(_Half an hour has elapsed_)
ENTER _Philoxenus_.
_Phil._
Quam magis in pectore meo foveo quas meus filius turbas turbet,
quam se ad vitam et quos ad mores praecipitem inscitus capessat,
magis curae est magisque adformido, ne is pereat neu corrumpatur.
scio, fui ego illa aetate et feci illa omnia, sed more modesto;
neque placitant mores quibus video volgo in gnatos
esse parentes:[29] 1080
The more I ponder over the capers my son is cutting, and
the life and habits the thoughtless lad is plunging headlong
into, the more worried, and the more fearful I get at the
danger of his becoming an irreclaimable rake. I know, I was
young once myself, and did all those things, but I showed
some self-restraint. The attitude I see in the general run
of parents toward their sons doesn’t suit me.
ego dare me meo gnato institui,
ut animo obsequium sumere possit; (1082)
aequom esse puto, sed nimis nolo desidiae ei dare ludum.
nunc Mnesilochum, quod mandavi,
viso ecquid eum ad virtutem aut ad
frugem opera sua compulerit, sic
ut eum, si convenit, scio fecisse: cost ingenio natus.
I’ve made a practice of being liberal to my son, so that
he may follow his inclinations; I think it’s the fair way;
at the same time, I don’t want to give too much play to
his dawdling. Now I’m going to see Mnesilochus about that
commission of mine, and find out if he has driven the boy
over to the path of virtue and sobriety by his efforts--as
I know he has, if he found occasion: that is his natural
disposition. (_goes toward Bacchis’s door_)
ACTVS V
ACT V
ENTER _Nicobulus_ IN A RAGE, WITHOUT SEEING _Philoxenus_.
_Nic._
Quicumque ubi ubi sunt, qui fuerunt quique futuri sunt posthac
stulti, stolidi, fatui, fungi, bardi, blenni, buccones,
solus ego omnis longe antideo
stultitia et moribus indoctis.
perii, pudet: hocine me aetatis
ludos bis factum esse indigne? 1090
Of all the silly, stupid, fatuous, fungus-grown, doddering,
drivelling dolts anywhere, past or future, I alone am far
and away ahead of the whole lot of ’em in silliness and
absurd behaviour! Damnation! I’m ashamed! The idea of my
being made a fool of twice at my time of life in this
outrageous fashion!
magis quam id reputo, tam magis uror
quae meus filius turbavit.
perditus sum atque eradicatus
sum, omnibus exemplis excrucior.
omnia me mala consectantur,
omnibus exitiis interii.
The more I think it over, the hotter I get at my son’s
devilry! I’m ruined, eradicated, tortured every way!
Every kind of trouble is upon me: I’ve died every kind
of death!
Chrysalus med hodie laceravit,
Chrysalus me miserum spoliavit:
is me scelus auro usque attondit
dolis doctis indoctum, ut lubitumst.
I’ve been mangled to-day by Chrysalus, stripped, poor
wretch, by Chrysalus! He has sheared me clean of my gold,
the villain, sheared me to suit his taste by his wily arts,
artless innocent that I am!
ita miles memorat meretricem esse
eam quam ille uxorem esse aiebat,
omniaque ut quidque actum est memoravit,
eam sibi hunc annum conductam,
relicuom id auri factum quod ego ei
stultissimus homo promisissem: hoc,
hoc est quo cor peracescit:
The Captain tells me that the woman that rascal said was his
wife is a courtesan, and he’s given me the full history of
the case--how he’d hired her for this year, how the money
I’d promised him, like an utter idiot, was the sum due him
for the months yet to run. This, this, is what galls me;
hoc est demum quod percrucior,
me hoc aetatis ludificari,[30] (1099)
cano capite atque alba barba
miserum me auro esse emunctum. 1101
perii, hoc servom meum non nauci facere esse ausum! atque ego,
si alibi
plus perdiderim. minus aegre habeam minusque id mihi damno ducam.
this is the crowning torment--for me to be gulled at my time
of life, for me, poor fool, with my hoary hairs and white
beard to be cleaned out of my gold! Oh, damnation! My own
servant dares to hold me cheaper than dirt in this fashion!
Yes, yes, if I lost more money some other way, I should mind
it less and regard the loss as less.
_Phil._
Certo hic prope me mihi nescio quis loqui visust; sed quem video?
hic quidemst pater Mnesilochi.
It surely seemed as if some one was speaking here near me.
(_sees Nicobulus_) But who’s this I see? Mnesilochus’s
father, upon my word! (_approaches_)
_Nic._
Euge, socium aerumnae et mei mali video.
Philoxene, salve.
(_grimly_) Splendid! I see my partner in toil and woe. Good
day to you, Philoxenus.
_Phil._
Et tu. unde agis?
And to you. Where are you coming from?
_Nic._
Unde homo miser atque infortunatus.
Where a wretched, unlucky man should come from.
_Phil._
At pol ego ibi sum,
esse ubi miserum hominem decet atque infortunatum.
Gad! but I’m on the very spot where a wretched, unlucky man
should be.
_Nic._
Igitur pari fortuna, aetate ut sumus, utimur.
Then we’re alike in luck as we are in years.
_Phil._
Sic est. sed tu,
quid tibist?
So it seems. But you--what is your trouble?
_Nic._
Pol mihi par, idem est quod tibi.
Good Lord! The same as yours.
_Phil._
Numquid nam ad filium haec aegritudo attinet? 1110
This dolefulness of yours has something to do with your son,
eh?
_Nic._
Admodum.
(_morosely_) Rather!
_Phil._
Idem mihi morbus in pectorest.
The same ailment is worrying me.
_Nic._
At mihi Chrysalus optumus homo
perdidit filium, me atque rem omnem meam.
Well, but Chrysalus--that pattern of excellence--has ruined
my boy and me and all that’s mine!
_Phil._
Quid tibi ex filio nam, obsecro, aegrest?
What in the world has your son done to vex you, pray?
_Nic._
Scies:
id, perit cum tuo: ambo aeque amicas habent.
You shall know: this--he’s going to the dogs along with
yours: the both of them alike have mistresses.
_Phil._
Qui scis?
How do you know?
_Nic._
Vidi.
I saw.
_Phil._
Ei mihi, disperii.
(_with apparent conviction_) Oh dear me! Terrible,
terrible!
_Nic._
Quid dubitamus pultare atque hue evocare ambos foras?
Why don’t we go straight up and knock; and call them both
out here?
_Phil._
Haud moror.
(_lukewarm_) I have no objection.
_Nic._
Heus Bacchis, iube sic actutum aperiri fores,
nisi mavoltis fores et postes comminui securibus.
(_pounding on Bacchis’s door_) Hi! Bacchis! Be so good as to
have the door opened this instant, unless you prefer to have
door and doorposts smashed in with axes!
V. 2.
Scene 2.
_Bacch._
Quis sonitu ac tumultu tanto nominat me atque pultat aedes? 1120
(_within_) Who’s raising such a din and uproar, calling me
and beating on the house?
ENTER THE TWO _Bacchises_ INTO DOORWAY.
_Nic._
Ego atque hic.
This gentleman and I.
_Bacch._
Quid hoc est negoti nam, amabo?
quis has hue ovis adegit?
(_to sister after surveying them_) Mercy me, dear, what does
this mean? Who drove these sheep here?
_Nic._
Ovis nos vocant pessumae.
(_to Philoxenus_) They’re calling us sheep, the sluts!
_Soror_
Pastor harum
dormit, quom haec eunt sic a pecu balitantes.
Their shepherd must be taking a nap, to let them straggle
off from the flock this way, bleating.
_Bacch._
At pol nitent, haud sordidae videntur ambae.
My goodness, though! They are sleek! they seem to be quite
spick and span, both of them.
_Soror_
Attonsae hae quidem ambae usque sunt.
Yes, you see they’ve both been ever so well shorn.
_Phil._
Ut videntur
deridere nos.
(_to Nicobulus_) Hm! They seem to be making fun of us.
_Nic._
Sine suo usque arbitratu.
(_sourly_) Let them go as far as they like.
_Bacch._
Rerin ter in anno tu has tonsitari?
Do you suppose they are generally sheared three times a year?
_Soror_
Pol hodie altera iam bis detonsa certo est.
Goodness me! that other one (_indicating Nicobulus_) has
been shorn twice this very day for certain.
_Bacch._
Vetulae sunt minae ambae.[31]
They’re both rather woolless old--(_with a sly glance at her
sister_) customers.
_Soror_
At bonas fuisse credo.
But they used to be good ones, I do believe.
_Bacch._
Viden limulis, obsecro, ut intuentur? 1130
For heaven’s sake, do you see the little sidelong glances
they’re casting at us?
_Soror_
Ecastor sine omni arbitror malitia esse.
Oh well, I don’t think they mean anything naughty by it.
_Phil._
Merito hoc nobis fit, qui quidem hue venerimus.
(_to Nicobulus_) This serves us right for coming here!
_Bacch._
Cogantur quidem intro.
They really ought to be pushed inside.
_Soror_
Haud scio quid eo opus sit,
quae nec lac nec lanam ullam habent. sic sine astent.
exsolvere quanti fuere, omnis fructus
iam illis decidit. non vides, ut palantes solae liberae
grassentur? quin aetate credo esse mutas:
ne balant quidem, quom a pecu cetero absunt.
stultae atque haud malae videntur.
revortamur intro, soror.
I don’t see any use in that, they haven’t any milk, or wool
either. Let them stand still as they are. They’ve been
worked to their full value; all the fruit has dropped off of
them already. Don’t you see how they straggle along
aimlessly, alone, untended? Why, I do believe they’re dumb
with age; they don’t even bleat at being away from the rest
of the flock. They seem perfectly harmless--just silly.
Let’s go back inside, sister.
_Nic._
Ilico ambae 1140
manete: haec oves volunt vos.
Stay where you are, both of you: these sheep want you.
_Soror_
Prodigium hoc quidemst: humana nos voce appellant oves.
Dear, dear, miraculous! The sheep are addressing us, quite
as if they were human!
_Nic._
Haec oves vobis malam rem magnam, quam debent, dabunt
These sheep are going to give you all the trouble they owe
you.
_Bacch._
Si quam debes, te condono: tibi habe, numquam abs te petam.
sed quid est quapropter nobis vos malum minitamini?
If you owe anything, I’ll forgive it you: keep it yourself--
I’ll never come to you for it. But what’s the reason for
your threatening us with trouble?
_Phil._
Quia nostros agnos conclusos istic esse aiunt duos.
Because they say our lambs are shut up in there, (_pointing
to house_) two of them.
_Nic._
Et praeter eos agnos meus est istic clam mordax canis:
qui nisi nobis producuntur iam atque emittuntur foras,
arietes truces nos erimus, iam in vos incursabimus.
And besides those lambs, there’s a dog of mine, a biter,
skulking in there: unless these beasts are produced for us
immediately and let out of doors, we’ll turn into ferocious
rams, and immediately butt you.
_Bacch._
Soror, est quod te volo secreto.
Sister, I want a word with you in private, (_takes her
aside_)
_Soror._
Eho, amabo.
(_inquiringly_) Well, well, there’s a dear!
_Nic._
Quo illaec abeunt?
Where are they off to?
_Bacch._
Senem illum tibi dedo ultenorem, lepide ut lenitum reddas; 1150
ego ad hunc iratum adgrediar, si possumus nos hos intro inlicere huc.
I give that further old fellow (_pointing to Philoxenus_)
over to you to get nicely pacified; I’ll make up to this
bear, (_indicating Nicobulus_) and we’ll see if we can’t
lure them inside here.
_Soror_
Meum pensum ego lepide accurabo, quamquam odiost mortem amplexari.
(_without enthusiasm_) I’ll take care of my stint nicely
enough, even though it is sickening to hug a death’s-head.
_Bacch._
Facito ut facias.
See you do it.
_Soror_
Taceas. tu tuom facito: ego quod dixi haud mutabo.
Hush! You do your share, and I won’t fail to keep my word.
_Nic._
Quid illaec illic in consilio duae secreto consultant?
What are they scheming, those two, in that secret session?
_Phil._
Quid ais tu, homo?
(_awkwardly_) I say, old fellow.
_Nic._
Quid me vis?
What do you want?
_Phil._
Pudet dicere me tibi quiddam.
There’s something I’m ashamed to tell you.
_Nic._
Quid est quod pudeat?
What is it you are ashamed of?
_Phil._
Sed amico homini tibi quod volo credere certumst.
nihili sum.
But to a good friend like you--yes, I’m going to own up to
what I want. (_pauses_) I’m an ass.
_Nic._
Istuc iam pridem scio. sed qui nihili es? id memora.
I have known that for some time. But why are you an ass?
Explain that.
_Phil._
Tactus sum vehementer visco;
cor stimulo foditur.
(_with a wry smile_) I’m most confoundedly caught in
bird-lime; my heart’s pierced by a goad.
_Nic._
Pol tibi multo aequius est coxendicem.
sed quid istuc est?
etsi iam ego ipsus quid sit probe scire puto me; 1160
verum audire etiam ex te studeo.
Jove! much more to the point, if it were your nether
portions! But what do you mean? And yet I think I have a
pretty fair notion myself what it is already; however, I’m
anxious to have it from your own lips.
_Phil._
Viden hanc?
Do you see this girl? (_pointing to the Sister_)
_Nic._
Video.
I do.
_Phil._
Haud mala est mulier.
(_approvingly_) Not a bad one!
_Nic._
Pol vero ista mala et tu nihili.
(_indignantly_) Good Lord! She certainly is a bad one, and
you are an ass.
_Phil._
Quid multa? ego amo.
(_not listening_) In short, I’m in love with her.
_Nic._
An amas?
You in love?
_Phil._
ναὶ γάρ.
_Bien sur!_
_Nic._
Tun, homo putide, amator istac fieri aetate audes?
You, you disgusting creature? You venture to turn lover at
your age?
_Phil._
Qui non?
Why not?
_Nic._
Quia flagitium est.
Because it’s infamous.
_Phil._
Quid opust verbis? meo filio non sum iratus,
neque te tuost aequom esse iratum: si amant, sapienter faciunt.
(_gathering courage rapidly_) Tut, tut! I’m not angry at my
son, and you oughtn’t to be angry at yours: if they’re in
love, they’re acting wisely.
_Bacch._
Sequere hac.
(_to sister_) Come along.
_Nic._
Eunt eccas tandem
probri perlecebrae et persuastrices,
quid nunc? etiam redditis nobis
filios et servom? an ego experior
tecum vim maiorem?
Ah, there they come at last, the seductive, persuasive
pests! (_to sisters_) Well now? See here, are you going
to give us back our sons and servant? Or shall I try more
vigorous measures with you?
_Phil._
Abin hinc?
non homo tu quidem es, qui istoc pacto tam lepidam inlepide appelles.
(_to Nicobulus, protestingly_) Get out, will you? There’s no
red blood in you, addressing a sweet little girl (_leering
at Bacchis_) in that sour fashion.
_Bacch._
Senex optime quantumst in terra, sine me hoc exorare abs te, 1170
ut istuc delictum desistas tanto opere ire oppugnatum.
(_to Nicobulus, as she tries to fondle him_) You nicest old
man in all the world, do let me persuade you not to be so
awfully opposed to your son’s naughtiness.
_Nic._
Ni abeas, quamquam tu bella es,
malum tibi magnum dabo iam.
(_struggling to be very stern_) Unless you get away from
me--no matter if you are pretty--I’ll give you a good sound
slap this minute.
_Bacch._
Patiar,
non metuo, ne quid mihi doleat
quod ferias.
(_softly, still fondling him_) I’ll take it. I’m not afraid
of your striking me so as to hurt at all.
_Nic._
Ut blandiloquast!
ei mihi, metuo.
(_aside_) What a coaxer she is! Oh, dear me! I’m afraid!
_Soror_
Hic magis tranquillust.
(_caressing Philoxenus to his high satisfaction_) This one
is more peaceful.
_Bacch._
I hac mecum intro atque ibi, si quid vis, filium concastigato.
Do come inside here with me: yes, and punish your son ever
so, in there, if you like.
_Nic._
Abin a me, scelus?
Get away from me, you hussy!
_Bacch._
Sine, mea pietas, te exorem.
Let me persuade you, that’s a love! (_tries to draw him
toward house_)
_Nic._
Exores tu me?
You persuade me?
_Soror_
Ego quidem ab hoc certe exorabo.
I’ll certainly persuade my man, at any rate.
_Phil._
Immo ego te oro, ut me intro abducas.
(_returning her embrace with vigour_) No you won’t: I myself
beg you to take me inside.
_Soror_
Lepidum te.
Oh, you delightful man!
_Phil._
At scin quo pacto me ad te intro abducas?
But do you know on what condition you can take me inside.
_Soror_
Mecum ut sis.
Yes, your being with me.
_Phil._
Omnia quae cupio commemoras.
The sum total of my desires!
_Nic._
Vidi ego nequam homines, verum te
neminem deteriorem.
(_pulling himself together_) I have seen worthless men, but
never a worse one than you.
_Phil._
Ita sum. 1180
(_cheerfully_) So I am.
_Bacch._
I hac mecum intro,
ubi tibi sit lepide victibus, vino atque unguentis.
(_to Nicobulus_) Do come along inside with me: you’ll have a
lovely time--things to eat, and wine and perfumes.
_Nic._
Satis, satis iam vostrist convivi:
me nil paenitet ut sim acceptus:
quadringentis Philippis filius me et
Chrysalus circumduxerunt.
quem quidem ego ut non excruciem,
alterum tantum auri non meream.
Enough, enough of your banqueting already--it makes no
difference to me how I’m entertained! Four hundred pounds
I’ve been tricked out of by my son and Chrysalus. And
I wouldn’t forgo making that slave bleed for it, not for
another four hundred.
_Bacch._
Quid tandem, si dimidium auri
redditur, in hac mecum intro? atque ut
eis delicta ignoscas.
Well, but supposing half of it is given back, won’t you come
in with me, then? Yes, and pardon their offences?
_Phil._
Faciet.
He’ll do it.
_Nic._
Minime, nolo. nil moror, sine sic.
malo illos ulcisci ambo.
(_with all his remaining resolution_) Not a bit of it.
I don’t want to. None of this for me: leave me alone.
I prefer to take vengeance on that pair.
_Phil._
Etiam tu homo nihili? quod di dant boni cave culpa tua amissis
dimidium auri datur. accipias, potesque et scortum aecumbas.
(_aside to Nicobulus_) See here, you--ass! Look out you
don’t lose the blessings the gods give you, and have
yourself to blame for it. Here’s half the money given you:
take it, and drink and have a good time with the wench.
_Nic._
Egon ubi filius corrumpatur meus, ibi potem?
(_very feebly_) I drink in the house where my son is being
debauched?
_Phil._
Potandumst. 1190
(_clapping him on the shoulder_) Drink you must.
_Nic._
Age iam, id ut ut est,
etsi est dedecori patiar, facere inducam animum
egon, cum haec cum illo accubet, inspectem?
(_giving way temporarily_) Come on then, no matter what
it is, disgraceful though it be, I’ll stand it, I’ll bring
myself to it. (_after a pause, doubtfully_) Am I to look
on while she’s on the couch beside him?
_Bacch._
Immo equidem pol tecum accumbam,
te amabo et te amplexabor.
Goodness me, no indeed! I’ll be on the couch beside you,
loving you and hugging you. (_snuggles up to him_)
_Nic._
Caput prurit, perii, vix negito.
(_aside_) My head does itch! Dear, dear, dear! It is hard to
keep on saying no!
_Bacch._
Non tibi venit in mentem, amabo,
si dum vivas tibi bene facias
tam pol id quidem esse haud perlonginquom,
neque, si hoc hodie amissis, post in
morte eventurum esse umquam?
My dear man, doesn’t it occur to you that, supposing you do
enjoy yourself all your life, this life is very, very short,
after all,--good gracious, yes!--and that if you let this
chance slip, it won’t come again when you’re dead, ever?
_Nic._
Quid ago?
(_nearly helpless_) What am I to do?
_Phil._
Quid agas? rogitas etiam?
To do? The idea of asking that!
_Nic._
Libet et metuo.
I long to, and--I’m afraid.
_Bacch._
Quid metuis?
Afraid of what?
_Nic._
Ne obnoxius filio sim et servo.
Of humbling myself before my son and servant.
_Bacch._
Mel meum, amabo, etsi haec fiunt,
tuost: unde illum sumere censes, nisi quod tute illi dederis?
hanc veniam illis sine te exorem.
Oh, honey, there’s a dear, now! Even if it’s all so, he’s
your own boy: where do you think he’s to get money, except
from your own generous self? Do let me persuade you to
forgive them.
_Nic._
Ut terebrat! satin offirmatum
quod mihi erat, id me exorat? 1200
tua sum opera et propter te improbior.
(_half aside_) How she does drill through a man! Is she
actually persuading me against my fixed intention? (_giving
up the struggle and yielding to Bacchis’s caresses_) I’m a
reprobate now, and all because of you and your efforts.
_Bacch._
Ne tis[32] quam mea mavellem.
satin ego istuc habeo firmatum?
(_softly and tenderly_) Oh, I do wish it had been your
efforts rather than (_giving her sister a dreary smile_)
mine. So I’m actually to take that as your fixed intention?
_Nic._
Quod semel dixi haud mutabo
What I have once said I won’t change.
_Bacch._
It dies, ite intro accubitum,
filii vos exspectant intus.
The day is going: go inside and take your places on the
couches. Your sons are within waiting for you.
_Nic._
Quam quidem actutum emoriamur.
(_dryly_) Yes, waiting for us to breathe our last with
celerity.
_Soror_
Vesper hic est, sequimini.
It’s evening: come along.
_Nic._
Ducite nos quo lubet tamquam quidem addictos.
Take us where you please, just as if we were your veritable
bond servants.
_Bacch._
Lepide ipsi hi sunt capti, suis qui filiis fecere insidias.
(_aside to spectators_) Here they are, prettily caught
themselves--after laying traps for their sons.
[EXEUNT OMNES INTO HOUSE OF _Bacchis_.
GREX
EPILOGUE
SPOKEN BY THE COMPANY.
Hi senes nisi fuissent nihili iam inde ab adulescentia,
non hodie hoc tantum flagitium facerent canis capitibus;
neque adeo haec faceremus, ni antehac vidissemus fieri,
ut apud lenones rivales filiis fierent patres. 1210
spectatores, vos valere volumus et clare adplaudere.
Unless these old men had been worthless from their very
youth, they would not be guilty of such an enormity as this
to-day when their heads are hoary; nor, indeed, would we
have presented such a comedy, unless we had seen before now
how fathers become their sons’ rivals at places of unsavoury
repute. Spectators, we wish you health and--your loud
applause.
* * * * *
[Footnote 1: Leo notes lacuna here: _aedis_ Ritschl.]
[Footnote 2: Leo notes lacuna here: _fide_ Leo.]
[Footnote 3: Corrupt (Leo): _perii_ MSS: _prope_ Ritschl.]
[Footnote 4: Leo brackets following v., 67:
_ubi pro disco damnum capiam, pro cursura dedecus?_]
[Footnote 5: Leo brackets following v., 69:
_ubique imponat in manum alius mihi pro cestu cantharum._]
[Footnote 6: Leo brackets following v., 107:
_simul huic nescio cui, turbare qui huc it, decedamus._]
[Footnote 7: Leo brackets following v., 150:
_video nimio iam multo plus quam volueram._ ]
[Footnote 8: Leo brackets following v., 153, 154:
_nil moror discipulos mihi iam plenos sanguinis._
_valens afflictat me vacivom virium._]
[I have no liking for these full-blooded pupils: the
sturdy youngster is bullying me, destitute of strength as
I am.]
[Footnote 9: Leo brackets following v., 166, 167:
_edepol fecisti furtum in aetatum malum_
_cum istaec flagitia me celavisti et patrem._]
[Good heavens! Such villainy in a lad of your age,
concealing such atrocities from me and from your father!]
[Footnote 10: _Tardare_ Hauptius: _turbare_ MSS.]
[Footnote 11: Leo brackets following v., 377-378:
_quibus patrem et me teque amicosque omnes affectas tuos_
_ad probrum, damnum, flagitium appellere una et perdere._]
[You are doing your best by such conduct to bring
ignominy, loss, disgrace, upon every one of us, your
father and me and yourself and all your friends, and
ruin us.]
[Footnote 12: Leo brackets following v., 382:
_nunc prius quam malum istoc addis, certumst iam dicam patri_]
[Footnote 13: _sed eccum video incedere_ follows in MSS:
Leo brackets.]
[Footnote 14: Leo brackets following v., 446:
_it magister quasi lucerna uncto expretus linteo._]
[Footnote 15: _Pistocleri_ follows in MSS: Leo brackets.]
[Footnote 16: Leo brackets following v., 465, 466:
_nam illum meum malum promptare malim quam peculium._
Phil.
_Quidem?_
Lydus
_Quia, malum si promptet, in dies faciat minus._ ]
[Yes, yes, I should rather have him administer my
punishment than my money.
_Phil._
Why so?
_Lydus_
Because if he administered my punishment, there would
soon be none left.]
[Footnote 17: Leo brackets following v., 486-488:
_quid opust verbis? si opperiri vellem paulisper modo,_
_ut opinor, illius inspectandi mi esset maior copia,_
_plus viderem quam deceret, quam me atque illo aequom foret._]
[Why say more? If I had wished to remain but a little
longer, I should have had further opportunity to observe
his conduct, I suppose, and I should have seen more than
was proper, more than became me and him.]
[Footnote 18: Leo brackets the following v., 519a-519c:
_sed autem quam illa umquam meis opulentiis_
_ramenta fiat gravior aut propensior,_
_mori me malim excruciatum inopia._]
[However, rather than have my money make her a fraction
the weightier or heavier, I’d prefer to perish in the
pangs of want.]
[Footnote 19: Corrupt (Leo): _tute (etiam)_ Seyffert:
_tute (eam)_ Lindsay.]
[Footnote 20: Leo notes lacuna here:
_Quae te (male) mala_ Lindsay.]
[Footnote 21: Corrupt (Leo).
_At quidem hercle est ad perdundum magis quam ad scribundum cita_
Camerarius: various readings MSS.]
[Footnote 22: Leo notes lacuna here: _tu (scelus)_ Ritschl.]
[Footnote 23: Corrupt (Leo): _Latona Spes_ MSS:
_Luna Spes_ Bergk: _Lato Spes_ Ussing.]
[Footnote 24: Leo brackets the following v., 931:
_cepi expugnavi amanti erili filio aurum ab suo patre._]
[Footnote 25: Leo brackets the following v., 937-940:
_Epiust Pistoclerus: ab eo haec sumptae; Mnesilochus Sino est_
_relictus, ellum non in busto Achilli, sed in lecto accubat;_
_Bacchidem habet secum: ille olim habuit ignem qui signum daret,_
_hunc ipsum exurit; ego sum Vlixes, cuius consilio haec gerunt._]
[Our Epius is Pistoclerus: from his hands were they taken.
Mnesilochus is Sinon the abandoned. Behold him! not lying
at Achilles’ tomb, but on a couch, he has a Bacchis with
him, that one of old had a fire, to give the signal,--but
this Sinon is burning himself. I am Ulysses whose counsel
directs it all.]
[Footnote 26: Leo brackets the following v., 962-965:
_ibi vix me exsolvi: id periclum adsimilo, Vlixem ut praedicant_
_cognitum ab Helena esse proditum Hecubae, sed ut olim ille se_
_blanditiis exemit et persuasit se ut amitteret,_
_item ego dolis me illo extuli e periclo et decepi senem_]
[Then it was I just managed to get free: this danger I
liken to that they tell of when Ulysses was recognized by
Helen and betrayed to Hecuba. But as he, in former days,
got away by means of his honeyed words and persuaded her
to let him go, so also I, by means of my wiles, got out of
danger and deceived the old man.]
[Footnote 27: Leo brackets the following v., 973-977:
_sed Priamus hic multo illi praestat: non quinquaginta modo,_
_quadringentos filios habet
atque equidem omnis lectos sine probro:_
_eos ego hodie omnis contruncabo duobus solis ictibus._
_nunc Priamo nostro si est quis emptor, comptionalem senem_
_vendam ego, venalem quem habeo,
extemplo ubi oppidum ex pugnavero._]
[But this Priam is far superior to that one, not a mere
fifty sons has he; he has four hundred, yes, and every one
is unquestionably a choice and flawless specimen. This day
I will annihilate ’em all with just two blows. Now, if
there is anyone who cares to buy our Priam, I will sell
off the old gentleman I have on sale, as a job lot, the
moment I have taken the town by storm.]
[Footnote 28: _ut quod iubeo facias_ follows in MSS: Leo brackets.]
[Footnote 29: Leo brackets the following v., 1081:
_duxi, habui scortum. potavi, dedi, donavi, sed enim id raro._]
[Footnote 30: Leo brackets the following v., 1100:
_immo edepol sic ludos factum_]
[Footnote 31: _Minae ambae_ Colerus: _thimiame_ MSS.]
[Footnote 32: _tis_ Schroeder: _is_ MSS.]
* * * * *
[Transcriber’s Corrections: _Bacchides_ (_The Two Bacchises_)
I. 2.
EXEUNT INTO THE HOUSE OF _Bacchis_
text reads THE HOUSE OF _Bacchus_
III. 5. l. 553
_Mnes._ Benevolens vivit tibi.
speaker not named in Latin text
IV. 4. l. 640
_Chrys._ Hunc hominem...
text reads _Cyhrs._
IV. 9. l. 1065
_Nic._ Ohe, odiose facis.
speaker not named in Latin text
V. 1. l. 1112
_Nic._ At mihi Chrysalus optumus homo...
text reads _At mhi..._
V. 2.
waiting for us to breathe our last with celerity
text reads _with clerity_ ]
* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *
CAPTIVI
THE CAPTIVES
* * * * *
ARGVMENTVM
ARGUMENT OF THE PLAY
*C*aptust in pugna Hegionis filius;
*A*lium quadrimum fugiens servus vendidit.
*P*ater captivos commercatur Aleos,
*T*antum studens ut natum captum recuperet;
*E*t inibi emit olim amissum filium.
*I*s suo cum domino veste versa ac nomine
*V*t amittatur fecit: ipsus plectitur;
*E*t is reduxit captum, et fugitivum simul,
*I*ndicio cuius alium agnoscit filium.
One of Hegio’s sons has been taken prisoner in a battle with
the Eleans; the other was stolen by a runaway slave and sold
when he was four years old. The father, in his great anxiety
to recover the captured boy, bought up Elean prisoners of
war; and among those that he purchased was the son he had
lost many years before. This son, having exchanged clothes
and names with his Elean master, secured the latter’s
release, taking the consequences himself. This master of his
returned, bringing Hegio’s captive son, and along with him
that runaway slave, whose disclosures led to the recognition
of the other son.
PERSONAE
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
ERGASILVS PARASITUS
HEGIO SENEX
LORARIVS
PHILOCRATES ADULESCENS
TYNDARVS SERVUS
ARISTOPHONTES ADULESCENS
PVER
PHILOPOLEMVS ADULESCENS
STALAGMVS SERVUS
ERGASILUS, _a parasite._
HEGIO, _an old gentleman._
SLAVE OVERSEER, _belonging to Hegio._
PHILOCRATES, _a young Elean captive._
TYNDARUS, _his slave, captured with him._
ARISTOPHONTES, _a young Elean captive._
A PAGE, _in the service of Hegio._
PHILOPOLEMUS, _Hegio’s son._
STALAGMUS, _Hegio’s slave._
_Scene:--A city in Aetolia. A street on which stands Hegio’s
house._
PROLOGVS
PROLOGUE
_Tyndarus_ AND _Philocrates_ ARE CHAINED, IN AN
UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION, TO A PILLAR IN FRONT OF
_Hegio’s_ HOUSE
Hos quos videtis stare his captives duos,
illi qui astant,[1] hi stant ambo, non sedent;
hoc vos mihi testes estis me verum loqui.
senex qui his habitat Hegio est huius pater.
These two prisoners you see standing here, well, both of
those bystanders are men who are--standing, not sitting
down. (_Prologue laughs uproariously at his pleasantry_)
I leave it to you if so much is not true. The old man that
lives yonder--(_pointing to Hegio’s house_) Hegio, by name--
is this man’s (_pointing to Tyndarus_) father.
sed is quo pacto serviat suo sibi patri,
id ego hic apud vos proloquar, si operam datis.
seni huic fuerunt filii nati duo;
alterum quadrimum puerum servos surpuit
eumque hinc profugiens vendidit in Alide
patri huius. iam hoc tenetis?[2] optume est. 10
But how it happens that he is the slave of his own father
I shall (_jauntily_) here in your midst proclaim, with your
kind attention. This old gentleman had two sons. One of
them, when he was four years old, was stolen by a slave who
took to his heels and sold the boy in Elis to the father of
this worthy (_pointing to Philocrates_) here. Now you take
me? Very good!
negat hercle ille ultimus. accedito.
si non ubi sedeas locus est, est ubi ambules,
quando histrionem cogis mendicarier.
ego me tua causa, ne erres, non rupturus sum.
vos qui potestis ope vestra censerier,
accipite relicuom: alieno uti nil moror.
Bless my soul! That gentleman at the back says he does not.
Let him step this way--. (_no move in audience_) In case
there is no opportunity to take a seat, sir, you can take a
(_pointing to an exit_) stroll, seeing you insist on making
an actor turn beggar. I have no intention of bursting
myself, merely to keep you from misunderstanding the plot.
(_to rest of audience_) As for you gentlemen who do own
enough property to pay taxes on, let me discharge my debt--
none of the credit system for me.
fugitivos ille, ut dixeram ante, huius patri
domo quem profugiens dominum abstulerat vendidit.
is postquam hunc emit, dedit eum huic gnato suo
peculiarem, quia quasi una aetas erat. 20
hic nunc domi servit suo patri, nec scit pater;
enim vero di nos quasi pilas homines habent.
That runaway slave, as I said before, stole his young
master when he decamped and sold him to this (_indicating
Philocrates_) man’s father. This gentleman, on buying the
boy, gave him to this son of his for his very own, the two
being of about the same age. Now here he is, back home, his
own father’s slave without his father knowing it. Ah yes,
the gods use us mortals as footballs!
rationem habetis, quo modo unum amiserit.
postquam belligerant Aetoli cum Aleis,
ut fit in bello, capitur alter filius:
medicus Menarchus emit ibidem in Alide.
coepit captivos commercari hic Aleos,
si quem reperire possit qui mutet suom,
illum captivom: hunc suom esse nescit, qui domist.
Well, you comprehend the way in which he lost one son.
Later, when war broke out between the Aetolians and Eleans,
the other son was taken prisoner--a common occurrence in
times of war--and a doctor, Menarchus, in that same Elis,
bought the young man. Hegio then began to buy up Elean
captives, hoping to get hold of one that he could exchange
for his son--the captive son, that is: for he has no idea
that this man at his home is his own child.
et quoniam heri indaudivit, de summo loco 30
summoque genere captum esse equitem Aleum,
nil pretio parsit, filio dum parceret:
reconciliare ut facilius posset domum,
emit hosce e praeda ambos de quaestoribus.
And inasmuch as he heard it rumoured yesterday that an Elean
knight of the very highest rank and family connections had
been captured, he had no thought of saving money if only he
could save his son. So in the hope of getting that son back
home more readily he bought both of these prisoners from the
commissioners who were disposing of the spoils.
hisce autem inter sese hunc confinxerunt dolum.
quo pacto hic servos suom erum hinc amittat domum.
itaque inter se commutant vestem et nomina;
illic vocatur Philocrates, hic Tyndarus:
huius illic, hic illius hodie fert imaginem.
These same prisoners, however, have got together and laid
a scheme, as you can see, to the end that the slave here
(_indicating Tyndarus_) may send his master off home.
Accordingly, they have exchanged clothes and names with each
other. That one (_indicating Tyndarus_) is calling himself
Philocrates, and this one (_indicating Philocrates_)
Tyndarus: each is posing as the other for the time being.
et hic hodie expediet hanc docte fallaciam, 40
et suom erum faciet libertatis compotem,
eodemque pacto fratrem servabit suom
reducemque faciet liberum in patriam ad patrem,
imprudens: itidem ut saepe iam in multis locis
plus insciens quis fecit quam prudens boni.
And Tyndarus here is going to work out this trick to-day
like an artist, and set his master at liberty. By so
doing he will rescue his own brother, too, and enable
him to return home to his father a free man, all quite
unwittingly,--as in so many cases before now a man has
often done more good unconsciously than wittingly.
sed inscientes sua sibi fallacia
ita compararunt et confinxerunt dolum
itaque hi commenti, de sua sententia
ut in servitute hic ad suom maneat patrem:
ita nunc ignorans suo sibi servit patri; 50
homunculi quanti sunt, quom recogito!
haec res agetur nobis, vobis fabula.
But all unconsciously, in their trickery, they have so
planned and contrived and schemed, acting upon their own
ideas, that Tyndarus will stay here as his own father’s
slave. So now it is his father he is serving unawares. What
helpless creatures we mortals be, when I stop to reflect!
All this will be fact on the boards, fiction for the
benches.
sed etiam est, paucis vos quod monitos voluerim.
profecto expediet fabulae huic operam dare.
non pertractate facta est neque item ut ceterae:
neque spurcidici insunt versus, immemorabiles;
hic neque periurus leno est nec meretrix mala
neque miles gloriosus; ne vereamini,
quia bellum Aetolis esse dixi cum Aleis:
foris illic extra scaenam fient proelia. 60
About one thing more, though, I should like to offer a word
or two of suggestion. It will undeniably be to your profit
to pay attention to this play. It is not composed in the
hackneyed style, is quite unlike other plays; nor does it
contain filthy lines that one must not repeat. In this
comedy you will meet no perjured pimp, or unprincipled
courtesan, or braggart captain. Let not my statement that
the Aetolians and Eleans are at war alarm you: engagements
will take place off the stage yonder.
nam hoc paene iniquomst, comico choragio
conari desubito agere nos tragoediam.
proin si quis pugnam expectat, litis contrahat:
valentiorem nactus adversarium
si erit, ego faciam ut pugnam inspectet non bonam,
adeo ut spectare postea omnis oderit.
It would almost amount to imposition, you know, for us,
in our comedy get-up, to try to present a tragedy all of a
sudden. So if anyone is looking for a battle scene, let him
pick a quarrel: if he gets a good strong opponent, I promise
him a glimpse of a battle scene so unpleasant that hereafter
he will hate the very sight of one.
abeo. valete, iudices iustissimi
domi duellique duellatores optumi.
(_turning to go_) And so good-bye to you, most just of
judges here at home and doughtiest of fighters in the field.
[EXEUNT _Prologue_ AND _Captives_.
ACTVS I
ACT I
ENTER _Ergasilus_ LOOKING HUNGRY AND FORLORN.
_Erg._
Iuventus nomen indidit Scorto mihi,
eo quia invocatus soleo esse in convivio. 70
scio absurde dictum hoc derisores dicere,
at ego aio recte. nam scortum in convivio
sibi amator, talos quom iacit, scortum invocat.
The young fellows have dubbed me Missy, on the ground that
whenever they’re at their banquets I feel called upon to be
with ’em. To be sure, the professional wags say it is an
absurd nickname, but I protest it’s a good one. For at
banquets when the young sparks are playing dice they call
upon their missies, yes, their missies, to be with ’em as
they make a throw.
estne invocatum an non est? est planissume;
verum hercle vero nos parasiti planius,
quos numquam quisquam neque vocat neque invocat.
quasi mures semper edimus alienum cibum;
ubi res prolatae sunt, quom rus homines eunt,
simul prolatae res sunt nostris dentibus.
Does missy feel called upon to be with ’em, or not? Most
unmistakably. But by heaven, I tell you we parasites feel
the call more unmistakably still, for no one else ever
feels for us or calls us, either. Like mice, we’re forever
nibbling at some one else’s food. When the holidays come,
and men hie ’em to their country estates, our grinders take
a holiday, too.
quasi, cum caletur, cocleae in occulto latent, 80
suo sibi suco vivont, ros si non cadit,
item parasiti rebus prolatis latent
in occulto miseri victitant suco suo,
dum ruri rurant homines quos ligurriant.
It’s the same as snails hiding in their holes during the
dog days and living on their own juices when there’s no dew
falling: that’s the way with parasites during the holidays--
hide in their holes, poor devils, and subsist on their own
juices while the people they could get pickings from are in
the rural regions ruralizing.
prolatis rebus parasiti venatici
sumus, quando res redierunt, molossici
odiosicique et multum incommodestici.
et hic quidem hercle, nisi qui colaphos perpeti
potest parasitus frangique aulas in caput,
[3]ire extra portam Trigeminam ad saccum licet. 90
quod mihi ne eveniat, non nullum periculum est.
So long as the holidays last we parasites are greyhounds:
when they’re over we are wolf-hounds and dear-hounds and
bore- hounds, very much so. And, by gad, in this town, at
least, if a parasite objects to being banged about and
having crockery smashed on his cranium, he can betake
himself to the far side of Three Arch Gate and a porter’s
bag. (_ruefully_) Which is precious likely to be my own
fate.
nam postquam meus rex est potitus hostium--
ita nunc belligerant Aetoli cum Aleis;
nam Aetolia haec est, illic est captus in Alide,
Philopolemus, huius Hegionis filius
senis, qui hie habitat, quae aedes lamentariae
mihi sunt, quas quotienscumque conspicio fleo;
For after my patron fell in with the enemy--the Aetolians,
you see, are at war now with the Eleans; this is Aetolia,
you understand, and it’s there in Elis that Philopolemus
is a captive, Philopolemus being the son of Hegio here, the
old gentleman that lives in (_pointing_) that house (and a
lamentatious house it is! every time I look at it, it makes
me weep!)
nunc hic occepit quaestum hunc fili gratia
inhonestum et maxime alienum ingenio suo:
homines captives commercatur, si queat 100
aliquem invenire, suom qui mutet filium.
quod quidem ego nimis quam cupio[4] ut impetret:
nam ni illum recipit, nihil est quo me recipiam.
--well, now Hegio has taken up his present business, all for
his son’s sake, ungentlemanly business as it is, and quite
beneath a man of his type. He’s buying up prisoners of war,
to see if he can’t come across one to exchange for his boy.
And Lord! how I do yearn for him to succeed! You see, it’s
a matter of his coming home, or my going hungry.
nam nulla est spes iuventutis, sese omnis amant;
ille demum antiquis est adulescens moribus,
cuius numquam voltum tranquillavi gratiis.
condigne pater est eius moratus moribus.
nunc ad eum pergam. sed aperitur ostium,
unde saturitate saepe ego exii ebrius.
For our young fellows are absolutely unpromising--egoists,
the whole lot of ’em! But he is a young gentleman of the old
school, that lad: I never smoothed the wrinkles out of his
brow without getting more than a thankye for it. His father
is just such another perfect gentleman. Now for a call on
him. (_moves toward Hegio’s house_) But there goes his door,
out of which I’ve often come so full of food I was fairly
tipsy. (_withdraws_)
I. 2.
Scene 2.
ENTER _Hegio_ WITH _Slave Overseer_.
_Hegio_
Advorte animum sis tu: istos captives duos, 110
heri quos emi de praeda a quaestoribus,
eis indito catenas singularias
istas, maiores, quibus sunt iuncti, demito;
Attention, please, my man. Those two captives that I bought
yesterday from the commissioners in charge of the spoils--
put the light irons on them and take off the heavy ones
they’re coupled with.
sinito ambulare, si foris si intus volent,
sed uti adserventur magna diligentia.
liber captivos avis ferae consimilis est:
semel fugiendi si data est occasio,
satis est, numquam postilla possis prendere.
Let them walk out here or inside, whichever they please;
but look after them sharp, mind you. A captive free is a
regular wild bird: once given a chance to flit, that is
enough--you can never get hold of him again.
_Lor._
_Over._
Omnes profecto liberi lubentius
sumus quam servimus.
Well, of course sir, we’d all rather be free than slaves.
_Hegio._
Non videre ita tu quidem. 120
That seems untrue of you at any rate.[A]
[Footnote A: Implying that he had not tried to save money
to buy his liberty.]
_Lor._
_Over._
Si non est quod dem, mene vis dem ipse--in pedes?
In case I haven’t anything else to give you, how about my
giving you--the slip?
_Hegio_
Si dederis, erit extemplo mihi quod dem tibi.
Give me that, and I shall shortly have something to give
you.
_Lor._
_Over._
Avis me ferae consimilem faciam, ut praedicas.
I’ll copy that wild bird you speak of.
_Hegio_
Ita ut dicis: nam si faxis, te in caveam dabo.
sed satis verborumst. cura quae iussi atque abi.
ego ibo ad fratrem ad alios captives meos,
visam ne nocte hac quippiam turbaverint.
inde me continuo recipiam rursum domum.
Exactly--for then I’ll cage you. But enough of this. Mind my
orders and be off with you. I’ll drop in at my brother’s for
a look at my other prisoners, and see if they made any
disturbance last night. Then I’ll return home again at once.
[EXIT _Overseer_ INTO HOUSE.
_Erg._
Aegre est mi, hunc facere quaestum carcerarium
propter sui gnati miseriam miserum senem. 130
sed si ullo pacto ille huc conciliari potest,
vel carnificinam hunc facere possum perpeti.
(_with a loud sigh_) It does grieve me to see the poor old
gentleman at this gaoler’s job for his poor son’s sake. (_in
lower tone_) However, if he only manages to get the lad back
here somehow, let him turn hangman, too,--I can stand it.
_Hegio_
Quis hic loquitur?
(_looking round_) Who is that speaking here?
_Erg._
Ego, qui tuo maerore maceror,
macesco, consenesco et tabesco miser;
ossa atque pellis sum miser a macritudine;
neque umquam quicquam me iuvat quod edo domi:
foris aliquantillum etiam quod gusto, id beat.
(_stepping forward_) I--a man that am all worn out by your
woe, that am getting thin, growing old, pining away in
sorrow; I’m nothing but skin and bones, I feel for you so.
Nothing I eat--at home--ever does me any good, (_aside_)
But how I do relish the merest morsel when I’m dining out!
_Hegio_
Ergasile, salve.
Ah, good day, Ergasilus.
_Erg._
Di te bene ament, Hegio.
God bless you, Hegio, bless you bounteously! (_grasps
Hegio’s hand fervently and bursts into tears_)
_Hegio_
Ne fle.
Don’t cry.
_Erg._
Egone illum non fleam? egon non defleam
talem adulescentem?
I not cry for him? I not cry my eyes out for such a youth?
_Hegio_
Semper sensi, filio 140
meo te esse amicum, et illum intellexi tibi.
(_somewhat moved_) I always did feel that you were a friend
to my son, and I realized that he regarded you as one.
_Erg._
Tum denique homines nostra intellegimus bona,
quom quae in potestate habuimus, ea amisimus.
ego, postquam gnatus tuos potitust hostium,
expertus quanti fuerit nunc desidero.
Ah, we mortals realize the value of our blessings only when
we have lost them. Myself now--after your son fell in with
the enemy, I have come to understand how much he meant to
me, and now I long for him.
_Hegio_
Alienus cum eius incommodum tam aegre feras,
quid me patrem par facerest, cui ille est unicus?
When an outsider like you takes his misfortune so bitterly,
how must I feel, his father, and he my only son?
_Erg._
Alienus ego? alienus illi? aha, Hegio,
numquam istuc dixis neque animum induxis tuom;
tibi ille unicust, mi etiam unico magis unicus. 150
(_choking_) An outsider? I? An outsider to that boy? Oh-h-h,
Hegio! don’t say a thing like that, don’t let such a thought
enter your mind, ever! Your only son, yes,--but he was even
more than that to me: he was my only only! (_sobs violently_)
_Hegio_
Laudo, malum cum amici tuom ducis malum,
nunc habe bonum animum.
I appreciate this, that you consider your friend’s disaster
your own. (_patting him on the back_) Come now, take heart.
_Erg._
Eheu, huic illud dolet,
quia nunc remissus est edendi exercitus.
Oh, dear! oh, dear! here’s (_rubbing his stomach_) where it
hurts: my whole commissary department has been disbanded
now, you see.
_Hegio_
Nullumne interea nactu’s, qui posset tibi
remissum quem dixti imperare exercitum?
(_smiling_) And meantime haven’t you hit upon anyone that
could reorganize the department you say is disbanded?
_Erg._
Quid credis? fugitant omnes hanc provinciam,
quoi optigerat postquam captust Philopolemus tuos.
Would you believe it? Every one keeps fighting shy of the
office ever since your Philopolemus, its duly elected
occupant, was captured.
_Hegio_
Non pol mirandum est fugitare hanc provinciam,
multis et multigeneribus opus est tibi
militibus: primumdum opus est Pistorensibus: 160
eorum sunt aliquot genera Pistorensium:
opus Paniceis est, opus Placentinis quoque;
opus Turdetanis, opust Ficedulensibus;
iam maritumi omnes milites opus sunt tibi.
Bless my soul! no wonder they fight shy of it. You need many
recruits, of many sorts, too: why, in the first place you
need Pad-u-ans;[B] and there are several kinds of Paduans:
you need the support of Bologna, and you need Frankfurters
too; you need Leghorners and you need Pis-ans, and
furthermore you need every fighter in fin land.
[Footnote B: Here, as in the lines 880-883, the translator
craves pardon for distorting the ages and spoiling the
climes in his efforts to secure something of the effect
of the original puns.]
_Erg_
Ut saepe summa ingenia in occulto latent;
hic qualis imperator nunc privatus est.
(_appreciatively_) How often it does happen that the
greatest talents are shrouded in obscurity! This man now--
what a generalissimo, and here he is only a private citizen!
_Hegio_
Habe modo bonum animum, nam illum confido domum
in his diebus me reconciliassere.
nam eccum hic captivom adulescentem intus Aleum,
prognatum genere summo et summis ditiis: 170
hoc illum me mutare confido pote.
Well, well, now, take heart. As a matter of fact, I trust we
shall have the boy back with us in a few days. For, look you
(_pointing to house_) I have a young Elean prisoner inside
here--splendid family, quantities of money: I count on being
able to exchange him for my son.
_Erg_
Ita di deaeque faxint. sed num quo foras
vocatus es ad cenam?
(_heartily_) The gods and goddesses be with you! I say,
though,--you haven’t been invited out to dinner anywhere?
_Hegio_
Nusquam quod sciam
sed quid tu id quaeris?
(_cautiously_) Nowhere, to my knowledge. But why do you ask?
_Erg_
Quia mi est natalis dies;
propterea te vocari ad te ad cenam volo
Well, to-day is my birthday: so consider yourself invited to
take dinner at--your house.
_Hegio_
Facete dictum. sed si pauxillo potes,
contentus esse.
(_laughing_) Well put! But only on condition you can be
content with very little.
_Erg._
Ne perpauxillum modo,
nam istoc me assiduo victu delecto domi,
age sis, roga emptum. nisi qui meliorem adferet
quae mi atque amicis placeat condicio magis, 180
quasi fundum vendam, meis me addicam legibus
Yes, only don’t make it very, very, very little, for that is
what I regale myself on constantly at home. Come on, come
on, do please say “Done!” (_after a pause, formally_) In the
event of no party making a better offer, more satisfactory
to myself and associates, I’ll knock myself down to you--on
my own terms--just as if I was selling an estate by auction.
_Hegio_
Profundum vendis tu quidem, haud fundum, mihi
sed si venturu’s, temperi.
An estate indeed! You mean an empty state. But if you intend
to come, come in season.
_Erg._
Em, vel iam otium est.
Oho! I’m at leisure this minute, for that matter.
_Hegio_
I modo, venare leporem: nunc irim tenes;
nam meus scruposam victus commetat viam.
No, no, go hunt your hare: you’ve got only a hedge-hog so
far. For it is a rocky road my table travels.
_Erg._
Numquam istoc vinces me, Hegio, ne postules:
cum calceatis dentibus veniam tamen.
You’ll never down me that way, Hegio, and don’t you think to
do it: I’ll be with you just the same--with my teeth shod.
_Hegio_
Asper meus victus sane est.
My meals are perfect terrors, really.
_Erg._
Sentisne essitas?
Tearers? Do you eat brambles?
_Hegio_
Terrestris cena est.
Well, things that root in the earth.
_Erg._
Sus terrestris bestia est.
A porker does that.
_Hegio_
Multis holeribus.
Mostly vegetables, I mean.
_Erg._
Curato aegrotos domi. 190
numquid vis?
Open a sanitarium, then. (_turning to go_) Anything else I
can do for you?
_Hegio_
Venias temperi.
Come in season.
_Erg._
Memorem mones.
(_cheerfully_) The suggestion is superfluous. [EXIT.
_Hegio_
Ibo intro atque intus subducam ratiunculam,
quantillum argenti mi apud trapezitam siet.
ad fratrem, quo ire dixeram, mox ivero.
(_sighing as he looks at the back of his prospective guest_)
I must go in and reckon up my bit of a bank balance, and see
how low it is. Then to my brother’s, where I spoke of going
before. [EXIT INTO HOUSE.
ACTVS II
ACT II
ENTER FROM _Hegio’s_ HOUSE _Overseers_ AND _Slaves_ WITH
_Philocrates_ AND _Tyndarus_ IN FETTERS: THE TWO HAVE
EXCHANGED CLOTHES
_Lor._
_Over._
Si di immortales id voluerunt, vos hanc aerumnam exsequi,
decet id pati animo aequo: si id facietis, levior labos erit.
domi fuistis, credo, liberi:
nunc servitus si evenit, ei vos morigerari mos bonust
et erili imperio eamque ingeniis vostris lenem reddere.
indigna digna habenda sunt, erus quae facit.
(_to captives, patronizingly_) Seeing it’s the will of
Heaven you’re in this box, the thing for you to do is to
take it calmly: do that, and you won’t have such a hard time
of it. At home you were free men, I suppose: since you
happen to be slaves at present, it’s a good idea to accept
the situation and a master’s orders gracefully, and make
things easy to bear by taking ’em the proper way. Anything a
master does is right, no matter how wrong it is.
_Captivi_
Oh oh oh. 200
(_protestingly_) Oh-h-h-h!
_Lor._
_Over._
Eiulatione haud opus est, oculis haud[5] lacrimantibus:
in re mala animo si bono utare, adiuvat.
There’s no need of howling or crying. It helps to take bad
things well.
_Tynd._
At nos pudet, quia cum catenis sumus.
But to be in chains--we feel disgraced!
_Lor._
_Over._
At pigeat postea
nostrum erum, si vos eximat vinculis,
aut solutos sinat, quos argento emerit.
But it’s disgusted our master would feel later on, if he
took the chains off, or let you loose, when he’s paid money
for you.
_Tynd._
Quid a nobis metuit? scimus nos
nostrum officium quod est, si solutos sinat.
What has he to fear from us? We realise what our duty is, if
he should let us loose.
_Lor._
_Over._
At fugam fingitis: sentio quam rem agitis.
Ah yes, you’re planning to run for it! I see what’s afoot.
_Philocr._
Nos fugiamus? quo fugiamus?
Run--we? Where should we run to?
_Lor._
_Over._
In patriam.
Home.
_Philocr._
Apage, haud nos id deceat.
fugitivos imitari.
Get out! The idea of our acting like runaway slaves!
_Lor._
_Over._
Immo edepol, si erit occasio, haud dehortor. 210
Lord! why not? I’m not saying you shouldn’t, if you get the
chance.
_Tynd._
Unum exorare vos sinite nos.
(_with dignity_) Be good enough to grant us one request.
_Lor._
_Over._
Quidnam id est?
Well, what is it?
_Tynd._
Ut sine hisce arbitris
atque vobis nobis detis locum loquendi.
Merely this--give us an opportunity to talk together without
being overheard by these good fellows (_pointing to slaves_)
and yourselves.
_Lor._
_Over._
Fiat. abscedite hinc: nos concedamus huc.
sed brevem orationem incipisse.
All right. (_to slaves_) Away with you! (_to other overseer_)
Let’s drop back here. (_to captives_) Make it short, though.
_Tynd._
Em istuc mihi certum erat. concede huc.
Oh yes, that was my intention. (_to Philocrates, drawing
him farther from slaves_) Come this way.
_Lor._
_Over._
Abite ab istis.
(_to slaves still hanging about_) Get out and leave ’em
alone. (_slaves obey_)
_Tynd._
Obnoxii ambo
vobis sumus propter hanc rem, quom quae volumus nos
copia est; ea[6] facitis nos compotes.
(_to overseers_) We are much obliged to you, both of us, for
the privilege of doing as we wish; we owe it to you.
_Philocr._
Secede huc nunciam, si videtur, procul.
ne arbitri dicta nostra arbitrari queant 220
neu permanet palam haec nostra fallacia.
nam doli non doli sunt, nisi astu colas,
sed malum maxumum, si id palam provenit.
(_to Tyndarus_) Step over here now, if you please, come
over, so that no one may catch what we say and leave us with
a scheme that has leaked out. (_they move still farther from
the overseers_) Shrewd management is what makes a trick a
trick, you know: once it gets out, it becomes an instrument
of torture.
nam si erus mihi es tu atque ego me tuom esse servom assimulo,
tamen viso opust, cauto est opus, ut hoc sobrie sineque arbitris
accurate agatur, docte et diligenter;
tanta incepta res est: haud somniculose hoc
agendum est.
No matter if you are passing as my master and I as your
slave, even so we’ve got to be wary, we’ve got to be
cautious, so that our plan may be worked out in a clear-
headed way, quietly and carefully, with discretion and
diligence. It’s a big job we’ve got in hand: we can’t go
to sleep over it.
_Tynd._
Ero ut me voles esse.
I will be all you wish me to be, sir.
_Philocr._
Spero.
I hope so.
_Tynd._
Nam tu nunc vides pro tuo caro capite
carum offerre me meum caput vilitati. 230
For that matter, sir, you already see that to save a man I
love, I am holding my own life cheap, much as I love it.
_Philocr._
Scio.
I realize it.
_Tynd._
At scire memento, quando id quod voles habebis;
nam fere maxima pars morem hunc homines habent; quod sibi volunt,
dum id impetrant, boni sunt;
sed id ubi iam penes sese habent,
ex bonis pessimi et fraudulentissimi
fiunt: nunc ut mihi te volo esse autumo.[7] (236)
But remember to realize it when you get what you want. For,
generally speaking, men have a habit of being fine fellows
so long as they are seeking some favour; but when they have
obtained it there’s a change, and your fine fellows turn
into villainous cheats of the worst description. In all
this, sir, I’m telling you how I wish you to act toward me.
_Philocr._
Pol ego si te audeam, meum patrem nominem: (238)
nam secundum patrem tu es pater proximus.
By heaven, I might call you my father, if I chose: for next
to my real father you are the best one I have.
_Tynd._
Audio.
I know, I know.
_Philocr._
Et propterea saepius te uti memineris moneo: 240
non ego erus tibi, sed servos sum; nunc obsecro te hoc unum--
quoniam nobis di immortales animum ostenderunt suom,
ut qui erum me tibi fuisse atque esse conservom velint,
quom antehac pro iure imperitabam meo, nunc te oro per precem--
And that’s just why I keep reminding you the oftener to
remember what the situation calls for: I’m not your master,
I’m a slave. Now I beg this one thing of you--since we have
unmistakable proof that it’s Heaven’s will I should
no longer be your master but your fellow slave, I, who used
to have the right to command you, now implore and entreat
you--
per fortunam incertam et per mei te erga bonitatem patris,
perque conservitium commune, quod hostica evenit manu,
ne me secus honore honestes quam quom servibas mihi,
atque ut qui fueris et qui nunc sis meminisse ut memineris.
by the common peril in which we stand and by my father’s
kindness to you and by the captivity which the chances of
war have brought upon us both, don’t feel less respect for
my wishes than you did when you were my slave, and remember,
remember carefully, both who you were and who you are now.
_Tynd._
Scio quidem me te esse nunc et te esse me.
Yes, yes, I know that I am you for the time being and that
you are I.
_Philocr._
Em istuc si potes
memoriter meminisse, inest spes nobis in hac astutia. 250
There! manage to remember to keep that in mind, and this
scheme of ours looks likely.
II. 2.
Scene 2.
ENTER _Hegio_ FROM HOUSE.
_Hegio_
Iam ego revertar intro, si ex his quae volo exquisivero.
ubi sunt isti quos ante aedis iussi huc produci foras?
(_to those within_) I shall be back directly, if I find out
what I want to know from these fellows. (_to overseers_)
Where are those prisoners I had brought out in front of the
house here?
_Philocr._
Edepol tibi ne in quaestione essemus cautum intellego,
ita vinclis custodiisque circum moeniti sumus.
(_advancing, pertly_) Gad! You guarded against having to
look for us far, I perceive,--see how we’re barricaded with
chains and watchmen.
_Hegio_
Qui cavet ne decipiatur, vix cavet, cum etiam cavet;
etiam cum cavisse ratus est, saepe is cautor captus est.
an vero non iusta causa est, ut vos servem sedulo,
quos tam grandi sim mercatus praesenti pecunia?
The man on his guard against being deceived is hardly on his
guard even when he is on his guard, even when he supposed he
was on his guard, your guarder has often enough been gulled.
Really though, haven’t I good reason to take pains to keep
you, when I paid so high for you, cash down?
_Philocr._
Neque pol tibi nos, quia nos servas, aequomst vitio vortere,
neque te nobis, si abeamus hinc, si fuat occasio. 260
Bless your heart, sir, we haven’t any right to find fault
with you for trying to keep us, or you with us, if we clear
out--if we get a chance.
_Hegio_
Ut vos hic, itidem illic apud vos meus servatur filius.
My son is kept prisoner there in your country just as you
are here.
_Philocr._
Captus est?
Captured?
_Hegio_
Ita.
Yes.
_Philocr._
Non igitur nos soli ignavi fuimus.
Then other folks besides us have been cowards.
_Hegio_
Secede huc. nam sunt quae ex te solo scitari volo.
quarum rerum te falsilocum mi esse nolo.
(_leading him farther from Tyndarus_) Step over here. There
are some matters I wish to ask you about in private. No
lying about them, mind.
_Philocr._
Non ero
quod sciam. si quid nescibo, id nescium tradam tibi.
Not I, sir, not if I know. If I don’t know about a thing,
I’ll (_innocently_) tell you what I don’t know.
_Tynd._
Nunc senex est in tostrina, nunc iam cultros attinet.
ne id quidem, involucrum inicere, voluit, vestem ut ne inquinet.
sed utrum strictimne adtonsurum dicam esse an per pectinem,
nescio; verum, si frugist, usque admutilabit probe.
(_aside, cheerfully_) Now the old fellow is in the barber’s
chair, yes, now we have the clippers on him. And master not
even willing to throw a towel over him to keep his clothes
clean! Is it going to be a close crop, I wonder, or just a
trim?--that’s the question. If he knows his business,
though, he’ll dock him handsomely.
_Hegio_
Quid tu? servosne esse an liber mavelis, memora mihi. 270
See here, would you prefer to be a slave or a free man, tell
me that?
_Philocr._
Proxumum quod sit bono quodque a malo longissume,
id volo; quamquam non multum fuit molesta servitus,
nec mihi secus erat quam si essem familiaris filius.
The maximum of pleasure and the minimum of pain, that’s my
preference, sir; but being a slave hasn’t bothered me much,
though: I wasn’t treated any differently than if I’d been a
son of the house.
_Tynd._
Eugepae, Thalem talento non emam Milesium,
nam ad sapientiam huius[8] nimius nugator fuit.
ut facete orationem ad servitutem contulit.
(_aside_) Well done my boy! I wouldn’t buy Milesian Thales
at a thousand thalers: why, he was nothing but the veriest
amateur of a wise man compared with master here. How
cleverly he’s dropped into the servant jargon!
_Hegio._
Quo de genere natust illic Philocrates?
Who are Philocrates’ people there in Elis?
_Philocr._
Polyplusio:
quod genus illi est unum pollens atque honoratissumum.
The Goldfields, sir,--the most influential and respected
family in those parts easily.
_Hegio_
Quid ipsus hic? quo honore est illic?
And the young man himself? How does he stand?
_Philocr._
Summo, atque ab summis viris.[9] 279
Very high indeed, sir,--belongs to the highest circles.
_Hegio_
Quid divitiae, suntne opimae?
How about his property? Pretty fat one, eh?
_Philocr._
Unde excoquat sebum senex. (281)
Fat? Old Goldfields could get dripping out of it.
_Hegio_
Quid pater, vivitne?
What about his father? Is he living?
_Philocr._
Vivom, cum inde abimus, liquimus;
nunc vivatne necne, id Orcum scire oportet scilicet.
He was when we left home, whether he’s alive now or not, of
course you had better inquire below as to that, sir.
_Tynd._
Salva res est, philosophatur quoque iam, non mendax modo est.
(_aside_) The situation is saved! Now he not only lies but
moralizes.
_Hegio_
Quid erat ei nomen?
What was his name?
_Philocr._
Thensaurochrysonicochrysides.
Ducatsdoubloonsandpiecesofeightson.
_Hegio_
Videlicet propter divitias inditum id nomen quasi est.
A sort of name applied to him on account of his money,
I take it.
_Philocr._
Immo edepol propter avaritiam ipsius atque audaciam.[10]
(_apparently struck by a new idea_) Lord, no! on account of
his being so greedy and grasping, sir.
_Hegio_
Quid tu ais? tenaxne pater est eius?
What’s that? His father’s rather close, is he?
_Philocr._
Immo edepol pertinax;
quin etiam ut magis noscas: Genio suo ubi quando sacruficat, 290
ad rem divinam quibus est opus, Samiis vasis utitur,
ne ipse Genius surripiat: proinde aliis ut credat vide.
Close? My word, sir! he’s adhesive! Why, really,--just so as
to give you a better notion of him--whenever he sacrifices
to his own Guardian Spirit he won’t use any dishes needed in
the service except ones made of Samian earthenware, for fear
his very Guardian Spirit may steal ’em. You can see from
this what a confiding character he is in general.
_Hegio_
Sequere hac me igitur. eadem ego ex hoc quae volo exquaesivero.
Philocrates, hic fecit, hominem frugi ut facere oportuit.
nam ego ex hoc quo genere gnatus sis scio, hic fassust mihi;
haec tu eadem si confiteri vis, tua ex re feceris:
quae tamen scio scire me ex hoc.
Well, well, come this way with me. (_aside, as they join
Tyndarus_) I’ll soon get the information I want out of the
master here at the same time. (_to Tyndarus_) Philocrates,
your servant has acted as a worthy fellow ought to act.
Yes, I know from him about your family: he has admitted
everything. If you choose to be equally open with me, it
will be to your advantage: however, I have been completely
informed already by him.
_Tynd._
Fecit officium hic suom,
cum tibi est confessus verum, quamquam volui sedulo
meam nobilitatem occultare et genus et divitias meas,
Hegio; nunc quando patriam et libertatem perdidi, 300
non ego istunc me potius quam te metuere aequom censeo.
vis hostilis cum istoc fecit meas opes aequabiles;
memini, cum dicto haud audebat: facto nunc laedat licet.
(_with dignified melancholy_) He has done his duty in
admitting the truth to you, much as I did wish to keep you
in the dark, Hegio, about my rank and birth and wealth; now
that I am a man without a country, a prisoner, I suppose it
is not to be expected that he should stand more in
awe of me than of you. The chances of war have put master
and man on an equal footing. I remember the time when he did
not venture to offend me by a word: now he is at liberty to
do me an actual injury.
sed viden? fortuna humana fingit artatque ut lubet:
me, qui liber fueram servom fecit, e summo infimum;
qui imperare insueram, nunc alterius imperio obsequor.
et quidem si, proinde ut ipse fui imperator familiae,
habeam dominum, non verear ne iniuste aut graviter mi imperet.
Hegio, hoc te monitum, nisi forte ipse non vis, voluerim.
But you see! fortune moulds us, pinches us, to suit her
whims: here am I, the one-time free man, a slave--tossed
from the heights to the depths. Accustomed to command,
I am now at another’s beck and call. And indeed, if I might
have such a master as I myself was when I was the head of a
household, I should have no fear of being treated unjustly
or harshly. There is one thing I should like to impress upon
you, Hegio,--unless you object, maybe.
_Hegio_
Loquere audacter.
No, no, speak out.
_Tynd._
Tam ego fui ante liber quam gnatus tuos, 310
tam mihi quam illi libertatem hostilis eripuit manus.
tam ille apud nos servit, quam ego nunc his apud te servio.
est profecto deus, qui quae nos gerimus auditque et videt:
is, uti tu me his habueris, proinde illum illic curaverit;
bene merenti bene profuerit, male merenti par erit.
quam tu filium tuom, tam pater me meus desiderat.
Once I was free as your son; an enemy’s success deprived me
of my liberty as he was deprived of his; he is a slave in my
country as I am here with you. There surely is a God who
hears and sees what we do: and according to your treatment
of me here, so will he look after your son there. He will
reward the deserving and requite the undeserving. Just as
you long for your son, so does my father long for me.
_Hegio_
Memini ego istuc. sed faterin eadem quae hic fassust mihi?
I know all that--but do you admit the truth of what this
fellow has told me?
_Tynd._
Ego patri meo esse fateor summas divitias domi
meque summo genere gnatum. sed te optestor, Hegio,
ne tuom animum avariorem faxint divitiae meae: 320
ne patri, tam etsi sum unicus, decere videatur magis,
me saturum servire apud te sumptu et vestitu tuo
potius quam illi,
ubi minime honestumst, mendicantem vivere.[11] (323)
I do admit that my father is a very wealthy man at home and
that I do come of very good family. But, Hegio, I beseech
you, don’t let my wealth make your demands too exorbitant:
for my father, even though I am his only son, might feel
that it was better for me to remain your slave, well fed and
clothed at your expense, than to come to beggary
there at home where it would disgrace us most.
_Hegio_
Non ego omnino lucrum omne esse utile homini existimo (325)
scio ego, multos iam lucrum lutulentos homines reddidit,
est etiam ubi profecto damnum praestet facere quam lucrum.
odi ego aurum: multa multis saepe suasit perperam.
I am not a man who regards each and every acquisition of
money as a blessing: plenty of people have been tainted
before now by this money getting, I know that. There are
even times when it certainly is more profitable to lose
money than to make it. Gold! I despise it: it has led many a
man into many a wrong course.
nunc hoc animum advorte, ut ea quae sentio pariter scias.
filius meus illic apud vos servit captus Alide: 330
eum si reddis mihi, praeterea unum nummum ne duis;
et te et hunc amittam hinc. alio pacto abire non potes.
Now give me your attention. I want you to understand
thoroughly what I have in mind. (_slowly and emphatically_)
My son is a prisoner in Elis, a slave there among your
countrymen: get him back to me, and without your giving me
a single penny in addition, I will let you go home, and your
servant, too. On no other terms can you get off.
_Tynd_
Optumum atque aequissumum oras optumusque hominum es homo.
sed is privatam servitutem servit illi an publicam?
A very fair and reasonable proposition, sir, and you are the
very fairest of men. Does he belong to some private person,
though, or to the state?
_Hegio_
Privatam medici Menarchi.
To a private person, a doctor named Menarchus.
_Tynd_
Pol is quidem huius est cliens.
tam hoc quidem tibi in proclivi quam amber est quando pluit.
(_aside_) Jove! why, he’s a client of master’s! (_aloud_)
Why, this will be just as easy for you as rain when it pours.
_Hegio_
Fac is homo ut redimatur.
Have him ransomed.
_Tynd_
Faciam. sed te id oro, Hegio--
I will. But thus much I beg of you Hegio,--
_Hegio_
Quid vis, dum ab re ne quid ores, faciam.
(_eagerly_) Anything you please, provided my interests don’t
suffer by it.
_Tynd._
Ausculta, tum scies.
ego me amitti, donicum ille huc redierit, non postulo
verum quaeso ut aestumatum bunc mihi des, quem mittam ad patrem 340
ut is homo redimatur illi.
Listen, and you can see if they will. I don’t ask to be
released myself until my servant gets back. But I do urge
you to let me have him under a forfeit, to send to father so
that your son there can be ransomed.
_Hegio_
Immo alium potius misero
hunc, ubi erant indutiae, illuc, tuom qui conveniat patrem,
qui tua quae tu iusseris mandata ita ut velis perferat.
Oh no, I’ll send some one else instead when we have an
armistice; that will be preferable: he shall confer
with your father and carry out your orders to your
satisfaction.
_Tynd._
At nihil est ignotum ad illum mittere: operam luseris.
hunc mitte, hic transactum reddet omne, si illuc venerit.
nec quemquam fideliorem neque cui plus credat potes
mittere ad eum nec qui magis sit servos ex sententia,
neque adeo cui suom concredat filium hodie audacius.
ne vereare, meo periclo huius ego experiar fidem,
fretus ingenio eius, quod me esse scit erga se benevolum. 350
But it’s no good sending a stranger to him: you’ll have
frittered away your time. Send him: (_pointing to
Philocrates_) he will transact the whole affair, once he
gets there. You can’t send him a more reliable man, one he
would trust more, a servant that’s more to his mind; I may
go so far as to say there is no one he would be readier to
entrust his own son to. Never fear: I will be responsible
for his fidelity. I can depend on his goodness of heart; he
appreciates my kindness to him.
_Hegio_
Mittam equidem istunc aestumatum tua fide, si vis.
Very well, I’ll send him under a forfeit, on your guarantee,
if you wish.
_Tynd._
Volo;
quam citissime potest, tam hoc cedere ad factum volo.
I do wish it. And I wish to have all this an accomplished
fact just as quickly as possible.
_Hegio_
Num quae causa est quin, si ille huc non redeat, viginti minas
mihi des pro illo?
Have you any objection to paying me eighty pounds for him in
case he doesn’t return?
_Tynd._
Optuma immo.
Not the slightest--fair as can be.
_Hegio_
Solvite istum nunciam,
atque utrumque.
(_to overseers_) Take the chains off that fellow at once,
off both of them, in fact.
_Tynd._
Di tibi omnis omnia optata offerant,
cum me tanto honore honestas cumque ex vinclis eximis.
hoc quidem haud molestumst, iam quod collus collari caret.
(_as slaves obey_) God grant your every wish, sir, for your
highly considerate conduct toward me and for releasing me.
(_aside, stretching himself_) I tell you what, it’s no
unpleasant sensation, having that necklet off one’s neck.
_Hegio_
Quod bonis bene fit beneficium, gratia ea gravida est bonis.
nunc tu illum si illo es missurus, dice monstra praecipe
quae ad patrem vis nuntiari. vin vocem huc ad te?
“A good deed done a good man yields a large return of good.”
Now if you intend to send that fellow home, inform him,
instruct him, give him full particulars as to the message
he’s to carry your father. Shall I call him over here to
you?
_Tynd._
Voca. 360
Do.
II. 3.
Scene 3.
_Hegio_
Quae res bene vortat mihi meoque filio
vobisque, volt te novos erus operam dare
tuo veteri domino, quod is velit, fideliter.
nam ego te aestumatum huic dedi viginti minis,
his autem te ait mittere hinc velle ad patrem,
meum ut illic redimat filium, mutatio
inter me atque illum ut nostris fiat filiis.
(_going to Philocrates_) God bless us all in this, me,
and my son, and yourselves! My man, your new master
wishes you to do something your old master wishes, and to do
it faithfully. The fact is, I have given you over to him,
under an eighty pound forfeit, he saying he desires to send
you off to his father and let him ransom my son there in
Elis, so that he may exchange my boy for his own.
_Philocr._
Utroque vorsum rectumst ingenium meum,
ad te atque ad illum; pro rota me uti licet:
vel ego huc vel illic vortar, quo imperabitis. 370
I’m quite disposed to do both of you a good turn, sirs, you
and him both; you can use me like a wheel, I’ll turn your
way or his, either way, wherever you like.
_Hegio_
Tute tibi tuopte ingenio prodes plurumum,
cum servitutem ita fers ut ferri decet.
sequere. em tibi hominem.
And you are acting very much to your own advantage in being
so disposed, and in accepting your slavery as you should.
Follow me. (_leading way to Tyndarus_) There’s your man.
_Tynd._
Gratiam habeo tibi,
quom copiam istam mi et potestatem facis,
ut ego ad parentes hunc remittam nuntium,
qui me quid rerum his agitem et quid fieri velim
patri meo, ordine omnem rem, illuc perferat.
(_sedately_) I thank you, sir, for affording me this
opportunity, of making him my messenger to my parents, so
that he may carry to my father a full account of me and my
situation here, and what I wish him to see to.
nunc ita convenit inter me atque hunc, Tyndare.
ut te aestumatum in Alidem mittam ad patrem,
si non rebitas huc, ut viginti minas 380
dem pro te.
(_turning to Philocrates_) Tyndarus, this gentleman and I
have just arranged that I send you to Elis to father, under
a forfeit: if you fail to return, I am to pay him eighty
pounds for you.
_Philocr._
Recte convenisse sentio.
nam pater expectat aut me aut aliquem nuntium,
qui hinc ad se veniat.
And a good arrangement, too, in my opinion. For the old
gentleman’s expecting either me or some messenger to come to
him from here.
_Tynd._
Ergo animum advortas volo
quae nuntiare hinc te volo in patriam ad patrem.
Well then, I wish you to pay attention to the message I wish
you to take home to him.
_Philocr._
Philocrates, ut adhuc locorum feci, faciam sedulo,
ut potissimum quod in rem recte conducat tuam,
id petam idque persequar corde et animo atque viribus.
I’ll do the best I can for you, sir, just as I always have:
anything that makes for your good, sir, I’ll work my hardest
for, and follow up with all my heart and soul and strength.
_Tynd._
Facis ita ut te facere oportet. nunc animum advortas volo:
omnium primum salutem dicito matri et patri
et cognatis et si quem alium benevolentem videris; 390
me hic valere et servitutem servire huic homini optumo,
qui me honore honestiorem semper fecit et facit.
The proper spirit. Now I wish you to pay attention. First of
all, remember me to my father and mother and my relatives
and anyone else you may see who is interested in my welfare;
tell them I am in good health here and a slave of this most
estimable gentleman who has always accorded me the (_with
emphasis_) very extraordinary consideration which I still
enjoy.
_Philocr._
Istuc ne praecipias, facile memoria memini tamen.
No instructions needed along that line, sir: I can remember
to mind that easily enough, without.
_Tynd._
Nam equidem, nisi quod custodem habeo, liberum me esse arbitror.
dicito patri, quo pacto mihi cum hoc convenerit de huius filio.
For really, aside from the fact that I have a guard, I feel
that I am a free man. Tell my father what arrangement this
gentleman and I have made regarding his son.
_Philocr._
Quae memini, mora mera est monerier.
Mere waste of time, sir, to remind me of what I remember.
_Tynd._
Ut eum redimat et remittat nostrum huc amborum vicem.
That he is to ransom him and send him back here in exchange
for us both.
_Philocr._
Meminero.
I’ll remember.
_Hegio_
At quamprimum pote: istuc in rem utriquest maxime.
Yes, but just as quickly as possible: that’s of the highest
importance to each of us.
_Philocr._
Non tuom tu magis videre quam ille suom gnatum cupit.
You don’t long to see your son any more than he does his,
sir.
_Hegio_
Meus mihi, suos cuique est carus.
My son is dear to me, as his own son is to every father.
_Philocr._
Numquid aliud vis patri 400
nuntiari?
No further message for him, eh?
_Tynd._
Me hic valere et--tute audacter dicito,
Tyndare--inter nos fuisse ingenio haud discordabili,
neque te commeruisse culpam--neque me adversatum tibi--
beneque ero gessisse morem in tantis aerumnis tamen;
(_somewhat at a loss_) Say I am in good health here, and--
(_earnestly_) Tyndarus, speak up boldly to him, yourself,--
say that we have never been at variance, that I have never
had reason to find fault with you (nor you to think me
obstinate) and that you have served your master to the
full even in such adversity.
neque med umquam deseruisse te neque factis neque fide,
rebus in dubiis egenis. haec pater quando sciet,
Tyndare, ut fueris animatus erga suom gnatum atque se,
numquam erit tam avarus, quin te gratiis emittat manu[12];
et mea opera, si hinc rebito, faciam ut faciat facilius.
Say that a treacherous act, a disloyal thought were things
undreamed of even in the dark hours of distress. When my
father knows of this, Tyndarus, knows what your spirit
toward his son and himself has been, he will never be so
niggardly as not to set you free at his own expense; and
if I return, I will put forth my own efforts to make him
the more ready to do it.
nam tua opera et comitate et virtute et sapientia 410
fecisti ut redire liceat ad parentis denuo,
cum apud hunc confessus es et genus et divitias meas:
quo pacto emisisti e vinclis tuom erum tua sapientia.
For it is through your efforts and good will and devotion
and wisdom that I have a chance to go back to my parents
once more, inasmuch as you informed this gentleman of my
family and wealth: thanks to your wisdom in doing so, your
master’s fetters have been removed.
_Philocr._
Feci ego ista ut commemoras, et te meminisse id gratum est mihi.
merito tibi ea venerunt a me; nam nunc, Philocrates,
si ego item memorem quae me erga multa fecisti bene,
nox diem adimat; nam quasi servos meus esses, nihilo setius
tu mihi obsequiosus semper fuisti.
Right you are, sir, so I did, and I’m glad you remember it.
You deserve anything I’ve done for you, too; why, sir, if I
was to go on like that now and mention how many good turns
you’ve done me, it would take all day and more; why, it was
just as if you had been my slave, not a bit different, the
deferential way you’ve always treated me.
_Hegio_
Di vostram fidem,
hominum ingenium liberale. ut lacrumas excutiunt mihi.
videas corde amare inter se. quantis lautus laudibus 420
suom erum servos collaudavit.
(_half aside_) Bless my soul, what noble natures! Dear,
dear, it brings the tears to my eyes! You can see they are
simply devoted to each other. The way that splendid slave
praised his own master--a perfect panegyric!
_Tynd._
Pol istic me haud centesimam
partem laudat quam ipse meritust ut laudetur laudibus.
Heavens, sir, he doesn’t praise me a hundredth part as much
as he deserves to be praised himself.
_Hegio_
Ergo cum optume fecisti, nunc adest occasio
bene facta cumulare, ut erga hunc rem geras fideliter.
(_to Philocrates_) Well then, having been such an excellent
servant, here is an opportunity to crown your services by
carrying through this business for him faithfully.
_Philocr._
Magis non factum possum velle, quam opera experiar persequi;
id ut scias, Iovem supremum testem laudo, Hegio.
me infidelem non futurum Philocrati.
I’ll be just as keen in actually trying to do it as I can be
for wanting it done, sir; and to prove it, sir, I swear by
God Almighty that I’ll never be unfaithful to Philocrates--
_Hegio_
Probus es homo.
(_heartily_) Worthy fellow!
_Philocr._
Nec me secus umquam ei facturum quicquam quam memet mihi.
--or ever act any differently by him than I would by my own
self.
_Tynd._
Istaec dicta te experiri et operis et factis volo;
et, quo minus dixi quam volui de te, animum advortas volo, 430
atque horunc verborum causa caveto mi iratus fuas;
sed, te quaeso, cogitato hinc mea fide mitti domum
te aestimatum, et meam esse vitam hic pro te positam pignori,
(_with increased earnestness_) It is the actual performance,
the deed, I wish to test those words by; and inasmuch as I
said less than I wished about your conduct, I wish you to
pay particular attention,--yes, and be sure not to take
offence at what I say. But I beg you, do bear in mind the
fact that you are being sent off home, sent home at my risk
and under a forfeit, and that I am staking my life for you
here:
ne tu me ignores, quom extemplo meo e conspectu abscesseris,
quom me servom in servitute pro ted hic reliqueris,
tuque te pro libero esse ducas, pignus deseras
neque des operam pro me ut huius reducem facias filium.[13] (437)
fac fidelis sis fideli, cave fidem fluxam geras: (439)
nam pater, scio, faciet quae illum facere oportet omnia; 440
serva tibi in perpetuom amicum me, atque hunc inventum inveni.
so don’t forget me the moment you are out of sight, when you
have left me here in servitude, a slave, in your stead; and
don’t consider yourself a free man and let your promise go
and fail to save me by bringing back this gentleman’s son.
Be faithful, I entreat you, to one who has shown his faith,
and don’t falter in that faithfulness. As for my father, I
am sure he will do everything he should do. For your part,
keep me your friend for ever, and do not lose this friend
(_indicating Hegio_) you have found.
haec per dexteram tuam te dextera retinens manu
opsecro, infidelior mihi ne fuas quam ego sum tibi.
tu hoc age. tu mihi erus nunc es, tu patronus, tu pater,
tibi commendo spes opesque meas.
This I beseech you by this hand (_grasping Philocrates’
right hand_), this hand I hold in mine: don’t be less true
to me than I am to you. (_after a pause_) Well, to the work!
You are my master now, my protector, my father, you and you
only: to you I commend my hopes and my welfare.
_Philocr._
Mandavisti satis
satin habes, mandata quae sunt facta si refero?
Enough commands, sir. Will you be satisfied, if I turn your
commands to accomplished facts?
_Tynd._
Satis.
Yes.
_Philocr._
Et tua et tua huc ornatus reveniam ex sententia. numquid aliud?
I’ll come back here equipped to suit you (_to Hegio_) sir,
and you, (_to Tyndarus_) too. Nothing else?
_Tynd._
Ut quam primum possis redeas.
Return as soon as you can.
_Philocr._
Res monet.
Naturally, sir.
_Hegio_
Sequere me, viaticum ut dem a trapezita tibi,
eadem opera a praetore sumam syngraphum.
(_to Philocrates_) Follow me. I must go to the banker’s
and give you some money for travelling expenses: I’ll get a
passport from the praetor at the same time.
_Tynd._
Quem syngraphum? 450
What passport?
_Hegio_
Quem hic ferat secum ad legionem, hinc ire huic ut liceat domum.
tu intro abi.
One to take to the army with him so that he’ll he allowed to
go off home. As for yourself, you go inside.