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

# The Merchant · Mercator

*Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

A son brings home a beautiful slave girl, and his father wants her.

> Latin: ed. Friedrich Leo, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0119.phi011, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0119.phi011.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 1–377](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-mercator/1.md)
2. [Lines 378–699](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-mercator/2.md)
3. [Lines 700–1026](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-mercator/3.md)

## 1. Lines 1–377

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

[¶0] SLAVES.
(The PROLOGUE, spoken by CHARINUS.)
CHARINUS:
Two things have I now resolved to do at the same time; both the subject and my own amours will I disclose. I am not doing like as I have seen other lovers do in Comedies, who relate their woes either to the night or to the day,
or to the Sun or to the Moon; who, faith, I don’t suppose pay much regard to the complaints of mortals, either what they wish or what they don’t wish. To yourselves in preference will I now relate my woes. In the Greek this Play is called the Emporos of Philemon;
the same in the Latin is the Mercator of Marcus Accius. My father sent me hence to trade at Rhodes. Two years have now passed since I left home. There I began to love a fair one of remarkable beauty. But how I was captivated by her, I’ll tell you, if you’ll lend ear,
and if you’ll have the kindness to give your attention to this. And yet in this, but little have I followed the method of our forefathers in my own person, and on the spot as a tell-tale of my own amours am I represented before you. But all these failings are wont to attend on love—care, trouble, and refinement overmuch.
Not only him who loves, but every one to whom this latter fault extends, him with a great and weighty evil does it affect; nor by my troth, in fact, does any one aim at refinement, beyond what his means allow of, without heavy disaster. But to love as well are these evils incident, which I have not as yet recounted—
sleeplessness, a troubled mind, confusion, terror, and apprehension, trifling, and folly even, rashness too, thoughtlessness, foolhardy impudence, wantonness, lust, and malevolence; covetousness is inherent as well, idleness, injustice,
want, contumely and wastefulness, talkativeness or moody silence. This latter is the fact, because things which relate not to the purpose, nor are of utility, the same does the lover give utterance to full oft at an unseasonable moment; and yet again, this moody silence for this reason do I commend,
because no lover is ever so skilled in eloquence, as to be enabled to give utterance to that which is for his own interest. You, then, must not be offended with myself for my babbling; Venus bestowed it upon me on that same day on which this passion. To that point am I resolved to return, that what I commenced upon I may disclose.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Duas res simul nunc agere decretumst mihi:
et argumentum et meos amores eloquar.
non ego item facio ut alios in comoediis
⟨vi⟩ vidi amoris facere, qui aut nocti aut die
aut soli aut lunae miserias narrant suas:
quos pol ego credo húmanas querimonias
non tanti facere, quid velint quid non velint;
vobis narrabo potius meas nunc miserias.
graece haec vocatur Emporos Philemonis,
eadem Latine Mercator Macci Titi.
pater ad mercatum hinc me meus misit Rhodum;
biennium iam factum est, postquam abii domo.
ibi amare occepi forma eximia mulierem.
sed ea ut sim implicitus dicam, si operaest auribus
atque advortendum ad animum adest benignitas.
et hoc parum hercle more amatorum institi:
†per mea per conatus sum uos sumque inde exilico.
nam amorem haec cuncta vitia sectari solent,
cura aegritudo nimiaque elegantia,
[haec non modo illum quí amat, sed quemque attigit]
[magno atque solido multat infortunio,]
[nec pol profecto quisquam sine grandi malo]
[praequam res patitur studuit elegantiae.]
[sed amori accedunt etiam haec, quae dixi minus:]
[insomnia, aerumna, error, terror et fuga,]
[ineptia stultitiaque adeo et temeritas,]
[incogitantia excors, immodestia,]
[petulantia et cupiditas, malevolentia,]
[inertia, aviditas, desidia, iniuria,]
[inopia, contumelia et dispendium,]
multiloquium: parumlóquium hoc ideo fit quia,
quae nihil attingunt ad rem nec sunt usui,
tam amator profert saepe advorso tempore;
hoc pauciloquium rursum idcirco praedico,
quia nullus umquam amator adeost callide
facundus, quae in rem sint suam ut possit loqui.
nunc vos mi irasci ob multiloquium non decet:
eodém quo amorem Venus mi hoc legavit die.
illuc revorti certumst, conata eloquar.

[¶1] In the first place, when in life I had passed from my boyish days, and my disposition was weaned from childish pursuits, I began distractedly to love a Courtesan in this place. Forthwith, unknown to my father, my means went to be wasted upon her; an exacting Procurer, the owner of this damsel,
by every method that he could, grasped everything into his own possession. Night and day my father censured me for this; represented the perfidy, the wickedness of Procurers; how that his own property was being forcibly rent in pieces, while that of this Procurer was increasing; this too in the loudest tones; sometimes muttering to himself;

> Latin: principio ⟨ut ex⟩ ephebis aetate exii
atque animus studio amotus puerilist meus,
amare valide coepi hinc meretricem: ilico
res exulatum ad illam clám abibat patris.
leno importunus, dominus eius mulieris,
vi summa ut quicque poterat rapiebat domum.
obiurigare pater haec noctes et dies,
perfidiam, iniustitiam lenonum expromere;
lacerari valide suam rem, illius augerier.
summo haec clamore; interdum mussans conloqui:

[¶2] refusing to speak to me; even denying that I was his child; crying aloud through all the city and proclaiming that all should withhold from trusting me when desiring to borrow; that love had allured many a one to ruin; that I, passing all bounds, regardless of decency, and acting wrongfully,
laid hands upon and tore whatever I could from him at home; that ’twas a most vile system that those choice possessions which he, by enduring every hardship, had acquired, should all be squandered away and parted with through the violence of my desire. That now for so many years he had supported myself, a reproach to him;

> Latin: abnuere, negitare adeo me natum suom.
conclamitare tota urbe et praedicere,
omnes tenerent mutuitanti credere.
amorem multos inlexe in dispendium:
intemperantem, non modestum, iniurium
trahere, exhaurire me quod quirem ab se domo;
ratione pessuma a me ea quae ipsus optuma
omnis labores invenisset perferens,
in amoribus diffunditari ac didier.
convicium tot me annos iam se pascere;

[¶3] that were I not ashamed, I ought not to desire to live. That he himself, at the very moment after he had passed his boyish days, did not, like me, devote his attention to love or indolence in slothfulness, nor, indeed, had he the control of himself, so very strictly by his father was he held in check;

> Latin: quod nisi puderet, ne luberet vivere.
sese extemplo ex ephebis postquam excesserit,
non, ut ego, amori neque desidiae in otio
operam dedisse, neque potestatem sibi
fuisse; adeo arte cohibitum esse ⟨se⟩ a patre:

[¶4] that in the various sordid pursuits of the country he was employed, and that only every fifth year even was he then enabled to visit the city, and that immediately after he had had a sight of the Festival, back again instantly into the country was he wont to be driven by his father. That there by far the most of all the household
did he toil, while thus his father would say to him: “For yourself you are ploughing, for yourself you harrow, for yourself you sow, for your own self too do you reap; for yourself, in fine, will this labour be productive of happiness.” That after life had left his father’s body, he had sold the farm, and with that money
had bought for himself a bark of fifteen tons, and with the same had transported merchandize to every quarter, even until he had acquired the property which he then possessed. That I ought to do the same, if I would be as it behoved me to be.
I, when I found that I was disliked by my father and was an object of hate to him whom I was bound to please, distracted and in love as I was, resolutely made up my mind. I said that I would go to traffic, if he pleased; that I would renounce my amour, so as to be obedient to him.

> Latin: multo opere immundo rustico se exercitum,
neque nisi quinto anno quoque †positum visere
urbem, atque extemplo inde, ut spectavisset peplum,
rus rusum confestim exigi solitum a patre.
ibi multo primum sese familiarium
laboravisse, quom haec pater sibi diceret:
“tibi aras, tibi occas, tibi seris, tibi idem metis,”
“tibi denique iste pariet laetitiam labos.”
postquam recesset vita patrio corpore,
agrum se vendidisse atque ea pecunia
navem, metretas quae trecentas tolleret,
parasse atque ea se mercis mercatum undique,
adeo dum, quae tum haberet, peperisset bona;
me idem decere, si ut deceret me forem.
ego mé ubi invisum meo patri esse intellego
atque odio me esse quoi placere aequom fuit,
amens amansque ut ánimum offirmo meum,
dico esse iturum me mercatum, si velit:
amorem missum facere me, dum illi obsequar.

[¶5] He gave me thanks, and praised my good feeling, but failed not to exact my promise; he built a merchant-ship, and purchased merchandize; the ship ready, he placed it on board; besides, to myself with his own hand he paid down a talent of silver;

> Latin: agit grátias mi atque ingenium adlaudat meum;
sed mea promissa non neglexit persequi.
aedificat navem cercurum et mercis emit,
parata navi imponit, praeterea mihi
talentum argenti ipsus sua adnumerat manu;

[¶6] with me he sent a servant, who formerly had been my tutor from the time when I was a little child, to be as though a guardian to me. These things completed, we set sail; we came to Rhodes, where the merchandize which I had brought I sold to my mind according as I wished;

> Latin: servom una mittit, qui olim puero parvolo
mihi paedagogus fuerat, quasi uti mihi foret
custos. his sic confectis navem solvimus.
Rhodum venimus, ubi quas merces vexeram
omnis ut volui vendidi ex sententia.

[¶7] I made great profits, beyond the estimate of the merchandize which my father had given me; and so I made a large sum. But while in the harbour I was walking there, a certain stranger recognized me, and invited me to dinner. I went, and took my place at table, being merrily and handsomely entertained.

> Latin: lucrum ingens facio praeterquam mihi meus pater
dedit aestimatas merces: ita peculium
conficio grande. sed dum in portu illi ambulo,
hospes me quidam adgnovit, ad cenam vocat.
venio, decumbo acceptus hilare atque ampliter.

[¶8] When at night we went to rest, behold, a female came to me, than whom not another female is there more charming. That night, by order of my entertainer, did she pass with me; consider your own selves, how very much he gratified me. Next day, I went to my host; I begged him to sell her to me;
I said that for his kindnesses I should ever be grateful and obliged. What need is there of talking? I bought her, and yesterday I brought her hither. I don’t wish my father to come to know I’ve brought her. For the present, I’ve left her and a servant in the harbour on board the ship. But why do I see my servant running hither from the harbour,
whom I forbade to leave the ship? I dread what the reason may be.
(Stands aside.) (Enter ACANTHIO, at a distance, in haste.)
ACANTHIO: (to himself.)

> Latin: discubitum noctu ut imus, ecce ad me advenit
mulier, qua mulier alia nullast pulchrior;
ea nocte mecum illa hospitis iussu fuit.
vosmet videte quam mihi valde placuerit:
postridie hospitem adeo, oro ut vendat mihi,
dico eius pro méritis gratum me et munem fore.
quid verbis opus est? emi, átque advexi heri.
eam me ádvexisse nolo resciscat pater.
modo eam reliqui ad portum in navi et servolum.
sed quid currentem servom a portu conspicor,
quem navi abire vetui? timeo quid siet.

[¶9] With your utmost power and might always try and endeavour that your younger master may by your aid be preserved. Come then, Acanthio, away with weariness from you; take care and be on your guard against sloth. At the same time put an end to this panting; troth, I can hardly fetch my breath;
at the same time, too, drive right full against all those persons who come in the way, shove them aside, and push them into the road. This custom here is a very bad one; no one thinks it proper for him to give way to one who is running and in haste; and thus three things must be done at the same moment, when you have commenced upon but one; you must both run and fight, and squabble as well, upon the road.
CHARINUS: (apart.)

> Latin: Acanthio:
Ex súmmis opibus víribusque usque éxperire, nítere,
erus ut minor opera tua servetur: agedum, Acanthio,
abige abs te lassitudinem, cave pigritiae praeverteris.
simul enicat suspiritus (vix suffero hercle anhelitum),
simul autem plenis semitis qui adversum eunt: aspellito,
detrude, deturba in viám. haec disciplina hic pessumast:
cúrrenti properanti haud quisquam dignum habet decedere.
ita trés simitu res agendae sunt, quando unam occeperis:
et currendum et pugnandum et autem iurigandum est in via.

[¶10] What’s the reason of this, that he’s requiring speed for himself at a rate so rapid? I have some anxiety, what the business is, or what news he brings.
ACANTHIO: (to himself.)
I’m trifling about it. The more I stop, the greater the risk that’s run.
CHARINUS: (apart.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid illúc est quod ille tam expedite exquirit cursuram sibi?
curaest, negoti quid sit aut quid nuntiet.
Acanthio:
Nugas ago.
quam restito, tam maxime res in periclo vortitur.

[¶11] He brings news of some misfortune, I know not what.
ACANTHIO: (to himself.)
His knees are failing this runner. I’m undone, my spleen is in rebellion, it’s taking possession of my breast.
I’m done up, I can’t draw my breath. A very worthless piper should I be.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Mali nescio quid nuntiat.
Acanthio:
Genua hunc cursorem deserunt;
perii, seditionem facit lien, óccupat praecordia,
perii, animam nequeo vertere, nimis nihili tibicen siem.
Charinvs:
[At tu edepol sume laciniam atque absterge sudorem tibi.]

[¶12] I’ faith, not all the baths will ever remove this lassitude from me. Am I to say that my master Charinus is at home or abroad?
CHARINUS: (apart.)
I’m doubtful in my mind what the matter is; I’d like for myself to learn of him, that I may become acquainted with it.
ACANTHIO: (to himself.)

> Latin: Acanthio:
numquam edepol omnes balineae mi hanc lassitudinem eximent.
domin án foris dicam esse erum Charinum?
Charinvs:
Ego animi pendeo.
quíd illud sit negoti lubet scire, ex hoc metu ut eximar.

[¶13] But why still standing here? Why still hesitating to make splinters of this door? (Knocks at the door of DEMIPHO’S house, and calls.) Open the door, some one. Where’s my master, Charinus? Is he at home or abroad? Does any one think fit to come to the door?
CHARINUS: (presenting himself.)
Why, here am I, whom you’re looking for, Acanthio.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Át etiam asto? at etiam cesso foribus facere hisce assulas?
áperite aliquis. ubi Charinus est erus? dómin est an foris?
num quísquam adire ad ostium dignum arbitratur?
Charinvs:
Ecce me,
Acanthio, quem quaeris.

[¶14] ACANTHIO: (not seeing him.)
There is nowhere a more lazy management than in his house.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Nusquamst disciplina ignavior.

[¶15] CHARINUS:
What matter is afflicting you so terribly?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quae té malae res ágitant?

[¶16] ACANTHIO: (turning round.)
Many, master, both yourself and me.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Multae, ere, te átque me.

[¶17] CHARINUS:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid ést negoti?

[¶18] ACANTHIO:
We are undone.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Périimus.

[¶19] CHARINUS:
That beginning do you present unto our foes.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Principium ⟨id⟩ inimicis dato.

[¶20] ACANTHIO:
But your own self it has befallen, as fate would have it.

> Latin: Acanthio:
At tibi sortito id optigit.

[¶21] CHARINUS:
Tell me this matter, whatever it is.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Loquere íd negoti quidquid est.

[¶22] ACANTHIO:
Quietly—I want to take a rest.
(He pants.)
CHARINUS:
But, i’ faith, do take the skirt of your coat, and wipe the sweat from off you.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Placide, volo adquiescere.

[¶23] ACANTHIO:
For your sake, I’ve burst the veins of my lungs; I’m spitting blood already.
(He spits.)

> Latin: tua causa rupi ramites, iam dudum sputo sanguinem.

[¶24] CHARINUS:
Swallow Aegyptian resin with honey; you’ll make it all right.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Resinam ex melle Aegyptiam vorato, salvom feceris.

[¶25] ACANTHIO:
Then, i’ faith, do you drink hot pitch; then your troubles will vanish.

> Latin: Acanthio:
At edepol tu calidam picem bibito, aegritudo abscesserit.

[¶26] CHARINUS:
I know no one a more tetchy fellow than yourself.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Hóminem ego iracundiorem quam te novi neminem.

[¶27] ACANTHIO:
And I know no one more abusive than yourself

> Latin: Acanthio:
At ego maledicentiorem quam te novi neminem.

[¶28] CHARINUS:
But what if I’m persuading you to that which I take to be for your benefit?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Sin saluti quod tibi esse censeo, id consuadeo?

[¶29] ACANTHIO:
Away with benefit of that sort, that’s accompanied with pain.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Apage istiusmodi salutem, ⟨cum⟩ cruciatu quae advenit.

[¶30] CHARINUS:
Tell me, is there any good at all that any one can enjoy entirely without evil; or where you mustn’t endure labour when you wish to enjoy it?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Dic mihi, an boni quid usquamst, quod quisquam uti possiet
sine malo omni, aut ne laborem capias cum illo uti voles?

[¶31] ACANTHIO:
I don’t understand these things; I never learnt to philosophize, and don’t know how. I don’t want any good to be given me, to which evil is an accompaniment.
CHARINUS: (extending his hand.)

> Latin: Acanthio:
Nescio ego istaec: philosophari numquam didici neque scio.
ego bonum, malum quo accedit, mihi dari haud desidero.

[¶32] Come now, Acanthio, give me your right hand.
ACANTHIO:
It shall be given; there then, take it.
(Gives his hand.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Cedo tuam mihi dexteram, agedum, Acanthio.
Acanthio:
Em dabitur, tene.

[¶33] CHARINUS:
Do you intend yourself to be obedient to me, or don’t you intend it?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vin tu te mihi obsequentem esse an nevis?

[¶34] ACANTHIO:
You may judge by experience, as I’ve ruptured myself with running for your sake, in order that what I knew, you might have the means of knowing directly.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Opera licet
experiri, qui me rupi causa currendo tua,
ut quae scirem scire actutum tibi liceret.

[¶35] CHARINUS:
I’ll make you a free man within a few months.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Liberum
caput tibi faciam ⟨cis⟩ paucos mensis.

[¶36] ACANTHIO:
You are smoothing me down.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Palpo percutis.

[¶37] CHARINUS:
What, should I presume ever to make mention of an untrue thing to you? On the contrary, before I said so, you knew already whether I intend to utter an untruth.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Egon ausim tibi usquam quicquam facinus falsum proloqui?
quin iam prius quam sum elocutus, scis si mentiri volo.

[¶38] ACANTHIO:
Ah! your words, upon my faith, are increasing my weakness. You are worrying me to death!

> Latin: Acanthio:
Ah,
lassitudinem hercle verba tua mihi addunt, enicas.

[¶39] CHARINUS:
What, is this the way you’re obedient to me?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Sicine mi obsequens es?

[¶40] ACANTHIO:
What do you want me to do?

> Latin: Acanthio:
Quid vis faciam?

[¶41] CHARINUS:
What, you? What I want is this—

> Latin: Charinvs:
Tun? id quod volo.

[¶42] ACANTHIO:
What is it then that you do want?

> Latin: Acanthio:
Quid ⟨id⟩ est igitur quod vis?

[¶43] CHARINUS:
I’ll tell you.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Dicam.

[¶44] ACANTHIO:
Tell me, then.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Dice.

[¶45] CHARINUS:
But still, I’d like to do it in a quiet way.

> Latin: Charinvs:
At énim placide volo.

[¶46] ACANTHIO:
Are you afraid lest you should wake the drowsy Spectators from their nap?

> Latin: Acanthio:
Dormientis spectatores metuis ne ex somno excites?

[¶47] CHARINUS:
Woe be to you!

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vae tibi.

[¶48] ACANTHIO:
For my part, that same am I bringing to you from the harbour.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Tibi equidem a portu adporto hoc—

[¶49] CHARINUS:
What are you bringing? Tell me.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid fers? dic mihi.

[¶50] ACANTHIO:
Violence, alarm, torture, care, strife, and beggary.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Vim metum, cruciatum curam, iurgiumque atque inopiam.

[¶51] CHARINUS:
I’m undone! You really are bringing me hither a store of evils. I’m ruined outright.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Perii, tu quidem thensaurum huc mi adportavisti mali.
nullus sum.

[¶52] ACANTHIO:
Why, yes, you are—

> Latin: Acanthio:
Immo es—

[¶53] CHARINUS:
I know it already; you’ll be saying I’m wretched.
ACANTHIO:’Tis you have said so; I’m mum.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Scio iam, miserum dices tu.
Acanthio:
Dixi ego tacens.

[¶54] CHARINUS:
What mishap is this?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid istuc est mali?

[¶55] ACANTHIO:
Don’t enquire. It is a very great calamity.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Ne rogites, maxumum infortunium est.

[¶56] CHARINUS:
Prithee, do relieve me at once. Too long a time have I been in suspense.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Obsecro, dissolve iam me; nimis diu animi pendeo.

[¶57] ACANTHIO:
Softly; I still wish to make many enquiries before I’m beaten.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Placide, multa exquirere etiam prius volo quam vapulem.

[¶58] CHARINUS:
By my troth, you assuredly will be beaten, unless you say at once, or get away from here.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Hercle vero vapulabis, nisi iam loquere aut hinc abis.

[¶59] ACANTHIO:
Do look at that, please, how he does coax me; there’s no one more flattering when he sets about it.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Hoc sis vide, ut palpatur. nullust, quando occepit, blandior.

[¶60] CHARINUS:
By heavens, I do entreat and beseech you to disclose to me at once what it is; inasmuch as I see that I must be the suppliant of my own servant.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Obsecro hercle oroque ut istuc quid sit actutum indices,
quandoquidem mihi supplicandum servolo video meo.

[¶61] ACANTHIO:
And do I seem so unworthy of it?

> Latin: Acanthio:
Tandem indignus videor?

[¶62] CHARINUS:
Oh no, quite worthy.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Immo dignus.

[¶63] ACANTHIO:
Well, so I thought.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Equidem credidi.

[¶64] CHARINUS:
Prithee, is the ship lost?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Obsecro, num navis periit?

[¶65] ACANTHIO:
The ship’s all right; don’t fear about that.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Salvast navis, ne time.

[¶66] CHARINUS:
Well then, the rest of the cargo?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid alia armamenta?

[¶67] ACANTHIO:
That’s right and tight.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Salva et sana sunt.

[¶68] CHARINUS:
Why then don’t you tell
me what it is, for which, just now, running through the city, you were seeking me?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quin tu expedis
quid siet quod me per urbem currens quaerebas modo.

[¶69] ACANTHIO:
Really, you are taking the words out of my mouth.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Tu quidem ex óre orationem mi eripis.

[¶70] CHARINUS:
I’ll hold my tongue.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Taceo.

[¶71] ACANTHIO:
Do hold your tongue. I doubt, if I brought you any good news, you’d be dreadfully pressing, who are now insisting upon my speaking out, when you must hear bad news.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Tace.
credo, si boni quid ad te nuntiem, instes acriter,
qui nunc, quom malum audiendumst, flagitas me ut eloquar.

[¶72] CHARINUS:
Troth then, prithee do you let me know what this misfortune is.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Obsecro hercle te, istuc ut tu mihi malum facias palam.

[¶73] ACANTHIO:
Since you beg of me, I’ll tell you. Your father—

> Latin: Acanthio:
Eloquar, quandoquidem me oras. tuos pater—

[¶74] CHARINUS:
My father did what?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid meus pater?

[¶75] ACANTHIO:
Your mistress—

> Latin: Acanthio:
Tuam amicam—

[¶76] CHARINUS:
What about her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid eam?

[¶77] ACANTHIO:
He has seen her.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Vidit.

[¶78] CHARINUS:
Seen her? Ah wretch that I am! What I ask you, answer me.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vidit? vae misero mihi.
[hoc quod te rogo responde.]

[¶79] ACANTHIO:
Nay, but do you ask me, if you want anything.

> Latin: Acanthio:
[Quin tu, si quid vis, roga.]

[¶80] CHARINUS:
How could he see her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Qui potuit videre?

[¶81] ACANTHIO:
With his eyes.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Oculis.

[¶82] CHARINUS:
In what way?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quo pacto?

[¶83] ACANTHIO:
Wide open.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Hiantibus.

[¶84] CHARINUS:
Away hence and be hanged. You are trifling, when my life’s at stake.

> Latin: Charinvs:
In hinc dierectus? núgare in re capitali mea.

[¶85] ACANTHIO:
How the plague am I trifling, if I answer you what you ask me?

> Latin: Acanthio:
Qui, malum, ego nugor, si tibi quod me rogas respondeo?

[¶86] CHARINUS:
Did he see her for certain?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Certen vidit?

[¶87] ACANTHIO:
Aye, troth, as certainly as I see you and you see me.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Tam hercle certe quám ego te aut tu me vides.

[¶88] CHARINUS:
Where did he see her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vbi eam vidit?

[¶89] ACANTHIO:
Down on board the ship, as he stood near the prow and chatted with her.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Intus intra navem, út prope astitit;
et cum ea confabulatust.

[¶90] CHARINUS:
Father, you have undone me. Come now, you, come now, you sir? Why, you whip-rascal, didn’t you take care that he mightn’t see her? Why, villain, didn’t you stow her away, that my father mightn’t perceive her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Perdidisti me, pater.
eho tu, eho tu, quin cavisti ne eam videret, verbero?
quin, sceleste, ábstrudebas, né eam conspiceret pater?

[¶91] ACANTHIO:
Because we were busily employed about our business; we were engaged in packing up and arranging the cargo. While these things were being done, your father was brought alongside in a very small boat; and not an individual beheld the man until he was aboard the ship.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Quia negotiosi eramus nos nostris negotiis:
armamentis complicandis [et] componendis studuimus.
dum haec aguntur, lembo advehitur tuos pater pauxillulo,
neque quisquam hominem conspicatust, donec in navem subit.

[¶92] CHARINUS:
In vain have I escaped the sea with its dreadful tempests! Just now I really did suppose that I was both ashore and in a place of safety; but I see that by the raging waves I am being hurried towards the rocks. Say on; what took place?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Nequiquam, mare, subterfugi á tuis tempestatibus:
equidem me iam censebam esse in terra atque in tuto loco,
verum video med ad saxa ferri saevis fluctibus.
loquere porro, quid sit actum.

[¶93] ACANTHIO:
After he espied the woman, he began to ask her to whom she belonged.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Postquam aspexit mulierem,
rogitare occepit cuia esset.

[¶94] CHARINUS:
What did she answer?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid respondit?

[¶95] ACANTHIO:
That instant I ran up and interposed, saying that you had bought her as a maid-servant for your mother.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Ilico
occucurri atque interpello, matri te ancillam tuae
emisse illam.

[¶96] CHARINUS:
Did he seem to believe you in that?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Visun est tibi credere id?

[¶97] ACANTHIO:
Do you e’en ask me that? Why the rogue began to take liberties with her.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Etiam rogas?
sed scelestus subigitare occepit.

[¶98] CHARINUS:
Prithee, what, with her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Illamne, obsecro?

[¶99] ACANTHIO:’Twere a wonder if he had taken liberties with myself.
CHARINUS:
By heavens, my heart is saddened,
which, drop by drop is melting away, just as though you were to put salt in water. I’m undone.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Mirum quin me subigitaret.
Charinvs:
Edepol cor miserum meum,
quod guttatim contabescit, quasi in aquam indideris salem.
perii.

[¶100] ACANTHIO:
Aye, aye, that one expression have you most truly uttered.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Em istuc unum verbum dixisti verissimum.

[¶101] CHARINUS:
This is mere folly.
What shall I do? I do think my father won’t believe me if I say that I bought her for my mother; and then, besides, it seems to me a shame that I should tell a lie to my parent.

> Latin: stultitia istaec est.
Charinvs:
Quid faciam? credo, non credet pater,
si illam matri meae ⟨me⟩ emisse dicam; post autem mihi
scelus videtur, me parenti proloqui mendacium.

[¶102] He’ll neither believe, nor indeed is it credible, that I bought this woman of surpassing beauty as a maid-servant for my mother.
ACANTHIO:
Won’t you be quiet, you most silly man? Troth, he will believe it, for he just now believed me.

> Latin: neque ille credet, neque credibile est forma eximia mulierem,
eam me emisse ancillam matri.
Acanthio:
Non taces, stultissime?
credet hercle, nam credebat iam mihi.

[¶103] CHARINUS:
I’m dreadfully afraid that a suspicion will reach my father how the matter really stands. Prithee, answer me this that I ask you.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Metuo miser,
ne patrem prehendat, ut sit gesta res, suspicio.
hoc quod te rogo responde ⟨quaeso⟩.

[¶104] ACANTHIO:
What do you ask?

> Latin: Acanthio:
Quaeso quid rogas?

[¶105] CHARINUS:
Did he seem to suspect that she was my mistress?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Num esse amicam suspicari visus est?

[¶106] ACANTHIO:
He did not seem. On the contrary, in everything, just as I said it, he believed me.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Non visus est.
quin quicque ut dicebam mihi credebat.

[¶107] CHARINUS:
As being true-as he seemed to yourself at least.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Verum, ut tibi quidem
visus est.

[¶108] ACANTHIO:
Not so; but he really did believe me.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Non, sed credebat.

[¶109] CHARINUS:
Ah! wretched man that I am! I’m ruined! But why do I kill myself here with repining, and don’t be off to the ship? Follow me.
(Hastening along.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vae mihi misero, nullus sum.
sed quid ego hic in lamentando pereo, ad navem non eo?
sequere.

[¶110] ACANTHIO:
If you go that way, you’ll conveniently come slap upon your father.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Si istac ibis, commodum obviam venies patri;

[¶111] As soon as he shall see you, dismayed and out of spirits, at once he’ll be stopping you, and enquiring where you bought her, and for how much you bought her; he’ll be trying you in your dismay.
CHARINUS: (turning about.)
I’ll go this way in preference. Do you think that by this my father has left the harbour?

> Latin: postea aspiciet te timidum esse atque exanimatum: ilico
retinebit, rogitabit unde illam emeris, quanti emeris:
timidum temptabit te.
Charinvs:
Hac ibo potius. iam censes patrem
abiisse a portu?

[¶112] ACANTHIO:
Why, it was for that reason I ran before him hither, that he mightn’t come upon you unawares and fish it out of you.

> Latin: Acanthio:
Quin ea ego huc praecucurri gratia,
ne te opprimeret imprudentem atque electaret.

[¶113] CHARINUS:
Very properly done.
(Exeunt.) (Enter DEMIPHO.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Optime.—

[¶114] DEMIPHO: (to himself.)
In wondrous ways do the Gods make sport of men, and in wondrous fashions do they send dreams in sleep. As, for instance, I, this very last night that has passed, have sufficiently experienced in my sleep, and, mortal that I am, was much occupied therewith.

> Latin: Demipho:
Miris modis di ludos faciunt hominibus
mirisque exemplis somnia in somnis danunt.
velut ego nocte hac quae praeteriit proxuma
in somnis egi satis et fui homo exercitus.
mercari visus mihi sum formosam capram;

[¶115] I seemed to have purchased for myself a beautiful she-goat. That she might not offend that other she-goat which I had at home before, and that they mightn’t disagree if they were both in the same spot, after that I had purchased her, I seemed to entrust her to the charge of an ape. This ape, not very long afterwards, came to me,
uttered imprecations against me, and assailed me with reproaches; he said that by her means and through the arrival of the she-goat he had suffered injury and loss in no slight degree; he said that the she-goat, which I had entrusted to him to keep, had gnawed away the marriage-portion of his wife.

> Latin: ei ne noceret quam domi ante habui capram
neu discordarent, si ambae in uno essent loco,
posterius quam mercatus fueram, visus sum
in custodelam simiae concredere.
ea simia adeo post haud multo ad me venit,
male mihi precatur et facit convicium:
ait sése illius opera atque adventu caprae
flagitium et damnum fecisse haud mediocriter;
dicit capram, quam dederam servandam sibi,
suaé uxoris dotem ambedisse oppido.

[¶116] This seemed extremely wonderful to me, how that this single she-goat could possibly have gnawed away the marriage-portion of the wife of the ape. The ape, however, insisted that it was so, and, in short, gave me this answer, that if I didn’t make haste and remove her away from his own house, he would bring her home into my house to my wife.

> Latin: mi illud videri mirum, ut una illaec capra
uxoris simiai dotem ambederit.
instare factum simia, atque hoc denique
respondet, ni properem illam ab sese abducere,
ad me domum intro ad uxórem ducturum meam.

[¶117] And, by my troth, I seemed very greatly to take an interest in her, but not to have any one to whom to entrust this she-goat; wherefore the more, in my distress, was I tormented with anxiety what to do. Meanwhile, a kid appeared to address me, and began to tell me that he had carried off the she-goat from the ape, and began to laugh at me.

> Latin: atque oppido hercle bene velle illi visus sum,
ast non habere cui commendarem capram;
quo magis quid facerem cura cruciabar miser.
interea ad me haedus visust adgredirier,
infit mihi praedicare, sese ab simia
capram abduxisse, et coepit inridere me;

[¶118] But I began to lament and complain that she was carried off. To what reality I am to suppose that this vision points, I can’t discover; except that I suspect that I have just now discovered this she-goat, what she is, or what it all means.

> Latin: ego énim lugere atque abductam illam aegre pati.
hoc quam ad rem credam pertinere somnium,
nequeo invenire; nisi capram illam suspicor
iam me invenisse quae sit aut quid voluerit.

[¶119] This morning, at daybreak, I went away hence down to the harbour. After I had transacted there what I wanted, suddenly I espied the ship from Rhodes, in which my son arrived here yesterday. I had an inclination, I know not why, to visit it; I went on board a boat, and put off to the ship;

> Latin: ad portum hinc abii mane cum luci simul;
postquam id quod volui transegi, atque ego conspicor
navem ex Rhodo quast héri advectus filius;
conlibitumst illuc mihi nescio qui visere:
inscendo in lembum átque ad navem devehor.

[¶120] and there I beheld a woman of surpassing beauty, whom my son has brought as a maid-servant for his mother. After I had thus beheld her, I fell in love with her, not as men in their senses, but after the fashion in which madmen are wont. I’ faith, in former times, in my youthful days, I fell in love,’tis true; but after this fashion, according as I’m now distracted, never. Now beyond a doubt, surely thus this matter stands; this is that she-goat. But what that ape and that kid mean, I’m afraid. One thing, i’ faith, I really do know for certain, that I’m undone for love; (to the AUDIENCE) consider yourselves the other point, what a poor creature I am.

> Latin: atque égo illi aspicio forma eximia mulierem,
filius quam advexit meus matri ancillam suae.
quam ego postquam aspexi, non ita amo ut sani solent
homines, sed eodem pacto ut insani solent.
amavi hercle equidem ego olim in adulescentia,
verum ad hoc exemplum numquam, ut nunc insanio.
unum quidem hercle iam scio, periisse me;
vosmet videte ceterum quanti siem.
nunc hoc profecto sic est: haec illast capra;
verum hercle simia illa atque haedus mihi malum
adportant, atque eos esse quos dicam hau scio.

[¶121] But I’ll hold my tongue; lo! I see my neighbour; he’s coming out of doors.
(Stands aside.) (Enter LYSIMACHUS and a SERVANT with some rakes, from the house of the former.)
LYSIMACHUS:
Really I will have this goat mutilated, that’s giving us so much trouble at the farm.
DEMIPHO: (apart.)

> Latin: sed conticiscam, nam eccum it vicinus foras.
Lysimachvs:
Profecto ego illunc hircum castrari volo,
ruri qui vobis exhibet negotium.

[¶122] Neither this omen nor this augury pleases me;

> Latin: Demipho:
Nec omen illud mihi nec auspicium placet.

[¶123] I’m afraid that my wife will be just now mutilating me like the he-goat, and be acting the part of this same ape.

> Latin: quasi hircum metuo ne uxor me castret mea.
[atque illius haec nunc simiae partis ferat.]

[¶124] LYSIMACHUS:
Do you go hence to my country-house, and take care and deliver personally into his own hands those rakes to the bailiff Pistus himself. Take care and tell my wife that
I have business in the city, so that she mayn’t expect me; for do you mention that I have three causes coming on for judgment to-day. Be off, and remember to say this.
SERVANT:
Anything more?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
I tu hinc ad villam atque istos rastros vilico
Pisto ipsi facito coram ut tradas in manum.
uxori facito ut nunties, negotium
mihi esse in urbe, ne me exspectet; nam mihi
tris hodie litis iudicandas dicito.
ei, et hoc memento dicere.
Servvs:
Numquid amplius?

[¶125] LYSIMACHUS:
That’s enough.
(Exit SERVANT.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Tantumst.

[¶126] DEMIPHO: (Stepping forward.)
Greetings to you, Lysimachus.

> Latin: Demipho:
Lysimache, salve.

[¶127] LYSIMACHUS:
Well met! and greetings to you, Demipho. How are you? How goes it?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Euge, Demipho,
salveto. quid agis? quid fit?

[¶128] DEMIPHO:
As with one that’s most wretched.

> Latin: Demipho:
Quod miserrumus.

[¶129] LYSIMACHUS:
May the Gods grant better things.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Di melius faxint.

[¶130] DEMIPHO:
As for the Gods, it’s they that do this.

> Latin: Demipho:
Di hoc quidem faciunt.

[¶131] LYSIMACHUS:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quid est?

[¶132] DEMIPHO:
I’d tell you, if I saw that you had time or leisure.

> Latin: Demipho:
Dicam, si videam tibi esse óperam aut otium.

[¶133] LYSIMACHUS:
Although I have business in hand, if you wish for anything, Demipho, I’m never too busy to give attention to a friend.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quamquam negotiumst, si quid vis, Demipho,
non sum occupatus umquam amico operam dare.

[¶134] DEMIPHO:
You speak of your kindness to myself who have experienced it. How do I seem to you as to age?

> Latin: Demipho:
Benignitatem tuam mi experto praedicas.
quid tibi ego aetatis videor?

[¶135] LYSIMACHUS:
A subject for Acheron—an antiquated, decrepit old fellow.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Acherunticus,
senex vetus, decrepitus.

[¶136] DEMIPHO:
You see in a wrong light. I am a child, Lysimachus, of seven years old.

> Latin: Demipho:
Pervorse vides.
puer súm, Lysimache, septuennis.

[¶137] LYSIMACHUS:
Are you in your senses, to say that you are a child?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Sanun es,
qui puerum te esse dicas?

[¶138] DEMIPHO:
I’m telling what’s true.

> Latin: Demipho:
Vera praedico.

[¶139] LYSIMACHUS:
I’ faith, it has this moment come into my mind what you mean to say;

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Modo hercle in mentem venit, quid tu diceres:

[¶140] directly a person is old, no longer has he sense or taste; people say that he has become a child again.

> Latin: senex quom extemplo est, iam nec sentit nec sapit,
aiunt solere eum rusum repuerascere.

[¶141] DEMIPHO:
Why, no; for I’m twice as hearty as ever I was before.

> Latin: Demipho:
Immo bis tanto valeo quam valui prius.

[¶142] LYSIMACHUS:
I’ faith, it’s well that so it is, and I’m glad of it.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Bene hercle factum, et gaudeo.

[¶143] DEMIPHO:
Aye, and if you did but know; with my eyes, too, I see even better now than I did formerly.

> Latin: Demipho:
Immo si scias,
oculis quoque etiam plus iam video quam prius.

[¶144] LYSIMACHUS:
That’s good.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Benest.

[¶145] DEMIPHO:
Of a thing that’s bad, I’m speaking.

> Latin: Demipho:
Malae rei dico.

[¶146] LYSIMACHUS:
Then that same is not good.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Iam istuc non benest.

[¶147] DEMIPHO:
But, if I wished at all, could I venture to disclose something to you?

> Latin: Demipho:
Sed ausimne ego tibi eloqui fideliter?

[¶148] LYSIMACHUS:
Boldly.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Audacter.

[¶149] DEMIPHO:
Give heed, then.

> Latin: Demipho:
Animum advorte.

[¶150] LYSIMACHUS:
It shall be carefully done.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Fiet sedulo.

[¶151] DEMIPHO:
This day, Lysimachus, I’ve begun to go to school to learn my letters. I know three letters already.

> Latin: Demipho:
Hodie ire in ludum occepi litterarium,
Lysimache. ternas scio iam.

[¶152] LYSIMACHUS:
How? Three letters?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quid ternas?

[¶153] DEMIPHO: (spelling.)
A M O [I am in love].

> Latin: Demipho:
Amo.

[¶154] LYSIMACHUS:
What! you, in love, with your hoary head, you most shocking old fellow?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Tun capite cano amas, senex nequissime?

[¶155] DEMIPHO:
Whether that is hoary, or whether red, or whether black, I’m in love.

> Latin: Demipho:
Si canum seu istuc rutilum sive atrumst, amo.

[¶156] LYSIMACHUS:
You’re now playing upon me in this, I fancy, Demipho.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Ludificas nunc tu me hic, opinor, Demipho.

[¶157] DEMIPHO:
Cut my throat, if it’s false, what I’m saying. That you may be sure I’m in love, take a knife, and do you cut off
either my finger, or my ear, or my nose, or my lip: if I move me, or feel that I’m being cut, then, Lysimachus, I give you leave to torture me to death here with being in love.
LYSIMACHUS: (aside to the AUDIENCE.)

> Latin: Demipho:
Decide collum stanti, si falsum loquor;
vel, ut scias me amare, cape cultrum ac seca
digitum vel aurem vel tu nasum vel labrum:
si movero me seu secari sensero,
Lysimache, auctór sum ut me amando enices.

[¶158] If ever you’ve seen a lover in a picture, why, there he is (pointing at DEMIPHO): for really, in my way of thinking, an antiquated, decrepit old man
is just about the same as though he were a figure painted upon a wall.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Si umquam vidistis pictum amatorem, em illic est.
nam meo quidem animo vetulus decrepitus senex
tantidemst quasi sit signum pictum in pariete.

[¶159] DEMIPHO:
Now, I suppose, you are thinking of censuring me.

> Latin: Demipho:
Nunc tu me, credo, castigare cogitas.

[¶160] LYSIMACHUS:
What, I, censure you?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Egon té?

[¶161] DEMIPHO:
Well, there’s no reason that you should censure me. Other distinguished men have done the like before.
It’s natural to be in love, it’s natural, as well, to be considerate. Then, please, don’t reprove me; no inclination impelled me to this.

> Latin: Demipho:
Nihil est iam quod tu mihi suscenseas:
fecere tale ante alii spectati viri.
humanum amarest, humanum autem ignoscerest:
ne sís me obiurga, hoc non voluntas me impulit.

[¶162] LYSIMACHUS:
Why, I’m not reproving you.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quin non obiurgo.

[¶163] DEMIPHO:
But still, don’t you think any the worse of me for acting thus.

> Latin: Demipho:
At ne deteriorem tamen
hoc facto ducas.

[¶164] LYSIMACHUS:
I, think the worse of you? O, may the Deities forbid it.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Egon te? ah, ne di siverint.

[¶165] DEMIPHO:
Still, please, only do take care of that.

> Latin: Demipho:
Vide sís modo etiam.

[¶166] LYSIMACHUS:
Due care is taken.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Visumst.

[¶167] DEMIPHO:
Quite sure?

> Latin: Demipho:
Certen?

[¶168] LYSIMACHUS:
You’re wearing me out.
(Aside.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Perdis me.

[¶169] This person’s deranged through love. (To DEMIPHO.) Do you desire aught with me?
DEMIPHO:
Farewell!

> Latin: hic homo ex amore insanit. numquid vis?
Demipho:
Vale.

[¶170] LYSIMACHUS:
I’m making haste to the harbour; for I’ve got business there.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Ad portum propero, nam ibi mihi negotium est.

[¶171] DEMIPHO:
Good luck go with you.

> Latin: Demipho:
Bene ambulato.

[¶172] LYSIMACHUS:
Heartily fare you well.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Bene vale.—

[¶173] DEMIPHO:
Kindly fare you well.
(Exit LYSIMACHUS.)

> Latin: Demipho:
Bene sit tibi.

[¶174] (DEMIPHO continues, to himself.) And what’s more, I too as well have got some business at the harbour; now, therefore, I shall be off thither. But, look! most opportunely I see my son. I’ll wait for the fellow; it’s necessary for me now to see him,
to persuade him, as far as I possibly can, to sell her to me, and not make a present of her to his mother; for I’ve heard that he has brought her as a present for her. But I have need of precaution, that he mayn’t any way imagine that I have set my fancy upon her.
(Enter CHARINUS, at a distance.)
CHARINUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: quin mihi quoque etiamst ad portum negotium.
nunc adeo ibo illuc. séd optume gnatum meum
video eccum. opperiar hominem. hoc nunc mihi viso opust,
huic persuadere quo modo potis siem,
ut illam vendat neve det matri suae;
nam ei dono advexe audivi. sed praecauto opust,
ne hic illam me animum adiecisse aliqua sentiat.

[¶175] Never, I do think, was any person more wretched than myself, nor one who had more everlasting crosses. Isn’t it the fact, that whatever thing there is that I have commenced to attempt, it cannot fall out to my wish according as I desire? To such an extent is some evil fortune always befalling me,
which overwhelms my fair intentions. To my misfortune, I procured me a mistress to please my inclination; I acquired her for a sum of money, fancying that I could keep her unknown to my father. He has found her out, and has seen her, and has undone me. Nor have I yet determined what to say when he asks me,
so much do uncertain thoughts, aye, tenfold, struggle within my breast; nor know I now in my mind what resolution I can possibly take; so much uncertainty, mingled with anxiety, is there in my feelings, at one moment the advice of my servant pleases me, then again it doesn’t please me, and it doesn’t seem possible for my father
to be induced to think that she was bought as a maid-servant for my mother. Now, if I say, as is the fact, and declare that I purchased her for myself, what will he think of me? He may take her away, too, and carry her hence beyond sea, to be sold!
Well taught at home, I know how severe he is. Is this, then, being in love? I’d rather be at the plough-tail than love in this fashion. Before to-day, long ago, he drove me away against my inclination from his house, my home, and bade me go and traffic. There did I meet with this misfortune. When its misery can surpass its pleasure, what is there delightful in it?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Homó me misérior nullúst aeque, opínor,
neque ádvorsa cuí plura sínt sempitérna;
satin quídquid est, quam rem agere óccepi,
proprium nequit mihi evenire quod cupio?
ita míhi mala res aliqua óbicitur,
bonum quaé meum comprimit cónsilium.
míser amicam míhi paravi, ánimi causa, pretio † eripui,
ratús clam patrém ⟨me⟩ meúm posse habere:
is rescivit et vidit, et perdidit me;
neque is cum roget quid loquar cogitatumst,
ita animi decem in pectore incerti certant.
nec quid corde nunc consili capere possim
scio, tantus cum cura meost error animo,
dum servi mei perplacet mihi consilium,
dum rursum haud placet nec pater potis videtur
induci ut putet matri ancillam emptam esse illam.
nunc si dico ut res est atque illam mihi me
emisse indico, quem ad modum existumet me?
atque illam abstrahat, trans mare hinc venum asportet;
scio saevos quam sit, domo doctus. igitur
hócine est amare? arare mavelim, quam sic amare.
iam hínc olim invitum domo extrusit ab se,
mercatum ire iussit: ibi hoc malum ego inveni.
úbi voluptatem aegritudo vincat, quid ibi inest amoeni?

[¶176] In vain I’ve hidden her, concealed her, kept her in secret; my father’s a very fly; nothing can be kept away from him; nothing so sacred or so profane is there, but that he’s there at once; neither have I any assured hope in my mind through which to feel confidence in my fortunes.
DEMIPHO: (apart.)

> Latin: nequíquam abdidi, abscondidi, abstrusam habebam:
muscast meus pater, nil potest clam illum haberi,
néc sacrum nec tam profanum quicquam est, quin ibi ilico adsit.
nec, qui rebus meis confidam mi ulla spes in corde certast.

[¶177] What’s the reason of this, that my son is talking to himself alone? He seems to me anxious about some matter, I know not what.
CHARINUS: (looking round.)
Heyday, now! Why, surely it’s my father here that I see. I’ll go and accost him. (Accosting him.) How goes it, father?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quíd illuc est quod solus secum fabulatur filius?
sollicitus mihí nescio qua re videtur.
Charinvs:
Attatae,
meus patér hic quidem est quem video. ibo, adloquar. quid fit, pater?

[¶178] DEMIPHO:
Whence do you come? Why are you in a hurry, my son?

> Latin: Demipho:
Vnde incedis, quid festinas, gnate mi?

[¶179] CHARINUS:
It’s all right, father.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Recte, pater.

[¶180] DEMIPHO:
So I trust; but what’s the reason that your colour’s so changed? Do you feel ill at all?

> Latin: Demipho:
Ita volo, sed istúc quid est, tibi quod commutatust color?
numquid tibi dolet?

[¶181] CHARINUS:
I know not what it is affects my spirits, father;

> Latin: Charinvs:
Nescio quid meo animost aegre, pater.

[¶182] this last night I didn’t rest quite as well as I wished.

> Latin: poste hac nocte non quievi satis mea ex sententia.

[¶183] DEMIPHO:
As you’ve been travelling by sea, your eyes, I suppose, are at present rather unaccustomed to the shore.

> Latin: Demipho:
[Per mare ut vectu'svectus es, nunc oculi terram mirantur tui.]

[¶184] CHARINUS:
No doubt it is that; but it will be going off presently.

> Latin: Charinvs:
[Magis opinor—]

[¶185] DEMIPHO:
Troth, it’s for that reason you are pale; if you were prudent, you’d go home and lie down.

> Latin: Demipho:
[Id est profecto; verum actutum abscesserit.]
ergo edepol palles. si sapias, eas ac decumbas domi.

[¶186] CHARINUS:
I haven’t the leisure; I wish to attend to business on commission.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Otium non est: mandatis rebus praevorti volo.

[¶187] DEMIPHO:
Attend to it to-morrow; the day after, attend to it.

> Latin: Demipho:
Cras agito, perendie agito.

[¶188] CHARINUS:
I’ve often heard from you, father, it behoves all wise men, the first thing, to give their earliest attention to business upon commission.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Saepe ex te audivi, pater:
rei mandatae omnis sapientis primum praevorti decet.

[¶189] DEMIPHO:
Do so, then; I have no wish to be striving against your opinion.
CHARINUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Demipho:
Age igitur; nolo advorsari tuam advorsum sententiam.

## 2. Lines 378–699

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

[¶0] I’m all right, if, indeed, his adherence to that sentiment is immoveable and lasting.
DEMIPHO: (aside.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Salvos sum, siquidem ísti dicto solida et perpetuast fides.

[¶1] Why is it that he calls himself aside into counsel with himself?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid illuc est quod ille á me solus se in consilium sevocat?

[¶2] I’m not afraid now lest he should be able to come to know that I’m in love with her, because I’ve not as yet done anything in a foolish manner, as people in love are wont to do.
CHARINUS: (aside.)

> Latin: [iam] nón vereor ne illam me amare hic potuerit resciscere;
quippe haud etiam quicquam inepte feci, amantes ut solent.

[¶3] I’ faith, the affair for the present is really quite safe; for I’m quite certain that he doesn’t know anything about that mistress of mine; if he did know, his talk would have been different.
DEMIPHO: (aside.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Res adhuc quidem hercle in tutost, nam hunc nescire sat scio
de illa amica; quod si sciret, esset alia oratio.

[¶4] Why don’t I accost him about her?
CHARINUS: (aside.)
Why don’t I betake myself off hence?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quin ego hunc adgredior de illa?
Charinvs:
Quin ego hinc me amolior?

[¶5] (Aloud.) I’m going to deliver the commissions from my friends to their friends.
(Moves as if going.)
DEMIPHO:
Nay, but stop; I still want to make a few enquiries of you first.

> Latin: eo ego, ut quae mandata amicus amicis tradam.
Demipho:
Immo mane;
paucula etiam sciscitare prius volo.

[¶6] CHARINUS:
Say what it is you wish.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Dic quid velis.

[¶7] DEMIPHO:
Have you all along been well?

> Latin: Demipho:
Vsquene valuisti?

[¶8] CHARINUS:
Quite well all the time, so long, indeed, as I was there; but as soon as I had arrived here in harbour, I don’t know what faintness it was came over me.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Perpetuo recte, dum quidem illic fui;
verum in portum huc ut sum advectus, nescio qui animus mihi dolet.

[¶9] DEMIPHO:
I’ faith, I suppose it arose from sea-sickness; but it will be going off just now.

> Latin: Demipho:
Nausea edepol factum credo; verum actutum abscesserit.

[¶10] But how say you? What servant-maid is this that you have brought from Rhodes for your mother?

> Latin: sed quid ais? ecquam tu advexti tuae matri ancillam e Rhodo?

[¶11] CHARINUS:
I’ve brought one.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Advexi.

[¶12] DEMIPHO:
Well, what sort of a woman is she as to appearance?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid? ea ut videtur mulier?

[¶13] CHARINUS:
Not an ill-favored one, i’ faith.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Non edepol mala.

[¶14] DEMIPHO:
How is she as to manners?

> Latin: Demipho:
Vt moratast?

[¶15] CHARINUS:
In my way of thinking, I never saw one better.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Nullam vidi melius mea sententia.

[¶16] DEMIPHO:
So, indeed, i’ faith, she seemed to me when I saw her.

> Latin: Demipho:
Mihi quidem edepol visast, quom illam vidi.

[¶17] CHARINUS:
How now, have you seen her, father?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Eho an vidisti, pater?

[¶18] DEMIPHO:
I have seen her; but she doesn’t suit our ways, and so she doesn’t please me.

> Latin: Demipho:
Vidi. verum non ex usu nostrost, neque adeo placet.

[¶19] CHARINUS:
Why so?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Qui vero?

[¶20] DEMIPHO:
Because she hasn’t a figure suitable to our establishment; we stand in need of no female servant but one who can weave, grind, chop wood, make yarn, sweep out the house, stand a beating, and who can have every day’s victuals cooked for the household. This one will be able to do not any single one of these things.

> Latin: Demipho:
Quia †non nostra formam habet dignam domo.
nihil opust nobis ancilla nisi quae texat, quae molat,
lignum caedat, pensum faciat, aedis verrat, vapulet,
quaé habeat cottidianum familiae coctum cibum:
horunc illa nihilum quicquam facere poterit.

[¶21] CHARINUS:
Why, in fact,
for this reason I purchased her, to make a present of her to my mother.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Admodum.
ea causa equidem illam emi, dono quam darem matri meae.

[¶22] DEMIPHO:
Don’t you be giving her, nor mention that you have brought her.

> Latin: Demipho:
Ne duas, neve te advexisse dixeris.

[¶23] CHARINUS: (aside.)
The Deities favour me.
DEMIPHO: (aside.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Di me adiuvant.

[¶24] I’m shaking him by slow degrees. (Aloud.) But, what I omitted to say,—she can neither with due propriety follow your mother as an attendant;
nor will I allow it.
CHARINUS:
But why?

> Latin: Demipho:
Labefacto paulatim. verum quod praeterii dicere,
neque illa matrem satis honeste tuam sequi poterit comes,
neque sinam.
Charinvs:
Qui vero?

[¶25] DEMIPHO:
Because, with those good looks, it would be scandalous if she were to be following a matron when she’s walking through the streets; all people would be staring, gazing, nodding, winking, hissing, twitching, crying out, be annoying, and singing serenades at our door; my door, perhaps, would be filled with the charcoal marks of her praises;

> Latin: Demipho:
Quia illa forma matrem familias
flagitium sit si sequatur; quando incedat per vias,
contemplent, conspiciant omnes, nutent, nictent, sibilent,
vellicent, vocent, molesti sint; occentent ostium:
impleantur élegeorum meae fores carbonibus.

[¶26] and, according as persons are scandalizing at the present day, they might throw it in the teeth of my wife and myself, that we are carrying on the business of a Procurer. Now what occasion is there for this?

> Latin: atque, ut nunc sunt maledicentes homines, uxori meae
mihique obiectent lenocinium facere. nam quid eost opus?

[¶27] CHARINUS:
Why, faith, you say what’s just, and I agree with you. But what shall be done with her now?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Hercle qui tu recte dicis, et tibí adsentior.
sed quid illá nunc fiet?

[¶28] DEMIPHO:
Exactly; I’ll buy for your mother some stout wench of a female slave, not a bad servant, but of ungainly figure,
as befits the mistress of a family—either a Syrian or an Egyptian woman: she shall do the grinding, spin out the yarn, and stand a lashing; and on her account no disgrace at all will be befalling our doors.

> Latin: Demipho:
Recte. ego emero matri tuae
ancillam viraginem aliquam non malam, forma mala,
ut matrem addecet familias, aut Syram aut Aegyptiam:
ea molet, coquet, conficiet pensum, pinsetur flagro,
neque propter eam quicquam eveniet nostris foribus flagiti.

[¶29] CHARINUS:
What then if she is restored to the person of whom she was purchased?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid si igitur reddatur illi unde empta est?

[¶30] DEMIPHO:
By no means in the world.

> Latin: Demipho:
Minime gentium.

[¶31] CHARINUS:
He said that he would take her back, if she didn’t suit.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Dixit se redhibere, si non placeat.

[¶32] DEMIPHO:
There’s no need of that;

> Latin: Demipho:
Nihil istoc opust:

[¶33] I don’t want you to get into litigation, nor yet your honor to be called in question. I’ troth, I would much rather, if any must be endured, put up with the loss myself, than that disgrace or scandal on account of a woman should be brought upon my house. I think that I am able to sell for you at a good profit.
CHARINUS:
I’ faith, so long, indeed, as you don’t be selling her at a less price than I bought her at, father.

> Latin: litigari nolo ego usquam, tuam autem accusari fidem;
multo edepol si quid faciendumst facere damni mavolo,
quam opprobramentum aut flagitium muliebre exferri domo.
me tibi illam posse opinor luculente vendere.
Charinvs:
Dum quidem hercle ne minoris vendas quám ego emi, pater.

[¶34] DEMIPHO:
Do you only hold your tongue; there is a certain old gentleman who commissioned me to buy one for him of just that same appearance.

> Latin: Demipho:
Tace modo: senex est quidam, qui illam mandavit mihi
ut emerem ⟨aut⟩ ad istanc faciem.

[¶35] CHARINUS:
But, father, a certain young man commissioned me to buy one for him of just that same appearance that she is of.

> Latin: Charinvs:
At mihi quidam adulescens, pater,
mandavit ad illam faciem, ita ut illaec est, emerem sibi.

[¶36] DEMIPHO:
I think that I am able to dispose of her for twenty minae.

> Latin: Demipho:
Viginti minis opinor posse me illam vendere.

[¶37] CHARINUS:
But, if I had chosen, there have been already seven-and-twenty minae offered.

> Latin: Charinvs:
At ego si velim, iam dantur septem et viginti minae.

[¶38] DEMIPHO:
But I—

> Latin: Demipho:
At ego—

[¶39] CHARINUS:
Nay, but I, I say—

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quin ego, inquam—

[¶40] DEMIPHO:
But you don’t know what I was going to say; do hold your tongue. I can add three minae even to that, so that there will be thirty.
(Looks as though on one side at a distance.)

> Latin: Demipho:
Ah, nescis quid dicturus sum, tace.
tris minas accudere etiam possum, ut triginta sient.

[¶41] CHARINUS:
What are you turning yourself towards?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quo vortisti?

[¶42] DEMIPHO:
Towards him who’s making the purchase.

> Latin: Demipho:
Ad illum qui emit.

[¶43] CHARINUS: (staring about.)
Why, where in the world is this person?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vbinamst is homo gentium?

[¶44] DEMIPHO:
Look there, I see him, yonder (pointing); he’s bidding me even still to add five minae.
CHARINUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Demipho:
Eccillum video. iubet quínque me addere etiam nunc minas.

[¶45] By my troth, may the Gods send a curse upon him, whoever he is!
DEMIPHO: (looking in the distance.)
There he is again, making a sign to me, even still, for me to add six minae.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Hercle illunc divi infelicent, quisquis est.
Demipho:
Ibidem mihi
etiam nunc adnutat addam sex minas.

[¶46] CHARINUS:
My man is bidding seven minae,
for her, full weight, father.
(Aside.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Septem mihi.

[¶47] I’ faith, he shall never this day outdo me.
DEMIPHO:
He’s bidding in vain; I will have her!

> Latin: Demipho:
Numquam edepol me vincet hodie.

[¶48] CHARINUS:
But the other one made the first offer.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Commodis poscit, pater.
Demipho:
Nequiquam poscit: ego habeo.
Charinvs:
At illic pollicitust prior.

[¶49] DEMIPHO:
I care nothing for that.

> Latin: Demipho:
Nihili facio.

[¶50] CHARINUS:
He bids fifty.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quinquaginta poscit.

[¶51] DEMIPHO:
No, a hundred’s the offer. Can’t you desist from bidding against the determination of my mind. I’ troth, you’ll be having an immense profit, in such a way is this old gentleman for whom she’s being purchased. He’s not in his senses by reason of his love; whatever you ask, you’ll get.

> Latin: Demipho:
Non centum datur.
potine ut ne licitere advorsum ⟨mei⟩ animi sententiam?
maximam hercle habebis praedam: ita ille est, quoi emitur, senex;
sanus non est ex amore illius. quod posces feres.

[¶52] CHARINUS:
I’ faith, that young man, for whom I’m purchasing, is assuredly dying with distraction for love of her.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Certe edepol adulescens ille, cui ego emo, efflictim perit
eius amore.

[¶53] DEMIPHO:
Troth, very much more so is that old gentleman, if you did but know it.

> Latin: Demipho:
Multo hercle ille magis senex, si tu scias.

[¶54] CHARINUS:
I’ faith, that old man never was nor ever will be more distracted with love than that young man, father, to whom I’m lending this assistance.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Numquam edepol fuit neque fiet ille senex insanior
ex amore quam ille adulescens cui ego do hanc operam, pater.

[¶55] DEMIPHO:
Do be quiet, I tell you; I’ll see to that matter, that it’s all right.

> Latin: Demipho:
Quiesce, inquam. istanc rém ego recte videro.

[¶56] CHARINUS:
How say you—?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid ais?

[¶57] DEMIPHO:
What is it?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid est?

[¶58] CHARINUS:
I didn’t take her for a slave; but it was he that took her for such.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Non ego illám mancupio accepi.

[¶59] DEMIPHO:
Let me alone.

> Latin: Demipho:
Sed ille illam accipiet. sine.

[¶60] CHARINUS:
By law you cannot put her up for sale.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Non potes tu lege vendere illam.

[¶61] DEMIPHO:
I’ll somehow see to that.

> Latin: Demipho:
Ego aliquid videro.

[¶62] CHARINUS:
And then besides, she’s the common property of myself and another person; how do I know how he’s disposed, whether he does wish or doesn’t wish to sell her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Post autem communest illa mihi cum álio. qui scio
quid sit ei animi, venirene eam velit an non velit?

[¶63] DEMIPHO:
I’m sure he does wish.

> Latin: Demipho:
Ego scio velle.

[¶64] CHARINUS:
But, i’ faith, I believe that there’s a certain person who doesn’t wish.

> Latin: Charinvs:
At pol ego esse credo aliquem qui non velit.

[¶65] DEMIPHO:
What matters that to me?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid id mea refert?

[¶66] CHARINUS:
Because it’s right that he should have the disposal of his own property.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quia illi suam rem esse aequomst in manu.

[¶67] DEMIPHO:
What is it you say?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid ais?

[¶68] CHARINUS:
She is the common property of myself and another person; he isn’t here at present.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Communis mihi illa est cum illo: is hic nunc non adest.

[¶69] DEMIPHO:
You are answering me before I ask.

> Latin: Demipho:
Prius respondes quam rogo.

[¶70] CHARINUS:
You are buying, father, before I sell. I don’t know, I say, whether he chooses to part with her or not.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Prius tú emis quam vendo, pater.
nescio, inquam, velit ille illam necne abalienarier.

[¶71] DEMIPHO:
But if she is purchased for that certain person who gave you the commission, will he choose it then? If I purchase her for that person who gave me the commission, will he then not choose it? You avail nothing.

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid? illi quoidam qui mandavit tibi si emetur, tum volet,
sí ego emo illi qui mandavit, tum ille nolet? nihil agis.

[¶72] Never, on my faith, shall any person have her in preference to the person that I wish. That I’m resolved upon.

> Latin: numquam edepol quisquam illam habebit potius quam ille quem ego volo.

[¶73] CHARINUS:
Have you made up your mind that it is resolved upon?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Certumnest?

[¶74] DEMIPHO:
Why, I’m going hence at once to the ship; there she shall be sold.

> Latin: Demipho:
Censen certum esse? quin ad navem iam hinc eo,
ibi venibit.

[¶75] CHARINUS:
Do you wish me to go there with you?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vin me tecum illo ire?

[¶76] DEMIPHO:
I don’t wish you.

> Latin: Demipho:
Nolo.

[¶77] CHARINUS:
You don’t choose it, then.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Non places.

[¶78] DEMIPHO:
It’s better for you to give your earliest attention to the business which you’ve been commissioned upon.

> Latin: Demipho:
Meliust te, quae sunt mandatae res tibi, praevortier.

[¶79] CHARINUS:
You are hindering me from doing so.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Tu prohibes.

[¶80] DEMIPHO:
Then do you make your excuse that you have used all diligence.

> Latin: Demipho:
At me incusato: te fecisse sedulo.

[¶81] Don’t you go to the harbour, I tell you that now.
CHARINUS:
That shall be attended to.
DEMIPHO: (aside.)

> Latin: ad portum ne bitas, dico iam tibi.
Charinvs:
Auscultabitur.

[¶82] I’ll be off to the harbour, and (I have need of caution lest he should find it out) I’ll not buy her myself, but commission my friend Lysimachus; he said just now that he was going to the harbour. I’m delaying while I’m standing here.
(Exit.) (CHARINUS, alone.)
CHARINUS: (wringing his hands, and crying aloud.)
I’m lost—I’m undone.

> Latin: Demipho:
Ibo ad portum. ne hic resciscat, cauto opust: non ipse emam,
sed Lysimacho amico mandabo. is se ad portum dixerat
ire dudum. me moror quom hic asto.—
Charinvs:
Nullus sum, occidi.

[¶83] They say that the Bacchanals tore Pentheus to pieces. I do believe that that was the merest trifle compared with the manner in which I am rent asunder in different ways.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Pentheum diripuisse aiunt Bacchas: nugas maximas
fuisse credo, praeut quo pacto égo divorsus distrahor.

[¶84] Why do I exist? Why don’t I die? What good is there for me in life? I’m determined, I’ll go to a doctor, and there I’ll put myself to death by poison, since that is being taken from me for the sake of which I desire to remain in existence.
(He is going off.)
EUTYCHUS: (Enter EUTYCHUS, from the house of LYSIMACHUS.)

> Latin: cur ego vivo? cur non morior? quid mihist in vita boni?
certumst, ibo ad medicum atque ibi me toxico morti dabo,
quando id mi adimitur, qua causa vitam cupio vivere.

[¶85] Stop, prithee, stop, Charinus.
CHARINUS: (turning.)
Who is it, that calls me back?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Mane, mane obsecro, Charine.
Charinvs:
Quis me revocat?

[¶86] EUTYCHUS:
Eutychus,
your friend and companion, your nearest neighbour as well.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Eutychus,
tuos amicus et sodalis, simul vicinus proxumus.

[¶87] CHARINUS:
You don’t know what a vast weight of my woes I am enduring.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Non tu scis, quantum malarum rerum sustineam.

[¶88] EUTYCHUS:
I do know. I listened to it all at the door: I know the whole matter.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Scio;
omnia ego istaec auscultavi ab ostio, omnem rem scio.

[¶89] CHARINUS:
What is it that you know?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid id est quod scis?

[¶90] EUTYCHUS:
Your father wishes to sell—

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Tuos pater volt vendere—

[¶91] CHARINUS:
You have the whole matter.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Omnem rem tenes.

[¶92] EUTYCHUS:
—Your mistress—

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Tuam amicam.

[¶93] CHARINUS:
You know by far too much.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Nimium multum scis.

[¶94] EUTYCHUS:
—Against your wish.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Tuis ingratiis.

[¶95] CHARINUS:
You know everything. But how do you know that this woman is my mistress?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Plurimum tu scis. sed qui scis esse amicam illam meam?

[¶96] EUTYCHUS:
You yourself told me yesterday.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Tute heri ipsus mihi narrasti.

[¶97] CHARINUS:
Isn’t it the fact that I had quite forgotten that I told you yesterday?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Satin ut oblitus fui,
tibi me narravisse?

[¶98] EUTYCHUS:
It’s not surprising it is so.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Hau mirumst factum.

[¶99] CHARINUS:
I now consult you. Answer me; by what death do you think that I should die in preference?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Te nunc consulo.
responde: quo leto censes me ut peream potissimum?

[¶100] EUTYCHUS:
Won’t you hold your peace? Take you care how you say that.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Non taces? cave tu istuc dixis.

[¶101] CHARINUS:
What then do you wish me to say?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid vis me igitur dicere?

[¶102] EUTYCHUS:
Should you like me to trick your father nicely?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Vin patri sublinere pulchre me os tuo?

[¶103] CHARINUS:
I really should like it.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Sane volo.

[¶104] EUTYCHUS:
Should you like me to walk to the harbour—

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Visne eam ad portum—

[¶105] CHARINUS:
What, rather than that you should fly?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Qui potius quam voles?

[¶106] EUTYCHUS:
And release the fair one for a sum.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Atque eximam
mulierem pretio?

[¶107] CHARINUS:
What, rather than you should pay her weight in gold?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Qui potius quam auro expendas?

[¶108] EUTYCHUS:
Whence is it to come?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Vnde erit?

[¶109] CHARINUS:
I’ll entreat Achilles to lend me the gold with which Hector was ransomed

> Latin: Charinvs:
Achillem orabo, aurum ut mihi det, Hector qui expensus fuit.

[¶110] EUTYCHUS:
Are you in your senses?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Sanun es?

[¶111] CHARINUS:
I’ faith, if I were in my senses, I shouldn’t be seeking you for my physician.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Pol sanus si sim, non te medicum mi expetam.

[¶112] EUTYCHUS:
Do you wish her to be purchased for as high a price as he asks?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Tanti quanti poscit, vin tanti illam emi?

[¶113] CHARINUS:
Throw in something by way of surplus; even a thousand didrachms more than he shall demand.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Auctarium
adicito vel mille nummum plus quam poscet.

[¶114] EUTYCHUS:
Now, do hold your peace. But what say you as to this? Whence will the money come, for you to give, when your father asks for it?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Iam tace.
sed quid ais? unde erit argentum quod des, quom poscet pater?

[¶115] CHARINUS:
It shall be found, it shall be sought out, something shall be done.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Invenietur, exquiretur, aliquid fiet; enicas.

[¶116] EUTYCHUS:
You are worrying me to death. For I’m afraid of that “Something shall be done.”

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Iam istuc 'aliquid fiet' metuo.

[¶117] CHARINUS:
Why won’t you hold your tongue?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quin taces?

[¶118] EUTYCHUS:
You give your commands to one who is dumb.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Muto imperas.

[¶119] CHARINUS:
Is this matter sufficiently pointed out to you?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Satin istuc mandatumst?

[¶120] EUTYCHUS:
Can’t you possibly be attending to something else?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Potin ut aliud cures?

[¶121] CHARINUS:
It isn’t possible.
EUTYCHUS: (going.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Non potest.

[¶122] Kindly fare you well.
CHARINUS:
I’ faith, I cannot fare well, before you come back to me.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Bene vale.
Charinvs:
Non edepol possum prius quam tu ad me redieris.

[¶123] EUTYCHUS:
To better purpose, recover your senses.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Melius sanus sis.

[¶124] CHARINUS:
Farewell, and prevail, and be my preserver.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vale, vince ét me serva.

[¶125] EUTYCHUS:
I’ll do so. Wait for me at home.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ego fecero.
domi maneto me.

[¶126] CHARINUS:
Do you take care, then, to betake yourself back just now with the booty.
(Exit EUTYCHUS, and CHARINUS goes into DEMIPHO’S house.) (Enter LYSIMACHUS, with PASICOMPSA, weeping.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Ergo actutum face cum praeda recipias.—

[¶127] LYSIMACHUS: (to himself.)
I’ve lent my assistance to my friend in a friendly manner; this piece of goods, which my neighbour requested me, I’ve purchased. (Turning to PASICOMPSA.) You are my own; then follow me.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Amíce amico operam dedi: vicinus quod rogavit,
hoc emi mercimonium. mea es tu, sequere sane.

[¶128] Don’t weep. You are acting very foolishly; spoiling such eyes. Why, really you have more reason to laugh than to be crying.

> Latin: ne plora: nimis stulte facis, oculos corrumpis tales.
quin tibi quidem quod rideas magis est, quam ut lamentere.

[¶129] PASICOMPSA:
In the name of heaven, prithee, my good old gentleman, do tell me—

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Amabo ecastor, mi senex, eloquere—

[¶130] LYSIMACHUS:
Ask me what you please.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Exquire quidvis.

[¶131] PASICOMPSA:
Why have you bought me?

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Cur emeris me.

[¶132] LYSIMACHUS:
What, I, bought you? For you to do what you are bidden;
in like manner what you bid me, I’ll do.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Tene ego? ut quod imperetur facias,
item quod tu mihi si imperes, ego faciam.

[¶133] PASICOMPSA:
I am determined, to the best of my ability and skill, to do what I shall think you desire.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Facere certumst
pro copia et sapientia quae te velle arbitrabor.

[¶134] LYSIMACHUS:
I shall bid you do nothing of laborious work.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Laboriosi nil tibi quicquam operis imperabo.

[¶135] PASICOMPSA:
Why, really, for my part, my good old gentleman, I haven’t learnt, i’ faith, to carry burdens, or to feed cattle at the farm, or to nurse children.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Namque edepol equidem, mi senex, non didici baiolare
nec pecua ruri pascere nec pueros nutricare.

[¶136] LYSIMACHUS:
If you choose to be a good girl, it shall be well for you.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Bona si esse vis, bene erit tibi.

[¶137] PASICOMPSA:
Then, i’ faith, to my sorrow, I’m undone.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Tum pol ego perii misera.

[¶138] LYSIMACHUS:
Why so?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Qui?

[¶139] PASICOMPSA:
Because in the place from which I have been conveyed hither, it used to be well with the worthless.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Quia illim unde huc advecta sum, malis bene esse solitumst.

[¶140] LYSIMACHUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quasi dicas nullam mulierem bonam esse.
Pasicompsa:
Haud equidem dico,
nec mos meust ut praedicem quod ego omnis scire credam.

[¶141] By my troth, her talk alone is worth more than the sum that she was purchased at.
(To PASICOMPSA.)
As though you would say that no woman is good.
PASICOMPSA:
Indeed I don’t say so; nor is it my way, to say a thing which I believe all people are acquainted with.
LYSIMACHUS:
I want to ask this one thing of you.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Oratio edepol pluris est huius quam quanti haec emptast.
rogare hoc unum te volo.

[¶142] PASICOMPSA:
I’ll answer you when you ask.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Roganti respondebo.

[¶143] LYSIMACHUS:
What say you now? What am I to say your name is?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quid ais tu? quid nomen tibi dicam esse?

[¶144] PASICOMPSA:
Pasicompsa.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Pasicompsae.

[¶145] LYSIMACHUS:
The name was given you from your good looks. But what say you, Pasicompsa? Can you, if occasion should arise, spin a fine woof?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Ex forma nomen inditumst. sed quid ais, Pasicompsa?
possin tu, si usus venerit, subtemen tenue nere?

[¶146] PASICOMPSA:
I can.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Possum.

[¶147] LYSIMACHUS:
If you know how to do a fine one, I’m sure you can spin a coarser one.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Si tenue scis, scio te uberius posse nere.

[¶148] PASICOMPSA:
For spinning, I fear no woman that’s of the same age.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
De lanificio neminem metuo, una aetate quae sit.

[¶149] LYSIMACHUS:
Upon my faith, I take it that you are good and industrious, since, young woman, now that you are grown up, you know how to do your duty.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Bonam hercle te et frugi arbitror, matura iam † inde aetate
quom scis facere officium tuom, mulier.

[¶150] PASICOMPSA:
I’ faith, I learned it from a skilful mistress. I won’t let my work be called in question.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Pol docta didici.
operam accusari non sinam meam.

[¶151] LYSIMACHUS:
Well, thus the matter stands, i’ faith. Look now, I’ll give you a sheep for your own, one sixty years old.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Em istaec hercle res est.
ovem tibi eccillam dabo, natam annos sexaginta,
peculiarem.

[¶152] PASICOMPSA:
My good old gentleman, one so old as that?

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Mi senex, tam vetulam?

[¶153] LYSIMACHUS:
It’s of the Grecian breed. If you take care of it, it is a very good one; it is shorn very easily.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Generis graecist;
eam si curabis, perbonast, tondetur nimium scite.

[¶154] PASICOMPSA:
For the sake of the compliment, whatever it is that shall be given me, I shall receive it with thanks.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Honoris causa quidquid est quod dabitur gratum habebo.

[¶155] LYSIMACHUS:
Now, damsel, that you mayn’t be mistaken, you are not mine; so don’t think it.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Nunc, mulier, ne tu frustra sis, mea non es, ne arbitrere.

[¶156] PASICOMPSA:
Prithee, tell me, then, whose I am?

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Dic igitur quaeso, quoia sum?

[¶157] LYSIMACHUS:
You’ve been bought back for your own master.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Tuo ero redempta es rursum;

[¶158] I’ve bought you back for him; he requested me to do so.
PASICOMPSA:
My spirits have returned, if good faith is kept with me.

> Latin: ego te redemi, ílle mecum oravit.
Pasicompsa:
Animus rediit,
si mecum servatur fides.

[¶159] LYSIMACHUS:
Be of good courage; this person will give you your liberty. I’ troth, he did so dote upon you this day as soon as ever he had seen you.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Bono animo es, liberabit
ille te homo: ita edepol deperit, atque hodie primum vidit.

[¶160] PASICOMPSA:
I’ faith, it’s now two years since he commenced his connexion with me. Now, as I’m sure that you are a friend of his, I’ll disclose it.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Ecastor iam bienniumst, quom mecum rem coëpit.
nunc, quando amicum te scio esse illius, indicabo.

[¶161] LYSIMACHUS:
How say you? Is it now two years since he formed the connexion with you?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quid ais tu? iam bienniumst, quom tecum rém habet?

[¶162] PASICOMPSA:
Certainly, it is; and we agreed, on oath, between ourselves, I with him, and he with me, that I would never have intercourse with any man except himself, nor he with any woman except myself.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Certo;
et intér nos coniuravimus, ego cum illo et ille mecum:
ego cum viro et ílle cum muliere, nisi cum illo aut ille mecum,
neuter stupri causa caput limaret.

[¶163] LYSIMACHUS:
Immortal Gods! Isn’t he even to sleep with his wife?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Di immortales,
etiam cum uxore non cubet?

[¶164] PASICOMPSA:
Prithee, is he a married man? He neither is nor will he be.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Amabo, án maritust?
neque est neque erit.

[¶165] LYSIMACHUS:
Indeed, I wish he wasn’t. I’ faith, the fellow has been committing perjury.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Nolim quidem. homo hercle periuravit.

[¶166] PASICOMPSA:
No young man do I more ardently love.

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Nullum adulescentem plus amo.

[¶167] LYSIMACHUS:
Why, really he’s a child, you simpleton; for, in fact, it’s not so very long a time since his teeth fell out.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Puer est ille quidem, stulta.
nam illi quidem hau sane diust quom dentes exciderunt.

[¶168] PASICOMPSA:
What? His teeth?

> Latin: Pasicompsa:
Quid, dentes?

[¶169] LYSIMACHUS:
It’s no matter? Follow me this way, please; he requested that I would find you room for one day in my house, since my wife is away in the country.
(He goes into his house, followed by PASICOMPSA.) (Enter DEMIPHO.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Nihil est. sequere sis. hunc me diem unum oravit
ut apud me praehiberem locum, ideo quia uxor rurist.—

[¶170] DEMIPHO: (to himself.)
At last I’ve managed to ruin myself;

> Latin: Demipho:
Tandem impetravi ut egomet me corrumperem:

[¶171] a mistress has been purchased for me without the knowledge of my wife and son. I’m resolved on it; I’ll have recourse again to former habits and enjoy myself. In my allotment of existence, almost now run through, the little that there remains of life, I’ll cheer up with pleasure, wine, and love. For it’s quite proper for this time of life to enjoy itself.

> Latin: emptast amica clam uxorem et clam filium.
certumst, antiqua recolam et servibo mihi.
decurso spatio breve quod vitae relicuomst
voluptáte, vino et amore delectavero.
nam hanc se bene habere aetatem nimiost aequius.

[¶172] When you are young, then, when the blood is fresh, it’s right to devote your exertions to acquiring your fortune; and then when at last, you are an old man, you may set yourself at your ease; drink, and be amorous; this, the fact that you are living, is now so much profit. This, as I say, I’ll carry out in deed.
(Turning to his house.)

> Latin: adulescens quom sis, tum quom est sanguis integer,
rei tuae quaerundae convenit operam dare;
demum igitur quom sis iam senex, tum in otium
te conloces, dum potes ames: id iam lucrumst
quod vivis. hoc ut dico, factis persequar.

[¶173] Meanwhile, however, I’ll take a look in-doors here at my house; my wife has been some time expecting me at home quite hungry: now, she’ll be worrying me to death with her scolding, if I go in-doors. But, in fine, whatever comes of it, i’ faith, I’ll not go, but I’ll first meet this neighbour of mine before I return home;
I want him to hire some house for me, where this damsel may dwell. And, see, he’s coming out of doors.
(Enter LYSIMACHUS, from his house.)
LYSIMACHUS: (to PASICOMPSA, within.)

> Latin: interea tamen huc intro ad me invisam domum:
uxor me exspectat iam dudum esuriens domi;
iam iurgio enicabit, si intro rediero.
verum hercle postremo, utut est, non ibo tamen,
sed hunc vicinum prius conveniam quam domum
redeam; ut mihi aedis aliquas conducat volo,
ubi habitet istaec mulier. atque eccum it foras.

[¶174] I’ll bring him to you directly, if I meet him.
DEMIPHO: (behind.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Adducam ego illum iam ad te, si convenero.

[¶175] He’s meaning me.
LYSIMACHUS: (turning about.)
How say you, Demipho?

> Latin: Demipho:
Me dicit.
Lysimachvs:
Quid ais, Demipho?

[¶176] DEMIPHO:
Is the damsel at your house?

> Latin: Demipho:
Est mulier domi?

[¶177] LYSIMACHUS:
What do you suppose?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quid censes?

[¶178] DEMIPHO:
What if I go see her?
(Moves towards the house.)

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid si visam?

[¶179] LYSIMACHUS:
Why making such haste? Stay.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quid properas? ⟨mane.⟩

[¶180] DEMIPHO:
What am I to do?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid faciam?

[¶181] LYSIMACHUS:
What you ought to do; take care and consider.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quod opust facto facito ut cogites.

[¶182] DEMIPHO:
Consider what? Why troth, for my own part, I think there’s need for my doing this, going in-doors there, I mean.

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid cogitem? equidem hercle opus hoc facto existimo,
ut illo íntro eam.

[¶183] LYSIMACHUS:
What, is it so, you old wether? Would you be going in?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Itane vero, vervex? intro eas?

[¶184] DEMIPHO:
What should I do else?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid aliud faciam?

[¶185] LYSIMACHUS:
First listen to this, and attend; there’s something even before this that I think it proper you should do.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Prius hoc ausculta, atque ades:
prius etiamst, quod te facere ego aequom censeo.

[¶186] For if you now go in-doors to her, you’ll be wishing to embrace her, chatting with her, and kissing her.
DEMIPHO:
Really you know my feelings; you understand what I would be at.

> Latin: nam nunc si illuc intro ieris, amplecti voles,
confabulari atque osculari.
Demipho:
Tu quidem
meum animum gestas: scis quid acturus siem.

[¶187] LYSIMACHUS:
You will be doing wrong.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Pervorse facies.

[¶188] DEMIPHO:
What, with that which you love?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quodne ames—

[¶189] LYSIMACHUS:
So much the less reason. Would you, full of hungriness, with a foul breath,
a stinking old fellow, be kissing a woman? And wouldn’t you, as you approached, be setting a female vomiting?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Tanto minus.
ieiunitatis plenus, anima foetida,
senex hircosus tu osculere mulierem?
utíne adveniens vomitum excutias mulieri?
scio pol te amare, quom istaec praemonstras mihi.

[¶190] DEMIPHO:
I’ faith, I’m sure that you’re in love, as you point out these things beforehand to me. What then, if I give a dinner? If you approve of this, let’s lay hold of some cook, who may be cooking away a meal
here at your house, even until the evening.

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid si igitur unum faciam hoc? si censes, coquom
aliquem arripiamus, prandium qui percoquat
apud te hic usque ad vesperum.

[¶191] LYSIMACHUS:
Well, I’m of that way of thinking. Now you are talking wisely, and like a lover.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Em istuc censeo.
nunc tu sapienter loquere atque amatorie.

[¶192] DEMIPHO:
Why are we standing here? Why then don’t we be off and procure the provisions, that we may be comfortable?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid stamus? quin ergo imus atque obsonium
curamus, pulchre ut simus?

[¶193] LYSIMACHUS:
For my part, I’ll follow you. And, i’ troth, you’ll be finding out a lodging for her, if you are prudent;

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Equidem te sequor.
atque hercle invenies tu locum illi, si sapis:

[¶194] for, i’ faith, she shan’t be at my house a single day beyond the present; I’m afraid of my wife, lest, if she should return from the country to-morrow, she’ll be finding her here.
(Exeunt.) (Enter CHARINUS, from DEMIPHO’s house.)
CHARINUS: (to himself.)
Am I not a wretched mortal, who can rest quietly nowhere? If I’m at home, my mind’s abroad; but if I’m abroad, my mind’s at home.

> Latin: nullum hercle praeter hunc diem illa apud med erit.
metuo ego uxórem, cras si rure redierit
ne illam hic offendat.
Demipho:
Res parata est, sequere me.—
Charinvs:
Súmne ego homo miser, qui nusquam bene queo quiescere?
si domi sum, foris est animus, sin foris sum, animus domist.

[¶195] To such a degree. has love kindled a flame in my breast and in my heart; did not the tears fall from my eyes, why then, I doubt, my head would be on fire. I cling to hope; safety I’ve lost; whether she’ll return or no, I know not. If my father seizes her, as he has said, then my welfare is gone in exile; but if my companion has done what he promised, then my welfare has not departed.

> Latin: ita mi in pectore atque in corde facit amor incendium:
ni ex oculis lacrumae defendant, iam ardeat credo caput.
spem teneo, salutem amisi; redeat an non, nescio:
si opprimit pater quod dixit, exsulatum abiit salus;
sin sodalis quod promisit fecit, non abiit salus.

[¶196] But still, even if Eutychus had had gouty feet, he could have been back from the harbour by this. This is a very great fault of his, that he is too slow, against the wishes of my feelings. But (looking towards the side) isn’t this he whom I espy running?’Tis he himself; I’ll go meet him. (Clasps his hands.) Thou who art the overlooker of Gods and of men and the mistress of mortals as well, inasmuch as thou hast indulged me in this hope that I entertained, I do return thee thanks. Does any hope remain? Alas! I’m utterly undone. His countenance by no means pleases me!

> Latin: sed tamen dem si podagrosis pedibus esset Eutychus,
iam a portu rediisse potuit. id illi vitium maxumumst,
quod nimis tardus est advorsum mei animi sententiam.
sed in est, quem currentem video? ípsus est. ibo obviam.
nunc, quod restat, ei disperii: voltus neutiquam huius placet;

[¶197] He moves along in sadness. My breast burns. I am in doubt. He shakes his head. Eutychus!
(Enter EUTYCHUS.)
EUTYCHUS:
Alas! Charinus.
(He pants.)

> Latin: tristis incédit (pectus ardet, haereo), quassat caput.
Eutyche.
Evtychvs:
Eu, Charine.

[¶198] CHARINUS:
Before you take breath, in one word, speak out. Where am I? Here, or among the dead?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Prius quam recipias anhelitum,
uno verbo eloquere: ubi égo sum? hicine an apud mortuos?

[¶199] EUTYCHUS:
You are neither among the dead nor here.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Neque apud mortuos neque hic es.

[¶200] CHARINUS:
I’m saved, immortality has been vouchsafed me—he has purchased her. He has nicely tricked my father.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Salvos sum, immortalitas
mihi data est: hic emit illam, pulchre os sublevit patri.

[¶201] There’s no one living more clever at gaining his purpose. Prithee, do tell me; if I’m neither here nor at Acheron, where am I?
EUTYCHUS:
Nowhere in the world.

> Latin: impetrabilior qui vivat nullus est. dice, obsecro:
si neque hic neque Acherunti sum, úbi sum?
Evtychvs:
Nusquam gentium.

[¶202] CHARINUS:
I’m utterly undone! That speech has just put an end to me here.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Disperii, illaec interemit me modó oratio.
Evtychvs:
Odiosast oratio, cum rém agas longinquom loqui.

[¶203] Whatever it is, do come to the material points of the matter.
EUTYCHUS:
First of all,
we are ruined.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quidquid est, ad capita rerum perveni.
Evtychvs:
Primum omnium:
periimus.

[¶204] CHARINUS:
But why don’t you in preference tell me that which I don’t know?
It is an annoying way of speaking, when you should despatch the business, to be beating about the bush.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quin tu illud potius nuntias quod nescio?

[¶205] EUTYCHUS:
The damsel has been taken away from you.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Mulier alienata est abs te.

[¶206] CHARINUS:
Eutychus, you are guilty of a capital offence.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Eutyché, capital facis.

[¶207] EUTYCHUS:
How so?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Qui?

[¶208] CHARINUS:
Because you are killing your year’s-mate and friend, a free citizen.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quia aequalem et sodalem, liberum civem, enicas.

[¶209] EUTYCHUS:
May the Gods forbid it!

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ne di sierint.

[¶210] CHARINUS:
You’ve thrust a sword into my throat; this moment I shall fall.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Demisisti gladium in iugulum: iam cadam.

[¶211] EUTYCHUS:
Troth now, prithee, don’t be desponding in mind.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quaeso hercle, animum ne desponde.

[¶212] CHARINUS:
I have none to be desponding in.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Nullust quem despondeam.

[¶213] Tell on, then, the rest of your bad news; for whom has she been purchased?
EUTYCHUS:
I don’t know. She had been already knocked down to the bidder and taken off by him, when I got to the harbour.

> Latin: loquere porro aliam malam rem. cui est empta?
Evtychvs:
Nescio.
iam addicta atque abducta erat, quom ad portum venio.

[¶214] CHARINUS:
Ah me! Already, indeed, have you heaped burning mountains of woe upon me. Proceed, executioner, torment me on, since you have once begun.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vae mihi,
montis tu quidem mali in me ardentis iam dudum iacis.
perge, excrucia, carnufex, quandoquidem occepisti semel.

[¶215] EUTYCHUS:
This is not more a cause of anguish to yourself, than it has proved to me this day.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
[Non tibi istuc mágis dividiaest, quam mihí hodie fuit.]

[¶216] CHARINUS:
Tell me, who bought her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
[Dic, quis emit?]

[¶217] EUTYCHUS:
I’ faith, I do not know.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
[Nescio hercle.]

[¶218] CHARINUS:
Well, is this a good friend giving one his aid?

> Latin: Charinvs:
[Em istúcinest operam dare]
[bonum sodalem?]

[¶219] EUTYCHUS:
What would you have me do?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
[Quid me facere vis?]

[¶220] CHARINUS:
The same that you see me doing, die with grief. But did you make enquiry, what was the appearance of the person that had bought her? Perhaps the damsel might have been traced out by that means.

> Latin: Charinvs:
[Idem quod me vides,]
[ut pereas. quin percontatu'spercontatus es, hominis quae facies foret]
[qui illam emisset: eo si pacto posset indagarier]
[mulier? heu me miserum.]

[¶221] EUTYCHUS:
Ah! wretch that I am—
CHARINUS:
Do cease lamenting; attend to that which you are now about.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
[Flere omitte, istuc quod nunc agis.]

[¶222] EUTYCHUS:
What have I done?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quid ego feci?

[¶223] CHARINUS:
Proved the destruction of myself, and with myself of your own word.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Perdidisti me et fidem mecum tuam.

[¶224] EUTYCHUS:
The Gods know that that is not any fault of mine.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Di sciunt culpam meam istanc non esse ullam.

[¶225] CHARINUS:
A fine thing, indeed! You mention the Gods, who are absent, as witnesses; how am I to believe you in that?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Eugepae,
deos absentis testis memoras: quí ego istuc credam tibi?

[¶226] EUTYCHUS:
Why, it rests with your own self what to believe; with myself, what to say, that rests with me.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quia tibi in manu est quod credas, ego quod dicam, id mi in manust.

[¶227] CHARINUS:
On that point you are ready, so as to give answer like for like;
but as to what you are requested, you are lame, blind, dumb, defective, and weak. You promised that you would trick my father; I myself supposed that I was entrusting the matter to a skilful person, and I entrusted it to an utter stone.

> Latin: Charinvs:
De istac ré argutus es, ut par pari respondeas,
ad mandata claudus caecus mutus mancus debilis.
promittebas te os sublinere meo patri: egomet credidi
homini docto rem mandare, is lapidi mando maximo.

[¶228] EUTYCHUS:
What could I do?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quid ego facerem?

[¶229] CHARINUS:
What could you do, do you ask me? You should have enquired, and asked who he was or whence he was, of what lineage;
whether he was a citizen or a foreigner—

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid tu faceres? men rogas? requireres,
rogitares quis esset aut unde esset, qua prosapia,
civisne esset an peregrinus.

[¶230] EUTYCHUS:
They said that he was a citizen of Attica.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Civem esse aibant Atticum.

[¶231] CHARINUS:
At least, you should have found out where he lives, if you couldn’t the name.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vbi habitaret invenires saltem, si nomen nequis.

[¶232] EUTYCHUS:
No person was able to say he knew.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Nemo aiebat scire.

[¶233] CHARINUS:
But at least you should have enquired what was the appearance of the man.

> Latin: Charinvs:
At saltem hóminis faciem exquireres.

[¶234] EUTYCHUS:
I did do so.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Feci.

[¶235] CHARINUS:
Of what figure, then, did they say he was?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Qua forma esse aiebant ⟨igitur⟩?

[¶236] EUTYCHUS:
I’ll tell you: grey-headed, bandy-legged, pot-bellied, wide-mouthed, of stunted figure,
with darkish eyes, lank jaws, splay-footed rather.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ego dicam tibi:
canum, varum, ventriosum, bucculentum, breviculum,
subnigris oculis, oblongis malis, pansam aliquantulum.

[¶237] CHARINUS:
You are mentioning to me not a human being, but a whole storehouse, I don’t know what, of deformities. Is there anything else that you can tell about him?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Non hominem mihi, sed thensaurum nescio quem memoras mali.
numquid est quod dicas aliud de illo?

[¶238] EUTYCHUS:
It is just as much as I know.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Tantum, quod sciam.

[¶239] CHARINUS:
I’ troth, for sure, with his lank jaws he has caused my jaw to drop. I cannot endure it; I’m determined that I’ll go hence in exile.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Edepol ne ille oblongis malis mihi dedit magnum malum.
non possum durare, certumst exulatum hinc ire me.

[¶240] But what state in especial to repair to, I’m in doubt; Megara, Eretria, Corinth, Chalcis, Crete, Cyprus, Sicyon, Cnidos, Zacynthus, Lesbos, or Bœotia.

> Latin: sed quam capiam civitatem, cogito, potissimum:
Megares, Eretriam, Corinthum, Chalcidem, Cretam, Cyprum,
Sicyonem, Cnidum, Zacynthum, Lesbiam, Boeotiam.

[¶241] EUTYCHUS:
Why are you adopting that design?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Cur istuc coeptas consilium?

[¶242] CHARINUS:
Why, because love is tormenting me.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quia enim me adflictat amor.

[¶243] EUTYCHUS:
What say you as to this? Suppose, if when you have arrived there, whither you are now intending to go,
you begin there to fall desperately in love, and there, too, you fail of success, then you’ll be taking flight from there as well, and after that, again, from another place, if the same shall happen, what bounds, pray, will be set to your exile, what limits to your flight? What country or home can possibly be certain for you? Tell me that. Say now, if you leave this city, do you fancy that you’ll leave your love here behind?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quid tu ais? quid cum illuc, quo nunc ire paritas, veneris,
sí ibi amare forte occipias atque item eius sit inopia,
iam inde porro aufugies, deinde item illinc, sí item evenerit?
quis modus tibi exílio tandem eveniet, qui finis fugae?
quae patria aut domus tibi stabilis esse poterit? dic mihi.
cedo, si hac urbe abis, amorem te hic relicturum putas?

[¶244] If it is so fully taken as certain in your mind that so it will be, if you hold that as a point resolved upon, how much better is it for you to go away somewhere in the country, to be there, to live there, until the time when desire for her and passion have set you at liberty?

> Latin: si id fore ita sat animo acceptum est, certum id, pro certo si habes,
quanto te satiust rus aliquo abire, ibi esse, ibi vivere
adeo dum illius te cupiditas atque amor missum facit?

[¶245] CHARINUS:
Have you now said your say?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Iam dixisti?

[¶246] EUTYCHUS:
I have said it.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Dixi.

[¶247] CHARINUS:
You have said it to no purpose; this is my full determination. I’ll be off home, to pay my duty to my father and my mother; after that,
unknown to my father, I’ll fly from this country, or adopt some other plan.
(Goes into DEMIPHO’S house, leaving EUTYCHUS alone)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Frustra dixti. hoc mihi certissumumst.
eo domum, patrem atque matrem ut meos salutem, postea
clam patrem patria hac effugiam, aut aliquid capiam consili.—

[¶248] EUTYCHUS: (to himself.)
How suddenly he has taken himself off and gone away. Ah! wretch that I am! if he goes away, all will say that it has happened through my remissness. I’m determined at once to order as many criers as possible to be hired to search for her to find her; after that, I’ll go to the Praetor forthwith,
and beg him to give me search-warrant officers in all the quarters of the city; for I find that nothing else whatever is now left for me to do.
(Exit.) (Enter DORIPPA.)

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Vt corripuit se repente atque abiit. heu misero mihi,
si ille abierit, mea factum omnes dicent esse ignavia.
certumst praeconum iubere iam quantum est conducier,
qui illam investigent, qui inveniant. post ad praetorem ilico
ibo, orabo, ut conquaestores det mi in vicis omnibus;
nam mihi nil relicti quicquam áliud iam esse intellego.—

[¶249] DORIPPA: (to herself.)
Since a messenger came to me in the country from my husband, that he couldn’t come into the country, I made up my mind, and came back to follow after him who fled from me.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Quoniam a viro ad me rus advenit nuntius,
rus non iturum, feci ego ingenium meum,
reveni, ut illum persequar qui me fugit.

[¶250] But (looking round) I don’t see our old woman Syra following. Aye, look, there she comes at last. (Enter SYRA with a bundle of green sprigs.) Why don’t you go quicker?

> Latin: sed anum non video consequi nostram Syram.
atque eccam incedit tandem. quin is ocius?

[¶251] SYRA:
By my troth, I cannot; so great is this burden that I’m carrying.

> Latin: Syra:
nequeo mecastor, tantum hoc onerist quod fero.

[¶252] DORIPPA:
What burden?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Quid oneris?

[¶253] SYRA:
Fourscore years and four, and to that are added servitude, sweat, and thirst;

> Latin: Syra:
Annos octoginta et quattuor;
et eodem accedit servitus, sudor, sitis:

[¶254] these things as well which I am carrying weigh me down.
DORIPPA:
Give me something, Syra, with which to decorate this altar of our neighbour.
SYRA: (holding out a sprig.)

> Latin: simul haec quae porto deprimunt.
Dorippa:
Aliquid cedo
qui hánc vicini nostri áram augeam.

[¶255] Present this sprig of laurel, then.
DORIPPA:
Now do you go into the house.
SYRA:
I’m going.
(Goes into the house of LYSIMACHUS.)

> Latin: da sane hanc virgam lauri. abi tu intro.
Syra:
Eo.—

[¶256] DORIPPA: (laying the sprig on the altar.)
Apollo, I pray thee that thou wilt propitiously grant peace, safety, and health, unto our household,
and that in thy propitiousness thou wilt show favour to my son.
(rushes out of the house, clapping her hands.)

> Latin: Dorippa:
Apollo, quaeso te, ut des pacem propitius,
salutem et sanitatem nostrae familiae,
meoque ut parcas gnato pace propitius.

[¶257] SYRA:
I’m utterly undone! Wretch that I am, I’m ruined! Ah! wretched me!

> Latin: Syra:
Disperii, perii misera, vae miserae mihi.

[¶258] DORIPPA:
Prithee, are you quite in your senses? What are you howling for?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Satin tu sana es, obsecro? quid eiulas?

[¶259] SYRA:
Dorippa, my dear Dorippa!

> Latin: Syra:
Dorippa, mea Dorippa.

[¶260] DORIPPA:
Prithee, why are you crying out?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Quid clamas, obsecro?

[¶261] SYRA:
Some woman, I know not who, is here in-doors in the house.

> Latin: Syra:
Nescio quaest mulier intus hic in aedibus.

[¶262] DORIPPA:
What? A woman?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Quid, mulier?

[¶263] SYRA:
A harlot woman.

> Latin: Syra:
Mulier meretrix.

[¶264] DORIPPA:
Is it so, really?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Veron serio?

[¶265] SYRA:
In serious truth. You know how to act very prudently, in not remaining in the country. A fool even could have found it out that she was the mistress of your very pretty husband.

> Latin: Syra:
Nimium scis sapere, ruri quae non manseris.
quamvis insipiens poterat persentiscere
…
illam esse amicam tui viri bellissumi.

[¶266] DORIPPA:
By heavens, I believe it.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Credo mecastor.

[¶267] SYRA: (taking her arm.)
Step this way with me, that you, my Juno, may see as well your rival Alcmena.

> Latin: Syra:
Ei hac mecum, ut videas semul
tuam Alcumenam paelicem, Iuno mea.—

[¶268] DORIPPA:
I’ troth, I certainly shall go there, as fast as I can.
(They go into the house of LYSIMACHUS.) (Enter LYSIMACHUS.)

> Latin: Dorippa:
Ecastor vero istuc eo quantum potest.—

[¶269] LYSIMACHUS: (to himself.)
Is this too little of a misfortune that Demipho’s in love, that he must be extravagant as well? If he had been inviting ten men of highest rank to dinner,
he has provided too much. But the cooks he directed in such a way just as at sea the time-keeper is wont to direct the rowers. I hired a Cook myself, but I’m surprised that he hasn’t come as I directed him. But who’s this, I wonder, that’s coming out of my house? The door’s opening.
(He stands aside.) (Enter DORIPPA, from the house of LYSIMACHUS.)
DORIPPA: (weeping.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Parumne ést malai rei, quod amat Demipho,
ni sumptuosus insuper etiam siet?
decem sí vocasset summos ad cenam viros,
nimium obsonavit. sed coquos, quasi in mari
solét hortator remiges hortarier,
ita hortabatur. egomet conduxi coquom.
sed eum demiror non venire, ut iusseram.
sed quinam hinc a nobis exit? aperitur foris.

## 3. Lines 700–1026

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

[¶0] No woman ever will be, or ever has been, more wretched than myself in being married to such a husband. Alas! unhappy that I am! Just see, to what a husband have you committed yourself and the property you have! Just see, to what a person I brought ten talents for a portion; that I should see these things, that I should endure these insults.
LYSIMACHUS: (behind.)

> Latin: Dorippa:
Miserior mulier me nec fiet, nec fuit,
tali viro quae nupserim. heu miserae mihi.
em quoi te et tua, quae tu habeas, commendes viro,
em quoi decem talenta dotis detuli,
haec ut viderem, ut ferrem has contumelias.

[¶1] I’ troth, I’m undone; my wife’s returned from the country already. I do believe she has seen the damsel in the house. But what she says I cannot distinctly hear from hence; I’ll go nearer to her.
(Approaches her.)
DORIPPA:
Ah! woe to wretched me!

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Perii hercle, rure iam rediit uxor mea:
vidisse credo mulierem in aedibus.
sed quae loquatur exaudire hinc non queo.
accedam propius.
Dorippa:
Vae miserae mi.

[¶2] LYSIMACHUS: (behind.)
Aye, and to me as well.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Immo mihi.

[¶3] DORIPPA:
I’m utterly undone!

> Latin: Dorippa:
Disperii.

[¶4] LYSIMACHUS: (behind.)
As for me, i’ faith, to my sorrow I’m downright undone! she has seen her. May all the Gods confound you, Demipho!

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Equidem hercle oppido perii miser.
vidit. ut te omnes, Demipho, di perduint.

[¶5] DORIPPA:
I’ troth, this was it, why my husband wouldn’t go into the country.
LYSIMACHUS: (behind.)

> Latin: Dorippa:
Pol hoc est, ire quod rus meus vir noluit.

[¶6] What shall I do now, but go up and speak to her? (Goes up to her.) The husband bids health to his wife. Are the country people becoming townsfolk?
DORIPPA:
They are acting more decently than those who are not become country people.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quid nunc ego faciam nisi uti ádeam atque adloquar?
iubet salvere suos vir uxorem suam.
urbani fiunt rustici?
Dorippa:
Pudicius
faciunt, quam ílli qui non fiunt rustici.

[¶7] LYSIMACHUS:
Are the people in the country at all in fault?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Num quid delinquont rustici?

[¶8] DORIPPA:
I’ faith, less so than the townsfolk, and much less mischief do they meet with for themselves.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Ecastor minus
quam urbani, et multo minus mali quaerunt sibi.

[¶9] LYSIMACHUS:
But in what have the townsfolk done wrong? Tell me that.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quid autem urbani deliquerunt? dic mihi,
cupio hercle scire.

[¶10] DORIPPA:
Whose woman is that in the house?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Sed tu me temptas sciens.
quoia illa mulier intust?

[¶11] LYSIMACHUS:
What, have you seen her?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Vidistine eam?

[¶12] DORIPPA:
I have seen her.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Vidi.

[¶13] LYSIMACHUS:
Whose is she, do you ask?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quoia ea sit rogitas?

[¶14] DORIPPA:
I shall find out, in spite of you;
i’ faith, I long to know.
But you are trying me on purpose.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Resciscam tamen.

[¶15] LYSIMACHUS:
Do you wish me to tell you whose she is? She, she— (Aside.) Ah me! upon my faith, I don’t know what to say.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Vin dicam quoiast? illa—illa edepol—vae mihi,
nescio quid dicam.

[¶16] DORIPPA:
Do you hesitate?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Haeres.

[¶17] LYSIMACHUS: (aside.)
I never saw one who did it more.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Haud vidi magis.

[¶18] DORIPPA:
But why don’t you tell me?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Quin dicis?

[¶19] LYSIMACHUS:
Nay, but if I may—

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quin si liceat—

[¶20] DORIPPA:
You ought to tell me.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Dictum oportuit.

[¶21] LYSIMACHUS:
I cannot, you hurry me so; you press me as though were guilty.
DORIPPA: (ironically.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Non possum, ita instas; urges quasi pro noxio.

[¶22] I know you are free from all guilt.
LYSIMACHUS:
Speak out as boldly as you please.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Scio, innóxiu'sinnoxius es.
Lysimachvs:
Audacter quam vis dicito.

[¶23] DORIPPA:
Tell me, then.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Dic igitur.

[¶24] LYSIMACHUS:
I, tell you?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Dicam.

[¶25] DORIPPA:
Why, it must be told, in spite of everything.

> Latin: Dorippa:
At qui dicundum est tamen.

[¶26] LYSIMACHUS:
She is— Do you wish me tell her name as well?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Illast—etiam vis nomen dicam?

[¶27] DORIPPA:
You are trifling. I’ve caught you in the fact; you are guilty.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Nihil agis,
manufesto teneo in noxia.

[¶28] LYSIMACHUS:
Guilty of what?
If now I had no occasion for silence, now I shouldn’t tell you.
Why, this same woman is —

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Qua noxia?
ista quidem illa est.

[¶29] DORIPPA:
Who is she?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Quae illa est?

[¶30] LYSIMACHUS:
She—

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Illa—

[¶31] DORIPPA:
Marry, come up! don’t you know who she is?

> Latin: Dorippa:
†Iohia

[¶32] LYSIMACHUS:
Why, yes, I do know. I’ve been chosen as an arbitrator with respect to her.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Iam—si nihil usus esset, iam non dicerem.

[¶33] DORIPPA:
An arbitrator? Now I know; you have invited her here to consult with you.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Non tu scis quae sit illa?
Lysimachvs:
Immo iam scio:
de istac sum iudex captus.
Dorippa:
Iudex? iam scio:
nunc tu in consilium istam advocavisti tibi.

[¶34] LYSIMACHUS:
Why no; she has been given me as a deposit.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Immo sic: séquestro mihi datast.

[¶35] DORIPPA: (ironically.)
I understand.

> Latin: Dorippa:
Intellego.

[¶36] LYSIMACHUS:
By my troth, it’s not anything of that sort.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Nihil hercle istius quicquam est.

[¶37] DORIPPA:
You are clearing yourself too soon.
LYSIMACHUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Dorippa:
Numero purigas.

[¶38] Too much of a business have I met with; really I’m stuck fast.
(Enter a COOK, at a distance, with SCULLIONS and provisions.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Nimium negoti repperi. enim vero haereo.

[¶39] A COOK.:
Make haste, get quickly on, for I’ve got to cook a dinner for an old gentleman in love. And, in fact, when I think of it again, it’s to be cooked for ourselves, not him for whom we’ve been hired: for a person that’s in love, if he has that with which he is in love, he esteems that as food,
to see her, embrace her, kiss her, chat with her; but we, I trust, shall return well laden home. Step this way. But see, here’s the old gentleman that hired us.
LYSIMACHUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Cocvs:
Agite ite actutum, nam mi amatori seni
coquendast cena. átque, quom recogito,
nobis coquendast, non ⟨quoi con⟩ducti sumus.
nam quí amat quod amat sí habet, id habet pro cibo:
videre, amplecti, ósculari, álloqui;
sed nos confido onustos redituros domum.
ite hac. sed eccum qui nos conduxit senex.

[¶40] Why, look! I’m undone! here’s the Cook.
A COOK.: (going up to LYSIMACHUS.)
We are come.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Ecce autem perii, coquos adest.
Cocvs:
Advenimus.

[¶41] LYSIMACHUS:
Be off!
A COOK.:
How, be off?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Abi.
Cocvs:
Quid, abeam?

[¶42] LYSIMACHUS: (in a low voice.)
Hush! Be off!
A COOK.:
What, I, be off?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
St, abi.
Cocvs:
Abeam?

[¶43] LYSIMACHUS:
Be off, I say.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Abi.

[¶44] A COOK.:
Are you not going to have a dinner?
LYSIMACHUS:
We are full already.

> Latin: Cocvs:
Non estis cenaturi?
Lysimachvs:
Iam saturi sumus.

[¶45] DORIPPA:
But—

> Latin: Cocvs:
Sed—

[¶46] LYSIMACHUS: (aside.)
I’m utterly undone.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Intérii.

[¶47] DORIPPA:
What say you? Have those persons ordered these things to be brought to you as well, between whom you were appointed arbitrator?

> Latin: Dorippa:
Quid ais tu? etiamne haec illi tibi
iusserunt ferri, quos inter iudex datu'sdatus es?

[¶48] A COOK.:
Is this person (pointing to DORIPPA) your mistress, whom a little time since you told me you were in love with, when you were buying the provisions?
LYSIMACHUS:
Won’t you hold your tongue?

> Latin: Cocvs:
Haecin tua est amica, quam dudum mihi
te amare dixti, quom obsonabas?
Lysimachvs:
Non taces?

[¶49] A COOK.:
A very pretty figure of a woman! I’ faith, she does love a sweetheart.

> Latin: Cocvs:
Satis scítum filum mulieris. verum hercle anet.

[¶50] LYSIMACHUS:
Won’t you be off to perdition?
A COOK.:
She’s not amiss.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Abin díerectus?
Cocvs:
Haud malast.

[¶51] LYSIMACHUS:
But you are amiss.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
At tu malu'smalus es.

[¶52] A COOK.:
I’ troth, I do fancy she’s a nice bed-fellow.
LYSIMACHUS:
Won’t you be off? I’m not the person that hired you just now.
A COOK.:
How’s that? Nay but, upon my faith, you are that very man.

> Latin: Cocvs:
Scitam hercle opinor concubinam hanc.
Lysimachvs:
Non abis?
non ego sum qui te dudum conduxi.
Cocvs:
Quid est?
immo hercle tu istic ipsus.

[¶53] LYSIMACHUS: (aside.)
Alas wretch that I am!

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Vae misero mihi.

[¶54] A COOK.:
Your wife’s in the country, I suppose, whom you were saying a little time ago you hated full as much as vipers.
LYSIMACHUS:
I, said that to you?

> Latin: Cocvs:
Nempe uxor rurist tua, quam dudum dixeras
te odisse aeque atque anguis.†
Lysimachvs:
Egone istuc dixi tibi?

[¶55] A COOK.:
Aye, to me, upon my faith.
LYSIMACHUS:
So may Jupiter love me, wife, I never did say that.

> Latin: Cocvs:
Mihi quidem hercle.
Lysimachvs:
Ita me amabit Iuppiter,
uxor, ut ego illud numquam dixi.

[¶56] DORIPPA:
Do you deny that as well?
A COOK.: (to DORIPPA.)

> Latin: Dorippa:
Etiam negas?
palam istaec fiunt, te me odisse.
Lysimachvs:
Quin nego.

[¶57] He didn’t say he hated you, but his wife.
DORIPPA:
This is made clear, that you detest me.
LYSIMACHUS:
But I deny it.

> Latin: Cocvs:
Non, non te odisse aiebat, sed uxorem suam;

[¶58] A COOK.:
And he said that his wife was in the country.
LYSIMACHUS: (pointing to DORIPPA.)
This is she. Why are you annoying me?
A COOK.:
Because you say that you don’t know me. Are you afraid of her?

> Latin: et uxórem suam ruri esse aiebat.
Lysimachvs:
Haec east.
quid mihi molestu'smolestus es?
Cocvs:
Quia novisse me negas;
nisi metuis tu istanc.

[¶59] LYSIMACHUS:
I’m wise in being so; for she’s my only companion.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Sapio, nam mihi unicast.

[¶60] A COOK.:
Do you wish to use my services?
LYSIMACHUS:
I don’t wish.
A COOK.:
Give me my pay.

> Latin: Cocvs:
Vin me experiri?
Lysimachvs:
Nolo.
Cocvs:
Mercedem cedo.

[¶61] LYSIMACHUS:
Ask for it to-morrow; it shall be given you; for the present, be off.
(Aside.) Alas, wretch that I am!

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Cras petito; dabitur. nunc abi.
Dorippa:
Heu miserae mihi.

[¶62] I now find that that old saying is a true one, that some bad comes through a bad neighbour.
A COOK.: (to the SCULLIONS.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Nunc ego verum illud verbum esse experior vetus:
aliquid mali esse propter vicinum malum.

[¶63] Why are we standing here?
LYSIMACHUS:
Why don’t you be gone?
A COOK.: (aside to LYSIMACHUS.)
If any inconvenience happens to you, that’s not my fault.
LYSIMACHUS: (aside to the COOK.)

> Latin: Cocvs:
Cur hic astamus? quin abimus? incommodi
si quid tibi evénit, id non est culpa mea.

[¶64] Why, you are utterly ruining wretched me
A COOK.: (aside to LYSIMACHUS.)
I understand now what you want. You mean, you wish me to go away from here.
LYSIMACHUS: (aside to the COOK.)
I do wish it, I say.
A COOK.: (aside to LYSIMACHUS.)
I’ll be off. Pay me a drachma.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quin me eradicas miserum.
Cocvs:
Scio iam quid velis:
nempe me hínc abire vis.

[¶65] LYSIMACHUS: (aside to the COOK.)
It shall be paid.
A COOK.: (aside to LYSIMACHUS.)
Then order it to be paid me, please. It can be paid in the meantime, while they are putting down the provisions.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Volo inquam.
Cocvs:
Abibitur.
drachmam dato.

[¶66] LYSIMACHUS: (aside to the COOK.)
Why don’t you be off? Can’t you cease being troublesome?
(Slips the money into his hand.)
A COOK.: (to the SCULLIONS.)
Come, do you set down
those provisions before the feet of that old gentleman. These baskets I’ll order to be fetched from your house either by-and-by or else to-morrow. (To the SCULLIONS.) Do you follow me.
(Exeunt, having set down the provisions.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Dabitur.
Cocvs:
Dari ergo sis iube.
dari pótest interea dum illi ponunt.

[¶67] LYSIMACHUS:
Perhaps you are surprised at that Cook, that he came and brought these things. I’ll tell you why it is.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quin abis?
potine ut molestus ne sis?
Cocvs:
Agite apponite
obsonium istuc ante pedes illi seni.
haec vasa aut mox aut cras iubebo abs te peti
sequimíni.—
Lysimachvs:
Fortasse te illum mirari coquom,
quod venit atque haec attulit. dicam quid est.

[¶68] DORIPPA:
I’m not surprised if you do anything wrongful or criminal;

> Latin: Dorippa:
Non miror si quid damni facis aut flagiti.

[¶69] and, by heavens, I’ll not put up with it, that I am married thus unfortunately, and that harlots are brought into my house in this way. Syra, go ask my father, in my name, to come here directly together with you.
SYRA:
I’ll go.

> Latin: nec pol ego patiar, sic me nuptam tam male
measque in aedis sic scorta obductarier.
Syra, i, rogato meum patrem verbis meis,
ut veniat ad me iam simul tecum.—
Syra:
Eo.—

[¶70] LYSIMACHUS:
Prithee, wife, you don’t know what the matter is.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Nescis negoti quid sit, uxor, obsecro.

[¶71] In set form now will I make oath, that I have never had anything to do with her. (Exit SYRA.) What, is Syra gone now? By heaven, I’m undone! (DORIPPA goes into the house.) (to himself.) But, see, she’s off as well! Woe to wretched me! Then, neighbour Demipho, may the Gods and Goddesses confound you, together with your mistress and your intriguings!

> Latin: conceptis verbis iam iusiurandum dabo,
me numquam quicquam cum illa—iamne abiit Syra?
perii hercle. ecce autem haec abiit. vae misero mihi.
at te, vicine, di deaeque perduint,
cum tua amíca cumque amationibus.

[¶72] He has most unjustly loaded me with suspicions; he has stirred up enemies against me. At home my wife is most infuriated. I’ll be off to the Forum, and tell this to Demipho, that I’ll drag this woman by the hair into the street, unless he takes her hence out of this house wherever he chooses.

> Latin: suspicione implevit me indignissime,
concivit hostis dómi: uxór acerrumast.
ibo ad forum atque haec Demiphoni éloquar,
me istanc capillo protracturum esse in viam,
nisi hinc abducit quo volt ex hisce aedibus.

[¶73] (Goes to the door and calls.) Hark you! wife, wife! although you’re angry at me, you’ll order, if you are wise, these things to be carried hence indoors. We shall be able by-and-by to dine all the better upon the same.
(Enter SYRA and EUTYCHUS, at a distance, on opposite sides.)
SYRA: (to herself.)
Whither my mistress sent me, to her father —, he’s not at home; they said that he has gone off into the country. Now, I’ll take home this answer.
I’ faith, the women do live upon hard terms, and, wretched creatures, on much more unjust ones than the men. For if a husband has been keeping a mistress without the knowledge of his wife,
if the wife comes to know it, the husband gets off with impunity; if, unknown to the husband, the wife goes from the house out of doors, a pretext arises for the husband, the marriage is dissolved. I wish the law was the same for the husband as for the wife; for the wife that is a good one, is content with one husband;
why, any the less, should the husband be content with one wife? By my troth, I’d give cause, if men were punished in the same way (if any one should be keeping a mistress unknown to his wife), as those women are repudiated who are guilty of a slip, that there should be more divorced men than there are women now.

> Latin: uxor, heus uxor, quamquam tu irata es mihi,
iubeas, si sapias, haec intró auferrier:
eadem licebit mox cenare rectius.—
Syra:
Era quo me misit, ad patrem, non est domi:
rus abiisse aibant. nunc domum renuntio.

[¶74] EUTYCHUS: (to himself, apart.)
I’m quite tired with hunting the whole city through; I find nothing whatever about this woman. But my mother has returned from the country; for I see Syra standing before the house. Syra!

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Defessus sum urbem totam pervenarier:
nihil investigo quicquam de illa muliere.
sed mater rure rediit, nam video Syram
astare ante aedis.
Syra.

[¶75] SYRA:
Who is it that’s calling me?
EUTYCHUS:’Tis I, your master and foster-child.

> Latin: Syra:
Quis est qui me vocat?
Evtychvs:
Erus atque alumnus tuos sum.

[¶76] SYRA: (turning round.)
Save you, my foster-child.

> Latin: Syra:
Salve, alumne ⟨mi⟩.

[¶77] EUTYCHUS:
Has my mother returned from the country then? Answer me.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Iam mater rure rediit? responde mihi.

[¶78] SYRA:
Aye, for her own especial sake and that of the family.

> Latin: Syra:
Sua quidem salute ac familiai maxuma.

[¶79] EUTYCHUS:
What is it that’s the matter?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quid istúc negotist?

[¶80] SYRA:
That very pretty father of yours has brought a mistress into the house.

> Latin: Syra:
Tuos pater bellissumus
amicam adduxit intro in aedis.

[¶81] EUTYCHUS:
How say you?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quo modo?

[¶82] SYRA:
Your mother, on arriving from the country, found her at home.

> Latin: Syra:
Adveniens mater rure eam offendit domi.

[¶83] EUTYCHUS:
By my troth, I didn’t think my father was a person for those practices. Is the woman now even still in-doors?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Pol haud censebam istarum esse operarum patrem.
etiam nunc mulier intust?

[¶84] SYRA:
Even still.

> Latin: Syra:
Etiam.

[¶85] EUTYCHUS:
Do you follow me.
(He goes into the house of LYSIMACHUS.)

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Sequere me.—

[¶86] SYRA: (to herself.)
How now? Do I see Peristrata here, the wife of Demipho? She quickens her pace; she glances about with her eyes; she turns herself round; she inclines her neck on one side. I’ll observe from here what matter she’s about; it’s something of importance, whatever scent she’s upon.
(Stands aside.) (Enter PERISTRATA and LYCISSA, from the house of DEMIPHO.)
PERISTRATA:
The Goddess Astarte is the might of mortals and of the Gods, their life, their health; she, the same, who is likewise their death, destruction, downfall, the seas, the earth, the heaven, and the stars. Whatever Temples of Jove we inhabit, they are guided by her nod; her do they obey; to her do they pay regard; what displeases her, the other Deities do quickly put aside. Whatever pleases her, that, all things, which live and have sense, do pursue. Some she tortures, destroys; others, with her own milk does she nourish and raise aloft; but those whom she tortures, they live and enjoy their senses; those whom she hastens to rear and raise aloft, these last indeed do perish forthwith, and to their sorrow use their senses. Then, well-wishers, they lie prostrate, objects of dislike they bite the ground, grovel upon their faces, roar out, and make a riot; and when they think they live, then in especial do they rush on to ruin, then, then do they show eagerness in the pursuit of the object beloved; young men stumble, aged men likewise are led away. They love themselves; the object which they love, they wish to be loved and known. But if at that age they begin to fall in love, much more grievous is their madness. But if they do not love, then they hate, they are morose, too, and wayward; tattlers, haters, ill-disposed, passionate, envious for themselves and theirs. What they have formerly been shamelessly guilty of themselves, if it is done in a more quiet way, fathers do not tolerate as they ought to do; but they proclaim it, and indecently cry it out aloud.
SYRA: (apart.)
So far as I understand, Demipho is treating this lady badly too.
PERISTRATA:
This is the truth. My son is in love and is dying; when his father came to know of it, he was enraged beyond bounds. What insanity is this? This same husband of mine at one time packed my son off to Rhodes to traffic; now, according to the news Acanthio brings, he’ll be betaking himself into banishment. O unjust father! O unfortunate son! whither will you betake yourself? Where will you leave your mother? Shall I pass my life bereft? Shall I lose my son? I will not endure it. Has his father sold her? Wherever she shall be found, the mother will redeem her. Do you tell me, Lycissa, do they suppose that she was brought into this neighbourhood?
LYCISSA: (pointing to the house of LYSIMACHUS.)
To that, I fancy; to the house of a certain old gentleman, a friend.
PERISTRATA:
Here, there is no one that I know of besides Lysimachus.
SYRA: (apart.)
They are mentioning Lysimachus. It’s a wonder if the old fellows, who are neighbours, haven’t been going halves in the same nest.
PERISTRATA:
I’ll go look for Dorippa, his wife.
(The door of the house of LYSIMACHUS opens.)
LYCISSA:
Why go look for her? Don’t you see her?
PERISTRATA:
Indeed, I do see her. Let’s listen; she’s muttering something in a passion, I know not what, to herself.
(They stand aside.) (Enter DORIPPA, from the house of LYSIMACHUS.)
DORIPPA: (to herself.)
Syra hasn’t come back, whom, poor wretch, it’s now a long time since I sent to fetch my father; in her very slowness, she has either hardened into a stone, or she has stopped from swelling with the sting of a serpent.
SYRA: (apart.)
I’m undone; here’s my mistress, she’s looking after me.
DORIPPA: (continuing.)
I cannot remain at home; my eyes cannot abide that pretty young harlot; I would have shut her out of doors, but my son Eutychus prevented me. Still, I shan’t altogether believe the news he brings.
LYCISSA: (apart.)
Do you hear, mistress?
PERISTRATA: (apart.)
I hear; let her go on.
LYCISSA: (apart.)
I’ll let her.
DORIPPA: (to herself.)
He says that she has come hither to our house for the sake of an old gentleman, a friend; that he has her for sale, so that he may withdraw her from his son, who’s in love with her. This really is a falsehood, either in my husband or my son; the accounts differ. The husband says that she was given him as a deposit; but the son says that she’s on sale.
SYRA: (apart.)
I’ll go meet her on a sudden, that she mayn’t find out that I’ve been loitering.
DORIPPA:
In this matter I shan’t believe my son, who’s acting in compliance with his father; for, for him, like a regular cuckoo, has he determined to tell abundance of lies: for my own part I shall believe the Cook, in preference. But see, here’s Syra. How the old witch does run. Syra!
SYRA:
Who’s calling me?
(Stares around her.)
DORIPPA:
The Gods send a plague upon you!
SYRA:
Mistress, if you are wise, bestow this upon your rival and your husband in preference.
DORIPPA:
For saying that, I’m no longer angry with you. But where’s your father? Why does he delay? Does gout hinder the man?
SYRA:
He’s lame with neither gout nor chalk-stones, whom his feet carry into the country.
DORIPPA:
Not at home?
SYRA:
No.
DORIPPA:
Where then?
SYRA:
They say he’s in the country, and that it’s uncertain whether he’ll return to-day, he has such a large account with his bailiff.
DORIPPA:
Everything is befalling me this day contrary to my wishes. I shan’t live till the evening, unless I drive that hussy away from the house. (She turns to the door.) I’m going home.
LYCISSA: (apart.)
The mistress is going away.
PERISTRATA: (apart.)
What, going away? Call her.
LYCISSA: (calling.)
Dorippa! Dorippa!
DORIPPA: (turning round.)
What nuisance is this? Who’s calling me back?
PERISTRATA:
I’m not a nuisance, but a well-wisher; and it’s your friend Peristrata addresses you. Prithee, do stay.
DORIPPA:
Why, Peristrata—i’ faith, I didn’t know you: dreadful vexation is tormenting and agitating me.
PERISTRATA:
This I enquire about—prithee don’t deny me. I heard you just now; tell me what annoyance is troubling you.
DORIPPA:
Peristrata, so may the Gods prosper your only son, do kindly lend me your attention; none could be given me more agreably: our ages are alike; together we grew up; we have husbands alike in age; with no one do I converse with greater pleasure. I’m really annoyed with good reason. What now would your feelings be, if at this time of life your husband Demipho were to bring a mistress before your eyes?
PERISTRATA:
Has he brought one?
DORIPPA:
So it is.
PERISTRATA:
She’s at your house?
DORIPPA:
At my house; aye, and cooks were hired; a banquet was being prepared, if my coming hadn’t upset everything. Venus and Cupid are tormenting the wretched old fellow at an unseasonable time.
PERISTRATA:
But these things are trifles, Dorippa. I wish that I wasn’t more wretched.
DORIPPA:
Trifles?
PERISTRATA:
Really trifles.
DORIPPA:
What worse could your husband do?
PERISTRATA:
Aye, worse than worse.
DORIPPA:
What is it? Prithee do say. As you to me, so I to you, let’s give advice to each other what needs to be done, It’s an old saying, that, “he’s truly wise who is wise at the risk of another.”
PERISTRATA:
Dorippa, I have an only son; do you know that?
DORIPPA:
I do know it.
PERISTRATA:
Him his father some time ago packed off from his own house to Rhodes.
DORIPPA:
For what reason?
PERISTRATA:
Because he was in love.
DORIPPA:
For that very thing?
PERISTRATA:
Yes, and the very same thing now as well—inasmuch as he had brought a female slave here, his father coming to know of it, took her away, and put her up for sale.
DORIPPA:
Aye, aye, I know it; my son told me the truth. I fancied she was the mistress of my husband. To whom was she entrusted?
PERISTRATA:
To a certain old gentleman in this neighbourhood, his friend. I think that he has no other friend here except your husband.
DORIPPA: (aside.)
It certainly is she.
(To PERISTRATA.)
What does your son?
PERISTRATA:
He declares that he’ll leave this city.
DORIPPA:
The matter’s in a safe position. What if he finds her?
PERISTRATA:
I imagine he’ll stay.
DORIPPA:
Beyond expectation we are saved; don’t doubt it; she’s at my house.
PERISTRATA:
At your house? It was she, I suppose, about whom I heard you talking just now.
DORIPPA:
It was she.
PERISTRATA:
O well done; I love you with reason; you’ve restored me my son. Do let me see her.
DORIPPA:
Let’s go in-doors then.
PERISTRATA:
Let’s go. (Turning round.) Come here, Lycissa. Do you go tell these things to Acanthio. I’ll go here to Dorippa’s house.
(Exit LYCISSA. DORIPPA, PERISTRATA, and SYRA go into the house of LYSIMACHUS.) (Enter CHARINUS, from the house of DEMIPHO, in a travelling habit.)

> Latin: Syra:
Ecastor lege dura vivont mulieres
multoque iniquiore miserae quam viri.
nam si vir scortum duxit clam uxorem suam,
id si rescivit uxor, impunest viro;
uxor virum si clam domo egressa est foras,
viro fit causa, exigitur matrimonio.
utinam lex esset eadem quae uxori est viro;
nam uxor contenta est, quae bona est, uno viro:
qui minus vir una uxore contentus siet?
ecastor faxim, si itidem plectantur viri,
si quis clam uxorem duxerit scortum suam,
ut illae éxiguntur quae in se culpam commerent,
plures viri sint vidui quam nunc mulieres.—

[¶87] CHARINUS: (looking towards the door.)
O higher and lower portions of the threshold, now both of you farewell. This day for the last time do I raise this foot within my father’s house. The ease, the enjoyment, the in-dwelling, the habitation of this house is henceforth for me cut off, destroyed, and alienated. I am undone! The household Gods of my parents, the Lar the father of the family,
to you do I recommend, that you will kindly protect the possessions of my parents. I shall now seek other household Gods for myself, another Lar, another city, another state. The people of Attica I do detest; for where worse manners are on the increase every day, where, those who are friends, those who are faithless, you are not able, to distinguish,
and where that is torn away from you, which especially pleases your taste, there, in fact, if a kingdom were given one, that country is not desirable.
(Stands aside in deep thought.) (Enter EUTYCUHS, from the house of LYSIMACHUS, at a distance.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Límen superum ínferumque, salve, simul autem vale:
hunc hodie postremum extollo mea domo patria pedem.
usus, fructus, victus, cultus iam mihi harunc aedium
interemptust, interfectust, alienatust. occidi.
di penates meum parentum, familiai Lar pater,
vobis mando, meum parentum rem bene ut tutemini.
ego mihi alios deos penatis persequar, alium Larem,
aliam urbem, aliam civitatem: ab Atticis abhorreo;
nám ubi mores deteriores increbrescunt in dies,
ubi qui amici, qui infideles sint nequeas pernoscere
ubique id eripiatur, animo tuo quod placeat maxume,
ibi quidem si regnum detur, non cupita est civitas.

[¶88] EUTYCHUS: (to himself.)
Thou who art the overlooker of Gods and of men, and the mistress of mortals as well, inasmuch as thou hast indulged me in this hope that I entertained, I do return thee thanks. What Deity is there now that is joyous with gladness like mine?
That was at home which I was in search of. There did I find six companions, life, friendship, my native land, festivity, mirth, and jollity. On finding these, at the same moment did I utterly destroy ten very bad things, wrath, hatred, folly, ruin, perverseness, grief, tears, exile, want, and loneliness.
Ye Gods, I pray you grant me a speedy opportunity of meeting him.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Divom atque hominum quae spectatrix atque era eadem es hominibus,
spem speratam quom obtulisti hanc mihi, tibi grates ago.
ecquisnam deus est, qui mea nunc laetus laetitia fuat?
domi erát quod quaeritabam: sex sodales repperi,
vitam, amícitiam, civitátem, laetitiam, ludum, iocum;
eorum inventu res simitu pessumas pessum dedi,
iram, inimicitiam, maerorem, lacrumas, exilium, inopiam
[solitudinem, stultitiam, exitium, pertinaciam].
date, di, quaeso conveniundi mi eius celerem copiam.

[¶89] CHARINUS: (to himself, not seeing EUTYCHUS.)
I’m ready prepared, as you see. Pride I cast aside; I’m my own companion, attendant, horse, groom, esquire; I’m my own master, I, too, obey myself; for my own self do I carry what I require. O Cupid! how powerful art thou.
For easily dost thou render any one resolute through thy deeds, and then again, the same person diffident forthwith from being over bold.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Apparatus sum ut videtis: abicio superbiam;
egomet mihi comes, calator, equos, agaso, ármiger,
egomet sum mihi imperator, idem egomet mihi oboedio,
egomet mihi fero quod usust. o Cupido, quantus es.
nam tu quemvis confidentem facile tuis factis facis,
eundem ex confidente actutum diffidentem denuo.

[¶90] EUTYCHUS: (to himself.)
I’m thinking which way to run in search of him.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Cogito quonam égo illum curram quaeritatum.

[¶91] CHARINUS: (continuing.)
The matter’s resolved upon, that I’ll seek her everywhere, wherever in the world she has been carried off from hence; and neither shall any river stand in my way, nor mountain, nor the sea,
indeed, nor heat, nor cold; I dread neither wind nor hail; the torrents of rain I’ll submit to; labour, heat, and thirst, will I endure. I’ll neither stop nor rest anywhere at night, or in the day, assuredly, before I shall have met with either my mistress or my death.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Certa res
me usque quaerere illam, quoquo hínc abductast gentium;
neque mihi ulla obsistet amnis nec mons neque adeo mare,
nec calor nec frigus metuo neque ventum neque grandinem;
imbrem perpetiar, laborem sufferam, solem, sitim;
non concedam neque quiescam úsquam noctu neque dius
prius profecto quam aut amicam aut mortem investigavero.

[¶92] EUTYCHUS: (looking round.)
Some voice, I know not who’s, flew to my ear.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Nescio quóia vox ad aures mi advolavit.

[¶93] CHARINUS: (continuing.)
You do I invoke,
ye Lares of the roads, that you will kindly lend me aid.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Invoco
vos, Lares viales, ut me bene tutetis.

[¶94] EUTYCHUS: (seeing CHARINUS.)
Jupiter! isn’t that Charinus?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Iuppiter,
estne illic Charinus?

[¶95] CHARINUS: (turning round.)
Fellow-citizens, fare ye well.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Cives, bene valete.

[¶96] EUTYCHUS: (aloud.)
Charinus, stop, this instant.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ilico
sta, Charine.

[¶97] CHARINUS:
Who calls me back?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Qui me revocat?

[¶98] EUTYCHUS:
Hope, Safety, Victory.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Spes, Salus, Victoria.

[¶99] CHARINUS:
What do you want with me?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid me voltis?

[¶100] EUTYCHUS:
To go along with you.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ire tecum.

[¶101] CHARINUS:
Look for another companion; these companions that have possession of me, will not part with me.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Alium comitem quaerite,
non amittunt hi me comites qui tenent.

[¶102] EUTYCHUS:
Who are they?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Qui sunt ei?

[¶103] CHARINUS:
Care, misery, sickness, tears, and lamentation.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Cura, miseria, aegritudo, lacrumae, lamentatio.

[¶104] EUTYCHUS:
Drive away those companions, and look this way and return.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Repudia istos comites atque hoc respice et revortere.

[¶105] CHARINUS:
If indeed you wish to speak to me, do you follow.
(Moves on.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Siquidem mecum fabulari vis, subsequere.

[¶106] EUTYCHUS:
Stop, this instant!

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Sta ilico.

[¶107] CHARINUS:
You do amiss, in delaying me as I haste; the sun is setting.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Male facis, properantem qui me commorare. sol abit.

[¶108] EUTYCHUS:
If you would make haste in this direction, just as you are hastening in that one, you’d be doing more rightly;
this way there is now a prospering gale, only tack about. Here is a fair Westerly breeze; there is a showery Southern blast. The one causes a calm; the other stirs up all the waves. Betake yourself towards the land, Charinus, in this direction. Don’t you see right opposite? Black clouds and showers are coming on. Look now to the left,
how full the heaven is of brightness. Don’t you see right opposite?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Si huc item properes ut istuc properas, facias rectius:
huc secundus ventus nunc est; cape modo vorsoriam:
hic favonius serenust, istic auster imbricus;
hic facit tranquillitatem, iste omnis fluctus conciet.
recipe te ad terram, Charine, huc. nonne ex advorso vides,
nubis atra imberque ⟨ut⟩ instat? aspice ad sinisteram,
caelum ut est splendore plenum atque ut dei is⟨tuc vorti iubent⟩?

[¶109] CHARINUS:
He has thrown religious scruples in my way; I’ll betake myself in that direction.
(Turns towards EUTYCHUS.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Religionem illic ⟨mi⟩ obiecit: recipiam me illuc.

[¶110] EUTYCHUS:
You are wise. O Charinus, turn your steps, and turn your feet as well, in the opposite direction.
Extend your arm. Catch hold of me. Do you hold me new?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Sapis.
o Charine, contra pariter fer gradum et confer pedem,
porge bracchium.

[¶111] CHARINUS:
I’m holding you.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Prehende. iam tenes?

[¶112] EUTYCHUS:
Hold on, then.
Whither now were you going?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Teneo.

[¶113] CHARINUS:
Into banishment.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Tene.

[¶114] EUTYCHUS:
What to do there?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quo nunc ibas?

[¶115] CHARINUS:
As a wretched person would.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Exulatum.

[¶116] EUTYCHUS:
Don’t fear; this instant shall I restore you to joyousness before you go away.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quid ibi faceres?

[¶117] CHARINUS:
I’m going.
(Moves.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quod miser.

[¶118] EUTYCHUS:
A thing that you especially long to hear, the same shall you hear for you to rejoice at. Stay this instant; I’m come as a friend, full of the kindest feelings.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ne pave, restituam iam ego te in gaudio antiquo ut sies.
maxime quod vis audire, id audies, quod gaudeas
[sta ilico, amicus aduenio multum beneuolens].
tuam amicam—

[¶119] CHARINUS:
What is it?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid eam?

[¶120] EUTYCHUS:
Your mistress—

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Vbi sit ego scio.

[¶121] CHARINUS:
What of her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Tune, obsecro?

[¶122] EUTYCHUS:
I know where she is.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Sanam et salvam.

[¶123] CHARINUS:
Prithee, do you?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Vbi eam salvam?

[¶124] EUTYCHUS:
She’s safe and sound.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ego scio.

[¶125] CHARINUS:
Where is she safe?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Ego me mavelim.

[¶126] EUTYCHUS:
I know where.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Potin ut animo sis tranquillo?

[¶127] CHARINUS:
I’d much rather I did.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid si mi animus fluctuat?

[¶128] EUTYCHUS:
Can’t you possibly be calm in your feelings?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ego istum in tranquillo quieto tuto sistam: ne time.

[¶129] CHARINUS:
What if my feelings are agitated?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Obsecro te, loquere ⟨propere⟩ ubi sit, ubi eam videris.
quid taces? dic. enicas me miserum tua reticentia.

[¶130] EUTYCHUS:
I’ll bring them for you into a safe and tranquil state; don’t you fear.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Non longe hinc abest a nobis.

[¶131] CHARINUS:
Prithee … do say where she is —where you’ve seen her. Why are you mute? Speak—you are torturing to death wretched me by your silence.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quin ergo commostras, si vides?†

[¶132] EUTYCHUS:
She isn’t far from here.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Non video hercle nunc, sed vidi modo.

[¶133] CHARINUS:
Why then don’t you point her out, if you see her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quin égo videam facis?

[¶134] EUTYCHUS:
I’ faith, I don’t see her at this moment; but I saw her just now.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Faciam.

[¶135] CHARINUS:
Why, then, don’t you cause me to see her?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Longum istuc amantist.

[¶136] EUTYCHUS:
I will cause it.
CHARINUS:
That means a long time for one in love.
EUTYCHUS:
Are you still in apprehension? I’ll disclose it all. No person is there living more beloved by me than is he who has got her; nor is there one to whom it is right that I should be a better wisher.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Etiam metuis? omnia
commonstrabo. amicior mihi nullus vivit atque is est
qui illam habet, neque est quoi magis me vélle melius aequóm siet.

[¶137] CHARINUS:
I don’t care about that; I’m looking for her.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Non curo istunc, de illa quaero.

[¶138] EUTYCHUS:
About her, then, I’m telling you.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
De illa ergo ego dico tibi.

[¶139] Really, this has not come into my mind but this moment, to tell it you—
CHARINUS:
Tell me, then, where she is.

> Latin: sane hoc non in mentem venit dudum, ut ubi ⟨sit dicerem⟩.
Charinvs:
Dic igitur, ubi illa est?

[¶140] EUTYCHUS:
In our house.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
In nostris aedibus.

[¶141] CHARINUS:
If you are telling the truth, a worthy house, and aptly built, I deem it. But how am I to credit that? Have you seen her; or do you speak from hearsay?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Aedis probas,
si tu vera dicis; pulchre aédificatas arbitro.
sed qui ego istúc credam? vidistin an de audito nuntias?

[¶142] EUTYCHUS:
I’ve seen her myself.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Egomet vidi.

[¶143] CHARINUS:
Who took her to your house?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quis eam adduxit ad vos?

[¶144] EUTYCHUS:
Why, you’re asking an unfair question.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
⟨Vt⟩ inique rogas.

[¶145] What matters it to you with whom she came?
CHARINUS:
So long as she’s there—

> Latin: quid tua refert, qui cum istac venerit?
Charinvs:
Dum istic siet.
vera dicis?

[¶146] EUTYCHUS:
She certainly is.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Nil, Charine, te quidem quicquam pudet;
est profecto.

[¶147] CHARINUS:
Then, for these tidings, do you wish whatever you please.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Opta ergo ob istunc nuntium quid vis tibi.

[¶148] EUTYCHUS:
What if I do wish?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quid si optabo?

[¶149] CHARINUS:
Pray to the Gods to bring its fulfilment.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Deos orato ut eius faciant copiam.

[¶150] EUTYCHUS:
You are laughing at me.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Derides.

[¶151] CHARINUS:
My fortunes, in fine, are redeemed, if I can see her.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Servata res est demum, si illam videro.

[¶152] But why don’t I lay aside this garb? (Goes to the door of DEMIPHO’S house, and calls.) Hallo, somebody, come here this instant out of doors. Come out, and bring me thence a cloak this way.
EUTYCHUS:
Well, now how much you do gratify me.
CHARINUS: (to a BOY who enters, bringing his cloak.)

> Latin: sed quin ornatum hunc reicio? heus, aliquis actutum huc foras
exite illinc, pallium mi ecferte.
Evtychvs:
Em, nunc tu mihi places.

[¶153] You boy, who have come with such speed, take my scarf (giving it), and now stand aside there; that, if these things are not true, I may hasten to go upon this intended journey.
(To EUTYCHUS.)
Are you telling the truth?
EUTYCHUS:
Really, Charinus, you are not ashamed of anything.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Optume advenis, pueré, cape chlamydem atque istic sta ilico,
ut, si haec non sint vera, inceptum hoc itiner perficere exsequar.

[¶154] Don’t you believe me?
CHARINUS:
For my part, I really do believe everything that you tell me.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Non mihi credis?
Charinvs:
Omnia equidem credo quae dicis mihi.

[¶155] But why don’t you introduce me to her, that I may see her?
EUTYCHUS:
Wait a little.

> Latin: sed quin intro ducis me ad eam, ut videam?
Evtychvs:
Paulisper mane.

[¶156] CHARINUS:
Why am I to wait?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quid, manebo?

[¶157] EUTYCHUS:
It’s not a convenient moment to go into the house.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Tempus non est intro eundi.

[¶158] CHARINUS:
You are torturing me to death.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Enicas.

[¶159] EUTYCHUS:
There’s no need, I tell you, for you to go into the house just now.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Non opus est, inquam, nunc intro te ire.

[¶160] CHARINUS:
Answer me-for what reason?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Responde mihi,
qua causa?

[¶161] EUTYCHUS:
She’s not at leisure.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Operae non est.

[¶162] CHARINUS:
Why so?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Cur?

[¶163] EUTYCHUS:
Because it isn’t convenient to her.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quia non est illi commodum.

[¶164] CHARINUS:
Is it so? Not convenient to her who loves me, and whom I love in return?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Itane? commodum illi non est, quae me amat, quam ego contra amo?

[¶165] He’s trifling with me in every way. I’m too foolish to believe him. He’s only delaying me. (Turns to the BOY.) I’ll put on my scarf again.

> Latin: omnibus hic ludificatur me modis. ego stultior,
qui isti credam. commoratur. chlamydem sumam denuo.

[¶166] EUTYCHUS:
Stop a little, and listen to this.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Mane parumper atque haec audi.

[¶167] CHARINUS: (taking off the cloak.)
You boy, take this cloak, please.
(Puts on the travelling scarf.)
EUTYCHUS:
Really this hasn’t come but this moment into my mind to tell it you.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Cape sis, puere, hoc pallium.

[¶168] My mother’s dreadfully angry with my father, because he has brought into the house a harlot before her very eyes, while she was away in the country. She suspects that she’s his own mistress.
CHARINUS: (not attending to him.)
I’ve taken up my belt.
(Puts it on.)

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Mater irata est patri vehementer, quia scortum sibi
ob oculos adduxerit in aedis, dum ruri ipsa abest:
suspicatur illam amicam esse illi.
Charinvs:
Sonam sustuli.

[¶169] EUTYCHUS:
She’s now enquiring into this matter in-doors.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Eam rem nunc exquirit intus.

[¶170] CHARINUS: (inattentive.)
Now my sword’s in hand.
(Taking it from the BOY.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Iam machaerast in manu.

[¶171] EUTYCHUS:
But if I were now to introduce you?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Nam si eo ted intro ducam—

[¶172] CHARINUS: (inattentive.)
I’ll take my bottle, and be off from here.
(Moves.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Tollo ampullam atque hinc eo.

[¶173] EUTYCHUS:
Stop, stop, Charinus!

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Mane, mane, Charine.

[¶174] CHARINUS:
You are mistaken; you can’t deceive me.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Erras, me decipere haud potes.

[¶175] EUTYCHUS:
And, i’ faith, I have no wish.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Neque edepol volo.

[¶176] CHARINUS:
Why, then, don’t you allow me to proceed upon my journey?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quín tu ergo itiner exsequi meum me sinis?

[¶177] EUTYCHUS:
I won’t let you.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Non sino.

[¶178] CHARINUS:
I’m delaying myself. Boy, do you this instant be off hence in-doors.
(The BOY goes into the house.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Egomet me moror. tu puere, abi hinc intro ocius.

[¶179] Now I’ve ascended the chariot; now I’ve taken the reins in my hands.
(Imitating the action of a charioteer.)

> Latin: iam in currum escendi, iam lora ín manus cepi meas.

[¶180] EUTYCHUS:
You are not in your senses.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Sanus non es.

[¶181] CHARINUS:
Feet of mine, why don’t ye betake yourselves into the chariot, straight for Cyprus, since my father determines on my banishment?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quin, pedes, vos in curriculum conicitis
in Cyprum recta, quandoquidem pater mihi exilium parat?

[¶182] EUTYCHUS:
You are silly. Prithee, don’t be saying this.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Stultus es, noli istuc quaeso dicere.

[¶183] CHARINUS: (as though to himself.)
I’m resolved to persist—
to use my endeavours to seek her out where she is.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Certum exsequist,
operam ut sumam ad pervestigandum, ubi sit illaec.

[¶184] EUTYCHUS:
Why, she’s at our house.
CHARINUS: (as though to himself.)

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quin domist.

[¶185] For what that person said, he told a falsehood in it.
EUTYCHUS:
Really, I told you the truth.
CHARINUS: (continuing.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Nam hic quod dixit, id mentitust.
Evtychvs:
Vera dixi equidem tibi.

[¶186] Now I’ve come to Cyprus.
EUTYCHUS:
Nay, but follow me, that you may see her whom you are looking for.
(Moves towards his FATHER’S house.)
CHARINUS: (pretending not to hear.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Iam Cyprum veni.
Evtychvs:
Quin sequere, ut illam videas quam expetis.

[¶187] Enquiring there, I didn’t find her.
EUTYCHUS:
I’ll not care then for my mother’s anger.
CHARINUS: (still pretending.)

> Latin: Charinvs:
Percontatus non inveni.
Evtychvs:
Matris iam iram neglego.

[¶188] I’ll still go on to seek her. Now I’ve got to Chalcis;

> Latin: Charinvs:
Porro proficiscor quaesitum. nunc perveni Chalcidem;

[¶189] I see there my former host at Zacynthus; I tell him why I’ve come thither; I make enquiry if he has heard say who has brought her thither, who has got possession of her.

> Latin: video ibi hospitem Zacyntho, dico quid eo advenerim,
rogito quis eam vexerit, quis habeat si íbi indaudiverit.

[¶190] EUTYCHUS:
Why don’t you cease that nonsense, and step with me this way in-doors?
CHARINUS: (still pretending.)

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quin tu istas omittis nugas ac mecum huc intro ambulas?

[¶191] My host answered that figs grew, not bad ones, at Zacynthus.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Hospes respondit, Zacynthi ficos fieri non malas.

[¶192] EUTYCHUS:
He didn’t say false there.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Nil mentitust.

[¶193] CHARINUS: (continuing.)
But he says that he has heard about my mistress, that she’s here at Athens.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Sed de amica se indaudivisse autumat,
hic Athenis esse.

[¶194] EUTYCHUS:
Really, this Zacynthian is quite a Calchas.
CHARINUS: (continuing.)

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Calchas iste quidem Zacynthiust.

[¶195] I get aboard ship, and start at once. I’m now at home; now I’ve returned from banishment. My friend, Eutychus (turning towards him), greetings to you! How have you been? How are my parents? Are they well? Do you come to my mother, you say—you invite me kindly; you speak politely. At your house to-morrow; for the present at home.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Navem conscendo, proficiscor ilico. iam sum domi,
iam redii ⟨ex⟩ exilio. salve, mi sodalis Eutyche:
ut valuisti? quid parentes mei? valent mater pater?
bene vocas, benigne dicis: cras apud te, nunc domi.

[¶196] So it is proper; so it ought to be done.
EUTYCHUS:
How now? What are you dreaming about? This man’s not in his senses.

> Latin: sic decet, sic fieri oportet.
Evtychvs:
†Eloque ni somnias.
hic homo non sanust.

[¶197] CHARINUS:
Why don’t you, as a friend, make haste to cure me then?

> Latin: Charinvs:
Medicari amicus quin properas ⟨mihi⟩?

[¶198] EUTYCHUS:
Follow me, please.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Sequere sis.

[¶199] CHARINUS: (running close behind him.)
I’m following.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Sequor.

[¶200] EUTYCHUS: (turning round.)
Softly, pray; you are treading on my heels. Don’t you hear me?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Clementer quaeso, calces deteris.
audin tu?

[¶201] CHARINUS:
I’ve heard you for some time past.

> Latin: Charinvs:
Iam dudum audivi.

[¶202] EUTYCHUS:
I want a reconciliation to be made between my father and mother; for now she’s in a passion—

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Pacem componi volo
meo patri cum matre: nam nunc est irata—

[¶203] CHARINUS: (pushing him.)
Only do go on.

> Latin: Charinvs:
I modo.

[¶204] EUTYCHUS:
About that woman—

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Propter istanc.

[¶205] CHARINUS: (pushing him.)
Only do go on.

> Latin: Charinvs:
I modo.

[¶206] EUTYCHUS:
Therefore take care—

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ergo cura.

[¶207] CHARINUS: (pushing him.)
Nay, but do go on then; I’ll make her as mild as Juno is when she’s kind to Jupiter.
(They go into the house of LYSIMACHUS.) Enter DEMIPHO and LYSIMACHUS.)
LYSIMACHUS:
[Demipho, this saying of the wise, I think you have often heard, “Pleasure is the bait for misfortune;” because, by it, not less are men aught than are fishes with the hook Although aged people fly from it, still you don’t pay that regard to your old age: since it hasn’t even withdrawn love from you, but has forced you to it even more vehemently. Wherefore it utterly confounds yourself and your understanding and your mind, and dazzles your eyesight. Myself too have you brought into great trouble, and I know not what to do,

> Latin: Charinvs:
Quin tu ergo i modo.
tam propitiam reddam, quam quom propitiast Iuno Iovi.—

[¶208] DEMIPHO:
Lysimachus, this is the will of the Gods, not of men. If you reflect upon this with yourself, you will be of opinion that you are not doing right, in censuring so heavily a person your friend and the sharer of your secrets.]
As though you yourself had never done anything like this action.

> Latin: Demipho:
Quasi tu numquam quicquam adsimile húius facti feceris.

[¶209] LYSIMACHUS:
By heavens, never. I took care not to do anything: wretch that I am, I am scarcely alive; for my wife is lying all in a ferment about her.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Edepol numquam; cavi ne quid facerem. vix vivo miser.
nam mea uxor propter illam tota in fermento iacet.

[¶210] DEMIPHO:
But I’ll undertake to clear you, so that she mayn’t be angry.

> Latin: Demipho:
At ego expurigationem habebo, ut ne suscenseat.

[¶211] LYSIMACHUS:
Follow me—but I see my son coming out.
(Enter EYTUCHUS, from the house of LYSIMACHUS.)

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Sequere me. sed exeuntem filium video meum.

[¶212] EUTYCHUS: (as he comes out, to CHARINUS, within.)
I’ll go to my father, that he may know my mother’s wrath is appeased. I’ll return just now.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Ad patrem ibo, ut matris iram sibi esse sedatam sciat.
iam redeo.

[¶213] LYSIMACHUS: (to DEMIPHO.)
The beginning pleases me. (Going up to EUTYCHUS.) What are you about? How goes it, Eutychus?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Placet principium. quid agis? quid fit, Eutyche?

[¶214] EUTYCHUS:
Extremely opportunely have you both met me.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Optima opportunitate ambo advenistis.

[¶215] LYSIMACHUS:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Quid rei est?

[¶216] EUTYCHUS:
Your wife is peaceful and appeased. Give me your right hands this moment.
(Shakes hands with them both.)

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Vxor tíbi placida ét placatast. cette dextras nunciam.

[¶217] LYSIMACHUS:
The Gods are favouring me.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Di me servant.

[¶218] EUTYCHUS: (to DEMIPHO.)
I bring you word that you have got no mistress.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Tibi amicam ésse nullam nuntio.

[¶219] DEMIPHO:
The Gods confound you. Why, prithee, what affair is this?

> Latin: Demipho:
Di te perdant. quid negotist nam, quaeso, istuc?

[¶220] EUTYCHUS:
I’ll tell you. Give your attention then, both of you.
LYSIMACHUS:
Well then, we are giving you our attention, both of us.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Eloquar.
animum advortite igitur ambo.
Demipho:
Quin tibi ambo operam damus.

[¶221] EUTYCHUS:
Those who are born of a good family, if they are of bad tendencies,
by their own faultiness withdraw nobleness from their rank, and disgrace their disposition.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Qui bono sunt genere nati, ⟨si⟩ sunt ingenio malo,
suapte culpa genere sapiunt, genus ingenio ímprobant.

[¶222] DEMIPHO:
He says what’s true.

> Latin: Demipho:
Verum hic dicit.

[¶223] LYSIMACHUS:
Then it’s to yourself he says it.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Tibi ergo dicit.

[¶224] EUTYCHUS:
For this reason is this the more true; for at this time of life, it wasn’t just for you to take away from your son, a young man, his mistress, purchased with his own money.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Eo illud est verum magis.
nam te istac aetate haud aequom filio fuerat tuo
adulescenti amanti amicam eripere emptam argento suo.

[¶225] DEMIPHO:
How say you? Is she the mistress of Charinus?

> Latin: Demipho:
Quid tu ais? Charini amicast illa?

[¶226] EUTYCHUS: (aside.)
How the rogue does dissemble.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Vt dissimulat malus.

[¶227] DEMIPHO:
Why, he said that he had bought her as a maidservant for his mother.

> Latin: Demipho:
Ille quidem illam sese ancillam matri emisse dixerat.

[¶228] EUTYCHUS:
Was it for that reason, then, you bought her, you young lover, you old boy?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Propterea igitur tu mercatu'smercatus es, novos amator, vetus puer?

[¶229] LYSIMACHUS:
Very well said, i’ troth! Proceed, proceed. I’ll stand by him here on the other side. Let’s both load him well with such speeches as he’s worthy of.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Optume hercle, perge ⟨tú⟩, ego ádsistam hinc altrinsecus.
quibus est dictis dignus, usque oneremus ambo.

[¶230] DEMIPHO: (aside.)
I’m done for.

> Latin: Demipho:
Nullus sum.

[¶231] EUTYCHUS:
Who has done an injustice so great to his blameless son;

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Filio suo qui innocenti fecit tantam iniuriam.

[¶232] whom, in fact, upon my faith, I brought back home just when he was setting out in self-banishment; for he was going into exile.
DEMIPHO:
Has he gone then?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quem quidem hercle ego, in exilium cum iret, redduxi domum;
nam ibat exulatum.
Demipho:
An abiit?

[¶233] LYSIMACHUS:
What, do you speak, you hobgoblin? At this time of life you ought to abstain from those pursuits.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Etiam loquere, larua?
temperare istac aetate istis decebat artibus.

[¶234] DEMIPHO:
I confess it; undoubtedly I’ve acted wrong.

> Latin: Demipho:
Fateor, deliqui profecto.

[¶235] EUTYCHUS:
What, do you speak, you hobgoblin? You ought at this time of life to have done with these guilty practices. Just as the seasons of the year, so different lines of conduct befit different ages;

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Etiam loquere, larua?
[vacuom esse istac ted aetate hís decebat noxiis.]
itidem ut tempus anni, aetatem aliam áliud factum condecet;

[¶236] but if this is proper, that old fellows should be wenching in their old age, where in the world is our common welfare?
DEMIPHO:
Alas! wretch that I am! I’m undone.

> Latin: nam si istuc ius est, senecta aetate scortari senes,
ubi locist res summa nostra publica?
Demipho:
Ei, perii miser.

[¶237] EUTYCHUS:
The young men are more in the habit of giving their attention to following those pursuits.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Adulescentes rei agendae isti magis solent operam dare.

[¶238] DEMIPHO:
Troth, now, prithee, do take her to yourselves, with pigs and with basket.

> Latin: Demipho:
Iam obsecro hercle vobis habete cum porcis, cum fiscina.

[¶239] EUTYCHUS:
Restore her to your son;
let him have her, now, as he wishes.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Redde illi.

[¶240] DEMIPHO:
So far as I’m concerned, he may have her.

> Latin: Demipho:
Sibi habeat, iam ut volt per me sibi habeat licet.

[¶241] EUTYCHUS:
High time, i’ faith, since you haven’t the power of doing otherwise.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Temperi edepol, quoniam ut aliter facias non est copia.

[¶242] DEMIPHO:
For this injury let him take what satisfaction he likes; only do you make peace, I beg of you, that he mayn’t be angry with me. I’ faith, if I had known it, or if, indeed, he had told me in the slightest way of joke that he was in love with her, I should never have proceeded to take her away from him so in love.

> Latin: Demipho:
Supplici sibi sumat quid volt ipse ob hanc iniuriam,
modo pacem faciatis oro, ut ne mihi iratus siet.
si hercle scivissem sive adeo ioculo dixisset mihi,
se illam amare, numquam facerem ut illam amanti abducerem.

[¶243] Enitychus, you are his companion, preserve and rescue me, I beg of you. Make this old fellow your client. You shall say that I’m mindful of a kindness.

> Latin: Eutyche, ted oro, sodalis eius es, sérva et subveni:
hunc senem para [me] clientem; memorem dices benefici.

[¶244] LYSIMACHUS:
Entreat him that he’ll pardon his offences and his youthful age.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Ora ut ignoscat delictis tuis atque adulescentiae.

[¶245] DEMIPHO:
Heyday now, are you still persisting in inveighing against me with your airs? I trust that a like opportunity will befall me as well for returning you a similar compliment.

> Latin: Demipho:
Pergin tu autem? heia, superbe invehere. spero ego mihi quoque
tempus tale eventurum, ut tibi gratiam referam parem.

[¶246] LYSIMACHUS:
I’ve long made an end of those pursuits.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Missas iam égo istas artis feci.

[¶247] DEMIPHO:
And really so shall I from this time forward.
LYSIMACHUS:
Not a bit of it. Through usage your inclinations will be leading you to it again.

> Latin: Demipho:
Et quidem ego dehinc iam.
Evtychvs:
Nihil ⟨agis⟩:
consuetudine animus rursus te huc inducet.

[¶248] DEMIPHO:
Prithee, do now be satisfied. Rather, scourge me with thongs even, if you like.

> Latin: Demipho:
Obsecro,
satis iam ut habeatís. quin loris caedite etiam, si lubet.

[¶249] LYSIMACHUS:
You say right. But that your wife will do, when she comes to know of this.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Recte dicis. sed istuc uxor faciet, quom hoc resciverit.

[¶250] DEMIPHO:
There’s no need for her to come to know of it.

> Latin: Demipho:
Nihil opust resciscat.

[¶251] EUTYCHUS:
What’s that? She shan’t come to know of it; don’t be afraid.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quid istic? non resciscet, ne time.

[¶252] Let’s go in-doors; this place isn’t a suitable one for your practices, for there to be persons to overhear who are passing through the street, while we are talking.

> Latin: eamus intro, non utibilest hic locus, factis tuis,
dum memoramus, arbitri ut sint qui praetereant per vias.

[¶253] DEMIPHO:
Why, faith, you say what’s right; that way the story will be shorter. Let’s be off

> Latin: Demipho:
Hercle qui tu recte dicis: eadem brevior fabula
erit. eamus.

[¶254] EUTYCHUS:
Your son is in-doors here at our house.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Hic est intus filius apud nos tuos.

[¶255] DEMIPHO:
It’s very good. We’ll pass that way through the garden home.

> Latin: Demipho:
Optumest. illac per hortum nos domum transibimus.

[¶256] LYSIMACHUS:
Eutychus, I want this affair to be settled before I set my foot again within doors.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Eutyche, hanc volo prius rém agi, quam meum intró refero pedem.

[¶257] EUTYCHUS:
What is it?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Quid istuc est?

[¶258] LYSIMACHUS:
Each person thinks about his own concerns. Answer me this: do you know for certain that your mother isn’t angry with me?

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Suam quisque homo rem meminit. responde mihi:
certon scis non suscensere mihi tuam matrem?

[¶259] EUTYCHUS:
I do know it.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Scio.

[¶260] LYSIMACHUS:
Take care.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Vide.

[¶261] EUTYCHUS:
Trust me for it. Are you satisfied?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Mea fide.

[¶262] LYSIMACHUS:
I am. But still, troth now, prithee, do take care.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Satis habeo. sed quaeso hercle, etiam vide.

[¶263] EUTYCHUS:
Don’t you believe me?

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Non mihi credis?

[¶264] LYSIMACHUS:
Yes, I do believe you; but still I’m dreadfully afraid.

> Latin: Lysimachvs:
Immo credo, sed tamen metuo miser.

[¶265] DEMIPHO:
Let’s go in-doors.

> Latin: Demipho:
Eamus intro.

[¶266] EUTYCHUS:
Aye, but I think we must pronounce. the law for the old men before we depart, on what terms they are to keep check upon themselves and to be continent. Whoever shall be sixty years of age, if we know of any one, whether husband or, i’ faith, whether bachelor, in fact, who goes a wenching, upon these terms shall we deal with him; we shall deem him a fool.
And, i’ faith, so far as we’re concerned, he shall be in want who has squandered away his property. And let no one hereafter forbid his youthful son to be in love and to keep a mistress, so it be done in a decent manner. If he shall forbid him, let him, unknown to himself, suffer more loss than if he had openly permitted him. Let this law, then, from this night forward, be binding upon the old men.

> Latin: Evtychvs:
Immo dicamus senibus legem censeo,
prius quam abeámus, qua se lege teneant contentique sint.
annos gnatus sexaginta quí erit, si quem scibimus
si maritum sive hercle adeo caelibem scortarier,
cúm eo nos hac lege agemus: inscitum arbitrabimur,
et per nos quidem hercle egebit qui suom prodegerit.
neu quisquam posthac prohibeto ádulescentem filium
quin amet et scortum ducat, quod bono fiat modo;
siquis prohibuerit, plus perdet clam ⟨qua⟩si praehibuerit palam.
haec adeó ut ex hac nocte primum lex teneat senes.

[¶267] (To the AUDIENCE.) Young men, kindly fare you well; and if this law, enacted for the sake of the old ones, pleases you, it is right that you should give us loud applause.

> Latin: bene valete; atque, adulescentes, haec si vobis lex placet,
ob senum hercle industriam vos aequom est clare plaudere.