PHILOLACHES:Care shall be taken.
Philolaches:Curabitur.
TRANIO:Just as though no living being were dwelling within the house.
Tranio:Tamquam si intus natus nemo in aedibus habitet.
PHILOLACHES:Very well.
Philolaches:Licet.
TRANIO:And let no one answer, when the old gentleman knocks at the door.
Tranio:Neu quisquam responset, quando hasce aedis pultabit senex.
PHILOLACHES:Anything else?
Philolaches:Numquid aliud?
TRANIO:Order the master-key of the houseto be brought me at once from within; this house I’ll lock here on the outside.
Tranio:Clavem mi harunc aedium Laconicamiam iube efferri intus: hasce ego aedis occludam hinc foris.
PHILOLACHES:To your charge I commit myself, Tranio, and my hopes. (He goes into the house, and the things are removed from the stage.)
Philolaches:In tuam cústodelam meque et meas spes trado, Tranio.—
TRANIO: (to himself.)It matters not a feather whether a patron or a dependant is the nearest at hand for that man who has got no courage in his breast.For to every man, whether very good or very bad, even at a moment’s notice, it is easy to act with craft; but this must be looked to, this is the duty of a prudent man, that what has been planned and done in craftiness, may all come about smoothly and without mishap;so that he may not have to put up with anything by reason of which he might be loth to live; just as I shall manage, that, from the confusion which we shall here create, all shall really go on smoothly and tranquilly, and not produce us any inconvenience in the results. (Enter a BOY, from the house.) But, why have you come out?I’m undone!(The BOY shows him the key.) O very well, you’ve obeyed my orders most opportunely.A BOY:He bade me most earnestly to entreat you some way or other to scare away his father, that he may not enter the house.
Tranio:Pluma haud interest, patronus an cliens probior siet.Homini, cui nulla in pectore est audacia,[nam cuivis homini, vel optumo vel pessumo]quamvis desubito facile est facere nequiter:verum id videndum est, id viri docti est opus,quae designata sint et facta nequiter,tranquille cuncta et ut proveniant sine malo,ne quid potiatur, quam ob rem pigeat vivere.sicut ego efficiam, quae facta hic turbavimus,profecto ut liqueant omnia et tranquilla sintneque quicquam nobis pariant ex se incommodi.sed quid tu egredere, Sphaerio?Pver:Iamiam …
TRANIO:Even more, tell him this, that I’ll cause that he shan’t venture even to look at the house, and to take to flight, covering up his head with the greatest alarm.Give me the key (taking it), and be off in-doors, and shut to the door, and I’ll lock it on this side. (The BOY goes into the house, and TRANIO locks the door.) Bid him now come forthwith. For the old gentleman here while still alive this day will I institute games in his presence, such as I fancy there will never be for him when he’s dead. (Moving away.) I’ll go away from the door to this spot; hence, I’ll look out afarin which direction to lay the burden on the old fellow on his arrival. (Exit to a little distance.)
Tranio:… Optime.praeceptis paruisti.Pver:Iussit maximoopere orare, ut patrem aliquo absterreres modo,ne intro iret ad se.Tranio:Quin etiam illi hoc dicito,facturum ⟨me⟩, ut ne etiam aspicere aedis audeat,capite obvoluto ut fugiat cum summo metu.clavem cedo atque abi intro atque occlude ostium,et ego hinc occludam.—iube venire nunciam.ludos ego hodie vivo praesenti hic senifaciam, quod credo mortuo numquam fore.concedam a foribus huc, hinc speculabor procul,unde advenienti sarcinam imponam seni.
(Enter THEUROPIDES, followed by ATTENDANTS.)THEUROPIDES: (to himself.)Neptune, I do return extreme thanks to thee that thou hast just dismissed me from thee, though scarce alive. But if, from this time forward, thou shalt only know that I have stirred a foot upon the main, there is no reason why, that instant,thou shouldst not do with me that which thou hast now wished to do. Away with you, away with you from me henceforth for ever after to-day; what I was to entrust to thee, all of it have I now entrusted. (overhearing him.)
Theopropides:Habeo, Neptune, gratiam magnam tibi,quom med amisisti abs te vix vivom domum.verum si posthac me pedem latum modoscies ímposisse in undam, hau causast, ilicoquod nunc voluisti facere quin facias mihi.apage, apage te a me nunciam post hunc diem:quod crediturus tibi fui, omne credidi.
TRANIO: (apart.)By my troth, Neptune, you’ve been much to blame, to have lost this opportunity so fair.
Tranio:Edepol, Neptune, peccavisti largiter,qui occasionem hanc amisisti tam bonam.
THEUROPIDES:After three years, I’ve arrived home from Aegypt. I shall come a welcome guest to my household, I suppose.
Theopropides:Triennio post Aegypto advenio domum;credo exspectatus veniam familiaribus.
TRANIO: (apart.)Upon my faith, he might have come a much more welcome one, who had brought the tidings you were dead.
Tranio:Nimio edepol ille potuit exspectatiorvenire, qui te nuntiaret mortuom.
THEUROPIDES: (looking at the door.)But what means this? Is the door shut in the daytime?I’ll knock. (Knocks at the door.) Hallo, there! is any one going to open this door for me?
Theopropides:Sed quid hoc? occlusa ianua est interdius.pultabo. heus, ecquis intust? aperitin fores?
TRANIO: (coming forward, and speakcing aloud.)What person is it that has come so near to our house?
Tranio:Quis homo est, qui nostras aedes accessit prope?
THEUROPIDES:Surely this is my servant Tranio.
Theopropides:Meus sérvos hic quidem est Tranio.
TRANIO:O Theuropides, my master, welcome; I’m glad that you’ve arrived in safety. Haveyou been well all along?
Tranio:O Theopropides,ere, salve, salvom te advenisse gaudeo.usquin valuisti?
THEUROPIDES:All along, as you see.
Theopropides:Vsque ut vides.
TRANIO:That’s very good.
Tranio:Factum optime.
THEUROPIDES:What about yourselves? Are you all mad?
Theopropides:Quid vos? insanin estis?
TRANIO:Why so?
Tranio:Quidum?
THEUROPIDES:For this reason; because you are walking about outside; not a born person is keeping watch in the house, either to open or to give an answer. With kicking with my feet I’ve almost broken in the pannels?
Theopropides:Sic, quiaforis ámbulatis, natus nemo in aedibusservat, neque qui recludat neque † quis respondeat.pultando [pedibus] paene confregi hasce ambas ⟨foris⟩.
TRANIO:How now? Have you been touching this house?
Tranio:Eho an tú tetigisti has aedis?
THEUROPIDES:Why shouldn’t I touch it? Why, with kicking it, I tell you, I’ve almost broken down the door.
Theopropides:Cur non tangerem?quin pultando, inquam, paene confregi foris.
TRANIO:What, you touched it?
Tranio:Tetigistin?
THEUROPIDES:I touched it, I tell you, and knocked at it.
Theopropides:Tetigi, inquam, et pultavi.
TRANIO:Out upon you!
Tranio:Vah.
THEUROPIDES:Why so?
Theopropides:Quid est?
TRANIO:By heavens!’twas ill done.
Tranio:Male hercle factum.
THEUROPIDES:What is the matter?
Theopropides:Quid est negoti?
TRANIO:It cannot be expressed, how shocking and dreadful a mischief you’ve been guilty of.
Tranio:Non potestdici, quam indignum facinus fecisti et malum.
THEUROPIDES:How so?
Theopropides:Quid iam?
TRANIO:Take to flight, I beseech you, and get away from the house. Fly in this direction, fly closer to me. (He runs to wards TRANIO.) What, did you touch the door?
Tranio:Fuge, obsecro, atque abscede ab aedibus.fuge huc, fuge ad me propius. tetigistin foris?
THEUROPIDES:How could I knock, if I didn’t touch it?
Theopropides:Quo modo pultare potui, si non tangerem?
TRANIO:By all that’s holy, you’ve been the death—
Tranio:Occidisti hercle—
THEUROPIDES:Of what person?
Theopropides:Quem mortalem?
TRANIO:Of all your family.
Tranio:Omnis tuos.
THEUROPIDES:May the Gods and Goddesses confound you with that omen.
Theopropides:Di te deaeque ómnes faxint cum istoc omine—
TRANIO:I’m afraid that you can’t make satisfaction for yourself and them.
Tranio:Metuo, te atque istos expiare ut possies.
THEUROPIDES:For what reason, or what new affair is this that you thus suddenly bring me news of?
Theopropides:Quam ob rem? aut quam subito rem mihi adportas novam?…
TRANIO:And (whispering) hark you, prithee, do bid those people to move away from here.(Pointing to the ATTENDANTS of THEUROPIDES.)
Tranio:Et heus, iube illos illinc ambo abscedere.
THEUROPIDES: (to the ATTENDANTS.)Move away from here.
Theopropides:Apscedite.
TRANIO:Don’t you touch the house. Touch you the ground as well. (Exeunt the ATTENDANTS.)
Tranio:Aedes ne attigatis. tangitevos quoque terram.
THEUROPIDES:I’ faith, prithee, do speak out now.
Theopropides:Obsecro hercle, quin eloquere ……
TRANIO:Because it is now seven months that not a person has set foot within this house, and since we once for all left it.
Tranio:Quia septem menses sunt, quom in hasce aedis pedemnemo intro tetulit, semel ut emigravimus.
THEUROPIDES:Tell me, why so?
Theopropides:Eloquere, quid ita?
TRANIO:Just look around, whether there’s any person to overhear our discourse.
Tranio:Circumspicedum, numquis est,sermonem nostrum qui aucupet?
THEUROPIDES: (looking around.)All’s quite safe.
Theopropides:Tutum probest.
TRANIO:Look around once more.
Tranio:Circumspice etiam.
THEUROPIDES: (looking around.)There’s nobody; now then, speak out.
Theopropides:Nemo est. loquere nunciam.
TRANIO: (in a loud whisper.)The house has been guilty of a capital offence.
Tranio:Capitale scelus est.
THEUROPIDES:I don’t understand you.
Theopropides:Quid est? non ⟨satis⟩ intellego.
TRANIO:A crime, I tell you, has been committed there, a long while ago, one of olden time and ancient date.
Tranio:Scelus, inquam, factum est iam diu, antiquom et vetus.
THEUROPIDES:Of ancient date?TRANIO:’Tis but recently, in fact, that we’ve discovered this deed.
Theopropides:Antiquom?Tranio:Id adeo nos nunc factum invenimus.
THEUROPIDES:What is this crime, or who committed it? Tell me.
Theopropides:Quid istúc est sceleris? aut quis id fecit? cedo.
TRANIO:A host slew his guest, seized with his hand;he, I fancy, who sold you the house.
Tranio:Hospes necavit hospitem captum manu;iste, ut ego opinor, qui has tibi aedis vendidit.
THEUROPIDES:Slew him?
Theopropides:Necavit?
TRANIO:And robbed this guest of his gold, and buried this guest there in the house, on the spot.
Tranio:Aurumque ei ademit hospitieumque híc defodit hospitem íbidem in aedibus.
THEUROPIDES:For what reason do you suspect that this took place?
Theopropides:Quapropter id vos factum suspicamini?
TRANIO:I’ll tell you; listen. One day, when your son had dined away from home, after he returned home from dining;we all went to bed, and fell asleep. By accident, I had forgotten to put out my lamp; and he, all of a sudden, called out aloud—
Tranio:Ego dicam, ausculta. út foris cenaverattuos gnátus, postquam rediit a cena domum,abimus omnes cubitum; condormivimus:lucernam forte oblitus fueram exstinguere;atque ille exclamat derepente maximum.
THEUROPIDES:What person? My son?
Theopropides:Quis homo? án gnatus meus?
TRANIO:Hist! hold your peace: just listen.He said that a dead man came to him in his sleep—
Tranio:St, tace, ausculta modo.ait vénisse illum in somnis ad se mortuom.
THEUROPIDES:In his dreams, then, you mean?
Theopropides:Nempe ergo in somnis?
TRANIO:Just so. But only listen. He said that he had met with his death by these means—
Tranio:Ita. sed ausculta modo.ait illum hoc pacto sibi dixisse mortuom.
THEUROPIDES:What, in his sleep?
Theopropides:In somnis?
TRANIO:It would have been surprising if he had told him awake, who had been murdered sixty years ago.On some occasions you are absurdly simple.But look, what he said: “I am the guest of Diapontius, from beyond the seas; here do I dwell; this has been assigned me as my abode; for Orcus would not receive me in Acheron,”“because prematurely I lost my life. Through confiding was I deceived: my entertainer slew me here, and that villain secretly laid me in the ground without funereal rites, in this house, on the spot, for the sake of gold. Now do you depart from here; this house is accursed, this dwelling is defiled.”The wonders that here take place, hardly in a year could I recount them.Hush, hush!(He starts.)
Tranio:Mirum quin vigilanti diceret,qui abhinc sexaginta annos occisus foret.interdum inepte stultus es, ⟨Theopropides⟩.
THEUROPIDES:Troth now, what has happened, prithee?
Theopropides:Taceo.
TRANIO:The door made a noise.Was it he that was knocking?
Tranio:Sed ecce quae illi in …“ego transmarinus hospes sum Diapontius.hic habito, haéc mihi dedita est habitatio.nam me Acheruntem recipere Orcus noluit,quia praemature vita careo. per fidemdeceptus sum: hospes [hic] me necavit isque medefodit insepultum clám [ibidem] in hisce aedibus,scelestus, auri causa. nunc tu hinc emigra.scelestae haé sunt aedes, impia est habitatio”.quae hic monstra fiunt, anno vix possum eloqui.
THEUROPIDES: (turning pale.)I have not one drop of blood! Dead men are come to fetch me to Acheron, while alive!
Theopropides:St, st.
TRANIO: (aside.)I’m undone! those people there will mar my plot. (A noise is heard from within.) How much I dread, lest he should catch me in the fact.
Tranio:Quid, obsecro hercle, factum est?
THEUROPIDES:What are you talking about to yourself? (Goes near the door.)
Theopropides:Concrepuit foris.
TRANIO:Do get away from the door. By heavens, fly, I do beseech you.
Tranio:Hicin percussit!
THEUROPIDES:Fly where? Fly yourself, as well.
Theopropides:Guttam haud habeo sanguinis,vivom me accersunt Acheruntem mortui.
TRANIO:I am not afraid: I am at peace with the dead.A VOICE: (from within.)Hallo! Tranio.
Tranio:Perii, illisce hodie hanc conturbabunt fabulam.nimis quám formido, ne manifesto hic me opprimat.Theopropides:Quid tute tecum loquere?
TRANIO: (in a low voice, near the door.)You won’t be calling me, if you are wise. (Aloud, as if speaking to the APPARITION.) ’Tis not I that’s guilty; I did not knock at the door.
Tranio:Abscede ab ianua.fuge, obsecro hercle.
THEUROPIDES:Pray, what is it that’s wrong? What matter is agitating you, Tranio? To whom are you saying these things?
Theopropides:Quo fugiam? etiam tu fuge.
TRANIO:Prithee, was it you that called me?So may the Gods bless me, I fancied it was this dead man expostulating because you had knocked at the door. But are you still standing there, and not doing what I advise you?
Tranio:Nihil ego formido, pax mihi est cum mortuis.Intvs:Heus, Tranio.Tranio:Non me appellabis, si sapis.nihil ego commerui, neque istas percussi fores.Intvs:Quaeso—Tranio:⟨Cave verbum faxis.⟩
THEUROPIDES:What am I to do?
Theopropides:⟨Dic⟩ quid segreges⟨sermonem.⟩
TRANIO:Take care not to look back. Fly; cover up your head!
Tranio:⟨Apage hinc te.⟩
THEUROPIDES:Why don’t you fly?
Theopropides:⟨Quae r⟩es te agitat, Tranio?quicum istaec loquere?
TRANIO:I am at peace with the dead.
Tranio:An quaeso tu appellaveras?ita me di amabunt, mortuom illum credidiexpostulare quia percussisses fores.sed tu, etiamne astas nec quae dico optemperas?
THEUROPIDES:I recollect. Why then were you so dreadfully alarmed just now?
Theopropides:Quid faciam?
TRANIO:Have no care for me, I tell you; I’ll see to myself. You, as you have begun to do, fly as quick as ever you can; Hercules, too, you will invoke.
Tranio:Cave respexis, fuge, [atque] operi caput.
THEUROPIDES:Hercules, I do invoke thee! (Runs off.)
Theopropides:Cur non fugis tu?
TRANIO: (to himself.)And I, as well, old fellow, that; this day he’ll send some heavy mishap upon you.O ye immortal Gods, I do implore your aid. Plague on it! what a mess I have got into to-day.(Exit.)
Tranio:Pax mihi est cum mortuis.Theopropides:Scio. quíd modo igitur? cur tanto opere extimueras?Tranio:Nil me curassis, inquam, ego mihi providero:tu, ut occepisti, tantum quantum quis fuge,atque Herculem invoca.Theopropides:Hercules, ted invoco.—Tranio:Et ego—tibi hodie ut det, senex, magnum malum.pro di immortales, obsecro vestram fidem,quid ego hodie negoti confeci mali.
(Enter a BANKER, at the end of the stage.)A BANKER: (to himself.)I never knew any year worse for money upon interest, than this year has turned out to me. From morning even until night, I spend my time in the Forum;I cannot lend out a coin of silver to any one. (Enter TRANIO.)TRANIO: (apart.)Now, faith, I am clearly undone in an everlasting way! The Banker’s here who found the money with which his mistress was bought. The matter’s all out, unless I meet him a bit beforehand,so that the old man may not at present come to know of this. I’ll go meet him. But (seeing THEUROPIDES) I wonder why he has so soon betaken himself homeward again. I’m afraid that he has heard something about this affair. I’ll meet him, and accost him. But how dreadfully frightened I am! Nothing is more wretched than the mind of a man with a guilty conscience,such as possesses myself. But however this matter turns out, I’ll proceed to perplex it still further: so does this affair require.(Enter THEUROPIDES.)
Danista:Scelestiorem ego annum argento faenorinumquam ullum vidi quam hic mihi annus optigit.a mani ad noctem usque in foro dego diem,locare argenti nemini nummum queo.Tranio:Nunc pol ego perii plane in perpetuom modum.danista adest, qui dedit ⟨argentum faenore⟩,qui amica est empta quoque ⟨opus in sumptus fuit⟩.manifesta res est, nisi quid occurro prius,ne hóc senex resciscat. ibo huic obviam.sed quidnam hic sese tam cito recipit domum?metuo ne de hac re quippiam indaudiverit.accedam atque adpellabo. ei quam timeo miser.nihil est miserius quam animus hominis conscius,sicut me † habet. verum utut res sese habet,pergam turbare porro: ita haec res postulat.unde is?Theopropides:Conveni illum unde hasce aedis emeram.
TRANIO: (accosting him.)Whence come you?
Tranio:Numquid dixisti de illo quod dixi tibi?
THEUROPIDES:I met that person from whom I bought this house.
Theopropides:Dixi hercle vero ómnia.
TRANIO:Did you tell him anything about that which I was telling you?
Tranio:Ei misero mihi,metuo ne techinae meae perpetuo perierint.
THEUROPIDES:I’ faith, I certainly told him everything.
Theopropides:Quid tute tecum?
TRANIO: (aside.)Woe to unfortunate me!I’m afraid that my schemes are everlastingly undone!
Tranio:Nihil enim. sed dic mihi,dixtine quaeso?
THEUROPIDES:What is it you are saying to yourself?
Theopropides:Dixi, inquam, ordine omnia.
TRANIO:Why nothing. But tell me, prithee, did you really tell him?
Tranio:Etiam fatetur de hospite?
THEUROPIDES:I told him everything in its order, I tell you.
Theopropides:Immo pernegat.
TRANIO:Does he, then, confess about the guest?
Tranio:Negat ⟨scelestus?⟩
THEUROPIDES:Why no; he utterly denies it.
Theopropides:⟨Negitat in⟩quam.
TRANIO:Does he deny it?
Tranio:Cogita:⟨non confitetur?⟩
THEUROPIDES:Do you ask me again?I should tell you if he had confessed it. What now are you of opinion ought to be done?
Theopropides:Dicam si confessus sit.quid nunc faciundum censes?
TRANIO:What is my opinion? By my troth, I beg of you, appoint an arbitrator together with him; but take you care that you appoint one who will believe me; you’ll overcome him as easily as a fox eats a pear.A BANKER: (to himself.)But see, here’s Tranio, the servant of Philolaches, people who pay me neither interest nor principal on my money.(Goes towards TRANIO, who steps forward to meet him.)
Tranio:Egon quid censeam?cape, obsecro hercle, cúm eo úna iudicem(sed eum videto ut capias, qui credat mihi):tam facile vinces quam pirum volpes comest.Danista:Sed Philolachetis servom éccum Tranium,qui mihi neque faenus neque sortem argenti danunt.
THEUROPIDES: (to TRANIO.)Whither are you betaking yourself?
Theopropides:Quo té agis?
TRANIO:I’m going no whither. (Aside.) For sure, I am a wretch, a rascal, one born with all the Gods my foes! He’ll now be accosting me in the old man’s presence. Assuredly, I am a wretched man;in such a fashion both this way and that do they find business for me. But I’ll make haste and accost him. (Moves towards the BANKER.)A BANKER: (apart.)He’s coming towards me. I’m all right I’ve some hopes of my money;he’s smiling.
Tranio:Nec quoquam abeo. né ego sum miser,scelestus, natus dis inimicis omnibus.iam illo praesente adibit. ne ego homo sum miser,ita et hinc et illinc mi exhibent negotium.sed occupabo adire.Danista:Hic ad me it, salvos sum,spes est de argento.
TRANIO: (to himself.)The fellow’s deceived. (To the BANKER.) I heartily bid you hail, my friend Saturides.A BANKER:And hail to you. What about the money?
Tranio:Hílarus est: frustra est homo.salvere iubeo te, Misargyrides, bene.Danista:Salve et tu. quid de argentost?
TRANIO:Be off with you, will you, you brute.Directly you come, you commence the attack against me.A BANKER: (apart.)This fellow’s empty-handed.
Tranio:Abi sis, belua.continuo adveniens pilum iniecisti mihi.Danista:Hic homo est inanis.
TRANIO: (overhearing him.)This fellow’s surely a conjurer.A BANKER:But why don’t you put an end to this trifling?
Tranio:Hic homo est certe háriolus.Danista:Quin tu istas mittis tricas?
TRANIO:Tell me, then, what it is you want.A BANKER:Where is Philolaches?
Tranio:Quin quid vis cedo.Danista:Vbi Philolaches est?
TRANIO:You never could have met me more opportunely than you have met me.A BANKER:How’s that?
Tranio:Numquam potuisti mihimagis opportunus adven⟨ire quam⟩ advenis.Danista:Quid est?
TRANIO: (taking him aside.)Step this way.A BANKER: (aloud.)Why isn’t the money repaid me?
Tranio:Concede huc.Danista:⟨Quin mihi faenus red⟩ditur?
TRANIO:I know that you have a good voice; don’t bawl out so loud.A BANKER: (aloud.)I’ faith, I certainly shall bawl out.
Tranio:Scio té bona esse voce, ne clama nimis.Danista:Ego hercle vero clamo.
TRANIO:O do humour me now.A BANKER:What do you want me to humour you in?
Tranio:Ah, gere morem mihi.Danista:Quid tibi ego morem vis geram?
TRANIO:Prithee, be off hence home.A BANKER:Be off?
Tranio:Abi quaeso hinc domum.Danista:Abeam?
TRANIO:Return here about mid-day.A BANKER:Will the interest be paid then?
Tranio:Redito huc circiter meridie.Danista:Reddeturne igitur faenus?
TRANIO:It will be paid. Be off.A BANKER:Why should I run to and fro here, or use or waste my pains? What if I remain here until mid-day in preference?
Tranio:Reddeturne. abi.Danista:Quid ego huc recursem aut operam sumam aut conteram?quid si hic manebo potius ad meridie?
TRANIO:Why no; be off home. On my word, I’m telling the truth. Only do be off.A BANKER: (aloud.)Then do you pay me my interest. Why do you trifle with me this way?
Tranio:Immo abi domum, verum hercle dico, abi modo.…Danista:Quin vos mihi faenus date. quid hic nugamini?
TRANIO:Bravo! faith. Really now, do be off; do attend to me.A BANKER: (aloud.)I’ faith, I’ll call him now by name.
Tranio:Eu hércle, ne tu—abi modo, ausculta mihi.Danista:Iam hercle ego illum nominabo. …
TRANIO:Bravo! stoutly done! Really you are quite rich now when you bawl out.A BANKER: (aloud.)I’m asking for my own. In this way you’ve been disappointing me for these many days past.If I’m troublesome, give me back the money; I’ll go away then. That expression puts an end to all replies.
Tranio:Euge strenue.beatus vero es nunc, quom clamas.Danista:Meum peto.multos me hoc pacto iam dies frustramini.molestus si sum, reddite argentum: abiero.responsiones omnes hoc verbo eripis.
TRANIO: (pretending to offer it him.)Then, take the principal.A BANKER: (aloud.)Why no, the interest; I want that first.
Tranio:Sortem accipe.Danista:Immo faenus, id primum volo.
TRANIO:What? Have you, you fellow most foul of all fellows, come here to burst yourself? Do what lies in your power.He’s not going to pay you; he doesn’t owe it.A BANKER:Not owe it?
Tranio:Quid ais tu, ómnium hominum taeterrime?venisti huc te extentatum? agas quod in manu est.non dat, non debet.Danista:Non debet?
TRANIO:Not a tittle, indeed, can you get from here. Would you prefer for him to go abroad, and leave the city in exile, driven hence for your sake? Why then, in preference let him pay the principal.A BANKER:But I don’t ask for it.THEUROPIDES: (calling out to TRANIO, from a distance.)Hark you! you whip-knave, come back to me.
Tranio:Ne frit quidemferre hinc potes. an metuis ne quo abeat forasurbe exulatum faenoris causa tui,quoi sortem accipere iam licet?Danista:Quin non petosortem: illuc primum, faenus, reddundum est mihi.
TRANIO: (to THEUROPIDES.)I’ll be there just now. (To the BANKER.) Don’t you be troublesome: no one’s going to pay you; do what you please. You are the only person, I suppose, that lends money upon interest.(Moves towards THEUROPIDES.)A BANKER: (bawling aloud.)Give me my interest! pay me my interest! you pay my interest! Are you going to give me my interest this instant?Give me my interest!
Tranio:Molestus ne sis. nemo dat, age quid lubet.tu solus, credo, faenore argentum datas.Danista:Cedo faenus, redde faenus, faenus reddite.daturin estis faenus actutum mihi?datur faenus mihi?
TRANIO:Interest here, interest there! The old rogue knows how to talk about nothing but interest. I do not think that ever I saw any beast more vile than you.A BANKER:Upon my faith, you don’t alarm me now with those expressions.This is of a hot nature; although it is at a distance off, it scorches badly.
Tranio:Faenus illic, faenus hic.nescit quidem nisi faenus fabularier.ultro te. neque ego taetriorem beluamvidisse me umquam quemquam quam te censeo.Danista:Non edepol tu nunc me istis verbis territas.Theopropides:… calidum hoc est: etsi procul abest, urit male. …quod illúc est faenus, opsecro, quod illíc petit?
TRANIO:Don’t you be troublesome; no one’s going to pay you; do what you please. You are the only person, I suppose, that lends money upon interest.
Tranio:Pater eccum advenit peregre non multo priusillius, is tibi et faénus et sortem dabit,ne inconciliare quid nos porro postules.vide num moratur.Danista:Quin feram, si quid datur.
THEUROPIDES: (to TRANIO.)Pray, what interest is this that he is asking for?
Theopropides:Quid ais tu?
TRANIO: (in a low voice, to the BANKER.)Look now; his father has arrived from abroad, not long since; he’ll pay you both interest and principal; don’t you then attempt any further to make us your enemies. See whether he puts you off.A BANKER:Nay but, I’ll take it, if anything’s offered.
Tranio:Quid vis?
THEUROPIDES: (to TRANIO, coming towards him.)What do you say, then—?
Theopropides:Quis illic est? quid illíc petit?quid Philolachetem gnatum compellat ⟨meum⟩sic et praesenti tibi facit convicium?quid illí debetur?
TRANIO:What is it you mean?
Tranio:Obsecro hercle, ⟨illud⟩ iubeobi⟨ci illi⟩ argentum ob os impurae beluae.
THEUROPIDES:Who is this? What is he asking for? Why is he thus rudely speaking of my son Philolaches in this way, and giving you abuse to your face? What’s owing him?
Theopropides:Iubeam—?
TRANIO: (to THEUROPIDES.)I beg of you, do order the money to be thrown in the face of this dirty brute.
Tranio:Iuben homini argento os verberarier?Danista:Perfacile ego ictus perpetior argenteos.Tranio:Audin? videturne, obsecro hercle, idoneus,danista qui sit, genus quod improbissimum est.
THEUROPIDES:I, order it?
Theopropides:Non ego istuc curo qui sit ⟨quid sit⟩ unde sit:id volo mihi dici, id me scire éxpeto,quod illud argentum est?
TRANIO:Order the fellow’s face to be pelted with money.A BANKER: (coming nearer.)I could very well put up with a pelting with money.
Tranio:Est—huic debet Philolachespaulum.
THEUROPIDES: (to TRANIO.)What money’s this?
Theopropides:Quantillum?
TRANIO:Philolaches owes this person a little.
Tranio:Quasi—quadraginta minas;ne sane id multum censeas.
THEUROPIDES:How much?
Theopropides:Paulum id quidem est.adeo etiam argenti faenus creditum audio.
TRANIO:About forty minae.A BANKER: (to THEUROPIDES.)Really, don’t think much of that;it’s a trifle, in fact.
Tranio:Quattuor quadraginta illi debentur minae,et sors et faenus.Danista:Tantumst, nihilo plus peto.
TRANIO:Don’t you hear him? Troth now, prithee, doesn’t he seem just suited to be a Banker—a generation that’s most roguish?
Tranio:Velim quidem hercle ut uno nummo plus petas.dic te daturum, ut abeat.
THEUROPIDES:I don’t care, just now, for that, who he is or whence he is;this I want to be told me, this I very much wish to know—I heard from him that there was interest owing on the money as well.
Theopropides:Egon dicam dare?
TRANIO:Forty-four minae are due to him.Say that you’ll pay it, that he may be off.
Tranio:Dic.
THEUROPIDES:I, say that I’ll pay it?
Theopropides:Egone?
TRANIO:Do say so.
Tranio:Tu ipsus. dic modo, ausculta mihi.promitte, age inquam: ego iubeo.
THEUROPIDES:What, I?
Theopropides:Responde mihi:quid eo est argento factum?
TRANIO:You yourself. Do only say so. Do be guided by me. Do promise. Come now, I say; I beg of you.
Tranio:Salvom est.
THEUROPIDES:Answer me; what has been done with this money?
Theopropides:Solvitevosmet igitur, si salvomst.
TRANIO:It’s safe.
Tranio:Aedis filiustuos emit.
THEUROPIDES:Pay it yourselves then, if it’s safe,
Theopropides:Aedis?
TRANIO:Your son has bought a house.
Tranio:Aedis.
THEUROPIDES:A house?
Theopropides:Euge, Philolachespatrissat: iám homo in mercatura vortitur.ain tu, aedis?
TRANIO:A house.
Tranio:Aedis inquam. sed scin quoius modi?
THEUROPIDES:Bravo! Philolaches is taking after his father! The fellow now turns to merchandize.A house, say you?
Theopropides:Qui scire possum?
TRANIO:A house, I tell you. But do you know of what sort?
Tranio:Vah.
THEUROPIDES:How can I know?
Theopropides:Quid est?
TRANIO:Out with you!
Tranio:Ne me roga.
THEUROPIDES:What’s the matter?
Theopropides:Nam quid ita?
TRANIO:Don’t ask me that.
Tranio:Speculo claras, candorem merum.
THEUROPIDES:But why so?
Theopropides:Bene hercle factum. quid, eas quanti destinat?
TRANIO:Bright as a mirror, pure brilliancy itself.
Tranio:Talentis magnis totidem quot ego et tu sumus.sed arraboni has dedit quadraginta minas;hinc sumpsit quas ei dedimus. satin intellegis?nam postquam haec aedes ita erant, ut dixi tibi,continuo est alias aedis mercatus sibi.
THEUROPIDES:Excellently done, upon my faith! Well, how much did he agree to give for it?
Theopropides:Bene hercle factum.Danista:Heus, iam adpetit meridie.
TRANIO:As many great talents as you and I put together make;but these forty minae he paid by way of earnest. (Pointing to the BANKER.) From him he received what we paid the other man. Do you quite understand? For after this house was in such a state as I mentioned to you, he at once purchased another house for himself.
Tranio:Absolve hunc quaeso, vomitu ne hic nos enecet.
THEUROPIDES:Excellently done, upon my faith!A BANKER: (touching TRANIO.)Hark you. Mid-day is now close at hand.TRANIO:Prithee, do dismiss this puking fellow, that he mayn’t worry us to death.Forty-four minae are due to him, both principal and interest.A BANKER:’Tis just that much; I ask for nothing more.TRANIO:Upon my faith, I really could have wished that you had asked more, if only by a single coin.
Theopropides:Adulescens, mecum rém habe.Danista:Nempe aps te petam?
THEUROPIDES: (to the BANKER.)Young man, transact the business with me.A BANKER:I’m to ask it of you, you mean?THEUROPIDES:Come for it to-morrow.A BANKER:I’ll be off, then; I’m quite satisfied if I get it tomorrow.(Exit.)
Theopropides:Petito cras.Danista:Abeo: sat habeo, si cras fero.—
TRANIO: (aside.)A plague may all the Gods and Goddesses send upon him! so utterly has he disarranged my plans. On my word, no class of men is there more disgusting, or less acquainted with fair dealing than the banking race.
Tranio:Malum quod isti di deaeque omnes duint,ita mea consilia perturbat paenissime.nullum edepol hodie genus est hominum taetriusnec minus bono cum iure, quam danisticum.
THEUROPIDES:In what neighbourhood did my son buy this house?
Theopropides:Qua in regione istas aedis emit filius?
TRANIO: (aside.)Just see that, now! I’m undone!
Tranio:Ecce autem perii.
THEUROPIDES:Are you going to tell me that which I ask you?
Theopropides:Dicisne hoc quod te rogo?
TRANIO:I’ll tell you; but I’m thinking what was the name of the owner.(Pretends to think.)
Tranio:Dicam. sed nomen domini quaero quid siet.
THEUROPIDES:Well, call it to mind, then.
Theopropides:Age comminiscere ergo.
TRANIO: (aside.)What am I to do now, except put the lie upon this neighbour of ours next door? I’ll say that his son has bought that house.I’ faith, I’ve heard say that a lie piping-hot is the best lie; this is piping-hot; although it is at a distance off, it scorches badly. Whatever the Gods dictate, that am I determined to say.
Tranio:Quid ego nunc agam,nisi ut in vicinum hunc proximum …,eas émisse aedis huius dicam filium?calidum hercle esse audivi optimum mendacium.quidquid dei dicunt, id decretumst dicere.
THEUROPIDES:Well now? Have you recollected it by this?
Theopropides:Quid igitur? iam commentus escommentu's?
TRANIO: (aside.)May the Gods confound that fellow!—no this other fellow, rather.(To THEUROPIDES.) Your son has bought the house of this next-door neighbour of yours.
Tranio:Di istum perduint—(immo istunc potius) de vicino hoc proximotuos emit aedis filius.
THEUROPIDES:In real truth?
Theopropides:Bonan fide?
TRANIO:If, indeed, you are going to pay down the money, then in real truth; if you are not going to pay it, in real truth he has not bought it.
Tranio:Siquidém tu argentum redditurus esreddituru's, tum bona,si redditurus non es, non emit bona.non in loco emit perbono?
THEUROPIDES:He hasn’t bought it in a very good situation.
Theopropides:Immo in optumo.cupio hercle inspicere hasce aedis. pultadum foresatque evoca aliquem íntus ad te, Tranio.
TRANIO:Why yes, in a very good one.
Tranio:Ecce autem perii. nunc quid dicam nescio.iterum iam ad unum saxum me fluctus ferunt.quid nunc? non hercle quid nunc faciam reperio:manufesto teneor.
THEUROPIDES:I’ faith, I should like to look over this house; just knock at the door, and call some one to you from within, Tranio.
Theopropides:Evocadum aliquem ocius,roga círcumducat.
TRANIO: (aside.)Why just look now, again I don’t know what I’m to say. Once more, now, are the surges bearing me upon the self-same rock. What now? I’ faith, I can’t discover what I am now to do; I’m caught in the fact.
Tranio:Heus tu, at hic sunt mulieres:videndumst primum, utrum eae velintne an non velint.
THEUROPIDES:Just call some one out of doors;ask him to show us round.
Theopropides:Bonum aequomque oras. i, percontare et roga.ego hic tantisper, dum exis, te opperiar foris.
TRANIO: (going to the door of SIMO’s house.)Hallo there, you! (Turning round) But there are ladies here; we must first see whether they are willing or unwilling.THEUROPIDES:You say what’s good and proper; just make enquiry, and ask. I’ll wait here outside until you come out.TRANIO: (aside.)May all the Gods and Goddesses utterly confound you, old gentleman!in such a fashion are you thwarting my artful plans in every way. Bravo! very good! Look, Simo himself, the owner of the house, is coming out of doors. I’ll step aside here, until I have convened the senate of council in my mind. Then, when I’ve discovered what I am to do, I’ll join him. (THEUROPIDES and TRANIO stand at a distance from SIMO’s house, in opposite directions, THEUROPIDES being out of sight.)
Tranio:Di te deaeque ómnes funditus perdant, senex,itá mea consilia undique oppugnas male.euge, optume eccum aédium dominus forasSimo progreditur intus. huc concessero,dum mihi senatum consili in cor convoco.igitur tum accedam hunc, quando quid agam invenero.
(Enter SIMO, from his house.)SIMO: (to himself.)I’ve not enjoyed myself better at home this year than I have to-day, nor has at any time any meal pleased me better. My wife provided a very nice breakfast for me; now she bids me go take a nap. By no means! It instantly struck me that it didn’t so happen by chance.She provided a better breakfast than is her wont; and then, the old lady wanted to draw me away to my chamber. Sleep is not good after breakfast—out upon it! I secretly stole away from the house, out of doors. My wife, I’m sure, is now quite bursting with rage at home.
Simo:Mélius anno hóc mihi nón fuit domi,néc quod una ésca me iúverit magis.prándium uxór mihi pérbonum dedit,núnc dormitúm iubet me íre: minime.nón mihi fórte visum ílico fuit,mélius quom prándium quám solet dedit:vóluit in cúbiculum abdúcere me anus.nón bonust sómnus de prándio. apage.clánculum ex aédibus me édidi foras.tóta turgét mihi uxór, scio, domi.
TRANIO: (apart.)A sore mischance is provided for this old fellow by the evening; for he must both dine and go to bed in-doors in sorry fashion.
Tranio:Rés parata ést mala in vésperum huic seni.nam ét cenandum ét cubandúmst ei male.
SIMO: (continuing.)The more I reflect upon it in my mind: if any person has a dowried wife, sleep has no charms for him.I detest going to take a nap. It’s a settled matter with me to be off to the Forum from here, rather than nap it at home. And, i’ faith (to the AUDIENCE), I don’t know how your wives are in their behaviour; this wife of mine, I know right well how badly she treats me,and that she will prove more annoying to me hereafter than she has been.
Simo:Quóm magis cógito cúm meo animo:sí quis dotátam uxorem átque anum habet,néminem sóllicitat sópor: ibi omnibusíre dormítum odio est véluti nunc mihiéxsequi cérta res ést, ut abeampótius hinc ád forum quám domi cubem.átque pol néscio, ut móribus sientvóstrae: haec sát scio quám me habeat male.…péius posthác fore quám fuit mihi.
TRANIO: (apart.)If your escape, old gentleman, turns out amiss, there’ll be no reason for you to be accusing any one of the Gods; by very good right, you may justly lay the blame upon yourself. It’s time now for me to accost this old fellow.’Tis down upon him. I’ve hit upon a plan whereby to cajole the old fellow, by means of which to drive grief away from me. I’ll accost him. (Accosting him.) May the Gods, Simo, send on you many blessings!(Takes him by the hand.)
Tranio:Ábitus tuos tíbi, senex, fécerit male:níhil erit, quód deorum úllum accusites;te ípse iure óptimo mérito incusés licet.témpus nunc ést senem hunc ádloqui mihi.hóc habet. répperi quí senem dúcerem,quó dolo a mé dolorém procul péllerem.áccedam. dí te ament plúrimum, Simo.
SIMO:Save you, Tranio!
Simo:Sálvos sis, Tránio.
TRANIO:How fare you?
Tranio:Út vales?
SIMO:Not amiss. What are you about?
Simo:Nón male.quíd agis?
TRANIO:Holding by the hand a very worthy man.
Tranio:Hominem óptumum téneo.
SIMO:You act in a friendly way,in speaking well of me.
Simo:Amicé facis,quóm me laudás.
TRANIO:It certainly is your due.
Tranio:Decet.
SIMO:But, i’ faith, in you I don’t hold a good servant by the hand.
Simo:Cérte. quin m⟨utuomst⟩:hércle ted haú bonum téneo servóm ⟨manu⟩.
THEUROPIDES: (calling from a distance, where he is not perceived by SIMO.)Hark you! you whip-knave, come back to me.
Theopropides:[Heía, mastígia, ad mé redi.]
TRANIO: (turning round.)I’ll be there just now.
Tranio:[Iam ísti ero.]
SIMO:Well now, how soon—?
Simo:quíd nunc? quam móx?
TRANIO:What is it?
Tranio:Quid est?
SIMO:The usual goings-on.
Simo:Quód solet fíeri hicíntus.
TRANIO:Tell me then, these usual goings-on, what are they?
Tranio:Quid id est?
SIMO:The way that you yourselves proceed. But, Tranio, to say the truth, according as men are, it so befits you to humour them;reflecting, at the same time, how short life is.
Simo:Scis iam quíd loquar. síc decet.… morem geras.víta quam sít brevis, … simul cógita.
TRANIO:What of all this? Dear me, at last, after some difficulty, I perceive that you are talking about these goings-on of ours.
Tranio:… quid … ehem,víx tandem percépi super his rébus nostris té loqui.
SIMO:I’ faith, you people are living a merry life, just as befits you:on wine, good cheer, nice dainty fish, you enjoy life.
Simo:músice hercle ágitis aetátem, ita ut vós decet,vino et victu probo, piscatu electilivitam colitis. †
TRANIO:Why yes, so it was in time past, indeed; but now these things have come to an end all at once.
Tranio:Immo vita antehac erat:nunc nobis omnia haec exciderunt ⟨simul⟩.
TRANIO:So utterly, Simo, are we all undone!
Tranio:Ita óppido occidimus omnes, Simo.
SIMO:Won’t you hold your tongue? Everything has gone on prosperously with you hitherto.
Simo:Non taces? prospere vobis cuncta usque adhucprocesserunt.
TRANIO:I don’t deny that it has been as you say; undoubtedly, we have lived heartily, just as we pleased; but, Simo, in such a way has the breeze now forsaken our ship—
Tranio:Ita ut dicis facta hau nego.nos profecto probe ut voluimus viximus.séd, Simo, ita nunc ventus navem ⟨nostram⟩ deseruit.
SIMO:What’s the matter? In what way?
Simo:Quid est?quó modo?
TRANIO:In a most shocking way.
Tranio:Péssimo.
SIMO:What, wasn’t it hauled ashore in safety?
Simo:Quaéne subdúcta erattúto in terra?
SIMO:What’s the matter?
Simo:Quid est?
TRANIO:Ah wretched me! I’m utterly undone!
Tranio:Mé miserum, occidi.
TRANIO:Because a ship has come, to smash the hull of our ship.
Tranio:Quia venit navis, nostrae navi quae frangat † ratem.
SIMO:I would wish as you would wish, Tranio, for your own sake. But what is the matter? Do inform me.
Simo:Vellem út tu velles, Tranio. sed quid est negoti?
TRANIO:I will inform you. My master has arrived from abroad.
Tranio:Eloquar.erus péregre venit.
SIMO:In that case, the cord will be stretched for you; thence to the place where iron fetters clink; after that, straight to the cross.
Simo:Tunc ⟨tibi⟩ … portenditur,inde férriterium, postea crux.
TRANIO:Now, by your knees, I do implore you, don’t give information to my master.
Tranio:⟨Per tua te g⟩enua obsecro,ne indícium ero facias meo.
SIMO:Don’t you fear; he shall know nothing from me.
Simo:É me, ne quid metuas, nil sciet.
TRANIO:Blessings on you, my patron.
Tranio:Patrone, salve.
SIMO:I don’t care for clients of this description for myself.
Simo:Nil moror mi istius modi clientis.
TRANIO:Now as to this about which our old gentleman has sent me.
Tranio:Nunc hoc quod ad te noster me misit senex—
SIMO:First answer me this that I ask you. As yet, has your old gentleman discovered anything of these matters?
Simo:Hoc mihi responde primum, quod ego te rogo:iam de istis rebus voster quid sensit senex?
TRANIO:Nothing whatever.
Tranio:Nil quicquam.
SIMO:Has he censured his son at all?
Simo:Numquid increpavit filium?
TRANIO:He is as calm as the calm weather is wont to be. Now he has requested me most earnestly to beg this of you, that leave may be given him to see over this house of yours.
Tranio:Tam liquidust quam liquida esse tempestas solet …nunc te hoc orare iussit opere maximo,ut sibi liceret inspicere hasce aedis tuas.
SIMO:It’s not for sale.
Simo:Non sunt venales.
TRANIO:I know that indeed; but the old gentlemanwishes to build a woman’s apartment here in his own house, baths, too, and a piazza, and a porch.
Tranio:Scio equidem istuc. sed senexgynaeceum aedificare volt hic in suiset balineas et ambulacrum et porticum.
SIMO:What has he been dreaming of?
Simo:Quid ergo somniavit?
TRANIO:I’ll tell you. He wishes to give his son a wife as soon as he can; for that purpose he wants a new apartment for the women.But he says that some builder, I don’t know who, has been praising up to him this house of yours, as being remarkably well built; now he’s desirous to take a model from it, if you don’t make any objection—
Tranio:Ego dicam tibi.dare volt uxorem filio quantum potest,ad eam rem facere volt novom gynaeceum.nam sibi laudavisse hasce ait architectonemnescio quem exaedificatas insanum bene;nunc hinc exemplum capere volt, nisi tu nevis.nam ille eo maiore hinc opere ex te exemplum petit,quia isti úmbram aestate tíbi esse audivit perbonamsub sicco lumine usque perpetuom diem.
SIMO:Indeed, he is really choosing a plan for himself from a piece of poor workmanship.
Simo:Immo edepol vero, quom usquequaque umbra est, tamensol semper hic est usque a mani ad vesperum:quasi flagitator astat usque ad ostium,nec mi umbra hic usquamst, nisi si in puteo quaepiamst.
TRANIO:It was because he heard that here the summer heat was much modified; that this house was wont to be inhabited each day all day long.
Tranio:Quid, Sarsinatis ecqua est, si Vmbram non habes?
SIMO:Why really, upon my faith, on the contrary, while there’s shade in every direction, in spite of it, the sun is always here from morning till night: he stands, like a dun, continually at the door; and I have no shade anywhere, unless, perhaps, there may be some in the well.
Simo:Molestus ne sis. haec sunt sicut praedico.
TRANIO:Well now, have you one from Sarsina, if you have no woman of Umbria?
Tranio:At tamen inspicere volt.
SIMO:Don’t be impertinent. It is just as I tell you.
Simo:Inspiciat, si lubet;si quid erit quod illi placeat, de exemplo meoipse aedificato.
TRANIO:Still, he wishes to look over it.
Tranio:Eon, voco huc hominem?
SIMO:He may look over it, if he likes. If there is anything that takes his fancy, let him build after my plan.
Simo:I, voca.
TRANIO:Am I to go and call this person hither?SIMO:Go and call him.
Tranio:Alexándrum magnum atque Agathoclem aiunt maximasduo rés gessisse: quid mihi fiet tertio,qui solus facio facinora immortalia?vehit hic clitellas, vehit hic autem alter senex.novicium mihi quaestum institui non malum:nam muliones mulos clitellarioshabent, at égo habeo homines clitellarios.magni sunt oneris: quidquid imponas vehunt.nunc húnc hau scio án conloquár. congrediar.heus Théopropides.Theopropides:Hém quis hic nóminat me?
TRANIO: (to himself, as he goes to the other side of the stage to call THEUROPIDES.)They say that Alexander the Great and Agathocles achieved two very great exploits; what shall be the lot of myself, a third, who, unaided, am achieving deeds imperishable? This old fellow is carrying his pack-saddle, the other one, as well. I’ve hit upon a novel trade for myself, not a bad one;whereas muleteers have mules to carry pack-saddles; I’ve got men to carry the pack-saddles. They are able to carry heavy burdens; whatever you put upon them, they carry. Now, I don’t know whether I am to address him. I’ll accost him, however. (Calling aloud.) Hark you, Theuropides!
Tranio:Eró servos múltis modís fidus.
THEUROPIDES: (coming forward.)Well; who’s calling me?
Theopropides:Únde is?
TRANIO:A servant most attached to his master.Where you sent me, I got it all agreed to.
Tranio:Quod me miseras, adfero omne impetratum.
THEUROPIDES:Prithee, why did you stay there so long?
Theopropides:Quid illíc, opsecro, tam diu destitisti?
TRANIO:The old gentleman hadn’t leisure; I was waiting until then.
Tranio:Seni non erat otium, id sum opperitus.
THEUROPIDES:You keep up that old way of yours, of being tardy.
Theopropides:Antiquom optines hoc tuom, tardus ut sis.
TRANIO:Hark you! if you please reflect upon this proverb: to blow and swallow at the same moment isn’t easy to be done; I couldn’t be here and there at the same time.
Tranio:Heus tu, si voles verbum hóc cogitare,simul flare sorbereque haud factu facilest.ego híc esse et íllic simitu hau pótui.
THEUROPIDES:What now?
Theopropides:Quid nunc?
TRANIO:Come and look, and inspect it at your own pleasure.
Tranio:Vise, specta tuo usque arbitratu.
THEUROPIDES:Very well, you go before me.
Theopropides:Age ⟨i⟩, duce me.
TRANIO:Am I delaying to do so?
Tranio:Num moror?
THEUROPIDES:I’ll follow after you.
Theopropides:Supsequor te.
TRANIO: (as they advance.)Look, the old gentleman himself is awaiting you before the door, but he is concerned that he has sold this house.
Tranio:Senex ipsus te ante ostium eccum opperitur.sed ut maestus est se hasce ⟨aedis⟩ vendidisse.
THEUROPIDES:Why so?
Theopropides:Quid tandem?
TRANIO:He begs me to persuade Philolaches to let him off.
Tranio:Orat ut suadeam Philolacheti,ut istas remittat sibi.
THEUROPIDES:I don’t think he will. Each man reaps on his own farm. If it had been bought dear,we shouldn’t have had permission to return it on his hands. Whatever profit there is, it’s proper to bring it home. It don’t, now-a-days, befit men to be showing compassion.
Theopropides:Haud opinor.sibi quisque ruri metit. si male emptaeforent, nobis istas redhibere haud liceret.lucri quidquid est, id domum trahere oportet.misericordias … hominem oportet.
TRANIO:I’ faith, you are losing time while you are talking. Follow me.
Tranio:Morare hercle … facis. subsequere.
THEUROPIDES:Be it so.
Theopropides:Fiat.dó tibi ego operám.
TRANIO: (to THEUROPIDES.)I’ll give you my services.(Pointing.) There’s the old gentleman. (To SIMO.) Well now, I’ve brought you this person.
Tranio:Senex illíc est. em, tibi ádduxi hominem.
SIMO:I’m glad that you’ve arrived safely from abroad, Theuropides.
Simo:Sálvom te advenisse peregre gaudeo, Theopropides.
THEUROPIDES:May the Gods bless you.
Theopropides:Dei te ament.
SIMO:Your servant was telling me that you were desirous to look over this house.
Simo:Inspicere te aedis has velle aiebat mihi.
THEUROPIDES:Unless it’s inconvenient to you.
Theopropides:Nisi tibi est incommodum.
SIMO:Oh no; quite convenient. Do step in-doors and look over it.
Simo:Immo commodum. i intro atque inspice.
THEUROPIDES: (pausing.)But yet—the ladies—
Theopropides:At enim mulieres—
SIMO:Take you care not to trouble yourself a straw about any lady. Walk in every direction, wherever you like, all over the house just as though it were your own.
Simo:Cave tu ullam flocci faxis mulierem.qua libet perambula aedis oppido tamquam tuas.
THEUROPIDES: (apart to TRANIO.)“Just as though—?”
Theopropides:Tamquam?
TRANIO: (whispering.)Oh, take care that you don’t throw it in his teeth now in his concern, that you have bought it. Don’t you see him, how sad a countenance the old gentleman has?
Tranio:Ah, cave tu ílli obiectes nunc in aegritudine,te has emisse. non tu vides hunc, voltu uti tristi est senex?
THEUROPIDES: (apart.)I see.
Theopropides:Video.
TRANIO: (apart.)Then don’t seem to exult, and to be overmuch delighted; in fact, don’t make mention that you’ve bought it.
Tranio:Ergo inridere ne videare et gestire admodum;noli facere mentionem te ⟨has⟩ emisse.
THEUROPIDES: (apart.)I understand; and I think you’ve given good advice, and that it shows a humane disposition.(Turning to SIMO.) What now?
Theopropides:Intellego,et bene monitum duco, atque esse existumo humani ingeni.quid nunc?
SIMO:Won’t you go in? Look over it at your leisure, just as you like.
Simo:Quin tu is intro, atque otiose perspecta ut lubet.
THEUROPIDES:I consider that you are acting civilly and kindly.
Theopropides:Bene benigneque arbitror te facere.
SIMO:Troth, I wish to do so. Should you like some one to show you over.
Simo:Factum edepol volo.[vin qui perductet?]
THEUROPIDES:Away with any one to show me over. I don’t want him.SIMO:Why? What’s the matter?THEUROPIDES:I’ll go wrong, rather than any one should show me over.
Theopropides:[Apage istum perductorem, non placet.][quidquid est, errabo potius quam perductet quispiam.]
TRANIO: (pointing.)Don’t you see, this vestibule before the house, and the piazza, of what a compass it is?
Tranio:Viden vestibulum ante aedis hoc et ambulacrum cuius modi?
THEUROPIDES:Troth, really handsome!
Theopropides:Luculentum edepol profecto.
TRANIO:Well, look now, what pillars there are, with what strength they are built, and of what a thickness.
Tranio:Age specta postes cuius modi,quanta firmitate facti et quanta crassitudine.
THEUROPIDES:I don’t think that I ever saw handsomer pillars.
Theopropides:Non videor vidisse postis pulchriores.
SIMO:I’ faith, they were some time since bought by me at such a price!
Simo:Pol mihieo pretio empti fuerant olim.
TRANIO: (aside, whispering.)Don’t you hear—“They were once”? He seems hardly able to refrain from tears.
Tranio:Audin “fuerant” dicere?vix videtur continere lacrimas.
THEUROPIDES:At what price did you purchase them?
Theopropides:Quanti hosce emeras?
SIMO:I gave three minae for the two, besides the carriage.(He retires to some distance.)
Simo:Tris minas pro istis duobus praeter vecturam dedi.
THEUROPIDES: (after looking close at them, to TRANIO.)Why, upon my word, they are much more unsound than I thought them at first.
Theopropides:Hercle qui multo improbiores sunt quam a primo credidi.