---
title: "The Self-Tormentor · Heautontimorumenos"
author: "Terence"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 2 of 3
url: https://scriptura.si/works/terence-heautontimorumenos/2/
cite: "Terence, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, The Self-Tormentor · Heautontimorumenos, section 2. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/terence-heautontimorumenos/2/"
---

# The Self-Tormentor · Heautontimorumenos

*Terence, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

A father punishes himself for driving his son away: “I am human; nothing human is alien to me.”

> Latin: ed. Edward St. John Parry, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0134.phi002, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0134.phi002.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.

## 2. Lines 242–722

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

[¶0] SYRUS:
The old woman was spinning the woof: there was one little servant girl besides;—she was weaving together with them, covered with patched clothes,
slovenly, and dirty with filthiness.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Anus
Subtemen nebat: praeterea una ancillula
Erat; ea texebat una, pannis obsita,
Neglecta, immunda illuvie.

[¶1] CLITIPHO:
If this is true, Clinia, as I believe it is, who is there more fortunate than you? Do you mark this girl whom he speaks of, as dirty and drabbish? This, too, is a strong indication that the mistress is out of harm’s way, when her confidant is in such ill plight;
for it is a rule with those who wish to gain access to the mistress, first to bribe the maid.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Si haec sunt, Clinia,
Vera, ita uti credo, quis te est fortunatior?
Scin tu hanc quam dicit sordidatam et sordidam?
Magnum hoc quoque signum est dominam esse extra noxiam,
Quum eius tam negliguntur internuntii:
Nam disciplina est eisdem munerarier
Ancillas primum ad dominas qui affectant viam.

[¶2] CLINIA: (to SYRUS.)
Go on, I beseech you; and beware of endeavoring to purchase favor by telling an untruth. What did she say, when you mentioned me?

> Latin: CLINIA:
Perge, obsecro te, et cave ne falsam gratiam
Studeas inire. Quid ait, ubi me nominas?

[¶3] SYRUS:
When we told her that you had returned, and had requested her
to come to you, the damsel instantly put away the web, and covered her face all over with tears; so that you might easily perceive that it really was caused by her affection for you.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ubi dicimus redisse te, et rogare uti
Veniret ad te, mulier telam deserit
Continuo, et lacrimis opplet os totum sibi, ut
Facile scires desiderio id fieri tuo.

[¶4] CLINIA:
So may the Deities bless me, I know not where I am for joy! I was so alarmed before.

> Latin: CLINIA:
Prae gaudio, ita me Di ament, ubi sim nescio:
Ita timui.

[¶5] CLITIPHO:
But I was sure that there was no reason, Clinia. Come now, Syrus, tell me, in my turn, who this other lady is.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
At ego nihil esse scibam, Clinia.
Agedum vicissim, Syre, dic quae illa est altera?

[¶6] SYRUS:
Your Bacchis, whom we are bringing.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Adducimus tuam Bacchidem.

[¶7] CLITIPHO:
Ha! What! Bacchis? How now, you rascal! whither are you bringing her?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Hem, quid? Bacchidem?
Eho sceleste, quo illam ducis?

[¶8] SYRUS:
Whither am I bringing her? To our house, to be sure.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quo ego illam? ad nos scilicet.

[¶9] CLITIPHO:
What! to my father’s?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Ad patremne?

[¶10] SYRUS:
To the very same.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ad eum ipsum.

[¶11] CLITIPHO:
Oh, the audacious impudence of the fellow!

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
O hominis impudentem audaciam!

[¶12] SYRUS:
Hark’ye, no great and memorable action is done without some risk.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Heus tu,
Non fit sine periclo facinus magnum et memorabile.

[¶13] CLITIPHO:
Look now; are you seeking to gain credit for yourself, at the hazard of my character, you rascal, in a point, where, if you only make the slightest slip, I am ruined? What would you be doing with her?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Hoc vide: in mea vita tu tibi laudem is quaesitum, scelus;
Ubi si paululum modo quid te fugerit, ego perierim.
Quid illo facias?

[¶14] SYRUS:
But still—

> Latin: SYRUS:
At enim.

[¶15] CLITIPHO:
Why “still?”

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Quid enim?

[¶16] SYRUS:
If you’ll give me leave, I’ll tell you.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Si sinas, dicam.

[¶17] CLINIA:
Do give him leave.

> Latin: CLINIA:
Sine.

[¶18] CLITIPHO:
I give him leave then.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Sino.

[¶19] SYRUS:
This affair is now just as though when—

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ita res est haec nunc, quasi cum.—

[¶20] CLITIPHO:
Plague on it, what roundabout story is he beginning to tell me?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Quas, malum, ambages mihi
Narrare occipit?

[¶21] CLINIA:
Syrus, he says what’s right—do omit digressions; come to the point.

> Latin: CLINIA:
Syre, verum hic dicit; mitte: ad rem redi.

[¶22] SYRUS:
Really I can not hold my tongue. Clitipho, you are every way unjust, and can not possibly be endured.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Enimvero reticere nequeo: multimodis iniurius,
Clitipho, es; neque ferri potis est.

[¶23] CLINIA:
Upon my faith, he ought to have a hearing. (To CLITIPHO.) Do be silent.

> Latin: CLINIA:
Audiendum hercle est: tace.

[¶24] SYRUS:
You wish to indulge in your amours; you wish to possess your mistress; you wish that to be procured wherewithal to make her presents; in getting this, you do not wish the risk to be your own. You are not wise to no purpose,—if indeed it is being wise to wish for that which can not happen.
Either the one must be had with the other, or the one must be let alone with the other. Now, of these two alternatives, consider which one you would prefer; although this project which I have formed, I know to be both a wise and a safe one. For there is an opportunity for your mistress to be with you at your father’s house, without fear of a discovery; besides, by these self-same means, I shall find the money which you have promised her—
to effect which, you have already made my ears deaf with entreating me. What would you have more?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Vis amare; vis potiri; vis quod des illi effici:
Tuum esse in potiendo periclum non vis: haud stulte sapis;
Siquidem id sapere est, velle te id quod non potest contingere:
Aut haec cum illis sunt habenda, aut illa cum his mittenda sunt.
Harum duarum conditionum nunc utram malis vide;
Etsi consilium quod cepi rectum esse et tutum scio:
Nam apud patrem tua amica tecum sine metu ut sit copia est.
Tum quod illi argentum es pollicitus eadem hac inveniam via;
Quod ut efficerem orando surdas iam aures reddideras mihi.
Quid aliud tibi vis?

[¶25] CLITIPHO:
If, indeed, this could be brought about—

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Siquidem hoc fit.

[¶26] SYRUS:
If, indeed? You shall know it by experience.

> Latin: SYRUS:
“Siquidem.” Experiundo scies.

[¶27] CLITIPHO:
Well, well, disclose this project of yours. What is it?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Age, age, cedo istuc tuum consilium: quid id est?

[¶28] SYRUS:
We will pretend that your mistress is his.
(pointing to CLINIA)

> Latin: SYRUS:
Adsimulabimus
Tuam amicam huius esse.

[¶29] CLITIPHO:
Very fine! Tell me, what is he to do with his own? Is she, too, to be called his, as if one was not a sufficient discredit?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Pulchre: cedo quid hic faciet sua?
An ea quoque dicetur huius, si una haec dedecori est parum?

[¶30] SYRUS:
No—she shall be taken to your mother.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Immo ad tuam matrem abducetur.

[¶31] CLITIPHO:
Why there?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Quid eo?

[¶32] SYRUS:
It would be tedious, Clitipho, if I were to tell you why I do so; I have a good reason.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Longum est, Clitipho,
Si tibi narrem. Quamobrem id faciam vera causa est.

[¶33] CLITIPHO:
Stuff! I see no grounds sufficiently solid why it should be for my advantage to incur this risk.
(Turning as if going.)

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Fabulae!
Nihil satis firmi video quamobrem accipere hunc mihi expediat metum.

[¶34] SYRUS:
Stay; if there is this risk, I have another project, which you must both confess to be free from danger.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Mane. Habeo aliud, si istud metuis; quod ambo confiteamini
Sine periclo esse.

[¶35] CLITIPHO:
Find out something of that description, I beseech you.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Huiusmodi, obsecro, aliquid reperi.

[¶36] SYRUS:
By all means;
I’ll go meet her, and tell her to return home.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Maxime.
Ibo obviam hinc: dicam ut revertantur domum.

[¶37] CLITIPHO:
Ha! what was it you said?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Hem!
Quid dixti?

[¶38] SYRUS:
I’ll rid you at once of all fears, so that you may sleep at your ease upon either ear.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ademtum tibi iam faxo omnem metum,
In aurem utramvis otiose ut dormias.

[¶39] CLITIPHO:
What am I to do now?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Quid ago nunc?

[¶40] CLINIA:
What are you to do? The goods that—

> Latin: CLINIA:
Tune? quod boni est—

[¶41] CLITIPHO:
Only tell me the truth, Syrus.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Syre, dic modo
Verum.

[¶42] SYRUS:
Dispatch quickly; you’ll be wishing just now too late and in vain.
(Going.)

> Latin: SYRUS:
Age modo, hodie sero ac nequicquam voles.

[¶43] CLINIA:
The Gods provide, enjoy while yet you may; for you know not—

> Latin: CLINIA:
Datur: fruare dum licet, nam nescias—

[¶44] CLITIPHO: (calling.)
Syrus, I say!

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Syre, inquam.

[¶45] SYRUS: (moving on.)
Go on; I shall still do that which I said.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Perge porro; tamen istuc ago.
Eius sit potestas posthac an nunquam tibi.

[¶46] CLINIA:
Whether you may have another opportunity hereafter or ever again.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Verum hercle istuc est. Syre, Syre inquam, heus, heus, Syre.
SYRUS:
Concaluit: quid vis?

[¶47] CLITIPHO:
I’faith, that’s true. (Calling.) Syrus, Syrus, I say, harkye, harkye, Syrus!

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Redi, redi.

[¶48] SYRUS: (aside.)
He warms a little. (To CLITIPHO.) What is it you want?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Adsum: dic quid est?
Iam hoc quoque negabis tibi placere?

[¶49] CLITIPHO:
Come back, come back.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Immo, Syre,
Et me, et meum amorem, et famam permitto tibi.
Tu es iudex: ne quid accusandus sis vide.

[¶50] SYRUS: (coming back to him.)
Here I am; tell me what you would have. You’ll be presently saying that this, too, doesn’t please you.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ridiculum est te istuc me admonere, Clitipho;
Quasi istic minor mea res agatur quam tua.
Hic si quid nobis forte adversi evenerit,
Tibi erunt parata verba, huic homini verbera;
Quapropter haec res neutiquam neglectu est mihi.
Sed istunc exora ut suam esse assimulet.

[¶51] CLITIPHO:
Nay, Syrus, I commit myself, and my love, and my reputation entirely to you: you are the seducer; take care you don’t deserve any blame.
SYRUS:
It is ridiculous for you to give me that caution, Clitipho, as if my interest was less at stake in this affair than yours.
Here, if any ill luck should perchance befall us, words will be in readiness for you, but for this individual blows (pointing to himself). For that reason, this matter is by no means to be neglected on my part: but do prevail upon him (pointing to CLINIA) to pretend that she is his own mistress.

> Latin: CLINIA:
Scilicet
Facturum me esse: in eum iam res rediit locum
Ut sit necessus.

[¶52] CLINIA:
You may rest assured I’ll do so. The matter has now come to that pass, that it is a case of necessity.
CLITIPHO:’Tis with good reason that I love you, Clinia.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Amo te merito, Clinia.

[¶53] CLINIA:
But she mustn’t be tripping at all.

> Latin: CLINIA:
Verum illa ne quid titubet.

[¶54] SYRUS:
She is thoroughly tutored in her part.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Perdocta est probe.

[¶55] CLITIPHO:
But this I wonder at, how you could so easily prevail upon her, who is wont to treat such great peoplel with scorn.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
At hoc demiror, qui tam facile potueris
Persuadere illi quae solet quos spernere!

[¶56] SYRUS:
I came to her at the proper moment, which in all things is of the first importance:
for there I found a certain wretched captain soliciting her favors: she artfully managed the man, so as to inflame his eager passions by denial; and this, too, that it might be especially pleasing to yourself. But hark you, take care, will you, not to be imprudently impetuous.
You know your father, how quick-sighted he is in these matters; and I know you, how unable you are to command yourself. Keep clear of words of double meaning, your sidelong looks, sighing, hemming, coughing, tittering.

> Latin: SYRUS:
In tempore ad eam veni, quod rerum omnium est
Primum: nam quendam misere offendi militem
Eius noctem orantem: haec arte tractabat virum,
Ut illius animum cupidum inopia incenderet;
Eademque ut esset apud te hoc quam gratissimum.
Sed heus tu, vide sis ne quid imprudens ruas:
Patrem novisti ad has res quam sit perspicax:
Ego te autem novi quam esse soleas impotens:
Inversa verba, eversas cervices tuas,
Gemitus, screatus, tussis, risus abstine.

[¶57] CLITIPHO:
You shall have to commend me.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Laudabis.

[¶58] SYRUS:
Take care of that, please.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Vide sis.

[¶59] CLITIPHO:
You yourself shall be surprised at me.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Tutemet mirabere.

[¶60] SYRUS:
But how quickly the ladies have come up with us!

> Latin: SYRUS:
Sed quam cito sunt consecutae mulieres!

[¶61] CLITIPHO:
Where are they? (SYRUS stands before him.) Why do you hold me back?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Ubi sunt? cur retines?

[¶62] SYRUS:
For the present she is nothing to you.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Iam nunc haec non est tua.

[¶63] CLITIPHO:
I know it, before my father; but now in the mean time—

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Scio; apud patrem: at nunc interim.

[¶64] SYRUS:
Not a bit the more.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Nihilo magis.

[¶65] CLITIPHO:
Do let me.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Sine.

[¶66] SYRUS:
I will not let you, I tell you.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Non sinam, inquam.

[¶67] CLITIPHO:
But only for a moment, pray.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Quaeso, paulisper.

[¶68] SYRUS:
I forbid it.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Veto.

[¶69] CLITIPHO:
Only to salute her.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Saltem salutare.

[¶70] SYRUS:
If you are wise, get you gone.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Abeas, si sapis.

[¶71] CLITIPHO:
I’m off.
But what’s he to do?
(Pointing at CLINIA.)

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Eo.
Quid istic?

[¶72] SYRUS:
He will stay here.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Manebit.

[¶73] CLITIPHO:
O happy man!

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
O hominem felicem!

[¶74] SYRUS:
Take yourself off.
(Exit CLITIPHO.)

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ambula.

[¶75] (Enter BACCHIS and ANTIPHILA at a distance.)
BACCHIS:
Upon my word, my dear Antiphila, I commend you, and think you fortunate in having made it your study that your manners should be conformable to those good looks of yours: and so may the Gods bless me, I do not at all wonder if every man is in love with you. For your discourse has been a proof to me what kind of disposition you possess.
And when now I reflect in my mind upon your way of life, and that of all of you, in fact, who keep the public at a distance from yourselves, it is not surprising both that you are of that disposition, and that we are not; for it is your interest to be virtuous; those, with whom we are acquainted, will not allow us to be so. For our lovers, allured merely by our beauty, court us for that;
when that has faded, they transfer their affections elsewhere; and unless we have made provision in the mean time for the future, we live in destitution. Now with you, when you have once resolved to pass your life with one man whose manners are especially kindred to your own, those persons become attached to you. By this kindly feeling, you are truly devoted to each other;
and no calamity can ever possibly interrupt your love.

> Latin: (BACCHIS.
ANTIPHILA.
CLINIA. SYRUS.)
BACCHIS:
Edepol te, mea Antiphila, laudo et fortunatam iudico,
Id quum studuisti, isti formae ut mores consimiles forent:
Minimeque, ita me Di ament, miror, si te sibi quisque expetit.
Nam mihi quale ingenium haberes fuit indicio oratio.
Et quum egomet nunc mecum in animo vitam tuam considero,
Omniumque adeo vestrarum vulgus quae abs se segregant;
Et vos esse istiusmodi, et nos non esse, haud mirabile est.
Nam expedit bonas esse vobis: nos quibuscum est res non sinunt.
Quippe forma impulsi nostra nos amatores colunt:
Haec ubi immutata est, illi suum animum alio conferunt.
Nisi si prospectum interea aliquid est, desertae vivimus.
Vobis cum uno semel ubi aetatem agere decretum est viro,
Cuius mos maxime est consimilis vostrum, hi se ad vos applicant.
Hoc beneficio utrique ab utrisque vero devincimini,
Ut numquam ulla amori vestro incidere possit calamitas.

[¶76] ANTIPHILA:
I know nothing about other women: I’m sure that I have, indeed, always used every endeavor to derive my own happiness from his happiness.

> Latin: ANTIPHILA:
Nescio alias: me quidem semper scio fecisse sedulo
Ut ex illius commodo meum compararem commodum.

[¶77] CLINIA: (apart, overhearing ANTIPHILA.)
Ah!’tis for that reason, my Antiphila, that you alone have now caused me to return to my native country; for while I was absent from you, all other hardships which I encountered were light to me,
save the being deprived of you.

> Latin: CLINIA:
Ah!
Ergo, mea Antiphila, tu nunc sola reducem me in patriam facis:
Nam, dum abs te absum, omnes mihi labores fuere quos cepi leves
Praeterquam tui carendum quod erat.

[¶78] SYRUS: (apart.)
I believe it.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Credo.

[¶79] CLINIA: (apart.)
Syrus, I can scarce endure it! Wretch that I am, that I should not be allowed to possess one of such a disposition at my own discretion!

> Latin: CLINIA:
Syre, vix suffero.
Hocine me miserum non licere meo modo ingenium frui?

[¶80] SYRUS:
Nay, so far as I understand your father, he will for a long time yet be giving you a hard task.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Immo, ut patrem tuum vidi esse habitum, diu etiam duras dabit.

[¶81] BACCHIS:
Why, who is that young man that’s looking at us?

> Latin: BACCHIS:
Quisnam hic adolescens est qui intuitur nos?

[¶82] ANTIPHILA: (seeing CLINIA.)
Ah! do support me, I entreat you!

> Latin: ANTIPHILA:
Ah, retine me, obsecro.

[¶83] BACCHIS:
Prithee, what is the matter with you?

> Latin: BACCHIS:
Amabo, quid tibi est?

[¶84] ANTIPHILA:
I shall die, alas! I shall die!

> Latin: ANTIPHILA:
Disperii, perii misera.

[¶85] BACCHIS:
Why are you thus surprised, Antiphila?

> Latin: BACCHIS:
Quid stupes,
Antiphila?

[¶86] ANTIPHILA:
Is it Clinia that I see, or not?

> Latin: ANTIPHILA:
Videon Cliniam an non?

[¶87] BACCHIS:
Whom do you see?

> Latin: BACCHIS:
Quem vides?

[¶88] CLINIA: (running to embrace ANTIPHILA.)
Blessings on you, my life!

> Latin: CLINIA:
Salve, anime mi.

[¶89] ANTIPHILA:
Oh my long-wished for Clinia, blessings on you!

> Latin: ANTIPHILA:
O mi exspectate, salve.

[¶90] CLINIA:
How fare you, my love?

> Latin: CLINIA:
Ut vales?

[¶91] ANTIPHILA:
I’m overjoyed that you have returned safe.

> Latin: ANTIPHILA:
Salvum advenisse gaudeo.

[¶92] CLINIA:
And do I embrace you, Antiphila, so passionately longed for by my soul?

> Latin: CLINIA:
Teneone te,
Antiphila, maxime animo exoptata meo?

[¶93] SYRUS:
Go in-doors; for the old gentleman has been waiting for us some time.
(They go into the house of CHREMES.)

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ite intro: nam vos iamdudum exspectat senex.

[¶94] (Enter CHREMES from his house.)
CHREMES: (to himself.)
It is now daybreak. Why do I delay to knock at my neighbor’s door, that he may learn from me the first that his son has returned? Although I am aware that the youth would not prefer this. But when I see him tormenting himself so miserably about his absence, can I conceal a joy so unhoped for,
especially when there can be no danger to him from the discovery? I will not do so; but as far as I can I will assist the old man. As I see my son aiding his friend and year’s-mate, and acting as his confidant in his concerns, it is but right that we old men as well should assist each other.
(Enter MENEDEMUS from his house.)

> Latin: (CHREMES. MENEDEMUS.)
CHREMES:
Luciscit hoc iam: cesso pultare ostium
Vicini, primum ex me ut sciat sibi filium
Redisse? etsi adolescentem hoc nolle intelligo.
Verum quum videam miserum hunc tam excruciarier
Eius abitu, celem tam insperatum gaudium,
Cum illi pericli nihil ex indicio siet?
Haud faciam: nam, quod potero, adiutabo senem;
Ita ut filium meum amico atque aequali suo
Video inservire, et socium esse in negotiis;
Nos quoque senes est aequum senibus obsequi.

[¶95] MENEDEMUS: (to himself)
Assuredly I was either born with a disposition peculiarly suited for misery, or else that saying which I hear commonly repeated, that “time assuages human sorrow,” is false. For really my sorrow about my son increases daily; and the longer
he is away from me, the more anxiously do I wish for him, and the more I miss him.

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Aut ego profecto ingenio egregie ad miserias
Natus sum: aut illud falsum est, quod vulgo audio
Dici, diem adimere aegritudinem hominibus:
Nam mihi quidem quotidie augescit magis
De filio aegritudo; et quanto diutius
Abest, magis cupio tanto et magis desidero.

[¶96] CHREMES: (apart.)
But I see him coming out of his house; I’ll go speak to him. (Aloud.) Menedemus, good-morrow; I bring you news, which you would especially desire to be imparted.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sed ipsum foras egressum video: ibo, alloquar.
Menedeme, salve: nuntium apporto tibi,
Cuius maxime te fieri participem cupis.

[¶97] MENEDEMUS:
Pray, have you heard any thing about my son, Chremes?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Numquidnam de gnato meo audisti, Chreme?

[¶98] CHREMES:
He’s alive, and well.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Valet atque vivit.

[¶99] MENEDEMUS:
Why, where is he, pray?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Ubinam est, quaeso?

[¶100] CHREMES:
Here, at my house, at home.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Apud me domi.

[¶101] MENEDEMUS:
My son?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Meus gnatus?

[¶102] CHREMES:
Such is the fact.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sic est.

[¶103] MENEDEMUS:
Come home?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Venit?

[¶104] CHREMES:
Certainly.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Certe.

[¶105] MENEDEMUS:
My son, Clinia, come home?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Clinia
Meus venit?

[¶106] CHREMES:
I say so.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Dixi.

[¶107] MENEDEMUS:
Let us go. Lead me to him, I beg of you.

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Eamus: duc me ad eum, obsecro.

[¶108] CHREMES:
He does not wish you yet to know of his return, and he shuns your presence; he’s afraid that,
on account of that fault, your former severity may even be increased.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non vult te scire se redisse etiam, et tuum
Conspectum fugitat, propter peccatum; tum hoc timet,
Ne tua duritia antiqua illa etiam adaucta sit.

[¶109] MENEDEMUS:
Did you not tell him how I was affected?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Non tu ei dixisti ut essem?

[¶110] CHREMES:
No—

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non.

[¶111] MENEDEMUS:
For what reason, Chremes?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Quamobrem, Chreme?

[¶112] CHREMES:
Because there you would judge extremely ill both for yourself and for him, if you were to show yourself of a spirit so weak and irresolute.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quia pessime istoc in te atque in illum consulis,
Si te tam leni et victo animo esse ostenderis.

[¶113] MENEDEMUS:
I can not help it: enough already, enough, have I proved a rigorous father.

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Non possum: satis iam satis pater durus fui.

[¶114] CHREMES:
Ah
Menedemus! you are too precipitate in either extreme, either with profuseness or with parsimony too great. Into the same error will you fall from the one side as from the other. In the first place, formerly, rather than allow your son to visit a young woman, who was
then content with a very little, and to whom any thing was acceptable, you frightened him away from here. After that, she began, quite against her inclination, to seek a subsistence upon the town. Now, when she can not be supported without a great expense, you are ready to give any thing. For, that you may know
how perfectly she is trained to extravagance, in the first place, she has already brought with her more than ten female attendants, all laden with clothes and jewels of gold; if a satrap had been her admirer, he never could support her expenses, much less can you.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ah!
Vehemens in utramque partem, Menedeme, es nimis,
Aut largitate nimia, aut parsimonia.
In eandem fraudem ex hac re atque ex illa incides.
Primum; olim potius quam paterere filium
Commetare ad mulierculam, quae paululo
Tum erat contenta, cuique erant grata omnia,
Proterruisti hinc: ea coacta ingratiis
Postilla coepit victum vulgo quaerere.
Nunc cum sine magno intertrimento non potest
Haberi, quidvis dare cupis: nam ut tu scias
Quam ea nunc instructa pulchre ad perniciem siet,
Primum, iam ancillas secum adduxit plus decem,
Oneratas veste atque auro. Satrapes si siet
Amator, nunquam sufferre eius sumtus queat;
Nedum tu possis.

[¶115] MENEDEMUS:
Is she at your house?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Estne ea intus?

[¶116] CHREMES:
Is she, do you ask?
I have felt it; for I have given her and her retinue one dinner; had I to give them another such, it would be all over with me; for, to pass by other matters, what a quantity of wine she did consume for me in tasting only, saying thus, “This wine is too acid, respected sir, do please look for something more mellow.”
I opened all the casks, all the vessels; she kept all on the stir: and this but a single night. What do you suppose will become of you when they are constantly preying upon you? So may the Gods prosper me, Menedemus, I do pity your lot.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sit rogas?
Sensi: namque ei unam coenam atque eius comitibus
Dedi; quod si iterum mihi sit danda, actum siet.
Nam ut alia omittam, pytissando modo mihi
Quid vini absumsit! “Sic hoc,” dicens; “Asperum,”
“Pater, hoc est; aliud lenius sodes vide.”
Relevi dolia omnia, omnes serias;
Omnes sollicitos habui: atque haec una nox.
Quid te futurum censes quem assidue exedent?
Sic me Di amabunt, ut me tuarum miseritum est,
Menedeme, fortunarum.

[¶117] MENEDEMUS:
Let him do what he will;
let him take, waste, and squander; I’m determined to endure it, so long as I only have him with me.

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Faciat quod libet:
Sumat, consumat, perdat, decretum est pati,
Dum illum modo habeam mecum.

[¶118] CHREMES:
If it is your determination thus to act, I hold it to be of very great foment that he should not be aware that with a full knowledge you grant him this.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Si certum est tibi
Sic facere, illud permagni referre arbitror,
Ut ne cientem sentiat te id sibi dare.

[¶119] MENEDEMUS:
What shall I do?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Quid faciam?

[¶120] CHREMES:
Any thing, rather than what you are thinking of;
supply him with money through some other person; suffer yourself to be imposed upon by the artifices of his servant: although I have smelt out this too, that they are about that, and are secretly planning it among them. Syrus is always whispering with that servant of yours; they impart their plans to the young men; and it were better for you to lose
a talent this way, than a mina the other. The money is not the question now, but this—in what way we can supply it to the young man with the least danger. For if he once knows the state of your feelings, that you would sooner part with your life, and sooner
with all your money, than allow your son to leave you; whew! what an inlet will you be opening for his debauchery! aye, and so much so, that henceforth to live can not be desirable to you. For we all become worse through indulgence. Whatever comes into his head, he’ll be wishing for; nor
will he reflect whether that which he desires is right or wrong. You will not be able to endure your estate and him going to ruin. You will refuse to supply him: he will immediately have recourse to the means by which he finds that he has the greatest hold upon you, and threaten that he will immediately leave you.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quidvis potius quam quod cogitas:
Per alium quemvis ut des; falli te sinas
Technis per servulum; etsi subsensi id quoque,
Illos ibi esse et id agere inter se clanculum.
Syrus cum illo vestro consusurrat; conferunt
Consilia ad adolescentes: et tibi perdere
Talentum hoc pacto satius est quam illo minam.
Non nunc pecunia agitur; sed illud, quomodo
Minimo periclo id demus adolescentulo.
Nam si semel tuum animum ille intellexerit,
Prius proditurum te tuam vitam, et prius
Pecuniam omnem, quam abs te amittas filium; hui,
Quantam fenestram ad nequitiam patefeceris!
Tibi autem porro ut non sit suave vivere:
Nam deteriores omnes sumus licentia.
Quodcunque inciderit in mentem volet: neque id
Putabit, pravum siet an rectum quod petet.
Tu rem perire et ipsum non poteris pati.
Dare denegaris; ibit ad illud ilico,
Quo maxime apud te se valere sentiet:
Abiturum se abs te esse ilico minabitur.

[¶121] MENEDEMUS:
You seem to speak the truth, and just what is the fact.

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Videre verum, atque ita uti res est, dicere.

[¶122] CHREMES:
I’faith, I have not been sensible of sleep this night with my eyes, for thinking of this—how to restore your son to you.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Somnum hercle ego hac nocte oculis non vidi meis,
Dum id quaero tibi qui filium restituerem.

[¶123] MENEDEMUS: (taking his hand.)
Give me your right hand. I request that you will still act in a like manner, Chremes.

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Cedo dextram: porro te idem oro ut facias, Chreme.

[¶124] CHREMES:
I am ready to serve you.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Paratus sum.

[¶125] MENEDEMUS:
Do you know what it is I now want you to do?

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Scin quid nunc facere te volo?

[¶126] CHREMES:
Tell me.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Dic.

[¶127] MENEDEMUS:
As you have perceived that they are laying a plan to deceive me, that they may hasten to complete it. I long to give him whatever he wants: I am now longing to behold him.

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Quod sensisti illos me incipere fallere.
Id ut maturent facere: cupio illi dare
Quod vult: cupio iam videre.

[¶128] CHREMES:
I’ll lend my endeavors. This little business is in my way. Our neighbors Simus and Crito are disputing here about boundaries;
they have chosen me for arbitrator. I’ll go and tell them that I can not possibly give them my attention to-day as I had stated I would. I’ll be here immediately.
(Exit.)

> Latin: CHREMES:
Operam dabo.
Paulum negoti mihi obstat: Simus et Crito
Vicini nostri hic ambigunt de finibus:
Me cepere arbitrum: ibo ac dicam, ut dixeram
Operam daturum me, hodie non posse his dare.
Continuo hic adero.

[¶129] MENEDEMUS:
Pray do. (To himself.) Ye Gods, by our trust in you! That the nature of all men should be so constituted, that they can see and judge of other men’s affairs better
than their own! Is it because in our own concerns we are biased either with joy or grief in too great a degree? How much wiser now is he for me, than I have been for myself!
(Re-enter CHREMES.)

> Latin: MENEDEMUS:
Ita quaeso. Di vestram fidem!
Ita comparatam esse hominum naturam omnium,
Aliena ut melius videant et diiudicent
Quam sua? an eo fit quia in re nostra aut gaudio
Sumus praepediti nimio aut aegritudine?
Hic mihi quanto nunc plus sapit quam egomet mihi!

[¶130] CHREMES:
I have disengaged myself, that I might lend you my services at my leisure. Syrus must be found and instructed by me in this business.
Some one, I know not who, is coming out of my house: do you step hence home, that they may not perceive that we are conferring together.
(MENEDEMUS goes into his house.)

> Latin: CHREMES:
Dissolvi me otiosus operam ut tibi darem.
Syrus est prehendendus, atque adhortandus mihi.
A me nescio quis exit: concede hinc domum,
Ne nos inter nos congruere sentiant.

[¶131] (Enter SYRUS from the house of CHREMES.)
SYRUS: (aloud to himself.)
Run to and fro in every direction; still, money, you must be found: a trap must be laid for the old man.

> Latin: (SYRUS. CHREMES.)
SYRUS:
Hac illac circumcursa: inveniendum est tamen
Argentum: intendenda in senem est fallacia.

[¶132] CHREMES: (apart, overhearing him.)
Was I deceived in saying that they were planning this?
That servant of Clinia’s is somewhat dull; therefore that province has been assigned to this one of ours.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Num me fefellit hosce id struere? Videlicet
[Quia] Cliniae ille servus tardiusculus est,
Idcirco huic nostro tradita est provincia.

[¶133] SYRUS: (in a low voice.)
Who’s that speaking? (Catches sight of CGREMES.) I’m undone! Did he hear it, I wonder?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quis hic loquitur? Perii. Numnam haec audivit?

[¶134] CHREMES:
Syrus.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Syre.

[¶135] SYRUS:
Well—

> Latin: SYRUS:
Hem.

[¶136] CHREMES:
What are you doing here?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid tu istic?

[¶137] SYRUS:
All right. Really, I am quite surprised at you, Chremes, up so early, after drinking so much yesterday.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Recte equidem: sed te miror, Chreme,
Tam mane qui heri tantum biberis.

[¶138] CHREMES:
Not too much.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Nihil nimis.

[¶139] SYRUS:
Not too much, say you? Really, you’ve seen the old age of an eagle, as the saying is.

> Latin: SYRUS:
“Nihil” narras? visa vero est, quod dici solet,
Aquilae senectus.

[¶140] CHREMES:
Pooh, pooh!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Heia.

[¶141] SYRUS:
A pleasant and agreeable woman this Courtesan.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Mulier commoda et
Faceta haec meretrix.

[¶142] CHREMES:
Why, so she seemed to me, in fact.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sane, idem visa est mihi.

[¶143] SYRUS:
And really of handsome appearance.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Et quidem hercle forma luculenta.

[¶144] CHREMES:
Well enough.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sic satis.

[¶145] SYRUS:
Not like those of former days, but as times are now, very passable:
nor do I in the least wonder that Clinia doats upon her. But he has a father—a certain covetous, miserable, and niggardly person—this neighbor of ours (pointing to the house). Do you know him? Yet, as if he was not abounding in wealth, his son ran away through want. Are you aware that it is the fact, as I am saying?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ita non ut olim; sed uti nunc, sane bona:
Minimeque miror Clinia hanc si deperit.
Sed habet patrem quendam avidum, miserum, atque aridum,
Vicinum hunc: nostine? At quasi is non divitiis
Abundet, gnatus eius profugit inopia.
Scis esse factum ut dico?

[¶146] CHREMES:
How should I not be aware?
A fellow that deserves the mill.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid ego nesciam?
Hominem pistrino dignum.

[¶147] SYRUS:
Who?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quem?

[¶148] CHREMES:
That servant of the young gentleman, I mean.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Istunc servulum
Dico adolescentis.

[¶149] SYRUS: (aside.)
Syrus! I was sadly afraid for you.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Syre, tibi timui male.

[¶150] CHREMES:
To suffer it to come to this!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Qui passus est id fieri.

[¶151] SYRUS:
What was he to do?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quid faceret?

[¶152] CHREMES:
Do you ask the question? He ought to have found some expedient, contrived some stratagem, by means of which there might have been something for the young man to give to his mistress,
and thus have saved this crabbed old fellow in spite of himself.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Rogas?
Aliquid reperiret, fingeret fallacias,
Unde esset adolescenti amicae quod daret;
Atque hunc difficilem invitum servaret senem.

[¶153] SYRUS:
You are surely joking.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Garris.

[¶154] CHREMES:
This ought to have been done by him, Syrus.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Haec facta ab illo oportebat, Syre.

[¶155] SYRUS:
How now—pray, do you commend servants, who deceive their masters?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Eho quaeso, laudas qui heros fallunt?

[¶156] CHREMES:
Upon occasion—I certainly do commend them.

> Latin: CHREMES:
In loco
Ego vero laudo.

[¶157] SYRUS:
Quite right.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Recte sane.

[¶158] CHREMES:
Inasmuch as it often is the remedy for great disturbances.
Then would this man’s only son have staid at home.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quippe quia
Magnarum saepe id remedium aegritudinum est.
Huic iam mansisset unicus gnatus domi.

[¶159] SYRUS: (aside.)
Whether he says this in jest or in earnest, I don’t know; only, in fact, that he gives me additional zest for longing still more to trick him.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Iocone an serio illaec dicat, nescio;
Nisi mihi quidem addit animum, quo lubeat magis.

[¶160] CHREMES:
And what is he now waiting for, Syrus? Is it until his father drives him away from here a second time, when he can no longer support her expenses?
Has he no plot on foot against the old gentleman?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Et nunc quid exspectat, Syre? an dum hinc denuo
Abeat, cum tolerare huius sumtus non queat?
Nonne ad senem aliquam fabricam fingit?

[¶161] SYRUS:
He is a stupid fellow.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Stolidus est.

[¶162] CHREMES:
Then you ought to assist him—for the sake of the young man.

> Latin: CHREMES:
At te adiutare oportet adolescentuli
Causa.

[¶163] SYRUS:
For my part, I can do so easily, if you command me; for I know well in what fashion it is usually done.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Facile equidem facere possum, si iubes:
Etenim quo pacto id fieri soleat calleo.

[¶164] CHREMES:
So much the better, i’ faith.
SYRUS:’Tis not my way to tell an untruth.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Tanto hercle melior.
SYRUS:
Non est mentiri meum.

[¶165] CHREMES:
Do it then.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Fac ergo.

[¶166] SYRUS:
But hark you! Just take care and remember this, in case any thing of this sort should perchance happen at a future time, such are human affairs!—your son might do the same.

> Latin: SYRUS:
At heus tu, facitodum eadem haec memineris,
Si quid huius simile forte aliquando evenerit,
Ut sunt humana, tuus ut faciat filius.

[¶167] CHREMES:
The necessity will not arise, I trust.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non usus veniet, spero.

[¶168] SYRUS:
I’ faith, and I trust so too: nor do I say so now, because I have suspected him in any way;
but in case, none the more —You see what his age is; (aside) and truly, Chremes, if an occasion does happen, I may be able to handle you right handsomely.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Spero hercle ego quoque.
Neque eo nunc dico, quo quicquam illum senserim:
Sed si quid, ne quid. Quae sit eius aetas vides.
Et nae ego te, si usus veniat, magnifice, Chreme,
Tractare possim.

[¶169] CHREMES:
As to that, we’ll consider what is requisite when the occasion does happen. At present do you set about this matter.
(Goes into his house.)

> Latin: CHREMES:
De istoc, quum usus venerit,
Videbimus quid opus sit: nunc istuc age.

[¶170] SYRUS: (to himself.)
Never on any occasion did I hear my master talk more to the purpose;
nor at any time could I believe that I was authorized to play the rogue with greater impunity. I wonder who it is coming out of our house?
(Stands aside.)

> Latin: SYRUS:
Nunquam commodius unquam herum audivi loqui,
Nec quum male facerem crederem mihi impunius
Licere. Quisnam a nobis egreditur foras?

[¶171] (Enter CHREMES and CLITIPHO from the house of the former.)
CHREMES:
Pray, what does this mean? What behavior is this, Clitipho? Is this acting as becomes you?

> Latin: (CHREMES.
CLITIPHO. SYRUS.)
CHREMES:
Quid istuc, quaeso? qui istic mos est, Clitipho? itane fieri oportet?

[¶172] CLITIPHO:
What have I done?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Quid ego feci?

[¶173] CHREMES:
Did I not see you just now putting your hand into this Courtesan’s bosom?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Vidine ego te modo manum in sinum huic meretrici
Inserere?

[¶174] SYRUS: (apart.)
It’s all up with us—I’m utterly undone!

> Latin: SYRUS:
Acta haec res est: perii.

[¶175] CLITIPHO:
What, I?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Mene?

[¶176] CHREMES:
With these self-same eyes I saw it—don’t deny it.
Besides, you wrong him unworthily in not keeping your hands off: for indeed it is a gross affront to entertain a person, your friend, at your house, and to take liberties with his mistress. Yesterday, for instance, at wine, how rude you were—

> Latin: CHREMES:
Hisce oculis; ne nega.
Facis adeo indigne iniuriam illi, qui non abstineas manum:
Nam istaec quidem contumelia est,
Hominem amicum recipere ad te, atque eius amicam subagitare.
Vel heri in vino quam immodestus fuisti!

[¶177] SYRUS: (apart.)
’Tis the truth

> Latin: SYRUS:
Factum.

[¶178] CHREMES:
How annoying you were! So much so, that for my part, as the Gods may prosper me, I dreaded what in the end might be the consequence.
I understand lovers. They resent highly things that you would not imagine.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quam molestus!
Ut equidem, ita me Di ament, metui quid futurum denique esset.
Novi ego amantium animum: advertunt graviter quae non censeas.

[¶179] CLITIPHO:
But he has full confidence in me, father, that I would not do any thing of that kind.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
At mihi fides apud hunc est nihil me istius facturum, pater.

[¶180] CHREMES:
Be it so; still, at least, you ought to go somewhere for a little time away from their presence. Passion prompts to many a thing; your presence acts as a restraint upon doing them. I form a judgment from myself. There’s not one of my friends this day
to whom I would venture, Clitipho, to disclose all my secrets. With one, his station forbids it; with another, I am ashamed of the action itself, lest I may appear a fool or devoid of shame; do you rest assured that he does the same. But it is our part to be sensible of this; and, when and where it is requisite, to show due complaisance.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Esto: at certe concedas hinc aliquo ab ore eorum aliquantisper.
Multa fert libido: ea prohibet facere tua praesentia.
Ego de me facio coniecturam: nemo est meorum amicorum hodie
Apud quem expromere omnia mea occulta, Clitipho, audeam;
Apud alium prohibet dignitas, apud alium ipsius facti pudet,
Ne ineptus, ne protervus videar; quod illum facere credito.
Sed nostrum est intelligere, utcumque atque ubicumque opus sit obsequi.

[¶181] SYRUS: (coming forward and whispering to CLITIPHO.)
What is it he is saying?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quid istic narrat?

[¶182] CLITIPHO: (aside, to SYRUS.)
I’m utterly undone!

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Perii.

[¶183] SYRUS:
Clitipho, these same injunctions I gave you.
You have acted the part of a prudent and discreet person.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Clitipho, haec ego praecipio tibi?
Hominis frugi et temperantis functus es officium?

[¶184] CLITIPHO:
Hold your tongue, I beg.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Tace sodes.

[¶185] SYRUS:
Very good.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Recte sane.

[¶186] CHREMES: (approaching them.)
Syrus, I am ashamed of him.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Syre, pudet me.

[¶187] SYRUS:
I believe it; and not without reason. Why, he vexes myself even.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Credo; neque id iniuria.
Quin mihi molestum est.

[¶188] CLITIPHO: (to SYRUS.)
Do you persist, then?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Pergis hercle?

[¶189] SYRUS:
I’ faith, I’m saying the truth, as it appears to me.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Verum dico quod videtur.

[¶190] CLITIPHO:
May I not go near them?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Non accedam ad illos?

[¶191] CHREMES:
How now—pray, is there but one way of going near them?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Eho quaeso, una accedendi via est?

[¶192] SYRUS: (aside.)
Confusion! He’ll be betraying himself before I’ve got the money.
(Aloud.) Chremes, will you give attention to me, who am but a silly person?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Actum est: hic prius se indicarit quam ego argentum effecero.
Chreme, vin tu homini stulto mihi auscultare?

[¶193] CHREMES:
What am I to do?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid faciam?

[¶194] SYRUS:
Bid him go somewhere out of the way.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Iube hunc
Abire hinc aliquo.

[¶195] CLITIPHO:
Where am I to go?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Quo hinc abeam ego?

[¶196] SYRUS:
Where you please; leave the place to them; be off and take a walk.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quo? quo libet: da illis locum.
Abi deambulatum.

[¶197] CLITIPHO:
Take a walk! where?

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Deambulatum quo?

[¶198] SYRUS:
Pshaw! Just as if there was no place to walk in. Why, then, go this way, that way, where you will.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Vah! quasi desit locus.
Abi sane istac, istorsum, quo vis.

[¶199] CHREMES:
He says right, I’m of his opinion.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Recte dicit: censeo.

[¶200] CLITIPHO:
May the Gods extirpate you, Syrus, for thrusting me away from here.

> Latin: CLITIPHO:
Di te eradicent, Syre, qui me hinc extrudis.

[¶201] SYRUS: (aside to CLITIPHO.)
Then
do you for the future keep those hands of yours within bounds. (Exit CLITIPHO.) Really now (to CHREMES), what do you think? What do you imagine will become of him next, unless, so far as the Gods afford you the means, you watch him, correct and admonish him?

> Latin: SYRUS:
At
Tu pol tibi istas posthac comprimito manus.
Censen vero? quid illum porro credis facturum, Chreme,
Nisi eum, quantum tibi opis Di dant, servas, castigas, mones?

[¶202] CHREMES:
I’ll take care of that.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ego istuc curabo.

[¶203] SYRUS:
But now, master, he must be looked after by you.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Atqui nunc, here, hic tibi asservandus est.

[¶204] CHREMES:
It shall be done.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Fiet.

[¶205] SYRUS:
If you are wise,—for now he minds me less and less every day.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Si sapias: nam mihi iam minus minusque obtemperat.

[¶206] CHREMES:
What say you? What have you done, Syrus, about that matter which I was mentioning to you a short time since? Have you any plan that suits you, or not yet even?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid tu? ecquid de illo quod dudum tecum egi egisti, Syre? aut
Repperisti, tibi quod placeat? an nondum etiam?

[¶207] SYRUS:
You mean the design upon Menedemus? I have; I have just hit upon one.

> Latin: SYRUS:
De fallacia
Dicis? st! inveni nuper quandam.

[¶208] CHREMES:
You are a clever fellow; what is it? Tell me.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Frugi es: cedo, quid est?

[¶209] SYRUS:
I’ll tell you; but, as one matter arises out of another—

> Latin: SYRUS:
Dicam: verum, ut aliud ex alio incidit.

[¶210] CHREMES:
Why, what. is it, Syrus?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quidnam, Syre?

[¶211] SYRUS:
This Courtesan is a very bad woman.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Pessima haec est meretrix.

[¶212] CHREMES:
So she seems.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ita videtur.

[¶213] SYRUS:
Aye, if you did but know.
O shocking! just see what she is hatching. There was a certain old woman here from Corinth,—this Bacchis lent her a thousand silver drachmae.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Immo si scias.
Vah, vide, quod inceptet facinus. Fuit quaedam anus Corinthia
Hic: huic drachmarum argenti haec mille dederat mutuum.

[¶214] CHREMES:
What then?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid tum?

[¶215] SYRUS:
She is now dead: she has left a daughter, a young girl. She has been left with this Bacchis as a pledge for that sum.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ea mortua est: reliquit filiam adolescentulam.
Ea relicta huic arrhaboni est pro illo argento.

[¶216] CHREMES:
I understand you.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Intelligo.

[¶217] SYRUS:
She has brought her hither along with her, her I mean who is now with your wife.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Hanc secum huc adduxit, ea quae est nunc apud uxorem tuam.

[¶218] CHREMES:
What then?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid tum?

[¶219] SYRUS:
She is soliciting Clinia at once to advance her this money; she says, however, that this girl is to be a security, that, at a future time, she will repay the thousand pieces of money.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Cliniam orat sibi uti id nunc det; illam illi tamen
Post daturam. Mille nummum poscit.

[¶220] CHREMES:
And would she really be a security?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Et poscit quidem?

[¶221] SYRUS:
Dear me, is it to be doubted?
I think so.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Hui,
Dubium id est?

[¶222] CHREMES:
What then do you intend doing?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ego sic putavi: quid nunc facere cogitas?

[¶223] SYRUS:
What, I? I shall go to Menedemus; I’ll tell him she is a captive from Caria, rich, and of noble family; if he redeems her, there will be a considerable profit in this transaction.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Egone? ad Menedemum ibo: dicam hanc esse captam ex Caria
Ditem et nobilem; si redimat, magnum inesse in ea lucrum.

[¶224] CHREMES:
You are in an error.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Erras.

[¶225] SYRUS:
Why so?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quid ita?

[¶226] CHREMES:
I’ll now answer you for Menedemus—I will not purchase her.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Pro Menedemo nunc tibi ego respondeo:
Non emo: quid ais?

[¶227] SYRUS:
What is it you say? Do speak more agreeably to our wishes.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Optata loquere.

[¶228] CHREMES:
But there is no occasion.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Atqui non est opus.

[¶229] SYRUS:
No occasion?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Non opus est?

[¶230] CHREMES:
Certainly not, i’ faith.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non hercle vero.

[¶231] SYRUS:
How so, I wonder?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quid istuc? miror.

[¶232] CHREMES:
You shall soon know.
SYRUS:
Stop, stop; what is the reason that there is such a great noise at our door?
(They retire out of sight.)

> Latin: CHREMES:
Iam scies.
Mane, mane: quid est quod tam a nobis graviter crepuerunt fores?

[¶233] (Enter SOSTRATA and a NURSE in haste from the house of CHREMES, and CHREMES and SYRUS on the other side of the stage unperceived.)
SOSTRATA: (holding up a ring and examining it.)
Unless my fancy deceives me, surely this is the ring which I suspect it to be, the same with which my daughter was exposed.

> Latin: (SOSTRATA.
CHREMES. NUTRIX. SYRUS.)
SOSTRATA:
Nisi me animus fallit, hic profecto est annulus quem ego suspicor
Is quicum exposita est gnata.

[¶234] CHREMES: (apart.)
Syrus, what is the meaning of these expressions?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid volt sibi, Syre, haec oratio?

[¶235] SOSTRATA:
Nurse, how is it? Does it not seem to you the same?
NURSE:
As for me, I said it was the same the very instant that you showed it me.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Quid est? isne tibi videtur?
NUTRIX:
Dixi equidem ubi mihi ostendisti ilico
Eum esse.

[¶236] SOSTRATA:
But have you now examined it thoroughly, my dear nurse?
NURSE:
Thoroughly.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
At ut satis contemplata modo sis, mea nutrix.
NUTRIX:
Satis.

[¶237] SOSTRATA:
Then go in-doors at once, and if she has now done bathing, bring me word. I’ll wait here in the mean time for my husband.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Abi iam nunc intro, atque illa si iam laverit mihi nuntia:
Hic ego virum interea opperibor.

[¶238] SYRUS: (apart.)
She wants you, see what it is she wants;
she is in a serious mood, I don’t know why; it is not without a cause—I fear what it may be.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Te vult: videas, quid velit.
Nescio quid tristis est: non temere est: metuo quid sit.

[¶239] CHREMES:
What it may be? I’ faith, she’ll now surely be announcing some important trifle, with a great parade.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid siet?
Nae, ista hercle magno iam conatu magnas nugas dixerit.

[¶240] SOSTRATA: (turning round.)
Ha! my husband!

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Ehem mi vir.

[¶241] CHREMES:
Ha! my wife!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ehem mea uxor.

[¶242] SOSTRATA:
I was looking for you.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Te ipsum quaero.

[¶243] CHREMES:
Tell me what you want.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Loquere quid velis.

[¶244] SOSTRATA:
In the first place, this I beg of you, not to believe that I have ventured to do any thing contrary to your commands.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Primum hoc te oro ne quid credas me adversum edictum tuum
Facere esse ausam.

[¶245] CHREMES:
Would you have me believe you in this, although so incredible? Well, I will believe you.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Vin me istuc tibi, etsi incredibile est, credere?
Credo.

[¶246] SYRUS: (aside.)
This excuse portends I know not what offense.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Nescio quid peccati portet haec purgatio.

[¶247] SOSTRATA:
Do you remember me being pregnant, and yourself declaring to me, most peremptorily, that if I should bring forth a girl, you would not have it brought up.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Meministin me esse gravidam, et mihi te maximopere dicere,
Si puellam parerem nolle tolli?

[¶248] CHREMES:
I know what you have done, you have brought it up.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Scio quid feceris:
Sustulisti.

[¶249] SYRUS: (aside.)
Such is the fact, I’m sure: my young master has gained a loss in consequence.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Sic est factum, domina, ergo herus damno auctus est.

[¶250] SOSTRATA:
Not at all; but there was here an elderly woman of Corinth, of no indifferent character; to her I gave it
to be exposed.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Minime: sed erat hic Corinthia anus haud impura: ei dedi
Exponendam.

[¶251] CHREMES:
O Jupiter! that there should be such extreme folly in a person’s mind.

> Latin: CHREMES:
O Iupiter, tantamne esse in animo inscitiam!

[¶252] SOSTRATA:
Alas! what have I done?

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Perii: quid ego feci?

[¶253] CHREMES:
And do you ask the question?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Rogitas?

[¶254] SOSTRATA:
If I have acted wrong, my dear Chremes, I have done so in ignorance.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Si peccavi, mi Chreme,
Insciens feci.

[¶255] CHREMES:
This, indeed, I know for certain, even if you were to deny it, that in every thing you both speak and act ignorantly and foolishly: how many blunders you disclose in this single affair! For, in the first place, then, if
you had been disposed to obey my orders, the child ought to have been dispatched; you ought not in words to have feigned her death, and in reality to have left hopes of her surviving. But that I pass over; compassion, maternal affection, I allow it. But how finely you did provide for the future! What was your meaning? Do reflect. It’s clear, beyond a doubt, that your daughter was betrayed by you to this old woman,
either that through you she might make a living by her, or that she might be sold in open market as a slave. I suppose you reasoned thus: “any thing is enough, if only her life is saved:” what are you to do with those who understand neither law, nor right and justice? Be it for better or for worse, be it for them or against them, they see nothing except just what they please.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Id equidem ego si tu neges, certo scio
Te inscientem atque imprudentem dicere ac facere omnia:
Tot peccata in hac re ostendis: nam iam primum, si meum
Imperium exsequi voluisses, interemtam oportuit;
Non simulare mortem verbis, re ipsa spem vitae dare.
At id omitto: misericordia, animus maternus: sino.
Quam bene vero abs te prospectum est! quid voluisti? cogita.
Nempe anui illi prodita abs te filia est planissime,
Per te vel uti quaestum faceret, vel uti veniret palam.
Credo id cogitasti: “Quidvis satis est dum vivat modo.”
Quid cum illis agas, qui neque ius, neque bonum atque aequum sciunt?
Melius, peius; prosit, obsit; nihil vident, nisi quod libet.

[¶256] SOSTRATA:
My dear Chremes, I have done wrong, I own; I am convinced. Now this I beg of you;
inasmuch as you are more advanced in years than I, be so much the more ready to forgive; so that your justice may be some protection for my weakness.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Mi Chreme, peccavi, fateor: vincor: nunc hoc te obsecro,
Quanto tuus est animus natu gravior, ignoscentior,
Ut meae stultitiae in iustitia tua sit aliquid praesidi.

[¶257] CHREMES:
I’ll readily forgive you doing this, of course; but, Sostrata, my easy temper prompts you to do amiss. But, whatever this circumstance is, by reason of which this was begun upon, proceed to tell it.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Scilicet equidem istuc factum ignoscam: verum, Sostrata,
Male docet te mea facilitas multa. Sed istuc, quicquid est,
Qua hoc occeptum est causa loquere.

[¶258] SOSTRATA:
As we women are all foolishly and wretchedly
superstitious, when I delivered the child to her to be exposed, I drew a ring from off my finger, and ordered her to expose it, together with the child; that if she should die, she might not be without some portion of our possessions.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Ut stultae et misere omnes sumus
Religiosae, quum exponendam do illi, de digito annulum
Detraho; et eum edico ut una cum puella exponeret;
Si moreretur, ne expers partis esset de nostris bonis.

[¶259] CHREMES:
That was right; thereby you proved the saving of yourself and her.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Istuc recte: conservasti te atque illam.

[¶260] SOSTRATA: (holding out the ring.)
This is that ring.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Is hic est annulus.

[¶261] CHREMES:
Whence did you get it?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Unde habes?

[¶262] SOSTRATA:
From the young woman whom Bacchis brought here with her.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Quam Bacchis secum adduxit adolescentulam.

[¶263] SYRUS: (aside.)
Ha!

> Latin: SYRUS:
Hem!

[¶264] CHREMES:
What does she say?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid ea narrat?

[¶265] SOSTRATA:
She gave it me to keep for her, while she went to bathe. At first I paid no attention to it; but after I looked at it, I at once recognized it, and came running to you.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Ea lavatum dum it servandum mihi dedit.
Animum non adverti primum; sed postquam aspexi, ilico
Cognovi: ad te exsilui.

[¶266] CHREMES:
What do you suspect now, or have you discovered, relative to her?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid nunc suspicare, aut invenis
De illa?

[¶267] SOSTRATA:
I don’t know; unless you inquire of herself whence she got it, if that can possibly be discovered.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Nescio; nisi ut ex ipsa quaeras unde hunc habuerit,
Si potis est reperiri.

[¶268] SYRUS: (aside.)
I’m undone! I see more hopes from this incident than I desire.
If it is so, she certainly must be ours.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Interii: plus spei video quam volo.
Nostra est, si ita est.

[¶269] CHREMES:
Is this woman living to whom you delivered the child?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Vivitne illa cui tu dederas?

[¶270] SOSTRATA:
I don’t know.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Nescio.

[¶271] CHREMES:
What account did she bring you at the time?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid renuntiavit olim?

[¶272] SOSTRATA:
That she had done as I had ordered her.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Fecisse id quod iusseram.

[¶273] CHREMES:
Tell me what is the woman’s name, that she may be inquired after.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Nomen mulieris cedo quod sit, ut quaeratur.

[¶274] SOSTRATA:
Philtere.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Philtere.

[¶275] SYRUS: (aside.)
’Tis the very same. It’s a wonder if she isn’t found, and I lost.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ipsa est: mirum ni illa salva est, et ego perii.

[¶276] CHREMES:
Sostrata, follow me this way in-doors.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sostrata,
Sequere me intro hac.

[¶277] SOSTRATA:
How much beyond my hopes has this matter turned out! How dreadfully afraid I was,
Chremes, that you would now be of feelings as unrelenting as formerly you were on exposing the child.

> Latin: SOSTRATA:
Ut praeter spem evenit. Quam timui male
Ne nunc animo ita esses duro ut olim in tollenda, Chreme!

[¶278] CHREMES:
Many a time a man can not be such as he would be, if circumstances do not admit of it. Time has now so brought it about, that I should be glad of a daughter; formerly I wished for nothing less.
(CHREMES and SOSTRATA go into the house.)

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non licet hominem esse saepe ita ut volt, si res non sinit.
Nunc ita tempus est mihi ut cupiam filiam; olim nihil minus.

[¶279] (SYRUS alone.)
SYRUS:
Unless my fancy deceives me, retribution will not be very far off from me; so much by this incident are my forces now utterly driven into straits;
unless I contrive by some means that the old man mayn’t come to know that this damsel is his son’s mistress. For as to entertaining any hopes about the money, or supposing I could cajole him, it’s useless; I shall be sufficient triumphant, if I’m allowed to escape with my sides covered. I’m vexed that such a tempting morsel has been so suddenly snatched away from my jaws. What am I to do? Or what shall I devise? I must begin upon my plan over again.
Nothing is so difficult, but that it may be found out by seeking. What now if I set about it after this fashion. (He considers.) That’s of no use. What, if after this fashion? I effect just about the same. But this I think will do. It can not. Yes! excellent. Bravo! I’ve found out the best of all—I’ faith, I do believe that after all I shall lay hold of this same run-away money.

> Latin: (SYRUS.)
SYRUS:
Nisi me animus fallit, haud permultum a me aberit infortunium:
Ita hac re in angustum oppido nunc meae coguntur copiae;
Nisi aliquid video ne esse amicam hanc gnati resciscat senex.
Nam quod de argento sperem, aut posse postulem me fallere,
Nihil est: triumpho si licet me latere tecto abscedere.
Crucior, bolum tantum mihi ereptum tam de subito e faucibus.
Quid agam? aut quid comminiscar? ratio de integro ineunda est mihi.
Nihil tam difficile est quin quaerendo investigari possiet.
Quid si hoc nunc sic incipiam? Nihil est. Quid si sic? Tantundem egero.
At sic opinor. Non potest. Immo optime. Euge, habeo optimam.
Retraham hercle opinor ad me idem illud fugitivum argentum tamen.

[¶280] (Enter CLINIA at the other side of the stage.)
CLINIA: (to himself.)
Nothing can possibly henceforth befall me of such consequence
as to cause me uneasiness; so extreme is this joy that has surprised me. Now then I shall give myself up entirely to my father, to be more frugal than even he could wish.

> Latin: (CLINIA. SYRUS.)
CLINIA:
Nulla mihi res posthac potest iam intervenire tanta
Quae mihi aegritudinem afferat: tanta haec laetitia oborta est.
Dedo patri me nunc iam ut frugalior sim quam vult.

[¶281] SYRUS: (apart.)
I wasn’t mistaken; she has been discovered, so far as I understand from these words of his. (Acvancing.) I am rejoiced that this matter has turned out for you so much to your wish.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Nihil me fefellit: cognita est, quantum audio huius verba.
Istuc tibi ex sententia tua obtigisse laetor.

[¶282] CLINIA:
O my dear Syrus, have you heard of it, pray?

> Latin: CLINIA:
O mi Syre, audistine obsecro?

[¶283] SYRUS:
How shouldn’t I, when I was present all the while?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quidni, qui usque una adfuerim?

[¶284] CLINIA:
Did you ever hear of any thing falling out so fortunately for any one?

> Latin: CLINIA:
Cuiquam aeque audisti commodius quicquam evenisse?

[¶285] SYRUS:
Never.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Nulli.

[¶286] CLINIA:
And, so may the Gods prosper me, I do not now rejoice so much on my own account as hers, whom I know to be deserving of any honor.

> Latin: CLINIA:
Atque ita me Di ament ut ego nunc non tam meapte causa
Laetor quam illius quam ego scio esse honore quovis dignam.

[¶287] SYRUS:
I believe it: but now, Clinia, come, attend to me in my turn. For your friend’s business as well,—it must be seen to—that it is placed in a state of security,
lest the old gentleman should now come to know any thing about his mistress.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Ita credo: sed nunc, Clinia, age, da te mihi vicissim:
Nam amici quoque res est videnda in tuto ut collocetur;
Ne quid de amica nunc senex.

[¶288] CLINIA:
O Jupiter!

> Latin: CLINIA:
O Iupiter!

[¶289] SYRUS:
Do be quiet.

> Latin: SYRUS:
Quiesce.

[¶290] CLINIA:
My Antiphila will be mine.

> Latin: CLINIA:
Antiphila mea nubet mihi.

[¶291] SYRUS:
Do you still interrupt me thus?

> Latin: SYRUS:
Sicine mihi interloquere?