---
title: "Three Bob Day · Trinummus"
author: "Plautus"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
url: https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-trinummus/
cite: "Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, Three Bob Day · Trinummus. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-trinummus/"
---

# Three Bob Day · Trinummus

*Plautus, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

A friend guards a hidden treasure while the spendthrift son runs through the family fortune.

> Latin: ed. Friedrich Leo, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0119.phi019, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0119.phi019.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

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

## Contents

1. [Lines 1–434](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-trinummus/1.md)
2. [Lines 432–850](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-trinummus/2.md)
3. [Lines 851–1189](https://scriptura.si/works/plautus-trinummus/3.md)

## 1. Lines 1–434

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

[¶0] (Enter LUXURY and POVERTY.
LUXURY.:
Follow me this way, daughter, that you may perform your office.

> Latin: Lvxvria:
Sequere hac me, gnata, ut munus fungaris tuom.

[¶1] POVERTY.:
I am following, but I know not what to say will be the end of our journey.

> Latin: Inopia:
Sequor, sed finem fore quem dicam nescio.

[¶2] LUXURY.:’Tis here. See, this is the house. Now go you in.((Exit POVERTY, who enters the house of CHARMIDES.))
(to the AUDIENCE.) Now, that no one of you may be mistaken, in a few words
I will conduct you into the right path, if, indeed, you promise to listen to me. First, then, I will now tell you who I am, and who she is who has gone in here (pointing to the house), if you give your attention. In the first place, Plautus has given me the name of Luxury, and then he has willed that this Poverty should be my daughter.

> Latin: Lvxvria:
Adest. em illaé sunt aedes, i intro nunciam.—
nunc, ne quis erret vostrum, paucis in viam
deducam, si quidem operam dare promittitis.
nunc igitur primum quaé ego sim et quae illaec siet,
huc quae abiit intro, dicam, si animum advortitis.
primum mihi Plautus nomen Luxuriae indidit;
tum hánc mihi gnatam esse voluit Inopiam.

[¶3] But why, at my suggestion, she has just entered here, listen and give attentive ear while I inform you. There is a certain young man who is living in this house; by my assistance he has squandered away his paternal estate. Since I see that there is nothing left for him to support me,
I have given him my daughter, together with whom to pass his life. But expect nothing about the plot of this play: the old men who will come hither will disclose the matter to you. The name of this play in the Greek is “The Treasure” [Thesaurus]; Philemon wrote it: Plautus translated it into Latin,
and gave it the name of “The Three Pieces of Money” [Trinummus]. Now, he begs this of you, that it may be allowed the play to keep that name. Thus much have I to say. Farewell. Attend in silence.
(Exit.) (Enter MEGARONIDES.)
MEGARONIDES:
To reprove one’s friend for a fault that deserves it, is a thankless task; but sometimes ’tis useful
and ’tis profitable. Therefore, this day will I soundly reprove my friend for a fault that much deserves it. Unwilling am I, did not my friendship bid me do it. For this faultiness has encroached too much upon good morals, so drooping now are nearly all of them.

> Latin: sed ea huc quid introierit impulsu meo
accipite et date vocivas aures dum eloquor.
adulescens quidam est, quí in hisce habitat aedibus;
is rem paternam me adiutrice perdidit.
quoniam ei, qui me aleret, nil video esse relicui,
dedi ei meam gnatam, quicum aétatem exigat.
sed de argumento ne exspectetis fabulae:
senes qui huc venient, ei rem vobis aperient.
huic Graece nomen est Thensauro fabulae:
Philemo scripsit, Plautus vertit barbare,
nomen Trinummo fecit, nunc hoc vos rogat
ut liceat possidere hanc nomen fabulam.
tantum est. valete, adeste cum silentio.—
Megaronides:
Amicum castigare ob meritam noxiam
immoene est facinus, verum in aetate utile
et conducibile. nám ego amicum hodie meum
concastigabo pro commerita noxia,
invitus, ni id me invitet ut faciam fides.
nam hic nimium morbus mores invasit bonos;
ita plerique omnes iam sunt intermortui.

[¶4] But while they are in this distempered state, bad morals, in the mean time, have sprung up most plenteously, like well-watered plants; nor is there now anything abundant here but these same bad morals. Of them you may now reap a most plenteous harvest:
and here a set of men are making the favour of a few of much more value than that in which they may benefit the many. Thus private interests outdo that which is to the public advantage—interests which in many points are a hindrance, and a nuisance, and cause an obstruction both to private and to public welfare.
(Enter CALLICLES.)
CALLICLES: (as he enters.)

> Latin: sed dum illi aegrotant, interim mores mali
quasi herba inrigua succrevere uberrime:
eorúm licet iam metere messem maxumam,
neque quicquam hic nunc est vile nisi mores mali.
nimioque hic pluris pauciorum gratiam
faciunt pars hominum quam id quod prosint pluribus.
ita vincunt illud conducibile gratiae,
quae in rebus multis opstant odiosaeque sunt
remoramque faciunt rei privatae et publicae.

[¶5] I wish our household God to be graced with a chaplet.

> Latin: Callicles:
Larem corona nostrum decorari volo.

[¶6] Wife (addressing her within), pay him due respect, that this dwelling may turn out for us prosperous, lucky, happy, and fortunate; and (in a lower voice) that, as soon as I possibly may, I may see you dead and gone.

> Latin: uxor, venerare ut nobis haec habitatio
bona fausta felix fortunataque evenat—
teque ut quam primum possim videam emortuam.

[¶7] MEGARONIDES:
This is he who in his old age has become a child —who has been guilty of a fault that deserves correction.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Hic ille ést, senecta aetate qui factust puer,
qui admisit in se culpam castigabilem.

[¶8] I will accost the man.
CALLICLES: (looking around.)
Whose voice is it that sounds near me?

> Latin: adgrediar hominem.
Callicles:
Quoia hic vox prope me sonat?

[¶9] MEGARONIDES:
Of one who wishes you well, if you are as I desire you to be; but, if you are otherwise, of one who is your enemy, and is angry with you.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Tui benevolentis, sí ita es ut ego te volo,
sin aliter es, inimici atque irati tibi.

[¶10] CALLICLES:
Health to you, O my friend and years’-mate! How are you, Megaronides?

> Latin: Callicles:
O amice, salve, átque aequalis. ut vales,
Megaronides?

[¶11] MEGARONIDES:
And, i’ faith health to you, Callicles!

> Latin: Megaronides:
Et tu edepol salve, Callicles.

[¶12] Are you well? Have you been well?
CALLICLES:
I am well, and I have been still better.

> Latin: Callicles:
Valen? valuistin?
Megaronides:
Valeo, et valui rectius.

[¶13] MEGARONIDES:
And how does your wife do? How is she?
CALLICLES:
Better than I wish.

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid tua agit uxor? ut valet?
Megaronides:
Plus quam ego volo.

[¶14] MEGARONIDES:’Tis well, i’ faith, for you, that she is alive and well
CALLICLES:
Troth, I believe that you are glad if I have any misfortune.

> Latin: Callicles:
Bene hercle est illam tibi valere et vivere.
Megaronides:
Credo hercle te gaudere, si quid mihi mali est.

[¶15] MEGARONIDES:
That which I have, I wish for all my friends as well.

> Latin: Callicles:
Omnibus amicis quod mihi est cupio esse idem.

[¶16] CALLICLES:
Harkye, how does your wife do?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Eho tu, tua uxor quid agit?
Callicles:
Immortalis est,
vivit victuraque est.

[¶17] MEGARONIDES:
She is immortal; she lives, and is likely to live.
CALLICLES:
I’ faith, you tell me good news; and I pray the Gods that, surviving you, she may last out your life.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Bene hercle nuntias,
deosque óro ut vitae tuae superstes suppetat.

[¶18] MEGARONIDES:
By my troth! if indeed she were only married to yourself, I could wish it sincerely.

> Latin: Callicles:
Dum quidem hercle tecum nupta sit, sane velim.

[¶19] CALLICLES:
Do you wish that we should exchange?—that I should take yours, and you mine?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Vin commutemus, tuam ego ducam et tu meam?

[¶20] I’d be making you not to get a bit the better of the bargain of me.

> Latin: faxo haud tantillum dederis verborum mihi.

[¶21] MEGARONIDES:
Indeed, I fancy you would not be surprising me unawares.

> Latin: Callicles:
Namque enim tu, credo, me imprudentem obrepseris.

[¶22] CALLICLES:
Aye, faith, I should cause you not to be knowing the thing you were about.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Ne tu hercle faxo haud nescias quam rem egeris.

[¶23] MEGARONIDES:
Keep what you’ve got; the evil that we know is the best. But if I were now to take one that I know not, I should not know what to do.

> Latin: Callicles:
Habeas ut nanctu's nanctus es: nota mala res optumast.
nam ego nunc si ignotam capiam, quid agam nesciam.

[¶24] CALLICLES:
In good sooth, just as one lives a long life, one lives a happy life.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Edepol proinde ut diu vivitur, bene vivitur.

[¶25] MEGARONIDES:
But give your attention to this, and have done with your joking, for I am come hither to you for a given purpose.
CALLICLES:
Why have you come?

> Latin: sed hoc ánimum advorte atque aufer ridicularia;
nam ego dedita opera huc ad te advenio.
Callicles:
Quid venis?

[¶26] MEGARONIDES:
That I may rebuke you soundly with many harsh words.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Malis te ut verbis multis multum obiurigem.

[¶27] CALLICLES:
Me, do you say?

> Latin: Callicles:
Men?

[¶28] MEGARONIDES:
Is there any one else here besides you and me?
CALLICLES: (looking about.)

> Latin: Megaronides:
Numquis est hic alius praeter me atque te?

[¶29] There is no one.
MEGARONIDES:
Why, then, do you ask if ’tis you I mean to rebuke? Unless, indeed, you think that I am about to reprove my own self. For if your former principles now flag in you, or if the manners of the age are working a change in your disposition, and if you preserve not those of the olden time, but are catching up these new ones,
you will strike all your friends with a malady so direful, that they will turn sick at seeing and hearing you.

> Latin: Callicles:
Nemost.
Megaronides:
Quid tu igitur rogitas, tene obiurigem?
nisi tu me mihimet censes dicturum male.
nam si in te aegrotant artes antiquae tuae,
[sin immutare vis ingenium moribus]
[aut si demutant mores ingenium tuom]
[neque eos antiquos servas, ast captas novos]
omnibus amicis morbum tu incuties gravem,
ut te videre audireque aegroti sient.

[¶30] CALLICLES:
How comes it into your mind to utter these expressions?

> Latin: Callicles:
Qui in mentem venit tibi istaec dicta dicere?

[¶31] MEGARONIDES:
Because it becomes all good men and all good women to have a care to keep suspicion and guilt away from themselves.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Quia omnís bonos bonasque adcurare addecet,
suspicionem et culpam ut ab se segregent.

[¶32] CALLICLES:
Both cannot be done.

> Latin: Callicles:
Non potest utrumque fieri.

[¶33] MEGARONIDES:
Why so?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Quapropter?

[¶34] CALLICLES:
Do you ask? I am the keeper of my own heart so as not to admit guilt there; suspicion is centred in the heart of another. For if now I should suspect that you had stolen the crown from the head of Jupiter in the Capitol,
the statue which stands on the highest summit of the temple; if you had not done so, and still it should please me to suspect you, how could you prevent me from suspecting you? But I am anxious to know what this matter is.

> Latin: Callicles:
Rogas?
ne admittam culpam, ego meo sum promus pectori:
suspicio est in pectore alieno sita.
nam nunc ego si te surrupuisse suspicer
Iovi coronam de capite ex Capitolio,
qui in columine astat summo: si id non feceris
atque id tamen mihi lubeat suspicarier,
qui tu id prohibere me potes ne suspicer?
sed istúc negoti cupio scire quid siet.

[¶35] MEGARONIDES:
Have you any friend or intimate acquaintance
whose judgment is correct?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Haben tu amicum aut familiarem quempiam,
quoi pectus sapiat?

[¶36] CALLICLES:
Troth, I’ll tell you without reserve. There are some whom I know to be friends; there are some whom I suspect to be so, but whose dispositions and feelings I am unable to discover, whether they incline to the side of a friend or an enemy; but of my assured friends, you are the most assured.

> Latin: Callicles:
Edepol haud dicam dolo:
sunt quos scio esse amicos, sunt quos suspicor,
sunt quorum ingenia atque animos nequeo noscere,
ad amici partem an ad inimici pervenant;
sed tu ex amicis mi es certis certissimus.

[¶37] If you know that I have done anything unwittingly or wrongfully, and if you do not accuse me of it, then you yourself will be to blame.
MEGARONIDES:
I know it; and if I had come hither to you for any other purpose, you request what is right.

> Latin: si quid scis me fecisse inscite aut improbe,
†si id me non accusas, tute ipse obiurgandus es.
Megaronides:
Scio;
et, si alia huc causa ad te adveni, aequom postulas.

[¶38] CALLICLES:
If you have anything to say, I am waiting for it.

> Latin: Callicles:
Expecto si quid dicas.

[¶39] MEGARONIDES:
Then, first of all, you are badly spoken of in general conversation by the public.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Primumdum omnium,
male dictitatur tibi volgo in sermonibus:

[¶40] Your fellow-citizens are calling you greedy of grovelling gain; and then, again, there are others who nickname you a vulture, and say that you care but little whether you devour enemies or fellow-citizens. Since I have heard these things said against you, I have, to my misery, been sadly agitated.

> Latin: turpilucricupidum te vocant cives tui;
tum autem sunt alii, qui te volturium vocant:
hostisne an civis comedis, parvi pendere.
haec cum audio in te dici, discrucior miser.

[¶41] CALLICLES:
It is, and it is not, in my power, Megaronides:

> Latin: Callicles:
Est atque non est mi in manu, Megaronides:

[¶42] as to their saying this, that is not in my power; as to their saying this deservedly, that is in my power.

> Latin: quin dicant, non est; merito ut ne dicant, id est.

[¶43] MEGARONIDES:
Was this Charmides a friend of yours?
(He points to the house of CHARMIDES.)

> Latin: Megaronides:
Fuitne híc tibi amicus Charmides?

[¶44] CALLICLES:
He both is and he was. That you may believe it to be so, I will tell you a circumstance as a proof. For after this son of his had squandered away his fortune, and he saw himself being reduced to poverty,
and that his daughter was grown up a young woman, and that she who was both her mother and his own wife was dead; as he himself was about to go hence to Seleueia he committed to my charge the maiden his daughter, and all his property, and that profligate son.

> Latin: Callicles:
Est et fuit.
id ita esse ut credas, rem tibi auctorem dabo.
nam postquam hic eius rem confregit filius
videtque ípse ad paupertatem protractum esse se
suamque filiam esse adultam virginem,
simul eius matrem suamque uxorem mortuam,
quoniam hinc iturust ipsus in Seleuciam,
mihi conmendavit virginem gnatam suam
et rem suam omnem et illúm corruptum filium.

[¶45] These, I think, he would not have entrusted to me if he had been unfriendly to me.

> Latin: haec, si mihi inimicus esset, credo haud crederet.

[¶46] MEGARONIDES:
What say you as to the young man, who you see to be thus profligate, and who has been entrusted to your care and confidence? Why do you not reform him? Why do you not train him to frugal habits? It would have been somewhat more just for you to give attention to that matter,
if you could have somehow made him a better man, and not for you yourself to be a party to the same disreputable conduct, and share your dishonour with his disgrace?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Quid tu, adulescentem, quem esse corruptum vides,
qui tuae mandatus est fide et fiduciae,
quin eum restituis, quin ad frugem conrigis?
ei rei óperam dare te fuerat aliquanto aequius,
si qui probiorem facere posses, non uti
in eandem tute accederes infamiam
malumque ut eius cum tuo mísceres malo.

[¶47] CALLICLES:
What have I done?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid feci?

[¶48] MEGARONIDES:
That which a bad man would do.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Quod homo nequam.

[¶49] CALLICLES:
That is no name of mine.

> Latin: Callicles:
Non istuc meumst.

[¶50] MEGARONIDES:
Have you not bought this house from that young man? (A pause.) Why are you silent?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Emistin de adulescente has aedes (quid taces?)

[¶51] This, where you yourself are now living.
(He points to the house of CHARMIDES.)
CALLICLES:
I did buy it, and I gave the money for it,—forty minae, to the young man himself, into his own hand.

> Latin: ubi nunc tute habitas?
Callicles:
Emi atque argentum dedi,
minas quadraginta, adulescenti ipsi in manum.

[¶52] MEGARONIDES:
You gave the money, do you say?
CALLICLES:’Twas done; and I am not sorry ’twas done.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Dedistín argentum?
Callicles:
Factum, neque facti piget.

[¶53] MEGARONIDES:
I’ faith—a young man committed to untrusty keeping. Have you not by these means given him a sword with which to slay himself?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Edepol fide adulescentem mandatum malae.
dedistíne hoc facto ei gladium, qui se occideret?

[¶54] For, prithee, what else is it, your giving ready money to a young man who loves women, and weak in intellect, with which to complete his edifice of folly which he had already commenced?

> Latin: quid secus est aut quid interest dare te in manus
argentum amanti homini adulescenti, animi impoti,
qui exaedificaret suam incohatam ignaviam?

[¶55] CALLICLES:
Ought I not to have paid him the money?

> Latin: Callicles:
Non ego illi argentum redderem?

[¶56] MEGARONIDES:
You ought not to have paid him; nor ought you either to have bought anything of or sold anything to him;
nor should you have provided him with the means of becoming worse. Have you not taken in the person who was entrusted to you? Have you not driven out of his house the man who entrusted him to you? By my faith, a pretty trust, and a faithful guardianship! Leave him to take care of himself; he would manage his own affairs much better.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Non redderes,
neque de illo quicquam neque emeres neque venderes,
nec qui deterior esset faceres copiam.
inconciliastin eum qui mandatust tibi,
ille quí mandavit, eum exturbasti ex aedibus?
edepol mandatum pulchre et curatum probe;
crede huic tutelam: suam melius rem gesserit.

[¶57] CALLICLES:
You overpower me, Megaronides, with your accusations, in a manner so strange, that what was privately entrusted to my secrecy, fidelity, and constancy, for me to tell it to no one, nor make it public, the same I am now compelled to entrust to you.

> Latin: Callicles:
Subigis maledictis me tuis, Megaronides,
novo modo adeo, ut quod meae concreditumst
taciturnitati clam, fide et fiduciae,
ne enuntiarem quoiquam neu facerem palam,
ut mihi necesse sit iam id tibi concredere.

[¶58] MEGARONIDES:
Whatever you shall entrust to me, you shall take up the same where you have laid it down.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Mihi quod credideris sumes ubi posiveris.

[¶59] CALLICLES:
Look round you, then, that no overlooker may be near us (MEGARONIDES looks on every side); and look around every now and then, I beg of you.

> Latin: Callicles:
Circumspicedum te, ne quis adsit arbiter
nobis, et quaeso identidem circumspice.

[¶60] MEGARONIDES:
I am listening if you have aught to say.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Ausculto si quid dicas.

[¶61] CALLICLES:
If you will be silent, I will speak. At the time when Charmides set out hence for foreign parts,
he showed me a treasure in this house, here in a certain closet— (He starts as if he hears a noise.) But do look around.

> Latin: Callicles:
Si taceas, loquar.
quoniam hinc est profecturus peregre Charmides,
thensaurum demonstravit mihi in hisce aedibus,
hic in conclavi quodam—sed circumspice.

[¶62] MEGARONIDES:
There is no one.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Nemost.

[¶63] CALLICLES:
Of Philippean pieces to the number of three thousand. Alone with myself, in tears, he entreated me, by our friendship and by my honour, not to entrust this to his son, nor yet to any one, from whom that might come to his knowledge.
Now, if he comes back hither safe, I will restore to him his own. But if anything should happen to him, at all events I have a stock from which to give a marriage-portion to his daughter, who has been entrusted to me, that I may settle her in a condition of life that befits her.

> Latin: Callicles:
Nummorum Philippeum ad tria milia.
id solus solum per amicitiam et per fidem
flens me obsecravit suo ne gnato crederem
neu quoiquam unde ad eum id posset permanascere.
nunc si ille huc salvos revenit, reddam suom sibi;
si quid eo fuerit, certe illius filiae,
quae mihi mandatast, habeo dotem únde dem,
ut eam in se dignam condicionem conlocem.

[¶64] MEGARONIDES:
O ye immortal gods! how soon, in a few words, you have made another man of me; I came to you quite a different person. But, as you have begun, proceed further to inform me.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Pro di immortales, verbis paucis quam cito
alium fecisti me, alius ad te veneram.
sed ut occepisti, perge porro proloqui.

[¶65] CALLICLES:
What shall I tell you? How that this worthless fellow had almost utterly ruined his caution and my own trustiness and all the secret.

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid tibi ego dicam, qui illius sapientiam
et meam fidelitatem et celata omnia
paene ille ignavos funditus pessum dedit.

[¶66] MEGARONIDES:
How so?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Quidum?

[¶67] CALLICLES:
Because, while I was in the country for only six days, in my absence and without my knowledge, without consulting me, he advertised with bills this house for sale.

> Latin: Callicles:
Quia, ruri dum sum ego unos sex dies,
me apsente atque insciente, inconsultu meo,
aedis venalis hasce inscripsit litteris.

[¶68] MEGARONIDES:
The wolf hungered the more, and opened his mouth the wider;
he watched till the dog went to sleep; and intended to carry off the whole entire flock.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Adesurivit magis et ínhiavit acrius
lupus, observavit dum dormitarent canes:
gregem universum voluit totum avortere.

[¶69] CALLICLES:
I’ faith, he would have done it, if the dogs had not perceived this in time. But now, in my turn, I wish to ask you this: let me know what it was my duty for me to do.

> Latin: Callicles:
Fecisset edepol, ni haec praesensisset canes.
sed nunc rogare ego vicissim te volo:
quid fuit officium meum me facere? face sciam;

[¶70] Whether was it right for me to discover the treasure to him, against which very thing his father had cautioned me, or should I have permitted another person to become the owner of this house? Ought that money to have belonged to him who bought the house? In preference, I myself bought the house; I gave the money
for the sake of the treasure, that I might deliver it safe to my friend. I have not, then, bought this house either for myself or for my own use; for Charmides have I bought it back again; from my own store have I paid the money. This, whether it has been done rightfully or wrongfully, I own, Megaronides, that I have done.

> Latin: utrum indicare me ei thensaurum aequom fuit,
adversum quam eius me opsecravisset pater,
an ego alium dominum paterer fieri hisce aedibus?
qui emisset, eius essetne ea pecunia?
emi egomet potius aedis, argentum dedi
thensauri causa, ut salvom amico traderem.
neque adeo hasce emi mihi nec usurae meae:
illi redemi rusum, a me argentum dedi.
haec sunt: si recte seu pervorse facta sunt,
ego me fecisse confiteor, Megaronides.

[¶71] Here, then, are my misdeeds; here, then, is my avarice. Is it for these things that they spread false reports against me?

> Latin: em mea malefacta, em meam aváritiam tibi;
hascine propter res maledicas famas ferunt.

[¶72] MEGARONIDES:
Stay—you have overcome your corrector. You have tied my tongue; there is nothing for me to say in answer.

> Latin: Megaronides:
παῦσαι, vicisti castigatorem tuom:
occlusti linguam, nihil est quod respondeam.

[¶73] CALLICLES:
Now I entreat you to aid me with your assistance and counsel,
and to share this duty of mine in common with me.

> Latin: Callicles:
Nunc ego te quaeso ut me opera et consilio iuves
communicesque hanc mecum meam provinciam.

[¶74] MEGARONIDES:
I promise you my assistance.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Polliceor operam.

[¶75] CALLICLES:
Where, then, will you be a short time hence?

> Latin: Callicles:
Ergo ubi eris paulo post?

[¶76] MEGARONIDES:
At home.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Domi.

[¶77] CALLICLES:
Do you wish anything else?

> Latin: Callicles:
Numquid vis?

[¶78] MEGARONIDES:
Attend to the trust reposed in you.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Cures tuam fidem.

[¶79] CALLICLES:
That is being carefully done.

> Latin: Callicles:
Fíet sedulo.

[¶80] MEGARONIDES:
But how say you—?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Sed quid ais?

[¶81] CALLICLES:
What do you want?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid vis?

[¶82] MEGARONIDES:
Where is the young man living now?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Vbi nunc adulescens habet?

[¶83] CALLICLES:
This back part of the building he retained when he sold the house.

> Latin: Callicles:
Posticulum hoc recepit, quom aedis vendidit.

[¶84] MEGARONIDES:
That I wanted to know. Now, then, go at once. But what say you, where is the damsel now? She is at your house, I suppose?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Istuc volebam scire. i sane nunciam.
sed quid ais? quid nunc virgo? nempe apud te ést?

[¶85] CALLICLES:
She is so; I take care of her almost as much as of my own daughter.

> Latin: Callicles:
Itast,
iuxtaque eam cúro cum mea.

[¶86] MEGARONIDES:
You act properly.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Recte facis.

[¶87] CALLICLES:
Before I go away, are you going to ask me anything else?

> Latin: Callicles:
Numquid, prius quam abeo, me rogaturu's rogaturus es?—

[¶88] MEGARONIDES:
Farewell. (Exit CALLICLES.) Really, there is nothing more foolish or more stupid,
nothing more lying or indeed more tattling, more self-conceited or more forsworn, than those men of this city everlastingly gossiping about, whom they call Busybodies. And thus have I enlisted myself in their ranks together with them; who have been the swallower of the false tales
of those who pretend that they know everything, and yet know nothing. They know, forsooth, what each person either has in his mind, or is likely to have; they know what the king whispered in the ear of the queen; they know what Juno talked about in conversation with Jupiter; that which neither is nor is likely to be, do these fellows know.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Vale.
nihil est profecto stultius neque stolidius
neque mendaciloquius neque argutum magis,
neque confidentiloquius neque peiurius,
quam urbani assidui cives, quos scurras vocant.
atque egomet me adeo cum illis una ibidem traho,
qui illorum verbis falsis acceptor fui,
qui omnia se simulant scire neque quicquam sciunt.
quod quísque in animo habet aut habiturust sciunt,
sciunt íd quod in aurem rex reginae dixerit,
sciunt quod Iuno fabulatast cum Iove;
quae neque futura neque sunt, tamen illi sciunt.

[¶89] Whether they praise or dispraise any one they please, falsely or truly, they care not a straw, so they know that which they choose to know. All people were in the habit of saying that this Callicles was unworthy of this state, and, himself, to exist, who had despoiled this young man of his property.

> Latin: falson an vero laudent, culpent quem velint,
non flocci faciunt, dum illud quod lubeat sciant.
omnes mortales hunc aiebant Calliclem
indignum civitate hac esse et vivere,
bonis qui hunc adulescentem evortisset suis.

[¶90] From the reports of these tale-bearers, in my ignorance I rushed forward to rebuke my guiltless friend. But if the authority was always required from the foundation, upon which they speak of anything they have heard, unless that clearly appeared, the matter ought to be to the peril and loss of the tale-bearer.
If this were so, it would be for the public benefit. I would cause those to be but few, who now that which they do not know, and I would make them have their silly chattering more restricted.
(Exit.) (Enter LYSITELES.)
LYSITELES:
I am revolving many things in my mind at once, and much uneasiness do I find in thinking upon them.

> Latin: ego de eórum verbis famigeratorum insciens
prosilui amicum castigatum innoxium.
quod si exquiratur usque ab stirpe auctoritas,
unde quídquid auditum dicant, nisi id appareat,
famigeratori res sit cum damno et malo,
hoc ita si fiat, publico fiat bono,
pauci sint faxim qui sciant quod nesciunt,
occlusioremque habeant stultiloquentiam.—
Lysiteles:
Multás res simítu in meó corde vórso,
multum ín cogitándo dolórem indipíscor:

[¶91] I tease, and fret, and wear myself out; a mind that enjoins a hard task is now my master. But this thing is not clear to me, nor has it been enough studied by me, which pursuit of these two I should rather follow for myself; which of the two I should think of the greater stability for passing my life therein:

> Latin: egomét me coquo ét macero ét defetígo,
magíster mihi éxercitór animus núnc est.
sed hóc non liquét neque satís cogitátumst,
utrám potius hárum mihi ártem expetéssam,
utram aétati agúndae arbitrér firmiórem:

[¶92] whether it were preferable for me to devote myself to love or to aggrandisement; in which alternative there is more enjoyment of life in passing one’s days. On this point I am not fully satisfied. But this I think I’ll do, that I may weigh both the points together, I must be both judge and culprit in this trial:

> Latin: amórin med án rei opsequí potius pár sit,
utra ín parte plús sit volúptatis vítae
ad aetatem agundam.
de hac ré mihi satis haú liquet; nisi hóc sic faciam, opínor,
ut utrámque rem simul éxputem, iudéx sim reusque ad eám rem.

[¶93] I’ll do so—I like it much. First of all, I will enlarge upon the pursuits of love, how they conduce to one’s welfare. Love never expects any but the willing man to throw himself in his toils; these he seeks for, these he follows up, and craftily counsels against their interests. He is a fawning flatterer, a rapacious grappler, a deceiver,
a sweet-tooth, a spoiler, a corrupter of men who court retirement, a pryer into secrets. For he that is in love, soon as ever he has been smitten with the kisses of the object that he loves, forthwith his substance vanishes out of doors and melts away. “Give me this thing, my honey, if you love me, if you possibly can.”

> Latin: ita fáciam, ita placet; omniúm primum
Amóris artis eloquar quem ad modum expediant.
numquam Ámor quemquam nisi cúpidum hominem
postulát se in plagas conícere:
eos cúpit, eos consectátur;
súbdole [blanditur] ab re cónsulit,
blandíloquentulus, harpagó, mendax,
cuppés, avarus, élegans, despoliator,
latebrícolarum hominum córruptor,
[blandus] inops célatum indagátor.
nam quí amat quod amat quom éxtemplo
saviís sagittatis pérculsust,
ílico rés foras lábitur, líquitur.
“dá mihi hoc, mél meum, sí me amas, si aúdes”.

[¶94] And then this gudgeon says: “O apple of my eye, be it so: both that shall be given you, and still more, if you wish it to be given.” Then does she strike while he is wavering; and now she begs for more. Not enough is this evil, unless there is still something more—what to eat, what to drink. A thing that creates a further expense,
the favour of a night is granted; a whole family is then introduced for her—a wardrobe-woman a perfume-keeper, a cofferer, fan-bearers, sandal-bearers, singing-girls, casket-keepers, messengers, news-carriers, so many wasters of his bread and substance. The lover himself, while to them he is complaisant, becomes a beggar.

> Latin: ibi ille cuculus: “ocelle mi, fiat:
ét istuc et si ámplius vís dari, dábitur.”
ibi ílla pendentém ferit: iam amplius orat;
nón satis id ést mali, ni ámplius étiam,
quód ecbibit, quód comest, quód facit súmpti.
nóx datur: dúcitur fámilia tóta,
véstiplica, unctor, auri custos, flabelliferae, sandaligerulae,
cantrices, cistellatrices, nuntii, renuntii,
raptóres panis et peni;
fit ípse, dum illis comis est, inóps amator.

[¶95] When I revolve these things in my mind, and when I reflect how little one is valued when he is in need; away with you, Love—I like you not—no converse do I hold with you. Although ’tis sweet to feast and to carouse, Love still gives bitters enough to be distasteful.

> Latin: haec égo quom ago cúm meo animo ét recolo,
ubi quí eget, quam preti sít parvi:
apagé te, Amor, nón places níl te utor;
quamquam íllud est dúlce, esse ét bibere,
Amór amara dát tamen, satis quod aegre sit:

[¶96] He avoids the Courts of justice, he drives away your relations, and drives yourself away from your own contemplation. Nor do men wish that he should be called their friend. In a thousand ways is Love to be held a stranger, to be kept at a distance, and to be wholly abstained from.
For he who plunges into love, perishes more dreadfully than if he leapt from a rock. Away with you, Love, if you please; keep your owns property to yourself. Love, never be you a friend of mine; some there are, however, whom, in their misery, you may keep miserable and wretched—
those whom you have easily rendered submissive to yourself. My fixed determination is to apply my mind to my advancement in life, although, in that, great labour is undergone by the mind. Good men wish these things for themselves, gain, credit, and honour, glory, and esteem; these are the rewards of the upright.

> Latin: fugit fórum, fugitat suos cógnatos,
fugat ípsus se ab suo cóntutu,
neque eúm sibi amicum vólunt dici.
millé modis, Amor, ignórandu's ignorandus es,
procul abhibendu's abhibendus es atque abstandu's abstandus es,
nam qui ín amorem praecípitavit,
peiús perit quasi saxó saliat:
apagé te, Amor, tuas res tíbi habeto,
Amor, míhi amicus ne fúas umquam;
sunt támen quos miseros máleque habeas,
quos tíbi obnoxios fecísti.
certúmst ad frugem adplicáre animum,
quamquam íbi labos grandis cápitur.
boni síbi haec expetúnt, rem, fídem, honorem,
gloriam ét gratiam: hoc probis prétiumst.

[¶97] It delights me, then, the more, to live together with the upright rather than with the deceitful promulgators of lies.
(Enter PHILTO.)
PHILTO: (looking about.)

> Latin: eo míhi magis lubet cum próbis potius
quam cum ímprobis vivere vánidicis.

[¶98] Where has this man betaken himself out of doors from the house?
LYSITELES: (coming up to him.)
I am here, father; command me what you will, and I shall cause no delay to you, nor will I hide myself in any skulking-place out of your sight.

> Latin: Philto:
Quo illíc homo foras se pénetravit ex
aedíbus?
Lysiteles:
Pater, adsum, imperá quidvis,
neque tíbi ero in mora neque látebrose
me abs tuó conspectu occúltabo.

[¶99] PHILTO:
You will be doing what is consonant to the rest of your conduct if you reverence your father. By your duty to me, my son, I wish you, for my sake, not to hold any converse with profligate men, either in the street or in the Forum. I know this age—what its manners are.

> Latin: Philto:
Féceris pár tuis ceteris fáctis,
patrém tuom si pércoles per pietatem.
nólo ego cum ímprobis té viris, gnáte mi,
neque ín via, neque ín foro necúllum sermonem éxsequi
nóvi ego hoc saeculum móribus quíbus siet:

[¶100] The bad man wishes the good man to be bad, that he may be like himself. The wicked, the rapacious, the covetous, and the envious, disorder and confound the morals of the age: a crew gaping for gain, they hold the sacred thing as profane—the public advantage as the private emolument. At these things do I grieve, these are the matters that torment me. These things am I constantly repeating both day and night, that you may use due precaution against them.

> Latin: malús bonum malum ésse volt, ut sít sui similis;
turbánt, miscent morés mali: rapáx avarus ínvidus
sacrúm profanum, públicum privátum habent, hiúlca gens.
haec égo doleo, haec súnt quae me excruciánt, haec dies
noctésque tibi canto út caveas.

[¶101] They only deem it right to keep their hands off that which they cannot touch with their hands; as to the rest, seize it, carry it off, keep it, be off and go hide, that is the word with them. These things, when I behold them, draw tears from me, because I have survived to see such a race of men. Why have I not rather descended to the dead ere this?

> Latin: quod mánu non queunt tangére tantum fas hábent quo manus abstíneant,
cetéra: rape trahe, fuge láte—lacrumas
haec míhi quom video elíciunt,
quia ego ád hoc genus hominum dúravi.
quin príus me ad plures pénetravi?

[¶102] For these men praise the manners of our ancestors, and defile those same persons whom they commend. With regard, then, to these pursuits, I enjoin you not to taint your disposition with them. Live after my fashion, and according to the ancient manners; what I am prescribing to you, the same do you remember and practise. I have no patience with these fashionable manners, upsetting preconceived notions, with which good men are now disgracing themselves.

> Latin: nam hi móres maiorúm laudant, eosdém lutitant quos cónlaudant.
hisce égo de artibus gratiám facio, ne cólas neve imbuas íngenium.
meo módo et moribus vivito ántiquis,
quae ego tíbi praecipio, ea fácito.
nihil égo istos moror faeceós mores, turbidós, quibus boni dedécorant se.

[¶103] If you follow these my injunctions to you, many a good maxim will take root in your breast.

> Latin: haec tíbi si mea imperiá capesses, multá bona in pectore cónsident.

[¶104] LYSITELES:
From my earliest youth, even up to this present age, I have always, father, paid all submission to the injunctions you have given. So far as my nature was concerned, I considered that I was free; so far as your injunctions were concerned, I deemed it proper that my mind should pay all submission to you.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Sémper ego usque ad hanc aetatem ab ineunte adulescentia
tuis servivi servitutem imperiis [et] praeceptis, pater.
pro ingenio ego me liberum esse ratus sum, pro imperio tuo
meum animum tibi servitutem servire aequom censui.

[¶105] PHILTO:
The man who is struggling with his inclination from his earliest age, whether he ought to prefer to be so, as his inclination thinks it proper that he should be, or whether, rather so as his parents and his relations wish him to be—if his inclination conquers that man, it is all over with him; he is the slave of his inclination and not of himself. But if he conquers his inclination, he truly lives and shall be famed as a conqueror of conquerors.

> Latin: Philto:
Quí homo cum animo inde ab ineunte aetate depugnat suo,
utrum itane esse mavelit ut eum animus aequom censeat,
an ita potius ut parentes eum esse et cognati velint:
si animus hominem pepulit, actumst: animo servit, non sibi;
si ipse animum pepulit, dum vivit victor victorum cluet.

[¶106] If you have conquered your inclination rather than your inclination you, you have reason to rejoice.’Tis better by far that you should be such as you ought to be, than such as pleases your inclination. Those who conquer the inclination will ever be esteemed better men than those whom the inclination subdues.

> Latin: tu si animum vicisti potius quam animus te, est quod gaudeas.
nimio satiust, ut opust té ita ésse, quam ut animo lubet:
qui animum vincunt, quam quos animus, semper probiores cluent.

[¶107] LYSITELES:
I have ever esteemed these maxims as the shield of my youthful age; never to betake myself to any place where vice was the order of the day,
never to go to stroll about at night, nor to take from another that which is his. I have taken all precautions, my father, that I might not cause you uneasiness; I have ever kept your precepts in due preservation by my own rule of conduct.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Istaec ego mi semper habui aetati integumentum meae;
ne penetrarem me usquam ubi esset damni conciliabulum
neu noctu irem obambulatum neu suom adimerem alteri
neu tibi aegritudinem, pater, párerem, parsi sedulo:
sarta tecta tua praecepta usque habui mea modestia.

[¶108] PHILTO:
And do you reproach me, because you have acted aright? For yourself have you done so, not for me: my life, indeed, is nearly past; this matter principally concerns your own.

> Latin: Philto:
Quid exprobras? bene quod fecisti tibi fecisti, non mihi;
mihi quidem aetas actast ferme: tua istuc refert maxime.

[¶109] Keep on overlaying good deeds with other good deeds, that the rain may not come through. He is the upright man who is not content with it, however upright and however honest he may chance to be. He who readily gives satisfaction to himself, is not the upright man, nor is he really honest: he who thinks but meanly of himself, in him is there a tendency to well-doing.

> Latin: is probus est quem paenitet quam probus sit et frugi bonae;
qui ipsus sibi satis placet, nec probus est nec frugi bonae:
[qui ipsus se contemnit, in eost indoles industriae.]
bene facta bene factis aliis pertegito, ne perpluant.

[¶110] LYSITELES:
For this reason, father, I have thought that since there is a certain thing that I wish for,
I would request it of you.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Ob eam rem haec, pater, autumavi, quia res quaedamst quam volo
ego me abs te exorare.

[¶111] PHILTO:
What is it? I am already longing to give assent.

> Latin: Philto:
Quid id est? dare iam veniam gestio.

[¶112] LYSITELES:
A young man here, of noble family, my friend and years’ mate, who has managed his own affairs but heedlessly and unthinkingly—I wish, father, to do him a service, if you are not unwilling.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Adulescenti hinc genere summo, amico atque aequali meo,
minus qui caute et cogitate suam rem tractavit, pater,
bene volo ego illi facere, si tu non nevis.

[¶113] PHILTO:
From your own means, I suppose?

> Latin: Philto:
Nempe dé tuo?

[¶114] LYSITELES:
From my own means—for what is yours is mine, and all mine is yours.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
De meo: nam quod tuomst meumst, ómne meumst autem tuom.

[¶115] PHILTO:
What is he doing? Is he in want?

> Latin: Philto:
Quid is? egetne?

[¶116] LYSITELES:
He is in want.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Eget.

[¶117] PHILTO:
Had he property?

> Latin: Philto:
Habuitne rem?

[¶118] LYSITELES:
He had.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Habuit.

[¶119] PHILTO:
How did he lose it? Was he connected with public business, or with commercial matters? Had he merchandise or wares to sell, when he lost his property?

> Latin: Philto:
Quí eam perdidit?
publicisne adfinis fuit an maritumis negotiis?
mercaturan, an venales habuit ubi rem perdidit?

[¶120] LYSITELES:
None of these.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Nihil istorum.

[¶121] PHILTO:
What then?

> Latin: Philto:
Quid igitur?

[¶122] LYSITELES:
I’ faith, my father, by his good-nature. Besides, to indulge his tastes, he wasted some part of it in luxury.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Per comitatem edepol, pater;
praeterea aliquantum animi causa in deliciis disperdidit.

[¶123] PHILTO:
By my troth now! a fellow spoken of boldly, and as on familiar terms;—one, indeed, who has never dissipated his fortune by any good means, and is now in want. I cannot brook that, with qualities of that description, he should be your friend.

> Latin: Philto:
Edepol hominem praemandatum ferme familiariter,
qui quidem núsquam per virtutem rem confregit, atque eget;
nil moror eum tíbi esse amicum cum eius modi virtutibus.

[¶124] LYSITELES:’Tis because he is without any bad disposition that I wish to relieve his wants.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Quia sine omni malitiast, tolerare eius égestatem volo.

[¶125] PHILTO:
He deserves ill of a beggar who gives him what to eat or to drink;

> Latin: Philto:
De mendico male meretur qui ei dat quod edit aut bibat;

[¶126] for he both loses that which he gives and prolongs for the other a life of misery. I do not say this because I am unwilling and would not readily do what you desire; but when I apply these expressions to that same person, I am warning you beforehand, so to have compassion on others, that others may not have to pity you.

> Latin: nam et illud quod dat perdit ét illi prodit vitam ad miseriam.
non eo haec díco, quin quae tu vis ego velim et faciam lubens:
sed ego hoc verbum quom illi quoidam dico, praemonstro tibi,
ut ita te aliorum miserescat, ne tis alios misereat.

[¶127] LYSITELES:
I am ashamed to desert him, and to deny him aid in his adversity.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Deserere illum et deiuvare in rebus advorsis pudet.

[¶128] PHILTO:
I’ troth, shame is preferable to repentance by just as many letters as it consists of.

> Latin: Philto:
Pol pudere quam pigere praestat, totidem litteris.

[¶129] LYSITELES:
In good sooth, father, by the care of the Gods, and of my forefathers, and your own, I may say that we possess much property, honestly obtained. If you do a service to a friend, it ought not to make you repent that you have done so; it ought rather to cause you shame if you do not do it.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Edepol, deum virtute dicam, pater, et maiorum et tua
multa bóna bene parta habemus, bene si amico feceris
ne pigeat fecisse, ut potius pudeat si non feceris.

[¶130] PHILTO:
If from great wealth you subtract something, does it become more or less?

> Latin: Philto:
De magnis divitiis si quid demas, plus fit an minus?

[¶131] LYSITELES:
Less, father. But do you know what is wont to be repeated to the niggardly citizen? “That which thou hast mayst thou not have, and mayst thou have that misfortune which thou hast not; since thou canst neither endure it to be enjoyed by thyself nor by another.”

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Minus, pater; sed civi immuni scin quid cantari solet?
“quod habes né habeas et illúc quod non habes habeas, malum,
quandoquidem nec tibi bene esse pote pati neque alteri.”

[¶132] PHILTO:
I know, indeed, that so it usually is: but, my son, he is the truly niggardly man that has nought with which to pay his dues.

> Latin: Philto:
Scio equidem istuc ita solere fieri; verum, gnate mi,
is est immunis, cui nihil est qui munus fungatur suom.

[¶133] LYSITELES:
By the care of the Gods, we have, father, both enough for us to enjoy ourselves, and with which to do kind offices to kind-hearted men.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Deum virtute habemus et qui nosmet utamur, pater,
et aliis qui comitati simus benevolentibus.

[¶134] PHILTO:
Troth, I am not able to refuse you anything that you; ask of me. Whose poverty do you wish to relieve? Speak out boldly to your father.

> Latin: Philto:
Non edepol tibi pernegare possum quicquam quod velis.
cuí egestatem tolerari vis? eloquere audacter patri.

[¶135] LYSITELES:
That of this young man Lesbonicus, the son of Charmides, who lives there.
(He points to the house of CHARMIDES.)

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Lesbonico huic adulescenti, Charmidai filio,
qui illic habitat.

[¶136] PHILTO:
Why, hasn’t he devoured both what he had, and what he had not?

> Latin: Philto:
Quin comedit quod fuit, quod non fuit?

[¶137] LYSITELES:
Censure him not, my father: many things happen to a man which he likes, many, too, which he does not like.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Ne opprobra, pater; múlta eveniunt homini quae volt, quae nevolt.

[¶138] PHILTO:
Troth, you say falsely, son; and you are doing so now not according to your usual wont. For the prudent man, i’ faith, really frames his own fortunes for himself: many things, therefore, do not happen which he does not like, unless he is a bungling workman.

> Latin: Philto:
Mentire edepol, gnate, atque id nunc facis haud consuetudine.
nam sapiens quidem pol ipsus fingit fortunam sibi:
eo non multa quae nevolt eveniunt, nisi fictor malust.

[¶139] LYSITELES:
Much labour is requisite for this workmanship in him who seeks to be a clever workman in fashioning his life—but he is still very young.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Multa illi opera opust ficturae, qui se fictorem probum
vitae agundae esse expetit: sed hic admodum adulescentulust.

[¶140] PHILTO:
Not by years but by disposition is wisdom acquired. Age is the relish of wisdom—wisdom is the nutriment of old age. However, come, say what you wish now to give him.

> Latin: Philto:
Non aetate, verum ingenio apiscitur sapientia;
sapienti aetas condimentum, sapiens aetati cibust.
agedum eloquere, quid dare illi nunc vis?

[¶141] LYSITELES:
Nothing at all, father.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Nil quicquam, pater;

[¶142] Do you only not hinder me from accepting it if he should give anything to me.

> Latin: tu modo ne me prohibeas accipere, si quid det mihi.

[¶143] PHILTO:
And will you be relieving his poverty by that, if you shall accept anything of him?

> Latin: Philto:
An eo egestatem ei tolerabis, si quid ab illo acceperis?

[¶144] LYSITELES:
By that very means, my father.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Eo, pater.

[¶145] PHILTO:
Faith, I wish that you would instruct me in that method.

> Latin: Philto:
Pol ego istam volo me rationem edoceas.

[¶146] LYSITELES:
Certainly. Do you know of what family he is born?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Licet.
scin tu illum quo genere natus sit?

[¶147] PHILTO:
I know—of an extremely honourable one.

> Latin: Philto:
Scio, adprime probo.

[¶148] LYSITELES:
He has a sister—a fine young woman now grown up: I wish, father,
to take her without a portion for my wife.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Soror illi est adulta virgo grandis: eam cupio, pater,
ducere uxorem sine dote.

[¶149] PHILTO:
A wife without a portion?

> Latin: Philto:
Sine dote uxorem?

[¶150] LYSITELES:
Just so—your riches saved as well. By these means you will be conferring an extreme favour on him, and in no way could you help him to greater advantage.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Ita;
tua re salva hoc pacto ab illo summam inibis gratiam,
neque commodius ullo pacto ei poteris auxiliarier.

[¶151] PHILTO:
Am I to suffer you to take a wife without a portion?

> Latin: Philto:
Egone indotatam te uxorem ut patiar?

[¶152] LYSITELES:
You must suffer it, father; and by these means you will be giving an estimable character to our family.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Patiundumst, pater;
et eo pacto addideris nostrae lepidam famam familiae.

[¶153] PHILTO:
I could give utterance to many a learned saying, and very fluently too: this old age of mine retains stories of old and ancient times. But, since I see that you are courting friendship and esteem for our family, although I have been opposed to you, I thus give my decision—I will permit you; ask for the girl, and marry her.

> Latin: Philto:
Multa ego possum docta dicta et quamvis facunde loqui,
historiam veterem atque antiquam haec mea senectus sustinet;
verum ego quando te et amicitiam et gratiam in nostram domum
video adlicere, etsi adversatus tibi fui, istac iudico:
tibi permitto; posce, duce.

[¶154] LYSITELES:
May the Gods preserve you to me.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Di te servassint mihi.

[¶155] But, to this favour add one thing.
PHILTO:
But what is this one thing?

> Latin: sed adde ad istam gratiam unum.
Philto:
Quid id est autem unum?

[¶156] LYSITELES:
I will tell you. Do you go to him, do you solicit him, and do you ask for her yourself.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Eloquar.
tute ad eum adeas, tute concilies, tute poscas.

[¶157] PHILTO:
Think of that now.

> Latin: Philto:
Eccere.

[¶158] LYSITELES:
You will transact it much more speedily: all will be made sure of that you do. One word of yours in this matter will be of more consequence than a hundred of mine.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Nimio citius transiges: firmum omne erit quod tu egeris.
gravius tuom erit unum verbum ad eam rem quam centum mea.

[¶159] PHILTO:
See, now, how, in my kindness, I have undertaken this matter.

> Latin: Philto:
Ecce autem in benignitate hoc repperi, negotium.

[¶160] My assistance shall be given.
LYSITELES:
You really are a kind father. This is the house here he dwells. (He points to the house of CHARMIDES.) Lesbonicus is his name. Mind and attend to the business; I will await you at home.
(Exit.) (PHILTO, alone.)

> Latin: dabitur opera.
Lysiteles:
Lepidus vivis. haec sunt aedes, hic habet;
Lesbonico est nomen. age, rem cura. ego te opperiar domi.—

[¶161] PHILTO:
These things are not for the best, nor as I think they ought to be; but still, they are better than that which is downright bad. But this one circumstance consoles myself and my thoughts-namely,
that he who counsels in respect to a son nothing else but that which pleases himself alone, only plays the fool; he becomes wretched in mind, and yet he is no nearer bringing it about. He is preparing a very inclement winter for his own old age when he arouses that unseasonable storm.

> Latin: Philto:
Non optuma haec sunt, neque ut ego aequom censeo;
verum meliora sunt quam quae deterruma.
sed hoc me únum consolatur atque animum meum,
quia qui nihil aliud nisi quod sibi soli placet
consulit advorsum filium, nugas agit:
miser ex animo fit, factius nihilo facit.
suae senectúti is acriorem hiemem parat,
quom illam importunam tempestatem conciet.

[¶162] (The door of the house of CHARMIDES opens.) But the house is opened to which I was going; most conveniently, Lesbonicus himself is coming out of doors with his servant.
(PHILTO retires to a distance.) (Enter LESBONICUS and STASIMUS.)

> Latin: sed aperiuntur aedes quo ibam: commodum
ipse exit Lesbonicus cum servo foras.

[¶163] LESBONICUS:’Tis less than fifteen days since you received from Callicles forty minae for this house; is it not as I say, Stasimus?
STASIMUS:
When I consider,
I think I remember that it was so.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Minus quíndecim dies sunt, quom pro hisce aedibus
minas quadraginta accepisti a Callicle.
estne hoc quod dico, Stasime?
Stasimvs:
Quom considero,
meminisse videor fieri.

[¶164] LESBONICUS:
What has been done with it?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Quid factumst eo?

[¶165] STASIMUS:
It has been eaten and drunk up—spent away in unguents, washed away in baths. The fishmonger and the baker have carried it off: butchers, too, and cooks, green-grocers, perfumers, and poulterers;’twas quickly consumed. I’ faith! that money was made away with not less speedily
than if you were to throw a poppy among the ants.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Comessum, expotum; exussum: elotum in balineis,
piscator, pistor apstulit, lanii, coqui,
holitores, myropolae, aucupes: confit cito;
non hercle minus divorse distrahitur cito,
quam si tu obicias formicis papaverem.

[¶166] LESBONICUS:
By my troth, less has been spent on those items than six minae?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Minus hercle in istis rebus sumptumst sex minis.

[¶167] STASIMUS:
Besides, what have you given to your mistresses?

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quid quod dedisti scortis?

[¶168] LESBONICUS:
That I am including as well in it.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Ibidem una traho.

[¶169] STASIMUS:
Besides, what have I pilfered of it?

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quid quod égo defrudavi?

[¶170] LESBONICUS:
Aye, that item is a very heavy one.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Em, istaec ratio maxumast.

[¶171] STASIMUS:
That cannot so appear to you, if you make all due deductions,
unless you think that your money is everlasting.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Non tibi illud apparere, si sumas, potest;
nisi tu immortale rere esse argentum tibi.

[¶172] (Aside.) Too late and unwisely,—a caution that should have been used before,—after he has devoured his substance, he reckons up the account too late.

> Latin: Philto:
Sero atque stulte, prius quod cautum oportuit,
postquam comedit rem, post rationem putat.

[¶173] LESBONICUS:
The account, however, of this money is by no means clear.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Nequaquam argenti ratio comparet tamen.

[¶174] STASIMUS:
I’ faith, the account is very clear: the money’s gone.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Ratio quidem hercle apparet: argentum οἴχεται.

[¶175] Did you not receive forty minae from Callicles, and did he not receive from you the house in possession?
LESBONICUS:
Very good.
PHILTO: (aside.)

> Latin: minas quadraginta accepisti a Callicle,
et ille aédis mancipio abs te accepit?
Lesbonicvs:
Admodum.

[¶176] Troth, I think our neighbour has sold his house. When his father shall come from abroad, his place is in the beggar’s gate, unless, perchance, he should creep into his son’s stomach.

> Latin: Philto:
Pol opino adfinis noster aedis vendidit;
pater quom peregre veniet, in portast locus,
nisi forte in ventrem filio conrepserit.

[¶177] STASIMUS:
There were a thousand Olympic drachmae paid to the banker, which you were owing upon account.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Trapezítae mille drachumarúm Olympico,
quas de ratione dehibuisti, redditae?

[¶178] LESBONICUS:
Those, I suppose, that I was security for?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Nempe quás spopondi.

[¶179] STASIMUS:
Say, rather, “Those that I paid down”—for that young man whom you used to say was so rich.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Immó “quas dependi” inquito
[†qua sponsione pronuper tu exactus es]
pro illo adulescente, quem tu esse aibas divitem.

[¶180] LESBONICUS:
It was so done.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Factum.

[¶181] STASIMUS:
Yes, just to be squandered away.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Vt quidem illud perierit.

[¶182] LESBONICUS:
That was done as well.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Factum id quoque est.

[¶183] But I saw him in a pitiable state, and I did have pity on him.

> Latin: nam nunc eum vidi miserum et me eius miseritumst.

[¶184] STASIMUS:
You have pity on others, and you have neither pity nor shame for yourself.
PHILTO: (aside.)

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Miseret te aliorum, tui nec miseret nec pudet.

[¶185] ’Tis time to accost him.
LESBONICUS:
Is this Philto that is coming here? Troth,’tis he himself.

> Latin: Philto:
Tempust adeundi.
Lesbonicvs:
Éstne hic Philto qui advenit?
is herclest ipsus.

## 2. Lines 432–850

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

[¶0] STASIMUS:
I’ faith, I could wish he was my slave, together with his savings.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Edepol né ego istum velim
meum fíeri servom cum suo peculio.

[¶1] PHILTO:
Philto right heartily wishes health to both master and servant, Lesbonicus and Stasimus.

> Latin: Philto:
Erum atque servom plurumum Philto iubet
salvere, Lesbonicum et Stasimum.

[¶2] LESBONICUS:
May the Gods give you, Philto, whatever you may wish for. How is your son?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Di duint
tibi, Philto, quaequomque optes. quid agit filius?

[¶3] PHILTO:
He wishes well to you.

> Latin: Philto:
Bene volt tibi.

[¶4] LESBONICUS:
In good sooth, he does for me what I do for him in return!
STASIMUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Edepol mutuom mecum facit.

[¶5] That phrase, “He wishes well,” is worthless, unless a person does well too.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Nequam illud verbumst “bene volt”, nisi qui bene facit.

[¶6] I, too, “wish” to be a free man; I wish in vain. He, perhaps, might wish to become frugal; he would wish to no purpose.

> Latin: ego quoque volo esse liber: nequiquam volo;
hic postulet frugi esse: nugas postulet.

[¶7] PHILTO:
My son has sent me to you to propose an alliance and bond of friendship between himself and your family. He wishes to take your sister for his wife; and I
have the same feelings, and I desire it.

> Latin: Philto:
Meus gnátus me ad te misit, inter te atque nos
adfinitatem ut conciliarem et gratiam.
tuam vólt sororem ducere uxorem; et mihi
sententia eademst et volo.

[¶8] LESBONICUS:
I really don’t understand your ways; amid your prosperity you are laughing at my adversity.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Hau nosco tuom:
bonis tuis rebus meas res inrides malas.

[¶9] PHILTO:
I am a man: you are a man. So may Jupiter love me, I have neither come to laugh at you, nor do I think you deserving of it! But as to what I said, my son begged me
to ask for your sister as his wife.

> Latin: Philto:
Homo ego sum, homo tu es: ita me amabit Iuppiter,
neque te derisum advenio neque dignum puto.
verum hoc quod dixi: meus me oravit filius,
ut tuam sororem poscerem uxorem sibi.

[¶10] LESBONICUS:
It is right that I should know the state of my own circumstances. My position is not on an equal footing with yours; seek some other alliance for yourselves.
STASIMUS: (to LESBONICUS.)

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Mearúm me rerum novisse aequomst ordinem.
cum vostra nostra non est aequa factio.
adfinitatem vobis aliam quaerite.

[¶11] Are you really sound in mind or intellect
to refuse this proposal? For I perceive that he has been found for you a very friend in need.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Satin tu es sanus mentis aut animi tui,
qui condicionem hanc repudies? nam illum tibi
ferentárium esse amicum inventum intellego.

[¶12] LESBONICUS:
Get away hence, and go hang yourself.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Abin hínc dierecte?

[¶13] STASIMUS:
Faith, if I should commence to go, you would be forbidding me.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Si hercle ire occipiam, votes.

[¶14] LESBONICUS:
Unless you want me, Philto, for anything else, I have given you my answer.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Nisi quid me aliud vis, Philto, respondi tibi.

[¶15] PHILTO:
I trust, Lesbonicus, that you
will one day be more obliging to me than I now find you to be. For both to act unwisely and to talk unwisely, Lesbonicus, are sometimes neither of them profitable.

> Latin: Philto:
Benigniorem, Lesbonice, te mihi,
quam nunc experior esse, confido fore;
nam et stulte facere et stulte fabularier,
utrumque, Lesbonice, in aetate hau bonumst.

[¶16] STASIMUS:
Troth, he says what’s true.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Verum hercle hic dicit.

[¶17] LESBONICUS:
I will tear out your eye if you add one word.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Oculum ego ecfodiam tibi,
si verbum addideris.

[¶18] STASIMUS:
Troth, but I will talk;

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Hercle qui dicam tamen;

[¶19] for if I may not be allowed to do so as I am, then I will submit to be called the one-eyed man.

> Latin: nam si sic non licebit, luscus dixero.

[¶20] PHILTO:
Do you now say this, that your position and means are not on an equal footing with ours?

> Latin: Philto:
Ita tu nunc dicis, non esse aequiperabiles
vostras cum nostris factiones atque opes?

[¶21] LESBONICUS:
I do say so.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Dico.

[¶22] PHILTO:
Well, suppose, now, you were to come to a building to a public banquet, and a wealthy man by chance were to come there as your neighbour.
The banquet is set on table, one that they style a public one. Suppose that dainties were heaped up before him by his dependents, and suppose any-thing pleased you that was so heaped up before him, would you eat, or would you keep your place next to this wealthy man, going without your dinner?

> Latin: Philto:
Quid? nunc si in aedem ad cenam veneris
atque ibi opulentus tibi par forte obvenerit
(adposita cena sit, popularem quam vocant),
si illi congestae sint epulae a cluentibus:
si quid tibi placeat quod illi congestum siet,
edisne an incenatus cum opulento accubes?

[¶23] LESBONICUS:
I should eat, unless he were to forbid me doing so.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Edim, nisi si ille votet.

[¶24] STASIMUS:
But I, by my faith, even if he were to forbid me,
would eat and cram with both cheeks stuffed out; and what pleased him, that, in especial, would I lay hold of beforehand; nor would I yield to him one jot of my very existence. At table it befits no one to be bashful; for there the decision is about things both divine and human.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
At pol ego etsi votet
edim, atque ambabus malis expletis vorem,
et quod illi placeat praeripiam potissimum,
neque illí concedam quicquam de vita mea.
verecundari neminem ápud mensam decet,
nam ibi de divinis atque humanis cernitur.

[¶25] PHILTO:
You say what is the fact.

> Latin: Philto:
Rem fabulare.

[¶26] STASIMUS:
I will tell you without any subterfuge: I would make place for him on the highway, on the footpath, in the canvass for public honors; but as to what concerns the stomach—by my troth, not this much (shows the breadth of his finger-nail), unless he should first have thrashed me with his fists. With provisions at the present prices, a feast is a fortune without incumbrances.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Non tibi dicam dolo:
decedam ego illi de via, de semita,
de honore populi; verum quod ad ventrem attinet,
non hercle hoc longe, nisi me pugnis vicerit.
cena hac annona est sine sacris hereditas.

[¶27] PHILTO:
Always, Lesbonicus, do you take care and think this, that that is the best, according as you yourself are the most deserving: if that you cannot attain to, at least be as near as possible to the most deserving. And now, Lesbonicus, I wish you to grant and accept these terms which I propose, and which I ask of you.

> Latin: Philto:
Semper tu hoc facito, Lesbonice, cogites,
id optumum esse, tute uti sis optumus;
si id nequeas, saltem ut optumis sis proxumus.
nunc condicionem hanc, quam ego fero et quam abs te peto,
dare atque accipere, Lesbonice, te volo.

[¶28] The Gods are rich; wealth and station befit the Gods: but we poor mortal beings are, as it were, the salt-cellar for the salt of life. The moment that we have breathed forth this, the beggar is held of equal value at Acheron with the most wealthy man when dead.
STASIMUS: (aside.)

> Latin: di divites sunt, deos decent opulentiae
et factiones, verum nos homunculi,
satillum animai qui quom extemplo emisimus,
aequo mendicus atque ille opulentissimus
censetur censu ad Acheruntem mortuos.

[¶29] It will be a wonder if you don’t carry your riches there with you. When you are dead, you may, perhaps, be as good as your name imports.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Mirum quin tu illo tecum divitias feras.
ubi mortuos sis, ita sis ut nomen cluet.

[¶30] PHILTO:
Now, that you may understand that position and means have no place here, and that we do not undervalue your alliance; I ask for your sister without a marriage-portion.

> Latin: Philto:
Nunc ut scias hic factiones atque opes
non esse neque nos tuam neglegere gratiam,
sine dote posco tuam sororem filio.

[¶31] May the matter turn out happily. Do I understand her to be promised? Why are you silent?

> Latin: quae res bene vortat—habeon pactam? quid taces?

[¶32] STASIMUS:
O immortal Gods, what a proposal!

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Pro di immortales, condicionem quoius modi.

[¶33] PHILTO:
Why don’t you say, “May the Gods prosper it, I agree?”
STASIMUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Philto:
Quin fabulare “di bene vortant, spondeo”?

[¶34] Alas! when there was no advantage in the expression, he used to say, “I agree;” now, when there is advantage in it, he is not able to say so.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Eheú ubi usus nil erat dícto, spondeo
dicebat; nunc hic, quom opus est, non quit dicere.

[¶35] LESBONICUS:
Since you think me, Philto, worthy of an alliance with you, I return you many thanks. But though this fortune of mine has sadly diminished through my folly, I have, Philto, a piece of land near the city here; that I will give as a portion to my sister: for, after all my follies,
that alone, besides my existence, is left me.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Quom adfinitate vostra me arbitramini
dignum, habeo vobis, Philto, magnam gratiam.
sed si haec res graviter cecidit stultitia mea,
Philto, est ager sub urbe hic nobis: eum dabo
dotem sorori; nam is de divitiis meis
solus superfit praeter vitam relicuos.

[¶36] PHILTO:
Really I care nothing at all about a portion.

> Latin: Philto:
Profecto dotem nil moror.

[¶37] LESBONICUS:
I am determined to give her one.
STASIMUS: (whispers to LESBONICUS.)

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Certumst dare.

[¶38] And are you ready, master, to sever that nurse from us which is supporting us? Take care how you do it. What are we ourselves to eat in future?
LESBONICUS: (to STASIMUS.)
Once more, will you hold your tongue?

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Nostramne, ere, vis nutricem, quae nos educat,
abalienare a nobis? cave sis feceris.
quid edemus nosmet postea?
Lesbonicvs:
Etiam tu taces?

[¶39] Am I to be rendered accountable to you?
STASIMUS: (aside.)
We are evidently done for, unless I devise something or other. Philto, I want you.
(He remeoves to a distance, and beckons to PHILTO.)

> Latin: tibi ego rationem reddam?
Stasimvs:
Plane periimus,
nisi quid ego comminiscor. Philto, te volo.

[¶40] PHILTO:
If you wish aught, Stasimus.

> Latin: Philto:
Si quid vis, Stasime.

[¶41] STASIMUS:
Step a little this way.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Huc cóncede aliquantum.

[¶42] PHILTO:
By all means.

> Latin: Philto:
Licet.

[¶43] STASIMUS:
I tell you this in secrecy, that neither he nor any one else may learn it of you.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Arcano tibi ego hoc dico, ne ille ex te sciat
neve alius quisquam.

[¶44] PHILTO:
Trust me boldly with anything you please.

> Latin: Philto:
Crede audacter quidlubet.

[¶45] STASIMUS:
By Gods and men I warn you, not to allow that piece of land ever to become yours or your son’s. I’ll tell you my reasons for this matter.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Per deos atque homines dico, ne tu illunc agrum
tuom síris umquam fieri neque gnati tui.
ei rei argumenta dicam.

[¶46] PHILTO:
Troth, I should like to hear them.

> Latin: Philto:
Audire edepol lubet.

[¶47] STASIMUS:
First of all then, when at any time the ground is being ploughed, in every fifth furrow the oxen die.
PHILTO:
Preserve me from it.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Primum omnium olim terra cum proscinditur,
in quinto quoque sulco moriuntur boves.

[¶48] STASIMUS:
The gate of Acheron is in that land of ours.

> Latin: Philto:
Apage, Acheruntis ostium in vostrost agro.

[¶49] Then the grapes, before they are ripe, hang in a putrid state.
LESBONICUS: (in a low voice.)

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Tum vinum prius quam coctumst pendet putidum.

[¶50] He is persuading the man to something, I think. Although he is a rogue, still he is not unfaithful to me.
STASIMUS:
Hear the rest. Besides that, when elsewhere the harvest of wheat is most abundant,
there it comes up less by one-fourth than what you have sowed.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Consuadet homini, credo. etsi scelestus est,
at mi infidelis non est.
Stasimvs:
Audi cetera.
post id, frumenti quom alibi messis maximast,
tribus tántis illi minus redit quam opseveris.

[¶51] PHILTO:
Ah! bad habits ought to be sown on that spot, if in the sowing they can be killed.

> Latin: Philto:
Em istic oportet opseri mores malos,
si in opserendo possint interfieri.

[¶52] STASIMUS:
And never is there any person to whom that piece of land belongs, but that his affairs turn out most unfortunate. Of those to whom it has belonged,
some have gone away in banishment; some are dead outright; some, again, have hanged themselves. See this man, now, to whom it belongs, how he has been brought to a regular backgammoned state.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Neque umquam quisquamst, quoius ille ager fuit,
quin pessume ei res vorterit: quoium fuit,
alii exulatum abierunt, alii emortui,
alii se suspendere. em nunc hic quoius est,
ut ad incitas redactust.

[¶53] PHILTO:
Preserve me from this piece of land.

> Latin: Philto:
Apage a me istum agrum.

[¶54] STASIMUS:
“Preserve me from it,” you would say still more, if you were to hear everything from me. For there every other tree has been blasted with lightning;

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Magis apage dicas, si omnia ex me audiveris.
nam fulguritae sunt alternae árbores;

[¶55] the hogs die there most shockingly of inflammation in the throat; the sheep are scabby, as bare of all wool, see, as is this hand of mine. And then, besides, there is not one of the Syrian natives, a race which is the most hardy of men, who could exist there for six months; so surely do all die there of the solstitial fever.

> Latin: sues moriuntur angina acerrume;
oves scabrae sunt, tam glabrae, em, quam haec est manus.
tum autem Surorum, genus quod patientissumumst
hominum, nemo extat qui ibi sex menses vixerit:
ita cuncti solstitiali morbo decidunt.

[¶56] PHILTO:
I believe, Stasimus, that it is so; but the Campanian race much outdoes that of the Syrians in hardiness. But, really, that piece of land, as I have heard you describe it, is one to which it were proper for all wicked men to be sent for the public good. Just as they tell of the Islands of the Blest,
where all meet together who have passed their lives uprightly: on the other hand, it seems proper that all evildoers should be packed off there, since it is a place of such a character.

> Latin: Philto:
Credo ego istuc, Stasime, ita esse; sed Campans genus
multo Surorum iam antidit patientia.
sed istést ager profecto, ut te audivi loqui,
malos in quem omnes publice mitti decet,
sicut fortunatorum memorant insulas,
quo cuncti qui aetatem egerint caste suam
conveniant; contra istoc detrudi maleficos
aequom videtur, qui quidem istius sit modi.

[¶57] STASIMUS:’Tis a very receptacle of calamity. What need is there of many words? Look for any bad thing whatsoever, there you may find it.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Hospitium est calamitatis: quid verbis opust?
quamvis malam rem quaeras, illic reperias.

[¶58] PHILTO:
But, i’ faith, you may find it there and elsewhere too.

> Latin: Philto:
At tu hercle et illi et alibi.

[¶59] STASIMUS:
Please, take care not to say that I told you of this.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Cave sis dixeris
me tibi dixisse hoc.

[¶60] PHILTO:
You have told it me in perfect secrecy.

> Latin: Philto:
Dixisti arcano satis.

[¶61] STASIMUS:
For he, indeed (pointing at LESBONICUS), wishes it to be got rid of from himself, if he can find any one to impose upon about it.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quin hic quidem cúpit illum ab se abalienarier,
si quem reperire possit cui os sublinat.

[¶62] PHILTO:
I’ faith, this land shall never become my property.

> Latin: Philto:
Meus quídem hercle numquam fiet.

[¶63] STASIMUS:
Aye, if you keep in your senses.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Si sapies quidem.

[¶64] (Aside.) I’ faith, I have cleverly frightened the old fellow away from this land; for, if my master had parted with it, there is nothing for us to live upon.

> Latin: lepide hercle dé agro ego hunc senem deterrui;
nam qui vivamus nihil est, si illum amiserit.

[¶65] PHILTO:
Lesbonicus, I now return to you.

> Latin: Philto:
Redeo ad te, Lesbonice.

[¶66] LESBONICUS:
Tell me, if you please, what has he been saying to you?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Dic sodes mihi,
quid hic est locutus tecum?

[¶67] PHILTO:
What do you suppose? He is a man; he wishes to become a free man, but he has not the money to give.

> Latin: Philto:
Quid censes? homost:
volt fieri liber, verum quod det non habet.

[¶68] LESBONICUS:
And I wish to be rich, but all in vain.
STASIMUS: (aside.)

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Et ego esse locuples, verum nequiquam volo.

[¶69] You might have been, if you had chosen; now, since you have nothing, you cannot be.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Licitumst, si velles; nunc, quom nihil est, non licet.

[¶70] LESBONICUS:
What are you talking about to yourself, Stasimus?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Quid tecum, Stasime?

[¶71] STASIMUS:
About that which you were saying just now: if you had chosen formerly, you might have been rich; now you are wishing too late.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
De istoc quod dixti modo:
si ante voluisses, esses; nunc sero cupis.

[¶72] PHILTO:
No terms can be come to with me about the marriage-portion;

> Latin: Philto:
De dote mecum convenire nil potest:

[¶73] whatever pleases you, do you transact it yourself with my son. Now, I ask for your sister for my son; and may the matter turn out well. What now? are you still considering?

> Latin: quid tibi lubet tute agito cum nato meo.
nunc tuam sororem filio posco meo.
quae res bene vortat. quid nunc? etiam consulis?

[¶74] LESBONICUS:
What—about that matter? Since you will have it so—may the Gods prosper it—I promise her.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Quid istíc? quando ita vis: di bene vortant. spondeo.

[¶75] PHILTO:
Never, by my troth, was a son
born so ardently longed for by any one, as was that expression “I promise her,” when born for me.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Numquam edepol quoiquam ⟨tam⟩ expectatus filius
natus quam illuc est spondeo natum mihi.

[¶76] STASIMUS:
The Gods will prosper all your plans.
PHILTO:
So I wish.
Come this way with me, Lesbonicus, that a day may be agreed on for the nuptials, in the presence of Lysiteles: this agreement we will ratify on that same day.
(Exit PHILTO.)

> Latin: di fortunabunt vostra consilia.
Philto:
Ita volo.

[¶77] LESBONICUS:
Now, Stasimus, go you there (points to the house which he has sold to CALLICLES) to the house of Callicles, to my sister; tell her how this matter has been arranged.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Sed, Stasime, abi huc ad meam sororem ad Calliclem,
dic hoc negoti quo modo actumst.

[¶78] STASIMUS:
I will go.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Ibitur.

[¶79] LESBONICUS:
And congratulate my sister.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Et gratulator meae sorori.

[¶80] STASIMUS:
Very well.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Scilicet.
Philto:
I hac, Lesbonice, mecum, ut coram nuptiis
dies cónstituatur; eadem haec confirmabimus.—

[¶81] LESBONICUS:
Tell Callicles to meet me—

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
[Tu ístuc cura quod iussi. ego iam hic ero.—]
dic Callicli, me ut convenat.

[¶82] STASIMUS:
But rather do you go now—

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quin tu i modo.

[¶83] LESBONICUS:
That he may see what is necessary to be done about the portion.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
De dote ut videat quid opus sit facto.

[¶84] STASIMUS:
Do go now.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
I modo.

[¶85] LESBONICUS:
For I have determined not to give her without a portion.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Nam certumst sine dote haud dare.

[¶86] STASIMUS:
But rather do you go now.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quin tu i modo.

[¶87] LESBONICUS:
And I will never allow it to be a detriment to her by reason of—

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Neque enim illi damno umquam esse patiar

[¶88] STASIMUS:
Do be off now.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Abi modo.

[¶89] LESBONICUS:
My recklessness—

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Meam néglegentiam.

[¶90] STASIMUS:
Do go now.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
I modo.

[¶91] LESBONICUS:
It seems by no means just, but that, since I have done wrong—

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
⟨Nullo modo⟩
aequom videtur quin quod peccarim

[¶92] STASIMUS:
Do go now.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
I modo.

[¶93] LESBONICUS:
It should be chiefly a detriment to myself.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Potissimum mi id obsit.

[¶94] STASIMUS:
Do go now.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
I modo.

[¶95] LESBONICUS:
O my father!
and shall I ever see you again?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
O pater,
enumquam aspiciam te?—

[¶96] STASIMUS:
Do go now. Go—go now.
LESBONICUS:
I am going.
Do you take care of that which I have asked you. I shall be here directly. (Exit LESBONICUS.)

> Latin: Stasimvs:
I modo, i modo, i modo.

[¶97] STASIMUS:
At length I have prevailed on him to go. In the name of the immortal Gods, i’ faith,’tis a matter well managed by wrongful means of performance, inasmuch as our piece of land is safe; although even now ’tis still a very doubtful matter what may be the result of this affair.

> Latin: tandem impetravi abiret. di vestram fidem,
edepol re gesta pessume gestam probe,
si quidem ager nobis salvos est; etsi admodum
in ambiguo est etiam nunc quid ea re fuat.

[¶98] But, if the land is parted with,’tis all over with my neck; I must carry a buckler in foreign lands, a helmet too, and my baggage. He will be running away from the city when the nuptials have been celebrated; he will be going hence to extreme and utter ruin, somewhere or other, to serve as a soldier, either to Asia or to Cilicia.

> Latin: sed id si alienatur, actumst de collo meo,
gestandust peregre clupeus, galea, sarcina:
effugiet ex urbe, ubi erunt factae nuptiae,
ibít istac, aliquo, in maximam malam crucem,
latrocinatum, aut in Asiam aut in Ciliciam.

[¶99] I will go there (looking at the door of the house bouight by CALLICLES), where he has ordered me to go, although I detest this house ever since he has driven us out of our abode.
(Exit into the house of CHARMIDES.) (Enter CALLICLES and STASIMUS.)
CALLICLES:
To what effect were you speaking about this, Stasimus?

> Latin: ibo huc quo mi imperatumst, etsi odi hanc domum,
postquam exturbavit hic nós ex nostris aedibus.—
Callicles:
Quó modo tu istuc, Stasime, dixti?

[¶100] STASIMUS:
That Lesbonicus, the son of my master, has betrothed his sister; in those terms.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Nostrum erilem filium
Lesbonicum suam sororem despondisse. em hoc modo.

[¶101] CALLICLES:
To what person has he betrothed her?

> Latin: Callicles:
Cuí homini despondit?

[¶102] STASIMUS:
To Lysiteles, the son of Philto; without a portion, too.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Lysiteli Philtonis filio,
sine dote.

[¶103] CALLICLES:
Without a portion, will he marry her into a family so rich? You are telling me a thing not to be credited.

> Latin: Callicles:
Sine dote ille illam in tantas divitias dabit?
non credibile dicis.

[¶104] STASIMUS:
Why, faith, you would be for never believing. If you don’t believe this, at all events I shall be believing—

> Latin: Stasimvs:
At tu édepol nullus creduas.
si hoc non credis, ego credidero—

[¶105] CALLICLES:
What?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid?

[¶106] STASIMUS:
That I don’t care a fig for your belief.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Me nihili pendere.

[¶107] CALLICLES:
How long since, or where, was this matter agreed to?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quam dudum istuc aut ubi actumst?

[¶108] STASIMUS:
On this very spot—here, before his door (pointing to PHILTO’S house). This moment-like, as the man of Praeneste says.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Ilico hic ante ostium,
tam modo, inquit Praenestinus.

[¶109] CALLICLES:
And has Lesbonicus, amid his ruined fortunes, become so much more frugal than in his prosperous circumstances?

> Latin: Callicles:
Tanton in re perdita,
quam in re salva Lesbonicus factus est frugalior?

[¶110] STASIMUS:
Why, in fact, Philto himself came of his own accord to make the offer for his son.
CALLICLES: (aside.)

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Atque equidem ipsus ultro venit Philto oratum filio.

[¶111] By my troth, it really will be a disgrace, if a portion is not given to the maiden. In fine, I think, i’ faith, that that matter concerns myself. I will go to my corrector, and will ask advice of him.
(Exit.)
STASIMUS:
I pretty nearly guess, and I have a strong suspicion, why he makes such speed on this: namely, that he may turn Lesbonicus out of his bit of land, after he has turned him out of his house. O Charmides, my master! since your property here is being torn to pieces in your absence, I wish I could see you return safe, that you might both take vengeance on your enemies, and give the reward to me according as I have behaved, and do behave towards you.

> Latin: Callicles:
Flagitium quidem hercle fiet, nisi dos dabitur virgini.
postremo edepol ego istam rem ad me áttinere intellego.
ibo ad meum castigatorem atque ab eo consilium petam.—
Stasimvs:
Propemodum quid illic festinet sentio et subolet mihi:
ut agro evortat Lesbonicum, quando evortit aedibus.
o ere Charmides, quam apsenti hic tua res distrahitur tibi!
utinam te rediisse salvom videam, ut inimicos tuos
ulciscare, ut míhi, ut erga te fui et sum, referas gratiam.

[¶112] ’Tis an extremely difficult thing for a friend to be found really such as the name imports, to whom, when you have entrusted your interests, you may sleep without any care. But lo! I perceive our son-in-law coming, together with his neighbour. Something—what, I know not—is wrong between them. They are walking, each with a hasty step; the one is catching the other that is before him by the cloak.

> Latin: nimium difficilest reperiri amicum ita ut nomen cluet,
quoi tuam quom rem credideris, síne omni cura dormias.
sed generum nostrum ire eccillum video cum adfini suo.
nescio quíd non satis inter eos convenit: celeri gradu
eunt uterque, ille reprehendit hunc priorem pallio.

[¶113] They have come to a stop in no very courteous fashion. I’ll step aside here a little distance. I have a wish to hear the conversation of these two that are to be connected by marriage.
(He retires to a distance.) (Enter LYSITELES and LESBONICUS.)

> Latin: haud ineuscheme astiterunt. huc aliquantum apscessero:
est lubido orationem audire duorum adfinium.

[¶114] LYSITELES:
Stay, this moment; don’t turn away, and don’t hide yourself from me.
(He catches hold of his cloak.)

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Sta ilico, noli avorsari neque te occultassis mihi.

[¶115] LESBONICUS: (shaking him off)
Can’t you allow me to go whither I was proceeding?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Potin ut me ire quo profectus sum sinas?

[¶116] LYSITELES:
If, Lesbonicus, it seems to be to your interest, either for your glory or for your honour, I will let you go.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Si in rem tuam,
Lesbonice, esse videatur, gloriae aut famae, sinam.

[¶117] LESBONICUS:
You are doing a thing that it is very easy to do.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Quod est facillumum, facís.

[¶118] LYSITELES:
What is that?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Quid id est?

[¶119] LESBONICUS:
An injury to a friend.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Amico iniuriam.

[¶120] LYSITELES:
It is no way of mine, and I have not learned so to do.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Neque meumst neque facere didici.

[¶121] LESBONICUS:
Untaught as you are, how cleverly you do it. What would you have done, if any one had taught you to be thus annoying to me? You, who, when you pretend to be acting kindly to me, use me ill, and are intending evil.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Indoctus quam docte facis.
quid faceres, si quis docuisset te, ut sic odio esses mihi?
[qui] bene cum simulas facere mihi te, male facis, male consulis.

[¶122] LYSITELES:
What!—I?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Egone?

[¶123] LESBONICUS:
Yes—you.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Tune.

[¶124] LYSITELES:
How do I use you ill?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Quid male facio?

[¶125] LESBONICUS:
Inasmuch as you do that which I do not wish.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Quod ego nolo, id cum facis.

[¶126] LYSITELES:
I wish to consult your advantage.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Tuae rei bene consulere cupio.

[¶127] LESBONICUS:
Are you kinder to me than I am to myself? I have sense enough; I see sufficiently well those things that are for my own advantage.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Tu [mihi] es melior quam egomet mihi?
sat sapio, satis in rem quae sint meam ego conspicio mihi.

[¶128] LYSITELES:
And is it having sense enough to refuse a kindness from a well-wisher?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
An id est sapere, ut qui beneficium a benevolente repudies?

[¶129] LESBONICUS:
I reckon it to be no kindness, when it does not please him on whom you are conferring it. I know, and I understand myself what I am doing, and my mind forsakes not its duty;
nor will I be driven by your speeches from paying due regard to my own character.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Nullum beneficium ésse duco id quod quoi facias non placet.
scio ego et sentio ipse quid agam, neque mens officio migrat,
nec tuis depellar dictis quin rumori serviam.

[¶130] LYSITELES:
What do you say? For now I cannot be restrained from saying to you the things which you deserve. Have your forefathers, I pray, so handed down this reputation to you, that you, by your excesses, might lose what before was gained by their merit, and that you might become a bar to the honour of your own posterity?
Your father and your grandfather made an easy and a level path for you to attain to honour; whereas you have made it to become a difficult one, by your extreme recklessness and sloth, and your besotted ways. You have made your election, to prefer your passions to virtue. Now, do you suppose that you can cover over your faults by these means? Alas!’tis impossible.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Quid ais? nam retineri nequeo quin dicam ea quae promeres:
itan tandem hanc maiores famam tradiderunt tibi tui,
ut virtute eorum anteparta per flagitium perderes?
atque honori posterorum tuorum ut vindex fieres,
tibi paterque avosque facilem fecit et planam viam
ad quaerundum honorem: tu fecisti ut difficilis foret,
culpa maxume et desidia tuisque stultis moribus.
praeoptavisti, amorem tuom uti virtuti praeponeres.
nunc te hoc pacto credis posse optegere errata? aha, non itast:

[¶131] Welcome virtue to your mind, if you please, and expel slothfulness from your heart. Give your attention to your he-friends in the Courts of justice, and not to the couch of your she-friend, as you are wont to do. And earnestly do I now wish this piece of land to be left to you for this reason, that you may have wherewithal to reform yourself; so that those citizens, whom you have for enemies, may not be able altogether to throw your poverty in your teeth.

> Latin: cape sis virtutem animo et corde expelle desidiam tuo:
in foro operam amicis da, ne in lecto amicae, ut solitus es.
atque ego istum agrum tíbi relinqui ób eam rem enixe expeto,
ut tibi sit qui te corrigere possis, ne omnino inopiam
cives obiectare possint tibi, quos tu inimicos habes.

[¶132] LESBONICUS:
All these things which you have been saying, I know—could even set my seal to them: how I have spoiled my patrimonial estate and the fair fame of my forefathers. I knew how it became me to live; to my misfortune I was not able to act accordingly. Thus, overpowered by the force of passion, inclined to ease, I fell into the snare; and now to you, quite as you deserve, I do return most hearty thanks.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Omnia ego istaec quae tu dixti scio, vel exsignavero,
ut rem patriam et gloriam maiorum foedarim meum:
scibam ut esse me deceret, facere non quibam miser;
ita vi Veneris vinctus, otio captus in fraudem incidi.
et tibi nunc, proinde ut merere, summas habeo gratias.

[¶133] LYSITELES:
Still, I cannot suffer my labour to be thus lost, and yourself to despise these words; at the same time, it grieves me that you have so little shame. And, in fine, unless you listen to me, and do this that I mention, you yourself will easily lie concealed behind your own self, so that honour cannot find you; when you will wish yourself to be especially distinguished, you will be lying in obscurity.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
At operam perire meam sic et te haec dicta corde spernere †
perpeti nequeo, simul me piget parum pudere te;
et postremo, nisi mi auscultas atque hoc ut dico facis,
tute pone te latebis facile, ne inveniat te Honor,
in occulto iacebis cum te maxume clarum voles.

[¶134] I know right well, for my part, Lesbonicus, your highly ingenuous disposition; I know that of your own accord you have not done wrong, but that it is Love that has blinded your heart; and I myself comprehend all the ways of Love. As the charge of the balista is hurled, so is Love; nothing is there so swift, or that so swiftly flies; he, too, makes the manners of men both foolish and froward.

> Latin: pernovi equidem, Lesbonice, ingenium tuom ingenuom admodum;
scio te sponte non tuapte errasse, sed amorem tibi
pectus opscurasse; atque ipse Amoris teneo omnis vias.
ita est amor, ballista ut iacitur: nihil sic celere est neque volat;
atque is mores hominum moros et morosos efficit:

[¶135] That which is the most commended pleases him the least; that from which he is dissuaded pleases him. When there is a scarcity, then you long for a thing; when there is an abundance of it, then you don’t care for it. The person that warns him off from a thing, the same invites him; he that persuades him to it interdicts him.’Tis a misfortune of insanity for you to fly to Cupid for refuge. But I advise you again and again to think of this, how you should seek to act.

> Latin: minus placet magis quód suadetur, quod dissuadetur placet;
quom inopiast, cupias, quando eius copiast, tum non velis;
[ille qui aspéllit is compellit, ille qui cónsuadet vetat.]
insanum [et] malumst in hospítium devorti ad Cupidinem.
sed te moneo hoc etiam atque etiam, ut reputes quid facere expetas.

[¶136] If you attempt to do according as you are now showing signs, you will cause the conflagration of your family; and then, in consequence, you will have a desire for water with which to quench this conflagration of your family. And if you should obtain it, just as lovers are subtle in their devices, you will not leave even one spark with which your family may brighten up.

> Latin: si istuc, ut conare, facis † indicium tuom incendes genus;
tum igitur tibi aquae érit cupido, genus qui restinguas tuom,
atque sí eris nactus, proinde ut corde amantes sunt cati—
ne scintillam quidem relinques, genus qui congliscat tuom.

[¶137] LESBONICUS:’Tis easy to be found: fire is granted, even though you should ask it of a foe.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Facilest inventu: datur ignis, tametsi ab inimico petas.

[¶138] But you, by your reproof, are urging me from my faults to a viler course. You are persuading me to give you my sister without a portion. But it does not become me, who have misused so great a patrimony, to be still in affluent circumstances, and to be possessing land, but her to be in want, so as with good reason to detest me. Never will he be respected by others who makes himself despised by his own relatives.

> Latin: sed tu obiurgans me a peccatis rapis deteriorem in viam.
meam [vis] sororem tibi dem suades sine dote. aha, non convenit
me, qui abusus sum tantam rem patriam, porro in ditiis
esse agrumque habere, egere illam autem, ut me merito oderit.
numquam erit alienis gravis qui suis se concinnat levem.

[¶139] As I said, I will do; I do not wish you to be in doubt any longer.

> Latin: sicut dixi, faciam: nolo te iactari diutius.

[¶140] LYSITELES:
And is it so much preferable that for your sister’s sake you should incur poverty, and that I should possess that piece of land rather than yourself, who ought to be upholding your own walls?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Tanto meliust te sororis causa egestatem exsequi
atque eum agrum me habere, quam te, tua qui toleres moenia?

[¶141] LESBONICUS:
I do not wish you so much to have regard to myself, in order that you may relieve my poverty, as that in my neediness I may not become disgraced: that people may not spread about this report of me,
that I gave my own sister without a portion to you, rather in concubinage than in marriage. Who would be said to be more dishonorable than I? The spreading of this report might do credit to you, but it would defile me, if you were to marry her without a portion. For you it would be a gain of reputation, for me it would be something for people to throw in my teeth.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Nolo ego mihi te tam prospicere, qui meam egestatem leves,
sed ut inops infamis ne sim, ne mi hanc famam differant,
me germanam meam sororem in concubinatum tibi,
si sine dote ⟨dem⟩, dedisse magis quam in matrimonium.
quis me improbior perhibeatur esse? haec famigeratio
té honestet, me conlutulentet, si sine dote duxeris:
tibi sit emolumentum honoris, mihi quod obiectent siet.

[¶142] LYSITELES:
Why so? Do you suppose that you will become Dictator if I accept the land of you?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Quid? te dictatorem censes fore, si aps té agrum acceperim?

[¶143] LESBONICUS:
I neither wish, nor require, nor do I think so; but still, to be mindful of his duty, is true honour to an upright man.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Neque volo neque postulo neque censeo, verum tamen
is est honos homini pudico, meminisse officium suom.

[¶144] LYSITELES:
For my part, I know you, how you are disposed in mind; I see it, I discover it, I apprehend. You are doing this, that when you have formed an alliance between us,
and when you have given up this piece of land, and have nothing here with which to support life, in beggary you may fly from the city, in exile you may desert your country, your kindred, your connexions, your friends,—the nuptials once over. People would suppose that you were frightened hence by my means, and through my cupidity. Do not fancy in your mind that I will act so as to allow that to happen.
STASIMUS: (advanccing.)

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Scio equidem te animatus ut sis; video, subolet, sentio:
id agis, ut, ubi adfinitatem inter nos nostram adstrinxeris
atque eum agrum dederis nec quicquam hic tibi sit qui vitam colas,
effugias ex urbe inanis; profugus patriam deseres,
cognatos, adfinitatem, amicos factis nuptiis:
mea opera hinc proterritum te meaque avaritia autument.
id me commissurum ut patiar fieri, ne animum induxeris.

[¶145] Well, I cannot but exclaim, “Well done, well done, Lysiteles, encore.” Easily do you win the victory; the other is conquered: your performance is superior. This one (pointing to LYSITELES) acts better in character, and composes better lines. By reason of your folly do you still dispute it? Stand in awe of the fine.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Non enim póssum quin exclamem euge. euge, Lysiteles, πάλιν.
facile palmam habes: hic victust, vicit tua comoedia.
hic agit magis ex argumento et versus melioris facit.
etiam ob stultitiam tuam te † curis multabo mina.

[¶146] LESBONICUS:
What means this interruption of yours, or your intrusion here upon our conversation?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Quid tibi intérpellatio aut in consilium huc accessio est?

[¶147] STASIMUS:
The same way that I came here I’ll get me gone.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Eodem pacto, quo huc accessi, apscessero.

[¶148] LESBONICUS:
Step this way home with me, Lysiteles; there we will talk at length about these matters.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
I hac mecum domum,
Lysiteles, ibi de istis rebus plura fabulabimur.

[¶149] LYSITELES:
I am not in the habit of doing anything in secret. Just as my feelings are I will speak out. If your sister, as I think it right, is thus given to me in marriage without a portion, and if you are not about to go away hence, that which shall be mine, the same shall be yours.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Nil ego in occulto agere soleo. meus ut animust, eloquar:
si mihi tua soror, ut ego aequom censeo, ita nuptum datur,
sine dote, neque tu hinc abituru's abiturus es, quod meum erit id erit tuom;

[¶150] But if you are minded otherwise, may that which you do turn out for you for the best. I will never be your friend on any other terms; such is my determination.
(Exit LESBONICUS, followed by LYSITELES.)
STASIMUS:
Faith, he’s off. D’ye hear—Lysiteles? I want you. He’s off as well. Stasimus, you remain alone. What am I now to do, but to buckle up my baggage and sling my buckler on my back,
and order soles to be fastened beneath my shoes? There is no staying now. I see that no long time hence I shall be a soldier’s drudge. And when my master has thrown himself into the pay of some potentate, I guess that among the greatest warriors he will prove a brave —hand at running away, and that there he will capture the spoil, who-shall come to attack my master.

> Latin: sin aliter animatus es, bene quod agas eveniat tibi,
ego amicus numquam tibi ero alio pacto. sic sententia est.—
Stasimvs:
Abiit [hercle] ille quidem. ecquid audis, Lysiteles? ego te volo.
hic quoque hinc ábiit. Stasime, restas solus. quid ego nunc agam,
nisi uti sarcinam constringam et clupeum ad dorsum accommodem,
fulmentas iubeam suppingi soccis? non sisti potest.
video caculam militarem me futurum haud longius:
ad aliquem regem in saginam erus sése coniciet meus;
credo ad summos bellatores acrem fugitorem fore
et capturum spolia ibi illum quí [meo] ero adversus venerit.

[¶151] I myself, the moment that I shall have assumed my bow and quiver and arrows, and the helmet on my head, shall-go to sleep very quietly in my tent. I’ll be off to the Forum; I’ll ask that talent back of the person to whom I lent it six days since, that I may have some provision for the journey to carry with me.
(Exit.) (Enter MEGARONIDES and CALLICLES.)
MEGARONIDES:
According as you relate the matter to me, Callicles, it really can by no means
be but that a portion must be given to the girl.

> Latin: egomet autem quom extemplo arcum [mihi] et pharetram et ságittas sumpsero,
cassidem in caput, dormibo placide ín tabernaculo.
ad forum ibo: nudius sextus quoi talentum mutuom
dedi, reposcam, ut habeam, mecum quod feram, viaticum.—
Megaronides:
Vt mihi rem narras, Callicles, nullo modo
potest fíeri prosus quin dos detur virgini.

[¶152] CALLICLES:
Why, troth, it would hardly be honestly done on my part, if I were to allow her to contract a marriage without a portion, when I have her property in my possession at home. …

> Latin: Callicles:
Namque hercle honeste fieri ferme non potest,
ut eam perpetiar ire in matrimonium
sine dote, quom eius rem penes me habeam domi.

[¶153] MEGARONIDES:
… A portion is ready at your house; unless you like to wait
until her brother has disposed of her in marriage without a portion. After that, you might go to Philto yourself, and might say that you present her with a portion, and that you do it on account of your intimacy with her father. But I dread this, lest that offer might bring you into crimination and disgrace with the public.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Parata dos domist; nisi expectare vis,
ut eam sine dote frater nuptum conlocet.
post adeas tute Philtonem et dotem dare
te ei dicas, facere id eius ob amícitiam patris.
verum hoc ego vereor, ne istaec pollicitatio
te in crimen populo ponat atque infamiam;

[¶154] They would say that you were so kind to the girl not without some good reason; that the dowry which you presented her was given you by her father; they would think that you were portioning her out of that, and that you had not kept it safe for her just as it was given, and that you had withheld some part. Now, if you wish to await the return of Charmides,
the time is very long; meanwhile, the inclination to marry her may leave this Lysiteles; this proposal, too, is quite a first-rate one for her.

> Latin: non temere dicant te benignum virgini:
datam tibi dotem, ei quam dares, eius a patre,
ex ea largiri te illi, neque ita ut sit data
columem te sistere illi, et detraxe autument.
nunc si opperiri vis adventum Charmidi,
perlongumst: huic ducendi interea abscesserit
lubido; atque ea condicio huic vel primaria est.

[¶155] CALLICLES:
All these very same things suggest themselves to my mind.

> Latin: Callicles:
Nam hercle omnia istaec veniunt in mentem mihi.

[¶156] MEGARONIDES:
Consider if you think this more feasible and more to the purpose: go to the young man himself, and tell him how the matter really stands.

> Latin: vide si hóc utibile magis atque in rem deputas,
ut adeam Lesbonicum, edoceam ut res se habet.

[¶157] CALLICLES:
Should I now discover the treasure to a young man, ill-regulated, and brimful of passion and of wantonness? No, faith, most assuredly, by no means. For I know, beyond a doubt, that he would devour even all that spot where it is buried. I fear to dig for it, lest he should hear the noise;
lest, too, he might trace out the matter itself, if I should say I will give her a portion.

> Latin: sed ut égo nunc adulescenti thensaurum indicem
indomito, pleno amoris ac lasciviae?
minime, minime hercle vero. nam certo scio,
locum quoque illum omnem, ubi situst, comederit;
quem fodere metuo, sonitum ne ille exaudiat
neu rem ipsam indaget, dotem dare si dixerim.

[¶158] MEGARONIDES:
By what method, then, can the portion be secretly taken out?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Quo pacto ergo igitur clam dos depromi potest?

[¶159] CALLICLES:
Until an opportunity can be found for that business, I would, in the meanwhile, ask for a loan of the money from some friend or other.

> Latin: Callicles:
Dum occasio ei ⟨rei⟩ reperiatur, interim
ab amico alicunde mutuom argentum rogem.

[¶160] MEGARONIDES:
Can it be obtained from some friend or other?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Potin est ab amico alicunde exorari?

[¶161] CALLICLES:
It can.

> Latin: Callicles:
Potest.

[¶162] MEGARONIDES:
Nonsense; you’ll certainly meet with this answer at once: “O, upon my faith, I really have not anything that I can lend you.”

> Latin: Megaronides:
Gerrae. ne tu illud verbum actutum inveneris:
“mihi quidem hercle non est quod dem mutuom.”

[¶163] CALLICLES:
Troth, I would rather they would tell me the truth than lend me the money with a bad grace.

> Latin: Callicles:
Malim hercle ut verum dicas, quam ut des mutuom.

[¶164] MEGARONIDES:
But consider this plan, if it pleases you.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Sed vide consilium, si placet.

[¶165] CALLICLES:
What is the plan?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid consilist?

[¶166] MEGARONIDES:
I have found out a clever plan, as I think.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Scitum, ut ego opinor, consilium inveni.

[¶167] CALLICLES:
What is it?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid est?

[¶168] MEGARONIDES:
Let some person, now, be hired,
of an appearance as much unknown as possible, such as has not been often seen.
Let this person be dressed up to the life after a foreign fashion, just as though he were a foreigner.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Homo cónducatur aliquis iam, quantum potest,
[quasi sit peregrinus.]

[¶169] CALLICLES:
What is he to understand that he must do after that?

> Latin: Callicles:
[Quid is scit facere postea?]
Megaronides:
ignota facie, quae ⟨hic⟩ non visitata sit;

[¶170] MEGARONIDES:
It is necessary for him to be some lying,
deceiving, impudent fellow—a lounger from the Forum.

> Latin: mendacilocum aliquem
Callicles:
[Quid is scit facere postea?]
Megaronides:
falsidicum, confidentem.

[¶171] CALLICLES:
And what then, after that?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid tum postea?
Megaronides:
Is homo exornetur graphice in peregrinum modum;

[¶172] MEGARONIDES:
Let him come to the young man as though from Seleucia, from his father; let him pronounce his salutation to him in the words of his father, say that he is prospering in business, and is alive and well, and that he will be shortly coming back again. Let him bring two letters;
let us seal these, as though they are from his father. Let him give the one to him, and let him say that he wishes to give the other to yourself.
CALLICLES:
Go on, and tell me still further.

> Latin: quasi ad adulescentem a patre ex Seleucia
veniat, salutem ei nuntiet verbis patris:
illum bene gerere rem et valere et vivere,
et eum rediturum actutum; ferat epistulas
duas, éas nos consignemus, quasi sint a patre:
det alteram illi, álteram dicat tibi
dare sese velle.
Callicles:
Perge porro dicere.

[¶173] MEGARONIDES:
Let him say that he is bringing some gold as a marriage-portion from her father for the girl, and that his father has requested him to deliver it to you.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Seque aurum ferre virgini dotem a patre
dicat patremque id iussisse aurum tibi dare.

[¶174] Do you understand me now?
CALLICLES:
Pretty nearly; and I listen with great satisfaction.

> Latin: tenes iam?
Callicles:
Propemodo, atque ausculto perlubens.

[¶175] MEGARONIDES:
Then, in consequence, you will finally give the gold to the young man when the girl shall be given in marriage.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Tum tú igitur demum adulescenti aurum dabis,
ubi erit locata virgo in matrimonium.

[¶176] CALLICLES:
Troth,’tis very cleverly contrived.

> Latin: Callicles:
Scite hercle sane.

[¶177] MEGARONIDES:
By this means, when you have dug up the treasure, you will have removed all cause for suspicion from the young man.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Hoc, ubi thensaurum effoderis,
suspicionem ab adulescente amoveris:

[¶178] He will think that the gold has been brought to you from his father; whereas, you will be taking it from the treasure.
CALLICLES:
Very cleverly and fairly contrived; although I am ashamed, at this time of life, for me to be playing a double part. But when he shall bring the letters sealed, don’t you suppose that the young man will then
recollect the impression of his father’s signet?

> Latin: censebit aurum esse a patre allatum tibi,
tu de thensauro sumes.
Callicles:
Satis scite et probe;
quamquam hoc me aetatis sycophantari pudet.
sed epistulas quando opsignatas adferet,
[sed quom opsignatas attulerit epistulas]
nonne arbitraris eum adulescentem anuli
paterni signum novisse?

[¶179] MEGARONIDES:
Will you be silent now? Reasons innumerable may be found for that circumstance. That which he used to have he has lost, and he has since had another new one made. Then, if he should bring them not sealed at all, this might be said,—that they had been unsealed for him by the custom-house officers,
and had been examined. On matters of this kind, however,’tis mere idleness to spend the day in talk; although a long discussion might be spun out. Go now, at once, privately to the treasure; send to a distance the men-servants and the maids; and—do you hear?

> Latin: Megaronides:
Etiam tu taces?
sescentae ad eam rem causae possunt conligi:
illum quem habuit perdidit, alium post fecit novom.†
iam si opsignatas non feret, dici hoc potest,
apud pórtitorem eas resignatas sibi
inspectasque esse. in huius modi negotio
diem sermone terere segnities merast:
quam vis sermones possunt longi texier.
abi ad thensaurum iam confestim clanculum,
servos ancillas amove. atque audin?

[¶180] CALLICLES:
What is it?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid est?

[¶181] MEGARONIDES:
Take care that you conceal this matter from that same wife of yours as well; for, i’ faith, there is never any subject which they can be silent upon. Why are you standing now? Why don’t you take yourself off hence, and bestir yourself? Open the treasure, take thence as much gold as is requisite for this purpose; at once close it up again, but secretly,
as I have enjoined you; turn all out of the house.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Vxorem quoque eampse hanc rem uti celes face,
nam pol tacere numquam quicquamst quod queat.
quid nunc stas? quin tu hinc amoves et te moves?
aperi, deprome inde auri ad hanc rem quod sat est,
continuo operíto denuo; sed clanculum,
sicut praecepi; cunctos exturba aedibus.

[¶182] CALLICLES:
I will do so.

> Latin: Callicles:
Ita faciam.

[¶183] MEGARONIDES:
But, really, we are continuing too long a discourse; we are wasting the day, whereas there is need now of all expedition. There is nothing for you to fear about the seal; trust me for that. This is a clever excuse to give, as I mentioned,
that they have been looked at by the officers. In fine, don’t you see the time of day? What do you think of him being of such a nature and disposition? He is drunk already; anything you like may be proved for him. Besides, what is the greatest point of all, this person will say that he brings, and not that he applies for, money.

> Latin: Megaronides:
At énim nimis lóngo sermone utimur,
diem conficimus quod iam properatost opus.
nihil est de signo quod vereare; me vide:
lepida est illa caúsa, ut commemoravi, dicere
apud pórtitores esse inspectas. denique
diei tempus non vides? quid illúm putas,
natura illa atque ingenio? iam dudum ebriust.
quidvis probare poterit; tum, quod maxumumst,
adferre, non petere hinc se dicet.

[¶184] CALLICLES:
Now, that’s enough.

> Latin: Callicles:
Iam sat est.

[¶185] MEGARONIDES:
I am now going to hire a sharper from the Forum, and then I will seal the two letters; and I’ll send him thither (pointing to the house of CHARMIDES), well tutored in his part, to this young man.

> Latin: Megaronides:
Ego sycophantam iam conduco de foro
epistulasque iam consignabo duas,
eumque húc ⟨ad⟩ adulescentem meditatum probe
mittam.

[¶186] CALLICLES:
I am going in-doors then to my duty in consequence. Do you see about this matter.

> Latin: Callicles:
Eo ego igitur intro ad officium meum.
tu istuc age.—

[¶187] MEGARONIDES:
I’ll take care it’s done in the very cleverest style.
(Exeunt.) (Enter CHARMIDES.)

> Latin: Megaronides:
Actum reddam nugacissume.—

[¶188] CHARMIDES:
To Neptune, potent o’er the deep and most powerful, the brother of aethereal Jove, joyously and sincerely do I proffer praise, and return my grateful thanks; to the salt waves, too, with whom lay supreme power over myself,—one, too, that existed over my property and my life, —inasmuch as from their realms they have returned me safe and sound even to my own native city. And, Neptune, before the other Deities, do I both give and return to you extreme thanks.

> Latin: Charmides:
Salsípotenti et mulsípotenti Iovis frátri et Nerei Néptuno
laetús lubens laudes ágo et grates gratiásque habeo et fluctibus salsis,
quos pénes mei ⟨fuit saepé⟩ potestas, bonis meís quid foret et meaé vitae,
quom suís med ex locis ín patriam suavíssumam reducem fáciunt.
atque égo, Neptune, tibi ánte alios deos grátias ago atque habeó summas;

[¶189] For all people talk of you as being cruel and severe, of voracious habits, filthy, unsightly, unendurable, and outrageous; on the other hand, I have experienced your kindly aid. For, in good sooth, I have found you mild and merciful upon the deep, even to that degree that I wished. This commendation, too, I had already heard with these ears before of you among men,—that you were accustomed to spare the poor, and to depress and overawe the rich.

> Latin: nam te ómnes saevomqué severumque atque ávidis moribus cómmemorant,
spurcíficum, immanem, intólerandum, vesánum: contra opera éxpertus,
nam pól placido te et clémenti meo usqué modo, ut volui, usús sum in alto.
atque hánc tuam gloriam iam ánte auribus accéperam, et nobilest ápud homines,
paupéribus te parcére solitum, dités damnare atqué domare.

[¶190] Adieu! I commend you; you know how to treat men properly, according as is just. This is worthy of the Gods; they should ever prove benignant to the needy; to men of high station, quite otherwise. Trusty have you proved, though they are in the habit of saying that you cannot be trusted. For, without you, it would have happened, I am very sure, that on the deep your attendants would have shockingly torn in pieces and rent asunder wretched me, and, together with me, my property as well, in every direction throughout the azure surface of ocean.

> Latin: abi, laúdo, scis ordíne, ut aequomst, tractáre homines; hoc dís dignumst.
[semper mendicis modesti sint.]
fidús fuisti: infidum ésse iterant; nam apsqué foret te, sat scío in alto
distráxissent disqué tulissent satellítes tui me miserúm foede
bonaque ómnia ⟨mea⟩ item uná mecum passím caeruleos pér campos:

[¶191] But just now, like raging dogs, and no otherwise, did the winds in hurricane beset the ship; storms and waves, and raging squalls were about to roar, to break the mast, to bear down the yards, to split the sails; had not your favouring kindness been nigh at hand. Have done with me, if you please; henceforth have I now determined to give myself up to ease; enough have I got. With what pains have I struggled, while I was acquiring riches for my son.

> Latin: ita iám quasi canes, haud sécus, circum stabánt navem turbinés venti,
imbrés fluctusque atqué procellae infénsae frangere málum,
ruere ántemnas, scindére vela, ni túa pax propitia fóret praesto.
apage á me sis, dehinc iám certumst otió dare me; satis pártum habeo
quibus aérumnis delúctavi, filió dum divitiás quaero.

[¶192] But who is this that is coming up the street with his new-fangled garb and appearance? I’ faith, though I wish to be at home, I’ll wait awhile; at the same time, I will give my attention to see what business this fellow is about.
(He retires aside.) (Enter the SHARPER.)

> Latin: sed quís hic est, qui in plateam íngreditur
cum nóvo ornatu speciéque simul?
pol quámquam domi cupio, ópperiar,
quam hic rém agat animum advortam.

[¶193] A SHARPER.:
To this day I give the name of “The Festival of the Three Pieces” (Trinummus); for, on this day, have I let out my services in a cheating scheme for three pieces of money.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Huíc ego die nomén Trinummo fáciam: nam ego operám meam
tribus nummis hodie locavi ad artis nugatorias.

[¶194] I am just arrived from Seleucia, Macedonia, Asia, and Arabia,—places which I never visited either with my eye or with my foot. See now, what business poverty brings upon the man that is wretchedly destitute; inasmuch as I am now obliged, for the sake of three pieces of money, to say that I received these letters from a certain person, about whom I don’t know,
nor have I ever known, who the man is, nor do I know this for certain, whether he was ever born or not.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)

> Latin: advenio ex Seleucia, Macedonia, Asia atque Arabia,
quas ego neque oculis nec pedibus umquam usurpavi meis.
viden egestas quid negoti dat homini misero mali,
quin ego nunc subigor trium nummum causa ut hasce epistulas
dicam ab eo homine me accepisse, quem ego qui sit homo nescio
neque novi, neque natus necne is fuerit, id solide scio.

## 3. Lines 851–1189

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

[¶0] Faith, this fellow’s surely of the mushroom genus; he covers himself entirely with his top. The countenance of the fellow appears to be Illyrian; he comes, too, in that garb.

> Latin: Charmides:
Pol hic quidem fungino generest: capite se totum tegit.
Hilurica facies videtur hominis, eo ornatu advenit.

[¶1] A SHARPER.:
He who hired me, when he had hired me, took me to his house; he told me what he wanted to be done; he taught and showed me beforehand
how I was to do everything. If, then, I should add anything more, my employer will on that account the better forward his plan through me. As he dressed me out, so am I now equipped; his money did that. He himself borrowed my costume, at his own risk, from the theatrical wardrobe; if I shall be able, now, to impose on this man through my garb,
I will give him occasion clearly to find that I am a very trickster.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Ille qui mé conduxit, ubi conduxit, abduxit domum,
quae voluit mihi dixit, docuit et praemonstravit prius,
quo modo quicque agerem; nunc adeo si quid ego addidero amplius,
eo conductor melius de me nugas conciliaverit.
ut ille me exornavit, ita sum ornatus; argentum hoc facit.
ipse ornamenta a chorago haec sumpsit suo periculo.
nunc ego si potero ornamentis hominem circumducere,
dabo operam, ut me esse ipsum plane sycophantam sentiat.

[¶2] The more I look at him, the less does the appearance of the fellow please me.’Tis a wonder if that fellow there is not either a night-robber or a cutpurse. He is viewing the locality; he is looking around him and surveying the houses; troth, I think he is reconnoitring the spot for him to come and rob bye and bye.

> Latin: Charmides:
Quam magis spécto, minus placet mi haec hominis facies. mira sunt,
ni illic homost aut dormitator aut sector zonarius.
loca contemplat, circumspectat sese atque aedis noscitat.
credo edepol, quo mox furatum veniat speculatur loca.

[¶3] I have a still greater desire to watch what he is about: I’ll give attention to this matter.

> Latin: magis lubidost opservare quid agat: ei rei operam dabo.

[¶4] A SHARPER.:
This employer of mine pointed out these localities to me; at this house are my devices to be put in practice. I’ll knock at the door.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)
Surely this fellow is making in a straight line for my house; i’ faith, I think I shall have to keep watch this night of my arrival.
A SHARPER.: (knocks at the door of the house of CHARMIDES.)

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Has regiones demonstravit mi ille conductor meus;
apud illas aedis sistendae mihi sunt sycophantiae.
fores pultabo.
Charmides:
Ad nostras aedis hic quidem habet rectam viam.
hercle opinor mi advenienti hac noctu agitandumst vigilias.

[¶5] Open this door!—open it! Hallo, there! who now has the care of this door?
CHARMIDES: (coming up to him.)

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Aperite hoc, aperite. heus, ecquis his fóribus tutelam gerit?

[¶6] Young man, what do you want? hat is it you wish? Why are you knocking at this door?
A SHARPER.:
Eh! old gentleman;
I am inquiring here for a young man named Lesbonicus, where in this quarter he lives —and likewise for another person, with such white hairs on his head as yours;

> Latin: Charmides:
Quid, adulescens, quaeris? quid vis? quid istas pultas?
Sycophanta:
Heus senex,
census cum ⟨sum⟩, iuratori recte rationem dedi.
…
Lesbonicum hic adulescentem quaero in his regionibus
ubi habitet, et item alterum ád istanc capitis albitudinem:

[¶7] he that gave me these letters said his name was Callicles.
CHARMIDES: (aside.)

> Latin: Calliclem aiebat vocari qui has dedit mi epistulas.

[¶8] In fact, this fellow is looking for my own son Lesbonicus and my friend Callicles, to whom I entrusted both my children and my property.

> Latin: Charmides:
Meum gnatum hic quidem Lesbonicum quaerit et amicum meum,
cuí ego liberosque bonaque commendavi, Calliclem.

[¶9] A SHARPER.:
Let me know, respected sir, if you are acquainted with it, where these persons live.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Fac me, si scis, certiorem, hisce homines ubi habitent, pater.

[¶10] CHARMIDES:
Why are you inquiring for them? Or who are you?—Or whence are you?—Or whence do you cone?
A SHARPER.:
I gave the return correctly to the Censor, when I was questioned by him—

> Latin: Charmides:
Quid eos quaeris? aut quis es? aut unde es? aut unde advenis?

[¶11] CHARMIDES:
…
A SHARPER.:
You ask a number of things in the same breath; I know not which in especial to inform you upon. If you will ask each thing singly, and in a quiet manner, I’ll both let you know my name, and my business, and my travels.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Multa simul rogitas, nescio quid expediam potissimum.
si unum quidquid singillatim et placide percontabere,
et meum nómen et mea facta et itinera ego faxo scias.

[¶12] CHARMIDES:
I’ll do as you desire. Come then; in the first place, tell me your name.

> Latin: Charmides:
Faciam ita ut vis. agedum nomen tuom primum memora mihi.

[¶13] A SHARPER.:
You begin by demanding an arduous task.
CHARMIDES:
How so?
A SHARPER.:
Because, respected sir,
if you were to begin before daylight, i’ faith, to commence at the first part of my name,’twould be the dead of the night before you could get to the end of it.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Magnum facinus incipissis petere.
Charmides:
Quid ita?
Sycophanta:
Quia, pater,
si ante lucem íre occipias a meo prímo nomine,
concubium sit noctis prius quam ad postremum perveneris.

[¶14] CHARMIDES:
According to your story, a person should have a long journey’s provision crammed tightly in for your name.

> Latin: Charmides:
Opus factost viatico ad tuom nomen, ut tu praedicas.

[¶15] A SHARPER.:
I have another name somewhat less,—about the size of a wine-casks.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Est minusculum alterum, quasi vixillum vinarium.

[¶16] CHARMIDES:
What is this name of yours, young man?
A SHARPER.:
“Hush,” that’s my name;

> Latin: Charmides:
Quid est tibi nomen, adulescens?
Sycophanta:
Pax, id est nomen mihi.

[¶17] that’s my every-day one.
CHARMIDES:
I’ faith,’tis a scampish name; just as though you were to say, “Hush,” if I were confiding anything to you, and then it is at an end forthwith. (Aside.) This fellow is evidently a sharper. What say you, young man—?
A SHARPER.:
What is it now?

> Latin: hoc cotidianumst.
Charmides:
Edepol nomen nugatorium,
quasi dicas, si quid crediderim tibi, pax—periisse ilico.
hic homo solide sycophantast. quid ais tu, adulescens?
Sycophanta:
Quid est?

[¶18] CHARMIDES:
Speak out; what do these persons owe you whom you are seeking?

> Latin: Charmides:
Eloquere, isti tibi quid homines debent, quos tu quaeritas?

[¶19] A SHARPER.:
The father of this young man, Lesbonicus, delivered to me these two letters;
he is a friend of mine.
CHARMIDES: (aside.)
I have now caught him in the fact; he says that I gave him the letters. I will have some fine sport with the fellow.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Pater istius adulescentis dedit has duas mi epistulas,
Lesbonici. is mi est amicus.
Charmides:
Teneo hunc manifestarium.
me sibi epistulas dedisse dicit. ludam hominem probe.

[¶20] A SHARPER.:
As I have begun, if you will give attention, I will say on.
CHARMIDES:
I’ll give you my attention.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Ita ut occepi, si animum advortas, dicam.
Charmides:
Dabo operam tibi.

[¶21] A SHARPER.:
He bade me give this letter to his son, Lesbonicus, and this other one, as well, he bade me give to his friend Callicles.
CHARMIDES: (aside.)

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Hanc me iussit Lesbonico suo gnato dare epistulam,
et item hanc alteram suo amico Callicli iussit dare.

[¶22] Troth, but since he is acting the impostor, I, on the other hand, have an inclination to act the cheat as well. Where was he himself?
A SHARPER.:
He was carrying on his business prosperously.
CHARMIDES:
But where?
A SHARPER.:
At Seleucia.

> Latin: Charmides:
Mihi quoque edepol, quom hic nugatur, contra nugari lubet.
[ubi ipse erat?]
Sycophanta:
[Bene rem gerebat.]
Charmides:
[Ergo ubi?]
Sycophanta:
[In Seleucia.]

[¶23] CHARMIDES:
… And did you receive these from himself?
A SHARPER.:
With his own hands he himself delivered them into my hands.

> Latin: Charmides:
Ab ipson istas accepisti?
Sycophanta:
E manibus dedit mi ipse in manus.

[¶24] CHARMIDES:
Of what appearance is this person?
A SHARPER.:
He is a person somewhere about half a foot taller than you.

> Latin: Charmides:
Qua facie est homo?

[¶25] CHARMIDES: (aside.)

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Sesquipede quiddamst quam tu longior.

[¶26] This is an odd matter, if in fact I am taller when absent than when present.

> Latin: Charmides:
Haeret haec res, siquidem ego apsens sum quam praesens longior.

[¶27] Do you know this person?
A SHARPER.:
You are asking me a ridiculous question; together with him I was in the habit of taking my meals.
CHARMIDES:
What is his name?
A SHARPER.:
One, i’ faith, that belongs to an honorable man.

> Latin: novistin hominem?
Sycophanta:
Ridicule rogitas, quicum una cibum
capere soleo.
Charmides:
Quid est ei nomen?
Sycophanta:
Quod edepol homini probo.

[¶28] CHARMIDES:
I would like to hear it.
A SHARPER.:
Troth, his name (hesitating)—his—his— (Aside.) Woe to unfortunate me.

> Latin: Charmides:
Lubet audire.
Sycophanta:
Illi edepol—illi—ílli—vae misero mihi.

[¶29] CHARMIDES:
What’s the matter?
A SHARPER.:
Unguardedly, I this moment swallowed the name.

> Latin: Charmides:
Quid est negoti?
Sycophanta:
Devoravi nomen imprudens modo.

[¶30] CHARMIDES:
I like not the man that has his friends shut up within his teeth.

> Latin: Charmides:
Non placet qui amicos intra dentes conclusos habet.

[¶31] A SHARPER.:
And yet this moment ’twas dwelling on the very edge of my lips.
CHARMIDES: (aside.)

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Atque etiam modo vorsabatur mi in labris primoribus.

[¶32] I’ve come to-day in good time before this fellow.
A SHARPER.: (aside.)
To my sorrow I’m caught in the fact.

> Latin: Charmides:
Temperi huic hodie anteveni.
Sycophanta:
Teneor manifesto miser.

[¶33] CHARMIDES:
Have you now recollected the name?
A SHARPER.:’Fore Gods and men, i’ faith, I’m ashamed of myself

> Latin: Charmides:
Iam recommentatu's recommentatus es nomen?

[¶34] CHARMIDES:
See, now, how well you know this man.
A SHARPER.:
As well as my own self. This is in the habit of happening: the thing you are holding in your hand, and seeing with your eyes, that same you are looking for as lost. I’ll recollect it letter by letter. C is the beginning of the name.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Deum hercle me atque hominum pudet.
Charmides:
Vide modo ut hóminem noveris.
Sycophanta:
Tam quam me. fieri istuc solet,
quod in manu teneas atque oculis videas, id desideres.
litteris recomminiscar. ⟨C⟩ est principium nomini.

[¶35] CHARMIDES:
Is it Callias?
A SHARPER.:
No: it isn’t that.

> Latin: Charmides:
Callias?

[¶36] CHARMIDES:
Callippus?
A SHARPER.:
It isn’t that.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Non est.

[¶37] CHARMIDES:
Callidemides?

> Latin: Charmides:
Callippus?
Sycophanta:
Non est.
Charmides:
Callidemides?

[¶38] A SHARPER.:
It isn’t that.
CHARMIDES:
Callinicus?
A SHARPER.:
No: it isn’t that.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Non est.

[¶39] CHARMIDES:
Or is it Callimachus?
A SHARPER.:’Tis in vain you suggest; and, i’ faith, I really don’t care one fillip about it, since I recollect enough myself for my own purpose.

> Latin: Charmides:
Callinicus?
Sycophanta:
Non est.
Charmides:
Callimarchus?
Sycophanta:
Nil agis.
neque adeo edepol flocci facio, quando egomet memini mihi.

[¶40] CHARMIDES:
But there are many people here of the name of Lesbonicus; unless you tell me the name of his father,
I cannot show you these persons whom you are looking for. What is it like? Perhaps we can find it out by guessing.

> Latin: Charmides:
At enim multi Lesbonici sunt hic: nisi nomen patris
dices, non monstrare istos possum homines quos tu quaeritas.
quod ad exemplum est? coniectura si reperire possumus.

[¶41] A SHARPER.:
It is something like this: Char—
CHARMIDES:
Chares? Or Charicles? Or is it Charmides?
A SHARPER.:
Ah! that’s he; may the Deities confound him.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Ad hoc exemplum est—

[¶42] CHARMIDES:
I have said to you once before already … that it is proper for you rather to speak well of a man that is your friend, than to curse him.

> Latin: Charmides:
An Chares? an Charmides?
Sycophanta:
Enim Charmides.
em istic erit. qui istum di perdant. dixi ego iam dudum tibi:
…
Charmides:
Te potius bene dicere aequomst homini amico, quam male.

[¶43] A SHARPER.:
Isn’t it the fact that this most worthless fellow has lain perdu between my lips and my teeth?

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Satin inter labra atque dentes latuit vir minimi preti?

[¶44] CHARMIDES:
Don’t you be cursing an absent friend.
A SHARPER.:
Why, then, did this most rascally fellow hide himself away from me?

> Latin: Charmides:
Ne male loquere apsenti amico.

[¶45] CHARMIDES:
If you had only called him, he would have answered to his name. But where is he himself now?
A SHARPER.:
Troth, I left him at Rhadama, in the isle of Apeland.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Quíd ergo ille ignavissumus
mihi latitabat?

[¶46] CHARMIDES:
…
(aside.) What person is there a greater simpleton than I, who myself am making inquiries where I am?

> Latin: Charmides:
Si appellasses, respondisset, nomine.
sed ipse ubi est?
Sycophanta:
Pol illúm reliqui ad Rhadamantem in Cecropia insula.†
Charmides:
Quis homo est me insipientior, qui ipse, egomet ubi sim, quaeritem?

[¶47] But it is by no means unimportant to this present purpose. What do you say as—?
A SHARPER.:
What now?

> Latin: sed nil disconducit huic rei. quid ais? quid hoc quod te rogo?

[¶48] CHARMIDES:
I ask you this. What places have you visited?
A SHARPER.:
Places exceedingly wonderful in astonishing ways.

> Latin: quos locos adiisti?
Sycophanta:
Nimium mirimodis mirabiles.

[¶49] CHARMIDES:
I should like to hear about them, unless it is inconvenient.
A SHARPER.:
Really I quite long to tell you. First of all we were conveyed to Pontus, to the land of Arabia.

> Latin: Charmides:
Lubet audire, nisi molestumst.
Sycophanta:
Quin discupio dicere.
omnium prímum in Pontum advecti ad Arabiam terram sumus.

[¶50] CHARMIDES:
How now; is Arabia then in Pontus?
A SHARPER.:
It is. Not that Arabia where frankincense is produced,
but where the wormwood grows, and the wild marjoram which the poultry love.

> Latin: Charmides:
Eho an etiam Arabiast in Ponto?

[¶51] CHARMIDES: (aside.)

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Est: non illa ubi tus gignitur,
sed ubi apsinthium fit atque cunila gallinacea.

[¶52] An extremely ingenious knave this. But the greater simpleton I, to be asking of this fellow from what place I have come back, a thing which I know, and he does not know; except that I have a mind to try how he will get out of it at last. But what say you further? Whither did you go next from thence?
A SHARPER.:
If you give me your attention, I will tell you.

> Latin: Charmides:
Nimium graphicum hunc nugatorem. sed ego sum insipientior,
qui egomet unde redeam hunc rogitem, quae ego sciam atque hic nesciat;
nisi quia lubet experiri, quo evasurust denique.
sed quid ais? quo inde isti porro?
Sycophanta:
Si animum advortes, eloquar.

[¶53] To the source of the river which arises out of the heavens, from beneath the throne of Jupiter.

> Latin: ad caput amnis, quod de caelo exoritur sub solio Iovis.

[¶54] CHARMIDES:
Beneath the throne of Jupiter?
A SHARPER.:
Yes: I say so.

> Latin: Charmides:
Sub solio Iovis?

[¶55] CHARMIDES:
Out of the heavens?
A SHARPER.:
Aye, out of the very middle.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Ita dico.
Charmides:
E caelo?
Sycophanta:
Atque ⟨e⟩ medio quidem.

[¶56] CHARMIDES:
How now; and did you ascend even to the heavens?
A SHARPER.:
Yes: we were carried in a little skiff right on, up the river, against the tide.

> Latin: Charmides:
Eho an etiam ín caelum escendisti?

[¶57] CHARMIDES:
And did you see Jupiter as well?

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Immo horiola advecti sumus,
usque aqua advorsa per amnem.
Charmides:
Eho an tu etiam vidisti Iovem?

[¶58] A SHARPER.:
The other Gods said that he had gone to his country-house, to dole out the victuals for his slaves.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Alii di isse ad villam aiebant servis depromptum cibum.

[¶59] Then, after that—
CHARMIDES:
Then after that—I don’t want you to relate anything more.
A SHARPER.:
Troth, I’m silent, if it’s troublesome.

> Latin: deinde porro—
Charmides:
Deinde porro nolo quicquam praedices.
Sycophanta:
⟨Sed—⟩

[¶60] CHARMIDES:
Why, no decent person ought to tell it, who has gone from the earth to heaven.

> Latin: Charmides:
⟨Abe⟩o hercle, si es molestus. nam pudicum neminem,
⟨Pax, refe⟩rre oportet, qui aps terra ad caelum pervenerit.

[¶61] A SHARPER.:
I’ll leave you, as I see you wish it. But point me out these persons whom I am looking for, and to whom I must deliver these letters.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
⟨Facia⟩m ita ut te velle video. sed monstra hosce homines mihi,
quos ego quaero, quibus me oportet has deferre epistulas.

[¶62] CHARMIDES:
What say you? If now perchance you were to see Charmides himself, him, I mean, who you say gave you these letters, would you know the man?
A SHARPER.:
By my troth now, do you take me to be a brute beast, who really am not able to recognise the person with whom I have been spending my life? And would he have been such a fool as to entrust to me a thousand
Philippean pieces, which gold he bade me carry to his son, and to his friend Callicles, to whom he said that he had entrusted his affairs? Would he have entrusted them to me if he had not known me, and I him, very intimately?

> Latin: Charmides:
Quid ais? tu nunc si forte eumpse Charmidem conspexeris,
illum quem tibi istás dedisse commemoras epistulas,
norisne hominem?

[¶63] CHARMIDES: (aside.)

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Ne tu me edepol arbitrare beluam,
qui quidem nón novisse possim quicum aetatem exegerim.
an ille tam esset stultus, qui mihi mille nummum crederet
Philippum, quod me aurum deferre iussit ad gnatum suom
atque ad amicum Calliclem, quoi rem aibat mandasse hic suam?
mihi concrederet, nisi me ille ét ego illum nossem approbe?

[¶64] I really have a longing now to swindle this swindler, if I can cozen him out of these thousand Philippean pieces
which he has said that I have given to him. A person, that I know not who he is, and have never beheld him with my eyes before this day, should I be entrusting gold to him? A man, to whom, if his life were at stake, I would not entrust a dump of lead. This fellow must be adroitly dealt with by me. Hallo! Mister Hush, I want three words with you.

> Latin: Charmides:
Enim vero ego nunc sycophantae huic sycophantari volo,
si hunc possum illo mille nummum Philippum circumducere,
quod sibi me dedisse dixit, quem ego qui sit homo nescio
neque oculis ante hunc diem umquam vidi. eine aurum crederem,
quoi, si capitis res sit, nummum numquam credam plumbeum?
adgrediundust hic homo mi astu. heus, Pax, te tribus verbis volo.

[¶65] A SHARPER.:
Even three hundred, if you like.
CHARMIDES:
Have you that gold which you received from Charmides?

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Vel trecentis.
Charmides:
Haben tu id aurum quod accepisti a Charmide?

[¶66] A SHARPER.:
Yes, and Philippeans, too, counted out on the table with his own hand, a thousand pieces.
CHARMIDES:
You received it, you mean, from Charmides himself?

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Atque etiam Philippúm, numeratum illius in mensa manu,
mille nummum.
Charmides:
Nempe ab ipso id accepisti Charmide?

[¶67] A SHARPER.:’Twere a wonder if I had received it of his father, or of his grandfather, who are dead.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Mirum quin ab avo eius aut próavo acciperem, qui sunt mortui.

[¶68] CHARMIDES:
Then, young man, hand me over this gold.
A SHARPER.: (staring at him.)
What gold am I to give you?

> Latin: Charmides:
Adulescens, cedo dum istuc aurum mi.
Sycophanta:
Quod ego aurum dem tibi?

[¶69] CHARMIDES:
That which you have owned you received from me.
A SHARPER.:
Received from you?

> Latin: Charmides:
Quod a me te accepisse fassu's fassus es.

[¶70] CHARMIDES:
Yes, I say so.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Aps te accepisse?
Charmides:
Ita loquor.

[¶71] A SHARPER.:
Who are you?
CHARMIDES:
I am Charmides, who gave you the thousand pieces of money.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Quis tu homo es?
Charmides:
Qui mille nummum tibi dedi ego sum Charmides.

[¶72] A SHARPER.:
I’ faith, you are not he; and this day, you never shall be he, for this gold, at any rate. Away with you, if you please, you impostor! (Aside.) You are trying to cheat the cheater.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Neque edepol tu is es neque hodie is umquam eris, auro huic quidem.
abi sis, nugator: nugari nugatori postulas.

[¶73] CHARMIDES:
I am Charmides.
A SHARPER.:
I’ faith, you are so to no purpose, for I carry no gold. Right cleverly were you down upon me, at the very nick of time.

> Latin: Charmides:
Charmides ego sum.
Sycophanta:
Nequiquam hercle es, nam nihil auri fero.
nimis argute óbrepsisti in eapse occasiuncula:

[¶74] After I said that I was bringing the gold, that instant you became Charmides. Before I made mention of the gold, you were not he. It won’t do. Just, therefore, in such manner as you Charmidised yourself, do you again un-Charmidise yourself.

> Latin: postquam ego me aurum ferre dixi, post tu factu's factus es Charmides;
prius tu non eras, quam aúri feci mentionem. nihil agis;
proin tu te, itidem ut charmidatus es, rursum recharmida.

[¶75] CHARMIDES:
Who am I, then, if in fact I am not he who I really am?
A SHARPER.:
What matters that to me? So long as you are not he whom I do not choose you to be, you may be who you like, for what I care.

> Latin: Charmides:
Quis ego sum igitur, siquidem is non sum qui sum?
Sycophanta:
Quid id ad me attinet?
dúm ille ne sis quem ego esse nolo, sis mea caúsa qui lubet.

[¶76] Just now, you were not he who you were, now you are become he who then you were not.

> Latin: prius non is eras quí eras: nunc is factu's factus es qui tum non eras.

[¶77] CHARMIDES:
Come, despatch, if you are going to do it.
A SHARPER.:
What am I to do?

> Latin: Charmides:
Age si quid agis.

[¶78] CHARMIDES:
Give me back the gold.
A SHARPER.:
You are dreaming, old gentleman.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Quid ego agam?
Charmides:
Aurum redde.
Sycophanta:
Dormitas, senex.

[¶79] CHARMIDES:
Did you own that Charmides delivered the gold to you?
A SHARPER.:
Yes—in writing.

> Latin: Charmides:
Fassu's fassus es Charmidem dedisse aurum tibi.
Sycophanta:
Scriptum quidem.

[¶80] CHARMIDES:
Are you making haste or not, you night-robber, to be off with all speed this very instant from this neighbourhood, before I order you to be soundly cudgelled on the spot?

> Latin: Charmides:
Properas an non properas ire actutum ab his regionibus,
dormitator, prius quam ego hic te iubeo mulcari male?

[¶81] A SHARPER.:
For what reason?
CHARMIDES:
Because I am that self-same Charmides about whom you have been thus lying, and who you said gave the letters to you.
A SHARPER.:
How now; prithee, are you really he?

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Quam ob rem?
Charmides:
Quia illum quem ementitus es, ego sum ipsus Charmides,
quem tibi epistulas dedisse aiebas.
Sycophanta:
Eho, quaeso, an tu is es?

[¶82] CHARMIDES:
I really am he.
A SHARPER.:
Say you so, pray? Are you really he himself?

> Latin: Charmides:
Is enim vero sum.

[¶83] CHARMIDES:
I do say so.
A SHARPER.:
Are you his own self?

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Ain tu tandem? is ipsusne es?
Charmides:
Aio.
Sycophanta:
Ipsus es?

[¶84] CHARMIDES:
His own self, I say. I am Charmides.
A SHARPER.:
And are you then his own self?

> Latin: Charmides:
Ipsus, inquam, Charmides sum.

[¶85] CHARMIDES:
His own very self. Begone hence out of my sight.
A SHARPER.:
Since you really have made your appearance here thus late,
you shall be beaten both at my own award and that of the new Aediles.

> Latin: Sycophanta:
Ergo ipsusne es?
Charmides:
Ipsissimus.
abin hinc ab oculis?
Sycophanta:
Enim véro serio, quoniam advenis—
vapulabis meo arbitratu ét novorum aedilium.

[¶86] CHARMIDES:
And are you abusing me as well?
A SHARPER.:
Yes; seeing that you have arrived in safety, may the Gods confound me, if I care a straw for you, had you perished first. I have received the money for this job; you, I devote to bad luck. But who you are, or who you are not, I care not one jot.

> Latin: Charmides:
At etiam maledicis?
Sycophanta:
Immo, salvos quandoquidem advenis—
di te perdant, si te flocci facio an periisses prius.
ego ob hanc operam argentum accepi, te macto infortunio:
ceterum qui sis, qui non sis, floccum non interduim.

[¶87] I’ll go and carry word to him who gave me the three pieces, that he may know that he has thrown them away. I’m off. Live with a curse, and fare you ill; may all the Gods confound you, Charmides, for coming from abroad.
(Exit.)
CHARMIDES:
Since this fellow has gone, at last a time and opportunity seem to have arrived for speaking out without restraint.

> Latin: ibo, ad illúm renuntiabo qui mihi tris nummos dedit,
ut sciat se perdidisse. ego abeo. male vive et vale.
qui te di omnes advenientem peregre perdant, Charmides.—
Charmides:
Postquam illic hinc ábiit, post loquendi libere
videtur tempus venisse atque occasio.

[¶88] Already does this sting pierce my breast—what business he could have before my house? For these letters summon apprehensions into my heart; those thousand pieces, too—what purpose they were to serve. I’ faith, a bell is never rung for no purpose;

> Latin: iam dudum meum ille pectus pnngit aculeus,
quid illí negoti fuerit ante aedis meas.
nam epistula illa mihi concenturiat metum
in corde et illud mille nummum quam rem agat.
numquam edepol temere tinnit tintinnabulum:

[¶89] unless some one handles it or moves it,’tis mute,’tis dumb. But who is this, that is beginning to run this way along the street? I should like to observe what he is about. I’ll step aside this way.
(He retires aside.) (Enter STASIMUS.)
STASIMUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: nisi qui illud tractat aut movet, mutumst, tacet.
sed quis hic est, qui huc in plateam cursuram incipit?
lubet observare quid agat: huc concessero.

[¶90] Stasimus, make you haste with all speed; away with you to your master’s house, lest on a sudden, through your folly, fears should arise for your shoulder-blades.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Stasime, fac te propere celerem, recipe te ad dominum domum,
ne subito metus exoriatur scapulis stultitia tua.

[¶91] Quicken your pace, make haste;’tis now a long while since you left the house. If you shall be absent when inquired after by your master, take you care, please, that the smacks of the bull’s-hide don’t clatter thick upon you. Don’t you cease running. See now, Stasimus, what a worthless fellow you are; and isn’t it the fact that you have forgotten your ring at the liquor- shop after you have been washing your throat with warm drink?

> Latin: adde gradum, adpropera. iam dudum factumst, cum abiisti domo.
cave sis tibi, ne bubuli in te cottabi crebri crepent,
si aberis ab eri quaestione. ne destiteris currere.
ecce hominem te, Stasime, nihili: satin in thermipolio
condalium es oblitus, postquam thermopotasti gutturem?

[¶92] Turn about, and run back now, to seek it, while the thing has but just happened.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)
Whoever he is, his throat is his taskmaster; that teaches this fellow the art of running.

> Latin: recipe te et recurre petere ⟨re⟩ recenti.
Charmides:
Huic, quisquis est,
gurguliost exercitór: is hunc hóminem cursuram docet.

[¶93] STASIMUS:
What, good-for-nothing fellow, are you not ashamed of yourself? having lost your memory after only three cups? And really, because you were there drinking together with such honest fellows, who could keep their hands off the property of another without difficulty;

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quid, homo nihili, non pudet te? tribusne te poteriis
memoriam esse oblitum? an vero, quia cum frugi hominibus
ibi bibisti, qui ab alieno facile cohiberent manus?
Truthus fuit, Cerconicus, Crinnus, Cercobulus, Collabus,
oculicrepidae cruricrepidae, ferriteri mastigiae:

[¶94] —is it among such men that you expect you may recover your ring?
Chiruchus was there, Cerconicus, Crimnus, Cricolabus, Collabus, whipped-necks, whipped-legs, iron-rubbers, whipped-knaves.
By my faith, any one of these could steal the sole of his shoe from a running footman.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)

> Latin: inter eosne homines condalium te redipisci postulas?
quorum eorum únus surrupuit currenti cursori solum.

[¶95] So may the Gods love me, a finished thief.
STASIMUS:
Why should I go seek what is gone for ever?

> Latin: Charmides:
Ita me di ament, graphicum furem.
Stasimvs:
Quid ego quod periit petam?

[¶96] Unless I would bestow my pains, too, by way of addition over and above to my loss. Why, then, don’t you consider that what is gone is gone? Tack about, then. Betake yourself back to your master.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)
This fellow is no runaway; he remembers his home.

> Latin: nisi etiam laborem ad damnum ápponam epithecam insuper.
quin tu quod periit periisse ducis? cape vorsoriam,
recipe te ad erum.
Charmides:
Non fugitivost hic homo, commeminit domi.

[¶97] STASIMUS:
I wish that the old-fashioned ways of old-fashioned days, and the old-fashioned thriftiness, were in greater esteem here, rather than these bad ways.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Vtinam veteres homin⟨um mor⟩es, veteres parsimoniae
potius ⟨in⟩ maiore honore hic essent quam mores mali.

[¶98] Immortal Gods! this man really is beginning to talk of noble doings! He longs for the old-fashioned ways; know that he loves the old-fashioned ways, after the fashion of our forefathers.

> Latin: Charmides:
Di immortales, basilica hic quidem facinora inceptat loqui.
vetera quaerit, vetera amare hunc more maiorum scias.

[¶99] STASIMUS:
For, now-a-days, men’s manners reckon of no value what is proper, except what is agreable. Ambition now is sanctioned by usage, and is free from the laws. By usage, people have the license to throw away their shields, and to run away from the enemy.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Nam nunc mores nihili faciunt quod licet, nisi quod lubet:
ambitio iam more sanctast, liberast a legibus;
scuta iacere fugereque hostis more habent licentiam:

[¶100] To seek honor thereby in place of disgrace is the usage.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)
A shameless usage.

> Latin: petere honorem pro flagitio more fit.
Charmides:
Morem improbum.

[¶101] STASIMUS:
Now-a-days,’tis the usage to neglect the brave.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Strenuiores praeterire more fit.

[¶102] CHARMIDES: (behind.)
Aye,’tis really shocking.

> Latin: Charmides:
Nequam quidem.

[¶103] STASIMUS:
The public manners have now got the laws in their power; to them they are more submissive than are parents to their children. In their misery, these laws are even hung up against the wall with iron nails,
where it had been much more becoming for bad ways to be fixed up.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Mores leges perduxerunt iam in potestatem suam,
magisque is sunt obnoxiosae quam parentes liberis.
eae miserae etiam ad parietem sunt fixae clavis ferreis,
ubi malos mores adfigi nimio fuerat aequius.

[¶104] I’d like to go up and accost this person; but I listen to him with much pleasure, and I’m afraid, if I address him, that he may begin to talk on some other subject.

> Latin: Charmides:
Lubet adire atque appellare hunc; verum ausculto perlubens
et metuo, si compellabo, ne aliam rem occipiat loqui.

[¶105] STASIMUS:
And, for these ways, there is nothing rendered sacred by the law. The laws are subservient to usage; but these habits are hastening to sweep away both what is sacred and what is public property.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Neque istis quicquam lege sanctumst: leges mori serviunt,
mores autem rapere properant qua sacrum qua publicum.

[¶106] By my troth,’twere right for some great calamity to befal these bad customs.

> Latin: Charmides:
Hercle istis malam rem magnam moribus dignumst dari.

[¶107] STASIMUS:
Ought not this state of things to be publicly censured? For this kind of men are the enemies of all persons, and do an injury to the entire people. By a non-observance of their own honour, they likewise destroy all trust even in those who merit it not; inasmuch as people form an estimate of the disposition of these from the disposition of those fellows.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Nonne hoc publice animum advorti? nam id genus hominum omnibus
univorsis est advorsum atque omni populo male facit:
male fidem servando illis quoque abrogant etiam fidem,
qui nil meriti; quippe eorum ex ingenio ingenium horum probant.
hoc qui in mentem venerit mihi? re ipsa modo commonitus sum.

[¶108] If you lend a person any money, it becomes lost for any purpose as one’s own. When you ask for it back again, you may find a friend made an enemy by your kindness. If you begin to press still further, the option of two things ensues—either you must part with that which you have entrusted, or else you must lose that friend.
As to how this suggests itself to me, I have by actual experience been lately put in mind of it.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)

> Latin: si quoi mutuom quid dederis, fit pro proprio perditum:
quom repetas, inimicum amicum beneficio invenias tuo.
si mage exigere occupias, duarum rerum exoritur optio:
vel illud quod credideris perdas, vel illum amicum amiseris.

[¶109] Surely this is my servant Stasimus?
STASIMUS:
For as to him to whom I lent the talent, I bought myself an enemy with my talent, and sold my friend. But I am too great a simpleton to be attending to public matters rather than (what’s my immediate interest) obtain safety for my back. I’ll go home.
(Moves as if going.)

> Latin: Charmides:
Meus est hic quidem Stasimus servos.
Stasimvs:
Nam ego talentum mutuom
quoi dederam, talento inimicum mi emi, amicum vendidi.
sed ego sum insipientior, qui rebus curem publicis
potius quam, id quod proxumumst, meo tergo tutelam geram.
eo domum.

[¶110] CHARMIDES:
Hallo, you! Stop, this instant! Harkye; hallo, you!

> Latin: Charmides:
Heus tu, asta ilico. audi.

[¶111] STASIMUS:
I’ll not stop.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Heús tu, non sto.

[¶112] CHARMIDES:
I want you.

> Latin: Charmides:
Te volo.

[¶113] STASIMUS:
What if I myself don’t want you to want me.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quid si ego me te velle nolo?

[¶114] CHARMIDES:
Why, Stasimus, you are behaving very rudely.

> Latin: Charmides:
Aha nimium, Stasime, saeviter.

[¶115] STASIMUS:’Twere better for you to buy some one to give your commands to.
CHARMIDES:
I’ faith, I have bought one, and paid the money, too. But if he is not obedient to my orders, what ani I to do?

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Emere meliust cui imperes.
Charmides:
Pol ego emi atque argentum dedi;
sed si non dicto audiens est, quid ago?

[¶116] STASIMUS:
Give him a severe punishment.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Da magnum malum.

[¶117] CHARMIDES:
You give good advice; I am resolved to do so.

> Latin: Charmides:
Bene mones, ita facere certumst.

[¶118] STASIMUS:
Unless, indeed, you are under obligations to him.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Nisi quidem es obnoxius.

[¶119] CHARMIDES:
If he is a deserving person, I am under obligations to him; but if he is otherwise, I’ll do as you advise me.

> Latin: Charmides:
Si bonus es, obnoxius sum; sin secus es, faciam ut iubes.

[¶120] STASIMUS:
What matters it to me whether you have good or bad slaves?

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quid id ad me attinet, bonisne servis tu utare an malis?

[¶121] CHARMIDES:
Because you have a share in this matter both of the good and of the bad.

> Latin: Charmides:
Quia boni malique in ea re pars tibi est.

[¶122] STASIMUS:
The one share I leave to yourself; the other share, that in the good, do you set down to my account.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Partem alteram
tibi permitto; illam alteram ápud me, quod bonist, apponito.

[¶123] CHARMIDES:
If you shall prove deserving, it shall be so. Look back at me—I am Charmides.

> Latin: Charmides:
Sí eris meritus, fiet. respice huc ad me. ego sum Charmides.

[¶124] STASIMUS:
Ha! what person is it that has made mention of that most worthy man?

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Hem quis est qui mentionem homo hominis fecit optumi?

[¶125] CHARMIDES:’Tis that most worthy man himself.
STASIMUS:
O seas, earth, heavens, by my trust in you—do I see quite clearly with my eyes? Is this he, or is it not?’Tis he!’Tis certainly he;’tis he beyond a doubt! O my most earnestly wished-for master, health to you!

> Latin: Charmides:
Ipsus homo optumus.
Stasimvs:
Mare terra caelum, di vestram fidem,
satin ego oculis plane video? estne ipsus an non est? is est,
certe is est, is est profecto. o mí ere exoptatissime,
salve.

[¶126] CHARMIDES:
Health to you, too, Stasimus!

> Latin: Charmides:
Salve, Stasime.

[¶127] STASIMUS:
That you are safe and sound, I—

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Salvom te—

[¶128] CHARMIDES: (interruptitng him.)
I know it, and I believe you. But wave the rest; answer me this; how are my children,
my son and daughter, whom I left here?

> Latin: Charmides:
Scio et credo tibi.
sed omitto alia, hoc mihi responde: liberi quid agunt mei,
quos reliqui hic filium atque filiam?

[¶129] STASIMUS:
They are alive, and well.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Vivont, valent.

[¶130] CHARMIDES:
Both of them, say you?

> Latin: Charmides:
Nempe uterque?

[¶131] STASIMUS:
Both of them.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Vterque.

[¶132] CHARMIDES:
The Gods willed me to be safe and preserved from dangners. The rest that I want to know I will inquire about in-doors at my leisure. Let us go in-doors; follow me.

> Latin: Charmides:
Di me salvom et servatum volunt.
cetera intus otiose percontabor quae volo.
eamus intro, sequere.

[¶133] STASIMUS:
Where are you going now?

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quo tu té agis?

[¶134] CHARMIDES:
Where else but to my house?

> Latin: Charmides:
Quonam nisi domum?

[¶135] STASIMUS:
Do you suppose that we are living here?

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Hicine nos habitare censes?

[¶136] CHARMIDES:
Why, where else should I suppose?

> Latin: Charmides:
Vbinam ego alibi censeam?

[¶137] STASIMUS:
Now—

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Iam—

[¶138] CHARMIDES:
What about “now?”

> Latin: Charmides:
Quid iam?

[¶139] STASIMUS:
This house is not our own.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Non sunt nostrae aedis istae.

[¶140] CHARMIDES:
What is it I hear from you?

> Latin: Charmides:
Quid ego ex te audio?

[¶141] STASIMUS:
Your son has sold this house.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Vendidit tuos natus aedis.

[¶142] CHARMIDES:
I’m ruined.

> Latin: Charmides:
Perii.

[¶143] STASIMUS:
For silver minae; ready money counted out.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Praesentariis
argenti minis numeratis—

[¶144] CHARMIDES:
How many?

> Latin: Charmides:
Quot?

[¶145] STASIMUS:
Forty.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Quadraginta.

[¶146] CHARMIDES:
I’m undone. Who has purchased it?

> Latin: Charmides:
Occidi.
quis eas emit?

[¶147] STASIMUS:
Callicles, to whom you entrusted your affairs; he has removed here to live, and has turned us out of doors.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Callicles, cui tuam rem commendaveras;
is habitatum huc commigravit nosque exturbavit foras.

[¶148] CHARMIDES:
Where is my son now living?

> Latin: Charmides:
Vbi nunc filius meus habitat?

[¶149] STASIMUS:
Here, in these back buildings.
(Points to the side of the house.)

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Hic in hoc posticulo.

[¶150] CHARMIDES:
I’m utterly undone.

> Latin: Charmides:
Male disperii.

[¶151] STASIMUS:
I thought that this would be distressing to you when you heard of it.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Credidi aegre tibi id, ubi audisses, fore.

[¶152] CHARMIDES:
To my sorrow, amid extreme dangers I have been borne over vast oceans, with the peril of my life I have preserved myself among robbers full many in number, and I have returned safe. Now, to my misery, I am here undone
by reason of those same persons for whose sake I have been struggling at this time of life Grief is depriving me of my senses. Support me, Stasimus.

> Latin: Charmides:
Ego miserrumis periclis sum per maria maxuma
vectus, capitali periclo per praedones plurimos
me servavi, salvos redii: nunc hic disperii miser,
propter eosdem quorum causa fui hac aetate exercitus.
adimit animam mi aegritudo. Stasime, tene me.

[¶153] STASIMUS:
Do you wish me to fetch you some water?

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Visne aquam
tibi petam?

[¶154] CHARMIDES:
When my fortunes were in their mortal struggle, then was it befitting that water should be sprinkled upon them.
(Enter CALLICLES.)

> Latin: Charmides:
Res quom animam agebat, tum esse offusam oportuit.

[¶155] CALLICLES:
What noise is this that I hear before my house?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid hoc híc clamoris audio ante aedis meas?

[¶156] CHARMIDES:
O Callicles! O Callicles! O Callicles!
to what sort of friend have I entrusted my property?

> Latin: Charmides:
O Callicles, o Callicles, o Callicles,
qualine amico mea commendavi bona?

[¶157] CALLICLES:
To one good, and faithful, and trusty, and of strict integrity. Health to you, and I rejoice that you have arrived safe and sound.
…

> Latin: Callicles:
Probo et fideli et fido et cum magna fide.
et salve et salvom te advenisse gaudeo.

[¶158] CHARMIDES:
How, health to me? Troth, I have no patience with such health. This I wish to know; how have you kept your trust, who, without my knowledge, have utterly destroyed my property and my children that I entrusted to you and committed to your charge when going hence abroad?

> Latin: Charmides:
Credo, omnia istaec sí ita sunt ut praedicas.
sed quis iste est tuos ornatus?

[¶159] CALLICLES:
I don’t think that it is fair, when you don’t understand the matter, to censure your old friend with harsh words. For you are both mistaken and you are doing me a very great injustice.

> Latin: Callicles:
Ego dicam tibi.
thensaurum effodiebam intus, dotem, filiae
tuae quaé daretur. sed intus narrabo tibi
et hoc et alia. sequere.

[¶160] CHARMIDES:
Have you not bought this house which you came out of just now, and driven thence my son Lesbonicus? Is this so as I say, or is it not? Answer me.
CALLICLES:
I myself did buy the house; I bought it that I might keep it for you. And without that it would have happened that your son would have sold it to another person; and then you would have lost both it and that treasure together, which, concealed there, you had entrusted to my charge. See, I restore it safe to you; for you did I buy it, not for myself.
CHARMIDES:
Prithee, what do you say? By my trust in Gods and men, you make me suddenly to be quite ashamed of my error in speaking unkindly to my friend in return for his services.
CALLICLES:
How, then; do you now think that I am trusty and faithful?
CHARMIDES:
I do think so, if all these matters are so as you relate them. But what means this garb of yours?
CALLICLES:
I’ll tell you.
I was digging up the treasure indoors, as a marriage-portion to be given to your daughter. But I will relate to you both this and the rest in the house. Follow me.
CHARMIDES:
Stasimus.

> Latin: Charmides:
Stasime.

[¶161] STASIMUS:
Well!

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Hem.

[¶162] CHARMIDES:
Run with all haste to the Piraeus, and make but one run of it. There you will at once see the ship, on board of which I was carried hither.
Bid Sagario take care that the things are brought which I enjoined him, and do you go together with them. The duty has been already paid to the custom-house officer.

> Latin: Charmides:
Strenue
curre in Piraeum, atque unum curriculum face.
videbis iam illic navem qua advecti sumus.
iubeto Sangarionem quae imperaverim
curare ut efferantur, et tu ito simul.
solutumst portitori iam portorium:
nihil est morae. i, i, ambula, actutum redi.

[¶163] STASIMUS:
I make no delay.
CHARMIDES:
Get you gone with all speed; and be back directly.
STASIMUS:
I am both there and here in an instant.

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Illic sum atque hic sum.

[¶164] CALLICLES: (to CHARMIDES.)
Do you follow me this way indoors.

> Latin: Callicles:
Sequere tu hac me intro.—

[¶165] CHARMIDES:
I follow.
(Exeunt CALLICLES and CHARMIDES into the house.)

> Latin: Charmides:
Sequor.—

[¶166] STASIMUS:
This man alone has remained a firm friend to my master; nor has he allowed his mind to swerve from unshaken fidelity, although I believe that he has undergone many troubles, by reason of the property and the children of my master. Still, this person, as I suspect, alone has maintained his fidelity.
(Exit.) (Enter LYSITELES.)

> Latin: Stasimvs:
Hic meo ero amicus solus firmus restitit,
neque demutavit animum de firma fide,
quamquam labores multos
sed hic unus, ut ego suspicor, servat fidem.
† ob rem laborem eum ego cepisse censeo.—

[¶167] LYSITELES:
This individual is the very first of all men; excelling all in pleasures and delights. So truly do the blessings which I desire befal me, that whatever I undertake is brought about, and constantly succeeds: so does one delight succeed other delights.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Hic homóst omnium hominum praécipuos,
voluptátibus gaudiisque ántepotens:
ita cómmoda quae cupio éveniunt,
quod ago ádsequitur, subest, súbsequitur,
ita gaúdiis gaudium súppeditat.

[¶168] Just now, Stasimus, the servant of Lesbonicus, came to me at home. He told me that his master, Charmides, had arrived here from abroad. Now he must be forthwith waited upon by me, that the father may prove a more sure foundation in that matter on which I have treated with his son. I’ll go. But this door, with its creaking, inopportunely causes me delay.
(He retires to a distance.) (Enter CHARMIDES and CALLICLES.)

> Latin: módo me Stasimus Lesbonici servos convenit ⟨domi⟩;
is mihi dixit, suom erum peregre huc advenisse Charmidem.
nunc mi is propere conveniundust, ut quae cum eius filio
egi, ei rei fundus pater sit potior. eo ⟨quantum potest⟩.
sed fores haé sonitu suo míhi moram obiciunt incommode.

[¶169] CHARMIDES:
There never was, nor will there be, nor yet do I think that there is a person upon the earth, whose fidelity and constancy towards his friend equals yours. For without you, it would have been that he would have ousted me out of this house.

> Latin: Charmides:
Neque fuit neque erit neque esse quemquam hominem in terra arbitror,
quoi fides fidelitasque amicum erga aequiperet tuam;
nam exaedificavisset me ex his aedibus, apsque te foret.

[¶170] CALLICLES:
If I have in any way acted well towards my friend, or have faithfully consulted his advantage, I seem not to be deserving of praise, but I think I am free from fault.

> Latin: Callicles:
Si quid amicum erga bene feci aut consului fideliter,
non videor meruisse laudem, culpa caruisse arbitror.

[¶171] For a benefit which is conferred on a man for his own, at once is lost to the giver; what is given only as a loan, the same there is a right to ask back, whenever you please.

> Latin: [nam beneficium, homini proprium quod datur, † prosumpserit,]
[quod datum utendumst, id repetundi copiast quando velit.]

[¶172] CHARMIDES:’Tis so as you say. But I cannot sufficiently-wonder at this, that he has betrothed his sister into a family so influential.

> Latin: Charmides:
Est ita ut tu dicis. sed ego hoc nequeo mirari satis,
eum sororem despondisse suam in tam fortem familiam.

[¶173] CALLICLES:
Aye; to Lysiteles, the son of Philto.

> Latin: Callicles:
Lysiteli quidem Philtonis filio.

[¶174] LYSITELES: (behind.)
Why, he is mentioning my name.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Enim me nominat.

[¶175] CHARMIDES:
He has got into a most worthy family.

> Latin: Charmides:
Familiam optumam occupavit.

[¶176] LYSITELES: (behind.)
Why do I hesitate to address these persons? But still, I think, I may wait awhile; for something is going to be said to the purpose about this matter.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Quid ego cesso hos conloqui?
sed maneam etiam opinor, namque hoc commodum orditur loqui.

[¶177] CHARMIDES:
O—

> Latin: Charmides:
Vah.

[¶178] CALLICLES:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: Callicles:
Quid est?

[¶179] CHARMIDES:
I forgot just now to tell you of it in-doors. As I was coming hither, a while ago, a certain swindling fellow met me—a very finished sharper. He told me that he was carrying a thousand gold pieces,
of my giving, to you and my son Lesbonicus; a fellow, that I know not who he was, nor have I ever seen him anywhere before. But why do you laugh?

> Latin: Charmides:
Oblitus intus dudum tibi sum dicere:
modo mi advenienti nugator quidam occessit obviam,
nimis pergraphicus sycophanta; is mille nummum se aureum
meo datu tibi ferre et gnato Lesbonico aibat meo;
quem ego nec qui esset noram, neque eum ante usquam conspexi prius.
sed quid rides?

[¶180] CALLICLES:
He came by my directions, as though he was one bringing the gold from you to me, to give as a portion to your daughter; that your son, when I should give it to her from my own hands, might suppose that it had been brought from you,
and that he might not anyhow be enabled to discover the fact itself—that your treasure was in my possession, and demand it of me, as having belonged to his father, by the public laws.

> Latin: Callicles:
Meo adlegatu venit, quasi qui aurum mihi
ferret aps te, quod darem tuae gnatae dotem, ut filius
tuos, quando illi a me darem, esse allatum id aps te crederet
neu qui rem ipsam posset intellegere, [et] thensaurum tuom
me esse penes, atque eum [a] me lege populi patrium posceret.

[¶181] CHARMIDES:
Cleverly contrived, i’ troth.

> Latin: Charmides:
Scite edepol.

[¶182] CALLICLES:
Megaronides, a common well-wisher of yours and mine, planned this.

> Latin: Callicles:
Megaronides communis hoc meus et tuos
benevolens commentust.

[¶183] CHARMIDES:
Well, I applaud his device, and approve of it.
LYSITELES: (behind.)

> Latin: Charmides:
Quin conlaudo consilium et probo.

[¶184] Why, in my foolishness, while I fear to interrupt their discourse,
am I standing here alone, and am not forwarding the business that I was intending to transact? I will accost these persons.
(He advances.)

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Quid ego ineptus, dum sermonem vereor interrumpere,
solus sto nec quod conatus sum agere ago? hominis conloquar.

[¶185] CHARMIDES:
Who is this person that is coming this way towards us?

> Latin: Charmides:
Quis hic est, qui huc ad nos incedit?

[¶186] LYSITELES: (going up to CHARMIDES.)
Lysiteles salutes his father-in-law Charmides.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Charmidem socerum suom
Lysiteles salutat.

[¶187] CHARMIDES:
May the Gods grant you, Lysiteles, whatever you may desire.

> Latin: Charmides:
Di dent tibi, Lysiteles, quae velis.

[¶188] CALLICLES:
Am I not worthy of a salutation?

> Latin: Callicles:
Non ego sum salute dignus?

[¶189] LYSITELES:
Yes; health to you, Callicles. It is right that I should give him the preference: the tunic is nearer the skin than the cloak.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Immo salve, Callicles;
hunc priorem aequomst me habere: tunica propior palliost.

[¶190] CALLICLES:
I trust that the Gods may direct your plans aright.

> Latin: Callicles:
Deos volo consilia vostra ⟨vobis⟩ recte vortere.

[¶191] CHARMIDES:
I hear that my daughter has been betrothed to you?

> Latin: Charmides:
Filiam meam tíbi desponsam esse audio.

[¶192] LYSITELES:
Unless you are unwilling.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Nisi tu nevis.

[¶193] CHARMIDES:
Nay, I am not unwilling.

> Latin: Charmides:
Immo haud nolo.

[¶194] LYSITELES:
Do you, then, promise your daughter for my wife?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Sponden ergo tuam gnatam uxorem mihi?

[¶195] CHARMIDES:
I promise a thousand gold Philippean pieces, as well, for a portion.

> Latin: Charmides:
Spondeo, et mille auri Philippum dotis.

[¶196] LYSITELES:
I care nothing about a portion.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Dotem nil moror.

[¶197] CHARMIDES:
If she pleases you, the portion which she presents to you must be pleased as well.

> Latin: Charmides:
Si illa tibi placet, placenda dos quoque est quam dat tibi.

[¶198] In fine, the object which you desire you shall not have, unless you shall take that which you do not desire.
CALLICLES: (to LYSITELES.)

> Latin: postremo quod vis non duces, nisi illud quod non vis feres.

[¶199] He asks but justice.
LYSITELES:
He shall obtain it, you the advocate and the judge. On these conditions, do you engage that your daughter shall be given to me as my wife?

> Latin: Callicles:
Ius hic orat.
Lysiteles:
Impetrabit te advocato atque arbitro.
istac lege filiam tuam spónden mi uxorem dari?

[¶200] CHARMIDES:
I do promise her.

> Latin: Charmides:
Spondeo.

[¶201] CALLICLES:
And I promise her likewise.

> Latin: Callicles:
Et ego spondeo ídem hoc.

[¶202] LYSITELES:
O save you, my connexions by marriage.
(He embraces them.)

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Oh salvete, adfines mei.

[¶203] CHARMIDES:
But, in good sooth, there are some matters on account of which I still am angry with you.

> Latin: Charmides:
Atque edepol sunt res, quas propter tibi tamen suscensui.

[¶204] LYSITELES:
What have I done?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Quid ego feci?

[¶205] CHARMIDES:
Because you have allowed my son to become dissolute.

> Latin: Charmides:
Meum corrumpi quia perpessu's perpessus es filium.

[¶206] LYSITELES:
Had that been done by my consent, there would have been cause for you to blame me. … But allow me to obtain of you this one thing which I entreat?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Si id mea voluntate factumst, ⟨est⟩ quod mihi suscenseas.
sed sine me hoc aps te impetrare quod volo.

[¶207] CHARMIDES:
What is it?

> Latin: Charmides:
Quid id est?

[¶208] LYSITELES:
You shall know. If he has done anything imprudently, that you will dismiss it all from your mind. Why do you shake your head?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Scies.
si quid stulte fecit, ut ea missa facias omnia.
quid quassas caput?

[¶209] CHARMIDES:
My heart is tortured, and I fear—

> Latin: Charmides:
Cruciatur cor mi, et metuo.

[¶210] LYSITELES:
What is it now?

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Quidnam id est?

[¶211] CHARMIDES:
Because he is such as I would that he was not,—by that am I tortured. I fear that if I refuse you what you ask of me, you may suppose that I am indifferent towards you. I won’t make difficulties, however; I will do as you wish.

> Latin: Charmides:
Quom ille itast ut esse nolo, id crucior; metuo, si tibi
denegem quod me oras, ne te leviorem erga me putes.
non gravabor. faciam ita ut vis.

[¶212] LYSITELES:
You are a worthy man. I am going to call him out. (He goes to the door of the house of CHARMIDES).

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Probus es. eo, ut illum evocem.

[¶213] CHARMIDES:’Tis a shocking thing if one is not allowed to punish bad deserts just as they merit.
LYSITELES: (knocking at the door.)

> Latin: Charmides:
Miserumst, male promerita, ut merita sunt, si ulcisci non licet.

[¶214] Open the door, open quickly, and call Lesbonicus out of doors, if he is at home.
The occasion is very sudden, therefore I wish him to come to me with all haste.
LESBONICUS: (Enter LESBONICUS from the house.)

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Aperite hoc, aperite propere et Lesbonicum, si domist,
[foras] evocate: ita subitost propere quod eum conventum volo.

[¶215] What person has been calling me out of doors with so loud a knocking?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Quis homo tam tumultuoso sonitu me excivit [subito] foras?

[¶216] LYSITELES:’Tis your well.wisher and friend
LESBONICUS:
Is all quite right?—tell me.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Benevolens tuos atque amicus.
Lesbonicvs:
Satine salve? dic mihi.

[¶217] LYSITELES:
All’s well. I am glad to say that your father has returned from abroad.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Recte. tuom patrem rediisse salvom peregre gaudeo.

[¶218] LESBONICUS:
Who says so?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Quis id ait?

[¶219] LYSITELES:
I.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Ego.

[¶220] LESBONICUS:
Have you seen him?

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Tun vidisti?

[¶221] LYSITELES:
Aye, and you yourself may see him too.
(He points to CHARMIDES.)

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Et tute item videas licet.

[¶222] LESBONICUS:
O my father, my father, blessings on you.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
O pater, pater mi, salve.

[¶223] CHARMIDES:
Many blessings on you, my son.

> Latin: Charmides:
Salve multum, gnate mi.

[¶224] LESBONICUS:
If, father, any trouble —

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Si quid tibi, pater, laboris—

[¶225] CHARMIDES:
Have no fear, nothing has happened. My affairs prosperously managed, I have returned safe. If you are only wishful to be steady, that daughter of Callicles has been promised you.

> Latin: Charmides:
Nihil evenit, ne time:
bene re gesta salvos redeo—si tu modo frugi esse vis.
haec tibi pactast Callicli ⟨huius⟩ filia.

[¶226] LESBONICUS:
I will marry both her, father, and any one else besides that you shall bid me.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
Ego ducam, pater,
et eam et si quam aliam iubebis.

[¶227] CHARMIDES:
Although I have been angry with you,
one misery, in fact, is more than enough for one man.

> Latin: Charmides:
Quamquam tibi suscensui,
miseria ⟨una⟩ uni quidem hominist adfatim.

[¶228] CALLICLES:
Nay, rather,’twere too little for him; for if he were to marry a hundred wives for his sins, it were too little.

> Latin: Callicles:
Immo huic parumst,
nam si pro peccatis centum ducat uxores, parumst.

[¶229] LESBONICUS:
But henceforth, in future, I will be steady.

> Latin: Lesbonicvs:
At iam posthac temperabo.

[¶230] CHARMIDES:
So you say; if you will only do it.

> Latin: Charmides:
Dicis, si facies modo.

[¶231] LESBONICUS:
Is there any reason why I should not bring my wife home to-morrow?
CHARMIDES:’Tis very good. And you, Lysiteles, be ready to be married the day after to-morrow.
A COMEDIAN:
Give your applause.

> Latin: Lysiteles:
Numquid causaest quin uxorem cras domum ducam?
Charmides:
[optimumst.] Licet.
tu in perendinum paratus sis ut ducas.
Omnes:
Plaudite.