---
title: "The Braggart Soldier · Miles Gloriosus"
author: "Plautus"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
url: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-miles-gloriosus/
cite: "Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, The Braggart Soldier · Miles Gloriosus. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-miles-gloriosus/"
---

# The Braggart Soldier · Miles Gloriosus

*Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

A boastful soldier, a clever slave and a hole in the wall.

> Latin: ed. Friedrich Leo, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0119.phi012, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0119.phi012.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 1–381](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-miles-gloriosus/1.md)
2. [Lines 382–762](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-miles-gloriosus/2.md)
3. [Lines 763–1096](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-miles-gloriosus/3.md)
4. [Lines 1097–1437](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-miles-gloriosus/4.md)

## 1. Lines 1–381

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

[¶0] (Enter PYRGOPOLINICES, ARTOTROGUS, and Soldiers.)
PYRGOPOLINICES:
Take ye care that the lustre of my shield is more bright than the rays of the sun are wont to be at the time when the sky is clear; that when occasion comes, the battle being joined,’mid the fierce ranks right opposite it may dazzle the eyesight of the enemy.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Curate ut splendor meo sit clupeo clarior
quam solis radii esse olim quom sudumst solent,
ut, ubi usus veniat, contra conserta manu
praestringat oculorum aciem in ácie hostibus.

[¶1] But, I wish to console this sabre of mine, that it may not lament nor be downcast in spirits, because I have thus long been wearing it keeping holiday, which so longs right dreadfully to make havoc of the enemy. But where is Artotrogus?
ARTOTROGUS:
Here he is; he stands close by the hero,
valiant and successful, and of princely form. Mars could not dare to style himself a warrior so great, nor compare his prowess with yours.

> Latin: nam ego hanc machaeram mihi consolari volo,
ne lamentetur neve animum despondeat,
quia se iam pridem feriatam gestitem,
quae misera gestit † et fratrem facere ex hostibus.
sed ubi Artotrogus hic est?
Artotrogvs:
Stat propter virum
fortem atque fortunatum et forma regia;
tum bellatorem — Mars haud ausit dicere
neque aequiperare suas virtutes ad tuas.

[¶2] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Him you mean whom I spared on the Gorgonidonian plains, where Bumbomachides Clytomestoridysarchides,
the grandson of Neptune, was the chief commander?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quemne ego servavi in campis Curculioniis,
ubi Bumbomachides Clutomistaridysarchides
erat imperator summus, Neptuni nepos?

[¶3] ARTOTROGUS:
I remember him; him, I suppose, you mean with the golden armour, whose legions you puffed away with your breath just as the wind blows away leaves or the reed-thatched roof.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Memini. nempe illum dicis cum armis aureis,
cuius tú legiones difflavisti spiritu,
quasi ventus folia aut paniculum tectorium.

[¶4] PYRGOPOLINICES:
That, on my troth, was really nothing at all.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Istuc quidem edepol nihil est.

[¶5] ARTOTROGUS:
Faith, that really was nothing at all
in comparison with other things I could mention—(aside) which you never did. If any person ever beheld a more perjured fellow than this, or one more full of vain boasting, faith let him have me for himself, I’ll resign myself for his slave; if ’tis not the fact that my one mess of olive pottage is eaten up by me right ravenously.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Nihil hercle hoc quidemst
praeut alia dicam — quae tu numquam feceris.
periuriorem hoc hominem si quis viderit
aut gloriarum pleniorem quam illic est,
me sibi habeto, ego me mancupio dabo;
nisi unum, epityrum estur insanum bene.

[¶6] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Where are you?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Vbi tu es?

[¶7] ARTOTROGUS:
Lo! here am I. I’ troth in what a fashion it was you broke the fore-leg of even an elephant, in India, with your fist.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Eccum. edepol vel elephanto in India,
quo pacto ei pugno praefregisti bracchium.

[¶8] PYRGOPOLINICES:
How?—the fore-leg?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid, bracchium?

[¶9] ARTOTROGUS:
I meant to say this—the thigh.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Illud dicere volui, femur.

[¶10] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I struck the blow without an effort.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
At indíligenter iceram.

[¶11] ARTOTROGUS:
Troth, if, indeed,
you had put forth your strength, your arm would have passed right through the hide, the entrails, and the frontispiece of the elephant.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Pol si quidem
conisus esses, per corium, per viscera
perque os elephanti transmineret bracchium.

[¶12] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I don’t care for these things just now.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Nolo istaec hic nunc.

[¶13] ARTOTROGUS:
I’ faith,’tis really not worth the while for you to tell me of it, who know right well your prowess. (Aside) ’Tis my appetite creates all these plagues. I must hear him right out with my ears, that my teeth mayn’t have time to grow,
and whatever lie he shall tell, to it I must agree.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Ne hercle operae pretium quidemst
mihi te narrare tuas qui virtutes sciam.
venter creat omnis hasce aerumnas: auribus
peraurienda sunt, ne dentes dentiant,
et adsentandumst quidquid hic mentibitur.

[¶14] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What was it I was saying?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid illúc quod dico?

[¶15] ARTOTROGUS:
O, I know what you were going to say just now. I’ faith ’twas bravely done; I remember its being done.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Ehem, scío iam quid vis dicere.
factum hercle est, memini fieri.

[¶16] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What was that?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid id est?

[¶17] ARTOTROGUS:
Whatever it was you were going to say.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Quidquid est.

[¶18] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Have you got your tablets?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Habes —

[¶19] ARTOTROGUS:
Are you intending to enlist? I have them, and a pen as well.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Tabellas vis rogare? habeo, et stilum.

[¶20] PYRGOPOLINICES:
How cleverly you do suit your mind to my own mind.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Facete advortis tuom animum ad animum meum.

[¶21] ARTOTROGUS:’Tis fit that I should know your inclinations studiously, so that whatever you wish should first occur to me.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Novisse mores tuos me meditate decet
curamque adhibere, ut praeolat mihi quod tu velis.

[¶22] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What do you remember?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Ecquid meministi?

[¶23] ARTOTROGUS:
I do remember this. In Cilicia there were a hundred and fifty men, a hundred in Cryphiolathronia, thirty at Sardis, sixty men of Macedon,
whom you slaughtered altogether in one day.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Memini: centum in Cilicia
et quinquaginta, centum in Scytholatronia,
triginta Sardos, sexaginta Macedones
† sunt homines quos tu occidisti uno die.

[¶24] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What is the sum total of those men?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quanta istaec hominum summast?

[¶25] ARTOTROGUS:
Seven thousand.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Septem milia.

[¶26] PYRGOPOLINICES:
It must be as much: you keep the reckoning well.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Tantum esse oportet. recte rationem tenes.

[¶27] ARTOTROGUS:
Yet I have none of them written down; still, so I remember it was.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
At nullos habeo scriptos: sic memini tamen.

[¶28] PYRGOPOLINICES:
By my troth, you have a right good memory.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Edepol memoria es optuma.

[¶29] ARTOTROGUS: (aside.)
’Tis the flesh-pots give it a fillip.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Offae monent.

[¶30] PYRGOPOLINICES:
So long as you shall do such as you have done hitherto, you shall always have something to eat: I will always make you a partaker at my table.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Dum tale facies quale adhuc, assiduo edes,
communicabo semper te mensa mea.

[¶31] ARTOTROGUS:
Besides, in Cappadocia, you would have killed five hundred men altogether at one blow, had not your sabre been blunt.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Quid ín Cappadocia, ubi tu quingentos simul,
ni hebes machaera foret, uno ictu occideras?

[¶32] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I let them live, because I was quite sick of fighting.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
At peditastelli quia erant, sivi viverent.

[¶33] ARTOTROGUS:
Why should I tell you what all mortals know, that you, Pyrgopolinices, live alone upon the earth, with valour, beauty, and achievements most unsurpassed? All the women are in love with you, and that not without reason, since you are so handsome. Witness those girls that pulled me by my mantle yesterday.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Quid tibi ego dicam, quód omnes mortales sciunt,
Pyrgopolynicem te unum in terra vivere
virtute et forma et factis invictissumum?
amant ted omnes mulieres, neque iniuria,
qui sis tam pulcher; vel illae quae here pallio
me reprehenderunt.

[¶34] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What was it they said to you?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid eae dixerunt tibi?

[¶35] ARTOTROGUS:
They questioned me about you. “Is Achilles here?” says one to me. “No,” says I, “his brother is.” Then says the other to me: “By my troth, but he is a handsome and a noble man. See how his long hair becomes him.”
“Certainly the women are lucky who share his favours.”

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Rogitabant: “hicine Achilles est?” inquit mihi.
“immo eius frater” inquam “est”. ibi illarum altera
“ergo mecastor pulcher est” inquit mihi
“et liberalis. vide caesaries quam decet.
ne illae sunt fortunatae quae cum isto cubant.”

[¶36] PYRGOPOLINICES:
And pray, did they really say so?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Itane aibant tandem?

[¶37] ARTOTROGUS:
They both entreated me to bring you past to-day by way of a sight to them.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Quaen me ambae obsecraverint,
ut te hodie quasi pompam illa praeterducerem?

[¶38] PYRGOPOLINICES:’Tis really a very great plague to be too handsome a man.
ARTOTROGUS:
They are quite a nuisance to me; they are praying, entreating, beseeching me,
to let them see you; bidding me be fetched to them; so that I can’t give my attention to your business.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Nimiast miseria nimis pulchrum esse hominem.
Artotrogvs:
Immo itast.
molestaé sunt: orant, ambiunt, exobsecrant
videre ut liceat, ad sese arcessi iubent,
ut tuo non liceat dare operam negotio.

[¶39] PYRGOPOLINICES:
It seems that it is time for us to go to the Forum, that I may count out their pay to those soldiers whom I have enlisted of late.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Videtur tempus esse, ut eamus ad forum,
ut in tabellis quos consignavi hic heri
latrones, ibus denumerem stipendium.

[¶40] For King Seleucus entreated me with most earnest suit that I would raise and enlist recruits for him. To that business have I resolved to devote my attention this day.

> Latin: nam rex Seleucus me opere oravit maxumo,
ut sibi latrones cogerem et conscriberem.
regi hunc diem mihi operam decretumst dare.

[¶41] ARTOTROGUS:
Come, let’s be going then.

> Latin: Artotrogvs:
Age eamus ergo.

[¶42] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Guards, follow me.
(Exeunt.) (The prologue. Enter PALAESTRIO.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Sequimini, satellites. —

[¶43] PALAESTRIO:
To tell the subject of this our play, I have all willingness,
if you will but have the kindness to listen to it. But he who does not wish to listen, let him arise and go out, that there may be room where he may sit who does wish to listen. Now I will disclose to you both the subject and the name of the play which we are just now about to act, and for the sake of which you are now seated in this mirthful place,
“Alazon” is the name, in Greek, of this Comedy; the same we call in Latin, “the Braggart” (Gloriosus). This city is Ephesus; then, the Captain, my master, who has gone off hence to the Forum, a bragging, impudent,
stinking fellow, brimful of lying and lasciviousness, says that all the women are following him of their own accord. Wherever he goes, he is the laughing.stock of all; and so, the Courtesans here—since they make wry mouths at him, you may see the greater part of them with lips all awry.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Mihi ad enarrandum hoc argumentum est comitas,
si ad auscultandum vostra erit benignitas;
qui autem auscultare nolet, exsurgat foras,
ut sit ubi sedeat ille qui auscultare volt.
nunc qua adsedistis causa in festivo loco,
comoediai quam nos acturi sumus
et argumentum et nomen vobis eloquar.
Alazon Graece huic nomen est comoediae,
id nos Latine gloriosum dicimus.
hoc oppidum Ephesust; illest miles meus erus,
qui hinc ad forum abiit, gloriosus, impudens,
stercoreus, plenus periuri atque adulteri.
ait sése ultro omnis mulieres sectarier:
is deridiculost, quaqua incedit, omnibus.
itaque hic meretrices, labiis dum ductant eum,
maiorem partem videas valgis saviis.

[¶44] I wish you now to know this, how I came to be his slave, from him to whom I was servant before; for ’tis not long that I have been in slavery to him. Give your attention, for now I will begin the argument. A very worthy young man at Athens was my master.

> Latin: nam ego hau diu apud hunc servitutem servio;
id volo vos scire, quo modo ad hunc devenerim
in servitutem ab eo cui servivi prius.
date operam, nam nunc argumentum exordiar.
erat erus Athenis mihi adulescens optumus;

[¶45] He was in love with a Courtesan, brought up at Athens, in Attica, and she on the other hand loved him; such affection is most worthy to be cherished. In the public service, he was sent to Naupactus as Ambassador on behalf of that mighty republic. In the mean time, by chance, this Captain came to Athens.
He introduced himself to this lady of my master, began to cajole her mother with presents of wine, trinkets, and costly treats; and so the Captain made himself on intimate terms with the procuress. As soon as ever an opportunity was presented for this Captain,
he tricked this procuress, the mother of the damsel, whom my master loved. For, unknown to her mother, he put the daughter on board ship, and carried this woman, against her will, hither to Ephesus. Soon as I knew that the lady of my master was carried off from Athens,
as quickly as ever I was able, I procured for myself a ship: I embarked, that I might carry tidings of this matter to my master at Naupactum. When we had got out to sea, some pirates, as they had hoped to do, took that ship on board of which I was; thus I was undone before I reached my master, for whom I had commenced to proceed on my voyage.

> Latin: is amabat meretricem … matre Athenis Atticis,
et illa íllum contra; qui est amor cultu optumus.
is publice legatus Naupactum fuit
magnai rei publicai gratia.
interibi hic miles forte Athenas advenit,
insinuat sese ad illam amicam eri †
occepit eius matri suppalparier
vino, ornamentis opiparisque obsoniis,
itaque intimum ibi se miles apud lenam facit.
ubi primum evenit militi huic occasio,
sublinit os illi lenae, matri mulieris,
quam erus méus amabat; nám is illius filiam
conicit in navem miles clam matrem suam,
eamque húc invitam mulierem in Ephesum advehit.
ubi amicam erilem Athenis avectam scio,
ego quantum vivos possum mihi navem paro,
inscendo, ut eam rem Naupactum ad erum nuntiem.
ubi sumus provecti in altum, fit quod ⟨di⟩ volunt,
capiunt praedones navem illam ubi vectus fui:
prius périi quam ad erum veni, quo ire occeperam.

[¶46] He that took me, gave me as a present to this same Captain. After he had taken me home to his own house, I saw there that favorite of my master who lived at Athens. When, on the other hand, she perceived me, she gave me a sign with her eyes not to address her by name. Afterwards, when there was an opportunity,
the damsel complained to me of her hard fate. She said that she wished to escape to Athens from this house, that she was attached to him, that master of mine who lived at Athens, and that she had never hated any one more thoroughly than this same Captain. As I discovered the feelings of the damsel,
I took tablets, sealed them in private, and gave them to a certain merchant to carry to him (my master, I mean, who was at Athens, and who had so loved her), in order that he might come hither. He did not slight the message, for he both is come, and is lodging here next door,
with his host, a friend of his father’s, a nice old man. He, too, gives every assistance to his guest in his amour, and encourages and seconds us with his help and his advice. Therefore, here (pointing to the CAPTAIN’S house), in-doors, I have found a grand contrivance, by which to cause these lovers, each, to meet the other.

> Latin: ille ⟨quí⟩ me cepit dat me huic dono militi.
hic postquam in aedis me ad se deduxit domum,
video illam amicam erilem, Athenis quae fuit.
ubi contra aspexit me, oculis mihi signum dedit,
ne se appellarem; deinde, postquam occasio est,
conqueritur mecum mulier fortunas suas:
ait sése Athenas fugere cupere ex hac domu,
sese illum amare meum erum, Athenis qui fuit,
neque peius quemquam odisse quam istum militem.
ego quoniam inspexi mulieris sententiam,
cepi tabellas, consignavi, clanculum
dedi mércatori cuidam, qui ad illum deferat
meum erum, qui Athenis fuerat, qui hanc amaverat,
ut is huc veniret. is non sprevit nuntium;
nam et venit et is in proximo hic devertitur
apud suom paternum hóspitem, lepidum senem;
isque illi amanti suo hospiti morem gerit
nosque opera consilioque adhortatur, iuvat.
itaque ego paravi hic intus magnas machinas,
qui amantis una inter se facerem convenas.

[¶47] For one room, which the Captain gave to his mistress for no one but herself to set foot in, in that same room I have dug a hole through the party-wall, in order that there may secretly be an ingress for the damsel from the one house to the other. And this I have done with the knowledge of the old gentleman;’twas he that gave the advice.

> Latin: nam unum conclave, concubinae quod dedit
miles, quo nemo nisi eapse inferret pedem,
in eo conclavi égo perfodi parietem,
qua commeatus clam esset hinc huc mulieri;
et sene sciente hoc feci: is consilium dedit.

[¶48] But my fellow-servant, whom the Captain has given as a keeper to his mistress, is a person of no great worth. By clever contrivances and ingenious devices, we will throw dust in his eyes, and we will make him so as not to see what he really does see.

> Latin: nam meus conservos est homo haud magni preti,
quem concubinae miles custodem addidit.
ei nos facetis fabricis et doctis dolis
glaucumam ob oculos obiciemus eumque ita
faciemus ut quod viderit ne viderit.

[¶49] And that you may not hereafter make mistakes, this damsel to-day, in this house and in that, will perform in turn a double part, and will be the same, but will pretend to be another, person. Thus will the keeper of the damsel be gulled. But there is a noise at the door here of the old gentleman, our neighbour.

> Latin: et mox ne erretis, haec duarum hodie vicem
⟨suam⟩ et hinc et illinc mulier feret imaginem,
atque eadem erit, verum alia esse adsimulabitur.
ita sublinetur os custodi mulieris.
sed foris concrepuit hinc a vicino sene;

[¶50] ’Tis himself coming out ’tis he, the nice old man that I was speaking of.
(He retires to a distance.) (Enter PERIPLECOMENUS from his house.)
PERIPLECOMENUS: (speaking to his servants within.)
Faith, if you don’t in future smash his ankle-bones for any stranger that you see on my tiles, I will cut you so with lashes as to make thongs of your sides. My neighbours, i’ faith, are overlookers of what is going on in my own house; so often are they peeping down through the skylight. And now, therefore, I give you all notice,
whatever person of this Captain’s household you shall see upon our tiles, except Palaestrio only, push him headlong here into the street. Suppose he says that he is following some hen, or pigeon, or monkey; woe be to you, if you don’t badly maul the fellow even to death. And so, that they may commit no infringement against the laws of dice,
do you take good care that they keep holiday at home without any ankle-bones at all.
PALAESTRIO: (aside.)

> Latin: ipse exit: hic illest lepidus quem dixi senex.
Periplectomenvs:
Ni hércle diffregéritis talos pósthac quemque in tégulis
videritis alienum, ego vostra faciam latera lorea.
mi equidem iam arbitri vicini sunt, meae quid fiat domi,
ita per impluvium intro spectant. nunc adeo edico omnibus:
quemque a milite hoc videritis hominem in nostris tegulis,
extra unum Palaestrionem, huc deturbatote in viam.
quod ille gallinam aut columbam se sectari aut simiam
dicat, disperiistis ni usque ad mortem male mulcassitis.
atque adeo ut ne legi fraudem faciant aleariae,
adcuratote ut sine talis domi agitent convivium.

[¶51] Something amiss,—what, I know not, has been done him by our family so far as I can hear, inasmuch as the old man has ordered the ankles of my fellow-servants to be broken. But he has excepted me; nothing care I what he does to the rest of them. I’ll accost the old man. (Advances.)
PERIPLECOMENUS:
The person that is coming this way, is he coming towards me? He comes as if he was coming to me.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nescio quid malefactum a nostra hic familiast, quantum audio:
ita hic senex talos elidi iussit conservis meis;
sed me excepit: nihili facio, quid illis faciat ceteris.
adgrediar hominem.
Periplectomenvs:
Estne advorsum hic qui advenit Palaestrio?

[¶52] PALAESTRIO:
How do you do, Periplecomenus?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid agis, Periplectomene?

[¶53] PERIPLECOMENUS:
There are not many men, if I were to wish, whom I would rather now see and meet with than yourself.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Hau multos homines, si optandum foret,
nunc videre et convenire quam te mavellem.

[¶54] PALAESTRIO:
What’s the matter? What disturbance have you with our family?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid est?
quid tumultuas cum nostra familia?

[¶55] PERIPLECOMENUS:
We are done for.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Occisi sumus.

[¶56] PALAESTRIO:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid negotist?

[¶57] PERIPLECOMENUS:
The thing’s discovered.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Res palamst.

[¶58] PALAESTRIO:
What thing’s discovered?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quae res palamst?

[¶59] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Some one just now of your household was looking in from the tiles
through our skylight at Philocomasium and my guest as they were toying together.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
De tegulis
modo nescio quis inspectavit vestrum familiarium
per nostrum impluvium intus ápud nos Philocomasium atque hospitem
osculantis.

[¶60] PALAESTRIO:
What person saw it?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quis homo id vidit?

[¶61] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Your fellow-servant.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Tuos conservos.

[¶62] PALAESTRIO:
Which person was it?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quis is homost?

[¶63] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I don’t know; he took himself off so suddenly—in an instant.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Nescio, ita abripuit repente sese subito.

[¶64] PALAESTRIO:
I suspect I’m ruined.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Suspicor
me periisse.

[¶65] PERIPLECOMENUS:
When he went away, I cried: “Hallo! you sir!” said I, “what are you doing upon the tiles?” As he went away he replied to me in these terms, that he was following a stray’d monkey.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Vbi abit, conclamo: “heus quid agis tu” inquam “in tegulis?”
ille mihi abiens ita respondit “se sectari simiam.”

[¶66] PALAESTRIO:
Woe to wretched me! that I must be ruined for a worthless beast. But is Philocomasium there with you even still?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vae mihi misero, quoi pereundumst propter nihili bestiam.
sed Philocomasium hicine etiam nunc est?

[¶67] PERIPLECOMENUS:
When I came out, she was there.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quom exibam, hic erat.

[¶68] PALAESTRIO:
If she is, then bid her return to our house as soon as ever she can, that the servants may see that she is at home; unless, indeed, she wishes that we, who are slaves, her fellow-slaves, should all be given up together to tortures by the cross on account of her courting.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
I sis, iube transire huc quantum possit, se ut videant domi
familiares, nisi quidem illa nos volt, qui servi sumus,
propter amorem suom omnes crucibus contubernales dari.

[¶69] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I bade her do so; unless you would aught else.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Dixi ego istuc; nisi quid aliud vis.

[¶70] PALAESTRIO:
I would. Tell her this: that, by my troth, she must not hesitate at all to bring in play her skill and cleverness.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Volo. hoc ei dicito:
profecto ut ne quoquam de ingenio degrediatur muliebri
earumque artem et disciplinam optineat colere.

[¶71] PERIPLECOMENUS:
In what way?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quem ad modum?

[¶72] PALAESTRIO:
That by her words she may persuade him who saw her here at your house, that he did not see her.
Should he accuse her, on the other hand let her convince him with her oath.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vt eum, qui hic se vidit, verbis vincat, ne is se viderit.

[¶73] Even though she were seen a hundred times over, still let her deny it.
(Aside.) For, if she is at all inclined to ill, a woman never goes begging to the gardener for material, she has a garden at home and a stock of her own for all mischievous contrivances;
at home she has impudence, a lying tongue, perfidiousness, malice, and boldness, self-conceit, assurance, and deceitfulness,—
at home she has wiles,—at home captivating contrivances,—stratagems at home.

> Latin: siquidem centiens hic visa sit, tamen infitias eat.
os habet, linguam, perfidiam, malitiam atque audaciam,
confidentiam, confirmitatem, fraudulentiam.
qui arguat se, eum contra vincat iureiurando suo:
domi habet animum falsiloquom, falsificum, falsiiurium,
domi dolos, domi delenifica facta, dómi fallacias.
nam mulier holitori numquam supplicat, si quast mala:
domi habet hortum et condimenta ad omnis mores maleficos.

[¶74] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I’ll tell her this, if she shall be in-doors here (pointing to his house.) But what is it, Palaestrio, that you are considering with yourself in your mind?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ego istaec, si erit hic, nuntiabo. sed quid est, Palaestrio,
quod volutas tute tecum in corde?

[¶75] PALAESTRIO:
Be silent a moment, while I am calling a council in my mind, and while I am considering what I am to do, what plan I must contrive, on the other hand, as a match for my crafty fellow-servant, who has seen her billing here in your house; so that what was seen may not have been seen.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Paulisper tace,
dúm ego mihi consilia in animum convoco et dum consulo
quid agam, quem dolum doloso contra conservo parem,
qui illam hic vidit osculantem, id visum ut ne visum siet.

[¶76] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Do contrive one; in the meantime, I’ll retire hence to a distance from you, to this spot. (He retires to a distance.) Look at him, please (to the AUDIENCE), revolving his cares with brow severe, how he stands. He strikes his breast with his fingers I fancy he’s about to call his heart outside. See, he shifts his posture; again he places his left hand upon his left thigh. His right hand is reckoning down his plans upon his fingers; in despair he strikes his thigh.
His right hand is moving rapidly; with difficulty does it suggest what he is to do. He snaps his fingers now; he’s striving hard; full oft he changes his position. But see how he shakes his head; it pleases him not what he has hit upon. Whatever it is, nothing crude will he bring forth, something well-digested will he produce. But see, he is building; he has placed his hand as a pillar beneath his chin.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quaere: ego hinc abscessero aps te huc interim. illuc sis vide,
quem ad modum adstitit, severo fronte curans cogitans.
pectus digitis pultat, cor credo evocaturust foras;
ecce avortit: nixus laevo in femine habet laevam manum,
dextera digitis rationem computat, ferit femur
dexterum. ita vehementer icit: quod agat aegre suppetit.
concrepuit digitis: laborat; crebro commutat status,
eccere autem capite nutat: non placet quod repperit.
quidquid est, incoctum non expromet, bene coctum dabit.
ecce autem aedificat: columnam mento suffigit suo.

[¶77] Have done with it in truth, this mode of building pleases me not; for I have heard say that the head of a foreign Poet is wont to be supported thus, over whom two guards are ever at all hours keeping watch. Bravo! how becomingly he stands,—i’ faith, how like a very slave, and how faithful to his part. Never, this day, will he rest, before he has completed that which he is in search of.

> Latin: apage, non placet profecto mi illaec aedificatio;
nam os columnatum poetae esse indaudivi barbaro,
cui bini custodes semper totis horis occubant.
euge, euscheme hercle astitit et dulice et comoedice;
numquam hodie quiescet prius quam id quod petit perfecerit.

[¶78] He has it, I suspect. Come—to the business you’re about: keep wide awake, think not of sleep; unless, indeed, you wish to be keeping your watch here all checquered o’er with stripes.’Tis I, that am talking to you; schemer, don’t you know that I am speaking to you? Palaestrio! awake, say; arouse yourself, I say;’tis daylight now, I say.
PALAESTRIO:
I hear you.

> Latin: habet opinor. age si quid agis, vigila, ne somno stude,
nisi quidem hic agitare mavis varius virgis vigilias.
tibi ego dico. an heri maduisti? heus te adloquor, Palaestrio:
vigila inquam, expergiscere inquam, lucet hoc inquam.
Palaestrio:
Audio.

[¶79] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Don’t you see that the enemy is upon you, and that siege is being laid to your back? Take counsel, then;
obtain aid and assistance in this matter; the hastily, not the leisurely, is befitting here. Get the start of them in some way, and in some direction this moment lead around your troops. Close round the enemy in siege; prepare the convoy for our side. Cut off the enemy’s provision, secure yourself a passage, by which supplies and provision may be enabled in safety to reach yourself and your forces. Look to this business; the emergency is sudden.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Viden hostis tibi adesse tuoque tergo obsidium? consule,
arripe opem auxiliumque ad hanc rem: propere hoc, non placide decet.
anteveni aliqua aut tú aliquosum circumduce exercitum,
coge in obsidium perduellis, nostris praesidium para;
interclude inimicis commeatum, tibi muni viam
qua cibatus commeatusque ad te et legiones tuas
tuto possit pervenire: hanc rém age, res subitaria est.

[¶80] Invent—contrive—this instant give us some clever plan; so that that which has been seen here within, may not have been seen; that which has been done, may not have been done. There, my man, you undertake a great enterprise; lofty the defences which you erect. If you yourself alone but say you undertake this, I have a certainty
that we are able to rout our foes.
PALAESTRIO:
I do say so, and I do undertake it.

> Latin: [reperi, comminiscere, cedo calidum consilium cito,]
[quae hic sunt visa ut visa ne sint, facta ut facta ne sient.]
[magnam illic homo rem incipissit, magna munit moenia.]
tu unus si recipere hoc ad te dicis, confidentiast
nos inimicos profligare posse.
Palaestrio:
Dico et recipio
ad me.

[¶81] PERIPLECOMENUS:
And I do pronounce that you shall obtain that which you desire.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Et ego impetrare dico id quod petis.

[¶82] PALAESTRIO:
May Jupiter kindly bless you then!

> Latin: Palaestrio:
At te Iuppiter
bene amet.

[¶83] PERIPLECOMENUS:
But, friend, do you impart to me the plan which you have devised.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Auden participare me quod commentus escommentu's?

[¶84] PALAESTRIO:
Be silent, then, while I am inducting you in the direction of my devices; that you may know as well as my own self my plans.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tace,
dum in regionem astutiarum mearum te induco, ut scias
iuxta mecum mea consilia.

[¶85] PERIPLECOMENUS:
The same you shall receive safe from the same spot where you have deposited them.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Salva sumes indidem.

[¶86] PALAESTRIO:
My master is surrounded with the hide of an elephant, not his own, and has no more wisdom than a stone.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Erus meus elephanti corio circumtentust, non suo,
neque habet plus sapientiai quam lapis.

[¶87] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I myself know the same thing.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ego istuc scio.

[¶88] PALAESTRIO:
Now, thus I would begin upon my plan; this contrivance I shall act upon. I shall say that her other own twin-sister has come here from Athens, with a certain person, her lover, to Philocomasium,
as like to her as milk is to milk. I shall say that they are lodged and entertained here in your house.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nunc sic rationem incipisso, hánc instituam astutiam,
ut Philocomasio huc sororem geminam germanam alteram
dicam Athenis advenisse cúm amatore aliquo suo,
tam similem, quam ⟨lacte⟩ lactist; ápud ⟨te⟩ eos hic devortier
dicam hospitio.

[¶89] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Bravo! bravo! cleverly thought of. I approve or your device.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Euge euge, lepide, laudo commentum tuom.

[¶90] PALAESTRIO:
So that, if my fellow-servant should accuse her before the Captain, and say that he has seen her here at your house, toying with another man, I shall assert, on the other hand, that my fellow-servant has seen the other one, the sister, at your house,
fondling and toying with her own lover.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vt si illic concriminatus sit advorsum militem
meus conservos, eam vidisse hic cum alieno oscularier,
eam arguam vidisse apud te contra conservom meum
cum suo amatore amplexantem atque osculantem.

[¶91] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Aye, most excellent. I’ll say the same, if the Captain shall inquire of me.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Immo optume.
idem ego dicam, si ⟨ex⟩ me exquiret miles.

[¶92] PALAESTRIO:
But do you say that they are extremely alike; and this must be imparted in time to Philocomasium, in order that she may know; that she mayn’t be tripping if the Captain should question her.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Sed simillimas
dicito esse, et Philocomasio id praecipiendum est ut sciat,
ne titubet, si exquiret ex ea miles.

[¶93] PERIPLECOMENUS:
A very clever contrivance. But if the Captain should wish to see them both in company together,
what shall we do then?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Nimis doctum dolum.
sed si ambas videre in uno miles concilio volet,
quid agimus?

[¶94] PALAESTRIO:
That’s easy enough. Three hundred excuses may be picked up—she is not at home; she has gone out walking; she is asleep; she is dressing; she is bathing; she is at breakfast; she is taking dessert; she is engaged; she is enjoying her rest; in fact, she can’t come. There are as many of these put-offs as you like, if I can only persuade him at the very outset to believe that to be true which shall be contrived.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Facilest: trecentae possunt causae conligi:
“non domist, ábiit ambulatum, dormit, ornatur, lavat,”
“prandet, potat: occupatast, operae non est, non potest”,
quantum vis prolationum, dum modo hunc prima via
inducamus, vera ut esse credat quae mentibimur.

[¶95] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I like what you say.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Placet ut dicis.

[¶96] PALAESTRIO:
Go in-doors then; and if the damsel’s there, bid her return home directly, and instruct and tutor her thoroughly in this plan, that she may understand our scheme, as we have begun it, about the twin-sister.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Intro abi ergo, et si isti est mulier, eam iube
cito domum transire, atque haec ei dice monstra praecipe,
ut teneat consilia nostra, quem ad modum exorsi sumus,
de gemina sorore.

[¶97] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I’ll have her right cleverly tutor’d for you. Is there anything else?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Docte tíbi illam perdoctam dabo.
numquid aliud?

[¶98] PALAESTRIO:
Only, be off in-doors.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Intro ut abeas.

[¶99] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I’m off.
(Exit.) (PALAESTRIO alone.)

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Abeo. —

[¶100] PALAESTRIO:
And I’ll go home, too;
and I’ll conceal the fact that I am giving her my aid in seeking out the man, which fellow-servant of mine it was, that to-day was following the monkey. For it cannot be but in his conversation he must have made some one of the household acquainted about the lady of his master, how that he himself has seen her next door here toying with some stranger spark.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Et quidem ego ibo domum
atque hominem investigando operam huic dissimulabiliter dabo,
qui fuerit conservos qui hodie sit sectatus simiam.
nam ille non pótuit quin sermone suo aliquem familiarium
participaverit de amica eri, sese vidisse eam
hic in proximo osculantem cum alieno adulescentulo.

[¶101] I know the habit myself; “I can’t hold my tongue on that which I know alone.” If I find out the person who saw it, I’ll plant against him all my mantelets and covered works. The material is prepared;’tis a sure matter that I must take this person by force, and by thus besieging him. If so I don’t find the man, just like a hound I’ll go smelling about, even until I shall have traced out the fox by his track.

> Latin: novi morem: egomet tacere nequeo solus quod scio.
si invenio qui vidit, ad eum vineas pluteosque agam:
res paratast, vi pugnandoque hominem caperest certa res.
si ita non reperio, ibo odorans quasi canis venaticus,
usque donec persecutus volpem ero vestigiis.

[¶102] But our door makes a noise: I’ll lower my voice; for here is the keeper of Philocomasium, my fellow-servant, coming out of doors.
(Stands aside.) (Enter SCLEDRUS from the CAPTAIN’s house.)

> Latin: sed fores crepuerunt nostrae, ego voci moderabor meae;
nam illic est Philocomasio custos meus conservos qui it foras.

[¶103] SCELEDRUS:
Unless, in fact, I have been walking this day in my sleep upon the tiles, i’ faith, I know for sure that I have seen here, at our neighbour’s next door, Philocomasium, the lady of my master, on the high road to mischief to herself.
PALAESTRIO: (aside.)

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Nisi quidem ego hodie ambulavi dormiens in tegulis,
certo edepol scio me vidisse hic proxumae viciniae
Philocomasium erilem amicam sibi malam rem quaerere.

[¶104] ’Twas he that saw her billing, so far as I have heard him say.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Hic illam vidit osculantem, quantum hunc audivi loqui.

[¶105] SCELEDRUS:
Who’s that?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quis hic est?

[¶106] PALAESTRIO:
Your fellow-servant. How are you, Sceledrus?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tuos conservos. quid agis, Sceledre?

[¶107] SCELEDRUS:
I am glad that I have met you, Palaestrio.
PAT.:
What now? Or what’s the matter? Let me know.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Te, Palaestrio,
volup est convenisse.
Palaestrio:
Quid iam? aut quid negotist? fac sciam.

[¶108] SCELEDRUS:
I’m afraid.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Metuo —

[¶109] PALAESTRIO:
What are you afraid of?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid metuis?

[¶110] SCELEDRUS:
By my troth, lest, this day, as many domestics as there are of us here, we shall jump into a most woful punishmient by way of torture.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Ne hercle hodie, quantum hic familiariumst,
maxumum in malum cruciatumque insuliamus.

[¶111] PALAESTRIO:
Jump you alone, please;
for I don’t at all like this jumping in and jumping out.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tu sali
solus, nám ego istam insulturam et desulturam nil moror.

[¶112] SCELEDRUS:
Perhaps you don’t know what new mischance has happened at home?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Nescis tu fortasse, apud nos facinus quod natumst novom.

[¶113] PALAESTRIO:
What mischance is this?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quod id est facinus?

[¶114] SCELEDRUS:
A disgraceful one.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Impudicum.

[¶115] PALAESTRIO:
Do you then keep it to yourself alone: don’t tell it me; I don’t want to know it.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tute scias soli tibi,
mihi ne dixis, scire nolo.

[¶116] SCELEDRUS:
But I won’t let you not know it. To-day I was following our monkey upon the tiles, next door there.
(Points to the house.)

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Non enim fáciam quin scias.
simiam hodie sum sectatus nostram in horum tegulis.

[¶117] PALAESTRIO:
By my troth, Sceledrus, a worthless fellow, you were following a worthless beast.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Edepol, Sceledre, homo sectatus essectatu's nihili nequam bestiam.

[¶118] SCELEDRUS:
The Gods confound you!

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Di te perdant.

[¶119] PALAESTRIO:
That befits yourself, since you began the conversation.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Te istuc aequom — quoniam occepisti, eloqui.

[¶120] SCELEDRUS:
By chance, as it happened, I looked down there through the skylight, into the next house; and there I saw Philocomasium toying with some strange young man, I know not whom.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Forte fortuna per impluvium huc despexi in proxumum,
atque ego illi áspicio osculantem Philocomasium cum altero
nescio quo adulescente.

[¶121] PALAESTRIO:
What scandalous thing is this I hear of you, Sceledrus?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quod ego, Sceledre, scelus ex te audio?

[¶122] SCELEDRUS:
I’ faith, I did see her, beyond a doubt.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Profecto vidi.

[¶123] PALAESTRIO:
What, yourself?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tutin?

[¶124] SCELEDRUS:
Yes, I myself, with these eyes of mine.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Egomet duobus his oculis meis.

[¶125] PALAESTRIO:
Get away, it isn’t likely what you say, nor did you see her.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Abi, non verisimile dicis, neque vidisti.

[¶126] SCELEDRUS:
Do I, then, appear to you as if I were purblind?
PALAESTRIO:’Twere better for you to ask the doctor about that. But, indeed, if the Gods only love you, don’t you rashly father this idle story. Now are you breeding thence a fatal dilemma for your legs and head;

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Num tibi
lippus videor?
Palaestrio:
Medicum istuc tibi meliust percontarier.
verum enim tu ístam, si te di ament, temere hau tollas fabulam:
tuis nunc cruribus capitique fraudem capitalem hinc creas.

[¶127] for, in two ways, the cause is contrived for you to be ruined, unless you put a check upon your foolish chattering.
SCELEDRUS:
But how, two ways?

> Latin: nam tibi iam ut pereas paratum est dupliciter, nisi supprimis
tuom stultiloquium.
Sceledrvs:
Qui vero dupliciter?

[¶128] PALAESTRIO:
I’ll tell you. First then, if you falsely accuse Philocomasium, by that you are undone; in the next place, if it is true, having been appointed her keeper, there you are undone.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Dicam tibi.
primumdum, si falso insimulas Philocomasium, hoc perieris;
iterum, si id verumst, tu ei custos additus ⟨eo⟩ perieris.

[¶129] SCELEDRUS:
What may happen to me, I know not; I know for certain that I did see this.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid fuat me, nescio: haec me vidisse ego certo scio.

[¶130] PALAESTRIO:
Do you persist in it, unfortunate wretch?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Pergin, infelix?

[¶131] SCELEDRUS:
What would you have me say to you, but that I did see her? Moreover, she is in there, next door, at this very moment.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid tibi vis dicam nisi quod viderim?
quin etiam nunc intus hic in proxumost.

[¶132] PALAESTRIO:
What! Isn’t she at home?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Eho an non domist?

[¶133] SCELEDRUS:
Go and see. Go in-doors yourself; for I don’t ask now for any confidence to be put in me.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Vise, abi intro tute, nam ego mi iam nil credi postulo.

[¶134] PALAESTRIO:
I’m determined to do so.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Certum est facere. —

[¶135] SCELEDRUS:
I’ll wait here for you.
(PALAESTRIO goes into the CAPTAIN’S house. SCLEDRUS, alone.)
SCELEDRUS:
In this direction will I be on the watch for her, how soon the heifer may betake herself from the pasture this way towards her stall.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Hic te opperiar; eadem illi insidias dabo,
quam mox horsum ad stabulum iuuenix recipiat se ⟨a⟩ pabulo.

[¶136] What now shall I do? The Captain gave me to her as her keeper. Now, if I make a discovery, I’m undone; if I am silent, still I am undone, if this should be discovered. What is there more abandoned or more daring than a woman? While I was upon the tiles, this woman betook herself out of doors from her dwelling. By my troth,’twas a brazen act she did. If, now, the Captain were to know of this,
i’ faith, I believe he would pull down the whole entire house next door, and me he would send to the gibbet. Whatever comes of it, i’ faith, I’ll hold my tongue rather than come to a bad end. I cannot keep effectual guard on a woman that puts herself up for sale.
PALAESTRIO: (Enter PALAESTRIO from the CAPTAIN’s house.)

> Latin: quid ego nunc faciam? custodem me illi miles addidit:
nunc si indicium facio, interii; si taceo, ⟨interii⟩ tamen,
si hoc palam fuerit. quid peius muliere aut audacius?
dúm ego in tegulis sum, illaec sese ex hospitio edit foras;
edepol facinus fecit audax. hocine si miles sciat,
credo hercle has sustollat aedis totas atque hunc in crucem.
hercle quidquid est, mussitabo potius quam inteream male;
non ego possum quae ipsa sese venditat tutarier.

[¶137] Sceledrus, Sceledrus, what one man is there on earth more impudent than yourself? Who more than yourself has been born with the Deities hostile and enraged?
SCELEDRUS:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Sceledre, Sceledre, quis homo in terra te alter est audacior?
quis magis dís inimicis natus quam tu atque iratis?
Sceledrvs:
Quid est?

[¶138] PALAESTRIO:
Do you want those eyes of yours gouged out, with which you see what never existed?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Iuben tibi oculos exfodiri, quibus id quod nusquam est vides?

[¶139] SCELEDRUS:
How, what never existed?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid, nusquam?

[¶140] PALAESTRIO:
I would not buy your life at the price of a rotten nut.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Non ego tuam empsim vitam vitiosa nuce.

[¶141] SCELEDRUS:
Why, what’s the matter?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid negotist?

[¶142] PALAESTRIO:
What’s the matter, do you ask?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid negoti sit rogas?

[¶143] SCELEDRUS:
And why shouldn’t I ask?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Cur non rogem?

[¶144] PALAESTRIO:
Why don’t you beg for that tongue of yours to be cut out, that prates so at random?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Non tu tibi istam praetruncari linguam largiloquam iubes?

[¶145] SCELEDRUS:
Why should I beg for that?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quam ob rem iubeam?

[¶146] PALAESTRIO:
Why, Philocomasium is there at home, she whom
you were saying that you had seen next door kissing and toying with another man.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Philocomasium eccam domi, quam in proxumo
vidisse aibas te osculantem atque amplexantem cum altero.

[¶147] SCELEDRUS:’Tis a wonder that you are in the habit of feeding on darnel, with wheat at so low a price.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Mirumst lolio victitare te tam vili tritico.

[¶148] PALAESTRIO:
Why so?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid iam?

[¶149] SCELEDRUS:
Because you are so dim of sight.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quia luscitiosus esluscitiosu's.

[¶150] PALAESTRIO:
You gallows-bird,’tis you, indeed, that are blind, with a vengeance, and not dim of sight; for, sure enough, there she is at home.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Verbero, edepol tu quidem
caecus, non luscitiosus esluscitiosu's. nam illa quidem … domi.

[¶151] SCELEDRUS:
How? At home?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid, domi?

[¶152] PALAESTRIO:
At home, i’ faith, undoubtedly.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Domi hercle vero.

[¶153] SCELEDRUS:
Be off with you; you are playing with me, Palaestrio

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Abi, ludis me, Palaestrio.

[¶154] PALAESTRIO:
My hands are dirty, then.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tum mihi sunt manus ínquinatae.

[¶155] SCELEDRUS:
How so?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Qui dum?

[¶156] PALAESTRIO:
Because I am playing with dirt.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quia ludo luto.

[¶157] SCELEDRUS:
A mischief on your head.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Vae capiti tuo.

[¶158] PALAESTRIO:
Nay rather, Sceledrus, it shall be on yours, I promise you, unless you change for fresh your eyes and your talk. But our door made a noise.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
⟨Tuo⟩ istuc, Sceledre, promitto fore,
nisi oculos orationemque aliam commutas tibi.
sed fores cóncrepuerunt nostrae.

[¶159] SCELEDRUS:
Well, I shall watch here out of doors, for there is no way by which she can pass hence in-doors, except through the front door.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
At ego ilico observo foris;
nam nihil est qua hinc huc transire ea possit nisi recto ostio.

[¶160] PALAESTRIO:
But there she is, at home. I don’t know, Scledrus, what mischief is possessing you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quin domi eccam. nescio quae te, Sceledre, scelera suscitant.

[¶161] SCELEDRUS:
I see for my own self, I judge for my own self, I have especial faith in my own self: no man shall frighten me out of it, but that she is in that house. (Points to the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.) Here I’ll take my stand, that she may not steal out home without my knowledge.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Mihi ego video, mihi ego sapio, ⟨mihi⟩ ego credo plurumum:
mé homo nemo deterrebit, quin ea sit in his aedibus.
hic obsistam, ne imprudenti huc ea se subrepsit mihi.

[¶162] PALAESTRIO: (aside)
This fellow is in my hands; now will I drive him from his strong hold.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Meus illic homo est, deturbabo iam ego illum de pugnaculis.

[¶163] (To SCLEDRUS) Do you wish me now to make you own that you don’t see correctly?
SCELEDRUS:
Come, do it then.

> Latin: vin iam faciam, ut stultividum … fateare?
Sceledrvs:
Age face.

[¶164] PALAESTRIO:
And that you neither think aright in your mind, nor yet make use of your eyes?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Neque te quicquam sapere corde neque oculis uti?

[¶165] SCELEDRUS:
I’d have you do it.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Volo.

[¶166] PALAESTRIO:
Do you say, then that the lady of your master is there in that house?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nempe tu istíc ais esse erilem concubinam?

[¶167] SCELEDRUS:
I assert, as well, that I saw here here in this house (points to the house of PERIPLECOMENUS), toying with a strange man.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Atque arguo
eam me vidisse osculantem hic intus cum alieno viro.

[¶168] PALAESTRIO:
don’t you know that there is no communication between our house here and that one?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Scin tu nullum commeatum hínc esse a nobis?

[¶169] SCELEDRUS:
I know it.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Scio.

[¶170] PALAESTRIO:
Neither by the terrace, nor by the garden, only through the skylight?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Neque solarium neque hortum, nisi per impluvium?

[¶171] SCELEDRUS:
I know it.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Scio.

[¶172] PALAESTRIO:
What then, if she is now at home? If I shall make her, so as you may see her, come out hence from our house, are you not deserving of many a lashing?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid nunc? si ea domist, si facio, ut eam exire hinc videas domo,
dignun es verberibus multis?

[¶173] SCELEDRUS:
I am so deserving.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Dignus.

[¶174] PALAESTRIO:
Watch that door, then, that she may not privily betake herself out thence without your knowledge and pass here into our house.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Serva istas fores,
ne tibi clam se subterducat istinc atque huc transeat.

[¶175] SCELEDRUS:’Tis my intention to do so.
PALAESTRIO:
Upon her feet will I place her this moment here before you in the street.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Consilium est ita facere.
Palaestrio:
Pede ego iam illam huc tibi sistam in viam. —

[¶176] SCELEDRUS:
Come, then, and do so.
(PALAESTRIO goes into the CAPTAIN’s house.) (SCLEDRUS, alone.)
SCELEDRUS:
I wish to know whether I did see that which I did see, or whether he can do that which he says he can do — make her to be at home. For, really, I have eyes of my own, and I don’t ever ask to borrow them out of doors. But this fellow is forever fawning about her; he is always near her; he is called first to meat; his mess is given to him first.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Agedum ergo face. vólo scire, utrum egon id quod vidi viderim
an illic faciat, quod facturum dicit, ut ea sit domi.
nam ego quidem meos oculos habeo nec rogo utendos foris.
sed hic illi subparasitatur semper, hic eae proxumust,
primus ad cibum vocatur, primo pulmentum datur;

[¶177] For this fellow has been, perhaps, about three years with us; nor fares it better with any other servant in our family than with him. But it is necessary for me to mind what I am about; to keep my eye upon this door. If I take my station here, this way, in faith, I warrant they will never impose on me.
(Enter PALAESTRIO and PHILOCOMASIUM from the CAPTAIN’s house.)
PALAESTRIO: (speaking to her in a low voice as he enters)
Be sure to remember my instructions.

> Latin: nam illic noster est fortasse circiter triennium,
neque cuiquam quam illi in nostra meliust famulo familia.
sed ego hoc quod ago, id me agere oportet, hoc observare ostium.
sic obsistam. hac quidem pol certo verba mihi numquam dabunt.
Palaestrio:
Praecépta facito ut mémineris.

[¶178] PHILOCOMASIUM: (aside)
It’s strange you should so often remind me.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Totiéns monere mírumst.

[¶179] PALAESTRIO: (aside)
But I fear you may not prove cunning enough.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
At metuo ut satis sis subdola.

[¶180] PHILOCOMASIUM: (aside)
Give me even ten scholars, though far from artful, I could instruct them so as to prove artful; in me alone is there a superabundance of artfulness;

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Cedo vel decem, edocebo
minime malas ut sint malae, mihi solae quod superfit.

[¶181] come, then, now put your plans in force; I’ll step aside here.
(Steps aside.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Age nunciam insiste in dolos; ego abs te procul recedam.

[¶182] PALAESTRIO:
What have you to say, Scledrus?
SCELEDRUS: (not lifting up his eyes)
I’m about this business of mine; I have got ears, say what you please.

> Latin: quid ais tu, Sceledre?
Sceledrvs:
Hanc rem gero. habeo auris, loquere quidvis.

[¶183] PALAESTRIO:
I think that in that self-same position you will have to die outside the gates,
when, with hands outstretched, you will be carrying your cross.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Credo ego istoc extemplo tibi esse eundum actutum extra portam,
dispessis manibus, patibulum quom habebis.

[¶184] SCELEDRUS:
For what reason so?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quamnam ob rem?

[¶185] PALAESTRIO:
Just look on your left hand; who is that lady?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Respice dum ad laevam: quis illaec est mulier?

[¶186] SCELEDRUS: (looking.)
O ye immortal Gods, it really is the lady of my master!

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Pro di immortales,
eri cóncubinast haec quidem.

[¶187] PALAESTRIO:
I’ faith, so she seems to me as well. Do then, now, since so you would have it—

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Mihi quoque pol ita videtur.
age nunciam, quando lubet —

[¶188] SCELEDRUS:
Do what?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid agam?

[¶189] PALAESTRIO:
Die this very instant.
PHILOCOMASIUM: (advancing.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Perire propera.

[¶190] Where is this faithful servant, who has falsely accused me in my innocence
of this most heinous crime?
PALAESTRIO:
See, here he is;’tis he that told it me,—assuredly ’twas he.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Vbi iste ést bonus sérvos, qui probri me maxumi innocentem
falso insimulavit?
Palaestrio:
Em tibi, hic mihi dixit tibi quae dixi.

[¶191] PHILOCOMASIUM:
Villain, did you say that you had seen me next door here kissing?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Tun me vidisse in proxumo hic, sceleste, ais osculantem?

[¶192] PALAESTRIO:
Besides, he said it was with some strange young man.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Atque cum álieno adulescentulo dixit.

[¶193] SCELEDRUS:
I’ faith, I did. say so, undoubtedly.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Dixi hercle vero.

[¶194] PHILOCOMASIUM:
You, saw me?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Tun me vidisti?

[¶195] SCELEDRUS:
Yes, with these self-same eyes.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Atque his quidem hercle oculis.

[¶196] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I fancy you will lose those eyes, which see more than what they really do see.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Carebis, credo,
qui plus vident quam quod vident.

[¶197] SCELEDRUS:
By my faith, I shall never be intimidated
from having seen what I really did see.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Numquam hercle deterrebor
quin viderim id quod viderim.

[¶198] PHILOCOMASIUM:
In my foolishness I am delaying too long in parleying with this madman, whom, by the powers, I’ll punish with death.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Ego stulta et mora multum,
quae cum hoc insano fabuler, quem pol ego capitis perdam.

[¶199] SCELEDRUS:
Forbear to threaten me: I know that the cross will prove my tomb; there are laid my forefathers, my father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather.’Tis not in possibility, however, for these eyes of mine to be dug out by your threats.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Noli minitari: scio crucem futuram mihi sepulcrum;
ibi meí sunt maiores siti, pater, avos, proavos, abavos.
non possunt mihi minaciis tuis hisce oculi exfodiri.

[¶200] But I want a few words with you; prithee, Palaestrio, whence came she hither?
PALAESTRIO:
Whence but from our house?

> Latin: sed paucis verbis te volo, Palaestrio. opsecro te,
unde exit haec?
Palaestrio:
Vnde nísi domo?

[¶201] SCELEDRUS:
From our house?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Domo?

[¶202] PALAESTRIO:
Do you credit me?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Mé viden?

[¶203] SCELEDRUS:
I do credit you: but ’tis a thing to be wondered at, how she has been able to return from that house to ours. For, beyond a doubt, we have neither a terrace to our house, nor any garden, nor any window but what is latticed. (To PHILOCOMASIUM.) But, undoubtedly, I did see you in the house next door.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Te video.
nimis mírumst facinus, quo modo haec hinc huc transire potuit;
nam certo neque solariumst apud nós neque hortus ullus
neque fénestra nisi clatrata; nam certe ego te hic intus vidi.

[¶204] PALAESTRIO:
Do you persist, you rascal, in pretending to accuse her?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Pergin, sceleste, intendere hanc arguere?

[¶205] PHILOCOMASIUM:
In good sooth, then, the dream has not turned out untrue, that I dreamed last night.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Ecastor ergo
mi hau falsum evenit somnium, quod noctu hac somniavi.

## 2. Lines 382–762

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

[¶0] PALAESTRIO:
What did you dream?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid somniasti?

[¶1] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I’ll tell you; but, I pray you, give attention. Last night, in my sleep, my twin-sister seemed to have come from Athens to Ephesus with a certain person, her lover.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Ego eloquar. sed amabo advortite animum.
hac nocte in somnis mea soror geminast germana visa
venisse Athenis in Ephesum cum suo amatore quodam;

[¶2] Both of them seemed to me to be having their lodgings here next door.
PALAESTRIO: (to the AUDIENCE.)

> Latin: ei ambo hóspitio huc in proxumum mihi devortisse visi.

[¶3] The dream that’s being related is Palaestrio’s—pray, go on.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Palaestrionis somnium narratur. perge porro.

[¶4] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I seemed to be delighted because my sister had come, and on her account I seemed to be incurring a most grievous suspicion. For, in my sleep, my own servant seemed to accuse me, as you are now doing,
of being caressed by a strange young man, whereas it was that own twin-sister of mine, who had been toying with her own friend. Thus did I dream that I was wrongfully accused of a crime.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Ego laeta visa, quia soror venisset, propter eandem
suspicionem maximam sum visa sustinere.
nam arguere in somnis me meus mihi familiaris visust,
me cum alieno adulescentulo, quasi nunc tu, esse osculatam,
quom illa osculata mea soror gemina esset suompte amicum.
id me insimulatam perperam falsum esse somniavi.

[¶5] PALAESTRIO:
And isn’t just the same thing befalling you when awake, that you speak of as seen in your sleep? Capital; i’ faith, the dream is verified: go in-doors, and pray.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Satin eadem vigilanti expetunt quae in somnis visa memoras?
eu hércle praesens somnium. abi intro et comprecare.

[¶6] I should recommend that this be told to the Captain.
PHILOCOMASIUM:
I am resolved to do so; nor, in fact, will I allow myself, with impunity, to be accused of disgraceful conduct. (Goes into the CAPTAIN’S house.)

> Latin: narrandum ego istuc militi censebo.
Philocomasivm:
Facere certum est,
neque me quidem patiar probri falso impune insimulatam. —

[¶7] SCELEDRUS:
I fear for the thing I have done; my back does so tingle all over.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Timeo quid rerum gesserim, ita dorsus totus prurit.

[¶8] PALAESTRIO:
Are you not aware that you are done for?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Scin te periisse?

[¶9] SCELEDRUS:
Now, indeed, I’m sure she is at home; I am now resolved to watch our door, wheresoever she may be. (Places himself at the door.)

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Nunc quidem domi certo est. certa res est
nunc nostrum observare ostium, ubi ubist.

[¶10] PALAESTRIO:
But, prithee, Sceledrus,
how very like the dream she dreamt to what has happened; and how you really did believe that you had seen her kissing. …

> Latin: Palaestrio:
At, Sceledre, quaeso,
ut ad id exemplum somnium quam simile somniavit
atque ut tu suspicatus es eam vídisse osculantem.

[¶11] SCELEDRUS:
And do you suppose that I didn’t see her?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Nescio quid credam egomet mihi iam, ita quod vidisse credo
me id iam non vidisse arbitror.

[¶12] PALAESTRIO:
I’ faith, I verily believe you’ll come to your senses when ’tis too late. If this matter should only reach our master, you certainly are undone.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ne tu hercle sero, opinor,
resipisces: si ad erum haec res prius † devenerit, peribis pulchre.

[¶13] SCELEDRUS:
Now, at length, I find out that there was a mist placed before my eyes.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Nunc demum experior, mi ob oculos caliginem opstitisse.

[¶14] PALAESTRIO:
I’ faith, that really has been plain for some time now; as she was here in-doors all the while.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Dudum edepol planum est id quidem, quae hic usque fuerit intus.

[¶15] SCELEDRUS:
Not a word of certainty have I to utter; I did not see her, although I did see her.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Nihil habeo certi quid loquar: non vidi eam, etsi vidi.

[¶16] PALAESTRIO:
By my troth, through this folly of yours you certainly have nearly ruined us; while you have wished to prove yourself faithful to your master, you have been almost undone.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ne tu edepol stultitia tua nos paene perdidisti:
dum te fidelem facere ero voluisti, absumptus esabsumptu's paene.

[¶17] But the door of our next neighbour makes a noise; I’ll be silent.
(Enter PHILOCOMASIUM, dressed in another habit, from the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)
PHILOCOMASIUM: (to a servant SERVANT.)
Put fire on the altar, that in my joy I may return praises and thanks to Diana of Ephesus, and that I may send up for her a grateful smoke with odours of Arabia: she who has preserved me in the realms of Neptune and amid the boisterous temples, where with raging billows I have been so recently dismayed.
SCELEDRUS: (discovering her.)

> Latin: sed fores vicini proxumi crepuerunt. conticiscam.
Philocomasivm:
Inde ignem in aram, ut Ephesiae Dianae laeta laudes
gratesque agam eique ut Arabico fumificem odore amoene,
quom me in locis Neptuniis templisque turbulentis
servavit, saevis fluctibus ubi sum adflictata multum.

[¶18] Palaestrio! O Palaestrio!
PALAESTRIO:
Sceledrus! O Sceledrus! What is it you want?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Palaestrio, o Palaestrio.
Palaestrio:
O Sceledre, Sceledre, quid vis?

[¶19] SCELEDRUS:
This lady that has come out of that house just now—is she Philocomasium, our master’s lady, or is she not?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Haec mulier, quae hinc exit modo, estne erilis concubina
Philocomasium, an non est ea?

[¶20] PALAESTRIO:
I’ faith, I think, it seems to be she. But ’tis a wondrous thing how she could pass from our house to next door; if, indeed, it is she.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Hercle opinor, ea videtur.
sed facinus mirum est, quo modo haec hinc huc transire potuit,
si quidem east.

[¶21] SCELEDRUS:
And have you any doubt that this is she?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
An dubium tibi est eam esse hanc?

[¶22] PALAESTRIO:
It seems to be she.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ea videtur.

[¶23] SCELEDRUS:
Let us approach her, and accost her. Hallo! how’s this, Philocomasium? What is there owing to you in that house? What is your business there? Why are you silent now? I am speaking to you.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Adeamus, appellemus. heus, quid istúc est, Philocomasium?
quid tibi istic in istisce aedibus debetur, quid negotist?
quid nunc taces? tecum loquor.

[¶24] PALAESTRIO:
No, faith, you are talking to yourself; for nothing at all does she answer.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Immo edepol tute tecum;
nam haec nil respondet.

[¶25] SCELEDRUS:
I am addressing you, woman, brimful of viciousness and disgrace, who are roaming about among your neighbours.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Te adloquor, viti probrique plena,
quae circum vicinos vagas.

[¶26] PHILOCOMASIUM:
To whom are you talking?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Quicum tu fabulare?

[¶27] SCELEDRUS:
To whom but to yourself?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quicum nisi tecum?

[¶28] PHILOCOMASIUM:
What person are you? Or what business have you with me?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Quis tu homo es, aut mecum quid est negoti?

[¶29] SCELEDRUS:
O, you ask me who I am, do you?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Mé rogas homo qui sim?

[¶30] PHILOCOMASIUM:
Why shouldn’t I ask that which I don’t know?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Quin ego hoc rogem quod nesciam?

[¶31] PALAESTRIO:
Who am I, then, if you don’t know him?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quis ego sum igitur, si hunc ignoras?

[¶32] PHILOCOMASIUM:
You are an annoyance to me, whoever you are, both you and he.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Mihi odiosus, quisquis es,
et tu et hic.

[¶33] SCELEDRUS:
What? don’t you know us?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Non nos novisti?

[¶34] PHILOCOMASIUM:
No, neither of you.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Neutrum.

[¶35] SCELEDRUS:
I very much fear—

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Metuo maxume,

[¶36] PALAESTRIO:
What do you fear?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid metuis?

[¶37] SCELEDRUS:
Why, that we have lost ourselves somewhere or other; for she says that she knows neither you nor me.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Enim ne ⟨nos⟩ nosmet perdiderimus uspiam;
nam nec te neque me novisse ait haec.

[¶38] PALAESTRIO:
I wish, Sceledrus, to examine into this, whether we are ourselves, or else some other persons; lest secretly somehow some one of our neighbours may have transformed us without our knowing it.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Persectari hic volo,
Sceledre, nos nostri an alieni simus, ne dum quispiam
nos vicinorum imprudentis aliquis immutaverit.

[¶39] SCELEDRUS:
For my part, beyond a doubt, I am my own self.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Certe equidem noster sum.

[¶40] PALAESTRIO:
I’ faith, and so am I.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Et pol ego. quaeris tu, mulier, malum.

[¶41] SCELEDRUS:
My lady, you are seeking your destruction. To you I am speaking; hark you, Philocomasium!
PHILOCOMASIUM:
What craziness possesses you,
to be calling me wrongly by a crackjaw name?
SCELEDRUS:
How now! What are you called, then?

> Latin: tibi ego dico, heus, Philocomasium.
Philocomasivm:
Quae te intemperiae tenent,
qui me perperam perplexo nomine appelles?
Palaestrio:
Eho,
quis igitur vocare?

[¶42] PHILOCOMASIUM:
My name is Glycera.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Diceae nomen est.

[¶43] SCELEDRUS:
For a bad purpose, Philocomasium, you wish to have a wrong name. Away with you, shocking woman; for most notably are you doing a wrong to my master.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Iniuria es,
falsum nomen possidere, Philocomasium, postulas;
ἄδικος es tu, non δικαία, et meo ero facis iniuriam.

[¶44] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Egone?

[¶45] SCELEDRUS:
Yes, you.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Tu⟨ne⟩.

[¶46] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I, who arrived from Athens yesterday evening at Ephesus,
with my lover, a young man of Athens?
SCELEDRUS:
Tell me,
what business have you here in Ephesus?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Quaé heri Athenis Ephesum adveni vesperi
cum meo amatore, adulescente Atheniensi?
Palaestrio:
Dic mihi,
quid hic tibi in Epheso est negoti?

[¶47] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I had heard that my own twin-sister is here in Ephesus; I came here to look for her.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Geminam germanam meam
hic sororem esse indaudivi, eam veni quaesitum.

[¶48] SCELEDRUS:
You’re a good-for-nothing woman.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Mala es.

[¶49] PHILOCOMASIUM:
Yes, i’ faith, I am a very foolish one to be parleying with you fellows. I am going.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Immo ecastor stulta multum, quae vobiscum fabuler.
abeo.

[¶50] SCELEDRUS:
I won’t let you go.
(Catches hold of her.)

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Abire non sinam te.

[¶51] PHILOCOMASIUM:
Let me go.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Mitte.

[¶52] SCELEDRUS:
You are discovered in the fact.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Manifestaria es.

[¶53] I won’t let you go.
PHILOCOMASIUM:
But my hands shall just now sound again against your cheek, if you don’t let me go.

> Latin: non omitto.
Philocomasivm:
At iam crepabunt mihi manus, malae tibi,
nisi me omittis.

[¶54] SCELEDRUS: (to PALAESTRIO.)
Why the plague are you standing idle? Why don’t you hold her on the other side?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid, malum, astas? quin tenes altrinsecus?

[¶55] PALAESTRIO:
I don’t choose to bring the business down upon my back. How do I know but that this is not Philocomasium, but is some other female that resembles her?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nil moror negotiosum mi esse tergum. qui scio
an ista non sit Philocomasium átque alia eius similis sit?

[¶56] PHILOCOMASIUM:
Will you let me go, or will you not let me go?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Mittis me an non mittis?

[¶57] SCELEDRUS:
No; by force and against your will, in spite of you,
I’ll drag you home, unless you’ll go of your own accord.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Immo vi atque invitam ingratiis,
nisi voluntate ibis, rapiam te domum.

[¶58] PHILOCOMASIUM: (pointing to the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)
This is my lodging here abroad, at Athens is my home.
SCELEDRUS:
But your master lives here.
(pointing to the CAPTAIN’S house.)
PHILOCOMASIUM:
I have nothing to do with that house, nor do I know or understand yourselves what persons you are.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Hosticum hoc mihi
domicilium est, Athenis domus est Atticis; ego istam domum
neque moror neque vos qui hómines sitis novi neque scio.

[¶59] SCELEDRUS:
Proceed against me at law. I’ll never let you go, until you give me your solemn word that you will go indoors here (pointing to the CAPTAIN’S house) if I let go of you.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Lege agito: te nusquam mittam, nisi das firmatam fidem,
te huc, si omisero, intro ituram.

[¶60] PHILOCOMASIUM:
You are compelling me by force, whoever you are.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Vi me cogis, quisquis es.

[¶61] I give you my word, that if you let go of me, I will go into that house where you bid me.

> Latin: do fidem, si omittis, isto me intro ituram quo iubes.

[¶62] SCELEDRUS:
Then, now I let go of you.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Ecce omitto.

[¶63] PHILOCOMASIUM:
And, as I’m let go, I’ll go in here.
(Runs into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
At ego abeo missa. —

[¶64] SCELEDRUS:
She has acted with a woman’s honour.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Muliebri fecit fide.

[¶65] PALAESTRIO:
Sceledrus, you’ve lost the prey through your hands; as sure as possible she is the lady of our master. Do you intend to act in this matter with spirit?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Sceledre, manibus amisisti praedam. tám east quam potis
nostra erilis concubina. vin tu facere hoc strenue?

[¶66] SCELEDRUS:
How am I to act?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid faciam?

[¶67] PALAESTRIO:
Bring me a sword out here from in-doors.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ecfer mihi machaeram huc intus.

[¶68] SCELEDRUS:
What will you do with it?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid facies ea?

[¶69] PALAESTRIO:
I’ll break right into the house; and whatever man I see in-doors there caressing Philocomasium, I’ll behead him on the spot.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Intro rumpam recta in aedis: quemque hic intus videro
cum Philocomasio osculantem, eum ego óbtruncabo extempulo.

[¶70] SCELEDRUS:
And do you think that it was she?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Visanest ea esse?

[¶71] PALAESTRIO:
I’ faith, it was she, sure enough.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Immo edepol plane east.

[¶72] SCELEDRUS:
But how she did dissemble.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Sed quo modo
dissimulabat.

[¶73] PALAESTRIO:
Go, bring me a sword out here.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Abi, machaeram huc ecfer.

[¶74] SCELEDRUS:
I’ll have it here this moment.
(Goes into the CAPTAIN’S house.) (PALAESTRIO alone.)

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Iam faxo hic erit. —

[¶75] PALAESTRIO:
Beyond a doubt, neither any horse nor foot has so great a degree of boldness
in carrying out anything with as much confidence as some women. How cleverly and how skilfully she performed her part in both her characters!—how her wary keeper, my fellow-servant, is being gulled!’Tis most fortunate that the passage communicates through the party-wall.
(Enter SCLEDRUS from the CAPTAIN’s house.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Neque eques neque pedes profectost quisquam tanta audacia,
qui aeque faciat confidenter quicquam quam mulier facit.
ut utrubique orationem docte divisit suam,
ut sublinitur os custodi cauto, conservo meo.
nimis beat quod commeatus transtinet trans parietem.

[¶76] SCELEDRUS:
Hallo! Palaestrio, there’s no occasion for the sword.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Heus, Palaestrio, machaera nihil opust.

[¶77] PALAESTRIO:
How so?—or what’s the matter now?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid iam, aut quid est?

[¶78] SCELEDRUS:
Our master’s lady is there, at home.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Domi eccam erilem concubinam.

[¶79] PALAESTRIO:
What? At home?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid, domi?

[¶80] SCELEDRUS:
She’s lying on the sofa.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
In lecto cubat.

[¶81] PALAESTRIO:
Faith, but you’ve certainly brought on yourself a disagreable affair, according to what you report.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Edepol ne tu tibi malam rem repperisti, ut praedicas.

[¶82] SCELEDRUS:
How so?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Quid iam?

[¶83] PALAESTRIO:
Inasmuch as you have dared to touch that lady next door here.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quia hanc attingere ausus esausu's mulierem hinc ex proxumo.

[¶84] SCELEDRUS:
I’ faith, I fear it much. But no one shall ever make her to be any other than her own twin-sister.
PALAESTRIO:’twas she, in troth, that you saw toying: and, in fact,’tis plain that it is she, as you remark.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Magis hercle metuo.
Palaestrio:
Sed numquam quisquam faciet quin soror
istaec sit gemina huius: eam pol tu osculantem hic videras.

[¶85] SCELEDRUS:
What was there more likely than that I should have been undone, if I had spoken of it to my master.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Id quidem palam est eam esse, ut dicis; quid propius fuit,
quam ut perirem, si elocutus essem ero?

[¶86] PALAESTRIO:
Then, if you’re wise, you’ll hold your tongue. It befits a servant to know of more than he speaks. I’m going to leave you, that I may not at all participate in your designs. And I shall go to our neighbour here; these turmoils of yours don’t please me.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ergo, si sapis,
mussitabis: plus oportet scire servom quam loqui.
ego abeo a te, ne quid tecum consili commisceam,
atque apud hunc ero vicinum; tuae mihi turbae non placent.

[¶87] My master, if he comes, should he inquire for me, I shall be there; send for me next door.
(Goes into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.) (SCLEDRUS, alone.)
SCELEDRUS:
Well, he’s off; nor cares he any more for his master’s business than if he were not in his service. For sure she really is now here in-doors in the house, for I myself found her just now lying down in our house.

> Latin: erus si veniet, si me quaeret, hic ero: hinc me arcessito. —
Sceledrvs:
Satin abiit ille neque erile negotium
plus curat, quasi non servitutem serviat?
certo illa quidem hic nunc intus est in aedibus,
nam egomet cubantem eam modo offendi domi.

[¶88] I am resolved now to employ myself in watching.
(Places himself against the CAPTAIN’S door.) (Enter PERIPLECOMENUS from his house.)
PERIPLECOMENUS:
Faith, but these men here, these servants of my neighbour the Captain, take me not to be a man, but a woman, so much do they trifle with me. My lady guest, who came here yesterday from Athens with the gentleman, my guest,
is she to be mauled about and made fun of here in the street—a lady, free-born and free?
SCELEDRUS: (aside.)

> Latin: certum est nunc observationi operam dare.
Periplectomenvs:
non hercle hisce homines me marem, sed feminam
vicini rentur esse servi militis:
ita me ludificant. meamne hic invitam hospitam,
quae heri huc Athenis cum hospite advenit meo,
tractatam et ludificatam, ingenuam et liberam?

[¶89] By my troth, I’m undone. He’s coming in a straight line up towards me. I fear that this matter may cause me great trouble, so far as I have heard this old gentleman speak.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Perii hercle, hic ad me recta habet rectam viam.
metuo, illaec mihi res ne malo magno fuat,
quantum hunc audivi facere verborum senem.

[¶90] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I’ll up to this fellow. Was it you, Sceledrus, source of mischief, that were just now
making fun of my lady guest before the house?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Accedam ad hominem. tun, Sceledre, hic, scelerum caput,
meam ludificavisti hospitam ante aedis modo?

[¶91] SCELEDRUS:
Good neighbour, listen, I beg.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Vicine, ausculta quaeso.

[¶92] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I, listen to you?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ego auscultem tibi?

[¶93] SCELEDRUS:
I wish to clear myself.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Expurigare volo me.

[¶94] PERIPLECOMENUS:
You, clear yourself to me, who have done an action so gross and so unbecoming? And because you are soldiers, do you suppose,
you gallows-bird, that you may do what you like with us?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Tun te expuriges,
qui facinus tantum tamque indignum feceris?
an quia latrocinamini, arbitramini
quidvis licere facere vobis, verbero?

[¶95] SCELEDRUS:
May I—?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Licetne?

[¶96] PERIPLECOMENUS:
But so may all the Gods and Goddesses prosper me, if a punishment with the rod is not given to you at my request, a long and lasting one, from morning to evening; because you have been breaking my gutters and my tiles,
while you were following there a monkey like your own self; because, too, you have been peeping down from there at my guest in my house, when he was caressing and fondling his mistress; besides, you have dared to accuse the chaste lady of your master of criminality, and myself of a heinous offence;
and further, because you have dared to maul about my lady guest before my house. If the punishment of the whip is not given to you, I will cause your master to be more laden with disgrace than the sea is full of waves in a heavy storm.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
At ita me di deaeque omnis ament,
nisi mihi supplicium virgeum de te datur
longum diutinumque, a mane ad vesperum,
quod meas confregisti imbricis et tegulas,
ibi dum condignam te sectatus essectatu's simiam,
quodque inde inspectavisti meum apud me hospitem
amplexum amicam, quom osculabatur, suam,
quodque cóncubinam erilem insimulare ausus es
probri pudicam meque summi flagiti,
tum quod tractavisti hospitam ante aedis meam:
nisi mihi supplicium stimuleum de ⟨te⟩ datur,
dedecoris pleniorem erum faciam tuom,
quam magno vento plenumst undarum mare.

[¶97] SCELEDRUS:
I am driven to such straits, Periplecomenus, that I don’t know
whether it is fitter for me rather to dispute this matter with you, or whether, if she is not our lady, and if our lady was not seen by me, it seems more proper for me to excuse myself to you; as even now I don’t know which I saw, so like is that guest of yours to our lady—
if, indeed, she is not the same person.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Ita sum coactus, Periplectomene, ut nesciam
utrum me postulare prius … tecum aequom siet;
nisi ⟨si⟩ istaec non est haec neque ⟨haec⟩ istast, mihi
me expurigare tibi videtur aequius;
sicut etiam nunc nescio quid viderim:
itast ista huius similis nostrai tua,
siquidem non eadem est.

[¶98] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Go into my house and look: you’ll soon see.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Vise ad me intro, iam scies.

[¶99] SCELEDRUS:
May I go?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Licetne?

[¶100] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Why, I command you; go and examine at your leisure.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quin te iubeo; et placide noscita.

[¶101] SCELEDRUS:
I am determined to do so.
(Goes into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Ita facere certum est. —

[¶102] PERIPLECOMENUS: (probably looking up to a window in the CAPTAIN’S house.)
Ho! Philocomasium! pass instantly, with all speed, into my house;’tis absolutely necessary. Afterwards, when Sceledrus shall have come out from my house,
pass quickly, with all haste, back again to your own house. By my troth, now, I’m afraid she’ll be making some blunder. Should he not see the woman … My door opens.
(Enter SCLEDRUS from the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Heus, Philocomasium, cito
transcurre curriculo ad nos, ita negotiumst.
post, quando exierit Sceledrus a nobis, cito
transcurrito ad vos rursum curriculo domum.
nunc pol ego metuo ne quid infuscaverit.
si hic non videbit mulierem — aperitur foris.

[¶103] SCELEDRUS:
O ye immortal Gods! A woman more like,
and more the same, who is not the same, I do not think the Gods could make.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Pro di immortales, similiorem mulierem
magisque eándem, ut pote quae non sit eadem, non reor
deos fácere posse.

[¶104] PERIPLECOMENUS:
What now?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quid nunc?

[¶105] SCELEDRUS:
I certainly merit chastisement.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Commerui malum.

[¶106] PERIPLECOMENUS:
What then? Is it she?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quid igitur? eanest?

[¶107] SCELEDRUS:
Although ’tis she,’tis not she.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Etsi east, non est ea.

[¶108] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Have you seen this lady?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Vidistin istam?

[¶109] SCELEDRUS:
I have seen both her and the gentleman, your guest, caressing and kissing.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Vidi, et illam et hospitem,
complexam atque osculantem.

[¶110] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Is it she?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Eanest?

[¶111] SCELEDRUS:
I know not.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Nescio.

[¶112] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Would you know for certain?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Vin scire plane?

[¶113] SCELEDRUS:
I should like to.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Cupio.

[¶114] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Go you this instant into your own house: see whether your lady is within.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Abi intro ad vos domum
continuo, vide sitne istaec vostra intus.

[¶115] SCELEDRUS:
Very well: you’ve advised me rightly. I’ll be out again to you this instant.
(Goes into the CAPTAIN’S house.)

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Licet,
pulchre admonuisti. iám ego ad te exibo foras. —

[¶116] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I’ faith, I never saw any man more cleverly fooled, and by more singular devices.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Numquam edepol hominem quemquam ludificarier
magis facete vidi et magis miris modis.

[¶117] But here he is coming.
(Enter SCLEDRUS from the CAPTAIN’s house.)
SCELEDRUS:
Periplecomenus, by Gods and men, and by my own folly, and by your knees! I do beseech you—

> Latin: sed eccum egreditur.
Sceledrvs:
Periplectomene, te opsecro
per deos atque homines perque stultitiam meam
perque tua genua —

[¶118] PERIPLECOMENUS:
What now?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quíd opsecras me?

[¶119] SCELEDRUS:
Pardon my ignorance and my folly; now, at length, I know that I am half-witted, blind, and thoughtless;

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Inscitiae
meae et stultitiae ignoscas. nunc demum scio
me fuisse excordem, caecum, incogitabilem.

[¶120] for, behold! Philocomasium is at home.
PERIPLECOMENUS:
How, then, hang-dog. Have you seen them both?

> Latin: nam Philocomasium eccam intus.
Periplectomenvs:
Quid nunc, furcifer?
vidistin ambas?

[¶121] SCELEDRUS:
I have seen them.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Vidi.

[¶122] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I wish you to bring your master to me.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Erum exhibeas volo.

[¶123] SCELEDRUS:
Indeed, I confess that I deserve a very great punishment; and I own that I have done a wrong to your lady guest. But I thought that she was the lady of my master,
to whom the Captain, my master, gave me as a keeper; for it is not possible for water ever to be drawn more like to water from the same well, than is she to this lady guest of yours. And I will confess, as well, that I did look through the skylight into your house.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Meruisse equidem me maxumum fateor malum,
et tuae fecisse me hospitae aio iniuriam;
sed meam esse erilem concubinam censui,
cui me custodem erus addidit miles meus.
nam ex uno puteo similior numquam potis
aqua aquai sumi quam haec est atque ista hospita.
et me despexe ad te per impluvium tuom
fateor.

[¶124] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Why shouldn’t you confess what I saw myself?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quid ni fateare, ego quod viderim?

[¶125] SCELEDRUS:
And there saw in your house this lady guest of yours, kissing.
PERIPLECOMENUS:
You saw her?
SCELEDRUS:
I saw her. Why should I deny what I did see? But I fancied that I had seen Philocomasium.

> Latin: et ibi osculantem meum hospitem cum ista hospita
vidisti?
Sceledrvs:
Vidi (cur negem quod viderim?),
sed Philocomasium me vidisse censui.

[¶126] PERIPLECOMENUS:
And did you suppose me to be the very vilest of all men, in allowing, with my own knowledge,
such an injury so glaringly to be done to my neighbour?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ratun istic me hominem esse omnium minimi preti,
si ego me sciente paterer vicino meo
eam fieri apud me tam insignite iniuriam?

[¶127] SCELEDRUS:
Now, at length, I am of opinion that it was done foolishly by me, when I come to understand the matter; but still I did not do it with any ill intent.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Nunc demum a me insipienter factum esse arbitror,
cum rem cognosco; at non malitiose tamen
feci.

[¶128] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Yes, but ’twas improperly done; for it befits a person that is a servant to keep his eyes, and hands, and talk, asleep.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Immo indigne; nám hominem servom suos
domitos habere oportet oculos et manus
orationemque.

[¶129] SCELEDRUS:
Now, if after this day I mutter anything, even what I know for certain, give me over to torture; I’ll give myself up to you. This time, prithee, do pardon me for this.

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Egone si post hunc diem
muttivero, etiam quod egomet certo sciam,
dato excruciandum me: egomet me dedam tibi;
nunc hoc mi ignosce quaeso.

[¶130] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I shall subdue my feelings, so as to think that it was not done by you with malicious intent.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Vincam animum meum,
ne malitiose factum id esse aps te arbitrer.

[¶131] I will pardon you in this matter.
SCELEDRUS:
May the Gods bless you, then!

> Latin: ignoscam tibi istuc.
Sceledrvs:
At tibi di faciant bene.

[¶132] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Troth now, as the Gods may prosper you, really do restrain your tongue henceforth; even that which you do know, don’t know, and don’t you see what you do see.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ne tu hercle, si te di ament, linguam comprimes
posthac, etiam illud quod scies nesciveris
nec videris quod videris.

[¶133] SCELEDRUS:
You counsel me aright; so I’m resolved to do. Are you quite appeased?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Bene me mones,
ita facere certum est. sed satine oratus esoratu's?

[¶134] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Away with you.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Abi.

[¶135] SCELEDRUS:
Is there aught else you now require of me?

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Numquid nunc aliud me vis?

[¶136] PERIPLECOMENUS:
That you would know me not.
(Makes as if he is departing.)
SCELEDRUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ne me noveris.

[¶137] He has been cajoling me. How kindly he vouchsafed his favour not to be angry. I know what plan he is upon: that directly the Captain returns home from the Forum, I may be caught at home. He and Palaestrio together
have me in their power: I have perceived that, and for some time I’ve known it. I’ faith, never will I be seeking a bait this day from out of that wicker-net. For now somewhither will I betake myself, and for some days will I lie concealed until this turmoil is hushed and their resentment is softened. Enough punishment for my unlucky prating have I already merited.
But still, whatever befals me I’ll be off hence home.
(Goes into the CAPTAIN’S house.) (PERIPLECOMENUS, alone.)

> Latin: Sceledrvs:
Dedit híc mihi verba. quam benigne gratiam
fecit, ne iratus esset. scio quam rem gerat:
ut miles cum extemplo a foro adveniat domum,
domi cómprehendar. una hic et Palaestrio
me habent venalem: sensi et iam dudum scio.
numquam hercle ex ista nassa ego hodie escam petam;
nam iam aliquo aufugiam et me occultabo aliquot dies,
dum haec consilescunt turbae atque irae leniunt.
nam uni satis populo impio merui mali. —
[verum tamen dé me quidquid est, ibo hinc domum.]

[¶138] PERIPLECOMENUS:
So he has departed hence. I’ faith, I know right well, that a dead pig full oft has more relish by far than a living one: so bamboozled has he been, that he did not see what he really did see. For his eyes, and ears, and thoughts
have come over to us. So far,’tis right cleverly managed; the lady has played her part most excellently. I’ll go back again to my Senate; for Palaestrio is now at home in my house, and now Sceledrus is gone from the door. A full Senate can now be held.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Illic hínc abscessit. sat edepol certo scio,
occisam saepe sapere plus multo suem:
quoin id adimatur ne id quod vidit viderit.
nam illius oculi atque aures atque opinio
transfugere ad nos. usque adhuc actum est probe;
nimium festivam mulier operam praehibuit.
redeo in senatum rusum; nam Palaestrio
domi nunc apud me est, Sceledrus nunc autemst foris:
frequens senatus poterit nunc haberier.

[¶139] I’ll go in; lest while I am absent, there should be a distribution of their parts among them.
(Goes into his house.) (Enter PALAESTRIO from the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)
PALAESTRIO: (on entering he calls to PLEUSICLES and PERIPLECOMENUS, who are in the house of the latter.)
Keep yourselves within doors, yet a moment, Pleusicles. Let me first look out, that there may be no ambush anywhere, against that council which we intend to hold. For now we have need of a safe place from which no enemy can win the spoils of our counsels.

> Latin: ibo intro, ne, dum absum, alter sorti defuat. —
Palaestrio:
Cóhibete intra limen etiam vos parumper, Pleusicles,
sinite me prius pérspectare, ne uspiam insidiae sient
concilium quod habere volumus. nam ópus est nunc tuto loco,
unde inimicus ne quis nostri spolia capiat consili.

[¶140] For a well-devised plan is very often filched away, if the place for deliberating has not been chosen with care or with caution; and what is well-advised is ill-advised if it proves of use to the enemy; and if it proves of use to the enemy, it cannot otherwise than prove a detriment to yourself. For if the enemy learn your plans,
by your own self-same plans they tie your tongue and bind your hands; and they do the very same to you that you intended to do to them. But I’ll spy about, lest any one, either in this direction on the left or on the right, should come like a huntsman on our counsels with his ears like toils. (Looks about.) Quite vacant is the prospect hence right to the bottom of the street.

> Latin: nam bene consultum inconsultum est, si id inimicis usuist,
neque potest quin, si id inimicis usuist, obsit tibi;
[nam bene ⟨consultum⟩ consilium surripitur saepissime,]
[si minus cúm cura aut cautella locus loquendi lectus est.]
quippe qui, si rescivere inimici consilium tuom,
tuopte tibi consilio occludunt linguam et constringunt manus,
atque eadem quae illis voluisti facere, illi faciunt tibi.
sed speculabor, ne quis aut hinc aut ab laeva aut dextera
nostro consilio venator adsit cum auritis plagis.
sterilis hinc prospectus usque ad ultumam est plateam probe.

[¶141] I’ll call them out. Hallo! Periplecomenus and Pleusicles, come out!
(Enter PERIPLECOMENUS and PLEUSICLES from the house of the former.)

> Latin: evocabo. heus Periplectomene et Pleusicles, progredimini.

[¶142] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Behold us here obedient to your call.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ecce nos tibi oboedientes.

[¶143] PALAESTRIO:
The sway is easy over the good. But I wish to know, if we are to carry out the matter on the same plan that we formed within?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Facilest imperium in bonis.
sed volo scíre: eodem consilio, quód intus meditati sumus,
gerimus rem?

[¶144] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Why, in fact there’s nothing can be more conducive to our purpose.
Well, what say you, Pleusicles?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Magis nón potest esse ad rem utibile.
Palaestrio:
Immo …
quid tibi, Pleusicles?

[¶145] PLEUSICLES:
Can that displease me which pleases yourselves? What person is there more my friend than your own self?
PERIPLECOMENUS:
You speak kindly and obligingly.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Quodne vóbis placeat, displiceat mihi?
quis homo sit magis meus quam tu es?
Palaestrio:
Loquere lepide et commode.

[¶146] PALAESTRIO:
Faith, and so he ought to do.
PLEUSICLES:
But this affair shockingly distresses me, and torments my very heart and body.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Pol ita decet hunc facere.
Plevsicles:
At hoc me facinus miserum macerat
meumque cor corpusque cruciat.

[¶147] PERIPLECOMENUS:
What is it that torments you? Tell me.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quid id est quod cruciat? cedo.

[¶148] PLEUSICLES:
That I should cause childish actions in a person of your years, and that I should require of you deeds that neither become yourself nor your virtues;

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Me tibi istúc aetatis homini facinora puerilia
obicere, neque te decora neque tuis virtutibus;

[¶149] and that, with all your might, for my sake you are striving to aid me in my passion, and are doing actions of such a kind, as, when done, these years of yours are wont rather to avoid than follow. I am ashamed that I cause you this trouble in your old age.

> Latin: ea te expetere ex opibus summis mei honoris gratia
mihique amanti ire opitulatum atque ea te facere facinora,
quae istaec aetas fugere facta magis quam sectari solet:
eam pudet me tíbi in senecta obicere sollicitudinem.

[¶150] PERIPLECOMENUS:
You are a person in love after a new fashion. If, in fact, you are ashamed of anything you do,
you are nothing of a lover. You are rather the shadow of those who are in love, than a true lover, Pleusicles.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Novo modo tu homo amás, siquidem te quicquam quod faxis pudet;
nihil amas, umbra es amantis magis quam amator, Pleusicles.

[¶151] PLEUSICLES:
Ought I to employ these years of yours in seconding my love?

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Hancine aetatem exercere ⟨mei⟩ me amoris gratia?

[¶152] PERIPLECOMENUS:
How say you? Do I seem to you so very much a subject for Acheron? So much a bier’s-man? Do I seem to you to have had so very long a life? Why, really, I am not more than four-and-fifty years old;
I see clearly with my eyes, I’m ready with my hands, I’m active with my feet.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quid ais tu? itane tibi ego videor oppido Acherunticus?
tam capularis, tamine tibi diu videor vitam vivere?
nam équidem haud sum natus annos praeter quinquaginta et quattuor,
clare oculis video, pernix sum manibus, pedibus mobilis.

[¶153] PALAESTRIO:
If he is seen by you to have white hair, he is by no means an old man in mind; in him the natural strength of his mind is unimpaired.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Si albicapillus hic, videtur neutiquam ab ingenio senex.
inest in hoc emussitata sua sibi ingenua indoles.

[¶154] PLEUSICLES:
By my troth, for my part, I have found it to be so as you say, Palaestrio; for, in fact, his kindness is quite that of a young man.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Pol id quidem éxperior ita esse ut praedicas, Palaestrio;
nam benignitas quidem huius oppido adulescentula est.

[¶155] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Yes, my guest, the more you make trial of it, the more you will know my courtesy towards you in your love.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Immo, hospes, magis cúm periclum facies, magis nosces meam
comitatem erga te amantem.

[¶156] PLEUSICLES:
What need to know what’s known already?

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Quid opus nota noscere?

[¶157] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I’ll show you more amiability on my part than I’ll make mention of … that you may have instances for proving it at home, and not have to seek it out of doors. For unless one has loved himself, with difficulty he sees into the feelings of one in love.
But I have some little love and moisture in my body still, and not yet am I dried up for the pursuits of merriment and pleasure. Either the merry banterer likewise, or the agreable boon-companion will I be; no interrupter of another am I at a feast. I bear in mind how properly to keep myself from proving disagreable to my fellow-guests;
and how to take a due share with my conversation, and to be silent as well in my turn, when the discourse belongs to another. Far from being a spitter or hawker am I, far from being a dirty-nosed old fellow, too. And never do I take liberties with any person’s mistress when out in company; I don’t snatch up the dainty bits before another, nor take the cup before my turn; nor, through wine, do dissensions ever arise on my account at the convivial board. If there is any one there that is disagreable, I go off home; I cut the parley short. Stretched at my ease, I devote myself to pleasure, love, and mirth. In fine, at Ephesus was I born, not among the Apulians, not at Animula.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Vt apud ⟨te⟩ exemplum experiundi hábeas, ne quaeras foris;
nam nisi qui ipse amavit, aegre amantis ingenium inspicit:
et ego amoris aliquantum habeo umorisque etiam in corpore,
neque dum exarui ex amoenis rebus et voluptariis.
vel cavillator facetus vel conviva commodus
item eró, neque ego oblocutor sum alteri in convivio:
incommoditate abstinere me apud convivas commodo
commemini et meae orationis iustam partem persequi
et meam partem itidem tacere, quom aliena est oratio;
minime sputator, screator sum, itidem minime mucidus:
post Ephesi sum natus, non enim in Apulis; non sum Animulas.

[¶158] PLEUSICLES:
O what a most delightful old man, if he possesses the qualities he mentions!
Why, troth, surely now, he was brought up in the very rearing of Venus.
PALAESTRIO:
Why, in fact, you will not find another person who is of his years, more accomplished in every respect, or who is more a friend to his friend.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
O lepidum senem, in se si quas memorat virtutis habet,
atque equidem plane educatum in nutricatu Venerio.
Periplectomenvs:
Plus dabo quam praedicabo ex me venustatis tibi.
neque ego úmquam alienum scortum subigito in convivio,
neque praeripio pulpamentum neque praevorto poculum,
neque per vinum umquam ex me exoritur discidium in convivio:
si quis ibi est odiosus, abeo domum, sermonem segrego;
Venerem, amorem amoenitatemque accubans exerceo.
Palaestrio:
Tu quidem edepol omnis moris ad venustatem † vacet;
cedo tris mi hominis aurichalco contra cum istis moribus.

[¶159] PLEUSICLES:
By my troth, your whole manners really do show marks of first-rate breeding. Find me three men of such manners against a like weight in double-distilled gold.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
At quidem illúc aetatis qui sit non invenies alterum
lepidiorem ad omnís res nec qui amicus amico sit magis.

[¶160] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I’ll make you confess that I really am a youngster in my manners; so abounding in kindnesses will I prove myself to you in every respect. Should you have need of an advocate, severe or fierce? I am he. Have you need of one that is gentle? You shall say that I am more gentle than the sea is when hush’d,
and something more balmy will I prove than is the Zephyr breeze. In this same person will I display to you either the most jovial boon-companion, or the first-rate trencher-man, and the best of caterers. Then, as for dancing, there is no ballet-master that is so supple as I.
PALAESTRIO: (to PLEUSICLES.)

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Tute me ut fateare faciam esse adulescentem moribus,
ita apud omnis comparebo tibi res bene factis frequens.
opusne erit tibi advocato tristi, iracundo? ecce me;
opusne leni? leniorem dices quam mutum est mare,
liquidiusculusque ero quam ventus est favonius.
vel hilarissimum convivam hinc indidem expromam tibi,
pel primarium parasitum atque obsonatorem optumum;
tum ad saltandum non cinaedus malacus aequest atque ego.

[¶161] What could you wish added to these accomplishments, if the option were given you?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid ad illas artis optassis, si optio eveniat tibi?

[¶162] PLEUSICLES:
That thanks could be returned by me to him in degree equal to his deserts, and to yourself, to both of whom I feel that I am now the cause of extreme anxiety. But it is grievous to me to be the cause of so great expense to you.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Huius pro méritis ut referri pariter possit gratia,
tibique, quibus nunc me esse experior summae sollicitudini.
at tibi tanto sumptui esse mihi molestumst.

[¶163] PERIPLECOMENUS:
You are a simpleton. For, if you lay anything out on a bad wife and upon an enemy, that is an expense; that which is laid out on a deserving guest and a friend is gain;
as that, which is expended upon sacred rites, is a profit to the wise man. By the blessing of the Gods, I have enough, with which to receive you with hospitality in my house. Eat, drink, indulge your tastes with me, and surfeit yourself with enjoyments; my house is at your service, myself likewise do I wish to be at your service. For, through the blessing of the Gods, I may say that, by reason of my wealth,
I could have married a dowered wife of the best family; but I don’t choose to introduce an everlasting female barker at me into my house.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Morus es.
nam in mala uxore atque inimico si quid sumas, sumptus est,
in bono hospite atque amico quaestus est quod sumitur
et quod in divinis rebus sumptumst, sapienti lucrumst.
deum virtute est te unde hospitio accipiam apud me comiter:
es, bibe, animo obsequere mecum atque onera te hilaritudine.
liberae sunt aedis, liber sum autem ego: mei volo vivere.
nam mihi, deum virtute dicam, propter divitias meas
licuit uxorem dotatam genere summo ducere;
sed nolo mi oblatratricem in aedis intro mittere.

[¶164] PLEUSICLES:
Why don’t you choose? For ’tis a delightful thing to be the father of children [liberos].

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Cur non vis? nam procreare liberos lepidumst onus.

[¶165] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Troth,’tis very much sweeter by far to be free [liberum] yourself.
For a good wife, if it is possible for her to be married anywhere on earth, where can I find her? But am I to take one home who is never to say this to me, “Buy me some wool, my dear, with which a soft and warm cloak may be made, and good winter under-clothes, that you mayn’t catch cold this winter-weather;” such an expression as this you can never hear from a wife,
but, before the cocks crow, she awakes me from my sleep, and says, “Give me some money, my dear, with which to make my mother a present on the Calends, give me some money to make preserves; give me something to give on the Quinquatrus to the sorceress, to the woman who interprets the dreams, to the prophetess, and to the female diviner;”

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Hercle vero liberum esse tete, id multo lepidiust.
Palaestrio:
Tu homo et alteri sapienter potis es consulere et tibi.
Periplectomenvs:
Nam bona uxor suave ductust, si sit usquam gentium
ubi ea possit inveniri; verum egone eam ducam domum,
quae mihi numquam hoc dicat “eme, mi vir, lanam, unde tibi pallium
malacum et calidum conficiatur tunicaeque hibernae bonae,
ne algeas hac hieme” (hoc numquam verbum ex uxore audias),
verum prius quam galli cantent quae me e somno suscitet,
dicat “da, mi vir, kalendis meam qui matrem munerem,
da qui faciam † condiat, dá quod dem quinquatribus
praecantrici, coniectrici, hariolae atque haruspicae;
flagitiumst, si nil mittetur quae supercilio spicit;

[¶166] “besides,’tis impossible for me, in civility, not to fee the expiating woman; for long has the mattress-maker been grumbling, because she has received nothing; besides, the midwife found fault with me, that too little had been sent for her. What! arn’t you going to send something to the nurse that brings up the young slaves? It’s a shame if nothing’s sent her; with what a brow she does look at me.” These and many other expenses of the women like to these
frighten me from a wife, to be uttering speeches to me like to this.

> Latin: tum plicatricem clementer non potest quin munerem;
iam pridem, quia nihil abstulerit, suscenset ceriaria;
tum opstetrix expostulavit mecum, parum missum sibi;
quid? nutrici non missurus esmissuru's quicquam, quae vernas alit?”
haec atque horum similia alia damna multa mulierum
me uxore prohibent, mihi quae huius similes sermones serat.

[¶167] PALAESTRIO:
In good sooth, the Gods are propitious to you; for so soon as you lose this liberty, you will not easily reinstate yourself in the same condition.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Di tibi propitii sunt, nam hercle si istam semel amiseris
libertatem, haud facile in eundem rusum restitues locum.

[¶168] PLEUSICLES:
You are a person who are able to counsel wisely both for another and for yourself. But ’tis some merit for a man of noble family and of ample wealth to rear children—a memorial of his race and of himself.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
At illa laus est, magno in genere et in divitiis maxumis
liberos hominem educare, generi monumentum et sibi.

[¶169] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Since I have many relations, what need have I of children? Now I live well and happily, and as I like, and as contents my feelings. For I shall bequeath my property to my relations, and divide it among them. These, like children, pay attentions to me; they come to see how I do, or what I want; before it is daybreak they are with me; they make inquiry how I have enjoyed my sleep in the night.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quando habeo multos cognatos, quid opus est mihi liberis?
nunc bene vivo et fortunate atque ut volo atque animo ut lubet.
mea bona in morté cognatis didam, inter eos partiam.
[ei apud me aderunt, me curabunt, visent quid agam, ecquid velim.]
prius quam lucet adsunt, rogitant noctu ut somnum ceperim.

[¶170] Them will I have for children who are ever sending presents to me. Are they sacrificing—they give a greater part of it to me than to themselves; they take me home with them to share the entrails; they invite me to their houses to breakfast and to dinner. He thinks himself most unfortunate, who has sent but very little to me. They vie with one another with their presents; I say in a low voice to myself:

> Latin: [eos pro liberis habebo, qui mihi mittunt munera.]
sacrificant: dant inde partem mihi maiorem quam sibi,
abducunt ad exta; me ad se ad prandium, ad cenam vocant;
ille misérrumum se retur, minimum qui misit mihi.
illi inter se certant donis, egomet mecum mussito:

[¶171] “They are gaping after my property; while, in their emulation, they are nourishing me and loading me with presents.”

> Latin: bona mea inhiant, me certatim nutricant et munerant.

[¶172] PALAESTRIO:
Upon right good grounds and right well do you fully understand yourself and your own interests, and if you are happy, sons twofold and threefold have you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nimis bona ratione nimiumque ad te ⟨te⟩ et tuam vitam habes:
et tibi sunt gemini et trigemini, si te bene habes, filii.

[¶173] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Troth, if I had had them, enough anxiety should I have had from my children.
… I should have been everlastingly tormented in mind; but if perchance one had had a fever, I think I should have died. Or if one, in liquor, had tumbled anywhere from his horse, I should have been afraid that he had broken his legs or neck on that occasion.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Pol si habuissem, satis cepissem miseriarum e liberis:
continuo excruciarer animi: si ei forte fuisset febris,
censerem emori; cecidissetve ebrius aut de equo uspiam,
metuerem ne ibi diffregisset crura aut cervices sibi.

[¶174] PALAESTRIO:’Tis right that riches should come, and that long life should be granted to this man, who both husbands his property and yet enjoys himself and has kind wishes for his friends.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Huic homini dignum est divitias esse et diu vitam dari,
qui et rem servat et se bene habet suisque amicis usui est.

[¶175] PLEUSICLES:
O what a delightful person! So may the Gods and Goddesses prosper me,’twere right the Deities should so ordain that all should not live after one rule as to the duration of life. Just as he who is a trusty market-officer sets their prices on the wares; as that which is good or valuable is sold according to its excellence, and that which is worthless, according to the faultiness of the commodity, deprives its owner of its price;
so were it right that the Gods should portion out the life of man, so as to give to him who is kindly disposed a long life, and speedily to deprive of existence those who are reprobate and wicked. If they had provided this, bad men would both have been fewer, and with less hardihood would they do their wicked deeds; and then,
those who were good men, of them there would have been a more plenteous harvest.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
O lepidum caput. ita me di deaeque ament, aequom fuit
deos paravisse, uno exemplo ne omnes vitam viverent;
sicut merci pretium statuit qui est probus agoranomus:
quae probast mers, pretium ei statuit, pro virtute ut veneat,
quae improbast, pro mercis vitio dominum pretio pauperat,
itidem divos dispertisse vitam humanam aequom fuit:
qui lepide ingeniatus esset, vitam ei longinquam darent,
qui improbi essent et scelesti, is adimerent animam cito.
si hoc paravissent, et homines essent minus multi mali
et minus audacter scelesta facerent facta, et postea,
quí homines probi essent, esset is annona vilior.

[¶176] PERIPLECOMENUS:
He who would blame the ordinances of the Gods must be foolish and ignorant. … At present we must at once have an end of these matters; for new I want to go to market, that, my guest, according to your own deserts and mine, I may entertain you hospitably at my house, heartily and with right hearty cheer.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Qui deorum consilia culpet, stultus inscitusque sit,
quique eos vituperet. nunc istis rebus desisti decet.
nunc volo opsonare, ut, hospes, tua te ex virtute et mea
meae domi accipiam benigne, lepide et lepidis victibus.

[¶177] PLEUSICLES:
I am content with the expense that I have been to you already. For no guest can be thus hospitably entertained by a friend, but that when he has been there three days running, he must now become a bore; but when he is prolonging his stay for ten successive days, he is a nuisance to the household. Although the master willingly allows it, the servants grumble.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Nihil me paenitet iam quanto sumptui fuerim tibi;
nam hospes nullus tám in amici hospitium devorti potest,
quin, ubi triduom continuom fuerit, iam odiosus siet;
verum ubi dies decem continuos sit, east odiorum Ilias:
tam etsi dominus non invitus patitur, servi murmurant.

[¶178] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I have trained up the servants that are in my service, my guest, not to rule over me, or for me to be obedient to them. If that is disagreable to them which is agreable to me, I steer my own course; that which they don’t like must still be done at their peril, and whether they like it or no. Now, as I intended, I shall go to market.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Serviendae servituti ego servos instruxi mihi,
hospes, non qui mi imperarent quibusve ego essem obnoxius:
si illis aegrest mihi quod volup est, meo remigio rem gero,
tamen id quod odiost faciundumst cum malo atque ingratiis.
nunc, quod occepi, opsonatum pergam.

[¶179] PLEUSICLES:
If you are resolved,
do cater somewhat within bounds, at no great expense; anything is enough for me.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Si certumst tibi,
commodulum obsona, ne magno sumptu: mihi quidvis sat est.

[¶180] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Won’t you now have done with that old-fashioned and antiquated talk? Now surely, guest, you are using the cant of the vulgar. For they are in the habit of saying, when they have taken their places, when dinner is put on table: “What necessity was there for you to go to this great expense on out account?”

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quin tu istanc orationem hinc veterem atque antiquam amoves?
[nam] proletario sermone nunc quidem, hospes, utere;
nam ei solent, quando accubuere, ubi cena adpositast, dicere:
“quid opus fuit hoc, ⟨hospes⟩, sumptu tanto nostra gratia?

[¶181] “Surely you were mad, for this same dinner was enough for ten persons.” What has been provided on their account they find fault with; they eat it up, however.

> Latin: insanivisti hercle, nám idem hoc hominibus sat erat decem.”
quod eorum causa obsonatumst culpant et comedunt tamen.

[¶182] PALAESTRIO:
Troth, in that self-same fashion ’tis generally done. How clever and shrewd is his discernment.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Fit pol íllud ad íllud exemplum. ut docte et perspecte sapit.

[¶183] PERIPLECOMENUS:
But these same persons never say, although such an abundance has been provided, “Do order that to be taken off; do take away this dish; remove this gammon of bacon, I’ll have none of it;”
“put aside that piece of pork; this conger’s good when cold; remove it, take and put it aside.” You hear none of them saying this in earnest, but they stretch themselves out, while with half their bodies on the table, they are indulging their appetite.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Sed eidem homines numquam dicunt, quamquam adpositumst ampliter:
“iube illud demi; tolle hanc patinam; remove pernam, nil moror;
aufer illam offam porcinam, probus hic conger frigidus,
remove, abi aufer” neminem eorum haec adseverare audias,
sed procellunt se et procumbunt dimidiati, dum appetunt.

## 3. Lines 763–1096

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

[¶0] PALAESTRIO:
How cleverly the good soul has described their bad manners.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Bonus bene ut malos descripsit mores.

[¶1] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I have not said a hundredth part of what I could have enlarged upon had there been leisure for the matter.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Haud centesimam
partem dixi atque, otium rei si sit, possum expromere.

[¶2] PALAESTRIO:
The business, then, that we are about—to that we ought first to turn our thoughts. Do you both, now, give me your attention. I have need, Periplecomenus, of your assistance; for I have hit upon a pleasant trick, how this Captain with his long locks may be fleeced quite close, and how we may effect a means for Philocomasium, and this her lover,
that he may carry her off hence, and have her as his own.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Igitur id quod agitur, † hic primum praeverti decet.
nunc hoc animum advortite ambo. mihi opus est opera tua,
Periplectomene; nám ego inveni lepidam sycophantiam,
qui admutiletur miles usque caesariatus atque uti
huic amanti ac Philocomasio hanc ecficiamus copiam,
ut hic eam abducat habeatque.

[¶3] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I wish this plan to be imparted to me.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Dari istanc rationem volo.

[¶4] PALAESTRIO:
And I, wish that ring of yours to be imparted to me.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
At ego mi anulum dari istunc tuom volo.

[¶5] PERIPLECOMENUS:
For what purpose is it to be used?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quam ad rem usui est?

[¶6] PALAESTRIO:
When I have got it, I will impart the plan of my devices.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quando habebo, igitur rationem mearum fabricarum dabo.

[¶7] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Take and use it. (Gives him the ring.)

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Vtere, accipe.

[¶8] PALAESTRIO:
Take from me in return the plan of my contrivance that I have hit upon.
PERIPLECOMENUS:
We are listening to you with most attentive ear.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Accipe a me rusum rationem doli,
quam institui.
Plevsicles:
Perpurigatis damus tibi ambo operam auribus.

[¶9] PALAESTRIO:
My master is such a shocking rake among the women, that I think no one ever was his equal, nor ever will be.
PERIPLECOMENUS:
I believe the same as well.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Erus meus ita magnus moechus mulierum est, ut neminem
fúisse aeque neque futurum credo.
Plevsicles:
Credo ego istuc idem.

[¶10] PALAESTRIO:
He boasts, too, that his beauty exceeds that of Alexander; and, therefore, he says that all the women in Ephesus of their own accord are courting him.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Isque Alexandri praestare praedicat formae suam,
itaque omnis se ultro sectari in Epheso memorat mulieres.

[¶11] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Aye, faith, many there are who could wish that you were now telling an untruth about him.
But I am convinced full well that it is as you say. For that reason, Palaestrio, do compress your words in as short a compass as ever you possibly can.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Edepol qui te de isto multi cupiunt † non mentirier,
sed ego ita esse ut dicis teneo pulchre. proin, Palaestrio,
quam potis tam verba confer maxime ad compendium.

[¶12] PALAESTRIO:
Can you, then, find any woman of agreable person, whose mind and body are full of merriment and subtlety?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ecquam tu potes reperire forma lepida mulierem,
cui facetiarum cor pectusque sit plenum et doli?

[¶13] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Free by birth, or bondwoman made free?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ingenuamne an libertinam?

[¶14] PALAESTRIO:
I consider that a matter of indifference, so that
you find one who is greedy for gain, who supports her body by her charms, who has, too, her senses all awake; as for her heart, that cannot be so, as none of them have one.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Aequi istuc facio, dum modo
eam des quae sit quaestuosa, quaé alat corpus corpore,
cuique sapiat pectus; nam cor non potest, quod nulla habet.

[¶15] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Do you want one that has taken her degrees, or one as yet a novice in the art?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Lautam vis an quae nondum sit lauta?

[¶16] PALAESTRIO:
One sober but plump, a juicy bit; as taking a one as ever you can find, and one very young.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Sic consucidam,
quam lepidissimam potis quamque adulescentem maxume.

[¶17] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Why, I have one, a dependant of mine, a courtesan, a very young woman.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Habeo eccillam meam clientam, meretricem adulescentulam.

[¶18] But what is the occasion for her?
PALAESTRIO:
For you to bring her home at once to your house as your wife, and, for that reason, to bring her there dressed out, so that she may wear her locks with her hair arranged, and fillets after the fashion of matrons, and may pretend that she is your wife; so you must instruct her.
PERIPLECOMENUS:
I am at a loss what road you are taking.

> Latin: sed quid ea usus est?
Palaestrio:
Vt ad te eam iam deducas domum
itaque eam huc ornatam adducas, ex matronarum modo,
capite compto, crinis vittasque habeat, adsimuletque se
tuam esse uxorem: ita praecipiundum est.
Plevsicles:
Erro quam insistas viam.

[¶19] PALAESTRIO:
Well, you shall know. But what sort of a maid has she?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
At scietis. séd ecquae ancillast illi?

[¶20] PERIPLECOMENUS:
She is a rare clever one.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Est prime cata.

[¶21] PALAESTRIO:
We have need of her as well; so give your instructions to the damsel and her maid, to pretend that she is your wife and is doting upon this Captain; and as though she had given this ring to her maid, then she to me, that I might deliver it to the Captain; and I must be as though it were a go-between in this matter.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ea quoque opus est. ita praecipito mulieri atque ancillulae,
ut simulet se tuam esse uxorem et deperire hunc militem,
quasique hunc anulum faveae suae dederit, ea porro mihi,
militi ut darem, quasique ego ⟨ei⟩ rei sim interpres.

[¶22] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I hear you; don’t stun my ears as if I were deaf.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Audio;
ne me surdum esse arbitrare, si audes. ego recte meis
auribus utor …

[¶23] PALAESTRIO:
I myself will go straightway to him; I’ll say that it has been brought and delivered to me from your wife, in order that I might introduce her to him. He’ll be distractedly longing for her at home, a scoundrel that cares for nothing else whatever but intriguing.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
…
ei dabo, ⟨aps⟩ tua mi uxore dicam delatum et datum,
ut sese ad eum conciliarem; ille eiusmodi est: cupiet miser,
qui nisi adulterio studiosus rei nulli aliaest improbus.

[¶24] PERIPLECOMENUS:
If you had commissioned the Sun himself to search them out, he couldn’t have found, better than myself, two more cleverly suited for this business. Be of good courage about it.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Non potuit reperire, si ipsi Soli quaerendas dares,
lepidiores duas ad hanc rem quám ego. hábe animum bonum.

[¶25] PALAESTRIO:
Take you every care then. There is need of despatch.
(Exit PERIPLECOMENUS.)
PALAESTRIO:
Now, do you listen, Pleusicles.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ergo adcura, sed propere opus est. nunc tu ausculta, Pleusicles.

[¶26] PLEUSICLES:
I am all attention to you.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Tibi sum oboediens.

[¶27] PALAESTRIO:
Take care of this. When the Captain comes home, do you remember not to call Philocomasium by her name.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Hoc facito, miles domum ubi advenerit,
memineris ne Philocomasium nomines.

[¶28] PLEUSICLES:
What am I to call her?

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Quem nominem?

[¶29] PALAESTRIO:
Glycera.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Diceam.

[¶30] PLEUSICLES:
The same, you mean, that was agreed upon a little time since.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Nempe eandem quae dudum constitutast.

[¶31] PALAESTRIO:
Hush!—Be off.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Pax, abi.

[¶32] PLEUSICLES:
I’ll remember; but still I don’t know what use it is to keep it in my mind.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Meminero. sed quid meminisse id refert, ⟨rogo⟩ ego te tamen.

[¶33] PALAESTRIO:
But I will tell you, at the time, when occasion shall require. Meanwhile, be quiet; so that, bye and bye, when he too shall be acting his part, you may, on the instant, be minding your cue.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ego enim dicam tum quando usus poscet; interea tace,
ut nunc etiam hic agat ac tu tum partis defendas tuas.

[¶34] PLEUSICLES:
I’ll go in then.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Ego eo intro igitur. —

[¶35] PALAESTRIO:
Go, and do take care steadily to follow my instructions.
(PLEUSICLES goes into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Et praecepta sobrie ut cures face.

[¶36] PALAESTRIO:
What mighty turmoils I create! What mighty engines I do set to work! This very day I shall take his mistress away from the Captain,
if my soldiers are only well drilled. But I’ll call him out. (Goes to the door and calls.) Hallo! Sceledrus, if you are not busy, come out to the front of the house; I, Palaestrio, call you.
(Enter LUCRIO from the CAPTAIN’s house.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
quantas res turbo, quantas moveo machinas.
eripiam ego hodie concubinam militi,
si centuriati bene sunt maniplares mei.
sed illúm vocabo. heus Sceledre, nisi negotiumst,
progredere ante aedis, te vocat Palaestrio.

[¶37] LUCRIO:
Sceledrus is not at leisure.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Non operaest Sceledro.

[¶38] PALAESTRIO:
Why so?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid iam?

[¶39] LUCRIO:
He’s fast asleep, gulping.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Sorbet dormiens.

[¶40] PALAESTRIO:
How, gulping?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid, sorbet?

[¶41] LUCRIO:
He’s snoring,’twas that I meant to say:

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Illud, stertit, volui dicere.

[¶42] but, because ’tis very like gulping when you are snoring— …
PALAESTRIO:
What! Is Sceledrus asleep in-doors?

> Latin: sed quia consimile est, quom stertas, quasi sorbeas —
Palaestrio:
Eho an dórmit Sceledrus intus?

[¶43] LUCRIO:
Not with his nose, in fact; for with that he is calling out loud enough.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Non naso quidem,
nam eo mágnum clamat. tetigit calicem clanculum,
dum misit nardum in amphoram, cellarius.

[¶44] PALAESTRIO:
He has taken a cup by stealth; the butler has lately tapped a cask of nardine.
Oho! you rascal, you are his deputy-butler. Oho!

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Eho tu sceleste, qui illi suppromus essuppromu's, eho —

[¶45] LUCRIO:
What do you mean?

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Quid vis?

[¶46] PALAESTRIO:
How has he thought fit to go to sleep?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Qui lubitum est illi condormiscere?

[¶47] LUCRIO:
With his eyes, I suppose.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Oculis opinor.

[¶48] PALAESTRIO:
I don’t ask you that, you vagabond. Step this way: you’re undone now, unless I know the truth. Did you draw the wine for him?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Non te istuc rogito, scelus.
procede huc. periisti iam, nisi verum scio.
prompsisti tu illi vinum?

[¶49] LUCRIO:
I did not draw it.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Non prompsi.

[¶50] PALAESTRIO:
Do you deny it?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Negas?

[¶51] LUCRIO:
I’ faith, I do deny it undoubtedly; for he charged me not to tell. I really didn’t just draw for him eight half pints into a pitcher, and, when drawn, he didn’t just drink it hot, at his breakfast.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Nego hercle vero, nam ille me vetuit dicere;
neque equidem heminas octo exprompsi in urceum
neque illic calidum éxbibit in prandium.

[¶52] PALAESTRIO:
And you didn’t just drink as well?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Neque tu bibisti?

[¶53] LUCRIO:
The Gods confound me if I did drink—if I could drink.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Di me perdant, si bibi,
si bibere potui.

[¶54] PALAESTRIO:
Why so?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid iam?

[¶55] LUCRIO:
Because, in fact, I only sipped;

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Quia enim obsorbui;

[¶56] for it was too hot; it burnt my throat.

> Latin: nam nimis calebat, amburebat gutturem.

[¶57] PALAESTRIO:
Some are gloriously drunk, while others are drinking vinegar-water. The cellar’s trusted to an honest butler, as well as under-butler.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Alii ebrii sunt, alii poscam potitant.
bono subpromo et promo cellam creditam.

[¶58] LUCRIO:
I’ faith, you’d be doing the same, if it was entrusted to you.
Since you can’t follow our example, you are envious now.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Tu hércle idem fáceres, si tibi esset credita:
quoniam aemulari non licet, nunc invides.

[¶59] PALAESTRIO:
Come, now, did he ever draw any wine before this? Answer me, you rascal. And, that you may understand it, I give you this notice: if you purposely tell me an untruth, you shall be put to the torture.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Eho an umquam prompsit antehac? responde, scelus.
atque ut tu scire possis, ⟨ego⟩ dico tibi:
si falsa dices, Lucrio, excruciabere.

[¶60] LUCRIO:
Indeed so? That you may inform, forsooth, that I told you;
and then I shall be turned out of my fattening post in the cellar, that you may find another under-butler to draw for your own self.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Ita vero? ut tu ipse me dixisse delices,
post ⟨e⟩ sagina ego eiciar cellaria,
ut tibi, si promptes, alium subpromum pares.

[¶61] PALAESTRIO:
On my honour, I will not; come, speak out boldly to me.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Non edepol faciam. age eloquere audacter mihi.

[¶62] LUCRIO:
By my troth, I never saw him draw any. But thus was it; he requested me, and then I drew it.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Numquam edepol vidi promere. verum hoc erat:
mihi imperabat, ego promebam postea.

[¶63] PALAESTRIO:
Think of that now! very frequently, I guess, the casks were standing on their heads there.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Hoc illi crebro capite sistebant cadi.

[¶64] LUCRIO:
No, faith, the casks would not have stood so very badly there. But there happened to be in the cellar a bit of a slippery spot; a two-pint pot was placed there, near the casks, in this fashion (shows the way.) Frequently, that was filled ten times in a day.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Non hercle tam istoc valide cassabant cadi;
sed in célla erat paulum nimis lóculi lubrici,
ibi erat bilibris aula sic propter cados,
ea saepe deciens complebatur: vidi eam
plenam atque inanem fieri, plenam maxume;

[¶65] When the pot acted the reveller, the casks were all tottering.

> Latin: ubi bacchabatur aula, cassabant cadi.

[¶66] PALAESTRIO:
Get you gone in-doors. Both of you, I find, are acting the revellers in the wine-cellar. I’ faith, I shall fetch my master home just now from the Forum.
LUCRIO: (aside.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Abi, abi íntro iam. vos in cella vinaria
bacchanal facitis. iam hercle ego erum ádducam a foro.

[¶67] I’m ruined. My master, when he comes home, will have me tortured,
when he knows of these doings. I’ faith, I’ll fly somewhither, and put off this punishment to another day. (To the AUDIENCE.) don’t you tell him, I do entreat you most earnestly.
(He is going.)

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Perii, excruciabit mé erus, domum si venerit,
quom haec facta scibit, quia sibi non dixerim.
fugiam hercle aliquo atque hoc in diem extollam malum.
ne dixeritis, obsecro, huic, vostram fidem.

[¶68] PALAESTRIO:
Whither are you betaking yourself?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quo té agis?

[¶69] LUCRIO:
I am sent elsewhere: I’ll come back here just now.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Missus sum aliquo: iam huc revenero.

[¶70] PALAESTRIO:
Who has sent you?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quis misit?

[¶71] LUCRIO:
Philocomasium.

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Philocomasium.

[¶72] PALAESTRIO:
Go; be back directly.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Abi, actutum redi.

[¶73] LUCRIO:
If it is divided, prithee do you only take my share of the punishment while I’m away.
(Exit LUCRIO.) (PALAESTRIO, alone.)

> Latin: Lvcrio:
Quaeso tamen tu meam partem, infortunium
si dividetur, me absente accipito tamen. —

[¶74] PALAESTRIO:
So—I understand what scheme the lady is upon. Because Sceledrus is asleep, she has sent her under-keeper away out of doors, whilst she may pass from our house to next door. That’s all right.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Modo intellexi quam rem mulier gesserit:
quia Sceledrus dormit, hunc subcustodem suom
foras áblegavit, dum ab se huc transiret. placet.

[¶75] (Looks down the street.) But Periplecomenus is bringing here a woman of very comely appearance, her, for whom I commissioned him. By my faith, the Gods are helping us in this matter. How becomingly drest she struts along, not like a Courtesan. This business is prospering charmingly in our hands.
(Stands aside.) (Enter PERIPLECOMENUS, with ACROTELEUTIUM and MILPHIDIPPA.)
PERIPLECOMENUS: (as he advances.)

> Latin: sed Periplectomenus quam ei mandavi mulierem
nimis lépida forma ducit. di hercle hanc rem adiuvant.
quam digne ornata incedit, haud meretricie.
lepide hoc succedit sub manus negotium.

[¶76] I have explained the whole affair, Acroteleutium, to you, and, Milphidippa, to you as well.
If you don’t well understand this device and plan, I wish you to hear it all over again. If you comprehend it aright, there is something else that we may speak of in preference.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Rem omném tibi, Acroteleútium, tibique úna, Milphidíppa,
domi démonstravi in ordine. hanc fabricam fallaciasque
minus sí tenetis, denuo volo percipiatis plane;
satis si íntellegitis, aliud est quod potius fabulemur.

[¶77] ACROTELEUTIUM:
I’ faith, it would be folly, and ignorance, and foolishness, for me to engage in the service of another, or to promise you my assistance,
if, in its fabrication, I did not know how to be either mischievous or clever at deceiving.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Stultitia atque insipientia mea istaec sit, ⟨mi patrone,⟩
me ire in opus alienum aut ibi meam operam pollicitari,
si ea in ópificina nesciam aut mala esse aut fraudulenta.

[¶78] PERIPLECOMENUS:
But,’tis better for you to be instructed.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
At melius est monerier.

[¶79] ACROTELEUTIUM:
Really I don’t understand of what great use it is for a Courtesan to be instructed. How now! have I told you all in vain, after my ears had drunk in the draughts of your discourse, in what fashion it was possible for the Captain to be cajoled?

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Meretricem commoneri,
quam sane magni referat, nihil clam est. quin egomet ultro,
postquam adbibere auris meae tuae oram orationis,
tibi dixi, miles quem ad modum potis sit deasciari.

[¶80] PERIPLECOMENUS:
But no one, unaided, is sufficiently perfect; for full oft have I seen many a person lose the road to good advice before they had found it.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
At nemo solus satis sapit. nam ego multos saepe vidi
regionem fugere consili prius quam repertam haberent.

[¶81] ACROTELEUTIUM:
If a woman has anything to do mischievously and maliciously, in that case her memory is immortal at remembering it for everlasting; but if anything is to be done for a good purpose, or honestly,
it will fall out that those same women will become oblivious that instant, and be unable to remember.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Si quid faciendum est mulieri male atque malitiose,
ea síbi immortalis memoriast meminisse et sempiterna;
sin bene quid aut fideliter faciundum eisdem veniat,
obliviosae extempulo fiunt, meminisse nequeunt.

[¶82] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Therefore do I fear that same, because both those things happen to be about to be done by us; for that will be a benefit to me in which you both will be acting mischievously towards the Captain.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ergo istuc metuo, quom venit vobis faciundum utrumque:
nam id proderit mihi, militi male quod facietis ambae.

[¶83] ACROTELEUTIUM:
So long as we do anything that’s good, not knowing it, don’t you fear. No woman is awkward … Have no apprehensions, they are ready for the worst.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Dum nescientes quod bonum faciamus, ne formida.
Periplectomenvs:
Mala mulier mers est.
Acrotelevtivm:
Ne pave, peioribus conveniunt.

[¶84] PERIPLECOMENUS:
So it befits you. Do you follow me.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ita vos decet. consequimini.

[¶85] PALAESTRIO: (advancing.)
Why do I hesitate to go and accost them?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Cesso égo illis obviam ire?
venire salvom gaudeo, lepide hercle ornatus incedis.

[¶86] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Well met, and opportunely, Palaestrio. See, here they are whom you commissioned me to bring, and in the very dress.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Bene opportuneque obviam es, Palaestrio. em tibi adsunt
quas me iussisti adducere et quo ornatu.

[¶87] PALAESTRIO:
Well done: accept my thanks.
I am glad that you have come safe. I’ faith, you bring them nicely dressed.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
eu, noster esto.

[¶88] Palaestrio salutes Acroteleutium.
ACROTELEUTIUM:
Prithee, who’s this, that calls me so familiarly by name?

> Latin: Palaestrio Acroteleutium salutat.
Acrotelevtivm:
Quis hic amabo est,
qui tam pro nota nominat me?

[¶89] PERIPLECOMENUS:
This is our master-plotter.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Hic noster architectust.

[¶90] ACROTELEUTIUM:
Health to you, master-plotter.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Salve, architecte.

[¶91] PALAESTRIO:
And health to you. But, tell me, has he any way given you full instructions?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Salva sis. sed dic mihi, ecquid hic te
oneravit praeceptis?

[¶92] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I bring them both thoroughly prepared.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Probe meditatam utramque duco.

[¶93] PALAESTRIO:
I’d like to hear how. I’m afraid lest you should be making some mistake.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Audire cupio, quem ad modum; ne quid peccetis paveo.

[¶94] PERIPLECOMENUS:
I have added to your instructions nothing new of my own.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Ad tua praecepta de meo nihil his novom adposivi.

[¶95] ACROTELEUTIUM:
I suppose you wish the Captain, your master, to be gulled.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Nempe lúdificari militem tuom erum vis?

[¶96] PALAESTRIO:
You’ve said what’s true.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Exlocuta es.

[¶97] ACROTELEUTIUM:
Cleverly and skilfully, adroitly and pleasantly, the whole thing is planned.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Lepide et sapienter, commode et facete res paratast.

[¶98] PALAESTRIO:
In fact, I wish you to pretend to be his wife.
(Points to PERIPLECOMENUS.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Atque huius uxorem volo ⟨te esse⟩ adsimulare.

[¶99] ACROTELEUTIUM:
That shall be done.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Fiet.

[¶100] PALAESTRIO:
To pretend as though you had set your affection on the Captain.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quasi militi animum adieceris, simulare.

[¶101] ACROTELEUTIUM:
And so it shall be.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Sic futurum est.

[¶102] PALAESTRIO:
And as though this affair is managed through me, as the go-between, and your servant-maid.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quasique ea res per me interpretem et tuam ancillam ei curetur.

[¶103] ACROTELEUTIUM:
You might have made a good prophet; for you tell what is to be.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Bonus vátes poteras esse, nam quae sunt futura dicis.

[¶104] PALAESTRIO:
As though this maid of yours had conveyed from you this ring to me, which I was then to deliver to the Captain, in your name.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quasique anulum hunc ancillula tua abs té detulerit ad me,
quem ego militi ⟨porro⟩ darem tuis verbis.

[¶105] ACROTELEUTIUM:
You say what’s true.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Vera dicis.

[¶106] PERIPLECOMENUS:
What need is there to mention these things now, which they remember so well?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quid istís nunc memoratis opust quae commeminere?

[¶107] ACROTELEUTIUM:
Still, it is better.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Meliust.

[¶108] For think of this, my patron; when the shipwright is skilful, if he has once laid down the keel exact to its lines,’tis easy to build the ship, when … Now this keel of ours has been skilfully laid and firmly placed; the workmen and the master-builders are not unskilled in this business.

> Latin: nam, mi patrone, hoc cogitato, ubi probus est architectus,
bene lineatam si semel carinam conlocavit,
facile esse navem facere, ubi fundata, constitutast.
nunc haec carina satis probe fundata, bene statutast,
atque architecto adsunt fabri ad eam rem haud imperiti.

[¶109] If he who furnishes the timber does not retard us in giving what is needed, I know the adroitness of our ingenuity—soon will the ship be got ready.

> Latin: si non nos materiarius remoratur, quod opus qui det
(novi indolem nostri ingeni), cito erit parata navis.

[¶110] PALAESTRIO:
You know the Captain, my master, then?
ACROTELEUTIUM:’Tis strange you should ask me. How could I not know that scorn of the public, that swaggering, frizzle-headed, perfumed debauchee?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nempe tú novisti militem meum erum?
Acrotelevtivm:
Rogare mirumst.
populi odium quidni noverim, magnidicum, cincinnatum,
moechum unguentatum.

[¶111] PALAESTRIO:
But does he know you?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Num ille te nam novit?

[¶112] ACROTELEUTIUM:
He never saw me: how, then, should he know who I am?
PALAESTRIO:’Tis most excellent what you say. For that reason, i’ faith, the thing will be able to be managed all the more cleverly.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Numquam vidit:
qui noverit me quis ego sim?
Palaestrio:
Nimis lépide fabulare;
eo †potiuerim lepidius pol fieri.

[¶113] ACROTELEUTIUM:
Can you only find me the man, and then be easy as to the rest? If I don’t make a fool of the fellow, do you lay all the blame on me.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Potin ut hominem
mihi des, quiescas cetera? ni ludificata lepide
ero, cúlpam omnem in me imponito.

[¶114] PALAESTRIO:
Well, go you in then; apply yourselves to this business with all your skill.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Age igitur intro abite,
insistite hoc negotium sapienter.

[¶115] ACROTELEUTIUM:
Trust me for that.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Alia cura.

[¶116] PALAESTRIO:
Come, Periplecomenus, do you conduct them at once in-doors. I’m off to the Forum; I’ll meet him, and give him this ring, and will tell him that it has been delivered to me from your wife, and that she is dying for him. As soon as we shall have come from the Forum, do you send her (points to MILPHIDIPPA) to our house as though she were privately sent to him.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Age, Periplectomene, has nunciam duc intro; ego ad forum illum
conveniam atque illi hunc anulum dabo, atque praedicabo
a tua uxore mihi datum esse eamque illum deperire.
hanc ad nos, quom extemplo a foro veniemus, mittitote,
quasi clanculum ad ⟨eum⟩ missa sit.

[¶117] PERIPLECOMENUS:
We’ll do so; trust us for that.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Faciemus. alia cura.

[¶118] PALAESTRIO:
Do you only attend to the business; I’ll now polish him off with a pretty burden on his back.
(Exit.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vos modo curate, ego illúm probe iam oneratum huc acciebo. —

[¶119] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Go, with good luck to you, manage the matter cleverly. (To ACROTELEUTIUM.) But now, if I shall manage this adroitly, that my guest can this day gain the mistress of the Captain, and carry her off hence to Athens; if, I say, this day we shall succeed in this plan,
what shall I give you for a present?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Bene ambula, bene rem geras. egone hoc si efficiam plane,
ut concubinam militis meus hospes habeat hodie
atque hinc Athenas avehat, ⟨si⟩ hodie hunc dolum dolamus,
quid tibi ego mittam muneris!

[¶120] ACROTELEUTIUM:
… If now the lady seconds our efforts on her part,
I think it will be right cleverly and adroitly managed.
When a comparison shall be made of our artifices, I have no fear that I shall not prove superior in the cleverness of my contrivances.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Datne ab se mulier operam?
Periplectomenvs:
Lepidissume et compsissume.
Acrotelevtivm:
Confido confuturum.
ubi facta erit conlatio nostrarum malitiarum,
haud vereor ne nos subdola perfidia pervincamur.

[¶121] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Let’s go in-doors, then, that we may deeply weigh these plans,
that carefully and cautiously we may carry out what is to be done, so that, when the Captain comes, there may be no tripping.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Abeamus ergo intro, haec uti meditemur cogitate,
ut accurate et commode hoc quod agendumst exsequamur,
ne quid, ubi miles venerit, titubetur.

[¶122] ACROTELEUTIUM:
You are delaying us with your talk.
(They go into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.) (Enter PYRGOPOLINICES and PALAESTRIO.)
PYRGOPOLINICES:’Tis a pleasure what you do, if it succeeds agreably and to your mind. For I this day have sent my Parasite to King Seleucus, to lead those soldiers, that I have levied, hence to Seleucus;
in order that they may defend his kingdom till I have leisure to attend in person.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Tu morare. —
Pyrgopolinices:
Vólup est, quod agas, si id procedit lepide at⟨que ex⟩ sententia;
nam ego hodie ad Seleucum regem misi parasitum meum,
ut latrones quos conduxi hinc ad Seleucum duceret,
qui eius regnum tutarentur, mihi dum fieret otium

[¶123] PALAESTRIO:
Why don’t you attend to your own concerns rather than those of Seleucus. What a charming new proposal is being offered to you through me as the negotiator.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quin tu tuam rem cura potius quam Seleuci, quae tibi
condicio nova et lúculenta fertur per me interpretem.

[¶124] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Well then, I lay all other things aside, and I give my attention to you. Speak out: my ears, in fact, I surrender at your disposal.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Immo omnis res posteriores pono atque operam do tibi.
loquere: auris meas profecto dedo in dicionem tuam.

[¶125] PALAESTRIO:
Look around, then, that no one here may be an eavesdropper for our discourse; for this business was entrusted me to transact with you in private.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Circumspice dum, ne quis nostro hic auceps sermoni siet.
nam hoc negoti clandestino ut agerem mandatumst mihi.

[¶126] PYRGOPOLINICES:
(looks around). There’s no one near.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Nemo adest.

[¶127] PALAESTRIO:
In the first place, receive from me this pledge of affection. (Gives him the ring.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Hunc arrabonem amoris primum a me accipe.

[¶128] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What’s this? Whence comes it?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid hic? unde est?

[¶129] PALAESTRIO:
From a charming and a handsome lady, one who loves you, and dotes upon your extreme beauty.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
A luculenta átque festiva femina,
quae te amat tuamque éxpetessit pulcram pulcritudinem;

[¶130] Her maid just now gave me the ring that I might then give it to you.

> Latin: eius nunc mi ánulum ad te ancilla porro ut deferrem dedit.

[¶131] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What? Is she free born or a freed woman, made free from a slave by the Praetor’s rod?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid ea? ingenuan an festuca facta e serva liberast?

[¶132] PALAESTRIO:
Pshaw! Should I presume to be the bearer of a message to you from a person once a slave, who cannot sufficiently answer the demands of the free women who are longing for you?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vah, egone ut ad te ab libertina esse auderem internuntius,
qui ingenuis satis résponsare nequeas quae cupiunt tui?

[¶133] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Is she wife, or is she widow?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Nuptan est an vidua?

[¶134] PALAESTRIO:
She is both wife and widow.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Et nupta et vidua.

[¶135] PYRGOPOLINICES:
In what way is it possible for the same woman to be a wife and a widow?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quo pacto potis
nupta et vidua esse eadem?

[¶136] PALAESTRIO:
Because she is a young woman married to an old man.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quia adulescens nuptast cum sene.

[¶137] PYRGOPOLINICES:
That’s good.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Euge.

[¶138] PALAESTRIO:
She is of genteel and charming person.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Lepida et liberali formast.

[¶139] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Beware of misrepresenting.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Cave mendacium.

[¶140] PALAESTRIO:
It is alone worthy to be compared with your own charms.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ad tuam formam illa una dignast.

[¶141] PYRGOPOLINICES:
By my faith, you make her out to be a beauty. But who is she?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Hercle pulchram praedicas.
sed quis east?

[¶142] PALAESTRIO:
The wife of that old gentleman, Periplecomenus, next door.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Senis huius uxor Periplectomeni ex proxumo;

[¶143] She is dying for you, and wishes to leave him; she hates the old fellow. Now she has begged me to entreat and beseech you that you will give her your support and assistance.
PYRGOPOLINICES:
I’ faith, I’m ready for my part if she desires it.

> Latin: ea demoritur te atque ab illo cupit abire: odit senem.
nunc te orare atque obsecrare iussit, ut eam copiam
sibi potestatemque facias.
Pyrgopolynices:
Cupio hercle equidem, si illa volt.

[¶144] PALAESTRIO:
Doesn’t she long for it?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quae cupit?

[¶145] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What shall we do with that mistress of mine, who is at my house?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid illá faciemus concubina, quae domist?

[¶146] PALAESTRIO:
Why, do you bid her to be gone about her business, wherever she chooses; as her
twin-sister has come here to Ephesus, and her mother, and they are come to fetch her.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quin tu illam iube abs te abire quo lubet: sicut soror
eius huc gémina venit Ephesum et mater, accersuntque eam.

[¶147] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Ha! what’s that you say? Has her mother come to Ephesus?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Eho tu, an venit Ephesum mater eius?

[¶148] PALAESTRIO:
Those say so who know it.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Aiunt qui sciunt.

[¶149] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I’ faith, a charming opportunity for me to turn the wench out of doors.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Hercle occasionem lepidam, ut mulierem excludam foras.

[¶150] PALAESTRIO:
Aye, but do you wish to do the thing handsomely?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Immo vin tu lepide facere?

[¶151] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Speak out, and give me your advice.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Loquere et consilium cedo.

[¶152] PALAESTRIO:
Do you wish to pack her off forthwith, that she may quit you with a good grace?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vin tu illam actutum amovere, a te ut abeat per gratiam?

[¶153] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I do so wish.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Cupio.

[¶154] PALAESTRIO:
Then this is the thing you must do. You have a superabundance of wealth; bid the woman to keep as a present for herself the gold and trinkets which you have supplied her with, and to take herself off from your house wherever she likes.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tum te hoc facere oportet. tibi divitiarum adfatimst:
iube sibi aurum atque ornamenta, quae illi instruxti mulieri,
dono habere, auferre … abs te quo lubeat sibi.

[¶155] PYRGOPOLINICES:
It pleases me what you say; but yet, only think, if I should lose her, and the other change her mind?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Placet ut dicis; sed ne ⟨et⟩ istam amittam et haec mutet fidem
vide modo.

[¶156] PALAESTRIO:
Pshaw! you’re over nice; a lady, that loves you as her own eyes.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vah delicatus esdelicatu's, quae te tamquam oculos amet.

[¶157] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Venus befriends me.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Venus me amat.

[¶158] PALAESTRIO:
Hist! hush! the door is opening; come this way a little out of sight. (MILPHIDIPPA comes out of the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.) This is her fly-boat—her go-between, that’s coming out there.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
St tace, aperitur foris, concede huc clanculum.
haec celox illiust, quae hinc egreditur, internuntia,

[¶159] PYRGOPOLINICES:
How so—fly-boat?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
[Quae haec celox?]

[¶160] PALAESTRIO:
This is her maid that is coming out of the house, she that brought that ring which I delivered to you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
[Ancillula illiust, quae hinc egreditur foras.]
quae anulum istunc attulit quem tibi dedi.

[¶161] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I’ faith, she too is a prettyish wench.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Edepol haec quidem
bellulast.

[¶162] PALAESTRIO:
This one is a little monkey and an owl in comparison with the other.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Pithecium haec est prae illa et spinturnicium.

[¶163] Do you see how she hunts around with her eyes, and goes fowling about with her ears.
(They stand aside.) (Enter MILPHIDIPPA.)
MILPHIDIPPA: (as she enters.)

> Latin: viden tu illam oculis venaturam facere atque aucupium auribus?

[¶164] My Circus, then, is before the house, where my sports are to take place. I’ll make pretence, as though I didn’t see them, or knew as yet that they are here.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Iam est ante aedis circus ubi sunt ludi faciundi mihi.
dissimulabo, hos quasi non videam néque esse hic etiamdum sciam.

[¶165] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Hush! let’s quietly listen, whether any mention is made of me.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Tace, subauscultemus ecquid de me fiat mentio.

[¶166] Is there no one near at hand here, to attend to another’s business rather than his own?—
to prowl after me to see what I’m about? No one who is feeding this evening at his own expense? I dread such men as these, lest they should now come in the way, or prove an hindrance somehow, should my mistress privately pass from her house this way, who is so enamoured of his person, who so dotes upon this very charming man with his exceeding beauty—the Captain Pyrgopolinices
PYRGOPOLINICES:
And doesn’t she dote upon me, too? She is praising my beauty.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Numquis nam hic própe adest qui rem alienam potius curet quam suam,
qui aucupet me quid agam, qui de vesperi vivat suo?
eos nunc homines metuo, mihi ne obsint neve opstent uspiam,
domo si bitat, dum huc transbitat, quae huius cupiens corporist,
quae ámat hunc hominem nimium lepidum et nimia pulchritudine,
militem Pyrgopolynicem.
Pyrgopolynices:
Satin haec quoque me deperit?

[¶167] PALAESTRIO:
I’ faith, her language stands in need of no ashes.

> Latin: meam laudat speciem. edepol huius sermo haud cinerem quaeritat.

[¶168] PYRGOPOLINICES:
For what reason?
PALAESTRIO:
Why, because her language is clean spoken and far from slovenly.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quo argumento?
Pyrgopolynices:
Quia enim loquitur laute et minime sordide.

[¶169] Whatever she says about yourself, she handles it in no slovenly way.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quippini? istaec de te loquitur: nihil attrectat sordidi.

[¶170] And, then, besides, she herself is a very pretty and a very dainty wench.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Tum autem illa ipsa est nimium lepida nimisque nitida femina.

[¶171] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Troth, indeed, she has made an impression already, Palaestrio, at first sight.

> Latin: hercle vero iam adlubescit primulum, Palaestrio.

[¶172] PALAESTRIO:
What! before you have seen the other with your eyes?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Priusne quam illam oculis tuis ⟨videas⟩?

[¶173] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What I see, in that I have faith for myself; for this mackerel, in the absence of the mullet, compels me to be in love with her.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Video id quod credo tibi.
tum haec celocula autem absentem subigit me ut amem.

[¶174] PALAESTRIO:
I’ faith, you really mustn’t be falling in love with her, she’s engaged to me. If the other weds you to-day, forthwith I shall take this one for my wife.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Hercle hanc quidem
nil tu amassis; mi haec desponsast: tibi si illa hodie nupserit,
ego hanc continuo uxorem ducam.

[¶175] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Why, then, do you delay to accost her?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quíd ergo hanc dubitas conloqui?

[¶176] PALAESTRIO:
Follow me this way, then.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Sequere hac me ergo.

[¶177] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I am your lackey at your heels.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Pedisequos tibi sum.

[¶178] MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
I wish that I had an opportunity of meeting him on account of whom I came here out of doors.
PALAESTRIO: (accosting her.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Vtinam, cuius causa foras
sum egressa, ⟨eius⟩ conveniundi mihi potestas evenat.

[¶179] It shall be so, and you shall have what you so greatly wish; be of good courage, don’t fear; there is a certain person who knows where that is which you are seeking.
MILPHIDIPPA:
Who’s that I hear at hand?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Erit, ét tibi exoptatum óptinget, bonum habe ánimum, ne formída;
homo quidamst qui scit, quód quaeris ubi sít.
Milphidippa:
Quem ego hic audívi?

[¶180] PALAESTRIO:
The sharer of your plans and the partaker of your secrets.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Sociúm tuorum concíliorum et partícipem consiliorum.

[¶181] MILPHIDIPPA:
I’ faith, then, what I do conceal I don’t conceal.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Tum pól ego id quod celo haú celo.

[¶182] PALAESTRIO:
Aye, but still you don’t conceal it this way.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Immo et célas et non célas.

[¶183] MILPHIDIPPA:
How so?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Quo argúmento?

[¶184] PALAESTRIO:
From the uninitiated you conceal them. I am sure and trustworthy to you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Infidós celas: ego súm tibi firme fidus.

[¶185] MILPHIDIPPA:
Give me the sign, if you are one of these votaries.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Cedo sígnum, si harunc Báccharum es.

[¶186] PALAESTRIO:
A certain lady loves a certain gentleman.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Amat múlier quaedam quéndam.

[¶187] MILPHIDIPPA:
Faith, many ladies do that indeed.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Pol istúc quidem multae.

[¶188] PALAESTRIO:
But not many ladies send a present from off their fingers.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
At nón multae de dígito donum míttunt.

[¶189] MILPHIDIPPA:
Aye, I know now. You’ve now made the matter level for me instead of steep. But is there a certain person here?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Enim cógnovi nunc, fécisti modo mi éx proclivo plánum.
sed hic númquis adest?

[¶190] PALAESTRIO:
Either he is or he is not.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vel adést vel non.

[¶191] MILPHIDIPPA:
Come aside with me alone, in private.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Cedo té mihi solae sólum.

[¶192] PALAESTRIO:
For a short or for a lengthy conversation?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Brevin án longinquo sérmoni?

[¶193] MILPHIDIPPA:
For three words only.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Tribus vérbis.

[¶194] PALAESTRIO: (to PYRGOPOLINICES.)
I’ll return to you this instant.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Iam ad te rédeo.

[¶195] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What? Shall I be standing here in the meanwhile, with such charms and valorous deeds, thus to no purpose?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid ego? híc astabo tántisper cum hac fórma et factis frústra?

[¶196] PALAESTRIO:
Submit to it and wait; for you am I doing this service.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Patere átque asta, tibi ego hánc do operam.

[¶197] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Make haste; I am tortured with waiting.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Propera, ⟨éxpecta⟩ndo excrúcior.

[¶198] PALAESTRIO:
You know that commodities of this kind are only wont to be reached step by step.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Pedetémptim (tu hoc scis) tráctari satiúst hasce huius modi mércis.

[¶199] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Well, well; as is most agreable to yourself.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Age age út tibi maxume cóncinnumst.

[¶200] PALAESTRIO: (aside.)
There is no stone more stupid than this fellow. I now return to you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nullúmst hoc stolidius sáxum.

[¶201] (To MILPHIDIPPA.) What would you with me?
(Retires with her to distance.)
MILPHIDIPPA:
In the way in which I received it of you a short time since, I bring you back your clever lot;
my story is as though she were dying with love for him.

> Latin: redeo ád te. quid me vóluisti?
Milphidippa:
Quo pácto hoc Ilium accédi
velis, út ferrem abs te consilium.

[¶202] PALAESTRIO:
That I understand.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quasi hunc dépereat —
Milphidippa:
Teneo ístuc.

[¶203] Do you commend his beauty and his appearance, and make mention of his prowess.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Conlaúdato formam ét faciem et virtútis commemoráto.

[¶204] MILPHIDIPPA:
For that purpose I am armed at all points, as I have shown you before already.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Ad eám rem habeo omnem aciém, tibi uti dudúm iam demonstrávi.

[¶205] On the other hand, do you give all attention, and be on the watch, and take your cue from my words.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tu cétera cura et cóntempla et de meís venator vérbis.

[¶206] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Prithee do now, in fine, give me some share in the business; step this way this instant, I beg.
PALAESTRIO: (goes up to him.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Aliquám mihi partem hodie óperae des deníque, tandem ades, remelígo.

[¶207] Here I am. If you wish for aught, give me your commands.
PYRGOPOLINICES:
What is she saying to you?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Adsum, ímpera, si quid vís.
Pyrgopolynices:
Quid illaec narrát tibi?

[¶208] PALAESTRIO:
She is saying that her mistress is lamenting, and, in tears, is tormenting and afflicting herself because she wishes for you, and because she possesses you not; for that reason has she been sent here to you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Lamentári
ait íllam, miseram crúciari et lacrimántem se adflictáre,
quia tís egeat, quia té careat. ob eám rem huc ad te míssast.

[¶209] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Bid her approach.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Iube adíre.

[¶210] PALAESTRIO:
But do you know how you are to act? Pretend that you are full of disdain,
as though it pleased you not; exclaim against me, because I make you so common to the mob.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
At scin quid tú facias? facitó fastidi plénum,
quasi nón lubeat; me inclámato, quia síc te volgo vólgem.

[¶211] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I remember, and I’ll follow your instructions.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Memini ét praeceptis párebo.

[¶212] PALAESTRIO:
I’ll call her, then, who is inquiring after you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vocon érgo hanc quae te quaérit?

[¶213] PYRGOPOLINICES:
If she wants anything, let her come.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Adeát, si quid volt.

[¶214] PALAESTRIO:
Wench, if you want anything, step this way.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Sí quid vis, adi, múlier.

[¶215] MILPHIDIPPA: (approaching.)
Save you, charmer.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Pulcher, sálve.

[¶216] PYRGOPOLINICES:
She makes mention of my surname. May the Gods grant you whatever you may desire.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Meum cógnomentum cómmemoravit. di tíbi dent quaecumque óptes.

[¶217] MILPHIDIPPA:
To pass life with you is the wish of—

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Tecum aétatem exigere út liceat —

[¶218] PYRGOPOLINICES:
You are wishing too much.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Nimium óptas.

[¶219] MILPHIDIPPA:
I am not speaking of myself, but of my mistress, who is dying for you.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Non me dico,
sed erám meam, quae te démoritur.

[¶220] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Many others are wishing for the same thing, who have not the opportunity.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Multae aliae ídem istuc cúpiunt,
quibus cópia non est.

[¶221] MILPHIDIPPA:
By my troth,’tis not to be wondered at; you set a high value on yourself—a person so handsome, and so illustrious for his prowess, and so valorous in his deeds! O! was there ever any one more worthy to be a man?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Écastor haud mírum, si te habes cárum,
hominém tam pulchrum et praéclarum virtute et forma ⟨et⟩ factis.
deus dígnior fuit quisquam hómo qui esset?

[¶222] PALAESTRIO: (aside.)
I’ faith, the filthy fellow is not a human being; indeed, I think there is something more human in a vulture.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Non hércle humanust érgo —
nam vólturio plus húmani credo ést.

[¶223] PYRGOPOLINICES: (aside.)
Now I shall make myself of importance,
since she so praises me up.
(Struts about.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Magnum me fáciam
nunc quom íllaec me sic cónlaudat.

[¶224] PALAESTRIO: (aside.)
Do you see the blockhead, how he struts? (To PYRGOPOLINICES.) But will you not answer her; she is the woman that’s come from the lady whom I was mentioning just now.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Viden tu ígnavum, ut sese ínfert?
quin tu huíc responde, haec íllaec est ab illá quam dudum ⟨dixi⟩.

[¶225] PYRGOPOLINICES:
But from which one of them? For there are so many courting me, I cannot remember them all.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Qua ab íllarum? nam ita me óccursant multaé: meminisse haud póssum.

[¶226] MILPHIDIPPA:
From her who strips her own fingers and adorns your fingers; for I delivered to him (pointing to PALAESTRIO) that ring from her who is sighing for you, and then he to you.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Ab illá quae digitos déspoliat suos ét tuos digitos décorat.
nam hunc ánulum áb tui cupienti huic détuli, hic ⟨ad te⟩ pórro.

[¶227] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Tell me, wench, what is it you want then?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid núnc tibi vis, muliér? memora.

[¶228] MILPHIDIPPA:
That you will not despise her who is sighing for you; who lives now but in your life: whether she is to exist or not, her hope is in you alone.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Vt quae té cupit, eam ne spérnas,
quae pér tuam nunc vitám vivit: sit nécne sit, spes in te úno est.

[¶229] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What does she want then?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid núnc volt?

[¶230] MILPHIDIPPA:
To talk with you, to embrace you, and to be intimate with you. For unless you bring her succour, she will soon be quite desponding in her mind. Come, my Achilles, let that be done which I entreat; save her, charmer, by your charming ways.
Call forth your kind disposition, stormer of cities, slayer of kings.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Te compéllare et complécti et contrectáre.
nam nísi tu illi fers súppetias, iam illa ánimum despondébit.
age, mí Achilles, fiat quód te oro, serva íllam pulchram púlchre,
expróme benignum ex te íngenium, urbícape, occisor régum.

[¶231] PYRGOPOLINICES:
O! by my troth,’tis a vexatious thing! (To PALAESTRIO.) How often, whip-scoundrel, have I forbidden you to make promises of my attention thus common.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Eu hercle ódiosas res. quótiens hoc tibi, vérbero, ego interdíxi,
meam né sic volgo póllicitere operám?

[¶232] PALAESTRIO:
Do you hear that, hussy? I have told you already, and I now tell you again, unless a fee is given to this boar-pig, he cannot possibly throw away his attentions in any quarter.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Audin tu, múlier?
dixi hóc tibi dudum, et núnc dico: nisi huic vérri adfertur mérces,
non híc suo seminió quemquam porclénam impertitúrust.

[¶233] MILPHIDIPPA:
A fee shall be given, as large as he shall demand.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Dabitúr quantum ipsus pretí poscet.

[¶234] PALAESTRIO:
He requires a talent of gold, in Philippean pieces. Less he will take from no one.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Talentúm Philippi huic opus aúri est;
minus áb nemine accípiet.

[¶235] MILPHIDIPPA:
O, by my troth, but that’s too little, surely.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Eu ecastór nimis vilest tándem.

[¶236] PYRGOPOLINICES:
By nature there’s no avarice in me; I have riches enough. I’ faith! I’ve more than a thousand measures full of Philippean gold coins.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Non míhi avaritia umquam ínnatast: satis hábeo divitiárum,
plus mi aúri mille est módiorum Philippí.

[¶237] PALAESTRIO:
Besides your treasures.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Praeter thensaúros.

[¶238] Then, of silver, he has mountains, not ingots; Aetna is not so high.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aside.)
By the stars! O, what a lie!

> Latin: tum argénti montes, nón massas habet, Aetna mons non aeque altos. †
Milphidippa:
Eu ecástor hominem périurum.

[¶239] PALAESTRIO: (to MILPHIDIPPA, aside.)
How rarely I am playing him off!

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vt ludó?

[¶240] MILPHIDIPPA: (to PALAESTRIO, aside.)
And I; how do I do it? Ain’t I gulling him?
PALAESTRIO: (aside.)
Rarely.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Quid ego? ut sublécto?

[¶241] MILPHIDIPPA:
But, prithee, do let me go now.
PALAESTRIO: (to the CAPTAIN.)
But do you give her some answer, either that you will do it, or that you won’t do it.
Why cause this poor lady so much anguish of mind, who has never deserved any ill of you?

> Latin: sed amábo, mitte me áctutum.
Palaestrio:
Quin tu huíc respondes áliquid,
aut fácturum aut non fácturum?
Milphidippa:
Quid illám miseram animi excrúcias,
quae númquam male de té meritast?

[¶242] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Bid her come to me herself. Tell her that I will do everything that she requires.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Iube eámpse exire huc ád nos.
dic me ómnia quae volt fácturum.

[¶243] MILPHIDIPPA:
You now act as it is proper for you to act. since you wish the same yourself that she is wishing.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Facis núnc ut ⟨te⟩ facere aéquom,
quom, quaé te volt, eandém tu vis,

[¶244] PALAESTRIO: (to himself, aside.)
No poor faculty of invention has she.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Non ínsulsum huic ingénium.

[¶245] MILPHIDIPPA:
Since too you have not scouted your petitioner, and have suffered me to prevail upon you. (Aside to PALAESTRIO.) How now? Haven’t I played him off?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Quomque me óratricem haud sprévisti sistíque exorare éx te.
quid est? út ludo?

[¶246] PALAESTRIO: (aside to MILPHIDIPPA.)
Faith, I couldn’t refrain from laughing.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nequeo hércle equidem risú meo moderari.

[¶247] MILPHIDIPPA: (aside to PALAESTRIO.)
Yes; and for the same reason I turned in this direction away from you.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
…
ob eám causam huc abs te ávorti.

[¶248] PYRGOPOLINICES:
By my troth, wench, you don’t understand
how great an honor I am now paying her.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Non édepol tu scis, múlier,
quantum égo honorem nunc ílli habeo.

[¶249] MILPHIDIPPA:
I know, and I shall tell her so.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Scio, et ístuc illi dícam.

[¶250] PALAESTRIO:
To another he could have sold his favours for his weight in gold.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Contra aúro alii hanc vendére potuit operám.

[¶251] MILPHIDIPPA:
I’ faith, I believe you in that.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Pol istuc tibi crédo.

[¶252] PALAESTRIO:
Of those that are parents by him true warriors are born, and his sons live eight hundred years.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Meri béllatores gígnuntur, quas híc praegnatis fécit,
et púeri annos octíngentos vivónt.

[¶253] MILPHIDIPPA: (aside to PALAESTRIO.)
Fie on you for a fibber!

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Vae tibi, nugátor.

[¶254] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Why, straight on, from age to age, they live for a thousand years.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quin mílle annorum pérpetuo vivónt, ab saeclo ad saéclum.

[¶255] PALAESTRIO:
I spoke within limits, for the reason that she mightn’t suppose I was telling lies to her.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aside.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Eo mínus dixi, ne haec cénseret me advórsum se mentíri.

[¶256] I burst, I die! (Aloud.) How many years will he live himself whose sons live so long?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Perií, quot hic ipse annós vivet, cuius fílii tam diu vívont?

[¶257] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Wench, I was born the day after Jupiter was born of Ops.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Postríduo natus sum égo, mulier, quam Iúppiter ex Ope nátust.

[¶258] PALAESTRIO:
If he had only been born the day before the other was, he would have had the realms of heaven.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aside to PALAESTRIO.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Si hic prídie natus forét quam ille est, hic habéret regnum in caélo.

[¶259] Now, now, prithee, no more do let me get away from you, if I can, alive.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Iam iám sat, amabo, est. sínite abeam, si póssum, viva a vóbis.

[¶260] PALAESTRIO:
Why don’t you go then, as you have your answer?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quin érgo abis, quando résponsumst?

[¶261] MILPHIDIPPA:
I’ll go, and I’ll bring her here, on whose behalf I am employed. Is there aught else you wish?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Ibo átque illam huc addúcam,
proptér ⟨quam⟩ opera est mihi. númquid vis?

[¶262] PYRGOPOLINICES:
May I never be more handsome than I am at present; so much trouble do my good looks cause me.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Ne mágis sim pulcher quám sum,
ita mé mea forma habet sóllicitum.

[¶263] PALAESTRIO:
Why do you stay now? Why don’t you go?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid hic núnc stas? quin abis?

[¶264] MILPHIDIPPA:
I’m going.
PALAESTRIO: (aside to MILPHIDIPPA.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Ábeo.

[¶265] And tell her, too, do you hear, cleverly and correctly, what has passed.
MILPHIDIPPA: (to PALAESTRIO.)
So that her very heart may leap for joy.
PALAESTRIO: (aside to MILPHIDIPPA)
If Philocomasium is there, tell her to pass through into our house; that the Captain here.
MILPHIDIPPA: (to PALAESTRIO.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Atque ádeo, audin [tu]? dicíto docte et cordáte, ut cor ei sáliat —
Philocómasio dic, si ést istic, domum ut tránseat: hunc hic ésse.

[¶266] She is there with my mistress for, on the sly, they have been overhearing this conversation.
PALAESTRIO: (aside to MILPHIDIPPA.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Hic cúm ⟨mea⟩ era est, ⟨hinc⟩ clám nostrum hunc sermónem sublegérunt.

[¶267] ’Twas cleverly done; here after they will take their cue the more readily from this conversation.
MILPHIDIPPA: (to PALAESTRIO.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Lepidé factumst: iam ex sérmone hoc gubernábunt doctius pórro.

[¶268] You are delaying me. I’m off.
PALAESTRIO: (to MILPHIDIPPA.)
I’m not delaying you, nor touching you, nor —I’m mum.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Remoráre, abeo. —
Palaestrio:
Neque té remoror neque tángo neque te — táceo.

[¶269] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Bid her make haste to come out here; we’ll give our first attention to this matter especially. (MILPHIDIPPA goes into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)
(PYRGOPOLINICES, PALAESTRIO.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Iube máturare illam éxire huc. iam istíc rei praevortémur.

[¶270] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What do you advise me now to do, Palaestrio,
about my mistress? For this lady can by no means be received into my house before I have sent the other away.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid nunc mi es auctor ut faciam, Palaestrio,
de concubina? nam nullo pacto potest
prius haec in aedis recipi quam illam amiserim.

## 4. Lines 1097–1437

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-miles-gloriosus/4/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-miles-gloriosus/4/#p-N

[¶0] PALAESTRIO:
Why consult me what you are to do? So far as I am concerned, I have told you by what method that can be effected in the gentlest manner. The gold trinkets and female clothing with which you have furnished her, let her keep it all for herself: let her take it, be off, and carry it away:

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid me consultas quid agas? dixi equidem tibi
quo id pacto fieri possit clementissime.
aurum atque vestem muliebrem omnem habeat sibi,
quae illi instruxisti: sumat, habeat, auferat;

[¶1] tell her that it is high time for her to go home; say that her twin-sister and her mother are come, in company with whom she may go straight home.

> Latin: dicasque tempus maxume esse, ut eat domum:
sororem geminam adesse et matrem dicito,
quibus cóncomitata recte deveniat domum.

[¶2] PYRGOPOLINICES:
How do you know that they are here?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Qui tu scis eas adesse?

[¶3] PALAESTRIO:
Because, with my own eyes, I’ve seen her sister here.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quia oculis meis
vidi hic sororem esse eius.

[¶4] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Have you met her?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Convenitne eam?

[¶5] PALAESTRIO:
I have met her.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Convenit.

[¶6] PYRGOPOLINICES:
And did she seem a brisk wench?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Ecquid fortis visast?

[¶7] PALAESTRIO:
You are wishing to have everything.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Omnia
vis optinere.

[¶8] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Where did the sister say her mother was?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Vbi matrem esse aiebat soror?

[¶9] PALAESTRIO:
The captain that brought them told me that she was in bed, on board the ship, with sore and inflamed eyes.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Cubare in navi lippam atque oculis turgidis
nauclerus dixit, qui illas advexit, mihi.

[¶10] This captain of the ship is lodging with them next door.

> Latin: is ad hos nauclerus hospitio devortitur.

[¶11] PYRGOPOLINICES:
And he, too, is he a very fine fellow?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid is? ecquid fortis?

[¶12] PALAESTRIO:
Away with you, if you please. What have you to do with him? You have your hands quite full enough with the women. Attend to this for the present.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Abi sis hinc, nam tu quidem
ad equas fuisti scitus admissarius,
qui consectare qua maris qua feminas.
hoc age nunc.

[¶13] PYRGOPOLINICES:
As to that advice you were giving me,
I wish you to have a few words with her upon that subject. For, really, a conversation on that subject with her is more becoming for you.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Istuc quod das consilium mihi,
te cum illa verba facere de ista re volo;
nam cum illa sane congruos sermo tibi.

[¶14] PALAESTRIO:
What is more advisable than for you to go yourself, and transact your own concerns? You must say that it is absolutely necessary for you to marry: that your relations are persuading, your friends are urging, you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Qui potius quam tute adeas, tuam rem tute agas?
dicas uxorem tibi necessum ducere;
cognatos persuadere, amicos cogere.

[¶15] PYRGOPOLINICES:
And do you think so?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Itan tu censes?

[¶16] PALAESTRIO:
Why shouldn’t I think so?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid ego ní ita censeam?

[¶17] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I’ll go in, then. Do you, in the mean time, keep watch here before the house, that when the other woman comes out you may call me out.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Ibo igitur intro. tu hic ante aedis interim
speculare, ut, ubi illaec prodeat, me provoces.

[¶18] PALAESTRIO:
Do you only mind the business that you are upon.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tu modo istuc cura quod agis.

[¶19] PYRGOPOLINICES:
That, indeed, is resolved upon. For if she will not go out of her own accord, I’ll turn her out by force.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Curatum id quidemst.
quin si voluntáte nolet, vi extrudam foras.

[¶20] PALAESTRIO:
Do you take care how you do that; but rather let her go from your house with a good grace, and give her those things that I mentioned. The gold trinkets and apparel, with which you furnished her, let her take away.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Istuc cave fáxis; quin potius per gratiam
bonam abeat abs te. atque illaec quae dixi dato,
aurum, ornamenta quae illi instruxisti ferat.

[¶21] PYRGOPOLINICES:
By my troth, I wish she would.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Cupio hercle.

[¶22] PALAESTRIO:
I think you’ll easily prevail upon her. But go indoors; don’t linger here.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Credo te facile impetrassere.
sed abi intro. noli stare.

[¶23] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I obey you.
(Goes into his house.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Tibi sum oboediens. —

[¶24] PALAESTRIO: (to the AUDIENCE.)
Now, does he really appear to be anything different from what, awhile ago, I told you he was, this wenching Captain? Now it is requisite that Acroteleutium should come to me, her maid too, and Pleusicles. O Jupiter! and does not opportunity favour me in every respect?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Numquid videtur demutare alio atque uti
dixi esse vobis dudum hunc moechum militem?
nunc ad me ut veniat usust Acroteleutium aut
ancillula eius aut Pleusicles. pro Iuppiter,
satine ut Commoditas usquequaque me adiuvat?

[¶25] For those whom I especially wished to see, I perceive at this moment coming out here from our neighbour’s.
(Enter ACROTELEUTIUM, MILPHIDIPPA, and PLEUSICLES from the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)

> Latin: nam quos videre exoptabam me maxume,
una exeuntis video hínc e proxumo.

[¶26] ACROTELEUTIUM:
Follow me; at the same time look around, that there may be no overlooker.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Séquimini, simul círcumspicite, né quis adsit árbiter.

[¶27] MILPHIDIPPA:
Faith, I see no one, only him whom we want to meet.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Neminem pol video, nísi hunc quem volumus conventum.

[¶28] PALAESTRIO:
Just as I want you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Et ego vos.

[¶29] MILPHIDIPPA:
How do you do, our master-plotter?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Quid agis, noster architecte?

[¶30] PALAESTRIO:
I, the master-plotter? Nonsense.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Egone architectus? vah.

[¶31] MILPHIDIPPA:
How so?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Quid est?

[¶32] PALAESTRIO:
Because, in comparison with yourself, I am not worthy to fix a beam in a wall.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quia enim non sum dignus prae te, ut figam palum in parietem.

[¶33] ACROTELEUTIUM:
Aye, indeed so.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Heia vero.

[¶34] PALAESTRIO:
She’s a very fluent and a very clever hand at mischief. How charmingly she did polish off the Captain.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nimis facete nimisque facunde malast.
ut lepide deruncinavit militem.

[¶35] MILPHIDIPPA:
But still, not enough.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
At etiam parum.

[¶36] PALAESTRIO:
Be of good courage all the business is now prospering under our hands. Only do you, as you have begun, still give a helping hand;

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Bono animo es: negotium omne iam succedit sub manus;
vos modo porro, ut occepistis, date operam adiutabilem.

[¶37] for the Captain himself has gone in-doors, to entreat his mistress to leave his house, with her mother and sister, for Athens.
PLEUSICLES:
Very good—well done.

> Latin: nam ipse miles concubinam intro abiit oratum suam,
ab se ut abeat cum sorore et matre Athenas.
Plevsicles:
Eu, probe.

[¶38] PALAESTRIO:
Besides, all the gold trinkets and apparel which he himself has provided for the damsel, he gives her to keep as a present for herself—so have I recommended him.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quin etiam aurum atque ornamenta, quae ipse instruxit, mulieri
omnia dat dono, a se ut abeat: ita ego consilium dedi.

[¶39] PLEUSICLES:
Really, it’s easily done, if both she wishes it, and he desires it as well.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Facile istuc quidemst, si et illa volt et ille autem cupit.

[¶40] PALAESTRIO:
Don’t you know that when, from a deep well, you have ascended up to the top, there is the greatest danger lest you should thence fall back again from the top. This affair is now being carried on at the top of the well. If the Captain should have a suspicion of it, nothing whatever of his will be able to be carried off. Now, most especially, we have need of clever contrivances.
PLEUSICLES:
I see that there is material enough at home for that purpose—
three women, yourself the fourth, I am the fifth, the old gentleman the sixth.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Non tu scis, quom ex alto puteo sursum ad summum escenderis,
maxumum periclum inde esse ab summo ne rusum cadas?
nunc haec res apud súmmum puteum geritur: si praesenserit
miles, nihil ecferri poterit huius: nunc cum maxume
opust dolis: domi esse ad eam rem video silvai satis,
mulieres tres, quartus tute es, quintus ego, sextus senex;

[¶41] PALAESTRIO:
What an edifice of stratagems has been erected by us! I know for certain. that any town seems as though it could be taken by these plans: only do you lend your assistance.
ACROTELEUTIUM:
For that purpose are we come to you, to see if you wish for anything.

> Latin: quod apud nos fallaciarum sex situmst, certo scio
oppidum quodvis, si detur, posse expugnari dolis.
date modo operam.
Acrotelevtivm:
Id nos ad te, si quid velles, venimus.

[¶42] PALAESTRIO:
You do what’s à propos. Now to you do I assign this department.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Lepide facitis. nunc hanc tibi ego ímpero provinciam.

[¶43] ACROTELEUTIUM:
General, you shall assign me whatever you please, so far as I am capable.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Impetrabis, imperator, quod ego potero, quod voles.

[¶44] PALAESTRIO:
I wish this Captain to be played off cleverly and adroitly.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Militem lepide, et facete ⟨et⟩ laute ludificarier
volo.

[¶45] ACROTELEUTIUM:
I’ faith, you’re assigning me what’s a pleasure to me.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Voluptatem mecastor mi imperas.

[¶46] PALAESTRIO:
But do you understand how?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Scin quem ad modum?

[¶47] ACROTELEUTIUM:
You mean that I must pretend that I am distracted with love for him.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Nempe ut adsimulem me amore istius differri.

[¶48] PALAESTRIO:
Right—you have it.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tenes.

[¶49] ACROTELEUTIUM:
And as though by reason of that love I had foregone my present marriage, longing for a match with him.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Quasique istius causa amoris ex hoc matrimonio
abierim, cupiens istius nuptiarum.

[¶50] PALAESTRIO:
Everything exactly in its due order; except only this one point; you must say that this house (pointing to the house of PERIPLECOMENUS) was your marriage-portion; that the old man had departed hence from you after you had carried out the divorce, lest he should be afraid just now to come here into the house of another man.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Omne ordine.
nisi modo unum hoc: hasce esse aedis dicas dotalis tuas,
hinc senem aps te abiisse, postquam feceris divortium:
ne ille mox vereatur intro íre in alienam domum.

[¶51] ACROTELEUTIUM:
You advise me well.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Bene mones.

[¶52] PALAESTRIO:
But when he comes out from in-doors, I wish you—standing at a distance there—
so to make pretence, as though in comparison with his beauty you despised your own, and as though you were struck with awe at his opulent circumstances; at the same time, too, praise the comeliness of his person, the beauty of his face. Are you tutored enough?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Sed ubi ille exierit intus, istinc te procul
ita volo adsimulare, prae illius forma quasi spernas tuam
quasique eiús opulentitatem reverearis, et simul
formam, amoenitatem illius, faciem, pulchritudinem
conlaudato. satin praeceptumst?

[¶53] ACROTELEUTIUM:
I understand it all. Is it enough that I give you my work so nicely finished off that you cannot find a fault with it.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Teneo. satinest, si tibi
meum opus ita dabo expolitum, ut improbare non queas?

[¶54] PALAESTRIO:
I’m content. Now (addressing PLEUSICLES), in your turn, learn what charge I shall give to you. So soon as this shall be done, when she shall have gone in, then do you immediately take care to come here dressed in the garb of a master of a ship. Have on a broad-brimmed hat of iron-grey, a woollen shade before your eyes; have on an iron-grey cloak (for that is the seaman’s colour);
have it fastened over the left shoulder, your right arm projecting out, … your clothes some way well girded up, pretend as though you are some master of a ship. And all these requisites are at the house of this old gentleman, for he keeps fishermen.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Sat habeo. nunc tibi vicissim quae imperabo ea discito.
quom extemplo hoc erit factum, ubi intro haec abierit, ibi tu ilico
facito uti venias ornatu húc ad nos nauclerico;
causeam habeas ferrugineam, et scutulam ob oculos laneam,
palliolum habeas ferrugineum (nam is colos thalassicust),
id conexum in umero laevo, exfafillato bracchio,
praecinctus aliqui: adsimulato quasi gubernator sies;
atque apud hunc senem omnia haec sunt, nam is piscatores habet.

[¶55] PLEUSICLES:
Well, when I’m dressed out, why don’t you tell me what I’m to do then?

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Quid? ubi ero exornatus quin tu dicis quid facturus sim?

[¶56] PALAESTRIO:
Come here, and, in the name of her mother, bring word to Philocomasium, that, if she would return to Athens, she must go with you to the harbour directly, and that she must order it to be carried down to the ship if she wishes anything to be put on board; that if she doesn’t go, you must weigh anchor, for the wind is favourable.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Huc venito et matris verbis Philocomasium arcessito,
ut, si itura sit Athenas, eat tecum ad portum cito,
atque ut iubeat ferri in navim si quid imponi velit.
nisi eat, te soluturum esse navim: ventum operam dare.

[¶57] PLEUSICLES:
I like your plan much: do proceed.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Satis placet pictura. perge.

[¶58] PALAESTRIO:
The Captain will at once advise her to go speedily that she may not delay her mother.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ille extemplo illam hortabitur
ut eat, ut properet, ne morae sit matri.

[¶59] PLEUSICLES:
Every way you are clever.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Multimodis sapis.

[¶60] PALAESTRIO:
I shall tell him that she asks for me as a helper to carry her baggage down to the harbour. I shall go, and, understand you, I shall immediately be off with you straight to Athens.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ego illi dicam, ut me adiutorem, qui onus feram ad portum, roget.
ille iubebit me ire cum illa ad portum. ego adeo, ut tu scias,
prorsum Athenas protinus abibo tecum.

[¶61] PLEUSICLES:
And when you have reached there, I’ll never let you be ashore three days before you’re free.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Atque ubi illo veneris,
triduom servire numquam te, quin liber sis, sinam.

[¶62] PALAESTRIO:
Be off speedily and equip yourself.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Abi cito atque orna te.

[¶63] PLEUSICLES:
Is there anything besides?

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Numquid aliud?

[¶64] PALAESTRIO:
Only to remember all this.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Haec ut memineris.

[¶65] PLEUSICLES:
I’m off.
(Exit.)

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Abeo. —

[¶66] PALAESTRIO:
And do you (to ACROTELEUTIUM and MILPHIDIPPA) be off hence in-doors this instant, for I’m quite sure that he’ll just now be coming out hence from in-doors.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Et vos abite hinc intro actutum; nam illum huc sat scio
iam exiturum esse intus.

[¶67] ACROTELEUTIUM:
With us your command is as good as law.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Celebre apud nos imperium tuomst. —

[¶68] PALAESTRIO:
Come, then, begone. But see, the door opens opportunely.
(The women go into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.) (Enter PYRGOPOLINICES from his house.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Agite abscedite ergo. ecce autem commodum aperitur foris.
hilarus exit: impetravit. inhiat quod nusquam est miser.

[¶69] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What I wished I have obtained just as I wished, on kind and friendly terms, that she would leave me.

> Latin: Pyrgopolinices:
Quod volui ut volui impetravi, per amicitiam et gratiam,
a Philocomasio.

[¶70] PALAESTRIO:
For what reason am I to say that you have been so long in-doors?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid tam intus fuisse te dicam diu?

[¶71] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I never was so sensible that I was beloved by that woman as now.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Numquam ego me tam sensi amari quam nunc ab illa muliere.

[¶72] PALAESTRIO:
Why so?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid iam?

[¶73] PYRGOPOLINICES:
How many words she did utter! How the matter was protracted! But in the end I obtained what I wanted, and I granted her
what she wanted and what she asked of me. I made a present of you also to her.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Vt multa verba feci, ut lenta materies fuit.
verum postremo impetravi ut volui: donavi dedi
quae voluit, quae postulavit; ⟨te⟩ quoque ⟨ei⟩ dono dedi.

[¶74] PALAESTRIO:
What—me, too? In what way shall I exist without you?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Etiam me? quo modo ego vivam sine te?

[¶75] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Come, be of good heart; I’ll make you free from exit, too. But I used all endeavours, if I could by any method persuade her to go away, and not take you with her, she forced me, however.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Age, animo bono ⟨es⟩,
eidem ego te illim liberabo. nam si possem ullo modo
impetrare ut abiret, ne te abduceret, operam dedi;
verum oppressit.

[¶76] PALAESTRIO:
In the Gods and yourself I’ll place my trust. Yet, at the last,
although it is bitter to me that I must be deprived of an excellent master, yourself, at least it is a pleasure to me that, through my means, by reason of the excellence of your beauty, this has happened to you with regard to this lady neighbour, whom I am now introducing to you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Deos sperabo teque. postremo tamen
etsi istuc mi acerbumst, quia ero te carendum est optimo,
saltem id volup est, quom ex virtute formae évenit tibi
mea opera super hac vicina, quam ego nunc concilio tibi.

[¶77] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What need of words? I’ll give you liberty and wealth if you obtain her for me.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid opust verbis? libertatem tibi ego et divitias dabo,
si impetras.

[¶78] PALAESTRIO:
I’ll win her.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Reddam impetratum.

[¶79] PYRGOPOLINICES:
But I’m impatient.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
At gestio.

[¶80] PALAESTRIO:
But moderation is requisite;

> Latin: Palaestrio:
At modice decet:

[¶81] curb your desires; don’t be over anxious. But see, here she is herself; she is coming out of doors.
(Enter ACROTELEUTIUM and MILPHIDIPPA from the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)
MILPHIDIPPA: (in a low voice.)
Mistress, see! the Captain’s near.

> Latin: moderare animo, ne sis cupidus. séd eccam ipsam, egreditur foras.
Milphidippa:
Era, éccum praesto mílitem.

[¶82] ACROTELEUTIUM: (in a low voice.)
Where is he?

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Vbi est?

[¶83] MILPHIDIPPA:
Only look to the left.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Ad laevam.
Acrotelevtivm:
Video.

[¶84] Eye him askance, that he mayn’t perceive that we are looking at him.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Aspicito limis [oculis], ne ille nos se sentiat videre.

[¶85] ACROTELEUTIUM:
I see him. Troth, now’s the time, in our mischief, for us to become supremely mischievous.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Video. edepol nunc nos tempus est malas peioris fieri.

[¶86] MILPHIDIPPA:’Tis for you to begin.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)
Prithee, did you see him yourself?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Tuomst principium.
Acrotelevtivm:
Obsecro, tute ipsum convenisti?

[¶87] (Aside.) don’t spare your voice, so that he may hear.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
By my troth, I talked with his own self, at my ease, as long as I pleased, at my leisure, at my own discretion, just as I wished.
PYRGOPOLINICES: (to PALAESTRIO.)

> Latin: ne parce vocem, ut audiat.
Milphidippa:
Cum ipso pol sum locuta,
placide, ipsi dum libitum est mihi, otiose, meo arbitratu [ut volui].

[¶88] Do you hear what she says?
PALAESTRIO: (to PYRGOPOLINICES.)
I hear. How delighted she is because she had access to you.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Audin quae loquitur?
Palaestrio:
Audio. quam laeta est, quia ted adiit.

[¶89] O happy woman that you are!
PYRGOPOLINICES:
How I do seem to be loved!

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
O, fortunata mulier es.
Pyrgopolynices:
Vt amari videor.

[¶90] PALAESTRIO:
You are deserving of it.
MILPHIDIPPAACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
dignus esDignu's.

[¶91] By my troth,’tis passing strange what you say, that you had access to him and prevailed. They say that he is usually addressed, like a king, through letters or messengers.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Permirum ecastor praedicas, te adiisse atque exorasse;
per epistulam aut per nuntium, quasi regem, adiri eum aiunt.

[¶92] But, i’ faith,’twas with difficulty I had an opportunity of approaching and beseeching him.
PALAESTRIO: (to PYRGOPOLINICES.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Namque edepol vix fuit cópia adeundi atque impetrandi.

[¶93] How renowned you are among the fair.
PYRGOPOLINICES: (to PALAESTRIO.)
I shall submit, since Venus wills it so.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vt tu inclitus esinclitu's apud múlieres.
Pyrgopolynices:
Patiar, quando ita Venus volt.

[¶94] By heavens! I return to Venus grateful thanks, and her I do beseech and entreat, that I may win him whom I love and whom I seek to win,
and that to me he may prove gentle, and not make a difficulty about what I desire.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Veneri pol habeo gratiam, eandémque et oro et quaeso,
ut eius mihi sit copia quem amo quemque expetesso
benignusque erga me ⟨ut⟩ siet, quod cupiam ne gravetur.

[¶95] I hope it may be so; although many ladies are seeking to win him for themselves, he disdains them and estranges himself from all but you alone.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Spero ita futurum, quamquam illum multae sibi expetessunt:
ille illas spernit segregat ab se omnis, extra te unam.

[¶96] Therefore this fear torments me, since he is so disdainful, lest his eyes, when he beholds me, should change his sentiments,
and his own gracefulness should at once disdain my form.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Ergo iste metus me macerat, quod ille fastidiosust,
ne óculi eius sententiam mutent, ubi viderit me,
atque eius elegantia meam extémplo speciem spernat.

[¶97] He will not do so; be of good heart.
PYRGOPOLINICES: (to PALAESTRIO.)
How she does slight herself!
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Non faciet, bonum animum habe. †
Pyrgopolynices:
Vt ipsa se contemnit.

[¶98] I fear lest your account may have surpassed my looks.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Metuo, ne praedicatio tua nunc meam formam exsuperet.

[¶99] I’ve taken care of this, that you shall be fairer than his expectations.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Istuc curavi, ut opínione illius pulchrior sis.

[¶100] Troth, if he shall refuse to take me as his wife, by heavens I’ll embrace his knees
and entreat him! If I shall be unable to prevail on him, in some way or other, I’ll put myself to death. I’m quite sure that without him I cannot live.
PYRGOPOLINICES: (to PALAESTRIO.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Si pol me nolet ducere uxórem, genua amplectar
atque obsecrabo; alio modo, si non quibo impetrare,
consciscam letum: vivere sine illó scio me non posse.

[¶101] I see that I must prevent this woman’s death. Shall I accost her?
PALAESTRIO:
By no means; for you will be making yourself cheap if you lavish yourself away of your own accord. Let her come spontaneously, seek you, court you, strive to win you.
Unless you wish to lose that glory which you have, please have a care what you do. For I know that this was never the lot of any mortal, except two persons, yourself and Phaon of Lesbos, to be loved so desperately.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Prohibendam mortem mulieri videó. adibon?
Palaestrio:
Minime;
nam tu te vilem feceris, si te ultro largiere:
sine ultro veniat; quaeritet, desideret, exspectet
sine: perdere istam gloriam vis, quám habes? cave sis faxis.
nam nulli mortali scio obtigisse hoc, nisi duobus,
tibi et Phaoni Lesbio, tam mulier sé ut amaret.

[¶102] I’ll go in-doors —or, my dear Milphidippa, do you call him out of doors.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Eo íntro, aut tu illum huc evoca foras, mea Milphidippa.

[¶103] Aye; let’s wait until some one comes out.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)
I can’t restrain myself
from going in to him.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Immo opperiamur, dum exeat aliquis.
Acrotelevtivm:
Durare nequeo,
quin eam intro.

[¶104] MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
The door’s fastened.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Occlusae sunt foris.

[¶105] ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)
I’ll break it in then.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Exfringam.

[¶106] MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
You are not in your senses.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Sana non es.

[¶107] If he has ever loved, or if he has wisdom equal to his beauty, whatever I may do through love, he will pardon me by reason of his compassionate feelings.
PALAESTRIO: (to PYRGOPOLINICES.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Si amavit umquam aut si parem sapientiam habet ac formam,
per amorem si quid fecero, clementi ánimo ignoscet.

[¶108] Prithee, do see, how distracted the poor thing is with love.
PYRGOPOLINICES: (to PALAESTRIO.)
’Tis mutual in us.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Vt, quaeso, amore perditast tuo misera.
Pyrgopolynices:
Mutuom fit.

[¶109] PALAESTRIO:
Hush! don’t you let her hear.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tace, ne aúdiat.

[¶110] MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
Why do you stand stupefied? Why don’t you knock?
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Quid astitisti obstupida? cur non pultas?

[¶111] Because he is not within whom I want.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
How do you know?

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Quia non est intus quem ego volo.
Milphidippa:
Qui scis?

[¶112] ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)
By my troth, I do know it easily; for my nose would scent him if he were within.
PYRGOPOLINICES: (to PALAESTRIO.)
She is a diviner.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Scio pol ego, olfacio;
nam odore nasum sentiat, si intus sit.
Palaestrio:
Hariolatur.

[¶113] Because she is in love with me, Venus has made her prophesy.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quia mé amat, propterea Venus fecit eam ut divinaret.

[¶114] He is somewhere or other close at hand whom I do so long to behold. I’m sure I smell him.
PYRGOPOLINICES: (to PALAESTRIO.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Nescio ubi hic prope adest quem expeto videre: olet profecto.

[¶115] Troth, now, she really sees better with her nose than with her eyes.
PALAESTRIO: (to PYRGOPOLINICES.)
She is blind from love.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Naso pol iam haec quidem plús videt quam óculis.
Palaestrio:
Caeca amore est.

[¶116] Prithee, do support me.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
Why?

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Tene me óbsecro.
Milphidippa:
Quor?

[¶117] ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)
Lest I should fall.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Ne cadam.

[¶118] MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
Why?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Quid ita?

[¶119] ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)
Because I cannot stand; my senses—my senses are sinking so by reason of my eyes.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Quia stare nequeo,
ita animus per oculos meos ⟨meus⟩ defit.

[¶120] MILPHIDIPPA:
(aloud.) Heavens! you’ve seen the Captain.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Militem pol
tu aspexisti.

[¶121] ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)
I have.

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Ita.

[¶122] MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
I don’t see him. Where is he?

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Non video. ubi est?

[¶123] ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)
Troth, you would see him if you were in tove.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Videres pol, si amares.

[¶124] I’ faith, you don’t love him more than I do myself, with your good leave.
PALAESTRIO: (to PYRGOPOLINICES.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Non edepol tu illum magis amas, quam ego amem, si per te liceat.

[¶125] No doubt all of the women, as soon as each has seen you, are in love with you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Omnes profecto mulieres te amant, ut quaeque aspexit.

[¶126] PYRGOPOLINICES:
(to PALAESTRIO.) I don’t know whether you have heard it from me or not; I’m the grandson of Venus.
ACROTELEUTIUM: (aloud.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Nescio, tu ex me hoc audiveris an non: nepos sum Veneris.

[¶127] My dear Milphidippa, prithee do approach and accost him.
PYRGOPOLINICES: (to PALAESTRIO.)
How she does stand in awe of me!
PALAESTRIO: (to PYRGOPOLINICES.)

> Latin: Acrotelevtivm:
Mea Milphidippa, adi obsecro et congredere.
Pyrgopolynices:
Vt me veretur.

[¶128] She is coming towards us.
MILPHIDIPPA: (advancing.)
I wish to speak with you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Illa ad nos pergit.
Milphidippa:
Vos volo.

[¶129] PYRGOPOLINICES:
And we with you.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Et nos te.

[¶130] MILPHIDIPPA:
I have brought my mistress out of the house, as you requested me.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Vt iussisti,
eram meam eduxi foras.

[¶131] PYRGOPOLINICES:
So I see.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Video.

[¶132] MILPHIDIPPA:
Request her, then, to approach.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Iube ergo adire.

[¶133] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Since you have entreated it, I have prevailed upon my mind not to detest her just like other women.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Induxi in animum, ne oderim item ut alias, quando orasti.

[¶134] MILPHIDIPPA:
I’ faith she wouldn’t be able to utter a word if she were to come near you; while she was looking at you, her eyes have in the meantime tied her tongue.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Verbum edepol facere non potis, si accesserit prope ad te.
dum te obtuetur, interim linguam oculi praeciderunt.

[¶135] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I see that this woman’s disorder must be cured.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Levandum morbum mulieri video.

[¶136] MILPHIDIPPA:
See how terrified she is since she beheld you.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Vt tremit atque extimuit,
postquam te aspexit.

[¶137] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Even armed men are the same; don’t wonder at a woman being so. But what does she wish me to do?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Víri quoque armáti idem istuc faciunt,
ne tu mirere eius mulierem. sed quid ⟨illa⟩ volt me facere?

[¶138] MILPHIDIPPA:
You to come to her house; she wishes to live and to pass her life with you.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Ad se ut eas: tecum vivere volt atque aetatem exigere.

[¶139] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What!—I come home to her, when she is a married woman? Her husband is to be stood in fear of.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Egon ád illam eam, quae nupta sit? vir eius me deprehendat.

[¶140] MILPHIDIPPA:
Why,—for your sake, she has turned her husband out of her house.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Quin tua causa exegit virum ab sé.

[¶141] PYRGOPOLINICES:
How? How could she do so?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Qui id facere potuit?

[¶142] MILPHIDIPPA:
The house was her marriage-portion.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Quia aedís dotalis huius sunt.

[¶143] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Was it so?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Itane?

[¶144] MILPHIDIPPA:
It was so, on my word.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Ita pol.

[¶145] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Bid her go home; I’ll be there just now.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Iube domum ire.
iam ego illi ero.

[¶146] MILPHIDIPPA:
Take care, and don’t keep her in expectation; don’t torment her feelings.

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Vide né sies in exspectatione,
ne illam animi excrucies.

[¶147] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Not I, indeed. Do you go then.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Non ero profecto. abite.

[¶148] MILPHIDIPPA:
We are going. (ACROTELEUTIUM and MILPHIDIPPA go into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)

> Latin: Milphidippa:
Abimus. —

[¶149] PYRGOPOLINICES:
But what do I see?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Sed quid ego video?

[¶150] PALAESTRIO:
What do you see?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid vides?

[¶151] PYRGOPOLINICES:
See there, some one is coming, I know not who, but in a sailor’s dress.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Nescio quis eccum incedit
ornatu quidem thalassico.

[¶152] PALAESTRIO:
He is surely wanting us, now; really, it is the shipmaster.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
It ad nos, volt te profecto.
nauclerus hic quidem est.

[¶153] PYRGOPOLINICES:
He’s come, I suppose, to fetch her.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Videlicet accersit hanc iam.

[¶154] PALAESTRIO:
I fancy so.
(Enter PLEUSICLES, at a distance, in a Sailor’s dress.)
PLEUSICLES: (to himself.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Credo.

[¶155] Did I not know that another man in other ways
has done many a thing unbecomingly on account of love, I should be more ashamed by reason of love for me to be going in this garb. But since I have learned that many persons by reason of love have committed many actions, disgraceful and estranged from what is good, … for I pass by how Achilles suffered his comrades to be slain—
But there’s Palaestrio, he’s standing with the Captain. My talk must now be changed for another kind. Woman is surely born of tardiness itself. For every other delay, which is a delay just as much, seems a less delay than that which is on account of a woman.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Alium alio pacto propter amorem ni sciam
fecisse multa nequiter, verear magis
me amoris causa hóc ornatu incedere.
verum quom multos multa admisse acceperim
inhonesta propter amorem atque aliena a bonis:
mitto iam, ut occídi Achilles civis passus est —
sed eccúm Palaestrionem, stat cum milite:
oratio alio mihi demutandast mea.
mulier profecto natast ex ipsa Mora;
nam quaevis alia quae morast aeque, mora
minor ea videtur quam quae propter mulieremst.

[¶156] I really think that this is done merely from habit. But I shall call for this Philocomasium. I’ll knock at the door then. Hallo! is there any one here?
(Knocks at the CAPTAIN’S door.)
PALAESTRIO:
Young man—what is it? What do you want? Why are you knocking?

> Latin: hoc adeo fieri credo consuetudine.
nam ego hanc accerso Philocomasium. sed fores
pultabo. heus, ecquis hic est?
Palaestrio:
Adulescens, quid est?
quid vis? quid pultas?

[¶157] PLEUSICLES:
I’m come to inquire for Philocomasium; I’m come from her mother. If she’s for going, let her set off.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Philocomasium quaerito.
a matre illius venio. si iturast, eat.

[¶158] She is delaying us all; we wish to weigh anchor.

> Latin: omnis moratur: navim cupimus solvere.

[¶159] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Her things have been some time in readiness. Hearkye, Palaestrio, take some assistants with you to carry to the ship her golden trinkets, her furniture, apparel, all her precious things. All the articles are already packed up which I gave her.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Iam dudum res paratast. i, Palaestrio,
aurum, ornamenta, vestem, pretiosa omnia
duc adiutores tecum ad navim qui ferant.
omnia conposita sunt quae donavi: auferat.

[¶160] PALAESTRIO:
I’ll go.
(Goes into the house.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Eó. —

[¶161] PLEUSICLES:
Troth now, prithee, do make haste.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Quaeso hercle propera.

[¶162] PYRGOPOLINICES:
There shall be no delay. Pray, what is it that has been done with your eye?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Non morabitur.
quid istuc, quaeso? quid oculo factumst tuo?

[¶163] PLEUSICLES:
Troth, hut I have my eye.
(Points to the right one.)

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Habeo equidem hercle oculum.

[¶164] PYRGOPOLINICES:
But the left one I mean.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
At laevom dico.

[¶165] PLEUSICLES:
I’ll tell you. On account of the sea, I use this eye less; but if I kept away from the sea, I should use the one like the other.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Eloquar.
maris causa hercle hoc ego oculo utor minus,
nam si abstinuissem amare, tamquam hoc uterer.

[¶166] But they are detaining me too long.
PYRGOPOLINICES:
See, here they are coming out.
(Enter PALAESTRIO and PHILOCOMASIUM from the CAPTAIN’S house.)

> Latin: sed nimis morantur me diu.
Pyrgopolynices:
Eccos exeunt.

[¶167] PALAESTRIO: (to PHILOCOMASIUM.)
Prithee, when will you this day make an end of your weeping?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid modi flendó quaeso hodie fácies?

[¶168] PHILOCOMASIUM:
What can I do but weep? I am going away hence where I have spent my days most happily.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Quid ego ní fleam?
ubi pulcherrume egi aetatem, ábeo.

[¶169] PALAESTRIO:
See, there’s the man that has come from your mother and sister.
(pointing to PLEUSICLES.)

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Em hominem tibi,
qui a matre et sorore venit.

[¶170] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I see him.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Video.

[¶171] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Palaestrio, do you hear?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Audin, Palaestrio?

[¶172] PALAESTRIO:
What is your pleasure?

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quid vis?

[¶173] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Aren’t you ordering those presents to be brought out which I gave her?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quin tu iubes ecferri ómnia quae isti dedi?

[¶174] PLEUSICLES:
Health to you, Philocomasium.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Philocomasium, salve.

[¶175] PHILOCOMASIUM:
And health to you.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Et tu salve.

[¶176] PLEUSICLES:
Your mother and sister bade me give their love to you.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Materque et soror
tibi salutem me iusserunt dicere.

[¶177] PHILOCOMASIUM:
Heaven prosper them.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Salvae sient.

[¶178] PLEUSICLES:
They beg you to set out, so that, while the wind is fair, they may set sail. But if your mother’s eyes had been well, she would have come together with me.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Orant te, ut eas, ventus operam dum dat, ut velum explicent;
nam matri oculi si valerent, mecum venissent simul.

[¶179] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I’ll go; although I do it with regret—duty compels me.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Ibo; quamquam invita facio, impietas sit nisi eam.

[¶180] PLEUSICLES:
You act wisely.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Sapis.

[¶181] PYRGOPOLINICES:
If she had not been passing her life with myself, this day she would have been a blockhead.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Si non mecum aetatem egisset, hodie stulta viveret.

[¶182] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I am distracted at this, that I am estranged from such a man. For you are able to make any woman what-ever abound in wit; and because I was living with you, for that reason I was of a very lofty spirit. I see that I must lose that loftiness of mind.
(Pretends to cry.)

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Istuc crucior, a viro me tali abalienarier,
nam tu quemvis potis es facere ut afluat facetiis;
et quia tecum eram, propterea ánimo eram ferocior:
eam nobilitatem amittendam video.

[¶183] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Don’t weep.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Ne fle.

[¶184] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I can’t help it when I look upon you.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Non queo,
quom te video.

[¶185] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Be of good courage.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Habe bonum animum.

[¶186] PHILOCOMASIUM:
I know what pain it is to me.

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Scio ego quid doleat mihi.

[¶187] PALAESTRIO:
I really don’t wonder now, Philocomasium, if you were here with happiness to yourself, when I, a servant—as I look at him, weep because we are parting (pretends to cry), so much have his beauty, his manners, his valour, captivated your feelings.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nam nil miror, si libenter, Philocomasium, híc eras,
⟨si⟩ forma huius, mores, virtus, animum attinuere hic tuom,
quóm ego servos quando aspicio hunc, lacrumo quia diiungimur.

[¶188] PHILOCOMASIUM:
Prithee, do let me embrace you before I depart?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Obsecro licet complecti prius quam proficisco?

[¶189] PYRGOPOLINICES:
By all means
PHILOCOMASIUM: (embracing him.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Licet.

[¶190] O my eyes! O my life!
PALAESTRIO:
Do hold up the woman, I entreat you, lest she should fall.
(He takes hold of her, and she pretends to faint.)

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
O mi ócule, o mi ánime.
Palaestrio:
Obsecro, tene mulierem,
ne adfligatur.

[¶191] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What means this?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid istuc quaesost?

[¶192] PALAESTRIO:
Because, after she had quitted you, she suddenly became faint, poor thing.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quia abs te abit, animo male
factum est huic repente miserae.

[¶193] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Run in and fetch some water.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Curre intro atque ecferto aquam.

[¶194] PALAESTRIO:
I want no water; but I had rather you would keep at a distance. Prithee, don’t you interfere till she comes to.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nihil aquam moror, quiescat malo. ne interveneris,
quaeso, dum resipiscit.

[¶195] PYRGOPOLINICES: (observing PLEUSICLES, who is holding PHILOCOMASIUM in his arm.)
They have their heads too closely in contact between them;

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Capita inter se nimis nexa hisce habent.

[¶196] I don’t like it; he is soldering his lips to hers. What the plague are you about?

> Latin: non placet. labra ab labellis aufer, nauta, cave malo.

[¶197] PLEUSICLES:
I was trying whether she was breathing or not.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Temptabam spiraret an non.

[¶198] PYRGOPOLINICES:
You ought to have applied your ear then.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Aurem admotam oportuit.

[¶199] PLEUSICLES:
If you had rather, I’ll let her go.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Si magis vís, eam omittam.

[¶200] PYRGOPOLINICES:
No, I don’t care; do you support her.
PALAESTRIO:
To my misery, I’m quite distracted.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Nolo, retine.
Plevsicles:
At ultro misero.

[¶201] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Go and bring here from in-doors all the things that I have given her.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Exite atque ecferte huc intus omnia quae isti dedi.

[¶202] PALAESTRIO:
And even now, household God, do I salute thee before I depart;

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Etiam nunc saluto te, ⟨Lar⟩ familiaris, prius quam eo.

[¶203] my fellow-servants, both male and female, all farewell, and happy may you live; prithee, though absent, among yourselves bestow your blessings upon me as well.

> Latin: conservi conservaeque omnis, bene valete et vivite,
bene quaeso inter vos dicatis mi med absenti tamen.

[¶204] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Come, Palaestrio, be of good courage.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Age, Palaestrio, bono animo es.

[¶205] PALAESTRIO:
Alas! alas! I cannot but weep since from you I must depart.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Eheu, nequeo quin fleam,
quom abs te abeám.

[¶206] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Bear it with patience.
PHILOCOMASIUM: (feigning to recover.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Fer aequo ánimo.
Palaestrio:
Scio ego quid doleat mihi.

[¶207] Ha! how’s this? What means it? Hail, O light!
PLEUSICLES:
Are you recovered now?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Sed quid hoc? quae res? quid video? lux, salve …
Plevsicles:
Iam resipisti? …

[¶208] PHILOCOMASIUM:
Prithee, what person am I embracing? I’m undone. Am I myself?

> Latin: Philocomasivm:
Obsecro, quem amplexa sum
hominem? perii. sumne ego apud me?

[¶209] PLEUSICLES: (in a low voice.)
Fear not, my delight.

> Latin: Plevsicles:
Ne time, voluptas mea.

[¶210] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What means all this?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid istuc est negoti?

[¶211] PALAESTRIO:
Just now she swooned away here. … I fear and dread that this at last may take place too openly.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Animus hanc modo hic reliquerat.
† metuoque ut timeo, ne hoc tandem propalam fiat nimis.

[¶212] PYRGOPOLINICES:
What is that you say?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quid id est?

[¶213] PALAESTRIO:
I fear that some one may turn it to your discredit, while all these things are being carried after us through the city.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Nos secundum ferri nunc per urbem haec omnia,
ne quis tibi hoc vítio vortat.

[¶214] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I have given away my own property, and not theirs. I care but little for other people. Be off then, go with the blessing of the Gods.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Mea, non illorum dedi:
parvi ego illos fácio. agite, íte cum dis benevolentibus.

[¶215] PALAESTRIO:’Tis for your sake I say it.
PYRGOPOLINICES:
I believe you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Tua ego hoc causa dico.
Pyrgopolynices:
Credo.

[¶216] PALAESTRIO:
And now farewell!

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Iam vale.

[¶217] PYRGOPOLINICES:
And heartily farewell to you!
PALAESTRIO: (to PLEUSICLES and PHILOCOMASIUM as they leave.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Et tu bene vale.

[¶218] Go you quickly on; I’ll overtake you directly; I wish to speak a few words with my master. (To PYRGOPOLINICES.) Although you have ever deemed others more faithful to yourself than me,
still do I owe you many thanks for all things; and if such were your feelings, I would rather be a slave to you by far than be the freedman of another.
PYRGOPOLINICES:
Be of good courage.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Ite cito, iam ego adsequar vos: cúm ero pauca volo loqui. —
quamquam alios fideliores semper habuisti tibi
quam me, tamen tibi habeo magnam gratiam rerum omnium;
et, si íta sententia esset, tibi servire malui
multo, quám alii libertus esse.
Pyrgopolynices:
Habe bonum animum.

[¶219] PALAESTRIO:
Ah me! When it comes in my mind, how my manners must be changed, how womanish manners must be learnt, and the military ones forgotten!

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Eheu, quom venit mi in mentem, ut mores mutandi sient,
muliebris mores discendi, obliscendi stratiotici.

[¶220] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Take care and be honest.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Fac sis frugi.

[¶221] PALAESTRIO:
I can be so no longer; I have lost all inclination.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Iam non possum, amisi omnem lubidinem.

[¶222] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Go, follow them; don’t linger.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
I, sequere illos, ne morere.

[¶223] PALAESTRIO:
Fare you right well.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Bene vale.

[¶224] PYRGOPOLINICES:
And heartily fare you well.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Et tu bene vale.

[¶225] PALAESTRIO:
Prithee, do remember me; if perchance I should happen to be made free, I’ll send the news to you; don’t you forsake me.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Quaeso memineris, si forte liber fieri occeperim
(mittam nuntium ad te), ne me deseras.

[¶226] PYRGOPOLINICES:
That is not my habit.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Non est meum.

[¶227] PALAESTRIO:
Consider every now and then how faithful I have been to you.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Cogitato identidem, tibi quam fidelis fuerim.

[¶228] If you do that, then at last you’ll know who is honest towards you and who dishonest.

> Latin: si id facies, tum demum scibis, tibi qui bonus sit, qui malus.

[¶229] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I know it; I have often found that true, as well before as to-day in especial.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Scio et perspexi saepe.

[¶230] PALAESTRIO:
Do you know it? Aye, and this day I’ll make you hereafter say still more how true it is.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Verum cum antehac, hodie maxume
scies: immo hodie me tuom factum faxo post dices magis.

[¶231] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I can hardly refrain from bidding you to stay.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Vix reprimor quin te manere iubeam.

[¶232] PALAESTRIO:
Take you care how you do that. They may say that you are a liar and not truthful, that you have no honor;
they may say that no one of your slaves is trustworthy except my-self. If, indeed, I thought you could do it with honor, I should advise you. But it cannot be; take care how you do so.

> Latin: Palaestrio:
Cave istuc feceris:
dicent te mendacem nec verum esse, fide nulla esse te,
dicent servorum praeter me esse ⟨hic⟩ fidelem neminem.
nam si honeste censeam te facere posse, suadeam;
verum non potest. cave fáxis.

[¶233] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Be off;
I’ll be content then, whatever happens.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Abi iam.
Palaestrio:
Patiar quidquid est.

[¶234] PALAESTRIO:
Then, fare you well.
PYRGOPOLINICES:’Twere better you should go with a good heart.
PALAESTRIO:
Still, once more, farewell.
(Exit.)

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Bene vale igitur.
Palaestrio:
Ire meliust strenue. —
Pyrgopolynices:
Etiam nunc vale.

[¶235] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Before this affair, I had always thought that he was a most rascally servant;

> Latin: ante hoc factum hunc sum arbitratus semper servom pessumum:

[¶236] still, I find that he is faithful to me. When I consider with myself, I have done unwisely in parting with him. I’ll go hence at once now to my love here: the door, too, I perceive, makes a noise there.
(Enter a BOY from the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)
A BOY.: (to some one within.)

> Latin: eum fidelem mi esse invenio. cum egomet mecum cogito,
stulte feci qui hunc amisi. íbo hinc intro nunciam
ad amores meos. sed, sensi, hinc sonitum fecerunt foris.

[¶237] Don’t you be advising me; I remember my duty; this moment I’ll find him. Wherever on earth he may chance to be,
I’ll search him out; I’ll not be sparing of my pains.

> Latin: Pver:
Ne me moneatis, memini ego officium meum,
ego † nam conveniam illum, ubi ubi est gentium;
investigabo, óperae non parcam meae.

[¶238] PYRGOPOLINICES:’Tis I he is looking for, I’ll go and meet this boy.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Me quaerit illic. ibo huic puero obviam.

[¶239] A BOY.:
O, I’m looking for you; save you, dearest sir, one loaded by opportunity with her gifts, and whom before all others two Divinities do favour.
PYRGOPOLINICES:
What two?
A BOY.:
Mars and Venus.

> Latin: Pver:
Ehem, te quaero. salve, vir lepidissime,
cumulate commoditate, praeter ceteros
duo dí quem curant.
Pyrgopolynices:
Qui duo?
Pver:
Mars et Venus.

[¶240] PYRGOPOLINICES:
A sprightly boy.
A BOY.:
She entreats that you will go in; she wishes—she longs for you, and while expecting you, she’s dying for you. Do succour one in love. Why do you stay? Why don’t you go in?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Facetum puerum.
Pver:
Intro te ut eas obsecrat,
te volt, te quaerit, teque exspectans expetit.
amanti fer opem. quid stas? quin intro is?

[¶241] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Well, I’ll go.
(Enters the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)
A BOY.:
There has he entangled himself at once in the toils. The snare is prepared: the old gentleman is standing at his post
to attack the letcher, who is so boastful of his good looks; who thinks that, whatever woman sees him, all are in love with him; whom all, both men and women, detest. Now I will on to the uproar; I hear a tumult within.
(Enter PERIPLECOMENUS from his house, with CARIO and other SERVANTS, dragging PYRGOPOLINICES.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Eo. —
Pver:
Ipsus illic sese iam impedivit in plagas;
paratae insidiae sunt: in statu stat senex,
ut adoriatur moechum, qui formast ferox,
qui omnis se amare credit, quaeque aspexerit
mulier: eum oderunt qua viri qua mulieres.
nunc in tumultum ibo: intus clamorem audio. —

[¶242] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Bring that fellow along. If he doesn’t follow, drag him, lifted on high, out of doors.
Make him to be between heaven and earth; cut him in pieces.
(They beat him.)

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Dúcite istum; sí non sequitur, rápite sublimén foras,
facite inter terram atque caelum ut sit ⟨situs⟩, discindite.

[¶243] PYRGOPOLINICES:
By my troth, I do entreat you, Periplecomenus.

> Latin: Pyrgopolinices:
Obsecro hercle, Periplectomene, te.

[¶244] PERIPLECOMENUS:
By my troth, you do entreat in vain. Take care, Cario, that that knife of yours is very sharp.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Nequiquam hercle obsecras.
vide ut istic tibi sit acutus, Cario, culter probe.

[¶245] CARIO:
Why, it’s already longing to rip up the stomach of this letcher. I’ll make his entrails hang just as a bauble hangs from a baby’s neck.

> Latin: Cario:
Quin iamdudum gestit moecho hóc abdomen adimere,
ut ea iam quasi puero in collo pendeant crepundia.

[¶246] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I’m a dead man.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Perii.

[¶247] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Not yet; you say so too soon.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Haud etiam, numero hoc dicis.

[¶248] CARIO:
Shall I have at this fellow now?

> Latin: Cario:
Iamne in hominem ínvolo?

[¶249] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Aye,—but first let him be thrashed with cudgels.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Immo etiam prius vérberetur fustibus.

[¶250] CARIO:
True, right lustily.

> Latin: Cario:
Multum quidem.
…

[¶251] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Why have you dared, you disgraceful fellow, to seduce another man’s wife?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Cur es ausus subigitare álienam uxorem, impudens?

[¶252] PYRGOPOLINICES:
So may the Gods bless me, she came to me of her own accord.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Ita me di ament, ultro ventumst ad me.

[¶253] PERIPLECOMENUS:
It’s a lie. Lay on.
(They are about to strike.)

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Mentitur, feri.

[¶254] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Stay, while I tell—

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Mane, dum narro.

[¶255] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Why are you hesitating?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quid cessatis?

[¶256] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Will you not let me speak?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Non licet mihi dicere?

[¶257] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Speak, then.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Dic.

[¶258] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I was entreated to come here.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Oratus sum, ad eam ut irem.

[¶259] PERIPLECOMENUS:
How did you dare? There’s for you, take that.
(Strikes him.)

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quor ire ausus esausu's? em tibi.

[¶260] PYRGOPOLINICES:
O! O! I’ve had enough. Prithee, now.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Oiei, satis sum verberatus. obsecro.

[¶261] CARIO:
Am I to begin cutting him up at once?

> Latin: Cario:
Quam mox seco?

[¶262] PERIPLECOMENUS:
As soon as you like. Stretch the fellow out, and spread out his pinions in opposite ways.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Vbi lubet: dispennite hominem divorsum et distendite.

[¶263] PYRGOPOLINICES:
By heavens, prithee, do hear my words before he cuts me.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Obsecro hercle te, ut mea verba aúdias prius quam secat.

[¶264] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Speak before you’re made of no sex.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Loquere.

[¶265] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I supposed that she was a widow; and so her maid, who was her go-between, informed me.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Non volui nec factum est: viduam hercle esse censui,
itaque ancilla, conciliatrix quaé erat, dicebat mihi.

[¶266] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Now take an oath that you won’t injure any person for this affair, because you have been beaten here today, or shall be beaten hereafter, if we let you go safe hence, you dear little grandson of Venus.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Iura te non nociturum esse hómini de hac re nemini,
quod tu hódie hic verberatus esverberatu's aut quod verberabere,
si te salvom hinc amittemus Venerium nepotulum.

[¶267] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I swear by Dione and Mars that I will hurt no one
because I have been beaten here this day; and I think that it was rightfully done; and if I don’t go hence further injured, I am rightly punished for the offence.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Iuro per Iovem et Mavortem, me nociturum nemini,
quod ego hic hodie vapularim, iureque id factum arbitror;
et si intestatus non abeo hinc, bene agitur pro noxia.

[¶268] PERIPLECOMENUS:
But what if you don’t do so?

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Quid si id non faxis?

[¶269] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Then, may I always have my word not to be trusted

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Vt vivam semper intestabilis.

[¶270] CARIO:
Let him be beaten once more; after that I think he may be dismissed.

> Latin: Cario:
Verberetur etiam, postibi amittendum censeo.

[¶271] PYRGOPOLINICES:
May the Gods ever bless you, since you so kindly come as my advocate.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Di tibi bene faciant semper, quom advocatus mihi venis.

[¶272] CARIO:
Give us a golden mina, then.

> Latin: Cario:
Ergo des minam auri nobis.

[¶273] PYRGOPOLINICES:
For what reason?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quam ob rem?

[¶274] CARIO:
That we may now let you go hence unmaimed, you little grandson of Venus; otherwise you shall not escape from here; don’t you deceive yourself.

> Latin: Cario:
Salvis testibus
ut te hódie hinc amittamus Venerium nepotulum;
aliter hinc non ibis, ne sis frustra.

[¶275] PYRGOPOLINICES:
It shall be given you.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Dabitur.

[¶276] CARIO:
You’re very wise. As for your tunic, and your scarf, and sword, don’t at all hope for them; you shan’t have them.

> Latin: Cario:
Magis sapis.
de tunica et chlamyde et machaera ne quid speres, non feres.

[¶277] A SERVANT.:
Shall I beat him again, or do you let him go?
PYRGOPOLINICES:
I’m tamed by your cudgels. I do entreat you.

> Latin: Cario:
Verberon etiam, an iam mittis?
Pyrgopolynices:
Mitis sum equidem fustibus.
opsecro vos.

[¶278] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Loose him.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Solvite istunc.

[¶279] PYRGOPOLINICES:
I return you thanks.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Gratiam habeo tibi.

[¶280] PERIPLECOMENUS:
If I ever catch you here again, I’ll insert a disqualifying clause.

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Si posthac prehendero ego te híc, carebis testibus.

[¶281] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Well: I make no objection.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Causam haud dico.

[¶282] PERIPLECOMENUS:
Let’s go in, Cario.
(PERIPLECOMENUS, CARIO, and SERVANTS go into his house.) (Enter SCLEDRUS and other SERVANTS of the CAPTAIN.)

> Latin: Periplectomenvs:
Eamus intro, Cario. —

[¶283] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Here are some of my servants, I see. Tell me, is Philocomasium off yet.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Servos meos
eccos video. Philocomasium iam profecta est? dic mihi.

[¶284] SCELEDRUS:
Aye, some time since.

> Latin: Servvs:
Iam dudum.

[¶285] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Ah me!

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Ei mihi.

[¶286] SCELEDRUS:
You would say that still more if you were to know what I know,
for that fellow who had the wool before his eye was no sailor.

> Latin: Servvs:
Magis dícas, si scias quod ego scio.
nam ille qui lánam ob oculum habebat ⟨laevom⟩, nauta non erat.

[¶287] PYRGOPOLINICES:
Who was he, then?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Quis erat igitur?

[¶288] SCELEDRUS:
A lover of Philocomasium’s.

> Latin: Servvs:
Philocomasio amator.

[¶289] PYRGOPOLINICES:
How do you know?

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Qui tu scis?

[¶290] SCELEDRUS:
I do know: for after they had got out of the city gate, they didn’t wait a moment before falling to kissing and embracing each other at once.

> Latin: Servvs:
Scio.
nam postquam porta exierunt, nil cessarunt ilico
osculari atque amplexari inter se.

[¶291] PYRGOPOLINICES:
O wretched fool that I am! I see that I have been gulled. That scoundrel of a fellow, Palaestrio,
it was he that contrived this plot against me.

> Latin: Pyrgopolynices:
Vae misero mihi,
verba mihi data esse video. scelus viri Palaestrio,
is me in hanc inlexit fraudem. iure factum iudico;

[¶292] SCELEDRUS:
I think it was properly done. If it were so done to other letchers, there would be fewer letchers here; they would stand more in awe, and give their attention less to these pursuits.
PYRGOPOLINICES:
Let’s go into my house.
AN ACTOR: (to the AUDIENCE.)
Give us your applause.

> Latin: si sic aliis moechis fiat, minus hic moechorum siet,
magis metuant, minus has res studeant. eamus ad me. plaudite.