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

# 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.

## 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.