---
title: "The Rope · Rudens"
author: "Plautus"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 3 of 4
url: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-rudens/3/
cite: "Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, The Rope · Rudens, section 3. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-rudens/3/"
---

# The Rope · Rudens

*Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

A shipwreck, a lost girl and a fisherman’s net.

> Latin: ed. Friedrich Leo, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0119.phi017, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0119.phi017.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the references the two texts share (line numbers), cut where both reach the end of a sentence.

## 3. Lines 760–1099

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

[¶0] LABRAX:
Yet notwithstanding, although you forbid me to do so, I’ll at once carry them off both together with me.

> Latin: Labrax:
At qui, quia votas, utramque iam mecum abducam simul.

[¶1] DAEMONES:
What will you do?

> Latin: Daemones:
Quid facies?

[¶2] LABRAX:
I’ll bring Vulcan; he is an enemy to Venus.
(Goes towards DAEMONES’ cottage.)

> Latin: Labrax:
Volcanum adducam, is Venerist adversarius.

[¶3] TRACHALIO:
Whither is he going?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quo illic it?

[¶4] LABRAX: (calling at the door.)
Hallo! Is there anybody here? Hallo! I say.

> Latin: Labrax:
Heus, ecquis hic est? heus.

[¶5] DAEMONES:
If you touch the door, that very instant, upon my faith, you shall get a harvest upon your face with fists for your pitchforks.

> Latin: Daemones:
Si attigeris ostium,
iam hercle tibi messis in ore fiet mergis pugneis.

[¶6] SERVANT:
We keep no fire, we live upon dried figs.

> Latin: Lorarivs:
Nullum habemus ignem, ficis victitamus aridis.

[¶7] DAEMONES:
I’ll find the fire, if only I have the opportunity of kindling it upon your head.

> Latin: Daemones:
Ego dabo ignem, siquidem in capite tuo conflandi copiast.

[¶8] LABRAX:
Faith, I’ll go somewhere to look for some fire.

> Latin: Labrax:
Ibo hercle aliquo quaeritatum ígnem.

[¶9] DAEMONES:
What, when you’ve found it?

> Latin: Daemones:
Quid quom inveneris?

[¶10] LABRAX:
I’ll be making a great fire here.

> Latin: Labrax:
Ignem magnum hic faciam.

[¶11] DAEMONES:
What, to be burning a mortuary sacrifice for yourself?

> Latin: Daemones:
Quin † inhumanum exuras tibi?

[¶12] LABRAX:
No, but I’ll burn both of these alive here upon the altar.

> Latin: Labrax:
Immo hasce ambas hic in ara ut vivas comburam, id volo.

[¶13] DAEMONES:
I’d like that. For, by my troth, I’ll forthwith seize you by the head and throw you into the fire,
and, half-roasted, I’ll throw you out as food for the great birds. (Aside.) When I come to a consideration of it with myself, this is that ape, that wanted to take away those swallows from the nest against my will, as I was dreaming in my sleep.

> Latin: Daemones:
Iam hercle ego te barba continuo arripiam, in ignem coniciam
teque ambustulatum obiciam magnis avibus pabulum.
quom coniecturam egomet mecum facio, haec illast simia,
quae has hirundines ex nido volt eripere ingratiis,
quod ego in somnis somniavi.

[¶14] TRACHALIO:
Aged sir, do you know what I request of you? That you will protect these females and defend them from violence, until I fetch my master.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Scin quid tecum oro, senex?
ut illas serves, vim defendas, dúm ego erum adduco meum.

[¶15] DAEMONES:
Go look for your master, and fetch him here.

> Latin: Daemones:
Quaere erum atque adduce.

[¶16] TRACHALIO:
But don’t let him—

> Latin: Trachalio:
At hic ne—

[¶17] DAEMONES:
At his own extreme peril, if he touches them, or if he attempts to do so.

> Latin: Daemones:
Maximo malo suo,
si attigerit sive occeptassit.

[¶18] TRACHALIO:
Take care.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Cura.

[¶19] DAEMONES:
Due care is taken; do you be off.

> Latin: Daemones:
Curatumst, abi.

[¶20] TRACHALIO:
And watch him too, that he doesn’t go away anywhere. For we have promised either to give the executioner a great talent, or else to produce this fellow this very day.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Hunc quoque adserva ipsum, ne quo abitat; nam promisimus
carnufici aut talentum magnum aút hunc hodie sistere.

[¶21] DAEMONES:
Do you only be off. I’ll not let him get away, while you are absent.

> Latin: Daemones:
Abi modo, ego dum hoc curabo recte.

[¶22] TRACHALIO:
I’ll be back here soon.
(Exit TRACHALIO.) (DAEMONES, LABRAX, PALAESTRA, AMPELISCA, and SERVANTS.)

> Latin: Trachalio:
Iam ego revenero.

[¶23] DAEMONES: (to LABRAX, who is struggling with the SERVANTS.)
Which, you Procurer, had you rather do, be quiet with a thrashing, or e’en as it is, without the thrashing, if you had the choice?

> Latin: Daemones:
Vtrum tu, leno, cum malo lubentius
quiescis an sic sine malo, si copiast?

[¶24] LABRAX:
Old fellow, I don’t care a straw for what you say. My own women, in fact, I shall drag away this instant from the altar by the hair, in spite of yourself, and Venus, and supreme Jove.

> Latin: Labrax:
Ego quae tu loquere flocci non facio, senex.
meas quidem te invito et Venere et summo Iove
de ara capillo iam deripiam.

[¶25] DAEMONES:
Just touch them.

> Latin: Daemones:
Tange dum.

[¶26] LABRAX: (going towards them)
I’ troth, I surely will touch them.

> Latin: Labrax:
Tangam hercle vero.

[¶27] DAEMONES:
Just come then; only approach this way.

> Latin: Daemones:
Agedum ergo, accede huc modo.

[¶28] LABRAX:
Only bid both those fellows, then, to move away from there.

> Latin: Labrax:
Iube dúm recedere istos ambo illuc modo.

[¶29] DAEMONES:
On the contrary, they shall move towards you.

> Latin: Daemones:
Immo ad te accedent.

[¶30] LABRAX:
I’ faith, for my own part, I don’t think so.

> Latin: Labrax:
Non hercle equidem censeo.

[¶31] DAEMONES:
If they do move nearer to you, what will you do?

> Latin: Daemones:
Quid ages, si accedent propius?

[¶32] LABRAX:
I’ll retire. But, old fellow, if ever I catch you in the city,
never again, upon my faith, shall any one call me a Procurer, if I don’t give you some most disagreable sport.

> Latin: Labrax:
Ego recessero.
verum, senex, si te umquam in urbe offendero,
numquam hercle quisquam me lenonem dixerit,
si te non ludos pessimos dimisero.

[¶33] DAEMONES:
Do what you threaten. But now, in the meantime, if you do touch them, a heavy punishment shall be inflicted on you.

> Latin: Daemones:
Facito istuc quod minitare; sed nunc interim,
si illas attigeris, dabitur tibi magnum malum.

[¶34] LABRAX:
How heavy, in fact?

> Latin: Labrax:
Quam magnum vero?

[¶35] DAEMONES:
Just as much as is sufficient for a Procurer.

> Latin: Daemones:
Quantum lenoni sat est.

[¶36] LABRAX:
These threats of yours I don’t value one straw; I certainly shall seize them both this instant without your leave.

> Latin: Labrax:
Minacias ego flocci non faciam tuas,
equidem has te invito iam ambas rapiam.

[¶37] DAEMONES:
Just touch them.

> Latin: Daemones:
Tange dum.

[¶38] LABRAX:
By my troth, I surely will touch them.

> Latin: Labrax:
Tangam hercle vero.

[¶39] DAEMONES:
You will touch them, but do you know with what result? Go then, Turbalio, with all haste, and bring hither from out of the house two cudgels.

> Latin: Daemones:
Tanges, at scin quo modo?
i dum, Turbalio, curriculo, adfert⟨o domo⟩
duas clávas.

[¶40] LABRAX:
Cudgels?

> Latin: Labrax:
Clavas?

[¶41] DAEMONES:
Aye, good ones; make haste speedily. (TURBALIO goes in.)

> Latin: Daemones:
Sed probas. propera cito.

[¶42] I’ll let you have a reception this day in proper style, as you are deserving of.
LABRAX: (aside.)

> Latin: ego te hodie faxo recte acceptum, ut dignus es.

[¶43] Alas! cursedly unfortunate. I lost my headpiece in the ship; it would now have been handy for me, if it had been saved. (To DAEMONES.) May I at least address these women?
DAEMONES:
You may not …
(TURBALIO enters bringing two cudgels.) Well now, by my faith, look, the cudgel-man is coming very opportunely here.
LABRAX: (aside.)

> Latin: Labrax:
Eheu, scelestus galeam in navi perdidi;
nunc mi opportuna hic esset, salva si foret.
licet saltem istas mi appellare?
Daemones:
Non licet.
ehem, optime edepol eccum clavator ádvenit.

[¶44] By my troth, this surely is a tingling for my ears.

> Latin: Labrax:
Illud quidem edepol tinnimentum est auribus.

[¶45] DAEMONES:
Come, Sparax, do you take this other cudgel. (Giving him one.) Come, take your stand, one on one side, the other on one other. Take your stations both of you. (They stand with lifted cudgels on each side of he altar.) Just so. Now then attend to me:

> Latin: Daemones:
Age accipe illinc alteram clavam, Sparax.
age, alter istinc, alter hinc adsistite.
adsistite ambo. sic. audite nunciam:

[¶46] if, I’ faith, that fellow there should this day touch these women with his finger against their inclination, if you don’t give him a reception with these cudgels even to that degree that he shan’t know which way he is to get home, you are undone, both of you. If he shall call for any one, do you make answer to this fellow in their stead.

> Latin: si hercle illic illas hodie digito tetigerit
invitas, ni istunc istis invitassitis
usque adeo donec qua domum abeat nesciat,
periistis ambo. si appellabit quempiam,
vos respondetote istinc istarum vicem;

[¶47] But if he himself shall attempt to get away from here, that instant, as hard a you can, lay on to his legs with your sticks.

> Latin: sin ipse abire hínc volet, quantum potest
extemplo amplectitote crura fustibus.

[¶48] LABRAX:
Are they not even to allow me to go away from here?

> Latin: Labrax:
Etiam me abire hinc non sinent?

[¶49] DAEMONES:
I’ve said sufficient. And when that servant comes here with his master, he that has gone to fetch his master, do you at once go home.

> Latin: Daemones:
Dixi satis.
et ubi ille servos cúm ero huc advenerit,
qui erum accersivit, itote extemplo domum.

[¶50] Attend to this with great diligence, will you.
(DAEMONES goes into his house.)
LABRAX:
O rare, by my troth, the Temple here is surely changed all of a sudden; this is now the Temple of Hercules which was that of Venus before; in such fashion has the old fellow planted two statues here with clubs. I’ faith, I don’t know now whither in the world I shall fly from here;
so greatly are they both raging now against me, both land and sea. Palaestra!

> Latin: curate haec sultis magna diligentia.—
Labrax:
Heu hercle, ne istic fana mutantur cito:
iam hoc Herculi est, Veneris fanum quod fuit,
ita duo destituit signa hic cum clavis senex.
non hercle quo hinc nunc gentium aufugiam scio,
ita nunc mi utrumque saevit, et terra et mare.
Palaestra.

[¶51] SERVANT:
What do you want?

> Latin: Lorarius:
Quid vis?

[¶52] LABRAX:
Away with you, there is a misunderstanding between us; that, indeed, is not my Palaestra that answers. Harkye, Ampelisca.
SERVANT:
Beware of a mishap, will you.
LABRAX: (aside.)

> Latin: Labrax:
Apage, controversia est,
haec quidem Palaestra, quae respondit, non mea est.
heus, Ampelisca.
Lorarius alter:
Cave sis infortunio.

[¶53] So far as they can, the worthless fellows advise me rightly enough.

> Latin: Labrax:
Vltro te. signa ut homines satis recte monent.

[¶54] (Aloud.) But, harkye, I ask you, whether it is any harm to you for me to come nearer to these women?
SERVANT:
Why none at all to ourselves.

> Latin: sed vobis dico, heús vos, num molestiaest,
me adire ad illas propius?
Lorarius:
Nil nobis quidem.

[¶55] LABRAX:
Will there be any harm to myself?

> Latin: Labrax:
Numquid molestum mihi erit?

[¶56] SERVANT:
None at all, if you only take care.

> Latin: Lorarius:
Nil, si caveris.

[¶57] LABRAX:
What is it that I’m to take care against?

> Latin: Labrax:
Quid est quod caveam?

[¶58] SERVANT:
Why, look you, against a heavy mishap.

> Latin: Lorarius:
Em, a crasso infortunio.

[¶59] LABRAX:
Troth now, prithee, do let me approach them.

> Latin: Labrax:
Quaeso hercle, abire ut liceat.

[¶60] SERVANT:
Approach them, if you like.

> Latin: Lorarius:
Abeas, si velis.

[¶61] LABRAX:
I’ faith, obligingly done; I return you thanks, I’ll go nearer to them.
(Approaches them.)

> Latin: Labrax:
Bene hercle factum. habeo vobis gratiam.
[non] accedam potius.

[¶62] SERVANT:
Do you stand there on the spot, where you are.
(Drags him to his place, with the cudgel over his head.)
LABRAX: (aside.)

> Latin: Lorarius:
Illic astato ilico.

[¶63] By my faith, I’ve come scurvily off in many ways. Still, I’m resolved to get the better of them this day by constantly besieging them.
(Enter PLESIDIPPUS and TRACHALIO, at a distance, on the other side of the stage.)

> Latin: Labrax:
Edepol proveni nequiter multis modis.
certumst hasce hodie usque obsidione vincere.

[¶64] PLESIDIPPUS:
And did the Procurer attempt by force and violence
to drag my mistress away from the altar of Venus?

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Meamne ílle amicam leno vi, violentia
de ara deripere Veneris voluit?

[¶65] TRACHALIO:
Even so.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Admodum.

[¶66] PLESIDIPPUS:
Why didn’t you kill him on the instant?

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Quin occidisti extemplo?

[¶67] TRACHALIO:
I hadn’t a sword.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Gladius non erat.

[¶68] PLESIDIPPUS:
You should have taken either a stick or a stone.

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Caperes aut fustem aut lapidem.

[¶69] TRACHALIO:
What! ought I to have pelted this most villanous fellow with stones like a dog? …
LABRAX: (aside, on seeing them.)

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quid? ego quasi canem
hominem insectarer lapidibus nequissimum?

[¶70] By my troth, but I’m undone now; see, here’s Plesidippus;

> Latin: Labrax:
Nunc pol ego perii, Plesidippus eccum adest.

[¶71] he’ll be sweeping me away altogether this moment with the dust.

> Latin: converret iam hic me totum cum pulvisculo.

[¶72] PLESIDIPPUS:
Were the damsels sitting on the altar even then when you set out to come to me?

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Etiamne in ara tunc sedebant mulieres,
quom ad me profectu's profectus es ire?

[¶73] TRACHALIO:
Yes, and now they are sitting in the same place.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Ibidem nunc sedent.

[¶74] PLESIDIPPUS:
Who is now protecting them there?

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Quis illás nunc illic servat?

[¶75] TRACHALIO:
Some old gentleman, I don’t know who, a neighbour of the Temple of Venus—he gave very kind assistance;

> Latin: Trachalio:
Nescio quis senex,
vicinus Veneris; is dedit operam optumam.

[¶76] he is now protecting them with his servants—I committed them to his charge.

> Latin: is nunc cum servis servat. ego mandaveram.

[¶77] PLESIDIPPUS:
Lead me straight to the Procurer. Where is this fellow?
(They go towards LABRAX.)

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Duc me ad lenonem recta. ubi illic est homo?

[¶78] LABRAX:
Health to you.

> Latin: Labrax:
Salve.

[¶79] PLESIDIPPUS:
I want none of your healths. Make your choice quickly, whether you lad rather be seized by your throat wrenched, or be dragged along; choose whichever you please, while you may.

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Salutem nil moror. opta ocius:
rapi te obtorto collo mavis an trahi?
utrum vis opta, dum licet.

[¶80] LABRAX:
I wish for neither.

> Latin: Labrax:
Neutrum volo.

[¶81] PLESIDIPPUS:
Be off then, Trachalio, with all speed to the sea-shore; bid those persons that I brought with me to hand over this rascal to the executioner, to come from the harbour to the city to meet me; afterwards return hither and keep guard here. I’ll now drag this scoundrelly outcast to justice. (Exit TRACHALIO. Pleusicles addresses LABRAX.)

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Abi sáne ad litus curriculo, Trachalio,
iube illós in urbem ire obviam ad portum mihi,
quos mecum duxi, hunc qui ad carnificem traderent.
post huc redito atque agitato hic custodiam.
ego hunc scelestum ín ius rapiam éxulem.

[¶82] Come, proceed to a court of justice.
LABRAX:
In what have I offended?

> Latin: age, ambula in ius.
Labrax:
Quid ego deliqui?

[¶83] PLESIDIPPUS:
Do you ask? Didn’t you receive an earnest of me for this woman (pointing to PALAESTRA), and carry her off from here?

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Rogas,
quin arrabonem a me accepisti ob mulierem
et eam hinc abduxti?

[¶84] LABRAX:
I didn’t carry her off.

> Latin: Labrax:
Non avexi.

[¶85] PLESIDIPPUS:
Why do you deny it?

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Cur negas?

[¶86] LABRAX:
Troth now, because I put her on board ship; carry her off unfortunately, I couldn’t. For my part, I told you that this day I would make my appearance
at the Temple of Venus; have I swerved at all from that? Am I not there?

> Latin: Labrax:
Quia pol provexi: avehere non quivi miser.
equidem tibi me dixeram praesto fore
apud Véneris fanum: ⟨num⟩quid muto? sumne ibi?

[¶87] PLESIDIPPUS:
Plead your cause in the court of justice; here a word is enough. Follow me.
(They lay hold of him.)

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
In iure causam dicito, hic verbum sat est:
sequere.

[¶88] LABRAX: (calling aloud.)
I entreat you, my dear Charmides, do come to my rescue; I am being seized with my throat wrenched.
(Enter CHARMIDES, from the Temple.)

> Latin: Labrax:
Obsecro te, subveni mi, Charmides.
rapior optorto collo.

[¶89] CHARMIDES: (looking about.)
Who calls my name?

> Latin: Charmides:
Quis me nominat?

[¶90] LABRAX:
Do you see me how I’m being seized?

> Latin: Labrax:
Viden me ut rapior?

[¶91] CHARMIDES:
I see, and view it with pleasure.

> Latin: Charmides:
Video, atque inspecto lubens.

[¶92] LABRAX:
Don’t you venture to assist me?

> Latin: Labrax:
Non subvenire mi audes?

[¶93] CHARMIDES:
What person is seizing you?

> Latin: Charmides:
Quis homo te rapit?

[¶94] LABRAX:
Young Plesidippus.

> Latin: Labrax:
Adulescens Plesidippus.

[¶95] CHARMIDES:
What you’ve got, put up with;’twere better for you, with a cheerful spirit, to slink to gaol; that has befallen you which many greatly wish for for themselves.

> Latin: Charmides:
Vt nanctu's nanctus es, habe.
bono animo meliust te in nervom conrepere.
tibi optigit quod plurimi exoptant sibi.

[¶96] LABRAX:
What’s that?

> Latin: Labrax:
Quid id est?

[¶97] CHARMIDES:
To find for themselves that which they are seeking.

> Latin: Charmides:
Vt id quod quaerant inveniant sibi.

[¶98] LABRAX:
I entreat you, do follow me.

> Latin: Labrax:
Sequere, obsecro, me.

[¶99] CHARMIDES:
You try to persuade me, just like what you are: you are being taken off to gaol, for that reason is it you entreat me to follow you?
PLESIDIPPUS: (to LABRAX.)

> Latin: Charmides:
Pariter suades qualis es:
tu in nervom rapere, eo me óbsecras ut te sequar.

[¶100] Do you still resist?
LABRAX:
I’m undone.

> Latin: etiam retentas?
Labrax:
Perii.

[¶101] PLESIDIPPUS:
I trust that may prove the truth. You, my dear Palaestra and Ampelisca, do you remain here in the meanwhile, until I return hither.

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Verum sit velim.
tu, mea Palaestra et Ampelisca, ibidem ilico
manete, dúm ego huc redeo.

[¶102] SERVANT:
I would advise them
rather to go to our house, until you return.

> Latin: Lorarius:
Equidem suadeo,
ut ad nos abeant potius, dum recipis.

[¶103] PLESIDIPPUS:
I’m quite agreable; you act obligingly.
(The SERVANTS open the door of the cottage, and PALAESTRA and AMPELISCA go in.)

> Latin: Plesidippvs:
Placet,
bene facitis.

[¶104] LABRAX:
You are thieves to me.

> Latin: Labrax:
Fures mi estis.

[¶105] SERVANT:
How, thieves?
PLESIDIPPUS:
Lead him along.
(The SERVANTS seize him.)
LABRAX: (calling out.)

> Latin: Lorarius:
Quid, fures? rape.

[¶106] I pray and entreat you, Palaestra.
PLESIDIPPUS:
Follow, you hang-dog.

> Latin: Labrax:
Oro obsecro, Palaestra.
Plesidippvs:
Sequere, carnufex.

[¶107] LABRAX:
Guest, Charmides!

> Latin: Labrax:
Hospes—

[¶108] CHARMIDES:
I am no guest of yours; I repudiate your hospitality.

> Latin: Charmides:
Non sum hospes, repudio hospitium tuom.

[¶109] LABRAX:
What, do you slight me in this fashion?

> Latin: Labrax:
Sicine me spernis?

[¶110] CHARMIDES:
I do so; I’ve been drinking with you once already.

> Latin: Charmides:
Sic ago: semel bibo.

[¶111] LABRAX:
May the Deities confound you.

> Latin: Labrax:
Di te infelicent.—

[¶112] CHARMIDES:
To that person of yours, say that. (PLESIDIPPUS leads LABRAX off, followed by the SERVANTS.) I do believe that men are transformed, each into a different beast. That Procurer, I guess, is transformed into a stock-dove; for, before long, his neck will be in the stocks. He’ll to-day be building his nest in the gaol.

> Latin: Charmides:
Isti capiti dicito.
credo alium in aliam beluam hominem vortier:
illic ín columbum, credo, leno vortitur,
nam in collumbari collus haud multo post erit;
in nervom ille hodie nidamenta congeret.

[¶113] Still, however, I’ll go, that I may be his advocate,—if by my aid he may possibly be sentenced any the sooner.
(Enter DAEMONES, from his cottage.
DAEMONES: (to himself.)
’Twas rightly done, and it is a pleasure this day for me to have given aid to these young women; I have now found some dependants, and both of them of comely looks and youthful age.

> Latin: verum tamen ibo, ei advocatus ut siem,
si qui mea opera citius addici potest.—
Daemones:
Bene factum et volup est, mé hodie his mulierculis
tetulisse auxilium. iam clientas repperi,
atque ambas forma scitula atque aetatula.

[¶114] But my plaguy wife is watching me in all ways, lest I should be giving any hint to the young women. But I wonder what in the world my servant Gripus is about, who went last night to the sea to fish. Troth, he had done wiser if he had slept at home;
for now he throws away both his pains and his nets, seeing what a storm there now is and was last night. I’ll thoroughly cook upon my fingers what he has caught to-day; so violently do I see the ocean heaving. (A bell rings.) But my wife’s calling me to breakfast; I’ll return home.

> Latin: sed uxór scelesta me omnibus servat modis,
ne quid significem quippiam mulierculis.
sed Gripus servos noster quid rerum gerat
miror, de nocte qui abiit piscatum ad mare.
pol magis sapisset, si dormivisset domi,
nam nunc et operam ludos facit et retia,
ut tempestas est nunc atque ut noctu fuit.
in digitis hodie percoquam quod ceperit,
ita fluctuare video vehementer mare.
sed ad prándium uxor me vocat. redeo domum.

[¶115] She’ll now be filling my ears with her silly prating.
(Goes into the cottage.) (Enter GRIPUS, dragging a net enclosing a wallet, by a rope.)
GRIPUS: (to himself.)
These thanks do I return to Neptune, my patron, who dwells in the salt retreats, the abode of fishes, inasmuch as he has despatched me finely laden on my return from his retreats, and from his Temples, laden with most abundant booty,
with safety to my boat, which in the stormy sea made me master of a singular and rich haul. In a wondrous and incredible manner has this haul turned out prosperously for me, nor yet have I this day taken a single ounce weight of fish, but only that which I am here bringing with me in my net.
For when I arose in the middle of the night, and without sloth, I preferred profit to sleep and rest; in the raging tempest, I determined to try how I might lighten the poverty of my master and my own servitude, not sparing of my own exertions.

> Latin: iam meas opplebit aures † sua vaniloquentia.—
Gripvs:
Neptúno has agó gratiás meo patróno,
qui sálsis locís incolít pisculéntis,
quom me éx suis locís pulchre ornátum expedívit
†templís reducém, plurimá praeda onústum,
salúte horiaé, quae in marí fluctuóso
piscátu novó me uberí compotívit;
miróque modo atque incrédibili hic piscátus mihi lepide évenit,
neque píscium ullam unciam hodié pondo cepí, nisi hoc quod fero hic ín rete.
nam ut dé nocte múlta impigréque exurréxi,
lucrúm praeposívi sopóri et quiéti:
tempéstate saéva experíri expetívi,
paupértatem erí qui et meám servitútem
tolerárem, opera haud fui párcus mea.

[¶116] Most worthless is the man that is slothful, and most detestably do I hate that kind of men. It behoves him to be vigilant who wishes to do his duty in good time; for it befits him not to be waiting until his master arouses him to his duties. For those who sleep on for the love of it, rest without profit to themselves and to their own cost.

> Latin: nímis homo nihilist quis piger est nímisque id genus odi égo male.
vigiláre decet hominém qui volt sua témperi conficere ófficia.
non énim illum expectare óportet, dum erus se ád suom suscitet ófficium.
nám qui dormiúnt libenter, síne lucro et cum málo quiescunt.

[¶117] But now I, who have not been slothful, have found that for myself through which to be slothful if I should choose.
(Points to the wallet.) This have I found in the sea to-day; whatever’s in it, it’s something heavy that’s in it; I think it’s gold that’s in it. And not a single person is there my confidant in the matter. Now, Gripus, this opportunity has befallen you, that the Praetor might make you a free man from among the multitude. Now, thus shall I do, this is my determination; I’ll come to my master cleverly and cunningly, little by little I’ll promise money for my freedom, that I may be free.

> Latin: nám ego nunc mihi, qui ímpiger fui,
répperi ut piger, sí velim, siem:
hóc ego in mari [quidquid inést] répperi.
quidquíd inest, grave quidem inést; aurum hic ego inésse reor;
nec míhi consciust ullús homo.
nunc haéc tibi occasio, Grípe optigit, ut líber s⟨it⟩
⟨nemo⟩ éx populo praetér te.
nunc síc faciam, sic cónsilium est: ad erúm veniam docte atque astute.
pauxíllatim pollícitabor pro cápite argentum, ut sím liber.

[¶118] Now, when I shall be free, then, in fine, I’ll provide me land and houses and slaves: I’ll carry on merchandize with large ships: among the grandees I shall be considered a grandee. Afterwards, for the sake of pleasing myself, I’ll build me a ship and I’ll imitate Stratonicus, and I’ll be carried about from town to town. When my greatness is far-spread, I shall fortify some great city: to that city I shall give the name of “Gripus,”
a memorial of my fame and exploits, and there I’ll establish a mighty kingdom. I am resolving here in my mind to prepare for mighty matters. At present I’ll hide this booty. But this grandee (pointing to himself) is about to breakfast upon vinegar and salt, without any good substantial meat.
(Gathers up the net, and drags it after him.) (Enter TRACHALIO, in haste.)

> Latin: iam ubi líber ero, igitúr demum instrúam agrum atque aedis, máncipia,
navíbus magnis mercáturam faciam, ápud reges rex pérhibebor.
post ánimi causa míhi navem faciam átque imitabor Strátonicum,
oppída circumvectábor.
ubi nóbilitas mea erít clara,
oppídum magnum commúnibo, ei ego úrbi Gripo indám nomen,
moniméntum meae famae ét factis, ibi quí regnum magnum ínstituam.
magnas res hic agito in mentem instruere. nunc hunc vidulum condam.
sed hic réx cum aceto pránsurust et sále, sine bono pulménto.

[¶119] TRACHALIO:
Hallo there! stop.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Heus, máne.

[¶120] GRIPUS:
Why should I stop?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quid maneam?

[¶121] TRACHALIO:
While I coil up this rope for you that you are dragging.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Dum hánc tibi, quam tráhis, rudentem cómplico.

[¶122] GRIPUS:
Now let it alone.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Mitté modo.

[¶123] TRACHALIO:
Troth, but I’ll assist you. What’s kindly done to worthy men, isn’t thrown away.

> Latin: Trachalio:
At pol ego te ádiuvo nam bónis quod bene fit haúd perit.

[¶124] GRIPUS:
… There was a boisterous tempest yesterday; no fish have I, young man; don’t you be supposing I have. Don’t you see that I’m carrying my dripping net without the scaly race?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Turbída tempestas héri fuit,
nil hábeo, adulescens, píscium, ne tú mihi esse póstules;
non vídes referre me úvidum reté, sine squamosó pecu?

[¶125] TRACHALIO:
I’ faith, I’m not wishing for fish so much as I am in need of your conversation.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Non édepol piscis éxpeto quam tuí sermonis sum índigens.

[¶126] GRIPUS:
Then, whoever you are, you are worrying me to death with your annoyance.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Enícas iam me odio, quísquis es.

[¶127] TRACHALIO: (takes hold of him.)
I’ll not allow you to go away from here; stop.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Non sínam ego abire hinc té. mane.

[¶128] GRIPUS:
Take you care of a mishap, if you please; but why the plague are you dragging me back?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Cave sís malo. quid tú, malum, nám me retrahis?

[¶129] TRACHALIO:
Listen.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Aúdi.

[¶130] GRIPUS:
I won’t listen.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Non aúdio.

[¶131] TRACHALIO:
But, upon my faith, you shall listen.

> Latin: Trachalio:
At pol qui aúdies póst.

[¶132] GRIPUS:
Nay but, another time, tell me what you want.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quin loquere quíd vis.

[¶133] TRACHALIO:
Come now, it’s worth your while at once to hear what I want to tell you.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Eho máne dum, est óperae pretium quod tíbi ego narraré volo.

[¶134] GRIPUS:
Say on, whatever it is.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Elóquere quid id est?

[¶135] TRACHALIO:
See whether any person is following near us.
(Looks back.)

> Latin: Trachalio:
Víde num quispíam consequitur própe nos.

[¶136] GRIPUS:
Why, what reason is there that it should matter to me?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Écquid est quód mea réferat?

[¶137] TRACHALIO:
So it is;

> Latin: Trachalio:
Scílicet.

[¶138] but can you give me some good advice?

> Latin: séd boni cónsili écquid in té mihi est?

[¶139] GRIPUS:
What’s the business? Only tell me.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quíd negoti ést, modo díce.

[¶140] TRACHALIO:
I’ll tell you; keep silence; if only you’ll give me your word that you won’t prove treacherous to me.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Dicám, tace,
sí fidem modo dás mihi te nón fore infídum.

[¶141] GRIPUS:
I do give you my word; I’ll be true to you, whoever you are.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Dó fidem tibi, fídus ero, quísquis es.

[¶142] TRACHALIO:
Listen. I saw a person commit a theft;

> Latin: Trachalio:
Aúdi.
furtum égo vidi qui fáciebat;

[¶143] I knew the owner to whom that same property belonged. Afterwards I came myself to the thief, and I made him a proposal in these terms: “I know the person on whom that theft was committed; now if you are ready to give me half, I’ll not make a discovery to the owner.”

> Latin: norám dominum, id cui fíebat,
post ád furem egomet dévenio
feroque eí condicionem hóc pacto:
“ego istúc furtum scio cuí factum est;
nunc míhi si vis dare dímidium, indícium domino nón faciam.”

[¶144] He didn’t even give me an answer. What is it fair should be given me out of it? Half, I trust you will say.
GRIPUS:
Aye, even more; but unless he gives it you, I think it ought to be told to the owner.

> Latin: is míhi nihil etiam réspondit. quid inde aéquom est dari mihi? dímidium
volo ut dícas.
Gripvs:
Immo hercle étiam amplius, nam nísi dat, domino dícundum
censeó.

[¶145] TRACHALIO:
I’ll act on your advice. Now give me your attention; for it is to yourself all this relates.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Tuo consilió faciam. nunc ádvorte animum; námque hoc omne
attinét ad te.

[¶146] GRIPUS:
What has been done by me?
TRACHALIO: (pointing at the wallet.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quid fáctumst?

[¶147] I’ve known the person for a long time to whom that wallet belongs.
GRIPUS:
What do you mean?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Vídulum istum cúiust novi ego hóminem iam pridem.
Gripvs:
Quid est?

[¶148] TRACHALIO:
And in what manner it was lost.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Et quo pacto periit.

[¶149] GRIPUS:
But I know in what manner it was found;
and I know the person who found it, and who is now the owner. That, I’ faith, is not a bit the more your matter than it is my own. I know the person to whom it now belongs; you, the person to whom it formerly belonged. This shall no individual get away from me; don’t you be expecting to get it in a hurry.

> Latin: Gripvs:
At ego quo pacto inventust scio
et qui invenit hominem novi et dominus qui nunc est scio.
nihilo pol pluris tua hoc quam quanti illud refert mea:
ego illum novi cuius nunc est, tu illum cuius antehac fuit.
hunc homo feret a me nemo, ne tu te speres potis.

[¶150] TRACHALIO:
If the owner comes, shan’t he get it away?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Non ferat si dominus veniat?

[¶151] GRIPUS:
That you mayn’t be mistaken, no born person is there that’s owner of this but my own self—who took this in my own fishing.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Dominus huic, ne frustra sis,
nisi ego nemo natust, hunc qui cepi in venatu meo.

[¶152] TRACHALIO:
Was it really so?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Itane vero?

[¶153] GRIPUS:
Which fish in the sea will you say “is my own?” When I catch them, if indeed I do catch them, they are my own; as my own I keep them. They are not claimed as having a right to freedom nor does any person demand a share in them. In the market I sell them all openly as my own wares.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Ecquem esse dices in mari piscem meum?
quos cum capio, siquidem cepi, mei sunt; habeo pro meis,
nec manu adseruntur neque illinc partem quisquam postulat.
in foro palam omnes vendo pro meis venalibus.

[¶154] Indeed, the sea is, surely, common to all persons.
TRACHALIO:
I agree to that; prithee, then, why any the less is it proper that this wallet should be common to me? It was found in the sea.

> Latin: mare quidem commune certost omnibus.
Trachalio:
Adsentio:
qui minus hunc communem quaeso mi esse oportet vidulum?
in mari inventust communi.

[¶155] GRIPUS:
Assuredly you are an outrageously impudent fellow; for if this is justice which you are saying, then fishermen would be ruined. Inasmuch as, the moment that the fish were exposed upon the stalls,
no one would buy them; every person would be demanding his own share of the fish for himself; he would be saying that they were caught in the sea that was common to all.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Esne impudenter impudens?
nam si istuc ius sit quod memoras, piscatores perierint.
quippe quom extemplo in macellum pisces prolati sient,
nemo emat, suam quisque partem piscium poscant sibi,
dicant, in mari communi captos.

[¶156] TRACHALIO:
What do you say, you impudent fellow? Do you dare to compare a wallet with fish? Pray, does it appear to be the same thing?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quid ais, impudens?
ausu's ausus es etiam comparare vidulum cum piscibus?
eadem tandem res videtur?

[¶157] GRIPUS:
The matter doesn’t lie in my power; when I’ve cast my hook and net into the sea, whatever has adhered I draw out.

> Latin: Gripvs:
In manu non est mea:
ubi demisi rete atque hamum, quidquid haesit extraho.

[¶158] Whatever my net and hooks have got, that in especial is my own.

> Latin: meum quod rete atque hami nancti sunt, meum potissimumst.

[¶159] TRACHALIO:
Nay but, I’ faith, it is not; if, indeed, you’ve fished up any article that’s made

> Latin: Trachalio:
Immo hercle haud est, siquidem quod vas excepisti.

[¶160] GRIPUS:
Philosopher, you.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Philosophe.

[¶161] TRACHALIO:
But look now, you conjurer, did you ever see a fisherman who caught a wallet-fish, or exposed one for sale in the market? But, indeed, you shan’t here be taking possession of all the profits that you choose;

> Latin: Trachalio:
Sed tu enumquam piscatorem vidisti, venefice,
vidulum piscem cepisse aut protulisse ullum in forum?
non enim tu híc quidem occupabis omnis quaestus quos voles:

[¶162] you expect, you dirty fellow, to be both a maker of wallets and a fisherman. Either you must show me a fish that is a wallet, or else you shall carry nothing off that wasn’t produced in the sea and has no scales.

> Latin: et vitorem et piscatorem te esse, impure, postulas.
vel te mihi monstrare oportet piscis qui sit vidulus,
vel quod in mari non natum est neque habet squamas ne feras.

[¶163] GRIPUS:
What, did you never hear before to-day that a wallet was a fish?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quid, tu numquam audisti esse antehac vidulum piscem?

[¶164] TRACHALIO:
Villain, there is no such fish.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Scelus,
nullus est.

[¶165] GRIPUS:
Yes, there certainly is; I, who am a fisherman, know it.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Immo est profecto; ego, qui sum piscator, scio;

[¶166] But it is seldom caught; no fish more rarely comes near the land.

> Latin: verum raro capitur, nullus minus saepe ad terram venit.

[¶167] TRACHALIO:
It’s to no purpose; you hope that you can be cheating me, you rogue. Of what colour is it?
GRIPUS: (looking at the wallet.)

> Latin: Trachalio:
Nil agis, dare verba speras mihi te posse, furcifer.

[¶168] Of this colour very few are caught: some are of a purple skin, there are great and black ones also.
TRACHALIO:
I understand; by my troth, you’ll be turning into a wallet-fish I fancy, if you don’t take care;

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quo colore est, hoc colore capiuntur pauxilluli;
sunt alii puniceo corio, magni item; atque atri.
Trachalio:
Scio.
tu hercle, opino, in vidulum te bis convertes, nisi caves:

[¶169] your skin will be purple, and then afterwards black.
GRIPUS: (aside.)

> Latin: fiet tibi puniceum corium, postea atrum denuo.

[¶170] What a villain this that I have met with to-day!
TRACHALIO:
We are wasting words; the day wears apace. Consider, please, by whose arbitration do you wish us to proceed?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quod scelus hodie hoc inveni.
Trachalio:
Verba facimus, it dies.
vide sis, cuius arbitratu nos vis facere.

[¶171] GRIPUS:
By the arbitration of the wallet.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Viduli
arbitratu. … ita enim vero.

[¶172] TRACHALIO:
Really so, indeed? You are a fool.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Stultus es.

[¶173] GRIPUS:
My respects to you, Mister Thales
(Going.)
TRACHALIO: (holding him.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
Salve, Thales.

[¶174] You shan’t carry that off this day, unless you find a place of safe keeping for it, or an umpire,
by whose arbitration this matter may be settled.
GRIPUS:
Prithee, are you in your senses?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Tu istunc hodie non feres, nisi das sequestrum aut arbitrum,
quoius haec res arbitratu fiat.
Gripvs:
Quaeso, sanus es?

[¶175] TRACHALIO:
I’m mad, in need of hellebore.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Elleborosus sum.

[¶176] GRIPUS:
But I’m troubled with sprites; still I shan’t let this go.
(Hugs the wallet.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
At ego cerritus, hunc non amittam tamen.

[¶177] TRACHALIO:
Only add a single word more, that instant I’ll drive my fists smash into your brains. This instant on this spot, just as a new napkin is wont to be wrung, I’ll wring out of you whatever moisture there is, if you don’t let this go.
(Seizes the wallet.)

> Latin: Trachalio:
Verbum etiam adde unum, iam in cerebro colaphos apstrudam tuo;
iam ego te hic, itidem quasi peniculus novos exurgeri solet,
ni hunc amittis, exurgebo quidquid umoris tibist.

[¶178] GRIPUS:
Touch me; I’ll dash you down on the ground just in such fashion as I’m in the habit of doing with a polypus fish. Would you like to fight?
(Assumes a boxing attitude.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
Tange: adfligam ad terram te itidem ut piscem soleo polypum.
vis pugnare?

[¶179] TRACHALIO:
What need is there? Nay, in preference, divide the booty.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quid opust? quin tu potius praedam divide.

[¶180] GRIPUS:
You can’t get anything from here but harm to yourself, so don’t expect it. I’m taking myself off.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Hinc tu nisi malum frunisci nil potes, ne postules.
abeo ego hinc.

[¶181] TRACHALIO:
But I’ll turn aside your ship from that direction, that you mayn’t be off anywhere—stop.
(Stands in front of him, and holds the rope.)

> Latin: Trachalio:
At ego hinc offlectam navem, ne quo abeas. mane.

[¶182] GRIPUS:
If you are the helmsman of this ship, I’ll be the pilot.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Si tu proreta isti navi es, ego gubernator ero.

[¶183] Let go of the rope now, you villain.
TRACHALIO:
I will let go; do you let go of the wallet.

> Latin: mitte rudentem, sceleste.
Trachalio:
Mittam: omitte vidulum.

[¶184] GRIPUS:
I’ faith, you shall never this day become a scrap the more wealthy from this.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Numquam hercle hinc hodie ramenta fies fortunatior.

[¶185] TRACHALIO:
You cannot convince me by repeatedly denying, unless either a part is given me, or it is referred to arbitration, or it is placed in safe keeping.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Non probare pernegando mihi potes, nisi pars datur
aut ad arbitrum reditur aut sequestro ponitur.

[¶186] GRIPUS:
What, that which I got out of the sea—?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quemne ego excepi in mari—

[¶187] TRACHALIO:
But I spied it out from the shore.

> Latin: Trachalio:
At ego ínspectavi e litore.

[¶188] GRIPUS:
—With my own pains and labour, and net and boat.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Mea opera, labore et rete et horia?

[¶189] TRACHALIO:
If now the owner, whose property it is, were to come, how am I, who espied from afar that you had taken this, a bit the less the thief than yourself?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Numqui minus,
si veniat nunc dominus cuiust, ego qui inspectavi procul
te hunc habere, fur sum quam tu?

[¶190] GRIPUS:
None whatever.
(Going.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
Nihilo.

[¶191] TRACHALIO: (seizing the net.)
Stop, you whip-knave; just let me learn of you by what reasoning I am not the sharer, and yet the thief.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Mane, mastigia:
quo argumento socius non sum, et fur sum? fac dum ex te sciam.

[¶192] GRIPUS:
I don’t know; neither do I know these city laws of yours,
only that I affirm that this is mine.
(Looks at the wallet.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
Nescio, neque ego istas vestras leges urbanas scio,
nisi quia hunc meum esse dico.

[¶193] TRACHALIO:
And I, too, say that it is mine.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Ét ego item esse aio meum.

[¶194] GRIPUS:
Stay now; I’ve discovered by what method you may be neither thief nor sharer.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Mane, iam repperi quo pacto nec fur nec socius sies.

[¶195] TRACHALIO:
By what method?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quo pacto?

[¶196] GRIPUS:
Let me go away from here; you quietly go your own way, and don’t you inform against me to any one, and I won’t give anything to you. You hold your tongue; I’ll be mum. This is the best and the fairest plan.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Sine me hinc abire, tú abi tacitus tuam viam;
nec tu me cuiquam indicassis neque ego tibi quicquam dabo;
tu taceto, ego mussitabo: hoc optimum atque aequissimum est.

[¶197] TRACHALIO:
Well, what proposition do you venture to make?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Ecquid condicionis audes ferre?

[¶198] GRIPUS:
I’ve made it already; for you to go away, to let go of the rope, and not to be a nuisance to me.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Iam dudum fero:
ut abeas, rudentem amittas, mihi molestus ne sies.

[¶199] TRACHALIO:
Stop while I propose terms.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Mane, dum refero condicionem.

[¶200] GRIPUS:
I’ faith, do, prithee, dispose of yourself forthwith.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Te, opsecro hercle, aufer modo.

[¶201] TRACHALIO:
Do you know any one in these parts?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Ecquem in his locis novisti?

[¶202] GRIPUS:
My own neighbours I must know.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Oportet vicinos meos.

[¶203] TRACHALIO:
Where do you live here?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Vbi tu hic habitas?

[¶204] GRIPUS: (pointing.)
At a distance out away yonder, as far off as the farthest fields.
TRACHALIO: (pointing to the cottage of DAEMONES.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
Porro illic longe usque in campis ultimis.

[¶205] The person that lives in that cottage, should you like it to be decided by his arbitration?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Vin qui in hac villa habitat, eius arbitratu fieri?

[¶206] GRIPUS:
Let go of the rope for a moment while I step aside and consider.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Paulisper remitte restem, dum concedo et consulo.

[¶207] TRACHALIO:
Be it so.
(Lets go of the rope.)

> Latin: Trachalio:
Fiat.

[¶208] GRIPUS: (aside.)
Capital, the thing’s all right; the whole of this booty is my own. He’s inviting me here inside of my own abode to my own master as umpire. By my troth, he never this day will award three obols away from his own servant.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Euge, salva res est, praeda haec perpetua est mea;
ad meum erum arbitrum vocat me hic intra praesepis meas:
numquam hercle hodie abiudicabit ab suo triobolum.

[¶209] Assuredly, this fellow doesn’t know what proposal he has been making. (To TRACHALIO.) I’ll go to the arbitrator with you.

> Latin: ne iste haud scit quam condicionem tetulerit. íbo ad arbitrum.

[¶210] TRACHALIO:
What then?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quid igitur?

[¶211] GRIPUS:
Although I know for sure that this is my own lawful right, let that be done rather than I should now be fighting with you.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quamquam istuc esse ius meum certo scio,
fiat istuc potius, quam nunc pugnem tecum.

[¶212] TRACHALIO:
Now you satisfy me.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Nunc places.

[¶213] GRIPUS:
Although you are driving me before an arbitrator whom I don’t know, if he shall administer justice, although he is unknown, he is as good as known to me; if he doesn’t, though known, he is the same as though entirely unknown.
(Enter DAEMONES, from his cottage, with PALAESTRA and AMPELISCA, and SERVANTS.)
DAEMONES: (to the WOMEN.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quamquam ad ignotum arbitrum me appellis, si adhibebit fidem,
etsist ignotus, notus: si non, notus ignotissimust.

[¶214] Seriously, upon my faith, young women, although I wish what you desire, I’m afraid that on your account my wife will be turning me out of doors, who’ll be saying that I’ve brought harlots here before her very eyes. Do you take refuge at the altar rather than I.
THE WOMEN:
We, wretched creatures, are undone.
(They weep.)

> Latin: Daemones:
Serio edepol, quamquam vobis ⟨volo⟩ quae voltis, mulieres,
metuo, propter vos ne uxor mea med extrudat aedibus,
quae me paelices adduxe dicet ante oculos suos.
vos confugite in aram potius quám ego.
Pvellae:
Miserae periimus.

[¶215] DAEMONES:
I’ll place you in safety; don’t you fear. But why (turning to the SERVANTS) are you following me out of doors?
Since I’m here, no one shall do them harm.

> Latin: Daemones:
Ego vos salvas sistam, ne timete. sed quid vos foras
prosequimini? quoniam ego adsum, faciet nemo iniuriam;

[¶216] Now then, be off, I say, in-doors, both of you, you guards from off guard.
(They go in.)

> Latin: ite, inquam, domum ambo nunciam ex praesidio praesides.

[¶217] GRIPUS:
O master, save you.

> Latin: Gripvs:
O ere, salve.

[¶218] DAEMONES:
Save you. How goes it?

> Latin: Daemones:
Salve, Gripe. quid fit?

[¶219] TRACHALIO: (pointing to GRIPUS.)
Is he your servant?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Túosne hic servos est?

[¶220] GRIPUS:
I’m not ashamed to say yes.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Haud pudet.

[¶221] TRACHALIO:
I’ve nothing to do with you.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Níl ago tecum.

[¶222] GRIPUS:
Then get you gone hence, will you.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Ergo ábi hinc sis.

[¶223] TRACHALIO:
Prithee, do answer me, aged sir; is he your servant?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quaeso responde, senex:
tuos hic servost?

[¶224] DAEMONES:
He is mine.

> Latin: Daemones:
Meus est.

[¶225] TRACHALIO:
Oh then, that is very good, since he is yours.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Em istuc optime, quando tuost.

[¶226] Again I salute you.
DAEMONES:
And I you. Are you he who, not long since, went away from here to fetch his master?

> Latin: iterum te saluto.
Daemones:
Et ego te. tune es qui haud multo prius
abiisti hinc erum accersitum?

[¶227] TRACHALIO:
I am he.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Ego is sum.

[¶228] DAEMONES:
What now is it that you want?
TRACHALIO: (pointing to GRIPUS.)

> Latin: Daemones:
Quid nunc vis tibi?

[¶229] This is your servant, you say?
DAEMONES:
He is mine.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Nempe hic tuos est?
Daemones:
Meus est.

[¶230] TRACHALIO:
That is very good, since he is yours.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Istuc optime, quando tuost.

[¶231] DAEMONES:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Daemones:
Quid negotist?

[¶232] TRACHALIO: (pointing to GRIPUS.)
That’s a rascally fellow there.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Vir scelestus íllic est.

[¶233] DAEMONES:
What has the rascally fellow done to you?

> Latin: Daemones:
Quíd fecit tibi
vir scelestus?

[¶234] TRACHALIO:
I wish the ancles of that fellow were smashed.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Homini ego isti talos subfringi volo.

[¶235] DAEMONES:
What’s the thing about which you are now disputing between yourselves?

> Latin: Daemones:
Quid est? qua de re litigatis nunc inter vos?

[¶236] TRACHALIO:
I’ll tell you.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Eloquar.

[¶237] GRIPUS:
No, I’ll tell you.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Immo ego eloquar.

[¶238] TRACHALIO:
I fancy I’m to move the matter first.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Ego, opinor, rem facesso.

[¶239] GRIPUS:
If indeed you were a decent person, you would be moving yourself off from here.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Si quidem
sis pudicus, hinc facessas.

[¶240] DAEMONES:
Gripus, give attention, and hold your tongue

> Latin: Daemones:
Gripe, animum advorte ac tace.

[¶241] GRIPUS:
In order that that fellow may speak first?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Vtin istic prius dicat?

[¶242] DAEMONES:
Attend, Itell you. (To TRACHALIO.) Do you say on.

> Latin: Daemones:
Audi. loquere tu.

[¶243] GRIPUS:
Will you give the right of speaking to a stranger sooner than to your own servant?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Alienon prius
quam tuo dábis orationem?

[¶244] TRACHALIO:
O dear! how impossible it is for him to be kept quiet.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Vt nequitur comprimi.

[¶245] As I was beginning to say, that Procurer, whom some little time since you turned out of the Temple of Venus—see (pointing at the wallet), he has got his wallet.

> Latin: ita ut occepi dicere, illum quem dudum ⟨e fano foras⟩
lenonem extrusisti, hic eius vidulum eccillum ⟨tenet⟩.

[¶246] GRIPUS:
I haven’t got it.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Non habeo.

[¶247] TRACHALIO:
Do you deny that which I see with my own eyes?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Negas quod oculis video?

[¶248] GRIPUS:
But I only wish you couldn’t see. I have got it, and I haven’t got it; why do you trouble yourself about me, what things I do?

> Latin: Gripvs:
At ne videas velim.
habeo, non habeo: quid tu me curas quid rerum geram?

[¶249] TRACHALIO:
In what way you got it does matter, whether rightfully or wrongfully.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quo modó habeas, id refert, iurene anne iniuria.

[¶250] GRIPUS:
If I didn’t take it in the sea, there’s not a reason why you shouldn’t deliver me up to the cross. If I took it in the sea with my net, how is it yours rather than my own?
TRACHALIO: (to DAEMONES.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
Ni istum cepi, nulla causa est quin me condones cruci;
si in mari reti prehendi, qui tuom pótiust quam meum?

[¶251] He is deceiving you; the matter happened in this way, as I am telling you.
GRIPUS:
What do you say?

> Latin: Trachalio:
Verba dat. hoc modo res gesta est ut ego dico.
Gripvs:
Quid tu ais?

[¶252] TRACHALIO:
So long as the person that has the first right to speak is speaking, do (to DAEMONES) put a check on him, please, if he belongs to you.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quod primarius vir dicat: comprime hunc sis, si tuost.

[¶253] GRIPUS:
What, do you wish the same thing to be done to myself, that your master has been accustomed to do to yourself?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quid? tu idem mihi vis fieri quod erus consuevit tibi?

[¶254] If he is in the habit of putting a check upon you, this master of ours isn’t in the habit of doing so with us.
DAEMONES: (to TRACUALIO.)

> Latin: si ille te comprimere solitust, hic noster nos non solet.

[¶255] In that remark only has he got the better of you. What do you want now? Tell me.

> Latin: Daemones:
Verbo illo modo ille vicit. quid nunc tu vis? dic mihi.

[¶256] TRACHALIO:
For my part, I neither ask for a share of that wallet there, nor have I ever said this day that it is my own; but in it there is a little casket that belongs to this female (pointing to PALAESTRA), whom a short time since I averred to be free born.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Equidem ego neque partem posco mi istinc de istoc vidulo
neque meum esse hodie umquam dixi; séd isti inest cistellula
huius mulieris, quam dudum dixi fuisse liberam.

[¶257] DAEMONES:
You are speaking of her, I suppose, whom a short time since you said was my countrywoman?

> Latin: Daemones:
Nempe tu hanc dícis quam esse aiebas dudum popularem meam?

[¶258] TRACHALIO:
Just so; and those trinkets which formerly, when little, she used to wear, are there in that casket, which is in that wallet. This thing is of no service to him, and will be of utility to her, poor creature, if he gives it up, by means of which to seek for her parents.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Admodum; et ea quae olim parva gestavit crepundia
istic ín ista cistula insunt, quae isti inest in vidulo.
hoc neque isti usust, et illi miserae suppetias feret,
si id dederit, qui suos parentis quaerat.

[¶259] DAEMONES:
I’ll make him give it up; hold your tongue.

> Latin: Daemones:
Faciam ut det. tace.

[¶260] GRIPUS:
I’ faith, I’m going to give nothing to that fellow.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Nil hercle ego sum isti daturus.

[¶261] TRACHALIO:
I ask for nothing but the casket and the trinkets.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Nil peto nisi cistulam
et crepundia.

[¶262] GRIPUS:
What if they are made of gold?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quid si ea sunt aurea?

[¶263] TRACHALIO:
What’s that to you? Gold shall be paid for gold, silver shall have its weight in silver in return.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Quid istuc tua?
aurum auro expendetur, argentum argento exaequabitur.

[¶264] GRIPUS:
Please let me see the gold; after that I’ll let you see the casket.
DAEMONES: (to GRIPUS.)

> Latin: Gripvs:
Fac sis aurum ut videam, post ego faciam ut videas cistulam.

[¶265] Do you beware of punishment, and hold your tongue. (To TRACHALIO.) As you commenced to speak do you go on.

> Latin: Daemones:
Cave malo ac tace tú. tu perge ut occepisti dicere.

[¶266] TRACHALIO:
This one thing I entreat of you, that you will have compassion on this female, if, indeed, this wallet is that Procurer’s, which I suspect it is. In this matter, I’m saying nothing of certainty to you, but only on conjecture.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Vnum te obsecro, ut ted huius commiserescat mulieris,
si quidem hic lenonis eiust vidulus, quem suspicor;
hic, nisi de opinione, certum nil dico tibi.

[¶267] GRIPUS:
Do you see how the rascal’s wheedling him?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Viden? scelestus aucupatur.

[¶268] TRACHALIO:
Allow me to say on as I commenced. If this is the wallet that belongs to that villain whose I say it is,
these women here will be able to recognize it; order him to show it to them.

> Latin: Trachalio:
Sine me ut occepi loqui.
si scelesti illius est hic, cuius dico, vidulus,
haec poterunt novisse: ostendere his iube.

[¶269] GRIPUS:
Say you so? To show it to them?

> Latin: Gripvs:
Ain? ostendere?

[¶270] DAEMONES:
He doesn’t say unreasonably, Gripus, that the wallet should be shown.

> Latin: Daemones:
Haud iniquom dicit, Gripe, ut ostendatur vidulus.

[¶271] GRIPUS:
Yes, I’ faith, confoundedly unreasonably.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Immo hercle insignite inique.

[¶272] DAEMONES:
How so?

> Latin: Daemones:
Quidum?

[¶273] GRIPUS:
Because, if I do show it, at once they’ll say, of course, that they recognize it.

> Latin: Gripvs:
Quia, si ostendero,
continuo hunc novisse dicent scilicet.