te appello?
Matrona:
Aufer manum.
Penicvlvs:
Sic datur. properato absente me comesse prandium,
post ante aedis cum corona me derideto ebrius.
Menaechmvs:
Neque edepol ego prandi neque hodie huc intro tetuli pedem.

[¶89] PENICULUS:
Do you deny it?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By my troth, I really do deny it.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Tun negas?
Menaechmvs:
Nego hercle vero.

[¶90] PENICULUS:
Nothing is there more audacious than this fellow. Did I not just now see you standing here before the house, with a chaplet of flowers on, when you were declaring that my headpiece wasn’t sound, and declaring that you didn’t know me, and saying that you were a foreigner?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Nihil hoc homine audacius.
non ego te modo hic ante aedis cum corona florea
vidi astare? quom negabas mi esse sanum sinciput,
et negabas me novisse, peregrinum aibas esse te?

[¶91] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
On the contrary, as some time since I parted with you, so I’m now returning home at last.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quin ut dudum divorti abs te, redeo nunc demum domum.

[¶92] PENICULUS:
I understand you. You didn’t think it was in my power to take vengeance upon you; i’ faith, I’ve told it all to your wife.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Told her what?

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Novi ego te. non mihi censebas esse, qui te ulciscerer.
omnia hercle uxori dixi.
Menaechmvs:
Quid dixisti?

[¶93] PENICULUS:
I don’t know; ask her own self.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (turning to his WIFE.)
What’s this, wife? Pray, what has he been telling you? What is it? Why are you silent? Why don’t you say what it is?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
As though you didn’t know.
I’ faith, I certainly am a miserable woman.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why are you a miserable woman? tell me.

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Nescio,
eam ipsus roga.
Menaechmvs:
Quid hoc est, uxor? quidnam hic narravit tibi?
quid id est? quid taces? quin dicis quid sit?
Matrona:
Quasi tu nescias.
…
[palla mi est domo surrepta.]
Menaechmvs:
[Palla surrepta est tibi?]

[¶94] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Do you ask me?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Faith, I shouldn’t ask you if I knew.
PENICULUS:
O the wicked fellow; how he does dissemble. You cannot conceal it; she knows the matter thoroughly; by my faith, I’ve disclosed everything.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What is it?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Inasmuch as you are not at all ashamed, and don’t wish to confess of your own accord, listen, and attend to this; I’ll both let you know why I’m sorrowful, and what he has told me.

> Latin: Matrona:
Me rogas?
Menaechmvs:
Pol haud rogem te, si sciam.
Penicvlvs:
O hominem malum,
ut dissimulat. non potes celare: rem novit probe.
omnia hercle ego edictavi.
Menaechmvs:
Quid id est?
Matrona:
Quando nil pudet
neque vis tua voluntate ipse profiteri, audi atque ades.
et quid tristis ⟨sim⟩ et quid hic mihi dixerit, faxo scias.

[¶95] My mantle has been purloined from me at home.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Mantle purloined from me?
PENICULUS: (to the WIFE.)

> Latin: palla mi est domo surrupta.
Menaechmvs:
Palla surruptast mihi?

[¶96] D’you see how the rogue is catching you up? (To MENAECHMUS.) It was purloined from her, not from you; for certainly if it had been purloined from you, it would now be safe.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (to PENICULUS.)

> Latin: Penicvlvs:
Viden ut ⟨te⟩ scelestus captat? huic surruptast, non tibi.
nam profecto tibi surrupta si esset—salva non foret.

[¶97] I’ve nothing to do with you. But (to his WIFE) what is it you say?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
A mantle, I say, has been lost from home.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Nil mihi tecum est. sed tu quid ais?
Matrona:
Palla, inquam, periit domo.

[¶98] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Who has stolen it?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I faith, he knows that, who took it away.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quis eam surrupuit?
Matrona:
Pol istuc ille scit qui illam abstulit.

[¶99] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What person was it?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
A certain Menaechmus.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By my troth,’twas villanously done. Who is this Menaechmus?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You are he, I say.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Who accuses me?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quis is homo est?
Matrona:
Menaechmus quidam.
Menaechmvs:
Edepol factum nequiter.
quis is Menaechmust?
Matrona:
Tu istic, inquam.
Menaechmvs:
Egone?
Matrona:
Tu.
Menaechmvs:
Quis arguit?

[¶100] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I, myself.
PENICULUS:
I, too; and you carried it off to Erotium here, your mistress.

> Latin: Matrona:
Egomet.
Penicvlvs:
Et ego. atque huic amicae detulisti Erotio.

[¶101] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I, gave it her?
PENICULUS:
You, you, I say. Do you wish for an owl to be brought here, to say “you, you,” continually to you? For we are now quite tired of it.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Egon dedi?
Matrona:
Tu, tu istic, inquam. vin adferri noctuam,
quae “tu tu” usque dicat tibi? nam nos iam defessi sumus.

[¶102] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By Jupiter and all the Gods, I swear, wife (and isn’t that enough for you?), that I did not give it.
PENICULUS:
Aye, and I, by all the powers, that we are telling no untruth.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
[Per Iovem deosque omnis adiuro, uxor (satin hoc est tibi?)]
[non dedisse.]
Matrona:
[Immo hercle vero, nos non falsum dicere.]

[¶103] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
But I haven’t given it away, but just only lent it to be made use of.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Sed ego illam non condonavi, sed sic utendam dedi.

[¶104] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
But, i’ faith, for my part, I don’t lend either your scarf or your cloak out of the house, to any one, to be made use of.’Tis fair that the woman should lend out of the house the woman’s apparel,
the man the man’s. But why don’t you bring the mantle home again?

> Latin: Matrona:
Equidem ecastor tuam nec chlamydem do foras nec pallium
cuiquam utendum. mulierem aequom est vestimentum muliebre
dare foras, virum virile. quin refers pallam domum?

[¶105] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ll have it brought back.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
For your own interest you’ll do so, as I think; for you shall never enter the house to-day unless you bring the mantle with you. I’m going home.
PENICULUS: (to the WIFE.)
What’s there to be for me, who have given you this assistance?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ego faxo referetur.
Matrona:
Ex re tua, ut opinor, feceris;
nam domum numquam introibis, nisi feres pallam simul.
eo domum.
Penicvlvs:
Quid mihi futurum est, qui tibi hanc operam dedi?

[¶106] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Your assistance shall be repaid, when anything shall be purloined from your house.
The WIFE goes into the house.)
PENICULUS:
Then, by my troth, that really will never be; for nothing have I at home to lose. May the Gods confound you, both husband and wife. I’ll make haste to the Forum, for I see clearly that I’ve quite fallen out with this family.
(Exit.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
My wife thinks that she does me an injury when she shuts me out of doors; as though I hadn’t another better place to be admitted into.

> Latin: Matrona:
Opera reddetur, quando quid tibi erit surruptum domo.—
Penicvlvs:
Id quidem edepol numquam erit, nam nihil est quod perdam domi.
cum viro cum uxore di vos perdant. properabo ad forum,
nam ex hac familia me plane éxcidisse intellego.—
Menaechmvs:
Male mi uxor sese fecisse censet, quom exclusit foras;
quasi non habeam, quo intromittar, alium meliorem locum.

[¶107] If I displease you, I must endure it; I shall please Erotium here, who won’t be shutting me out of her house, but will be shutting me up in her house rather. Now I’ll go; I’ll beg her to give me back the mantle that I gave her a while since. I’ll purchase another for her—a better one. Hallo! is any one the porter here? (Knocks at EROTIUM’S door.) Open here, and some one of you call Erotium before the door.
(Enter EROTIUM, from her house.)

> Latin: si tibi displiceo, patiundum: at placuero huic Erotio,
quae me non excludet ab se, sed apud se occludet domi.
nunc ibo, orabo ut mihi pallam reddat, quam dudum dedi;
aliam illi redimam meliorem. heus, ecquis hic est ianitor?
aperite atque Erotium aliquis evocate ante ostium.

[¶108] EROTIUM:
Who’s enquiring for me here?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
One that’s more of an enemy to his own self than to yourself.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Quis hic me quaerit?
Menaechmvs:
Sibi inimicus magis quam aétati tuae.

[¶109] EROTIUM:
My dear Menaechmus? Why are you standing before the house? Do follow me in-doors.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Stop. Do you know why it is that I’m come to you?

> Latin: Erotivm:
Mi Menaechme, cur ante aedis astas? sequere intro.
Menaechmvs:
Mane.
scin quid est quod ego ad te venio?

[¶110] EROTIUM:
I know well; that you may amuse yourself with me.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Scio, ut tibi ex me sit volup.

[¶111] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why no, troth, that mantle which I gave you a while since, give it me back, I entreat you; my wife has become acquainted with all the transaction, in its order, just as it happened.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Immo edepol pallam illam, amabo te, quam tibi dudum dedi,
mihi eam redde. uxor rescivit rem omnem, ut factum est, ordine.

[¶112] I’ll procure for you a mantle of twofold greater value than you shall wish.

> Latin: ego tibi redimam bis tanto pluris pallam, quam voles.

[¶113] EROTIUM:
Why, I gave it your own self a little while since, that you might take it to the embroiderer’s, and that bracelet, too, that you might take it to the goldsmith’s that it might be made anew.

> Latin: Erotivm:
Tibi dedi equidem illam, ad phrygionem út ferres, paulo prius,
et illud spinter, ut ad aurificem ferres, ut fieret novom.

[¶114] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You, gave me the mantle and the bracelet? You’ll find ’twas never done. For, indeed, after I gave it you a while ago, and went away to the Forum,
I’m but just returning, and now see you for the first time since.
EROTIUM:
I see what plan you are upon; that you may defraud me of what I entrusted to you, at that thing you are aiming—
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
On my word, I do not ask it for the sake of defrauding you. But I tell you that my wife has discovered the matter.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Mihi tu ut dederis pallam et spinter? numquam factum reperies.
nam ego quidem postquam illam dudum tibi dedi atque abii ad forum,
nunc redeo, nunc te postillac video.
Erotivm:
Video quam rem agis.
quia commisi, ut me defrudes, ad eam rem adfectas viam.
Menaechmvs:
Neque edepol te defrudandi causa posco (quin tibi
dico uxorem rescivisse)—

[¶115] EROTIUM:
Nor did I of my own accord beg you to give it me; of your own accord you yourself brought it me. You gave it me as a present;

> Latin: Erotivm:
Nec te ultro oravi ut dares:
tute ultro ad me detulisti, dedisti eam dono mihi;

[¶116] now you’re asking for the same thing back again. I’ll put up with it; keep it to yourself; take it away; make use of it, either yourself or your wife, or squeeze it into your money-box even. After this day, that you mayn’t be deceived, you shan’t set your foot in this house, since you hold me in contempt, who deserve so well of you. Unless you bring money, you’ll be disappointed; you can’t cajole me.

> Latin: eandem nunc reposcis: patiar. tibi habe, aufer, utere
vel tu vel tua uxor, vel etiam in loculos compingite.
tu huc post hunc diem pedem intro non feres, ne frustra sis;
quando tu me bene merentem tibi habes despicatui,
nisi feres argentum, frustra me ductare non potes.

[¶117] Find some other woman, henceforth, for you to be disappointing.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By my troth, very angry at last. Hallo! you; stay, I bid you. Come you back. Will you stay now? Will you even for my sake come back? (EROTIUM goes into her house, and shuts the door.) She has gone indoors, and shut the house. Now I’m regularly barred out; I have neither any credit at home now, nor with my mistress.

> Latin: aliam posthac invenito quám habeas frustratui.—
Menaechmvs:
Nimis iracunde hercle tandem. heús tu, tibi dico, mane,
redi. etiamne astas? etiam audes mea revorti gratia?
abiit intro, occlusit aedis. nunc ego sum exclusissimus:
neque domi neque apud amicam mihi iam quicquam creditur.

[¶118] I’ll go and consult my friends on this matter, as to what they think should be done.
(Exit.) (Enter MENAECHMUS SOSICLES, with the mantle on.)
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I did very foolishly a while since, in entrusting my purse to Messenio with the money. I suspect he has got himself into some bad house or other. (Enter the WIFE of Menaechmus of Epidamnus, from the house.)

> Latin: ibo et consulam hanc rem amicos, quid faciendum censeant.—
Menaechmvs:
Nimis stúlte dudum feci, quom marsuppium
Messenioni cum argento concredidi.
immersit aliquo sese, credo, in ganeum.

[¶119] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ll look out to see how soon my husband is going to return home.

> Latin: Matrona:
Provisam quam mox vir meus redeat domum.

[¶120] But here he is; I see him; I’m all right, he’s bringing back the mantle.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (to himself.)

> Latin: sed eccum video. salva sum, pallam refert.

[¶121] I wonder where Messenio can be walking now.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Demiror ubi nunc ambulet Messenio.

[¶122] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ll go and receive the fellow with such language as he deserves. (Accosting him.) Are you not ashamed to come forward in my presence, you disgraceful man, in that garb?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Matrona:
Adibo atque hominem accipiam quibus dictis meret.
non te pudet prodire in conspectum meum,
flagitium hominis, cum istoc ornatu?
Menaechmvs:
Quid est?

[¶123] What thing is troubling you, woman?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Do you dare, you shameless fellow, to utter even a single word, or to speak to me?

> Latin: quae te res agitat, mulier?
Matrona:
Etiamne, impudens,
muttire verbum unum audes aut mecum loqui?

[¶124] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Pray, what wrong have I committed, that I shouldn’t dare to speak to you?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid tandem admisi in me, ut loqui non audeam?

[¶125] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Do you ask me? O dear, the impudent audacity of the fellow!

> Latin: Matrona:
Rogas me? ⟨o⟩ hominis impudentem audaciam!

[¶126] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Don’t you know, madam, for what reason the Greeks used to say that Hecuba was a bitch?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I don’t know, indeed.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non tu scis, mulier, Hecubam quapropter canem
Graii esse praedicabant?
Matrona:
Non equidem scio.

[¶127] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Because Hecuba used to do the same thing that you are now doing. She used to heap all kinds of imprecations on every one she saw; and, therefore, for that reason she was properly begun to be called a bitch.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quia idem faciebat Hecuba quod tu nunc facis:
omnia mala ingerebat, quemquem aspexerat.
itaque adeo iure coepta appellari est canes.

[¶128] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I can’t put up with this disgraceful conduct of yours;

> Latin: Matrona:
Non ego istaec ⟨tua⟩ flagitia possum perpeti.

[¶129] for I had rather see my life that of a widow, than endure this vile conduct of yours that you are guilty of.

> Latin: nam med aetatem viduam ésse mavelim,
quam istaec flagitia tua pati quae tu facis.

[¶130] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What is it to me, whether you are able to endure to live in the married state, or whether you will separate from your husband? Is it thus the fashion here to tell these stories to a stranger on his arrival?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid id ad me, tu te nuptam possis perpeti
an sis abitura a tuo viro? an mos hic ita est,
peregrino ut advenienti narrent fabulas?

[¶131] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What stories? I say, I’ll not endure it henceforth, but live separate rather than put up with these ways.

> Latin: Matrona:
Quas fabulas? non, inquam, patiar praeterhac,
quin vidua vivam quam tuos móres perferam.

[¶132] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Troth, so far indeed as I’m concerned, do live separate, even so long as Jupiter shall hold his sway.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By heavens, I’ll certainly now send for my father,
and I’ll tell him your disgraceful conduct that you are guilty of. Go, Decio (calling to a SERVANT), seek for my father, that he may come along with you to me; tell him that occasion has arisen for it. I’ll. now disclose to him this disgraceful conduct of yours.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Mea quidem hercle causa vidua vivito,
vel usque dum regnum optinebit Iuppiter.
Matrona:
At mihi negabas dudum surrupuisse te,
nunc eandem ante oculos attines: non te pudet?

[¶133] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Are you in your senses? What disgraceful conduct of mine?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
When you filch from home my mantle and gold trinkets,
without the knowledge of your wife, and carry them off to your mistress. Don’t I state this correctly?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Eu hercle, mulier, multum et audax et mala es.
tun tibi hanc surreptam dicere audes, quam mihi
dedit alia mulier ut concinnandam darem?
Matrona:
Ne istuc mecastor—iam patrem accersam meum
atque ei narrabo tua flagitia quae facis.
ei, † Deceo, quaere meum patrem, tecum simul
ut veniat ad me: ita rem esse dicito.
iam ego aperiam istaec tua flagitia.

[¶134] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
O dear! madam, by my faith, you are both very bold and very perverse. Do you dare to say (pointing at the mantle) that this was stolen from you which another woman gave me, for me to get it trimmed?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
A little while since you didn’t deny that you had purloined it from me;
do you now hold up that same before my eyes? Are you not ashamed?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Sanan es?
quae mea flagitia?
Matrona:
Pallam atque aurum meum
domo suppilas tuae uxori et tuae
degeris amicae. satin haec recte fabulor?

[¶135] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
By my faith, madam, I entreat you, if you know, show me what I’m to drink, by means of which I may put up with your impertinence. What person you are taking me to be, I don’t know;

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quaeso hercle, mulier, si scis, monstra quod bibam,
tuam qui possim perpeti petulantiam.
quem tú hominem ⟨esse me⟩ arbitrere, nescio;

[¶136] I know you just as well as Parthaon.

> Latin: ego te simitu novi cum Porthaone.

[¶137] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
If you laugh at me, still, i’ troth, you can’t do so at him; my father, I mean, who’s coming here. Why don’t you look back? Do you know that person?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Just as well as Calchas do I know him; I have seen him on that same day on which I have seen yourself before this present day.

> Latin: Matrona:
Si me derides, at pol illum non potes,
patrem meum, qui huc advenit. quin respicis?
novistin tu illum?
Menaechmvs:
Novi cum Calcha simul:
eodém die illum vidi quo te ante hunc diem.

[¶138] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Do you deny that you know me? Do you deny that you know my father?

> Latin: Matrona:
Negas novisse me? negas patrem meum?

[¶139] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Troth, I shall say the same thing, if you choose to bring your grandfather.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Idem hercle dicam, sí avom vis adducere.

[¶140] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ faith, you do this and other things just in a like fashion.
(Enter an OLD MAN, hobbling with a stick.)

> Latin: Matrona:
Ecastor pariter hoc atque alias res soles.

[¶141] OLD MAN:
According as my age permits, and as there is occasion to do so, I’ll push on my steps and make haste to get along.

> Latin: Senex:
Vt aétas mea ést atque ut hóc usus fácto est
gradum proferam, progrediri properabo.

[¶142] But how far from easy ’tis for me, I’m not mistaken as to that. For my agility forsakes me, and I am beset with age; I carry my body weighed down; my strength has deserted me. How grievous a pack upon one’s back is age. For when it comes, it brings very many and very grievous particulars,
were I now to recount all of which, my speech would be too long. But this matter is a trouble to my mind and heart, what this business can possibly be on account of which my daughter suddenly requires me to come to her,
and doesn’t first let me know what’s the matter, what she wants, or why she sends for me. But pretty nearly do I know now what’s the matter;

> Latin: sed id quam mihi facile sit, haud sum falsus.
nam pernicitas deserit: consitus sum
senectute, onustum gero corpus, vires
reliquere: ut aetas mala est; mers mala ergost.
nam res plurumas pessumas, quom advenit, fert:
quas si aútumem omnis, nimis lóngus sermost.
sed haec res mihi in pectore et corde curaest,
quidnam hóc sit negóti, quod fília sic
repénte expetít me, ut ád sese irem.
nec, quíd id sit, mihí certiús facit, quid
velít, quid me accersat.
verúm propemodúm iam sció, quid siet rei.

[¶143] I suspect that some quarrel has arisen with her husband. So are these women wont to do, who, presuming on their portions, and haughty, require their husbands to be obedient to them; and they as well full oft are not without fault. But still there are bounds, within which a wife ought to be put up with.

> Latin: credo cum viro litigium natum esse aliquod.
ita istaec solent, quae viros subservire
sibi postulant, dote fretae, feroces.
et illi quoque haud abstinent saepe culpa.
verum est modus tamen, quoad pati uxorem oportet;

[¶144] By my troth, my daughter never sends for her father to come to her except when either something has been done wrong, or there is a cause for quarrelling. But whatever it is, I shall now know. And see, I perceive her herself before the house, and her husband in a pensive mood.’Tis the same as I suspected.

> Latin: nec pol filia umquam patrem accersit ad se,
nisi aut quid commissi aut iurgi est ⟨iusta⟩ causa.
sed id quidquid est, iam sciam. atque eccam eampse
ante aedis et eius virum tristem video.
id ést quod suspicábar.

[¶145] I’ll accost her.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ll go and meet him. May every happiness attend you, my father.

> Latin: áppellabo hanc.
Matrona:
Ibo advorsum. sálve multum, mí pater.

[¶146] OLD MAN:
Happiness attend you. Do I find you in good spirits? Do you bid me be fetched in happy mood? Why are you sorrowful? And why does he (pointing at MENAECHMUS) in anger stand apart from you? Something, I know not what, are you two wrangling about between you. Say, in few words, which of the two is in fault: no long speeches, though.

> Latin: Senex:
Salva sis. salven advenio? salven accersi iubes?
quid tu tristis es? quid ille autem abs te iratus destitit?
nescio quíd vos velitati éstis inter vos duos.
loquere, uter meruistis culpam? paucis, non longos logos.

[¶147] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
For my part, I’ve done nothing wrong; as to that point do I at once make you easy, father. But I cannot live or remain here on any account; you must take me away hence immediately.
OLD MAN:
Why, what’s the matter?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I am made a laughing-stock of, father.

> Latin: Matrona:
Nusquam equidem quicquam deliqui: hoc primum te absolvo, pater.
verum vivere hic non possum neque durare ullo modo.
proin tu me hinc abducas.

[¶148] OLD MAN:
By whom?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By him to whom you gave me, my husband.

> Latin: Senex:
Quid istuc autem est?
Matrona:
Ludibrio, pater,
habeor.
Senex:
Vnde?
Matrona:
Ab illo, quoi me mandavisti, meo viro.

[¶149] OLD MAN:
Look at that — a quarrel now. How often, I wonder,
have I told you to be cautious, that neither should be coming to me with your complaints.

> Latin: Senex:
Ecce autem litigium. quotiens tandem édixi tibi,
ut caveres, neuter ad me iretis cum querimonia?

[¶150] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
How, my father, can I possibly guard against that?
OLD MAN:
Do you ask me? …
unless you don’t wish.
How often have I told you to be compliant to your husband. Don’t be watching what he does, where he goes, or what matter he’s about.

> Latin: Matrona:
Qui ego istuc, mi pater, cavere possum?
Senex:
Men interrogas?
Matrona:
Nisi non vis.
Senex:
Quotiens monstravi tibi, viro ut morem geras,
quid ille faciat, né id observes, quó eat, quid rerum gerat.

[¶151] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why, but he’s in love with a courtesan here close by.
OLD MAN:
He is exceedingly wise: and for this painstaking of yours, I would even have him love her the more.

> Latin: Matrona:
At enim ille hinc amat meretricem ex proxumo.
Senex:
Sane sapit,
atque ob istánc industriam etiam faxo amabit amplius.

[¶152] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
He drinks there, too.
OLD MAN:
And will he really drink the less for you, whether it shall please him to do so there or anywhere else? Plague on it, what assurance is this? On the same principle, you would wish to hinder him from engaging to dine out,
or from receiving any other person at his own house. Do you want husbands to be your servants? You might as well expect, on the same principle, to be giving him out his task, and bidding him sit among the female servants and card wool.

> Latin: Matrona:
Atque ibi potat.
Senex:
Tua quidem ille causa potabit minus,
si illic sive alibi libebit? quae haec, malum, impudentiast?
una opera prohibere, ad cenam ne promittat, postules,
neve quemquam accipiat alienum apud se. serviren tibi
postulas viros? dare una ópera pensum postules,
inter ancillas sedere iubeas, lanam carere.

[¶153] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why, surely, father, I’ve sent for you not to be my advocate, but my husband’s: on this side you stand, on the other you plead the cause.
OLD MAN:
If he has done wrong in anything,
so much the more shall I censure him than I’ve censured you. Since he keeps you provided for and well clothed, and finds you amply in female servants and provisions,’tis better, madam, to entertain kindly feelings.

> Latin: Matrona:
Non equidem mihi te advocatum, pater, adduxi, sed viro.
hinc stas, illim causam dicis.
Senex:
Si ille quid deliquerit,
multo tanto illum accusabo, quam te accusavi, amplius.
quando te auratam et vestitam bene habet, ancillas penum
recte praehibet, melius sanam est, mulier, mentem sumere.

[¶154] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
But he purloins from me gold trinkets and mantles from out of the chests at home; he plunders me, and secretly carries off my ornaments to harlots.

> Latin: Matrona:
At ille suppilat mihi aurum et pallas ex arcis domo,
me despoliat, mea ornamenta clam ad meretrices degerit.

## 3. Lines 805–1162

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

[¶0] OLD MAN:
He does wrong, if he does that; if he does not do it, you do wrong in accusing him when innocent.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why at this moment, even, he has got a mantle, father, and a bracelet, which he had carried off to her; now, because I came to know of it, he brings them back.

> Latin: Senex:
Male facit, si istuc facit; si non facit, tu male facis,
quae insontem insimules.
Matrona:
Quin etiam nunc habet pallam, pater,
⟨et⟩ spinter, quod ad hanc detulerat, nunc, quia rescivi, refert.

[¶1] OLD MAN:
I’ll know from himself, then, how it happened. I’ll go up to this man and accost him. (Goes up to MENAECHMUS.) Tell me this, Menaechmus, what you two are disputing about, that I may know.

> Latin: Senex:
Iám ego ex hoc, ut factumst, scibo. ⟨íbo⟩ ad hominem atque adloquar.
dic mi istuc, Menaechme, quod vos dissertatis, ut sciam.

[¶2] Why are you pensive? And why does she in anger stand apart from you?

> Latin: quid tu tristis es? quid illa autem irata abs te destitit?

[¶3] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Whoever you are, whatever is your name, old gentleman, I call to witness supreme Jove and the Deities—

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quisquis es, quidquid tibi nomen est, senex, summum Iovem
deosque do testes—

[¶4] OLD MAN:
For what reason, or what matter of all matters?

> Latin: Senex:
Qua de re aut cuius rei rerum omnium?

[¶5] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
That I have neither done wrong to that woman, who is accusing me of having purloined this (pointing to the mantle) away from her at home … and which she solemnly swears that I did take away.
If ever I set foot inside of her house where she lives, I wish that I may become the most wretched of all wretched men.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Me neque isti male fecisse mulieri, quae me arguit
hanc domo ab se surrupuisse atque abstulisse … deierat.
sí ego intra aedis huius umquam, ubi habitat, penetravi ⟨pedem⟩,
omnium hominum exopto ut fiam miserorum miserrimus.

[¶6] OLD MAN:
Are you in your senses to wish this, or to deny that you ever set foot in that house where you live, you downright madman?

> Latin: Senex:
Sanun es, qui istuc exoptes aut neges te umquam pedem
in eas aedis intulisse ubi habitas, insanissime?

[¶7] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Do you say, old gentleman, that I live in this house?
(Pointing at the house.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Tun, senex, ais habitare med in illisce aedibus?

[¶8] OLD MAN:
Do you deny it?

> Latin: Senex:
Tun negas?

[¶9] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
By my faith, certainly do deny it.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Nego hercle vero.

[¶10] OLD MAN:
In your fun you are going too far in denying it; unless you flitted elsewhere this last night. Step this way, please, daughter. (To the WIFE.) What do you say? Have you removed from this house?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
To what place, or for what reason, prithee?

> Latin: Senex:
Immo hercle †ludere negas;
nisi quo nocte hac exmigrastis. concede huc, ⟨mea⟩ filia.
quid tu ais? num hinc exmigrastis?
Matrona:
Quem in locum aut ⟨quam⟩ ob rem, obsecro?

[¶11] OLD MAN:
I’ faith, I don’t know.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
He’s surely making fun of you.

> Latin: Senex:
Non edepol scio.

[¶12] OLD MAN:
Can’t you keep yourself quiet?

> Latin: Matrona:
Profecto ludit te hic. non tu tenes?

[¶13] Now, Menaechmus, you really have joked long enough; now do seriously attend to this matter.

> Latin: Senex:
Iam vero, Menaechme, satis iocatu's iocatus es. nunc hanc rem gere.

[¶14] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Prithee, what have I to do with you? Whence or what person are you? Is your mind right, or hers, in fact, who is an annoyance to me in every way?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quaeso, quid mihi tecum est? unde aut quis tu homo es? …
† tibi aut adeo isti, quae mihi molesta est quoquo modo?

[¶15] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Don’t you see how his eyes sparkle? How a green colour is arising
on his temples and his forehead; look how his eyes do glisten …
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
O me! They say I’m mad, whereas they of themselves are mad.

> Latin: Matrona:
Viden tu ílli oculos virere? ut viridis exoritur colos
ex temporibus atque fronte, ut oculi scintillant, vide.
Menaechmvs:
Quid mihi meliust, quam quando illi me insanire praedicant,
ego med adsimulem insanire, ut illos a me absterream?

[¶16] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
How he yawns, as he stretches himself. What am I to do now, my father?

> Latin: Matrona:
Vt pandiculans oscitatur. quid nunc faciam, mi pater?

[¶17] OLD MAN:
Step this way, my daughter, as far as ever you can from him.

> Latin: Senex:
Concede huc, mea nata, ab istoc quam potest longissime.

[¶18] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (aside.)
What is there better for me than, since they say I’m mad, to pretend that I am mad, that I may frighten them away from me? (He dances about.)
Evoë, Bacchus, ho! Bromius, in what forest dost thou invite me to the chase? I hear thee, but I cannot get away from this spot, so much does this raving mad female cur watch me on the left side. And behind there is that other old he-goat, who many a time in his life has proved the destruction of an innocent fellow-citizen by his false testimony.
OLD MAN: (shaking his stick at him.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Euhoe Bacche, Bromie, quo me in silvam venatum vocas?
audio, sed non abire possum ab his regionibus,
ita illa me ab laeva rabiosa femina adservat canis,
poste autem illinc hircus † alus, qui saepe aetate in sua
perdidit civem innocentem falso testimonio.

[¶19] Woe to your head.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Lo! by his oracle, Apollo bids me burn out her eyes with blazing torches.
(He points with his fingers at her.)

> Latin: Senex:
Vae capiti tuo.
Menaechmvs:
Ecce, Apollo mi ex oraclo ímperat,
ut ego ílli oculos exuram lampadibus ardentibus.

[¶20] THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’m undone, my father; he’s threatening to burn my eyes out.

> Latin: Matrona:
Perii, mi pater, minatur míhi oculos exurere.
Menaechmvs:
[Ei mihi, insanire me aiunt, ultro cum ipsi insaniunt.]

[¶21] OLD MAN:
Hark you, daughter.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What’s the matter? What are we to do?

> Latin: Senex:
Filia, heus.

[¶22] OLD MAN:
What if I call the servants out here?

> Latin: Matrona:
Quid est? quid agimus?
Senex:
Quid si ego huc servos cito?

[¶23] I’ll go bring some to take him away hence, and bind him at home, before he makes any further disturbance.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (aside.)
So now; I think now if I don’t adopt some plan for myself, these people will be carrying me off home to their house. (Aloud.) Dost thou forbid me to spare my fists at all upon her face, unless she does at once get out of my sight to utter and extreme perdition?

> Latin: ibo, abducam qui hunc hinc tollant et domi devinciant,
prius quam turbarum quid faciat amplius.
Menaechmvs:
Enim haereo;
ni occupo aliquid mihi consilium, hí domum me ad se auferent.
pugnis me votas in huius ore quicquam parcere,
ni a meis oculis abscedat in malam magnam crucem.

[¶24] I will do what thou dost bid me, Apollo.
(Runs after her.)
OLD MAN: (to the WIFE.)
Away with you home as soon as possible, lest he should knock you down.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’m off. Watch him, my father, I entreat you, that he mayn’t go anywhere hence. Am I not a wretched woman to hear these things?
(She goes into her house.)

> Latin: faciam quod iubes, Apollo.
Senex:
Fuge domum, quantum potest,
ne hic te obtundat.
Matrona:
Fugio. amabo, ádserva istunc, mi pater,
ne quo hinc abeat. sumne ego mulier misera, quae illaec audio?—

[¶25] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (aside.)
I’ve got rid of her not so badly. (Aloud.) Now as for this most filthy, long-bearded, palsied Tithonus, who is said to have had Cygnus for his father,
you bid me break in pieces his limbs, and bones, and members with that walking-stick which he himself is holding.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Haud male, ⟨Apollo⟩ illanc amovi; nunc hunc impurissimum,
barbatum, tremulum Tithonum, qui cluet Cygno patre,
ita mihi imperas ut ego huius membra atque ossa atque artua
comminuam illo scipione quem ipse habet.

[¶26] OLD MAN:
Punishment shall be inflicted if you touch me indeed, or if you come nearer to me.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (shouting aloud.)

> Latin: Senex:
Dabitur malum,
me quidem si attígeris aut si propius ad me accesseris.

[¶27] I will do what thou dost bid me; I will take a two-edged axe, and I will hew this old fellow to his very bones, and I will chop his entrails into mincemeat.
OLD MAN: (retreating as far as he can.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Faciam quod iubes; securim capiam ancipitem, atque hunc senem
osse fini dedolabo ássulatim viscera.

[¶28] Why really against that must I take care and precaution. As he threatens, I’m quite in dread of him, lest he should do me some mischief.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (jumping and raising his arms.)

> Latin: Senex:
Enim vero illud praecavendumst, atque adcurandumst mihi;
sane ego illúm metuo, ut minatur, ne quid male faxit mihi.

[¶29] Many things dost thou bid me do, Apollo. Now thou dost order me to take the yoked horses, unbroke and fierce, and to mount the chariot, that I may crush to pieces this aged, stinking, toothless lion.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Multa mi imperas, Apollo: nunc equos iunctos iubes
capere me indomitos, ferocis, atque in currum inscendere,
ut ego hunc proteram leonem vetulum, olentem, edentulum.

[¶30] Now have I mounted the chariot; now do I hold the reins; now is the whip in my hand. Speed onward, ye steeds, let the sound of your hoofs be heard; in your swift course let the rapid pace of your feet be redoubled.
(Points at the OLD MAN as he pretends to gallop.)

> Latin: iam adstiti in currum, iam lora teneo, iam stimulus in manust.
agite equi, facitote sonitus ungularum appareat,
cursu celeri facite inflexa sit pedum pernicitas.

[¶31] OLD MAN:
Are you threatening me with your yoked steeds?

> Latin: Senex:
Mihin equis iunctis minare?

[¶32] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Lo! again, Apollo, thou dost bid me to make an onset against him who is standing here, and to murder him.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ecce, Apollo, denuo
me iubes facere impetum in eum qui stat atque occidere.

[¶33] But what person is this that is tearing me hence by the hair down from the chariot? He revokes thy commands and the decree of Apollo.

> Latin: sed quis hic est qui me capillo hínc de curru deripit?
imperium tuom demutat atque edictum Apollinis.

[¶34] OLD MAN:
Alas! a severe and obstinate malady, i’ faith. By our trust in you, ye Gods … even this person who is now mad, how well he was a little time since. All on a sudden has so great a distemper attacked him.

> Latin: Senex:
Eu hércle morbum acrem ac durum … di vostram fidem.
vel hic qui insanit, quam valuit paulo prius;
ei derepente tantus morbus incidit.

[¶35] I’ll go now and fetch a physician as fast as I can.
(Exit.)
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Prithee, are these persons gone now out of my sight, who are compelling me by force, while in my wits, to be mad? Why do I delay to be off to the ship, while I can in safety? …
And all of you (to the SPECTATORS), if the old gentleman should return, I beg not to tell him, now, by what street I fled away hence.
(Exit.) (Enter the OLD MAN, very slowly.)

> Latin: ibo atque accersam medicum iam quantum potest.—
Menaechmvs:
Iamne isti abierunt, quaeso, ex conspectu meo,
qui me vi cogunt, ut validus insaniam?
quid cesso abire ad navem, dum salvo licet?
vosque omnis quaeso, si senex revenerit,
ne me indicetis qua platea hinc aufugerim.—

[¶36] OLD MAN:
My bones ache with sitting, my eyes with watching, while waiting for the Doctor, till he returned from his business. At last the troublesome fellow has with difficulty got away from his patients.

> Latin: Senex:
Lumbi sedendo, óculi spectando dolent,
manendo medicum, dum se ex opere recipiat.
odiosus tandem vix ab aegrotis venit.

[¶37] He says that he has set a broken leg for Aesculapius, and an arm for Apollo. I’m now thinking whether I’m to say that I’m bringing a doctor or a carpenter. But, see, here he comes.—Do get on with your ant’s pace.
(Enter a DOCTOR.)

> Latin: ait se óbligasse crus fractum Aesculapio,
Apollini autem brachium. nunc cogito,
utrum me dicam ducere medicum an fabrum.
atque eccum incedit. move formicinum gradum.

[¶38] DOCTOR.:
What did you say was his disorder? Tell me, respected sir.

> Latin: Medicvs:
quid esse ílli morbi, dixeras? narra, senex.

[¶39] Is he harassed by sprites, or is he frenzied? Let me know. Is it lethargy, or is it dropsy, that possesses him?

> Latin: num laruatust aut cerritus? fac sciam.
num eum veternus aut aqua intercus tenet?

[¶40] OLD MAN:
Why, I’m bringing you for that reason, that you may tell me that, and make him convalescent.
DOCTOR.:
That indeed is a very easy matter. Why, I shall heal innumerable times as many in the day.

> Latin: Senex:
Quin ea te causa duco, ut id dicas mihi
atque illum ut sanum facias.
Medicvs:
Perfacile id quidemst.
sanum futurum, mea ego id promitto fide.

[¶41] OLD MAN:
I wish him to be treated with great attention.

> Latin: Senex:
Magna cum cura ego illum curari volo.

[¶42] DOCTOR.:
That he shall be healed, I promise that on my word; so with great attention will I treat him for you.

> Latin: Medicvs:
Quin suspirabo plus sescenta ín die:
ita ego eum cum cura magna curabo tibi.

[¶43] OLD MAN:
Why, see! here’s the man himself.
DOCTOR.:
Let’s watch what matter he’s about.
(They stand aside.) (Enter MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (to himself.)

> Latin: Senex:
Atque eccum ipsum hominem. observemus, quam rem agat.

[¶44] By my faith, this day has certainly fallen out perverse and adverse for me,
since the Parasite, who has filled me full of disgrace and terror, has made that all known, which I supposed I was doing secretly; my own Ulysses, who has brought so great evil on his king—a fellow that, by my troth, if I only live, I’ll soon finish his life. But I’m a fool, who call that his, which is my own.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Edepol ne hic dies pervorsus atque advorsus mi optigit.
quae me clam ratus sum facere, ea ómnia fecit palam
parasitus, qui me complevit flagiti et formidinis,
meus Vlixes, suo qui regi tantum concivit mali.
quém ego hominem, síquidem vivo, vita evolvam sua—
sed ego stultus sum, qui illius esse dico, quae meast:

[¶45] With my own victuals and at my own expense has he been supported; of existence will I deprive the fellow. But the Courtesan has done this in a way worthy of her, just as the harlot’s habit is: because I ask for the mantle, that it may be returned again to my wife, she declares that she has given it me. O dear! By my faith, I do live a wretched man.
OLD MAN: (apart.)

> Latin: meo cibo et sumptu educatust. anima privabo virum.
condigne autem haec meretrix fecit, ut mos est meretricius:
quia rogo, palla ut referatur rursum ad uxorem meam,
mihi se ait dedisse. eu edepol né ego homo vivo miser.

[¶46] Do you hear what he says?
DOCTOR.: (apart.)
He declares that he is wretched.
OLD MAN: (apart.)
I wish you to accost him.
DOCTOR.: (going up to him.)

> Latin: Senex:
Audin quae loquitur?
Medicvs:
Se miserum praedicat.
Senex:
Adeas velim.

[¶47] Save you, Menaechmus. Prithee, why do you bare your arm? Don’t you know how much mischief you are now doing to that disease of yours?

> Latin: Medicvs:
Salvos sis, Menaechme. quaeso, cur apertas brachium?
non tu scis, quantum isti morbo nunc tuo facias mali?

[¶48] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why don’t you go hang yourself?
OLD MAN:
What think you now?
DOCTOR.:
What shouldn’t I think? This case can’t be treated with even ointment of hellebore. But what have you to say, Menaechmus?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What do you want?
DOCTOR.:
Tell me this that I ask of you; do you drink white wine or dark-coloured?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What need have you to enquire?
DOCTOR.:
…
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why don’t you go to utter perdition?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quin tu te suspendis?
Senex:
Ecquid sentis?
Medicvs:
Quidni sentiam?
non potest haec res ellebori †iungere optinerier.
sed quid ais, Menaechme?
Menaechmvs:
Quid vis?
Medicvs:
Dic mihi hoc quod te rogo:
album an atrum vinum potas?
Menaechmvs:
Quin tu is in malam crucem?

[¶49] OLD MAN:
Troth, he’s now beginning to be attacked with the fit.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why don’t you ask whether I’m wont to eat dark bread, or purple, or yellow? Or whether I’m wont to eat birds with scales, or fish with wings?
OLD MAN:
Dear, dear!
(To the DOCTOR.) Don’t you hear how deliriously he talks? Why do you delay to give him something by way of a potion, before his raving overtakes him?

> Latin: Medicvs:
Iam hercle occeptat insanire primulum. …
Menaechmvs:
Quin tu me interrogas,
purpureum panem an puniceum soleam ego esse an luteum?
soleamne esse avis squamosas, piscis pennatos?
Senex:
Papae,
audin tu ut deliramenta loquitur? quid cessas dare
potionis aliquid prius quam percipit insania?

[¶50] DOCTOR.:
Stop a little; I’ll question him on some other matters as well.
OLD MAN:
You are killing me by your prating.
DOCTOR.: (to MENAECHMUS.)

> Latin: Medicvs:
Mane modo, etiam percontabor alia.
Senex:
Occidis fabulans.

[¶51] Tell me this; are your eyes ever in the habit of becoming hard?

> Latin: Medicvs:
Dic mihi hoc: solent tibi umquam óculi duri fieri?

[¶52] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What? Do you take me to be a locust, you most worthless fellow?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid? tu me lucustam censes esse, homo ignavissime?

[¶53] DOCTOR.:
Tell me, now, do your bowels ever rumble that you know of?

> Latin: Medicvs:
Dic mihi: en umquam intestina tibi crepant, quod sentias?

[¶54] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
When I’m full, they don’t rumble at all; when I’m hungry, then they do rumble.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Vbi satur sum, nulla crepitant; quando esurio, tum crepant.

[¶55] DOCTOR.:
I’ faith, he really gave me that answer not like an insane person. Do you always sleep soundly until daylight? Do you easily go to sleep when in bed?

> Latin: Medicvs:
Hoc quidem edepol hau pro insano verbum respondit mihi.
perdormiscin usque ad lucem? facilen tu dormis cubans?

[¶56] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I sleep throughout if … I go to sleep if I have paid my money to him to whom I owe it.
DOCTOR.:
…
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (to the DOCTOR.)
May Jupiter and all the Divinities confound you, you questioner.
DOCTOR.: (aside.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Perdormisco, si resolvi árgentum cui debeo—
qui te Iuppiter dique omnes, percontator, perduint.

[¶57] Now this person begins to rave. (To the OLD MAN.) From those expressions do you take care of yourself.

> Latin: Medicvs:
Nunc homo insanire occeptat: de illis verbis cave tibi.

[¶58] OLD MAN:
Why, he’s now really quite favourable in his language, in comparison with what he was a short time since; for, a little while ago, he was saying that his wife was a raving cur.

> Latin: Senex:
Immo Nestor nunc quidem est de verbis, praeut dudum fuit;
nam dudum uxorem suam esse aiebat rabiosam canem.

[¶59] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What did I say?
OLD MAN:
You were raving, I say.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What, I?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid, ego?
Senex:
Dixti insanus, inquam.
Menaechmvs:
Egone?

[¶60] OLD MAN:
You there; who
threatened as well to ride me down with your yoked steeds.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
…
OLD MAN:
I myself saw you do this; I myself accuse you of this.

> Latin: Senex:
Tu istic, qui mihi
etiam me iunctis quadrigis minitatu's minitatus es prosternere.
egomet haec te vidi facere, égomet haec ted arguo.

[¶61] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
And I know that you stole the sacred crown of Jupiter; and that on that account you were confined in prison; and after you were let out, I know that you were beaten with rods in the bilboes; I know, too, that you murdered your father and sold your mother.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
At ego te sacram coronam surrupuisse Iovi scio,
et ob eam rem in carcerem ted esse compactum scio,
et postquam es emissus, caesum virgis sub furca scio;
tum patrem occidisse et matrem vendidisse etiam scio.

[¶62] Don’t I give this abuse in answer for your abuse, like a sane person?

> Latin: satin haec pro sano male dicta male dictis respondeo?

[¶63] OLD MAN:
I’ faith, Doctor, whatever you are about to do, prithee, do it quickly. Don’t you see that the man is raving?
DOCTOR.:
Do you know what’s the best for you to do? Have him taken to my house.

> Latin: Senex:
Obsecro hercle, medice, propere, quidquid facturu's facturus es, face.
non vides hominem insanire?
Medicvs:
Scin quid facias optimum est?
ad me face uti deferatur.

[¶64] OLD MAN:
Do you think so?
DOCTOR.:
Why should I not? There at my own discretion I shall be able to treat the man.

> Latin: Senex:
Itane censes?
Medicvs:
Quippini?
ibi meo arbitratu potero curare hominem.

[¶65] OLD MAN:
Do just as you please.
DOCTOR.: (to MENAECHMUS.)

> Latin: Senex:
Age ut lubet.

[¶66] I’ll make you drink hellebore some twenty days.

> Latin: Medicvs:
Elleborum potabis faxo áliquos viginti dies.

[¶67] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
But, hanging up, I’ll flog you with a whip for thirty days.
DOCTOR.: (to the OLD MAN.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
At ego te pendentem fodiam stimulis triginta dies.

[¶68] Go fetch some men to take him off to my house.
OLD MAN:
How many are sufficient?

> Latin: Medicvs:
I, arcesse homines, qui illunc ad me deferant.
Senex:
Quot sunt satis?

[¶69] DOCTOR.:
Since I see him thus raving, four, no less.

> Latin: Medicvs:
Proinde ut insanire video, quattuor, nihilo minus.

[¶70] OLD MAN:
They shall be here this instant. Do you keep an eye on him, Doctor.
DOCTOR.:
Why, no, I shall go home
that the things may be got ready, which are necessary to be prepared. Bid your servants carry him to my house.

> Latin: Senex:
Iam hic erunt. asserva tu istunc, medice.
Medicvs:
Immo ibo domum,
ut parentur quibus paratis opus est. tu servos iube
hunc ad me ferant.

[¶71] OLD MAN:
I’ll make him be there just now.
DOCTOR.:
I’m off.

> Latin: Senex:
Iam ego illic faxo erit.
Medicvs:
Abeo.

[¶72] OLD MAN:
Farewell.
(Exeunt OLD MAN and DOCTOR, separately.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
My father-in-law is gone, the Doctor is gone; I’m alone. O Jupiter! Why is it that these people say I’m mad? Why, in fact, since I was born, I have never for a single day been ill.
I’m neither mad, nor do I commence strifes or quarrels. In health myself, I see others well; I know people, I address them. Is it that they who falsely say I’m mad, are mad themselves? What shall I do now? I wish to go home; but my wife doesn’t allow me; and here (pointing to EROTIUM’S house) no one admits me. Most unfortunately has this fallen out.

> Latin: Senex:
Vale.—
Menaechmvs:
Abiit socerus, abiit medicus. [nunc] sólus sum. pro Iuppiter,
quid illuc est quod med hisce homines insanire praedicant?
nam équidem, postquam gnatus sum, numquam aegrotavi unum diem,
neque ego insanio neque pugnas neque ego litis coepio.
salvus salvos alios video, novi homines, adloquor.
an illi perperam insanire me aiunt, ipsi insaniunt?
quid ego nunc faciam? domum ire cupio: úxor non sinit;
huc autem nemo intromittit. nimis proventum est nequiter.

[¶73] Here will I still remain; at night, at least, I shall be let into the house, I trust.
(Stands near his door.) (Enter MESSENIO.)
MESSENIO: (to himself.)

> Latin: hic ero usque: ad noctem saltem, credo, intromittar domum.

[¶74] This is the proof of a good servant, who takes care of his master’s business, looks after it, arranges it, thinks about it, in the absence of his master diligently to attend to the affairs of his master, as much so as if he himself were present, or even better.

> Latin: Messenio:
Spectámen bonó servo id ést, qui rem erílem
procurat, videt, collocat cogitatque,
ut absente eró rem erí diligenter
tutétur, quam si ípse adsit aút rectiús.

[¶75] It is proper that his back should be of more consequence than his appetite, his legs than his stomach, whose heart is rightly placed. Let him bear in mind, those who are good for nothing, what reward is given them by their masters—lazy, worthless fellows. Stripes, fetters,
the mill, weariness, hunger, sharp cold; these are the rewards of idleness. This evil do I terribly stand in awe of. Wherefore ’tis sure that to be good is better than to be bad. Much more readily do I submit to words, stripes I do detest; and I eat what is ground much more readily than supply it ground by myself.

> Latin: tergúm quam gulam, crura quam ventrem oportet
potióra esse, cuí cor modéste sitúmst.
recordetur id, qui nihili sunt, quid eis preti
détur ab suis eris, ignavis, improbis viris:
verbéra compedes
molaé, [magna] lassitudo fames frigus durum,
haec prétia sunt ignaviae.
id ego male malum metuo: propterea bonum esse certumst potius quam malum;
nam magis multo patior facilius verba: verbera ego odi,
nimióque edo lubéntius molitúm, quam molitum praéhibeo.

[¶76] Therefore do I obey the command of my master, carefully and diligently do I observe it; and in such manner do I pay obedience, as I think is for the interest of my back. And that course does profit me. Let others be just as they take it to be their interest; I shall be just as I ought to be.

> Latin: proptérea eri imperium éxsequor, bene ét sedate servo id;
atqué mihi id prodest.
álii ita ut in rem esse ducunt, sint: ego ita ero ut me esse oportet;

[¶77] If I adhere to that, I shall avoid faultiness; so that I am in readiness for my master on all occasions, I shall not be much afraid. The time is near, when, for these deeds of mine, my master will give his reward.
After I had deposited the goods and the servants in the inn, as he ordered me, thus am I come to meet him. (Going to the door of EROTIUM’S house.) Now I’ll knock at the door, that he may know that I’m here, and that out of this thick wood of peril I may get my master safe out of doors. But I’m afraid that I’m come too late, after the battle has been fought.
(Enter the OLD MAN, with SERVANTS.)
OLD MAN: (to the SERVANTS.)

> Latin: metum míhi adhibeam, culpam ábstineam, ero ut ómnibus in locis sím praesto:
[servi, qui cum culpa carent metuont, solent esse eris utibiles.]
[nam illi, qui nil metuont, postquam malum promeriti, tunc ei metuont.]
metuam haúd multum. prope est quándo erus ob fácta pretium exsólvet.
⟨éo⟩ ego exemplo servio, térgi ut in rem esse arbitror.
postquam ín tabernam vása et servos cónlocavi, ut iusserat,
ita vénio adversum. nunc foris pultabo, adesse ut me sciat,
† neque virum ex hoc saltu damni salvom ut educam foras.
séd metuo, ne sero veniam depugnato proelio.

[¶78] By Gods and men, I tell you prudently to pay regard to my commands, as to what I have commanded and do command. Take care that this person is carried at once upon your shoulders to the surgery, unless, indeed, you set no value upon your legs or your sides. Take care each of you to regard at a straw whatever threats he shall utter.

> Latin: Senex:
Pér ego vobis deos atque homines dico, ut imperium meum
sapienter habeatis curae, quae imperavi atque impero:
facite illic homo iam in medicinam ablatus sublimen siet,
nisi quidem vos vostra crura aut latera nihili penditis.
cave quisquam, quod illíc minitetur, vostrum flocci fecerit.

[¶79] What are you standing for? Why are you hesitating? By this you ought to have had him carried off on your shoulders. I’ll go to the Doctor; I’ll be there ready when you shall come. (Exit. The SERVANTS gather around MENAECHMUS.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’m undone. What business is this? Why are these men running towards me, pray? What do you want? What do you seek? Why do you stand around me? (They seize and drag him.) Whither are you dragging me? Whither are you carrying me? I’m undone. I entreat your assistance,
citizens, men of Epidamnus, come and help me. (To the men.) Why don’t you let me go?
MESSENIO: (running towards them.)

> Latin: quid státis? quid dubitátis? iam sublímen raptum opórtuit.
ego ibo ad medicum: praesto ero illi, cum venietis.
Menaechmvs:
Occidi,
quid hoc ést negoti? quid illisce homines ad me currunt, opsecro?
quid voltis vos? quid quaeritatis? quid me circumsistitis?
quo rapitis me? quo fertis me? perii, opsecro vestram fidem,
Epidamnienses, subvenite, cives. quin me mittitis?

[¶80] O ye immortal Gods, I beseech you, what do I behold with my eyes? Some fellows, I know not who, are most disgracefully carrying off my master upon their shoulders.

> Latin: Messenio:
Pro di immortales, obsecro, quid ego oculis aspicio meis?
erum meum indignissime nescio qui sublimen ferunt.

[¶81] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Who is it that ventures to bring me aid?
MESSENIO:
I, master, and right boldly. (Aloud.) O shameful and scandalous deed, citizens of Epidamnus, for my master,
here in a town enjoying peace, to be carried off, in daylight, in the street, who came to you a free man. Let him go.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Prithee, whoever you are, do lend me your aid, and don’t suffer so great an outrage to be signally committed against me.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ecquis suppetias mihi audet ferre?
Messenio:
Ego, ere, audacissime.
o facinus indignum et malum, Epidamnii cives, erum
meum hic in pacato oppido luci deripier in via,
qui liber ad vos venerit.
mittite istunc.
Menaechmvs:
Obsecro te, quisquis es, operam mihi ut des,
neu sinas in me insignite fieri tantam iniuriam.

[¶82] MESSENIO:
Aye, I’ll give you my aid, and I’ll defend you, and zealously succour you. I’ll never let you come to harm;’tis fitter that I myself should come to harm.

> Latin: Messenio:
Immo et operam dabo et defendam et subvenibo sedulo.

[¶83] I’ll now make a sowing on the faces of these fellows, and there I’ll plant my fists. I’ faith, you’re carrying this person off this day at your own extreme hazard. Let him go. (He lays about him.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (fighting with them.)

> Latin: numquam te patiar perire, me perirest aequius.
eripe oculum ísti, ab umero qui tenet, ere, te obsecro.
hisce ego iam sementem in ore faciam pugnosque obseram.
maximo hodie malo hercle vostro ístunc fertis. mittite.

[¶84] I’ve got hold of this fellow’s eye.
MESSENIO:
Make the socket of his eye be seen in his head.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Teneo ego huic oculum.
Messenio:
Face ut oculi locus in capite appareat.

[¶85] You rascals! you villains! you robbers!
THE SERVANTS: (severally.)
We are undone. Troth, now, prithee, do—
MESSENIO:
Let him go then.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What business have you to touch me? Thump them with your fists.

> Latin: vos scelesti, vos rapacis, vos praedones.
Lorarii:
Periimus.
obsecro hercle.
Messenio:
Mittite ergo.
Menaechmvs:
Quid me vobis tactiost?
pecte pugnis.

[¶86] MESSENIO:
Come, begone, fly hence to utter perdition with you. (Three run away.) Here’s for you, too (giving the fourth one a punch); because you are the last to yield, you shall have this for a reward. (They all disappear.) Right well have I marked his face, and quite to my liking.

> Latin: Messenio:
Agite abite, fugite hinc in malam crucem.
em tibi etiam: quia postremus cedis, hoc praemi feres.
nimis bene ora commetavi atque ex mea sententia.

[¶87] Troth, now, master, I really did come to your help just now in the nick of time.

> Latin: edepol, ere, ne tibi suppetias temperi adveni modo.

[¶88] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
And may the Gods, young man, whoever you are, ever bless you. For, had it not been for you, I should never have survived this day until sunset.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
At tibi di semper, adulescens, quisquis es, faciant bene.
nam absque te esset, hodie numquam ad solem occasum viverem.

[¶89] MESSENIO:
By my troth, then, master, if you do right, you will give me my freedom.

> Latin: Messenio:
Ergo edepol, si recte facias, ere, med emittas manu.

[¶90] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I, give you your freedom?
MESSENIO:
Doubtless: since, master, I have saved you.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
How’s this?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Liberem ego te?
Messenio:
Verum, quandoquidem, ere, te servavi.
Menaechmvs:
Quid est?

[¶91] Young man, you are mistaken.
MESSENIO:
How, mistaken?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By father Jove, I solemnly swear that I am not your master.

> Latin: adulescens, erras.
Messenio:
Quid, erro?
Menaechmvs:
Per Iovem adiuro patrem,
med erum tuom non esse.

[¶92] MESSENIO:
Will you not hold your peace?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’m telling no lie; nor did any servant of mine ever do such a thing as you have done for me.

> Latin: Messenio:
Non taces?
Menaechmvs:
Non mentior;
nec meus servos úmquam tale fecit quale tu mihi.

[¶93] MESSENIO:
In that case, then, let me go free, if you deny that I am your servant.

> Latin: Messenio:
Sic sine igitur, si tuom négas me ésse, abire liberum.

[¶94] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By my faith, so far, indeed, as I’m concerned, be free, and go where you like.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Mea quidem hercle causa liber esto atque ito quo voles.

[¶95] MESSENIO:
That is, you order me to do so?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ faith, I do order you, if I have aught of authority over you.

> Latin: Messenio:
Nempe iubes?
Menaechmvs:
Iubeo hercle, si quid imperi est in te mihi.

[¶96] MESSENIO:
Save you, my patron. Since you seriously give me my freedom,
I rejoice.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ faith, I really do believe you.

> Latin: Messenio:
Salve, mi patrone. cum tu liber es, Messenio,
gaudeo. credo hercle vobis. sed, patrone, te obsecro,
ne minus imperes mihí quam cum tuos servos fui.
apud ted habitabo et quando ibis, una tecum ibo domum.
Menaechmvs:
Minime.

[¶97] MESSENIO:
But, my patron, I do entreat you that you won’t command me any the less now than when I was your servant. With you will I dwell, and when you go I’ll go home together with you. Wait for me here;
I’ll now go to the inn, and bring back the luggage and the money for you. The purse, with the money for our journey, is fast sealed up in the wallet; I’ll bring it just now here to you.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Bring it carefully.

> Latin: Messenio:
Nunc ibo in tabernam, vasa atque argentum tibi
referam. recte est obsignatum in vidulo marsuppium
cum viatico: id tibí iam huc adferam.
Menaechmvs:
Adfer strenue.

[¶98] MESSENIO:
I’ll give it back safe to you just as you gave it to me. Do you wait for me here.
(Exit MESSENIO.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Very wonderful things have really happened this day to me in wonderful ways.

> Latin: Messenio:
Salvom tibi ita ut mihi dedisti reddibo. hic me mane.—
Menaechmvs:
Nimia mira mihi quidem hodie exorta sunt miris modis:

[¶99] Some deny that I am he who I am, and shut me out of doors; others say that I am he who I am not, and will have it that they are my servants. He for instance, who said that he was going for the money, to whom I gave his freedom just now. Since he says that he will bring me a purse with money, if he does bring it, I’ll say that he may go free from me where he pleases,
lest at a time when he shall have come to his senses he should ask the money of me. My father-in-law and the Doctor were saying that I am mad. Whatever it is, it is a wonderful affair. These things appear to me not at all otherwise than dreams. Now I’ll go in the house to this Courtesan, although she is angry with me; if I can prevail upon her to restore the mantle for me to take back home. (He goes into EROTIUM’S house.)
(Enter MENAECHMUS SOSICLES and MESSENIO.)
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Do you dare affirm, audacious fellow, that I have ever met you this day since the time when I ordered you to come here to meet me?
MESSENIO:
Why, I just now rescued you before this house, when four men were carrying you off upon their shoulders. You invoked the aid of all Gods and men, when I ran up and delivered you by main force, fighting, and in spite of them.

> Latin: alii me negant eum esse qui sum, atque excludunt foras
…
vel ille qui se petere argentum modo, qui servom se meum
esse aiebat, ⟨meus servator,⟩ quem ego modo emisi manu;
is ait se mihi allaturum cum argento marsuppium:
id si attulerit, dicam ut a me ábeat liber quo volet,
ne tum, quando sanus factus sit, a me argentum petat.
socer et medicus me insanire aiebant. quid sit, mira sunt.
haec nihilo esse mihi videntur setius quam somnia.
nunc ibo intro ad hanc meretricem, quamquam suscenset mihi,
si possum exorare ut pallam reddat, quam referam domum.—
Menaechmvs (sosicles):
Men hodie usquam convenisse te, audax, audes dicere,
postquam advorsum mi imperavi ut huc venires?
Messenio:
Quin modo
erupui, homines quom ferebant te sublimen quattuor,
apud hasce aedis. tu clamabas deum fidem atque hominum omnium,
quóm ego accurro teque eripio vi pugnando ingratiis.

[¶100] For this reason, because I rescued you, you set me at liberty. When I said that I was going for the money and the luggage, you ran before to meet me as quickly as you could, in order that you might deny what you did.

> Latin: ob eam rem, quia te servavi, me amisisti liberum.
cum argentum dixi me petere et vasa, tu quantum potest
praecucurristi obviam, ut quae fecisti infitias eas.

[¶101] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I, bade you go away a free man?

> Latin: Sosicles:
Liberum ego te iussi abire?

[¶102] MESSENIO:
Certainly.

> Latin: Messenio:
Certo.

[¶103] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Why, on the contrary,’tis most certain that I myself would rather become a slave than ever give you your freedom.
(Enter MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus, from EROTIUM’s house.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (at the door, to EROTIUM within.)

> Latin: Sosicles:
Quin certissimumst,
mepte potius fieri servom, quam te umquam emittam manu.

[¶104] If you are ready to swear by your eyes, by my troth, not a bit the more for that reason, most vile woman, will you make it that I took away the mantle and the bracelet to-day.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Si vóltis per oculos iurare, nihilo hercle ea causa magis
faciétis, ut ego hódie abstulerim pallam et spinter, pessumae.

[¶105] MESSENIO:
Immortal Gods, what do I see?

> Latin: Messenio:
Pro di ímmortales, quid ego video?

[¶106] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What do you see?

> Latin: Sosicles:
Quid vides?

[¶107] MESSENIO:
Your resemblance in a mirror.

> Latin: Messenio:
Speculum tuom.

[¶108] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What’s the matter?
MESSENIO:’Tis your image;’tis as like as possible.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (catching sight of the other.)

> Latin: Sosicles:
Quid negoti est?
Messenio:
Tuast imago. tam consimilest quam potest.

[¶109] Troth, it really is not unlike, so far as I know my own form.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.: (to MESSENIO.)

> Latin: Sosicles:
Pol profecto haud est dissimilis, meam quom formam noscito.

[¶110] O young man, save you, you who preserved me, whoever you are.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
O adulescens, salve, qui me servavisti, quisquis es.

[¶111] MESSENIO:
By my troth, young man, prithee, tell me your name, unless it’s disagreable.

> Latin: Messenio:
Adulescens, quaeso hercle eloquere tuom mihi nomen, nisi piget.

[¶112] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ faith, you’ve not so deserved of me, that it should be disagreable for me to tell what you wish. My name is Menaechmus.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Why, by my troth, so is mine.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Non edepol ita promeruisti de me, ut pigeat, quae velis
⟨obsequi⟩. mihi est Menaechmo nomen.
Sosicles:
Immo edepol mihi.

[¶113] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I am a Sicilian, of Syracuse.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Troth, the same is my native country.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Siculus sum Syracusanus.
Sosicles:
Eadem urbs et patria est mihi.

[¶114] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What is it that I hear of you?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
That which is the fact.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid ego ex te audio?
Sosicles:
Hoc quod res est.

[¶115] MESSENIO: (To MENAECHMUS SOSICLES, by mistake.)
I know this person myself (pointing to the other MENAECHMUS); he is my master, I really am his servant; but I did think I belonged to this other. (To MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus, by mistake.) I took him to be you; to him, too, did I give some trouble. (To his master.) Pray, pardon me if I have said aught foolishly or unadvisedly to you.

> Latin: Messenio:
Novi equidem hunc: erus est meus.
ego quidem huius servos sum, sed med esse huius credidi.
ego hunc censebam te esse, huic etiam éxhibui negotium.
quaeso ignoscas, si quid stulte dixi atque imprudens tibi.

[¶116] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
You seem to me to be mad. Don’t you remember that together with me you disembarked from board ship to-day?

> Latin: Sosicles:
Delirare mihi videre: non commeministi, simul
te hodie mecum exire ex navi?

[¶117] MESSENIO:
Why, really, you say what’s right—you are my master; (to MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus) do you look out for a servant. (To his master.) To you my greetings (to MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus) to you, farewell. This, I say, is Menaechmus.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
But I say I am.

> Latin: Messenio:
Enim vero aequom postulas.
tú erus es: tu servom quaere. tu salveto: tu vale.
hunc ego esse aio Menaechmum.

[¶118] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
What story’s this? Are you Menaechmus?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I say that I’m the son of Moschus, who was my father.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
At ego me.
Sosicles:
Quae haec fabulast?
tú es Menaechmus?
Menaechmvs:
Me esse dico, Moscho prognatum patre.

[¶119] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Are you the son of my father?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Aye, I really am, young man, of my own father.

> Latin: Sosicles:
Tun meo patre es prognatus?
Menaechmvs:
Immo equidem, adulescens, meo;

[¶120] I don’t want to claim your father, nor to take possession of him from you.

> Latin: tuom tibi neque occupare neque praeripere postulo.

[¶121] MESSENIO:
Immortal Gods, what unhoped-for hope do you bestow on me, as I suspect. For unless my mind misleads me, these are the two twin-brothers; for they mention alike their native country and their father. I’ll call my master aside—Menaechmus.
BOTH OF THE MENAECHMI.:
What do you want?

> Latin: Messenio:
Di immortales, spem insperatam date mihi quam suspicor.
nam nisi me animus fallit, hi sunt gemini germani duo.
nam et patriam et patrem conmemorant pariter qui fuerint sibi.
sevocabo erum. Menaechme.
Menaechmvs Sosicles:
Quid vis?

[¶122] MESSENIO:
I don’t want you both.
But which of you was brought here in the ship with me?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Not I.

> Latin: Messenio:
Non ambos volo,
sed uter vostrorum est advectus mecum navi.
Menaechmvs:
Non ego.

[¶123] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
But ’twas I.

> Latin: Sosicles:
At ego.

[¶124] MESSENIO:
You, then, I want. Step this way.
(They go aside.)

> Latin: Messenio:
Te volo igitur. huc concede.

[¶125] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’ve stepped aside now. What’s the matter?

> Latin: Sosicles:
Concessi. quid est?

[¶126] MESSENIO:
This man is either an impostor, or he is your twin-brother. But I never beheld one person more like another person. Neither water, believe me, is ever more like to water nor milk to milk,
than he is to you, and you likewise to him; besides, he speaks of the same native country and father.’Tis better for us to accost him and make further enquiries of him.

> Latin: Messenio:
Illic homó aut sycophanta aut geminus est frater tuos.
nam ego hominem hominis similiorem numquam vidi álterum.
neque aqua aquae nec lacte est lactis, crede mi, usquam similius,
quam hic tui est, tuque huius autem; post eandem patriam ac patrem
memorat. meliust nos adire átque hunc percontarier.

[¶127] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I’ faith, but you’ve given me good advice, and I return you thanks. Troth, now, prithee, do continue to lend me your assistance. If you discover that this is my brother, be you a free man.

> Latin: Sosicles:
Hercle qui tu me admonuisti recte, et habeo gratiam.
perge operam dare, obsecro hercle; liber esto, si invenis
hunc meum fratrem esse.

[¶128] MESSENIO:
I hope I shall.

> Latin: Messenio:
Spero.

[¶129] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
I too hope that it will be so.
MESSENIO: (to MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.)

> Latin: Sosicles:
Et ego item spero fore.

[¶130] How say you? I think you said that you are called Menaechmus?

> Latin: Messenio:
Quid ais tu? Menaechmum, opinor, te vocari dixeras.

[¶131] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I did so indeed.
MESSENIO: (pointing to his master.)
His name, too, is Menaechmus. You said that you were born at Syracuse, in Sicily; he was born there. You said that Moschus was your father; he was his as well. Now both of you can be giving help to me and to yourselves at the same time.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ita vero.
Messenio:
Huic item Menaechmo nomen est. in Sicilia
te Syracusis natum esse dixti: ⟨et⟩ hic natust ibi.
Moschum tibi patrem fuisse dixti: huic itidem fuit.
nunc operam potestis ambo mihi dare et vobis simul.

[¶132] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You have deserved that you should beg nothing but what you should obtain that which you desire. Free as I am, I’ll serve you as though you. had bought me for money.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Promeruisti ut ne quid ores quod velis, quin impetres.
tam quasi me emeris argento, liber servibo tibi.

[¶133] MESSENIO:
I have a hope that I shall find that you two are twin-born brothers, born of one mother and of one father on the same day.

> Latin: Messenio:
Spes mihi est, vos inventurum fratres germanos duos
geminos, una matre natos et patre uno uno die.

[¶134] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
You mention wondrous things. I wish that you could effect what you’ve promised.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Mira memoras. utinam efficere quod pollicitu's pollicitus es possies.

[¶135] MESSENIO:
I can. But attend now, both of you, and tell me that which I shall ask.

> Latin: Messenio:
Possum. sed nunc agite uterque id quod rogabo dicite.

[¶136] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Ask as you please, I’ll answer you. I’ll not conceal anything that I know.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Vbi lubet, roga: réspondebo. nil reticebo quod sciam.

[¶137] MESSENIO:
Isn’t your name Menaechmus?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I own it.

> Latin: Messenio:
Est tibi nomen Menaechmo?
Menaechmvs:
Fateor.

[¶138] MESSENIO:
Isn’t it yours as well?

> Latin: Messenio:
Est itidem tibi?

[¶139] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
It is.

> Latin: Sosicles:
Est.

[¶140] MESSENIO:
Do you say that Moschus was your father?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Truly, I do say so.

> Latin: Messenio:
Patrem fuisse Moschum tibi ais?

[¶141] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
And mine as well.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Ita vero.
Sosicles:
Et mihi.

[¶142] MESSENIO:
Are you of Syracuse?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Certainly.

> Latin: Messenio:
Esne tu Syracusanus?
Menaechmvs:
Certo.

[¶143] MESSENIO:
And you?

> Latin: Messenio:
Quid tu?

[¶144] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Why not the same?

> Latin: Sosicles:
Quippini?

[¶145] MESSENIO:
Hitherto the marks agree perfectly well. Still lend me your attention. (To MENAECHMUS.) Tell me, what do you remember at the greatest distance of time in your native country?

> Latin: Messenio:
Optime usque adhuc conveniunt signa. porro operam date.
quid longissime meministi, dic mihi, in patria tua?

[¶146] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
When I went with my father to Tarentum to traffic; and afterwards how I strayed away from my father among the people, and was carried away thence.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Cum patre ut abii Tarentum ád mercatum, postea
inter homines me deerrare á patre atque inde avehi.

[¶147] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Supreme Jupiter, preserve me!

> Latin: Sosicles:
Iuppiter supreme, serva me.

[¶148] MESSENIO: (to MENAECHMUS SOSICLES.)
Why do you exclaim? Why don’t you hold your peace?

> Latin: Messenio:
Quid clamas? quin taces?

[¶149] (To MENAECHMUS.) How many years old were you when your father took you from your native country?

> Latin: quot eras annos gnatus, quom te pater a patria ávehit?

[¶150] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Seven years old; for just then my teeth were changing for the first time. And never since then have I seen my father.
MESSENIO:
Well, how many sons of you had your father then?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
As far as I now remember, two.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Septuennis: nam tunc dentes mihi cadebant primulum.
neque patrém umquam postilla vidi.
Messenio:
Quid? vos tum patri
filii quot eratis?
Menaechmvs:
Vt nunc maxime memini, duo.

[¶151] MESSENIO:
Which of the two was the older—you or the other?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Both were just alike in age.

> Latin: Messenio:
Vter eratis, tun an ille, maior?
Menaechmvs:
Aeque ambo pares.

[¶152] MESSENIO:
How can that be?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
We two were twins.

> Latin: Messenio:
Qui id potest?

[¶153] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
The Gods wish to bless me.
MESSENIO: (to MENAECHMUS SOSICLES.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Gemini ambo eramus.
Sosicles:
Di me servatum volunt.

[¶154] If you interrupt, I shall hold my tongue.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Rather than that, I’ll hold my tongue.

> Latin: Messenio:
Si interpellas, ego tacebo potius.
Sosicles:
Taceo.

[¶155] MESSENIO:
Tell me, were you both of the same name?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
By no means; for my name was what it is now Menaechmus; the other they then used to call Sosicles.

> Latin: Messenio:
Dic mihi:
uno nomine ambo eratis?

[¶156] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (embracing his brother.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Minime. nam mihi hoc erat,
quod nunc est, Menaechmo: íllum tum vocabant Sosiclem.

[¶157] I recognize the proofs, I cannot refrain from embracing him.

> Latin: Sosicles:
Signa adgnovi, contineri quin complectar non queo.

[¶158] My own twin-brother, blessings on you; I am Sosicles.

> Latin: mi germane gemine frater, salve. ego sum Sosicles.

[¶159] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
How then was the name of Menaechmus afterwards given to you?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quo modo igitur post Menaechmo nomen est factum tibi?

[¶160] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
After word was brought to us that you … and that my father was dead, my grandfather changed it; the name that was yours he gave to me.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I believe that it did so happen as you say. But answer me this.

> Latin: Sosicles:
Postquam ad nos renuntiatum est te … et patrem esse mortuom,
avos noster mutavit: quod tibi nomen est, fecit mihi.

[¶161] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Ask it of me.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Credo ita esse factum ut dicis. sed mi hoc responde.
Sosicles:
Roga.

[¶162] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What was the name of our mother?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Teuximarcha.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
That quite agrees. (He again embraces him.) O welcome, unhoped-for brother, whom after many years I now behold.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid erat nomen nostrae matri?
Sosicles:
Teuximarchae.
Menaechmvs:
Convenit.
o salve, insperate multis annis post quem conspicor.

[¶163] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
And you, whom with many and anxious labours I have ever been seeking up to this time, and whom I rejoice at being found.
MESSENIO: (to his master.)

> Latin: Sosicles:
Frater, et tu, quém ego multis miseriis laboribus
usque adhuc quaesivi quemque ego esse inventum gaudeo.

[¶164] It was for this reason that this Courtesan called you by his name; she thought that you were he, I suppose, when she invited you to breakfast.

> Latin: Messenio:
Hoc erat, quod haec te meretrix huius vocabat nomine:
hunc censebat te esse, credo, quom vocat te ad prandium.

[¶165] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Why, faith, to-day I ordered a breakfast to be got ready here (pointing to EROTIUM’S house) for me, unknown to my wife; a mantle which a short time since I filched from home, to her I gave it.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Do you say, brother, that this is the mantle which I’m wearing?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
How did this come to you?

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Namque edepol iussi hic mihi hodie prandium appararier,
clam meam uxorem, quoi pallam surrupui dudum domo,
eam dedi huic.

[¶166] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
The Courtesan who took me here (pointing to EROTIUM’S house) to breakfast, said that I had given it to her. I breakfasted very pleasantly; I drank and entertained myself with my mistress; she gave me the mantle and this golden trinket.
(Showing the bracelet.) …
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I’ faith, I’m glad if any luck has befallen you on my account; for when she invited you to her house, she supposed it to be me.

> Latin: Sosicles:
Hanc, dicis, frater, pallam, quam ego habeo?
Menaechmvs:
⟨Haec east.⟩
quo modo haec ad te pervenit?
Sosicles:
Meretrix huc ad prandium
me abduxit, me sibi dedisse aiebat. prandi perbene,
potavi atque accubui scortum, pallam et aurum hoc ⟨abstuli⟩.
Menaechmvs:
Gaudeo edepol, si quid propter me tibi evenit boni.
nam illa quom te ad se vocabat, memet esse credidit.

[¶167] MESSENIO:
Do you make any objection that I should be free as you commanded?

> Latin: Messenio:
Numquid me morare quin ego liber, ut iusti, siem?

[¶168] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
He asks, brother, what’s very fair and very just. Do it for my sake.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES: (touching MESSENIO’S shoulder.)

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Optimum atque aequissimum orat, frater: fac causa mea.

[¶169] Be thou a free man.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
I am glad, Messenio, that you are free.
MESSENIO:
Why, better auspices were required that I should be free for life. …

> Latin: Sosicles:
Liber esto.
Menaechmvs:
Quom tu es liber, gaudeo, Messenio.
Messenio:
Sed meliorest opus auspicio, ut liber perpetuo siem.

[¶170] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Since these matters, brother, have turned out to our wishes, let us both return to our native land.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
Brother, I’ll do as you wish. I’ll have an auction here, and sell whatever I have. In the meantime, brother, let’s now go in-doors.

> Latin: Sosicles:
Quoniam haec evenerunt, frater, nostra éx sententia,
in patriam redeamus ambo.

[¶171] MENAECHMUS SOSICLES:
Be it so.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Frater, faciam, ut tu voles.
auctionem hic faciam et vendam quidquid est. nunc interim
eamus intro, frater.
Sosicles:
Fiat.

[¶172] MESSENIO:
Do you know what I ask of you?

> Latin: Messenio:
Scitin quid ego vos rogo?

[¶173] MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
What?
MESSENIO:
To give me the place of auctioneer.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
It shall be given you.

> Latin: Menaechmvs:
Quid?
Messenio:
Praeconium mi ut detis.
Menaechmvs:
Dabitur.

[¶174] MESSENIO:
Would you like the auction, then, to be proclaimed at once? For what day?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.:
On the seventh day hence.
MESSENIO: (coming forward, and speaking in a loud voice.)

> Latin: Messenio:
Ergo nunciam
vis conclamari auctionem fore?
Menaechmvs:
Equidem die septimi.

[¶175] An auction of the property of Menaechmus will certainly take place on the morning of the seventh day hence. His slaves, furniture, house, and farms, will be sold. All will go for whatever they’ll fetch at ready money prices.

> Latin: Messenio:
Auctio fiet Menaechmi mane sane septimi.
venibunt servi, supellex, fundi, aedes, omnia.
venibunt quiqui licebunt, praesenti pecunia.

[¶176] His wife, too, will be sold as well, if any purchaser shall come. I think that by the entire sale Menaechmus will hardly get fifty hundred thousand sesterces. (To the SPECTATORS.) Now, Spectators, fare you well, and give us loud applause.

> Latin: venibit uxor quoque etiam, si quis emptor venerit.
vix credo tota auctione capiet † quinquagesies.
nunc, spectatores, valete et nobis clare plaudite.