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.
Charmides:Pol hic quidem fungino generest: capite se totum tegit.Hilurica facies videtur hominis, eo ornatu advenit.
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 beforehandhow 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.)
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.
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.
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.
I have a still greater desire to watch what he is about: I’ll give attention to this matter.
magis lubidost opservare quid agat: ei rei operam dabo.
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.)
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.
Open this door!—open it! Hallo, there! who now has the care of this door?CHARMIDES: (coming up to him.)
Sycophanta:Aperite hoc, aperite. heus, ecquis his fóribus tutelam gerit?
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;
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 regionibusubi habitet, et item alterum ád istanc capitis albitudinem:
he that gave me these letters said his name was Callicles.CHARMIDES: (aside.)
Calliclem aiebat vocari qui has dedit mi epistulas.
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.
Charmides:Meum gnatum hic quidem Lesbonicum quaerit et amicum meum,cuí ego liberosque bonaque commendavi, Calliclem.
A SHARPER.:Let me know, respected sir, if you are acquainted with it, where these persons live.
Sycophanta:Fac me, si scis, certiorem, hisce homines ubi habitent, pater.
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—
Charmides:Quid eos quaeris? aut quis es? aut unde es? aut unde advenis?
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.
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.
CHARMIDES:I’ll do as you desire. Come then; in the first place, tell me your name.
Charmides:Faciam ita ut vis. agedum nomen tuom primum memora mihi.
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.
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.
CHARMIDES:According to your story, a person should have a long journey’s provision crammed tightly in for your name.
Charmides:Opus factost viatico ad tuom nomen, ut tu praedicas.
A SHARPER.:I have another name somewhat less,—about the size of a wine-casks.
Sycophanta:Est minusculum alterum, quasi vixillum vinarium.
CHARMIDES:What is this name of yours, young man?A SHARPER.:“Hush,” that’s my name;
Charmides:Quid est tibi nomen, adulescens?Sycophanta:Pax, id est nomen mihi.
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?
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?
CHARMIDES:Speak out; what do these persons owe you whom you are seeking?
Charmides:Eloquere, isti tibi quid homines debent, quos tu quaeritas?
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.
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.
A SHARPER.:As I have begun, if you will give attention, I will say on.CHARMIDES:I’ll give you my attention.
Sycophanta:Ita ut occepi, si animum advortas, dicam.Charmides:Dabo operam tibi.
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.)
Sycophanta:Hanc me iussit Lesbonico suo gnato dare epistulam,et item hanc alteram suo amico Callicli iussit dare.
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.
Charmides:Mihi quoque edepol, quom hic nugatur, contra nugari lubet.[ubi ipse erat?]Sycophanta:[Bene rem gerebat.]Charmides:[Ergo ubi?]Sycophanta:[In Seleucia.]
CHARMIDES:… And did you receive these from himself?A SHARPER.:With his own hands he himself delivered them into my hands.
Charmides:Ab ipson istas accepisti?Sycophanta:E manibus dedit mi ipse in manus.
CHARMIDES:Of what appearance is this person?A SHARPER.:He is a person somewhere about half a foot taller than you.
Charmides:Qua facie est homo?
CHARMIDES: (aside.)
Sycophanta:Sesquipede quiddamst quam tu longior.
This is an odd matter, if in fact I am taller when absent than when present.
Charmides:Haeret haec res, siquidem ego apsens sum quam praesens longior.
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.
novistin hominem?Sycophanta:Ridicule rogitas, quicum una cibumcapere soleo.Charmides:Quid est ei nomen?Sycophanta:Quod edepol homini probo.
CHARMIDES:I would like to hear it.A SHARPER.:Troth, his name (hesitating)—his—his— (Aside.) Woe to unfortunate me.
Charmides:Lubet audire.Sycophanta:Illi edepol—illi—ílli—vae misero mihi.
CHARMIDES:What’s the matter?A SHARPER.:Unguardedly, I this moment swallowed the name.
Charmides:Quid est negoti?Sycophanta:Devoravi nomen imprudens modo.
CHARMIDES:I like not the man that has his friends shut up within his teeth.
Charmides:Non placet qui amicos intra dentes conclusos habet.
A SHARPER.:And yet this moment ’twas dwelling on the very edge of my lips.CHARMIDES: (aside.)
Sycophanta:Atque etiam modo vorsabatur mi in labris primoribus.
I’ve come to-day in good time before this fellow.A SHARPER.: (aside.)To my sorrow I’m caught in the fact.
Charmides:Temperi huic hodie anteveni.Sycophanta:Teneor manifesto miser.
CHARMIDES:Have you now recollected the name?A SHARPER.:’Fore Gods and men, i’ faith, I’m ashamed of myself
Charmides:Iam recommentatu's recommentatus es nomen?
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.
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.
CHARMIDES:Is it Callias?A SHARPER.:No: it isn’t that.
Charmides:Callias?
CHARMIDES:Callippus?A SHARPER.:It isn’t that.
Sycophanta:Non est.
CHARMIDES:Callidemides?
Charmides:Callippus?Sycophanta:Non est.Charmides:Callidemides?
A SHARPER.:It isn’t that.CHARMIDES:Callinicus?A SHARPER.:No: it isn’t that.
Sycophanta:Non est.
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.
Charmides:Callinicus?Sycophanta:Non est.Charmides:Callimarchus?Sycophanta:Nil agis.neque adeo edepol flocci facio, quando egomet memini mihi.
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.
Charmides:At enim multi Lesbonici sunt hic: nisi nomen patrisdices, non monstrare istos possum homines quos tu quaeritas.quod ad exemplum est? coniectura si reperire possumus.
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.
Sycophanta:Ad hoc exemplum est—
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.
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.
A SHARPER.:Isn’t it the fact that this most worthless fellow has lain perdu between my lips and my teeth?
Sycophanta:Satin inter labra atque dentes latuit vir minimi preti?
CHARMIDES:Don’t you be cursing an absent friend.A SHARPER.:Why, then, did this most rascally fellow hide himself away from me?
Charmides:Ne male loquere apsenti amico.
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.
Sycophanta:Quíd ergo ille ignavissumusmihi latitabat?
CHARMIDES:…(aside.) What person is there a greater simpleton than I, who myself am making inquiries where I am?
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?
But it is by no means unimportant to this present purpose. What do you say as—?A SHARPER.:What now?
sed nil disconducit huic rei. quid ais? quid hoc quod te rogo?
CHARMIDES:I ask you this. What places have you visited?A SHARPER.:Places exceedingly wonderful in astonishing ways.
quos locos adiisti?Sycophanta:Nimium mirimodis mirabiles.
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.
Charmides:Lubet audire, nisi molestumst.Sycophanta:Quin discupio dicere.omnium prímum in Pontum advecti ad Arabiam terram sumus.
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.
Charmides:Eho an etiam Arabiast in Ponto?
CHARMIDES: (aside.)
Sycophanta:Est: non illa ubi tus gignitur,sed ubi apsinthium fit atque cunila gallinacea.
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.
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.
To the source of the river which arises out of the heavens, from beneath the throne of Jupiter.
ad caput amnis, quod de caelo exoritur sub solio Iovis.
CHARMIDES:Beneath the throne of Jupiter?A SHARPER.:Yes: I say so.
Charmides:Sub solio Iovis?
CHARMIDES:Out of the heavens?A SHARPER.:Aye, out of the very middle.
Sycophanta:Ita dico.Charmides:E caelo?Sycophanta:Atque ⟨e⟩ medio quidem.
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.
Charmides:Eho an etiam ín caelum escendisti?
CHARMIDES:And did you see Jupiter as well?
Sycophanta:Immo horiola advecti sumus,usque aqua advorsa per amnem.Charmides:Eho an tu etiam vidisti Iovem?
A SHARPER.:The other Gods said that he had gone to his country-house, to dole out the victuals for his slaves.
Sycophanta:Alii di isse ad villam aiebant servis depromptum cibum.
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.
deinde porro—Charmides:Deinde porro nolo quicquam praedices.Sycophanta:⟨Sed—⟩
CHARMIDES:Why, no decent person ought to tell it, who has gone from the earth to heaven.
Charmides:⟨Abe⟩o hercle, si es molestus. nam pudicum neminem,⟨Pax, refe⟩rre oportet, qui aps terra ad caelum pervenerit.
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.
Sycophanta:⟨Facia⟩m ita ut te velle video. sed monstra hosce homines mihi,quos ego quaero, quibus me oportet has deferre epistulas.
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 thousandPhilippean 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?
Charmides:Quid ais? tu nunc si forte eumpse Charmidem conspexeris,illum quem tibi istás dedisse commemoras epistulas,norisne hominem?
CHARMIDES: (aside.)
Sycophanta:Ne tu me edepol arbitrare beluam,qui quidem nón novisse possim quicum aetatem exegerim.an ille tam esset stultus, qui mihi mille nummum crederetPhilippum, quod me aurum deferre iussit ad gnatum suomatque ad amicum Calliclem, quoi rem aibat mandasse hic suam?mihi concrederet, nisi me ille ét ego illum nossem approbe?
I really have a longing now to swindle this swindler, if I can cozen him out of these thousand Philippean pieceswhich 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.
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 nescioneque 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.
A SHARPER.:Even three hundred, if you like.CHARMIDES:Have you that gold which you received from Charmides?
Sycophanta:Vel trecentis.Charmides:Haben tu id aurum quod accepisti a Charmide?
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?
Sycophanta:Atque etiam Philippúm, numeratum illius in mensa manu,mille nummum.Charmides:Nempe ab ipso id accepisti Charmide?
A SHARPER.:’Twere a wonder if I had received it of his father, or of his grandfather, who are dead.
Sycophanta:Mirum quin ab avo eius aut próavo acciperem, qui sunt mortui.
CHARMIDES:Then, young man, hand me over this gold.A SHARPER.: (staring at him.)What gold am I to give you?
Charmides:Adulescens, cedo dum istuc aurum mi.Sycophanta:Quod ego aurum dem tibi?
CHARMIDES:That which you have owned you received from me.A SHARPER.:Received from you?
Charmides:Quod a me te accepisse fassu's fassus es.
CHARMIDES:Yes, I say so.
Sycophanta:Aps te accepisse?Charmides:Ita loquor.
A SHARPER.:Who are you?CHARMIDES:I am Charmides, who gave you the thousand pieces of money.
Sycophanta:Quis tu homo es?Charmides:Qui mille nummum tibi dedi ego sum Charmides.
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.
Sycophanta:Neque edepol tu is es neque hodie is umquam eris, auro huic quidem.abi sis, nugator: nugari nugatori postulas.
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.
Charmides:Charmides ego sum.Sycophanta:Nequiquam hercle es, nam nihil auri fero.nimis argute óbrepsisti in eapse occasiuncula:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just now, you were not he who you were, now you are become he who then you were not.
prius non is eras quí eras: nunc is factu's factus es qui tum non eras.
CHARMIDES:Come, despatch, if you are going to do it.A SHARPER.:What am I to do?
Charmides:Age si quid agis.
CHARMIDES:Give me back the gold.A SHARPER.:You are dreaming, old gentleman.
Sycophanta:Quid ego agam?Charmides:Aurum redde.Sycophanta:Dormitas, senex.
CHARMIDES:Did you own that Charmides delivered the gold to you?A SHARPER.:Yes—in writing.
Charmides:Fassu's fassus es Charmidem dedisse aurum tibi.Sycophanta:Scriptum quidem.
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?
Charmides:Properas an non properas ire actutum ab his regionibus,dormitator, prius quam ego hic te iubeo mulcari male?
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?
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?
CHARMIDES:I really am he.A SHARPER.:Say you so, pray? Are you really he himself?
Charmides:Is enim vero sum.
CHARMIDES:I do say so.A SHARPER.:Are you his own self?
Sycophanta:Ain tu tandem? is ipsusne es?Charmides:Aio.Sycophanta:Ipsus es?
CHARMIDES:His own self, I say. I am Charmides.A SHARPER.:And are you then his own self?
Charmides:Ipsus, inquam, Charmides sum.
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.
Sycophanta:Ergo ipsusne es?Charmides:Ipsissimus.abin hinc ab oculis?Sycophanta:Enim véro serio, quoniam advenis—vapulabis meo arbitratu ét novorum aedilium.
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.
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.
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.
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 liberevidetur tempus venisse atque occasio.
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;
iam dudum meum ille pectus pnngit aculeus,quid illí negoti fuerit ante aedis meas.nam epistula illa mihi concenturiat metumin corde et illud mille nummum quam rem agat.numquam edepol temere tinnit tintinnabulum:
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.)
nisi qui illud tractat aut movet, mutumst, tacet.sed quis hic est, qui huc in plateam cursuram incipit?lubet observare quid agat: huc concessero.
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.
Stasimvs:Stasime, fac te propere celerem, recipe te ad dominum domum,ne subito metus exoriatur scapulis stultitia tua.
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?
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 thermipoliocondalium es oblitus, postquam thermopotasti gutturem?
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.
recipe te et recurre petere ⟨re⟩ recenti.Charmides:Huic, quisquis est,gurguliost exercitór: is hunc hóminem cursuram docet.
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;
Stasimvs:Quid, homo nihili, non pudet te? tribusne te poteriismemoriam esse oblitum? an vero, quia cum frugi hominibusibi bibisti, qui ab alieno facile cohiberent manus?Truthus fuit, Cerconicus, Crinnus, Cercobulus, Collabus,oculicrepidae cruricrepidae, ferriteri mastigiae:
—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.)
inter eosne homines condalium te redipisci postulas?quorum eorum únus surrupuit currenti cursori solum.
So may the Gods love me, a finished thief.STASIMUS:Why should I go seek what is gone for ever?
Charmides:Ita me di ament, graphicum furem.Stasimvs:Quid ego quod periit petam?
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.
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.
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.)
Stasimvs:Vtinam veteres homin⟨um mor⟩es, veteres parsimoniaepotius ⟨in⟩ maiore honore hic essent quam mores mali.
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.
Charmides:Di immortales, basilica hic quidem facinora inceptat loqui.vetera quaerit, vetera amare hunc more maiorum scias.
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.
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:
To seek honor thereby in place of disgrace is the usage.CHARMIDES: (behind.)A shameless usage.
petere honorem pro flagitio more fit.Charmides:Morem improbum.
STASIMUS:Now-a-days,’tis the usage to neglect the brave.
Stasimvs:Strenuiores praeterire more fit.
CHARMIDES: (behind.)Aye,’tis really shocking.
Charmides:Nequam quidem.
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.)
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.
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.
Charmides:Lubet adire atque appellare hunc; verum ausculto perlubenset metuo, si compellabo, ne aliam rem occipiat loqui.
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.)
Stasimvs:Neque istis quicquam lege sanctumst: leges mori serviunt,mores autem rapere properant qua sacrum qua publicum.
By my troth,’twere right for some great calamity to befal these bad customs.
Charmides:Hercle istis malam rem magnam moribus dignumst dari.
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.
Stasimvs:Nonne hoc publice animum advorti? nam id genus hominum omnibusunivorsis 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.
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.)
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.
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.)
Charmides:Meus est hic quidem Stasimus servos.Stasimvs:Nam ego talentum mutuomquoi dederam, talento inimicum mi emi, amicum vendidi.sed ego sum insipientior, qui rebus curem publicispotius quam, id quod proxumumst, meo tergo tutelam geram.eo domum.
CHARMIDES:Hallo, you! Stop, this instant! Harkye; hallo, you!
Charmides:Heus tu, asta ilico. audi.
STASIMUS:I’ll not stop.
Stasimvs:Heús tu, non sto.
CHARMIDES:I want you.
Charmides:Te volo.
STASIMUS:What if I myself don’t want you to want me.
Stasimvs:Quid si ego me te velle nolo?
CHARMIDES:Why, Stasimus, you are behaving very rudely.
Charmides:Aha nimium, Stasime, saeviter.
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?
Stasimvs:Emere meliust cui imperes.Charmides:Pol ego emi atque argentum dedi;sed si non dicto audiens est, quid ago?
STASIMUS:Give him a severe punishment.
Stasimvs:Da magnum malum.
CHARMIDES:You give good advice; I am resolved to do so.
Charmides:Bene mones, ita facere certumst.
STASIMUS:Unless, indeed, you are under obligations to him.
Stasimvs:Nisi quidem es obnoxius.
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.
Charmides:Si bonus es, obnoxius sum; sin secus es, faciam ut iubes.
STASIMUS:What matters it to me whether you have good or bad slaves?
Stasimvs:Quid id ad me attinet, bonisne servis tu utare an malis?
CHARMIDES:Because you have a share in this matter both of the good and of the bad.
Charmides:Quia boni malique in ea re pars tibi est.
STASIMUS:The one share I leave to yourself; the other share, that in the good, do you set down to my account.
Stasimvs:Partem alteramtibi permitto; illam alteram ápud me, quod bonist, apponito.
CHARMIDES:If you shall prove deserving, it shall be so. Look back at me—I am Charmides.
Charmides:Sí eris meritus, fiet. respice huc ad me. ego sum Charmides.
STASIMUS:Ha! what person is it that has made mention of that most worthy man?
Stasimvs:Hem quis est qui mentionem homo hominis fecit optumi?
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!
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.
CHARMIDES:Health to you, too, Stasimus!
Charmides:Salve, Stasime.
STASIMUS:That you are safe and sound, I—
Stasimvs:Salvom te—
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?
Charmides:Scio et credo tibi.sed omitto alia, hoc mihi responde: liberi quid agunt mei,quos reliqui hic filium atque filiam?
STASIMUS:They are alive, and well.
Stasimvs:Vivont, valent.
CHARMIDES:Both of them, say you?
Charmides:Nempe uterque?
STASIMUS:Both of them.
Stasimvs:Vterque.
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.
Charmides:Di me salvom et servatum volunt.cetera intus otiose percontabor quae volo.eamus intro, sequere.
STASIMUS:Where are you going now?
Stasimvs:Quo tu té agis?
CHARMIDES:Where else but to my house?
Charmides:Quonam nisi domum?
STASIMUS:Do you suppose that we are living here?
Stasimvs:Hicine nos habitare censes?
CHARMIDES:Why, where else should I suppose?
Charmides:Vbinam ego alibi censeam?
STASIMUS:Now—
Stasimvs:Iam—
CHARMIDES:What about “now?”
Charmides:Quid iam?
STASIMUS:This house is not our own.
Stasimvs:Non sunt nostrae aedis istae.
CHARMIDES:What is it I hear from you?
Charmides:Quid ego ex te audio?
STASIMUS:Your son has sold this house.
Stasimvs:Vendidit tuos natus aedis.
CHARMIDES:I’m ruined.
Charmides:Perii.
STASIMUS:For silver minae; ready money counted out.
Stasimvs:Praesentariisargenti minis numeratis—
CHARMIDES:How many?
Charmides:Quot?
STASIMUS:Forty.
Stasimvs:Quadraginta.
CHARMIDES:I’m undone. Who has purchased it?
Charmides:Occidi.quis eas emit?
STASIMUS:Callicles, to whom you entrusted your affairs; he has removed here to live, and has turned us out of doors.
Stasimvs:Callicles, cui tuam rem commendaveras;is habitatum huc commigravit nosque exturbavit foras.
CHARMIDES:Where is my son now living?
Charmides:Vbi nunc filius meus habitat?
STASIMUS:Here, in these back buildings.(Points to the side of the house.)
Stasimvs:Hic in hoc posticulo.
CHARMIDES:I’m utterly undone.
Charmides:Male disperii.
STASIMUS:I thought that this would be distressing to you when you heard of it.
Stasimvs:Credidi aegre tibi id, ubi audisses, fore.
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 undoneby 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.
Charmides:Ego miserrumis periclis sum per maria maxumavectus, capitali periclo per praedones plurimosme servavi, salvos redii: nunc hic disperii miser,propter eosdem quorum causa fui hac aetate exercitus.adimit animam mi aegritudo. Stasime, tene me.
STASIMUS:Do you wish me to fetch you some water?
Stasimvs:Visne aquamtibi petam?
CHARMIDES:When my fortunes were in their mortal struggle, then was it befitting that water should be sprinkled upon them.(Enter CALLICLES.)
Charmides:Res quom animam agebat, tum esse offusam oportuit.
CALLICLES:What noise is this that I hear before my house?
Callicles:Quid hoc híc clamoris audio ante aedis meas?
CHARMIDES:O Callicles! O Callicles! O Callicles!to what sort of friend have I entrusted my property?
Charmides:O Callicles, o Callicles, o Callicles,qualine amico mea commendavi bona?
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.…
Callicles:Probo et fideli et fido et cum magna fide.et salve et salvom te advenisse gaudeo.
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?
Charmides:Credo, omnia istaec sí ita sunt ut praedicas.sed quis iste est tuos ornatus?
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.
Callicles:Ego dicam tibi.thensaurum effodiebam intus, dotem, filiaetuae quaé daretur. sed intus narrabo tibiet hoc et alia. sequere.
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.
Charmides:Stasime.
STASIMUS:Well!
Stasimvs:Hem.
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.
Charmides:Strenuecurre in Piraeum, atque unum curriculum face.videbis iam illic navem qua advecti sumus.iubeto Sangarionem quae imperaverimcurare ut efferantur, et tu ito simul.solutumst portitori iam portorium:nihil est morae. i, i, ambula, actutum redi.
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.
Stasimvs:Illic sum atque hic sum.
CALLICLES: (to CHARMIDES.)Do you follow me this way indoors.
Callicles:Sequere tu hac me intro.—
CHARMIDES:I follow.(Exeunt CALLICLES and CHARMIDES into the house.)
Charmides:Sequor.—
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.)
Stasimvs:Hic meo ero amicus solus firmus restitit,neque demutavit animum de firma fide,quamquam labores multossed hic unus, ut ego suspicor, servat fidem.† ob rem laborem eum ego cepisse censeo.—
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.
Lysiteles:Hic homóst omnium hominum praécipuos,voluptátibus gaudiisque ántepotens:ita cómmoda quae cupio éveniunt,quod ago ádsequitur, subest, súbsequitur,ita gaúdiis gaudium súppeditat.
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.)
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 filioegi, ei rei fundus pater sit potior. eo ⟨quantum potest⟩.sed fores haé sonitu suo míhi moram obiciunt incommode.
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.
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.
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.
Callicles:Si quid amicum erga bene feci aut consului fideliter,non videor meruisse laudem, culpa caruisse arbitror.
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.
[nam beneficium, homini proprium quod datur, † prosumpserit,][quod datum utendumst, id repetundi copiast quando velit.]
CHARMIDES:’Tis so as you say. But I cannot sufficiently-wonder at this, that he has betrothed his sister into a family so influential.
Charmides:Est ita ut tu dicis. sed ego hoc nequeo mirari satis,eum sororem despondisse suam in tam fortem familiam.
CALLICLES:Aye; to Lysiteles, the son of Philto.
Callicles:Lysiteli quidem Philtonis filio.
LYSITELES: (behind.)Why, he is mentioning my name.
Lysiteles:Enim me nominat.
CHARMIDES:He has got into a most worthy family.
Charmides:Familiam optumam occupavit.
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.
Lysiteles:Quid ego cesso hos conloqui?sed maneam etiam opinor, namque hoc commodum orditur loqui.
CHARMIDES:O—
Charmides:Vah.
CALLICLES:What’s the matter?
Callicles:Quid est?
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?
Charmides:Oblitus intus dudum tibi sum dicere:modo mi advenienti nugator quidam occessit obviam,nimis pergraphicus sycophanta; is mille nummum se aureummeo datu tibi ferre et gnato Lesbonico aibat meo;quem ego nec qui esset noram, neque eum ante usquam conspexi prius.sed quid rides?
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.
Callicles:Meo adlegatu venit, quasi qui aurum mihiferret aps te, quod darem tuae gnatae dotem, ut filiustuos, quando illi a me darem, esse allatum id aps te crederetneu qui rem ipsam posset intellegere, [et] thensaurum tuomme esse penes, atque eum [a] me lege populi patrium posceret.
CHARMIDES:Cleverly contrived, i’ troth.
Charmides:Scite edepol.
CALLICLES:Megaronides, a common well-wisher of yours and mine, planned this.
Callicles:Megaronides communis hoc meus et tuosbenevolens commentust.
CHARMIDES:Well, I applaud his device, and approve of it.LYSITELES: (behind.)
Charmides:Quin conlaudo consilium et probo.
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.)
Lysiteles:Quid ego ineptus, dum sermonem vereor interrumpere,solus sto nec quod conatus sum agere ago? hominis conloquar.
CHARMIDES:Who is this person that is coming this way towards us?
Charmides:Quis hic est, qui huc ad nos incedit?
LYSITELES: (going up to CHARMIDES.)Lysiteles salutes his father-in-law Charmides.
Lysiteles:Charmidem socerum suomLysiteles salutat.
CHARMIDES:May the Gods grant you, Lysiteles, whatever you may desire.
Charmides:Di dent tibi, Lysiteles, quae velis.
CALLICLES:Am I not worthy of a salutation?
Callicles:Non ego sum salute dignus?
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.
Lysiteles:Immo salve, Callicles;hunc priorem aequomst me habere: tunica propior palliost.
CALLICLES:I trust that the Gods may direct your plans aright.
Callicles:Deos volo consilia vostra ⟨vobis⟩ recte vortere.
CHARMIDES:I hear that my daughter has been betrothed to you?
Charmides:Filiam meam tíbi desponsam esse audio.
LYSITELES:Unless you are unwilling.
Lysiteles:Nisi tu nevis.
CHARMIDES:Nay, I am not unwilling.
Charmides:Immo haud nolo.
LYSITELES:Do you, then, promise your daughter for my wife?
Lysiteles:Sponden ergo tuam gnatam uxorem mihi?
CHARMIDES:I promise a thousand gold Philippean pieces, as well, for a portion.
Charmides:Spondeo, et mille auri Philippum dotis.
LYSITELES:I care nothing about a portion.
Lysiteles:Dotem nil moror.
CHARMIDES:If she pleases you, the portion which she presents to you must be pleased as well.
Charmides:Si illa tibi placet, placenda dos quoque est quam dat tibi.
In fine, the object which you desire you shall not have, unless you shall take that which you do not desire.CALLICLES: (to LYSITELES.)
postremo quod vis non duces, nisi illud quod non vis feres.
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?
Callicles:Ius hic orat.Lysiteles:Impetrabit te advocato atque arbitro.istac lege filiam tuam spónden mi uxorem dari?
CHARMIDES:I do promise her.
Charmides:Spondeo.
CALLICLES:And I promise her likewise.
Callicles:Et ego spondeo ídem hoc.
LYSITELES:O save you, my connexions by marriage.(He embraces them.)
Lysiteles:Oh salvete, adfines mei.
CHARMIDES:But, in good sooth, there are some matters on account of which I still am angry with you.
Charmides:Atque edepol sunt res, quas propter tibi tamen suscensui.
LYSITELES:What have I done?
Lysiteles:Quid ego feci?
CHARMIDES:Because you have allowed my son to become dissolute.
Charmides:Meum corrumpi quia perpessu's perpessus es filium.
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?
Lysiteles:Si id mea voluntate factumst, ⟨est⟩ quod mihi suscenseas.sed sine me hoc aps te impetrare quod volo.
CHARMIDES:What is it?
Charmides:Quid id est?
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?
Lysiteles:Scies.si quid stulte fecit, ut ea missa facias omnia.quid quassas caput?
CHARMIDES:My heart is tortured, and I fear—
Charmides:Cruciatur cor mi, et metuo.
LYSITELES:What is it now?
Lysiteles:Quidnam id est?
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.
Charmides:Quom ille itast ut esse nolo, id crucior; metuo, si tibidenegem quod me oras, ne te leviorem erga me putes.non gravabor. faciam ita ut vis.
LYSITELES:You are a worthy man. I am going to call him out. (He goes to the door of the house of CHARMIDES).
Lysiteles:Probus es. eo, ut illum evocem.
CHARMIDES:’Tis a shocking thing if one is not allowed to punish bad deserts just as they merit.LYSITELES: (knocking at the door.)
Charmides:Miserumst, male promerita, ut merita sunt, si ulcisci non licet.
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.)
Lysiteles:Aperite hoc, aperite propere et Lesbonicum, si domist,[foras] evocate: ita subitost propere quod eum conventum volo.
What person has been calling me out of doors with so loud a knocking?
Lesbonicvs:Quis homo tam tumultuoso sonitu me excivit [subito] foras?
LYSITELES:’Tis your well.wisher and friendLESBONICUS:Is all quite right?—tell me.
Lysiteles:Benevolens tuos atque amicus.Lesbonicvs:Satine salve? dic mihi.
LYSITELES:All’s well. I am glad to say that your father has returned from abroad.
Lysiteles:Recte. tuom patrem rediisse salvom peregre gaudeo.
LESBONICUS:Who says so?
Lesbonicvs:Quis id ait?
LYSITELES:I.
Lysiteles:Ego.
LESBONICUS:Have you seen him?
Lesbonicvs:Tun vidisti?
LYSITELES:Aye, and you yourself may see him too.(He points to CHARMIDES.)
Lysiteles:Et tute item videas licet.
LESBONICUS:O my father, my father, blessings on you.
Lesbonicvs:O pater, pater mi, salve.
CHARMIDES:Many blessings on you, my son.
Charmides:Salve multum, gnate mi.
LESBONICUS:If, father, any trouble —
Lesbonicvs:Si quid tibi, pater, laboris—
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.
Charmides:Nihil evenit, ne time:bene re gesta salvos redeo—si tu modo frugi esse vis.haec tibi pactast Callicli ⟨huius⟩ filia.
LESBONICUS:I will marry both her, father, and any one else besides that you shall bid me.
Lesbonicvs:Ego ducam, pater,et eam et si quam aliam iubebis.
CHARMIDES:Although I have been angry with you,one misery, in fact, is more than enough for one man.
Charmides:Quamquam tibi suscensui,miseria ⟨una⟩ uni quidem hominist adfatim.
CALLICLES:Nay, rather,’twere too little for him; for if he were to marry a hundred wives for his sins, it were too little.
Callicles:Immo huic parumst,nam si pro peccatis centum ducat uxores, parumst.
LESBONICUS:But henceforth, in future, I will be steady.
Lesbonicvs:At iam posthac temperabo.
CHARMIDES:So you say; if you will only do it.
Charmides:Dicis, si facies modo.
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.
Lysiteles:Numquid causaest quin uxorem cras domum ducam?Charmides:[optimumst.] Licet.tu in perendinum paratus sis ut ducas.Omnes:Plaudite.