PALAESTRIO:How cleverly the good soul has described their bad manners.
Palaestrio:Bonus bene ut malos descripsit mores.
PERIPLECOMENUS:I have not said a hundredth part of what I could have enlarged upon had there been leisure for the matter.
Periplectomenvs:Haud centesimampartem dixi atque, otium rei si sit, possum expromere.
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.
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 utihuic amanti ac Philocomasio hanc ecficiamus copiam,ut hic eam abducat habeatque.
PERIPLECOMENUS:I wish this plan to be imparted to me.
Periplectomenvs:Dari istanc rationem volo.
PALAESTRIO:And I, wish that ring of yours to be imparted to me.
Palaestrio:At ego mi anulum dari istunc tuom volo.
PERIPLECOMENUS:For what purpose is it to be used?
Periplectomenvs:Quam ad rem usui est?
PALAESTRIO:When I have got it, I will impart the plan of my devices.
Palaestrio:Quando habebo, igitur rationem mearum fabricarum dabo.
PERIPLECOMENUS:Take and use it. (Gives him the ring.)
Periplectomenvs:Vtere, accipe.
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.
Palaestrio:Accipe a me rusum rationem doli,quam institui.Plevsicles:Perpurigatis damus tibi ambo operam auribus.
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.
Palaestrio:Erus meus ita magnus moechus mulierum est, ut neminemfúisse aeque neque futurum credo.Plevsicles:Credo ego istuc idem.
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.
Palaestrio:Isque Alexandri praestare praedicat formae suam,itaque omnis se ultro sectari in Epheso memorat mulieres.
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.
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.
PALAESTRIO:Can you, then, find any woman of agreable person, whose mind and body are full of merriment and subtlety?
Palaestrio:Ecquam tu potes reperire forma lepida mulierem,cui facetiarum cor pectusque sit plenum et doli?
PERIPLECOMENUS:Free by birth, or bondwoman made free?
Periplectomenvs:Ingenuamne an libertinam?
PALAESTRIO:I consider that a matter of indifference, so thatyou 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.
Palaestrio:Aequi istuc facio, dum modoeam des quae sit quaestuosa, quaé alat corpus corpore,cuique sapiat pectus; nam cor non potest, quod nulla habet.
PERIPLECOMENUS:Do you want one that has taken her degrees, or one as yet a novice in the art?
Periplectomenvs:Lautam vis an quae nondum sit lauta?
PALAESTRIO:One sober but plump, a juicy bit; as taking a one as ever you can find, and one very young.
Palaestrio:Sic consucidam,quam lepidissimam potis quamque adulescentem maxume.
PERIPLECOMENUS:Why, I have one, a dependant of mine, a courtesan, a very young woman.
Periplectomenvs:Habeo eccillam meam clientam, meretricem adulescentulam.
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.
sed quid ea usus est?Palaestrio:Vt ad te eam iam deducas domumitaque eam huc ornatam adducas, ex matronarum modo,capite compto, crinis vittasque habeat, adsimuletque setuam esse uxorem: ita praecipiundum est.Plevsicles:Erro quam insistas viam.
PALAESTRIO:Well, you shall know. But what sort of a maid has she?
Palaestrio:At scietis. séd ecquae ancillast illi?
PERIPLECOMENUS:She is a rare clever one.
Periplectomenvs:Est prime cata.
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.
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.
PERIPLECOMENUS:I hear you; don’t stun my ears as if I were deaf.
Periplectomenvs:Audio;ne me surdum esse arbitrare, si audes. ego recte meisauribus utor …
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.
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.
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.
Periplectomenvs:Non potuit reperire, si ipsi Soli quaerendas dares,lepidiores duas ad hanc rem quám ego. hábe animum bonum.
PALAESTRIO:Take you every care then. There is need of despatch.(Exit PERIPLECOMENUS.)PALAESTRIO:Now, do you listen, Pleusicles.
Palaestrio:Ergo adcura, sed propere opus est. nunc tu ausculta, Pleusicles.
PLEUSICLES:I am all attention to you.
Plevsicles:Tibi sum oboediens.
PALAESTRIO:Take care of this. When the Captain comes home, do you remember not to call Philocomasium by her name.
Palaestrio:Hoc facito, miles domum ubi advenerit,memineris ne Philocomasium nomines.
PLEUSICLES:What am I to call her?
Plevsicles:Quem nominem?
PALAESTRIO:Glycera.
Palaestrio:Diceam.
PLEUSICLES:The same, you mean, that was agreed upon a little time since.
Plevsicles:Nempe eandem quae dudum constitutast.
PALAESTRIO:Hush!—Be off.
Palaestrio:Pax, abi.
PLEUSICLES:I’ll remember; but still I don’t know what use it is to keep it in my mind.
Plevsicles:Meminero. sed quid meminisse id refert, ⟨rogo⟩ ego te tamen.
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.
Palaestrio:Ego enim dicam tum quando usus poscet; interea tace,ut nunc etiam hic agat ac tu tum partis defendas tuas.
PLEUSICLES:I’ll go in then.
Plevsicles:Ego eo intro igitur. —
PALAESTRIO:Go, and do take care steadily to follow my instructions.(PLEUSICLES goes into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.)
Palaestrio:Et praecepta sobrie ut cures face.
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.)
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.
LUCRIO:Sceledrus is not at leisure.
Lvcrio:Non operaest Sceledro.
PALAESTRIO:Why so?
Palaestrio:Quid iam?
LUCRIO:He’s fast asleep, gulping.
Lvcrio:Sorbet dormiens.
PALAESTRIO:How, gulping?
Palaestrio:Quid, sorbet?
LUCRIO:He’s snoring,’twas that I meant to say:
Lvcrio:Illud, stertit, volui dicere.
but, because ’tis very like gulping when you are snoring— …PALAESTRIO:What! Is Sceledrus asleep in-doors?
sed quia consimile est, quom stertas, quasi sorbeas —Palaestrio:Eho an dórmit Sceledrus intus?
LUCRIO:Not with his nose, in fact; for with that he is calling out loud enough.
Lvcrio:Non naso quidem,nam eo mágnum clamat. tetigit calicem clanculum,dum misit nardum in amphoram, cellarius.
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!
Palaestrio:Eho tu sceleste, qui illi suppromus essuppromu's, eho —
LUCRIO:What do you mean?
Lvcrio:Quid vis?
PALAESTRIO:How has he thought fit to go to sleep?
Palaestrio:Qui lubitum est illi condormiscere?
LUCRIO:With his eyes, I suppose.
Lvcrio:Oculis opinor.
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?
Palaestrio:Non te istuc rogito, scelus.procede huc. periisti iam, nisi verum scio.prompsisti tu illi vinum?
LUCRIO:I did not draw it.
Lvcrio:Non prompsi.
PALAESTRIO:Do you deny it?
Palaestrio:Negas?
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.
Lvcrio:Nego hercle vero, nam ille me vetuit dicere;neque equidem heminas octo exprompsi in urceumneque illic calidum éxbibit in prandium.
PALAESTRIO:And you didn’t just drink as well?
Palaestrio:Neque tu bibisti?
LUCRIO:The Gods confound me if I did drink—if I could drink.
Lvcrio:Di me perdant, si bibi,si bibere potui.
PALAESTRIO:Why so?
Palaestrio:Quid iam?
LUCRIO:Because, in fact, I only sipped;
Lvcrio:Quia enim obsorbui;
for it was too hot; it burnt my throat.
nam nimis calebat, amburebat gutturem.
PALAESTRIO:Some are gloriously drunk, while others are drinking vinegar-water. The cellar’s trusted to an honest butler, as well as under-butler.
Palaestrio:Alii ebrii sunt, alii poscam potitant.bono subpromo et promo cellam creditam.
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.
Lvcrio:Tu hércle idem fáceres, si tibi esset credita:quoniam aemulari non licet, nunc invides.
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.
Palaestrio:Eho an umquam prompsit antehac? responde, scelus.atque ut tu scire possis, ⟨ego⟩ dico tibi:si falsa dices, Lucrio, excruciabere.
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.
Lvcrio:Ita vero? ut tu ipse me dixisse delices,post ⟨e⟩ sagina ego eiciar cellaria,ut tibi, si promptes, alium subpromum pares.
PALAESTRIO:On my honour, I will not; come, speak out boldly to me.
Palaestrio:Non edepol faciam. age eloquere audacter mihi.
LUCRIO:By my troth, I never saw him draw any. But thus was it; he requested me, and then I drew it.
Lvcrio:Numquam edepol vidi promere. verum hoc erat:mihi imperabat, ego promebam postea.
PALAESTRIO:Think of that now! very frequently, I guess, the casks were standing on their heads there.
Palaestrio:Hoc illi crebro capite sistebant cadi.
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.
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 eamplenam atque inanem fieri, plenam maxume;
When the pot acted the reveller, the casks were all tottering.
ubi bacchabatur aula, cassabant cadi.
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.)
Palaestrio:Abi, abi íntro iam. vos in cella vinariabacchanal facitis. iam hercle ego erum ádducam a foro.
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.)
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.
PALAESTRIO:Whither are you betaking yourself?
Palaestrio:Quo té agis?
LUCRIO:I am sent elsewhere: I’ll come back here just now.
Lvcrio:Missus sum aliquo: iam huc revenero.
PALAESTRIO:Who has sent you?
Palaestrio:Quis misit?
LUCRIO:Philocomasium.
Lvcrio:Philocomasium.
PALAESTRIO:Go; be back directly.
Palaestrio:Abi, actutum redi.
LUCRIO:If it is divided, prithee do you only take my share of the punishment while I’m away.(Exit LUCRIO.) (PALAESTRIO, alone.)
Lvcrio:Quaeso tamen tu meam partem, infortuniumsi dividetur, me absente accipito tamen. —
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.
Palaestrio:Modo intellexi quam rem mulier gesserit:quia Sceledrus dormit, hunc subcustodem suomforas áblegavit, dum ab se huc transiret. placet.
(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.)
sed Periplectomenus quam ei mandavi mulieremnimis lépida forma ducit. di hercle hanc rem adiuvant.quam digne ornata incedit, haud meretricie.lepide hoc succedit sub manus negotium.
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.
Periplectomenvs:Rem omném tibi, Acroteleútium, tibique úna, Milphidíppa,domi démonstravi in ordine. hanc fabricam fallaciasqueminus sí tenetis, denuo volo percipiatis plane;satis si íntellegitis, aliud est quod potius fabulemur.
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.
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.
PERIPLECOMENUS:But,’tis better for you to be instructed.
Periplectomenvs:At melius est monerier.
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?
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.
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.
Periplectomenvs:At nemo solus satis sapit. nam ego multos saepe vidiregionem fugere consili prius quam repertam haberent.
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.
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.
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.
Periplectomenvs:Ergo istuc metuo, quom venit vobis faciundum utrumque:nam id proderit mihi, militi male quod facietis ambae.
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.
Acrotelevtivm:Dum nescientes quod bonum faciamus, ne formida.Periplectomenvs:Mala mulier mers est.Acrotelevtivm:Ne pave, peioribus conveniunt.
PERIPLECOMENUS:So it befits you. Do you follow me.
Periplectomenvs:Ita vos decet. consequimini.
PALAESTRIO: (advancing.)Why do I hesitate to go and accost them?
Palaestrio:Cesso égo illis obviam ire?venire salvom gaudeo, lepide hercle ornatus incedis.
PERIPLECOMENUS:Well met, and opportunely, Palaestrio. See, here they are whom you commissioned me to bring, and in the very dress.
Periplectomenvs:Bene opportuneque obviam es, Palaestrio. em tibi adsuntquas me iussisti adducere et quo ornatu.
PALAESTRIO:Well done: accept my thanks.I am glad that you have come safe. I’ faith, you bring them nicely dressed.
Palaestrio:eu, noster esto.
Palaestrio salutes Acroteleutium.ACROTELEUTIUM:Prithee, who’s this, that calls me so familiarly by name?
Palaestrio Acroteleutium salutat.Acrotelevtivm:Quis hic amabo est,qui tam pro nota nominat me?
PERIPLECOMENUS:This is our master-plotter.
Periplectomenvs:Hic noster architectust.
ACROTELEUTIUM:Health to you, master-plotter.
Acrotelevtivm:Salve, architecte.
PALAESTRIO:And health to you. But, tell me, has he any way given you full instructions?
Palaestrio:Salva sis. sed dic mihi, ecquid hic teoneravit praeceptis?
PERIPLECOMENUS:I bring them both thoroughly prepared.
Periplectomenvs:Probe meditatam utramque duco.
PALAESTRIO:I’d like to hear how. I’m afraid lest you should be making some mistake.
Palaestrio:Audire cupio, quem ad modum; ne quid peccetis paveo.
PERIPLECOMENUS:I have added to your instructions nothing new of my own.
Periplectomenvs:Ad tua praecepta de meo nihil his novom adposivi.
ACROTELEUTIUM:I suppose you wish the Captain, your master, to be gulled.
Acrotelevtivm:Nempe lúdificari militem tuom erum vis?
PALAESTRIO:You’ve said what’s true.
Palaestrio:Exlocuta es.
ACROTELEUTIUM:Cleverly and skilfully, adroitly and pleasantly, the whole thing is planned.
Acrotelevtivm:Lepide et sapienter, commode et facete res paratast.
PALAESTRIO:In fact, I wish you to pretend to be his wife.(Points to PERIPLECOMENUS.)
Palaestrio:Atque huius uxorem volo ⟨te esse⟩ adsimulare.
ACROTELEUTIUM:That shall be done.
Acrotelevtivm:Fiet.
PALAESTRIO:To pretend as though you had set your affection on the Captain.
Palaestrio:Quasi militi animum adieceris, simulare.
ACROTELEUTIUM:And so it shall be.
Acrotelevtivm:Sic futurum est.
PALAESTRIO:And as though this affair is managed through me, as the go-between, and your servant-maid.
Palaestrio:Quasique ea res per me interpretem et tuam ancillam ei curetur.
ACROTELEUTIUM:You might have made a good prophet; for you tell what is to be.
Acrotelevtivm:Bonus vátes poteras esse, nam quae sunt futura dicis.
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.
Palaestrio:Quasique anulum hunc ancillula tua abs té detulerit ad me,quem ego militi ⟨porro⟩ darem tuis verbis.
ACROTELEUTIUM:You say what’s true.
Acrotelevtivm:Vera dicis.
PERIPLECOMENUS:What need is there to mention these things now, which they remember so well?
Periplectomenvs:Quid istís nunc memoratis opust quae commeminere?
ACROTELEUTIUM:Still, it is better.
Acrotelevtivm:Meliust.
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.
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.
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.
si non nos materiarius remoratur, quod opus qui det(novi indolem nostri ingeni), cito erit parata navis.
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?
Palaestrio:Nempe tú novisti militem meum erum?Acrotelevtivm:Rogare mirumst.populi odium quidni noverim, magnidicum, cincinnatum,moechum unguentatum.
PALAESTRIO:But does he know you?
Palaestrio:Num ille te nam novit?
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.
Acrotelevtivm:Numquam vidit:qui noverit me quis ego sim?Palaestrio:Nimis lépide fabulare;eo †potiuerim lepidius pol fieri.
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.
Acrotelevtivm:Potin ut hominemmihi des, quiescas cetera? ni ludificata lepideero, cúlpam omnem in me imponito.
PALAESTRIO:Well, go you in then; apply yourselves to this business with all your skill.
Palaestrio:Age igitur intro abite,insistite hoc negotium sapienter.
ACROTELEUTIUM:Trust me for that.
Acrotelevtivm:Alia cura.
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.
Palaestrio:Age, Periplectomene, has nunciam duc intro; ego ad forum illumconveniam atque illi hunc anulum dabo, atque praedicaboa tua uxore mihi datum esse eamque illum deperire.hanc ad nos, quom extemplo a foro veniemus, mittitote,quasi clanculum ad ⟨eum⟩ missa sit.
PERIPLECOMENUS:We’ll do so; trust us for that.
Periplectomenvs:Faciemus. alia cura.
PALAESTRIO:Do you only attend to the business; I’ll now polish him off with a pretty burden on his back.(Exit.)
Palaestrio:Vos modo curate, ego illúm probe iam oneratum huc acciebo. —
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?
Periplectomenvs:Bene ambula, bene rem geras. egone hoc si efficiam plane,ut concubinam militis meus hospes habeat hodieatque hinc Athenas avehat, ⟨si⟩ hodie hunc dolum dolamus,quid tibi ego mittam muneris!
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.
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.
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.
Periplectomenvs:Abeamus ergo intro, haec uti meditemur cogitate,ut accurate et commode hoc quod agendumst exsequamur,ne quid, ubi miles venerit, titubetur.
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.
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
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.
Palaestrio:Quin tu tuam rem cura potius quam Seleuci, quae tibicondicio nova et lúculenta fertur per me interpretem.
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.
Pyrgopolynices:Immo omnis res posteriores pono atque operam do tibi.loquere: auris meas profecto dedo in dicionem tuam.
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.
Palaestrio:Circumspice dum, ne quis nostro hic auceps sermoni siet.nam hoc negoti clandestino ut agerem mandatumst mihi.
PYRGOPOLINICES:(looks around). There’s no one near.
Pyrgopolynices:Nemo adest.
PALAESTRIO:In the first place, receive from me this pledge of affection. (Gives him the ring.)
Palaestrio:Hunc arrabonem amoris primum a me accipe.
PYRGOPOLINICES:What’s this? Whence comes it?
Pyrgopolynices:Quid hic? unde est?
PALAESTRIO:From a charming and a handsome lady, one who loves you, and dotes upon your extreme beauty.
Palaestrio:A luculenta átque festiva femina,quae te amat tuamque éxpetessit pulcram pulcritudinem;
Her maid just now gave me the ring that I might then give it to you.
eius nunc mi ánulum ad te ancilla porro ut deferrem dedit.
PYRGOPOLINICES:What? Is she free born or a freed woman, made free from a slave by the Praetor’s rod?
Pyrgopolynices:Quid ea? ingenuan an festuca facta e serva liberast?
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?
Palaestrio:Vah, egone ut ad te ab libertina esse auderem internuntius,qui ingenuis satis résponsare nequeas quae cupiunt tui?
PYRGOPOLINICES:Is she wife, or is she widow?
Pyrgopolynices:Nuptan est an vidua?
PALAESTRIO:She is both wife and widow.
Palaestrio:Et nupta et vidua.
PYRGOPOLINICES:In what way is it possible for the same woman to be a wife and a widow?
Pyrgopolynices:Quo pacto potisnupta et vidua esse eadem?
PALAESTRIO:Because she is a young woman married to an old man.
Palaestrio:Quia adulescens nuptast cum sene.
PYRGOPOLINICES:That’s good.
Pyrgopolynices:Euge.
PALAESTRIO:She is of genteel and charming person.
Palaestrio:Lepida et liberali formast.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Beware of misrepresenting.
Pyrgopolynices:Cave mendacium.
PALAESTRIO:It is alone worthy to be compared with your own charms.
Palaestrio:Ad tuam formam illa una dignast.
PYRGOPOLINICES:By my faith, you make her out to be a beauty. But who is she?
Pyrgopolynices:Hercle pulchram praedicas.sed quis east?
PALAESTRIO:The wife of that old gentleman, Periplecomenus, next door.
Palaestrio:Senis huius uxor Periplectomeni ex proxumo;
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.
ea demoritur te atque ab illo cupit abire: odit senem.nunc te orare atque obsecrare iussit, ut eam copiamsibi potestatemque facias.Pyrgopolynices:Cupio hercle equidem, si illa volt.
PALAESTRIO:Doesn’t she long for it?
Palaestrio:Quae cupit?
PYRGOPOLINICES:What shall we do with that mistress of mine, who is at my house?
Pyrgopolynices:Quid illá faciemus concubina, quae domist?
PALAESTRIO:Why, do you bid her to be gone about her business, wherever she chooses; as hertwin-sister has come here to Ephesus, and her mother, and they are come to fetch her.
Palaestrio:Quin tu illam iube abs te abire quo lubet: sicut sororeius huc gémina venit Ephesum et mater, accersuntque eam.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Ha! what’s that you say? Has her mother come to Ephesus?
Pyrgopolynices:Eho tu, an venit Ephesum mater eius?
PALAESTRIO:Those say so who know it.
Palaestrio:Aiunt qui sciunt.
PYRGOPOLINICES:I’ faith, a charming opportunity for me to turn the wench out of doors.
Pyrgopolynices:Hercle occasionem lepidam, ut mulierem excludam foras.
PALAESTRIO:Aye, but do you wish to do the thing handsomely?
Palaestrio:Immo vin tu lepide facere?
PYRGOPOLINICES:Speak out, and give me your advice.
Pyrgopolynices:Loquere et consilium cedo.
PALAESTRIO:Do you wish to pack her off forthwith, that she may quit you with a good grace?
Palaestrio:Vin tu illam actutum amovere, a te ut abeat per gratiam?
PYRGOPOLINICES:I do so wish.
Pyrgopolynices:Cupio.
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.
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.
PYRGOPOLINICES:It pleases me what you say; but yet, only think, if I should lose her, and the other change her mind?
Pyrgopolynices:Placet ut dicis; sed ne ⟨et⟩ istam amittam et haec mutet fidemvide modo.
PALAESTRIO:Pshaw! you’re over nice; a lady, that loves you as her own eyes.
Palaestrio:Vah delicatus esdelicatu's, quae te tamquam oculos amet.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Venus befriends me.
Pyrgopolynices:Venus me amat.
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.
Palaestrio:St tace, aperitur foris, concede huc clanculum.haec celox illiust, quae hinc egreditur, internuntia,
PYRGOPOLINICES:How so—fly-boat?
Pyrgopolynices:[Quae haec celox?]
PALAESTRIO:This is her maid that is coming out of the house, she that brought that ring which I delivered to you.
Palaestrio:[Ancillula illiust, quae hinc egreditur foras.]quae anulum istunc attulit quem tibi dedi.
PYRGOPOLINICES:I’ faith, she too is a prettyish wench.
Pyrgopolynices:Edepol haec quidembellulast.
PALAESTRIO:This one is a little monkey and an owl in comparison with the other.
Palaestrio:Pithecium haec est prae illa et spinturnicium.
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.)
viden tu illam oculis venaturam facere atque aucupium auribus?
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.
Milphidippa:Iam est ante aedis circus ubi sunt ludi faciundi mihi.dissimulabo, hos quasi non videam néque esse hic etiamdum sciam.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Hush! let’s quietly listen, whether any mention is made of me.MILPHIDIPPA: (aloud.)
Pyrgopolynices:Tace, subauscultemus ecquid de me fiat mentio.
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 PyrgopolinicesPYRGOPOLINICES:And doesn’t she dote upon me, too? She is praising my beauty.
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?
PALAESTRIO:I’ faith, her language stands in need of no ashes.
meam laudat speciem. edepol huius sermo haud cinerem quaeritat.
PYRGOPOLINICES:For what reason?PALAESTRIO:Why, because her language is clean spoken and far from slovenly.
Palaestrio:Quo argumento?Pyrgopolynices:Quia enim loquitur laute et minime sordide.
Whatever she says about yourself, she handles it in no slovenly way.
Palaestrio:Quippini? istaec de te loquitur: nihil attrectat sordidi.
And, then, besides, she herself is a very pretty and a very dainty wench.
Pyrgopolynices:Tum autem illa ipsa est nimium lepida nimisque nitida femina.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Troth, indeed, she has made an impression already, Palaestrio, at first sight.
hercle vero iam adlubescit primulum, Palaestrio.
PALAESTRIO:What! before you have seen the other with your eyes?
Palaestrio:Priusne quam illam oculis tuis ⟨videas⟩?
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.
Pyrgopolynices:Video id quod credo tibi.tum haec celocula autem absentem subigit me ut amem.
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.
Palaestrio:Hercle hanc quidemnil tu amassis; mi haec desponsast: tibi si illa hodie nupserit,ego hanc continuo uxorem ducam.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Why, then, do you delay to accost her?
Pyrgopolynices:Quíd ergo hanc dubitas conloqui?
PALAESTRIO:Follow me this way, then.
Palaestrio:Sequere hac me ergo.
PYRGOPOLINICES:I am your lackey at your heels.
Pyrgopolynices:Pedisequos tibi sum.
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.)
Milphidippa:Vtinam, cuius causa forassum egressa, ⟨eius⟩ conveniundi mihi potestas evenat.
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?
Palaestrio:Erit, ét tibi exoptatum óptinget, bonum habe ánimum, ne formída;homo quidamst qui scit, quód quaeris ubi sít.Milphidippa:Quem ego hic audívi?
PALAESTRIO:The sharer of your plans and the partaker of your secrets.
Palaestrio:Sociúm tuorum concíliorum et partícipem consiliorum.
MILPHIDIPPA:I’ faith, then, what I do conceal I don’t conceal.
Milphidippa:Tum pól ego id quod celo haú celo.
PALAESTRIO:Aye, but still you don’t conceal it this way.
Palaestrio:Immo et célas et non célas.
MILPHIDIPPA:How so?
Milphidippa:Quo argúmento?
PALAESTRIO:From the uninitiated you conceal them. I am sure and trustworthy to you.
Palaestrio:Infidós celas: ego súm tibi firme fidus.
MILPHIDIPPA:Give me the sign, if you are one of these votaries.
Milphidippa:Cedo sígnum, si harunc Báccharum es.
PALAESTRIO:A certain lady loves a certain gentleman.
Palaestrio:Amat múlier quaedam quéndam.
MILPHIDIPPA:Faith, many ladies do that indeed.
Milphidippa:Pol istúc quidem multae.
PALAESTRIO:But not many ladies send a present from off their fingers.
Palaestrio:At nón multae de dígito donum míttunt.
MILPHIDIPPA:Aye, I know now. You’ve now made the matter level for me instead of steep. But is there a certain person here?
Milphidippa:Enim cógnovi nunc, fécisti modo mi éx proclivo plánum.sed hic númquis adest?
PALAESTRIO:Either he is or he is not.
Palaestrio:Vel adést vel non.
MILPHIDIPPA:Come aside with me alone, in private.
Milphidippa:Cedo té mihi solae sólum.
PALAESTRIO:For a short or for a lengthy conversation?
Palaestrio:Brevin án longinquo sérmoni?
MILPHIDIPPA:For three words only.
Milphidippa:Tribus vérbis.
PALAESTRIO: (to PYRGOPOLINICES.)I’ll return to you this instant.
Palaestrio:Iam ad te rédeo.
PYRGOPOLINICES:What? Shall I be standing here in the meanwhile, with such charms and valorous deeds, thus to no purpose?
Pyrgopolynices:Quid ego? híc astabo tántisper cum hac fórma et factis frústra?
PALAESTRIO:Submit to it and wait; for you am I doing this service.
Palaestrio:Patere átque asta, tibi ego hánc do operam.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Make haste; I am tortured with waiting.
Pyrgopolynices:Propera, ⟨éxpecta⟩ndo excrúcior.
PALAESTRIO:You know that commodities of this kind are only wont to be reached step by step.
Palaestrio:Pedetémptim (tu hoc scis) tráctari satiúst hasce huius modi mércis.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Well, well; as is most agreable to yourself.
Pyrgopolynices:Age age út tibi maxume cóncinnumst.
PALAESTRIO: (aside.)There is no stone more stupid than this fellow. I now return to you.
Palaestrio:Nullúmst hoc stolidius sáxum.
(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.
redeo ád te. quid me vóluisti?Milphidippa:Quo pácto hoc Ilium accédivelis, út ferrem abs te consilium.
PALAESTRIO:That I understand.
Palaestrio:Quasi hunc dépereat —Milphidippa:Teneo ístuc.
Do you commend his beauty and his appearance, and make mention of his prowess.
Palaestrio:Conlaúdato formam ét faciem et virtútis commemoráto.
MILPHIDIPPA:For that purpose I am armed at all points, as I have shown you before already.
Milphidippa:Ad eám rem habeo omnem aciém, tibi uti dudúm iam demonstrávi.
On the other hand, do you give all attention, and be on the watch, and take your cue from my words.
Palaestrio:Tu cétera cura et cóntempla et de meís venator vérbis.
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.)
Pyrgopolynices:Aliquám mihi partem hodie óperae des deníque, tandem ades, remelígo.
Here I am. If you wish for aught, give me your commands.PYRGOPOLINICES:What is she saying to you?
Palaestrio:Adsum, ímpera, si quid vís.Pyrgopolynices:Quid illaec narrát tibi?
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.
Palaestrio:Lamentáriait íllam, miseram crúciari et lacrimántem se adflictáre,quia tís egeat, quia té careat. ob eám rem huc ad te míssast.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Bid her approach.
Pyrgopolynices:Iube adíre.
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.
Palaestrio:At scin quid tú facias? facitó fastidi plénum,quasi nón lubeat; me inclámato, quia síc te volgo vólgem.
PYRGOPOLINICES:I remember, and I’ll follow your instructions.
Pyrgopolynices:Memini ét praeceptis párebo.
PALAESTRIO:I’ll call her, then, who is inquiring after you.
Palaestrio:Vocon érgo hanc quae te quaérit?
PYRGOPOLINICES:If she wants anything, let her come.
Pyrgopolynices:Adeát, si quid volt.
PALAESTRIO:Wench, if you want anything, step this way.
Palaestrio:Sí quid vis, adi, múlier.
MILPHIDIPPA: (approaching.)Save you, charmer.
Milphidippa:Pulcher, sálve.
PYRGOPOLINICES:She makes mention of my surname. May the Gods grant you whatever you may desire.
Pyrgopolynices:Meum cógnomentum cómmemoravit. di tíbi dent quaecumque óptes.
MILPHIDIPPA:To pass life with you is the wish of—
Milphidippa:Tecum aétatem exigere út liceat —
PYRGOPOLINICES:You are wishing too much.
Pyrgopolynices:Nimium óptas.
MILPHIDIPPA:I am not speaking of myself, but of my mistress, who is dying for you.
Milphidippa:Non me dico,sed erám meam, quae te démoritur.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Many others are wishing for the same thing, who have not the opportunity.
Pyrgopolynices:Multae aliae ídem istuc cúpiunt,quibus cópia non est.
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?
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?
PALAESTRIO: (aside.)I’ faith, the filthy fellow is not a human being; indeed, I think there is something more human in a vulture.
Palaestrio:Non hércle humanust érgo —nam vólturio plus húmani credo ést.
PYRGOPOLINICES: (aside.)Now I shall make myself of importance,since she so praises me up.(Struts about.)
Pyrgopolynices:Magnum me fáciamnunc quom íllaec me sic cónlaudat.
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.
Palaestrio:Viden tu ígnavum, ut sese ínfert?quin tu huíc responde, haec íllaec est ab illá quam dudum ⟨dixi⟩.
PYRGOPOLINICES:But from which one of them? For there are so many courting me, I cannot remember them all.
Pyrgopolynices:Qua ab íllarum? nam ita me óccursant multaé: meminisse haud póssum.
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.
Milphidippa:Ab illá quae digitos déspoliat suos ét tuos digitos décorat.nam hunc ánulum áb tui cupienti huic détuli, hic ⟨ad te⟩ pórro.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Tell me, wench, what is it you want then?
Pyrgopolynices:Quid núnc tibi vis, muliér? memora.
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.
Milphidippa:Vt quae té cupit, eam ne spérnas,quae pér tuam nunc vitám vivit: sit nécne sit, spes in te úno est.
PYRGOPOLINICES:What does she want then?
Pyrgopolynices:Quid núnc volt?
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.
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.
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.
Pyrgopolynices:Eu hercle ódiosas res. quótiens hoc tibi, vérbero, ego interdíxi,meam né sic volgo póllicitere operám?
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.
Palaestrio:Audin tu, múlier?dixi hóc tibi dudum, et núnc dico: nisi huic vérri adfertur mérces,non híc suo seminió quemquam porclénam impertitúrust.
MILPHIDIPPA:A fee shall be given, as large as he shall demand.
Milphidippa:Dabitúr quantum ipsus pretí poscet.
PALAESTRIO:He requires a talent of gold, in Philippean pieces. Less he will take from no one.
Palaestrio:Talentúm Philippi huic opus aúri est;minus áb nemine accípiet.
MILPHIDIPPA:O, by my troth, but that’s too little, surely.
Milphidippa:Eu ecastór nimis vilest tándem.
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.
Pyrgopolynices:Non míhi avaritia umquam ínnatast: satis hábeo divitiárum,plus mi aúri mille est módiorum Philippí.
PALAESTRIO:Besides your treasures.
Palaestrio:Praeter thensaúros.
Then, of silver, he has mountains, not ingots; Aetna is not so high.MILPHIDIPPA: (aside.)By the stars! O, what a lie!
tum argénti montes, nón massas habet, Aetna mons non aeque altos. †Milphidippa:Eu ecástor hominem périurum.
PALAESTRIO: (to MILPHIDIPPA, aside.)How rarely I am playing him off!
Palaestrio:Vt ludó?
MILPHIDIPPA: (to PALAESTRIO, aside.)And I; how do I do it? Ain’t I gulling him?PALAESTRIO: (aside.)Rarely.
Milphidippa:Quid ego? ut sublécto?
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?
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?
PYRGOPOLINICES:Bid her come to me herself. Tell her that I will do everything that she requires.
Pyrgopolynices:Iube eámpse exire huc ád nos.dic me ómnia quae volt fácturum.
MILPHIDIPPA:You now act as it is proper for you to act. since you wish the same yourself that she is wishing.
Milphidippa:Facis núnc ut ⟨te⟩ facere aéquom,quom, quaé te volt, eandém tu vis,
PALAESTRIO: (to himself, aside.)No poor faculty of invention has she.
Palaestrio:Non ínsulsum huic ingénium.
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?
Milphidippa:Quomque me óratricem haud sprévisti sistíque exorare éx te.quid est? út ludo?
PALAESTRIO: (aside to MILPHIDIPPA.)Faith, I couldn’t refrain from laughing.
Palaestrio:Nequeo hércle equidem risú meo moderari.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aside to PALAESTRIO.)Yes; and for the same reason I turned in this direction away from you.
Milphidippa:…ob eám causam huc abs te ávorti.
PYRGOPOLINICES:By my troth, wench, you don’t understandhow great an honor I am now paying her.
Pyrgopolynices:Non édepol tu scis, múlier,quantum égo honorem nunc ílli habeo.
MILPHIDIPPA:I know, and I shall tell her so.
Milphidippa:Scio, et ístuc illi dícam.
PALAESTRIO:To another he could have sold his favours for his weight in gold.
Palaestrio:Contra aúro alii hanc vendére potuit operám.
MILPHIDIPPA:I’ faith, I believe you in that.
Milphidippa:Pol istuc tibi crédo.
PALAESTRIO:Of those that are parents by him true warriors are born, and his sons live eight hundred years.
Palaestrio:Meri béllatores gígnuntur, quas híc praegnatis fécit,et púeri annos octíngentos vivónt.
MILPHIDIPPA: (aside to PALAESTRIO.)Fie on you for a fibber!
Milphidippa:Vae tibi, nugátor.
PYRGOPOLINICES:Why, straight on, from age to age, they live for a thousand years.
Pyrgopolynices:Quin mílle annorum pérpetuo vivónt, ab saeclo ad saéclum.
PALAESTRIO:I spoke within limits, for the reason that she mightn’t suppose I was telling lies to her.MILPHIDIPPA: (aside.)
Palaestrio:Eo mínus dixi, ne haec cénseret me advórsum se mentíri.
I burst, I die! (Aloud.) How many years will he live himself whose sons live so long?
Milphidippa:Perií, quot hic ipse annós vivet, cuius fílii tam diu vívont?
PYRGOPOLINICES:Wench, I was born the day after Jupiter was born of Ops.
Pyrgopolynices:Postríduo natus sum égo, mulier, quam Iúppiter ex Ope nátust.
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.)
Palaestrio:Si hic prídie natus forét quam ille est, hic habéret regnum in caélo.
Now, now, prithee, no more do let me get away from you, if I can, alive.
Milphidippa:Iam iám sat, amabo, est. sínite abeam, si póssum, viva a vóbis.
PALAESTRIO:Why don’t you go then, as you have your answer?
Palaestrio:Quin érgo abis, quando résponsumst?
MILPHIDIPPA:I’ll go, and I’ll bring her here, on whose behalf I am employed. Is there aught else you wish?
Milphidippa:Ibo átque illam huc addúcam,proptér ⟨quam⟩ opera est mihi. númquid vis?
PYRGOPOLINICES:May I never be more handsome than I am at present; so much trouble do my good looks cause me.
Pyrgopolynices:Ne mágis sim pulcher quám sum,ita mé mea forma habet sóllicitum.
PALAESTRIO:Why do you stay now? Why don’t you go?
Palaestrio:Quid hic núnc stas? quin abis?
MILPHIDIPPA:I’m going.PALAESTRIO: (aside to MILPHIDIPPA.)
Milphidippa:Ábeo.
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.)
Palaestrio:Atque ádeo, audin [tu]? dicíto docte et cordáte, ut cor ei sáliat —Philocómasio dic, si ést istic, domum ut tránseat: hunc hic ésse.
She is there with my mistress for, on the sly, they have been overhearing this conversation.PALAESTRIO: (aside to MILPHIDIPPA.)
Milphidippa:Hic cúm ⟨mea⟩ era est, ⟨hinc⟩ clám nostrum hunc sermónem sublegérunt.
’Twas cleverly done; here after they will take their cue the more readily from this conversation.MILPHIDIPPA: (to PALAESTRIO.)
Palaestrio:Lepidé factumst: iam ex sérmone hoc gubernábunt doctius pórro.
You are delaying me. I’m off.PALAESTRIO: (to MILPHIDIPPA.)I’m not delaying you, nor touching you, nor —I’m mum.
Milphidippa:Remoráre, abeo. —Palaestrio:Neque té remoror neque tángo neque te — táceo.
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.)
Pyrgopolynices:Iube máturare illam éxire huc. iam istíc rei praevortémur.
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.
Pyrgopolynices:Quid nunc mi es auctor ut faciam, Palaestrio,de concubina? nam nullo pacto potestprius haec in aedis recipi quam illam amiserim.