---
title: "The Eunuch · Eunuchus"
author: "Terence"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 1 of 3
url: https://scriptura.si/works/terence-eunuchus/1/
cite: "Terence, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, The Eunuch · Eunuchus, section 1. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/terence-eunuchus/1/"
---

# The Eunuch · Eunuchus

*Terence, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

A young man disguises himself as a eunuch to reach the girl he loves.

> Latin: ed. Edward St. John Parry, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0134.phi003, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0134.phi003.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.

## 1. Lines 1–327

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

[¶0] ANTIPHO, a young man, friend of Chaerea. CHREMES, a young man, brother of Pamphila. THRASO, a boastful Captain. GNATHO, a Parasite. PARMENO, servant of Phldria. SANGA, cook to Thraso. DORUS, a Eunuch slave. THAIS, a Courtesan. SOPHRONA, a nurse. PAMPHILA, a female slave.
THE TITLE OF THE PLAY. PERFORMED at the Megalensian Games; L. Posthumius Albinus and L. Cornelius Merula being Curule Aediles. L. Ambivius Turpio and L. Atilius Praenestinus performed it. Flaccus, the freedman of Claudius, composed the music to two treble flutes. From the Greek of Menander. It was acted twice, M. Valerius and C. Fannius being Consuls.
THE PROLOGUE:
IF there is any one who desires to please as many good men as possible, and to give offense to extremely few, among those does our Poet enroll his name.
Next, if there is one who thinks that language too harsh is here applied to him, let him bear this in mind—
that it is an answer, not an attack; inasmuch as he has himself been the first aggressor; who, by translating plays verbally, and writing them in bad Latin, has made out of good Greek Plays Latin ones by no means good. Just as of late he has published the Phasma [the Apparition] of Menander;
and in the Thesaurus [the Treasure] has described him from whom the gold is demanded, as pleading his cause why it should be deemed his own, before the person who demands it has stated how this treasure belongs to him, or how it came into the tomb of his father. Henceforward, let him not deceive himself, or fancy thus,
“I have now done with it; there’s nothing that he can say to me.” I recommend him not to be mistaken, and to refrain from provoking me. I have many other points, as to which for the present he shall be pardoned, which, however, shall be brought forward hereafter, if he persists in attacking me,
as he has begun to do. After the Aediles had purchased the Eunuch of Menander, the Play which we are about to perform, he managed to get an opportunity of viewing it. When the magistrates were present it began to be performed. He exclaimed that a thief, no Poet, had produced the piece, but still had not deceived him;
that, in fact, it was the Colax, an old Play of Plautus; and that from it were taken the characters of the Parasite and the Captain. If this is a fault, the fault is the ignorance of the Poet; not that he intended to be guilty of theft. That so it is, you will now be enabled to judge.
The Colax is a Play of Meander’s; in it there is Colax, a Parasite, and a braggart Captain: he does not deny that he has transferred these characters into his Eunuch from the Greek; but assuredly he does deny this, that he was aware that those pieces had been already translated into Latin.
But if it is not permitted us to use the same characters as others, how can it any more be allowed to represent hurrying servants, to describe virtuous matrons, artful courtesans, the gluttonous parasite, the braggart captain, the infant palmed off, the old man cajoled by the servant,
about love, hatred, suspicion? In fine, nothing is said now that has not been said before. Wherefore it is but just that you should know this, and make allowance, if the moderns do what the ancients used to do. Grant me your attention, and give heed in silence,
that you may understand what the Eunuch means.
(Enter PHAEDRIA and PARMENO.)
PHAEDRIA:
What then, shall I do? Ought I not to go, not now even, when I am sent for of her own accord? Or ought I rather so to behave myself as not to put up with affronts from Courtesans? She shut her door against me; she now invites me back. Ought I to return? No; though she should implore me.

> Latin: INTRODUCTION. PAMPHILA and Chremes were the children of an Athenian citizen. Pamphila, while an infant, was carried off from her home at Sunium by robbers, and by them sold to a merchant of Rhodes. He presented her to a courtesan of that place, who had her brought up with her own daughter Thais as her younger sister. When Thais grew up she removed to Athens with a lover of hers, who at his death left her all his property. She then kept company with a soldier named Thraso, who went to Caria after living with her a short time. Meanwhile her mother had died, and her uncle wishing to realize money by Pamphila, who was beautiful and accomplished, sold her to Thraso, who happened to be at Rhodes on his return to Athens, and carried her with him intending to make a present of her to Thais. During his absence, however, Thais had found a new lover, one Phaedria, son of Laches. This Thraso discovers on his return, and in order to secure his footing with her, makes his present conditional upon Phaedria’s dismissal. This causes Thais great perplexity, for she is really attached to Phaedria, and yet much wishes to get possession of Pamphila, whose history she has learnt in part, and whom she hopes to restore to her Athenian family, intending by so doing to make herself friends in Athens. Accordingly she shuts her door against Phaedria.
He is at first highly incensed at her conduct; but after an interview with her, consents to absent himself from Athens for a day or two, that she may have time to obtain Pamphila from Thraso. Before he goes he gives orders that an Ethiopian slave, and an eunuch whom he has bought for Thais, shall be taken to her house. At this moment Thraso sends Pamphila under the escort of Gnatho his follower. On her way to Thais’ house she is seen in the street by Chaerea, Phaedria’s brother, who at first sight falls desperately in love with her, and hurries after her, but being detained on his way by an old friend of his father’s, arrives just too late to see her taken into the house. Here he falls in with Parmeno, his father’s slave, and between them they concoct the scheme on which the plot of the play turns. Chaerea is dressed up in the eunuch’s clothes and conducted to Thais’ house, where he soon has an opportunity of carrying out his intended scheme, during the absence of Thais at Thraso’s house; after which he makes his escape. This event causes the greatest consternation in the household; and is no less distressing to Thais, who finds her plan for restoring Pamphila to her relations thus awkwardly frustrated. For in the meantime she has obtained some interviews with Chremes, the brother of Pamphila, and has nearly identified Pamphila when the catastrophe comes to her knowledge. Phaedria, too, is much disconcerted at discovering that his present has worked so much mischief. All parties, in fact, are at their wit’s end, with the exception of Chaerea, who, upon discovering Pamphila’s history, makes the best amends he can by undertaking to marry her. Pythias meanwhile, Thais’ maid, pays off old scores by driving Parmeno to divulge the whole matter to Laches, father of Chaerea and Phaedria.
The result is of course a happy explanation on all sides. Thais is taken under Laches’ protection, and continues her intimacy with Phaedria. Chaerea and Pamphila marry. Parmeno is forgiven by his grateful young master: and the only person who suffers is the unfortunate Thraso, who is beaten clean off the field, and is only too glad to submit to be the perpetual butt of these young sparks, on condition that he shall be allowed to be one in their parties, and thus still enjoy the society of Thais. This is the outline of the play, which gives a very lively and amusing action. But the most admirable feature is the manner in which some of the subordinate parts are worked out. The bye-play between Pythias and Parmeno is admirable. The character of the Parasite as drawn in Act II. scene ii. is admirable, and striking from its novelty after the hackneyed ideal which is presented to us in all the plays of Plautus. No less admirable is the Braggadocio of Act III. scene i., the features of the character being the same as those of the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus, except that Terence with greater humour makes Thraso prouder of his wit than of his military exploits. The scene in which Thraso is represented as attacking Thais in her house (Act IV. scene vii.) is highly ridiculous, and reminds one more strongly than any passage of Terence of the free humour of Aristophanes. We cannot wonder that the Eunuchus should have been the most popular of all Terence’s plays: for here there is the nearest approach to the Plautini sales, which were the true Roman comedy. It is said to have been purchased by the Aediles for the sum of 8000 sesterces (above 64 £ 10 s. sterling), the largest sum which had been given for any play. The leading incident of the plot makes it unfit for the modern stage: but when we say this we say all that can be said against the play. The execution is highly delicate, even in the famous scene which describes the successful issue of Chaerea’s scheme. The play is said by the author of the Life of Terence to have been acted twice in one day: and no doubt it was acted on more than one occasion.
EUNUCHUS. ACTA LUDIS MEGALENSIBUS, L. POSTUMIO ALBINO L. CORNELIO MERULA AEDILIBUS CURULIBUS. EGERE L. AMBIVIUS TURPIO L. ATILIUS PRAENESTINUS TIBIIS DUABUS DEXTRIS. GRAECA MENANDRU. ACTA II. MODOS FECIT FLACCUS CLAUDII, M. VALERIO C. FANNIO COSS.
PROLOGUS:
Si quisquam est qui placere se studeat bonis
Quam plurimis et minime multos laedere,
In his poeta hic nomen profitetur suum.
Tum si quis est qui dictum in se inclementius
Existimavit esse, sic existimet,
Responsum non dictum esse, quia laesit prior,
Qui bene vertendo, et easdem scribendo male, ex
Graecis bonis Latinas fecit non bonas.
Idem Menandri Phasma nunc nuper dedit;
Atque in Thesauro scripsit causamn dicere
Prius unde petitur aurum quare sit suumn
Quam ille qui petit unde is sit thesaurus sibi,
Aut unde in patrium monumentum pervenerit.
Dehinc ne frustretur ipse se, aut sic cogitet,
“Defunctus iam sum, nihil est quod dicat mihi;”
Is ne erret moneo et desinat lacessere.
Habeo alia multa quae nunc condonabitur;
Quae proferentur post, si perget laedere
Ita ut facere instituit. Quam nunc acturi sumus
Menandri Eunuchum postquam Aediles emerunt,
Perfecit sibi ut inspiciendi esset copia.
Magistratus cum ibi adessent occepta est agi.
Exclamat furem non poetam fabulam
Dedisse, et nihil dedisse verborum tamen;
Colacem esse Naevi et Plauti veterem fabulam;
Parasiti personam inde ablatam et militis.
Si id est peccatum, peccatum imprudentia est
Poetae; non qui furtum facere studuerit.
Id ita esse vos iam iudicare poteritis.
Colax Menandri est; in ea est parasitus Colax,
Et miles gloriosus; eas se non negat
Personas transtulisse in Eunuchum suam
Ex Graeca; sed eas fabulas factas prius
Latinas scisse sese id vero pernegat.
Quod si personis iisdem uti aliis non licet,
Qui magis licet currentes servos scribere,
Bonas matronas facere, meretrices malas,
Parasitum edacem, gloriosum militem,
Puerum supponi, falli per servum senem,
Amare, odisse, suspicari? Denique
Nullum est iam dictum, quod non dictum sit prius.
Quare aequum est vos cognoscere atque ignoscere
Quae veteres factitarunt si faciunt novi.
Date operam, et cum silentio animadvertite,
Ut pernoscatis quid sibi Eunuchus velit.
(PHAEDRIA. PARMENO.)
PHAEDRIA:
Quid igitur faciam? non eam? ne nunc quidem
Cum arcessor ultro? an potius ita me comparem
Non perpeti meretricum contumelias?
Exclusit: revocat. Redeam? non, si me obsecret.

[¶1] PARMENO:
l’faith, if indeed you only can, there’s nothing better or more spirited; but if you begin, and can not hold out stoutly, and if, when you can not endure it, while no one asks you, peace being not made, you come to her of your own accord, showing that you love her, and can not endure it, you are done for; it’s all over with you;
you are ruined outright. She’ll be jilting you, when she finds you overcome. Do you then, while there’s time, again and again reflect upon this, master, that a matter, which in itself admits of neither prudence nor moderation, you are unable to manage with prudence. In love there are all these evils; wrongs,
suspicions, enmities reconcilements, war, then peace; if you expect to render these things, naturally uncertain, certain by dint of reason, you wouldn’t effect it a bit the more than if you were to use your endeavors to be mad with reason. And, what you are now, in anger, meditating to yourself,
“What! I to her? Who—him! Who—me! Who wouldn’t? Only let me alone; I had rather die; she shall find out what sort of a person I am;” these expressions, upon my faith, by a single false tiny tear, which, by rubbing her eyes, poor thing, she can hardly squeeze out perforce, she will put an end to; and she’ll be the first to accuse you; and you will be
too ready to give satisfaction to her.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Si quidem hercle possis, nihil prius neque fortius:
Verum si incipies, neque pertendes naviter,
Atque ubi pati non poteris, cum nemo expetet,
Infecta pace, ultro ad eam venies, indicans
Te amare et ferre non posse, actum est: ilicet:
Peristi. Eludet, ubi te victum senserit.
Proin tu dum est tempus etiam atque etiam cogita,
Here, quae res in se neque consilium neque modun
Habet ullum eam consilio regere non potes.
In amore haec omnia insunt vitia; iniuriae,
Suspiciones, inimicitiae, indutiae,
Bellum, pax rursum. Incerta haec si tu postules
Ratione certa facere, nihilo plus agas
Quam si des operam ut cum ratione insanias.
Et quod nunc tute tecum iratus cogitas,
“Egone illam quae illum? quae me? quae non? sine modo:”
“Mori me malim: sentiet qui vir siem;”
Haec verba una mehercle falsa lacrimula,
Quam oculos terendo misere vix vi expresserit,
Restinguet: et te ultro accusabit: et dabis
Ei ultro supplicium.

[¶2] PHAEDRIA:
O disgraceful conduct! I now perceive, both that she is perfidious, and that I am a wretched man. I am both weary of her, and burn with passion; knowing and fully sensible, alive and seeing it, I am going to ruin; nor do I know what I am to do.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
O indignum facinus! nunc ego et
Illam scelestam esse et me miserum sentio;
Et taedet; et amore ardeo; et prudens sciens,
Vivus vidensque pereo; nec quid agam scio.

[¶3] PARMENO:
What you are to do? Why, only to redeem yourself, thus captivated,
at the smallest price you can; if you can not at a very small, rate, still for as little as you can; and do not afflict yourself.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Quid agas nisi ut te redimas captum quam queas
Minimo? si nequeas paululo, at quanti queas:
Et ne te afflictes.

[¶4] PHAEDRIA:
Do you persuade me to this?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Itane suades?

[¶5] PARMENO:
If you are wise. And don’t be adding to the troubles which love itself produces; those which it does produce, bear patiently. But see, here she is coming herself, the downfall of our fortunes, —
for that which we ought ourselves to enjoy she intercepts.
(Enter THAIS from her house.)

> Latin: PARMENO:
Si sapis:
Neque praeterquam quas ipse amor molestias
Habet addas, et illas quas habet recte feras.
Sed ecca ipsa egreditur nostri fundi calamitas;
Nam quod nos capere oportet haec intercipit.
(THAIS.
PHAEDRIA. PARMENO.)

[¶6] THAIS: (to herself, not seeing them.)
Ah wretched me! I fear lest Phaedria should take it amiss or otherwise than I intended it, that he was not admitted yesterday.

> Latin: THAIS:
Miseram me! vereor ne illud gravius Phaedria
Tulerit, neve aliorsum atque ego feci acceperit,
Quod heri intromissus non est.

[¶7] PHAEDRIA: (aside to PARMENO.)
I’m trembling and shivering all over, Parmeno, at the sight of her.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Totus Parmeno
Tremo horreoque postquam aspexi hanc.

[¶8] PARMENO: (apart.)
Be of good heart;

> Latin: PARMENO:
Bono animo es:

[¶9] only approach this fire, you’ll soon be warmer than you need.
THAIS: (turning round.)

> Latin: Accede ad ignem hunc; iam calesces plus satis.

[¶10] Who is it that’s speaking here? What, are you here, my Phaedria? Why are you standing here? Why didn’t you come into the house at once?
PARMENO: (whispering to PHAEDRIA.)
But not a word about shutting you out!

> Latin: THAIS:
Quis hic loquitur? ehem, tune hic eras, mi Phaedria?
Quid hic stabas? cur non recta introibas?
PARMENO:
Caeterum
De exclusione verbum nullum.

[¶11] THAIS:
Why are you silent?

> Latin: THAIS:
Quid taces?

[¶12] PHAEDRIA:
Of course, it’s because this door is always open to me,
or because I’m the highest in your favor?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Sane quia vero hae mihi patent semper fores,
Aut quia sum apud te primus.

[¶13] THAIS:
Pass those matters by.

> Latin: THAIS:
Missa istaec face.

[¶14] PHAEDRIA:
How pass them by? O Thais, Thais, I wish that I had equal affection with yourself, and that it were in like degree, that either this might distress you in the same way that it distresses me, or that I might be indifferent at this being done by you.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Quid missa? o Thais, Thais, utinam esset mihi
Pars aequa amoris tecum, ac pariter fieret,
Ut aut hoc tibi doleret itidem ut mihi dolet,
Aut ego istuc abs te factum nihili penderem.

[¶15] THAIS:
Prithee, don’t torment yourself, my life, my Phaedria. Upon my faith, I did it, not because I love or esteem any person more than you; but the case was such that it was necessary to be done.
PARMENO: (ironically.)

> Latin: THAIS:
Ne crucia te, obsecro, anime mi, mi Phaedria.
Non pol quo quemquam plus amem aut plus diligam
Eo feci: sed ita erat res; faciundum fuit.

[¶16] I suppose that, poor thing, you shut him out of doors, for love, according to the usual practice.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Credo ut fit misera prae amore exclusti hunc foras.

[¶17] THAIS:
Is it thus you act, Parmeno? Well, well. (To PHAEDRIA.) But listen—the reason for which
I desired you to be sent for hither—

> Latin: THAIS:
Sicine ais Parmeno? age: sed huc qua gratia
Te arcessi iussi ausculta.

[¶18] PHAEDRIA:
Go on.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Fiat.

[¶19] THAIS:
First tell me this; can this fellow possibly hold his tongue?
(pointing to PARMENO.)

> Latin: THAIS:
Dic mihi
Hoc primum, potin est hic tacere?

[¶20] PARMENO:
What, I? Perfectly well. But, hark you, upon these conditions I pledge my word to you; the truth that I hear, I’m silent upon, and retain it most faithfully; but if I hear what’s false and without foundation, it’s out at once;

> Latin: PARMENO:
Egone? optime.
Verum heus tu, hac lege tibi meam astringo fidem:
Quae vera audivi taceo et contineo optime;
Sin falsum aut vanum aut fictum est, continuo palam est;

[¶21] I’m full of chinks, and leak in every direction. Therefore, if you wish it to be kept secret, speak the truth.

> Latin: Plenus rimaraum sum; hac atque illac perfluo.
Proin tu, taceri si vis, vera dicito.

[¶22] THAIS:
My mother was a Samian; she lived at Rhodes—

> Latin: THAIS:
Samia mihi mater fuit: ea habitabat Rhodi.

[¶23] PARMENO:
That may be kept a secret.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Potest taceri hoc.

[¶24] THAIS:
There, at that period, a certain merchant made present to my mother of a little girl,
who had been stolen away from Attica here.
PARMENO:
What, a citizen?

> Latin: THAIS:
Ibi tum matri parvulam
Puellam dono quidam mercator dedit
Ex Attica hine abreptam.
PHAEDRIA:
Civemne?

[¶25] THAIS:
I think so; we do not know for certain: she herself used to mention her mother’s and her father’s name; her country and other tokens she didn’t know, nor, by reason of her age, was she able. The merchant added this: that he had heard from the kidnappers
that she had been carried off from Sunium. When my mother received her, she began carefully to teach her every thing, and to bring her up, just as though she had been her own daughter. Most persons supposed that she was my sister.

> Latin: THAIS:
Arbitror:
Certum non scimus: matris nomen et patris
Dicebat ipsa: patriam et signa caetera
Neque scibat, neque per aetatem etiam potuerat.
Mercator hoc addebat, e praedonibus
Unde emerat se audisse abreptam e Sunio.
Mater ubi accepit, coepit studiose omnia
Docere, educare ita uti si esset filia.
Sororem plerique esse credebant meam.

[¶26] Thence I came hither with that stranger, with whom alone at that period I was connected; he left me all which I now possess—
PARMENO:
Both these things are false; out it goes.

> Latin: Ego cum illo quicum tum uno rem habebam hospite
Abii huc; qui mihi reliquit haec quae habeo omnia.
PARMENO:
Utrumque hoc falsum est: effluet.

[¶27] THAIS:
How so?

> Latin: THAIS:
Qui istuc?

[¶28] PARMENO:
Because you were neither content with one, nor was he the only one to make you presents; for he likewise (pointing to PHAEDRIA) brought a pretty considerable share to you.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Quia
Neque tu uno eras contenta, neque solus dedit;
Nam hic quoque bonam magnamque partem ad te attulit.

[¶29] THAIS:
Such is the fact; but do allow me to arrive at the point I wish.

> Latin: THAIS:
Ita est: sed sine me pervenire quo volo.

[¶30] In the mean time, the Captain, who had begun to take a fancy to me, set out to Caria; since when, in the interval, I became acquainted with you. You yourself are aware how very dear I have held you; and how I confess to you all my nearest counsels.

> Latin: Interea miles qui me amare occeperat
In Cariam est profectus: te interea loci
Cognovi: tute scis postilla quam intumum
Habeam te, et mea consilia ut tibi credam omnia.

[¶31] PHAEDRIA:
Nor will Parmeno be silent about that.
PARMENO:
O, is that a matter of doubt?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Ne hoc quidem tacebit Parmeno.
THAIS:
Oh, dubiumne id est?

[¶32] THAIS:
Attend; I entreat you. My mother died there recently; her brother is somewhat greedy after wealth. When he saw that this damsel was of beauteous form and understood music, hoping for a good price, he forthwith put her up for sale, and sold her. By good fortune
this friend of mine was present; he bought her as a gift to me, not knowing or suspecting any thing of all this. He returned; but when he perceived that I had formed a connection with you as well, he feigned excuses on purpose that he might not give her; he said that if he could feel confidence that he should be preferred to yourself
by me, so as not to apprehend that, when I had received her, I should forsake him, then he was ready to give her to me; but that he did fear this. But, so far as I can conjecture, he has set his affections upon the girl.
PHAEDRIA:
Any thing beyond that?

> Latin: Hoc agite amabo. Mater mea illic mortua est
Nuper. Eius frater aliquantum ad rem est avidior.
Is hanc ubi forma videt honesta virginem,
Et fidibus scire, pretium sperans ilico
Producit, vendit. Forte fortuna affuit
Hic meus amicus: emit eam dono mihi,
Imprudens harum rerum ignarusque omnium.
Is venit: postquam sensit me tecum quoque
Rem habere, fingit causas ne det sedulo.
Ait, si fidem habeat se iri praepositum tibi
Apud me, ac non id metuat, ne ubi acceperim
Sese relinquam, velle se illam mihi dare;
Verum id vereri: sed, ego quantum suspicor,
Ad virginem animum adiecit.
PHAEDRIA:
Etiamne amplius?

[¶33] THAIS:
Nothing; for I have made inquiry. Now, my Phaedria,
there are many reasons why I could wish to get her away from him. In the first place, because she was called my sister; moreover, that I may restore and deliver her to her friends. I am a lone woman; I have no one here, neither acquaintance nor relative; wherefore, Phaedria, I am desirous by my good offices to secure friends.

> Latin: THAIS:
Nihil; nam quaesivi. Nunc ego eam, mi Phaedria,
Multae sunt causae quamobrem cupiam abducere:
Primum quod soror est dicta; praeterea ut suis
Restituam ac reddam: sola sum: habeo hic neminem
Neque amicum, neque cognatum; quamobrem, Phaedria,
Cupio aliquos parare amicos beneficio meo.

[¶34] Prithee, do aid me in this, in order that it may be the more easily effected. Do allow him for the few next days to have the preference with me. Do you make no answer?
PHAEDRIA:
Most vile woman! Can I make you any answer after such behavior as this?

> Latin: Id amabo adiuta me, quo id fiat facilius.
Sine illum priores partes hosce aliquot dies
Apud me habere. Nihil respondes?
PHAEDRIA:
Pessima,
Egon quicquam cum istis factis tibi respondeam?

[¶35] PARMENO:
Well done, my master, I commend you; (aside) he’s galled at last. (To PHAEDRIA.) You show yourself a man.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Eu noster! laudo: tandem perdoluit: vir es.

[¶36] PHAEDRIA:
I was not aware what you were aiming at; “she was carried away from here, when a little child; my mother brought her up as though her own; she was called my sister; I wish to get her away, that I may restore her to her friends.” The meaning is, that all these expressions, in fine, now amount to this, that I am shut out, he is admitted. For what reason?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
At ego nescibam quorsum tu ires: “Parvula”
“Hinc est abrepta; eduxit mater pro sua:”
“Soror est dicta: cupio abducere, ut reddam suis.”
Nempe omnia haec nunc verba huc redeunt denique;
Ego excludor; ille recipitur: qua gratia?

[¶37] Except that you love him more than me: and now you are afraid of her who has been brought hither, lest she should win him, such as he is, from yourself.

> Latin: Nisi illum plus amas quam me, et istam nunc times
Quae advecta est, ne illum talem praeripiat tibi.

[¶38] THAIS:
I, afraid of that?

> Latin: THAIS:
Ego id timeo?

[¶39] PHAEDRIA:
What else, then, gives you concern? Let me know. Is he the only person who makes presents? Have you found my bounty shut against you?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Quid te ergo aliud sollicitat? cedo.
Num solus ille dona dat? nuncubi meam
Benignitatem sensisti in te claudier?

[¶40] Did I not, when you told me that you wished for a servant-maid from Aethiopia, setting all other matters aside, go and seek for one? Then you said that you wanted a Eunuch, because ladies of quality alone make use of them; I found you one. I yesterday paid twenty minae for them both.

> Latin: Nonne ubi mihi dixti cupere te ex Aethiopia
Ancillulam relictis rebus omnibus
Quaesivi? porro eunuchum dixti velle te,
Quia solae utuntur his reginae; repperi.
Heri minas viginti pro ambobus dedi:

[¶41] Though slighted by you, I still kept these things in mind; as a reward for so doing, I am despised by you.
THAIS:
Phaedria, what does this mean? Although I wish to get her away, and think that by these means it could most probably be effected; still, rather than make an enemy of you, I’ll do as you request me.

> Latin: Tamen contemptus abs te haec habui in memoria:
Ob haec facta abs te spernor.
THAIS:
Quid istic Phaedria?
Quanquam illam cupio abducere, atque hac re arbitror
Id fieri posse maxime, verumtamen,
Potius quam te inimicum habeam, faciam ut iusseris.

[¶42] PHAEDRIA:
I only wish that you used that expression from your heart and truthfully, “rather than make an enemy of you.” If I could believe that this was said sincerely, I could put up with any thing.
PARMENO: (aside.)

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Utinam istuc verbum ex animo ac vere diceres,
“Potius quam te inimicum habeam.” Si istuc crederem
Sincere dici quidvis possem perpeti.

[¶43] He staggers; how instantaneously is he vanquished by a single expression!

> Latin: PARMENO:
Labascit victus uno verbo quam cito!

[¶44] THAIS:
I, wretched woman, not speak from my heart? What, pray,
did you ever ask of me in jest, but that you carried your point? I am unable to obtain even this of you, that you would grant me only two days.

> Latin: THAIS:
Ego non ex animo misera dico? quam ioco
Rem voluisti a me tandem quin perfeceris?
Ego impetrare nequeo hoc abs te, biduum
Saltem ut concedas solum?

[¶45] PHAEDRIA:
If, indeed, it is but two days; but don’t let these days become twenty.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Siquidem biduum;
Verum ne fiant isti viginti dies.

[¶46] THAIS:
Assuredly not more than two days, or—

> Latin: THAIS:
Profecto non plus biduum, aut —

[¶47] PHAEDRIA:
“Or?” I won’t have it.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
“Aut” nihil moror.

[¶48] THAIS:
It shall not be; only do allow me to obtain this of you.

> Latin: THAIS:
Non fiet: hoc modo sine te exorem.

[¶49] PHAEDRIA:
Of course that which you desire must be done.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Scilicet
Faciendum est quod vis.

[¶50] THAIS:
I love you as you deserve; you act obligingly.

> Latin: THAIS:
Merito amo te.

[¶51] PHAEDRIA: (to PARMENO.)
I shall go into the country; there I shall worry myself for the next two days: I’m resolved to do so; Thais must be humored. Do you, Parmeno, take care that they are brought hither.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Bene facis.
Rus ibo: ibi hoc me macerabo biduum.
Ita facere certum est: mos gerendus est Thaidi.
Tu, Parmeno, huc fac illi adducantur.

[¶52] PARMENO:
Certainly.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Maxime.

[¶53] PHAEDRIA:
For the next two days then, Thais, adieu.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
In hoc biduum Thais vale.

[¶54] THAIS:
And the same to you, my Phaedria; do you desire aught else?

> Latin: THAIS:
Mi Phaedria
Et tu; numquid vis aliud?

[¶55] PHAEDRIA:
What should I desire? That, present with the Captain, you may be as if absent; that night and day you may love me; may feel my absence; may dream of me; may be impatient for me; may think about me;

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Egone quid velim?
Cum milite isto praesens absens ut sies;
Noctes diesque me ames; me desideres;
Me somnies; me expectes; de me cogites;

[¶56] may hope for me; may centre your delight in me; may be all in all with me; in fine, if you will, be my very life, as I am yours.
(Exeunt PHAEDRIA and PARMENO.
THAIS: (to herself.)

> Latin: Me speres; me te oblectes; mecum tota sis:
Meus fac sis postremo animus, quando ego sum tuus.

[¶57] Ah wretched me! perhaps now he puts but little faith in me, and forms his estimate of me from the dispositions of other women. By my troth, I, who know my own self, am very sure of this,
that I have not feigned any thing that’s false, and that no person is dearer to my heart than this same Phaedria; and whatever in the present case I have done, for this girl’s sake have I done it; for I trust that now I have pretty nearly discovered her brother, a young man of very good family;

> Latin: THAIS:
Me miseram! forsitan hic mihi parvam habeat fidem,
Atque ex aliarum ingeniis nunc me iudicet.
Ego pol quae mihi sum conscia hoc certo scio,
Neque me finxisse falsi quicquam, neque meo
Cordi esse quemquam cariorem hoc Phaedria:
Et quicquid huius feci causa virginis
Feci; nam me eius spero fratrem propemodum
Iam repperisse, adolescentem adeo nobilem:

[¶58] and he has appointed this day to come to me at my house. I’ll go hence in-doors, and wait until he comes.
(She goes into her house.) (Enter PHAEDRIA and PARMENO.)

> Latin: Et is hodie venturum ad me constituit domum.
Concedam hinc intro atque expectabo dum venit.
(PHAEDRIA. PARMENO.)

[¶59] PHAEDRIA:
Mind that those people are taken there, as I ordered.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Fac ita ut iussi deducantur isti.

[¶60] PARMENO:
I’ll do so.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Faciam.

[¶61] PHAEDRIA:
And carefully.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
At diligenter.

[¶62] PARMENO:
It shall be done.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Fiet.

[¶63] PHAEDRIA:
And with all speed.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
At mature.

[¶64] PARMENO:
It shall be done.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Fiet.

[¶65] PHAEDRIA:
Have you had sufficient instructions?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Satin hoc mandatum est tibi?

[¶66] PARMENO:
Dear me! to ask the question, as though it were a matter of difficulty.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Ah!
Rogitare? quasi difficile sit.

[¶67] I wish that you were able, Phaedria, to find any thing as easily as this present will be lost.
PHAEDRIA:
Together with it, I myself am lost, which concerns me more nearly. Don’t bear this with such a feeling of vexation.

> Latin: Utinam tam aliquid invenire facile possis Phaedria
Quam hoc peribit.
PHAEDRIA:
Ego quoque una pereo, quod mihi est carius:
Ne istuc tam iniquo patiare animo.

[¶68] PARMENO:
By no means; on the contrary, I’ll see it done. But do you order any thing else?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Minime; quin effectum dabo.
Sed numquid aliud imperas?

[¶69] PHAEDRIA:
Set off my present with words, as far as you can; and so far as you are able, do drive away that rival of mine from her.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Munus nostrum ornato verbis, quod poteris; et istum aemulum,
Quod poteris, ab ea pellito.

[¶70] PARMENO:
Pshaw! I should have kept that in mind, even if you hadn’t reminded me.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Memini, tametsi nullus moneas.

[¶71] PHAEDRIA:
I shall go into the country and remain there.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Ego rus ibo, atque ibi manebo.

[¶72] PARMENO:
I agree with you.
(Moves as if going.)

> Latin: PARMENO:
Censeo.

[¶73] PHAEDRIA:
But hark you!

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Sed heus tu!

[¶74] PARMENO:
What is it you want?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Quid vis?

[¶75] PHAEDRIA:
Are you of opinion that I can muster resolution and hold out so as not to come back within the time?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Censen posse me offirmare
Et perpeti ne redeam interea?

[¶76] PARMENO:
What, you? Upon my faith, I don’t think so; for either you’ll be returning at once, or by-and-by, at night, want of sleep will be driving you hither.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Tene? non hercle arbitror.
Nam aut iam revertere, aut mox noctu te adiget horsum insomnia.

[¶77] PHAEDRIA:
I’ll do some laborious work, that I may be continually fatigued, so as to sleep in spite of myself.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Opus faciam ut defatiger usque ingratiis ut dormiam.

[¶78] PARMENO:
When wearied, you will be keeping awake; by this you will be making it worse.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Vigilabis lassus; hoc plus facies.

[¶79] PHAEDRIA:
Oh, you talk to no purpose, Parmeno: this softness of spirit, upon my faith, must be got rid of; I indulge myself too much. Could I not do without her, pray, if there were the necessity, even for a whole three days?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Ah nihil dicis Parmeno.
Eiicienda hercle haec est mollities animi: nimis me indulgeo.
Tandem non ego illa caream, si sit opus, vel totum triduum?

[¶80] PARMENO:
Whew! an entire three days! Take care what you are about.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Hui!
Universum triduum? vide quid agas.

[¶81] PHAEDRIA:
My mind is made up.
(Exit.)
PARMENO: (to himself.)

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Stat sententia.

[¶82] Good Gods! What a malady is this! That a man should become so changed through love, that you wouldn’t know him to be the same person! Not any one was there less inclined to folly than he, and no one more discreet or more temperate. But who is it that’s coming this way? Heyday! surely this is Gnatho, the Captain’s Parasite; he’s bringing along with him the damsel as a present to her. Heavens!

> Latin: PARMENO:
Di boni, quid hoc morbi est? adeone homines immutarier
Ex amore ut non cognoscas eundem esse? Hoc nemo fuit
Minus ineptus magis severus quisquam, nec magis continues.
Sed quis hic est qui huc pergit? at at! hic quidem est parasitus Gnatho
Militis: ducit secum una virginem dono huic. Papae!

[¶83] How beautiful! No wonder if I make but a sorry figure here to-day with this decrepit Eunuch of mine. She surpasses Thais herself.
(Stands aside.) (Enter GNATHO at a distance, leading PAMPHILA.)
GNATHO: (to himself.)

> Latin: Facie honesta: mirum ni ego me turpiter hodie hic dabo
Cum meo decrepito hoc eunucho. Haec superat ipsam Thaidem.
(GNATHO. PARMENO.)

[¶84] Immortal Gods! how much does one man excel another! What a difference there is between a wise person and a fool! This strongly came into my mind from the following circumstance. As I was, coming along to-day, I met a certain person of this place, of my own rank and station,
no mean fellow, one who, like myself, had guttled away his paternal estate; I saw him, shabby, dirty, sickly, beset with rags and years;—“What’s the meaning of this garb?” said I; he answered, “Because, wretch that I am, I’ve lost what I possessed: see to what I am reduced,—all my acquaintances and friends forsake me.” On this I felt contempt for him in: comparison with myself. “What!” said I, “you pitiful sluggard,”
“have you so managed matters as to have no hope left? Have you lost your wits together with your estate? Don’t you see me, who have risen from the same condition? What a complexion I have, how spruce and well dressed, what portliness of person? I have every thing, yet have nothing; and although I possess nothing, still, of nothing am I in want.” “But I,” said he, “unhappily, can neither be a butt nor submit to blows.”
“What!” said I, “do you suppose it is managed by those means? You are quite mistaken. Once upon a time, in the early ages, there was a calling for that class; this is a new mode of coney-catching; I, in fact, have been the first to strike into this path. There is a class of men who strive to be the first in every thing, but are not; to these I make my court; I do not present myself to them to be laughed at;”
“but I am the first to laugh with them, and at the same time to admire their parts: whatever they say, I commend; if they contradict that self-same thing, I commend again. Does any one deny? I deny: does he affirm? I affirm: in fine, I have so trained myself as to humor them in every thing. This calling is now by far the most productive.”
PARMENO: (apart.)

> Latin: GNATHO:
Di immortales! homini homo quid praestat, stulto intelligens
Quid interest! hoc adeo ex hac re venit in mentem mihi.
Conveni hodie adveniens quendam mei loci hinc atque ordinis,
Hominem haud impurum, itidem patria qui abligurierat bona.
Video sentum, squalidum, aegrum, pannis annisque obsitum.
“Quid istuc,” inquam, “ornati est?” “Quoniam miser quod habui perdidi. Hem,”
“Quo redactus sum! omnes noti me atque amici deserunt.”
Hic ego illum contempsi prae me. “Quid homo,” inquam, “ignavissime?”
“Itan parasti te, ut spes nulla reliqua in te sit tibi?”
“Simul consilium cum re amisti? viden me ex eodem ortum loco,”
“Qui color, nitor, vestitus, quae habitudo est corporis?”
“Omnia habeo, neque quicquam habeo. Nihil cum est nihil defit tamen.”
“At ego infelix neque ridiculus esse neque plagas pati”
“Possum.” “Quid? tu his rebus credis fieri? tota erras via.”
“Olim isti fuit generi quondam quaestus apud saeclum prius.”
“Hoc novum est aucupium: ego adeo hanc primus inveni viam.”
“Est genus hominum, qui esse primos se omnium rerum volunt,”
“Nec sunt: hos consector. Hisce ego non paro me ut rideant;”
“Sed his ultro arrideo, et eorum ingenia admiror simul.”
“Quicquid dicunt laudo: id rursum si negant, laudo id quoque.”
“Negat quis? nego: ait? aio. Postremo imperavi egomet mihi”
“Omnia assentari. Is quaestus nunc est multo uberrimus.”

[¶85] A clever fellow, upon my faith! From being fools he makes men mad outright.
GNATHO: (to himself, continuing.)

> Latin: PARMENO:
Scitum hercle hominem! hic homines prorsum ex stultis insanos facit.

[¶86] While we were thus talking, in the mean time we arrived at the market-place; overjoyed, all the confectioners ran at once to meet me; fishmongers, butchers, cooks, sausage-makers, and fishermen, whom, both when my fortunes were flourishing and when they were ruined, I had served, and often serve still: they complimented me, asked me to dinner, and gave me a hearty welcome.

> Latin: GNATHO:
Dum haec loquimur interea loci ad macellum ubi advenimus,
Concurrunt laeti mihi obviam cupediarii omnes,
Cetarii, lanii, coqui, fartores, piscatores;
Quibus et re salva et perdita profueram, et prosum saepe.
Salutant; ad coenam vocant; adventum gratulantur.

[¶87] When this poor hungry wretch saw that I was in such great esteem, and that I obtained a living so easily, then the fellow began to entreat me that I would allow him to learn this method of me; I bade him become my follower if he could; as the disciples of the Philosophers take their names from the Philosophers themselves, so too, the Parasite; ought to be called Gnathonics.
PARMENO: (apart to the Audience.)

> Latin: Ille ubi miser famelicus videt me esse in tanto honore,
Et tam facile victum quaerere, ibi homo coepit me obsecrare
Ut sibi liceret discere id de me: sectari iussi;
Si potis est, tanquam philosophorum habent disciplina ex ipsis
Vocabula, parasiti item ut Gnathonici vocentur.

[¶88] Do you see the effects of ease and feeding at another’s cost?
GNATHO: (to Iimself, continuing.)
But why do I delay to take this girl to Thais, and ask her to come to dinner? (Aside, on seeing PARMENO.) But I see Parmeno, our rival’s servant, waiting before the door of Thais with a sorrowful air; all’s safe; no doubt these people are finding a cold welcome. I’m resolved to have some sport with this knave.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Viden otium et cibus quid faciat alienus?
GNATHO:
Sed ego cesso
Ad Thaidem hanc deducere, et rogitare ad coenam ut veniat?
Sed Parmenonem ante ostium Thaidis tristem video,
Rivalis servum. Salva res est: nimirum homines frigent.
Nebulonem hunc certum est ludere.

[¶89] PARMENO: (aside.)
They fancy that, through this present,
Thais is quite their own.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Hice hoc munere arbitrantur
Suam Thaidem esse.

[¶90] GNATHO: (accosting PARMENO.)
With his very best wishes Gnatho greets Parmeno, his very good friend.—What are you doing?

> Latin: GNATHO:
Plurima salute Parmenonem
Summum suum impertit Gnatho. Quid agitur?

[¶91] PARMENO:
I’m standing.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Statur.

[¶92] GNATHO:
So I perceive. Pray, do you see any thing here that don’t please you?

> Latin: GNATHO:
Video.
Numquidnam quod nolis vides?

[¶93] PARMENO:
Yourself.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Te.

[¶94] GNATHO:
I believe you,—but any thing else, pray?

> Latin: GNATHO:
Credo; at numquid aliud?

[¶95] PARMENO:
Why so?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Quidum?

[¶96] GNATHO:
Because you are out of spirits.

> Latin: GNATHO:
Quia tristis es.

[¶97] PARMENO:
Not in the least.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Nihil equidem.

[¶98] GNATHO:
Well, don’t be so; but what think you of this slave?
(pointing to her.)

> Latin: GNATHO:
Ne sis: sed quid videtur
Hoc tibi mancipium?

[¶99] PARMENO:
Really, not amiss.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Non malum hercle.

[¶100] GNATHO: (aside.)
I’ve galled the fellow.

> Latin: GNATHO:
Uro hominem.

[¶101] PARMENO: (aside, on overhearing him.)
How mistaken you are in your notion!

> Latin: PARMENO:
Ut falsus animi est!

[¶102] GNATHO:
How far do you suppose this gift will prove acceptable to Thais?

> Latin: GNATHO:
Quam hoc munus gratum Thaidi arbitrare esse?

[¶103] PARMENO:
It’s this you mean to say now, that we are discarded there. Hark you, there are vicissitudes in all things.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Hoc nunc dicis,
Eiectos hinc nos: omnium rerum, heus, vicissitudo est.

[¶104] GNATHO:
For the next six months, Parmeno, I’ll set you at ease; you sha’n’t have to be running to and fro, or sitting up till daylight. Don’t I make you happy?

> Latin: GNATHO:
Sex ego te totos Parmeno hos menses quietum reddam,
Ne sursum deorsum cursites, neve usque ad lucem vigiles.
Ecquid beo te?

[¶105] PARMENO:
Me? O prodigiously!

> Latin: PARMENO:
Men? papae!

[¶106] GNATHO:
That’s my way with my friends.

> Latin: GNATHO:
Sic soleo amicos.

[¶107] PARMENO:
I commend you.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Laudo.

[¶108] GNATHO:
I’m detaining you; perhaps you were about to go somewhere else.

> Latin: GNATHO:
Detineo te fortasse: tu profectus alio fueras.

[¶109] PARMENO:
Nowhere.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Nusquam.

[¶110] GNATHO:
In that case then, lend me your services a little; let me be introduced to her.

> Latin: GNATHO:
Tum tu igitur paululum da mihi operae: fac ut admittar
Ad illam.

[¶111] PARMENO:
Very well; (GNATHO knocks at the door, which immediately opens) now the door is open for you, (aside) because you are bringing her.
GNATHO: (going into the house of THAIS, ironically.)

> Latin: PARMENO:
Age modo; nunc tibi patent fores hae, quia istam ducis.

[¶112] Should you like any one to be called out from here?
(Goes in with PAMPHILA, and shuts the door.)
PARMENO: (to himself.)
Only let the next two days go by; you who, at present, in such high favor, are opening the door with one little finger,
assuredly I’ll cause to be kicking at that door full oft, with your heels, to no purpose.
(Re-enter GNATHO from the house.)

> Latin: GNATHO:
Numquam evocari hinc vis foras?
PARMENO:
Sine biduum hoc praetereat:
Qui mihi nunc uno digitulo fores aperis fortunatus
Nae tu istas faxo calcibus saepe insultabis frustra.

[¶113] GNATHO:
Still standing here, Parmeno? Why now, have you been left on guard here, that no go-between might perchance be secretly running from the Captain to her?
(Exit.)

> Latin: GNATHO:
Etiam nunc hic stas Parmeno? eho numnam hic relictus custos,
Ne quis forte internuntius clam a milite ad istam curset?

[¶114] PARMENO:
Smartly said; really they ought to be wonderful things to please the Captain. But I see my master’s youngest son coming this way;

> Latin: PARMENO:
Facete dictum: mira vero militi quae placeant.
Sed video herilem filium minorem huc advenire.

[¶115] I wonder why he has come away from the Piraeus, for he is at present on guard there in the public service. It’s not for nothing; he’s coming in a hurry, too; I can’t imagine why he’s looking around in all directions.
(Enter CHAEREA on the other side of the stage, in haste.)
CHAEREA: (to himself.)

> Latin: Miror quid ex Piraeeo abierit; nam ibi custos publice est nunc.
Non temere est; et properans venit: nescio quid circumspectat.
(CHAEREA. PARMENO.)

[¶116] I’m utterly undone! The girl is nowhere; nor do I know where I am myself, to have lost sight of her. Where to inquire for her, where to search for her, whom to ask, which way to turn,
I’m at a loss. I have only this hope; wherever she is, she can not long be concealed. O what beauteous features! from this moment I banish all other women from my thoughts; I can not endure these every-day beauties.
PARMENO: (apart.)
Why look, here’s the other one. He’s saying something, I don’t know what, about love.
O unfortunate old man, their father! This assuredly is a youth, who, if he does begin, you will say that
the other one was mere play and pastime, compared with what the madness of this one will cause.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Occidi.
Neque virgo est usquam; neque ego, qui illam e conspectu amisi meo.
Ubi quaeram? Ubi investigem? Quem perconter? Quam insistam viam?
Incertus sum: una haec spes est; ubi ubi est, diu celari non potest.
O faciem pulchramn! deleo omnes dehinc ex animo mulieros.
Taedet quotidianarum harum formarum.
PARMENO:
Ecce autem alterum!
Nescio quid de more loquitur.

[¶117] CHAEREA: (to himself, aloud.)

> Latin: CHAEREA:
O infortunatum senem!
PARMENO:
Hic vero est qui si occeperit lucidum iocumque dices
Illum alterum fuisse praeut quae dabit huius rabies.

[¶118] May all the Gods and Goddesses confound that old fellow who detained me to-day, and me as well who stopped for him, and in fact troubled myself a straw about him. But see, here’s Parmeno. (Addressing him.) Good-morrow to you.
PARMENO:
Why are you out of spirits, and why in such a hurry? Whence come you?

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Ut illum Di Deaeque senium perdant qui me hodie remoratus est,
Meque adeo qui restiterim; tum autem qui illum floccifecerim.
Sed eccum Parmenonem: salve.
PARMENO:
Quid tu es tristis? quidve es alacris?
Unde is?

[¶119] CHAEREA:
What, I? I’faith, I neither know whence I’m come, nor whither I’m going;

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Egone? nescio hercle, neque unde eam, neque quorsumn eam:

[¶120] so utterly have I lost myself.

> Latin: Ita prorsum oblitus sum mei.

[¶121] PARMENO:
How, pray?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Qui quaeso?

[¶122] CHAEREA:
I’m in love.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Amo.

[¶123] PARMENO: (starting.)
Ha!

> Latin: PARMENO:
Hem!

[¶124] CHAEREA:
Now, Parmeno, you may show what sort of a man you are. You know that you often promised me to this effect: “Chaerea, do you only find some object to fall in love with; I’ll make you sensible of my usefulness in such matters,” when I used to be storing up my father’s provisions for you on the sly in your little room.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Nunc Parmeno te ostendes qui vir sies.
Scis te mihi saepe pollicitum esse; “Chaerea aliquid inveni”
“Modo quod ames: in ea re utilitatem ego faciam ut cognoscas meam;”
Cum in cellulam ad te patris penum omnem congerebam clanculum.

[¶125] PARMENO:
To the point, you simpleton.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Age, inepte.

[¶126] CHAEREA:
Upon my faith, this is the fact. Now, then, let your promises be made good, if you please, or if indeed the affair is a deserving one for you to exert your energies upon. The girl isn’t like our girls, whom their mothers are anxious to have with shoulders kept down, and chests well girthed, that they may be slender. If one is a little inclined to plumpness, they declare that she’s training for a boxer, and stint her food;

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Hoc hercle factum est: fac sis nunc promissa appareant;
Sive adeo digna res est ubi tu nervos intendas tuos.
Haud similis virgo est virginum nostrarum quas matres student
Demissis humeris esse, vincto pectore, ut gracilae sient.
Si qua est habitior paulo, pugilem esse aiunt, deducunt cibum.

[¶127] although their constitutions are good, by their treatment they make them as slight as bulrushes; and so for that reason they are admired, forsooth.
PARMENO:
What sort of a girl is this one of yours?

> Latin: Tametsi bona est natura, reddunt curatura iunceas:
Itaque ergo amantur.
PARMENO:
Quid tua istaec?

[¶128] CHAEREA:
A new style of beauty.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Nova figura oris.

[¶129] PARMENO: (ironically.)
Astounding!

> Latin: PARMENO:
Papae!

[¶130] CHAEREA:
Her complexion genuine, her flesh firm and full of juiciness.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Color verus, corpus solidum et succi plenum.

[¶131] PARMENO:
Her age?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Anni?

[¶132] CHAEREA:
Her age Sixteen.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Anni? sedecim.

[¶133] PARMENO:
The very flower of youth.

> Latin: PARMENO:
Flos ipse.

[¶134] CHAEREA:
Do you make, it your care to obtain her for me either by force, stealth, or entreaty; so that I only gain her, it matters not how to me.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Hanc tu mihi vel vi vel clam vel precario
Fac tradas: mea nihil refert, dum potiar modo.

[¶135] PARMENO:
Well, but to whom does the damsel belong?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Quid? virgo cuia est?

[¶136] CHAEREA:
That, i’faith, I don’t know.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Nescio hercle.

[¶137] PARMENO:
Whence did she come?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Unde est?

[¶138] CHAEREA:
That, just as much.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Tantundem.

[¶139] PARMENO:
Where does she live?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Ubi habitat?

[¶140] CHAEREA:
Nor yet do I know that.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Ne id quidem.

[¶141] PARMENO:
Where did you see her?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Ubi vidisti?

[¶142] CHAEREA:
In the street.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
In via.

[¶143] PARMENO:
How did you come to lose her?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Qua ratione amisti?

[¶144] CHAEREA:
Why, that’s what I was just now fretting myself about; and I do not believe that there is one individual to whom all good luck is a greater stranger than to myself.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Id equidem adveniens mecum stomachabar modo;
Nec quenquam esse ego hominem arbitror cui magis bonae
Felicitates omnes adversae sient.

[¶145] What ill fortune this is!
I’m utterly undone!
PARMENO:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Quid hoc est sceleris?

[¶146] CHAEREA:
Do you ask me? Do you know Archidemides, my father’s kinsman and years’-mate?

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Perii.

[¶147] PARMENO:
Why not?

> Latin: PARMENO:
Quid factum est?

[¶148] CHAEREA:
He, while I was in full pursuit of her, met me.

> Latin: CHAEREA:
Rogas?
Patris cognatum atque aequalem Archidemidem,
Novistin?
PARMENO:
Quidni?
CHAEREA:
Is dum sequor hanc fit mihi obviam.