---
title: "Phormio"
author: "Terence"
translator: "Henry Thomas Riley"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
url: https://scriptura.si/works/terence-phormio/
cite: "Terence, tr. Henry Thomas Riley, Phormio. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/terence-phormio/"
---

# Phormio

*Terence, tr. Henry Thomas Riley*

A clever parasite rescues two cousins from their fathers’ plans.

> Latin: ed. Edward St. John Parry, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0134.phi004, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Henry Thomas Riley, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0134.phi004.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

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

## Contents

1. [Acts 1–2](https://scriptura.si/works/terence-phormio/1.md)
2. [Acts 2–4](https://scriptura.si/works/terence-phormio/2.md)
3. [Acts 4–5](https://scriptura.si/works/terence-phormio/3.md)

## 1. Acts 1–2

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

[¶0] ANTIPHO, son of Demipho. PHAEDRIA, son of Chremes. PHORMIO, a Parasite. GETA, servant of Demipho. DAVUS, a servant. DORIO, a Procurer. NAUSISTRATA, the wife of Chremes. SOPHRONA, the nurse of Phanium.
THE TITLE OF THE PLAY. PERFORMED at the Roman 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 a base and a treble flute. It is wholly from the Greek, being the Epidicazomenos of Apollodorus. It was represented four times, C. Fannius and M. Valerius being Consuls.
THE PROLOGUE.:
SINCE the old Poet can not withdraw our bard from his pursuits and reduce him to indolence, he endeavors, by invectives, to deter him from writing: for he is wont to say to this effect,—that the Plays which he has hitherto composed
are poor in their language, and of meagre style; because he has nowhere described a frantic youth as seeing a hind in flight, and the hounds pursuing; while he implores and entreated that he would give her aid. But if he had been aware that his Play, when formerly first represented,
stood its ground more through the merits of the performers than its own, he would attack with much less boldness than he does. Now, if there is any one who says or thinks to this effect, that if the old Poet had not assailed him first, the young one could have devised no Prologue
for him to repeat, without having some one to abuse, let him receive this for an answer: “that the prize is proposed in common to all who apply to the Dramatic art.” He has aimed at driving our Poet from his studies to absolute want; he then has in-tended this for an answer, not an attack.
If he had opposed him with fair words, he would have heard himself civilly addressed; what has been given by him, let him consider as now returned. I will make an end of speaking about him, when, of his own accord, he himself makes an end of offending.
Now give your attention to what I request. I present you a new Play, which they call “Epidicazomenos,” in Greek: in the Latin, he calls it “Phormio;” because the person that acts the principal part is Phormio, a Parasite, through whom, principally, the plot will be’ carried on, if your favor attends the Poet.
Lend your attention; in silence give an ear with impartial feelings, that we may not experience a like fortune to what we did, when, through a tumult, our Company was driven from the place; which place, the merit of the actor, and your good-will and candor seconding it, has since restored unto us.
(Enter DAVUS, with a bag of money in his hand.)
DAVUS:
Geta, my very good friend and fellow-townsman, came to me yesterday. There had been for some time a trifling balance of money of his in my hands upon a small account; he asked me to make it up. I have done so, and am carrying it to him. But I hear that his master’s son has taken
a wife; this, I suppose, is scraped together as a present for her. How unfair a custom!—that those who have the least should always be giving something to the more wealthy! That which the poor wretch has with difficulty spared, ounce by ounce, out of his allowance, defrauding himself of every indulgence,
the whole of it will she carry of, without thinking with how much labor it has been acquired. And then besides, Geta will be struck for another present when his mistress is brought to bed; and then again for another present, when the child’s birthday comes; when they initiate him, too: all this the mother will carry off;
the child will only be the pretext for the present. But don’t I see Geta there?
(Enter GETA, from the house of DEMIPHO.)

> Latin: INTRODUCTION. In this play we have two brothers, Demipho and Chremes. Chremes had married a lady of property, named Nausistrata, whose estates lay in the island of Lemnos, and by whom he had a son called Phaedria. Once a year Chremes used to go to Lemnos to collect his rents, and used to stay there on each occasion rather longer than was necessary, while the rents which he brought home to his wife were less than in former times when the prices of farm produce was not so high as at this time (compare v. 8. 23, 24, and v. 3. 4—8), which appeared unaccountable to his wife, who did not however suspect him of any thing beyond carelessness and indolence in the management of her business. But it had happened that about fifteen years before the events of this play he had fallen in love with a Lemnian woman, by whom he had a daughter called Phanium. So for fifteen years he had two wives and two establishments, with perfect secrecy, for at Lemnos he went by the name of Stilpho; while he put off his wife’s complaints about the short rents by excuses of bad times, ill health, and so on. His brother Demipho had a son named Antipho, and they had agreed that Chremes should now go to Lemnos, and bring over his wife and daughter, and that the cousins should be married at once, Phanium passing for the daughter of a friend. With this object Chremes now makes his yearly visit to Lemnos; and Demipho at the same time goes to Cilicia, where he expects to find a large fortune; while their two sons, Antipho and Phaedria, are left under the charge of Geta, an old family servant of Demipho’s, who acted as their paedagogue. At first Geta endeavoured to discharge his duty to his master faithfully; but finding that this conduct got him nothing but abuse, he altered his line, and gave his two pupils every indulgence they demanded. This soon produced the results which might have been anticipated.
Phaedria fell madly in love with a music girl, whom he diligently escorted every day to and from the school where she used to go for her finishing lessons; but his case was desperate, for he had not a farthing, and she could not be got from Dorio, the “leno,” without hard cash. Nor was it long before Antipho got into a similar scrape, which had a very different end, but one quite as embarrassing to him. For when Chremes reached Lemnos he found that his birds had flown. Phanium and her mother, tired of waiting for him, now that Phanium was grown up, had started for Athens in search of him, with their nurse Sophrona. They inquire every where for Stilpho, but no such person is to be heard of, and they are reduced to great distress, in consequence of which the mother dies soon after their arrival. By a singular chance Antipho happens at this moment to see Phanium, as she is lamenting the death of her mother, and falls desperately in love with her at first sight. He goes to Sophrona, who will not consent to allow any acquaintance but on condition of marriage; and Antipho will sacrifice himself to a girl without a penny rather than lose her altogether. But how is the marriage to be brought about without exposing Antipho to his father’s most severe censure? It is managed in the following way. Phormio, a parasite, who seems to have been under considerable obligations to these young men in the way of good living (see ii. 2. 22), gives him this advice. There is an Athenian law, that orphans should be taken in marriage or portioned out by their nearest relation. He will pretend to be Phanium’s guardian, and will bring an action against Antipho, as her nearest relation, and as Antipho has no money he will of course be obliged to marry her. So Demipho will not be able to say a word. The plan succeeds to admiration. Phormio gains his suit, and Antipho immediately marries Phanium. He is devoted to his wife, but lives in continual dread of his father’s return; and is quite as wretched in consequence of his success as Phaedria is because his case is hopeless.
At this point (Act i. Sc. 4) the action of the play commences. Demipho comes back from Cilicia, and immediately hears the unwelcome news that his son has married a pauper; and he at once attacks Geta, Antipho having made a hasty retreat, who defends himself as best he can, and begins the second plot which they have in hand for obtaining money for Phaedria, who is now driven to the last extremity; for Dorio has given him notice that if thirty minae are not forthcoming by the next day, Pamphila, the music girl, will be sold. Geta pretends therefore that Phormio will be very glad to take Phanium off their hands if they will make it worth his while to do so; for he has certain debts, and is already under an engagement to marry a lady who will bring him a sufficient portion to enable him to clear them off. He must therefore have thirty minae, and he will settle the matter for them. After some trouble the affair is arranged. Phormio receives the money, and at once carries it off to Phaedria, who purchases his Pamphila at once, and is made supremely happy; while poor Antipho is more wretched than ever, and accuses Geta of blundering stupidity in thus arranging to get rid of his wife for him. Chremes, meanwhile, has returned from Lemnos, and is in great perplexity about his wife and daughter. He is as anxious as Demipho can be to get rid of this wife of Antipho’s, and does his best to persuade his brother to arrange matters with Phormio. After this affair is settled he goes to make inquiries for his family from Lemnos, when he falls in with Sophrona, and finds to his unbounded astonishment that this wife of Antipho, whom they have been so anxious to get rid of, is no other than his own daughter Phanium. This discovery is imparted to Demipho after an amusing scene of hints rendered necessary by the presence of Nausistrata (Act v. Sc. 3); and the two old men are now as anxious to be off their bargain with Phormio as they were to make it, and above all to get back the thirty minae which the parasite had taken as Phanium’s portion. But they do not find it very easy to manage their scheme. Phormio is ready enough to give up Phanium, but has no intention of parting with the money; and when the old men attempt by fair means or foul to get it back, Chremes discovers to his horror that Phormio has discovered the secret of Phanium’s parentage, which Geta had overheard when Chremes first recognized his daughter in Demipho’s house. The result of all is that Phormio tells the whole story to Nausistrata. Chremes is utterly confounded, and is quite unable to blame his son for his amour with the music girl, when Phaedria describes to Nausistrata the purpose for which the thirty minae were obtained. The play ends with a conditional forgiveness of Chremes, and an invitation to supper for Phormio. In the character of Phormio Terence copied from an original, in which the standing idea of the parasite was strictly observed. See notes on Act ii. Scene 2. We have seen a very different idea, though with the same fondness for good living, worked out in the Eunuchus. See the Introduction to that play. Phormio is, however, a very capital specimen of his class, and shows far more readiness and amiability than most of the tribe. It is not unworthy of remark that this play is said by some to have been acted four times in one year. At all events, this and the Eunuchus, the two most spirited of Terence’s plays, came on the stage within six months.
PHORMIO. ACTA LUDIS ROMANIS, L. POSTUMIO ALBINO, L. CORNELIO MERULA, AEDILIBUS CURULIBUS. EGERE L. AMBIVIUS TURPIO, L. ATILIUS PRAENEST1NUS. MODOS FECIT FLACCUS CLAUDII, TIBIIS IMPARIBUS. TOTA GRAECA APOLLODORU EPIDICAZOMENOS. FACTA EST IV. C. FANNIO, M. VALERIO, COSS.
PROLOGUS:
POSTQUAM poeta vetus poetam non potest
Retrahere ab studio, et transdere hominem in otium,
Maledictis deterrere ne scribat parat;
Qui ita dictitat, quas antehae fecit fabulas
Tenui esse oratione et scriptura levi;
Quia nusquam insanum scripsit adolescentulum
Cervam videre fugere, et sectari canes,
Et eam plorare, orare ut subveniat sibi.
Quod si intelligeret, olim quum stetit nova,
Actoris opera magis stetisse quam sua,
Minus multo audacter quam nunc laedit laederet.
Nunc si quis est qui hoc dicat, aut sic cogitet;
Vetus si poeta non lacessisset prior,
Nullum invenire prologum potuisset novus
Quem diceret, nisi haberet cui malediceret;
Is sibi responsum hoc habeat; in medio omnibus
Palmam esse positam qui artem tractant musicam.
Ille ad famem hunc ab studio studuit reicere:
Hic respondere voluit, non lacessere.
Benedictis si certasset, audisset bene.
Quod ab ipso allatum est, sibi esse id rellatum putet.
De illo iam finem faciam dicendi mihi,
Peccandi quum ipse de se finem non facit:
Nunc quid velim animum attendite. Apporto novam
Epidicazomenon qnam vocant comoediam
Graeci, Latini Phormionem nominant;
Quia, primas partes qui aget, is erit Phormio
Parasitus, per quem res agetur maxime,
Voluntas vestra si ad poetam accesserit.
Date operam: adeste aequo animo per silentiumr;
Ne simili utamur fortuna atque usi sumus
Quum per tumultum noster grex motus loco est;
Quem actoris virtus nobis restituit locum,
Bonitasque vestra adiutans atque aequanimitas.
(DAVUS.)
DAVUS:
Amicus summus meus et popularis Geta
Heri ad me venit. Erat ei de ratiuncula
Iampridem apud me reliquum pauxillulum
Nummorum; id ut conficerem. Confeci: affero.
Nam herilem filium eius duxisse audio
Uxorem: ei, credo, munus hoc corraditur.
Quam inique comparatum est hi qui minus habent
Ut semiper aliquid addant divitioribus.
Quod ille unciatim vix de demenso suo,
Suum defrudans genium, comparsit miser,
Id illa universum abripiet, haud existimans
Quanto labore partum. Porro autem Geta
Ferietur alio munere, ubi hera pepererit;
Porro autem alio, ubi erit puero natalis dies;
Ubi initiabunt. Omne hoc mater auferet:
Puer causa erit mittendi. Sed videon Getam?
(GETA. DAVUS.)
GETA:
Si quis me quaeret rufus—
DAVUS:
Praesto est; desine.

[¶1] GETA: (at the door, to those within.)
If any red-haired man should inquire for me—

> Latin: GETA:
Oh!
At ego obviam conabar tibi, Dave.

[¶2] DAVUS: (stepping forward.)
Here he is, say no more.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Accipe, hem,
Lectum est: conveniet numerus quantum debui.

[¶3] GETA: (starting.)
Oh! Why I was trying to come and meet you, Davus.

> Latin: GETA:
Amo te, et non neglexisse habeo gratiam.

[¶4] DAVUS: (giving the money to GETA.)
Here, take it; it’s all ready counted out; the number just amounts to the sum I owed you.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Praesertim ut nunc sunt mores. Adeo res redit;
Si quis quid reddit, magna habenda est gratia.
Sed quid tu es tristis?

[¶5] GETA:
I am obliged to you; and I return you thanks for not having forgotten me.

> Latin: GETA:
Egone? neseis quo in metu et
Quanto in periclo simus?

[¶6] DAVUS:
Especially as people’s ways are nowadays; things are come to such a pass, if a person repays you any thing, you must be greatly obliged to him. But why are you out of spirits?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Quid istuc est?

[¶7] GETA:
What, I? You little know what terror and peril I am in.

> Latin: GETA:
Scies,
Modo ut tacere possis.

[¶8] DAVUS:
What’s the matter?
GETA.:
You shall know, if you can only keep it secret.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Abi sis, insciens.
Cuius tu fidem in pecunia perspexeris,
Verere verba ei credere? ubi quid mihi lucri est
Te fallere?
GETA:
Ergo ausculta.

[¶9] DAVUS:
Out upon you, simpleton;
the man, whose trustworthiness you have experienced as to money, are you afraid to intrust with words? In what way have I any interest in deceiving you?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Hanc operam tibi dico.

[¶10] GETA:
Well then, listen.

> Latin: GETA:
Senis nostri, Dave, fratrem maiorem Chremem
Nostine?

[¶11] DAVUS:
I give you my best attention.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Quidni?

[¶12] GETA:
Davus, do you know Chremes, the elder brother of our old gentleman?

> Latin: GETA:
Quid? eius gnatum Phaedriam?

[¶13] DAVUS:
Why should I not?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Tamquam te.

[¶14] GETA:
Well, and his son Phaedria?

> Latin: GETA:
Evenit senibus ainbobus simul,
Iter illi in Lelmnum ut esset, nostro in Ciliciam
Ad hospitem antiquum: is senem per epistolas
Pellexit, modo non montes auri pollicens.

[¶15] DAVUS:
As well as your own self.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Cui tanta erat res, et supererat?

[¶16] GETA:
It so happened to both the old gentlemen, just at the same period, that the one had to take a journey to Lemnos, and our old man to Cilicia, to see an old acquaintance; he tempted over the old man by letters, promising him all but mountains of gold.

> Latin: GETA:
Desinas:
Sic est ingeniun.

[¶17] DAVUS:
To one who had so much property, that he had more than he could use?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Oh, regem me esse oportuit.

[¶18] GETA:
Do have done;
that is his way.

> Latin: GETA:
Abeuntes ambo hic tum senes, me filiis
Relinquunt quasi magistrum.

[¶19] DAVUS:
Oh, as for that, I really ought to have been a man of fortune.

> Latin: DAVUS:
O Geta, provinciam
Cepisti duram.

[¶20] GETA:
When departing hence, both the old gentlemen left ne as a sort of tutor to their sons.

> Latin: GETA:
Mihi usus venit, hoc scio:
Memini relinqui me Deo irato meo.
Coepi adversari primo. Quid verbis opus est?
Seni fidelis dum sum, scapulas perdidi.

[¶21] DAVUS:
Ah, Geta, you undertook a hard task there.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Venere in mentem mili istaec; “Namque inscitia est,”
“Adversum stimulum calces?”

[¶22] GETA:
I came to experience it, I know that. I’m quite sure that I was forsaken by my good Genius, who must have been angry with me.
I began to oppose them at first; but what need of talking? As long as I was trusty to the old men, I was paid for it in my shoulder-blades.
This, then, occurred to my mind: why, this is folly to kick against the spur. I began to do every thing for them that they wished to be humored in.

> Latin: GETA:
Coepi iis omnia
Facere, obsequi quae vellent.

[¶23] DAVUS:
You knew how to make your market.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Scisti uti foro.

[¶24] GETA:
Our young fellow did no mischief whatever at first; that Phaedria at once picked up a certain damsel, a Music-girl, and fell in love with her to distraction. She belonged to a most abominable Procurer; and their fathers had taken good care that they should have nothing to give him.
There remained nothing for him then but to feed his eyes, to follow her about, to escort her to the school, and to escort her back again. We, having nothing to do, lent our aid to Phaedria. Near the school at which she was taught, right opposite the place, there was a certain barber’s shop: here we were generally in the habit
of waiting for her, until she was coming home again. In the mean time, while one day we were sitting there, there came in a young man in tears; we were surprised at this. We inquired what was the matter? “Never,” said he, “has poverty appeared to me a burden so grievous and so insupportable as just now.”
“I have just seen a certain poor young woman in this neighborhood lamenting her dead mother. She was laid out before her, and not a single friend, acquaintance, or relation was there with her, except one poor old woman, to assist her in the funeral: I pitied her.”
“The girl herself was of surpassing beauty.” What need of a long story? She moved us all. At once Antipho exclaims, “Would you like us to go and visit her?” The other said, “I think we ought—let us go—show us the way, please.” We went, and arrived there; we saw her; the girl was beautiful, and that you might say so the more,
there was no heightening to her beauty; her hair disheveled, her feet bare, herself neglected, and in tears; her dress: mean, so ’that, had there not been an excess of beauty in her very charms, these circumstances must have extinguished those charms. The one who had lately fallen in love with the Music-girl
said: “She is well enough;” but our youth—

> Latin: GETA:
Noster mali nihil quicquam primo. Hic Phaedria
Continuo quandam nactus est puellulam
Citharistriam: hanc amare coepit perdite.
Ea serviebat lenoni impurissimo;
Neque quod daretur quicquam: id curarant patres.
Restabat aliud nihil nisi oculos pascere,
Sectari, in ludum ducere, et reducere.
Nos otiosi operam dabamus Phaedriae.
In quo haec discebat ludo, exadversum ei loco
Tonstrina erat quaedam. Hic solebamus fere
Plerumque eam opperiri dum inde iret domum.
Interea, dum sedemus illi, intervenit
Adolescens quidam lacrimans. Nos mirarier.
Rogamus quid sit? “Nunquam aeque,” inquit, “ac modo”
“Paupertas mihi onus visum est et miserum et grave.”
“Modo quandam vidi virginem hic viciniae”
“Miseram suam matrem lamentari mortuam.”
“Ea sita erat exadversum: neque illi benevolens”
“Neque notus neque cognatus extra unam aniculam”
“Quisquam aderat qui aciutaret funus. Miseritum est.”
“Virgo ipsa facie egregia.” Quid verbis opus est?
Commorat omnes nos. Ibi continuo Antipho,
“Vultisne eamus visere?” alius, “Censco;”
“Eamus: due nos, sodes.” Imus; venimus;
Videmus. Virgo pulchra; et quo imagis diceres,
Nihil aderat adiumenti ad pulchritudinem.
Capillus passus, nudus pes, ipsa horrida,
Lacrimae, vestitus turpis; ut, ni vis boni
In ipsa inesset forma, haec formam extinguerent.
Ille qui illam amabat fidicinam tantummodo,
“Satis,” inquit, “scita est:” noster vero—

[¶25] DAVUS:
I know it already—fell in love with her.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Iam scio:
Amare coepit.

[¶26] GETA:
Can you imagine to what an extent? Observe the consequence. The day after, he goes straight to the old woman; entreats her to let him have her: she, on the other hand, refuses him, and says that he is not acting properly; that, she is a citizen of Athens,
virtuous, and born of honest parents: that if he wishes to make her his wife, he is at liberty to do so according to law; but if otherwise, she gives him a refusal. Our youth was at a loss what to. do. He was both eager to marry her, and he dreaded his absent father.

> Latin: GETA:
Scin quam? Quo evadat vide.
Postridie ad anum recta pergit: obsecrat
Sibi ut eius faciat copiam. Illa enim se negat;
Neque eum aequum facere ait: illam civem esse Atticam,
Bonam, bonis prognatam: si uxorem velit,
Lege id licere facere; sin aliter, negat.
Noster quid ageret nescire; et illam ducere
Cupiebat, et metuebat absentem patrem.

[¶27] DAVUS:
Would not his father, if he had returned, have given him leave?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Non, si redisset, ei pater veniam daret?

[¶28] GETA:
He let him marry a girl with no fortune, and of obscure birth! He would never do so.

> Latin: GETA:
Ille indotatam virginem atque ignobilem
Daret illi? Nunquam faceret.

[¶29] DAVUS:
What came of it at last?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Quid fit denique?

[¶30] GETA:
What came of it? There is one Phormio here, a Parasite, a fellow of great assurance; may all the Gods confound him!

> Latin: GETA:
Quid fiat? Est parasitus quidam Phormio,
Homo confidens; qui illum Di omnes perduint.

[¶31] DAVUS:
What has he done?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Quid is fecit?

[¶32] GETA:
He has given this piece of advice, which I will tell you of.
“There is a law, that orphan girls are to marry those who are their next-of-kin; and the same law commands such persons to marry them. I’ll say you are the next-of-kin, and take out a summons against you; I’ll pretend that I am a friend of the girl’s father; we will come before the judges: who her father was,”
“who her mother, how she is related to you—all this I’ll trump up, just as will be advantageous and suited to my purpose; on your disproving none of these things, I shall prevail, of course. Your father will return; a quarrel will be the consequence; what care I? She will still be ours.”

> Latin: GETA:
Hoc consilium quod dicam dedit.
“Lex est, ut orbae qui sunt genere proximi”
“Eis nubant; et illos ducere eadem haec lex iubet.”
“Ego te cognatum dicam, et tibi scribam dicam:”
“Paternum amicum me assimulabo virginis:”
“Ad iudices veniemus. Qui fuerit pater,”
“Quae mater, qui cognata tibi sit, omnia haec”
“Confingam, quod erit mihi bonum atque commodum.”
“Quum tu horum nihil refelles, vincam scilicet.”
“Pater aderit: mihi paratae lites: quid mea?”
“Illa quidem nostra erit.”

[¶33] DAVUS:
An amusing piece of assurance!

> Latin: DAVUS:
Iocularem audaciam!

[¶34] GETA:
He was, persuaded to this. It was carried out; they came into court: we were beaten. He has married her.

> Latin: GETA:
Persuasum est homini; factum est; ventum est; vincimur:
Duxit.

[¶35] DAVUS:
What is it you tell me?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Quid narras?

[¶36] GETA:
Just what you have heard.

> Latin: GETA:
Hoc quod audis.

[¶37] DAVUS:
O Geta, what will become of you?

> Latin: DAVUS:
O Geta,
Quid te futurum est?

[¶38] GETA:
Upon my faith, I don’t know; this one thing I do know, whatever fortune may bring, I’ll bear it with firmness.

> Latin: GETA:
Nescio hercle: unum hoc scio;
Quod fors feret feremus aequo animo.

[¶39] DAVUS:
You please me; well, that is the duty of a man.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Placet.
Hem, istuc viri est officium.

[¶40] GETA:
All my hope is in myself.

> Latin: GETA:
In me omnis spes mihi est.

[¶41] DAVUS:
I commend you.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Laudo.

[¶42] GETA:
Suppose I have recourse to some one to intercede for me, who will plead for me in these terms: “Pray, do forgive him this time; but if after this he does any thing, I make no entreaty:” if only he doesn’t add, “When I’ve gone, e’en kill him for my part.”

> Latin: GETA:
Ad precatorem adeam credo, qui mihi
Sic oret; “Nunc amitte, quaeso, hunc: caeterum”
“Posthac, si quicquam, nihil precor;” tantummodo
Non addat: “Ubi ego hinc abiero, vel occidito.”

[¶43] DAVUS:
What of the one who was usher to the Music-girl?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Quid paedagogus ille, qui citharistriam?
Quid rei gerit?

[¶44] GETA: (shrugging his shoulders.)
So so, but poorly.

> Latin: GETA:
Sic tenuiter.

[¶45] DAVUS:
Perhaps he hasn’t much to give.

> Latin: DAVUS:
Non multum habet
Quod det fortasse.

[¶46] GETA:
Why, really, nothing at all, except mere hopes.

> Latin: GETA:
Immo nihil nisi spem meram.

[¶47] DAVUS:
Is his father come back or not?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Pater eius rediit an non.?

[¶48] GETA:
Not yet.

> Latin: GETA:
Nondum.

[¶49] DAVUS:
Well, when do you expect your old man?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Quid? senem
Quoad exspectatis vestrum?

[¶50] GETA:
I don’t know for certain; but I just now heard that a letter has been brought from him,
and has been left with the officers of the customs: I’m going to fetch it.

> Latin: GETA:
Non certum scio;
Sed epistolam ab eo allatam esse audivi modo,
Et ad portitores esse delatam: hanc petam.

[¶51] DAVUS:
Is there any thing else that you want with me, Geta?

> Latin: DAVUS:
Numnquid, Geta, aliud me vis?

[¶52] GETA:
Nothing, but that I wish you well. (Exit DAVUS.) Hark you, boy (calling at the door). Is nobody coming out here? (A LAD comes out.) Take this, and give it to Dorcium.
(He gives the purse to the LAD, who carries it into DEMIPHO’S house and exit GETA.)

> Latin: GETA:
Ut bene sit tibi.
Puer, hens. Nemone huc prodit? Cape, da hoc Dorcio.

[¶53] (Enter ANTIPHO and PHAEDRIA.)
ANTIPHO:
That things should have come to such a pass, Phaedria, that I should be in utter dread, of my father, who wishes me so well, whenever his return comes into my thoughts!
Had I not been inconsiderate, I might have waited for him, as I ought to have done.

> Latin: (ANTIPHO. PHAEDRIA.)
ANTIPHO:
Adeon rem redisse ut qui mihi consultum optime velit esse,
Phaedria, patrem ut extimescam, ubi in mentem eius adventi venit?
Quod ni fuissem incogitans, ita eum exspectarem ut par fuit.

[¶54] PHAEDRIA:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Quid istuc est?

[¶55] ANTIPHO:
Do you ask the question? You, who have been my confederate in so bold an adventure? How I do wish it had never entered the mind of Phormio to persuade me to this, or to urge me in the heat of my passion to this step, which is the source of my misfortunes. Then I should not have obtained her; in that case I might have been uneasy for some few days;
but still, this perpetual anxiety would not have been tormenting my mind (touching PHAEDRIA).

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Rogitas, qui tam audacis facinoris mihi conscius sis?
Quod utinam ne Phormioni id suadere in mentem incidisset,
Neu me cupidum eo impulisset, quod mihi principium est mali.
Non potitus essem: fuisset tum illos mihi aegre aliquot dies:
At non quotidiana cura haec angeret animum.

[¶56] PHAEDRIA:
I hear you.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Audio.

[¶57] ANTIPHO:
While I am every moment expecting his return, who is to sever from me this connection.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Dum exspecto quam mox veniat qui adimat hanc mihi consuetudinem.

[¶58] PHAEDRIA:
Other men feel uneasiness because they can not gain what they love; you complain because you have too much. You are surfeited with love, Antipho. Why, really, upon my faith, this situation of yours is surely one to be coveted and desired.
So may the Gods kindly bless me, could I be at liberty to be so long in possession of the object of my love, I could contentedly die. Do you, then, form a judgment as to the rest, what I am now suffering from this privation, and what pleasure you enjoy from the possession of your desires; not to mention how, without any expense, you have obtained a well-born and genteel woman, and have got a wife of unblemished reputation:
happy you, were not this one thing wanting, a mind capable of bearing all this with moderation. If you had to deal with that Procurer with whom I have to deal, then you would soon be sensible of it. We are mostly all of us inclined by nature to be dissatisfied with our lot.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Aliis quia defit quod amant aegre est: tibi quia superest dolet.
Amore abundas, Antipho.
Nam tua quidem hercle certo vita haec expetenda optandaque est.
Ita me Di bene ament ut mihi liceat tam diu quod amo frui;
Iam depecisci morte cupio: tu coniicito caetera;
Quid ego ex hac inopia nunc capiam, et quid tu ex hac copia;
Ut ne addam quod sine sumtu ingenuam liberalem nactus es;
Quod habes, ita ut voluisti, uxorem sine mala fama palam;
Beatus ni unum hoc desit, animus qui modeste istaec ferat.
Et si tibi res sit cum eo lenone quocum mihi est, tum sentias.
Ita plerique ingenio sumus omnes: nostri nosmet poenitet.

[¶59] ANTIPHO:
Still, on the other hand, Phaedria, you now seem to me the fortunate man, who still have the liberty, without restraint, of resolving on what pleases you best:
whether to keep, to love on, or to give her up. I, unfortunately, have got my-self into that position, that I have neither right to give her up, nor liberty to retain her. But how’s this? Is it our Geta I see running this way?’Tis he himself. Alas! I’m dreadfully afraid what news it is he’s now bringing me.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
At tu mihi contra nunc videre fortunatus, Phaedria,
Cui de integro est potestas etiam consulendi quid velis;
Retinere, amare, amittere. Ego in eumn incidi infelix locum
Ut neque mihi eius sit amittendi nec retinendi copia.
Sed quid hoc est? videone ego Getam currentem huc advenire?
Is est ipsus: hei timeo miser quam hic nunc mihi nuntiet rem.

[¶60] (Enter GETA, running, at the other side of the stage.)
GETA: (to himself.)
Geta, you are undone, unless you instantly find out some expedient;
so suddenly do such mighty evils now threaten me thus unprepared, which I neither know how to shun, nor how to extricate myself therefrom; for this daring step of: ours can not now any longer be kept a secret. If such a result is not adroitly guarded against, these matters will cause the ruin of myself, or of my master.

> Latin: (GETA.
ANTIPHO. PHAEDRIA.)
GETA:
Nullus es, Geta, nisi iam aliquod tibi consilium celere repperis:
Ita nunc imparatum subito tanta te impendent mala,
Quae neque uti devitem scio, neque quo modo me inde extraham:
Nam non potest celari nostra diutius iam audacia.

[¶61] ANTIPHO: (to PHAEDRIA.)
Why, I wonder, is he coming in such fright?:

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quidnam ille commotus venit?

[¶62] GETA: (to himself.)
Besides, I’ve but a moment left for this matter—my master’s close at hand.

> Latin: GETA:
Tum temporis mihi punctum ad hanc rem est. Herus adest.

[¶63] ANTIPHO: (to PHAEDRIA.)
What mischief is this?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid istuc mali est?

[¶64] GETA: (to himself.)
When he comes to hear of it, what remedy shall I discover for his anger Am I to speak? I shall irritate him: be silent? I shall provoke him: excuse myself? I should be washing a brickbat. Alas! unfortunate me! While I am trembling for myself, this Antipho distracts my mind. I am concerned for him; I’m in dread for him:’tis he that now keeps me here; for had it not been for him, I should have made due provision for my safety, and have taken vengeance on the old man for his crabbedness;
I should have scraped up something, and straightway taken to my heels away from here.

> Latin: GETA:
Quod quum audierit, quod eius remedium inveniann iracundiae?
Loquarne? incendam: taceam? instigem: purgem me? laterem lavem.
Eheu me miserum: quum mihi paveo, tum Antipho me excruciat animi:
Eius me miseret: ei nunc timeo: is nunc me retinet; nam absque eo esset,
Recte ego mihi vidissem, et senis essem ultus iracundiam:
Aliquid convasassem, atque hinc me protinam coniicerm in pedes.

[¶65] ANTIPHO: (to PHAEDRIA.)
I wonder What running away or theft it is that he’s planning.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quam hic fugam aut furtum parat?

[¶66] GETA: (to himself.)
But where shall I find Antipho, or which way go look for him?

> Latin: GETA:
Sed ubi Antiphonem reperiam? aut qua quaerere insistam via?

[¶67] PHAEDRIA: (to ANTIPHO.)
He’s mentioning your name.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Te nominat.

[¶68] ANTIPHO: (to PHADRIA.)
I know not what great misfortune I expect to hear from this messenger.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Nescio quod magnum hoc nuntio exspecto malum.

[¶69] PHAEDRIA: (to ANTIPHO.)
Why, are you in your senses?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Ah, sanusne es?

[¶70] GETA: (to himself.)
I’ll make my way homeward; he’s generally there.

> Latin: GETA:
Domum ire pergam: ibi plurimum est.

[¶71] PHAEDRIA: (to ANTIPHO.)
Let’s call the fellow back.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Revocemus hominem.

[¶72] ANTIPHO: (calling out.)
Stop, this instant.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Sta ilico.

[¶73] GETA: (turning round.)
Heyday—with authority enough, whoever you are.

> Latin: GETA:
Hem,
Satis pro imperio, quisquis es.

[¶74] ANTIPHO:
Geta!

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Geta.

[¶75] GETA:
The very person I wanted to find.

> Latin: GETA:
Ipse est quem volui obviam.

[¶76] ANTIPHO:
Pray, tell me what news you bring, and dispatch it in one word, if you can.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Cedo quid portas, obsecro? atque id, si potes, verbo expedi.

[¶77] GETA:
I’ll do so.

> Latin: GETA:
Faciam.

[¶78] ANTIPHO:
Out with it.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Eloquere.

[¶79] GETA:
Just now, at the harbor—

> Latin: GETA:
Modo apud portum—

[¶80] ANTIPHO:
What, my father?—

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Meumne?—

[¶81] GETA:
You’ve hit it.

> Latin: GETA:
Intellexti.

[¶82] ANTIPHO:
Ruined outright!
PHAEDRIA:
Pshaw!

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Occidi.
GETA:
Hem.

[¶83] ANTIPHO:
What am I to do?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid agam?

[¶84] PHAEDRIA: (to GETA.)
What is it you say?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Quid ais?

[¶85] GETA:
That I have seen his father, your uncle.

> Latin: GETA:
Huius patrem vidisse me, patruum tuum.

[¶86] ANTIPHO:
How am I, wretch that I am, now to find a remedy for this sudden misfortune? But if it should be my fortune, Phanium, to be torn away from you, life would cease to be desirable.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Nam quod ego huic nunc subito exitio remedium inveniam miser?
Quod si eo meae fortunae redeunt, Phanium, abs te ut distrahar,
Nulla est mihi vita expetenda.

[¶87] GETA:
Therefore, Antipho, since matters are thus, the more need have you to be on your guard; fortune helps the brave.

> Latin: GETA:
Ergo istaec quum ita sint, Antipho,
Tanto magis te advigilare aequum est. Fortes fortuna adiuvat.

[¶88] ANTIPHO:
I am not myself.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Non sum apud me.

[¶89] GETA:
But just now it is especially necessary you should be so, Antipho;
for if your father perceives that you are alarmed, he will think that you have been guilty of some fault.

> Latin: GETA:
Atqui opus est nunc quummaxime ut sis, Antipho;
Nam si senserit te timidum pater esse, arbitrabitur
Commeruisse culpam.

[¶90] PHAEDRIA:
That’s true.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Hoc verum est.

[¶91] ANTIPHO:
I can not change.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Non possum immutarier.

[¶92] GETA:
What would you do, if now something else still more difficult had to be done by you?

> Latin: GETA:
Quid faceres, si gravius aliud tibi nunc faciendum foret?

[¶93] ANTIPHO:
As I am not equal to this, I should be still less so to the other.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quum hoc non possum, illud minus possem.

[¶94] GETA:
This is doing nothing at all, Phaedria, let’s be gone; why do we waste our time here to no purpose. I shall be off.

> Latin: GETA:
Hoc nihil est, Phaedria: ilicet.
Quid hic conterimus operam frustra? Quin abeo?

[¶95] PHAEDRIA:
And I too.
(They move as if going.)

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Et quidem ego.

[¶96] ANTIPHO:
Pray, now,
if I assume an air, will that do? (He endeavors to assume another air.)

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Obsecro:
Quid si assimulo? satin est?

[¶97] GETA:
You are trifling.

> Latin: GETA:
Garris.

[¶98] ANTIPHO:
Look at my countenance—there’s for you. (Assuming a different air.) Will that do?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Vultum contemplamini: hem,
Satin sic est?

[¶99] GETA:
No.

> Latin: GETA:
Non.

[¶100] ANTIPHO:
Well, will this? (Assuming another air.)

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid si sic?

[¶101] GETA:
Pretty well.

> Latin: GETA:
Propemodum.

[¶102] ANTIPHO:
Well then, this? (Assuming a still bolder air.)

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid si sic?

[¶103] GETA:
That’s just the thing. There now, keep to that, and answer him word for word, like for like; don’t let him, in his anger, disconcert you with his blustering words.

> Latin: GETA:
Sat est.
Hem, istuc serva; et verbum verbo, par pari ut respondeas,
Ne te iratus suis saevidicis dictis protelet.

[¶104] ANTIPHO:
I understand.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Scio.

[¶105] GETA:
Say that you were forced against your will by law, by sentence of the court; do you take me?
(Looking earnestly in one direction.) But who is the old man that I see at the end of the street?
ANTIPHO:’Tis he himself. I can not stand it. (Going.)

> Latin: GETA:
Vi coactum te esse invitum, lege, iudicio: tenes?
Sed quis hic est senex quem video in ultima platea?
ANTIPHO:
Ipsus est:
Non possum adesse.

[¶106] GETA:
Oh! What are you about? Whither are you going, Antipho? Stop, I tell you.

> Latin: GETA:
Ah, quid agis? quo abis, Antipho?
Mane, inquam.

[¶107] ANTIPHO:
I know my own self and my offense; to your management I trust Phanium and my own existence. (Exit hastily.)

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Egomet me novi et peccatum meumr:
Vobis commendo Phanium et vitam meam.

[¶108] PHAEDRIA:
Geta, what’s to be done now?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Geta, quid nunc fiet?

[¶109] GETA:
You will just hear some harsh language:
I shall be trussed up and trounced, if I am not somewhat mistaken. But what we were just now advising Antipho to do, the same we must do ourselves, Phaedria.

> Latin: GETA:
Tu iam lites audies:
Ego plectar pendens, nisi quid me fefellerit.
Sed quod modo hic nos Antiphonem monuimus
Id nosmet ipsos facere oportet, Phaedria.

[¶110] PHAEDRIA:
Away with your “musts;” rather do you command me what I am to do.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Aufer mihi “oportet:” quin tu quod faciam impera.

[¶111] GETA:
Do you remember what were your words formerly
on our entering upon this project, with the view of protecting yourselves from ill consequences—that their cause was just, clear, unanswerable, and most righteous?

> Latin: GETA:
Meministine olim ut fuerit vestra oratio
In re incipienda ad defendendam noxiam;
Iustam illam causam, facilem, vincibilem, optimam?

[¶112] PHAEDRIA:
I remember it.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Memini.

[¶113] GETA:
Well then, now there’s need of that plea, or of one still better and more plausible, if such there can be.

> Latin: GETA:
Hem, nunc ipsa est opus ea, aut, si quid potest,
Meliore et callidiore.

[¶114] PHAEDRIA:
I’ll use my best endeavors.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Eiet sedulo.

[¶115] GETA:
Do you then accost him first; I’ll be here
in re-serve, by way of reinforcement, if you give ground at all.

> Latin: GETA:
Nunc prior adito tu: ego in subsidiis hic ero
Succenturiatus, si quid deficias.

[¶116] PHAEDRIA:
Very well.
(They retire to a distance.)

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Age.

[¶117] (Enter DEMIPHO, at the other side of the stage.)
DEMIPHO: (to himself.)
And is it possible that Antipho has taken a wife without my consent? and that no authority of mine—but let alone “authority” —no displeasure of mine, at all events, has he been in dread of? To have no sense of shame! O audacious conduct! O Geta, rare adviser!

> Latin: (DEMIPHO.
GETA. PHAEDRIA.)
DEMIPHO:
Itane tandem uxorem duxit Antipho iniussu meo?
Nec meum imperium, ac mitto imperium, non simultatem meam
Revereri saltem? non pudere? O facinus audax! o Geta
Monitor!

[¶118] GETA: (apart to PHAEDRIA.)
Just brought in at last.

> Latin: GETA:
Vix tandem.

[¶119] DEMIPHO:
What will they say to me, or what excuse will they find?
I wonder much.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid mihi dicent, aut quam causam reperient,
Demiror.

[¶120] GETA: (apart.)
Why, I’ve found that out already; do think of something else.

> Latin: GETA:
Atqui repperi iam: aliud cura.

[¶121] DEMIPHO:
Will he be saying this to me: “I did it against my will; the law compelled me?” I hear you, and admit it.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Anne hoc dicet mihi,
“Invitus feci: lex coegit?” Audio. Fateor.

[¶122] GETA: (apart.)
Well said!

> Latin: GETA:
Places.

[¶123] DEMIPHO:
But knowingly, in silence, to give up the cause to his adversaries—did the law oblige him to do that as well?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Verum scientem, tacitum, causam tradere adversariis;
Etiamne id lex coegit?
PHAEDRIA:
Illud durum.

[¶124] GETA: (apart.)
That is a hard blow.
PHAEDRIA:
I’ll clear that up; let me alone for that.

> Latin: GETA:
Ego expediam: sine.

[¶125] DEMIPHO:
It is a matter of doubt what I am to do; for beyond expectation, and quite past all belief, has this befallen me.
So enraged am I, that I can not compose my mind to think upon it. Wherefore it is the duty of all persons, when affairs are the most prosperous, then in especial to reflect within themselves in what way they are to endure adversity. Returning from abroad, let him always picture to himself dangers and losses, either offenses committed by a son, or the death of his wife, or the sickness of a daughter,—
that these things are the common lot, so that no one of them may ever come as a surprise upon his feelings. Whatever falls out beyond his hopes, all that he must look upon as so much gain.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Incertum est quid agam, quia praeter spem atque incredibile hoc mihi obtigit:
Ita sum irritatus animum ut nequeam ad cogitandum instituere:
Quamobrem omnes, quum secundae res sunt maxime, tum maxime
Meditari secum oportet quo pacto adversam aerumnam ferant;
Pericla, damna, exilia! Peregre rediens semper cogitet
Aut filii peccatum, aut uxoris mortem, aut morbum filiae;
Communia esse haec; nequid horum unquam accidat animo novum:
Quicquid praeter spem eveniat omne id deputare esse in lucro.

[¶126] GETA: (apart.)
O Phaedria, it is incredible how much I surpass my master in wisdom. All my misfortunes have been already calculated upon by me, upon my master coming home. I must grind at the mill, be beaten, wear fetters,
be set to work in the fields; not one individual thing of these will happen unexpected by my mind. Whatever falls out beyond my expectations, all that I shall look upon as so much gain. But why do you hesitate to accost him, and soften him at the outset with fair words?
(PHAEDRIA goes forward to accost DEMIPHO.)

> Latin: GETA:
Phaedria, incredibile est quantum herum anteco sapientia.
Meditata mihi sunt omnia mea incommoda, herus si redierit:
Molendum usque in pistrino; vapulandum; habendae compedes;
Opus ruri faciendum: horum nihil quicquam accidet animo novum.
Quicquid praeter spem eveniet, omne id deputabo esse in lucro.
Sed quid cessas hominem adire, et blande in principio alloqui?

[¶127] DEMIPHO: (to himself.)
I see Phaedria, my brother’s son, coming toward me.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Phaedriam mei fratris video filium mihi ire obviam.

[¶128] PHAEDRIA:
My uncle, welcome!

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Mi patrue, salve.

[¶129] DEMIPHO:
Greetings to you; but where is Antipho?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Salve: sed ubi est Antipho?

[¶130] PHAEDRIA:
That you have arrived in safety—

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Salvum advenire—

[¶131] DEMIPHO:
I believe it; answer my question.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Credo: hoc responde mihi.

[¶132] PHAEDRIA:
He is well; he’s close at hand; but is every thing quite to your wishes?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Valet: hic est: sed satin omnia ex sententia?

[¶133] DEMIPHO:
I wish it was so, indeed.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Vellem quidem.

[¶134] PHAEDRIA:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Quid istuc?

[¶135] DEMIPHO:
Do you ask me, Phaedria? You people have cooked up a fine marriage in my absence.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Rogitas, Phaedria?
Bonas, me absente, hic confecistis nuptias.

[¶136] PHAEDRIA:
What now, are you angry with him for that?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Eho, an id succenses nunc illi?

[¶137] GETA: (apart.)
What a clever contriver!

> Latin: GETA:
O artificem probum.

[¶138] DEMIPHO:
Have I not reason to be angry with him? I long for him to come into my sight, that he may know that through his faultiness, from being a mild father, I am become a most severe one.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Egone illi non succenseam? Ipsum gestio
Dari mihi in conspectum, nunc sua culpa ut sciat
Lenem patrem illum factum me esse acerrimum.

[¶139] PHAEDRIA:
But he has done nothing, uncle, for which you should blame him.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Atqui nihil fecit, patrue, quod succenseas.

[¶140] DEMIPHO:
Now, do look at that; all alike; all hanging together;
when you know one, you know all.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ecce autem similia omnia; omnes congruunt;
Unum cognoris, omnes noris.

[¶141] PHAEDRIA:
That is not the case.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Haud ita est.

[¶142] DEMIPHO:
When the one is in fault, the other is at hand to defend him; when it is the other, then he is ready; they just help one another by turns.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Hic in noxa est: ille ad defendendam causam adest.
Quum ille est, praesto hic est: tradunt operas mutuas.

[¶143] GETA: (apart.)
The old man, without. knowing it, has exactly described their proceedings.

> Latin: GETA:
Probe horum facta imprudens depinxit senex.

[¶144] DEMIPHO:
For if it had not been so, you would not, Phaedria, have stood up for him.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Nam ni haec ita essent, cum illo haud stares, Phaedria.

[¶145] PHAEDRIA:
If, uncle; it is the fact, that Antipho has been guilty of any fault, in consequence of which he has been too regardless of his interest or his reputation, I would not allege any reason why he should not suffer what he deserves. But if some one by chance, relying upon his own artfulness, has laid a snare for our youthful age,
and has succeeded, is it our fault or that of the judges, who often, through envy, take away from the rich, or, through compassion, award to the poor?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Si est, patrue, culpam ut Antipho in se admiserit,
Ex qua re minus rei foret aut famae temperans;
Non causam dico quin quod meritus sit ferat.
Sed si quis forte, malitia fretus sua,
Insidias nostrae fecit adolescentiae,
Ac vicit; nostrane ea culpa est an iudicum,
Qui saepe propter invidiam adimunt diviti,
Aut propter misericordiam addunt pauperi?

[¶146] GETA: (apart.)
Unless I knew the case, I could fancy he was saying the truth.

> Latin: GETA:
Ni nossem causam, crederem vera hunc loqui.

[¶147] DEMIPHO:
Is there any judge who can possibly know
your rights, when you yourself don’t answer a word—as he has done?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
An quisquam iudex est qui possit noscere
Tua iusta, ubi tute verbum non respondeas,
Ita ut ille fecit?

[¶148] PHAEDRIA:
He acted the part of an ingenuous young man; after they had come before the judges, he was not able to say what he had intended, so much did his modesty confuse him there through his bashfulness.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Functus adolescentuli est
Officium liberalis. Postquam ad iudices
Ventura est, non potuit cogitata proloqui:
Ita eum tum timidum ibi obstupefecit pudor.

## 2. Acts 2–4

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

[¶0] GETA: (apart.)
I commend him: but why do I hesitate at once to accost the old man? (Going forward to DEMIPHO.) Master, welcome to you! I’m glad to see you safe returned.

> Latin: GETA:
Laudo hunc; sed cesso adire quamprimum senem?
Here, salve: salvum te advenisse gaudeo.

[¶1] DEMIPHO: (ironically.)
Ah, excellent guardian! save you, stay of my family, no doubt, to whom, at my departure, I intrusted my son.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Oh,
Bone custos, salve, columen vero familiar,
Cui commendavi filium hinc abiens meum.

[¶2] GETA:
For some minutes past I’ve heard you accusing all of us
undeservedly; and me the most undeservedly of them all; for what would you have had me do for you in this affair? The laws do not allow a person who is a slave to plead; nor is there any giving evidence on his part.

> Latin: GETA:
Iam dudum te omnes nos accusare audio
Immerito, et me horunc omnium immeritissimo.
Nam quid me in hac re facere voluisti tibi?
Servum hominem causam orare leges non sinunt:
Neque testimoni dictio est.

[¶3] DEMIPHO:
I grant all that: I admit this too—the young man, unused to courts, was bashful; I allow it:
you, too, are a slave: still, if she was ever so near a relative, it was not necessary for him to marry her, but as the law enjoins, you might have given her a portion; she could have looked out for another husband. Why, then, in preference, did he bring a pauper home?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Mitto omnia.
Addo istuc; imprudens timuit adolescens: sino.
Tu servus: verum, si cognata est maxime,
Non fuit necesse habere: sed, id quod lex iubet,
Dotem daretis; quæreret alium virum.
Qua ratione inopem potius ducebat domum?

[¶4] GETA:
No particular reason; but he hadn’t the money.

> Latin: GETA:
Non ratio, verum argentum deerat.

[¶5] DEMIPHO:
He might have borrowed it
from some person or other.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Sumeret
Alicunde.

[¶6] GETA:
From some person or other? Nothing more easily said.

> Latin: GETA:
Alicunde? nihil est dictu facilius.

[¶7] DEMIPHO:
After all, if on no other terms, on interest.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Postremo, si nullo alio pacto, foenore.

[¶8] GETA:
Aye, aye, fine talking; as if any one would have trusted him, while you were living.

> Latin: GETA:
Hui, dixti pulchre: siquidem quisquam crederet
Te vivo.

[¶9] DEMIPHO:
No, it shall not be so; it must not be. Ought I to allow her to remain with him as his wife a single day?
She merits no indulgence. I should like this fellow to be pointed out to me, or to be shown where he lives.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Non, non sic futurum est: non potest.
Egone illam cum illo ut patiar nuptam unum diem?
Nihil suave meritum est. Hominem commonstrarier
Mihi istum volo, aut ubi habitet demonstrarier.

[¶10] GETA:
Phormio, do you mean?

> Latin: GETA:
Nempe Phormionem?

[¶11] DEMIPHO:
That fellow, the woman’s next friend?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Istum patronum mulieris.

[¶12] GETA:
I’ll have him here immediately.

> Latin: GETA:
Iam faxo hic aderit.

[¶13] DEMIPHO:
Where is Antipho at present?
GETA:
Away from home.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Antipho ubi nunc est?
PHAEDRIA:
Foris.

[¶14] DEMIPHO:
Go, Phedria, look for him, and bring him here.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Abi, Phaedria: eum require atque adduce huc.

[¶15] PHAEDRIA:
I’Il go straightway to the place.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Eo
Recta via equidem illuc.

[¶16] GETA: (aside.)
To Pamphila, you mean.
(Exeunt PHAEDRIA and GETA.)

> Latin: GETA:
Nempe ad Pamphilam.

[¶17] DEMIPHO: (to himself.)
I’ll just step home to salute the house-hold Gods. From there, I’ll go to the Forum, and summon some of my friends to give me their assistance in this affair; so that I may not be unprepared, when Phormio comes.
(Goes into his house.)

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
At ego Deos Penates hinc salutatum domum
Devertar; inde ibo ad forum, atque aliquot mihi
Amicos advocabo ad hanc rem qui assient,
Ut ne imparatus sim, si adveniat Phormio.

[¶18] (Enter PHORMIO and GETA.)
PHORMIO:
And so you say that, dreading his father’s presence, he has taken himself off?

> Latin: (PHORMIO. GETA.)
PHORMIO:
ITANE patris ais conspectum veritum hinc abisse?

[¶19] GETA:
Exactly so.

> Latin: GETA:
Admodum.

[¶20] PHORMIO:
That Phanium is left alone?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Phanium relictam solam?

[¶21] GETA:
Just so.

> Latin: GETA:
Sic.

[¶22] PHORMIO:
And that the old man is in a rage?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Et iratum senem?

[¶23] GETA:
Extremely so.

> Latin: GETA:
Oppido.

[¶24] PHORMIO:
The whole business, Phormio, rests on yourself alone; you yourself have hashed it up; it must all be swallowed by yourself, so set about it.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ad te summa solum, Phormio, rerum redit.
Tute hoc intristi: tibi omne est exedendum. Accingere.

[¶25] GETA:
I entreat you—

> Latin: GETA:
Obsecro te—

[¶26] PHORMIO: (to himself.)
If he inquires.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Si rogabit?

[¶27] GETA:
In you is all our hope.

> Latin: GETA:
In te spes est—

[¶28] PHORMIO: (to himself.)
Look at this, now:—
What if he sends her back?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Eccere.
Quid si reddet?

[¶29] GETA:
It was you that urged us.

> Latin: GETA:
Tu impulisti—

[¶30] PHORMIO: (to himself.)
I think that will do.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Sic opinor.

[¶31] GETA:
Do help us.

> Latin: GETA:
Subveni.

[¶32] PHORMIO: (with alacrity.)
Let the old gentleman come; all my plans are now ready prepared in my mind.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Cedo senem: iam instructa sunt mihi in corde consilia omnia.

[¶33] GETA:
What will you do?

> Latin: GETA:
Quid ages?

[¶34] PHORMIO:
What would you have me? But that Phanium may continue with him, and that I may clear Antipho from this charge, and turn upon myself all the wrath of the old gentleman?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Quid vis nisi uti maneat Phanium, atque ex crimine hoc
Antiphonem eripiam, atque in me omnem iram derivem senis?

[¶35] GETA:
O brave and kind man! But, Phormio, I often
dread lest this courage may end in the stocks at last.

> Latin: GETA:
O vir fortis, atque amicus. Verum hoc saepe, Phormio,
Vereor, ne istaec fortitudo in nervum erumpat denique.

[¶36] PHORMIO:
Oh, by no means; I’ve made trial, and have already pondered on the paths for my feet. How many men before to-day do you suppose I have beaten, even to death, strangers as well as citizens: the better I understand it, the oftener I try it. Just tell me, look you, did you ever hear of an action of damages being brought against me?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ah,
Non ita est: factum est periclum: iam pedum visa est via.
Quot me censes homines iam deverberasse usque ad necem,
Hospites, tun cives? quo magis novi, tanto saepius.
Cedodum, en unquam iniuriarum audisti mihi scriptam dicam?

[¶37] GETA:
How is that?

> Latin: GETA:
Qui istuc?

[¶38] PHORMIO:
Because the net is never spread for the hawk or the kite, that do us the mischief; it is spread for those that do us none: because in the last there is profit, while with the others it is labor lost. For persons, out of whom any thing can be got, there’s risk from others; they know that I’ve got nothing. You will say: “They will take you, when sentenced, into their house;”
they have no wish to maintain a devouring fellow; and, in my opinion, they are wise, if for an injury they are unwilling to return the highest benefits.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Quia non rete accipitri tenditur neque miluo,
Qui male faciunt nobis: illis qui nihil faciunt tenditur.
Quia enim in illis fructus est; in illis opera luditur.
Aliis aliunde est periclum unde aliquid abradi potest:
Mihi sciunt nihil esse. Dices, “Ducent damnatum domum:”
Alere nolunt hominem edacem; et sapiunt, mea quidem sententia,
Pro maleficio si beneficium summum nolunt reddere.

[¶39] GETA:
It’s impossible that sufficient thanks can be returned you by him for your kindness.

> Latin: GETA:
Non potest satis pro merito ab illo tibi referri gratia.

[¶40] PHORMIO:
Why no; no person can return thanks sufficient to his patron for his kindness. For you to take your place at table at free cost, anointed and just washed at the bath,
with your mind at ease, whereas he is devoured with the care and expense: while every thing is being done to give you delight, he is being vexed at heart; you are laughing away, first to drink, take the higher place; a banquet full of doubts is placed before you—

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Immo enim nemo satis pro merito gratiam regi refert.
Tene asymbolum venire, unctum atque lautum e balneis,
Otiosum ab animo, quum ille et cura et sumtu absumitur
Dum tibi sit quod placeat; ille ringitur, tu rideas;
Prior bibas, prior decumbas; coena dubia apponitur.

[¶41] GETA:
What is the meaning of that expression?

> Latin: GETA:
Quid istuc verbi est?

[¶42] PHORMIO:
When you are in doubt which in especial to par-take of. When you enter upon a consideration how delicious these things are, and how costly they are,
the person who provides them, must you not account him a very God—neither more nor less?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ubi tu dubites quid sumas potissimum.
Haec cum rationem ineas quam sint suavia et quam cara sint,
Ea qui praebet non tu hunc habeas plane praesentem Deum?

[¶43] GETA:
The old man is coming; take care what you are about; the first onset is the fiercest; if you stand that, then, afterward, you may play just as you please.
(They retire to a distance.)

> Latin: GETA:
Senex adest: vide quid agas: prima coitio est acerrima.
Si eam sustinueris, postilla iam, ut libet, ludas licet.

[¶44] (Enter, at a distance, DEMIPHO, HEGIO, CRATINUS, and CRITO, following him.)
DEMIPHO:
Well now—did you ever hear of an injury being done to any person in a more affronting manner than this has to me?
Assist me, I do beg of you.

> Latin: (DEMIPHO.
GETA. PHORMIO.)
DEMIPHO:
En unquam cuiquam contumeliosius
Audistis factam iniuriam quam haec est mihi?
Adeste, quaeso.

[¶45] GETA: (apart.)
He’s in a passion.

> Latin: GETA:
Iratus est.

[¶46] PHORMIO: (apart.)
Do you mind your cue; I’ll rouse him just now. (Stepping forward and crying aloud.) Oh immortal Gods! does Demipho deny that Phanium here is related to him?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Quin tu hoc age: st!
Iam ego hunc agitabo. Pro Deum immortalium!
Negat Phanium esse hanc sibi cognatam Demipho?
Hanc Demipho negat esse cognatam?

[¶47] GETA:
He does deny it.
DEMIPHO: (to his friends.)
I believe it is the very man I was speaking about. Follow me. (They all come forward.)

> Latin: GETA:
Negat.

[¶48] PHORMIO: (to GETA.)
And that he knows who her father was?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Neque eius patrem se scire qui fuerit?

[¶49] GETA:
He does deny it.

> Latin: GETA:
Negat.
DEMIPHO:
Ipsum esse opinor de quo agebam. Sequimini.

[¶50] PHORMIO:
And that he knows who Stilpho was?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Nec Stilphonem ipsum scire qui fuerit?

[¶51] GETA:
He does deny it.

> Latin: GETA:
Negat.

[¶52] PHORMIO:
Because the poor thing was left destitute, her father is disowned; she herself is slighted: see what avarice does.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Quia egens relicta est misera, ignoratur parens,
Negligitur ipsa: vide avaritia quid facit.

[¶53] GETA: (in a loud voice.)
If you are going to accuse my: master of avarice, you shall hear what you won’t like.

> Latin: GETA:
Si herum insimulabis avaritiae, male audies.

[¶54] DEMIPHO:
Oh, the impudence of the fellow! Does he come on purpose to accuse me?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
O audaciam! etiam me ultro accusatum advenit?

[¶55] PHORMIO:
For really, I have no reason why I should be offended at the young man, if he did not know him; since that person, when growing aged and poor, and supporting himself by his labor, generally confined himself to the country; there he had a piece of land from my father
to cultivate; full oft, in the mean time, did the old. man tell me that this kinsman of his neglected him: but what a man? The very best I ever saw in all my life.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Nam iam adolescenti nihil est quod succenseam,
Si illum minus norat: quippe homo iam grandior,
Pauper, cui opera vita erat, ruri fere
Se continebat: ibi agrum de nostro patre
Colendum habebat. Saepe interea mihi senex
Narrabat se hunc negligere cognatum suum:
At quem virum! quem ego viderim in vita optimum.

[¶56] GETA: (in a loud voice.)
Look to yourself as well as to him, how you speak.

> Latin: GETA:
Videas te atque illum ut narras.

[¶57] PHORMIO: (with affected indignation.)
Away, to utter perdition, with you. For if I had not formed such an opinion of him, I should never
have incurred such enmity with your family on her account, whom he now slights in such an ungenerous manner.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
I in malam crucem.
Nam nisi ita eum existimassem, nunquam tam graves
Ob hanc inimicitias caperem in vestram familiam,
Quam is aspernatur nunc tam illiberaliter.

[¶58] GETA: (aloud.)
What, do you persist in speaking abusively of my master in his absence, you most abominable fellow?

> Latin: GETA:
Pergin hero absenti male loqui, impurissime?

[¶59] PHORMIO:
Why, it’s just what he deserves.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Dignum autem hoc illo est.

[¶60] GETA: (aloud.)
Say you so, you jail-bird?

> Latin: GETA:
Ain tandem, career?

[¶61] DEMIPHO: (calling aloud.)
Geta!

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Geta.

[¶62] GETA: (aloud.)
A plunderer of people’s property—a perverter of the laws!

> Latin: GETA:
Bonorum extortor, legum contortor.

[¶63] DEMIPHO: (calling aloud.)
Geta!

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Geta.

[¶64] PHORMIO: (apart, in a low voice.)
Answer him.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Responde.

[¶65] GETA:
Who is it? (Looking round.) Oh!—

> Latin: GETA:
Quis homo est? ehem!

[¶66] DEMIPHO:
Hold your peace.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Tace.

[¶67] GETA:
He has never left off uttering abuse against you behind your back, unworthy of you, and just befitting himself.

> Latin: GETA:
Absenti tibi
Te indignas, seque dignas, contumelias
Nunquam cessavit dicere hodie.

[¶68] DEMIPHO:
Well now, have done. (Addressing PHORMIO.) Young man, in the first place, with your good leave, I ask you this, if you may possibly be pleased to give me an answer:
explain to me who this friend of yours was, that you speak of, and how he said that he was related to me.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ohe, desine.
Adolescens, primum abs te hoc bona venia peto,
Si tibi placere potis est, mihi ut respondeas:
Quem amicum tuum ais fuisse istum? explana mihi:
Et qui cognatum me sibi esse diceret.

[¶69] PHORMIO: (sneeringly.)
You are fishing it out, just as if you didn’t know.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Proinde expiscare, quasi non nosses.

[¶70] DEMIPHO:
I, know?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Nossem?

[¶71] PHORMIO:
Yes.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ita.

[¶72] DEMIPHO:
I say I do not; you, Who affirm it, recall it to my recollection.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ego me nego: tu qui ais redige in memoriam.

[¶73] PHORMIO:
Come now, didn’t you know your own cousin-ger-man?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Eho, tu sobrinum tuum non noras?

[¶74] DEMIPHO:
You torture me to death;
tell me his name.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Enicas:
Dic nomen.

[¶75] PHORMIO:
His name?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Nomen?

[¶76] DEMIPHO:
Of course. (PHORMIO hesitates.) Why are you silent now?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Maxime. Quid nunc taces?

[¶77] PHORMIO: (aside.)
Heavens, I’m undone; I’ve forgot the name.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Perii hercle: nomen perdidi.

[¶78] DEMIPHO:
Well, what do you say?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Hem, quid ais?

[¶79] PHORMIO: (aside, to GETA.)
Geta, if you recollect the name I told you a short time since, prompt me. (Aloud, to DEMIPHO.) Well then, I sha’n’t tell you; as if you didn’t know, you come to pump me.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Geta.
Si meministi id quod olim dictum est, subiice. Hem,
Non dico: quasi non noris, tentatum advenis.

[¶80] DEMIPHO:
I, come to pump you, indeed?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Egone autem tento?

[¶81] GETA: (whispering to PHORMIO.)
Stilpho.

> Latin: GETA:
Stilpho.

[¶82] PHORMIO:
But, after all, what matters that to me?
It is Stilpho.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Atque adeo quid mea?
Stilpho est.

[¶83] DEMIPHO:
Whom did you say?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quem dixti?

[¶84] PHORMIO:
Stilpho, I tell you; you knew him.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Stilphonem, inquam, noveras?

[¶85] DEMIPHO:
I neither know him, nor had I ever any relation of that name.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Neque ego illum noram; neque mihi cognatus fuit
Quisquam istoc nomine.

[¶86] PHORMIO:
Say you so? Are you not ashamed of this? But if he had left you ten talents—

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Itane? non te horum pudet?
At si talentum rem reliquisset decem—

[¶87] DEMIPHO:
May the Gods confound you!

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Di tibi malefaciant.

[¶88] PHORMIO:
You’d have been the first, from memory,
to trace your line of kindred, even as far back as from grandfather and great-grandfather.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
primus esses memoriter
Progeniem vestram usque ab avo atque atavo proferens.

[¶89] DEMIPHO:
Very likely what you say. In that case, when I had undertaken it, I should have shown how she was related to me; do you do the same: tell me, how is she related to me?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ita ut dicis: ego tum si advenissem, qui mihi
Cognata ea esset dicererm: itidem tu face.
Cedo qui est cognata?

[¶90] GETA:
Well done, my master, that’s right! (Threateningly to PHORMIO.) Hark you, take you care.

> Latin: GETA:
Eu, noster, recte. Heus tu, cave.

[¶91] PHORMIO:
I’ve already made the matter quite plain where I ought,
before the judges; besides, if it was untrue, why didn’t your son disprove it?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Dilucide expedivi quibus me oportuit
Iudicibus: tum, si id falsum fuerat, filius
Cur non refellit?

[¶92] DEMIPHO:
Do you talk about my son to me? Of whose folly there is no speaking in the language it deserves.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Filium narras mihi,
Cuius de stultitia dici ut dignum est non potest?

[¶93] PHORMIO:
Then do you, who are so wise, go to the magistrates, that for you they may give a second decision in the same cause,
since you reign alone here, and are the only man allowed to get a second trial in the same cause.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
At tu qui sapiens es magistratus adi;
Iudicium de eadem causa iterum ut reddant tibi;
Quandoquidem solus regnas, et soli licet
Hic de eadem causa bis iudicium adipiscier.

[¶94] DEMIPHO:
Although wrong has been done me, still, however, rather than engage in litigation, or listen to you, just as though she had been my relation, as the law orders
one to find her a portion, rid me of her, and take five minae.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Etsi mihi facta iniuria est, verumtamen
Potius quam lites secter, aut quam te audiam,
Itidem ut cognata si sit, id quod lex iubet
Dotem dare, abduce hanc, minas quinque accipe.

[¶95] PHORMIO:
laughing.) Ha, ha, ha! a pleasant individual!

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ha, ha, he! homo suavis.

[¶96] DEMIPHO:
Well! am I asking any thing unfair? Or am I not to obtain even this, which is my right at common law?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid est? num iniquum postulo?
An ne hoc quidelm adipiscar ego, quod ius publicum est?

[¶97] PHORMIO:
Pray, really is it so, that when you have abused-her like a courtesan, the law orders you to pay her hire and pack her off? Or
is it the fact, that in order that a citizen may bring no disgrace upon herself through poverty, she has been ordered to be given to her nearest relative, to pass her life with him alone? A thing which you mean to prevent.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Itane tandem quæso, item ut meretricem ubi abusus sis,
Mercedem dare lex iubet ei atque amittere? An,
Ut ne quid turpe civis in se admitteret
Propter egestatem, proximo iussa est dari,
Ut cum uno aetatem degeret? quod tu vetas.

[¶98] DEMIPHO:
Yes, to her nearest.relative, indeed; but why to us, or on what ground?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ita proximo quidem! At nos unde? aut quamobrem—

[¶99] PHORMIO:
Well, well, a thing tried, they say, you can’t try over again.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ohe,
Actum, aiunt, ne agas.

[¶100] DEMIPHO:
Not try it? On the contrary, I shall not desist
until I have gone through with it.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Non agam? immo haud desinam,
Donec perfecero hoc.

[¶101] PHORMIO:
You are trifling.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ineptis.

[¶102] DEMIPHO:
Only let me alone for that.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Sine modo.

[¶103] PHORMIO:
In short, Demipho, I have nothing to do with you; your son has been cast, and not you; for your time of life for marrying has now gone by.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Postremo tecum nihil rei nobis, Demipho, est.
Tuus est damnatus gnatus, non tu; nam tua
Præterierat iam ad ducendum aetas.

[¶104] DEMIPHO:
Consider that it is he that says to you all I now say,
or else assuredly, together with this wife of his, I’ll be forbidding him the house.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Omnia haec
Illum putato quae ego nunc dico dicere;
Aut quidem cum uxore hac ipsum prohibebo domo.

[¶105] GETA: (aside.)
He’s in a passion.

> Latin: GETA:
Iratus est.

[¶106] PHORMIO:
You’ll be acting more considerately.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Tute idem melius feceris.

[¶107] DEMIPHO:
Are you so resolved, you unlucky fellow, to do me all the mischief you can?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Itane es paratus facere me adversum omnia,
Infelix?

[¶108] PHORMIO: (aside, to GETA.)
He’s afraid of us, although he’s so careful to conceal it.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Metuit hic nos, tametsi sedulo
Dissimulat.

[¶109] GETA: (aside, to PHORMIO.)
Your beginning has turned out well.

> Latin: GETA:
Bene habent tibi principia.

[¶110] PHORMIO:
But if, on the contrary,
you endure what must be endured, you’ll be doing what’s worthy of you, so that we may be on friendly terms.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Quin quod est
Ferendum fers? tuis dignum factis feceris,
Ut amici inter nos simus.

[¶111] DEMIPHO: (indignantly.)
What, I seek your friendship, or have any wish to see or hear you?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Egon tuam expetam
Amicitiam? aut te visum aut auditum velim?

[¶112] PHORMIO:
If you can agree with her, you will have some one to cheer up your old age; just consider your time of life.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Si concordabis cum illa, habebis quae tuam
Senectutem oblectet; respice aetatem tuam.

[¶113] DEMIPHO:
Let her cheer up yourself; keep her to yourself.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Te oblectet; tibi habe.

[¶114] PHORMIO:
Really, do moderate your passion.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Minue vero iram.

[¶115] DEMIPHO:
Mark what I say. There have been words enough already; if you don’t make haste to fetch away the woman, I shall turn her out: I have said it, Phormio.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Hoc age:
Satis iam verborum est: nisi tu properas mulierem
Abducere, ego illam eiiciam. Dixi, Phormio.

[¶116] PHORMIO:
If you use her in any other manner than is befitting a free-born woman, I shall be bringing a swinging action against you: I have said it, Demipho.
(To GETA.) Hark you, if there should be any occasion for me, I shall be at home.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Si tu illam attigeris secus quam dignum est liberam,
Dicam tibi impingam grandem: dixi, Demipho.
Si quid opus fuerit, heus, domo me.

[¶117] GETA: (apart.)
I understand you.
(Exit PHORMIO.)

> Latin: GETA:
Intelligo.

[¶118] (DEMIPHO, HEGIO, CRATINUS, CRITO, and GETA.)
DEMIPHO:
What care and anxiety my son does bring upon me, by entangling himself and me in this same marriage! And he doesn’t so much as come into my sight, that at least I might know what he says about this matter. or what his sentiments are.
(To GETA.) Be off, go see whether he has returned home or not by this.

> Latin: (DEMIPHO.
GETA.
HEGIO. CRATINUS. CRITO.)
DEMIPHO:
Quanta me cura et sollicitudine afficit
Gnatus, qui me et se hisce impedivit nuptiis;
Neque mihi in conspectum prodit, ut saltem sciam
Quid de hac re dicat, quidve sit sententiae.
Abi; vise redieritne iam an nondum domum.

[¶119] GETA:
I will. (Goes into the house.)

> Latin: GETA:
Eo.

[¶120] DEMIPHO: (to the ASSISTANTS.)
You see how the case stands. What am I to do? Tell me, Hegio.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Videtis quo in loco res haec siet.
Quid ago? dic, Hegio.

[¶121] HEGIO:
What, I? I think Cratinus ought, if it seems good to you.

> Latin: HEGIO:
Ego Cratinum censeo,
Si tibi videtur.

[¶122] DEMIPHO:
Tell me, Cratinus.
CRATINUS:
What, do you wish me to speak?
I should like you to do what is most for your advantage;
it is my opinion, that what this son of yours has done in your absence, in law and justice ought to be annulled; and that you’ll obtain redress. That’s my opinion.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Dic, Cratine.
CRATINUS:
Mene vis?

[¶123] DEMIPHO:
Say now, Hegio.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Te.
CRATINUS:
Ego quae in rem tuam sint ea velim facias: mihi
Sic hoc videtur. Quod te absente hic filius
Egit restitui in integrum aequum est et bonum,
Et id impetrabis: dixi.
DEMIPHO:
Dic nunc, Hegio.

[¶124] HEGIO:
I believe that he has spoken with due deliberation; but it is the fact, “as many men, so many minds;” every, one his own way.
It doesn’t appear to me that what has been done by law can be revoked; and it is wrong to attempt it.

> Latin: HEGIO:
Ego sedulo hunc dixisse credo: verum ita est,
Quot homines, tot sententiae; suus cuique mos.
Mihi non videtur quod sit factum legibus
Rescindi posse; et turpe inceptum est.

[¶125] DEMIPHO:
Speak, Crito.
CRITO:
I am of opinion that we must deliberate further; it is a, matter of importance.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Dic, Crito.
CRITO:
Ego amplius deliberandum censeo:
Res magna est.

[¶126] HEGIO:
Do you want any thing further with us?

> Latin: HEGIO:
Numquid nos vis?

[¶127] DEMIPHO:
You have done very well. (Exeunt ASSISTANTS.) I am much more at a loss than before.
(Re-enter GETA, from the house.)

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Fecistis probe:
Incertior sum multo quam dudum.

[¶128] GETA:
They say that he has not come back.

> Latin: GETA:
Negant
Redisse.

[¶129] DEMIPHO:
I must wait for my brother. The advice that he gives me about this matter, I shall follow. I’ll go make inquiry at the harbor, when he is to come back.
(Exit.)

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Frater est exspectandus mihi:
Is quod mihi dederit de hac re consilium id sequar.
Percontatum ibo ad portum, quoad se recipiat.

[¶130] GETA:
And I’ll go look for Antipho, that he may learn what has passed here. But look, I see him coming this way, just in the very nick of time.

> Latin: GETA:
At ego Antiphonem quaeram, ut quae acta hic sint sciat.
Sed eccum ipsum video in tempore huc se recipere.

[¶131] (Enter ANTIPHO, at a distance.)
ANTIPHO: (to himself.)
Indeed, Antipho, in many ways you are to be blamed for these feelings; to have thus run away, and intrusted your existence to the protection of other people. Did you suppose that others would give more attention to your interests than your own self? For, however other matters stood, certainly you should have thought of her whom you have now at home, that she might not suffer any harm in consequence of her confiding in you,
whose hopes and resources, poor thing, are all now centred in yourself alone.

> Latin: (ANTIPHO. GETA.)
ANTIPHO:
Enimvero, Antipho, multimodis cum istoc animo es vituperandus.
Itane te hinc abisse et vitam tuam tutandam aliis dedisse?
Alios tuam rem credidisti magis quam tete animadversuros?
Nam, ut ut erant alia, illi certe quae nunc tibi domi est consuleres,
Ne quid propter tuam fidem decepta pateretur mali,
Cuius nunc miserae spes opesque sunt in te uno omnes sitae.

[¶132] GETA: (coming forward.)
Why really, master, we have for some time been censuring you here in your absence, for having thus gone away.

> Latin: GETA:
Equidem, here, nos iam dudum hic te absentem incusamus qui abieris.

[¶133] ANTIPHO:
You are the very person I was looking for.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Te ipsum quaerebam.

[¶134] GETA:
But still, we were not a bit the more remiss on that account.

> Latin: GETA:
Sed ea causa nihilo magis defecimus.

[¶135] ANTIPHO:
Tell me, I beg of you, in what posture are my interests and fortunes. Has my father any suspicion?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Loquere, obsecro; quonam in loco sunt res et fortunae meae?
Numquid patri subolet?

[¶136] GETA:
Not any at present.

> Latin: GETA:
Nihil etiam.

[¶137] ANTIPHO:
Is there still any hope?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Et quid spei porro est?

[¶138] GETA:
I don’t know.

> Latin: GETA:
Nescio.

[¶139] ANTIPHO:
Alas!

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Ah.

[¶140] GETA:
But Phaedria has not neglected to use his endeavors in your behalf.

> Latin: GETA:
Nisi Phaedria haud cessavit pro te eniti.

[¶141] ANTIPHO:
He did nothing new.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Nihil fecit novi.

[¶142] GETA:
Then Phormio, too; in this matter, just as in every thing else, showed himself a man of energy.

> Latin: GETA:
Tur Phormio itidem in hac re, ut in aliis, strenuum hominem praebuit.

[¶143] ANTIPHO:
What did he do?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid is fecit?

[¶144] GETA:
With his words he silenced the old man, who was very angry.

> Latin: GETA:
Confutavit verbis admodum iratum patrem.

[¶145] ANTIPHO:
Well done, Phormio!

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Eu, Phormio.

[¶146] GETA:
I, too, did all I could.

> Latin: GETA:
Ego quod potui porro.

[¶147] ANTIPHO:
My dear Geta, I love you all.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Mi Geta, omnes vos amo.

[¶148] GETA:
The commencement is just in this position, as I tell you: matters, at present are going on smoothly,
and your father intends to wait for your uncle till he arrives.

> Latin: GETA:
Sic habent principia sese ut dico: adhuc tranquilla res est;
Mansurusque patruum pater est, dum huc adveniat.

[¶149] ANTIPHO:
Why him?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid eum?

[¶150] GETA:
He said he was wishful to act by his advice, in all that relates to this business.

> Latin: GETA:
Ut aibat,
De eius consilio sese velle facere, quod ad hanc rem attinet.

[¶151] ANTIPHO:
How greatly now, Geta, I do dread my uncle’s safe arrival! For, according to his single sentence, from what I hear, I am to live or die.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quantus metus est mihi venire huc salvum nunc patruum, Geta.
Nam per eius unam, ut audio, aut vivam aut moriar sententiam.

[¶152] GETA:
Here comes Phaedria.

> Latin: GETA:
Phaedria tibi adest.

[¶153] ANTIPHO:
Where is he, pray?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Ubinam?

[¶154] GETA:
See, he’s coming from his place of exercise.

> Latin: GETA:
Eccum ab sua palaestra exit foras.

[¶155] (Enter from DORIO’S house, DORIO, followed by PHAEDRIA.)
PHAEDRIA:
Prithee, hear me, Dorio.

> Latin: (PHAEDRIA.
DORIO.
ANTIPHO. GETA.)
PHAEDRIA:
Dorio, audi,
Obsecro.

[¶156] DORIO:
I’ll not hear you.

> Latin: DORIO:
Non audio.

[¶157] PHAEDRIA:
Only a moment.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Parumper.

[¶158] DORIO:
Let me alone.

> Latin: DORIO:
Quin omitte me.

[¶159] PHAEDRIA:
Do hear what I have to say.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Audi quod dicam.

[¶160] DORIO:
Why really I am tired of hearing the same thing a thousand times over.

> Latin: DORIO:
At enim taedet iam audire eadem millies.

[¶161] PHAEDRIA:
But now, I have something to tell you that you’ll hear with pleasure.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
At nunc dicam quod libenter audias.

[¶162] DORIO:
Speak then; I’m listening.

> Latin: DORIO:
Loquere, audio.

[¶163] PHAEDRIA:
Can I not prevail on you to wait for only three days? Whither are you going now?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Nequeo te exorare ut maneas triduum hoc? Quo nunc abis?

[¶164] DORIO:
I was wondering if you had any thing new to offer.

> Latin: DORIO:
Mirabar si tu mihi quicquam afferres novi.

[¶165] ANTIPHO: (apart, to GETA.)
I’m afraid for this Procurer, lest—

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Hei, metuo lenonem ne quid—suo suat capiti.

[¶166] GETA: (apart, to ANTIPHO.)
Something may befall his own safety.

> Latin: GETA:
Idem ego metuo.

[¶167] PHAEDRIA:
You don’t believe me?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Non mihi credis?

[¶168] DORIO:
You guess right.

> Latin: DORIO:
Hariolare.

[¶169] PHAEDRIA:
But if I pledge my word.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Sin fidem do.

[¶170] DORIO:
Nonsense!

> Latin: DORIO:
Fabulae.

[¶171] PHAEDRIA:
You will have reason to say that this kindness was well laid out by you on interest.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Foeneratum istuc beneficium tibi pulchre dices.

[¶172] DORIO:
Stuff!

> Latin: DORIO:
Logi.

[¶173] PHAEDRIA:
Believe me, you will be glad you did so; upon my faith, it is the truth.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Crede mihi, gaudebis facto: verum hercle hoc est.

[¶174] DORIO:
Mere dreams!

> Latin: DORIO:
Somnia.

[¶175] PHAEDRIA:
Do but try; the time is not long.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Experire; non est longum.

[¶176] DORIO:
The same story over again.

> Latin: DORIO:
Cantilenam eandem canis.

[¶177] PHAEDRIA:
You will be my kinsman, my father, my friend; you—

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Tu mihi cognatus, tu parens, tu amicus, tu—

[¶178] DORIO:
Now, do prate on.

> Latin: DORIO:
Garri modo.

[¶179] PHAEDRIA:
For you to be of a disposition so harsh and inexorable, that neither by pity nor by entreaties can you be softened!

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Adeone ingenio esse duro te atque inexorabili
Ut neque misericordia neque precibus molliri queas?

[¶180] DORIO:
For you to be of a disposition so unreasonable and so unconscionable, Phaedria,
that you can be talking me over with fine words, and be for amusing yourself with what’s my property for nothing!

> Latin: DORIO:
Adeon te esse incogitantem atque impudentem, Phaedria,
Ut phaleratis dictis ducas me, et meam ductes gratiis?

[¶181] ANTIPHO: (apart, to GETA.)
I am sorry for him.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Miseritum est.

[¶182] PHAEDRIA: (aside.)
Alas! I feel it to be too true.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Hei veris vincor.

[¶183] GETA: (apart, to ANTIPHO.)
How well each keeps up to his character!

> Latin: GETA:
Quam uterque est similis sui.

[¶184] PHAEDRIA: (to himself.)
And would that this misfortune had not befallen me at a time when Antipho was occupied with other cares as well.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Neque, Antipho alia quum occupatus esset sollicitudine,
Tum hoc esse mihi obiectum malum!

[¶185] ANTIPHO: (coming forward.)
Ah Phaedria, why, what is the matter?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Ah, quid istuc autem est, Phaedria?

[¶186] PHAEDRIA:
O most fortunate Antipho!

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
O fortunatissime Antipho.

[¶187] ANTIPHO:
What, I?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Egone?

[¶188] PHAEDRIA:
To have in your possession the object of your love,
and have no occasion to encounter such a nuisance as this.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Cui quod amas domi est;
Nec cum huiusmodi unquam usus venit ut conflictares malo.

[¶189] ANTIPHO:
What I, in my possession? Why yes, as the saying is, I’ve got a wolf by the ears; for I neither know how to get rid of her, nor yet how to keep her.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Mihin domi est? immo, id quod aiunt, auribus teneo lupum.
Nam neque quomodo a me amittam invenio; neque uti retineam scio.

[¶190] DORIO:
That’s just my case with regard to him (pointing to PHAEDRIA).

> Latin: DORIO:
Ipsum istuc mihi in hoc est.

[¶191] ANTIPHO: (to DORIO.)
Aye, aye, don’t you show too little of the Procurer. (To PHAEDRIA.) What has he been doing?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Heia, ne parum leno sies.
Numquid hic confecit?

[¶192] PHAEDRIA:
What, he? Acting the part of a most inhuman fellow;
been and sold my Pamphila.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Hicine? quod homo inhumanissimus:
Pamphilam meam vendidit.

[¶193] GETA:
What! Sold her?

> Latin: GETA:
Quid? vendidit?

[¶194] ANTIPHO:
Sold her, say you?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Aine “vendidit?”

[¶195] PHAEDRIA:
Sold her.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Vendidit.

[¶196] DORIO: (ironically.)
What a shocking crime—a wench bought with one’s own money!

> Latin: DORIO:
Quam indignum facinus, ancillam aere emtam suo!

[¶197] PHAEDRIA:
I can not prevail upon him to wait for me the next three days, and so far break off the bargain with the person, while I get the money from my friends, which has been promised me; if I don’t give it him then, let him not wait a single hour longer.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Nequeo exorare ut me maneat, et cum illo ut mutet fidem,
Triduum hoc, dum id quod est promissum ab amicis argentum aufero.
Si tum non dedero, unam praeterea horam ne oppertus sies.

[¶198] DORIO:
Very good.

> Latin: DORIO:
Obtundis.

[¶199] ANTIPHO:
It’s not a long time that he asks, Dorio; do let him prevail upon you; he’ll pay you two-fold for having acted to him thus obligingly.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Haud longum est id quod orat, Dorio: exoret sine:
Idem hoc tibi quod bene promeritus fueris conduplicaverit.

[¶200] DORIO:
Mere words!

> Latin: DORIO:
Verba istaec sunt.

[¶201] ANTIPHO:
Will you allow Pamphila to be carried away from this place? And then, besides, can you possibly allow their love to be severed asunder?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Pamphilamne hac urbe privari sines?
Tum praeterea horunc amorem distrahi poterin pati?

[¶202] DORIO:
Neither I nor you cause that.

> Latin: DORIO:
Neque ego, neque tu.

[¶203] GETA:
May all the Gods grant you what you are deserving of!

> Latin: GETA:
Di tibi omnes id quod es dignus duint.

[¶204] DORIO:
I have borne with you for several months quite against my inclination; promising and whimpering, and yet bringing nothing; now, on the other hand, I have found one to pay, and not be sniveling; give place to your betters.

> Latin: DORIO:
Ego te complures adversum ingenium meum menses tuli
Pollicitantem, nihil ferentem, flentem: nunc contra omnia haec,
Repperi qui det neque lacrimet; da locum melioribus.

[¶205] ANTIPHO:
I’ faith, there surely was a day named, if I remember right, for you to pay him.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Certe hercle, ego si satis commemini, tibi quidem est olim dies
Quam ad dares huic praestituta.

[¶206] PHAEDRIA:
It is the fact.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Factum.

[¶207] DORIO:
Do I deny it?

> Latin: DORIO:
Num ego istuc nego?

[¶208] ANTIPHO:
Is that day past, then?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Iam ea praeteriit?

[¶209] DORIO:
No; but this one has come before it.

> Latin: DORIO:
Non; verum haec ei antecessit.

[¶210] ANTIPHO:
Are you not ashamed of your perfidy?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Non pudet
Vanitatis?

[¶211] DORIO:
Not at all, so long as it is for my interest.

> Latin: DORIO:
Minime, dum ob rem.

[¶212] GETA:
Dunghill!

> Latin: GETA:
Sterquilinium.

[¶213] PHAEDRIA:
Dorio, is it right, pray, for you to act thus?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Dorio,
Itane tandem facere oportet?

[¶214] DORIO:
It is my way; if I suit you, make use of me.

> Latin: DORIO:
Sic sum: si placeo, utere.

[¶215] ANTIPHO:
Do you try to trifle with him (pointing to PHAEDRIA) in this manner?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Sicine hunc decipis?

[¶216] DORIO:
Why really, on the contrary, Antipho, it’s he trifling with me, for he knew me to be a person of this sort; I supposed him to be quite a different man;
he has deceived me; I’m not a bit different to him from what I was before. But however that may be, I’ll yet do this; the captain has said, that to-morrow morning he will pay me the money; if you bring it me before that, Phaedria, I’ll follow my rule, that he is the first served who is the first to pay. Farewell! (Goes into his house.)

> Latin: DORIO:
Immo enimvero, Antipho, hic me decipit:
Nam hic me huiusmodi esse scibat; ego hunc esse aliter credidi.
Iste me fefellit; ego isti nihilo sum aliter ac fui.
Sed utut haec sunt, tamen hoc faciam: cras mane argentum mihi
Miles dare se dixit: si mihi prior tu attuleris, Phaedria,
Mea lege utar, ut potior sit qui prior ad dandum est. Vale.

[¶217] (PHAEDRIA, ANTIPHO, and GETA.)
PHAEDRIA:
What am I to do? Wretch that I am! where am I now in this emergency to raise the money for him,
I, who am worse than nothing? If it had been possible for these three days to be obtained of him, it was promised me by then.

> Latin: (PHAEDRIA.
ANTIPHO. GETA.)
PHAEDRIA:
Quid faciam? Unde ego nunc tam subito huic argentum inveniam miser,
Cui minus nihilo est? quod si hic potuisset nunc exorarier
Triduum hoc, promissum fuerat.

[¶218] ANTIPHO:
Geta, shall we suffer him to continue thus wretched, when he so lately assisted me in the kind way you were mentioning? On the contrary, why not, as there’s need of it try to do him a kindness in return?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Itane hunc patiemur, Geta,
Fieri miserum, qui me dudum, ut dixti, adiurit comiter,
Quin, quum opus est, beneficium rursum ei experiamur reddere?

[¶219] GETA:
For my part, I’m sure it is but fair.

> Latin: GETA:
Scio quidem hoc esse aequum.

[¶220] ANTIPHO:
Come then, you are the only man able to serve him.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Age ergo, solus servare hunc potes.

[¶221] GETA:
What can I do?

> Latin: GETA:
Quid faciam?

[¶222] ANTIPHO:
Procure the money.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Invenias argentum.

[¶223] GETA:
I wish I could; but where it is to come from—tell me that.

> Latin: GETA:
Cupio; sed id unde edoce.

[¶224] ANTIPHO:
My father has come home.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Pater adest hic.

[¶225] GETA:
I know; but what of that?

> Latin: GETA:
Scio; sed quid tum?

[¶226] ANTIPHO:
Oh, a word to the wise is quite enough.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Ah, dictum sapienti sat est.

[¶227] GETA:
Is that it, then?

> Latin: GETA:
Itane?

[¶228] ANTIPHO:
Just so.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Ita.

[¶229] GETA:
Upon my faith, you really do give me fine advice; out upon you! Ought I not to be heartily glad, if I meet with no mishap through your marriage, but what, in addition to that, you must now bid me, for his sake, to be seeking risk upon risk?
ANTIPHO:’Tis true what he says.

> Latin: GETA:
Sane hercle pulchre suades: etiam tu hinc abis?
Non triumpho ex nuptiis tuis si nihil nanciscor mali,
Ni etiam nunc me huius causa quaerere in maloiubeas crucem?
ANTIPHO:
Verum hic dicit.

[¶230] PHAEDRIA:
What! am I a stranger to you, Geta?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Quid? ego vobis, Geta, alienus sum?

[¶231] GETA:
I don’t consider you so. But is it so trifling a matter that the old gentleman is now vexed with us all, that we must provoke him still more, and leave no room for entreaty?

> Latin: GETA:
Haud puto.
Sed parumne est quod omnibus nunc nobis succenset senex,
Ni instigemus etiam ut nullus locus relinquatur preci?

[¶232] PHAEDRIA:
Is another man to take her away from before my eyes to some unknown spot? Alas!
speak to me then, Antipho, and look upon me while you have the opportunity, and while I’m present.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Alius ab oculis meis illam in ignotum hinc abducet locum? Hem!
Tum igitur dum licet dumque adsum loquimini mecum, Antipho;
Contemplamini me.

[¶233] ANTIPHO:
Why so, or what are you going to do? Pray, tell me.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quamobrem? aut quidnam facturus es cedo?

[¶234] PHAEDRIA:
To whatever part of the world she is borne away, I’m determined to follow her or to perish.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Quoquo hinc asportabitur terrarum certum est persequi,
Aut perire.

[¶235] GETA:
May the Gods prosper your design! Cautiously’s the word, however.

> Latin: GETA:
Di bene vertant, quod agas; pedetentim tamen.

[¶236] ANTIPHO: (to GETA.)
Do see if you can give him any assistance at all.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Vide si quid opis potes afferre huic.

[¶237] GETA:
Any at all—how?

> Latin: GETA:
Si quid? quid?

[¶238] ANTIPHO:
Pray, do try, that he mayn’t be doing something that we may afterward be more or less sorry for, Geta.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quaere, obsecro,
Ne quid plus minusve faxit quod nos post pigeat, Geta.

[¶239] GETA:
I’m considering, (He pauses.) He’s all safe, so far as I can guess: but still, I’m afraid of mischief.

> Latin: GETA:
Quaero. Salvus est, ut opinor; verum enim metuo malum.

[¶240] ANTIPHO:
Don’t be afraid: together with you, we’ll share good and bad.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Noli metuere: una tecum bona mala tolerabimus.

[¶241] GETA: (to PHAEDRIA.)
How much money do you want? Tell me.

> Latin: GETA:
Quantum tibi opus est argenti? loquere.

[¶242] PHAEDRIA:
Only thirty minae.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Solae triginta minae.

[¶243] GETA:
Thirty? Heyday! she’s monstrous dear, Phaedria.

> Latin: GETA:
Triginta? hui percara est, Phaedria.

[¶244] PHAEDRIA:
Indeed, she’s very cheap.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Istaec vero vilis est.

[¶245] GETA:
Well, well, I’ll get them for you.

> Latin: GETA:
Age, age; inventas reddam.

[¶246] PHAEDRIA:
Oh the dear man! (They both fall to hugging GETA.)

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
O lepidum!

[¶247] GETA:
Take yourselves off. (Shakes them of.)

> Latin: GETA:
Aufer te hinc.

[¶248] PHAEDRIA:
There’s need for them directly.

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Iam opus est.

[¶249] GETA:
You shall have them directly;
but I must have Phormio for my assistant in this business.

> Latin: GETA:
Iam feres.
Sed opus est mihi Phormionem ad hanc rem adiutorem dari.

[¶250] ANTIPHO:
He’s quite ready; right boldly lay on him any load you like, he’ll bear it: he, in especial, is a friend to his friend.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Praesto est: audacissime oneris quidvis impone, et feret.
Solus est homo amico amicus.

[¶251] GETA:
Let’s go to him at once then.

> Latin: GETA:
Eamus ergo ad eum ocius.

[¶252] ANTIPHO:
Will you have any occasion for my assistance?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Numquid est quod opera mea vobis opus sit?

[¶253] GETA:
None; but be off home, and comfort that poor thing, who I am sure is now in-doors almost dead with fear. Do you linger?

> Latin: GETA:
Nihil: verum abi domum;
Et illam miseram, quam ego nunc intus scio esse exanimatam metu,
Consolare: Cessas?

[¶254] ANTIPHO:
There’s nothing I could do with so much pleasure.
(Goes into the house of DEMIPHO.)

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Nihil est aeque quod faciam libens.

[¶255] PHAEDRIA:
What way will you manage this?

> Latin: PHAEDRIA:
Qua via istuc facies?

[¶256] GETA:
I’ll tell you on the road; first thing, betake yourself off. (Exeunt.)

> Latin: GETA:
Dicam in itinere: modo te hinc amove.

[¶257] (Enter DEMIPHO and CHREMES.)
DEMIPHO:
Well, have you brought your daughter with you, Chremes, for whom you went to Lemnos?

> Latin: (DEMIPHO. CHREMES.)
DEMIPHO:
Quid qua profectus causa hinc es Lemnum, Chreme,
Adduxtin tecum filiam?

[¶258] CHREMES:
No.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non.

[¶259] DEMIPHO:
Why not?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid ita non?

[¶260] CHREMES:
When her mother found that I staid here longer than usual,
and at the same time the age of the girl did not suit with my delays, they told me that she, with all her family, set out in search of me.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Postquam videt me eius mater esse hic diutius,
Simul autem non manebat aetas virginis
Neam negligentiam, ipsam cum omni familia
Ad me profectam esse aibant.

[¶261] DEMIPHO:
Pray, then, why did you stay there so long, when you had heard of this?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid illic tam diu,
Quaeso, igitur commorabare, ubi id audiveras?

[¶262] CHREMES:
Why, faith, a malady detained me.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Pol me detinuit morbus.

[¶263] DEMIPHO:
From what cause? Or what was it?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Unlde? aut qui?

[¶264] CHREMES:
Do you ask me?
Old age itself is a malady. However, I heard that they had arrived safe, from the caps tain who brought them.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Rogas?
Senectus ipsa est morbus; sed venisse eas
Salvas audivi ex nauta qui illas vexerat.

[¶265] DEMIPHO:
Have you heard, Chremes, what has happened to my son in my absence?
CHREMES:’Tis that, in fact, that has embarrassed me in my plans. For if I offer my daughter in marriage to any person that’s a stranger,
it must all be told how and by whom I had her. You I knew to be fully as faithful to me as I am to myself; if a stranger shall think fit to be connected with me by marriage, he will hold his tongue, just as long as good terms exist between us: but if he takes a dislike to me, he’ll be knowing more than it’s proper he should know.
I am afraid, too, lest my wife should, by some means, come to know of it; if that is the case, it only remains for me to shake myself and leave the house; for I’m the only one I can rely on at home.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid gnato obtigerit me absente audistin, Chreme?
CHREMES:
Quod quidem me factum consili incertum facit;
Nam hanc conditionem si cui tulero extrario,
Quo pacto aut unde mihi sit dicendum ordine est.
Te mihi fidelem ess aeque atque egomet sum mihi
Scibam: ille, si me alienus affinem volet,
Tacebit dum intercedet familiaritas;
Sin spreverit me, plus quam opus est scito sciet:
Vereorque ne uxor aliqua hoc resciscat mea;
Quod si fit, ut me excutiam atque egrediar domo
Id restat; nam ego meorum solus sum meus.

[¶266] DEMIPHO:
I know it is so, and that circumstance is a cause of anxiety to me; and I shall never cease trying,
until I’ve made good what I promised you.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Scio ita esse; et istaec mihi res sollicitudini est:
Neque defetiscar usque adeo experirier,
Donec tibi id quod pollicitus sum effecero.

[¶267] (Enter GETA, on the other side of the stage, not seeing DEMIPHO or CHREMES.)
GETA: (to himself.)
I never saw a more cunning fellow than this Phormio. I came to the fellow to tell him that money was needed, and by what means it might be procured. Hardly had I said one half, when he understood me;
he was quite delighted; complimented me; asked where the old man was; gave thanks to the Gods that an opportunity was afforded him for showing himself no less a friend to Phaedria than to Antipho: I bade the fellow wait for me at the Forum; whither I would bring the old gentleman.
But see, here’s the very man (catching sight of the Old Man). Who is the further one? Heyday, Phaedria’s father has got back! still, brute beast that I am, what was I afraid of? Is it because two are presented instead of one for me to dupe? I deem it preferable to enjoy a two-fold hope. I’ll try for it from him from whom I first intended: if he gives it me, well and good; if I can make nothing of him, then I’ll attack this new-comer.

> Latin: (GETA.)
GETA:
Ego hominem callidiorem vidi neminem
Quam Phormionem: venio ad hominem ut dicerem
Argentum opus esse, et id quo pacto fieret:
Vixdum dimidium dixeram, intellexerat;
Gaudebat; me laudabat; quaerebat senem;
Dis gratias agebat, tempus sibi dari
Ubi Phaedriae esse ostenderet nihilo minus
Amicum sese quam Antiphoni: hominem ad forum
Iussi operiri; eo me esse adducturum senem.
Sed eccum ipsum: quis est ulterior? atat, Phaedriae
Pater venit: sed quid pertimui autem, bellua?
An quia quos fallam pro uno duo sunt mihi dati?
Commodius esse opinor duplici spe utier.
Petam hinc unde a primo institui: is si dat, sat est:
Si ab eo nihil fiet, tum hunc adoriar hospitem.

[¶268] (Enter ANTIPHO from the house, behind at a distance.)
ANTIPHO: (to himself.)
I’m expecting every moment that Geta will be here. But I see my uncle standing close by, with my father. Ah me! how much I fear what influence his return may have upon my father!

> Latin: (ANTIPHO.
GETA.
CHREMES. DEMIPHO.)
ANTIPHO:
Exspecto quam mox recipiat huc sese Geta:
Sed patruum video cum patre adstantem. Hei mihi,
Quam timeo adventus huius quo impellat patrem.

[¶269] GETA: (to himself)
I’ll accost them. (Goes up to them.) O welcome to you, our neighbor Chremes.

> Latin: GETA:
Adibo hosce, O noster Chreme.

[¶270] CHREMES:
Save you, Geta.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Salve, Geta.

[¶271] GETA:
I’m delighted to see you safe returned.

> Latin: GETA:
Venire salvum volupe est.

[¶272] CHREMES:
I believe you.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Credo.

[¶273] GETA:
How go matters?

> Latin: GETA:
Quid agitur?

[¶274] CHREMES:
Many changes here upon my arrival, as usually the case.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Multa advenienti, ut fit, nova hic compluria.

[¶275] GETA:
True; have you heard what has happened to Antipho?

> Latin: GETA:
Ita: de Antiphone audistin quae facta?

[¶276] CHREMES:
All.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Omnia.

[¶277] GETA: (to DEMIPHO.)
What, have you told him? Disgraceful conduct, Chremes, thus to be imposed on.

> Latin: GETA:
Tun dixeras huic? facinus indignum, Chreme,
Sic circumiri.

[¶278] DEMIPHO:
It was about that I was talking to him just now.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Id cum hoc agebam commodum.

[¶279] GETA:
But really, on carefully reflecting upon this matter I think I have found a remedy.

> Latin: GETA:
Nalm hercle ego quoque id quidem agitans mecum sedulo
Inveni, opinor, remedium huic rei.
CHREMES:
Quid, Geta?

[¶280] DEMIPHO:
What is the remedy?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quod remedium?

[¶281] GETA:
When I left you, by accident Phormio met me.

> Latin: GETA:
Ut abii abs te, fit forte obviam
Mihi Phormio.

[¶282] CHREMES:
Who is Phormio?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Qui Phormio?

[¶283] GETA:
He who patronized her.

> Latin: GETA:
Is qui istam.

[¶284] CHREMES:
I understand.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Scio.

[¶285] GETA:
It seemed to me that I might first sound him;
I took the fellow aside: “Phormio,” said I, “why don’t we try to settle these matters between us rather with a good grace than with a bad one? My master’s a generous man, and one who hates litigation; but really, upon my faith, all his friends were just now ”
“advising him with one voice to turn her instantly out of doors.”

> Latin: GETA:
Visum est mihi ut eius tentarem sententiam.
Prendo hominem solum:“Cur non,” inquam, “Phormio,”
“Vides inter nos sic haec potius cum bona”
“Ut componantur gratia quam cum mala?”
“Herus liberalis est, et fugitans litium:”
“Nam caeteri quidem hercle amici omnes modo”
“Uno ore auctores fuere ut praecipitem hanc daret.”

[¶286] ANTIPHO: (apart.)
What is he about? Or where is this to end at last?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid hic coeptat? aut quo evadet hodie?

[¶287] GETA: (continuing the supposed conversation.)
“He’ll have to give satisfaction at law, you say, if he turns her out? That has been already inquired into: aye, aye, you’ll have enough to do, if you engage with him; he is so eloquent.”
“But suppose he’s beaten; still, however, it’s not his life, but his money that’s at stake.” After I found that the fellow was influenced by these words, I said: “We are now by ourselves here; come now, what should you like to be given you, money down, to drop this suit with my master,”
“so that she may betake herself off, and you annoy us no more?”

> Latin: GETA:
“An legibus”
“Daturum poenas dices, si illam eiecerit?”
“Iam id exploratum est. Heia, sudabis satis,”
“Si cum illo inceptas homine: ea eloquentia est.”
“Verum pone esse victum eum: at tandem tamen”
“Non capitis eius res agitur, sed pecuniae.”
Postquam hominem his verbis sentio mollirier,
“Soli sumus nunc hic,” inquam; “eho dic, quid velis dari”
“Tibi in manum, ut herus his desistat litibus;”
“Haec hinc facessat; tu molestus ne sies.”

[¶288] ANTIPHO: (apart.)
Are the Gods quite on good terms with him?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Satin illi Di sunt propitii?

[¶289] GETA: (continuing the conversation.)
“For I’m quite sure, if you were to mention any thing that’s fair and reasonable, as he is a reasonable man, you’ll not have to bandy three words with him.”

> Latin: GETA:
“Nam sat scio,”
“Si tu aliquam partem aequi bonique dixeris,”
“Ut est ille bonus vir, tria non commutabitis”
“Verba hodie inter vos.”

[¶290] DEMIPHO:
Who ordered you to say so?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quis te istaec iussit loqui?

[¶291] CHREMES:
Nay, he could not have more happily contrived to bring about what we want.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Immo non potuit melius pervenirier
Eo quo nos volumus.

[¶292] ANTIPHO: (apart.)
Undone!

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Occidi.

[¶293] CHREMES:
Go on with your story.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Perge eloqui.

[¶294] GETA:
At first the fellow raved.
DEMIPHO:
Say, what did he ask?

> Latin: GETA:
A primo homo insanibat.
CHREMES:
Cedo, quid postulat?

[¶295] GETA:
What? A great deal too much.

> Latin: GETA:
Quid? nimium quantum libuit.

[¶296] CHREMES:
How much? Tell me.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Die.

[¶297] GETA:
Suppose he were to give a great talent.
DEMIPHO:
Aye, faith, perdition to him rather; has he no shame?

> Latin: GETA:
Si quis daret
Talentum magnum.
CHREMES:
Immo malum hercle: ut nihil pudet.

[¶298] GETA:
Just what I said to him: “Pray,” said I, “suppose he was portioning an only daughter of his own. It has been of little benefit that he hasn’t one of his own, when another has been found to be demanding a fortune.” To be brief, and to pass over his impertinences, this at last was his final answer:
“I,” said he, “from the very first, have been desirous to marry the daughter of my friend, as was fit I should; for I was aware of the ill results of this, a poor wife being married into a rich family, and becoming a slave. But, as I am now conversing with you unreservedly,”
“I was in want of a wife to bring me a little money with which to pay off my debts; and even yet, if Demipho is willing to give as much as I am to receive with her to whom I am engaged, there is no one whom I should better like for a wife.”

> Latin: GETA:
Quod dixi adeo ei. “Quaeso quid si filiam”
“Suam unicam locaret? parvi retulit”
“Non suscepisse: inventa est quae dotem petat.”
Ad pauca ut redeam, ac mittam illius ineptias;
Haec denique eius fuit postrema oratio:
“Ego,” inquit, “iam a principio amici filiam,”
“Ita ut acquum fuerat, volui uxorem ducere:”
“Nam mihi veniebat in mentem eius incommodum,”
“In servitutem pauperem ad ditem dari:”
“Sed mihi opus crat, ut aperte tibi nunc fabuler,”
“Aliquantulum quae afferret qui dissolverem”
“Quae debeo; et etiam nunc, si vult Demipho”
“Dare quantum ab hac accipio quae sponsa est mihi,”
“Nullam mihi malim quam istanc, uxorem dari.”

[¶299] ANTIPHO: (apart.)
Whether to say he’s doing this through folly or mischief,
through stupidity or design, I’m in doubt.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Utrum stultitia facere ego hunc an malitia
Dicam, scientem an imprudentem, incertus sum.

[¶300] DEMIPHO:
What if he’s in debt to the amount of his life?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid si animam debet?

[¶301] GETA:
His land is mortgaged,—for ten minae he said.

> Latin: GETA:
“Ager oppositus est pignori,”
“Ob decem minas,” inquit.

[¶302] DEMIPHO:
Well, well, let him take her then; I’ll give it.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Age, age; iam ducat: dabo.

[¶303] GETA:
He has a house besides, mortgaged for another ten.

> Latin: GETA:
“Aediculae item sunt ob decem alias.”

[¶304] DEMIPHO:
Huy, huy! that’s too much.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Oi! hui!
Nimium est.

[¶305] CHREMES:
Don’t be crying out; you may have those ten of me.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ne clama: petito hasce a me decem.

[¶306] GETA:
A lady’s maid must be brought for his wife; and then too, a little more is wanted for some furniture, and some is wanted for the wedding expenses. “Well then,” said he, “for these items, put down ten more.”

> Latin: GETA:
“Uxori emenda ancillula est: tum pluscula”
“Supellectile opus est: opus est sumtu ad nuptias:”
“His rebus sane pone,” inquit, “decem minas.”

[¶307] DEMIPHO:
Then let him at once bring six hundred actions against me; I shall give nothing at all; is this dirty fellow to be laughing at me as well?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Sexcentas proinde scribito iam mihi dicas.
Nihil do: impuratus me ille ut etiam irrideat?

[¶308] CHREMES:
Pray do be quiet; I’ll give it: do you only bring your son to marry the woman we want him to have.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quaeso, ego dabo, quiesce: tu modo filius
Fac ut illam ducat nos quam volumus.

[¶309] ANTIPHO: (apart.)
Ah me! Geta, you have ruined me by your treachery.
CHREMES:’Tis on my account she’s turned off; it’s right that I should bear the loss.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Hei mihi,
Geta, occidisti me tuis fallaciis.
CHREMES:
Mea causa eiicitur: me hoc est aequum amittere.

[¶310] GETA:
“Take care and let me know,” said he, “as soon as possible,”
“if they are going to let me have her, that I may get rid of the other, so that I mayn’t be in doubt; for the others have agreed to.pay me down the portion directly.”

> Latin: GETA:
“Quantum potest me certiorem,” inquit, “face;”
“Si illam dant, hanc ut mittam; ne incertus siem;”
“Nam illi mihi dotem iam constituerunt dare.”

[¶311] CHREMES:
Let him have her at once; let him give notice to them that he breaks off the match with the other, and let him marry this woman.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Iam accipiat; illis repudium renuntiet;
Hanc ducat.

[¶312] DEMIPHO:
Yes, and little joy to him of the bargain!

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quae quidem illi res vertat male.

[¶313] CHREMES:
Luckily, too, I’ve now brought home some money with me,
the rents which my wife’s farms at Lemnos produce. I’ll take it out of that, and tell my wife that you had occasion for it.
(They go into the house of CHREMES.)

> Latin: CHREMES:
Opportune adeo argentum nunc mecum attuli,
Fructum quem Lemni uxoris reddunt praedia:
Id sumam: uxori tibi opus esse dixero.

[¶314] (ANTIPHO and GETA.)
ANTIPHO: (coming forward.)
Geta.

> Latin: (ANTIPHO. GETA.)
ANTIPHO:
Geta.

[¶315] GETA:
Well.

> Latin: GETA:
Hem.

[¶316] ANTIPHO:
What have you been doing?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid egisti?

[¶317] GETA:
Diddling the old fellows out of their money.

> Latin: GETA:
Emunxi argento senes.

[¶318] ANTIPHO:
Is that quite the thing?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Satin est id?

[¶319] GETA:
I’ faith, I don’t know: it’s just what I was told to do.

> Latin: GETA:
Nescio hercle: tantum iussus sum.

[¶320] ANTIPHO:
How now, whip-scoundrel, do you give me an answer to what I don’t ask you?
(Kicks him.)

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Eho, verbero, aliud mihi respondes ac rogo?

[¶321] GETA:
What was it then that you did ask?

> Latin: GETA:
Quid ergo narras?

[¶322] ANTIPHO:
What was it I did ask? Through your agency, matters have most undoubtedly come to the pass that I may go hang myself. May then all the Gods, Goddesses, Deities above and below, with every evil confound you! Look now, if you wish any thing to succeed, intrust it to him who may bring you from smooth water on to a rock.
What was there less advantageous than to touch upon this sore, or to name my wife? Hopes have been excited in my father that she may possibly be got rid of. Pray now, tell me, suppose Phormio receives the portion, she must be taken home by him as his wife: what’s to become of me?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid ego narrem? opera tua
Ad restim mihi quidem res rediit planissime.
Ut te quidem omnes Di, Deaeque, Superi, Inferi,
Malis exemplis perdant. Hem, si quid velis,
Huic mandes, qui te ad scopulum e tranquillo auferat.
Quid minus utibile fuit quam hoc ulcus tangere,
Aut nominare uxorem? iniecta est spes patri
Posse illam extrudi. Cedo nunc porro, Phormio
Dotem si accipiet, uxor ducenda est domum:
Quid fiet?

## 3. Acts 4–5

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

[¶0] GETA:
But he’s not going to marry her.

> Latin: GETA:
Non enim ducet.

[¶1] ANTIPHO:
I know that. But (ironically)
when they demand the money back, of course, for our sake, he’ll prefer going to prison.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Novi: caeterum,
Quum argentum repetent, nostra causa scilicet
In nervum potius ibit.

[¶2] GETA:
There is nothing, Antipho, but what it may be made worse by being badly told: you leave out what is good, and you mention the bad. Now then, hear the other side: if he receives the money,
she must be taken as his wife, you say; I grant you; still, some time at least will be allowed for preparing for the nuptials, for inviting, and for sacrificing. In the mean time, Phoedria’s friends will advance what they have promised; out of that he will repay it.

> Latin: GETA:
Nihil est, Antipho,
Quin male narrando possit depravarier.
Tu id quod boni est excerpis; dicis quod mali est.
Audi nunc contra iam: si argentum acceperit,
Ducenda est uxor, ut ais: concedo tibi.
Spatium quidem tandem apparandis nuptiis,
Vocandi, sacrificandi dabitur paululum.
Interea amici quod polliciti sunt dabunt:
Inde istis reddet.

[¶3] ANTIPHO:
On what grounds? Or what will he say?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quamobrem? aut quid dicet?

[¶4] GETA:
Do you ask the question?
“How many circumstances, since then, have befallen me as prodigies? A strange black dog entered the house; a snake came down from the tiles through the sky-light; a hen crowed; the soothsayer forbade it; the diviner warned me not: besides, before winter”
“there is no sufficient reason for me to commence upon any new undertaking.” This will be the case.

> Latin: GETA:
Rogas?
“Quot res postilla monstra evenerunt mihi!”
“Introiit in aedes ater alienus canis;”
“Anguis per impluvium decidit de tegulis;”
“Gallina cecinit; interdixit hariolus;”
“Haruspex vetuit ante brumam aliquid novi”
“Negoti incipere; quae causa est iustissima.”
Haec fient.

[¶5] ANTIPHO:
I only wish it may be the case.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Ut modo fiant.

[¶6] GETA:
It shall be the case; trust me for that. Your father’s coming out; go tell Phaedria that the money is found.

> Latin: GETA:
Fient: me vide.
Pater exit: abi, die, esse argentum, Phaedriae.

[¶7] (Enter DEMIPHO and CHREMES, from the house of the latter, the former with a purse of money.)
DEMIPHO:
Do be quiet, I tell you; I’ll take care he shall not be playing any tricks upon us. I’ll not rashly part with this without having my witnesses;
I’ll have it stated to whom I pay it, and for what purpose I pay it.

> Latin: (DEMIPHO.
GETA. CHREMES.)
DEMIPHO:
Quietus esto, inquam: ego curabo ne quid verborum duit.
Hoc temere nunquam amittam ego a me quin mihi testes adhibeam:
Cui dem, et quamobrem dem, commemorabo.

[¶8] GETA: (apart.)
How cautious he is, when there’s no need for it!

> Latin: GETA:
Ut cautus est, ubi nihil opus est!

[¶9] CHREMES:
Why yes, you had need do so, and with all haste, while the fit is upon him; for if this other woman shall prove more pressing, perhaps he may throw us over.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Atqui ita opus facto est; at matura, dum libido eadem haec manet;
Nam, si altera illaec magis instabit, forsitan nos reiciat.

[¶10] GETA:
You’ve hit upon the very thing.

> Latin: GETA:
Rem ipsam putasti.

[¶11] DEMIPHO:
Lead me to him then.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Duc me ad eum ergo.

[¶12] GETA:
I won’t delay.

> Latin: GETA:
Non moror.

[¶13] CHREMES: (to DEMIPHO.)
When you’ve done so, go over to my wife, that she may call upon her before she goes away.
She must tell her that we are going to give her in marriage to Phormio, that she may not be angry with us; and that he is a fitter match for her, as knowing more of her; that we have in no way departed from our duty; that as much has been given for a portion as he asked for.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ubi hoc egeris,
Transito ad uxorem meam, ut conveniat hanc prius quam hinc abeat:
Dicat nos dare eam Phormioni nuptum, ne succenseat;
Et magis esse illum idoneum, qui ipsi sit familiarior;
Nos nostro officio nihil digresses esse; quantum is voluerit
Datum esse dotis.

[¶14] DEMIPHO:
What the plague does that matter to you?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid tua, malum, id refert?

[¶15] CHREMES:
A great deal, Demipho.
It is not enough for you to do your duty, if common report does not approve of it;
I wish all this to be done with her own sanction as well, that she mayn’t be saying that she has been turned out of doors.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Magni, Demipho.

[¶16] DEMIPHO:
I can do all that myself.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Non satis est tuum te officium facere, si non id fama approbat.

[¶17] CHREMES:
It will come better from one woman to another.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Volo ipsius quoque voluntate hoc fieri, ne se eiectam praedicet.

[¶18] DEMIPHO:
I’ll ask her.
(Goes into the house of CHREMES; and exit GETA.)

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Idem ego istuc facere possum.

[¶19] CHREMES: (to himself.)
I’m thinking where I can find them now.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Mulier mulieri magis congruit.
DEMIPHO:
Rogabo.
CHREMES:
Ubi illas ego nunc reperire possim cogito.

[¶20] (Enter SOPHRONA from the house of DEMIPHO, at a distance.)
SOPHRONA: (to herself.)
What am I to do? What friend, in my distress, shall I find, to whom to disclose these plans; and where shall I look for relief?
For I’m afraid that my mistress, in consequence of my advice, may undeservingly sustain some injury, so extremely ill do I hear that the young man’s father takes what has happened.

> Latin: (SOPHRONA. CHREMES.)
SOPHRONA:
Quid agam? quem mihi amicum inveniam misera? aut quo consilia haec referam? aut
Unde mihi auxilium petam?
Nam vereor hera ne ob meum suasum indigne iniuria afficiatur:
Ita patrem adolescents facta haec tolerare audio violenter.

[¶21] CHREMES: (apart, to himself.)
But what old woman’s this, that has come out of my brother’s house, half dead with fright?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Nam quae haec anus est exanimata, a fratre quae egressa est meo?

[¶22] SOPHRONA: (to herself, continuing)
It was distress that compelled me to this step, though I knew that the match was not likely to hold good; my object was, that in the mean time life might be supported.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Quod ut facerem egestas me impulit; quum scirem infirmas nuptias
Hasce esse; ut id consulerem, interea vita ut in tuto foret.

[¶23] CHREMES: (apart, to himself.)
Upon my faith, surely, unless my recollection deceives me, or my sight’s not very good, I espy my daughter’s nurse.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Certe edepol, nisi me animus fallit, aut parum prospiciunt oculi,
Meae nutricem gnatae video.

[¶24] SOPHRONA: (to herself.)
And we are not able to find—

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Neque ille investigatur—

[¶25] CHREMES: (apart.)
What must I do?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid ago?

[¶26] SOPHRONA: (to herself.)
Her father.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Qui est eius pater.

[¶27] CHREMES: (to himself, apart.)
Shall I accost her, or shall I wait to learn more distinctly what it is she’s saying?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Adeo? an maneo, dum ea quake loquitur magis cognosco?

[¶28] SOPHRONA: (to herself)
If now I could find him, there’s nothing that I should be in fear of.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Quod si eum nunc reperire possim, nihil est quod verear.

[¶29] CHREMES: (apart, to himself, aloud.)
’Tis the very woman. I’ll address her.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ea est ipsa:
Colloquar.

[¶30] SOPHRONA: (turning round.)
Who’s that speaking here?

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Quis hic loquitur?

[¶31] CHREMES: (coming forward.)
Sophrona.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sophrona.

[¶32] SOPHRONA:
Mentioning my name, too?

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Et meum nomen nominat?

[¶33] CHREMES:
Look round at me.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Respice ad me.

[¶34] SOPHRONA: (seeing him.)
Ye Gods, I do beseech you, isn’t this Stilpho?

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Di, obsecro vos, estne hic Stilpho?

[¶35] CHREMES:
No.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non.

[¶36] SOPHRONA:
Do you deny it?

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Negas?

[¶37] CHREMES: (in a low voice.)
Step a little this way from that door, Sophrona, if you please (pointing). Don’t you, henceforth, be calling me by that name.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Concede hinc a foribus paululum istorsum, sodes, Sophrona.
Ne me istoc posthac nomine appellassis.

[¶38] SOPHRONA:
Why? Pray, are you not the person you always used to say you were?

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Quid? non, obsecro, es
Quem semper te esse dictitasti?

[¶39] CHREMES:
Hush! (pointing to his own house.)

> Latin: CHREMES:
St!

[¶40] SOPHRONA:
Why are you afraid about that door?

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Quid has metuis fores?

[¶41] CHREMES: (in a low voice.)
I have got a shrew of a wife shut up there. For by that name I formerly
falsely called myself, in order that you might not chance indiscreetly to blab it out of doors, and then my wife, by some means or other, might come to know of it.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Conclusam hic habeo uxorem saevam: verum istoc de nomine
Eo perperam olim dixi ne vos forte imprudentes foris
Effutiretis, atque id porro aliqua uxor mea rescisceret.

[¶42] SOPHRONA:
I’ faith, that’s the very reason why we, wretched creatures, have never been able to find you out here.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Istoc pol nos te hic invenire miserae nunquam potuimus.

[¶43] CHREMES:
Well, but tell me, what business have you with that family from whose house you were coming out? Where are the ladies?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Eho, die mihi, quid rei tibi est cum familia hac unde exis?
Ubi illae sunt?

[¶44] SOPHRONA:
Ah, wretched me!

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Miseram me!

[¶45] CHREMES:
Hah! What’s the matter? Are they still alive?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Hem, quid est? vivuntne?

[¶46] SOPHRONA:
Your daughter is alive.
Her poor mother died of grief.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Vivit gnata:
Matrem ipsam ex aegritudine miseram mors consecuta est.

[¶47] CHREMES:
An unfortunate thing!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Male factum.

[¶48] SOPHRONA:
As for me, being a lone old woman, in want, and unknown, I contrived, as well as I could, to get the young woman married to the young man who is master of this house (pointing).

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Ego autem quae essem anus deserta, egens, ignota,
Ut potui nuptum virginem locavi huic adolescenti
Harum qui est dominus aedium.

[¶49] CHREMES:
What! to Antipho?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Antiphonine?

[¶50] SOPHRONA:
The very same, I say.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Hem! illi ipsi.

[¶51] CHREMES:
What? Has he got two wives?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid? duasne is uxores habet?

[¶52] SOPHRONA:
Dear no, prithee, he has only got this one.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Au, obsecro: unam ille quidem hanc solam.

[¶53] CHREMES:
What about the other one that’s called his relative?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid illam alteram quae dicitur cognata?

[¶54] SOPHRONA:
Why, this is she.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Haec ergo est.

[¶55] CHREMES:
What is it you say?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid ais?

[¶56] SOPHRONA:
It was done on purpose, in order that her lover might be enabled to marry her without a portion.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Composito factum est quomodo hanc amans habere posset
Sine dote.

[¶57] CHREMES:
Ye Gods, by our trust in you! How often do those things come about through accident, which you couldn’t dare to hope for? On my return, I have found my daughter matched with the very person I wished, and just as I wanted;
a thing that we were both using our endeavors, with the greatest earnestness, to bring about. Without any very great management on our part, by her own management, she has by herself brought this about.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Di vestram fidem, quam saepe forte temere
Eveniunt quae non audeas optare! Offendi adveniens
Quicum volebam, atque ut volebam, collocatam filiam.
Quod nos ambo opere maximo dabamus operam ut fieret,
Sine nostra cura, maxima sua cura, haec sola fecit.

[¶58] SOPHRONA:
Now consider what’s to be done. The young man’s father has returned, and they say that he bears this with feelings highly offended.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Nunc quid opus facto sit vide. Pater adolescentis venit;
Eumque animo iniquo hoc oppido ferre aiunt.

[¶59] CHREMES:
There’s no danger of that. But, by Gods and men, do take care that no one comes to know that she’s my daughter.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Nihil pericli est.
Sed per Deos atque homines, meam esse hanc cave resciscat quisquam.

[¶60] SOPHRONA:
No one shall know it from me.

> Latin: SOPHRONA:
Nemo ex me scibit.

[¶61] CHREMES:
Follow me; in-doors we’ll hear the rest. (He goes into DEMIPHO’S house, followed by SOPHRONA.)

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sequere me: intus caetera audies.

[¶62] (Enter DEMIPHO and GETA.)
DEMIPHO:’Tis caused by our own fault, that it is advantageous to be dishonest; while we wish ourselves to be styled very honest and generous. “So run away as not to run beyond the house,” as the saying is. Was it not enough to receive an injury from him, but money must be voluntarily offered him as well,
that he may have something on which to subsist while he plans some other piece of roguery?
GETA:
Most clearly so.

> Latin: (DEMIPHO. GETA.)
DEMIPHO:
Nostrapte culpa facimus ut malis expediat esse,
Dum nimium dici nos bonos studemus et benignos.
Ita fugias ne praeter casam, quod aiunt. Nonne id sat erat,
Accipere ab illo iniuriam? etiam argentum est ultro obiectum,
Ut sit qui vivat dum aliud aliquid flagiti conficiat.
GETA:
Planissime.

[¶63] DEMIPHO:
They now get rewarded for it, who confound right with wrong.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
His nunc praemium est qui recta prava faciunt.

[¶64] GETA:
Most undoubtedly.

> Latin: GETA:
Verissime.

[¶65] DEMIPHO:
How very foolishly, in fact, we have managed the affair with him!

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ut stultissime quidem illi rem gesserimus.

[¶66] GETA:
If by these means we can only manage for him to marry her.

> Latin: GETA:
Modo ut hoc consilio possiet discedi ut istam ducat.

[¶67] DEMIPHO:
Is that, then, a matter of doubt?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Etiamne id dubium est?

[¶68] GETA:
I’ faith, judging from what the fellow is, I don’t know whether he mightn’t change his mind.

> Latin: GETA:
Haud scio hercle, ut homo est, an mutet animum.

[¶69] DEMIPHO:
How! change it indeed?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Hem, mutet autem?

[¶70] GETA:
I don’t know: but “if perhaps,” I say.

> Latin: GETA:
Nescio: verum “si forte” dico.

[¶71] DEMIPHO:
I’ll do as my brother advised me, bring hither his wife, to talk with her. Do you, Geta, go before; tell her that Nausistrata is about to visit her. (DEMIPHO goes into the house of CHREMES.)

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ita faciam, ut frater censuit, ut uxorem huc eius adducam,
Cum ista ut loquatur: tu, Geta, abi prae; nuntia hanc venturam.

[¶72] GETA:
The money’s been got for Phaedria; it’s all hushed about the lawsuit; due care has been taken that she’s not to leave for the present. What next, then?
What’s to be done? You are still sticking in the mud. You are paying by borrowing; the evil that was at hand, has been put off for a day. The toils are increasing upon you, if you don’t look out. Now I’ll away home, and tell Phanium not to be afraid of Nausistrata, or his talking.
(Goes into the house of DEMIPHO.)

> Latin: GETA:
Argentum inventum est Phaedriae: de iurgio siletur.
Provisum est ne in praesentia haec hinc abeat: quid nunc porro?
Quid fict? in eodem luto haesitas: versura solves,
Geta. Praesens quod fuerat malum in diem abiit: plagae crescunt,
Nisi prospicis. Nunc hinc domum ibo, ac Phanium edocebo
Ne quid vereatur Phormionem aut eius orationem.

[¶73] (Enter DEMIPHO and NAUSISTRATA, from the house of CHREMES.)
DEMIPHO:
Come now, Nausistrata, after your usual way, manage to keep her in good-humor with us,
and make her do of her own accord what must be done.

> Latin: (DEMIPHO.
NAUSISTRATA. CHREMES.)
DEMIPHO:
Agedum, ut soles, Nausistrata, fac illa ut placetur nobis;
Ut sua voluntate id quod est faciendum faciat.

[¶74] NAUSISTRATA:
I will.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Faciam.

[¶75] DEMIPHO:
You are now seconding me with your endeavors, just as you assisted me with your money before.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Pariter nunc opera me adiuvas ac re dudum opitulata es.

[¶76] NAUSISTRATA:
I wish to do so; and yet, i’ faith, through the fault of my husband, I am less able than I ought to be.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Factum volo; at pol minus queo viri culpa quam me dignum est.

[¶77] DEMIPHO:
Why so?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid autem?

[¶78] NAUSISTRATA:
Because, i’ faith, he takes such indifferent care of the property that was so industriously acquired by my father; for from those farms he used regularly to receive two talents of silver yearly; there’s an instance, how superior one man is to another.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Quia pol mei patris bene parta indiligenter
Tutatur; nam ex his praediis talenta argenti bina
Statim capiebat. Vir viro quid praestat!

[¶79] DEMIPHO:
Two talents, pray?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Binan quaeso?

[¶80] NAUSISTRATA:
Aye, and when things were much worse, two talents even.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Ac rebus vilioribus multo, tamen talenta bina.

[¶81] DEMIPHO:
Whew!

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Hui.

[¶82] NAUSISTRATA:
What! does this seem surprising?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Quid haec videntur?

[¶83] DEMIPHO:
Of course it does.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Scilicet.

[¶84] NAUSISTRATA:
I wish I had been born a man; I’d have shown—

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Virmn me natum vellem:
Ego ostenderem—

[¶85] DEMIPHO:
That I’m quite sure of.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Certo scio.

[¶86] NAUSISTRATA:
In what way—

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
quo pacto—

[¶87] DEMIPHO:
Forbear, pray, that you may be able to do battle with her; lest she, being a young woman, may be more than a match for you.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Parce, sodes,
Ut possis cum illa; ne te adolescens mulier defatiget.

[¶88] NAUSISTRATA:
I’ll do as you bid me; but I see my husband coming out of your house. (Enter CHREMES, hastily, from DEMIPHO’S house.)

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Faciam ut iubes: sed meum virum abs te exire video.

[¶89] CHREMES:
Ha! Demipho, has the money been paid him yet?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Hem, Demipho,
Iam illi datum est argentum?

[¶90] DEMIPHO:
I took care immediately.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Curavi ilico.

[¶91] CHREMES:
I wish it hadn’t been paid him. (On seeing NAUSISTRATA, aside.): Halloo, I espy my wife; I had almost said more than I ought.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Nollem datum.
Hei, video uxorem, paene plus quam sat erat.

[¶92] DEMIPHO:
Why do you wish I hadn’t, Chremes?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Cur nolles, Chreme?

[¶93] CHREMES:
It’s all right.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Iam recte.

[¶94] DEMIPHO:
What say you? Have you been letting her know why we are going to bring her? (pointing to NAUSISTRATA.)

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid tu? ecquid locutus cum ista es quamobrem hanc ducimus?

[¶95] CHREMES:
I’ve arranged it.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Transegi.

[¶96] DEMIPHO:
Pray, what does she say?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid ait tandem?

[¶97] CHREMES:
She can’t be got to leave.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Abduci non potest.

[¶98] DEMIPHO:
Why can’t she?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Qui non potest?

[¶99] CHREMES:
Because they are fond of one another.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quia uterque utrique est cordi.

[¶100] DEMIPHO:
What’s that to us?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid istuc nostra?

[¶101] CHREMES: (apart, to DEMIPHO.)
A great deal; besides that, I’ve found out that she is related to us.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Magni: praeter haec,
Cognatam comperi esse nobis.

[¶102] DEMIPHO: (apart.)
What! You are mad, surely.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid? deliras?

[¶103] CHREMES: (apart.)
So you will find; I don’t speak at random; I’ve recovered my recollection.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sic erit.
Non temere dico: redii mecum in memoriam.

[¶104] DEMIPHO: (apart.)
Are you quite in your senses?
CHREMES: (apart.)
Nay, prithee, do take care not to injure your kinswoman.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Satin sanus es?
NAUSISTRATA:
Au, obsecro, cave ne in cognatam pecces.

[¶105] DEMIPHO: (apart.)
She is not.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Non est.

[¶106] CHREMES: (apart.)
Don’t deny it; her father went by another name; that was the cause of your mistake.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ne nega.
Patris nomen aliud dictum est: hoc tu errasti.

[¶107] DEMIPHO: (apart.)
Did she not know who was her father?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Non norat patrem?

[¶108] CHREMES: (apart.)
She did.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Norat.

[¶109] DEMIPHO: (apart.)
Why did she call him by another name?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Cur aliud dixit?

[¶110] CHREMES: (apart, frowning.)
Will you never yield to me, nor understand what I mean?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Nunquamne hodie concedes mihi,
Neque intelliges?

[¶111] DEMIPHO: (apart.)
If you don’t tell me of any thing—

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Si tu nihil narras—

[¶112] CHREMES: (impatiently.)
Do you persist?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Pergis?

[¶113] NAUSISTRATA:
I wonder what all this can be.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Miror quid hoc siet.

[¶114] DEMIPHO:
For my part, upon my faith, I don’t know.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Equidem hercle nescio.

[¶115] CHREMES: (whispering to him.)
Would you like to know? Then, so may Jupiter preserve me, not a person is there more nearly related to her than are you and I.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Vin scire? At ita me servet Iupiter
Ut propior illi quam ego sum ac tu nemo est.

[¶116] DEMIPHO: (starting.)
Ye Gods, by our trust in you! let’s away to her; I wish for all of us, one way or other, to be sure about this (going).

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Di vestram fidem!
Eamus ad ipsam: una omnes nos aut scire aut nescire hoc volo.

[¶117] CHREMES: (stopping him.)
Ah!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ah.

[¶118] DEMIPHO:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid est?

[¶119] CHREMES:
That you should put so little confidence in me!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Itan parvam mihi fidem esse apud te?

[¶120] DEMIPHO:
Do you wish me to believe you? Do you wish me to consider this as quite certain? Very well, be it so. Well, what’s to be done with our friend’s daughter?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Vin me credere?
Vin satis quaesitum mihi istuc esse? Age, fiat: quid? illa filia
Amici nostri quid futurum est?

[¶121] CHREMES:
She’ll do well enough.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Recte.

[¶122] DEMIPHO:
Are we to drop her, then?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Hanc igitur mittimus?

[¶123] CHREMES:
Why not?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quidni?

[¶124] DEMIPHO:
The other one to stop?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Illa maneat?

[¶125] CHREMES:
Just so.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sic.

[¶126] DEMIPHO:
You may go then, Nausistrata.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ire igitur tibi licet, Nausistrata.

[¶127] NAUSISTRATA:
I’ faith, I think it better for all that she should remain here as it is,
than as you first intended; for she seemed to me a very genteel person when I saw her.
(Goes into her house.)

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Sic pol commodius esse in omnes arbitror quam ut coeperas,
Mancre hanc; nam perliberalis visa est quum vidi mihi.

[¶128] DEMIPHO:
What is the meaning of all this?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid istuc negoti est?

[¶129] CHREMES: (looking at the door of his house.)
Has she shut the door yet?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Iamne operuit ostium?

[¶130] DEMIPHO:
Now she has.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Iam.

[¶131] CHREMES:
O Jupiter! the Gods do befriend us; I have found that it is my daughter married to your son.

> Latin: CHREMES:
O Iupiter,
Di nos respiciunt: gnatam inveni nuptam cum tuo tilio.

[¶132] DEMIPHO:
Ha! How can that possibly be?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Hem,
Quo pacto id potuit?

[¶133] CHREMES:
This spot is not exactly suited for me to tell it you.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non satis tutus est ad narrandum hic locus.

[¶134] DEMIPHO:
Well then, step in-doors.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
At tu abi intro.

[¶135] CHREMES:
Hark, you, I don’t wish our sons even to come to know of this.
(They go into DEMIPHO’S house.)

> Latin: CHREMES:
Heus, ne filii quidem nostri hoc resciscant volo.

[¶136] (Enter ANTIPHO.)
ANTIPHO:
I’m glad that, however my own affairs go, my brother has succeeded in his wishes. How wise it is to cherish desires of that nature in the mind, that when things run counter, you may easily find a cure for them! He has both got the money, and released himself from care; I, by no method, can extricate myself from these troubles;
on the contrary, if the matter is concealed, I am in dread—but if disclosed, in disgrace. Neither should I now go home, were not a hope still presented me of retaining her. But where, I wonder, can I find Geta, that I may ask him what opportunity he would recommend me to take for meeting my father?

> Latin: (ANTIPHO.)
ANTIPHO:
Laetus sum, ut meae res sese habent, fratri obtigisse quod vult.
Quam scitum est eiusmodi parare in animo cupiditates
Quas, quum res adversae sient, paulo mederi possis!
Hic simul argentum repperit cura sese expedivit.
Ego nullo possum remedio me evolvere ex his turbis
Quin, si hoc celetur, in metu, sin patefit, ill probro sim.
Neque me domum nunc reciperem, ni mihi esset spes ostenta
Huiusce habendae. Sed ubinam Getam invenire possum,
Ut rogem quod tempus conveniendi patris me capere iubeat?

[¶137] (Enter PHORMIO, at a distance.)
PHORMIO: (to himself)
I received the money; handed it over to the Procurer; brought away the woman,
that Phaedria might have her as his own—for she has now become free. Now there is one thing still remaining for me to manage,—to get a respite from the old gentlemen for carousing; for I’ll enjoy myself the next few days.

> Latin: (PHORMIO. ANTIPHO.)
PHORMIO:
Argentum accepi; tradidi lenoni; abduxi mulierem;
Curavi propria ea Phaedria ut poteretur; nam emissa est manu.
Nunc una mihi res etiam restat quae est conficienda, otium
Ab senibus ad potandum ut habeam; nam aliquot hos sumam dies.

[¶138] ANTIPHO:
But here’s Phormio. (Going up to him.) What have you to say?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Sed Phormio est. Quid ais?

[¶139] PHORMIO:
About what?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Quid?

[¶140] ANTIPHO:
Why—what’s Phaedria going to do now? In what way does he say that he intends to take his fill of love?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quidnam nunc facturus Phaedria?
Quo pacto satietatem amoris ait se velle sumere?

[¶141] PHORMIO:
In his turn, he’s going to act your part.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Vicissim partes tuas acturus est.

[¶142] ANTIPHO:
What part?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quas?

[¶143] PHORMIO:
To run away from his father; he begs that you in your return will act on his behalf—to plead his cause for him. For he’s going to carouse at my house. I shall tell the old man that I’m going to Sunium, to the fair, to purchase the female servant that Geta mentioned a while since, so that, when they don’t see me here, they mayn’t suppose that I’m squandering their money.
But there is a noise at the door of your house.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ut fugitet patrem.
Te suam rogavit rursum ut ageres, causam ut pro se diceres;
Nam potaturus est apud me. Ego me ire senibus Sunium
Dicam ad mercatum, ancillulam emtum quam dudum dixit Geta;
Ne quum hic non videant me conficere credant argentum suum.
Sed ostium concrepuit abs te.

[¶144] ANTIPHO:
See who’s coming out.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Vide quis egrediatur.

[¶145] PHORMIO:
It’s Geta.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Geta est.

[¶146] (Enter GETA, at a distance, hastily, from the house of DEMIPHO.)
GETA: (to himself.)
O fortune! O good luck! with blessings how great, how suddenly hast thou loaded this day with thy favors to my master Antipho!—

> Latin: (GETA.
ANTIPHO. PHORMIO.)
GETA:
O Fortuna, O Fors fortuna, quantis commoditatibus
Quam subito hero meo Antiphoni ope vestra hunc onerastis diem;

[¶147] ANTIPHO: (apart to PHORMIO.)
I wonder what it is he means.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quidnam hic sibi vult?

[¶148] GETA: (continuing.)
And relieved us, his friends, from alarm; but I’m now delaying, in not throwing my cloak over my shoulder (throws it over his shoulder),
and making haste to find him, that he may know what has happened.

> Latin: GETA:
nosque amicos eius exonerastis metu!
Sed ego nunc mihi cesso qui non humerum hunc onero pallio,
Atque hominem propero invenire, ut haec quae contigerint sciat.

[¶149] ANTIPHO: (apart to PHORMIO.)
Do you understand what he’s talking about?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Num tu intelligis hic quid narret?

[¶150] PHORMIO: (apart to ANTIPHO.)
Do you?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Num tu?

[¶151] ANTIPHO: (apart to PHORMIO.)
Not at all.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Nihil.

[¶152] PHORMIO: (apart to ANTIPHO.)
And I just as much.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Tantundem ego.

[¶153] GETA: (to himself.)
I’ll be off hence to the Procurer’s; they are there just now. (Runs along.)

> Latin: GETA:
Ad lenonem hinc ire pergam: ibi nunc sunt.

[¶154] ANTIPHO: (calling out.)
Halloo! Geta!

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Heus Geta.

[¶155] GETA: (still running.)
There’s for you. Is it any thing new or wonderful to be called back, directly you’ve started?

> Latin: GETA:
Hem tibi.
Num mirum aut novum est revocari, cursum quum institueris?

[¶156] ANTIPHO:
Geta!

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Geta.

[¶157] GETA:
Do you persist? Troth, you shall not on this occasion get the better of me by your annoyance.

> Latin: GETA:
Pergit hercle. Nunquam tu odio tuo me vines.

[¶158] ANTIPHO: (running after him.)
Won’t you stop?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Non manes?

[¶159] GETA:
You’ll be getting a beating.

> Latin: GETA:
Vapula.

[¶160] ANTIPHO:
Assuredly that will befall yourself just now unless you stop, you whip-knave.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Id quidem tibi iam fiet, nisi resistis, verbero.

[¶161] GETA:
This must be some one pretty familiar, threatening me with a beating. (Turns round.) But is it the person I’m in search of or not?’Tis the very man! Up to him at once.

> Latin: GETA:
Familiariorem oportet esse hunc: minitatur malum.
Sed isne es quem quaero an non? ipsus est.
PHORMIO:
Congredere actutum.

[¶162] ANTIPHO:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quid est?

[¶163] GETA:
O being most blessed of all men living! For without question, Antipho, you are the only favorite of the Gods.

> Latin: GETA:
O omnium quantum est qui vivunt hominum homo ornatissime!
Nam sine controversia ab Dis solus diligere, Antipho.

[¶164] ANTIPHO:
So I could wish; but I should like to be told why I’m to believe it is so.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Ita velim: sed qui istuc credam ita esse mihi diei velim.

[¶165] GETA:
Is it enough if I plunge you into a sea of joy?

> Latin: GETA:
Satin est si te delibutum gaudio reddo?

[¶166] ANTIPHO:
You are worrying me to death.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Enicas.

[¶167] PHORMIO:
Nay but do have done with your promises, and tell us what you bring.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Quin tu hinc pollicitationes aufer, et quod fers cedo.

[¶168] GETA: (looking round.)
Oh, are you here too, Phormio?

> Latin: GETA:
Oh,
Tu quoque hic aderas, Phormio?

[¶169] PHORMIO:
I am: but why do you delay?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Aderam: sed cessas?

[¶170] GETA:
Listen, then. When we just now paid you the money at the Forum, we went straight
to Chremes; in the mean time, my master sent me to your wife.

> Latin: GETA:
Accipe, hem,
Ut modo argentum tibi dedimus apud forum, recta domum
Sumus profecti: interea mittit herus me ad uxorem tuam.

[¶171] ANTIPHO:
What for?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quamobrem?

[¶172] GETA:
I’ll omit telling you that, as it is nothing to the present purpose, Antipho. Just as I was going to the woman’s apartments, the boy Mida came running up to me, and caught me behind by my cloak, and pulled me back; I turned about, and inquired for what reason he stopped me; he said that it was forbidden for any one to go in to his mistress.
“Sophrona has just now,” said he, “introduced here Chremes, the old gentleman’s brother,” and he said that he was then in the room with them: when I heard this, on tip-toe I stole softly along; I came there, stood, held my breath, I applied my ear, and so began to listen, catching the conversation every word in this fashion (shows them).

> Latin: GETA:
Omitto proloqui; nam nihil ad hanc rem est, Antipho.
Ubi in gynaeceum ire occipio, puer ad me adcurrit Mida;
Pone apprehendit pallio; resupinat: respicio; rogo
Quamobrem retineat me: ait esse vetitum intro ad heram accedere.
Sophrona modo fratrem huc, inquit, senis introduxit Chremem,
Eumque nunc esse intus cum illis. Hoc ubi ego audivi, ad fores
Suspenso gradu placide ire perrexi; accessi; adstiti;
Animam compressi; aurem admovi: ita animum coepi attendere,
Hoc modo sermonem captans.

[¶173] ANTIPHO:
Well done, Geta.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Eu Geta.

[¶174] GETA:
Here I overheard a very pretty piece of business; so much so that I had nearly cried out for joy.

> Latin: GETA:
Hic pulcherrimum
Facinus audivi: itaque paene hercle exclamavi gaudio.

[¶175] ANTIPHO:
What was it?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quod?

[¶176] GETA: (laughing.)
What do you think?

> Latin: GETA:
Quodnam arbitrare?

[¶177] ANTIPHO:
I don’t know.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Nescio.

[¶178] GETA:
Why, something most marvelous. Your uncle has been discovered to be the father of your wife, Phanium.

> Latin: GETA:
Atqui mirificissimum:
Patruus tuus pater est inventus Phanio uxori tuae.

[¶179] ANTIPHO: (starting.)
Ha! what’s that you say

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Hem.
Quid ais?

[¶180] GETA:
He formerly cohabited secretly with her mother at Lemnos.

> Latin: GETA:
Cum eius consuevit olim matre in Lemno clanculum.

[¶181] PHORMIO:
A dream: how could she be ignorant about her own father?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Somnium. Utine haec ignoraret suum patrem?

[¶182] GETA:
Be sure,
Phormio, that there is some reason: but do you suppose that, outside of the door, I was able to understand every thing that passed between them within?

> Latin: GETA:
Aliquid credito,
Phormio, esse causae: sed me censen potuisse omnia
Intelligere extra ostium intus quae inter sese ipsi egerint?

[¶183] ANTIPHO:
On my faith, I too have heard the same story.

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Atque hercle ego quoque illam audivi fabulam.

[¶184] GETA:
Aye, and I’ll give you still further reason for believing it: your uncle in the mean time came out from there; not long after he returned again, with your father;
each said that he gave you permission to retain her; in fine, I’ve been sent to find you, and bring you to them.

> Latin: GETA:
Immo etiam dabo
Quo magis credas. Patruus interea inde huc egreditur foras:
Haud multo post cum patre idem recipit se intro denuo:
Ait uterque tibi potestatem eius habendae se dare.
Denique ego missus sum te ut requirerem atque adducerem.

[¶185] ANTIPHO:
Why then carry me off at once;—why do you delay?

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
Quin ergo rape me: quid cessas?

[¶186] GETA:
I’ll do so.

> Latin: GETA:
Fecero.

[¶187] ANTIPHO:
O my dear Phormio, farewell!

> Latin: ANTIPHO:
O mi Phormio,
Vale.

[¶188] PHORMIO:
Farewell, Antipho. (ANTIPHO and GETA go into DEMIPHO’S house.) So may the Gods bless me, this has turned out luckily. I’m glad of it, that such good fortune has thus suddenly befallen them.
I have now an excellent opportunity for diddling the old men, and ridding Phaedria of all anxiety about the money, so that he mayn’t be under the necessity of applying to any of his companions. For this same money, as it has been given him, shall be given for good, whether they like it or not: how to force them to this, I’ve found out the very way.
I must now assume a new air and countenance. But I’ll betake myself off to this next alley; from that spot I’ll present myself to them, when they come out of doors. I sha’n’t go to the fair, where I pretended I was going.
(He retires into the alley.)

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Vale, Antipho: bene, ita me Di ament, factum: gaudeo
Tantam fortunam de improviso esse his datam.
Summa eludendi occasio est mihi nunc senes,
Et Phaedriae curam adimere argentariam,
Ne cuiquam suorum aequalium supplex siet:
Nam idem hoc argentum, ita ut datum est, ingratiis
Ei datum erit: hoc qui cogam re ipsa repperi.
Nunc gestus mihi vultusque est capiendus novus.
Sed hince concedam in angiportum hoc proximum:
Inde hisce ostendam me, ubi erunt egressi foras.
Quo me assimularam ire ad mercatum non eo.

[¶189] (Enter DEMIPHO and CHREMES, from DEMIPHO’S house.)
DEMIPHO:
I do give and return hearty thanks to the Gods,
and with reason, brother, inasmuch as these matters have turned out for us so fortunately. We must now meet with Phormio as soon as possible, before he squanders our thirty minae, so that we may get them from him. (Enter PHORMIO, coming forward, and speaking aloud, as though not seeing them.)

> Latin: (DEMIPHO.
PHORMIO. CHREMES.)
DEMIPHO:
Dis magnas merito gratias habeo atque ago,
Quando evenere haec nobis, frater, prospere.
Quantum potest nunc conveniendus Phormio est,
Priusquam dilapidet nostras triginta minas
Ut auferamus.
PHORMIO:
Demiphonem, si domi est,
Visam: ut, quod—
DEMIPHO:
At nos ad te ibamus, Phormio.

[¶190] PHORMIO:
I’ll go see if Demipho’s at home; that as to what —

> Latin: PHORMIO:
De eadem hac fortasse causa.

[¶191] DEMIPHO: (accosting him.)
Why, Phormio, we were coming to you.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ita hercle.

[¶192] PHORMIO:
Perhaps about the very same affair. (DEMIPHO nods assent.)
I’ faith,
I thought so.
What were you coming to my house for? Ridiculous; are you afraid that I sha’n’t do what I have once undertaken? Hark you, whatever is my poverty, still, of this one thing I have taken due care, not to forfeit my word.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Credidi.
Quid ad me ibatis? Ridiculum. Verebamini
Ne non id facerem quod recepissem semel?
Heus, quanta quanta haec mea paupertas est, tamen
Adhuc curavi unum hoc quidem, ut mihi esset fides.

[¶193] CHREMES: (to DEMIPHO.)
Is she not genteel-looking, just as I told you?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Estne ea, ita ut dixi, liberalis?

[¶194] DEMIPHO:
Very much so.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Oppido.

[¶195] PHORMIO:
And this is what I’m come to tell you, Demipho, that I’m quite ready; whenever you please, give me my wife. For I postponed all my other business, as was fit I should, when I understood that you were so very desirous to have it so.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Itaque ad vos venio nuntiatum, Demipho,
Paratum me esse: ubi vultis, uxorem date;
Nam omnes posthabui mihi res, ita uti par fuit,
Postquam tantopere id vos velle animadverteram.

[¶196] DEMIPHO: (pointing to CHREMES.)
But he has dissuaded me from giving her to you. “For what,” says he, “will be the talk among people if you do this? Formerly, when she might have been handsomely disposed of, then she wasn’t given; now it’s a disgrace for her to be turned out of doors, a repudiated woman;” pretty nearly, in fact, all the reasons which you yourself, some little time since, were urging to me.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
At hic dehortatus est me ne illam tibi darem;
“Nam qui erit rumor populi,” inquit, “si id feceris?”
“Olim quum honeste potuit tum non est data:”
“Nunc viduam extrudi turpe est:” ferme eadem omnia
Quae tute dudum coram me incusaveras.

[¶197] PHORMIO:
Upon my faith, you are treating me in a very insulting manner.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Satis superbe illuditis me.

[¶198] DEMIPHO:
How so?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Qui?

[¶199] PHORMIO:
Do you ask me? Because I shall not be able to marry the other person I mentioned; for with what face shall I return to her whom I’ve slighted?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Rogas?
Quia ne alteram quidem illam potero ducere:
Nam quo redibo ore ad eam quam contemserim?

[¶200] CHREMES:
Then besides, I see that Antipho is unwilling to part with her. (Aside, prompting DEMIPHO.) Say so.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Tum autem Antiphonem video ab sese amittere
Invitum eam; inque.

[¶201] DEMIPHO:
Then besides, I see that my son
is very unwilling to part with the damsel. But have the goodness to step over to the Forum, and order this money to be transferred to my account, Phormio.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Tum autem video filium
Invitum sane mulierem ab se amittere.
Sed transi sodes ad forum, atque illud mihi
Argentum rursum iube rescribi, Phormio.

[¶202] PHORMIO:
What, when I’ve paid it over to the persons to whom I was indebted?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Quodne ego discripsi porro illis quibus debui

[¶203] DEMIPHO:
What’s to be done, then?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid igitur fiet?

[¶204] PHORMIO:
If you will let me have her for a wife,
as you promised, I’ll take her; but if you prefer that she should stay with you, the portion must stay with me, Demipho. For it isn’t fair that I should be misled for you, as it was for your own sakes that I broke off with the other woman, who was to have brought me a portion just as large.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Si vis mihi uxorem dare,
Quam despondisti, ducam: sin est ut velis
Mancre illam apud te, dos hic maneat, Demipho.
Nam non est aequum me propter vos decipi,
Quum ego vestri honoris causa repudium alterae
Remiserim quae dotis tantundem dabat.

[¶205] DEMIPHO:
Away with you to utter perdition, with this swaggering, you vagabond. What, then, do you fancy we don’t know you, or your doings?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
I hinc in malam rein cum istac magnificentia,
Fugitive: etiam nunc credis te ignorarier,
Aut tua facta adeo?

[¶206] PHORMIO:
You are provoking me.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Irritor.

[¶207] DEMIPHO:
Would you have married her, if she had been given to you?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Tune hanc duceres,
Si tibi data esset?

[¶208] PHORMIO:
Try the experiment.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Fac periclum.

[¶209] DEMIPHO:
That my son might cohabit with her at your house, that was your design.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ut filius
Cum illa habitet apud te; hoc vestrum consilium fuit.

[¶210] PHORMIO:
Pray, what is that you say?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Quaeso, quid narras?

[¶211] DEMIPHO:
Then do you give me my money?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quin tu mihi argentum cedo.

[¶212] PHORMIO:
Nay, but do you give me my wife?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Immo vero uxorem tu cedo.

[¶213] DEMIPHO:
Come before a magistrate. (Going to seize hold of him.)

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
In ius ambula.

[¶214] PHORMIO:
Why, really, if you persist in being troublesome—

> Latin: PHORMIO:
In ius? enimvero si porro esse odiosi pergitis—

[¶215] DEMIPHO:
What will you do?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid facies?

[¶216] PHORMIO:
What, I? You fancy, perhaps, just now, that I am the protector of the portionless; for the well portioned,
I’m in the habit of being so as well.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Egone? Vos me indotatis modo
Patrocinari fortasse arbitramini:
Etiam dotatis soleo.

[¶217] CHREMES:
What’s that to us?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid id nostra?

[¶218] PHORMIO: (with a careless air.)
Nothing at all. I know a certain lady here (pointing at CHREMES’S house) whose husband had—

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Nihil.
Hic quandam noram cuius vir uxorem —

[¶219] CHREMES: (starting.)
Ha!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Hem.

[¶220] DEMIPHO:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Quid est?

[¶221] PHORMIO:
Another wife at Lemnos—

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Lemni habuit aliam:—

[¶222] CHREMES: (aside.)
I’m ruined!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Nullus sum.

[¶223] PHORMIO:
By whom he had a daughter; and her he is secretly bringing up.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
ex qua filiam
Suscepit; et eam clam educat.

[¶224] CHREMES: (aside.)
I’m dead and buried!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Sepultus sum.

[¶225] PHORMIO:
This I shall assuredly now inform her of.
(Walks toward the house.)

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Haec adeo ego illi iam denarrabo.

[¶226] CHREMES: (running and catching hold of him.)
I beg of you,
don’t do so.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Obsecro,
Ne facias.

[¶227] PHORMIO: (with a careless air.)
Oh, were you the person?
DEMIPHO:
What a jest he’s making of us.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Oh, tune is eras? Ut ludos facit.

[¶228] CHREMES: (to PHORMIO.)
We’ll let you off.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Missum te facimus.

[¶229] PHORMIO:
Nonsense.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Fabulae.

[¶230] CHREMES:
What would you have? We’ll forgive you the money you’ve got,

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid vis tibi?
Argentum quod habes condonamus te.

[¶231] PHORMIO:
I hear you. Why the plague, then, do you two trifle with me in this way, you silly men, with your childish speeches—
“I won’t, and I will; I will, and I won’t,” over again: “keep it, give it me back; what has been said, is unsaid; what had been just a bargain, is now no bargain.”

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Audio.
Quid vos, malum, ergo me sic ludificamini,
Inepti, vestra puerili sententia?
“Nolo, volo: volo, nolo rursum: cedo, cape.”
“Quod dictum, indictum est: quod modo erat ratum, irritum est.”

[¶232] CHREMES: (aside, to DEMIPHO.)
In what manner, or from whom has he come to know of this?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quo pacto aut unde haec hic rescivit?

[¶233] DEMIPHO: (aside.)
I don’t, know; but that I’ve told it to no one, I know for certain.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Nescio;
Nisi me dixisse nemini id certo scio.

[¶234] CHREMES: (aside.)
So may the Gods bless me,’tis as good as a miracle.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Monstri, ita me Di ament, simile.

[¶235] PHORMIO: (aside, to himself.)
I’ve graveled them.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Inieci scrupulum.

[¶236] DEMIPHO: (apart, to CHREMES.)
Well now,
is he to be carrying off from us such a sum of money as this, and so palpably to impose upon us? By heavens, I’d sooner die. Manage to show yourself of resolute and ready wit. You see that this slip of yours has got abroad, and that you can not now possibly conceal it from your wife;
it is then more conducive to our quiet, Chremes, ourselves to disclose what she will be hearing from others; and then, in our own fashion, we shall be able to take vengeance upon this dirty fellow.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Hem.
Hicine ut a nobis hoc tantum argenti auferat,
Tam aperte irridens? Emori hercle satius est.
Animo virili praesentique ut sis para:
Vides tuum peccatum esse clatum foras;
Neque iam id celare posse te uxorem tuam.
Nunc quod ipsa ex aliis auditura sit, Chreme,
Id nosmet ipsos indicare placabilius est.
Tum hunc impuratum poterimus nostro modo
Ulcisci.

[¶237] PHORMIO: (aside, to himself.)
Good lack-a-day, now’s the sticking-point, if I don’t look out for myself. They are making toward me with a gladiatorial air.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Atat, nisi inihi prospicio, haereo.
Hi gladiatorio animo ad me affectant viam.

[¶238] CHREMES: (apart, to DEMIPHO.)
But I doubt whether it’s possible for her to be appeased.

> Latin: CHREMES:
At vereor ut placari possit.

[¶239] DEMIPHO: (apart, to CHREMES.)
Be of good courage; I’ll effect a reconciliation between you; remembering this, Chremes, that she is dead and gone by whom you had this girl.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Bono animo es.
Ego redigam vos in gratiam, hoc fretus, Chreme,
Quum e medio excessit unde haec suscepta est tibi.

[¶240] PHORMIO: (in a loud voice.)
Is this the way you are going to deal with me? Very cleverly done. Come on with you. By heavens, Demipho, you have provoked me, not to his advantage (pointing at CHREMES).
How say you? (addressing CHREMES). When you’ve been doing abroad just as you pleased, and have had no regard for this excellent lady here, but on the contrary, have been injuring her in an unheard-of manner, would you be coming to me with prayers to wash away your offenses? On telling her of this, I’ll make her so incensed with you,
that you sha’n’t quench her, though you should melt away into tears.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Itane agitis mecum? Satis astute aggredimini.
Non hercle ex re istius me instigasti, Demipho.
Ain tu? Ubi quae libitum fuerit peregre feceris,
Neque huius sis veritus feminae primariae,
Quin novo modo ei faceres contumeliam,
Venias mihi precibus lautum peccatum tuum?
Hisce ego illlam dictis ita tibi incensam dabo
Ut ne restinguas lacrimis si exstillaveris.

[¶241] DEMIPHO: (aside.)
A plague may all the Gods and Goddesses send upon him. That any fellow should be possessed of so much impudence! Does not this villain deserve to be transported hence to some desolate land at the public charge?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Malum quod isti Di Deaeque omnes duiut.
Tantane affectum quenquam esse hominem audacia?
Non hoc publicitus scelus hinc deportarier
In solas terras?

[¶242] CHREMES: (aside.)
I am brought to such a pass,
that I really don’t know what to do in it.

> Latin: CHREMES:
In id redactus sum loci
Ut quid agam cum illo nesciam prorsum.

[¶243] DEMIPHO:
I know; let’s go into court.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ego scio:
In ius eamus.

[¶244] PHORMIO:
Into court? Here in preference (pointing to CHREMES’S house), if it suits you in any way.
(Moves toward the house.)

> Latin: PHORMIO:
In ius? huc, si quid libet.

[¶245] DEMIPHO: (to CHREMES.)
Follow him, and hold him back, till I call out the servants.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Assequere ac retine, dum ego huc servos evoco.

[¶246] CHREMES: (trying to seize PHORMIO.)
But I can’t by myself; run and help me.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Enim solus nequeo: accurre huc.

[¶247] PHORMIO: (to DEMIPHO, who seizes hold of him.)
There’s one action of damages against you.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Una iniuria est
Tecum.

[¶248] CHREMES:
Sue him at law, then.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Lege agito ergo.

[¶249] PHORMIO:
And another with you, Chremes.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Altera est tecum, Chreme.

[¶250] DEMIPHO:
Lay hold of him. (They both drag him.)

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Rape hunc.

[¶251] PHORMIO:
Is it thus you do? Why then I must exert my voice: Nausistrata, come out (calling aloud).

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Itane agitis? enimvero voce est opus.
Nausistrata, exi.

[¶252] CHREMES: (to DEMIPHO.)
Stop his mouth.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Os opprime.

[¶253] DEMIPHO:
See how strong the rascal is.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Impurum vide,
Quantum valet.

[¶254] PHORMIO: (calling aloud.)
Nausistrata, I say.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Nausistrata, inquam.

[¶255] CHREMES:
Will you not hold your tongue?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non taces?

[¶256] PHORMIO:
Hold my tongue?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Taceam?

[¶257] DEMIPHO: (to CHREMES, as they drag him along.)
If he won’t follow, plant your fists in his stomach.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Nisi sequitur, pugnos in ventrem ingere.

[¶258] PHORMIO:
Or e’en gouge out an eye. The time’s coming when I shall have a full revenge on you.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Vel oculum exclude: est ubi vos ulciscar probe.

[¶259] (Enter NAUSISTRATA, in haste, from the house.)
NAUSISTRATA:
Who calls my name?

> Latin: (NAUSISTRATA.
CHREMES.
PHORMIO. DEMIPHO.)
NAUSISTRATA:
Quis nominat me?

[¶260] CHREMES: (in alarm.)
Ha!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Hem.

[¶261] NAUSISTRATA:
My husband, pray what means this disturbance?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Quid istuc turbae est, obsecro,
Mi vir?

[¶262] PHORMIO: (to CHREMES.)
Oh, oh, why are you mute now?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ehem, quid nunc obstipuisti?

[¶263] NAUSISTRATA:
Who is this man? Won’t you answer me?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Quis hic homo est?
Non mihi respondes?

[¶264] PHORMIO:
What, he to answer you? who, upon my faith, doesn’t know where he is.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Hicine ut tibi respondeat,
Qui hercle ubi sit nescit?

[¶265] CHREMES: (to NAUSISTRATA.)
Take care how you believe that fellow in any thing.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Cave isti quicquam creduas.

[¶266] PHORMIO: (to NAUSISTRATA.)
Go, touch him; if he isn’t in a cold sweat all over, why then kill me.
CHREMES:’Tis nothing at all.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Abi, tange: si non totus friget, me enica.
CHREMES:
Nihil est.

[¶267] NAUSISTRATA:
What is it, then, that this person is talking about?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Quid ergo est? quid istic narrat?

[¶268] PHORMIO:
You shall know directly; listen now.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Iam scies:
Ausculta.

[¶269] CHREMES:
Are you resolved to believe him?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Pergin credere?

[¶270] NAUSISTRATA:
Pray, how can I believe him, when he has told me nothing?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Quid ego, obsecro,
Huic credam qui nihil dixit?

[¶271] PHORMIO:
The poor creature is distracted from fright.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Delirat miser
Timore.

[¶272] NAUSISTRATA:
It isn’t for nothing, i’ faith, that you are in such a fright.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Non pol temere est quod tu tam times.

[¶273] CHREMES:
What, I in a fright?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Ego timeo?

[¶274] PHORMIO: (to CHREMES.)
All right, of course: since you are not in a fright at all,
and this is nothing at all that I’m going to tell, do you relate it.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Recte sane: quando nihil times,
Et hoc nihil est quod ego dico, tu narra.

[¶275] DEMIPHO:
Villain, is he to relate it at your request?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Scelus!
Tibi narret?

[¶276] PHORMIO: (to DEMIPHO.)
Come now, you’ve managed nicely for your brother.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Eho tu, factum est abs te sedulo
Pro fratre.

[¶277] NAUSISTRATA:
My husband, will you not tell me?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Mi vir, non mihi narras?

[¶278] CHREMES:
But—

> Latin: CHREMES:
At—

[¶279] NAUSISTRATA:
But what?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Quid, “at?”

[¶280] CHREMES:
There’s no need to tell you.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Non opus est dicto.

[¶281] PHORMIO:
Not for you, indeed; but there’s need for her to know it. At Lemnos—

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Tibi quidem: at scito huic opus est.
In Lemno—

[¶282] CHREMES: (starting.)
Ha! what are you doing?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Hem, quid ais?

[¶283] DEMIPHO: (to PHORMIO.)
Won’t you hold your tongue?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Non taces?

[¶284] PHORMIO: (to NAUSISTRATA.)
Unknown to you—

> Latin: PHORMIO:
clam te—

[¶285] CHREMES:
Ah me!

> Latin: CHREMES:
Hei mihi.

[¶286] PHORMIO:
He married another—

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Uxorem duxit.

[¶287] NAUSISTRATA:
My dear sir, may the Gods forbid it!

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Mi homo, Di melius duint.

[¶288] PHORMIO:
Such is the fact.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Sic factum est.

[¶289] NAUSISTRATA:
Wretch that I am, I’m undone!

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Perii misera.

[¶290] PHORMIO:
And had a daughter by her, too, while you never dreamed of it.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Et inde filiam
Suscepit iam unam, dum tu dormis.

[¶291] CHREMES:
What are we to do?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Quid agimus?

[¶292] NAUSISTRATA:
O immortal Gods!—a disgraceful and a wicked misdeed!
DEMIPHO: (aside, to CHREMES.)
It’s all up with you.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Pro Di immortales, facinus indignum, et malum.

[¶293] PHORMIO:
Was ever any thing now more ungenerously done?
Your men, who, when they come to their wives, then become incapacitated from old age.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Hoc actum est.

[¶294] NAUSISTRATA:
Demipho, I appeal to you; for with that man it is irksome for me to speak. Were these those frequent journeys and long visits at Lemnos? Was this the lowness of prices that reduced our rents?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
An quicquam hodie est factum indignius?
Qui mihi ubi ad uxores ventum est tum fiunt senes.
Demipho, te appello; nam me cum hoc ipso distaedet loqui.
Haecine erant itiones crebrae, et mansiones diutinae
Lemni? haecine erat ea quae nostros fructus minuebat vilitas?

[¶295] DEMIPHO:
Nausistrata, I don’t deny that in this matter he has been deserving of censure;
but still, it may be pardoned.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Ego, Nausistrata, esse in hac re culpam meritam non nego;
Sed ea quin sit ignoscenda.

[¶296] PHORMIO: (apart.)
He is talking to the dead.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Verba fiunt mortuo.

[¶297] DEMIPHO:
For he did this neither through neglect or aversion to yourself. About fifteen years since, in a drunken fit, he had an intrigue with this poor woman, of whom this girl was born, nor did he ever touch her afterward. She is dead and gone: the only difficulty that remained in this matter.
Wherefore, I do beg of you, that, as in other things, you’ll bear this with patience.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Nam neque negligentia tua, neque odio id fecit tuo.
Vinolentus fere abhinc annos quindecim mulierculam
Eam compressit, unde haec nata est: neque postilla unquam attigit.
Ea mortem obiit, e medio abiit, qui fuit in re hac serupulus.
Quamobrem te oro, ut alia facta tua sunt, aequo animo hoc feras.

[¶298] NAUSISTRATA:
Why should I with patience? I could wish, afflicted as I am, that there were an end now of this matter. But how can I hope? Am I to suppose that, at his age, he will not offend in future? Was he not an old man then, if old age makes people behave themselves decently? Are my looks and my age more attractive now, Demipho?
What do you advance to me, to make me expect or hope that this will not happen any more?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Quid ego aequo animo? Cupio misera in hac re iam defungier.
Sed quid sperem? aetate porro minus peccaturum putem?
Iam tum erat senex, senectus si verecundos facit.
An mea forma atque aetas nunc magis expetenda est, Demipho?
Quid mihi nunc affers quamobrem exspectem aut sperem porro non fore?

[¶299] PHORMIO: (in a loud voice.)
Those who have a mind to come to the funeral of Chremes, why now’s their time.’Tis thus I retaliate: come now, let him challenge Phormio who pleases: I’ll have him victimized with just a like mischance. Why then, let him return again into her good graces. I have now had revenge enough.
She has got something for her as long as she lives, to be forever ringing into his ears.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Exsequias Chremeti quibus est commodum ire hem tempus est.
Sic dabo: age nunc, age, Phormionem qui volet lacessito.
Faxo tali eum mactatum atque hic est infortunio.
Redeat sane in gratiam: iam supplici satis est mihi:
Habet haec ei quod dum vivat usque ad aurem ogganniat.

[¶300] NAUSISTRATA:
But it was because I deserved this, I suppose; why should I now, Demipho, make mention of each particular, how I have conducted myself toward him?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
At meo merito, credo: quid ego nunc commemorem, Demipho,
Singulatim qualis ego in hunc fuerim?

[¶301] DEMIPHO:
I know it all, as well as yourself.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Novi aeque omnia
Tecum.

[¶302] NAUSISTRATA:
Does it appear, then, that I deserved this treatment?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Meritone hoc meo videtur factum?

[¶303] DEMIPHO:
Far from it: but since, by reproaching, it can not now be undone,
forgive him: he entreats you—he begs your pardon—owns his fault—makes an apology. What would you have more?

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Minime gentium;
Verum, quando iam accusando fieri infectum non potest,
Ignosce: orat; confitetur; purgat: quid vis amplius?

[¶304] PHORMIO: (aside.)
But really, before she grants pardon to him, I must take care of myself and Phaedria. (To NAUSISTRATA.) Hark you, Nausistrata, before you answer him without thinking, listen to me.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Enimvero prius quam haec dat veniam, mihi prospiciam et Phaedriae.
Heus, Nausistrata, prius quam huic respondes temere, audi.

[¶305] NAUSISTRATA:
What’s the matter?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Quid est?

[¶306] PHORMIO:
I got out of him thirty minae by a stratagem. I give them to your son; he paid them to a Procurer for his mistress.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Ego minas triginta per fallaciam ab illo abstuli;
Eas dedi tuo gnato; is pro sua amica lenoni dedit.

[¶307] CHREMES:
Ha! what is it you say?
PHORMIO: (sneeringly.)
Does it seem to you so very improper for your son, a young man, to keep one mistress, while you have two wives? Are you ashamed of nothing? With what face will you censure him? Answer me that.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Hem, quid ais?
NAUSISTRATA:
Adeone hoc indignum tibi videtur, filius
Homo adolescens si habet unam amicam, tu uxores duas?
Nihil pudere! Quo ore illum obiurgabis? responde mihi.

[¶308] DEMIPHO:
He shall do as you wish.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Faciet ut voles.

[¶309] NAUSISTRATA:
Nay, that you may now know my determination, I neither forgive nor promise any thing, nor give any answer,
before I see my son: to his decision I leave every thing. What he bids me, I shall do.
DEMIPHO:
You are a wise woman, Nausistrata.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Immo, ut meam iam scias sententiam,
Neque ego ignosco neque promitto quicquam; neque respondeo,
Prius quam gnatum video: eius iudicio permitto omnia;
Quod is iubebit, faciam.
PHORMIO:
Mulier sapiens es, Nausistrata.

[¶310] NAUSISTRATA:
Does that satisfy you, Chremes?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Satin tibi est [Chreme]?

[¶311] CHREMES:
Yes, indeed, I come off well, and fully to my satisfaction; indeed, beyond my expectation.

> Latin: CHREMES:
Immo vero pulchre discedo et probe,
Et praeter spem.

[¶312] NAUSISTRATA: (to PHORMIO.)
Do you tell me, what is your name?

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Tu tuum nomen die quod est.

[¶313] PHORMIO:
What, mine? Phormio; a well-wisher to your family, upon my honor, and to your son Phaedria in particular.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Mihin? Phormio:
Vestrae familiae hercle amicus, et tuo summus Phaedriae.

[¶314] NAUSISTRATA:
Then, Phormio, on my word, henceforward I’ll both do and say for you all I can, and whatever you may desire.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Phormio, at ego ecastor posthac tibi quod potero et quae voles
Faciamque et dicam.

[¶315] PHORMIO:
You speak obligingly.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Benigne dicis.

[¶316] NAUSISTRATA:
I’ faith, it is as you deserve.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Pol meritum est tuum.

[¶317] PHORMIO:
First, then, will you do this, Nausistrata, at once, to please me, and to make your husband’s eyes ache with vexation?

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Vin primum hodie facere quod ego gaudeam, Nausistrata,
Et quod tuo viro oculi doleant?

[¶318] NAUSISTRATA:
With all my heart.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Cupio.

[¶319] PHORMIO:
Invite me to dinner.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Me ad coenam voca.

[¶320] NAUSISTRATA:
Assuredly indeed, I do invite you.

> Latin: NAUSISTRATA:
Pol vero voco.

[¶321] DEMIPHO:
Let us now away in-doors.

> Latin: DEMIPHO:
Eamus intro hinc.

[¶322] CHREMES:
By all means; but where is Phaedria,
our arbitrator?

> Latin: CHREMES:
Fiat: sed ubi est Phaedria,
Iudex noster?

[¶323] PHORMIO:
I’ll have him here just now.
(To the AUDIENCE.) Fare you well, and grant us your applause.
(Enter PHAEDRIA and PHORMIO, from opposite sides of the stage. )
PHAEDRIA:
Assuredly there is a God, who both hears and sees what we do. And I do not consider that to be true which is commonly said: “Fortune frames and fashions the affairs of mankind, just as she pleases.”
PHORMIO: (aside.)
Heyday! what means this? I’ve met with Socrates, not Phaedria, so far as I see. Why hesitate to go up and address him? (Accosting him.) How now, Phaedria, whence have you acquired this new wisdom, and derived such great delight, as you show by your countenance?
PHAEDRIA:
O welcome, my friend; O most delightful Phormio, welcome! There’s not a person in all the world I could more wish just now to meet than yourself.
PHORMIO:
Pray, tell me what is the matter.
PHAEDRIA:
Aye, faith, I have to beg of you, that you will listen to it. My Pamphila is a citizen of Attica, and of noble birth, and rich.
PHORMIO:
What is it you tell me? Are you dreaming, pray?
PHAEDRIA:
Upon my faith, I’m saying what’s true.
PHORMIO:
Yes, and this, too, is a true saying: “You’ll have no great difficulty in believing that to be true, which you greatly wish to be so.”
PHAEDRIA:
Nay, but do listen, I beg of you, to all the wonderful things I have to tell you of. It was while thinking of this to myself, that I just now burst forth into those expressions which you heard—that we, and what relates to us, are ruled by the sanction of the Gods, and not by blind chance.
PHORMIO:
I’ve been for some time in a state of suspense.
PHAEDRIA:
Do you know Phanocrates?
PHORMIO:
As well as I do yourself.
PHAEDRIA:
The rich man?
PHORMIO:
I understand.
PHAEDRIA:
He is the father of Pamphila. Not to detain you, these were the circumstances: Calchas was his servant, a worthless, wicked fellow. Intending to run away from the house, he carried off this girl, whom her father was bringing up in the country, then five years old, and, secretly taking her with him to Eubaea, sold her to Lycus, a merchant. This person, a long time after, sold her, when now grown up, to Dorio. She, however, knew that she was the daughter of parents of rank, inasmuch as she recollected herself being attended and trained up by female servants: the name of her parents she didn’t recollect.
PHORMIO:
How, then, were they discovered?
PHAEDRIA:
Stay; I was coming to that. This runaway was caught yesterday, and sent back to Phanocrates: he related the wonderful circumstances I have mentioned about the girl, and how she was sold to Lycus, and afterward to Dorio. Phanocrates sent immediately, and claimed his daughter; but when he learned that she had been sold, he came running to me.
PHORMIO:
O, how extremely fortunate!
PHAEDRIA:
Phanocrates has no objection to my marrying her; nor has my father, I imagine.
PHORMIO:
Trust me for that; I’ll have all this matter managed for you; Phormio has so arranged it, that you shall not be a suppliant to your father, but his judge.
PHAEDRIA:
You are joking.
PHORMIO:
So it is, I tell you. Do you only give me the thirty minae which Dorio—
PHAEDRIA:
You put me well in mind; I understand you; you may have them; for he must give them back, as the law forbids a free woman to be sold; and, on my faith, I do rejoice that an opportunity is afforded me of rewarding you, and taking a hearty vengeance upon him; a monster of a fellow he has feelings more hardened than iron.
PHORMIO:
Now, Phaedria, I return you thanks; I’ll make you a return upon occasion, if ever I have the opportunity. You impose a heavy task upon me, to be contending with you in good offices, as I can not in wealth; and in affection and zeal, I must repay you what I owe. To be surpassed in deserving well, is a disgrace to a man of principle.
PHAEDRIA:
Services badly bestowed, I take to be disservices. But I do not know any person more grateful and more mindful of a service than yourself. What is it you were just now mentioning about my father?
PHORMIO:
There are many particulars, which at present I have not the opportunity to relate. Let’s go in-doors, for Nausistrata has invited me to dinner, and I’m afraid we may keep them waiting.
PHAEDRIA:
Very well; follow me. (To the AUDIENCE.) Fare you well, and grant us your applause.

> Latin: PHORMIO:
Iam hic faxo aderit.
Ω:
Vos valete et plaudite.