---
title: "The Brothers · Adelphoe"
author: "Terence"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 3 of 3
url: https://scriptura.si/works/terence-adelphoe/3/
cite: "Terence, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, The Brothers · Adelphoe, section 3. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/terence-adelphoe/3/"
---

# The Brothers · Adelphoe

*Terence, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

Two brothers raise two sons, one strictly and one indulgently.

> Latin: ed. Edward St. John Parry, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0134.phi006, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0134.phi006.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

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

## 3. Lines 635–998

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

[¶0] (Knocking and calling to them within.) Ho there, ho there! it is Aeschinus; open the door immediately, some one. (The door opens.) Some person, I know not who, is coming out; I’ll step aside here.
(He stands apart.) (Enter MICIO from the house of SOSTRATA.)
MICIO: (speaking at the door to SOSTRATA.)
Do as I told you, Sostrata; I’ll go find Aeschinus, that lie may know how these matters have been settled. (Looking round.) But who was it knocking at the door?

> Latin: Heus, heus: Aeschinus ego sum: aperite aliquis actutum ostium.
Prodit nescio quis: concedam huc.
(MICIO. AESCHINUS.)
MICIO:
Ita uti dixi, Sostrata,
Facite: ego Aeschinum conveniam, ut quomodo acta haec sint sciat.
Sed quis ostium hoc pultavit?

[¶1] AESCHINUS: (apart.)
Heavens, it is my father!—I am undone!

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Pater hercle est: perii.

[¶2] MICIO:
Aeschinus!
AESCHINUS: (aside.)

> Latin: MICIO:
Aeschine.

[¶3] What can be his business here?
MICIO:
Was it you knocking at this door?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Quid huic hic negoti est?
MICIO:
Tune has pepulisti fores?

[¶4] (Aside.) He is silent. Why shouldn’t I rally him a little? It would be as well, as he was never willing to trust me with this secret. (To AESCHINUS.) Don’t you answer me?
AESCHINUS: (confusedly.)
It wasn’t I knocked at that door, that I know of.

> Latin: Tacet. Cur non ludo hunc aliquantisper? Melius est,
Quandoquidem hoc nunquam mihi ipse voluit credere.
Nihil mihi respondes?
AESCHINUS:
Non equidem istas quod sciam.

[¶5] MICIO:
Just so; for I wondered what business you could have here. (Apart.) He blushes; all’s well.

> Latin: MICIO:
Ita? nam mirabar quid hic negoti esset tibi.
Erubuit: salva res est.

[¶6] AESCHINUS:
Pray tell me, father,
what business have you there?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Dic sodes, pater,
Tibi vero quid istic est rei?

[¶7] MICIO:
Why, none of my own; but a certain friend of mine just now brought me hither from the Forum to give him some assistance.

> Latin: MICIO:
Nihil mihi quidem:
Amicus quidam me a foro abduxit modo
Huc advocatum sibi.

[¶8] AESCHINUS:
Why?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Quid?

[¶9] MICIO:
I’ll tell you. There are some women living here; in impoverished circumstances, as I suppose you don’t know them; and, in fact, I’m quite sure,
for it is not long since they removed to this place.

> Latin: MICIO:
Ego dicam tibi:
Habitant hic quaedam mulieres pauperculae,
Ut opinor; has non nosse te et certo scio;
Neque enim diu huc commigrarunt.

[¶10] AESCHINUS:
Well, what next?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Quid tum postea?

[¶11] MICIO:
There is a girl living with her mother.

> Latin: MICIO:
Virgo est cum matre.

[¶12] AESCHINUS:
Go on.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Perge.

[¶13] MICIO:
This girl has lost her father; this friend of mine is her next of kin; the law obliges him to marry her.

> Latin: MICIO:
Haec virgo orba est patre:
Hic meus amicus illi genere est proximus:
Huic leges cogunt nubere hanc.

[¶14] AESCHINUS: (aside.)
Undone!

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Perii.

[¶15] MICIO:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid est?

[¶16] AESCHINUS:
Nothing. Very well: proceed.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Nihil: recte: perge.

[¶17] MICIO:
He has come to take her with him; for he lives at Miletus.

> Latin: MICIO:
Is venit ut secum avehat;
Nam habitat Mileti.

[¶18] AESCHINUS:
What! To take the girl away with him?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Hem, virginem ut secum avehat?

[¶19] MICIO:
Such is the act.

> Latin: MICIO:
Sic est.

[¶20] AESCHINUS:
All the way to Miletus, pray?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Miletum usque obsecro?

[¶21] MICIO:
Yes.

> Latin: MICIO:
Ita.

[¶22] AESCHINUS: (aside.)
I’m overwhelmed with grief (To MICIO.) But what of them? What do they say?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Animo male est.
Quid ipsae? quid aiunt?

[¶23] MICIO:
What do you suppose they should? Why, nothing at all. The mother has trumped up a tale, that there is a child by some other man, I know not who, and she does not state the name;

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid illas censes? nihil enim.
Commenta mater est esse ex alio viro
Nescio quo puerum natum; neque eum nominat;

[¶24] she says that he was the first, and that she ought not to be given to the other.

> Latin: Priorem esse illum; non oportere huic dari.

[¶25] AESCHINUS:
Well now, does not this seem just to you after all?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Eho, nonne haec iusta tibi videntur postea?

[¶26] MICIO:
No.

> Latin: MICIO:
Non.

[¶27] AESCHINUS:
Why not, pray? Is the other to be carrying her away from here?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Obsecro, non? an illam hinc abducet, pater?

[¶28] MICIO:
Why should he not take her?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid illam ni abducat?

[¶29] AESCHINUS:
You have acted harshly and unfeelingly, and even, if, father,
I may speak my sentiments more plainly, unhandsomely.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Factum a vobis duriter
Immisericorditerque; atque etiam, si est, pater,
Dicendum magis aperte, illiberaliter.

[¶30] MICIO:
Why so?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quamobrem?

[¶31] AESCHINUS:
Do you ask me? Pray, what do you think must be the state of mind of the man who was first connected with her, who, to his misfortune, may perhaps still love her to distraction, when he sees her torn away from before his face,
and borne off from his sight forever? An unworthy action, father!

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Rogas me? quid illi tandem creditis
Fore animi misero quicum illa consuevit prius,
Qui infelix haud scio an illam misere nunc amat,
Quum hanc sibi videbit praesens praesenti eripi,
Abduci ab oculis? Facinus indignum, pater.

[¶32] MICIO:
On what grounds is it so? Who betrothed her? Who gave her away? When and to whom was she married? Who was the author of all this? Why did he connect himself with a woman who belonged to another?

> Latin: MICIO:
Qua ratione istuc? quis despondit? quis dedit?
Cui, quando nupsit? auctor his rebus quis est?
Cur duxit alienam?

[¶33] AESCHINUS:
Was it to be expected that a young woman of her age should sit at home, waiting till a kinsman of hers should come from a distance? This, my father,
you ought to have represented, and have insisted on it.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
An sedere oportuit
Domi virginem tam grandem, dum cognatus hinc
Illinc veniret exspectantem? Haec, mi pater,
Te dicere aequum fuit, et id defendere.

[¶34] MICIO:
Ridiculous! Was I to have pleaded against him whom I was to, support But what’s all this, Aeschinus, to us? What have we to do with them? Let us begone:— What’s the matter?

> Latin: MICIO:
Ridiculum: adversumne illum causam dicerem
Cui veneram advocatus? sed, quid ista, Aeschine,
Nostra? aut quid nobis cum illis? abeamus. Quid est?

[¶35] Why these tears?
AESCHINUS: (weeping.)
Father, I beseech you, listen to me.

> Latin: Quid lacrimas?
AESCHINUS:
Pater obsecro ausculta.

[¶36] MICIO:
Aeschinus, I have heard and know it all; for I love you, and therefore every thing you do is the more a care to me.

> Latin: MICIO:
Aeschine, audivi omnia
Et scio; nam te amo; quo magis quae agis curae sunt mihi.

[¶37] AESCHINUS:
So do I wish you to find me deserving of your love, as long as you live, my dear father, as I am sincerely sorry for the offense I have committed, and am ashamed to see you.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Ita velim me promerentem ames dum vivas mi pater,
Ut me hoc delictum admisisse in me id mihi vehementer dolet,
Et me tui pudet.

[¶38] MICIO:
Upon my word I believe it, for I know your ingenuous disposition:
but I am afraid that you are too inconsiderate. In what city, pray, do you suppose you live? You have debauched a virgin, whom it was not lawful for you to touch. In the first place then that was a great offense; great, but still natural. Others, and even men of worth, have frequently done the same. But after it happened, pray,
did you show any circumspection? Or did you use any foresight as to what was to be done, or how it was to be done? If you were ashamed to tell me of it, by what means was I to come to know it? While you were at a loss upon these points, ten months have been lost. So far indeed as lay in your power, you have periled both yourself and this poor girl, and the child. What did you imagine—that the Gods would set these matters to rights for you while you were asleep,
and that she would be brought home to your chamber without any exertions of your own? I would not have you to be equally negligent in other affairs. Be of good heart, you shall have her for your wife.

> Latin: MICIO:
Credo hercle; nam ingenium novi tuum
Liberale: sed vereor ne indiligens nimium sies.
In qua civitate tandem te arbitrare vivere?
Virginem vitiasti quam te ius non fuerat tangere.
Iam id peccatum primum magnum; magnum, at humanum tamen.
Fecere alii saepe item boni: at postquam id evenit, cedo
Numquid circumspexti? aut numquid tute prospexti tibi,
Quid fieret, qua fieret? si te ipsum mihi puduit dicere,
Qua resciscerem? Haec dum dubitas menses abierunt decem.
Prodidisti et te, et illam miseram, et gnatum, quod quidem in te fuit.
Quid? credebas dormienti haec tibi confecturos Deos,
Et illam sine tua opera in cubiculum iri deductum domum?
Nolim ceterarum rerum te socordem eodem modo.
Bono animo es: duces uxorem hanc.

[¶39] AESCHINUS:
Hah!

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Hem.

[¶40] MICIO:
Be of good heart, I tell you.

> Latin: MICIO:
Bono animo es, inquam.

[¶41] AESCHINUS:
Father, are you now jesting with me, pray?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Pater,
Obsecro, non ludis tu nunc me?

[¶42] MICIO:
I, jesting with you! For what reason?

> Latin: MICIO:
Ego te? quamobrem?

[¶43] AESCHINUS:
I don’t know; but so anxiously do I wish this to be true, that I am the more afraid it may not be.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Nescio;
Nisi quia tam misere hoc esse cupio verum eo vereor magis.

[¶44] MICIO:
Go home, and pray to the Gods that you may have your wife; be off.

> Latin: MICIO:
Abi domum, ac Deos comprecare ut uxorem arcessas: abi.

[¶45] AESCHINUS:
What! have my wife now?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Quid? iam uxorem?

[¶46] MICIO:
Now.

> Latin: MICIO:
Iam.

[¶47] AESCHINUS:
Now?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Iam?

[¶48] MICIO:
Now, as soon as possible.

> Latin: MICIO:
Iam, quantum potest.

[¶49] AESCHINUS:
May all the Gods detest me, father, if I do not love you better than even my very eyes!

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Di me, pater,
Omnes oderint ni magis te quam oculos nunc amo meos.

[¶50] MICIO:
What! better than her?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid? quam illam?

[¶51] AESCHINUS:
Quite as well.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Aeque.

[¶52] MICIO:
Very kind of you!

> Latin: MICIO:
Perbenigne.

[¶53] AESCHINUS:
Well, where is this Milesian?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Quid? ille ubi est Milesius?

[¶54] MICIO:
Departed, vanished, gone on board ship; but why do you delay?

> Latin: MICIO:
Abiit; periit; navem adscendit. Sed cur cessas?

[¶55] AESCHINUS:
Father,
do you rather go and pray to the Gods; for I know, for certain, that they will rather be propitious to you, as being a much better man than I am.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Abi pater:
Tu potius Deos comprecare; nam tibi eos certo scio,
Quo vir melior multo es quam ego, obtemperaturos magis.

[¶56] MICIO:
I’ll go in-doors, that what is requisite may be prepared. You do as I said, if you are wise.
(Goes into his house.)
AESCHINUS: (AESCHINUS alone.)

> Latin: MICIO:
Ego eo intro ut quae opus sunt parentur: tu fac ut dixi, si sapis.

[¶57] What can be the meaning of this? Is this being a father, or this being a son? If he had been a brother or familiar companion, how could he have been more complaisant!

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Quid hoc est negoti! Hoc est patrem esse? aut hoc est filium esse?
Si frater aut sodalis esset, qui magis morem gereret?

[¶58] Is he not worthy to be beloved? Is he not to be imprinted in my very bosom? Well then, the more does he impose an obligation on me by his kindness, to take due precaution not inconsiderately to do any thing that he may not wish. But why do I delay going in-doors this instant, that I may not myself delay my own nuptials?
(Goes into the house of MICIO.) (Enter DEMEA.)

> Latin: Hic non amandus? hicine non gestandus in sinu est? hem!
Itaque adeo magnam mili iniecit sua commoditate curam
Ne forte imprudens faciam quod nolit: sciens cavebo.
Sed cesso ire intro ne morae meis nuptiis egomet siem?
(DEMEA.)

[¶59] DEMEA:
I am quite tired with walking: May the great Jupiter confound you, Syrus, together with your directions!

> Latin: DEMEA.:
Defessus sum ambulando. Ut, Syre, te cum tua
Monstratione magnus perdat Iupiter!

[¶60] I have crawled the whole city over; to the gate, to the pond—where not? There was no joiner’s shop there; not a soul could say he had seen my brother; but now I’m determined to sit and wait at his house till he returns.
(Enter MICIO from his house.)
MICIO: (speaking to the people within.)

> Latin: Perreptavi usque omne oppidum: ad portam, ad lacum:
Quo non? neque illic fabrica ulla erat, neque fratrem homo
Vidisse se aibat quisquam: nunc vero domi
Certum obsidere est usque donec redierit.
(MICIO. DEMEA.)

[¶61] I’ll go and tell them there’s no delay on our part.

> Latin: MICIO:
Ibo, illis dicam nullam esse in nobis moram.

[¶62] DEMEA:
But see here’s the very man: O Micio, I have been seeking you this long time.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Sed eccum ipsum: te iamdudum quaero, Micio.

[¶63] MICIO:
Why, what’s the matter?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quidnam?

[¶64] DEMEA:
I’m bringing you some new and great enormities of that hopeful youth.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Fero alia flagitia ad te ingentia
Boni illius adolescentis.

[¶65] MICIO:
Just look at that!

> Latin: MICIO:
Ecce autem!

[¶66] DEMEA:
Fresh ones, of blackest dye.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Nova;
Capitalia.

[¶67] MICIO:
There now—at it again.

> Latin: MICIO:
Ohe, iam.

[¶68] DEMEA:
Ah, Micio! you little know what sort of person he is.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Nescis qui vir sit.

[¶69] MICIO:
I do.

> Latin: MICIO:
Scio.

[¶70] DEMEA:
O simpleton! you are dreaming that I’m talking about the Music-girl; this crime is against a virgin and a citizen.

> Latin: DEMEA:
O stulte, tu de psaltria me somnias
Agere: hoc peccatum in virginem est civem.

[¶71] MICIO:
I know it.

> Latin: MICIO:
Scio.

[¶72] DEMEA:
So then, you know it, and put up with it!

> Latin: DEMEA:
Oho, scis et patere?

[¶73] MICIO:
Why not put up with it?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quidni patiar?

[¶74] DEMEA:
Tell me, pray, don’t you exclaim about it? Don’t you go distracted?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Dic mihi,
Non clamas? non insanis?

[¶75] MICIO:
Not I: certainly I had rather —

> Latin: MICIO:
Non. Malim quidem—

[¶76] DEMEA:
There has been a child born.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Puer natus est.

[¶77] MICIO:
May the Gods be propitious to it.

> Latin: MICIO:
Di bene vertant!

[¶78] DEMEA:
The girl has no fortune.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Virgo nihil habet.

[¶79] MICIO:
So I have heard.

> Latin: MICIO:
Audivi.

[¶80] DEMEA:
And he—must he marry her without one?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Et ducenda indotata est?

[¶81] MICIO:
Of course.

> Latin: MICIO:
Scilicet.

[¶82] DEMEA:
What is to be done then?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Quid nunc futurum est?

[¶83] MICIO:
Why, what the case itself points out: the young woman must be brought hither.

> Latin: MICIO:
Id enim quod res ipsa fert:
Illinc huc transferetur virgo.

[¶84] DEMEA:
O Jupiter! must that be the way then?

> Latin: DEMEA:
O Iupiter!
Istocine pacto oportet?

[¶85] MICIO:
What can I do else?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid faciam amplius?

[¶86] DEMEA:
What can you do? If in reality this causes you no concern,
to pretend it were surely the duty of a man.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Quid facias? Si non ipsa re istuc tibi dolet,
Simulare certe est hominis.

[¶87] MICIO:
But I have already betrothed the young woman to him; the matter is settled: the marriage takes place to-day. I have removed all apprehensions. This is rather the duty of a man.

> Latin: MICIO:
Quin iam virginem
Despondi; res composita est; fiunt nuptiae:
Demsi metum omnem: haec magis sunt hominis.

[¶88] DEMEA:
But does the affair please you, Micio?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Caeterum,
Placet tibi factum, Micio?

[¶89] MICIO:
If I were able to alter it, no; now, as I can not, I bear it with patience.

> Latin: MICIO:
Non, si queam
Mutare: nunc, quum non queo, aequo animo fero.

[¶90] The life of man is just like playing with dice: if that which you most want to throw does not turn up, what turns up by chance you must correct by art.

> Latin: Ita vita est hominum quasi quum ludas tesseris:
Si illud quod maxime opus est iactu non cadit,
Illud quod cecidit forte id arte ut corrigas.

[¶91] DEMEA:
O rare corrector! of course it is by your art that twenty minae have been thrown away for a Music-girl; who, as soon as possible,
must be got rid of at any price; and if not for money, why then for nothing.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Corrector! Nempe tua arte viginti minae
Pro psaltria periere; quae, quantum potest,
Aliquo abiicienda est, si non pretio at gratiis.

[¶92] MICIO:
Not at all, and indeed I have no wish to sell her.

> Latin: MICIO:
Neque est, neque illam sane studeo vendere.

[¶93] DEMEA:
What will you do with her then?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Quid igitur facies?

[¶94] MICIO:
She shall be at my house.

> Latin: MICIO:
Domi erit.

[¶95] DEMEA:
For heaven’s sake, a courtesan and a matron in the same house!

> Latin: DEMEA:
Pro Divum fidem!
Meretrix et materfamilias una in domo?

[¶96] MICIO:
Why not?

> Latin: MICIO:
Cur non?

[¶97] DEMEA:
Do you imagine you are in your senses

> Latin: DEMEA:
Sanum te credis esse?

[¶98] MICIO:
Really I do think so.

> Latin: MICIO:
Equidem arbitror.

[¶99] DEMEA:
So may the Gods prosper me, I now see your folly; I believe you are going to do so that you may have somebody to practice music with.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Ita me Di ament, ut video ego tuam ineptiam,
Facturum credo ut habeas quicum cantites.

[¶100] MICIO:
Why not?

> Latin: MICIO:
Cur non?

[¶101] DEMEA:
And the new-made bride to be learning too?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Et nova nupta eadem haece discet?

[¶102] MICIO:
Of course.

> Latin: MICIO:
Scilicet.

[¶103] DEMEA:
Having hold of the rope, you will be dancing with them.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Tu inter eas restim ductans saltabis.

[¶104] MICIO:
Like enough;
and you too along with us, if there’s need.

> Latin: MICIO:
Probe.

[¶105] DEMEA:
Ah me!

> Latin: DEMEA:
Probe?
MICIO:
Et tu nobiscum una, si opus sit.
DEMEA:
Hei mihi!

[¶106] are you not ashamed of this?
MICIO:
Demea, do, for once, lay aside this anger of yours, and show yourself as you ought at your son’s wedding, cheerful and good-humored. I’ll just step over to them, and return immediately.
(Goes into SOSTRATA’S house.)

> Latin: Non te haec pudent?
MICIO:
Iam vero omitte, Demea,
Tuam istanc iracundiam; atque ita uti decet
Hilarum ac libentem fac te gnati in nuptiis.
Ego hos conveniam: post huc redeo.

[¶107] DEMEA:
O Jupiter! here’s a life! here are manners! here’s madness!

> Latin: DEMEA:
O Iupiter!
Hancine vitam? hoscine mores? hanc dementiam?

[¶108] A wife to be coming without a fortune! A music-wench in the house! A house full of wastefulness! A young man ruined by extravagance! An: old man in his dotage!—Should Salvation herself desire it, she certainly could not save this family.
(Exit.) (Enter SYRUS, drunk, and DEMEA, on the opposite side of the stage.)

> Latin: Uxor sine dote veniet; intus psaltria est:
Domus sumtuosa; adolescens luxu perditus;
Senex delirans. Ipsa si cupiat Salus
Servare prorsus non potest hanc familiam.
(SYRUS. DEMEA.)

[¶109] SYRUS:
Upon my faith, my dear little Syrus, you have taken delicate care of yourself,
and have done your duty with exquisite taste; be off with you. But since I’ve had my fill of every thing in-doors, I have felt disposed to take a walk.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Edepol, Syrisce, te curasti molliter,
Lauteque munus administrasti tuum.
Abi. Sed postquam intus sum omnium rerum satur,
Prodeambulare huc libitum est.

[¶110] DEMEA: (apart.)
Just look at that—there’s an instance of their good training!

> Latin: DEMEA:
Illud sis vide
Exemplum disciplinae.

[¶111] SYRUS: (to himself.)
But see, here comes our old man. (Addressing him.) What’s the matter? Why out of spirits?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ecce autem hic adest
Senex noster. Quid fit? quid tu es tristis?

[¶112] DEMEA:
Oh you rascal!

> Latin: DEMEA:
Oh scelus.

[¶113] SYRUS:
Hold now; are you spouting your sage maxims here?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ohe, iam tu verba fundis hic, sapientia?

[¶114] DEMEA:
If you were my servant—

> Latin: DEMEA:
Tu si meus esses—

[¶115] SYRUS:
Why, you would be a rich man, Demea, and improve your estate.

> Latin: SYRUS:
dis quidem esses, Demea,
Ac tuam rem constabilisses.

[¶116] DEMEA:
I would take care that you should be an example to all the rest.

> Latin: DEMEA:
exemplum omnibus
Curarem ut esses.

[¶117] SYRUS:
For what reason? What have I done?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quamobrem? quid feci?

[¶118] DEMEA:
Do you ask me? in the midst of this confusion, and during the greatest mischief,
which is hardly yet set right, you have been getting drunk, you villain, as though things had been going on well.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Rogas?
In ipsa turba, atque in peccato maximo,
Quod vix sedatum satis est, potasti scelus,
Quasi re bene gesta.

[¶119] SYRUS: (aside.)
Really, I wish I hadn’t come out.
(Enter DROMO in haste, from the house of MICIO.)

> Latin: SYRUS:
Sane nollem huc exitum.
(DROMO.
SYRUS. DEMEA.)

[¶120] DROMO:
Halloo, Syrus! Ctesipho desires you’ll come back.
SYRUS:
Get you gone.
(Pushes him back into the house.)

> Latin: DROMO:
Heus, Syre; rogat te Ctesipho ut redeas.
SYRUS:
Abi.

[¶121] DEMEA:
What is it he says about Ctesipho?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Quid Ctesiphonem hic narrat?

[¶122] SYRUS:
Nothing.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Nihil.

[¶123] DEMEA:
How now, you hang-dog, is Ctesipho in the house?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Eho carnifex,
Est Ctesipho intus?

[¶124] SYRUS:
He is not.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Non est.

[¶125] DEMEA:
Then why does he mention him?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Cur hic nominat?

[¶126] SYRUS:
It’s another person; a little diminutive Parasite. Don’t you know him?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Est alius quidam, parasitaster parvulus:
Nostin?

[¶127] DEMEA:
I will know him before long.
(Going to the door.)

> Latin: DEMEA:
Iam scibo.

[¶128] SYRUS: (stopping him.)
What are you about? Whither are you going?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quid agis? quo abis?

[¶129] DEMEA: (struggling.)
Let me alone.
SYRUS: (holding him.)

> Latin: DEMEA:
Mitte me.

[¶130] Don’t, I tell you.
DEMEA:
Won’t you keep your hands off, whip-scoundrel? Or would you like me to knock your brains out this instant?
(Rushes into the house.)

> Latin: SYRUS:
Noli inquam.
DEMEA:
Non manum abstines, mastigia?
An tibi iam mavis cerebrum dispergi hic?

[¶131] SYRUS:
He’s gone! no very pleasant boon-companion, upon my faith,
particularly to Ctesipho. What am I to do now? Why, even get into some corner till this tempest is lulled, and sleep off this drop of wine. That’s my plan.
(Goes into the house, staggering.) (Enter MICIO, from the house of SOSTRATA.)
MICIO: (to SOSTRATA, within.)

> Latin: SYRUS:
Abit.
Edepol comissatorem haud sane commodum,
Praesertim Ctesiphoni. Quid ego nunc agam
Nisi, dum hae silescunt turbae, interea in angulum
Aliquo abeam, atque edormiscam hoc villi? Sic agam.
(MICIO. DEMEA.)

[¶132] Every thing’s ready with us, as I told you, Sostrata, when you like.—Who, I wonder, is making my door fly open with such fury?
(Enter DEMEA in haste, from the house of MICIO.)

> Latin: MICIO:
Parata a nobis sunt, ut dixi, Sostrata,
Ubi vis. Quisnam a me pepulit tam graviter fores?

[¶133] DEMEA:
Alas! what shall I do? How behave? In what terms exclaim, or how make my complaint? O heavens! O earth! O seas of Neptune!

> Latin: DEMEA:
Hei mihi, quid faciam? quid agam? quid clamem aut querar?
O coelum, O terra, O maria Neptuni!

[¶134] MICIO: (apart.)
Here’s for you! he has discovered all about the affair; and of course is now raving about it; a quarrel is the consequence; I must assist him, however.

> Latin: MICIO:
Em tibi:
Rescivit omnem rem; id nunc clamat scilicet:
Paratae lites; succurrendum est.

[¶135] DEMEA:
See, here comes the common corrupter of my children.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Eccum adest
Communis corruptela nostrum liberum.

[¶136] MICIO:
Pray moderate your passion, and recover yourself.

> Latin: MICIO:
Tandem reprime iracundiam, atque ad te redi.

[¶137] DEMEA:
I have moderated it; I am myself; I forbear all reproaches; let us come to the point: was this agreed upon between us,—proposed by yourself, in fact,—that you were not to concern yourself about my son, nor I about yours? Answer me.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Repressi, redii: mitto maledicta omnia:
Rem ipsam putemus: dictum hoc inter nos fuit,
Ex te adeo est ortum, ne tu curares meum,
Neve ego tuum? responde.

[¶138] MICIO:
It is the fact,—I don’t deny it.

> Latin: MICIO:
Factum est; non nego.

[¶139] DEMEA:
Why is he now carousing at your house? Why are you harboring my son? Why do you purchase a mistress for him, Micio? Is it at all fair, that I should have any less justice from you, than you from me? Since I do not concern myself about your son, don’t you concern yourself about mine.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Cur nunc apud te potat? cur recipis meum?
Cur emis amicam Micio? Numqui minus
Mihi idem ius aequum est esse quod mecum est tibi?
Quando ego tuum non euro, ne cura meum.

[¶140] MICIO:
You don’t reason fairly.
DEMEA:
No?
MICIO:
For surely it is a maxim of old,
that among themselves all things are common to friends.

> Latin: MICIO:
Non aequum dicis; non; nam vetus verbum hoc quidem est;
Communia esse amicorum inter se omnia.

[¶141] DEMEA:
Smartly said; you’ve got that speech up for the occasion.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Facete! nunc demum istaec nata oratio est.

[¶142] MICIO:
Listen to a few words, unless it is disagreeable, Demea. In the first place, if the extravagance your sons are guilty of distresses you, pray do reason with yourself.

> Latin: MICIO:
Ausculta paucis, nisi molestum est, Demea.
Principio, si id te mordet, sumtum filii
Quem faciunt, quaeso facito haec tecum cogites:

[¶143] You formerly brought up the two suitably to your circumstances, thinking that your own property would have to suffice for them both; and, of course, you then thought that I should marry. Adhere to that same old rule of yours,—save, scrape together, and be thrifty for them; take care to leave them as much as possible,
and take that credit to yourself: my fortune, which has come to them beyond their expectation, allow them to enjoy; of your capital there will be no diminution; what comes from this quarter, set it all down as so much gain. If you think proper impartially to consider these matters in your mind, Demea,
you will save me and yourself, and them, considerable uneasiness.

> Latin: Tu illos duos olim pro re tollebas tua,
Quod satis putabas tua bona ambobus fore,
Et me tum uxorem credidisti, scilicet,
Ducturum: eandem illam rationem antiquam obtine:
Conserva, quaere, parce: fac quam plurimum
Illis relinquas: gloriam tu istam obtine.
Mea, quae praeter spem evenere, utantur sine.
De summa nihil decedet: quod hinc accesserit,
Id de lucro putato esse omne. Haec si voles
In animo vere cogitare, Demea,
Et mihi, et tibi, et illis demseris molestiam.

[¶144] DEMEA:
I don’t speak about the expense; their morals—

> Latin: DEMEA:
Mitto rem: consuetudinem ipsorum.

[¶145] MICIO:
Hold; I understand you; that point I was coming to. There are in men, Demea, many signs from which a conjecture is easily formed; so that when two persons do the same thing, you may often say,
this one may be allowed to do it with impunity, the other may not; not that the thing itself is different, but that he is who does it. I see signs in them, so as to feel confident that they will turn out as we wish. I see that they have good sense and understanding, that they have modesty upon occasion, and are affectionate to each other; you may infer
that their bent and disposition is of a pliant nature; at any time you like you may reclaim them. But still, you may be apprehensive that they will be somewhat too apt to neglect their interests. O my dear Demea, in all other things we grow wiser with age; this sole vice does old age bring upon men:

> Latin: MICIO:
Mane:
Scio: istuc ibam. Multa in homine, Demea,
Signa insunt ex quibus coniectura facile fit,
Duo quum idem faciunt, saepe ut possis dicere,
Hoc licet impune facere huic, illi non licet;
Non quod dissimilis res sit, sed quod is qui facit:
Quae ego illis inesse video, ut confidam fore
Ita ut volumus: video sapere, intelligere, in loco
Vereri, inter se amare: scires liberum
Ingenium atque animum; quovis illos tu die
Reducas. At enim metuas ne ab re sint tamen
Omissiores paullo. O noster Demea,
Ad omnia alia aetate sapimus rectius:
Solum unum hoc vitium senectus affert hominibus;

[¶146] we are all more solicitous about our own interests than we need be; and in this respect age will make them sharp enough.
DEMEA:
Only take care, Micio, that these fine reasonings of yours, and this easy disposition of yours, do not ruin us in the end.

> Latin: Attentiores sumus ad rem omnes quam sat est:
Quod illos sat aetas acuet.
DEMEA:
Ne nimium modo
Bonae tuae istae nos rationes, Micio,
Et tuus iste animus aequus, subvertant.

[¶147] MICIO:
Say no more; there’s no danger of that. Now think no further of these matters. Put yourself to-day into my hands;

> Latin: MICIO:
Tace:
Non fiet: mitte iam istaec: da te hodie mihi:

[¶148] smooth your brow.
DEMEA:
Why, as the occasion requires it, I must do so; but to-morrow I shall be off with my son into the country at day-break.

> Latin: Exporge frontem.
DEMEA:
Scilicet, ita tempus fert;
Faciendum est: caeterum rus eras cum filio
Cum primo lucu [ibo hinc].

[¶149] MICIO:
Aye, to-night, for my share; only keep yourself in good-humor for the day.

> Latin: MICIO:
Immo de note censeo;
Hodie modo hilarum fac te.

[¶150] DEMEA:
I’ll carry off that Music-girl along with me as well.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Et istam psaltriam
Una illuc mecum hinc abstraham.

[¶151] MICIO:
You will gain your point;

> Latin: MICIO:
Pugnaveris.

[¶152] by that means you will keep your son fast there; only take care to secure her.
DEMEA:
I’ll see to that; and what with cooking and grinding, I’ll take care she shall be well covered with ashes, smoke, and meal; besides all this, at the very mid-day I’ll set her gathering stubble;

> Latin: Eo pacto prorsum illic alligaris filium:
Modo facito ut illam serves.
DEMEA:
Ego istuc videro:
Atque illi favillae plena, funi, ac pollinis,
Coquendo sit faxo, et molendo: praeter haec
Meridie ipso faciam ut stipulam colligat:

[¶153] I’ll make her as burned and as black as a coal.
MICIO:
You quite delight me; now you seem to me to be wise; and for my part I would then compel my son to go to bed with her, even though he should be unwilling.

> Latin: Tam excoctam reddam atque atram quam carbo est.
MICIO:
Placet:
Nunc mihi videre sapere; atque equidem filium
Tum etiam si nolit cogam ut cum illa una cubet.

[¶154] DEMEA:
Do you banter me? Happy man, to have such a temper! I feel—

> Latin: DEMEA:
Derides? fortunatus qui istoc animo sies.
Ego sentio—

[¶155] MICIO:
Ah! at it again!

> Latin: MICIO:
Ah, pergisne?

[¶156] DEMEA:
I’ll have done then at once.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Iam iam desino.

[¶157] MICIO:
Go in-doors then, and let’s devote this day to the object to which it belongs.
(Goes into the house.) (DEMEA alone.)

> Latin: MICIO:
I ergo intro, et cui rei est ei rei hunc sumamus diem.
(DEMEA.)

[¶158] DEMEA:
Never was there any person of ever such well-trained habits of life, but that experience, age, and custom are always bringing him something new, or suggesting something; so much so, that what you believe you know you don’t know, and what you have fancied of first importance to you, on making trial you reject;

> Latin: DEMEA.:
Nunquam ita quisquam bene subducta ratione ad vitam fuit
Quin res, aetas, usus semper aliquid apportet novi,
Aliquid moneat; ut illa quae te scire credas nescias,
Et quae tibi putaris prima in experiendo repudies:

[¶159] and this is my case at present: for the rigid life I have hitherto led, my race nearly run, I now renounce. Why so?—I have found, by experience, that there is nothing better for a man than an easy temper and complacency. That this is the truth, it is easy for any one to understand on comparing me with my brother. He has always spent his life in ease and gayety;
mild, gentle, offensive to no one, having a smile for all, he has lived for himself, and has spent his money for himself; all men speak well of him, all love him. I, again, a rustic, a rigid, cross, self-denying, morose and thrifty person, married a wife; what misery I entailed in consequence! Sons were born—a fresh care. And just look, while I have been studying to do as much as possible for them,
I have worn out my life and years in saving; now, in the decline of my days, the return I get from them for my pains is their dislike. He, on the other hand, with out any trouble on his part, enjoys a father’s comforts; they love him; me they shun; him they trust with all their secrets, are fond of him, are always with him. I am forsaken;

> Latin: Quod nunc mihi evenit; nam ego vitam duram quam vixi usque adhuc
Prope iam excurso spatio mitto. Id quamobrem? Re ipsa repperi
Facilitate nihil esse homini melius neque clementia.
Id esse verum ex me atque ex fratre cuivis facile est noscere.
Ille suam semper egit vitam in otio, in conviviis,
Clemens, placidus, nulli laedere os, arridere omnibus:
Sibi vixit; sibi sumtum fecit: omnes bene dicunt, amant.
Ego ille agrestis, saevus, tristis, parcus, truculentus, tenax,
Duxi uxorem: quam ibi miseriam vidi! Nati filii,
Alia cura. Porro autem illis dum studeo ut quam plurimum
Facerem, contrivi in quaerendo vitam atque aetatem meam.
Nunc exacta aetate hoc fructi pro labore ab his fero,
Odium. Ille alter sine labore patria potitur commoda:
Illum amant, me fugitant: illi credunt consilia omnia;
Illum diligunt; apud illum sunt ambo: ego desertus sum.

[¶160] they wish him to live; but my death, forsooth, they are longing for. Thus, after bringing them up with all possible pains, at a trifling cost he has made them his own; thus I bear all the misery, he enjoys the pleasure. Well, then, henceforward let us try, on the other hand, whether I can’t speak kindly and act complaisantly, as he challenges me to it:

> Latin: Illum ut vivat optant; meam autem mortem exspectant. Scilicet
Ita eos meo labore eductos maximo hic fecit suos
Paulo sumptu: miseriam omnem ego capio; hic potitur gaudia.
Age, age, nunc iam experiamur porro contra quid ego possiem
Blande dicere, aut benigne facere, quando eo provocat.

[¶161] I also want myself to be loved and highly valued by my friends. If that is to be effected by giving and indulging, I will not be behind him. If our means fail, that least concerns me, as I am the eldest.
(Enter SYRUS.)

> Latin: Ego quoque a meis me amari et magni pendi postulo:
Si id fit dando atque obsequendo, non posteriores feram.
Deerit. Id mea minime refert qui sum natu maximus.
(SYRUS. DEMEA.)

[¶162] SYRUS:
Hark you, Demea, your brother begs you will not go out of the way.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Heus, Demea, rogat frater ne abeas longius.

[¶163] DEMEA:
Who is it?—O Syrus, my friend, save you! how are you? How goes it with you?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Quis homo? O Syre noster salve: quid fit? quid agitur?

[¶164] SYRUS:
Very well.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Recte.

[¶165] DEMEA:
Very good. (Aside.) I have now for the first time used these three expressions contrary to my nature,—“O Syrus, my friend, how are you?—how goes it with you?” (To SYRUS.) You show yourself far from an unworthy servant, and I shall gladly do you a service.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Optime est. Iam nunc haec tria primum addidi
Praeter naturam: “O noster! quid fit? quid agitur?”
Servum haud illiberalem praebes te; et tibi
Libens bene faxim.

[¶166] SYRUS:
I thank you.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Gratiam habeo.

[¶167] DEMEA:
Yes, Syrus, it is the truth; and you shall be convinced of it by experience before long.
(Enter GETA, from the house of SOSTRATA.)
GETA: (to SOSTRATA, within.)

> Latin: DEMEA:
Atqui, Syre,
Hoc verum est; et ipsa re experiere propediem.
(GETA. DEMEA.)

[¶168] Mistress, I am going to see after them, that they may send for the damsel as soon as possible; but see, here’s Demea. (Accosting him.) Save you!

> Latin: GETA:
Hera, ego huc ad hos provisam quam mox virginem
Arcessant: sed eccum Demeam. Salvus sies.

[¶169] DEMEA:
O, what’s your name?

> Latin: DEMEA:
O, qui vocare?

[¶170] GETA:
Geta.

> Latin: GETA:
Geta.

[¶171] DEMEA:
Geta, I have this day come to the conclusion that you are a man of very great worth, for I look upon him as an undoubtedly good servant
who has a care for his master; as I have found to be your case, Geta; and for that reason, if any opportunity should offer, I would gladly do you a service. (Aside.) I am practicing the affable, and it succeeds very well.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Geta, hominem maximi
Preti te esse hodie animo iudicavi meo:
Nam is mihi profecto est servus spectatus satis
Cui dominus curae est, ita uti tibi sensi, Geta:
Et tibi ob eam rem, si quid usus venerit,
Libens bene faxim. Meditor esse affabilis;
Et bene procedit.

[¶172] GETA:
You are kind, sir, to think so.
DEMEA: (aside.)

> Latin: GETA:
Bonus es quum hace existimas.

[¶173] Getting on by degrees—I’ll first make the lower classes my own.
(Enter AESCHINUS, from the house of MICIO.)
AESCHINUS: (to himself.)

> Latin: DEMEA:
Paulatim plebem primulum facio meam.
(AESCHINUS. DEMEA. SYRUS. GETA.)

[¶174] They really are killing me while too intent on performing the nuptials with all ceremony; the whole day is being wasted in their preparations.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Occidunt me quidem dum nimis sanctas nuptias
Student facere: in apparando consumunt diem.

[¶175] DEMEA:
Aeschinus! how goes it?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Quid agitur, Aeschine?

[¶176] AESCHINUS:
Ha, my father! are you here?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Ehem, pater mi, tu hic eras?

[¶177] DEMEA:
Your father, indeed, both by affection and by nature; as I love you more than my very eyes; but why don’t you
send for your wife?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Tuus hercle vero et animo et natura pater,
Qui te amat plus quam hosce oculos: sed cur non domum
Uxorem arcessis?

[¶178] AESCHINUS:
So I wish to do; but I am waiting for the music-girl and people to sing the nuptial song.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Cupio: verum hoc mihi morae est;
Tibicina, et Hymenaeum qui cantent.

[¶179] DEMEA:
Come now, are you willing to listen to an old fellow like me?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Eho,
Vin tu huic seni auscultare?

[¶180] AESCHINUS:
What is it?

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Quid?

[¶181] DEMEA:
Let those things alone, the nuptial song, the crowds, the torches, and the music-girls, and order the stone wall in the garden here to be pulled down
with all dispatch, and bring her over that way; make but one house of the two; bring the mother and all the domestics over to our house.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Missa haec face,
Hymenaeum, turbas, lampadas, tibicinas;
Atque hanc in horto maceriam iube dirui,
Quantum potest; hac transfer; unam fac domum;
Traduce et matrem et familiam omnem ad nos.

[¶182] AESCHINUS:
With all my heart, kindest father.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Placet,
Pater lepidissime.

[¶183] DEMEA: (aside.)
Well done! now I am called “kind.” My brother’s house will become a thoroughfare; he will be bringing home a multitude, incurring expense in many ways: what matters it to me?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Euge! iam lepidus vocor.
Fratri aedes fient perviae: turbam domum
Adducet; sumtum admittet; multa. Quid mea?

[¶184] I, as the kind Demea, shall get into favor. Now then, bid that Babylonian pay down his twenty minae. (To SYRUS.) Syrus, do you delay to go and do it?
SYRUS:
What am I to do?

> Latin: Ego lepidus ineo gratiam. Iube nunc iam
Dinumeret illi Babylo viginti minas.
Syre, cessas ire ac facere?
SYRUS:
Quid ago?

[¶185] DEMEA:
Pull down the wall: and you, Geta, go and bring them across.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Dirue.
Tu illas abi et traduce.

[¶186] GETA:
May the Gods bless you, Demea, as I see you so sincere a well-wisher to our family.
(GETA and SYRUS go into MICIO’S house.)

> Latin: GETA:
Di tibi, Demea,
Bene faciant quum te video nostrae familiae
Tam ex animo factum velle.

[¶187] DEMEA:
I think they deserve it. What say you, Aeschinus, as to this plan?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Dignos arbitror.
Quid ais tu?

[¶188] AESCHINUS:
I quite agree to it.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Sic opinor.

[¶189] DEMEA:
It is much more proper than that she, being sick and lying-in, should be brought hither through the street.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Multo rectius est
Quam illam puerperam nunc duci huc per viam
Aegrotam.

[¶190] AESCHINUS:
Why, my dear father, I never did see any thing better contrived.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Nihil enim vidi melius, mi pater.

[¶191] DEMEA:
It’s my way; but see, here’s Micio coming out.
(Enter MICIO, from his house.)
MICIO: (speaking to GETA, within.)

> Latin: DEMEA:
Sic soleo: sed eccum Micio egreditur foras.
(MICIO. DEMEA. AESCHINUS.)

[¶192] Does my brother order it? Where is he? (To DEMEA.) Is this your order, Demea?

> Latin: MICIO:
Iubet frater? ubi is est? Tun iubes hoc, Demea?

[¶193] DEMEA:
Certainly, I do order it, and in this matter, and in every thing else, wish especially to make this family one with ourselves, to oblige, serve, and unite them.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Ego vero iubeo et in hac re et aliis omnibus
Quam maxime unam facere nos hanc familiam,
Colere, adiuvare, adiungere.

[¶194] AESCHINUS:
Father, pray let it be so.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Ita quaeso, pater.

[¶195] MICIO:
I do not oppose it.

> Latin: MICIO:
Haud aliter censeo.

[¶196] DEMEA:
On the contrary, i’ faith, it is what we ought to do:

> Latin: DEMEA:
Immo hercle ita nobis decet.

[¶197] in the first place, she is the mother of his wife (pointing to AESCHINUS).
MICIO:
She is. What then?

> Latin: Primum huius uxoris est mater.
MICIO:
Quid postea?

[¶198] DEMEA:
An honest and respectable woman.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Proba et modesta.

[¶199] MICIO:
So they say.

> Latin: MICIO:
Ita aiunt.

[¶200] DEMEA:
Advanced in years.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Natu grandior.

[¶201] MICIO:
I am aware of it.

> Latin: MICIO:
Scio.

[¶202] DEMEA:
Through her years, she is long past child-bearing; there is no one to take care of her; she is a lone woman.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Parere iam diu haec per annos non potest;
Nec qui eam respiciat quisquam est: sola est.

[¶203] MICIO: (aside.)
What can be his meaning?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quam hic rem agit?

[¶204] DEMEA:
It is right you should marry her; and that you, Aeschinus, should use your endeavors to effect it.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Hanc te aequum est ducere; et te operam ut fiat dare.

[¶205] MICIO:
I, marry her, indeed?

> Latin: MICIO:
Me ducere autem?

[¶206] DEMEA:
You.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Te.

[¶207] MICIO:
I?

> Latin: MICIO:
Me?

[¶208] DEMEA:
You, I say.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Te inquam.

[¶209] MICIO:
You are trifling!

> Latin: MICIO:
Ineptis.

[¶210] DEMEA:
Aeschinus, if you are a man, he’ll do it.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Si tu sis homo,
Hic faciat.

[¶211] AESCHINUS:
My dear father—

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Mi pater.

[¶212] MICIO:
What, ass! do you attend to him?
DEMEA:’T is all in vain; it can not be otherwise.

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid? tu autem huic, asine, auscultas?
DEMEA:
Nihil agis:
Fieri aliter non potest.

[¶213] MICIO:
You are mad!

> Latin: MICIO:
Deliras.

[¶214] AESCHINUS:
Do let me prevail on you, my father.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Sine te exorem, mi pater.

[¶215] MICIO:
Are you out of your senses? Take yourself off.

> Latin: MICIO:
Insanis: aufer.

[¶216] DEMEA:
Come, do oblige your son.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Age da veniam filio.

[¶217] MICIO:
Are you quite in your right mind? Am I, in my five-and-sixtieth year, to be marrying at last?
A decrepit old woman too? Do you advise me to do this?

> Latin: MICIO:
Satin sanus es? ego
Novus maritus anno demum quinto et sexagesimo
Fiam, atque anum decrepitam ducam? Idne estis auctores mihi?

[¶218] AESCHINUS:
Do; I have promised it.
MICIO:
Promised, indeed; be generous at your own cost, young man.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Fac: promisi ego illis.
Mi:
Promisti autem? de te largitor, puer.

[¶219] DEMEA:
Come, what if he should ask a still greater favor?

> Latin: DEMEA:
Age; quid si quid te maius oret?

[¶220] MICIO:
As if this was not the greatest!

> Latin: MICIO:
Quasi non hoc sit maximum.

[¶221] DEMEA:
Do comply.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Da veniam.

[¶222] AESCHINUS:
Don’t make any difficulty.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Ne gravere.

[¶223] DEMEA:
Do promise.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Fac promitte.

[¶224] MICIO:
Will you not have done?

> Latin: MICIO:
Non omittis?

[¶225] AESCHINUS:
Not until I have prevailed upon you.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Non, nisi te exorem.

[¶226] MICIO:
Really, this is downright force.

> Latin: MICIO:
Vis est haec quidem.

[¶227] DEMEA:
Act with heartiness, Micio.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Age prolixe, Micio.

[¶228] MICIO:
Although this seems to me to be wrong, foolish, absurd, and repugnant to my mode of life, yet, if you so strongly wish it, be it so.

> Latin: MICIO:
Etsi hoc mihi pravum, ineptum, absurdum, atque alienum a vita mea
Videtur, si vos tantopere istuc vultis, fiat.

[¶229] AESCHINUS:
You act obligingly.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Bene facis:

[¶230] DEMEA:
With reason I love you; but—

> Latin: DEMEA:
Merito te amo. Verum—

[¶231] MICIO:
What?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid?

[¶232] DEMEA:
I will tell you, when my wish has been complied with.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Ego dicam, hoc quum fit quod volo.

[¶233] MICIO:
What now? What remains to be done?
DEMEA:
Hegio here is their nearest relation;
he is a connection of ours and poor; we ought to do some good for him.

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid nunc quod restat? Hegio his est cognatus proximus,
Affinis nobis, pauper: bene nos aliquid facere illi decet.

[¶234] MICIO:
Do what?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid facere?

[¶235] DEMEA:
There is a little farm here in the suburbs, which you let out; let us give it him to live upon.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Agelli est hic sub urbe paulum, quod locitas foras:
Huic demus qui fruatur.

[¶236] MICIO:
But is it a little one?

> Latin: MICIO:
Paulum id autem?

[¶237] DEMEA:
If it were a large one, still it ought to be done; he has been as it were a father to her; he is a worthy man, and connected with us; it would be properly bestowed. In fine, I now adopt that proverb which you, Micio, a short time ago repeated with sense and wisdom—it is the common vice of all,
in old age, to be too intent upon our own interests. This stain we ought to avoid: it is a true maxim, and ought to be observed in deed.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Si multum est, tamen
Faciendum est: pro patre huic est; bonus est; noster est; recte datur.
Postremo nunc meum illud verbum facio quod tu, Micio,
Bene et sapienter dixti dudum: “Vitium commune omnium est,”
“Quod nimium ad rem in senecta attenti sumus.” Hanc maculam nos decet
Effugere: dictum est vere, et re ipsa fieri oportet [Micio].

[¶238] MICIO:
What am I to say to this? Well then, as he desires it (pointing to AESCHINUS), it shall be given him.

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid istic? dabitur quandoquidem hic vult.

[¶239] AESCHINUS:
My father!

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Mi pater.

[¶240] DEMEA:
Now, Micio, you are indeed my brother, both in spirit and in body.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Nunc tu mihi es germanus pariter corpore et animo.

[¶241] MICIO:
I am glad of it.
DEMEA: (aside.)

> Latin: MICIO:
Gaudeo.

[¶242] I foil him at his own weapon.
(Enter SYRUS, from the house.)
SYRUS:
It has been done as you ordered, Demea.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Suo sibi gladio hunc iugulo.
(SYRUS. DEMEA. MICIO. AESCHINUS.)
SYRUS:
Factum est quod iussisti, Demea.

[¶243] DEMEA:
You are a worthy fellow. Upon my faith,—in my opinion, at least,—I think Syrus ought at once to be made free.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Frugi homo es. Ego edepol hodie mea quidem sententia
Iudico Syrum fieri esse aequum liberum.

[¶244] MICIO:
He free! For what reason?

> Latin: MICIO:
Istunc liberum?
Quodnam ob factum?

[¶245] DEMEA:
For many.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Multa.

[¶246] SYRUS:
O my dear Demea! upon my word, you are a worthy man! I have strictly taken care of both these sons of yours, from childhood; I have taught, advised, and carefully instructed them in every thing I could.

> Latin: SYRUS:
O noster Demea, edepol vir bonus es.
Ego istos vobis usque a pueris curavi ambos sedulo;
Docui, monui, bene praecepi semper quae potui omnia.

[¶247] DEMEA:
The thing is evident; and then, besides all this, to cater for them, secretly bring, home a wench, prepare a morning entertainment; these are the accomplishments of no ordinary person.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Res apparet. Et quidem porro haec; obsonare cuni fide,
Scortum adducere, apparare de die convivium;
Non mediocris hominis haec sunt officia.

[¶248] SYRUS:
O, what a delightful man!

> Latin: SYRUS:
O lepidum caput!

[¶249] DEMEA:
Last of all, he assisted to-day in purchasing this Music-wench—he had the management of it; it is right he should be rewarded; other servants will be encouraged thereby: besides, he (pointing to AESCHINUS) desires it to be so.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Postremo, hodie in psaltria hac emenda hic adiutor fuit,
Hic curavit: prodesse aequum est: alii meliores erunt:
Denique hic vult fieri.

[¶250] MICIO: (to AESCHINUS.)
Do you desire this to be done?

> Latin: MICIO:
Vin tu hoc fieri?

[¶251] AESCHINUS:
I do wish it.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Cupio.

[¶252] MICIO:
Why then, if you desire it, just come hither, Syrus, to me (performing the ceremony of manumission); be a free man.

> Latin: MICIO:
Si quidem
Tu vis, Syre, eho accede huc ad me: liber esto.

[¶253] SYRUS:
You act generously; I return my thanks to you all;—and to you, Demea, in particular.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Bene facis.
Omnibus gratiam habeo, et seorsum tibi praeterea, Demea.

[¶254] DEMEA:
I congratulate you.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Gaudeo.

[¶255] AESCHINUS:
And I.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Et ego.

[¶256] SYRUS:
I believe you. I wish that this joy were made complete—that I could see my wife, Phrygia, free as well.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Credo: utinam hoc perpetuum fiat gaudium,
Phrygiam ut uxorem meam una mecum videam liberam.

[¶257] DEMEA:
Really, a most excellent woman.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Optimam quidem mulierem.

[¶258] SYRUS:
And the first to suckle your grandchild, his son, today (pointing to AESCHINUS).

> Latin: SYRUS:
Et quidem tuo nepoti, huius filio,
Hodie primam mammam dedit haec.

[¶259] DEMEA:
Why really, in seriousness, if she was the first to do so, there is no doubt she ought to be made free.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Hercle vero serio,
Si quidem primam dedit, haud dubium quin emitti aequum siet.

[¶260] MICIO:
What, for doing that?

> Latin: MICIO:
Ob eam rem?

[¶261] DEMEA:
For doing that; in fine, receive the amount from me at which she is valued.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Ob eam. Postremo a me argentum quanti est sumito.

[¶262] SYRUS:
May all the Gods always grant you, Demea, all you desire.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Di tibi, Demea, omnes semper omnia optata offerant.

[¶263] MICIO:
Syrus, you have thrived pretty well to-day.

> Latin: MICIO:
Syre, processisti hodie pulchre.

[¶264] DEMEA:
If, in addition, Micio, you will do your duty, and lend him a little ready money in hand for present use, he will soon repay you.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Si quidem porro, Micio,
Tu tuum officium facies, atque huic aliquid paulum prae manu
Dederis unde utatur; reddet tibi cito.

[¶265] MICIO:
Less than this (snapping his fingers).

> Latin: MICIO:
Istoc vilius.

[¶266] AESCHINUS:
He is a deserving fellow.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Frugi homo est.

[¶267] SYRUS:
Upon my word, I will repay it; only lend it me.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Reddam hercle; da modo.

[¶268] AESCHINUS:
Do, father.

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
Age pater.

[¶269] MICIO:
I’ll consider of it afterward.

> Latin: MICIO:
Post consulam.

[¶270] DEMEA:
He’ll do it, Syrus.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Faciet.

[¶271] SYRUS:
O most worthy man!

> Latin: SYRUS:
O vir optime.

[¶272] AESCHINUS:
O most kind-hearted father!

> Latin: AESCHINUS:
O mi pater festivissime.

[¶273] MICIO:
How is this? What has so suddenly changed your disposition, Demea? What caprice is this? What means this sudden liberality?

> Latin: MICIO:
Quid istuc? quae res tam repente mores mutavit tuos?
Quod prolubium? quae istaec subita est largitas?

[¶274] DEMEA:
I will tell you:—That I may convince you of this, Micio, that the fact that they consider you an easy and kind-hearted man, does not proceed from your real life, nor, indeed, from a regard for virtue and justice; but from your humoring, indulging, and pampering them.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Dicam tibi;
Ut id ostenderem quod te isti facilem et festivum putant,
Id non fieri ex vera vita, neque adeo ex aequo et bono:
Sed ex assentando, indulgendo, et largiendo, Micio.

[¶275] Now therefore, Aeschinus, if my mode of life has been displeasing to you, because I do not quite humor you in every thing, just or unjust, I have done: squander, buy, do what you please.

> Latin: Nunc adeo si ob eam rem vobis vita mea invisa est, Aeschine,
Quia non iusta iniusta prorsus omnia omnino obsequor,
Missa facio: effundite, emite, facite, quod vobis libet:

[¶276] But if you would rather have one to reprove and correct those faults, the results of which, by reason of your youth, you can not see, which you pursue too ardently, and are thoughtless upon, and in due season to direct you;

> Latin: Sed si id vultis potius, quae vos propter adolescentiam
Minus videtis, magis impense cupitis, consulitis parum,
Haec reprehendere et corrigere me, et obsecundare in loco;

[¶277] behold me ready to do it for you.
AESCHINUS:
Father, we leave it to you; you best know what ought to be done. But what is to be done about my brother?

> Latin: Ecce me qui id faciam vobis.
AESCHINUS:
Tibi, pater, permittimus:
Plus scis quid facto opus est. Sed de fratre quid fiet?

[¶278] DEMEA:
I consent. Let him have his mistress: with her let him make an end of his follies.

> Latin: DEMEA:
Sino;
Habeat; in istac finem faciat.

[¶279] MICIO:
That’s right. (To the AUDIENCE.) Grant us your applause.

> Latin: MICIO:
Istuc recte.
Ω:
Plaudite.