, , ， , ， （* * ''w tº ºſº . "• W№vºvaº i º º ſaenºrº” | // —-a-ºn- !/ſºft'ſ %. | ////////'ſ ..º. V E R T A $ — **** -º- =~ : -º- | -ms- OF ºricº § *azºws C-4ſ ſºv THE 0 0 MEDIES OF T E R E N C E. AND THE FAIBLES OF PHAED RUS. LITER ALLY TRANSI/ATED INTO ENGLISH PROSE WITH NOTES, By HENRY THOMAS RILEY, B.A. LATE SCHOLAR OF CLARE HALL, CAMIBRIDGE, TO WHICH IS ADDED A METRICAL TRANSLATION OF PHAEDRUS, By CHRISTOPHER SMART, A.M. ał es * * > A. LONDON : GEORGE BELL & SONS, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 1891. /-220 - 60 2 n 2 T3 + 2 st | ?-? (Reprinted from Stereotype Plates.) LoNDON : PRINTED BY writtam CLowes AND sons, LIMITED, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. & Js * ??…" cº- et----' 3. : *7-2 & - % (2 3 3 7.27/ PR E F A G B ººm-mºsº In this Version of the Plays of Terence the Text of Volbehr, 1846, has been followed, with the few exceptions mentioned in the Notcs. The Translator has endeavoured to convey faithfully the meaning of the author, and although not rigorously literal, he has, he trusts, avoided such wide departures from the text, as are found in the versions of Echard, Cooke, Patrick, and Gordon. In the Translation of Phaedrus, the Critical Edition by Orellius, 1831, has been used, and in the AEsopian Fables, the text of the Parisian Edition of Gail, 1826. The Notes will, it is believed, be found to embody the little that is known of the contemporary history of the Author. H. T. R. C O N T E N T 3. * * * * * * * COMEDIES OF TERENCE, ANDRIA; or THE FAIR ANDRIAN . º EUNUCHUs; or THE EUNUCH . © :* HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; or THE SELF-TORMENTOB ADELPHI; OR THE BROTHERS . gº e HECYRA; THE MOTHER-IN-LAw . * e PHORMI0; OR THE SCHEMING PARASITE . THE FAIBLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book I. Prologue * g e is tº ſº tº Fable I, The Wolf and the Lamb * II. The Frogs asking for a King º sis a e III. The vain Jackdaw and the Peacock .... IV. The Dog carrying some Meat across a River Prose. 365 365 366 367 368 V. The Cow, the She-Goat, the Sheep, and the Lion 368 VI. The Frogs’ complaint against the Sun VII. The Fox and the Tragic Mask VIII. The Wolf and the Crane IX. The Sparrow and the Hare ... X. The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape XI. The Ass and the Lion hunting XII. The Stag at the Stream º e º º XIII. The Fox and the Raven XIV. The Cobbler turned Physician XV. The Ass and the Old Shepherd XVI. The Stag, the Sheep, and the Wolf XVII. The Sheep, the Dog, and the Wolf . 369 369 370 ... 370 37 l 371 372 372 373 373 374 374 |PAGE £3 . 182 +3+ . 25.4 301 Werse 473 473 47% 476 475 476 476 477 477 478 478 478 47% 480 480 481, 481 4S2 CONTENTS. v Prose. Werse XVIII. The Woman in Labour tº ſº º º e e º 'º ... 375 *º XIX. The Bitch and ber Whelps .... e tº e ºs .... 375 482 XX. The hungry Dogs e e e tº e º º * * * * ... 376 483 XXI. The aged Lion, the Wild Boar, the Bull, and the Ass & ge e º e ... 376 483 'XXII. The Man and the Weasel . . . 376 483 XXIII. The Faithful Dog .... .... .... ..., 377 484 XXIV. The Frog and the Ox.... tº º tº tº g tº o .... 378 484 XXV. . The Dog and the Crocodile .... tº e a ge .... 577 485 XXVI. The Fox and the Stork s ſº e tº e & 9 e .... 378 485 XXVII. The Dog, the Treasure, and the Vulture .... 379 486 XXVIII. The Fox and the Eagle tº e º ſº ... 380 486 XXIX. The Ass deriding the Boar .... * * * * ... 380 *E* XXX. The Frogs frightened at the Battle of the Bulls 380 487 XXXI. The Kite and the Pigeons .... tº e º º .... 381 487 Book II. Prologue e Gº . tº e º tº & gº º ºs e - E & .... 382 488 Fable I. The Lion, the Robber, and the Traveller .... 383 488 II. Two Women of different Ages beloved by the Middle-aged Man 383 489 III. The Man and the Dog * g º e * > * > ... 384 489 IV. The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow .... .... 384 490 V. Caesar to the Chamberlain .... tº & 4 & ... 385 491 VI. The Eagle, the Crow, and the Tortoise ... 386 492 VII. The Mules and Robbers tº e º ſº. * * * * ... 387 492 VIII. The Stag and the Oxen tº e º e º, a & tº ... 387 493 Epilogue e tº e e * * * * tº as º e tº e g tº .... 388 494 Book III. Prologue, to Eutychus * * * g. & & gº tº ... 300 49* Fable I. The Old Woman and the Cask tº º s tº ... 393 498 II. The Panther and Shepherd .... tº gº tº º ... 394 498 III. Esop and the Farmer.... * * * * gº tº º ... 395 *† IV. The Butcher and the Ape .... * = e tº .... 395 499 W. Esop and the Insolent Man .... * * g e ... 395 499 VI. The Fly and the Mule.... is e º ſº & º gº tº .... 396 499 VII. The Dog and the Wolf.... tº e º ſº * * * ſº .... 397 500 VIII. The Brother and Sister tº s tº & tº & E tº .... 398 50} IX. Socrates to his Friends tº gº º e e º & ... 398 502 X. The Poet on Believing and not Believing .... 399 502 XI. The Cock and the Pearl e = e tº s & e : ... 401 504 XII. The Bees and the Drones, the Wasp sitting as judge © tº Iº e {e tº e Q & © tº º tº gº g tº .... 402 505 XIII. Esop at play .... e ſº º & G tº º º & .... 402 505 XIV. The Dog to he iamb. tº @ Q ſº tº ºr e º ... 403 506 vi CONTENTS. XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII. Fable I. III. IV. VI. VII. VIII. IX. YI. YII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII. XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. XXIII. XXIV. Fable I. II. III. IV. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. The Grasshopper and the Owl tº e s The Trees under the Protection of the Gods º The Peacock to Juno .... * * * ºn * * * * Esop's Answer to the Inquisitive Man Epilogue - Book IV. Prologue tº tº tº º * * * > & s a tº • * * * The Ass and the Priests of Cybele .... The Weasel and the Mice .... • sº º The Fox and the Grapes s e º 'º e tº e º The Horse and the Wild Boar Esop interpreting a Will * e s - * * * * The Battle of the Mice and the Weasels g The Poet's Defence against the Censurers of his Fables e a tº e tº tº e s e e e s e The Viper and the File * e º º tº see The Fox and the Goat tº º º Of the Vices of Men .... e e s tº • s e ºs A Thief pillaging the Altar of Jupiter Hercules and Plutus * e º 'º e s tº The Lion reigning Prometheus º º e e g • e º - The She-Goats and their Beards The Pilot and the Mariners • * * * The Embassy of the Dogs to Jupiter.... The Man and the Snake s sº tº º The Fox and the Dragon tº e º e Phaedrus * - e - as is e - tº gº tº º The Shipwreck of Simonides .... The Mountain in Labour The Ant and the Fly .... nº e s - * = e - Simonides preserved by the Gods ... Epilogue * G - e. tº 4 e - tº gº tº º Book V. Prologue e e º s Demetrius and Memander e e - tº s is e - tº º tº The Travellers and the Robber The Bald Man and the Fly The Man and the Ass, * * The Buffoon and Countryman The Two Bald Men * * - - Princeps the Flute Player e e C & The Emblem of Opportunity .... The Bull and the Calf as e º - The Huntsman and the Dog .... Prose, 404 405 405 406 407 409 410 4ll 411 411 412 413 414 415 415 4 16 416 417 4 17 418 4 18 419 419 420 421 422 422 423 424 425 426 427 427 428 429 429 429 431 431 433 433 433 Verse, 507 508 509 509 510 509 510 5] 1 511 5 12 514 514 515 5 | 6 516 517 5 17 518 518 519 519 520 520 522 522 523 524 526 527 528 529 529 530 532 532 534 534 535. CONTENTS. vii Fable I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. YII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. YVII. XVIII. XIX. XX. THE NEw FABLEs—ATTRIBUTED to PHAEDRUs. The Ape and the Fox The Author tº g g tº é tº $ tº Mercury and the two Women .... Prometheus and Cunning The Author * * * * tº a s gº tº e º & * * * * The signification of the Punishments of Tartarus The Author tº º ſº º AEsop and the Author .... # * > g. Pompeius Magnus and his Soldier Juno, Venus, and the Hen tº e º e The Father of a Family and AEso The Philosopher and the Victor in the Gymnastic Games The Ass and the Lyre .... {-} º º vº & © tº The Widow and the Soldier tº s The Rich Suitor and the Poor One AEsop and his Mistress .... & 8 º º A Cock carried in a Litter by Cats The Sow bringing forth and the Wolf .... The Runaway Slave and AEsop .... The Chariot Horse sold for the Mill The Hungry Bear gº º & e g tº The Traveller and the Raven The Shepherd and the She-Goat The Serpent and the Lizard The Crow and the Sheep The Servant and the Master The Hare and the Herdsman The Young Man and the Courtesan The Beaver tº ſº gº º * * g tº tº e º e The Butterfly and the Wasp The Ground-Swallow and the Fox 435 436 436 437 438 4.38 439 439 440 441 442 442 443 443 444 445 446 446 447 447 448 449 449 449 450 450 450 451 451 452 453 453 XXI. XXII. YXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. XXIX. XXX. |XXXI. Epilogue.... tº g g tº * tº tº º AEsopi AN FARLEs—THE AUTHoRs of which ARE Not kNowN. Fable I. J.I. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. The Sick Kite .... ºn e s tº The Hares tired of Life.... Jupiter and the Fox The Lion and the Mouse The Man and the Trees.... tº tº gº The Mouse and the Frog tº $ tº ſº The Two Cocks and the Hawk.... The Snail and the Ape ..., tº gº & & tº º te e The City Mouse and the Country Mouse The Ass fawning upon his Master The Crane, the Crow, and the Countryman The Birds and the Swallow .... .... sº as a 454 454 45.5 455 456 456 456 457 457 458 459 459 viii CONTENTS. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. |XVII. XVIII. XIX. XXI. YXII. XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. XXIX. XXX. XXXI. YXXII. XXXIII. XXXIV. The Partridge and the Fox tº e º 'º & e s tº tº tº v 3 The Ass, the Ox, and the Birds.... tº sº e & is tº gº tº The Lion and the Shepherd .... * {º gºº The Gnat and the Bull .... tº tº g tº The Horse and the Ass .... gº tº ſº tº The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat g The Nightingale, the Hawk, and the Fowler .... The Wolf, the Fox, and the Shepherd.... The Sheep and the Wolves e tº e & The Ape and the Fox .... e tº e tº tº º • e º º The Wolf, the Huntsman, and the Shepherd .... The Truthful Man, the Liar, and the Apes .... The Man and the Lion .... tº sº e is tº e º ſº e 9 tº ºt The Stork, the Goose, and the Hawk .... g The Sheep and the Crow * & tº * * * * The Ant and the Grasshopper .... The Horse and the Ass.... tº e º º The Old Lion and the Fox The Camel and the Flea The Kid and the Wolf .... * * * * > s & © tº * G & tº The Poor Man and the Serpent $ 8 & † ºº The Fagle and the Kite e ºne etºº tº wº * * * * tº pºste 460 461 461 462 462 463 463 464 464 465 465 466 467 467 468 468 469 469 469 470 470 471 ANDRIA; THE FAIR AND RIAN, DRAMATIS PERSONAE. SIMo, an aged Athenian. PAMPHILUs,” son of Simo. SoSIA,” freedman of Simo. CHREMEs,” an aged Athenian. CHARINUs,” a young Athenian, in love with Philumena. CRIT0,6 a native of Andros. DAVUS,7 servant of Simo. DROMo,” servant of Simo. BYRRHIA,” servant of Charinus. GLYCERIUM,10 a young woman beloved by Pamphilus. MYSIs," her maidservant. LESBIA,” a midwife. Scene.—Athens; before the houses of SIMO and GLYCERIUM. From otpads, “flat-nosed.” * From trăv, “all,” and pixõc, “a friend.” * From otóźw, “to save;” saved in war. * From Xpépºrtopat, “to spit.” * From xúpug, “grace.” * From rpurric, “a judge.” 7 From Dacia, his native country; the Davi and Daci being the same people. * From 6pópos, “a race.” * From twópóc, “red-haired.” * From y\vkspög, “sweet.” * From Mysia, her native country. * From Lesbos, her native country. THE SUBJ E CT, CHREMEs and Phania were brothers, citizens of Athens. Chremes going to Asia, leaves his daughter, Pasibula, in the care of his brother Phania, who, afterwards setting sail with Pasibula for Asia, is wrecked off the Isle of Andros. Escaping with their lives, they are kindly received by a native of the island; and Phania soon afterwards dies there. The Andrian changes the name of the girl to Glycerium, and brings her up, as his own child, with his daughter (hrysis. On his death, Chrysis and Glycerium sail for Athens to seek their fortune there. Chrysis being admired by several Athenian youths, Pam- philus, the son of Simo, an opulent citizen, chances to see Glycerium, and falls violently in love with her. She afterwards becomes preg- nant by him, on which he makes her a promise of marriage. In the meantime, Chremes, who is now living at Athens, and is ignorant of the fate of Pasibula, agrees with Simo, the father of Pamphilus, to give Philumena, another daughter, in marriage to Pamphilus. While these arrangements are being made, Chrysis dies; on which Simo accidentally discovers his son's connexion with Glycerium. Chremes, also coming to hear of it, declines the match, having no idea that Glycerium is really his own daughter. Simo, however, in order to test his son's feelings, resolves to pretend that the marriage- day is fixed. Meeting Pamphilus in the town, he desires him to go home and prepare for the wedding, which is to take place imme- diately. In his perplexity, the youth has recourse to his servant Davus, who, having heard of the refusal of Chremes, suspects the design of Simo. At this conjuncture, Charinus, a friend of Pamphilus, who is enamoured of Philumena, but has been rejected by her father, entreats Pamphilus to put off the marriage, for at least a few days. Disclosing his own aversion to the match, Pamphilus readily engages to do this. In order the more effectually to break it off, Davus advises Pamphilus to pretend a readiness to comply with his father's wishes, supposing that of course Chremes will steadily persist in his refusal. Pamphilus does as he is advised, on which Simo again applies to Chremes, who, after sºme entreaty, gives his consent. Just at this conjuncture, Glycerium is delivered of a son; and by the advice of Davus, it is laid before the door of Simo's house. Chremes hap- pening to see it there, and ascertaining that Pamphilus is its father, again refuses to give him his daughter. At this moment, Crito, a native of Andros, arrives, who, being a relative of Chrysis, has come to Athens to look after her property. Through him, Chremes dis- coºrs that Glycerium is no other than his long-lost daughter, Pasibula; on which he consents to her immediate marriage with Pamphilus, who promises Charinus that he will use his best endea- vonrs to obtain for him the hand of Philumena. THE TITLE OF THE PLAY. $ºmsºmº PERFORMED at the Megalensian Games; M. Fulvius and M. Glabrio being Curule AEdiles.” Ambivius Turpio and Lucius Atilius Praenestinus” performed it. Flaccus, the freedman of Claudius' composed the music, to a pair of treble flutes and bass flutes" alternately. And it is entirely * The Megalenstan Games)—These games were instituted at Rome in honour of the Goddess Cybele, when her statue was brought thither from Pessinum, in Asia Minor, by Scipio Nasica; they were so called from the Greek title MeyāAm Mātmp, “the Great Mother.” They were called Megalesia or Megalensia, indifferently. A very interesting account of the origin of these games will be found in the Fasti of Ovid. B. iv. l. 194, et seq. * Being Curule Ædiles)–Among the other offices of the AEdiles at Rome, it was their duty to preside at the public games, and to provide the necessary dramatic representations for the Theatre, by making contracts with the Poets and Actors. * Ambivius Turpio and Lucius Atilius Praenestimus)—These persons were the heads or managers of the company of actors who performed the Play, and as such it was their province to make the necessary con- tracts with the Curule AEdiles. They were also actors themselves, and usually took the leading characters. Ambivius Turpio seems to have been a favourite with the Roman public, sad to have performed for many years; of L. Atilius Praenestinus nothna’s is known. * Freedman of Claudius)—According to some, the words “Flaccus Claudi” mean “the son of Claudius.” It is, however, more generally thought that it is thereby meant that he was the freedman or liberated slave of some Roman noble of the family of the Claudii. * Treble flutes and bass flutes) — The history of ancient music, and especially that relative to the “tibiae,” “pipes” or “flutes,” is replete with obscurity. It is not agreed what are the meanings of the respective terms, but in the present Translation the following theory has been adopted : The words “dextrae” and “sinistrae” denote the kind of flute, the former being treble, the latter bass flutes, or, as they were sometimes called, “incentivae” or “succen- tivae;” though it has been thought by some that they were so called because the former were held with the right hand, the latter with the B 2 4 THE TITLE. Grecian.” Published—M. Marcellus and Cneius Sulpicius being Consuls.” left. When two treble flutes or two bass flutes were played upon at the same time, they were called “tibiae pares;” but when one was “ dextra” and the other “sinistra,” “tibiae impares.” Hence the words “ paribus dextris et sinistris,” would mean alternately with treble flutes *nd bass flutes. Two “tibiae” were often played upon by one performer at the same time. For a specimen of a Roman “tibicen” or “piper,” see the last scene of the Stichus of Plautus. Some curious information relative to the pipers of Rome and the legislative enactments respecting them will be found in the Fasti of Ovid, B. vi. l. 653, et seq. * It is entirely Grecian)—This means that the scene is in Greece, and that it is of the kind called “palliata,” as representing the manners of the Greeks, who wore the “pallium,” or outer cloak ; whereas the Romans wore the “toga.” In the Prologue, Terence states that he borrowed it from the Greek of Menander. * Being Consuls)—M. Claudius Marcellus and C. Sulpicius Galba were Consuls in the year from the building of Rome 586, and B.o. 167. ANDRIA; 'I'HE FAIR AND RIAN. THE SUMMARY OF C. SULPITIUS APOLLINARIS. PAMPHILUS Seduces Glycerium, wrongly supposed to be the sister of a Courtesan, an Andrian by birth; and she having become pregnant, he gives his word that she shall be his wife; but his father has engaged for him another, the daughter of Chremes; and when he discovers the intrigue he pretends that the nuptials are about to take place, desiring to learn what intentions his son may have. By the advice of Davus, Pamphilus does not resist; but Chremes, as soon as he has seen the little child born of Glycerium, breaks off the match, and declines him for a son-in-law. Afterwards, this Glycerium, unex- pectedly discovered to be his own daughter, he bestows as a wife on Pamphilus, the other on Charinus. * * * * *ss=s***'ss THE PROLOGUE. THE POET, when first he applied his mind to writing, thought that the only duty which devolved on him was, that the Plays he should compose might please the public. But he per- ceives that it has fallen out entirely otherwise; for he is wasting his labour in writing Prologues, not for the purpose of relating the plot, but to answer the slanders of a malevolent old Poet." Now I beseech you, give your attention to the thing which they impute as a fault. Menander composed the Andrian” * A malevolent old Poet)—Wer. 7. He alludes to Luscus Lanuvinus, or Lavinius, a Comic Poet of his time, but considerably his senior. He is mentioned by Terence in all his Prologues except that to the Hecyra, and seems to have made it the business of his life to run down his productions and discover faults in them. * Composed the Andrian)—Wer. 9. This Play, like that of our author, took its name from the Isle of Andros, one of the Cyclades in the AEgean Sea, where Glycerium is supposed to have been born. Donatus, the Commentator on Terence, informs us that the first Scene or this play is almost a literal translation from the Perinthian of Menander 6 ANDRIA ; Act I and the Perinthian.” He who knows either of them well. will know them both ; they are in plot not very different, and yet they have been composed in different language and style. What suited, he confesses he has transferred into the Andrian from the Perinthian, and has employed them as his own. These parties censure this proceeding; and on this point they differ from him, that Plays ought not to be mixed up together. By being thus knowing, do they not show that they know nothing at all? For while they are censuring him, they are censuring Naevius, Plautus, and Ennius,” whom our Poet has for his precedents; whose care- lessness he prefers to emulate, rather than the mystifying care- fulness” of those parties. Therefore, I advise them to be quiet in future, and to cease to slander; that they may not be made acquainted with their own misdeeds. Be well disposed, then ; attend with unbiassed mind, and consider the matter, that you may determine what hope is left ; whether the Plays which he shall in future compose anew, are to be wit- nessed, or are rather to be driven off the stage. ACT THE FIRST. SCENE I. Fnter SIMO and SoSIA, followed by SERVANTs carrying provisions. SIMO. (to the Servants.) Do you carry those things away in-doors; begone. (Beckoning to SOSIA.) Sosia, just step here ; I want a few words with you. in which the old man was represented as discoursing with his wife just as Simo does here with Sosia. In the Andrian of Menander, the old man opened with a soliloquy. - And the Perinthian)—Wer. 9. This Play was so called from Perinthus, a town of Thrace, its heroine being a native of that place. * Naevius, Plautus, and Ennius)—Wer. 18. Ennius was the oldest of these three Poets. Naevius was a contemporary of Plautus. See a proba- ble allusion to his misfortunes in the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus, 1.211. 3 The mystifying carefulness)—Wer. 21. By “obscuram diligentiam” he means that formal degree of precision which is productive of obscurity. Sc. [. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 7 SoSIA. Consider it as said; that these things are to be taken care of, I suppose." SIM. No, it's another matter. Sos. What is there that my ability can effect for you more than this? SIM. There's no need of that ability in the matter which I have in hand; but of those qualities which I have ever known as existing in you, fidelity and secrecy. SOs. I await your will. SIM. Since I purchased you, you know that, from a little child, your servitude with me has always been easy and light. From a slave I made you my freedman;” for this reason, because you served me with readiness. The greatest recom- pense that I possessed, I bestowed upon you. SOS. I hear it in mind. SIM. I am not changed. SOS. If I have done or am doing aught that is pleasing to you, Simo, I am glad that it has been done ; and that the same has been gratifying to you, I consider sufficient thanks. But this is a cause of uneasiness to me; for the recital is, as it were, a censure” to one forgetful of a kindness. But tell me, in one word, what it is that you want with me. SIM. I’ll do so. In the first place, in this affair I give you notice : this, which you suppose to be such, is not a real marriage. Sos. Why do you pretend it then? SIM. You shall hear all the matter from the beginning: by that means you'll be acquainted with both my son's mode * Are to be taken care of, I suppose)—Wer 30. “Nempe ut curentur recte haec.” Colman here remarks; “Madame Dacier will have it that Simo here makes use of a kitchen term in the word ‘curentur.' I believe it rather means ‘to take care of” anything generally; and at the conclusion of this very scene, Sosia uses the word again, speaking of things very foreign to cookery, ‘Sat est, curabo.” * To be my freedman)—Wer. 37. “Libertus” was the name given to a slave set at liberty by his master. A “libertinus” was the son of a “libertus.” * As it were a censure)—Wer. 43. Among the Greeks (whose manners and sentiments are supposed to be depicted in this Play) it was a maxim that he who did a kindness should forget it, while he who received it should keep it in memory. Sosia consequently feels uneasy, and considers the remark of his master in the light of a reproach. 8 - ANDRIA: - Act I. of life and my own design, and what I want you to do in this affair. For after he had passed youthfulness, Sosia, and had obtained free scope of living, (for before, how could you know or understand his disposition, while youthful age, fear, and a master” were checking him?)— Sos. That's true. . SIM. What all young men, for the most part, do-devote their attention to some particular pursuit, either to training horses or dogs for hunting, or to the philosophers;* in not one of these did he engage in particular beyond the rest, and yet in all of them in a moderate degree. I was pleased. Sos. Not without reason; for this I deem in life to be especially advantageous ; that one do nothing to excess.” SIM. Such was his mode of life; readily to bear and to comply with all; with whomsoever he was in company, to them to resign himself; to devote himself to their pursuits, at variance with no one; never preferring himself to them. Thus most readily you may acquire praise without envy, and gain friends. Sos. He has wisely laid down his rule of life; for in these days obsequiousness begets friends; sincerity, dislike. SIM. Meanwhile, three years ago,” a certain woman from After he had passed from youthfulness)—Wer. 51. “Ephebus” was the name given to a youth when between the ages of sixteen and twenty. * And a master)—Wer. 54. See the Notes to the Translation of the Bacchides of Plautus, l. 109, where Lydus, a slave, appears as the “ paedagogus,” or “magister,” of Pistoclerus. * Or to the philosophers)—Wer. 57. It was the custom in Greece with all young men of free birth to apply themselves to the study of philosophy, of course with zeal proportioned to the love of learning in each. They each adopted some particular sect, to which they attached themselves. There is something sarcastic here, and indeed not very respectful to the “philosophers,” in coupling them as objects of attrac- tion with horses and hounds. * Nothing to eaccess)—Wer 61. “Ne quid nimis.” This was one of the three sentences which were inscribed in golden letters in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. The two others were “Know thyself,” and “Misery is the consequence of debt and discord.” Sosia seems from the short glimpse we have of him to have been a retailer of old saws and proverbs. He is unfortunately only a Protatic or introductory character, as we lose sight of him after this Act. * Meanwhile, three years ago)—Wer. 69. The following remark of Donatus on this passage is quoted by Colman for its curiosity. “The Sc. I. - THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 9. Andros removed hither into this neighbourhood, driven by poverty and the neglect of her relations, of surpassing beauty and in the bloom of youth. SOS. Ah! I'm afraid that this Andrian will bring some mischief. SIM. At first, in a modest way, she passed her life with “hriftiness and in hardship, seeking a livelihood with her wool und loom. But after an admirer made advances, promising her a recompense, first one and then another; as the disposi- tion of all mankind has a downward tendency from industry towards pleasure, she accepted their proposals, and then began to trade upon her beauty. Those who then were her admirers, by chance, as it often happens, took my son thither that he might be in their company. Forthwith I said to myself, “He is surely caught ; he is smitten.” In the morning I used to observe their servant-boys coming or going away; I used to make enquiry, “Here, my lad, tell me, will you, who had Chrysis yesterday?” for that was the name of the Andrian (touching SOSIA on the arm). SOS. I understand. SIM. Phaedrus, or Clinias, or Niceratus, they used to say; for these three then loved her at the same time. “Well now, what did Pamphilus do?” “What? He gave his contribution;” he took part in the dinner.” Just so on another day I made inquiry, but I discovered nothing whatever that affected Pamphilus. In fact, I thought him sufficiently proved, and a great pattern of continence; for he who is brought into Author has artfully said three years, when he might have given a tonger or a shorter period; since it is probable that the woman might have lived modestly one year; set up the trade the next; and died the third. In the first year, therefore, Pamphilus knew nothing of the family of Chrysis; in the second, he became acquainted with Glycerium; and in the third, Glycerium marries Pamphilus, and finds her parents.” He is smitten)—Ver. 78. “Habet,” literally “He has it.” This was the expression used by the spectators at the moment when a Gladiator was wounded by his antagonist. In the previous line, in the words “captus est,” a figurative allusion is made to the “retiarius,” a Gladiator who was provided with a net, with which he endeavoured to entangle his opponent. * Gave his contribution)—Wer. 88. “Symbolam.” The “symbolae,” “shot” at pic-nic or club entertainments, are more than once alluded to in the Notes to the Translation of Plautus. HO ANDRIA ; Act I. contact with dispositions of that sort, and his feelings are not aroused even under such circumstances, you may be sure that he is already capable of undertaking the governance of his own life. This pleased me, and everybody with one voice began to say all kinds of flattering things, and to extol my good fortune, in having a son endowed with such a dis- position. What need is there of talking? Chremes, in- fluenced by this report, came to me of his own accord, to offer his only daughter as a wife to my son, with a very large portion. It pleased me; I betrothed him; this was the day appointed for the nuptials. Sos. What then stands in the way? Why should they not take place P SIM. You shall hear. In about a few days after these things had been agreed on, Chrysis, this neighbour, dies. Sos. Bravo! You've made me happy. I was afraid for him on account of Chrysis. SIM. Then my son was often there, with those who had admired Chrysis; with them he took charge of the funeral; sorrowful, in the meantime, he sometimes wept with them in condolence. Then that pleased me. Thus I reflected : “He by reason of this slight intimacy takes her death so much to heart; what if he himself had wooed her ? What will he do for me his father ?” All these things I took to be the duties of a humane disposition and of tender feelings. Why do I detain you with many words 2 Even I myself.” for his sake, went forth to the funeral, as yet suspecting no harm. SOS. Ha! what is this P SIM. You shall know. She is brought out ; we proceed. In the meantime, among the females who were there present, I saw by chance one young woman of beauteous form. - Sos. Very likely. SIM. And of countenance, Sosia, so modest, so charming, that nothing could surpass. As she appeared to me to lament beyond the rest, and as she was of a figure handsome and genteel beyond the other women, I approached the female * Even I myself)—Wer. 116. Cooke remarks here : “A complaisant father, to go to the funeral of a courtesan, merely to oblige his 150/1 !” Sc, I. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 11 attendants; I enquired who she was. They said that she was the sister of Chrysis. It instantly struck my mind: “Aye, aye, this is it ; hence those tears, hence that sympathy.” SOs. How I dread what you are coming to SIM. The funeral-procession meanwhile advances; we follow ; we come to the burying-place.” She is placed upon the pile ; they weep. In the meantime, this sister, whom I mentioned, approached the flames too incautiously, with considerable danger. There, at that moment, Pam- philus, in his extreme alarm, discovers his well-dissembled and long-hidden passion ; he runs up, clasps the damsel by the waist. “My Glycerium,” says he, “what are you doing? Why are you going to destroy yourself P” Then she, so that you might easily recognize their habitual attachment, weep- ing, threw herself back upon him—how affectionately Sos. What do you say? SIM. I returned thence in anger, and hurt at heart: and yet there was not sufficient ground for reproving him. He might say; “What have I done? How have I deserved this, or offended, father ? She who wished to throw herself into the flames, I prevented ; I saved her.” The defence is a reason- able one. SOS. You judge aright ; for if you censure him who has assisted to preserve life, what are you to do to him who causes loss or misfortune to it? SIM. Chremes comes to me next day, exclaiming : “Dis- graceful conduct l”—that he had ascertained that Pamphilus was keeping this foreign woman as a wife. I steadfastly denied that to be the fact. He insisted that it was the fact. In short, I then left him refusing to bestow his daughter. Sos. Did not you then reprove your son? SIM. Not even this was a cause sufficiently strong for censuring him. SOs. How so? Tell me. 1 The female attendants) — Wer. 123. “Pedissequae.” These “ pedissequae,” or female attendants, are frequently alluded to in the Plays of Plautus. See the Notes to Bohn's Translation. * To the burying-place)—Wer. 128. “Sepulcrum” strictly means, the tomb or place for burial, but here the funeral pile itself. When the bones were afterwards buried on the spot where they were burnt, it was called “bustum.” 12 ANDRIA ; Act I. SIM, “You yourself, father,” he might say, “have prescribed a limit to these proceedings. The time is near, when I must live according to the humour of another; meanwhile, for thf, present allow me to live according to my own.” SOS, What room for reproving him, then, is there left P SIM. If on account of his amour he shall decline to take a wife, that, in the first place, is an offence on his part to be censured. And now for this am I using my endeavours, that, by means of the pretended marriage, there may be real ground for rebuking him, if he should refuse ; at the same time, that if that rascal Davus has any scheme, he may exhaust it now, while his knaveries can do no harm : who, I do believe, with hands, feet, and all his might, will do everything ; and more for this, no doubt, that he may do me an ill turn, than to oblige my son. Sos. For what reason P SIM. Do you ask? Bad heart, bad disposition. Whom, however, if I do detect But what need is there of talking? If it should turn out, as I wish, that there is no delay on the part of Pamphilus, Chremes remains to be prevailed upon by me; and I do hope that all will go well. Now it's your duty to pretend these nuptials cleverly, to terrify Davus ; and watch my son, what he's about, what schemes he is planning with him. Sos. 'Tis enough; I'll take care; now let's go in-doors. SIM. You go first ; I'll follow. (SOSIA goes into the house of SIMO. SIM. & himself.) There's no doubt but that my son doesn't wish for a wife; so alarmed did I perceive Davus to be just now, when he heard that there was going to be a marriage. But the very man is coming out of the house. (Stands aside.) SCENE II. Fnter DAVUs from the house of SIMø. DAv. (aloud to himself.) I was wondering if this matter . was to go off thus; and was continually dreading where my Sc. II. THE FAIR ANIORIAN. 13 master's good humour would end; for, after he had heard that a wife would not be given to his son, never uttered a word to any one of us, or took it amiss. SIM. (apart, overhearing him.) But now he'll do so : and that, I fancy, not without heavy cost to you. DAV. (to himself.) He meant this, that we, thus unsus- pecting, should be led away by delusive joy; that now in hope, all fear being removed, we might during our supine- ness be surprised, so that there might be no time for planning a rupture of the marriage. How clever! SIM. (apart.) The villain! what does he say? DAV. (overhearing him, to himself) It's my master, and I didn't see him. SIM. Davus. DAV. Well, what is it P SIM. Just step this way to me. DAV. (to himself.) What does he want? SIM. What are you saying? DAv. About what ? SIM. Do you ask the question ? There's a report that my son's in love. DAV. The public troubles itself about that," of course. SIM. Will you attend to this, or not ? DAv. Certainly, I will, to that. SIM. But for me to enquire now into these matters, were the part of a severe father. For what he has done hitherto, doesn't concern me at all. So long as his time of life prompted to that course, I allowed him to indulge his in- clination : now this day brings on another mode of life, demands other habits. From this time forward, I do request, or if it is reasonable, I do entreat you, Davus, that he may now return to the right path. DAV. (aside.) What can this mean? SIM. All who are intriguing take it ill to have a wife given them. DAV. So they say. SIM. And if any one has adopted a bad instructor in that * Troubles itself about that)—Wer. 185. He says this contemptuously, as if it was likely that the public should take any such great interest in his son as the father would imply by his remark. By thus saying, he also avoids giving a direct reply. 14 ANDRIA ; Act L. course, he generally urges the enfeebled mind to pursuits still more unbecoming. DAV. I'faith, I do not comprehend. SIM. No P. Ha DAV. No-I am Davus, not GEdipus.” SIM. Of course then, you wish me to speak plainly in what further I have to say. DAV. Certainly, by all means. SIM. If I this day find out that you are attempting any trickery about this marriage, to the end that it may not take place; or are desirous that in this matter it should be proved how knowing you are ; I'll hand you over, Davus, beaten with stripes, to the mill,” even to your dying day, upon this condition and pledge, that if ever I release you, I shall grind in your place. Now, do you understand this? Or not yet even this? - DAV. Yes, perfectly : you have now spoken so plainly upon the subject, you have not used the least circumlocution. SIM. In anything would I more willingly allow myself to be imposed upon than in this matter. DAV. Fair words, I entreat. SIM. You are ridiculing me: you don't at all deceive me. I give you warning, don't act rashly, and don’t say you were not warned. Take care. (Shaking his stick, goes into the house.) SCENE III. DAVUs alone. DAV. (to himself.) Assuredly, Davus, there's no room for slothfulness or inactivity, so far as I've just now ascertained the old man's mind about the marriage; which, if it is not provided against by cunning, will be bringing either myself or my master to ruin. What to do, I am not determined ; whether I should assist Pamphilus or obey the old man. If I desert the former, I fear for his life; if I assist him, I dread 1 Davus, not (Edipus)—Wer. 194. Alluding to the circumstance of CEdipus alone being able to solve the riddle of the Sphynx. * To the mill)—Wer. 199. The “pistrinum,” or “hand-mill,” for grind- ing corn, was used as a mode of punishment for refractory slaves. Set the Notes to the Translation of Plautus. Sc. IV. THE FAIR ANT)RIAN. 15 the other's threats, on whom it will be a difficult matter to impose. In the first place, he has now found out about this amour; with hostile feelings he watches me, lest I should be devising some trickery against the marriage. If he discovers it, I’m undone; or even if he chooses to allege any pretext, whether rightfully or wrongfully, he will consign me head- long to the mill. To these evils this one is besides added for me. This Andrian, whether she is his wife, or whether his mistress, is pregnant by Pamphilus. It is worth while to hear their effrontery; for it is an undertaking worthy of those in their dotage, not of those who dote in love; what- ever she shall bring forth, they have resolved to rear;” and they are now contriving among themselves a certain scheme, that she is a citizen of Attica. There was formerly a certain old man of this place, a merchant ; he was shipwrecked off the isle of Andros; he died. They say that there, the father of Chrysis, on that occasion, sheltered this girl, thrown on shore, an orphan, a little child. What nonsense! To myself at least it isn't very probable; the fiction pleases them however. But Mysis is coming out of the house. Now I’ll betake myself hence to the Forum,” that I may meet with Pamphilus, lest his father should take him by surprise about this matter. - (Earit. SCENE IV. Enter MySIs from the house of GLYCERIUM. Mys. (speaking at the door to Archylis within.) I've heard 1 Those in their dotage, not those who dote in love)—Wer. 218. There is a jingle intended in this line, in the resemblance between “amentium,” “mad persons,” and “amantium,” “lovers.” * They have resolved to rear)—Wer. 219. This passage alludes to the custom among the Greeks of laying new-born children on the ground upon which the father, or other person who undertook the care of the child, lifted it from the ground, “tollebat.” In case no one took charge of the child, it was exposed, which was very frequently done in the case of female children. Plato was the first to inveigh against this barbarous practice. It is frequently alluded to in the Plays of Plautus. 3 Hence to the Forum)—Wer. 226. Colman has the following remark: “The Forum is frequently spoken of in the Comic Authors; and from various passages in which Terence mentions it, it may be collected that it was a public place, serving the several purposes of a market, the seat of the courts of justice, a public walk, and an exchange.” 16 AND RIA : Act [. you already, Archylis; you request Lesbia to be fetched. Really, upon my faith, she is a wine-bibbing" and a rash woman, and not sufficiently trustworthy for you to commit to her care a female at her first delivery ; is she still to be brought P (She receives an answer from within, and comes forward.) Do look at the inconsiderateness of the old. woman ; because she is her pot-companion. Ye Gods, I do entreat you, give her ease in her delivery, and to that woman an opportunity of making her mistakes elsewhere In preference. But why I do see Pamphilus so out of spirits? I fear what it may be. I’ll wait, that I may know whether this sorrow portends any disaster. (Stands apart.) SCENE V. Enter PAMPHILUs, wringing his hands. PAM, (to himself) Is it humane to do or to devise this? Is this the duty of a father ? Mys. (apart.) What does this mean? PAM, (to himself) 0, by our faith in the Gods! what is, if this is not, an indignity ? He had resolved that he him- self would give me a wife to-day ; ought I not to have known this beforehand P Ought it not to have been men- tioned previously P - Mys. (apart.) Wretched me! What language do I hear? PAM. (to himself) What does Chremes do £ He who had de- clared that he would not entrust his daughter to me as a wife; because he himself sees me unchanged he has changed. Thus perversely does he lend his aid, that he may withdraw wretched me from Glycerium. If this is effected, I am utterly undone. That any man should be so unhappy in love, or so unfortunate as I am . Oh, faith of Gods and men shall I by no device be able to escape this alliance with Chremes P In how many ways am I contemned, and held in scorn ? Everything done, and concluded ! Alas! once rejected I am sought again; for what reason P. Unless perhaps it is this, - Wine-bibbing)—Wer. 229. The nurses and midwives of antiquity seem to have been famed for their tippling propensities. In some of the Plays of Plautus we do not find them spared. Sc. V. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 17 which I suspect it is: they are rearing some monster," and as she cannot be pushed off upon any one else, they have recourse to me. Mys. (apart.) This language has terrified wretched me with apprehension. PAM. (to himself.) But what am I to say aboat my father? Alas! that he should so thoughtlessly conclude an affair of such importancel Passing me in the Forum just now, he said, “Pamphilus, you must be married to-day: get ready; be off home.” He seemed to me to say this: “Be off this instant, and go hang yourself.” I was amazed; think you that I was able to utter a single word, or any excuse, even a frivolous, false, or lame one? I was speechless. But if any one were to ask me now what I would have done, if I had known this sooner, why, I would have done anything rather than do this. But now, what course shall I first adopt? So many cares beset me, which rend my mind to pieces; love, sympathy for her, the worry of this marriage; then, respect for my father, who has ever, until now, with such an indulgent disposition, allowed me to do whatever was agreeable to my feelings. Ought I to oppose him? Ah me! I am in uncertainty what to do. Mys. (apart.) I’m wretchedly afraid how this uncertainty is to terminate. But now there's an absolute necessity, either for him to speak to her, or for me to speak to him about her. While the mind is in suspense, it is swayed by a slight impulse one way or the other. PAM. (overhearing her.) Who is it speaking here? (Seeing her.) Mysis? Good morrow to you. -- Mys. O! Good morrow to you, Pamphilus. PAM. How is she? - Mys. Do you ask? She is oppressed with grief,” and on this account the poor thing is anxious, because some time * Rearing some monster) — Ver. 250. “Aliquid monstri alunt.” Madame Dacier and some other Commentators give these words the rather far-fetched meaning of “They are hatching some plot.” Donatus, with much more probability, supposes him to refer to the daughter of Chremes, whom, as the young women among the Greeks were brought up in great seclusion, we may suppose Pamphilus never to have seen. T. * She is oppressed with grief) — Ver. 268. “Laborat a dolore." C IS - ANDRIA ; Act I., Sc. V. ago the marriage was arranged for this day. Then, too, she fears this, that you may forsake her. PAM. Ha! could I attempt that? Could I suffer her, poor thing, to be deceived on my account? She, who has con- fided to me her affection, and her entire existence? She, whom I have held especially dear to my feelings as my wife? Shall I suffer her mind, well and chastely t-Jned and tutored, to be overcome by poverty and corrupted? I will not do it. * > Mys. I should have no fear if it rested with yourself alone; but whether you may be able to withstand compulsion PAM. Do you deem me so cowardly, so utterly ungrateful, inhuman, and so brutish, that neither intimacy, nor affection, nor shame, can move or admonish me to keep faith? Mys. This one thing I know, that she is deserving that you should not forget her. PAM. Forget her ? Oh Mysis, Mysis, at this moment are those words of Chrysis concerning Glycerium written on my mind. Now at the point of death, she called me; I went to her; you had withdrawn; we were alone ; she began : “My dear Pamphilus, you see her beauty and her youth; and it is not unknown to you to what extent both of these are now of use to her, in protecting both her chastity and her inte- rests. By this right hand I do entreat you, and by your good Genius," by your own fidelity, and by her bereft condi- Colman has the following remark upon this passage: “Though the word “laborat' has tempted Donatus and the rest of the Com- mentators to suppose that this sentence signifies Glycerium being in labour, I cannot help concurring with Cooke, that it means simply that she is weighed down with grief. The words immediately subse- quent corroborate this interpretation; and at the conclusion of the Scene, when Mysis tells him that she is going for a midwife, Pamphilus hurries her away, as he would naturally have done here had he under- stood by these words that her mistress was in labour.” g | By your good Genius)—Wer. 289. “Per Genium tuum.” This was h common expression with the Romans, and is used by Horace, Epistles, . i., Ep. 7:— “Quod te per Genium dextramgue Deosque Penates, Obsecro, et obtestor—” The word “Genius” signified the tutelary God who was supposed to attend every person from the period of his birth. The signification of the word will be found further referred to in the Notes to the Trans- lation of Plautus. - Act II., Sc.I. THIE FAIR ANDRIAN. 19 tion, do not withdraw yourself from her, or forsake her; if I have loved you as my own brother, or if she has always prized you above all others, or has been obedient to you in all things. You do I give to her as a husband, friend, pro- tector, father. This property of mine do I entrust to you, and commit to your care.” She placed her in my hands; that instant, death came upon her. I accepted her; having accepted, I will protect her. MYS. So indeed I hope. (Moving.) PAM. But why are you leaving her? MYS. I'm going to fetch the midwife." PAM. Make all haste. And—do you hear?—take care, and not one word about the marriage, lest that too should add to her illness. MYS. I understand. (Eaceunt severally. ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I. Enter CHARINUS and BYRRHIA.” CHAR. How say you, Byrrhia? Is she to be given in marriage to Pamphilus to-day? |BYR. It is so. CHAR. How do you know? * To fetch the midwife)—Wer. 299. Cooke has the following remark here : “Methinks Mysis has loitered a little too much, considering the business which she was sent about; but perhaps Terence knew that some women were of such a temper as to gossip on the way, though an affair of life or death requires their haste.” Colman thus takes him to task for this observation : “This two-edged reflection, glancing at once on Terence and the ladies, is, I think, very ill-founded. The delay of Mysis, on seeing the emotion of Pamphilus, is very natural ; and her artful endeavours to interest Pamphilus on behalf of her mistress, are rather marks of her attention than negl, ct.” * Charinus and Byrrhia). We learn from Donatus that the characters of Charinus and Byrrhia were not introduced in the work of Menander, but were added to the Play of Terence, lest Philumena's being left without a husband, on the marriage of Pamphilus to Glyce- rium, should appear too tragical a circumstance. Diderot is of opinion that Terence did not improve his Play by this addition. C 2 20 - ANDRIA ; Act II. ByR. I heard it just now from Davus at the Forum. CHAR. Woe unto wretched me! As, hitherto, until now, my mind has been racked amid hope and fear; so, since hope has been withdrawn, wearied with care, it sinks overwhelmed. BYR. By my troth, Charinus, since that which you wish cannot come to pass, prithee, do wish that which can. CHAR. I wish for nothing else but Philumena. ByR. Alas! How much better were it for vou to endea- vour to expel that passion from your mind, than to be saying that by which your desire is to no purpose still more inflamed. CHAR. We all, when we are well, with ease give good advice to the sick. If you were in my situation, you would think otherwise. - 4. BYR. Well, well, just as you like. CHAR. (looking down the side scene.) But I see Pamphilus; I’m determined I'll try everything before I despair. BYR. (aside.) What does he mean? CHAR. I will entreat his own self; I will supplicate him; I will disclose to him my love. I think that I shall prevail upon him to put off the marriage for some days at least; in the meantime, something will turn up, I trust. BYR. That something is nothing. CHAR. Byrrhia, how seems it to you? Shall I accost him? ByR. Why not? Should you not prevail, that at least he may look upon you as a gallant ready provided for him, if he marries her. CHAR. Away with you to perdition with that vile sugges- tion, you rascal SCENE II. JEnter PAMPHILUs. § PAM. I espy Charinus. (Accosting *} Good morrow! CHAR. O, good morrow. Pamphilus, I'm come to you, seeking hope, safety, counsel, and assistance. PAM. I'faith, I have neither time for counsel, nor resources for assistance. But what's the matter now? CHAR. To-day you are going to take a wife? PAM. So they say. - CHAR. Pamphilus, if you do that, you behold me this da for the last time. - Sø. II. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. - 21 PAM. Why so? CHAR. Ah me! I dread to tell it; prithee, do yon tell it, Byrrhia. By R. I’ll tell it. PAM. What is it? ByR. He's in love with your betrothed. PAM. Assuredly he's not of my way of thinking. Come now, tell me, have you had any more to do with her, Charinus? CHAR. Oh Pamphilus, nothing. PAM. How much I wish you had. CHAR. Now, by our friendship and by my affection, I do beseech you, in the first place, not to marry her. PAM. For my own part I’ll use my endeavours. CHAR. But if that cannot be, or if this marriage is agree- able to you PAM. Agreeable to me? CHAR. Put it off for some days at least, while I go else- where, that I may not be witness. PAM. Now listen, once for all : I think it, Charinus, to be by no means the part of an ingenuous man, when he confers nothing, to expect that it should be considered as an obli- gation on his part. I am more desirous to avoid this match, than you to gain it. CHAR. You have restored me to life. PAM. Now, if you can do anything, either you yourself, or Byrrhia here, manage, fabricate, invent, contrive some means, whereby she may be given to you; this I shall aim at, how she may not be given to me. CHAR. I am satisfied. - PAM. Most opportunely I perceive Davus, on whose advice I have depended. - CHAR. (turning to BYRRHIA.) But you, ifaith, tell me nothing," except those things which there is no need for knowing. (Pushing him away.) Get you gone from here. BYR. Certainly I will, and with all my heart. (Earit. * Tell me nothing)—Wer. 336. It has been suggested that this refers to Byrrhia's dissuading his master from addressing Pamphilus, or else to what he has told him concerning the intended marriage. Westerhovius thinks that Byrrhia is just then whispering some trifling nonsense in his master's ear, which he, occupied with more important cares, is unwilling to attend to. 22' ANDRIA; . Act TP. SCENE III. Enter DAVUS, in haste. DAv. (not seeing PAMPHILUs and CHARINUs.) Ye gracious Gods, what good news I bring! But where sha]] I find Pam- philus, that I may remove the apprehension in which he now is, and fill his mind with joy ? CHAR. (apart to PAMPHILUs.) He's rejoiced agout something, I don’t know what. PAM, (apart.) It's of no consequence; he hasn't yet heard of these misfortunes. DAV. (to himself.) For I do believe now, if he has already heard that a marriage is prepared for him CHAR. (apart.) Don't you hear him P DAV. (to himself.) He is seeking me distractedly all the city over. But where shall I look for him? Or in which direc- tion now first to betake me CHAR. (apart to PAMPHILUs.) Do you hesitate to accost him? - DAV. (to himself) I have it. (Moving on.) PAM. Davus, come here! Stop! DAV. Who's the person that's (Turning round.) O Pamphilus, you are the very man I'm looking for. Well done, Charinus' both in the nick of time; I want you both. CHAR. Davus, I’m undone! DAv. Nay but, do hear this. PAM. I’m utterly ruined! DAV. I know what you are afraid of CHAR. I'faith, my life indeed is really in danger. DAV. (to CHARINUs.) And what you are afraid of, I know. PAM. My marriage DAv. As if I did not know it? PAM. This day e DAV. Why keep dinning me with it, when I know it all ? (To PAMPHILUs.) This are you afraid of, lest you should marry her; and you (to CHARINUS,) lest you should not marry her, CHAR. You understand the matter. PAM. That's the very thing. DAV. And that very thing is in no danger; trust me for that. i Sc. III. THE FAIR AND RIAN. 23. PAM. I do entreat you, release wretched me as soon as possible from this apprehension. DAv. Well, then, I will release you; Chremes is not going to give you his daughter at present. PAM. How do you know? DAv. You shall know. Your father just now laid hold of me; he said that a wife was to be given you to-day, and many other things as well, which just now I haven’t time to relate. Hastening to you immediately, I ran on to the Forum that I might tell you these things. When I didn't find you, I ascended there to a high place.” I looked around; you were nowhere. There by chance I saw Byrrhia, his servant (pointing to CHARINUs). I enquired of him; he said he hadn't seen you. This puzzled me. I consi- - dered what I was to do. As I was returning in the mean- time, a surmise from the circumstances themselves occurred to me: “How now, a very small amount of good cheer; he out of spirits; a marriage all of a sudden; these things don't agree.” PAM. But to what purpose this? DAV. I forthwith betook myself to the house of Chremes. When I arrived there—stillness before the door ; then I was pleased at that. CHAR. You say well. PAM. Proceed. DAV. I stopped there. In the meantime I saw no one going in, no one going out ; no matron at the house,” no preparation, no bustle. I drew near; looked in * To a high place)—Wer. 356. He probably alludes to some part of the Acropolis, the citadel, or higher part of Athens, which commanded a view of the lower town. * Stillness before the door)—Wer. 362. Madame Dacier observes that this remark is very appropriately made by Davus, as showing that the marriage was clearly not intended by Chremes. The house of the bride on such an occasion would be thronged by her friends, and at the door would be the musicians and those who were to form part of the bridal procession. * No matron at the house)—Wer. 364. By the use of the word “matrona,” he probably alludes to the “pronubae” among the Romans, whose duties were somewhat similar to those of our bride's-maids. At the completion of the bridal repast, the bride was conducted to the bridal chamber by matrons who had not had more than one husband. 24 ANDRIA; Act II. PAM. I understand; a considerable indication. DAV. Do these things seem to accord with a wedding? PAM. I think not, Davus. DAV. Think, do you say? You don't view it rightly : the thing is certain. Besides, coming away from there I saw the servant-boy of Chremes carrying some vegetables and little fishes, an abol's worth,” for the old man's dinner. CHAR. This day, Davus, have I been delivered by your IſleanS. DAV. And yet not at all. CHAR. Why so? Surely he will not give her to him, after all this. (Pointing to PAMPHILUs.) DAV. You silly fellow ! as though it were a necessary consequence that if he doesn't give her to him you should marry her: unless, indeed, you look about you; unless you entreat and make court to the old man's friends. CHAR. You advise well. I’ll go; although, upon my faith, this hope has often eluded me already. Farewell! (Eacit. SCENE TV. PAMPHILUs and DAVUS, BAM. What then does my father mean? Why does he thus make pretence P DAV. I’ll tell you. If now he were angry with you, because Chremes will not give you a wife, he would seem to himself to be unjust, and that not without reason, before he has ascertained your feelings as to the marriage, how they are disposed. But if you refuse to marry her, in that case he will transfer the blame to you; then such disturbances will arise. PAM. I will submit to anything from him. DAV. He is your father, Pamphilus. It is a difficult mat. ter. Besides, this woman is defenceless. No sooner said * An obol's worth)—Wer. 369. The “obolus” was the smallest Greek silver coin, and was equal in value to about three halfpence of our money. “Pisciculi minuti,” “little fish,” were much used for food among the poorer classes; “mena,” a fish resembling our pilchard, was a common article of food with the Romans. The larger kinds of fish went under the general name of “cetum.” Sc. TV. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. ' 25 than done; he will find some pretext for driving her away from the city. PAM. Driving her away P DAv. Aye, and quickly too. PAM. Tell me then, Davus, what am I to do? DAv. Say that you will marry her. PAM. (starting.) Ha! DAV. What's the matter P PAM. What, am I to say so P DAv. Why not ? PAM. Never will I do it. DAv. Don't say no. PAM. Don't attempt to persuade me. DAv. Consider what will be the result of it. PAM. That I shall be deprived of the one, and fixed with the other. DAv. Not so. In fact, I think it will be thus: Your father will say: “I wish you to marry a wife to-day.” You reply: “I’ll marry her.” Tell me, how can he raise a quarrel with you? Thus you will cause all the plans which are now arranged by him to be disarranged, without any danger; for this is not to be doubted, that Chremes will not give you his daughter. Therefore do not hesitate in those measures which you are taking, on this account, lest he should change his sentiments. Tell your father that you consent ; sº that although he may desire it, he may not be able to be angry at you with reason. For that which you rely on, I will easily refute; “No one,” you think, “will give a wife to a person of these habits.” But he will find a beggar for you, rather than allow you to be corrupted by a mistress. If, however, he shall believe that you bear it with a contented mind, you will render him indifferent; at his leisure he will look out for another wife for you; in the meantime something lucky may turn up. PAM. Do you think so P DAv. It really is not a matter of doubt. PAM. Consider to what you are persuading me. DAv. Nay, but do be quiet. PAM. Well, I’ll say it ; but, that he mayn't come to know that she has had a child by me, is a thing to be guarded against; for I have promised to bring it up. DAV. O, piece of effrontery ! 26 ANDRIA : . Act II, PAM. She entreated me that I would give her this pledge, by which she might be sure she should not be deserted. DAV. It shall be attended to ; but your father's coming, Take care that he doesn’t perceive that you are out of spirits. SCENE V. Jºnter SIMO, at a distance. SIM. (apart to himself.) I've come back to see what they are about, or what scheme they are hatching. DAV. (to PAMPHILUs.) He has no doubt at present but that you’ll refuse to marry. Having considered his course, he's come from a retired spot somewhere or other ; he hopes that he has framed a speech by which to disconcert you; do you take care, them, to be yourself. PAM. If I am only able, Davus. DAV. Trust me for that, Pamphilus, Itell you; your father will never this day exchange a single word with you, if you say that you will marry. SCENE VI. JEnter BYRRHIA, unperceived, at a distance behind SIMO. BYR. (apart to himself.) My master has ordered me, leaving my business, to keep an eye on Pamphilus to-day, what he is doing with regard to the marriage. I was to learn it ; for that reason, I have now followed him" (pointing to SIMO) as * I have now followed him)—Wer. 414. “Hunc venientem sequor.” Cook has the following remark on this line: “This verse, though in every edition, as Bentley judiciously observes, is certainly spurious; for as Pamphilus has not disappeared since Byrrhia left the stage, he could not say “nunc hunc venientem sequor.” If we suppose the line genuine, we must at the same time suppose Terence guilty of a monstrous absurdity.” On these words Colman makes the following just obser- vations: “Other Commentators have also stumbled at this passage ; but if in the words ‘followed him hither,’ we suppose ‘ him (hunc) to refer to Simo, the difficulty is removed; and that the pronoun really does signify Simo, is evident from the circumstance of Pamphilus never having left the stage since the disappearance of Byrrhia. Simo is also represented as coming on the stage homewards, so that Byrrhia might easily have followed him along the street; and it is evident that Byrrhia does not allude to Pamphilus from the agreeable surprise which he expresses on seeing him there so opportunely for the purpose.” SC. VI. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. i. 27. he came hither. Himself, as well, I see standing with Davus close at hand; I'll note this. SIM. (apart to himself) I see that both of them are here. DAV. (in a low voice to PAMPHILUs.) Now then, be on your guard. SIM. Pamphilus! DAV. (in a low voice.) Look round at him as though taken unawares. PAM. (turning round sharply.) What, my father! DAV. (in a low voice.) Capital' SIM. I wish you to marry a wife to-day, as I was saying. By R. (apart.) Now I'm in dread for our side, as io what he will answer. PAM. Neither in that nor in anything else shakl you ever find any hesitation in me. BYR. (apart.) Hah! - DAV. (in a low voice to PAMPHILUs.) He is struck dumb. BYR. (apart.) What a speech - SIM. You act as becomes you, when that which I ask I obtain with a good grace. \ DAV. (aside to PAMPHILUs.) Am I right? BYR. My master, so far as I learn, has missed his wife. SIM. Now, then, go in-doors, that you mayn't be causing delay when you are wanted. PAM. I’ll go. (Goes into the house.) BYR. (apart.) Is there, in no case, publing trust in any man? That is a true proverb which is went to be commonly quoted, that “all had rather it to be well for themselves than for another.” I remember noticing, when I saw her, that she was a young woman of handsome figure ; wherefore I am the more disposed to eaccuse Pamphilus, if he has preferred that he himself, rather than the other, should embrace her in his slumbers. I’ll carry back these tidings, that, in return for this evil he may inflict evil upon me.” (Eacit. * Inflict evil upon me)—Wer. 431. “Malam ;” the usual name by which slaves spoke of the beatings they were in the habit of receiving at the hands or by the order of their irascible masters. Colmaa has the following remarks: “Donatus observes on this Scene between Byrrhia, Simo, Pamphilus, and Davus, that the dialogue is sustained by four persons, who have little or no intercourse with each other; so 28 ANDRIA; Act II., Sc. VII. SCENE VII. SIMO and DAVUS. DAV. (aside, coming away from the door of the house.) He now supposes that I'm bringing some trick to bear against him, and that on that account I’ve have remained here. SIM. What does he say, Davus Pl DAV. Just as much as nothing.” SIM. What, nothing? Eh P DAv. Nothing at all. SIM. And yet I certainly was expecting something. DAV. It has turned out contrary to your expectations. (Aside.) I perceive it ; this vexes the man. SIM. Are you able to tell me the truth P DAV. I? Nothing more easy. SIM. Is this marriage at all disagreeable to him, on account of his intimacy with this foreign woman P DAv. No, faith; or if at all, it is a two or three days' annoyance this—you understand. It will then cease. More- over, he himself has thought over this matter in a proper way. SIM. I commend him. that the Scene is not only in direct contradiction to the precept of Horace, excluding a fourth person, but is also otherwise vicious in its construc- tion. Scenes of this kind are, I think, much too frequent in Terence, though, indeed, the form of the ancient. Theatre was more adapted to the representation of them than the modern. The multiplicity of speeches aside is also the chief error in this dialogue; such speeches, though very common in dramatic writers, ancient and modern, being always more or less unnatural.” ! What does he say, Davus 2)—Wer. 434. “Quid, Dave, narrat'." This reading Wollbehr suggests in place of the old one, “Quid Davus narrat 7" and upon good grounds, as it appears. According to the latter reading we are to suppose that Davus is grumbling to himself, on which Simo says, “What does Davus say?” It seems, however, much more likely that Davus accompanies Pamphilus to the door, and speaks to him before he goes in, and then, on his return to Simo, the latter asks him, “What does he say, Davus?” * Just as much as nothing)—Wer. 434. “AEque quidquam nunc quidem.” This is a circumlocution for “nothing at all:” somewhat more literally perhaps, it might be rendered “just as much as before.” Perizonius supplies the ellipsis with a long string of Latin words, which translated would mean, “Now, indeed, he says equally as much as he says then, when he says nothing at all.” Act III., Sc. I. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 29 DAv. While it was allowed him, and while his years prompted him, he intrigued ; even then it was secretly. He took precaution that that circumstance should never be a cause of disgrace to him, as behoves a man of principle ; now that he must have a wife, he has set his mind upon a wife. SIM. He seemed to me to be somewhat melancholy in a slight degree. DAv. Not at all on account of her, but there's something he blames you for. SIM. What is it, pray ? DAV. It's a childish thing. SIM. What is it P DAv. Nothing at all. SIM. Nay but, tell me what it is. DAV. He says that you are making too sparing preparations. SIM. What, I? DAv. You.-He says that there has hardly been fare pro- vided to the amount of ten drachmae.”—“Does he seem to be bestowing a wife on his son P. Which one now, in prefer- ence, of my companions shall I invite to the dinner P” And, it must be owned, you really are providing too parsimoniously —I do not commend you. - SIM. Hold your tongue. DAv. (aside.) I’ve touched him up. SIM. I’ll see that these things are properly done. (DAVUS goes into the house.) What's the meaning of this? What does this old rogue mean P But if there's any knavery here, why, he's sure to be the source of the mischief. (Goes into his house.) ACT THE THIRD. SCENE I. JEnter SIMO and DAVUs from the house of the former. Mysis and LESBIA are coming towards the house of GLYCERIUM. Mys. (not seeing SIMO and DAVUs.) Upon my faith, the fact is really as you mentioned, Lesbia, you can hardly find a man Constant to a woman. * A mount of ten drachmae)—Wer. 451. The Attic drachma was a silver coin worth in value about 9%d. of English money. - 30 ANDRIA ; Act III. SIM. (apart to DAvus.) This maid-servant comes from the Andrian. - DAV. (apart to SIMO.) What do you say ? SIM. (apart to DAvus.) It is so. Mys. But this Pamphilus SIM. (apart to DAVUs.) What is she saying? Mys. Has proved his constancy. SIM. (apart.) Hah! DAv. (apart to himself) I wish that either he were deaf, or she struck dumb. Mys. For the child she brings forth, he has ordered to be brought up. - SIM. (apart.) O Jupiter | What do I hear! It's all over, if indeed this woman speaks the truth. LEs. You mention a good disposition on the part of the young man. Mys. A most excellent one. But follow me in-doors, that you mayn't keep her waiting. LEs, I’ll follow. (MYSIs and LESBIA go into GLYCERIUM's SCENE II. SIMO and DAVUS, DAv. (aside.) What remedy now shall I find for this mishap P - SIM. (to himself aloud.) What does this mean P is he so infatuated P. The child of a foreign woman P. Now I under- stand ; ah! Scarcely even at last, in my stupidity, have I found it out. DAv. (aside to himself) What does he say he has found out? SIM. (aside.) This piece of knavery is being now for the first time palmed upon me by this fellow ; they are pre- tending that she's in labour, in order that they may alarm Chremes. - GLY. (eacclaiming from within her house.) Juno Lucina," grant me thine aid, save me, I do entreat thee! SIM. Whew 1 so sudden P What nonsense ! As soon * Juno Lucina)—Wer. 473. Juno Lucina had the care of women in childbed. Under this name some suppose Diana to have been wor- shipped. A similar incident to the present is found in the Adelphi, l. 456; and in the Aulularia of Plautus, l. 646. Sc. IV. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 31 as she has heard that I’m standing before the door, she makes all haste. These incidents, Davus, have not been quite happily adapted by you as to the points of time. DAv. By me? SIM. Are your scholars forgetful ?” DAV. I don’t know what you are talking about. SIM. (aside.) If he at the real marriage of my son had taken me off my guard, what sport he would have made of me. Now it is at his own risk ; I'm sailing in harbour. SCENE III. Re-enter LESBIA from the house of GLYCERIUM. LES. (speaking to ARCHYLIS at the door, and not seeing SIMO and DAVUS.) As yet, Archylis, all the customary symptoms which ought to exist towards recovery, I perceive in her. Now, in the first place, take care and let her bathe;” then, after that, what I ordered to be given her to drink, and as much as I prescribed, do you administer : presently I will return hither. (To herself aloud.) By all that's holy, a fine boy has been born to Pamphilus. I pray the Gods that he may survive, since the father himself is of a good disposition, and since he has hesitated to do an injustice to this most excellent young woman. (Eacit. SCENE TV. SIMO and DAVUS. SIM. Even this, who is there that knows you that would not believe that it originated in you? DAv. Why, what is this 2 SIM. She did`nt order in their presence what was requisite to be done for the woman lying in ; but after she has come out, she bawls from the street to those who are in the house. O Davus, am I thus trifled with by you ? Or pray, do I seem * Are your scholars forgetful ?)—Ver, 477. He alludes under this term to Mysis, Lesbia, and Pamphilus, whom he supposes Davus to have been training to act their parts in the plot against him. * Let her bathe)—Wer. 483. It was the custom for women to bathe immediately after childbirth. See the Amphitryon of Plautus, l. 669, and the Note to the passage in Bohm's Translation. 32 ANDRIA ; Act IIL to you so very well suited to be thus openly imposed upon by your tricks P. At all events it should have been with precaution ; that at least I might have seemed to be feared, if I should detect it. DAV. (aside.) Assuredly, upon my faith, it's he that's now deceiving himself, not I. SIM. I gave you warning, I forbade you with threats to do it. Have you been awed? What has it availed? Am I to believe you now in this, that this woman has had a child by Pamphilus? DAV. (aside.) I understand where he's mistaken; and I see what I must do. SIM. Why are you silent? a. DAV. What would you believe? As though word mad not been brought you that thus it would happen. SIM. Any word brought to me? DAv. Come now, did you of your own accord perceive that this was counterfeited? SIM. I am being trifled with. DAV. Word has been brought you; for otherwise how could this suspicion have occurred to you? SIM. How? Because I knew you. DAV. As though you meant to say that this has been done by my contrivance. - SIM. Why, I'm sure of it, to a certainty. DAv. Not yet even do you know me sufficiently, Simo, what sort of person I am. SIM. I, not know you! DAV. But if I begin to tell you anything, at once you think that deceit is being practised upon you in guile; there fore, upon my faith, I don't dare now even to whisper. SIM. This one thing I am sure of, that no person has been delivered here. (Pointing to GLYCERIUM's house.) DAV. You have discovered that? Still, not a bit the less will they presently be laying the child" here before the door. Of this, then, I now warn you, master, that it will happen, Be laying the child)—Wer. 507. Colman has the following remark on this line :-‘‘The art of this passage is equal to the pleasantry, for though Davus runs into this detail merely with a view to dupe the old man still further by flattering him on his fancied Sagacity, yet it very naturally prepares us for an incident which, by another turn of circum- stances, afterwards becomes necessary.” Re. IV. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 33 gºe that you may be aware of it. Don't you hereafter be saying that this was done through the advice or artifices of Davus. I wish this suspicion of yours to be entirely removed from myself. SIM. How do you know that? DAV. I’ve heard so, and I believe it: many things combine for me to form this conjecture. In the first place then, she declared that she was pregnant by Pamphilus; that has been proved to be false." Now, when she sees that preparations are being made for the wedding at our house, the maid-servant is directly sent to fetch the midwife to her, and to bring a child at the same time.” Unless it is managed for you to see the child, the marriage will not be at all impeded. SIM. What do you say to this? When you perceived that they were adopting this plan, why didn't you tell Pamphilus immediately? * DAV. Why, who has induced him to leave her, hut myself? For, indeed, we all know how desperately he loved her. Now he wishes for a wife. In fine, do you intrust me with that affair; proceed however, as before, to celebrate these nuptials, just as you are doing, and I trust that the Gods will prosper this matter. SIM. Very well; be off in-doors; wait for me there, and get ready what's necessary to be prepared. (DAVUS goes into the house.) He hasn't prevailed upon me even now altogether to believe these things, and I don't know whether what he has said is all true; but I deem it of little moment; this is of far greater importance to me—that my son himself has promised me. Now I’ll go and find Chremes; I'll ask him for a wife for my son; if I obtain my request, at what other time rather than to-day should I prefer these nuptials taking place? For as my son has promised, I have no doubt but that if he should prove unwilling, I can fairly compel him. And look here's Chremes himself, just at the very time. ! Proved to be false)—Wer. 513. That is, according to Simo's own notion, which Davus now thinks proper to humour. * To bring a child at the same time)—Wer. 515. This is a piece of roguery which has probably been practised in all ages, and was somewhat commonly perpetrated in Greece. The reader of English history will remember how the unfortunate son of James II. was said, in the face of the strongest evidence to the contrary, to have been a supposititious child brought into the queen's chamber in a silver warming-pan. y) 34 ANDRIA ; w Act III. SCENE W. JEnter CHREMEs. SIM. I greet you, Chremes. - CHREM. O, you are the very person I was looking for. SIM. And I for you. CHREM. You meet me at a welcome moment. Some per- sons have been to me, to say that they had heard from you, that my daughter was to be married to your son to-day; I’ve come to see whether they are out of their senses or you. SIM. Listen ; in a few words you shall learn both what I want of you, and what you seek to know. CHREM. I am listening; say what you wish. SIM. By the Gods, I do entreat you, Chremes, and by our friendship, which, commencing with our infancy, has grown up with our years, and by your only daughter and by my own son (of preserving whom the entire power lies with you), that you will assist me in this matter ; and that, just as this marriage was about to be celebrated, it may be celebrated. CHREM. O, don't importune me; as though you needed to obtain this of me by entreaty. Do you suppose I am diffe- rent now from what I was formerly, when I promised her? If it is for the advantage of them both that it should take place, order her to be sent for. But if from this course there would result more harm than advantage for each, this I do beg of you, that you will consult for their common good, as though she were your own daughter, and I the father of Pamphilus. SIM. Nay, so I intend, and so I wish it to be, Chremes; and I would not ask it of you, did not the occasion itself require it. CHREM. What is the matter? * SIM. There is a quarrel between Glycerium and my son. CHREM. (ironically.) I hear you. SIM. So much so, that I'm in hopes they may be separated. CHREM. Nonsense ! SIM. It really is so. CHREM. After this fashion, i' faith, I tell you, “the quarrels of lowers are the renewal of love.” Sc. V. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 35 SIM. Well—-this I beg of you, that we may prevent it. While an opportunity offers, and while his passion is cooled by affronts, before the wiles of these women and their tears, craftily feigned, bring back his love-sick mind to compassion, let us give him a wife. I trust, Chremes, that, when attached by intimacy and a respectable marriage, he will easily extricate himself from these evils. CHREM. So it appears to you; but I do not think" that either he can possibly hold to her with constancy, or that I can put up with it if he does not. SIM. How then can you be sure of that, unless you make the experiment P CHREM. But for that experiment to be made upon, a daughter is a serious thing SIM. Why look, all the inconvenience in fine amounts to this—possibly, which may the Gods forfend, a separation tnay take place. But if he is reformed, see how many are the advantages: in the first place, you will have restored a son to your friend ; you will obtain a sure son-in-law” for yourself, and a husband for your daughter. CHREM. What is one to say to all this? If you feel per- suaded that this is beneficial, I don't wish that any advantage should be denied you. SIM. With good reason, Chremes, have I always considered you a most valuable friend. CHREM. But how say you ?” SIM. What P CHREM. How do you know that they are now at variance? SIM. Davus himself, who is privy to all their plans, has told me so ; and he advises me to expedite the match as fast as I can. Do you think he would do so, unless he was aware that my son desired it P You yourself as well shall presently hear what he says. (Goes to the door of his house and calls.) But I do not think)—Wer. 563–4. “At ego non posse arbitror neque illum hanc perpetuo habere.” Chremes uses an ambiguous expression here, perhaps purposely. It may mean, “I do not think that he can possibly be constant to her,” or, “that she will continue to live with him.” * A sure son-in-law)—Wer. 571. By the use of the word “firmum,” he means a son-in-law who will not be likely te resort to divorce or Separation from his wife. D 2 36 ANDRIA; Act III. Hallo there!, Call Davus out here. Look, here he is; 1 see him just coming out. SCENE VI. Inter DAVUs from the house. DAV. I was coming to you. SIM. Why, what's the matter? DAV. Why isn’t the bride sent for P' It's now growing late in the day. SIM. Do you hear me? I've been for some time not a little apprehensive of you, Davus, lest you should do that which the common class of servants is in the habit of doing, namely, impose upon me by your artifices; because my son is engaged in an amour. DAV. What, I do that ? SIM. I fancied so ; and therefore, fearing that, I concealed from you what I shall now mention. DAV. What? SIM. You shall know ; for now I almost feel confidence In you. DAV. Have you found out at last what sort of a person I am P SIM. The marriage was not to have taken place. DAv. How P Not to have taken place 2 SIM. But I was making pretence, that I might test you all. DAv. (affecting surprise.) What is it you tell me? SIM. Such is the fact. DAv. Only see! I was not able to discover that. Dear me! what a cunning contrivancel SIM. Listen to this. Just as I ordered you to go from here into the house, he (pointing to CHREMES) most oppor- tunely met me. - ! Why isn't the bride sent for £)—Wer. 582. Among the Greeks the bride was conducted by the bridegroom at nightfall from her father's house, in a chariot drawn by a pair of mules or oxen, and escorted by persons carrying the nuptial torches. Among the Romans, she pro- ceeded in the evening to the bridegroom's house; preceded by a boy carrying a torch of white thorn, or, according to some, of pine-wood. To this custom reference is indirectly made in the present passage. Sc. VII. t THE FAIR ANDRLAN. 37 DAv. (aside.) Ha! Are we undone, then P SIM. I told him what you just now told me. T)Av. (aside.) Why, what am I to hear? SIM. I begged him to give his daughter, and with difficulty I prevailed upon him. DAv. (aside.) Utterly ruined SIM. (overhearing him speaking.) Eh—What was it you said P DAV. Extremely well done, I say. SIM. There's no delay on his part now. CHREM. I’ll go home at once ; I'll tell her to make due preparation, and bring back word here. (Erit. SIM. Now I do entreat you, Davus, since you by yourself have brought about this marriage for me— —. - DAV. I myself, indeed!” SIM. Do your best still to reform my son. DAV. Troth, I’ll do it with all due care. SIM. Do it now, while his mind is agitated. DAV. You may be at ease. SIM. Come then; where is he just now P DAV. A wonder if he isn’t at home. SIM. I’ll go to him ; and what I've been telling you, T’ll tell him as well. (Goes into his house.) SCENE VII. DAvus alone. TAv. (to himself.) I'm a lost man! What reason is there why I should’nt take my departure straightway hence for the mill? There's no room left for supplicating; I've upset every- thing now; I’ve deceived my master; I've plunged my master's son into a marriage; I’ve been the cause of its taking place this very day, without his hoping for it, and against the wish of Pamphilus. Here's cleverness for you! But, if I had kept myself quiet, no mischief would have happened... (Starting.) But see, I espy him; I’m utterly undone! Would that there were some spot here for me, from which I might this instant pitch myself headlong! (Stands apart.) * I myself, indeed 1)—Wer. 597. No doubt Davus says these words in sorrow and regret; Simo, however, supposes them to be uttered in exultation at the apparent success of his plans. Consequently “vero * is intended by Davus to have the sense here of “too truly.” 38 ^ ANDRIA; Act III., Sc. VIII. SCENE VIII. Enter PAMPHILUs in haste from SIMO's house. PAM. Where is he? The villain, who this day——I’m ruined ; and I confess that this has justly befallen me, for being such a dolt, so devoid of sense; that J should have entrusted my fortunes to a frivolous slave!” I am suffering the reward of my folly; still he shall never get off from me unpunished for this. DAV. (apart.) I’m quite sure that I shall be safe in future, if for the present I get clear of this mishap. PAM. But what now am I to say to my father? Am I to deny that I am ready, who have just promised to marry? With what effrontery could I presume to do that? I know not what to do with myself. DAV. (apart.) Nor I with myself, and yet I’m giving all due attention to it. I’ll tell him that I will devise something, in order that I may procure some respite in this dilemma. PAM. (catching sight of him.) Oho! DAV. (apart.) I’m seen. PAM. (sneeringly). How now, good sir, what are you about? Do you see how dreadfully I am hampered by your devices? DAv. Still, I’ll soon extricate you. PAM. You, extricate me? DAV. Assuredly, Pamphilus. PAM. As you have just done, I suppose. T)Av. Why no, better, I trust. PAM. What, am I to believe you, you scoundrel?” You, indeed, make good a matter that's all embarrassment and 1 To a fravolous slave)—Wer. 610. “Servo futili.” According to the Scholiast on the Thebais of Statius, B. viii. l. 297, “ was futile” was a kind of vessel with a broad mouth and narrow bottom, used in the rites of Westa. It was made of that peculiar shape in order that the priest should be obliged to hold it during the sacrifices, and might not set it on the ground, which was considered profane ; as, if set there, the con- tents must necessarily fall out. From this circumstance, men who could not contain a secret were sometimes called “futiles.” * You scoundrel"—Wer. 619. “Furcifer;” literally, wearer of the “furca,” or wooden collar. This method of punishment has been referred to in the Notes to the Translation of Plautus. Act, IV., Sc. I. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 39 ruin! Just see, in whom I've been placing reliance,—you who this day from a most happy state have been and plunged me into a marriage. Didn't I say that this would be the case? DAv. You did say so. PAM. What do you deserve?" I)Av. The cross.” But allow me a little time to recover myself; I’ll soon hit upon something. PAM. Ah me! not to have the leisure to inflict punishment upon you as I desire! for the present conjuncture warns me to take precautions for myself, not to be taking vengeance on you. * (Ea'eunt. ACT THE FOURTH. SCENE [. Inter CHARINUs, wringing his hands. CHAR. (to himself.) Is this to be believed or spoken of ; that malice so great could be inborn in any one as to exult at misfortunes, and to derive advantage from the distresses of another! Oh, is this true? Assuredly, that is the most dangerous class of men, in whom there is only a slight de- gree of hesitation at refusing ; afterwards, when the time arrives for fulfilling their promises, then, obliged, of necessity they discover themselves. They are afraid, and yet the circumstances” compel them to refuse. Then, in that case, their very insolent remark is, “Who are you? What are you to me? Why should I give up to you what's my own? 1 What do you deserve?)—Wer. 622. Madame Dacier remarks that this question is taken from the custom of the Athenians, who never condemned a criminal without first asking him what punishment he thought he deserved ; and according to the nature of his answer they mitigated or increased his punishment. The Commentators quote a similar passage from the Frogs of Aristophanes. * The cross)—Wer. 622. The “cross,” “crux,” as a publishment for refractory slaves has been remarked upon in the Notes to the Transla- tion of Plautus. * The circumstances)—Wer. 635. “Res.” According, however, to Tonatus, this word has the meaning here of “malice" or “spite- fulness.” - 40 ANDRIA; Act IV. Look you, I am the most concerned in my own interests.” But if you enquire where is honor, they are not ashamed.” Here, where there is occasion, they are not afraid ; there, where there is no occasion, they are afraid. But what am I to do? Ought I not to go to him, and reason with him upon this outrage, and heap many an invective upon him & Yet some one may say, “you will avail nothing.” Nothing? At least I shall have vexed him, and have given vent to my own feelings. SCENE II. JEnter PAMPHILUs and DAVUS. FAM. Charinus, unintentionally I have ruined both myself and you, unless the Gods in some way befriend us. CHAR. Unintentionally, is it ! An excuse has been dis- covered at last. You have broken your word. PAM. How so, pray ? CHAR. Do you expect to deceive me a second time by these speeches P PAM. What does this mean 9 CHAR. Since I told you that I loved her, she has become quite pleasing to you. Ah wretched me! to have judged of your disposition from my own. PAM. You are mistaken. - CHAR. Did this pleasure appear to you not to be quite com- plete, unless you tantalized me in my passion, and lured me on by groundless hopes P-You may take her. PAM. I, take her ? Alas! you know not in what per- plexities, to my sorrow, I am involved, and what vast anxie- ties this executioner of mine (pointing to DAVUs) has con- trived for me by his devices. CHAR. What is it so wonderful, if he takes example from yourself? * Concerned in my own interests)—Wer. 637. Equivalent to our sayings, “Charity begins at home;” “Take care of number one.” * They are not ashamed)—Wer. 638. Terence has probably borrowed this remark from the Epidicus of Plautus, l. 165–6: “Generally all men are ashamed when it is of no use; when they ought to be ashamed, then does shame forsake them, when occasion is for them to ashamed.” Sc. TI. TEIE FAIR ANDRIAN. 41 PAM. You would not say that if you understood either myself or my affection. CHAR. I’m quite aware (ironically); you have just now had a dispute with your father, and he is now angry with you in consequence, and has not been able to-day to prevail upon you to marry her. PAM. No, not at all,—as you are not acquainted with my sorrows, these nuptials were not in preparation for me; and mo one was thinking at present of giving me a wife. CHAR. I am aware; you have been influenced by your own inclination. PAM. Hold; you do not yet know all. CHAR. For my part, I certainly do know that you are about to marry her. PAM. Why are you torturing me to death P Listen to this. He (pointing to DAVUS) never ceased to urge me to tell my father that I would marry her; to advise and per- suade me, even until he compelled me. CHAR. Who was this person? PAM. Davus. CHAR. Davus ! For what reason P * PAM. I don't know ; except that I must have been under the displeasure of the Gods, for me to have listened to him. CHAR. Is this the fact, Davus P T)Av. It is the fact. CHAR. (starting.) Ha! What do you say, you villain? Then may the Gods send you an end worthy of your deeds. Come now, tell me, if all his enemies had wished him to be plunged into a marriage, what advice but this could they have given? DAV. I have been deceived, but I don't despair. CHAR. (ironically.) I'm sure of that. DAV. This way it has not succeeded; we'll try another. TJnless, perhaps, you think that because it failed at first, this misfortune cannot now possibly be changed for better luck. PAM. Certainly not ; for I quite believe that if you set about it, you will be making two marriages for me out of one. DAV. I owe you this, Pamphilus, in respect of my servi- tude, to strive with hands and feet, night and day ; to sub- mit to hazard of my life, to serve you. It is your part, if anything has fallen out contrary to expectation, to forgive 42 ANDRIA ; Act IV. me. What I was contriving has not succeeded; still, I am using all endeavours; or, do you yourself devise something better, and dismiss me. PAM. I wish to; restore me to the position in which you found me. DAV. I’ll do so. PAM. But it must be done directly. DAV. But the door of Glycerium's house here makes a noise.” PAM. That’s nothing to you. - DAV. (assuming an attitude of meditation.) I'm in search of PAM, (ironically.) Dear me, what, now at last P DAV. Presently I’ll give you what I’ve hit upon. SCENE III. JEnter MySIs from the house of GLYCERIUM. Mys. (calling at the door to GLYCERIUM within.) Now, wherever he is, I’ll take care that your own Pamphilus shall be found for you, and brought to you by me; do you only, my life, cease to vex yourself. PAM. Mysis. Mys. (turning round.) Who is it? Why, Pamphilus, you do present yourself opportunely to me. My mistress charged me to beg of you, if you love her, to come to her directly; she says she wishes to see you. PAM, (aside.) Alas! I am undone; this dilemma grows apace! (To DAVUs.) For me and her, unfortunate persons, now to be tortured this way through your means; for I am sent for, because she has discovered that my marriage is in preparation. Makes a noise)—Wer. 683. The doors with the Romans opened inwardly, while those of the Greeks opened on the outside. It was therefore usual with them, when coming out, to strike the door on the inside with a stick or with the knuckles, that those outside might be warned to get out of the way. Patrick, however, observes with some justice, that the word “concrepuit” may here allude to the creaking of the hinges. See the Curculio of Plautus, l. 160, where the Procuress pours water on the hinges, in order that Cappadox may not hear the Jpening of the door. Sc. III. - THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 43 CHAR. From which, indeed, how easily a respite could have been obtained, if he (pointing to DAVUs) had kept himself quiet. DAv. (ironically to CHARINUS) Do proceed; if he isn't sufficiently angry of his own accord, do you irritate him. Mys. (to PAMPHILUs.) Aye faith, that is the case; and for that reason, poor thing, she is now in distress. BAM. Mysis, I swear by all the Gods that I will never forsake her; not if I were to know that all men would be my enemies in consequence. Her have I chosen for mine ; she has fallen to my lot ; our feelings are congenial; farewell they, who wish for a separation between us; nothing but Death separates her from me. Mys. I begin to revive. PAM. Not the responses of Apollo are more true than this. If it can possibly be contrived that my father may not believe that this marriage has been broken off through me, I could wish it. But if that cannot be, I will do that which is easily effected, for him to believe that through me it has been caused. What do you think of me? CHAR. That you are as unhappy as myself. DAV. (placing his finger on his forehead.) I'm copyriving an expedient. - CHAR. You are a clever hand; if you do set about anything. DAV. Assuredly, I'll manage this for you.’ PAM. There's need of it now. DAV. But I’ve got it now. . CHAR. What is it P .* DAV. For him (pointing to PAMPHILUS) I've got it, not for you, don't mistake. CHAR. I’m quite satisfied. PAM. What will you do? Tell me. DAV. I'm afraid that this day won’t be long enough for me to execute it, so don't suppose that I’ve now got leisure for relating it ; do you betake yourself off at once, for you are a hindrance to me. PAM. I'll go and see her. (Goes into the house of GLYCERIUM.) DAV. (to CHARINUs.) What are you going to do 2 Whither are you going from here P CHAR. Do you wish me to tell you the truth? DAV. No, not at all; (aside) he's making the beginning of a long story for me. - 44 ANDRIA; Act IV. CHAR. What will become of me? DAV. Come now, you unreasonable person, are you not satisfied that I give you a little respite, by putting off his marriage P CHAR. But yet, Davus— DAV. What then P CHAR. That I may marry her DAv. Absurd. CHAR. Be sure to come hither (pointing in the direction of his house) to my house, if you can effect anything. DAV. Why should I come 2 I can do nothing for you. CHAR. But still, if anything T)Av. Well, well, I’ll come. CHAR. If you can ; I shall be at home. (Earit. SCENE IV. MYSIS and DAVUS. DAv. Do you, Mysis, remain here a little while, until I come Out. Mys. For what reason P DAV. There's a necessity for so doing. Mys. Make haste. DAV. I’ll be here this moment, I tell you. (He goes into the house of GLYCERIUM.) SCENE W. MYSIS alone. MYS (to herself) That nothing can be secure to any one! Ye Gods, by our trust in you ! I used to make sure that this Pamphilus was a Supreme blessing for my mistress; a friend, a protector, a husband secured under every circum- stance; yet what anguish is she, poor thing, now suffering through him P Clearly there's more trouble for her now than there was happiness formerly. But Davus is coming out. SCENE WI. Fnter DAVUs from the house of GLYCERIUM with the child. MYS. My good sir, prithee, what is that ? Whither are you carrying the child P Sc. VI. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 45 DAv. Mysis, I now stand in need of your cunning being brought into play in this matter, and of your address. Mys. Why, what are you going to do? DAv. (holding out the child.) Take it from me directly, and lay it down before our door. Mys. Prithee, on the ground? DAv. (pointing.) Take some sacred herbs' from the altar here,” and strew them under it. Mys. Why don’t you do it yourself? DAV. That if perchance I should have to swear to my master that I did not place it there, I may be enabled to do so with a clear conscience. MYS. I understand; have these new scruples only just now occurred to you, pray ? DAV. Bestir yourself quickly, that you may learn what I'm going to do next. (MYSIS lays the child at SIMO's door.) Oh Jupiter! Mys. (starting up.) What's the matter? DAV. The father of the intended bride is coming in the middle of it all. The plan which I had first purposed I now give up.” MYS. I don’t understand what you are talking about. DAv. I’ll pretend too that I’ve come in this direction from the right. TXo you take care to help out the conversa- tion by your words, whenever there's necessity.” * Take some sacred herbs)—Wer. 727. “Verbena” appears to have been a general term applied to any kind of herb used in honor of the Deities, or to the boughs and leaves of any tree gathered from a pure or sacred place. Fresh “verbenae’’ were placed upon the altars every day. See the Mercator of Plautus, l. 672. 3. * From the altar here)—Wer. 727. It was usual to have altars on the stage; when Comedy was performed, one on the left hand in honor of Apollo, and on the representation of Tragedy, one on the right in honor of Bacchus. It has been suggested that Terence here alludes to the former of these. As, however, at Athens almost every house had its own altar in honor of Apollo Prostaterius just outside of the street- door, it is most probable that to one of these altars reference is here made. They are frequently alluded to in the Plays of Plautus. * Which I had first purposed, I now give up)—Wer. 734. His first intention no doubt was to go and inform Simo of the child being laid at the door. * Whenever there's necessity)– Wer. 737. He retires without fully explaining his intention to Mysis; consequently, in the next Scene sho gives an answer to Chremes which Davus does not intend. 46 ANDRIA ; Act IV. MYS. I don't at all comprehend what you are about; but if there's anything in which you have need of my assistance, as you understand the best, I’ll stay, that I mayn't in any way impede your success. (DAVUS retires out of sight.) SCENE VII. Fnter CHREMEs on the other side of the stage, going towards the house of SIMO. CHREM. (to himself.) After having provided the things necessary for my daughter's nuptials, I’m returning, that I may request her to be sent for. (Seeing the child.) But what's this? I'faith, it's a child. (Addressing MYSIS.) Woman, have you laid that here (pointing to the child)? Mys. (aside, looking out for DAVUs.) Where is he? CHREM. Don't you answer me P Mys. (looking about, to herself.) He isn't anywhere to be seen. Woe to wretched me! the fellow has left me and is off. DAV. (coming forward and pretending not to see them.) Ye Gods, by our trust in you! what a crowd there is in the Forum! What a lot of people are squabbling there! (Aloud.) Then provisions are so dear. (Aside.) What to say besides, I don't know. (CHREMEs passes by MYSIS, and goes to a distance at the back of the stage.) Mys. Pray, why did you leave me here alone? DAV. (pretending to start on seeing the child.) Ha! what story is this P. How now, Mysis, whence comes this child P Who has brought it here P MYS. Are you quite right in your senses, to be asking me that P DAV. Whom, then, ought I to ask, as I don't see any one else here P CHREM. (apart to himself.) I wonder whence it has come. DAV. Are you going to tell me what I ask P MYS. Pshaw DAV. (in a whisper.) Step aside to the right. (They retire on one side.) - Mys. You are out of your senses; didn't you your own self? \)Av. (in a low voice.) Take you care not to utter a single word beyond what I ask you. Why don't you say aloud whence it comes P - MYS. (in a loud voice.) From our house. Sc. VII. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 47 DAv. (affecting indignation.) Heyday, indeed! it really is a wonder if a woman, who is a courtesan, acts impu- dently. CHREM. (apart.) So far as I can learn, this woman belongs to the Andrian. DAv. Do we seem to you such very suitable persons for you to be playing tricks with us in this way P CHREM. (apart.) I came just in time. DAV. Make haste then, and take the child away from the door here: (in a low voice) stay there; take care you don't stir from that spot. MYS. (aside.) May the Gods confound you! you do so terrify poor me. DAV. (in a loud voice.) Is it to you I speak or not P Mys. What is it you want P DAV. (aloud.) What—do you ask me again? Tell me, whose child have you been laying here? Let me know. Mys. Don't you know? DAV. (in a low voice.) Have done with what I know; tell me what I ask. MYS. (aloud.) It belongs to your people. DAV. § Which of our people? Mys. (aloud.) To Pamphilus. DAv. (affecting surprise in a loud tone) How P What— to Pamphilus P Mys. (aloud.) How now—is it not so? CHREM. (apart.) With good reason have I always been averse to this match, it's clear. DAV. (calling aloud.) O abominable piece of effirontery ! Mys. Why are you bawling out so? DAV. (aloud.) What, the very one I saw being carried to your house yesterday evening P Mys. O you impudent fellow ! DAV. (aloud.) It's the truth. I saw Canthara stuffed out beneath her clothes." - Mys. I’faith, I thank the Gods that several free women were present” at the delivery. | Stuffed out beneath her clothes)—Wer. 771. “Suffarcinatam.” He alludes to the trick already referred to as common among the Greeks, of the nurses and midwives secretly introducing supposititious children; Bee l. 515 and the Note. * Several free women were present) — Wer. 772. She speaks of #8 ANDRIA; Act IV. DAv. (aloud.) Assuredly she doesn't know him, on whose 2ccount she resorts to these schemes. Chremes, she fancies, if he sees the child laid before the door, will not give his daughter; i'íaith, he'll give her all the sooner. CHREM. (apart.) I'faith, he'll not do so. DAV. (aloud.) Now therefore, that you may be quite aware, if you don't take up the child, I’ll roll it forthwith into the middle of the road; and yourself in the same place I’ll roll over into the mud. MYS. Upon my word, man, you are not sober. DAV. (aloud.) One scheme brings on another. I now hear it whispered about that she is a citizen of Attica CHREM. (apart.) Ha! DAV. (aloud.) And that, constrained by the laws,” he will have to take her as his wife. Mys. Well now, pray, is she not a citizen? CHREM. (apart.) I had almost fallen unawares into a comical misfortune. (Comes forward.) DAV. Who's that, speaking? (Pretending to look about.) O Chremes, you have come in good time. Do listen to this. CHREM. I have heard it all already. DAv. Prithee, did you hear it P Here's villany for you! she (pointing at MYSIs) ought to be carried off” hence to the torture forthwith. (To MySIs, pointing at CHREMEs.) This is Chremes himself; don't suppose that you are trifling with Davus only. MYS. Wretched me! upon my faith I have told no untruth, my worthy old gentleman. CHREM. I know the whole affair. Is Simo within P DAV. He is. (CHREMEs goes into SIMO's house.) Are “liberae,” “free women,” because in Greece as well as Italy slaves were not permitted to give evidence. See the Curculio of Plautus, l. 621, and the Note to the passage ill Bohn's Translation. See also the remark of Geta in the Phormio, l. 293. * Constrained by the laws)—Wer. 782. He alludes to a law at Athens which compelled a man who had debauched a free-born woman to marry her. This is said by Davus with, the view of frightening Chremes from the match. - * She ought to be carried off)—Wer. 787. He says this implying that Mysis, who is a slave, ought to be put to the torture to confess the truth; as it was the usual method at Athens to force a confession from slaves by that method. We find in the Hecyra, Bacchis readily offering her slaves to be put to the torture, and in the Adelphi the same custon is alluded to in the Scene between Micio, Hegio, and Geta. Se. 1X. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 49 SCENE VIII. DAVUS and Miysis. Mys. (DAVUS attempting to caress her.) Don't touch me, villain. (Moving away.) On my word, if I don't tell Glycerium all this & DAV. How now, simpleton, don't you know what has been done P MYS. How should I know P DAV. This is the bride's father. It couldn't any othe way have been managed that he should know the things that we wanted him to know. MYS. You should have told me that before. DAV. Do you suppose that it makes little difference whe ther you do things according to impulse, as nature prompts or from premeditation : SCENE IX. Fnter CRIT0, looking about him. CRITC. (to himself) It was said that Chrysis used to live in this street, who preferred to gain wealth here dishonorably to living homestly as a poor woman in her own country: by her death that property has descended to me by law." But I see some persons of whom to make enquiry. (Accosting them.) Good morrow to you. MYS. Prithee, whom do I see? Isn't this Crito, the kins- Iman of Chrysis? It is he. CRI. O Mysis, greetings to you. MYS, Welcome to you, Crito. CRI. Is Chrysis then P* Alas! ' Descended to me by law)—Wer. 800. On the supposition that Chrysis died without a will, Crito as her next of kin would be entitled to her effects. * Is Chrysis ther, £)—Wer. 804. This is an instance of Aposio- pesis; Crito, much affected, is unwilling to name the death of Chrysis. It was deemed of ill omen to mention death, and numerous Euphemisms or circumlocutions were employed in order to avoid the necessity of doing so. E 50 ANDRIA ; Act IV., Sc. JX. MYS. Too truly. She has indeed left us poor creatures quite heartbroken. CRI. How fare you here, and in what fashion? Pretty well? - Mys. What, we? Just as we can, as they say; since we can't as we would. CRI. How is Glycerium ? Has she discovered her parents et P y MYS. I wish she had. CRI. What, not yet P With no favourable omen did I set out for this place; for, upon my faith, if I had known that, I never would have moved a foot hither. She was always said to be, and was looked upon as her sister; what things were hers she is in possession of; now for me to begin a suit at law here, the precedents of others warn me, a stranger," how easy and profitable a task it would be for me. At the same time, I suppose that by this she has got some friend and protector; for she was pretty nearly a grown-up girl when she left there. They would cry out that I am a sharper; that, a pauper, I’m hunting after an inheritance; besides, I shouldn't like to strip the girl herself. Mys. O most worthy stranger! I'faith, Crito, you still adhere to your good old-fashioned ways. CRI. Lead me to her, since I have come hither, that I may see her. Mys. By all means. (They go into the house of GLy- CERIUM.) DAV. (to himself.) I'll follow them ; I don't wish the old man to see me at this moment. (He follows MYSIS and CRIT0.) Warn me, a stranger)—Wer. 812. Patrick has the following remarks upon this passage: “Madame Dacier observes that it appears, from Xenophon's Treatise on the policy of the Athenians, that all the inhabitants of cities and islands in alliance with Athens were obliged in all claims to repair thither, and refer their cause to the decision of the people, not being permitted to plead elsewhere. We cannot wonder then that Crito is unwilling to engage in a suit so incon- venient from its length, expense, and little prospect of success.” She might have added that such was the partiality and corruptness of the Athenian people, that, being a stranger, his chances of success would probably be materially dinvinished Act V. THE FAIR ANDRLAN. 51 ACT THE FIFTH. SCENE I. JEnter CHREMEs and SIMO from the house of SIMO. CHREM. Enough already, enough, Simo, has my friendship towards you been proved. Sufficient hazard have I begun to encounter; make an end of your entreaties, then. While I’ve been endeavouring to oblige you, I’ve almost fooled away my daughter's prospects in life. SIM. Nay but, now in especial, Chremes, I do beg and entreat of you, that the favour, commenced a short time since in words, you’ll now complete by deeds. CHREM. See how unreasonable you are from your very earnestness; so long as you effect what you desire, you neither think of limits to compliance, nor what it is you request of me; for if you did think, you would now forbear to trouble me with unreasonable requests. SIM. What unreasonable requests? CHREM. Do you ask? You importuned me to promise my daughter to a young man engaged in another attach- ment, averse to the marriage state, to plunge her into discord and a marriage of uncertain duration; that through her sorrow and her anguish I might reclaim your son. You prevailed; while the case admitted of it. I made prepara- tions. Now it does not admit of it; you must put up with it; they say that she is a citizen of this place; a child has been born ; do cease to trouble us. - SIM. By the Gods, I do conjure you not to bring your mind to believe those whose especial interest it is that he should be as degraded as possible. On account of the marriage, have all these things been feigned and contrived. When the reason for which they do these things is removed from them, they will desist. CHREM. You are mistaken; I myself saw the servant-maid wrangling with Davus. SIM. (sneeringly.) I am aware. CHREM. With an appearance of earnestness, when neither at the moment perceived that I was present there. - E 2 B2 - ANDRIA; Act V. SIM. I believe it; and Davus a short time since forewarned me that this would be the case; and I don't know how I forgot to tell it you to-day, as I had intended. SCENE II. JEnter DAVUs from the house of GLYCERIUM. DAV. (aloud at the door, not seeing SIMO and CHREMES) Now then, I bid you set your minds at ease. CHREM. (to SIMO.) See you, there's Davus. SIM. From what house is he coming out? DAV. (to himself.) Through my means, and that of the stranger—- SIM. (overhearing.) What mischief is this? DAV. (to himself) I never did see a more opportune person, encounter, or occasion. SIM. The rascal! I wonder who it is he's praising P DAV. All the affair is now in a safe position. SIM. Why do I delay to accost him? DAV. (to himself, catching sight of SIMO.) It's my master; what am I to do? - SIM. (accosting him.) O, save you, good sir! - DAv. (affecting surprise.) Hah! Simo! O, Chremes, my dear sir, all things are now quite ready in-doors. SIM. (ironically.) You have taken such very good care. DAV. Send for the bride when you like. SIM. Very good: (ironically) of course, that's the only thing that's now wanting here. But do you answer me this, what business had you there? (Pointing to the house of GLYCERIUM.) - DAv. What, I? SIM. Just so. DAV. I? SIM. Yes, you. T)Av. I went in just now. SIM. As if I asked how long ago! T)Av. Together with your son. SIM. What, is Pamphilus in there 2 (Aside.) To my confusion, I'm on the rack! (To DAVUS,) How now P Didn't yºu say that there was enmity between them, you scoundrei? I)Av. There is. Sc. III. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 53 SIM. Why is he there, then P CHREM. Why do you suppose he is 2 (Ironically.) Quar- relling with her, of course. DAv. Nay but, Chremes, I’ll let you now hear from me a disgraceful piece of business. An old man, I don't know who he is, has just now come here ; look you, he is a confident and shrewd person; when you look at his ap- pearance, he seems to be a person of some consequence. There is a grave sternness in his features, and something commanding in his words. SIM. What news are you bringing, I wonder? DAV. Why nothing but what I heard him mention. SIM. What does he say then P DAV. That he knows Glycerium to be a citizen of Attica. SIM. (going to his door.) Ho there ! Dromo, Dromo! SCENE ITI. Fnter DROMO hastily from the house. DRO. What is it P SIM. Dromo! DAV. Hear me. SIM. If you add a word DAV. Hear me, pray. DRO, (to SIMO.) What do you want P SIM. (pointing to DAvus.) Carry him off on your shoul- ders in-doors as fast as possible. DRO. Whom P SIM. Davus. DAV. For what reason P SIM. Because I choose. (To DROMO.) Carry him off, I say. DAV. What have I done P * SIM. Carry him off. DAv. If you find that I have told a lie in any one matter, then kill me. SIM. I’ll hear nothing. I’ll soon have you set in motion." Dromol ! You set in motion)—Wer. 865. By the use of the word “Com- motus” he seems to allude to the wretched, restless existence of a man tied hand and foot, and continually working at the hand-mill. Westerhovius thinks that Simo uses this word Sarcastically, in allusion to the words of Davus, at the beginning of the present Scene, “Animo otioso esse impero;” “I bid you set your minds at ease.” 54 ANDRIA; Act V. DAv. What? Although this is the truth. SIM. In spite of it. (Tb DROMo.) Take care he's kept well secured; and, do you hear? Tie him up hands and feet together. Now then, be off; upon my faith this very day, if I live, I'll teach you what hazard there is in deceiving a master, and * &n deceiving a father. (DROMO leads DAVUS into the house. CHREM. Oh, don’t be so extremely vexed. SIM. O Chremes, the dutifulness of a son' Do you not pity me 2 That I should endure so much trouble for such a son 1 (Goes to the door of GLYCERIUM's house.) Come, Pam- philus, come out, Pamphilus ! have you any shame left P SCENE IV. JEnter PAMPHILUs in haste from GLYCERIUM's house. PAM. Who is it that wants me? (Aside.) I'm undone! it's my father. SIM. What say you, of all men, the ? CHREM. Oh! rather speak about the matter itself, and for- bear to use harsh language. SIM. As if anything too severe could now be possibly said against him. Pray, do you say that Glycerium is a citizen— PAM. So they say. SIM. So they say ' Unparalleled assurance 1 does he consider what he says P. Is he sorry for what he has done? Does his countenance, pray, at all betray any marks of shame? That he should be of mind so weak, as, without regard to the custom and the law” of his fellow-citizens, and the wish of his own father, to be anxious, in spite of everything, to have her, to his own utter disgrace | PAM. Miserable that I am | SIM. Ha! have you at last found that out only just now, Pamphilus? Long since did that expression, long since, when | Hands and feet together)—Wer. 866. “Quadrupedem.” Literally “as a quadruped ”or “all fours.” Echard remarks that it was the custom of the Athenians to tie criminals hands and feet together, just like calves. * Without regard to the custom and the law) — Wer. 880. There was a law among the Athenians which forbade citizens to marry strangers, and made the offspring of such alliances illegitimate; the Fame law also excluded such as were not born of two citizens from all offices of trust and honor. Sc. V. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 55 you made up your mind, that what you desired must be effected by you at any price ; from that very day did that eaſpression aptly befit you. But yet why do I torment myself? Why vex myself? Why worry my old age with his madness? Am I to suffer the punishment for his offences P Nay them, let him have her, good bye to him, let him pass his life with her. - PAM. My father SIM. How, “my father ?” As if you stood in any need of this father. Home, wife, and children, provided by you against the will of your father | People suborned, too, to say that she is a citizen of this place | You have gained your oint. p PAM, Father, may I say a few words? SIM. What can you say to me? CHREM. But, Simo, do hear him. º SIM. I, hear him P Why should I hear him, Chremes? CHREM. Still, however, do allow him to speak. SIM. Well then, let him speak : I allow him. PAM. I own that I love her; if that is committing a fault, I own that also. To you, father, do I subject myself. Impose on me any injunction you please; command me. Do you wish me to take a wife P Do you wish me to give her up P. As well as I can, I will endure it. This only I request of you, not to think that this old gentleman has been suborned by me. Allow me to clear myself, and to bring him here before you. SIM. To bring him here? PAM. Do allow me, father. CHREM. He asks what's reasonable; do give him leave. PAM. Allow me to obtain thus much of you. - SIM. I allow it. I desire anything, so long as I find, Chremes, that I have not been deceived by him. (PAM- PHILUS goes into the house of GLYCERIUM.) CHREM. For a great offence, a slight punishment ought to satisfy a father. SCENE V. Re-enter PAMPHILUs with CRIT0. CRI. (to PAMPHILUs, as he is coming out.) Forbear entreat- ing. Of these, any one reason prompts me to do it, either 56 ANDRIA; Act V. your own sake, or the fact that it is the truth, or that I wish well for Glycerium herself. - CHREM. (starting.) Do I see Crito of Andros ? Surely it is he. CRI. Greetings to you, Chremes. CHREM. How is it that, so contrary to your usage, you are at Athens P CRI. So it has happened. But is this Simo P CHREM. It is he. - CRI. Simo, were you asking for me? SIM. How now, do you say that Glycerium is a citizen of this place P CRI. Do you deny it? SIM, (ironically.) Have you come here so well prepared P CRI. For what purpose P SIM. Do you ask? Are you to be acting this way with impunity ? Are you to be luring young men into snares here, inexperienced in affairs, and liberally brought up, by tempting them, and to be playing upon their fancies by making promises : CRI. Are you in your senses? SIM. And are you to be patching up amours with Cour- tesans by marriage P PAM. (aside.) I'm undone! I fear that the stranger will not put up with this. CHREM. If, Simo, you knew this person well, you would not think thus; he is a worthy man. SIM. He, a worthy man! To come so opportunely to-day ſust at the very nuptials, and yet never to have come before? (Ironically.) Of course, we must believe him, Chremes. PAM. (aside.) If I didn't dread my father, I have some- thing, which, in this conjuncture, I could opportunely suggest to him." | Could opportunely suggest to him)—Wer. 919. Colman has the fol- lowing remark on this line: “Madame Dacier and several English Translators make Pamphilus say that he could give Crito a hint or two. What hints he could propose to suggest to Crito, I cannot conceive. The Italian translation, printed with the Vatican Terence, seems to understand the words in the same manner that I have translated them, in which sense (the pronoun “illum' referring to Simo instead of Crito) they seem to be the most natural words of Pamphilus on occasiou. f his father's anger and the speech immediately preceding.” Sc. V. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 57 SIM. (sneeringly, to CHREMEs.) A sharper!" CRI. (starting.) Hah! CHREM. It is his way, Crito; do excuse it. CRI. Let him take heed how he behaves. If he persists in saying to me what he likes, he'll be hearing things that he don’t like. Am I meddling with these matters or interesting myself? Can you not endure your troubles with a patient mind? For as to what I say, whether it is true or false what I have heard, can soon be known. A certain man of Attica, a long time ago,” his ship being wrecked, was cast ashore at Andros, and this woman together with him, who was then a little girl; he, in his destitution, by chance first made application to the father of Chrysis SIM. (ironically.) He's beginning his tale. CHREM. Let him alone. CRI. Really, is he to be interrupting me in this way? CHREM. Do you proceed. CRI. He who received him was a relation of mine. There I heard from him that he was a native of Attica. He died there. CHREM. His name P CRI. The name, in such a hurry! PAM. Phania. CHREM. (starting.) Hah! I shall die! CRI. I'faith, I really think it was Phania; this I know for certain, he said that he was a citizen of Rhââmnus.” CHREM. O Jupiter! 1 A sharper)—Wer. 920. “Sycophanta.” For some account of the “sycophantae,” “swindlers” or “sharpers” of ancient times, see the Notes to the Trinummus of Plautus, Bohn's Translation. * A long time ago)—Wer. 924. The story begins with “Olim,” just in the same way that with us nursery tales commence with “There was, a long time ago.” * A citizen of Rhamnus)—Wer. 931. Rhamnus was a maritime town of Attica, near which many of the more weal hy Athenians had country- seats. It was famous for the Temple of Nemesis there, the Goddess of Wengeance, who was thence called “Rhamnusia.” In this Temple was her statue, carved by Phidias out of the marble which the Persians brought to Greece for the purpose of making a statue of Victory out of it, and which was thus appropriately devoted to the Goddess of Retribution. The statue wore a crown, and had wings, and, holding a Spear of ash in the right hand, it was seated on a stag. 58 v. - ANDRIA; Act V. CRI. Many other persons in Andros have heard the same, Chremes. CHREM. (aside.) I trust it may turn out as I hope. . (Tb CRITO.) Come now, tell me, what did he then say about her? Did he say she was his own daughter f CRI. No. CHREM. Whose then P CRI. His brother's daughter. CHREM. She certainly is mine. CRI. What do you say? SIM. What is this that you say? PAM. (aside.) Prick up your ears, Pamphilus. SIM. Why do you suppose so? CHREM. That Phania was my brother. SIM. I knew him, and I am aware of it. CHREM. He, flying from the wars, and following me to Asia, set out from here. At the same time he was afraid to leave her here behind ; since then, this is the first time I have heard what became of him. PAM. (aside.) I am scarcely myself, so much has my mind been agitated by fear, hope, joy, and surprise at this so great, so unexpected blessing. SIM. Really, I am glad for many reasons that she has been discovered to be a citizen. PAM. I believe it, father. CHREM. But there yet remains one difficulty" with me, which keeps me in suspense. - PAM. (aside.) You deserve to be , with your scruples, gyou plague. You are seeking a knot in a bulrush.” CRI. (to CHREMEs.) What is that ? CHREM. The names don't agree. CRI. Troth, she had another when little. CHREM. What was it, Crito P Can you remember it P 1 One difficulty)—Wer. 941. “Scrupus,” or “scrupulus,” was pro- perly a stone or small piece of gravel which, getting into the shoe, hurt the foot; hence the word figuratively came to mean a “scruple,” “ difficulty,” or “doubt.” We have a similar expression: “to be gravelled.” * A knot in a bulrush)—Wer. 942. “Nodum in scirpo quaerere” was a proverbial expression implying a desire to create doubts and difficulties where there really were none; there being no knots in the bulrush. The same expression occurs in the Menaechmi of Plautus, 1.247. Sc. W. - THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 59 CRI. I’m trying to recollect it. PAM, (aside.) Am I to suffer his memory to stand in the way of my happiness, when I myself can provide my own re- medy in this matter? I will not suffer it. (Aloud.) Hark you, Chremes, that which you are trying to recollect is ‘Pasibula.” CHREM. The very same. CRI. That's it. PAM. I’ve heard it from herself a thousand times. SIM. I suppose, Chremes, that you believe that we all rejoice at this discovery. CHREM. So may the Gods bless me, I do believe it. PAM. What remains to be done, father ? SIM. The event itself has quite brought me to reconcile- ment. PAM. O kind father! With regard to her as a wife, since I have taken possession of her, Chremes will not offer any opposition. CHREM. The plea is a very good one, unless perchance your father says anything to the contrary. PAM. Of course, I agree. SIM. Then be it so." CHREM. Her portion, Pamphilus, is ten talents. PAM. I am satisfied. CHREM. I’ll hasten to my daughter. Come now, (beckoning) along with me, Crito ; for I suppose that she will not know me. (They go into GLYCERIUM's house.) SIM. (To PAMPHILUs.) Why don't you order her to be sent for hither, to our house £ PAM. Well thought of ; I'll at once give charge of that to Davus. SIM. He can’t do it. Ofcourse——Then be it so) – Wer. 951. “Nempe id. Scilicet.” Col- man has the following remark on this line: “ Donatus, and some others after him, understand these words of Simo and Pamphilus as requiring a fortune of Chremes with his daughter; and one of them says that Simo, in order to explain his meaning, in the representation, should produce a bag of money. This surely is precious refinement, worthy the genius of a true Commentator. Madame Dacier, who entertains a just veneration for Donatus, doubts the authenticity of the observation ascribed to him. The sense I have followed is, I think, the most obvious and natural interpretation of the words of Pamphilus and Simo, which refers to the preceding, not the subsequent, speech of Chremies.” 60 ANDRIA ; Act V. PAM. How so? SIM. Because he has another matter that more nearly concerns himself, and of more importance. PAM. What, pray ? SIM. He is bound. PAM. Father, he is not rightly bound." SIM. But I ordered to that effect. PAM. Prithee, do order him to be set at liberty. SIM. Well, he it so. PAM. But immediately. SIM. I’m going in. PAM. O fortunate and happy day! (SIMO goes into his house.) SCENE VI. JEnter CHARINUs, at a distance. CHAR. (apart to himself.) I'm come to see what Pamphilus is about ; and look, here he is. PAM. (to himself) Some one perhaps might imagine that I don't believe this to be true ; but now it is clear to me that it really is true. I do think that the life of the Gods is everlasting, for this reason, because their joys are their own.” For immortality has been obtained by me, if no sorrow interrupts this delight. But whom in particular could I wish to be now thrown in my way, for me to relate these things to ? CHAR. (apart to himself) What means this rapture ? 1 He is not rightly bound)—Wer. 956. “Non recte vinctus;” meaning “it was not well done to bind him.” The father pretends to understand him as meaning (which he might equally well by using the same words), “non satis stricte,” “he wasn't tightly enough * bound; and answers “I ordered that he should be,” referring to his order for Davus to be bound hand and foot. Donatus justly observes that the disposition of the old gentlemen to joke is a characteristic mark of his thorough reconciliation. * Their joys are their own)—Wer. 961. Westerhovius remarks that he seems here to be promulgating the doctrine of Epicurus, who taught that the Deities devoted themselves entirely to pleasure and did not trouble themselves about mortals. Donatus observes that these are the doctrines of Epicurus, and that the whole sentence is copied from the Eunuch of Menander; to which practice of borrowing from various Plays, allusion is made in the Prologue, where he mentions the mixing of plays; “containinari fabulas.” Sc. VII. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. 61 PAM, (to himself) I see Davus. There is no one in the world whom I would choose in preference; for I am sure that he of all people will sincerely rejoice in my happiness. SCENE VII. IEnter DAVUS. DAv. (to himself) Where is Pamphilus, I wonder? PAM. Here he is, Davus. DAv. (turning round.) Who's that ? PAM. 'Tis I, Pamphilus ; you don't know what has hap- pened to me. DAv. No really ; but I know what has happened to myself. PAM. And I too. DAV. It has fallen out just like human affairs in general, that you should know the mishap I have met with, before I the good that has befallen you. PAM. My Glycerium has discovered her parents. DAV. O, well done ! CHAR. (apart, in surprise.) Hah! PAM. Her father is an intimate friend of ours. DAV. Who P PAM. Chremes. DAv. You do tell good news. BAM. And there's no hindrance to my marrying her at Oſloé. CHAR. (apart.) Is he dreaming the same that he has been wishing for when awake P PAM. Then about the child, Davus. DAV. O, say no more ; you are the only person whom the Gods favour. CHAR. (apart.) I'm all right if these things are true. I'll accost them. (Comes forward.) PAM. Who is this? Why, Charinus, you meet me at the very nick of time. CHAR. That's all right. PAM. Have you heard ? CHAR. Everything; come, in your good fortuut do have 62 ANDRIA; THE FAIR ANDRIAN. Act V.,.Sc. VII. some regard for me. Chremes is now at your command ; I'm sure that he'll do everything you wish. PAM. I’ll remember you; and because it is tedious forus to wait for him until he comes out, follow me this way ; he is now in-doors at the house of Glycerium; do you, Davus, go home; send with all haste to remove her thence. Why are you standing there £ Why are you delaying? DAV. I’m going. (PAMPHILUs and CHARINUS go into the house of GLYCERIUM. DAVUs then comes forward and addresses the Audience.) Don't you wait until they come out from there ; she will be betrothed within : if there is anything else that remains, it will be transacted in-doors. Grant us your applause.” * Grant us your applause)—Wer. 982. “Plaudite.” Colman has the following remark at the conclusion of this Play: “All the old Tragedies and Comedies acted at Rome concluded in this manner. ‘ Donec cantor vos ‘Plaudite' dicat,” says Horace. Who the ‘cantor’ was, is a matter of dispute. Madame Dacier thinks it was the whole chorus; others suppose it to have been a single actor; some the prompter, and some the composer. Before the word ‘Plaudite’ in all the old copies is an Q, which has also given rise to several learned conjectures. It is most probable, according to the notion of Madame Dacier, that this Q, being the last letter of the Greek alphabet, was nothing more than the mark of the transcriber to signify the end, like the Latin word “Finis’ in modern books; or it might, as Patrick supposes, stand for Qöog, ‘ cantor,” denoting that the following word ‘Plaudite” was spoken by him. After “Plaudite’ in all the old copies of Terence stand these two words, “ Calliopius recensui; which signify, “I, Calliopius, bave revised and corrected this piece.’ And this proceeds from the custom of the old critics, who carefully revised all Manuscripts, and when they had read and corrected any work, certified the same by placing their names at the end of it.” EUNUCHUS; THE EUNUCH. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. LACHES, an aged Athenian. PHAEDRIA,” CHAEREA,” ANTIPHo,” a young man, friend of Chaerea. CHREMEs," a young man, brother of Pamphila. "THRASO," a boastful Captain. GNATHo,7 a Parasite. PARMENO,” servant of Phaedria. SANGA,” cook to Thraso. DoNAx,10 SIMALIo,” 'servant, of Thraso. SYRISCUS,12 DORUS,” a Eunuch slave. }his SOIlS. THAIs,” a Courtesan. PYTHIAS.14 DoRIAs i. } her attendants. 3. SoPHRONA,” a nurse. PAMPHILA,” a female slave. Scene.—Athens; before the houses of LACHES and THArs. * From Aayyávo, “to obtain by lot” or “heirship.” * From patópoc, “cheerful.” * From Xaipwy, “rejoicing.” * From &vri, “opposite to,” and pâc, “light,” or pipu, “to speak.” * From Xpspitão, “to neigh ;” delighting in horses. * From 9pagóc, “boldness.” - 7 From yuaböc, “the jawbone;” a glutton. * From trapá, “by,” and pāva), “to remain.” * From Sangia in Phrygia, his native country. 10 From 66 was, “a reed.” * From oupoc, “flat-nosed.” - * From Syria, his country; or from ovpiakoç, “a basket of figs.” * From 9sáopat, “to look at.” * From Trv6opévm, “asking questions.” * From Doris, their country, a part of Caria. * Frcm góppov, “prudent.” " From trăv, “all,” and pixõg, “a friend.” THE SUBJECT. A CERTAIN citizen of Athens had a daughter named Pamphila, and a son called Chremes. The former was stolen while an infant, and sold to a Rhodian merchant, who having made a present of her to a Courtesan of Rhodes, she brought her up with her own daughter Thais, who was somewhat older. In the course of years, Thais following her mother's way of life, removes to Athens. Her mouher dying, her property is put up for sale, and Pamphila is purchased as a slave by Thraso, an officer and an admirer of Thais, who happens just then to be visiting Rhodes. During the absence of Thraso, Thais becomes acquainted with Phaedria, an Athenian youth, the son of Laches; she also dis- covers from Chremes, who lives near Athens, that Pamphila, her former companion, is his sister. Thraso returns, intending to present to her the girl he has bought, but determines not to do so until she has discarded Phaedria. Finding that the girl is no other than Pam- whila, Thais is at a loss what to do, as she both loves Phaedria, and as extremely anxious to recover Pamphila. At length, to please the Captain, she excludes Phaedria, but next day sends for him, and explains to him her reasons, at the same time begging of him to allow Thraso the sole right of admission to her house for the next two days, and assuring him that as soon as she shall have gained pos- session of the girl, she will entirely throw him off. Phaedria consents, and resolves to spend these two days in the country; at the same time he orders Parmeno to take to Thais a Eunuch and an AEthiopian girl, whom he has purchased for her. The Captain also sends Pam- phila, who is accidentally seen by Chaerea, the younger brother of Phaedria; he, being smitten with her beauty, prevails upon Parmeno to introduce him into the house of Thais, in the Eunuch's dress. Being admitted there, in the absence of Thais, he ravishes the damsel. Shortly afterwards Thraso quarrels with Thais, and comes with all his attendants to her house to demand the return of Pam- phila, but is disappointed. In conclusion, Pamphila is recognized by her brother Chremes, and is promised in marriage to Chaerea; while Thraso becomes reconciled to Phaedria, through the mediation of Gnatho, his Parasite. THE TITLE” OF THE PLAY. PERFORMED at the Megalensian Games; L. Posthumius Albinus and L. Cornelius Merula being Curule AEdiles. L. Ambivius Turpio and L. Atilius Praenestinus performed it. Flaccus, the freedman of Claudius, composed the music to two treble flutes. From the Greek of Menander. It was acted twice,” M. Valerius and C. Fannius being Consuls.” The Title)—Colman has the following remark on this Play: “This seems to have been the most popular of all the Comedies of Terence. Suetonius and Donatus both inform us that it was acted with the greatest applause, and that the Poet received a larger price for it from the AEdiles than had ever been paid for any before, namely, 8000 sesterces, which is about equal to 200 crowns, which in those times was a considerable sum.” * Acted twice)—This probably means “twice in one day.” As it is generally supposed that something is wanting after the figures II, this is presumed to be “die,” “in one day,” in confirmation of which Suetonius informs us that it really was performed twice in one day. Donatus says it was performed three times, by which he may probably mean, twice on one day and once on another. * Being Consuls)—M. Valerius Messala and C. Fannius Strabow are Consuls in the year frold the building of the City 591, or B.G. 162. EUNU C H U S : THE EUNU C H. THE SUMMARY OF C. SULPITIUS APOLLINARIS. THE Captain, Thraso, being ignorant of the same, has brought from abroad a girl who used wrongly to be called the sister of Thais, and presents her to Thais herself: she in reality is a citizen of Attica. To the same woman, Phaedria, an admirer of Thais, orders a Eunuch whom he has purchased, to be taken, and he himself goes away into the country, having been entreated to give up two days to Thraso. A youth, the brother of Phaedria, having fallen in love with the damsel sent to the house of Thais, is dressed up in the clothes of the Eunuch. Parmeno prompts him ; he goes in ; he ravishes the maiden; but at length her brother being discovered, a citizen of Attica, betrothes her who has been ravished, to the youth, and Thraso prevails upon Phaedria by his entreaties. THE PROLOGUE. IF there is any one who desires to please as many good men as possible, and to give offence to extremely few, among those does our Poet enrol his name. Next, if there is one who thinks' that language too harsh is here applied to him, let him bear this in mind—that it is an answer, not an attack; inasmuch as he has himself been the first aggressor; who, by translating plays verbally,” and writing them in bad Latin, has made out of good Greek Plays Latin ones by no means good. | If there is one who thinks)—Ver, 4. He alludes to his old enemy, Iuscus Lavinius, the Comic Poet, who is alluded to in the Prologue to the Andria, and has since continued his attacks upon him. * By translating literally --Ver. 7. “Bene vertendo, at eosdem scribendo male.” This passage has greatly puzzled some of the Commen- tators. Bentley has, however, it appears, come to the most reasonable conclusion; who supposes that Terence means by “bene vertere,” a literal translation, word for word, from the Greek, by which a servile adherence to the idiom of that language was preserved to the neglect of the Latin idiom ; in consequence of which the Plays of Luscus Lavinius were, as he remarks, “reale Scriptae,” written in bad Latin. EUNUCHUS; THE EUNUCH. 67 Just as of late he has published the Phasma" [the Appari- tion] of Menander; and in the Thesaurus [the Treasure] has described” him from whom the gold is demanded, as i Has published the Phasma)—Wer. 9. The “ pagud,” or “ Appa- rition,” was a Play of Menander, so called, in which a young man looking through a hole in the wall between his father's house and that next door, sees a young woman of marvellous beauty, and is struck with awe at the sight, as though by an apparition; in the Play, the girl's mother is represented as having made this hole in the wall, and having decked it with garlands and branches that it may resemble a con- secrated place; where she daily performs her devotions in company with her daughter, who has been privately brought up, and whose existence is unknown to the neighbours. On the youth coming by degrees to the knowledge that the object of his admiration is but a mortal, his passion becomes so violent that it will admit of no cure but marriage, with the celebration of which the Play concludes. Bentley gives us the above information from an ancient Scholiast, whose name is unknown, unless it is Donatus himself, which is doubtful. It would appear that Luscus Lavinius had lately made a translation of this Play, which, from its servile adherence to the language of the original, had been couched in ungrammatical language, and probably not approved of by the Audience. Donatus thinks that this is the meaning of the passage, and that, content with this slight reference to a well-known fact, the author passes it by in contemptuous silence. * And in the Thesaurus has described)—Wer. 10. Cook has the fol- lowing appropriate remark upon this passage : “ In the ‘Thesaurus,’ or ‘Treasure' of Luscus Lavinius, a young fellow, having wasted his estate by his extravagance, sends a servant to search his father's monu- ment: but he had before sold the ground on which the monument was, to a covetous old man; to whom the servant applies to help him open the monument; in which they discover a hoard and a letter. The old fellow sees the treasure and keeps it ; the young one goes to law with him, and the old man is represented as opening his cause first before the judge, which he begins with these words:— “Athenienses, bellum cum Rhodiensibus, Quod fuerit, quid ego praedicem?” “Athenians, why should I relate the war with the Rhodians?” And he goes on in a manner contrary to the rules of court; which Terence objects to, because the young man, who was the plaintiff, should open his cause first. Thus far Bentley, from the same Scholiast [as referred to in the last Note]. This Note is a clear explanation of the four verses to which it belongs. Hare concurs with Madame Dacier in her opinion “ de Thesauro,” that it is only a part of the Phasma of Menander, and not a distinct Play; but were I not determined by the more learned Bentley, the text itself would not permit me to be of their opinion; for the words “ataue in Thesauro scripsit” seem plainly to me to be a tran. sition to another Play. The subject of the Thesaurus is related by F 2 68 - EUNUCHUs; pleading his cause why it should be deemed his own, before the person who demands it has stated how this treasure belongs to him, or how it came into the tomb of his father. Henceforward, let him not deceive himself, or fancy thus, “I have now done with it; there's nothing that he can say to me.” I recommend him not to be mistaken, and to refrain from provoking me. I have many other points, as to which for the present he shall be pardoned, which, however, shall be brought forward hereafter, if he persists in attacking me, as he has begun to do. After the AEdiles had purchased the Eunuch of Menander, the Play which we are about to perform, he managed to get an opportunity of viewing it." When the magistrates were present it began to be per- formed. He exclaimed that a thief, no Poet, had produced the piece, but still had not deceived” him; that, in fact, it was the Colax, an old Play of Plautus;” and that from it were taken the characters of the Parasite and the Captain. Eugraphius, though not with all the circumstances mentioned in my Note from Bentley.” Colman also remarks here : “Menander and his contemporary Philemon, each of them wrote a Comedy under this title. We have in the above Note the story of Menander's; and we know that of Philemon's from the ‘Trinummus’ of Plautus, which was a Translation of it.” | Opportunity of viewing it)—Wer. 21. Colman thinks that this means something “stronger than merely being present at the repre- sentation,” and he takes the meaning to be, that having obtained leave to peruse the MS., he furnished himself with objections against the piece, which he threw out when it came to be represented before the magistrates. Cooke thinks that the passage only means, “that he bustled and took pains to be near enough at the representation to see and hear plainly.” The truth seems to be that Lavinius managed to obtain admission at the rehearsal or trial of the merits of the piece before the magistrates, and that he then behaved himself in the unseemly manner mentioned in the text. * Produced the piece, but still had not deceived him)—Wer. 24. There is a pun here upon the resemblance in meaning of the words “verba dare" and “fabulam dare.” The first expression means “to deceive” or “impose upon; ” the latter phrase has also the same meaning, but it may signify as well “to represent” or “produce a Play.” Thus the exclamation in its ambiguity may mean, “he has produced a T’lay, and has not succeeded in deceiving us,” or “he has deceived us, and yet has not deceived us.” This is thc interpretation which Donatus puts upon the passage. * Colaw, an old Play of Plautus)—Wer, 25. Although Nonius Mar- THE EUNUCH. 69 If this is a fault, the fault is the ignorance of the Poet; not that he intended to be guilty of theft. That so it is, you will now be enabled to judge. The Colax is a Play of Menander's ; in it there is Colax, a Parasite, and a braggart Captain: he does not deny that he has transferred these characters into his Eunuch from the Greek ; but assuredly he does deny this, that he was aware that those pieces had been already translated into Latin. But if it is not per- mitted us to use the same characters as others, how can it any more be allowed to represent hurrying servants, to describe virtuous matrons, artful courtesans, the gluttonous cellus professes to quote from the Colax of Plautus (so called from the Greek KoMáč, “a flatterer” or “parasite”), some scholars have disbelieved in the existence of any Play of Plautus known by that name. Cooke says: “If Plautus had wrote a Play under the title of ‘Colax,’ I should think it very unlikely that it should have escaped Terence's eye, considering how soon he flourished after Plautus, his being engaged in the same studies, and his having such opportunities to consult the libraries of the great ; for though all learning was then confined to Manuscripts, Terence could have no difficulty in, coming at the best copies. The character of the ‘Miles Gloriosus’ [Braggart Captain] here mentioned, I am inclined to think the same with that which is the hero of Plautus's Comedy, now extant, and called ‘Miles Gloriosus,’ from which Terence could not take his Thraso. Pyrgopolinices and Thraso are both full of themselves, both boast of their valour and their intimacy with princes, and both fancy themselves beloved by all the women who see them ; and they are both played off by their Parasites, but they differ in their manner and their speech. Plautus's Pyrgopolinices is always in the clouds, and talking big, and of blood and wounds—Terence's Thraso never says too little nor much, but is an easy ridiculous character, continually supplying the Audience with mirth without the wild extravagant bluster of Pyrgopo- linices; Plautus and Terence both took their soldiers and Parasites from Menander, but gave them different dresses.” Upon this Note Colman remarks: “Though there is much good criticism in the above Note, if is certain that Plautus did not take his ‘Miles Gloriosus’ from the Colax of Memander, as he himself informs us it was translated from a Greek play called 'AA (401), ‘the Boaster,’ and the Parasite is but a trifling character in that play, never appearing after the first Scene.” | Hurrying servants)—Wer. 35. On the “currentes servi,” see the Prologue to the Heautontimorumenos, l. 31. Ovid, in the Amores, B. i., El. 15, l. 17, 18, mentions a very similar combination of the characters of Menanders Comedy : “So long as the deceitful slave, the harsh father, the roguish procuress, and the cozening courtesan shall endure, Menander will exist.” 70 EUNUCHUS; Act I. parasite, the braggart captain, the infant palmed off, the old man cajoled by the servant, about love, hatred, suspicion? In fine, nothing is said now that has not been said before. Wherefore it is but just that you should know this, and make allowance, if the moderns do what the ancients used to do. Grant me your attention, and give heed in silence, that you may understand what the Eunuch means. ACT THE FIRST. SCENE I. IEnter PHAEDRIA and PARMENo. PHAED. What, then, shall I do?” Ought I not to go, not now even, when I am sent for of her own accord P. Or ought I rather so to behave myself as not to put up with affronts from Courtesans? She shut her door against me; she now invites me back. Ought I to return? No; though she should implore me. PAR. I'faith, if indeed you only can, there's nothing better or more spirited; but if you begin, and cannot hold out stoutly, and if, when you cannot endure it, while no one asks you, peace being not made, you come to her of your own accord, showing that you love her, and cannot endure it, you are done for ; it's all over with you; you are ruined outright. She'll be jilting you, when she finds you over- come. Do you then, while there's time, again and again reflect upon this, master, that a matter, which in itself admits of neither prudence nor moderation, you are un- able to manage with prudence. In love there are all these evils; wrongs, suspicions, enmities, reconcilements, war, then peace; if you expect to render these things, naturally un- certain, certain by dint of reason, you wouldn't effect it a bit the more than if you were to use your endeavours to be ! What, then, shall I do £)—Wer. 46. Phaedria, on being sent for by Thais, breaks out into these words as he enters, after having deliberated upon his parting with her. Both Horace and Persius have imitated this passage in their Satires. Sc, LL THE EUNUCH, 71 mad with reason. And, what you are now, in anger, medi- tating to yourself, “What | I to her? Who-him ' Who— me! Who wouldn't P Only let me alone; I had rather die; she shall find out what sort of a person I am;” these ex- pressions, upon my faith, by a single false tiny tear, which, by rubbing her eyes, poor thing, she can hardly squeeze out perforce, she will put an end to; and she'll be the first to accuse you; and you will be too ready to give satisfaction to her. PHAED. O disgraceful conduct I now perceive, both that she is perfidious, and that I am a wretched man. I am both weary of her, and burn with passion; knowing and fully sensible, alive and seeing it, I am going to ruin ; nor do I know what I am to do. - PAR. What you are to do P Why, only to redeem your- self, thus captivated, at the smallest price you can ; if you cannot at a very small rate, still for as little as you can ; and do not afflict yourself. PHAED. Do you persuade me to this? PAR. If you are wise. And don't be adding to the troubles which love itself produces ; those which it does produce, bear patiently. But see, here she is coming herself, the downfall of our fortunes,”—for that which we ought ourselves to enjoy she intercepts. SCENE II. JEnter THAIs from her house. THAIs (to herself, not seeing them.) Ah wretched me ! I. fear lest Phaedria should take it amiss or otherwise than I intended it, that he was not admitted yesterday. 1 What! I to her ?)—Wer. 65. Donatus remarks that this is an abrupt manner of speaking familiarly to persons in anger; and that the sen- tences are thus to be understood, “I, go to her? Her, who has received him Who has excluded me !”—inasmuch as indignation loves to deal in Ellipsis and Aposiopesis. 2 The downfall of our fortunes)—Wer. 79. Colman observes, “There is an extreme elegance in this passage in the originai; and the figurative expression is beautifully employed.” “ Calamitas” was originally a word used in husbandry, which signified the destruction of growing corn; because, as Donatus says, “Comminuit calamum et segetem;”—“it strikes down the blades and standing corn.” 72 EUNUCHUs; Act T. PH ED. (aside to PARMENO.) I’m trembling and shivering all over, Parmeno, at the sight of her. PAR. (apart.) Be of good heart; only approach this fire," you'll soon be warmer than you need. THAIS (turning round.) Who is it that's speaking here? What, are you here, my Phaedria P Why are you standing here? Why didn't you come into the house at once? PAR. (whispering to PHAEDRIA.) But not a word about shutting you out ! THAIs. Why are you silent P PHAED. Of course, it's because” this door is always open to me, or because I’m the highest in your favour? THAIs. Pass those matters by. - PHED. How pass them by ? O Thais, Thais, I wish that I had equal affection with yourself, and that it were in like degree, that either this might distress you in the same way that it distresses me, or that I might be indifferent at this being done by you. THAIs. Prithee, don't torment yourself, my life, my Phaedria. Upon my faith, I did it, not because I love or esteem any person more than you ; but the case was such that it was necessary to be done. PAR. (ironically.) I suppose that, poor thing, you shut him out of doors, for love, according to the usual practice. THAIs. Is it thus you act, Parmeno? Well, well. (To PHAEDRIA.) But listen—the reason for which I desired you to be sent for hither PHAED. Go on. THAIS. First tell me this; can this fellow possibly hold his tongue P (pointing to PARMENO. PAR. What, I? Perfectly well. But, hark you, upon * Approach this fire)—Ver, 85. “Ignem ’’ is generally supposed to be used figuratively here and to mean “the flame of love.” Eugra. phius, however, would understand the expression literally, observing that courtesans usually had near their doors an altar sacred to Venus, on which they daily sacrificed. * Ofcourse it's because)—Wer. 89. It must be observed that these words, commencing with “Sane, quia vero,” in the original, are said by Phaedria not in answer to the words of Thais immediately preceding, but to her previous question, “Cur non recta introibas' " “Why didn’t you come into the house at once?” and that they are spoken in bitter irony. g Sc, II. THE EUNUCH. 73 these conditions I pledge my word to you ; the truth that I hear, I’m silent upon, and retain it most faithfully; but if I hear what's false and without foundation, it's out at once; I’m full of chinks, and leak in every direction. There- fore, if you wish it to be kept secret, speak the truth. THAIs. My mother was a Samian; she lived at Rhodes PAR. That may be kept a secret. THAIs. There, at that period, a certain merchant made present to my mother of a little girl, who had been stolen away from Attica here. PAR. What, a citizen P THAIs. I think so; we do not know for certain : she her- self used to mention her mother's and her father's name ; her country and other tokens she didn't know, nor, by reason of her age, was she able. The merchant added this: that he had heard from the kidnappers that she had been carried off from Sunium." When my mother received her, she began carefully to teach her everything, and to bring her up, just as though she had been her own daughter. Most persons supposed that she was my sister. Thence I came hither with that stranger, with whom alone at that period I was con- nected; he left me all which I now possess PAR. Both these things are false; out it goes. THAIS. How so P PAR. Because you were neither content with one, nor was he the only one to make you presents; for he likewise (pointing to PHEDRIA) brought a pretty considerable share to you. - THAIS. Such is the fact; but do allow me to arrive at the point I wish. In the meantime, the Captain, who had begun to take a fancy to me, set out for Caria;” since when, in the interval, I became acquainted with you. You yourself are aware how very dear I have held you; and how I confess to you all my nearest counsels. PHAED. Nor will Parmeno be silent about that. * From Sunium)—Wer. 115. This was a town situate near a lofty Promontory of that name in Attica. It was famous for a fair which was held there. “Sunium's rocky brow” is mentioned by Byron in the song of the Greek Captive in the third Canto of Don Juan. * Set out for Caria)—Wer. 126. This was a country of Asia Minor upon the sea-coast, opposite to the island of Rhodes. 74 EUNUCHUs; Act I. PAR. O, is that a matter of doubt P THAIS. Attend; I entreat you. My mother died there recently ; her brother is somewhat too greedy after wealth. When he saw that this damsel was of beauteous form and understood music, hoping for a good price, he forthwith put her up for sale, and sold her. By good fortune this friend of mine was present ; he bought her as a gift to me, not knowing or suspecting anything of all this. He returned; now when he perceived that I had formed a connexion with you as well, he feigned excuses on purpose that he might not give her; he said that if he could feel confidence that he should be preferred to yourself by me, so as not to appre- hend that, when I had received her, I should forsake him, then he was ready to give her to me; but that he did fear this. But, so far as I can conjecture, he has set his affections upon the girl. PHAED. Anything beyond that? THAIs. Nothing; for I have made enquiry. Now, my Phaedria, there are many reasons why I could wish to get her away from him. In the first place, because she was called my sister; moreover, that I may restore and deliver her to her friends. I am alone woman; I have no one here, neither acquaintance nor relative; wherefore, Phaedria, I am desirous by my good offices to secure friends. Prithee, do aid me in this, in order that it may be the more easily effected. Do allow him for the few next days to have the preference with me. Do you make no answer? PHAED. Most vile woman | Can I make you any answer after such behaviour as this? PAR. Well done, my master, I commend you; (aside) he's galled at last. (To PHAEDRIA.) You show yourself a man. PHAED. I was not aware what you were aiming at ; “she was carried away from here, when a little child ; my mother brougll her up as though her own ; she was called my sister; I wish to get her away, that I may restore her to her friends.” The meaning is, that all these expressions, in fine, now amount to this, that I am shut out, he is admitted. For what reason? Except that you love him more than me: and now you are afraid of her who has been brought hither, lest she should win him, such as he is, from yourself. THAIS. I, afraid of that P Sc. II. THE EUNUCH. 75 PHAED. What else, then, gives you concern ? Let me know. Is he the only person who makes presents? Have you found my bounty shut against you? Did I not, when you told me that you wished for a servant-maid from AEthiopia, set- ting all other matters aside, go and seek for one? Then you said that you wanted a Eunuch, because ladies of quality” alone make use of them; I found you one. I yesterday paid twenty minae" for them both. Though slighted by you, I still kept these things in mind; as a reward for so doing, I am despised by you. THAIs. Phaedria, what does this mean P. Although I wish to get her away, and think that by these means it could most probably be effected; still, rather than make an enemy of you, T’ll do as you request me. PHAED. I only wish that you used that expression from your heart and truthfully, “rather than make an enemy of you.” If I could believe that this was said sincerely, I could put up with anything. PAR. (aside.) He staggers; how instantaneously is he vanquished by a single expression | - THAIs. I, wretched woman, not speak from my heart P What, pray, did you ever ask of me in jest, but that you carried your point P I am unable to obtain even this of you, that you would grant me only two days. DHAED. If, indeed, it is but two days; but don’t let these days become twenty. THAIs. Assuredly not more than two days, or PHAED. “Or P” I won’t have it. THAIs. It shall not be ; only do allow me to obtain this of you. PHAED. Of course that which you desire must be done. THAIs. I love you as you deserve ; you act obligingly. PHA.D. (to PARMENO.) I shall go into the country; there I shall worry myself for the newt two days: I’m resolved * Servant-maid from AEthiopia)—Wer. 165. No doubt AEthiopian or negro slaves were much prized by the great, and those courtesans whose object it was to ape their manners. - * Ladies of qual ty)—Wer. 168. “Reginae,” literally “ queens,” here means women of rank and distinction. * Paid twenty minae)—Wer. 169. The “mina” contained one hun- dred “drachmae" of about 9:#d. each. 76 EUNUCHUs; Act I., Sc.ITT. to do so; Thais must be humoured. Do you, Parmeno, take care that they are brought hither. PAR. Certainly. IPHAED. For the next two days then, Thais, adieu ! THAIS. And the same to you, my Phaedria; do you desire aught else? PHAED. What should I desire? That, present with the Captain, you may be as if absent ; that night and day you may love me; may feel my absence; may dream of me; may be impatient for me; may think about me; may hope for me; may centre your delight in me; may be all in all with me; in fine, if you will, be my very life, as I am yours. w (Eaceunt PHAEDRIA and PARMENO. SCENE III. THAIs alone. THAIs. (to herself.) Ah wretched me!" perhaps now he puts but little faith in me, and forms his estimate 9F me from the dispositions of other women.” By my troth, I, who know my own self, am very sure of this, that I have not feigned anything that's false, and that no person is dearer to my heart than this same Phaedria; and whatever - * Ah, wretched me !)—Wer. 197. Donatus remarks that the Poet judi- ciously reserves that part of the plot to be told here, which Thais did not relate to Phaedria in the presenee of Parmeno; whom the Poet keeps in ignorance as to the rank of the damsel, that he may with the more probability dare to assist Chaerea in his attempt on her. * From the dispositions of other women)—Wer 198. Donatus ob- serves that this is one of the peculiar points of excellence shown by Terence, introducing common characters in a new manner, without departing from custom or nature; since he draws a good Courtesan, and yet engages the attention of the Spectators and amuses them. Colman has the following Note here: “Under the name of Thais, Menander is supposed to have drawn the character of his own mistress, Glycerium, and it seems he introduced a Courtesan of the same name into several of his Comedies. One Comedy was entitled ‘Thais,’ from which St. Paul took the sentence in his Epistle to the Corinthians, ‘Evil communications corrupt good manners.’” Plutarch has preserved four lines of the Prologue to that Comedy, in which the Poet, in a kind of mock-heroic manner, invokes the Muse to teach him to depict the character of his heroine. Act II., Sc. I, THE EUNUCH. 71 - in the present case I have done, for this girl's sake have I done it ; for I trust that now I have pretty nearly discovered her brother, a young man of very good family; and he has appointed this day to come to me at my house. I’ll go hence in-doors, and wait until he comes. (She goes into her house.) ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I. IEnter PHAEDRIA and PARMENo. PHAED. Mind that those people are taken there, as I ordered. PAR. I’ll do so. PHAED. And carefully. PAR. It shall be done. BHAED. And with all speed. PAR. It shall be done. BHAED. Have you had sufficient instructions? PAR. Dear me! to ask the question, as though it were a matter of difficulty. I wish that you were able, Phaedria, to find anything as easily as this present will be lost. PHAED. Together with it, I myself am lost, which concerns me more nearly. T)on't bear this with such a feeling of vexation. PAR. By no means; on the contrary, I'll see it done. But do you order anything else? PHAED. Set off my present with words, as far as you can ; and so far as you are able, do drive away that rival of mine from her. PAR. Pshaw I should have kept that in mind, even if you hadn't reminded me. t PHAED. I shall go into the country and remain there. PAR. I agree with you. (Moves as if going.) PHAED. But hark you! PAR. What is it you want P PHAED. Are you of opinion that I can muster resolution and hold out so as not to come back within the time P PAR. What, you? Upon my faith, I don't think so; for 78 EUNUCHUs; Act II. either you'll be returning at once, or by-and-by, at night, want of sleep will be driving you hither. PHAED. I’ll do some laborious work, that I may be continu- ally fatigued, so as to sleep in spite of myself. PAR. When wearied, you will be keeping awake ; by this you will be making it worse. PHAED. Oh, you talk to no purpose, Parmeno; this soft- ness of spirit, upon my faith, must be got rid of; I indulge myself too much. Could I not do without her, pray, if there were the necessity, even for a whole three days? PAR. Whew! an entire three days! Take care what you are about. - PHAED. My mind is made up. (Erit. SCENE II. EARMENO alone. PAR (to himself) Good Gods ! What a malady is this That a man should become so changed through love, that you wouldn't know him to be the same person | Not any one was there less inclined to folly than he, and no one more discreet or more temperate. But who is it that's coming this way? Hey-day! surely this is Gnatho, the Cap- tain's Parasite; he's bringing along with him the damsel as a present to her. Heavens! How beautiful! No wonder if I make but a sorry figure here to-day with this decrepit * of mine. She surpasses Thais herself. (Stands aside. SCENE III. Enter GNATHo at a distance, leading PAMPHILA. GNA. (to himself) Immortal Gods! how much does one man excel another | "What a difference there is between a wise person and a fool! This strongly came into my * Not any one was there)—Wer. 226–7. Very nearly the same words as these occur in the Mostellaria of Plautus, l. 29, 30 : “Than whom, hitherto, no one of the youth of all Attica has been considered more temperate or equally frugal.” SC. III. THE EUNUCH. 79 mind from the following circumstance. As I was coming along to-day, I met a certain person of this place, of my own rank and station, no mean fellow, one who, like myself, had guttled away his paternal estate; I saw him, shabby, dirty, sickly, beset with rags and years;–“What's the meaning of this garb P” said I; he answered, “Because, wretch that I am, I’ve lost what I possessed: see to what I am reduced,—all my acquaintances and friends forsake me.” On this I felt contempt for him in comparison with myself. “What l” said I, “you pitiful sluggard, have you so managed matters as to have no hope left P. Have you lost your wits together with your estate P Don't you see me, who have risen from the same condition? What a com- plexion I have, how spruce and well-dressed, what portli- ness of person P I have everything, yet have nothing; and although I possess nothing, still, of nothing am I in want.” “But I,” said he, “unhappily, can neither be a butt nor submit to blows.” “What l” said I, “ do you suppose it is managed by those means ? You are quite mistaken. Once upon a time, in the early ages, there was a calling for that class; this is a new mode of coney-catching ; I, in fact, have been the first to strike into this path. There is a class of men who strive to be the first in everything, but are not ; to these I make my court; I do not pre- sent myself to them to be laughed at ; but I am the first to laugh with them, and at the same time to admire their parts: whatever they say, I commend; if they contradict that self-same thing, I commend again. Does any one deny P I deny : does he affirm P I affirm: in fine, 1 Nor submit to blows)—Wer. 244. It has been remarked in the Notes to the Translation of Plautus that the Parasites had, in conse- quence of their state of dependence, to endure blows and indignities from their fellow-guests. Their attempts to be “ridiculi” or “drolls” were made in order to give some small return to their entertainers. See especially the character of Gelasimus in the Stichus of Plautus, and the words of Ergasilus in the Captivi, 1.88, 90. Diderot, as quoted by Col. man, observes: “This is the only Scene in Terence which I remember that can be charged with being superfluous. Thraso has made a present to Thais of a young girl. Gnatho is to convey her. Going along with her, he amuses himself with giving the Spectators a most agreeable eulogium on his profession. But was that the time for it? Let Gnatho day due attention on the stage to the young woman whom he is charged with, and let him say what he will to himself, I cousent to it.” 80 * EUNUCHUs; " . Act II. I have so trained myself as to humour them in everything. This calling is now by far the most productive.” PAR. (apart.) A clever fellow, upon my faith ! From being fools he makes men mad outright. GNA. (to himself, continuing.) While we were thus talking. in the meantime we arrived at the market-place; overjoyed, all the confectioners ran at once to meet me; fishmongers," butchers, cooks,” sausage-makers, and fishermen, whom, both when my fortunes were flourishing and when they were ruined, I had served, and often serve still: they compli- mented me, asked me to dinner, and gave me a hearty welcome. When this poor hungry wretch saw that I was in such great esteem, and that I obtained a living so easily, then the fellow began to entreat me that I would allow him to learn this method of me; I bade him become my follower” it he could ; as the disciples of the Philosophers take their names from the Philosophers themselves, so too, the Parasites ought to be called Gnathonics. PAR. (apart to the Audience.) Do you see the effects of ease and feeding at another's cost P GNA. (to himself, continuing.) But why do I delay to take this girl to Thais, and to ask her to come to dinner P (Aside, on seeing PARMENO.) But I see Parmeno, our rival's servant, waiting before the door of Thais with a sorrowful air ; all's safe; no doubt these people are finding a cold welcome. I’m resolved to have some sport with this knave. PAR. (aside.) They fancy that, through this present, Thais is quite their own. GNA. (accosting PARMENO.) With his very best wishes * Fishmongers)—Wer. 257. “Cetarii;” strictly speaking, “ dealers in large fish.” * Cooks)—Wer. 257. The “coqui” were in the habit of standing in the market-place for hire by those who required their services. See the Pseudolus, the Aulularia, and the Mercator of Plautus, and the Notes to Bohn's Translation. See also a remark on the knavish character of the sausage-makers in the Truculentus of Plautus, l. 110. * Become my follower)—Wer. 262. “Sectari.” In allusion to the manners of the ancient Philosophers, who were wont to be followed by a crowd of their disciples, who were styled “sectatores” and “sectae.” Gnatho intends to found a new school of Parasites, who shall be called the “Gnathonics,” and who, by their artful adulation, shall contrive to be caressed instead of being maltreated. Artotrogus, the Parasite it: the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus, seems, however, to have forestalled Gnatho as the founder of this new school. So... III. THE EUNUCH. 81, Gnatho greets Parmeno, his very good friend.—What are you doing? - . . PAR, I’m standing." GNA. So I perceive. Pray, do you see anything here that don't please you ? PAR. Yourself. GNA. I believe you, -but anything else, pray ? PAR. Why so P GNA. Because you are out of spirits. PAR. Not in the least. GNA. Well, don't be so; but what think you of this slave P (pointing to her.) PAR. Really, not amiss. GNA. (aside.) I've galled the fellow. PAR. (aside, on overhearing him.) How mistaken you are in your notion GNA. How far do you suppose this gift will prove accept- able to Thais ? PAR. It's this you mean to say now, that we are discarded there. Hark you, there are vicissitudes in all things. GNA. For the next six months, Parmeno, I’ll set you at ease; you shan’t have to be running to and fro, or sitting up till daylight. Don't I make you happy? PAR. Me? O prodigiously GNA. That's my way with my friends. PAR. I commend you. 1 I’m standing)—Wer. 271. “Quid agitur?” “Statur.” The same joke occurs in the Pseudolus of Plautus, l. 457. “Quid agitur ! Statur hic ad hunc modum ?” “What is going on ?” or “What are you about !” “About standing here in this fashion; ” assuming an atti- tude. Colman observes that there is much the same kind of conceit in the ‘Merry Wives of Windsor.' ' “FALSTAFF. My honest lads, I will tell you what I am about. “PISTOL. Two yards or more.” Cooke has the following note: “‘Quid agitur" is to be supposed to have a single meaning as spoken by Gnatho, but Parmeno archly renders it ambiguous by his answer. Our two first English translations, that by Bernard and that by Hoole, make nothing of it, nor indeed any other part of their author. Echard follows Madame Dacier, and per- ceives a joke; but he does not render ‘quid agitur" as the question ought to be translated. • Quid agitur soluetilmes mueans, ‘What are you doing?” Sometimes, ‘How do you do?’ ‘How are you!” or “How goes the world with you? " * * Q 82. EUNUCHUs; Act II. GNA. I’m detaining you ; perhaps you were about to go somewhere else. PAR. Nowhere. GNA. In that case then, lend me your services a little; let me be introduced to her. PAR. Very well; (GNATHo knocks at the door, which immediately opens) now the door is open for you, (aside) because you are bringing her. GNA. (going into the house of THAIs, ironically.) Should you like any one to be called out from here P (Goes in with PAMPHILA, and shuts the door.) SCENE IV. PARMENO, alone. PAR. (to himself) Only let the next two days go by; you who, at present, in such high favour, are opening the door with one little finger, assuredly I’ll cause to be kicking at that door full oft, with your heels, to no purpose. Re-enter GNATHo from the house. GNA. Still standing here, Parmeno P Why now, have you been left on guard here, that no go-between might perchance be secretly running from the Captain to her P (Eacit. PAR. Smartly said; really they ought to be wonderful things to please the Captain. But I see my master's young- est son coming this way; I wonder why he has come away from the Piraeus," for he is at present on guard there in the public service. It's not for nothing; he's coming in a hurry, too ; I can’t imagine why he's looking around in all directions. SCENE V. Enter CHAEREA on the other side of the stage, in haste. CHAE. (to himself.) I'm utterly undone ! The girl is no- | From the Piraeus)—Wer. 290. The Piraeus was the chief harbour of Athens, at the mouth of the Cephisus, about three miles from the City. It was joined to the town by two walls, one of which was built by The- mistocles, and the other by Pericles. It was the duty of the Athenian youth to watch here in turn by way of precaution against surprise by pirates or the enemy. Sc. V. THE EUNUCH. '83 where; nor do I know where I am myself, to have lost sight, of her. Where to enquire for her, where to search for her, whom to ask, which way to turn, I’m at a loss. I have only this hope; wherever she is, she cannot long be concealed. O what beauteous features from this moment I banish all other women from my thoughts; I cannot endure these every-day beauties. PAR. (apart.) Why look, here's the other one. He's say- ing something, I don’t know what, about love. O unfortunate old man, their father / This assuredly is a youth, who, if he does begin, you will say that the other, one was mere play and pastime, compared with what the madness of this one will cause. CHAE. (to himself, aloud.) May all the Gods and Goddesses confound that old fellow who detained me to-day, and me as well who stopped for him, and in fact troubled myself a straw about him. But see, here's Parmeno. (Addressing him.) Good morrow to you. PAR. Why are you out of spirits, and why in such a hurry P. Whence come you ? CHAE. What, I ? I'faith, I neither know whence I’m come, nor whither I’m going ; so utterly have I lost myself. PAR. How, pray P CHAE. I’m in love. PAR. (starting.) Ha! CHAE. Now, Parmeno, you may show what sort of a man you are. You know that you often promised me to this effect : “Chaerea, do you only find some object to fall in love with ; I'll make you sensible of my usefulness in such matters,” when I used to be storing up my father's provi- sions for you on the sly in your little room." PAR. To the point, you simpleton. CHAE. Upon my faith, this is the fact. Now, then, let your promises be made good, if you please, or if indeed the affair is a deserving one for you to exert your energies fupon. The girl isn’t like our girls, whom their mothers are anxious to have with shoulders kept down, and chests well * In your little room)—Wer. 310. Though “ cellulam ” seems to be considered by some to mean “cupboard” or “larder,” it is more pro- bable that it here signifies the little room which was appropriated to each slave in the family for his own use. -- - G 2 84 EUNUCHUs; - Act II. girthed,” that they may be slender. If one is a little inclined to plumpness, they declare that she's training for a boxer,” and stint her food; although their constitutions are good, by their treatment they make them as slight as bulrushes; and so for that reason they are admired, for- sooth. - PAR. What sort of a girl is this one of yours? CHAE. A new style of beauty. - PAR. (ironically.) Astounding ! CHAE. Her complexion genuine,” her flesh firm and full of juiciness.” PAR. Her age? CHAE. Her age P. Sixteen. PAR. The very flower of youth.” CHAE. Do you make it your care to obtain her for me either by force, stealth, or entreaty ; so that I only gain her, it matters not how to me. Shoulders kept down and chests well girthed)—Wer. 314. Ovid, in the Art of Love, B. iii., i. 274, alludes to the “strophium ” or “girth" nere referred to : “For high shoulders, small pads are suitable; and let the girth encircle the bosom that is too prominent.” Becker thinks that the “strophium” was different from the “fascia” or “stomacher,” mentioned in the Remedy of Love, l. 338 : “Does a swelling bosom cover all her breast, let no stomacher conceal it.” From Martial we learn that the “strophium ” was made of leather. & Training for a boxer) –Wer. 315. “Pugilem.” This means “robust as a boxer,” or “athlete.” These persons were naturally considered as the types of robustness, being dieted for the purpose of increasing their flesh and muscle. * Compleasion genuine) — Ver. 318. “Color verus.” The same expression is used by Ovid, in the Art of Love, B. iii., l. 164: “Et melior vero quaeritur arte color:” “And by art a colour is sought superior to the genuine one.” - * Full of juiciness)—Wer. 318. “Succi plenum.” A similar expres. sion occurs in the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus, l. 787, where Peripleco- menus wishes enquiry to be made for a woman who is “siccam, at staccidam,” “sober, but full of juice : ” i.e. replete with the plumpness and activity of youth. * The very flower of youth)—Wer. 319. Ovid makes mention of the “flos” or “bloom” of youth, Art or Love, B. ii., l. 663: “And don’t you enquire what year she is now passing, nor under what Consulship she was born ; a privilege which the rigid Censor possesses. And unis, cºpecially, if she has passed the bloom of youth, and her best years arc fied, and she now pulls out the whitening hairs.” . So, V. THE EUNUCH. - 85. PAR. Well, but to whom does the damsel belong? CHAE. That, i'faith, I don’t know. PAR. Whence did she come P CHAE. That, just as much. PAR. Where does she live P CHAE. Nor yet do I know that. BAR. Where did you see her ? CHAE. In the street. s PAR. How did you come to lose her ? - CHAE. Why, that's what I was just now fretting myself about ; and I do not believe that there is one individual to whom all good luck is a greater stranger than to myself. What ill fortune this is I’m utterly undone! PAR. What's the matter P s CHAE. Do you ask me? Do you know Archidemides, my father's kinsman and years'-mate P PAR. Why not? CHAE. He, while I was in full pursuit of her, met me. PAR. Unseasonably, upon my faith. CHAE. Aye, unhappily, rather; for other ordinary matters are to be called “unseasonable,” Parmeno. It would be safe for me to make oath that I have not seen him for fully these six or seven months, until just now, when I least wanted, and there was the least occasion. Come now! isn't this like a fatality? What do you say? PAR. Extremely so. CHAE. At once he came running up to me, from a consider- able distance, stooping, palsied, hanging his lip, and wheezing. “Hallo, Chaereal hallo!” said he ; “I’ve something to say to you.” I stopped. “Do you know what it is I want with you?” said he “Say on,” said I. “To-morrow my cause comes on,” said he. “What then?” “Be sure and tell your father to remember and be my advocate" in the 1 Be my advocate)—Wer. 340. “Advocatus.” It must be remem- bered that this word did not among the Romans bear the same sense as the word “advocate” does with us. The “advocati” were the friends of a man who accompanied him when his cause was pleaded, and often per- formed the part of witnesses; those who assisted a person in a dispute or difficulty were also his “advocati,” and in this respect distantly resembled the “second” or “friend” of a party in the modern duel. In the Phormio, Hegio, Cratinus, and Crito are introduced as the “advocati' 86 EUMUCHUs; Act II, morning.” In talking of this, an hour elapsed." I enquired if he wanted anything else. “That's all,” said he. I left lim. When I looked in this direction for the damsel, she had that very instant turned this way down this street of ours. PAR. (aside.) It's a wonder if he doesn’t mean her who has Just now been made a present of to Thais here. CHAE. When I got here, she was nowhere to be seen. PAR. Some attendants, I suppose, were accompanying the girlf x- CHAE. Yes; a Parasite, and a female servant. PAR. (apart.) It's the very same. (To CHAEREA.) It's all over with you; make an end of it; you’ve said your last.” CHAE. You are thinking about something else. PAR. Indeed I'm thinking of this same matter. CHAE. Pray, tell me, do you know her, or did you see her? PAR. I did see, and I do know her; I am aware to what house she has been taken. CHAE. What, my dear Parmeno, do you know her, and are you aware where she is? PAR. She has been brought here (pointing) to the house of Thais the Courtesan.” She has been made a present to her. CHAE. What opulent person is it, to be presenting a gift so precious as this? PAR. The Captain Thraso, Phaedria's rival. of Demipho. See also the Paenulus of Plautus, and the Notes to that Play in Bohn's Translation. | An hour elapsed)—Wer. 341. “Hora” is here used to signify the long time, that, in his impatience, it appeared to him to be. * It's all over with you, -you've said your last)—Wer. 347. “Ilicet” and “conclamatum est,” are words of mournful import, which were used with regard to the funeral rites of the Romans. “Ilicet,” “ you may begone,” was said aloud when the funeral was concluded. “Concla- mare,” implied the ceremony of calling upon the dead person by name, before light was set to the funeral pile ; on no answer being given, he was concluded to be really dead, and the pile was set fire to amid the cries of those present : “conclamatum est” would consequently signify that all hope has gone, w * Thais the Courtesan)—Wer. 352. Cooke remarks here, somewhat hypercritically as it would seem : “Thais is not called ‘ meretrix,’ here opprobiously, but to distinguish her from other ladies of the same namo, who were not of the same profession.” * S3, W. -- * THE EUNUch. 87 CHAE. An unpleasant business for my brother, it should Seem. PAR. Aye, and if you did but know what present he is pitting against this present, you would say so still more. CHAE. Troth now, what is it, pray? - PAR. A. Eunuch." CHAE. What! that unsightly creature, pray, that he pur- :hased yesterday, an old woman? PAR. That very same. CHAE. To a certainty, the gentleman will be bundled out of doors, toget, er with his present; but I wasn't aware that this Thais is our neighbour. PAR. It isn’t long since she came. CHAE. Unhappy wretch that I am! never to have seen her, even. Come now, just tell me, is she as handsome as she is reported to be?” ! 4 PAR. Quite. CHAE. But nothing in comparison with this damsel of mine? PAR. Another thing altogether. - CHAE. Troth now, Parmeno, prithee do contrive for me to gain possession of her. - PAR. I’ll do my best, and use all my endeavours; I'll lend you my assistance. (Going.) Do you want anything else with me? CHAE. Where are you going now? PAR. Home; to take those slaves to Thais, as your brother ordered me. CHAE. Oh, lucky Eunuch that! really, to be sent as a present to that house! * A Eunuch—Wer. 356. Eunuchs formed part of the establishment of wealthy persons, who, in imitation of the Eastern nobles, confided the charge of their wives, daughters, or mistresses to them. Though Thais would have no such necessity for his services, her wish to imitate the “reginae,” or “great ladies,” would make him a not unacceptable present. See the Addresses of Ovid to the Eunuch Bagotis in the Amours, B. ii., El. 2, 3. * As she is reported to be)—Wer. 361. Donatus remarks this as an instance of the art of Terence, in preserving the probability of Chaerea's being received for the Eunuch. He shows hereby that he is so entirely a stranger to the family that he does not even know the person of Thais. It is also added that she has not been long in the neighbour- hood, and he has been on duty at the Piraeus. The meaning of his regret is, that. not knowing Thais, he will not have an opportunity ol Seeing the girl. - 88 EUNUCHUS; Act II., Sc. W. PAR. Why so? CHAE. Do you ask? He will always see at home a fellow- servant of consummate beauty, and be conversing with her ; he will be in the same house with her; sometimes he will take his meals with her; sometimes sleep near her. PAR. What now, if you yourself were to be this fortunate person? * CHAE. By what means, Parmeno? Tell me. BAR. To you assume his dress. CHAE. His dress! Well, what then? JPAR. I’ll take you there instead of him. CHAE. (musing.) I hear you. PAR. I’ll say that you are he. CHAE. I understand you. PAR. You may enjoy those advantages which you just now said he would enjoy; you may take your meals together with her, be in company with her, touch her, dally with her, and sleep by her side; as not one of these women is acquainted with you, nor yet knows who you are. Besides, you are of an age and figure that you may easily pass for a eunuch. - CHAE. You speak to the purpose; I never knew better counsel given. Well, let's go in at once; dress me up, take me away, lead me to her, as fast as you can. PAR. What do you mean? Really, I was only joking. CHAE. You talk nonsense. PAR. I’m undone! Wretch that I am what have I done? (CHAEREA pushes him along.) Whither are you pushing me? You'll throw me down presently. I entreat you, be quiet. CHAE. Let's be off. (Pushes him.) PAR. Do you still persist P CHAE. I am resolved upon it. PAR. Only take care that this isn't too rash a project. CHAE. Certainly it isn’t ; let me alone for that. - PAR. Aye, but I shall have to pay the penalty" for this? CHAE. Pshaw | Have to pay the penalty)—Wer. 381. “In me cudetur faba,” literally, “the bean will be struck” or “laid about me;” meaning, “I shall have to smart for it.” There is considerable doubt what is the origin of this expression, and this doubt existed as early as the time of Donatus. He says that it was a proverb either taken from the threshing of beans with a flail by the countrymen; or else from the circumstance of Act III., Sc.I. THE EUNUCH. 89 PAR. We shall be guilty of a disgraceful action. CHAE. What, is it disgraceful” to be taken to the house of a Courtesan, and to return the compliment upon those tor- mentors who treat us and our youthful age so scornfully, and who are always tormenting us in every way;-to dupe them just as we are duped by them P Or is it right and proper that in preference my father should be wheedled out of his money by deceitful pretexts? Those who knew of this would blame me ; while all would think the other a meritorious act. PAR. What's to be done in such case ? If you are deter- mined to do it, you must do it : but don't you by-and-by be throwing the blame upon me. CHAE. I shall not do so. PAR. Do you order me, then P CHAE. I order, charge, and command you; I will never disavow my authorizing you. - PAR. Follow me ; may the Gods prospel it! (They go into the house of LACHES.) ACT THE THIRD. SCENE I. IEnter THRASO and GNATHo. THRA. Did Thais really return me many thanks P GNA. Exceeding thanks. THRA. Was she delighted, say you? GNA. Not so much, indeed, at the present itself, as because it was given by you; really, in right earnest, she does exult at that. the cooks who have dressed the beans, but have not moistened them suffi- ciently, being sure to have them thrown at their heads, as though for the purpose of softening them. Neither of these solutions seems so probable as that suggested by Madame Dacier, that dried beans were inserted in the thongs of the “scuticae,” or “whips,” with which the slaves were beaten. According to others the knots in the whips were only called “fabae,” from their resemblance to beans. ! Is it disgraceful)—Wer. 382. Donatus remarks that here Terence obliquely defends the subject of the Play. 90 EUNucius ; Act III. Jºnfer PARMENO unseen, from LACHEs’ house. PAR (apart.) I've come here to be on the look-out, that when there is an opportunity I may take the presents. But See, here's the Captain. THRA. Undoubtedly it is the case with me, that everything I do is a cause for thankfulness. GNA. Upon my faith, I’ve observed it. THRA. The most mighty King," even, always used to give me especial thanks for whatever I did ; but not so to others. GNA. He who has the wit that you have, often by his words appropriates to himself the glory that has been achieved by the labour of others. THRA. You've just hit it.” GNA. The king, then, kept you in his eye.” THRA. Just so. G.NA. To enjoy your society. THRA. True; he entrusted to me all his army, all his state Secrets. * The most mighty King)—Wer. 397. It has been suggested that Darius III. is here alluded to, who was a contemporary of Menander. As however Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, is mentioned in this Play, there is no necessity to go out of the way to make Terence guilty of an anachronism. Madame Dacier suggests that Seleucus, king of part of Asia Minor, is meant; and as Thraso is called “a stranger” or “foreigner” towards the end of the Play, he probably was intended to be represented as a native of Asia and a subject of Seleucus. One of the Seleuci was also favoured with the services of Pyrgopolinices, the “Braggart Captain ’’ of Plautus, in the Miles Gloriosus. See 1. 75 in that Play: “For King Seleucus entreated me with most earnest suit that I would raise and enlist recruits for him.” 2 You've just hit it)—Wer. 401. Colman here remarks, quoting the following passage from Shakspeare’s “Love's Labour Lost,” “That that Poet was familiarly acquainted with this Comedy is evident from the passage, ‘Holofernes says, Novi hominem tanquam te. His humour is lofty, his discourse peremptory, his tongue filed, his eye ambitious, his gait majestical, and his general behaviour vain, ridiculous, and Thrasonical.’” We may remark that the previous words of Gnatho, though spoken with reference to the King, contain a reproach against the Captain's boastfulness, though his vanity will not let him perceive it. * In his eye) — Wer. 401. “In oculis” is generally supposed to mean “as dearly in his eyes.” As, however, the Satraps of the East were called “the king's eyes,” those who suppose that Darius is alluded to, might with some ground consider the passage as meaning that the king ranked him in the number of his nobles. See the Paenulus of Plautus, l. 693, and the Note in Bohu's Translation. Sc.I. THE EUNUCH, 91 GNA. Astonishing! THRA. Then if, on any occasion, a surfeit of society, or a dislike of business, came upon him, when he was desirous to take some recreation ; just as though—you understand?" GNA. I know ; just as though on occasion he would rid his mind of those anxieties. THRA. You have it. Then he used to take me asido as his only boon companion. GNA. Whew You are telling of a King of refined taste. THRA. Aye, he is a person of that sort ; a man of but very few acquaintanceships. GNA. (aside.) Indeed, of none,” I fancy, if he's on intimate terms with you. - THRA. All the people envied me, and attacked me privately. I didn't care one straw. They envied me dreadfully; but one in particular, whom the King had appointed over the Indian elephants.” Once, when he became particularly trou- blesome, “Prithee, Strato,” said I, “are you so fierce because you hold command over the wild beasts?” GNA. Cleverly said, upon my faith, and shrewdly. Astound- ing ! You did give the fellow a home thrust. What said he? THRA. Dumbfounded, instantaneously. GNA. How could he be otherwise P PAR. (apart.) Ye Gods, by our trust in you! a lost and miserable fellow the one, and the other a scoundrel. THRA. Well then, about that matter, Gnatho, the way in which I touched up the Rhodian at a banquet—did I never tell you? * You understand)—Wer. 405. He says this at the very moment when he is at a loss what to say next; the Parasite obligingly steps in to help him out with the difficulty. * Indeed, of none)—Wer. 410. “Immo, nullorum arbitror, si tecum vivit.” This expression which is used “aside,” has two meanings, neither of which is complimentary to the Captain. It may mean, “he has no society if he associates with you,” making the Captain equivalent to nobody; or it may signify, “if he associates with you he'll be sure to drive all his other acquaintances away.” * Over the Indian elephants)—Wer. 413. Here he shows his lofty position to perfection ; he dares to take down the pride of one who com- manded even the royal elephants. The Braggart Captain of Plautus comes into collision with the elephants themselves: 1. 26. Artotrogus says to him, “In what a fashion it was you broke the fore leg of even an elephant in India with your fisi. ." 92 BUNUCHUs; Act III. GNA. Never; but pray, do tell me. (Aside.) I’ve heard it more than a thousand times already. THRA. There was in my company at a banquet, this young man of Rhodes, whom I’m speaking of. By chance I had a mistress there ; he began to toy with her, and to annoy me. “What are you doing, sir impudence?” said I to the fellow; “a hare yourself, and looking out for game P” GNA. (pretending to laugh very heartily.) Ha, ha, ha! THRA. What's the matter? - e GNA. How apt, how smart, how clever; nothing could be more excellent. Prithee, was this a saying of yours ? I fancied it was an old one. THRA. Did you ever hear it before ? GNA. Many a time ; and it is mentioned among the first- rate Ones. THRA. It's my own. GNA. I’m sorry though that it was said to a thoughtless young man, and one of respectability. PAR. (apart.) May the Gods confound you! GNA. Pray, what did he do? THRA. Quite disconcerted. All who were present were dying with laughter; in short, they were all quite afraid of me. GNA. Not without reason. THRA. But hark you, had I best clear myself of this to Thais, as to her suspicion that I’m fond of this girl? GNA. By no means: on the contrary, rather increase her jealousy. THRA. Why so? GNA. Do you ask me? Don't you see, if on any occasion she makes mention of Phaedria or commends him, to provoke you * Looking out for game 2)—Wer. 426. “Pulmentum,” more strictly speaking, “A nice bit.” Patrick has the following Note on this passage : “‘Lepus tute es, et pulmentum quaeris?' A proverbial ex- pression in use at that time : the proper meaning of it, stripped of its figure, is, “You are little more than a woman yourself, and do you want a mistress!’” We learn from Donatus and Vopiscus, that Livius Androni- cus had used this proverb in his Plays before Terence. Commentators who enter into a minute explanation of it offer many conjectures rather curious than solid, and of a nature not fit to be mentioned here. Donatus seems to think that allusion is made to a story prevalent among the ancient naturalists that the hare was in the habit of changing its sex. Sc. II. THE EUNUCH. 93 THRA. I understand. GNA. That such may not be the case, this method is the only remedy. When she speaks of Phaedria, do you instantly mention Pamphila. If at any time she says, “Ilet’s invite Phaedria to make one,” do you say, “Let's ask Pamphita to sing.” If she praises his good looks, do you, on the other hand, praise hers. In short, do you return like for like, which will mortify her. THRA. If, indeed, she loved me," this might be of some use, Gnatho. - GNA. Since she is impatient for and loves that which you give her, she already loves you; as it is, then, it is an easy matter for her to feel vexed. She will be always afraid lest the presents which she herself is now getting, you may on some occasion be taking elsewhere. THRA. Well said ; that never came into my mind. GNA. Nonsense. You never thought about it ; else how much more readily would you yourself have hit upon it, Thrasol SCENE II. Enter THAIs from her house, attended by PYTHIAs. THAIs. (as she comes out.) I thought I just now heard the Captain's voice. And look, here he is. Welcome, my dear Thraso. THRA. O my Thais, my sweet one, how are you? How much do you love me in return for that music girl? PAR. (apart.) How polite! What a beginning he has made on meeting her THAIs. Very much, as you deserve. GNA. Let's go to dinner then. (To THRASO.) What do you stand here for P PAR. (apart.) Then there's the other one : you would declare that he was born for his belly's sake. " If, indeed, she loved me)—Wer. 446. Colman has the following Note upon this passage: “I am at a loss to determine whether it was in order to show the absurdity of the Captain or from inadvertence in the l'oet, that Terence here makes Thraso and Gnatho speak in contradic- tion to the idea of Thais's wonderful veneration for Thraso, with which they opened the Scene.” 94 EUNUCHUs; Act III. THRA. When you please ; I shan’t delay. PAR. (apart.) I'll accost them, and pretend as though I had just come out. (He comes forward.) Are you going any- where, Thais ? THAIs. Ha! Parmeno; well done; just going out for the day. PAR. Where ! hi º (aside, pointing at THRAso.) Why I don't you see IIIl PAR. (aside.) I see him, and I’m sorry for it. (Aloud.) Phaedria's presents are ready for you when you please. THRA. (impatiently.) Why are we to stand here 2 Why don't we be off? - PAR (to THRAso.) Troth now, pray, do let us, with your leave, present to her the things we intend, and accost and speak to her. THRA. (ironically.) Very fine presents, I suppose, or at least equal to mine. PAR. The fact will prove itself. (Goes to the door of LACHES' house and calls.) Ho there ! bid those people come out of doors at once, as I ordered. Fnter from the house a BLACK GIRL. PAR. Do you step forward this way. (ToTHAIs.) She comes all the way from AEthiopia. THRA. (contemptuously.) Here are some three minae in value. GNA. Hardly so much. PAR. Where are you, Dorus P Step this way. Bnter CHAEREA from the house, dressed like the EUNUCH. PAR. There's a Eunuch for you—of what a genteel appear- ancel of what a prime age THAIs. God bless me, he's handsome. PAR. What say you, Gnatho P Do you see anything to find fault with ? And what say you, Thraso F (Aside.) They hold their tongues; they praise him sufficiently thereby. (To THAIS.) Make trial of him in literature, try him in exercises. * In eacercises)—Wer. 477. Reference will be found made to the t palaestrae,” or “places of exercise,” in the Notes to the Translation of lautus. * - Sc. II. TEIE EUNUCH. 95 and in music; I'll warrant him well skilled in what it becomes a gentleman to know. THRA. That Eunuch, if occasion served," even in my sober Senses, I PAR. And he who has sent these things makes no request that you will live for him alone, and that for his own sake others may be excluded; he neither tells of battles nor shows his scars, nor does he restrict you as (looking at THRASo) a certain person does; but when it is not inconve- nient, whenever you think fit, whenever you have the time, he is satisfied to be admitted. THRA. (to GNATHo, contemptuously.) It appears that this is the servant of some beggarly, wretched master. GNA. Why, faith, no person, I’m quite sure of that, could possibly put up with him, who had the means to get another. PAR. You hold your tongue—a fellow whom I consider beneath all men of the very lowest grade : for when you can bring yourself to flatter that fellow (pointing at THRASO), I do believe you could pick your victuals out of the very flames.” THRA. Are we to go now P THAIs. I’ll take these in-doors first (pointing to CHAEREA and the AETHIOPIAN), and at the same time I’ll order what I wish ; after that I’ll return immediately. (Goes into the house with PYTHIAS, CHAEREA, and the SLAVE) THRA. (to GNATHo). I shall be off. Do you wait for her. PAR. It is not a proper thing for a general to be walk- ing in the street with a mistress. THRA. Why should I use many words with you? You are the very ape of your master. (Exit PARMENO. GNA. (laughing.) Ha, ha, ha! * If occasion served)—Wer. 479. The Aposiopesis in this line is very aptly introduced, on account of the presence of the female; but it admirably illustrates the abominable turpitude of the speaker and perhaps in a somewhat more decent manner than that in which Plautus attributes a similar tendency to his Braggart Captain, l. 1111. * Out of the very flames)—Wer. 491. This was a proverb expressive of the lowest degree of meanness and infamy. When they burned the bodies of the dead, it was the custom of the ancients to throw meat and various articles of food upon the funeral pile, and it was considered the greatest possible affront to tell a person that he was capable of snatch- ing these things out of whe tialaes. 96 EUNUCHUs; Act III. THRA. What are you laughing at P GNA. At what you were mentioning just now ; that saying, too, about the Rhodian, recurred to my mind. But Thais is coming out. THRA. You go before ; take care that every thing is ready at home. GNA. Very well. (Erit. Re-enter THAIs, with PYTHIAs and FEMALE ATTENDANTs. THAIS. Take care, Pythias, and be sure that if Chremes should happen to come,” to beg him to wait; if that is not convenient, then to come again; if he cannot do that, bring him to me. - |PYTH. T’ll do so. THAIS. Well, what else was I intending to say? O, do you take particular care of that young woman ; be sure that you keep at home. THRA. Let us begone. THAIS. (to her attendants.) You follow me. (Ereunt THAIS and THRASO, followed by the Attendants. PYTHIAs goes into the house.) SCENE III. Enter CHREMEs. CHREM, (to himself) Why, really, the more and more I think of it, I shouldn’t be surprised if this Thais should be doing me some great mischief; so cunningly do I perceive myself beset by her. Even on the occasion when she first requested me to be fetched to her (any one might ask me, “What business had you with her ?” Really I don’t know.) When I came, she found an excuse for me to remain there ; she said that she had been offering a sacri- fice,” and that she was desirous to speak upon some im- portant business with me. Even then I had a suspicion ! If Chremes should happen to come)—Wer. 501. This is the first allusion to the arrangement which ultimately causes the quarrel between Thais and the Captain. * Had been offering a sacrifice)—Wer. 513. It was the custom to sacrifice before entering on affairs of importance Thus, too, Jupiter, in the Amphitryon of Plautus, 1.938, speaks of offering sacrifice on his safe returu. p Sc. IV. - THE EUNUCH. 97 that all these things were being done for her artful purposes. She takes her place beside me; pays every attention to me; seeks an opportunity of conversation. When the conversation flagged, she turned off to this point—how long since my father and mother died ? I said that it was now a long time ago. Whether I had any country-house at Sunium, and how far from the sea P T suppose that this has taken her fancy, and she expects to get it away from me. Then at last, whether any little sister of mine had been lost from there; whether any person was with her; what she had about her when she was lost ; whether any one could recognize her. Why should she make these enquiries? Unless, perhaps, she pretends—so great is her assurance—that she herself is the same person that was formerly lost when a little girl. But if she is alive, she is sixteen years old, not older; whereas Thais is somewhat older than I am. She has sent to press me earnestly to come. Either let her speak out what she wants, or not be troublesome ; I assuredly shall not come a third time (knocking at the door of THAIs). Ho! there, ho! there ! Is any one here P It's I, Chremes. SCENE IV. £nter PYTHIAS from the house. PYTH. O most charming, dear creature! CHREM. (apart.) I said there was a design upon me. PYTH. Thais entreated you most earnestly to come again to-morrow. - CHREM. I’m going into the country. PYTH. Do, there's a dear sir. CHREM. I cannot, I tell you. PYTH. Then stay here at our house till she comes back. CHREM. Nothing less likely. PYTH. Why, my dear Chremes? (Taking hold of him.) CHREM. (shaking her off.) Away to perdition with you! PYTH. If you are so determined about it, pray do step over to the place where she is. CHREM. I’ll go there. FI 98 EUNUCHUs; Act III. PYTH. (calling at the door.) Here, Dorias (DoRIAs enters), show this person directly tº the Captain's. (Earit CHREMEs with DoltiAs, PYTHIAs goes into the house. SCENE W. lºnter ANTIPHO. ANT. (to himself) Yesterday some young fellows of us agreed together at the Piraeus that we were to go shares to- day in a club-entertainment. We gave Chaerea charge of this matter; our rings were given" as pledges; the place and time arranged. The time has now gone by ; at the place appointed there was nothing ready. The fellow himself is nowhere to be met with; I neither know what to say nor what to sup- pose. Now the rest have commissioned me with this busi- ness, to look for him. I’ll go see, therefore, if he's at home. Tłut who's this, I wonder, coming out of Thais's P Is it he, or is it not ? 'Tis the very man! What sort of being is this? What kind of garb is this? What mischief is going on now P I cannot sufficiently wonder or conjecture. But, whatever it is, I should like first at a distance to try and find out. (He stands apart.) SCENE VI. Fnter CHEREA from the house of Thais, in the EUNUCH's dress. - CHAE. (looking around, then aloud to himself) Is there anybody here P. There's no one. Is there any one following me from there P There's not a person. Now am I not at liberty to give vent to these raptures? O supreme Jupiter ° Our rings were given)—Wer. 541. It was the custom of parties who agreed to join in a “symbola,” or “club" or “pic-nic” entertain- ment, to give their rings as pledges to the “rex convivii,” or “getter up the feast." Stakes were also deposited on making bets at races. See Ovid's Art of Love, B. i., l. 168. Se, WI. THE EUNUCII. 99 now assuredly is the time for me to meet my death,” when I can so well endure it; lest my life should sully this ecstacy with some disaster. But is there now no inquisitive person to be intruding upon me, to be following me wherever I go, to be deafening me, worrying me to death, with asking ques- tions; why thus transported, or why so overjoyed, whither I’m going, whence I’m come, where I got this garb, what is my object, whether I’m in my senses or whether downright mad? ANT. (apart.) I'll accost him, and I’ll do him the favour which I see he's wishing for. (Accosting him.) Chaerea, why are you thus transported P. What's the object of this garb P Why is it that you're so overjoyed P What is the meaning of this? Are you quite right in your senses? Why do you stare at me P What have you to say? CHAE. O joyous day! O welcome, my friend | There's not one in all the world whom I would rather wish to see at this moment than yourself. ANT. Pray, do tell me what all this means. CHAE. Nay rather, ifaith, I beg of you to listen to me. Do you know the mistress whom my brother is so fond of? ANT. I know her; I suppose you mean Thais? CHREM. The very same. ANT. So far I recollect. CHAE. To-day a certain damsel was presented to her. Why now should I extol or commend her beauty to you, Antipho, since you yourself know how nice a judge of beauty I am P. I have been smitten by her. ANT. Do you say so P CHAE. If you saw her, I am sure you would say she's exquisite. What need of many words? I fell in love with her. By good luck there was at our house a certain Eunuch, whom my brother had purchased for Thais, and he had not as yet been sent to her. On this occasion, Parmeno, our servant, made a suggestion to me, which I adopted. * To meet my death)—Wer. 550. There is a passage in the Othello of Shakspeare extremely similar to this: “If I were now to die, I were now to be most happy; for, I fear, My soul hath her content so absolute, That not another comfort, like to this, Succeeds in unknown fate.” t I00 s EUNUCHUS; Act III. ANT. What was it, P CHAE. Be quiet, and you shall hear the sooner; to change clothes with him, and order myself to be taken there in his stead. - ANT. What, instead of the Eunuch P CHAE. The fact. ANT. To receive what advantage, pray, from this plan? CHAE. Do you ask? That I might see, hear, and be in company with her whom I loved, Antipho. Is that a slight motive, or a poor reason P I was presented to the woman. She, as soon as she received me, joyfully took me home to her house and entrusted the damsel—— ANT. To whom P To you? CHAE. To me. ANT. (ironically.) In perfect safety, at all events, CHAE. She gave orders that no male was to come near her, and commanded me not to stir away from her; that I was to remain alone with her in the inner apartments." Tooking bashfully on the ground, I nodded assent. ANT. (ironically.) Poor fellow ! CHAE. (continuing.) “I am going out,” said she, “to dinner.” She took her maids with her; a few novices of girls” re- mained, to be about her. These immediately made prepara- tions for her to bathe. I urged them to make haste. While preparations were being made, the damsel sat in a room looking up at a certain painting,” in which was represented how Jove" is said once to have sent a golden shower into the bosom of Danaë. I myself began to look at it as well, and In the inner apartments)—Wer. 579. The “Gynecaea,” or women's apartments, among the Greeks, always occupied the interior part of the house, which was most distant from the street, and there they were kept in great seclusion. 2 A few novices of girls)—Wer. 582. These “noviciae" were young slaves recently bought, and intended to be trained to the calling of a Courtesan. * At a certain painting)—Wer. 584. See the story of Jupiter and Danaë, the daughter of Acrisius, king of Argos, in the Metamorphoses of Ovid, B. iv., l. 610. Pictures of Venus and Adonis, and of Jupiter and Ganymede, are mentioned in the Menaechmi of Plautus; 1. 144, and paintings on the walls are also mentioned in the Mostellaria of Plautus, 1. 821, where Tranio tries to impose upon Theuropides by pretending to point out a picture of a crow between two vultures. * How Jove)—Wer. 584. Donatus remarks here that this was “a very Sc. VI. THE EUsuch. 101 as he had in former times played the like game, I felt extremely delighted that a God should change himself into money, and slily come through the tiles of another person's house, to deceive the fair one by means of a shower. But what God was this? He who shakes the most lofty temples of heaven with his thunders. Was I, a poor creature of a mortal," not to do the same P Certainly, I was to do it, and without hesitation. While I was thinking over these matters with myself, the damsel meantime was fetched away to bathe; she went, bathed, and came back ; after which they laid her on a couch. I stood waiting to see if they gave me any orders. One came up, “Here, Dorus,” said she, “take this fan,” and let her have a little air in this fashion, while we are bathing; when we have bathed, if you like, you may bathe too.” With a demure air I took it. ANT. Really, I should very much have liked to see that impudent face of yours just then, and what figure a great donkey like you made, holding a fan CHAE. (continuing.) Hardly had she said this, when all, in a moment, betook themselves off: away they went to bathe, and chattered aloud;” just as the way is when masters are absent. Meanwhile, sleep overtook the damsel; I slily looked askance” proper piece of furniture for the house of a Courtesan, giving an example of loose and mercenary love, calculated to excite wanton thoughts, and at the same time hinting to the young lover that he must make his way to the bosom of his mistress, like Jupiter to Danaë, in a shower of gold. Oh the avarice of harlots l’ * A poor creature of a mortal)—Wer. 591. “Homuncio.” He uses this word the better to contrast his abject nature as a poor mortal with the majesty of Jupiter. St. Augustin refers to this passage. The pre- ceding line is said by Donatus to be a parody on a passage by Ennius. * Take this fan)—Wer. 595. As to the fans of the ancients, see the Trinummus of Plautus, l. 252, and the Note to the passage in Bohn's Translation. See also the Amours of Ovid, B. iii., El. 2, l. 38. * Chattered aloud)—Wer. 600. This line bears a strong resemblance to two lines found in Anstey's new Bath Guide : “And how the young ladies all set up their clacks, All the while an old woman was rubbing their backs.” * I slily looked askance)—Wer. 601. This way of looking aside, “limis,” is mentioned in the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus, where Mil- phidippa tells Acroteleutium to look at the Captain sideways, “Aspicito limis,” 1. 1217 ; also in the Bacchides, l. 1131. Those familiar with the works of Hogarth will readily call to mind the picture of Bedlam 102 EUNUCHUs; Act III, Sc. VI. through the fan; this way (showing how): at the same time I looked round in all directions, to see whether all was quite safe. I saw that it was. I bolted the door. ANT. What then P CHA. Eh P What then, you simpleton P ANT. I own I am. CHAE. Was I to let slip the opportunity offered me, so excel- lent, so short-lived,” so longed-for, so unexpected. In that case, i'faith, I really should have been the person I was pretending to be. ANT. Troth, you certainly are in the right ; but, meantime, what has been arranged about the club-entertainment P CHAE. All's ready. ANT. You are a clever hand; but where P. At your house P CHAE. No, at Discus's, our freedman. - ANT. That's a long way off. CHAE. Then let's make so much the greater haste. ANT. Change your dress. CHAE. Where am I to change it P I’m at a loss ; for at present I'm an exile from home ; I'm afraid of my brother, lest he should be in-doors: and then again of my father, lest he should have returned from the country by this. ANT. Let's go to my house ; there is the nearest place for you to change. CHAE. You say right. Let's be off; besides, I want to take counsel with you about this girl, by what means I may be able to secure the future possession of her. ANT. Very well. (Eaceunt. in the Rake's Progress, where the young woman is looking askance through her fan at the madman in his cell. ' Through the fan)—Wer. 602. This shows that the fan was pro- bably one made of thin boards, and not 6f feathers. * So short-lived)—Wer. 605. Colman has the following Note here: “Short indeed, considering the number of incidents, which, according to Chaerea's relation, are crowded into it. All the time allowed for this adventure is the short space between the departure of Thais and Thraso and the entrance of Chaerea; so that all this variety of business of sleeping, bathing, ravishing, &c., is despatched during the two soliloquies of Antipho and Chaerea, and the short Scene between Chremes and Pythias. The truth is, that a very close adherence to the unities often drives the Poet into as great absurdities as the perfect violation of them." Act IV., Sc. I, THE EUNUCH. 103 ACT THE FOURTH, SCENE I. Fºnter DoRIAs, with a casket in her hand. DoRIAs. (to herself.) So may the Gods bless me, but from what I have seen, I'm terribly afraid that this mad fellow will be guilty of some disturbance to-day or of some violence to Thais. For when this young man, the brother of the damsel, arrived, she begged the Captain to order him to be admitted; he immediately began to get into a passion, and yet didn't dare refuse ; Thais still insisted that he would invite the man in. This she did for the sake of detaining him ; because there was no opportunity just then of telling him what she wanted to disclose about her sister. He was invited in, and took his seat. Then she entered into discourse with him. But the Captain, fancying it was a rival brought before his very eyes, wanted in his turn to mortify her: “Hark you, boy,” said he, “go fetch Pamphila, that she may amuse us here.” She exclaimed, “At a banquet! Certainly not.” The Captain still persisted to a downright quarrel. Meanwhile my mistress secretly took off her golden fewels,” and gave them to me to take away: this is a sign, I’m sure, that she'll betake herself from there as soon as she possibly can. (Goes into the house. * Took off her golden jewels)—Wer. 627. This was probably because it was contrary to the laws of Athens for a Courtesan to appear with gold or jewels in the street. Madame Dacier suggests another reason, in which there is some force, although it is ridiculed by Cooke. Thais may have supposed that the Captain, when irritated, might not have scrupled to take them away from her. Indeed, nothing would be more probable, than that he would be ready to take them by way of security for the return of the slave, whom he had thus, to no purpose, presented to her. In reference to the preceding line, we may remark that it was not customary among the Greeks for females of good cha- racter to appear at table with strangers. :104 EUNUCIIUS; Act IV. SCENE II. JEnter PHAEDRIA. PHAED. (to himself) While I was going” into the country, I began on the road, as it mostly happens when there is any anxiety on the mind, to reflect with myself upon one thing after another, and upon everything in the worst light. What need of words? While I was musing thus, inadvertently I passed my country-house. I had already got some distance from it, when I perceived this; I returned again, really feeling quite uneasy ; when I came to the very turning that leads to the house, I came to a stop, and began to reason with myself; “What I must I stay here alone for two days without her ? Well, and what then? It's nothing at all. What P Nothing at all? Well now, if I haven't the privilege of touching her, am I not even to have that of seeing her ? If I may not do the one, at least I may the other. Surely to love at a distance” even, is better than nothing at all.” I purposely passed the house. But how’s this, that Pythias is suddenly hurrying out in such a fright P (Stands apart.) SUENE III. Inter PYTHIAs and DoRIAs in haste from the house of THAIs. PYTH. (aloud) Where, wretch that 1 am, shall I find this wicked and impious fellow P Or where look for him? * While I was going)—Wer. 629. Donatus remarks that here the Poet artfully finds a reason to bring Phaedria back again; as he at first with equal art sent him out of the way, to give probability to those incidents necessary to happen in his absence. * At a distance)—Wer. 640. “Extremä linea.” There have been many suggestions offered for the origin of this figurative expression. Some suggest that it alludes to the last or lowest stage of the supposed ladder of love; others that it refers to the first or elementary line traced by the student, when beginning to learn the art of painting. It is however more generally thought to be a metaphor taken from the chariot-races in the Circus, where, in going round the turning-place, he who was nearest was said “currere in primâ linea ;” the next, “in secundá " and so on to the last, who took the widest range, and was 8aid to run “in extremä linea.” Sc. III. THE EUNUCH. 105 That he should dare to commit so audacious a crime as this I’m ruined outright ! PHAED. (apart.) I dread what this may be. PYTH. Besides too, the villain, after he had abused the girl, rent all the poor thing's clothes, and tore her hair as well. - PHAED. (apart, in surprise.) Ha! PYTH. If he were just now in my reach, how eagerly would I fly at that villain's eyes with my nails! PHAED. (apart.) Really I can't imagine what disturbance has happened to us at home in my absence. I’ll accost them. (Going up to them.) What's the matter? Why in such haste? Or whom are you looking for, Pythias P PYTH. Why, Phaedria, whom should I be looking for P Away with you, as you deserve, with such fine presents of yours. - PHAED. What is the matter P PYTH. What, do you ask? The Eunuch you gave us, what confusion he has caused. Ile has ravished the girl whom the Captain made present of to my mistress. PHAED. What is it you say * PYTH. I’m ruined outright! PHAED. You are drunk. PYTH. I wish that they were so, who wish ill to me. DoRIAs. Oh, prithee, my dear Pythias, what a monstrous thing this is PHAED. You are out of your senses. How could a Eunuch possibly do this? PYTH, I know nothing about him : as to what he has done, the thing speaks for itself. The girl is in tears; and when you ask her what's the matter, she does not dare tell. But he, a precious fellow, is nowhere to be seen. To my sorrow I suspect too, that when he took himself off he carried something away from the house. . PHAED. I cannot enough wonder, whither this varlet can possibly have betaken himself to any distance from here; unless perhaps he has returned home to our house. PYTH. Pray, go and see whether he is there. PHRD, I’ll let you know immediately. (Goes into the house of LACHES.) 106 EUNUCHUS; Act IV DoRIAs. Ruined outright! Prithee, my dear, I never did so much as hear of a deed so abominable ! PYTH. Why, faith, I had heard that they were extremely fond of the women, but were incapable ; unfortunately what has happened never came into my mind; otherwise I should have shut him up somewhere, and not have entrusted the girl to him. SCENE TV. Fnter PHAEDRIA from the house of LACHES, with DORUs ºn CHAEREA's clothes. PHAED. (dragging him out.) Come out, you villain What, do you lag behind, you runaway P Out with you, you sorry bargain DORUS. (crying out.) Mercy, I do entreat you! PHAED. Oh, do look at that How the villain distorts his face. What means your coming back hither? Why this change of dress P What have you to say ? If I had delayed a moment, Pythias, I shouldn't have found him at home; he had just prepared, in this fashion, for flight. (pointing at his dress). PYTH. Have you caught the fellow, pray ? PHAED. Caught him, why not ? PYTH. O well done DoRIAs. Upon my faith that really is capital! PYTH. Where is he P PHAED. Do you ask the question ? Don't you see him P (Pointing to the EUNUCH.) PYTH. (staring about.) See whom, pray P PHAED. This fellow, to be sure (pointing). PyTH. What person is this? PHAED. The same that was brought to your house to-day. PYTH. Not one of our people has ever beheld this person with her eyes, Phaedria. PHAED. Not beheld him P PYTH. Prithee, did you fancy that this was he who was brought to our house? PHAED. Why, I had no other. Sc. IV. THE EUNUCH. 107 PYTH.. O dear! this one really isn't to be compared with the other. He was of a handsome and genteel appear- all Cé. PHAED. He seemed so, just then, because he was decked out in parti-coloured clothes: now he appears ugly, for this reason—because he hasn't got them on. PYTH. Prithee, do hold your tongue; as though indeed the difference was so trifling. A young man was brought to our house to-day, whom, really, Phaedria, you would have liked to look upon. This is a withered, antiquated, lethargic, old fellow, with a speckled complexion.” BHAED. (starting.) Hah! What tale is this P You'll so befool me that I shan’t know what I bought. (To DORUS.) How now, sirrah, did I not buy you? DoRUS. You did buy me. PYTH. Bid him answer me in my turn. PHAED. Question him. - PYTH. (to DORUs.) Did you come here to-day to our house P (DORUs shakes his head.) He says, no. But it was the other one that came, about sixteen years of age ; whom Parmeno brought with him. - PHAED. (to DORUs.) Well now, in the first place tell me this, where did you get that dress that you have on ? What, are you silent? Monster of a fellow, are you not going to speak? (Shakes him.) DORUS. Chaerea came. PHAED. What, my brother P DORUS. Yes. PHAED. When P DORUS. To-day. PHAED. How long since P TXORUS. Just now. PHAED. With whom P DORUS. With Parmeno. In parti-coloured clothes)—Wer. 683. It was the custom to dress Eunuchs in parti-coloured clothes of bright hue. Most probably it was from them that the ‘motley’ descended to the fools and buffoons of the Middle Ages. * With a speckled complexion)—Wer. 689. “Colore stellionino;” pro- bably having spots or freckles on his face like a “stellio” or * lizard.” 108 - EUNUCHUs; Act IV. PHAED. Did you know him before ? DoRUS, No. PHAED. How did you know he was my brother? - DORUS. Parmeno said he was. He gave me these clothes. PHAED. I’m undone ! DORUS. He himself put on mine; afterwards, they both went out together. º PYTH. Now are you quite satisfied that I am sober, and that we have told you no falsehood? Is it. now sufficiently evident that the girl has been ravished P PHAED. Avaunt, you beast, do you believe what he says? PyTH. What is there to believe P The thing speaks for itself. PHAED. (apart to DoRUs.) Step aside a little this way. Do you hear? (DoRUs steps aside.) A little further still. That will do. Now tell me this once more ; did Chaerea take your clothes off you? DoRUs. He did. PHAED. And did he put them on ? DoRUs. He did. PHAED. And was he brought here instead of you? DORUS. Yes. PHAED. Great Jupiter O wicked and audacious fellow! PYTH. Woe unto me! Now at last will you believe that we have been insulted in a disgraceful manner? PHAED. It is no wonder that you believe what the fellow says. (Aside.) What I’m to do I know not. (Aside to DoRUs.) Hark you, deny it all again. (Aloud.) Can I not this day extract the truth from you? Did you really see my brother Chaereaf DORUS. No. PHAED. He can't be brought to confess without being punished, I see : follow me this way. At one moment he affirms, at another denies. (Aside.) Ask pardon of me. DORUs. Indeed, I do entreat you, Phaedria. PHAED. (kicking him.) Be off in-doors. DORUS. Oh Oh PHAED. (aside.) How in any other fashion to get decently out of this I don't know ; for really it's all up with me. (Aloud, with pretended indignation.) Will you be trifling with me even here, you knave 2 (Follows DORUS into the house.) Sc, WI. THE EUNUCH, 109 SCENE W. PYTHIAs and DoRIAs. PyTH. Trm as certain that this is the contrivance of Parmeno as that I’m alive. DoRIAs. So it is, no doubt. PYTH. I'faith, I’ll find out a method to-day to be even with him. But now, what do you think ought to be done, Dorias P DoRIAs. Do you mean with regard to this girl? PYTH. Yes; whether I ought to mention it or be silent P DORIAs. Upon my word, if you are prudent, you won't know what you do know, either about the Eunuch or the girl's misfortune. By this method you’ll both rid yourself of all perplexity, and have done a service to her.” Say this only, that Dorus has run away. PYTH. I’ll do so. DoRIAs. But don’t I see Chremes? Thais will be here just now. PyTH. Why so? DORIAs. Because when I came away from there, a quarrel had just commenced between them. PYTH. Take in these golden trinkets; I shall learn from him what's the matter. (DoRIAs takes the casket into the house.) SCENE VI. IEnter CHREMEs, somewhat drunk. CHREM. Heyday! upon my faith, I’ve been bamboozled: the wine that I’ve drunk has got the upper hand. But, so long as I was reclining, how extremely sober I did seem to myself to be ; when I got up, neither feet nor senses were quite equal to their duty. PYTH. Chremes | Have done a service to her)—Wer. 722. Though some would have “illi,” here to refer to the damsel, and others again to Phaedria, it is pretty clear that Madame Dacier is right in suggesting that Thais is tlue person meant. 110 EUNUCHUS; Act IV. CHREM. (turning round.) Who's that ? What, Pythias; dear me, how much more charming you now seem to me than a short time since PYTH. Troth now, you are much more merry, that's certain. CHREM. Upon my faith, it is a true saying, that “Venus grows cold without Ceres and Bacchus.” But has Thais got here long before me? BYTH. Has she already come away from the Captain's P CHREM. A long time ago; an age since. There has been a most violent quarrel between them. PYTH. Did she say nothing about you following her P CHREM. Nothing at all; only, on going away, she gave me a nod. PYTH. Well now, wasn't that enough P CHREM. Why, I didn't know that she meant that, until the Captain gave me an explanation, because I was dull of comprehension ; for he bundled me out of the house. But look, here she is ; I wonder how it was I got here before her. SCENE VII. IEnter THAIs. THAIs. (to herself) I really do believe that he'll be here presently, to force her away from me. Let him come ; but if he touches her with a single finger, that instant his eyes shall be torn out. I can put up with his impertinences and his high-sounding words, as long as they remain words: but if they are turned into realities, he shall get a drubbing. CHREM. Thais, I’ve been here some time. THAIS, O my dear Chremes, you are the very person I was wanting. Are you aware that this quarrel took place on your account, and that the whole of this affair, in fact, bore reference to yourself? CHREM. To me? How so, pray ? THAIS. Because, while I’ve been doing my best to recover and restore your sister to you, this and a great deal more like it I’ve had to put up with. CHREM. Where is she P "WHAIS. At home, at my house. Sc. VII. THE EUNUCH. 111 CHREM. (starting.) Hall ! THAIs. What's the matter? She has been brought up in a manner worthy of yourself and of her. CHREM. What is it you say ? THAIs. That which is the fact. Her I present to you, nor do I ask of you any return for her. CHREM. Thanks are both felt and shall be returned in such way, Thais, as you deserve. THAIs. But still, take care, Chremes, that you don't lose her, before you receive her from me ; for it is she, whom the Captain is now coming to take away from me by force. Do you go, Pythias, and bring out of the house the casket with the tokens." CHREM. (looking down the side Scene.) Don't you see him, Thais ? PyTH. (to THAIs.) Where is it put P THAIS. In the clothes' chest. Tiresome creature, why do you delay ? (PYTHIAS goes into the house.) CHREM. What a large body of troops the Captain is bring- ing with him against you. Bless me ! THAIS. Prithee, are you frightened, my dear sir? CHREM. Get out with you. What, I frightened P. There's not a man alive less so. THAIS. Then now is the time to prove it. CHREM. Why, I wonder what sort of a man you take me to be. THAIS. Nay, and consider this too; the person that you have to deal with is a foreigner ; * of less influence than you, less known, and one that has fewer friends here. CHREM. I’m aware of that ; but it's foolish to run the risk of what you are able to avoid. I had rather we should prevent it, than, having received an injury, avenge ourselves | Casket with the tokens)—Wer. 752. It was the custom with the ancients when they exposed their children, to leave with them some pledge or token of value, that they might afterwards be recognized by means of them. The castastrophes of the Curculio, the Rudens, and other Plays of Plautus, are brought about by taking advantage of this circumstance. The reasons for using these tokens will be stated in a future Note. * Is a foreigner)—Wer. 758. And therefore the more unlikely to obtain redress from an Athenian tribunal. See the Andria, l. 811, and the Note to the passage. 112 EUNUCHUs, Act IV. upon him. Do you go in and fasten the door, while I run across hence to the Forum ; I should like us to have the aid of some legal adviser in this disturbance. (Moves, as if going.) THAIs. (holding him.) Stay. CHREM. Let me go, I'll be here presently. THAIs. There's no occasion, Chremes. Only say that she is your sister, and that you lost her when a little girl, and have now recognized her ; then show the tokens. Re-enter PYTHIAS from the house, with the trinkets. PyTH. (giving them to THAIs.) Here they are. THAIs. (giving them to CHREMEs.) Take them. If he offers any violence, summon the fellow to justice ; do you understand me? CHREM. Perfectly. THAIs. Take care and say this with presence of mind. CHREM. I’ll take care. - THAIs. Gather up your cloak. (Aside.) Undone! the very person whom I've provided as a champion, wants one himself. (They all go into the house.) SCENE VIII. Inter THRASo, followed by GNATHO, SANGA, and other Attendants. THRA. Am I to submit, Gnatho, to such a glaring affront as this being put upon me? I'd die sooner. Simalio, Donax. Syriscus, follow me! First, I’ll storm the house. GNA. Quite right. THRA. I’ll carry off the girl. GNA. Very good. THRA. I’ll give her own self a mauling. GNA. Very proper. THRA. (arranging the men.) Advance hither to the main body, Donax, with your crowbar ; you, Simalio, to the left wing; you, Syriscus, to the right. Bring up the rest ; where's the centurion Sanga, and his maniple of rogues? ! And his maniple)—Wer. 775. We learn from the Fasti of Ovid, B. iii., l. 117–8, that in early times the Roman armies carried bundles or wisps of hay upon poles by way of standards. “A long pole used to bear the elevated wisps, from which circumstanae the manipular soldie 3c, VIII. THE EUNUCH. 113 SAN. (coming forward.) See, here he is. THRA. What, you booby, do you think of fighting with a dishclout," to be bringing that here P SAN. What, I? I knew the valour of the general, and the prowess of the soldiers ; and that this could not possibly go on without bloodshed; how was I to wipe the wounds P THRA. Where are the others ? SAN. Plague on you, what others? Sannio is the only one left on guard at home. THRA. (to GNATHo.) Do you draw up your men in battle order; I'll be behind the second rank;” from that position I'll give the word to all. (Takes his place behind the second rank.) GNA. (aside.) That's showing prudence ; as soon as he has drawn them up, he secures a retreat for himself. THRA. (pointing to the arrangements.) This is just the way Pyrrhus used to proceed.” CHREMEs and THAIs appear above at a window. CHREM. Do you see, Thais, what plan he is upon P derives his name.” It appears from this passage, and from other authors, that to every troop of one hundred men a “manipulus” or wisp of hay (so called from “manum implere,” to “fill the hand,” as being “a handful”), was assigned as a standard, and hence in time the com- pany itself obtained the name of “manipulus,” and the soldier, a member of it, was called “manipularis.” The “centurio,” or “leader of a hundred,” was the commanding officer of the “manipulus.” * With a dishclout)—Wer. 776. “Peniculo.” This word meant a sponge fastened to a stick, or the tail of a fox or an ox, which was used as dusters or dishclouts are at the present day for cleaning tables, dishes, or even shoes. See the Menaechmi of Plautus, ver. 77 and 391. * Be behind the second rank)—Wer. 780. “Post principia.” The Captain, with that discretion which is the better part of valour, chooses the safest place in his army. The “principes” originally fought in the van, fronting the enemy, and behind them were the “hastati” and the “triarii.” In later times the “hastati” faced the enemy, and the “prin- cipes” were placed in the middle, between them and the “triarii;” but though no longer occupying the front place, they still retained that name. Thraso, then, places himself behind the middle line. * Pyrrhus used to proceed)—Ver. 782. He attempts to defend his cowardice by the example of Pyrrhus, the powerful antagonist of the Romans, and one of the greatest generals of antiquity. He might have more correctly cited the example of Xerxes, who, according to Justin, did occupy that position in his army. I 114 EUNUCHUs; Act IV. Assuredly, that advice of mine about closing the door was good. THAIs. He who now seems to you to be a hero, is in reality a mere vapourer; don’t be alarmed. THRA. (to GNATHo.) What seems best to you ? GNA. I could very much” like a sling to be given you just now, that you might pelt them from here on the sly at distance ; they would be taking to flight. | THRA. (to GNATHo.) But look (pointing), I see Thais there herself. GNA. How soon are we to fall to ? THRA. Hold (holding him back); it behoves a prudent person to make trial of everything before arms. How do you know but that she may do what I bid her without compulsion ? - GNA. Ye Gods, by our trust in you, what a thing it is to be wise ! I never come near you but what I go away from you the wiser. THRA. Thais, in the first place, answer me this. When I presented you that girl, did you not say that you would give yourself up to me alone for some days to come P THAIs. Well, what then P THRA. Do you ask the question? You, who have been and brought your lover under my very eyes? What busi- ness had you with him P. With him, too, you clandestinely betook yourself away from me. : THAIS. I chose to do so. THRA. Then give me back Pamphila; unless you had rather she were taken away by force. CHREM. Give her back to you, or you lay hands upon her? Of all the - - GNA. Ha! What are you about P Hold your tongue. THRA. What do you mean P Am I not to touch my own P CHREM. Your own, indeed, you gallows-bird!” * I could very much)—Wer. 785. Although Wollbehr gives these words to Gnatho, yet, judging from the context, and the words “ex occulto,” and remembering that Thais and Chremes are up at the window, there is the greatest probability that these are really the words of Thais addressed aside to Chremes. * You gallows-bird)—Wer, 797. “Furcifer;” literally, “bearer of the furca.” - Sc. VIII. THE EUNUCH, 115 GNA. (to CHREMEs.) Have a care, if you please. You don't know what kind of man you are abusing now. CHREM. (to GNATHo.) Won't you be off from here? Do you know how matters stand with you? If you cause any disturbance here to-day, I'll make you remember the place, and day, and me too, for the rest of your life. GNA. I pity you, who are making so great a man as this your enemy. CHREM. I’ll break your head this instant if you are not off. GNA. Do you really say so, puppy? Is it that you are at? THRA. (to CHREMEs.) What fellow are you? What do you mean? What business have you with her ? CHREM. I’ll let you know : in the first place, I assert that she is a freeborn woman. THRA. (starting.) Ha! CHREM. A citizen of Attica. THRA. Whew CHREM. My own sister. THRA. Brazen face | CHREM. Now, therefore, Captain, I give you warning; don't you use any violence towards her. Thais, I’m going to Sophrona, the nurse, that I may bring her here and shew her these tokens. THRA. What! Are you to prevent me from touching what's my own P CHREM. I will prevent it, I tell you. GNA. (to THRAso.) Do you hear him P. He is convicting himself of theft. Is not that enough for you ? THRA. Do you say the same, Thais ? THAIs. Go, find some one to answer you. (She and CHREMEs go away from the window.) THRA. (to GNATHo.) What are we to do now P GNA. Why, go back again : she'll soon be with you, of her own accord, to entreat forgiveness. THRA. Do you think so P GNA. Certainly, yes. I know the disposition of women: when you will, they won’t ; when you won’t, they set their hearts upon you of their own inclination. THRA. You judge right. GNA. Shall I dismiss the army then P THRA. Whenever you like. 116 EUNUCHUs; Act. W. GNA. Sanga, as befits gallant soldiers, take care in your turn to remember your homes and hearths. SAN. My thoughts have been for some time among the Baucepans. GNA. You are a worthy fellow. THRA. (putting himself at their head.) You follow me this way. (Exeunt omnes. ACT THE FIFTH. SCENE T. Enter THAIs from her house, followed by PythTAs. THAIs. What! do you persist, hussy, in talking ambi- guously to me? “I do know;” “I don't know ;” “he has gone off;” “I have heard;” “I wasn't there.” Don't you mean to tell me plainly, whatever it is P. The girl in tears, with her garments torn, is mute; the Eunuch is off: for what reason? What has happened? Won't you speak? PYTH. Wretch that I am, what am I to say to you? They declare that he was not a Eunuch. THAIS. Who was he then P PYTH. That Chaerea. THAIS. What Chaerea? PYTH. That stripling, the brother of Phaedria. THAIs. What's that you say, you hag P PYTH. And I am satisfied of it. THAIs. Pray, what business had he at my house? What brought him there P PYTH. I don’t know ; unless, as I suppose, he was in love with Pamphila. THAIs. Alas! to my confusion, unhappy woman that I am, I’m undone, if what you tell me is true. Is it about this that the girl is crying P PYTH. I believe so. * As befits gallant soldiers)—Wer. 814. Beaumont and Fletcher not improbably had this scene in view in their picture of the mob regiment in Philaster. The ragged regiment which Shakspeare places under the command of Falstaff was not very unlike it, nor that which owned the valiant 35mbastes Furioso as its Captain. Sc, II. THE EUNUCH. 117 THAIs. How say you, you arch-jade P Did I not warn you about this very thing, when I was going away from here P PYTH. What could I do? Just as you ordered, she was entrusted to his care only. - THAIs. Hussy, I’ve been entrusting the sheep to the wolf. I’m quite ashamed to have been imposed upon in this way. What sort of man was he P PYTH. Hush! hush! mistress, pray; we are all right. Here we have the very man. THAIS. Where is he P - PYTH. Why there, to the left. Don't you see ? THAIS. I see. PYTH. Order him to be seized as quickly as possible. THAIs. What can we do to him, simpleton P PYTH. What do to him, do you ask? Pray, do look at him ; if his face doesn't seem an impudent one. THAIs. Not at all. PYTH. Besides, what effrontery he has. SCENE II. JEnter CHAEREA, in the EUNUCH's dress, on the other side of the stage. * CHAE. (to himself.) At Antipho's, both of them, father and mother, just as if on purpose, were at home, so that I couldn't any way get in, but that they must have seen me. In the meantime, while I was standing before the door, a certain acquaintance of mine was coming full upon me. When I espied him, I took to my heels as fast as I could down a narrow unfrequented alley; thence again to another, and thence to another ; thus have I been most dreadfully harassed with running about, that no one might recognize me. But isn't this Thais that I see P It is she. I’m at a stand. What shall I do? But what need I care P What can she do to me P * At Antipho’s)—Wer. 839. Madame Dacier here observes that Chaerea assigns very natural reasons for not having changed his dress; in which the art of Terence is evident, since the sequel of the Play makes it absolutely necessary that Chaerea should appear again beford Thais in the habit which he wore while in the house. I18 EUNUCHUS; Act V. THAIs (to PYTHIAs.) Let's accost him. (To CHEREA.) Good Mister Dorus, welcome; tell me, have you been running away? CHAE. Madam, I did so. THAIS. Are you quite pleased with it 2 CHAE. No. THAIs. Do you fancy that you’ll get off with impunity? CHAE. Forgive this one fault ; if I’m ever guilty of ano- ther, then kill me. THAIs. Were you in fear of my severity ? CHAE. No. THAIS. No P What then P CHAE. (pointing at PYTHIAs.) I was afraid of her, lest she might be accusing me to you. THAIs. What had you done? CHAE. A mere trifle. PYTH. Come now, a trifle, you impudent fellow. Does this appear a trifle to you, to ravish a virgin, a citizen P CHAE. I took her for my fellow servant. PYTH. Fellow servant P I can hardly restrain myself from flying at his hair. A miscreant I Even of his own free will he comes to make fun of us. THAIS. (to PYTHIAS) Won't you begone from here, you mad woman P PYTH. Why so P. Really, I do believe I should be some- thing in this hang-dog's debt, if I were to do so; especially as he owns that he is your servant. THAIs. We'll pass that by. Chaerea, you have behaved unworthily of yourself; for if I am deserving in the highest degree of this affront, still it is unbecoming of you to be guilty of it. And, upon my faith, I do not know what method now to adopt about this girl : you have so confounded all my plans, that I cannot possibly return her to her friends in such a manner as is befitting and as I had intended; in order that, by this means, I might, Chaerea, do a real service to myself. CHAE. But now, from henceforth, I hope, Thais, that there will be lasting good will between us. Many a time, from some affair of this kind and from a bad beginning, great friendships have sprung up. What if some Divinity has willed this? THAIS. I'faith, for my own part I both take it in that view and wish to do so, Sc. II. THE EUNUCH. 119 CHAE. Yes, prithee, do so. Be sure of this one thing, that I did not do it for the sake of affronting you, but in consequence of passion. - THAIs. I understand, and, i'faith, for that reason do I now the more readily forgive you. I am not, Chaerea, of a dis- position so ungentle, or so inexperienced, as not to know what is the power of love. CHAE. So may the Deities kindly bless me, Thais; I am now smitten with you as well. PYTH. Then, i'faith, mistress, I foresee you must have a care of him. CHAE. I would not dare PYTH, I won’t trust you at all in anything. THAIs, (to PYTHIAs.) Do have done. CHAE. Now I entreat you that you will be my assistant in this affair. I entrust and commit myself to your care ; I take you, Thais, as my protectress; I implore you; I shall die if I don’t have her for my wife. THAIs. But, if your father should say anything CHAE. Oh, he'll consent, I’m quite sure of that, if she is only a citizen. THAIs. If you will wait a little, the brother himself of the young woman will be here presently ; he has gone to fetch the nurse, who brought her up when a little child ; you yourself shall be present, Chaerea, at his recognition of her. CHAE. I certainly will stay. + THAIS. In the meantime, until he comes, would you prefer that we should wait for him in the house, rather than here before the door P CHAE. Why yes, I should like it much. d PYTH. (to THAIs.) Prithee, what are you going to o P THAIs. Why, what's the matter? PYTH. Do you ask? Do you think of admitting him after this into your house P THAIs. Why not ? PYTH. Trust my word for it, he'll be creating some new disturbance. - THAIS. O dear, prithee, do hold your tongue. PYTH. You seem to me to be far from sensible of his §§SUlſallC6, 120 EUNUCHUS; Act V. CHAE. I’ll not do anything, Pythias. PYTH. Upon my faith, I don't believe you, Chaerea, except in case you are not trusted. CHAE. Nay but, Pythias, do you be my keeper. PYTH. Upon my faith, I would neither venture to give *hing to you to keep, nor to keep you myself: away with you! - THAIS. Most opportunely the brother himself is coming CHAE. I'faith, I’m undone. Prithee, let's be gone in-doors, Thais. I don't want him to see me in the street with this dress on. THAIS. For what reason, pray? Because you are ashamed? CHAE. Just so. PYTH. Just so? But the young woman THAIs. Go first ; I'll follow. You stay here, Pythias, that you may show Chremes in. (THAIS and CHAEREA go into the house.) SCENE III. Fºnter CHREMEs and SoPHRONA. PYTH. (to herself.) Well! what now can suggest itself to my mind? What, I wonder, in order that I may repay the favour to that villain who palmed this fellow off upon us? CHREM. Really, do bestir yourself more quickly, nurse. SOPH. I am bestirring. CHREM. So I see; but you don't stir forwards. PYTH. (to CHREMEs.) Have you yet shown the tokens to the nurse? CHREM. All of them. PYTH. Prithee, what does she say? Tºoes she recognize them P CHREM. Yes, with a full recollection of them. PYTH. Upon my faith, you do bring good news; for I really wish well to this young woman. Go in-doors: my mistress has been for some time expecting you at home. (CHREMES and SoPHRONA go into THAIS's house.) But look, yonder I espy that worthy fellow, Parmeno, coming: just see, for heaven's sake, how leisurely he moves along. I hope I have it in my power to torment him after my own fashion. I’ll go Sc. V. THE EUNUCH. 121 in-doors, that I may know for certain about the discovery ; afterwards I’ll come out, and give this villain a terrible fright. (Goes into the house.) SCENE IV. IEnter PARMENo. PAR. (to himself) I've just come back to see what Chaerea has been doing here. If he has managed the affair with dexterity, ye Gods, by our trust in you, how great and genuine applause will Parmeno obtain For not to mention that a passion, full of difficulty and expense, with which he was smitten for a virgin belonging to an extortionate courtesan, I’ve found means of satisfying for him, without molestation, without outlay, and without cost; then, this other point—that is really a thing that I consider my crowning merit, to have found out the way by which a young man may be enabled to learn the dispositions and manners of courtesans, so that by knowing them betimes, he may detest them ever after. (PYTHIAS enters from the house unperceived.) For while they are out of doors, nothing seems more cleanly, nothing more neat or more elegant; and when they dine with a gallant, they pick daintily about :" to see the filth, the dirtiness, the needi- ness of these women; how sluttish they are when at home, and how greedy after victuals; in what a fashion they devour the black bread with yesterday's broth:-to know all this, is sal- vation to a young man. SCENE V. Fnter PYTHIAs from the house. PYTH. (apart, unseen by PARMENO.) Upon my faith, you villain, I’ll take vengeance upon you for these sayings and doings; so that you shan’t make sport of us with * Pick daintily about)—Wer. 935. He seems here to reprehend the same practice against which Ovid warns his fair readers, in his Art of Love, B. iii. 1. 75. He says, “Do not first take food at home,” when about to go to an entertainment. Westerhovius seems to think that “ligurio” means, not to “pick daintily,” but “to be fond of good eating:” and refers to the Bacchides of Plautus as pourtraying courtesans of the “ligurient” kind, and finds another specimen in Bacchis in the Heautontimorumenos. 122 EUNUCHUs; Act W. impunity. (Aloud, coming forward.) O, by our trust in the Gods, what a disgraceful action 1 O hapless young man! O wicked Parmeno, to have brought him here! PAR. What's the matter P PYTH. I do pity him; and so that I mightn't see it, wretched creature that I am, I hurried away out of doors. What a dreadful example they talk of making him PAR. O Jupiter! What is this tumult? Am I then undone? I'll accost her. What's all this, Pythias P What are you saying? An example made of whom P PYTH. Do you ask the question, you most audacious fellow : You've proved the ruin of the young man whom you brought hither for the Eunuch, while you were trying to put a trick upon us. PAR. How so, or what has happened P Tell me. PyTH. I’ll tell you : that young woman who was to-day made a present to Thais, are you aware that she is a citizen of this place, and that her brother is a person of very high Yank? - PAR. I didn’ know that. PyTH. But so she has been discovered to be; he, unfor- tunate youth, has ravished her. When the brother came to know of this being done, in a most towering rage, he BAR. Did what, pray ? PYTH. First, bound him in a shocking manner. PAR. Bound him P PyTH. And even though Thais entreated him that he would’nt do so PAR. What is it you tell me? PyTH. Now he is threatening that he will also do that which is usually done to ravishers; a thing that I never saw done, nor wish to. PAR. With what assurance does he dare perpetrate a crime so heinous P PyTH. How “so heinous?” PAR. Is it not most heinous? Who ever saw any one taken up as a ravisher in a courtesan's house? PYTH. I don't know. PAR. But that you mayn't be ignorant of this, Pythias, I tell you, and give you notice that he is my master's son. PYTH. How ! Prithee, is it he P Sc. VI. THE EUNUCH. 123 PAR. Don't let Thais suffer any violence to be done to him. But why don't I go in myself? PYTH. Take care, Parmeno, what you are about, lest you both do him no good and come to harm yourself; for it is their notion, that whatever has happened, has originated II VOU!. }. What then, wretch that I am, shall I do, or how resolve P But look, I see the old gentleman returning from the country; shall I tell him or shall I not ? By my troth, I will tell him ; although I am certain that a heavy punish- ment is in readiness for me ; but it's a matter of necessity, in order that he may rescue him. PYTH. You are wise. I’m going in-doors; do you relate to him everything exactly as it happened. (Goes into the house.) SCENE VI. IEnter LACHES. LACH. (to himself) I have this advantage" from my country-house being so near at hand; no weariness, either of country or of town, ever takes possession of me ; when Satiety begins to come on, I change my locality. But is not that our Paz meno P Surely it is he. Whom are you waiting for, 2 armeno, before the door here P PAR. (ºretends not to see him.) Who is it? (Turning round.) Oh, I’m... glad that you have returned safe. LACH. Whom are you waiting for P PAR. (aside.) I'm undone : my tongue cleaves to my mouth through fright. LACH. Why, what is it you are trembling about P Is all quite right P Tell me. . PAR. Master, in the first place, I would have you per- suaded of what is the fact ; whatever has happened in this affair has happened through no fault of mine. LACH. What is it 2 * This advantage)—Wer. 970. Donatus here observes that the Poet introduces Laches, as he has Parmeno just before, in a state of perfect tranquillity, that their sudden change of feeling may be the more divert- ing to the Audience. 124 EUNUCHUs; Act V. PAR. Really you have reason to ask. I ought first to have told you the circumstances. Phaedria purchased a cer. tain Eunuch, to make a present of to this woman here. LACH. To what woman? PAR. To Thais. LACH. Bought P Good heavens, I’m undone! For how much P PAR. Twenty minae. LACH, Done for, quite. PAR. Then, Chaerea is in love with a certain music-girl here. (Pointing to THAIS's house.) LACH. How ! What ? In love? Does he know already what a courtesan means? Is he come to town P. One misfortune close upon another. PAR. Master, don’t look so at me ; he didn’t do these things by my encouragement. LACH. Leave off talking about yourself. If I live, you hangdog, I’ll But first give me an account of it, what- ever it is. PAR. He was taken to the house of Thais in place of the Eunuch. LACH. In place of the Eunuch P PAR. Such is the fact. They have since apprehended him in the house as a ravisher, and bound him. LACH. Death ! PAR. Mark the assurance of courtesans. LACH. Is there any other calamity or misfortune besides, that you have not told me of P PAR. That's all. - LACH. Do I delay rushing in here? (Runs into the house of THAIs.) PAR (to himself.) There's no doubt but that I shall have a heavy punishment for this affair, only that I was obliged to act thus. I’m glad of this, that some mischief will befall these women here through my agency, for the old man has, for a long time, been on the look-out for some occasion" to do them a bad turn ; at last he has found it. * For some occasion)—Ver. 999. We learn from Donatus that Menander was more explicit concerning the resentment of Laches against Thais, on account of her having corrupted Phaedria. Sc. WIL THE EUNUCH. 125 SCENE VII. Enter PYTHIAs from the house of THAIs, laughing. PyTH. (to herself, on entering.) Never, upon my faith, for a long time past, has anything happened to me that I could have better liked to happen, than the old gentleman just now, full of his mistake, coming into our house. I had the joke all to myself, as I knew' what it was he feared. PAR. (apart.) Why, what's all this? PYTH. Now I’m come out to meet with Parmeno. But, prithee, where is he P (Looking around.) PAR. (apart.) She's looking for me. IPYTH. And there he is, I see ; I'll go up to him. PAR. What's the matter, simpleton P What do you mean? What, are you laughing about P Still going on P PYTH. (laughing.) I’m dying; I’m wretchedly tired with laughing at you. PAR. Why so? PYTH. Do you ask? Upon my faith, I never did see, nor shall see, a more silly fellow. Oh dear, I cannot well express what amusement you've afforded in-doors. And still I for- merly took you to be a clever and shrewd person. Why, was there any need for you instantly to believe what I told you? Or were you not content with the crime, which by your advice the young man had been guilty of, without betraying the poor fellow to his father as well ? Why, * As I knew)—Wer. 1003. She enjoyed it the more, knowing that the old man had nothing to fear, as he had just heard the fiction which she had imparted to Parmeno. Donatus observes that the terror of Laches accounts for his sudden consent to the union of Chaerea with Pamphila; for though he could not settle the matter any other way with credit, he was glad to find that his son had made an unequal match rather than endangered his life. Colman, however, observes with con- siderable justice : “I think Chaerea apologizes still better for this arrangement in the Scene with Thais at the opening of this Act, where he says that he is confident of obtaining his father S consent, provided Pamphila proves to be a citizen ; and, indeed, the match between them is rather a reparation of an injury done to her than a degradation of himself.” 126 EUNUCHUs; Act V. what do you suppose his feelings must have been at the mo- ment when his father saw him clothed in that dress P. Well, do you now understand that you are done for? (Laughing.) PAR. Hah! what is it you say, you hussy? Have you been telling me lies? What, laughing still? Does it appear so delightful to you, you jade, to be making fools of us? PYTH. (laughing.) Very much so. PAR. Yes, indeed, if you can do it with impunity. PYTH. Exactly so. PAR. By heavens, I’ll repay you! PYTH. I believe you; but, perhaps, that which you are threatening, Parmeno, will need a future day; you’ll be trussed up directly, for rendering a silly young man remark- able for disgraceful conduct and then betraying him to his father; they'll both be making an example of you. (Laughing.) PAR. I’m done for! PYTH. This reward has been found you in return for that present of yours;* I'm off. (Goes into the house.) PAR (to himself) Wretch that I am ; just like a rat, this day I've come to destruction through betrayal of myself.” SCENE WITI. IEnter THRAso and GNATHo. GNA. (to THRAso.) Well now? With what hope, or what design, are we come hither ? What do you intend to do, Thraso P THRA. What, I? To surrender myself to Thais, and do what she bids me. GNA. What is it you say? THRA. Why any the less so, than Hercules served Omphale.” -- - In return for that present of yours)—Wer. 1022. By the present sho means Chaerea in the disguise of the Eunuch. * Through betrayal of myself)—Wer. 1023. Which betrays itself by its own Squeaking. * Hercules served Omphale)—Wer. 1026. He alludes to the story of Omphale, Queen of Lydia, and Hercules. Being violently in love with her, the hero laid aside his club and boar's skin, and in the habit of a woman plied the spindle and distaff with her maids. See a curious story of Omphale, Hercules, and Faunus, in the Fasti of Ovid, B. ii. Sc, IX. THE EUNUCH, 127 GNA. The precedent pleases me. (Aside.) I only wish I may see your head stroked down with a slipper;' but her door makes a noise. THRA. Confusion | Why, what mischief's this? I never saw this person before; why, I wonder, is he rushing out in such a hurry P (They stand aside.) SCENE IX. Fnter CHAEREA from the house of THAIs, on the other side of the stage. CHAE. (to himself, aloud.) O fellow townsmen, is there any one alive more fortunate than me this day ? Not any one, upon my faith : for clearly in me have the Gods mani- fested all their power, on whom, thus suddenly, so many blessings are bestowed. PAR. (apart.) Why is he thus overjoyed P CHAE. (seeing PARMENO, and running up to him.) O my dear Parmeno, the contriver, the beginner, the perfecter of all my delights, do you know what are my transports? Are you aware that my Pamphila has been discovered to be a citizen P PAR. I have heard so. CHAE. Do you know that she is betrothed to me? PAR. So may the Gods bless me, happily done. GNA. (apart to THRASO.) Do you hear what he says P CHAE. And then, besides, I am delighted that my bro- ther's mistress' is secured to him; the family is united. Thais has committed herself to the patronage of my father;” she has put herself under our care and protection. l. 305. As to the reappearance of Thraso here, Colman has the following remarks: “Thraso, says Donatus, is brought back again in order to be admitted to some share in the good graces of Thais, that he may not be made unhappy at the end of the Play; but surely it is an essential part of the poetical justice of Comedy to expose coxcombs to ridicule and to punish them, though without any shocking severity, for their follies.” * With a slipper)—Wer. 1027. He doubtless alludes to the treat- ment of Hercules by Omphale; and, according to Lucian, there was a story that Omphale used to beat him with her slipper or sandal. On *:: article of dress, see the Notes to the Trinummus of Plautus, 252. * To the patronage of my father)—Wer. 1038. It was the custom at 128 EUNUCHUs; Act V. PAR. Thais, then, is wholly your brother's. CHAE. Of course. - PAR. Then this is another reason for us to rejoice, that the Captain will be beaten out of doors. CHAE. Wherever my brother is, do you take care that he hears this as soon as possible. PAR. I'll go look for him at home. (Goes into the house of LACHES.) THRA. (apart to GNATHo.) Do you at all doubt, Gnatho, but that I am now ruined everlastingly P GNA. (to THRAso.) Without doubt, I do think so. CHAE. (to himself) What am I to make mention of first, or commend in especial P Him who gave me the advice to do so, or myself, who ventured to undertake it P Or ought I to extol fortune, who has been my guide, and has so opportunely crowded into a single day events so numerous, so important ; or my father's kindness and indulgence P Oh Jupiter, I entreat you, do preserve these blessings unto us! SCENE X. JEnter PHAEDRIA from the house of LACHES. PHAED. (to himself.) Ye Gods, by our trust in you, what incredible things has Parmeno just related to me! But where is my brother? CHAE. (stepping forward.) Here he is. PHAED. I’m overjoyed. - CHAE. I quite believe you. There is no one, brother, more worthy to be loved than this Thais of yours: so much is she a benefactress to all our family. PHAED. Whew are you commending her too to me? THRA. (apart.) I'm undone; the less the hope I have, Athens for strangers, such as Thais was, to put themselves under the protection (in clientelam) of some wealthy citizen, who, as their patron, was bound to protect them against injury. An exactly parallel case to the present is found in the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus, l. 799, where the wealthy Periplecomenus says, “Habeo, eccillam, meam clientam, meretricem adolescentulam.” “Why, look, I have one, a dependant of mine, a courtesan, a very young woman.” Sc. x. . THE EUNUCH. - 129 the more I am in love. Prithee, Gnatho, my hope is in you. GNA. (apart.) What do you wish me to do? . THRA. (apart.) Bring this about, by entreaties or with money, that I may at least share Thais's favours in some degree. GNA. (apart.) It's a hard task. THRA. (apart.) If you set your mind on anything, I know you well. If you manage this, ask me for any present you like as your reward ; you shall have what you ask. GNA. (apart.) Is it so? THRA. (apart.) It shall be so. - GNA. (apart.) If I manage this, I ask that your house, whether you are present or absent, may be open to me ; that, without invitation, there may always be a place for me. THRA. (apart.) I pledge my honour that it shall be so. GNA. (apart.) I'll set about it then. PHAED. Who is it I hear so close at hand P (Turning round.) O Thraso - THRA. (coming forward.) Save you both . PHAED. Perhaps you are not aware what has taken place here. THRA. I am quite aware. PHAED. Why, then, do I see you in this neighbourhood P THRA. Depending on your kindness. PHAED. Do you know what sort of dependence you have P Captain, I give you notice, if ever I catch you in this street again, even if you should say to me, “I was looking for another person, I was on my road this way,” you are undone. GNA. Come, come, that's not handsome. IPHAED. I’ve said it. GNA. I didn't know you gave yourself such airs. PHAED. So it shall be. GNA. First hear a few words from me ; and when I have said the thing, if you approve of it, do it. PHAED. Let's hear. GNA. Do you step a little that way, Thraso. (THRASO stands aside.) In the first place, I wish you both implicitly to believe me in this, that whatever I do in this matter, ſ , do it entirely for my own sake; but if the same thing is of advantage to yourselves, it would be folly for you not to do it. * K 130 Eunuchus ; Act V. PHAED, What is it 2 GNA. I’m of opinion that the Captain, your rival, should be received among you. PHAED. (starting.) Hah! CHAE. Be received P GNA. (to PHAEDRIA.) Only consider. I' faith, Phaedria, at the free rate you are living with her, and indeed very freely you are living, you have but little to give; and it's necessary for Thais to receive a good deal. That all this may be supplied for your amour and not at your own expense, there is not an individual better suited or more fitted for your purpose than the Captain. In the first place, he both has got enough to give, and no one does give more profusely. He is a fool, a dolt, a blockhead; night and day he snores away; and you need not fear that the lady will fall in love with him; you may easily have him discarded whenever you please. CHAE. (to PHAEDRIA.) What shall we do? GNA. And this besides, which I deem to be of even greater importance,—not a single person entertains in better style or more bountifully. CHAE. It's a wonder if this sort of man cannot be made use of in some way or other. PHAED. I think so too. GNA. You act properly. One thing I have still to beg of you, -that you’ll receive me into your fraternity; I’ve been rolling that stone' for a considerable time past. PHAED. We admit you. CHAE. And with all my heart. GNA. Then I, in return for this, Phaedria, and you, Chaerea, make him over to you” to be eaten and drunk to the dregs. CHAE. Agreed. PHAED. He quite deserves it.” * Been rolling that stone)—Wer. 1084. Donatus thinks that he alludes to the story of Sisyphus, who, in the Infernal Regions, was condemned eternally to roll a stone up a hill, which, on arriving at the summit immediately fell to the bottom. * Make him over to you)—Wer. 1086. “Wobis propino.” The word “ propino" was properly applied to the act of tasting a cup of wine, and then handing it to another; he means that he has had his taste of the Captain, and is now ready to hand him over to them. * He quite deserves it)—Wer. 1087. Cooke has the following ap- Sc. X. THE EUNUCH. 131 GNA. (calling to THRASO.) Thraso, whenever you please, step this way. THRA. Prithee, how goes it? GNA. How P Why, these people didn't know you; after I had discovered to them your qualities, and had praised you as your actions and your virtues deserved, I prevailed upon them. THRA. You have managed well; I give you my best thanks. Besides, I never was anywhere but what all were extremely fond of me. GNA. (to PHAEDRIA and CHAEREA) Didn't I tell you that he was a master of the Attic elegance P PHAED. He is no other than you mentioned. (Pointing to his FATHER's house.) Walk this way. (To the AUDIENCE.) Fare you well, and grant us your applause. propriate remark: “I cannot think that this Play, excellent as it is in almost all other respects, concludes consistently with the manners of gentlemen; there is a meanness in Phaedria and Chaerea consenting to take Thraso into their society, with a view of fleecing him, which the Poet should nave avoided.” HEAUTONTIMORUMEN OS: THE SELF-TORMENTOR. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. CHREMEs, an old gentleman, living in the country. MENEDEMUs,” an old gentleman, his neighbour. CLINLA,” son of Menedemus. CLITIPHo,” son of Chremes. DROMo,” servant of Clinia. SYRUS,6 servant of Clitipho. SosTRATA, wife of Chremes. ANTIPHILA,” a young woman beloved by Clinia. BACCHIs,” a Courtesan, the mistress of Clitipho. The Nurse of Antiphila. PHRYGIA,” maid-servant to Bacchis. Scene.—In the country, near Athens; before the houses of CHREMEs and MENEDEMUs. 1 See the Dramatis Personae of the Andria. * From puswoc, “strength,” and Öſiuoc, “the people.” * From k\ival, “to incline,” or from k\tvi), “the marriage-bed.” 4 From k\siróc, “illustrious,” and pājs, “light.” 5 See the Dramatis Personae of the Andria. * From Syria, his native country. 7 From ow&d), “to preserve,” or “save.” * From &vri, “in return,” and pixõ, “to love.” * From Bacchus, the God of Wine. * From Phrygia, her native country. T H E SUBJ E CT. CHREMEs commands his wife, when pregnant, iſ she is delivered of a girl immediately to kill the child. Having given birth to a girl, Sostrata delivers her to an old woman named Philtera to be exposed. Instead of doing this, Philtera calls her Antiphila, and brings her up as her own. Clinia, the son of Menedemus, falls in love with her, and treats her as though his wife. Menedemus, on learning this, is very angry, and by his harsh language drives away his son from home. Taking this to heart, and in order to punish himself for his ill-timed Severity, Menedemus, though now an aged man, fatigues himself by labouring at agricultural pursuits from morning till night. At the period when the Play commences, Clinia has 'ust returned to Attica, but not daring to go to his father's house, is entertained by Clitipho, the son of Chremes, who is the neig'sbour of Menedemus. Clitipho then sends for Antiphila, whose supposed mother has recently died, to come and meet her lover. On the same day, Chremes learns from Menedemus how anxious he is for his son's return; and on hearing from his son of the arrival of Clinia, he defers informing Menedemus of it until the next day. Syrus, the servant who has been sent to fetch Antiphila, also brings with him Bacchis, an extravagant Courtesan, the mistress of Clitipho. To conceal the truth from Chremes, they represent to him that Bacchis is the mistress of Clinia, and that Antiphila is one of her maids. Next morning Chremes thforms Mene- demus of his son's arrival, and of the extravagant conduct of his mistress, but begs that he will conceal from Clinia his knowledge of this fact. Bacchis requiring ten minae, Syrus devises a plan for obtain- ing the money from Chremes, while the latter is encouraging him to think of a project against Menedemus. Syrus tells him a story, that the mother of Antiphila had borrowed a thousand drachmae of Bacchis, and being dead, the girl is left in her hands as a pledge for the mouey. While these things are going on, Sostrata discovers in Antiphila her own daughter. In order to obtain the money which Bacchis persists in demanding, Syrus suggests to Chremes that it should be represented to Menedemus that Bacchis is the mistress of Clitipho, and that he should be requested to conceal her in his house for a few days; it is also arranged that Clinia shall pretend to his father to be in love with Antiphila, and to beg her as his wife. He is then to ask for money, as though for the wedding, which is to be handed over to Bacchis. Chremes does not at first approve of the plan suggested by Syrus; but he pays down the money for which he has been informed his daughter is a pledge in the hands of Bacchis. This, with his knowledge, is given to Clitipho, who, as Syrus says, is to convey it to Bacchis, who is now in the house of Menedemus, to make the latter more readily believe that she is his mistress. Shortly after this, the plot is dis- covered by Chremes, who threatens to punish Clitipho and Syrus. The Play concludes with Chremes giving his consent to the marriage of Clinia with Antiphila, and pardoning Clitipho, who promises to abandon the Courtesan, and marry. Unlike the other Plays of Terence and Plautus, the plot of this Play extends over two days. THE TITLE OF THE PLAY IT is from the Greek of Menander. Performed at the Megalensian Games; Lucius Cornelius Lentulus and Lucius Valerius Flaccus being Curule AEdiles. Ambivius Turpio performed it. Flaccus, the freedman of Claudius, composed the music. The first time it was performed to the music of treble and bass flutes; the second time, of two treble flutes. It was acted three times; Marcus Juventius and Titus Sempronius being Consuls.” * Being Consuls)—M. Juventius Thalna and Ti. Sempronius Grac. chus were Consuls in the year from the Building of the City 589, and B.C. 164. HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; THE SELF-TORMENTOR, THE SUMMARY OF C. SULPITIUS APOLLINARIS. A SEVERE father compels his son Clinia, in love with Antiphila, to go abroad to the wars; and repenting of what has been done, torments himself in mind. Afterwards, when he has returned, unknown to his father, he is entertained at the house of Clitipho. The latter is in love with Bacchis, a Courtesan. When Clinia sends for his much-loved Antiphila, Bacchis comes, as though his mistress, and Antiphila, wearing the garb of her servant ; this is done in order that Clitipho may conceal it from his father. He, through the stratagems of Syrus, gets ten minae from the old man for the Courtesan. Antiphila is dis- covered to be the sister of Clitipho. Clinia receives her, and Clitipho, another woman, for his wife. THE PROLOGUE. TEST it should be a matter of surprise to any one of you, why the Poet has assigned to an old man" a part that belongs to the young, that I will first explain to you ;” and then, the reason * Assigned to an old man)—Wer. 1. He refers to the fact that the Prologue was in general spoken by young men, whereas it is here spoken by L, Ambivius Turpio, the leader of the Company, a man stricken in years. The Prologue was generally not recited by a person who performed a character in the opening Scene. * That I will first explain to you)—Wer. 3. His meaning seems to be, that he will first tell them the reason why he, who is to take a part in the opening Scene, speaks the Prologue, which is usually spoken by a young man who does not take part in that Scene; and that he will then proceed to speak in character (eloquor), as Chremes, in the first Scene. His reason for being chosen to speak the Prologue, is that he may be a pleader (orator) for the Poet, a task which would be likely to be better performed by him than by a younger man. - 136 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; for my coming I will disclose. An entire Play from an entire Greek One," the Heautontimorumenos, I am to-day about to represent, which (rom a twofold plot” has been made but one. I have shown that it is new, and what it is: next I would mention who it was that wrote it, and whose in Greek it is, if I did not think that the greater part of you are aware. Now, for what reason I have learnt this part, in a few words I will explain. The Poet intended me to be a Pleader.” not the Speaker of a Prologue; your decision he asks, and has appointed me the advocate; if this advocate can avail as much by his oral powers as he has excelled in inventing happily, who composed this speech which I am about to recite. For as to malevolent rumours spreading abroad that he has mixed together many Greek Plays while writing a few Latin ones, he does not deny that this is the case, and that he does not repent of so doing ; and he affirms that he will do so again. He has the example of good Poets; after which example he thinks it is allowable for him to do what * From an entire Greek one)—Wer. 4. In contradistinction to such Plays as the Andria, as to which it was a subject of complaint that it had been formed out of a mixture (contaminatus) of the Andrian and Perinthian on Menander. * Which from a twofold plot)—Wer 6. Wollbehr suggests that the meaning of this line is, that though it is but one Play, it has a twofold plot—the intrigues of two young men with two mistresses, and the follies of two old men. As this Play is supposed to represent the events of two successive days, the night intervening, it has been suggested that the reading is “duplex—ex argumento—simplici;” the Play is “ twofold, with but one plot,” as extending to two successive days. The Play derives its name from the Greek words, Šavröv, “him- Self,” and rupuwpovput vög, “tormenting.” * To be a Pleader)—Wer. 11. He is to be the pleader and advocate of the Poet, to influence the Audience in his favour, and against his adversaries; and not to explain the plot of the Play. Colman has the following observation: “It is impossible not to regret that there are not above ten lines of the Self-Tormentor preserved among the Frag- ments of Menander. We are so deeply interested by what we see of that character in Terence, that one cannot but be curious to enquire in what manner the Greek Poet sustained it through five Acts. The Roman author, though he has adopted the title of the Greek Play, has So altered the fable, that Menedemus is soon thrown into the back- ground, and Chremes is brought forward as the principal object; or, to vary the allusion a little, the Menedemus of Terence seems to be a drawing in miniature copied from a full length, as large as the life, by Menander.” THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 137 they have done. Then, as to a malevolent old Poet" saying that he has suddenly applied himself to dramatic pursuits, relying on the genius of his friends,” and not his own natural abilities; on that your judgment, your opinion, will prevail. Wherefore I do entreat you all, that the suggestions of our antagonists may not avail more than those of our favourers. Do you be favourable; grant the means of prospering to those who afford you the means of being spectators of new Plays; those, I mean, without faults: that he may not suppose this said in his behalf who lately made the public give way to a slave as he ran along in the street;” why should he take a madman's part P. About his faults he will say more when he brings out some other new ones, unless he puts an end to his cavilling. Attend with favourable feelings; grant me the opportunity that I may be allowed to act a quiet Play” in * A malevolent old Poet)—Wer. 22. He alludes to his old enemy, Luscus Lavinius, referred to in the preceding Prologue. * The genius of his friends)—Wer. 24. He alludes to a report which had been spread, that his friends Laelius and Scipio had pub- lished their own compositions under his name. Servilius is also men- tioned by Eugraphius as another of his patrons respecting whom similar stories were circulated. * As he ran along in the street)—Wer. 31. He probably does not intend to censure this practice entirely in Comedy, but to remind the Audience that in some recent Play of Luscus Lavinius, this had been the sole stirring incident introduced. Plautus introduces Mercury running in the guise of Sosia, in the fourth Scene of the Amphitryon, l. 987, and exclaiming, “For surely, why, faith, should I, a God, be any less allowed to threaten the public, if it doesn’t get out of my way, than a slave in the Comedies?” This practice cannot, however, be intended to be here censured by Plautus, as he is guilty of it in three other instances. In the Mercator, Acanthio runs to his master Charinus, to tell him that his mistress Pasicompsa has been seen in the ship by his father Demipho; in the Stichus, Pinacium, a slave, runs to inform his mistress Philumena that her husband has arrived in port, on his return from Asia; and in the Mostellaria, Tranio, in haste, brings informa- tion of the unexpected arrival of Theuropides. The “currens servus.” is also mentioned in the Prologue to the Andria, l. 36. See the soliloquy of Stasimus, in the Trinummus of Plautus, l. 1007. * A quiet Play)—Wer. 36. “Statariam.” See the spurious Prologue to the Bacchides of Plautus, l. 10, and the Note to the passage in Bohn's Translation. The Comedy of the Romans was either “stataria,” “motoria,” or “mixta.” “Stataria” was a Comedy which was calm and peaceable, such as the Cistellaria of Plautus; “motoria” was one full of action and disturbance, like his Amphitryon; while the “Comoedia mixta” was a mixture of both, such as the Eunuchus of Terence. 138 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act I. Filence; that the servant everlastingly running about, the angry old man, the gluttonous parasite, the impudent sharper, and the greedy procurer, may not have always to be per- formed by me with the utmost expense of voice, and the greatest exertion. For my sake come to the conclusion that this request is fair, that so some portion of my labour may be abridged. For now-a-days, those who write new Plays do not spare an aged man. If there is any piece requiring ex- ertion, they come running to me; but if it is a light one, it is taken to another Company. In the present one the style is pure. Do you make proof, what, in each character, my ability can effect. If I have never greedily set a high price upon my skill, and have come to the conclusion that this is my greatest gain, as far as possible to be subservient to your convenience, establish in me a precedent, that the young may be anxious rather to please you than themselves. ACT THE FIRST. SCENE I. JEnter CHREMES, and MENEDEMUs with a spade in his hand, who Jalls to digging. CHREM. Although this acquaintanceship between us is of very recent date, from the time in fact of your purchasing an estate here in the neighbourhood, yet either your good qualities, or our being neighbours (which I take to be a sort of friendship), induces me to inform you, frankly and familiarly, that you appear to me to labour beyond your years, and beyond what your affairs require. For, in the name of Gods and men, what would you have P What can be your aim P You are, as I conjecture, sixty years of age, or more No man in these parts has a better or a more valuable estate no one more servants; and yet you discharge their duties just as diligently as if there were none at all. However early in the morning I go out, and however late in the evening I * What in each character)—Ver, 47. “In utramgue partem inge- nium quid possit meum.” This line is entirely omitted in Wollbehr's edition; but it appears to be merely a typographical error. Sc. I. THE SELF-TORMENTOR, 139 return home, I see you either digging, or ploughing, or doing something, in fact, in the fields. You take respite not an instant, and are quite regardless of yourself. I am very sure that this is not done for your amusement. But really I am vexed how little work is done here." If you were to employ the time you spend in labouring yourself, in keeping your servants at work, you would profit much more. - MEN. Have you so much leisure, Chremes, from your own affairs, that you can attend to those of others—those which don't concern you? CHREM. I am a man,” and nothing that concerns a man do I deem a matter of indifference to me. Suppose that I wish ! How little work is done here)—Wer. 72. Wollbehr thinks that his meaning is, that he is quite vexed to see so little progress made, in spite of his neighbour's continual vexation and turmoil, and that, as he says in the next line, he is of opinion that if he were to cease working himself, and were to overlook his servants, he would get far more done. It is more generally thought to be an objection which Chremes suggests that Mendemus may possibly make. * I am a man)—Wer. 77. “Homo sum: humani nihil a me alienum puto.” St. Augustine says, that at the delivery of this sentiment, the Theatre resounded with applause; and deservedly, indeed, for it is replete with the very essence of benevolence and disregard of self. Cicero quotes the passage in his work 1)e Officiis, B. i., c. 9. The remarks of Sir Richard Steele upon this passage, in the Spectator, No. 502, are worthy to be transcribed at length. “The Play was the Self-Tormentor. It is from the beginning to the end a perfect picture of human life, but I did not observe in the whole one passage that could raise a laugh. How well-disposed must that people be, who could be entertained with satisfaction by so sober and polite mirth ! In the first Scene of the Comedy, when one of the old men accuses the other of impertinence for interposing in his affairs, he answers, ‘ I am a man, and cannot help feeling any sorrow that can arrive at man.” It is scid this sentence was received with an universal applause. There. cannot be a greater argument of the general good understanding of a people, than their sudden consent to give their approbation of a senti- ment which has no emotion in it. If it were spoken with ever so great skill in the actor, the manner of uttering that sentence could have nothing in it which could strike any but people of the greatest huma- nity—nay, people elegant and skilful in observation upon it. It is possible that he may have laid his hand on his heart, and with a winning insinuation in his countenance, expressed to his neighbour that he was a man who made his case his own; yet I will engage, a player in Covent Garden might hit such an attitude a thousand times, before he would have been regarded.” * 140 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act T. either to advise you in this matter, or to be informed myself: if what you do is right, that I may do the same ; if it is no. then that I may dissuade you. f MEN. It's requisite for me to do so; do you as it is neces- sary for you to do. - CHREM. Is it requisite for any person to torment himself? MEN. It is for me. CHREM. If you have any affliction, I could wish it other- wise. But prithee, what sorrow is this of your's £ How have you deserved so ill of yourself? - MEN. Alas! alas! (He begins to weep.) CHREM. Do not weep, but make me acquainted with it, whatever it is. Do not be reserved ; fear nothing; trust me, I tell you Either by consolation, or by counsel, or by any means, I will aid you. MEN. Do you wish to know this matter? CHREM. Yes, and for the reason I mentioned to you. MEN. I will tell vou. - CHREM. But still, in the mean time, lay down that rake don't fatigue yourself. MEN. By no means. CHREM. What can be your object P (Tries to take the rake from him.) MEN. Do leave me alone, that I may give myself no res- pite from my labour. CHREM. I will not allow it, I tell you. (Taking the rake from him. * Ah! that's not fair. CHREM. (poising the rake.) Whew such a heavy one as this, pray ! t | MEN. Such are my deserts. CHREM. Now speak. (Laying down the rake.) MEN. I have an only son, a young man,—alas! why did I say—“I have P”—rather I should say, “I had” one, Chremes:–whether I have him now, or not, is uncertain. CHREM. Why so P MEN. You shall know —There is a poor old woman here, a stranger from Corinth —her daughter, a young woman, he fell in love with, insomuch that he almost regarded her as his wife; all this took place unknown to me. When I discovered the matter, I began to reprove him, not with Sc. I. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 141 gentleness, nor in the way suited to the love-sick mind of a youth, but with violence, and after the usual method of fathers. I was daily reproaching him, “Look you, do you expect to be allowed any longer to act thus, myself, your father, being alive ; to be keeping a mistress pretty much as though your wife P You are mistaken, Clinia, and you don’t know me, if you fancy that. I am willing that you should be called my son, just as long as you do what becomes you ; but if you do not do so, I shall find out how it becomes me to act towards you. This arises from nothing, in fact, but too much idleness. At your time of life, I did not devote my time to dalliance, but, in consequence of my poverty, departed hence for Asia, and there acquired in arms both riches and military glory.” At length the matter came to this, the youth, from hearing the same things so often, and with such severity, was overcome. He supposed that I, through age and affection, had more judgment and foresight for him than himself. He went off to Asia, Chremes, to serve under the king. CHREM. What is it you say? MEN. He departed without my knowledge—and has been gone these three months. CHREM. Both are to be blamed—although I still think this step shows an ingenuous and enterprising disposition. MEN. When I learnt this from those who were in the secret, I returned home sad, and with feelings almost overwhelmed and distracted through grief. I sit down ; my servants run to me; they take off my shoes: then some make all haste to spread the couches,” and to prepare a repast ; each according to his ability did zealously what he could, in order to alleviate my sorrow. When I observed this, I began to reflect thus:–“What are so many persons anxious for my sake alone, to pleasure myself only? Are * Take off my shoes)—Wer. 124. As to the “socci,” or low shoes of the ancients, see the Notes to the Trinummus of Plautus, l. 720, in Bohn's Translation. It was the especial duty of certain slaves to take off the shoes of their masters. * To spread the couches)—Wer. 125. The “lecti" or “couches” apon which the ancients reclined at meals, have been enlarged upon in the Notes to Plautus, where full reference is also made to the “coena,” or * dinner,” and other meals of the Romans, 142 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act I, so many female servants to provide me with dress?" Shall I alone keep up such an expensive establishment, while my only son, who ought equally, or even more so, to enjoy these things—inasmuch as his age is better suited for the enjoyment of them—him, poor youth, have I driven away from home by my severity | Were I to do this, really I should deem myself deserving of any calamity. But so long as he leads this life of penury, banished from his country through my severity, I will revenge his wrongs upon myself, toiling, making money, saving, and laying up for him.” At once I set about it ; I left nothing in the house, neither moveables” nor clothing; everything I scraped together. Slaves, male and female, except those who could easily pay for their keep by working in the country, all of them I set up to auction and sold. I at once put up a bill to sell my house.” I collected somewhere about fifteen talents, and purchased this farm ; here I fatigue myself. I have come to this conclusion, Chremes, that I do my son a less injury, while I am unhappy; and that it is not right for me to enjoy any pleasure here, until such time as he returns home safe to share it with me. CHREM. I believe you to be of an affectionate disposition Provide me with dress) — Wer. 130. It was the custom for the mistress and female servants in each family to make the clothes of the master. Thus in the Fasti of Ovid, B. ii., l. 746, Lucretia is found amid her female servants, making a cloak, or “lacerna,” for her hus- band. Suetonius Says that Augustus refused to wear any garments not woven by his female relations. Cooke seems to think that “vestiant" alludes to the very act of putting the clothes upon a person. He says, “The better sort of people had eating dresses, which are here alluded to. These dresses were light garments, to put on as soon as they had bathed. They commonly bathed before eating, and the chief meal was in the evening.” This, however, does not seem to be the meaning of the passage, although Colman has adopted it. We may here remark that the censure here described is not unlike that mentioned in the Prologue to the Mercator of Plautus, as administered by Demaenetus to his son Charinus. * Neither moveables) —Wer. 141. “Was” is here used as a general name for articles of furniture. This line appears to be copied almost literally from one of Merlander, which still exists. * To sell my house)—Ver. 145. On the mode of advertising houses to let or be sold among the Romans, see the Trinummus of Plautus, l. 168, and the Note to the passage in Bohn's Translation. Sc.I. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 143 towards your children,” and him to be an obedient son, if one were to manage him rightly or prudently. But neither did you understand him sufficiently well, nor he you—a thing that happens where persons don't live on terms of frankness together. You never showed him how highly you valued him, nor did he ever dare put that confidence in you which is due to a father. Had this been done, these troubles would never have befallen you. MEN. Such is the fact, I confess; the greatest fault is on my side. CHREM. But still, Menedemus, I hope for the best, and I trust that he'll be here safe before long. MEN. Oh that the Gods would grant it ! CHREM. They will do so. Now, if it is convenient to you— the festival of Bacchus” is being kept here to-day—I wish you to give me your company. 1 Towards your children) —Wer. 151. The plural “liberos” is here used to signify the one son which Menedemus has. So in the Hecyra, 1. 217, the same word is used to signify but one daughter. This was a common mode of expression in the times of the earlier Latin authors. * Festival of Bacchus, “Dionysia”)—Wer. 162. It is generally sup- posed that there were four Festivals called the Dionysia, during the year, at Athens. The first was the Rural, or Lesser Dionysia, kar’ aypots, a vintage festival, which was celebrated in the “Demi" or boroughs of Attica, in honor of Bacchus, in the month Poseidon. This was the most ancient of the Festivals, and was held with the greatest merriment and freedom; the slaves then enjoyed the same amount of liberty as they did at the Saturnalia at Rome. The second Festival, which was called the Lenaea, from Amvög, a wine-press, was celebrated in the month Gamelion, with Scenic contests in Tragedy and Comedy. The third Dionysian Festival was the Anthesteria, or “Spring feast,” being celebrated during three days in the month Anthesterion. The first day was called Tru60tyta, or “the Opening of the casks,” as on that day the casks were opened to taste the wine of the preceding year. The second day was called Xosc, from Xojc, “a cup,” and was probably devoted to drinking. The third day was called xwrpoi, from xvrpèg, “a pot,” as on it persons offered pots with flower-seeds or cooked vegetables to Dionysus or Bacchus. The fourth Attic festival of Dionysius was celebrated in the month Elaphebolion, and was called the Dionysia #v ãoret, Aaruka, or Msya)\á, the “City” or “great” festival. It was celebrated with great magnificence, processions and dramatic represen- tations forming part of the ceremonial. From Greece, by way of Sicily, the Bacchanalia, or festivals of Bacchus, were introduced into Rome, where they became the scenes of and oretext for every kind of vice and 144 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act I. MEN. I cannot. CHREM. Why not ? Do, pray, spare yourself a little while, Your absent son would wish you do so. MEN. It is not right that I, who have driven him hence to endure hardships, should now shun them myself. CHREM. Is such your determination ? MEN. It is. CHREM. Then kindly fare you well. MEN. And you the same. (Goes into his house.) SCENE II. CHREMEs, alone. CHREM. (to himself.) He has forced tears from me, and I do pity him. But as the day is far gone, I must remind Phania, this neighbour of mine, to come to dinner. I’ll go see whether he is at home. (Goes to PHANIA's door, makes the enquiry, and returns.) There was no occasion for me to remind him : they tell me he has been some time already at my house ; it's I myself am making my guests wait. I'll go in-doors immediately. But what means the noise at the door of my house? I wonder who's coming out ! I'll step aside here. (He stands aside.) SCENE III. Enter CLITIPHo, from the house of CHREMEs. CLIT. (at the door, to CLINIA within.) There is nothing, Clinia, for you to fear as yet: they have not been long by any means: and I am sure that she will be with you pre- sently along with the messenger. Do at once dismiss these causeless apprehensions which are tormenting you. debauchery, until at length they were put down in the year B.o. 187, with a strong hand, by the Consuls Spurius Posthumius Albinus and Q. Marcius Philippus; from which period the words “bacchor” and “bacchator” became synonymous with the practice of every kind of vice and turpitude that could outrage commºn decency. See a very full account of the Dionysia and the Bacchanalia in Dr. Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. Sc, III. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 145 CHREM. (apart.) Who is my son talking to? (Makes his appearance.) CLIT. (to himself.) Here comes my father, whom I wished to see : I’ll accost him. Father, you have met me opportunely. CHREM. What is the matter? CLIT. Do you know this neighbour of ours, Menedemus P CHREM. Very well. CLIT. Do you know that he has a son P CHREM. I have heard that he has ; in Asia. CLIT. He is not in Asia, father; he is at our house. CHREM. What is it you say? CLIT. Upon his arrival, after he had just landed from the ship, I immediately brought him to dine with us; for from our very childhood upwards I have always been on intimate terms with him. CHREM. You announce to me a great pleasure. How much I wish that Menedemus had accepted my invitation to make one of us: that at my house I might have been the first to surprise him, when not expecting it, with this delight !—and even yet there's time enough CLIT. Take care what you do ; there is no necessity, father, for doing so. CHREM. For what reason P CLIT. Why, because he is as yet undetermined what to do with himself. He is but just arrived. He fears every thing; his father's displeasure, and how his mistress may be disposed towards him. He loves her to distraction: on her account, this trouble and going abroad took place. CHREM. I know it. CLIT. He has just sent a servant into the city to her, and I ordered our Syrus to go with him. CHREM. What does Clinia say? CLIT. What does he say ? That he is wretched. - CHREM. Wretched? Whom could we less suppose so? Wha is there wanting for him to enjoy every thing that among men, in fact, are esteemed as blessings? Parents, a country in prosperity, friends, family, relations, riches P And yet, all these are just according to the disposition of him who possesses them. To him who knows how to use them, they are blessings; to him who does not use them rightly, they are evils. L T46 IIEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act II. CLIT, Aye, but he always was a morose old man; and now I dread nothing more, father, than that in his displeasure he'll be doing something to him more than is justifiable, CHREM. What, he P (Aside.) But I’ll restrain myself; for that the other one should be in fear of his father is of ser- vice to him." …” CLIT. What is it you are saying to yourself? CHREM. I’ll tell you. However the case stood, Clinia ought still to have remained at home. Perhaps his father was a little stricter than he liked : he should have put up with it. For whom ought he to bear with, if he would not bear with his own father ? Was it reasonable that he should live after his son's humour, or his son after his P And as to charging him with harshness, it is not the fact. For the severities of fathers are generally of one character, those I mean who are in some degree reasonable men.” They do not wish their sons to be always wenching ; they do not wish them to be always carousing; they give a limited allowance ; and yet all this tends to virtuous conduct. But when the mind, Clitipho, has once enslaved itself by vicious appetites, it must of necessity follow similar pursuits. This is a wise maxim, “to take warning from others of what may be to your own advantage.” CLIT. I believe so. CHREM. I’ll now go hence in-doors, to see what we have for dinner. Do you, seeing what is the time of day, mind and take care not to be anywhere out of the way. (Goes into his house, and earit CLITIPHO) ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I. JEnter CLITIPHO. CLIT. (to himself) What partial judges are all fathers in regard to all of us young men, in thinking it reasonable for * Is of service to him)—Wer. 199. He means that it is to thc ,- * of Clitipho that Clinia should be seen to stand in awe of his ather. ... * Reasonable men)—Wer. 205. “Homo,” “a man,” is here put for men in general who are fathers. Sc. II. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 147 us to become old men all at once from boys, and not to participate in those things which youth is naturally inclined to. They regulate us by their own desires,--such as they now are, not as they once were. If ever I have a son, he certainly shall find in me an indulgent father. For the means both of knowing and of pardoning" his faults shall be found by me; not like mine, who by means of another person, discloses to me his own sentiments. I’m plagued to death, —when he drinks a little more than usual, what pranks of his own he does relate to me! Now he says, “Take warn- ing from others of what may be to your advantage.” How shrewd He certainly does not know how deaf I am at the moment when he's telling his stories. Just now, the words of my mistress make more impression upon me. “Give me this, and bring me that,” she cries; I have nothing to say to her in answer, and no one is there more wretched than myself. But this Clinia, although he, as well, has cares enough of his own, still has a mistress of virtuous and modest breeding, and a stranger to the arts of a courtesan. Mine is a craving, saucy, haughty, extravagant creature, full of lofty . airs. Then all that I have to give her is—fair words”—for I make it a point not to tell her that I have nothing. This misfortune I met with not long since, nor does my father as yet know anything of the matter. (Evit. SCENE II. Enter CLINIA from the house of CHREMEs. CLIN. (to himself) If my love-affairs had been prosperous for me, I am sure she would have been here by this ; but I'm afraid that the damsel has been led astray here in my absence. Many things combine to strengthen this opinion in my mind; opportunity, the place, her age, a worthless * Of knowing and of pardoning) — Wer. 218. There is a jingle intended here in the resemblance of the words “cognoscendi,” “know- ing,” and “ignoscendi,” “pardoning.” * Is—fair words)—Wer. 228. “Recte est.” It is supposed that he pauses before uttering these words, which mean “very well,” or “very good,” implying the giving an assent without making a promise; he tells the reason, in saying that he has scruples or prejudices against confessing that he has got nothing to give her. L 2 148 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act II, mother, under whose control she is, with whom nothing but gain is precious. JEnter CLITIPHo. CLIT. Clinial CLIN. Alas! wretched me ! CLIT. Do, pray, take care that no one coming out of your father's house sees you here by accident. - CLIN. I will do so; but really my mind presages I know not what misfortune. * CLIT. Do you persist in making up your mind upon that, before you know what is the fact P CLIN. Had no misfortune happened, she would have been here by this. CLIT. She'll be here presently. CLIN. When will that presently be P CLIT. You don't consider that it is a great way from here." Besides, you know the ways of women, while they are bestirring themselves, and while they are making prepa- rations a whole year passes by. CLIN, O Clitipho, I'm afraid CLIT. Take courage. Look, here comes Dromo, together with Syrus: they are close at hand. (They stand aside.) SCENE III. Inter SYRUs and DROMO, conversing at a distance. SYR. Do you say so P DRO. 'Tis as I told you, -but in the meantime, while we've been carrying on our discourse, these women have been left behind. CLIT. (apart.) Don't you hear, Clinia? Your mistress is close at hand. CLIN. (apart.) Why yes, I do hear now at last, and I see and revive, Clitipho. DRO. No wonder; they are so encumbered ; they aro \ringing a troop of female attendants” with them, * Great way from here)—Wer. 239. That is, from the place where they are, in the country, to Athens. * Troop of female attendants)—Ver. 245. The train and expenses of a courtesan of high station are admirably depicted in the speech of Lysiteles, in the Trinummus of Plautus, 1, 252. Sc, III. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 149 CLIN, (apart.) I'm undone! Whence come these female attendants P - CLIT. (apart.) Do you ask me? SYR. We ought not to have left them; what a quantity of things they are bringing! CLIN. (apart.) Ah me ! SYR. Jewels of gold, and clothes; it's growing late too, and they don't know the way. It was very foolish of us to leave them. Just go back, Dromo, and meet them. Make haste—why do you delay ? (Evit DROMO. CLIN. (apart.) Woe unto wretched me!—from what high hopes am I fallen CLIT. (apart.) What's the matter? Why, what is it that troubles you? CLIN. (apart.) Do you ask what it is ? Why, don’t you See ? Attendants, jewels of gold, and clothes, her too, whom I left here with only one little servant girl. Whence do you suppose that they come P CLIT. (apart.) Oh! now at last I understand you. SYR. (to himself) Good Gods ! what a multitude there is . Our house will hardly hold them, I’m sure. How much they will eat how much they will drink! what will there be more wretched than our old gentleman? (Catching sight of CLINIA and CLITIPHO.) But look, I espy the persons I was wanting. CLIN. (apart.) Oh Jupiter! Why, where is fidelity gone 2 While I, distractedly wandering, have abandoned my country for your sake, you, in the meantime, Antiphila, have been enriching yourself, and have forsaken me in these troubles, Ayou for whose sake I am in extreme disgrace, and have been disobedient to my father; on whose account I am now ashamed and grieved, that he who used to lecture me about the manners of these women, advised me in vain, and was not able to wean me away from her:-which, however, I shall now do; whereas when it might have been advantageous to me to do so, I was unwilling. There is no being more wretched than I. s SYR. (to himself.) He certainly has been misled by our words which we have been speaking here. (Aloud.) Clinia, you imagine your mistress quite different from what she really is. For both her mode of life is the same, and her disposition 150 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act II. towards you is the same as it always was ; so far as we could form a judgment from the circumstances themselves. CLIN. How so, prithee? For nothing in the world could I rather wish for just now, than that I have suspected this without reason. * SYR. This, in the first place, then (that you may not be ignorant of anything that concerns her); the old woman, who was formerly said to be her mother, was not so.-She is dead: this I overheard by accident from her, as we came along, while she was telling the other one. CLIT. Pray, who is the other one P SYR. Stay; what I have begun I wish first to relate, Clitipho ; I shall come to that afterwards. CLIT. Make haste, then. SYR. First of all, then, when we came to the house, Dromo knocked at the door ; a certain old woman came out; when she opened the door, he directly rushed in ; I followed; the old woman bolted the door, and returned to her wool. On this occasion might be known, Clinia, or else on none, in what pursuits she passed her life during your absence; when we thus came upon a female unexpectedly. For this circumstance then gave us an opportunity of judging of the course of her daily life ; a thing which especially discovers what is the disposition of each individual. We found her industriously plying at the web; plainly clad in a mourning dress,' on account of this old woman, I suppose, who was lately dead; without golden ornaments, dressed, besides, just like those who only dress for themselves, and patched up with no worthless woman's trumpery.” Her hair was loose, long, 1 In a mourning dress)—Wer. 286. Among the Greeks, in general, mourning for the dead seems to have lasted till the thirtieth day after the funeral, and during that period black dresses were worn. The Romans also wore mourning for the dead, which seems, in the time of the Bepublic, to have been black or dark blue for either sex. Under the Empire the men continued to wear black, but the women wore white. Nojewels or ornaments were worn upon these occasions. * With no worthless woman's trumpery) — Ver. 289. By “nullá malá remuliebri” he clearly means that they did not find her painted up with the cosmetics which some women were in the habit of using. Such preparations for the face as white-lead, wax, antimony, or ver- milion, well deserve the name of “mala res.” A host of these cosmetics will be found described in Ovid's Fragment “On the Care of the Com- Se. FIL THE SELF-TORMENTOR. - 151 and thrown back negligently about her temples. (To CLINIA.) Do hold your peace.” CLIN. My dear Syrus, do not without cause throw me into ecstasies, I beseech you. SYR. The old woman was spinning the woof:” there was one little servant girl besides;–she was weaving” together with them, covered with patched clothes, slovenly, and dirty with filthiness. CLIT. If this is true, Clinia, as I believe it is, who is there more fortunate than you? Do you mark this girl whom he speaks of, as dirty and drabbish? This, too, is a strong indication that the mistress is out of harm's way, when her confidant is in such ill plight ; for it is a rule with those who wish to gain access to the mistress, first to bribe the maid. CLIN. (to SYRUs.) Go on, I beseech you ; and beware of endeavouring to purchase favour by telling an untruth. What did she say, when you mentioned me? - SYR. When we told her that you had returned, and had requested her to come to you, the damsel instantly put away the web, and covered her face all over with tears ; so that plexion,” and much information upon this subject is given in various past sages in the Art of Love. In the Remedy of Love, 1.351, Ovid speaks of these practices in the following terms: “At the moment, too, when she shall be smearing her face with the cosmetics laid up on it, you may come into the presence of your mistress, and don’t let shame prevent you. You will find there boxes, and a thousand colours of objects; and you will see ‘oesypum, the ointment of the fleece, trickling down and flowing upon her heated bosom. These drugs, Phineus, smell like thy tables; not once alone has sickness been caused by this to my stomach.” Lucre. tius also, in his Fourth Book, l. 1168, speaks of a female who “ covers herself with noxious odours, and whom her female attendants fly from to a distance, and chuckle by stealth.” See also the Mostellaria of Plautus, Act I., Scene 3, l. 135, where Philematin m is introduced making her toilet on the stage. ! Do hold your peace)—Wer. 291. “Pax,” literally “peace ſ” in the sense of “ Hush | * “Be quiet !” See the Notes to the Trinummus of Plautus, ll. 889–891, in Bohn's Translation. * The woof)—Wer. 293. See an interesting passage on the ancient, weaving, in the Metamorphoses of Ovid, B. vi., l. 54, et seq. See also the Epistle of Penelope to Ulysses, in the Heroides of Ovid, l. 10, and the Note in Bohn's English Translation. * She was weaving)—Wer. 294. This line and part of the next are supposed to have been translated almost literally from some lines, the composition of Menander, which are still extant. 152 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOs; Act II. you might easily perceive that it really was caused by her affection for you. CLIN. So may the IXeities bless me, I know not where I am for joy! I was so alarmed before. CLIT. But I was sure that there was no reason, Clinia. Come now, Syrus, tell me, in my turn, who this other lady is. SYR. Your Bacchis, whom we are bringing." CLIT. Ha! What Bacchis? How now, you rascal! whither are you bringing her? SYR. Whither am I bringing her ? To our house, to be SUITé. CLIT. What to my father's P SYR. To the very same. CLIT. Oh, the audacious impudence of the fellow! SYR. Hark'ye, no great and memorable action is done without some risk. CLIT. Look now; are you seeking to gain credit for your- self, at the hazard of my character, you rascal, in a point, where, if you only make the slightest slip, I am ruined P What would you be doing with her? SYR. But still i CLIT. Why “still P - SyR. If you’ll give me leave, I’ll tell you. CLIN. Do give him leave. CLIT. I give him leave then. SYR. This affair is now just as though when CLIT. Plague on it, what roundabout story is he beginning to tell me P CLIN. Syrus, he says what's right—do omit digressions; come to the point. SYR. Really I cannot hold my tongue. Clitipho, you are every way unjust, and cannot possibly be endured. CLIN. Upon my faith, he ought to have a hearing. (To CLITIPHo.) Do be silent. SYR. You wish to indulge in your amours; you wish to possess your mistress; you wish that to be procured where- * Your Bacchis, whom we are bringing)—Wer. 310. Colman has the following remark: “Here we enter upon the other part of the fable, which the Poet has most artfully complicated with the main subject by making Syrus bring Clitipho's mistress along with Anti- phila. This part of the story, we know, was not in Menander.” Sc. TII. THE SELF-TORMENTOR, 153 withal to make her presents; in getting this, you do not wish the risk to be your own. You are not wise to no pur. pose, if indeed it is being wise to wish for that which can- not happen. Either the one must be had with the other, or the one must be let alone with the other. Now, of these two alternatives, consider which one you would prefer ; although this project which I have formed, I know to be both a wise and a safe one. For there is an opportunity for your mis- tress to be with you at your father's house, without fear of a discovery; besides, by these self-same means, I shall find the money which you have promised her—to effect which, you have already made my ears deaf with entreating me. What would you have more? CLIT. If, indeed, this could be brought about SYR. If, indeed P You shall know it by experience. CLIT. Well, well, disclose this project of yours. What is it P gr SYR. We will pretend that your mistress is his (pointing to CLINIA). . CLIT. Very fine! Tell me, what is he to do with his own P Is she, too, to be called his, as if one was not a sufficient discredit P SYR. No-she shall be taken to your mother. CLIT. Why there? SYR. It would be tedious, Clitipho, if I were to tell you why I do so; I have a good reason. CLIT. Stuff! I see no grounds sufficiently solid why it should be for my advantage to incur this risk.” (Turning as if going.) g SYR. Stay; if there is this risk, I have another project, which you must both confess to be free from danger. CLIT. Find out something of that description, I beseech WOUL. SYR. By all means; I'll go meet her, and tell her to return home. CLIT. Ha! what was it you said P SYR. I’ll rid you at once of all fears, so that you may sleep at your ease upon either ear.” Incur this risk)—Wer. 337. As to his own mistress. * Upon either ear)—Wer. 342. “In aurem utramvis,” a proverbial expression, implying an easy and secure repose. It is also used by 154 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act II, CLIT. What am I to do now? CLIN. What are you to do? The goods that CLIT. Only tell me the truth, Syrus. SYR. Dispatch quickly; you'll be wishing just now too late and in vain. (Going.) ACLIN. The Gods provide, enjoy while yet you may ; for you know not— CLIT. (calling.) Syrus, I say ! SYR. (moving on.) Go on; I shall still do that which I said.” CLIN. Whether you may have another opportunity here- after or ever again. CLIT. I'faith, that's true. (Calling.) Syrus, Syrus, I say, harkye, harkye, Syrus! - SYR. (aside.) He warms a little. (To CLITIPHo.) What is it you want P CLIT. Come back, come back. SYR. (coming back to him.) Here I am ; tell me what you would have. You'll be presently saying that this, too, doesn't please you. CLIT. Nay, Syrus, I commit myself, and my love, and my reputation entirely to you : you are the seducer; take care you don’t deserve any blame. SYR. It is ridiculous for you to give me that caution, Clitipho, as if my interest was less at stake in this affair than yours. Here, if any ill luck should perchance befall us, words will be in readiness for you, but for this individual blows (pointing to himself). For that reason, this matter is by no means to be neglected on my part : but do prevail upon him (pointing to CLINIA) to pretend that she is his own mistress. CLIN. You may rest assured I'll do so. The matter has now come to that pass, that it is a case of necessity. CLIT. 'Tis with good reason that I love you, Clinia. Plautus, and is found in a fragment of the ITAokučv, or Necklace, a Comedy of Menander. * Still do that which I said)—Ver, 346. “Perge porro, tamen istuc ago.” Stallbaum observes that the meaning is: “Although I’m going off, I'm still attending to what you're saying.” According to Schmiede: and others, it means: “Call on just as you please, I shall persist ºn sending Bacchis away.” Se.. III. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. . 155 CLIN. But she mustn't be tripping at all. SYR. She is thoroughly tutored in her part. CLIT. But this I wonder at, how you could so easily pre- vail upon her, who is wont to treat such great people" with SCOTTOl. SYR. I came to her at the proper moment, which in all things is of the first importance: for there I found a certain wretched captain soliciting her favours: she artfully managed the man, so as to inflame his eager passions by denial; and this, too, that it might be especially pleasing to yourself. But hark you, take care, will you, not to be imprudently impetuous. You know your father, how quicksighted he is in these matters; and I know you, how unable you are to command yourself. Keep clear of words of double mean- ing,” your sidelong looks, sighing, hemming, coughing, tit- tering. .- CLIT. You shall have to commend me. SYR. Take care of that, please. CLIT. You yourself shall be surprised at me. SYR. But how quickly the ladies have come up with us! CLIT. Where are they P (SYRUs stands before him.) Why do you hold me back P SYR. For the present she is nothing to you. CLIT. I know it, before my father; but now in the mean- time— SYR. Not a bit the more. CLIT. Do let me. SYR. I will not let you, I tell you. CLIT. But only for a moment, pray. 1 Such great people) — Ver. 363. “Quos,” literally, “What persons !” * Words of double meaning) —Wer. 372. “Inversa verba, eversas cervices tuas.” “Inversa verba” clearly means, words with a double meaning, or substituted for others by previous arrangement, like cor- respondence by cypher. Lucretius uses the words in this sense, B. i., l. 643. A full account of the secret signs and correspondence in use among the ancients, will be found in the 16th and 17th Epistles of the Heroides of Ovid, in his Amours, B. i., El. 4, and in various passages of the Art of Love. See also the Asinaria of Plautus, l. 780. It is not known for certain what “eversa cervix * here means; it may mean the turning of the neck in some particular manner by way of a hint or to give a sidelong look, or it may allude to the act of Snatching a kiss on the sly, which might lead to a discovery. 156 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act II. SYR. I forbid it. CLIT. Only to salute her. SYR. If you are wise, get you gone. CLIT. I’m off. But what's he to do? (Pointing at CLINIA.) SYR. He will stay here. CLIT. O happy man SYR. Take yourself off (Erit CLITIPHo. SCENE TV. Enter BACCHIs and ANTIPHILA at a distance. BACCHIS. Upon my word, my dear Antiphila, I commend you, and think you fortunate in having made it your study that your manners should be conformable to those good looks of yours: and so may the Gods bless me, I do not at all wonder if every man is in love with you. For your discourse has been a proof to me what kind of disposition you possess. And when now I reflect in my mind upon your way of life, and that of all of you, in fact, who keep the public at a distance from yourselves, it is not surprising both that you are of that disposition, and that we are not ; for it is your interest to be virtuous; those, with whom we are acquainted, will not allow us to be so. For our lovers, allured merely by our beauty, court us for that; when that has faded, they transfer their affections elsewhere ; and unless we have made provi- sion in the meantime for the future, we live in destitution. Now with you, when you have once resolved to pass your life with one man whose manners are especially kindred to your own, those persons” become attached to you. By this kindly feeling, you are truly devoted to each other; and no calamity ean ever possibly interrupt your love. - ANTI. I know nothing about other women : I'm sure that I have, indeed, always used every endeavour to derive my own happiness from his happiness. CLIN. (apart, overhearing ANTIPHILA.) Ah! 'tis for that reason, my Antiphila, that you alone have now caused me to return to my native country; for while I was absent from ' A man whose manners—those persons)—Wer. 393. “Cujus—hi;" a change of number by the use of the figure Enallage. Sc. TV. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 157 you, all other hardships which I encountered were light to me, Save the being deprived of you. SYR. (apart.) I believe it. CLIN. (apart.) Syrus, I can scarce endure it!" Wretch that I am, that I should not be allowed to possess one of such a disposition at my own discretion | SYR. Nay, so far as I understand your father, he will for a long time yet be giving you a hard task. BACCH. Why, who is that young man that's looking at us? ANTI. (seeing CLINIA.) Ah! do support me, I entreat you! BACCH. Prithee, what is the matter with you? ANTI. I shall die, alas! I shall die! BACCH. Why are you thus surprised, Antiphila P ANTI. Is it Clinia that I see, or not ? BACCH. Whom do you see ? CLIN. (running to embrace ANTIPHILA.) Blessings on you, my life! ANTI. Oh my long-wished for Clinia, blessings on you! CLIN. How fare you, my love? - ANTI. I’m overjoyed that you have returned safe. CLIN. And do I embrace you, Antiphila, so passionately longed for by my soul? * SYR. Go in-doors; for the old gentleman has been waiting for us some time. (They go into the house of CHREMES.) ! I can scarce endure it)—Wer. 400. Colman has the following remark on this passage: “Madame Dacier, contrary to the authority of all editions and MSS., adopts a conceit of her father's in this place, and places this speech to Clitipho, whom she supposes to have retired to a hiding-place, where he might overhear the conversation, and from whence he peeps out to make this speech to Syrus. This she calls an agreeable jeu de théâtre, and doubts not but all lovers of Terence will be obliged to her father for so ingenious a remark; but it is to be feared that critical sagacity will not be so lavish of acknowledgments as filial piety. There does not appear the least foundation for this remark in the Scene, nor has the Poet given us the least room to doubt of Clitipho being actually departed. To me, instead of an agreeable jew de théâtre, it appears a most absurd and ridiculous device; particularly vicious in this place, as it most injudiciously tends to interrupt the course of Clinia's more interesting passion, so admirably delineated in this little Scene.” 158 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOs; Act III. ACT THE THIRD. SCENE I. Enter CHREMEs from his house. CHREM. (to himself.) It is now daybreak." Why do I delay to knock at my neighbour's door, that he may learn from me the first that his son has returned? Although I am aware that the youth would not prefer this. But when I see him tor- menting himself so miserably about his absence, can I con- ceal a joy so unhoped for, especially when there can be no danger to him from the discovery? I will not do so; but as far as I can I will assist the old man. As I see my Son aiding his friend and year's-mate, and acting as his confidant in his concerns, it is but right that we old men as well should assist each other. JEnter MENEDEMUs from his house. MEN. (to himself.) Assuredly I was either born with a disposition peculiarly suited for misery, or else that saying which I hear commonly repeated, that “time assuages human sorrow,” is false. For really my sorrow about my son in- creases daily; and the longer he is away from me, the more anxiously do I wish for him, and the more I miss him. CHREM. (apart.) But I see him coming out of his house; I'll go speak to him. (Aloud.) Menedemus, good morrow; I bring you news, which you would especially desire to be imparted. MEN. Pray, have you heard anything about my son, Chremes P CHREM. He's alive, and well. MEN. Why, where is he, pray? 1. It is now daybreak)—Wer. 410. Though this is the only Play which includes more than one day in the action, it is not the only one in which the day is represented as breaking. The Amphitryon and the Curculio of Plautus commence before daybreak, and the action is carried on into the middle of the day. Madame Dacier absolutely considers it as a fact beyond all doubt, that the Roman Audience went home after the first two Acts of the Play, and returned for the representation of the third the next morning at daybreak. Scaliger was of the same opinion; but it is not generally entertained by Commentators. Sc. T. THE SELF-TORMENTOR, 159 CHREM. Here, at my house, at home. MEN. My son P CHREM. Such is the fact. MEN. Come home? CHREM. Certainly. MEN. My son, Clinia, come home f CHREM. I say so. MEN. Let us go. Lead me to him, I beg of you. - CHREM. He does not wish you yet to know of his returf, and he shuns your presence; he's afraid that, on account of that fault, your former severity may even be increased. MEN. Did you not tell him how I was affected?" CHREM. No MEN. For what reason, Chremes? CHREM. Because there you would judge extremely ill both for yourself and for him, if you were to show yourself of a spirit so weak and irresolute. MEN. I cannot help it : enough already, enough, have I proved a rigorous father. CHREM. Ah Menedemus' you are too precipitate in either extreme, either with profuseness or with parsimony too great. Into the same error will you fall from the one side as from the other. In the first place, formerly, rather than allow your son to visit a young woman, who was then content with a very little, and to whom anything was accep- table, you frightened him away from here. After that, she began, quite against her inclination, to seek a subsistence upon *he town. Now, when she cannot be supported without a great expense, you are ready to give anything. For, that you may know how perfectly she is trained to extravagance, in the first place, she has already brought with her more than ten female attendants, all laden with clothes and jewels of gold; if a satrap” had been her admirer, he never could support her expenses, much less can you. MEN. Is she at your house? CHREM. Is she, do you ask? I have felt it ; for I have * How I was affected)—Wer. 436. “Ut essem,” literally, “How I was.” * If a satrap)—Wer. 452. “Satrapa” was a Persian word signifying “a ruler of a province.” The name was considered as synonymous with “possessor of wealth almost inexhaustible.” 16() HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act III. given her and her retinue one dinner; had I to give them another such, it would be all over with me; for, to pass by other matters, what a quantity of wine she did consume for me in tasting only," saying thus, “This wine is too acid.” respected sir,” do please look for something more mellow.” I opened all the casks, all the vessels; she kept all on the stir; and this but a single night. What do you suppose will become of you when they are constantly preying upon you? So may the Gods prosper me, Menedemus, I do pity your lot. - MEN. Let him do what he will ; let him take, waste, and guander; I'm determined to endure it, so long as I only have him with me. * In tasting only)—Wer. 457. “Pytiso" was the name given to the nasty practice of tasting wine, and then spitting it out; offensive in a man, but infinitely more so in a woman. It seems in those times to have been done by persons who wished to give themselves airs in the houses of private persons; at the present day it is probably confined to wine-vaults and sale-rooms where wine is put up to auction, and even there it is practised much more than is either necessary or agreeable. Doubtless Bacchis did it to show her exquisite taste in the matter of WIIleS. * Is too acid)—Wer. 458. “Asperum;” meaning that the wine was not old enough for her palate. The great fault of the Greek wines was their tartness, for which reason sea-water was mixed with them all except the Chian, which was the highest class of wine. 8 Respected sir)—Wer. 459. “Pater,” literally “father;” a title by which the young generally addressed aged persons who were strangers to them. * All the casks, all the vessels)—Wer. 460. “Dolia omnia, omnes serias.” The finer kinds of wine were drawn off from the “dolia,” or large vessels, into the “amphorae,” which, like the “dolia,” were made of earth, and sometimes of glass. The mouths of the vessels were stopped tight by a plug of wood or cork, which was made impervious to the atmosphere by being rubbed over with a composition of pitcn, clay, wax, or gypsum. On the outside, the title of the wine was painted. and among the Romans the date of the vintage was denoted by the names of the Consuls then in office. When the vessels were of glass, small tickets or labels, called “pittacia,” were suspended from them, stating to a similar effect. The “seriae” were much the same as the “dolia,” perhaps somewhat smaller; they were both long, bell-mouthed vessels of earthenware, formed of the best clay, and lined with pitch while hot from the furnace. “Seriae” were also used to contain oil and other liquids; and in the Captivi of Plautus the word is applied to pans used for the purpose of salting meat. “Relino” signifies the act of taking the seal of pitch or wax off the stopper of the wine-vessel, Sc, T. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 161 CHREM. If it is your determination thus to act, I hold it to be of very great moment that he should not be aware that with a full knowledge you grant him this. MEN. What shall I do P CHREM. Anything, rather than what you are thinking of; supply him with money through some other person ; suffer yourself to be imposed upon by the artifices of his servant : although I have smelt out this too, that they are about that, and are secretly planning it among them. Syrus is always whispering with that servant of yours;" they impart their plans to the young men; and it were better for you to lose a talent this way, than a mina the other. The money is not the question now, but this—in what way we can supply it to the young man with the least danger. For if he once knows the state of your feelings, that you would sooner part with your life, and sooner with all your money, than allow your son to leave you; whew! what an inlet” will you be opening for his debauchery! aye, and so much so, that hence- forth to live cannot be desirable to you. For we all become worse through indulgence. Whatever comes into his head, he'll be wishing for ; nor will he reflect whether that which he desires is right or wrong. You will not be able to endure your estate and him going to ruin. You will refuse to supply him : he will immediately have recourse to the means by which he finds that he has the greatest hold upon you, and threaten that he will immediately leave you. MEN. You seem to speak the truth, and just what is the fact. * CHREM, I'faith, I have not been sensible of sleep this night with my eyes,” for thinking of this—how to restore your son to you. * With that servant of yours)—Wer. 473. Dromo. * What an inlet)—Wer. 482. “Fenestram;” literally, “a window.” * This night with my eyes)—Wer. 491. Colman has the following Note here: “Hedelin obstinately contends from this passage, that neither Chremes nor any of his family went to bed the whole night; the contrary of which is evident, as Menage observes, from the two next Scenes. For why should Syrus take notice of his being up so early, if he had never retired to rest? Or would Chremes have reproached Clitipho for his behaviour the night before, had the feast never been interrupted? Eugraphius' interpretation of these words is natural and obvious, who explains them to signify that the anxiety of Chremes to restore Clinia to Menedemus broke his rest.” M 162 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act III. MEN. (faking his hand.) Give me your right hand. I request that you will still act in a like manner, Chremes. CHREM. I am ready to serve you. MEN. Do you know what it is I now want you to do? CHREM. Tell me. MEN. As you have perceived that they are laying a plan to deceive me, that they may hasten to complete it. I long to give him whatever he wants: I am now longing to behold him. CHREM. I’ll lend my endeavours. This little business is in my way. Our neighbours Simus and Crito are disputing here about boundaries; they have chosen me for arbitrator. I'll go and tell them that I cannot possibly give them my attention to-day as I had stated I would. I'll be here im- mediately. (Eacit. MEN. Pray do. (To himself.) Ye Gods, by our trust inſ you! That the nature of all men should be so constituted, that they can see and judge of other men's affairs better than their own | Is it because in our own concerns we are biassed either with joy or grief in too great a degree ? How much wiser now is he for me, than I have been for myself! e Fe-enter CHREMEs. CHREM. I have disengaged myself, that I might lend you my services at my leisure. Syrus must be found and instructed by me in this business. Some one, I know not who, is coming out of my house: do you step hence home, that they may not perceive" that we are conferring together. (MENEDEMUs goes into his house.) SCENE II. Enter SyFUs from the house of CHREMEs. SYR. (aloud to himself) Run to and fro in every direction; still, money, you must be found: a trap must be laid for the old man. * That they may not perceive)—Wer. 511. Madame Dacier observes that Chremes seizes this as a very plausible and necessary pretence to engage Menedemus to return home, and not to his labours in the field, as he had at first intended. Sc. TT. THE SELF-Tormentor. I63 CHREM. (apart, overhearing him.). Was I deceived in saying that they were planning this? That servant of Clinia's is somewhat dull; therefore that province has been assigned to this one of ours. SYR. (in a low voice.) Who's that speaking? (Catches sight of CHREMEs.) I'm undone! Did he hear it, I wonder P CHREM. Syrus. SYR. Well CHREM. What are you doing here? SYR. All right. Really, I am quite surprised at you, Chremes, up so early, after drinking so much yesterday. CHREM. Not too much. + SYR. Not too much, say you? Really, you've seen the old age of an eagle," as the saying is. CHREM. Pooh, pooh! SYR. A pleasant and agreeable woman this Courtesan. CHREM. Why, so she seemed to me, in fact. SYR. And really of handsome appearance. CHREM. Well enough. SYR. Not like those of former days,” but as times are now, very passable : nor do I in the least wonder that Clinia doats upon her. But he has a father—a certain covetous, miserable, and niggardly person—this neighbour of ours (pointing to the house). Do you know him P. Yet, as if he was not abounding in wealth, his son ran away through want. Are you aware that it is the fact, as I am saying? CHREM. How should I not be aware P A fellow that deserves the mill. SYR. Who? * Old age of an eagle)—Wer. 521. This was a proverbial expression, signifying a hale and vigorous old age. It has been suggested, too, that it alludes to the practice of some old men, who drink more than they eat. It was vulgarly said that eagles never die of old age, and that when, by reason of their beaks growing inward, they are unable to feed upon their prey, they live by sucking the blood. * Not like those of former days)—Wer. 524. Syrus, by showing himself an admirer of the good old times, a “laudator temporis acti,” is wishful to flatter the vanity of Chremes, as it is a feeling common to old age, perhaps by no means an unamiable one, to think former times better than the present. Aged people feel grateful to those happy hours when their hopes were bright, and everything was viewed from the sunny side of life. M 2 164 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOs; Act III. CHREM. That servant of the young gentleman, I mean. SYR. (aside.) Syrus! I was sadly afraid for you. CHREM. To suffer it to come to this! SYR. What was he to do P CHREM. Do you ask the question? He ought to have found some expedient, contrived some stratagem, by means of which there might have been something for the young man to give to his mistress, and thus have saved this crabbed old fellow in spite of himself. SYR. You are surely joking. CHREM. This ought to have been done by him, Syrus. SYR. How now—pray, do you commend servants, who deceive their masters? CHREM. Upon occasion—I certainly do commend them. SYR. Quite right. CHREM. Inasmuch as it often is the remedy for great dis- turbances. Then would this man's only son have staid at home. SYR. (aside.) Whether he says this in jest or in earnest, I don’t know; only, in fact, that he gives me additional zest for longing still more to trick him. ; CHREM. And what is he now waiting for, Syrus P Is it until his father drives him away from here a second time, when he can no longer support her expenses?" Has he no plot on foot against the old gentleman? SYR. He is a stupid fellow. CHREM. Then you ought to assist him—for the sake of the young man. SYR. For my part, I can do so easily, if you command me; for I know well in what fashion it is usually done. CHREM. So much the better, i' faith. SYR. 'Tis not my way to tell an untruth. CHREM. Do it then. SYR. But hark you! Just take care and remember this, in case anything of this sort should perchance happen at a future time, such are human affairs!—your son might do the same. CHREM. The necessity will not arise, I trust. SYR. I faith, and I trust so too: nor do I say so now, | Can no longer support her expenses)—Wer. 544. He refers to Menedemus and Bacchis. - Sc. III. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 165 because I have suspected him in any way; but in case, none the more"—You see what his age is ; (aside) and truly, Chremes,” if an occasion does happen, I may be able to handle you right handsomely. CHREM. As to that, we'll consider what is requisite when the occasion does happen. At present do you set about this matter. . (Goes into his house.) SYR. (to himself) Never on any occasion did I hear my master talk more to the purpose; nor at any time could I believe that I was authorized to play the rogue with greater impunity. I wonder who it is coming out of our house? (Stands aside.) - SCENE III. Enter CHREMEs and CLITIPHo from the house of the former. CHREM. Pray, what does this mean? What behaviour is this, Clitipho? Is this acting as becomes you? CLIT. What have I done? CHREM. Did I not see you just now putting your hand into this Courtesan's bosom? SYR. (apart.) It's all up with us—I’m utterly undone! CLIT. What, I? CHREM. With these selfsame eyes I saw it don’t deny it. Besides, you wrong him unworthily in not keeping your hands off: for indeed it is a gross affront to entertain a person, your friend, at your house, and to take liberties with his mistress. Yesterday, for instance, at wine, how rude you were SYR. (apart.) 'Tis the truth.” * But in case, none the more)—Wer. 555. “Sed si quid, ne quid.” An instance of Aposiopesis, signifying “But if anything does happen, don’t you blame me.” * And truly, Chremes)—Wer. 557. Some suppose that this is said in apparent candour by Syrus, in order the more readily to throw Chremes off his guard. Other Commentators, again, fancy these words to be said by Syrus in a low voice, aside, which seems not improbable; it being a just retribution on Chremes for his recommendation, however well intended : in that gase, Chremes probably overhears 't, if we may Judge from his answer. * 'Tis the truth)— Wer. 568. “Factum.” “Done for” is another translation which this word will here admit of, 166 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act III. CHREM. How annoying you were! So much so, that for my part, as the Gods may prosper me, I dreaded what in the end might be the consequence. I understand lovers. They resent highly things that you would not imagine. CLIT. But he has full confidence in me, father, that I would not do anything of that kind. CHREM. Be it so ; still, at least, you ought to go some- where for a little time away from their presence. Passion prompts to many a thing; your presence acts as a restraint upon doing them. I form a judgment from myself. There's mot one of my friends this day to whom I would venture, Clitipho, to disclose all my secrets. With one, his station forbids it; with another, I am ashamed of the action itself, lest I may appear a fool or devoid of shame; do you rest assured that he does the same." But it is our part to be sensible of this; and, when and where it is requisite, to show due complaisance. SYR. (coming forward and whispering to CLITIPHo.) What is it he is saying? CLIT. (aside, to SYRUs.) I’m utterly undone! SYR. Clitipho, these same injunctions I gave you. You have acted the part of a prudent and discreet person.” CLIT. Hold your tongue, I beg. SYR. Very good. CHREM. (approaching them.) Syrus, I am ashamed of him. SYR. I believe it; and not without reason. Why, he vexes myself even. CLIT. (to SYRUS) Do you persist, then P SYR. I faith, I’m saying the truth, as it appears to me. CLIT. May I not go near them P CHREM. How now—pray, is there but one way” of going near them £ SYR. (aside.) Confusion' He'll be betraying himself before I've got the money. (Aloud.) Chremes, will you give attention to me, who am but a silly person? CHREM. What am I to do? SYR. Bid him go somewhere out of the way. * That he does the same)—Wer. 577. Clinia. * Of a prudent and discreet person)—Ver. 580. This is said ironi. cally. * Is there but one way)—Wer. 583. And that an immodest one. Sc, III. HE SELF-TORMENTOR, 167 CLIT. Where am I to go? SYR. Where you please; leave the place to them; be off and take a walk. CLIT. Take a walk' where P SYR. Pshaw Just as if there was no place to walk in. Why, then, go this way, that way, where you will. CHREM. He says right, I’m of his opinion. CLIT. May the Gods extirpate you, Syrus, for thrusting me away from here. SYR. (aside to CLITIPHo.) Then do you for the future keep those hands of your's within bounds. (Evit CLITIPHO) l{eally now (to CHREMEs), what do you think? What do you imagine will become of him next, unless, so far as the Gods afford you the means, you watch him, correct and admonish him P CHREM. I’ll take care of that. SYR. But now, master, he must be looked after by you. CHREM. It shall be done. SYR. If you are wise, for now he minds me less and less every day. CHREM. What say you? What have you done, Syrus, about that matter which I was mentioning to you a short time since P Have you any plan that suits you, or not yet even P SYR. You mean the design upon Menedemus f I have; I have just hit upon one. CHREM. You are a clever fellow ; what is it P Tell me. SYR. I’ll tell you ; but, as one matter arises out of another CHREM. Why, what is it, Syrus P SYR. This Courtesan is a very bad woman. CHREM. So she seems. SYR. Aye, if you did but know. O shocking! just see what she is hatching. There was a certain old woman here from Corinth, this Bacchis lent her a thousand silver drachmae. CHREM. What then P . SYR. She is now dead: she has left a daughter, a young girl. She has been left with this Bacchis as a pledge for that bul D. CHREM. I understand you. 168 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act III., Sc. TV. SYR. She has brought her hither along with her, her I mean who is now with your wife.” CHREM. What then P SYR. She is soliciting Clinia at once to advance her this money; she says, however, that this girl is to be a security, that, at a future time, she will repay the thousand pieces of money. CHREM. And would she really be a security?” SYR. Dear me, is it to be doubted P. I think so. CHREM. What then do you intend doing? SYR. What, I? I shall go to Menedemus; I'll tell him she is a captive from Caria, rich, and of noble family; if he redeems her, there will be a considerable profit in this transaction. CHREM. You are in an error. SYR. Why so P CHREM. I’ll now answer you for Menedemus—I will not purchase her. SYR. What is it you say? Do speak more agreeably to our wishes. CHREM. But there is no occasion. SYR. No occasion ? CHREM. Certainly not, i' faith. SYR. How so, I wonder P CHREM. You shall soon know.” ! With your wife)—Wer. 604. Madame Dacier remarks, that as Anti- phila is shortly to be acknowledged as the daughter of Chremes, she is not therefore in company with the other women at the feast, who are Courtesans, but with the wife of Chremes, and consequently free from reproach or scandal. * Would she really be a security)—Wer. 606. The question of Chremes seems directed to the fact whether the girl is of value sufficient to be good security for the thousand drachmae. * You shall soon know)—Wer. 612. Madame Dacier suggests that Chremes is prevented by his wife's coming from making a proposal to advance the money himself, on the supposition that it will be a lucrative speculation. This notion is contradicted by Colman, who adds the following note from Eugraphius: “Syrus pretends to have concerted this plot against Menedemus, in order to trick him out of some money to be given to Clinia's supposed mistress. Chremes, however, does not approve of this: yet it serves to carry on the plot; for when Antiphila royes afterwards to be the daughter of Chremes, he necessarily becomes the debtor of Bacchis, and is obliged to lay down the sum for which ho imagines his daughter is pledged.’ Act IV., Sc. I. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 169 SYR. Stop, stop; what is the reason that there is such a great noise at our door? (They retire out of sight.) ACT THE FOURTH. ScENE I. JEnter SoSTRATA and a NURSE in haste from the house of CHREMEs, and CHREMEs and SYRUs on the other side of the stage unperceived. Sos. (holding up a ring and examining it.) Unless my fancy deceives me, surely this is the ring which I suspect it to be, the same with which my daughter was exposed. CHREM. (apart.) Syrus, what is the meaning of these ex- pressions? Sos. Nurse, how is it P. Does it not seem to you the same P NUR. As for me, I said it was the same the very instant that you showed it me. Sos. But have you now examined it thoroughly, my dear nurse? NUR. Thoroughly. Sos. Then go in doors at once, and if she has now done bathing, bring me word. I’ll wait here in the meantime for my husband. SYR. (apart.) She wants you, see what it is she wants; she is in a serious mood, I don’t know why ; it is not without a cause I fear what it may be. CHREM. What it may be P I’ faith, she'll now surely be announcing some important trifle, with a great parade. Sos. (turning round.) Ha! my husband 1 CHREM. Ha! my wife! SOS. I was looking for you. CHREM. Tell me what you want. SOs. In the first place, this I beg of you, not to believe that I have ventured to do anything contrary to your commands. - CHREM. Would you have me believe you in this, although so incredible P. Well, I will believe you. 170 HEAUTONTIMORUMEROS; Act IV. SYR. (aside.) This excuse portends I know not what offence. - SOS. Do you remember me being pregnant, and yourself declaring to me, most peremptorily, that if I should bring forth a girl, you would not have it brought up. CHREM. I know what you have done, you have brought it up. SYR. (aside.) Such is the fact, I’m sure: my young master has gained a loss" in consequence. SOS. Not at all ; but there was here an elderly woman of Corinth, of no indifferent character; to her I gave it to be exposed. CHREM. O Jupiter! that there should be such extreme folly in a person’s mind. SOS, Alas! what have I done? CHREM. And do you ask the question ? SOs. If I have acted wrong, my dear Chremes, I have done so in ignorance. CHREM. This, indeed, I know for certain, even if you were to deny it, that in everything you both speak and act igno- rantly and foolishly : how many blunders you disclose in this single affair! For, in the first place, then, if you had been disposed to obey my orders, the child ought to have been dispatched; you ought not in words to have feigned her death, and in reality to have left hopes of her surviving. But that I pass over; compassion, maternal affection, I allow it. But how finely you did provide for the future! What was your meaning P Do reflect. It's clear, beyond a doubt, that your daughter was betrayed by you to this old woman, either that through you she might make a living by her, or that she might be sold in open market as a slave. I sup- pose you reasoned thus: “anything is enough, if only her life is saved :” what are you to do with those who under- stand neither law, nor right and justice? Be it for better or for worse, be it for them or against them, they see nothing except just what they please. SOS, My dear Chremes, I have done wrong, I own; I am convinced. Now this I beg of you; inasmuch as you are * Has gained a loss)—Wer. 628. He alludes to Clitipho, who, by the discovery of his sister, would not come in for such a large share of his father's property, and would conscquently, as Syrus observes, gain a loss. Sc. I. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 171 more advanced in years than I, be so much the more ready to forgive ; so that your justice may be some protection for my weakness. CHREM. I’ll readily forgive you doing this, of course; but, Sostrata, my easy temper prompts you to do amiss. But, whatever this circumstance is, by reason of which this was begun upon, proceed to tell it. SOs. As we women are all foolishly and wretchedly super- stitious, when I delivered the child to her to be exposed, I drew a ring from off my finger, and ordered her to expose it, together with the child; that if she should die, she might not be without" some portion of our possessions. CHREM. That was right; thereby you proved the saving of yourself and her.” - Sos. (holding out the ring.) This is that ring. CHREM. Whence did you get it P Sos. From the young woman whom Bacchis brought here with her. SYR. (aside.) Ha! CHREM. What does she say? Sos. She gave it me to keep for her, whilst she went to bathe. At first I paid no attention to it; but after I looked at it, I at once recognized it, and came running to you. CHREM. What do you suspect now, or have you discovered, relative to her ? SOs. I don't know ; unless you enquire of herself whence she got it, if that can possibly be discovered. * That she might not be without)—Ver. 652. Madame Dacier observes upon this passage, that the ancients thought themselves guilty of a heinous offence if they suffered their children to die without having bestowed on them some of their property; it was consequently the custom of the women, before exposing children, to attach to them some jewel or trinket among their clothes, hoping thereby to avoid Incurring the guilt above-mentioned, and to ease their consciences. * Saving of yourself and her)—Wer. 653. Madame Dacier says that the meaning of this passage is this: Chremes tells his wife that by having given this ring, she has done two good acts instead of one—she has both cleared her conscience and saved the child; for had there been no ring or token exposed with the infant, the finder would not have been at the trouble of taking care of it, but might have left it to perish, never suspecting it would be enquired after, or himself liberally rewarded for having preserved it. 172 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act IV. SYR. (aside.) I'm undone! I see more hopes' from this incident than I desire. If it is so, she certainly must be ours. CHREM. Is this woman living to whom you delivered the child? Sos, I don’t know. CHREM. What account did she bring you at the time P Sos. That she had done as I had ordered her. CHREM. Tell me what is the woman's name, that she may be enquired after. SOS. Philtere. SYR. (aside.) 'Tis the very same. It's a wonder if she isn't found, and I lost. CHREM. Sostrata, follow me this way in doors. Sos. How much beyond my hopes has this matter turned out! How dreadfully afraid I was, Chremes, that you would now be of feelings as unrelenting as formerly you were on exposing the child. CHREM. Many a time a man cannot be” such as he would be, if circumstances do not admit of it. Time has now so brought it about, that I should be glad of a daughter; formerly I wished for nothing less. - (CHREMEs and SoSTRATA go into the house. SCENE II. SYRUS alone. SyR. Unless my fancy deceives me,” retribution” will not * I see more hopes)—Wer. 659. Syrus is now alarmed that Antiphila should so soon be acknowledged as the daughter of Chremes, lest he may lose the opportunity of obtaining the money, and be punished as well, in case the imposition is detected, and Bacchis discovered to be the mistress of Clitipho and not of Clinia. * A man cannot be)—Wer. 666. This he says by way of palliating the cruelty he was guilty of in his orders to have the child put to death. * Unless my fancy deceives me)—Ver. 668. “Nisi me animus fallit.” He comically repeats the very same words with which Sostrata com- menced in the last Scene. * Retribution)—Wer. 668. “Infortunium” was the name by which the slaves commonly denoted a beating. Colman has the following remark here: “Madame Dacier, and most of the later critics who have implicitly followed her, tell us that in the interval between the third Sc. III. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 173 be very far off from me; so much by this incident are my forces now utterly driven into straits; unless I contrive by some means that the old man mayn't come to know that this damsel is his son's mistress. For as to entertaining any hopes about the money, or supposing I could cajole him, it's useless; I shall be sufficiently triumphant, if I’m allowed to escape with my sides covered.’ I’m vexed that such a tempting morsel has been so suddenly snatched away from my jaws. What am I to do? Or what shall I devise P I must begin upon my plan over again. Nothing is so diffi- cult, but that it may be found out by seeking. What now if I set about it after this fashion. (He considers.) That's of no use. What, if after this fashion ? I effect just about the same. But this I think will do. It cannot. Yes! excellent. Bravo! I’ve found out the best of all—I’ faith, I do believe that after all I shall lay hold of this same run- away money.” SCENE III. JEnter CLINIA at the other side of the stage. CLIN. (to himself.) Nothing can possibly henceforth befall and fourth Acts, Syrus has been present at the interview between Chremes and Antiphila within. The only difficulty in this doctrine is how to reconcile it to the apparent ignorance of Syrus, which he dis- covers at the entrance of Clinia. But this objection, says she, is easily answered. Syrus having partly heard Antiphila's story, and finding things likely to take an unfavourable turn, retires to consider what is best to be done. But surely this is a most unnatural impatience at so critical a conjuncture; and, after all, would it not be better to take up the matter just where Terence has left it, and to suppose that Syrus knew nothing more of the affair than what might be collected from the late conversation between Chremes and Sostrata, at which we know he was present". This at once accounts for his apprehensions, which he betrayed even during that Scene, as well as for his imperfect knowledge of the real state of the case, till apprised of the whole by Clinia.” * With my sides covered)—Wer. 673. He most probably alludes to the custom of tying up the slaves by their hands, after stripping them naked, when of course their “latera” or “sides” would be exposed, and come in for a share of the lashes. * Runaway money)—Wer. 678. “Fugitivum argentum.” Madame Dacier suggests that this is a bad translation of the words of Menander, which were “d troorošilsty Töv Špatrétav xovgöv,” where “xpvgög" signified both “gold,” and the name of a slave. 174 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act TV. Whe of such consequence as to cause me uneasiness; so ex- treme is this joy that has surprised me. Now then I shall give myself up entirely to my father, to be more frugal than even he could wish. SYR. (apart.) I wasn't mistaken; she has been discovered, so far as I understand from these words of his. (Advancing.) I am rejoiced that this matter has turned out for you so much to your wish. CLIN. O my dear Syrus, have you heard of it, pray? SYR. How shouldn't I, when I was present all the while? CLIN. Did you ever hear of anything falling out so fortu- nately for any one? SYR. Never. CLIN. And, so may the Gods prosper me, I do not now rejoice so much on my own account as hers, whom I know to be deserving of any honor. SYR. I believe it: but now, Clinia, come, attend to me in my turn. For your friend's business as well,—it must be seen to—that it is placed in a state of security, lest the old gentleman should now come to know anything about his mistress. CLIN. O Jupiter! SYR. Do be quiet. CLIN. My Antiphila will be mine. SYR. Do you still interrupt me thus? CLIN. What can I do? My dear Syrus, I’m transported with joy! Do bear with me. SYR. I’faith, I really do bear with you. CLIN. We are blest with the life of the Gods. SYR. I’m taking pains to no purpose, I doubt. CLIN. Speak; I hear you. , SYR. But still you’ll not mind it. CLIN. I will. ** SYR. This must be seen to, I say, that your friend's busi- ness as well is placed in a state of security. For if you now go away from us, and leave Bacchis here, our old man will immediately come to know that she is Clitipho's mistress; if you take her away with you, it will be concealed just as much as it has been hitherto concealed. CLIN. But still, Syrus, nothing can make more against my So. TIT. THE SELF-TORMENTOR, 175 marriage than this; for with what face am I to address my father about it? You understand what I mean? SYR. Why not? CLIN. What can I say? What excuse can I make? SYR. Nay, I don't want you to dissemble ; tell him the whole case just as it really is. CLIN. What is it you say? SYR. I bid you do this; tell him that you are in love with her, and want her for a wife: that this Bacchis is Clitipho's mistress. CLIN. You require a thing that is fair and reasonable, and easy to be done. And I suppose, then, you would have me request my father to keep it a secret from your old man. SYR. On the contrary; to tell him directly the matter just as it is. CLIN. What? Are you quite in your senses or sober? Why, you were for ruining him outright. For how could he be in a state of security? Tell me that. SYR. For my part, I yield the palm to this device. Here I do pride myself exultingly, in having in myself such exquisite resources, and power of address so great, as to deceive them both by telling the truth: so that when your old man tells ours that she is his son's mistress, he'll still not believe him. CLIN. But yet, by these means you again cut off all hopes of my marriage; for as long as Chremes believes that she is my mistress, he'll not give me his daughter. Perhaps you care little what becomes of me, so long as you provide for him. SYR. What the plague, do you suppose I want this pre- tence to be kept up for an age P 'Tis but for a single day, only till I have secured the money: you be quiet ; I ask no Iſl()]’6. CLIN. Is that sufficient P If his father should come to know of it, pray, what then? SYR. What if I have recourse to those who say, “What now if the sky were to fall?” * If the sky were to fall)—Wer. 719. He means those who create un- necessary difficulties in their imagination. Colman quotes the following remark from Patrick: “There is a remarkable passage in Arrian's Account of Alexander, lib. iv., where he tells us that some ambassadors 176 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act IV. CLIN, I'm afraid to go about it. SYR. You, afraid! As if it was not in your power to clear yourself at any time you like, and discover the whole matter. CLIN. Well, well; let Bacchis be brought over to our house. . SYR. Capital' she is coming out of doors. SCENE IV. JEnter BACCHIs and PHRYGIA, from the house of CHREMEs. BACCH. (pretending not to see CLINIA and SYRUS,) To a very fine purpose, upon my faith, have the promises of Syrus brought me hither, who agreed to lend me ten minae. If now he deceives me, oft as he may entreat me to come, he shall come in vain. Or else, when I’ve promised to come, and fixed the time, when he has carried word back for certain, and Clitipho is on the stretch of expectation, I’ll disappoint him and not come. Syrus will make atone- ment to me with his back. CLIN. (apart, to SYRUs.) She promises you very fairly. from the Celtae, being asked by Alexander what in the world they dreaded most, answered, ‘That they feared lest the sky should fall [upon them]." Alexander, who expected to hear himself named, was surprised at an answer which signified that they thought themselves beyond the reach of all human power, plainly implying that nothing could hurt them, unless he would suppose impossibilities, or a total destruction of nature.” Aristotle, in his Physics, B. iv., informs us that it was the early notion of ignorant nations that the sky was sup- ported on the shoulders of Atlas, and that when he let go of it, it would fall. To a very fine purpose)—Wer. 723. “Satis pol proterve,” &c. C. Laelius was said to have assisted Terence in the composition of his Plays, and in confirmation of this, the following story is told by Cor- nelius Nepos : “C. Laelius, happening to pass the Matronalia [a Festival on the first of March, when the husband, for once in the year, was bound to obey the wife] at his villa near Puteoli, was told that dinner was waiting, but still neglected the summons. At last, when he made his appearance, he excused himself by saying that he had been in a particular vein of composition, and quoted certain lines which occur in the Heautontimorumenos, namely, those beginning ‘Satis pol pro terve me Syri promissa huc indu Kerunt.’” f Sc. IV. THE SELF-TORMENTOR, 177 SYR. (to CLINIA.) But do you think she is in jest? She'll do it, if I don’t take care. - BACCH. (aside.) They're asleep"—I'faith, I'll rouse them. (Aloud.) My dear Phrygia, did you hear about the country- seat of Charinus, which that man was showing us just now P PHRY. I heard of it. BACCH. (aloud.) That it was the next to the farm here on the right hand side.” PHRY. I remember. BACCH. (aloud.) Run thither post haste; the Captain is keeping the feast of Bacchus” at his house. SYR. (apart.) What is she going to be at P BACCH. (aloud) Tell him I am here very much against my inclination, and am detained; but that by some means or other I’ll give them the slip and come to him. (PHRYGIA moves.) SYR. (coming forward.) Upon my faith, I’m ruined Bacchis, stay, stay; prithee, where are you sending her? Order her to stop. BACCH. (to PHRYGIA.) Be off. SYR. Why, the money's ready. BACCH. Why, then I'll stay. (PriſyGIA returns.) SYR. And it will be given you presently. BACCH. Just when you please ; do I press you ? SYR. But do you know what you are to do, pray? BACCH. What P SYR. You must now go over to the house of Menedemus and your equipage must be taken over thither. BACCH. What scheme are you upon, you rascal ? SYR. What, I ? Coining money to give to you. BACCH. Do you think me a proper person for you to play upon P * They're asleep)—Wer. 730. “Dormiunt.” This is clearly figuratively, though Hedelin interprets it literally. * Farm here on the right hand side)—Wer. 732. Cooke suggests that the Poet makes Bacchis call the house of Charinus “villa,” and that of Chremes “fundus” (which signifies “a farm-house,” or “farm”), for the purpose of exalting the one and depreciating the other in the hearing of Syrus. * The feast of Bacchus)—Wer. 733. This passage goes far to prove that the Dionysia here mentioned as being celebrated, were those rar âypovg, or the “rural Dionysia.” N 178 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS ; Act IV. SYR. It's not without a purpose. BACCH. (pointing to the house.) Why, have I any business then with you here? SYR O no ; I'm only going to give you what's your own. BACCH. Then let's be going." SyR. Follow this way. (Goes to the door of MENEDEMUs, and calls.) Ho there ! Dromo. Fnter DROMo, from the house. DRO. Who is it wants me? SYR. Syrus. DRO. What's the matter P SYR. Take over all the attendants of Bacchis to your house here immediately. DRO. Why so P SYR. Ask no questions. Let them take what they brought here with them. The old gentleman will hope his expenses are lightened by their departure; for sure he little knows how much loss this trifling gain will bring him. You, Dromo, if you are wise, know nothing of what you do know. DRO. You shall own that I’m dumb. (CLINIA, BACCHIs, and PHRYGIA go into the house of MENEDEMUs, and DROMO follows with BACCHIS’s retinue and baggage.) SCENE W. JEnter CHREMEs from his house. CHREM. (to himself.) So may the Deities prosper me, I am now concerned for the fate of Menedemus, that so great a misfortune should have befallen him. To be maintaining that woman with such a retinue ! Although I am well aware he'll not be sensible of it for some days to come, his son was so greatly missed by him ; but when he sees such a vast expense incurred by him every day at home, and no limit to * Let's be going)—Wer. 742. Colman here remarks to the following :ffect: “There is some difficulty in this and the next speech in the 3riginal, and the Commentators have been puzzled to make sense of them. It seems to me that the Poet's intention is no more than this: Bacchis expresses some reluctance to act under the direction of Syrus, but is at length prevailed on, finding that he can by those means contrive to pay her the money which he has promised her.” Sc. W. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 179 it, he'll wish that this son would leave him a second time. See—here comes Syrus most opportunely. SYR (to himself, as he comes forward.) Why delay to accost him P CHREM. Syrus. SyR. Well. CHREM. How go matters? SYR. I’ve been wishing for some time for you to be thrown in my way. CHREM. You seem, then, to have effected something, I know not what, with the old gentleman. SYR. As to what we were talking of a short time since P No sooner said than done. CHREM. In real earnest ? SYR. In real. CHREM. Upon my faith, I cannot forbear patting your head for it. Come here, Syrus; I'll do you some good turn for this matter, and with pleasure. (Patting his head.) SYR. But if you knew how cleverly it came into my head CHREM. Pshaw Do you boast because it has turned out according to your wishes P - t SYR. On my word, not I, indeed ; I am telling the truth. CHREM. Tell me how it is. SYR. Clinia has told Menedemus, that this Bacchis is your Clitipho's mistress, and that he has taken her thither with him in order that you might not come to know of it. CHREM. Very good. SYR. Tell me, please, what you think of it. CHREM. Extremely good, I declare. - SYR. Why yes, pretty fair. But listen, what a piece of policy still remains. He is then to say that he has seen your daughter—that her beauty charmed him as soon as he beheld her ; and that he desires her for a wife. CHREM. What, her that has just been discovered P SYR. The same ; and, in fact, he'll request that she may be asked for. CHREM. For what purpose, Syrus P For I don't altogether comprehend it. SYR, O dear, you are so dull. CHREM. Perhaps SO. In 2 180 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act IV. SYR. Money will be given him for the wedding—with which golden trinkets and clothes—do you understand me? CHREM. To buy them ? SYR. Just so. CHREM. But I neither givenor betroth my daughter to him. SYR. But why? CHREM. Why, do you ask me? To a fellow SYR. Just as you please. I don't mean that in reality you should give her to him, but that you should pretend it. CHREM. Pretending is not in my way; do you mix up these plots of yours, so as not to mix me up in them. Do you think that I'll betroth my daughter to a person to whom I will not marry her ? SYR. I imagined so. CHREM. By no means. SYR. It might have been cleverly managed; and I under- took this affair for the very reason, that a short time since you so urgently requested it. CHREM. I believe you. SYR. But for my part, Chremes, I take it well and good, either way. CHREM. But still, I especially wish you to do your best for it to be brought about ; but in some other way. SYR. It shall be done : some other method must be thought of; but as to what I was telling you of about the money which she owes to Bacchis, that must now be repaid her. And you will not, of course, now be having recourse to this method; “What have I to do with it P Was it lent to me? Did I give any orders? Had she the power to pawn my daughter without my consent P” They quote that saying, Chremes, with good reason, “Rigorous law" is often rigorous injustice.” . CHREM. I will not do so. SYR. On the contrary, though others were at liberty, you are not at liberty; all think that you are in good and very easy circumstances. * Rigorous law)—Wer. 796. Cicero mentions the same proverb in Wis work De Officiis, B. i., ch. 10, substituting the word “injuria” for * malitia.” “‘Extreme law, extreme injustice,” is now become a stale proverb in discourse.” The same sentiment is found in the Fragments of Menander. . Sc. VI. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 181 CHREM. Nay rather, I'll at once carry it to her myself. SYR. Why no ; request your son in preference. CHREM. For what reason P SYR. Why, because the suspicion of being in love with her has been transferred to him with Menedemus. CHREM. What then P SYR. Because it will seem to be more like probability when he gives it her; and at the same time I shall effect more easily what I wish. Here he comes too; go, and bring out the money. CHREM. I’ll bring it. (Goes into his house.) SCENE WI. IEnter CLITIPHO. CLIT. (to himself.) There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it with reluctance. As this walk of mine, for instance, though not fatiguing, it has reduced me to weariness. And now I dread nothing more than that I should be packed off somewhere hence once again, that I may not have access to Bacchis. May then all the Gods and Goddesses, as many as exist, confound you, Syrus, with these stratagems and plots of yours. You are always devising something of this kind, by means of which to torture me. SYR. Will you not away with you—to where you deserve? How nearly had your forwardness proved my ruin! w CLIT. Upon my faith, I wish it had been so ; just what you deserve. - SYR. Deserve? How so? Really, I'm glad that I’ve heard this from you before you had the money which I was just going to give you. CLIT. What then would you have me say to you? You've made a fool of me; brought my mistress hither, whom I'm not allowed to touch SYR. Well, I’m not angry then. But do you know where Bacchis is just now? . CLIT. At our house. SYR. No. CLIT. Where then? 182 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act IV. SYR. At Clinia's. CLIT. I’m ruined SYR. Be of good heart ; you shall presently carry to her the money that you promised her. CLIT. You do prate away.—Where from ? SYR. From your own father. CLIT. Perhaps you are joking with me. SYR. The thing itself will prove it. CLIT. Indeed, then, I am a lucky man. Syrus, I do love you from my heart. SYR. But your father's coming out. Take care not to express surprize at anything, for what reason it is done ; give way at the proper moment ; do what he orders, and Say but little. SCENE VII. JEnter CHREMEs from the house, with a bag of money. CHREM. Where's Clitipho now? SYR. (aside to CLITIPHO.) Say—here I am. CLIT. Here am T. CHREM. (to SYRUs.) Have you told him how It is? SYR. I’ve told him pretty well everything. CHREM. Take this money, and carry it. (Holding out the bag. §. (aside to CLITIPHo.) Go–why do you stand still, you stone; why don't you take it P CLIT. Very well, give it me. (Receives the bag.) SYR. (to CLITIPHo.) Follow me this way directly. (To CHREMES) You in the meanwhile will wait here for us till we return; for there's no occasion for us to stay there long. (CLITIPHo and SYRUS go into the house of MENEDEMUs.) CHREM. (to himself.) My daughter, in fact, has now had ten minae from me, which I consider as paid for her board; another ten will follow these for clothes; and then she will require two talents for her portion. How many things, both just and unjust, are sanctioned by custom!" Now I’m * Are sanctioned by custom)—Wer. 839. He inveighs, perhaps justly, against the tyranny of custom; but in selecting this occasion for doing so, he does not mauifest any great affection for his newly-found daughter. Sc. VIII. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 183 obliged, neglecting my business, to look out for some one, on Nº. to bestow my property, that has been acquired by my abour. SCENE VIII. Inter MENEDEMUs from his house. MEN. (to CLINIA within.) My son, I now think myself the happiest of all men, since I find that you have returned to a rational mode of life. CHREM. (aside.) How much he is mistaken! MEN. Chremes, you are the very person I wanted; pre- serve, so far as in you lies, my son, myself, and my family. CHREM. Tell me what you would have me do. MEN. You have this day found a daughter. CHREM. What then P MEN. Clinia wishes her to be given him for a wife. CHREM. Prithee, what kind of a person are you? MEN. Why? CHREM. Have you already forgotten what passed between us, concerning a scheme, that by that method some money might be got out of you? MEN. I remember. CHREM. That self-same thing they are now about. MEN. What do you tell me, Chremes? Why surely, this Courtesan, who is at my house, is Clitipho's mistress. CHREM. So they say, and you believe it all; and they say that he is desirous of a wife, in order that, when I have betrothed her, you may give him money, with which to provide gold trinkets and clothing, and other things that are requisite. - MEN. That is it, no doubt ; that money will be given to his mistress. CHREM. Of course it is to be given. MEN. Alas! in vain then, unhappy man, have I been overjoyed; still however, I had rather anything than be deprived of him. What answer now shall I report from you, Chremes, so that he may not perceive that I have found it out, and take it to heart P CHREM. To heart, indeed! you are too indulgent to him, Mènedemus. 184 IIEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act V. MEN. Let me go on; I have now begun: assist me in this throughout, Chremes. - CHREM. Say then, that you have seen me, and have treated about the marriage. MEN. I’ll say so—what then? CHREM. That I will do every thing; that as a son-in-law he meets my approbation; in fine, too, if you like, tell him also that she has been promised him. MEN. Well, that's what I wanted— CHREM. That he may the sooner ask of you, and you may as soon as possible give him what you wish. MEN. It is my wish. - CHREM. Assuredly, before very long, according as I view this matter, you’ll have enough of him. But, however that may be, if you are wise, you'll give to him cautiously, and a little at a time. - MEN. I’ll do so. CHREM. Go in-doors and see how much he requires. I shall be at home, if you should want me for anything. MEN. I certainly do want you; for I shall let you know whatever I do. (They go into their respective houses.) ACT THE FIFTH. SCENE I. Enter MENEDEMUs from his house. MEN. (to himself) I am quite aware that I am not so overwise, or so very quick-sighted; but this assistant, prompter, and director" of mine, Chremes, out-does me in that. Any one of those epithets which are applied to a fool is suited to myself, such as dolt, post, ass,” lump of lead; to him not one can apply; his stupidity surpasses them all. * Assistant, prompter, and director)—Wer. 875. The three terms here used are borrowed from the stage. “Adjutor” was the person who assisted the performers either by voice or gesture; “monitor” was the prompter; and “praemonstrator” was the person who in the rehearsal rained the actor in his part. * Dolt, post, ass)—Wer. 877. There is a similar passage in the Sc. I, THE SELF-ToRMENTOR. 185 Fnter CHREMEs, speaking to SoSTRATA within. CHREM. Hold now, do, wife, leave off dinning the Gods with thanksgivings that your daughter has been discovered; unless you judge of them by your own disposition, and think that they understand nothing, unless the same thing has been told them a hundred times. But, in the meantime, why does my son linger there so long with Syrus P MEN. What persons do you say are lingering P CHREM. Ha! Menedemus, you have come opportunely. Tell me, have you told Clinia what I said P MEN. Everything. - CHREM. What did he say? MEN. He began to rejoice, just like people do who wish to be married. CHREM. (laughing.) Ha! haſ ha! MEN. Why are you laughing P CHREM. The sly tricks of my servant, Syrus, just came into my mind. MEN. Did they? º CHREM. The rogue can even mould the countenances of people." MEN. That my son is pretending that he is overjoyed, is it that you mean? CHREM. Just so. (Laughing.) MEN. The very same thing came into my mind. CHREM. A crafty knavel MEN. Still more would you think such to be the fact, if you knew more. CHREM. Do you say so? MEN. Do you give attention then P CHREM. Just stop—first I want to know this, what money you have squandered; for when you told your son that she was promised, of course Dromo would at once throw in a Bacchides of Plautus, l. 1087. “Whoever there are in any place what- soever, whoever have been, and whoever shall be in time to come, fools, blockheads, idiots, dolts, sots, oafs, lubbers, I singly by far exceed them all in folly and absurd ways.” * Mould the countenances of people)—Wer. 887. He means that Syrus not only lays his plots well, but teaches the performers to put on countenances suitable to the several parts they are to act. 186 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act V. word that golden jewels, clothes, and attendants would be needed for the bride, in order that you might give the money. MEN. No. CHREM. How, no P MEN. No, I tell you. CHREM. Nor yet your son himself? - MEN. Not in the slightest, Chremes. He was only the more pressing on this one point, that the match might be concluded to-day. CHREM. You say what's surprising. What did my servant Syrus do? Didn't even he say anything? MEN. Nothing at all. CHREM. For what reason, I don’t know. MEN. For my part, Iwonder at that, when you know other things so well. But this same Syrus has moulded your son," too, to such perfection, that there could not be even the slightest suspicion that she is Clinia's mistress CHREM. What do you say ? MEN. Not to mention, then, their kissing and embracing; that I count nothing. CHREM. What more could be done to carry on the cheat P MEN. Pshawl CHREM. What do you mean? MEN. Only listen. In the inner part of my house there is a certain room at the back ; into this a bed was brought, and was made up with bed-clothes. CHREM. What took place after this? MEN. No sooner said than done, thither went Clitipho. CHREM. Alone P MEN. Alone. CHREM. I’m alarmed. MEN. Bacchis followed directly. CHREM. Alone P MEN. Alone. CHREM. I’m undone ! MEN. When they had gone into the room, they shut the door. tº CHREM. Well—did Clinia see all this going on ? * Has moulded your son)—Wer. 898. “Mire finxit.” He sarcasti- cally uses the same word, “fingo,” which Chremes himself employed in 1.887. Sc. T. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 187 MEN. How shouldn't he P He was with me. CHREM. Bacchis is my son's mistress, Menedemus—I’m undone. - MEN. Why so? CHREM. I have hardly substance to suffice for ten days." MEN. What! are you alarmed at it, because he is paying attention to his friend ? CHREM. His “ she-friend” rather.” MEN. If he really is paying it. CHREM. Is it a matter of doubt to you? Do you suppose that there is any person of so accommodating and tame a spirit as to suffer his own mistress, himself looking on, to MEN. (chuckling and speaking ironically.) Why not ? That I may be imposed upon the more easily. CHREM. Do you laugh at me? You have good reason. How angry I now am with myself! How many things gave proof, whereby, had I not been a stone, I might have been fully sensible of this P What was it I saw P Alas! wretch that I am! But assuredly they shall not escape my ven- geance if I live ; for this instant MEN. Can you not contain yourself? Have you no respect for yourself? Am I not a sufficient example to you ? CHREM. For very anger, Menedemus, I am not myself. MEN. For you to talk in that manner! Is it not a shame for you to be giving advice to others, to show wisdom abroad and yet be able to do nothing for yourself? CHREM. What shall I do P MEN. That which you said I failed to do : make him sen- sible that you are his father ; make him venture to entrust everything to you, to seek and to ask of you ; so that he may look for no other resources and forsake you.” * Substance to suffice for ten days)—Wer. 909. “Familia” here means “property,” as producing sustenance. Colman, however, has translated the passage: “Mine is scarce a ten-days’ family.” * His she friend rather)—Wer. 911. Menedemus speaks of “amico,” a male friend, which Chremes plays upon by saying “amicae,” which literally meant a she-friend, and was the usual name by which decent people called a mistress. * And forsake you)—Wer. 924. Madame Dacier observes here, that one of the great beauties of this Scene consists in Chremes retorting on Menedemus the very advice given by himself at the beginning of the Play. 188 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOs; Act V. CHREM. Nay, I had much rather he would go anywhere in the world, than by his debaucheries here reduce his father to beggary! For if I go on supplying his extravagance, Mene- demus, in that case my circumstances will undoubtedly be soon reduced to the level of your rake. MEN. What evils you will bring upon yourself in this affair, if you don't act with caution! You'll show yourself severe, and still pardon him at last ; that too with an ill grace. CHREM. Ah! you don't know how vexed I am. MEN. Just as you please. What about that which I desire —that she may be married to my son P. Unless there is any other step that you would prefer. CHREM. On the contrary, both the son-in-law and the connexion are to my taste. MEN. What portion shall I say that you have named for your daughter? Why are you silent 2 CHREM. Portion ? MEN. I say so. CHREM. Alas! MEN. Chremes, don't be at all afraid to speak, if it is but a small one. The portion is no consideration at all with us. CHREM. I did think that two talents were sufficient, ac- cording to my means. But if you wish me to be saved, and my estate and my son, you must say to this effect, that I have settled all my property on her as her portion. MEN. What scheme are you upon P CHREM. Pretend that you wonder at this, and at the same time ask him the reason why I do so. MEN. Why really, I can't conceive the reason for your doing so. CHREM. Why do I do so 2 To check his feelings, which are now hurried away by luxury and wantonness, and to bring him down so as not to know which way to turn himself. MEN. What is your design? CHREM. Let me alone, and give me leave to have my own way in this matter, MEN. I do give you leave: is this your desire? CHREM. It is so. MEN. Then be it so. Sc. II. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 189 CHREM. And now let your son prepare to fetch the bride. The other one shall be schooled in such language as befits children. But Syrus MEN. What of him P CHREM. What? If I live, I will have him so handsomely dressed, so well combed out, that he shall always remember me as long as he lives; to imagine that I’m to be a laugh- ing-stock and a plaything for him! So may the Gods bless me! he would not have dared to do to a widow-woman the things which he has done to me." (They go into their respective houses.) SCENE II. Fºnter MENEDEMUs, with CLITIPHo and SYRUS. CLIT. Prithee, is it really the fact, Menedemus, that my father can, in so short a space of time, have cast off all the natural affection of a parent for me? For what crime? What so great enormity have I, to my misfortune, com- mitted? Young men generally do the same. MEN. I am aware that this must be much more harsh and severe to you, on whom it falls; but yet I take it no less amiss than you. How it is so I know not, nor can I account for it, except that from my heart I wish you well. CLIT. Did not you say that my father was waiting here? Bnter CHREMEs from his house. MEN. See, here he is. (MENEDEMUs goes into his house.) * Which he has done to me)——Wer. 954. Colman has the following Note: “The departure of Menedemus here is very abrupt, seeming to be in the midst of a conversation; and his re-entrance with Clitipho, already supposed to be apprized of what has passed between the two old gentlemen, is equally precipitate. Menage imagines that some verses are lost here. Madame Dacier strains hard to defend the Poet, and fills up the void of time by her old expedient of making the Audience wait to see Chremes walk impatiently to and fro, till a suffi- cient time is elapsed for Menedemus to have given Clitipho a summary account of the cause of his father's anger. The truth is, that a too strict observance of the unity of place will necessarily produce such tº. ; and there are several other instances of the like nature €IſèIAC63, 190 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act V. CHREM. Why are you blaming me, Clitipho? Whatever I have done in this matter, I had a view to you and your imprudence. When I saw that you were of a careless dispo- sition, and held the pleasures of the moment of the first importance, and did not look forward to the future, I took measures that you might neither want nor be able to waste this which I have. When, through your own conduct, it was not allowed me to give it you, to whom I ought before all, I had recourse to those who were your nearest relations; to them I have made over and entrusted everything." There you'll always find a refuge for your folly ; food, clothing, and a roof under which to betake yourself. CLIT. Ah me ! CHREM. It is better than that, you being my heir, Bacchis should possess this estate of mine. SYR. (apart.) I’m ruined irrevocably —Of what mischief nave I, wretch that I am, unthinkingly been the cause P CLIT. Would I were dead! CHREM. Prithee, first learn what it is to live. When you know that, if life displeases you, then try the other. SYR. Master, may I be allowed ? CHREM. Say on. SYR. But may I safely P CHREM. Say on. SYR. What injustice or what madness is this, that that in which I have offended, should be to his detriment P CHREM. It's all over.” Don't you mix yourself up in it; no one accuses you, Syrus, nor need you look out for an altar,” or for an intercessor for yourself. SYR. What is your design P CHREM. I am not at all angry either with you (to SYRUS), or with you (to CLITIPHO); nor is it fair that you * Entrusted every thing)—Wer. 966. This is an early instance of a trusteeship and a guardianship. * It's all over)—Wer. 974. “Ilicet,” literally, “you may go away.” This was the formal word with which funeral ceremonies and trials at law were concluded. * Look out for an altar)—Wer. 975. He alludes to the practice of slaves taking refuge at altars when they had committed any fault, and then suing for pardon through a “precator” or “mediator.” See the Mostellaria of Plautus, 1. 1074, where Tranio takes refuge at the altar from the vengeance of his master, Theuropides. Sc. TI. THE SELF-TORMENTOR. 191 should be so with me for what I am doing. (He goes into his house. §: He's gone. I wish I had asked him— CLIT. What, Syrus: SYR. Where I am to get my subsistence; he has so utterly cast us adrift. You are to have it for the present ; at your sister's, I find. CLIT. Has it then come to this pass, Syrus—that I am to be in danger even of starving 2 - - SYR. So we only live, there's hope CLIT. What hope 2 SYR. That we shall be hungry enough. CLIT. Do you jest in a matter so serious, and not give ma any assistance with your advice? SYR. On the contrary, I’m both now thinking of that, and have been about it all the time your father was speaking just now ; and so far as I can perceive CLIT. What SYR. It will not be wanting long. (He meditates.) CLIT. What is it, then P SYR. It is this—I think that you are not their son. CLIT. How's that, Syrus 2 Are you quite in your senses? SYR. I'll tell you what's come into my mind; be you the judge. While they had you alone, while they had no other source of joy more nearly to affect them, they indulged you, they lavished upon you. Now a daughter has been found, a pretence has been found in fact on which to turn you adrift. CLIT. It's very probable. SYR. Do you suppose that he is so angry on account of this fault, P CLIT. I do not think so. SYR. Now consider another thing. All mothers are wont to be advocates for their sons when in fault, and to aid them against a father's severity; 'tis not so here. CLIT. You say true ; what then shall I now do, Syrus? SYR. Question them on this suspicion; mention the matter without reserve ; either, if it is not true, you’ll soon bring them both to compassion, or else you'll soon find out whose son you are. - 192 z HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; Act W. CLIT. You give good advice; I'll do so. (He goes into the house of CHREMEs.) SYR. (to himself.) Most fortunately did this come into my mind. For the less hope the young man entertains, the greater the difficulty with which he'll bring his father to his own terms. I’m not sure even, that he may not take a wife, and then no thanks for Syrus. But what is this? The old man's coming out of doors; I'll be off. What has so far happened, I am surprised at, that he didn't order me to be carried off from here: now I'll away to Menedemus here, I'll secure him as my intercessor; I can put no trust in our old man. (Goes into the house of MENEDEMUs.) SCENE III. Enter CHREMEs and SoSTRATA from the house. Sos. Really, sir, if you don't take care, you'll be causing some mischief to your son; and indeed I do wonder at it, my husband, how anything so foolish could ever come into your head. CHREM. Oh, you persist in being the woman P Did I ever wish for any one thing in all my life, Sostrata, but that you were my contradicter on that occasion ? And yet if I were now to ask you what it is that I have done amiss, or why you act thus, you would, not know in what point you are now so obstinately opposing me in your folly. Sos. I, not know P CHREM. Yes, rather, I should have said you do know ; inasmuch as either expression amounts to the same thing.” SOS, Alas! you are unreasonable to expect me to be silent in a matter of such importance. CHREM. I don't expect it ; talk on then, I shall still do it not a bit the less. Sos. Will you do it 2 CHREM. Certainly. Sos. Don't you see how much evil you will be causing by that course ?—He suspects himself to be a foundling. * Amounts to the same thing)—Wer. 1010. “Quam quidem redit ad $Y.tegrum eadem oratio;” meaning, “it amounts to one and the same thing,” or, “it is all the same thing,” whether you do or whether you don't know. Sc. IV. THE SELF-ToRMENToR. I 93 CHREM. Do you say so 2 Sos. Assuredly it will be so. CHREM. Admit it. Sos. Hold now—prithee, let that be for our enemies. Am I to admit that he is not my son who really is P CHREM. What are you afraid that you cannot prove that he is yours, whenever you please ? Sos. Because my daughter has been found?" CHREM. No ; but for a reason why it should be much Sooner believed—because he is just like you in disposition, you will easily prove that he is your child ; for he is exactly like you ; why, he has not a single vice left him but you have just the same. Then besides, no woman could have been the mother of such a son but yourself. But he's coming out of doors, and how demure! When you understand the matter, you may form your own conclusions. - SCENE IV. JEnter CLITIPHo from the house of CHREMEs. CLIT. If there ever was any time, mother, when I caused you pleasure, being called your son by your own desire, I beseech you to remember it, and now to take compassion on me in my distress. A thing I beg and request—do discover to me my parents. - * Because my daughter has been found)—Wer. 1018. This sentence has given much trouble to the Commentators. Colman has the foliow- ing just remarks upon it: “Madame Dacier, as well as all the rest of the Commentators, has stuck at these words. Most of them imagine she means to say, that the discovery of Antiphila is a plain proof that she is not barren. Madame Dacier supposes that she intimates such a proof to be easy, because Clitipho and Antiphila were extremely alike; which sense she thinks immediately confirmed by the answer of Chremes. I cannot agree with any of them, and think that the whole difficulty of the passage here, as in many other places, is entirely of their own making. Sostrata could not refer to the reply of Chremes, because she could not possibly tell what it would be; but her own speech is intended as an answer to his preceding one, which she takes as a sneer on her late wonderful discovery of a daughter; imagining that he means to insinuate that she could at any time with equal ease make out the proofs of the birth of her son. The elliptical mode of expression so usual with Terence, together with the refinements of Commentat rs, seem to have created all the obscurity.” z G 194 HEAUTONTIMORUMENos; Act V. Sos. I conjure you, my son, not to entertain that notion in your mind, that you are another person's child. CLIT. I am. Sos. Wrºtch that I am I (Turning to CHREMES) Was it this that you wanted, pray ? (To CLITIPHO.) So may you be the survivor of me and of him, you are my son and his ; and, henceforth, if you love me, take care that I never hear that speech from you again. CHREM. But I say, if you fear me, take care how I find these propensities existing in you. CLIT. What propensities 2 CHREM. If you wish to know, I’ll tell you ; being a trifler, an idler, a cheat, a glutton, a debauchee, a spendthrift— Believe me, and believe that you are our son. CLIT. This is not the language of a parent. CHREM. If you had been born from my head, Clitipho, just as they say Minerva was from Jove's, none the more on that account would I suffer myself to be disgraced by your profligacy." Sos. May the Gods forbid it. CHREM. I don’t know as to the Gods;” so far as I shall be enabled, I will carefully prevent it. You are seeking that which you possess—parents; that which you are in want of you don’t seek—in what way to pay obedience to a father, and to preserve what he acquired by his industry. That you by trickery should bring before my eyes I am ashamed to mention the unseemly word in her presence (pointing to SOS- TRATA), but you were not in any degree ashamed to act thus. CLIT. (aside.) Alas! how thoroughly displeased I now am with myself! How much ashamed! nor do I know how to make a beginning to pacify him. * By your profligacy)—Wer. 1036. It is probably this ebullition of Comic anger which is referred to by Horace, in his Art of Poetry: “Interdum tamen et vocem Comoedia tollit, Iratusque Chremes tumido delitigat ore:” - “Yet sometimes Comedy as well raises her voice, and enraged Chremes censures in swelling phrase.” * I don't know as to the Gods)—Wer. I037. “Deos nescio.” The Critic Lambinus, in his letter to Charles the Ninth of France, accuses Terence of impiety in this passage. Madame Dacier has, however, well observed, that the meaning is not “I care not for the Gods,” bºt “I know not what the Gods will do.” Sc. W. THE SELF-TORMENTOR, 195 SoFNE W. JEnter MENEDEMUs from his house. MEN. (to himself) Why really, Chremes is treating his son too harshly and too unkindly. I'm come out, therefore, i. make peace between them. Most opportunely I see them oth. CHREM. Well, Menedemus, why don't you order my daugh- ter to be sent for, and close with the offer" of the portion that I mentioned? Sos. My husband, I entreat you not to do it. CLIT. Father, I entreat you to forgive me. MEN. Forgive him, Chremes; do let them prevail upon you. CHREM. Am I knowingly to make my property a present to Bacchis? I'll not do it. MEN. Why, we would not suffer it. CLIT. If you desire me to live, father, do forgive me. S3s. Do, my dear Chremes. MEN. Come, Chremes, pray, don't be so obdurate. CHREM. What am I to do here? I see I am not allowed to carry this through, as I had intended. MEN. You are acting as becomes you. CHREM. On this condition, then, I’ll do it; if he does that which I think it right he should do. CLIT. Father, I’ll do anything ; command me. CHREM. You must take a wife. CLIT. Father CHREM. I’ll hear nothing. MEN. I’ll take it upon myself; he shall do so. CHREM. I don't hear anything from him as yet. CLIT. (aside.) I'm undone! Sos. Do you hesitate, Clitipho? CHREM. Nay, just as he likes. MEN. He'll do it all. Sos. This course, while you are making a beginning, is * And close with the offer) — Wer. 1048. “Firmas.” This ratifi. cation or affirmation would be made by Menedemus using the formal word “Accipio,” “I accept.” o 2 196 HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS. Act, W., Sc. W. disagreable, and while you are unacquainted with it. When you have become acquainted with it, it will become easy. CLIT. I’ll do it, father. - Sos. My son, upon my honour I'll give you that charming girl, whom you may soon become attached to, the daughter of our neighbour Phanocrata. CLIT. What! that red-haired girl, with cat's eyes, freckled face," and hooked nose P I cannot, father. CHREM. Hey-day! how nice he is! You would fancy he had set his mind upon it. SOS. I’ll name another. CLIT. Why no—since I must marry, I myself have one that I should pretty nearly make choice of SOS. Now, son, I commend you. CLIT. The daughter of Archonides here. SOS. I’m quite agreable. CLIT. Father, this now remains. CHREM. What is it £ CLIT. I want you to pardon Syrus for what he has done for my sake. CHREM. Be it so. (To the Audience.) Fare you well, and grant us your applause. * Freckled face)—Wer. 1060. Many take “sparso ore” here to mean “wide-mouthed.” Lemonnier thinks that must be the meaning, as he has analyzed the other features of her countenance. There is, however, no reason why he should not speak of her complexion; and it seems, not improbably, to have the same meaning as the phrase “os lenti- ginosum,” “a freckled face.” ADELPHI; THE BROTHERS. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. º }Brothers, aged Athenians. HEGIO,” an aged Athenian, kinsman of Sostrata. AsOHINUs," son of Demea, adopted by Micio. CTESIPHo,” another son of Demea. SANNIo,” a Procurer. GETA,7 servant of Sostrata. PARMENo,” SYRUs,” | servants of Micio. DROMO,10 PAMPHILA,” a young woman beloved by Æschinus. SOSTRATA,” a widow, mother of Pamphila. CANTHARA,” a Nurse. A Music-Girl. Scene.—Athens; before the houses of MICIO and SoSTRATA. | From Ömpièg, “the people.” * From Mukudov, a Greek proper name. 3 From hysio 6at, “to lead,” or “take charge of.” 4 From avoxõg, “disgrace.” * From krmaic, “a patrimony,” and påg, “light.” * From oravyög, “foolish.” 7 One of the nation of the Getae. * See the Dramatis Personae of the Eunuchus. * From Syria, his native country. 19 See the Dramatis Personae of the Andria. l! See the Dramatis Personae of the Eunuchus. * See the Dramatis Personae of the Heautontimorumenos. * From kav0apòg, “a cup.” THE SUBJECT, Micro and DEMEA are two brothers of dissimilar tempers. Delnea is married, and lives a country life, while his brother remains single, and resides in Athens. Demea has two sons, the elder of whom, AEschinus, has been adopted by Micio. Being allowed by his indulgent uncle to gratify his inclinations without restraint, Æschinus has de- bauched Pamphila, the daughter of a widow named Sostrata. Having, however, promised to marry the young woman, he has been pardoned for the offence, and it has been kept strictly secret. Ctesipho, who lives in the country with his father under great restraint, on visiting the city, falls in love with a certain Music-girl, who belongs to the Procurer Sannio. To screen his brother, Æschinus takes the respon- sibility of the affair on himself, and succeeds in carrying off the girl for him. Demea, upon hearing of this, censures Micio for his ill- timed indulgence, the bad effects of which are thus exemplified in Æschinus; and at the same time lauds the steady conduct and fruga- lity of Ctesipho, who has been brought up under his own supervision. Shortly after this, Sostrata hears the story about the Music-girl, at the very time that her daughter Pamphila is in labour. She naturally supposes that Æschinus has deserted her daughter for another, and hastens to acquaint Hegio, her kinsman, with the fact. Meantime Demea learns that Ctesipho has taken part in carrying off the Music- girl, whereon Syrus invents a story, and screens Ctesipho for the mo- ment. Demea is next informed by Hegio of the conduct of Æschinus towards Pamphila. Wishing to find his brother, he is purposely sent on a fruitless errand by Syrus, on which he wanders all over the city to no purpose. Micio having now been informed by Hegio, and knowing that the intentions of Æschinus towards Pamphila are not changed, accompanies him to the house of Sostrata, whom he consoles by his promise that Æschinus shall marry her daughter. Demea then returns from his search, and, rushing into Micio's house, finds his son Ctesipho there carousing; on which he exclaims vehe- mently against Micio, who uses his best endeavours to soothe him, and finally with success. He now determines to become kind and consi- derate for the future. At his request, Pamphila is brought to Micio's house, and the nuptials are celebrated. Micio, at the earnest request of Demea and AEschinus, marries Sostrata; Hegio has a competency allowed him; and Syrus and his wife Phrygia are made free. The Play concludes with a serious warning from Demea, who advises his relatives not to squander their means in riotous living; but, on the contrary, to bear admonition and to submit to restraint in a spirit of moderation and thankfulness. THE TITLE OF THE PLAY. PERFORMED at the Funeral Games of AEmilius Paulus,” which were celebrated by Q. Fabius Maximus and P. Cor- nelius Africanus. L. Atilius Praenestinus and Minutius Prothimus performed it. Flaccus, the freedman of Clau- dius, composed the music for Sarranian flutes.” Taken from the Greek of Menander, L. Amicius and M. Corne- lius being Consuls.” * Of A'milius Paulus) This Play (from the Greek'Aös\pot, “The Brothers”) was performed at the Funeral Games of Lucius AEmilius Paulus, who was surnamed Macedonicus, from having gained a victory over Perseus, King of Macedon. He was so poor at the time of his decease, that they were obliged to sell his estate in order to pay his widow her dower. The Q. Fabius Maximus and P. Cornelius Africanus here mentioned were not, as some have thought, the Curule AEdiles, but two sons of AEmilius Paulus, who had taken the surnames of the families into which they had been adopted. * Sarranian flutes) The “Sarranian” or “Tyrian” pipes, or flutes, are supposed to have been of a quick and mirthful tone; Madame Dacier has consequently with much justice suggested that the representation being on the occasion of a funeral, the title has not come down to us in a complete form, and that it was performed with the Lydian, or grave, solemn pipe, alternately with the Tyrian. This opinion is also strengthened by the fact that Donatus expressly says that it was per- formed to the music of Lydian flutes. * Being Consuls) L. Anicius Gallus and M. Cornelius Cethegus were Consuls in the year from the Building of the City 592, and B.G. 161. ADELPHI; THE BROTHERS. THE SUMMARY OF C. sulPITIUS APOLLIN ARIS. As Demea has two sons, young men, he gives AEschinus to his brother Micio to be adopted by him; but he retains Ctesipho: him, captivated with the charms of a Music-girl, and under a harsh and strict father, his brother Æschinus screens; the scandal of the affair and the amour he takes upon himself; at last, he carries the Music-girl away from the Procurer. This same Æschinus has previously debauched a poor woman, a citizen of Athens, and has given his word that she shall be his wife. Demea upbraids him, and is greatly vexed; afterwards, however, when the truth is discovered, Æschinus marries the girl who has been debauched; and, his harsh father Demea now softened, Ctesipho retains the Music-girl. THE PROLOGUE. SINCE the Poet has found that his writings are carped at by unfair critics, and that his adversaries represent in a bad light the Play that we are about to perform, he shall give information about himself; you shall be the judges whether this ought to be esteemed to his praise or to his dis- credit. The Synapothnescontes" is a Comedy of Diphilus;” Plautus made it into a Play called the “Commorientes.” In the Greek, there is a young man, who, at the early part of the Play, carries off a Courtesan from a Procurer; that part Plautus has entirely left out. This portion he has adopted in the Adelphi, and has transferred it, translated word for word. This new Play we are about to perform ; determine then whether you think a theft has been committed, or a passage has been restored to notice which has been passed over in ' Synapothnescontes)—Wer. 6. Signifying “persons dying together.” The “Commorientes” of Plautus is lost. It has been doubted by some, despite these words of Terence, if Plautus ever did write such a Play. * Qſ Diphilus)—Wer. 6. Diphilus was a Greek Poet, contemporary With Menander. Act I., Sc. I. ADELPHI; THE BROTHERS. 201 neglect. For as to what these malevolent persons say, that men of noble rank assist him, and are always writing In conjunction with him—that which they deem to be a heavy crimination, he takes to be the highest praise; since he pleases those who please you all and the public ; the aid of whom in war, in peace, in private business," each one has availed himself of, on his own occasion, without any haughtiness on their part. Now then, do not expect the plot of the Play; the old men” who come first will disclose it in part; a part in the representation they will make known. Do you cause your impartial attention to increase the in- dustry of the Poet in writing. ACT THE FIRST. SCENE I. Enter MICIo, calling to a servant within. MIC. Storax! AEschinus has not returned home from the entertainment last night, nor any of the servants who went to fetch him.” (To himself.) Really, they say it with reason, if you are absent anywhere, or it you stay abroad any time, 'twere better for that to happen which your wife says against you, and which in her passion she imagines in her mind, than the things which fond parents fancy. A wife, if you stay long abroad, either imagines that you are in love or are beloved, or that you are drinking and indulging your inclina- tion, and that you only are taking your pleasure, while she herself is miserable. As for myself, in consequence of my son not having returned home, what do I imagine? In what ways am I not disturbed? For fear lest he may either have | In war, in peace, in private business)—Wer. 20. According to Donatus, by the words “in bello,” 'Terence is supposed to refer to his friend and patron Scipio; by “in otio,” to Furius Publius; and in the words “in negotio” to Laelius, who was famed for his wisdom. * The old men)—Wer. 23. This is similar to the words in the Pro- logue to the Trinummus of Plautus, l. 16: “But expect nothing about the plot of this Play; the old men who will come hither will disclose the matter to you.” 3 To fetch him)—Wer. 24. “Advorsum ierant.” On the duties of the “adversitores,” see the Notes to Bohn's Translation of Plautus. 202 ADELPHI; Act I. taken cold,” or have fallen down somewhere, or have broken Some limb. Oh dear! that any man should take it into his head, or find out what is dearer to him than he is to himself! And yet he is not my son, but my brother's. He is quite different in disposition. I, from my very youth upwards, have lived a comfortable town life, and taken my ease; and, what they esteem a piece of luck, I have never had a wife. He, on the contrary to all this, has spent his life in the country, and has always lived laboriously and penuriously. He married a wife, and has two sons. This one, the elder of them, I have adopted. I have brought him up from an infant, and considered and loved him as my own. In him I centre my delight; this object alone is dear to me. On the other hand, I take all due care that he may hold me equally dear. I give—I overlook; I do not judge it neces- sary to exert my authority in everything; in fine, the things that youth prompts to, and that others do unknown to their fathers, I have used my son not to conceal from me. For he, who, as the practice is, will dare to tell a lie to or to deceive his father, will still more dare to do so to others. I think it better to restrain children through a sense of shame and liberal treatment, than through fear. Ton these points my brother does not agree with me, nor do they please him. He often comes to me exclaiming, “What are you about, Micio? Why do you ruin for us this youth? Why does he intrigue? Why does he drink? Why do you supply him with the means for these goings on P You indulge him with too much dress; you are very inconsiderate.” He himself is too strict, beyond what is just and reasonable; and he is very much mistaken, in my opinion, at all events, who thinks that an authority is more firm or more lasting which is established by force, than that which is founded on affection. Such is my mode of reason- * Either have taken cold)—Wer. 36. Westerhovius observes that this passage seems to be taken from one in the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus, 1. 721, et seq.: “Troth, if I had had them, enough anxiety should I have had from my children; I should have been everlastingly tormented in mind: but if perchance one had had a fever, I think I should have died. Or if one in liquor had tumbled anywhere from his horse, I should have been afraid that he had broken his legs or neck on that occasion.” It may be remarked that there is a great resemblance between the characters of Micio here and Periplecomenus in the Miles Gloriosus, Sc. Iſ. THE BROTHERS. 203 ing; and thus do I persuade myself. He, who, compelled by harsh treatment, does his duty, so long as he thinks it will be known, is on his guard: if he hopes that it will be concealed, he again returns to his natural bent. He whom you have secured by kindness, acts from inclination ; he is anxious to return like for like; present and absent, he will be the same. / This is the duty of a parent, to accus- tom a son to do what is right rather of his own choice, than through fear of another. In this the father differs from the master: he who cannot do this, let him confess that he does not know how to govern children. But is not this the very man of whom I was speaking? Surely it is he. I don't know why it is I see him out of spirits; I suppose he'll now be scolding as usual. Demea, I am glad to see you well." SCENE II. IEnter DEMEA. DEM. Oh, opportunely met ; you are the very man I was looking for.” MIC. Why are you out of spirits? DEM. Do you ask me, when we have such a son as AEschinus,” why I'm out of spirits? MIC. (aside.) Did I not say it would be so? (To DEMEA.) What has he been doing? DEM. What has he been doing? He, who is ashamed of nothing, and fears no one, nor thinks that any law can control him. But I pass by what has been previously done: what a thing he has just perpetrated! MIC. Why, what is it? DEM. He has broken open a door," and forced his way * To see you well)—Wer. 81. Cooke remarks, that though there are several fine passages in this speech, and good observations on human life, yet it is too long a soliloquy. * I was looking for)—Wer. 81. Donatus observes that the Poet has in this place improved upon Menander, in representing Demea as more ready to wrangle with his brother than to return his compliments. * Such a son as Æschinus)—Wer. 82. The passage pretty clearly means by “ubi nobis AEschinus sit,” “when I've got such a son as AEEchinus.” Madame Dacier, however, would translate it : “Ask me— you, in whose house AEschinus is!” thus accusing him of harbouring AEschinus; a very forced construction, however. * Broken open a door)—Wer. 88. The works of Ovid and Plautus * 204 ADELPHI; Act I. into another person's house, beaten to death the master himself, and all the household, and carried off a wench whom he had a fancy for. All people are exclaiming that it was a most disgraceful proceeding. How many, Micio, told me of this as I was coming here? It is in every body's mouth. In fine, if an example must be cited, does he not see his brother giving his attention to business, and living frugally and soberly in the country? No action of his is like this. When I say this to him, Micio, I say it to you. You allow him to be corrupted. MIC. Never is there anything more unreasonable than a man who wants experience, who thinks nothing right except what he himself has done. DEM. What is the meaning of that ? MIC. Because, Demea, you misjudge these matters. It is no heinous crime, believe me, for a young man to intrigue or to drink; it is not ; nor yet for him to break open a door. If neither I nor you did so, it was poverty that did not allow us to do so. Do you now claim that as a merit to yourself, which you then did from necessity? That is un- fair; for if we had had the means to do so, we should have done the same. And, if you were a man, you would now suffer that other son of yours to act thus now, while his age will excuse it, rather than, when he has got you, after long wishing it, out of the way, he should still do so, at a future day, and at an age more unsuited. DEM. O Jupiter! You, sir, are driving me to distraction. Is it not a heinous thing for a young man to do these things? MIC, Oh! do listen to me, and do not everlastingly din me upon this subject. You gave me your son to adopt ; he became mine ; if he offends in anything, Demea, he offends against me: in that case I shall bear the greater part of the wnconvenience. Does he feast,” does he drink, does he smell show that it was no uncommon thing for riotous young men to break open doors; Ovid even suggests to the lover the expediency of getting into the house through the windows. * Does he feast)– Wer. 117. Colman has the following observation here : “The mild character of Micio is contrasted by Cicero to that of a furious, Savage, severe father, as drawn by the famous Comic Poet, Caecilius. Both writers are quoted in the Qration for Caelius, in the Sc. TT. THE BROTHERS. 205 of perfumes,'—it is at my cost. Does he intrigue, money shall be found by me, so long as it suits me; when it shall be no longer convenient, probably he'll be shut out of doors.” Has he broken open a door—it shall be replaced; has he torn any one's clothes—they shall be mended. Thanks to the Gods, I both have means for doing this, and these things are not as yet an annoyance. In fine, either desist, or else find some arbitrator between us: I will show that in this matter you are the most to blame. DEM. Ah me! Learn to be a father, from those who are really so. MIC. You are his father by nature, I by my anxiety. DEM. You, feel any anxiety? MIC. Oh dear, if you persist, Tll leave you. T)EM. Is it thus you act? MIC. Am I so often to hear about the same thing? DEM. I have some concern for my son. MIC. I have some concern for him too; but, Demea, let us each be concerned for his own share—you for the one, and I for the other. For, to concern yourself about both is almost the same thing as to demand him back again, whom you entrusted to me. DEM. Alas, Micio ! MIC. So it seems to me. DEM. What am I to say to this? If it pleases you, hence- forth—let him spend, squander, and destroy ; it's nothing to me. If I say one word after this MIC. Again angry, Demea P DEM. Won't you believe me? Do I demand him back whom I have entrusted P I am concerned for him ; I am not a stranger in blood; if I do interpose-–well, well, I have done. You desire me to concern myself for one of composition of which it is plain that the orator kept his eye pretty closely on our Poet. The passages from Caecilius contain all that vehemence and severity which, as Horace tells us, was accounted the common character of the style of that author.” i Smell of perfumes)—Wer. 117. For an account of the “unguenta,” or perfumes in use among the ancients, see the Notes to Bohn's Trans- lation of Plautus. * Will be shut out of doors)—Wer. 119. No doubt by his mistress, when she has drained him of his money, and not by Micio himself, as Colman says he was once led to imagine. 206 ADELPHI; Act II. them,--I do concern myself; and I give thanks to the Gods, he is just as I would have him ; that fellow of yours will find it out at a future day: I don't wish to say anything more harsh against him. (Earit. SCENE III. MICIO alone. MIC. These things are not nothing at all, nor yet all just as he says; still they do give me some uneasiness; blº I was unwilling to show him that I took them amiss, for he is such a man; when I would pacify him, I steadily oppose and resist him; and in spite of it he hardly puts up with it like other men; but if I were to inflame, or even to humour his anger, I should certainly be as mad as himself. And yet Æschinus has done me some injustice in this affair. What courtesan has he not intrigued with ? Or to which of them has he not made some present P At last, he recently told me that he wished to take a wife;” I suppose he was just then tired of them all. I was in hopes that the warmth of youth had now subsided; I was delighted. But look now, he is at it again ; however, I am determined to know it, whatever it is, and to go meet the fellow, if he is . at the Forum. (Ea'it, ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I. Inter ÆscHINUs and PARMENo with the MUSIC GIRL, followed by SANNIO and a crowd of people. SAN. I beseech you, fellow citizens, do give aid to a miserable and innocent man; do assist the distressed. * These things are)—Wer. 141. Dollatus observes here, that Terence seems inclined to favour the part of mild fathers. He represents Micio as appalled at his adopted son's irregularities, lest if he should appear wholly unmoved, he should seem to be corrupting him, rather than to be treating him with only a proper degree of indulgence. * Wished to take a wife)—Wer. 151. Donatus remarks here, that the art of Terence in preparing his incidents is wonderful. He contrives that even ignorant persons shall open the plot, as in the present instance, Sc. I. THE BROTHERS. 207 AESCH. (to the GIRL.) Be quiet, and now then stand here just where you are. Why do you look back? There's no danger; he shall never touch you while I am here. SAN. I’ll have her, in spite of all. AESCH. Though he is a villain, he'll not risk, to-day, getting a second beating. SAN. Hear me, Æschinus, that you may not say that you were in ignorance of my calling; I am a Procurer." AESCH. I know it. SAN. And of as high a character as any one ever was. When you shall be excusing yourself by-and-by, how that you wish this injury had not been done me, I shall not value it this (snapping his fingers). Depend upon it, I’ll prosecute my rights; and you shall never pay with words for the evil that you have done me in deed. I know those ways of yours: “I wish it hadn't happened; I'll take my oath that you did not deserve this injustice;” while I myself have been treated in a disgraceful manner. AESCH. (to PARMENO.) Go first with all despatch and open the door. (PARMENO opens the door.) SAN. But you will avail nothing by this. AESCH. (To the GIRL) Now then, step in. SAN. (coming between.) But I’ll not let her. AESCH. Step this way, Parmeno; you are gone too far that way; here (pointing), stand close by him ; there, that's what I want. Now then, take care you don't move your eyes in any direction from mine, that there may be no delay if I give you the sign, to your fist being instantly planted in his jaws. SAN. I'd have him then try that. AESCH. (to PARMENO.) Now then, observe me. PAR (to SANNIO.) Let go the woman. (Strikes him.) SAN. Oh scandalous deed! where we understand hat Æschinus has mentioned to Micio his inten- tion of taking a wife, though he has not entered into particulars. This naturally leads us to the ensuing parts of the Play, without forestalling any of the circumstances. * I am a Procurer)—Wer. 161. He says this aloud, and with emphasis, relying upon the laws which were enacted at Athens in favour of the “lenones,” whose occupation brought great profits to the state, from their extensive trading in slaves. It was forbidden to maltreat them. under pain of being disinherited. 208 ADELPHI; Act TT. AESCH. He shall repeat it, if you don't take care. (PAR- MENO strikes him again.) SAN. Oh shocking! AESCH. (to PARMENo.) I didn't give the sign ; but still make your mistakes on that side in preference. Now then, go. (PARMENo goes with the MUSIC GIRL into MICIO's house.) SAN. What is the meaning of this? Have you the sway here, AEschinus? AESCH. If I had it, you should be exalted for your deserts. SAN. What business have you with me? AESCH. None. y SAN. How then, do you know who I am? AESCH. I don’t want to. SAN. Have I touched anything of yours? AESCH. If you had touched it, you'd have got a drubbing. SAN. What greater right then have you to take my pro- perty, for which I paid my money? Answer me that. AESCH. It were better for you not to be making a disturb- ance here before the house; for if you persist in being imper- tinent, you shall be dragged in at once, and there you shall be lashed to death with whips. SAN. A free man, with whips? AESCH. So it shall be. SAN. Oh, you shameless fellow ! Is this the place where they say there is equal liberty for all? AESCH. If you have now raved enough, Procurer, now then listen, if you please. SAT, Why, is it I that have been raving, or you against me? AESCH. Leave alone all that, and come to the point. SAN. What point? Where am I to come to? AESCH. Are you willing now that I should say something that concerns you? - SAN. With all my heart, only so it be something that's fair. AESCH. Very fine! a Procurer wishing me not to say what's unfair. - SAN. I am a Procurer,' I confess it—the common bane of youth—a perjurer, a public nuisance; still, no injury has befallen you from me. * I am a Procurer)—Wer. 188. Westerhovius supposes this part to be a translation from the works of Diphilus. Sc, II. THE BROTHERS, 209 ABSCH. Why, faith, that remains to come SAN. Pray, AEschinus, do come back to the point at which you set out. AESCH. You bought her for twenty minae; and may your bargain never thrive! That sum shall be given for her. SAN. What if I don't choose to sell her to you? Will you compel me? . AESCH. By no means. SAN. I was afraid you would. AESCH. Neither do I think that a woman can be sold who is free; for I claim her by action of freedom." Now consider which you choose; take the money, or prepare yourself for the action. Think of it, Procurer, till I return.” (He goes into the house of MICIO.) SCENE II. SANNIO, alone. SAN. (to himself.) O supreme Jupiter! I do by no means wonder that men run mad through ill usage. He has dragged me out of my house, beaten me, taken my property away against my will, and has given me, unfortunate wretch, more than five hundred blows. In return for all this ill usage he demands the girl to be made over to him for just the same price at which she was bought. But however, since he has so well deserved of me, be it so: he demands what is his due. Very well, I consent then, provided he only gives the money. But I suspect this; when I have said that I will sell her for so much, he'll be getting witnesses forthwith that I have sold her.” As to getting the money, it's all a dream. Call again by and by; come back to-morrow. I could bear with * By action of freedom)—Wer. 194. “Asserere liberati causã,” was to assert the freedom of a person, with a determination to maintain it at law. The “assertor” laid hands upon the person, declaring that he or she was free : and till the cause was tried, the person whose freedom was claimed, remained in the hands of the “assertor.” * Till I return)—Wer. 196. Colman has a curious remark here : “I do not remember, in the whole circle of modern comedy, a more natural picture of the elegant ease and indifference of a fine gentleman, than that exhibited in this Scene in the character of Æschinus. * That I have sold her)—Wer. 204. He means, that if he only names P 210 ADELPHI; Act II, that too, hard as it is, if he would only pay it. But I con- sider this to be the fact; when you take up this trade, you must brook and bear in silence the affronts of these young fellows. However, no one will pay me; it's in vain for me to be reckoning upon that. SCENE III. Inter SYRUs, from the house of MICIO. SYR. (speaking to ÆscHINUs within.) Say no more; I myself will arrange with him; I'll make him glad to take the money at once, and say besides that he has been fairly dealt with. (Addressing SANNIO.) Sannio, how is this, that I hear you have been having some dispute or other with my master? SAN. I never saw a dispute on more unequal terms" than the one that has happened to-day between us; I, with being thumped, he, with beating me, were both of us quite tired. SYR. Your own fault. SAN. What could I do? SYR. You ought to have yielded to the young man. SAN. How could I more so, when to-day I have even afforded my face to his blows? SYR. Well—are you aware of what I tell you? To slight money on some occasions is sometimes the surest gain. What —were you afraid, you greatest simpleton alive, if you had parted with ever so little” of your right, and had humoured the young man, that he would not repay you with interest ? a price, Æschinus will suborn witnesses to say that he has agreed to sell her, in which case AEschinus will carry her off with impunity, and the laws will not allow him to recover her; as it will then be an ordinary debt, and he will be put off with all the common excuses used by debtors. * On more unequal terms)—Wer. 212. “Certationem comparatam.” This was a term taken from the combats of gladiators, where it was usual to choose as combatants such as seemed most nearly a match for each other. * If you had parted with ever 80 little)—Ver, 217. This passage is pro- bably alluded to by Cicero, in his work, De Officiis, B. ii. c. 18; “For it is not only liberal sometimes to give up a little of one's rights, but it is also profitable. Sc. III. THE BROTHERS. 211 SAN. I do not pay ready money for hope. SYR. Then you’ll never make a fortune. Get out with you, Sannio ; you don't know how to take in mankind. SAN. I believe that to be the better plan—but I was never so cunning as not, whenever I was able to get it, to prefer getting ready money. SYR. Come, come, I know your spirit; as if twenty minae were anything at all to you in comparison to obliging him; besides, they say that you are setting out for Cyprus SAN. (aside.) Hah! SYR. That you have been buying up many things to take thither; and that the vessel is hired. This I know, your mind is in suspense; however, when you return thence, I hope you’ll settle the matter. SAN. Not a foot do I stir : Heavens ! I’m undone ! (Aside.) It was upon this hope they devised their project. SYR. (aside.) He is alarmed. I’ve brought the fellow into a fix. SAN. (aside.) Oh, what villany —Just look at that; how he has nicked me in the very joint." Several women have been purchased, and other things as well, for me to take to Cyprus.” If I don't get there to the fair, my loss will be very great. Then if I postpone this business, and settle it when I come back from there, it will be of no use; the matter will be quite forgotten. “Come at last P* they'll say. “Why did you delay it? Where have you been?” So that I had better lose it altogether than either stay here so long, or be suing for it then. SYR. Have you by this reckoned” up what you calculate will be your profits? * In the very joint)—Wer. 229. “ Ut in ipso articulo oppressit.” Colman translates this, “Nick'd me to a hair.” * To take to Cyprus) — Wer. 230. He alludes to a famous slave- market held in the Isle of Cyprus, whither merchants carried slaves for sale, after buying them up in all parts of Greece. * Have you by this reckoned)—Wer. : 36. “Jamne enumerasti id quod ad te rediturum putes?” Colman renders this, “Well, have you calculated what's your due t” referring to the value of the Music- girl that has been taken away from him; and thinks that the following conversation between Sannio and Syrus supports that construction. Madame Dacier puts another sense on the words, and understands them as alluding to Sannio's calculation of his expected profits at Cyprus. P Ž 212 ADELPHI; Act II. SAN. Is this honorable of him P Ought Æschinus to at- tempt this? Ought he to endeavour to take her away from me by downright violence? SYR. (aside.) He gives ground. (To SANNIo.) I have this one proposal to make; see if you fully approve of it. Rather than you should run the risk, Sannio, of getting or losing the whole, halve it. He will manage to scrape together ten minae" from some quarter or other. SAN. Ah me! unfortunate wretch, I am now in danger of even losing part of the principal. Has he no shame? He has loosened all my teeth; my head, too, is full of bumps with his cuffs; and would he defraud me as well? I shall go nowhere. SYR. Just as you please. Have you anything more to say before I go? SAN. Why yes, Syrus, i' faith, I have this to request. Whatever the matters that are past, rather than go to law, let what is my own be returned me; at least, Syrus, the sum she cost me. I know that you have not hitherto made trial of my friendship ; you will have no occasion to say that I am unmindful or ungrateful. Syr. I'll do the best I can. But I see Ctesipho; he's in high spirits about his mistress. SAN. What about what I was asking you? SYR. Stay a little. SCENE IV. Enter CTESIPHo, at the other side of the stage. CTEs. From any man, when you stand in need of it, you are glad to receive a service; but of a truth it is doubly accept- able, if he does you a kindness who ought to do so. O Wrother, brother, how can I sufficiently commend you? This I am quite sure of; I can never speak of you in such high terms but that your deserts will surpass it. For I am of opinion that I possess this one thing in especial beyond all *Scrape together ten minoe) — Wer. 242. Donatus remarks, that Syrus knows very well that Æschinus is ready to pay the whole, but offers Sannio half, that he may be glad to take the bare principal, and think himself well off into the bargain. S3. V. THE BROTHERS. 213 others, a brother than whom no individual is more highly endowed with the highest qualities. SYR. O. Ctesiphol CTEs. O Syrus, where is Æschinus P SYR. Why, look—he's at home, waiting for you. CTES. (speaking joyously.) Ha! SYR. What's the matter P CTEs. What's the matter P 'Tis through him, Syrus, that I am now alive—generous creature! Has he not deemed everything of secondary importance to himself in comparison with my happiness? The reproach, the discredit, my own amour and imprudence, he has taken upon himself. There can be nothing beyond this ; but what means that noise at the door P SYR. Stay, stay; 'tis AEschinus himself coming out. SCENE W. nter ÆscHINUs, from the house of MICIO. AESCH. Where is that villain P SAN. (aside.) He's looking for me." Is he bringing any- thing with him £ Confusion I don’t see anything. AESCH. (to CTESIPHO.) Ha! well met ; you are the very man I was looking for. How goes it, Ctesipho P All is safe : away then with your melancholy. CTEs. By my troth, I certainly will away with it, when I have such a brother as you. O my dear AEschinus ! O my brother! Alas! I am unwilling to praise you any more to your face, lest you should think I do so rather for flattery than through gratitude. AESCH. Go to, you simpleton as though we didn't by this time understand each other, Ctesipho. This grieves me, that we knew of it almost too late, and that the matter had come to such a pass, that if all mankind had wished they could not possibly have assisted you. CTES. I felt ashamed. * He's looking for me)—Ver. 265. Donatus remarks upon the readi- ness with which Sannio takes the appeliation of “sacrilegus, ’’ as adapted to no other person than himself. 214 ADELPHP : Act II., Sc. V. AESCH. Pooh! that is folly, not shame; about such a trifling matter to be almost flying the country!' 'Tis shocking to be mentioned; I pray the Gods may forbid it! CTEs. I did wrong. AESCH. (in a lower voice.) What says Sannio to us at last? SYR. He is pacified at last. AESCH. I’ll go to the Forum to pay him off; you, Ctesipho, step in-doors to her. SAN. (aside to SYRUs.) Syrus, do urge the matter. SYR. 8. AESCHINUs.) Let us be off, for he is in haste for Cyprus.” - SAN. Not particularly so; although still, I'm stopping here doing nothing at all. SYR. It shall be paid, don't fear. SAN. But he is to pay it all. SYR. He shall pay it all; only hold your tongue and follow us this way. SAN. I'll follow. CTEs. (as SYRUs is going.) Harkye, harkye, Syrus. SYR. (furning back.) Well now, what is it P CTEs. (aside.) Pray do discharge that most abominable fellow as soon as possible; for fear, in case he should become more angry, by some means or other this matter should reach my father, and then I should be ruined for ever. SYR. That shall not happen, be of good heart ; mean- while enjoy yourself in-doors with her, and order the couches” to be spread for us, and the other things to be got ready. As soon as this business is settled, I shall come home with the provisions. CTEs. Pray do so. Since this has turned out so well, let us * Flying the country)—Wer. 275. Donatus tells us, that in Menander the young man was on the point of killing himself. Terence has here softened it into leaving the country. Colman remarks : “We know that the circumstance of carrying off the Music-girl was borrowed from Diphilus; yet it is plain from Donatus that there was also an intrigue by Ctesipho in the Play of Menander; which gives another proof of the manner in which Terence used the Greek Comedies.” * He is in haste for Cyprus)—Wer. 278. Donatus remarks that this ; 8. piece of malice on the part of Syrus, for the purpose of teazing 8. In IllO. * Order the couches)—Wer. 285. Those used for the purpose of roclining on at the entertainment. Act. III., Sc. II. THE BROTHERS. 215 make a cheerful day of it. (CTESIPHo goes into the house of MICIO ; and eaeunt AESCHINUs and SYRUS, followed by SANNIO) ACT THE THIRD. SCENE I. f Enter SoSTRATA and CANTHARA, from the house of the former. Sos. Prithee, my dear nurse, how is it like to end ? CAN. Like to end, do you ask? I’ troth, right well, I trust SOs. Her pains are just beginning, my dear. CAN. You are in a fright now, just as though you had never been present on such an occasion—never been in labour yourself. Sos. Unfortunate woman that I am I have not a person at home ; we are quite alone; Geta too is absent. I have no one to go for the midwife, or to fetch AEschinus. CAN. T. faith, he'll certainly be here just now, for he never lets a day pass without visiting us. SOs. He is my sole comfort in my afflictions, * CAN. Things could not have happened, mistress, more for the advantage of your daughter than they have, seeing that violence was offered her; so far as he is concerned, it is most lucky,_such a person, of such disposition and feelings, a member of so respectable a family. SOs. It is indeed as you say ; I entreat the Gods that he may be preserved to us. (They stand apart, on seeing GETA) SCENE II. IEnter GETA, on the other side of the stage. GETA (to himself) Now such is our condition, that if all were to combine all their counsels, and to seek a remedy for this mischief that has befallen myself, my mistress, and her daughter, they could find no relief Oh wretched me! so many calamities beset us on a sudden, we cannot possibly 216 ADELPHI; Act III, extricate ourselves. Violence, poverty, oppression, desertion, infamy! What an age is this O shocking villany O accursed race! O impious man! - SOs. Unhappy me! How is it that I see Geta hurrying along thus terrified ? GETA (continuing.) Whom neither promises, nor oaths, nor compassion could move or soften ; nor yet the fact that the delivery was nigh at hand of the unfortunate woman on whom he had so shamefully committed violence. SOS, (apart to CANTHARA.) I don’t well understand what he is talking about. CAN. Pray, let us go nearer to him, Sostrata. GETA (continuing.) Ah wretched me ! I am scarcely master of my senses, ...I am so inflamed with anger. There is nothing that I would like better than for all that family to be thrown in my way, that I might give vent to all my wrath upon them while this wound is still fresh. I could be content with any punishment, so I might only wreak my vengeance on them. First, I would stop the breath of the old fellow himself who gave being to this monster; then as for his prompter, Syrus, out upon him! how I would tear him piece-meal! I would snatch him by the middle up aloft, and dash him head downwards upon the earth, so that with bis brains he would bestrew the road: I would pull out the eyes of the young fellow himself, and afterwards hurl him headlong over some precipice. The others I would rush upon, drive, drag, crush, and trample them under foot. But why do I delay at once to acquaint my mistress with this calamity? (Moves as if going.) Sos. (to CANTHARA.) Let us call him back. Geta GETA. Well—leave me alone," whoever you are. SOs. "Tis I,_Sostrata. GETA (turning round.) Why, where are you? You are the very person I am looking for. I was in quest of you; it's very fortunate you have met me. Sos. What's the matter? Why are you trembling? * Leave me alone)—Wer. 321. Quoting from Madame Dacier, Colman has this remark here : “Geta's reply is founded on a frolicsome but ill-natured custom which prevailed in Greece—to stop the slaves in the Streets, and designedly keep them in chat, so that they might be lashed when they came home for staying out so long.” - S2. II, THE BROTHERS. 2.7 GETA. Alas! alas! * Sos. My dear Geta, why in such haste? Do take breath. GETA. Quite (pauses.) Sos. Why, what means this “quite” P GETA. Undone—It's all over with us. SOs. Say, then, I intreat you, what is the matter. GETA. Now Sos. What “now,” Getaf GETA. AEschinus SOs. What about him? GETA. Has abandoned our family. Sos. Then I am undone ! Why so? GETA. He has attached himself to another woman. Sos. Woe unto wretched me! GETA. And he makes no secret of it; he himself has carried her off openly from a procurer. SOS. Are you quite sure of this? GETA. Quite sure; I saw it myself, Sostrata, with these same eyes. SOs. Ah wretched me! What is one now to believe, or whom believe? Our own AEschinus, the very life of us all, in whom all our hopes and comforts were centered ' Who used to swear he coºd never live a single day without her! Who used to say, that he would place the infant on his father's knees," and thus intreat that he might be allowed to make her his wife! GETA. Dear mistress, forbear weeping, and rather consider what must be done for the future in this matter. Shall we submit to it, or shall we tell it to any person? - CAN. Pooh, pooh! are you in your senses, my good man? Does this seem to you a business to be made known to any one? GETA. I, indeed, have no wish for it. In the first place, then, that his feelings are estranged from us, the thing itself declares. Now, if we make this known, he'll deny it, I’m quite sure; your reputation and your daughter's character will then be in danger. V On the other hand, if he were fully to confess it, as he is in love with another woman, it would not * On his father's knees)—Wer. 333. It was a prevalent custom with the Greeks to place the newly born child upon the knee of its grandfather. 2? S ADELPHI; Act III. be to her advantage to be given to him. Therefore, under either circumstance, there is need of silence. Sos Oh! by no means in the world! I'll not do it. GETA What is it you say? SOS. I'll make it known. GETA. Ha, my dear Sostrata, take care what you do ! SOS. The matter cannot possibly be in a worse position than it is at present. In the first place, she has no portion; then, besides, that which was as good as a portion, her honor, is lost: she cannot be given in marriage as a virgin. This resource is left; if he should deny it, I have a ring which he lost as evidence of the truth. In fine, Geta, as I am fully conscious that no blame attaches to me, and that neither interest nor any consideration unworthy of her or of myself has had a share in this matter, I will make trial GETA. What am I to say to this? I agree, as you speak for the best. SOs. You be off as fast as possible, and relate all the matter just as it has happened to her kinsman Hegio; for he was the best friend of our lamented Simulus, and has shown especial regard for us. - GETA (aside.) Aye, faith, because nobody else takes any notice of us. SOS. Do you, my dear Canthara, run with all haste, and fetch the midwife, so that, when she is wanted, we may not have to wait for her. (SOSTRATA goes into the house, and eacif GETA and CANTHARA) SCENE III. JEnter DEMEA. DEM. (to himself.) Utterly undone! I hear that Ctesipho was with Æschinus at the carrying off of this girl. This sorrow still remains for unhappy me, should AEschinus be able to seduce him, even him, who promises so fair, to a course of debauchery. Where am I to inquire for him? I doubt he has been carried off to some bad house, that profligate has persuaded him, I’m quite sure. But look—I see Syrus coming this way, I shall now know from him where he is. But, i' faith, he is one of the gang; if he perceives that I Sc. IV. THE BROTHERS. 219 am looking for him, the rascal will never tell me. I’ll not let him know what I want. SCENE IV. IEnter SYRUs, at the other side of the stage. SYR. (to himself.) We just now told the old gentleman the whole affair just as it happened; I never did sco any one more delighted. DEM. (apart.) O Jupiter! the folly of the man! SYR. (continuing) He commended his son. To me, who put them upon this project, he gave thanks DEM. (apart.) I shall burst asunder. SYR. (continuing.) He told down the money instantly, and gave me half a mina besides to spend. That was laid out quite to my liking. DEM. (apart.) Very fine—if you would wish a thing to be micely managed, entrust it to this fellow. SYR. (overhearing him.) Ha, Demeal I didn't see you ; how goes it P DEM. How should it go? I cannot enough wonder at your mode of living here. SYR. Why, really silly enough, and, to speak without dis- guise, altogether absurd. (Calls at the door of MICIO's house) Dromo, clean the rest of the fish; let the largest conger-eel play a little in the water; when I come back it shall be boned;" not before. DEM. Ts profligacy like this SYR. As for myself, it isn't to my taste, and I often exclaim against it. (Calls at the door.) Stephanio, take care that the salt fish is well soaked. DEM. Ye Gods, by our trust in you! is he doing this for any purpose of his own, or does he think it creditable to ruin his son? Wretch that I am! methinks I already see the day when Æschinus will be running away for want, to serve somewhere or other as a soldier.” * It shall be boned)—Wer. 378. The operation of boning conger-eels is often mentioned in Plautus, from whom we learn that they were best when eaten in that state, and cold. * Serve somewhere or other as a soldier)—Wer. 385. See a similar passage in the Trinummus of Plautus, l. 722, whence it appears that it 220 ADELPHI; Act III. SYR. O. Demeal that is wisdom indeed,—not only to look at the present moment, but also to look forward to what's to come. DEM. Well—is this Music-girl still with you? SYR. Why, yes, she's in-doors. DEM. How now—is he going to keep her at home P SYR. I believe so; such is his madness! DEM. Is it possible? SYR. An imprudent lenity in his father, and a vicious in- dulgence. DEM. Really, I am ashamed and grieved at my brother. SYR. Demea! between you there is a great —I do not say it because you are here present—a too great difference You are, every bit of you, nothing but wisdom; he a mere dreamer. Would you indeed have suffered that son of yours to act thus? & DEM. I, suffer him P. Would I not have smelt it out six months before he attempted it P SYR. Need I be told by you of your foresight P DEM. I pray he may only continue the same he is at present - SYR. Just as each person wishes his son to be, so he turns out. DEM. What news of him P. Have you seen him to-day ? SYR. What, your son P (Aside.) I'll pack him off into the country. (To DEMEA.) I fancy he's busy at the farm long before this. DEM. Are you quite sure he is there P SYR. What!—when I saw him part of the way myself. DEM. Very good. I was afraid he might be loitering here. SYR. And extremely angry too. DEM. Why so P SYR. He attacked his brother in the Forum with strong language about this Music-girl. * DEM. Do you really say so P SYR. Oh dear, he didn't at all mince the matter; for just was the practice for young men of ruined fortunes to go and offer their services as mercenaries to some of the neighbouring potentates. Many of the ten thousand who fought for the younger Cyrus at the battle of Cunaxa, and were led back under the command of Xenophon, were, doubtless, of this class. Sc. IV. THE BROTHERS. 221 as the money was being counted out, the gentleman came upon us by chance, and began exclaiming, “Oh AEschinus, that you should perpetrate these enormities! that you should be guilty of actions so disgraceful to our family ſ” DEM. Oh, I shall weep for joy. SYR. “By this you are not squandering your money only, but your reputation.” DEM. May he be preserved to me ! I trust he will be like his forefathers. (Weeping.) - SYR. (aside.) Heyday! DEM. Syrus, he is full of these maxims. SYR. (aside.) Strange, indeed! He had the means at home of learning them. DEM. I do everything I can; I spare no pains; I train him up to it: in fine, Ibid him look into the lives of men, as though into a mirror, and from others to take an example for him- self. Do this, I say SYR. Quite right. DEM. Avoid that— SYR. Very shrewd. DEM. This is praiseworthy— SYR. That's the thing. DEM. That is considered blameable— SYR. Extremely good. DEM. And then, moreover SYR. Upon my honor, I have not the leisure to listen to you just at present: I have got some fish just to my taste, and must take care they are not spoiled; for that would be as much a crime in me, as for you, Demea, not to observe those maxims which you have just been mentioning; and so far as I can, I lay down precepts for my fellow-servants on the very same plan; “this is too salt, that is quite burnt up, this is not washed enough, that is very well done; remember and do So another time.” I carefully instruct them so far as I can to the best of my capacity. In short, Demea, Ibid them look into their saucepans as though into a mirror,” and suggest to them what they ought to do. I am sensible these things are trifling which we do ; but what is one to do? Ac- * As though into a mirror)-Wer. 428. He parodies the words of Demea in 1. 415, where he speaks of looking into the lives of men as into a mirror. 222 ADELPHI; Act III. cording as the man is, so must you humour him. Do you wish anything else? DEM. That more wisdom may be granted you. SYR. You will be going off into the country, I sup- pose? DEM. Directly. SYR. For what should you do here, where, if you do give any good precepts, no one will regard them P (Goes into MICIO's house.) SCENE V. DEMEA, alone. DEM. (to himself) I certainly will be off, as he on whose account I came hither has gone into the country. I have a care for him: that alone is my own concern, since my brother will have it so; let him look to the other himself. But who is it I see yonder at a distance P Isn’t it Hegio of our tribe Pº If I see right, it faith, it is he. Ah, a man I have been friendly with from a child! Good Gods ! we cer- tainly have a great dearth of citizens of that stamp now-a- days, with the old-fashioned virtue and honesty. Not in a hurry will any misfortune accrue to the public from him. How glad I am to find some remnants of this race even still remaining; now I feel some pleasure in living. I’ll wait here for him, to ask him how he is, and have some conversation with him. SCENE WI. JEnter HEGIO and GETA, conversing, at a distance. HEG. Oh immortal Gods ! a disgraceful action, Geta! What is it you tell me? GETA. Such is the fact. * Of our tribe)—Wer. 439. Solon divided the Athenians into ten tribes, which he named after ten of the ancient heroes: Erectheis, Ageis, Pandionis, Leontis, Acamantis, CEneis, Cecrops, Hippothoontis, ſº and Antiochis. These tribes were each divided into ten £IIll. Sc. VI. THE BROTHERS. 223 HEG. That so ignoble a deed should come from that family Oh AEschinus, assuredly you haven't taken after your father in that DEM. (apart.) Why surely, he has heard this about the Music-girl; that gives him concern, though a stranger; this father of his thinks nothing of it. Ah me! I wish he were somewhere close at hand to overhear this. HEG. Unless they do as they ought to do, they shall not come off so easily. GETA, All our hopes, Hegio, are centered in you; you we have for our only friend; you are our protector, our father. The old man, Simulus, when dying recommended us to you; if you forsake us, we are undone. HEG. Beware how you mention that; I neither will do it, nor do I think that, with due regard to the ties of relation- ship, I could. DEM (apart.) I'll accost him. (Approaches HEGIO.) Hegio, I bid you welcome right heartily. HEG. (starting.) Oh! you are the very man I was looking for, Greetings to you, Demea. DEM. Why, what's the matter? HEG. Your eldest son Æschinus, whom you gave to your brother to adopt, has been acting the part of neither an honest man nor a gentleman. DEM. What has he been doing? HEG. You knew my friend and year's-mate, Simulus? DEM. Why not ? HEG. He has debauched his daughter, a virgin. DEM. Hah! HEG. Stay, Demea. You have not yet heard the worst. DEM. Is there anything still worse? HEG. Worse, by far: for this indeed might in some measure have been borne with. The hour of night prompted him; passion, wine, young blood; 'tis human nature. When he was sensible of what he had done, he came voluntarily to the girl's mother, weeping, praying, entreating, pledging his honor, vowing that he would take her home." The affair was pardoned, hushed up, his word taken. The girl from that intercourse became pregnant: this is the tenth month. He, worthy fellow, has provided himself, if it please the * Would take her home)—Ver, 473. As his wife. 224 ADELPHI; Act III, Gods, with a Music-girl to live with ; the other he has cast off. DEM. Do you say this for certain? HEG. The mother of the young woman is among us,” the young woman too; the fact speaks for itself; this Geta, besides, according to the common run of servants, not a bad one or of idle habits; he supports them; alone, maintains the whole family; take him, bind him,” examine him upon the matter. - GETA, Aye, faith, put me to the torture, Demea, if such is not the fact: besides, he will not deny it. Confront me with him. - DEM. (aside.) I am ashamed; and what to do, or how to answer him, I don't know. PAM. (crying out within the house of SOSTRATA.) Ah me! I am racked with pains ! Juno Lucina,” bring aid, save me, I beseech thee! HEG. Hold; is she in labour, pray ? GETA. No doubt of it, Hegio. HEG. Ah! she is now imploring your protection, Demea; let her obtain from you spontaneously what the power of the law compels you to give. I do entreat the Gods that what befits you may at once be done. But if your senti- ments are otherwise, Demea, I will defend both them and him who is dead to the utmost of my power. He was my kinsman:* we were brought up together from children, we were companions in the wars and at home, together we ex- perienced the hardships of poverty. I will therefore exert my- self, strive, use all methods, in fine lay down my life, rather than forsake these women. What answer do you give me? DEM. I’ll go find my brother, Hegio: the advice he gives me upon this matter I'll follow.” * Is among w8)—Wer. 479. “In medio,” “is alive,” or “in the midst of us.” * Take him, bind him)—Wer. 482. In allusion to the method of examining slaves, by binding and torturing them. * Juno Lucina)—Wer. 487. So in the Andria, l. 473, where Gly. cerium is overtaken with the pains of labour, she calls upon Juno Lucina. * He was my kinsman)—Wer. 494. In the Play of Menander, Hegio was the brother of Sostrata. * Upon this matter I'll follow)—Ver. 500. “Is, quod mihi de hac re dederat consilium, id sequar.” Colman has the following Note on SC. VII. THE BROTHERS. 225 HEG. But, Demea, take you care and reflect upon this: the more easy you are in your circumstances, the more powerful, wealthy, affluent, and noble you are, so much the more ought you with equanimity to observe the dictates of justice, if you would have yourselves esteemed as men of probity. DEM. Go back now;" everything shall be done that is proper to be done. * HEG. It becomes you to act thus. Geta, shew me in to Sostrata. (Follows GETA into SOSTRATA's house.) . DEM. (to himself.) Not without warning on my part have these things happened: I only wish it may end here; but this immoderate indulgence will undoubtedly lead to some great misfortune. I’ll go find my brother, and vent these feelings upon him. (Earit. SCENE VII. Inter HEGIO, from SOSTRATA’s house, and speaking to her * within. 3. HEG. Be of good heart,” Sostrata, and take care and console her as far as you can. I’ll go find Micio, if he is at the Forum, and acquaint him with the whole circumstances in their order; if so it is that he will do his duty by you, let him do so; but if his sentinents are otherwise about this matter, let him give me his answer, that I may know at once what I am to do. (Earit. this passage: “Madame Dacier rejects this line, because it is also to be found in the Phormio. But it is no uncommon thing with our author to use the same expression or verse for different places, especially on familiar occasions. There is no impropriety in it here, and the foregoing hemistich is rather lame without it. The propriety of con- sulting Micio, or Demea's present ill-humour with him, are of no con- sequence. The old man is surprised at Hegio's story, does not know what to do or say, and means to evade giving a positive answer, by saying that he would consult his brother.” * Go back now)—Wer. 506. “Redite.” Demea most probably uses this word, because Hegio has come back to him to repeat the last words for the sake of greater emphasis. * Be of good heart) — Ver. 512. Colman has the following Note here : “Donatus tells us, that in some old copies this whole Scene was wanting. Guyetus therefore entirely rejects it. I have not ventured Q 226 ADELPHI; Act IV ACT THE FOURTHL SCENE I. Enter CTESIPHo and SYRUs from the house of MICIO. CTEs. My father gone into the country, say you ? SYR. (with a careless air.) Some time since. CTEs. Do tell me, I beseech you. SYR. He is at the farm at this very moment,' I warrant— hard at some work or other. CTEs. I really wish, provided it be done with no prejudice to his health, I wish that he may so effectually tire himself, that, for the next three days together, he may be unable to arise from his bed. SYR. So be it, and anything still better than that,” if possible. CTES. Just so ; for I do most confoundedly wish to pass this whole day in merry-making as I have begun it ; and for no reason do I detest that farm so heartily as for its being so near town. If it were at a greater distance, night would overtake him there before he could return hither again. Now, when he doesn't find me there, he'll come running back here, I’m quite sure ; he'll be asking me where I have been, that I have not seen him all this day: what am I to say? SYR. Does nothing suggest itself to your mind P CTEs. Nothing whatever. SYR. So much the worse"—have you no client, friend, or guest ? to take that liberty; but must confess that it appears to me, if not suppo. sititious, at least cold and superfluous, and the substance of it had better been supposed to have passed between Hegio and Sostrata within.” * At this very moment)—Wer. 519. It is very doubtful whether the words “cum maxime” mean to signify exactly “at this moment,” or are intended to signify the intensity with which Demea is labouring. * Anything still better than that)—Wer. 522. Lemaire suggests that by these words Syrus intends to imply that he should not care if Demea were never to arise from his bed, but were to die there. Ctesipho, only taking him heartily to second his own wishes for the old man's absence, answers affirmatively “ita,” “by all means,” “exactly so.” * So much the worse)—Wer. 529. Schmieder observes that “tanto Sc. I. THE BROTHERS. 227 CTEs. I have ; what then P SYR. You have been engaged with them. CTEs. When I have not been engaged 2 That can never do. SYR. It may. CTEs. During the daytime ; but if I pass the night here, what excuse can I make, Syrus P SYR. Dear me, how much I do wish it was the custom for One to be engaged with friends at night as well! But you be easy; I know his humour perfectly well. When he raves the most violently, I can make him as gentle as a lamb. CTEs. In what way ? SYR. He loves to hear you praised: I make a god of you to him, and recount your virtues. CTEs. What, mine P SYR. Yours; immediately the tears fall from him as from a child, for very joy. (Starting.) Hah! take care CTEs. Why, what's the matter? SYR. The wolf in the fable"— CTEs. What my father? SYR. His own self. CTEs. What shall we do, Syrus? SYR. You only be off in-doors, I’ll see to that. nequior” might have two meanings, “So much the worse for us,” or, as the spectators might understand it, “ so much the more worthless you.” * The wolf in the fable)— Ver. 538. This was a proverbial expres- sion, tantamount to our saying, “Talk of the devil, he's sure to appear.” Servius, in his Commentary on the Ninth Eclogue of Virgil, says that the saying arose from the common belief that the person whom a wolf sets his eyes upon is deprived of his voice, and thence came to be applied to a person who, coming upon others in the act of talking about him, necessarily put a stop to their conversation. Cooke says, in reference to this passage, “This certainly alludes to a Fable of AEsop's, of the Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape : which is translated by Phaedrus, and is the tenth of his First Book.” It is much more certain that Cooke is mistaken here, and that the fable of the arbitration of the Ape between the Wolf and the Fox has nothing to do with this passage. If it alludes to any fable (which from the expression itself is not at all unlikely), it is more likely to be that where the Nurse threatens that the wolf shall take the naughty Child, on which he makes his appearance, but is disappointed in his expectations, or else that of the Shepherd. boy and the Wolf. See the Stichus of Plautus, l. 57, where the same expression occurs. Q 2 228 *. ADELPHI; Act IV CTES. If he makes any enquiries, you have seen me no- where ; do you hear? SYR. Can you not be quiet? (They retreat to the door of MICIO's house, and CTESIPHO stands in the doorway.) SCENE II. Fnter DEMEA, on the other side of the stage. DEM. (to himself) I certainly am an unfortunate man. In the first place, I can find my brother nowhere; and then, in the next place, while looking for him, I met a day- labourer" from the farm; he says that my son is not in the country, and what to do I know not CTEs (apart.) Syrus! SYR (apart.) What's the matter? CTES. (apart.) Is he looking for me? SYR. (apart.) Yes CTES. (apart.) Undone! SYR. (apart.) Nay, do be of good heart. DEM. (to himself) Plague on it! what ill luck is this? I cannot really account for it, unless I suppose myself only born for the purpose of enduring misery. I am the first to feel our misfortunes; the first to know of them all; then the first to carry the news; I am the only one, if anything does go wrong, to take it to heart, SYR. (apart) T'm amused at him ; he says that he is the first to know of everything, while he is the only one ignorant of everything. DEM. (to himself.) I've now come back; and I'll go see whether perchance my brother has yet returned. CTES. (apart.) Syrus, pray do take care that he doesn't suddenly rush in upon us here. SYR. (apart.) Now will you hold your tongue? I'll take Cà.I’é. CTES. (apart.) Never this day will I depend on you! management for that, upon my faith, for I'll shut myself up * Met a day-labourer)—Wer. 542. Donatus remarks that the Poe! artfully contrives to detain Demea in town, his presence being necessary in the latter part of the Plav Sc. II. - THE BROTHERS. 23.9 with her in some cupboard"—that's the safest. (Goes into the house) SYR. (apart.) Do so, still I’ll get rid of him. DEM. (seeing SYRUs.) But see there's that rascal, Syrus. SYR. (aloud, pretending not to see DEMEA.) Really, upon my faith, no person can stay here, if this is to be the case! For my part, I should like to know low many masters I have— what a cursed condition this is DEM. What's he whining about? What does he mean 2 How say you, good sir, is my brother at home 2 SYR. What the plague do you talk to me about, “good sir” P I’m quite distracted DEM. What's the matter with you? SYR. Do you ask the question ? Ctesipho has been beating me, poor wretch, and that Music-girl, almost to death. DEM. Ha! what is it you tell me? SYR. Ay, see how he has cut my lip. (Pretends to point to it.) - - DEM. For what reason P SYR. He says that she was bought by my advice. DEM. Did not you tell me, a short time since, that you had seen him on his way into the country P *- SYR. I did; but he afterwards came back, raving like a mad- man; he spared nobody—ought he not to have been ashamed to beat an old man P. Him whom, only the other day, I used to carry about in my arms when thus high P (Showing.) DEM. I commend him ; O Ctesipho, you take after your father. Well, I do pronounce you a man. SYR. Commend him P Assuredly he will keep his hands to himself in future, if he's wise. DEM. 'Twas done with spirit. SYR. Very much so, to be beating a poor woman, and me, a slave, who didn't dare strike him in return; heyday! very spirited indeed! DEM. He could not have done better: he thought the same as I did, that you were the principal in this affair. But is my brother within P With her in some cupboard)—Wer. 553. Donatus observes that the young man was silly in this, for if discovered to be there he would be sure to be caught. His object, however, for going there would be that he might not be discovered. 230 - ADELPHI; Act IV. SYR. He is not, DEM. I’m thinking where to look for him. SYR. I know where he is—but I shall not tell you at present. DEM. Ha! what's that you say? SYR. I do say so. DEM. Then I'll break your head for you this instant. SYR. I can't tell the person's name he's gone to, but I know the place where he lives. DEM. Tell me the place then. SYR. Do you know the portico down this way, just by the shambles? (Pointing in the direction.) DEM. How should I but know it * SYR. Go straight along, right up that street ; when you come there, there is a descent right opposite that goes downwards, go straight down that; afterwards, on this side (eartending one hand), there is a chapel : close by it is a narrow lane, where there's also a great wild fig-tree. DEM. I know it. SYR. Go through that— DEM. But that lane is not a thoroughfare. SYR. I'faith, that's true; dear, dear, would you take me to be in my senses?' I made a mistake. Return to the portico; indeed that will be a much nearer way, and there is less going round about : you know the house of Cratinus, the rich man P DEM. I know it. SYR. When you have passed that, keep straight along that street on the left hand;” when you come to the Temple of Diana, turn to the right; before you come to the city gate,” just by that pond, there is a baker's shop, and opposite to it a joiner's; there he is. * Take me to be in my senses)—Wer. 580. “Censen hominem me esse?” literally, “Do you take me to be a human being " meaning, “Do you take me to be a person in my common senses?” * Street on the left hand)—Wer. 583. Theobald, in his edition of Shakspeare, observes that the direction given by Lancelot in the Mer- chant of Venice seems to be copied from that given here by Syrus: “Turn up on your right hand at the next turning, but at the next turn- ing of all on your left; marry, at the very next turning of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew's house.” * Come to the city gate)—Wer. 584. From this we discover that Demea is being sent to the very extremity of the town, as Donatus informs Sc. III. THE BROTHERS. 231 DEM. What is he doing there? SYR. He has given some couches to be made, with oaken legs, for use in the open air.” DEM. For you to carouse upon Very fine! But why do I tlelay going to him P (Exit. SCENE III. SYRUs alone. SYR. Go, by all means. I’ll work you to-day, you skeleton,” as you deserve. AEschinus loiters intolerably; the breakfast's spoiling; and as for Ctesipho, he's head and ears in love.” X shall now think of myself, for I'll be off at once, and pick out the very nicest bit, and, leisurely sipping my cups,” I’ll lengthen out the day. (Goes into the house.) us that ponds of water were always close to the gates of towns, for the purpose of watering the beasts of burden, and of having a supply at hand in case the enemy should set fire to the city gates. * The open air)—Ver.--586. Donatus remarks that it was usual for the Greeks to sit and drink in the sun; and that Syrus being suddenly asked this question shows his presence of mind by giving this circumstantial answer, that he may the better impose upon Demea. The couches used on such occasions may be presumed to have required stout legs, and to be made of hard wood, such as oak, to prevent them from splitting. Two instances of couches being used for carousing in the open air will be found in the last Scenes of the Asinaria and Stichus of Plautus. * You skeleton) — Wer. 588. “Silicernium.” This was said to be the name of a funeral entertainment or dish of meats offered up to the “umbrae” or “manes,” in silence. The word is also said to have been applied to an old man from his stooping postures, “silices cernit,” “he looks at the stones.” 3 Head and ears in love)—Wer. 590. “Totus,” literally, “quite ” or “altogether.” 4 Sipping my cups)—Wer. 592. As to the “cyathi” and cups of the ancients, see the last Scene of the Stichus of Plautus, which is a perfect specimen of a carousal among the lower classes in ancient times. See also the last Scene of the Asinaria. The slaves generally appear to have taken part in the entertainments with their young masters. 232 ADELPHI} Act IV. SCENE IV. JEnter MICIO and HEGIO. MIC. I can see no reason here, Hegio, that I should be so greatly commended. I do my duty; the wrong that has originated with us I redress. Unless, perhaps, you thought me one of that class of men who think that an injury is pur- posely done them if you expostulate about anything they have done ; and yet are themselves the first to accuse. Because I have not acted thus, do you return me thanks P HEG. Oh, far from it; I never led myself to believe you to be otherwise than you are; but I beg, Micio, that you will go with me to the mother of the young woman, and repeat to her the same ; what you have told me, do you yourself tell the woman, that this suspicion of Æschinus's fidelity was incurred on his brother's account, and that this Music-girl was for him. MIC. If you think I ought, or if there is a necessity for doing so, let us go. HEG. You act with kindness; for you'll then both have relieved her mind who is now languishing in sorrow and afflic- tion, and have discharged your duty. But if you think otherwise, I will tell her myself what you have been saying to me. MIC, Nay, I'll go as well. HEG. You act with kindness; all who are in distressed circumstances are suspicious,” to I know not what degree; they take everything too readily as an affront ; they fancy themselves trifled with on account of their helpless condition; therefore it will be more satisfactory for you to justify him to them yourself. (They go into the house of SoSTRATA.) SCENE V. Enter ÆSCHINUS. I am quite distracted in mind! for this misfortune so unexpectedly to befall me, that I neither know what to do with myself, or how to act My limbs are enfeebled through * Are suspicious)—Wer. 606. These lines are supposed to be founded on some verses of Menander which are still extant. SC. VI. THE BROTHERS. 233 fear, my faculties bewildered with apprehension; no counsel is able to find a place within my breast. Alas! how to extricate myself from this perplexity I know not ; so strong a suspicion has taken possession of them about me; not with- out some reason too: Sostrata believes that I have purchased this Music-girl for myself: the old woman informed me of that. For by accident, when she was sent for the midwife, I saw her, and at once went up to her. “How Is Pamphila?” I enquired; “is her delivery at hand? Is it for that she is sending for the midwife?” “Away, away, AEschunus,” cries she; “you have deceived us long enough; already have your promises disappointed us sufficiently.” “Hal” said I; “pray what is the meaning of this?” “Farewell,” she cries; “keep to her who is your choice.” I instantly guessed what it was they suspected, but still I checked myself, that I might not be telling that gossip anything about my brother, whereby it might be divulged. Now what am I to do? Shall I say she is for my brother, a thing that ought by no means to be repeated anywhere P However, let that pass. It is possible it might go no further. I am afraid they would not believe it, so many probabilities concur against it: 'twas I myself carried her off; 'twas I, my own self, that paid the money for her; 'twas my own house she was carried to. This I confess has been entirely my own fault. Ought I not to have disclosed this affair, just as it happened, to my father? I might have obtained his consent to marry her, I have been too negligent hitherto ; henceforth, then, arouse yourself, AEschinus. This then is the first thing; to go to them and clear myself. I’ll approach the door. (Advances to the door of SOSTRATA's house.) Confusion I always tremble most dreadfully when I go to knock at that door. (Knocking and calling to them within.) Ho there, ho there! it is Æschinus; open the door immediately, some one. (The door opens.) Some person, I know not who, is coming out ; I'll step aside here. (He stands apart.) SCENE VI. Bnter MICIo from the house of SoSTRATA. MIC (speaking at the door to SoSTRATA) Do as I told *34 ADELPHI; Act IV. you, Sostrata; I'll go find Æschinus, that he may know how these matters have been settled. (Looking round.) But who was it knocking at the door P AESCH. (apart.) Heavens, it is my father!—I am undone! MIC. AEschinus ! AESCH. (aside.) What can be his business here? MIC. Was it you knocking at this door? (Aside.) He is silent. Why shouldn't I rally him a little P. It would be as well, as he was never willing to trust me with this secret. (To AESCHINUs.) Don't you answer me? AESCH. (confusedly.) It wasn't I knocked at that door, that I know of. MIC, Just so ; for I wondered what business you could have here. (Apart.) He blushes; all's well. AESCH. Pray tell me, father, what business have you there P MIC. Why, none of my own; but a certain friend of mine just now brought me hither from the Forum to give him some assistance. AESCH. Why? MIC, I'll tell you. There are some women living here; in impoverished circumstances, as I suppose you don't know them; and, in fact, I’m quite sure, for it is not long since they removed to this place. AESCH. Well, what next 2 MIC. There is a girl living with her mother. AESCH. Go on. MIC. This girl has lost her father; this friend of mine is her next of kin; the law obliges him to marry her." AESCH. (aside.) Undone! - MIC. What's the matter? AESCH. Nothing. Very well: proceed. • MIC. He has come to take her with him; for he lives at Miletus. * Obliges him to marry her)—Wer. 655. It appears to have been a law given by Solon to the Athenians that the next male relative of suitable age should marry a female orphan himself, or find her a suitable portion. Madame Dacier suggests that the custom was derived from the Phoenicians, who had received it from the Jews, and quotes the Book of Numbers, xxxvi. 8. This law forms the basis of the plot of the Phormio. Sc. VI. THE BROTHERS. 235 AESCH. What! To take the girl away with him? MIC. Such is the fact. AESCH. All the way to Miletus, pray?" MIC, Yes. AEscH. (aside.) I'm overwhelmed with grief (To Micro.) But what of them? What do they say? MIC. What do you suppose they should P Why, nothing at all. The mother has trumped up a tale, that there is a child by some other man, I know not who, and she does not state the name ; she says that he was the first, and that she ought not to be given to the other. AESCH. Well now, does not this seem just to you after all? MIC. No. AESCH. Why not, pray? Is the other to be carrying her away from here P MIC. Why should he not take her? AESCH. You have acted harshly and unfeelingly, and even, if, father, I may speak my sentiments more plainly, un- handsomely. MIC. Why so? AESCH. Do you ask me? Pray, what do you think must be the state of mind of the man who was first connected with her, who, to his misfortune, may perhaps still love her to dis- traction, when he sees her torn away from before his face, and borne off from his sight for ever? An unworthy action, father MIC. On what grounds is it so? Who betrothed her ?” Who gave her away ? When and to whom was she married ? Who was the author of all this? Why did he connect himself with a woman who belonged to another ? AESCH. Was it to be expected that a young woman of her age should sit at home, waiting till a kinsman of hers should come from a distance? This, my father, you ought to have represented, and have insisted on it. - * To Miletus, pray £)—Ver. 658. A colony of Athens, on the coast of Asia Minor. * Who betrothed her £)—Wer. 673. Donatus observes that these ques- tions, which enumerate all the proofs requisite for a marriage, are an indirect and very delicate reproof-of Æschinus for the irregula and clandestine nature of his proceedings. 236 ADELPH1 ; Act IV. MIC. Ridiculous! Was I to have pleaded against him whom I was to support P But what's all this, AEschinus, to us? What have we to do with them P Let us begone : What's the matter? Why these tears? AESCH. (weeping.) Father, I beseech you, listen to me. MIC, AEschinus, I have heard and know it all, for I love you, and therefore everything you do is the more a care to me. AESCH. So do I wish you to find me deserving of your love, as long as you live, my dear father, as I am sincerely Sorry for the offence I have committed, and am ashamed to See you. - MIC. Upon my word I believe it, for I know your in- genuous disposition : but I am afraid that you are too incon- siderate. In what city, pray, do you suppose you live P You have debauched a virgin, whom it was not lawful for you to touch. In the first place then that was a great offence; great, but still natural. Others, and even men of worth, have frequently done the same. But after it happened, pray, did you show any circumspection ? Or did you use any foresight as to what was to be done, or how it was to be done? If you were ashamed to tell me of it, by what means was 1 to come to know it P While you were at a loss upon these points, ten months have been lost. So far indeed as lay in your power, you have perilled both yourself and this poor girl, and the child. What did you imagine—that the Gods would set these matters to rights for you while you were asleep, and that she would be brought home to your chamber without any exertions of your own P I would not have you to be equally negligent in other affairs. Be of good heart, you shall have her for your wife. AESCH. Hah! MIC. Be of good heart, I tell you. AESCH. Father, are you now jesting with me, pray ? MIC, I, jesting with you! For what reason P AESCH. I don't know; but so anxiously do I wish this to be true, that I am the more afraid it may not be. MIC, Go home, and pray to the Gods that you may have your wife; be off. AESCH. What! have my wife now ; Sc. WIT. THE BROTHEItº, 257 MIC, Now. AESCH Now P MIC, Now, as soon as possible. AESCH. May all the Gods detest me, father, if I do not love you better than even my very eyes | MIC, What better than her ? AESCH. Quite as well. MIC. Very kind of you! AESCH. Well, where is this Milesian 2 MIC. Departed, vanished, gone on board ship ; but why do you delay ?. AESCH. Father, do you rather go and pray to the Gods; for I know, for certain, that they will rather be propitious to you," as being a much better man than I am. MIC. I’ll go in doors, that what is requisite may be pre- pared. You do as I said, if you are wise. (Goes into his house.) SCENE VII. AESCHINUs alone. AESCH. What can be the meaning of this 2 Is this being a father, or this being a son P. If he had been a brother or familiar companion, how could he have been inore complai- Sant! Is he not worthy to be beloved P Is he not to be imprinted in my very bosom P. Well then, the more does he impose an obligation on me by his kindness, to take due precaution not inconsiderately to do anything that he may not wish. But why do I delay going in-doors this instant, that I may not myself delay my own nuptials P (Goes into the house of MICIo.) * Propitious to you)—Wer. 707. Donatus remarks that there is great delicacy in this compliment of Æschinus to Micio, which, though made in his presence, does not bear the semblance of flattery. Madame Dacier thinks that Terence here alludes to a line of Hesiod, which says that it is the duty of the aged to pray. Colman suggests that the passage is borrowed from some lines of Menander still in existence, 238 ADELPHI; Act IV SCENE VIII. Enter DEMEA. I am quite tired with walking: May the great Jupiter confound you, Syrus, together with your directions ! I have crawled the whole city over; to the gate, to the pond— where not ? There was no joiner's shop there; not a soul could say he hºd seen my brother; but now I’m determined to sit and wait at his house till he returns. SCENE IX. Inter MICIO from his house. MIC, (speaking to the people within.) I'll go and tell them there's no delay on our part. DEM. But see here's the very man: O Micio, I have been seeking you this long time. MIC. Why, what's the matter? DEM, I'm bringing you some new and great enormities of that hopeful youth. MIC, Just look at that DEM. Fresh ones, of blackest dye. MIC. There now—at it again. DEM. Ah, Micioſ you little know what sort of person he is. MIC, I do. DEM. O simpleton | you are dreaming that I’m talking about the Music-girl; this crime is against a virgin and a citizen. MIC. I know it. DEM. So then, you know it, and put up with it ! MIC, Why not put up with it P DEM. Tell me, pray, don't you exclaim about it 2 Don't you go distracted P MIC. Not I: certainly I had rather" * Certainly I had rather)—Wer. 730. He pauses after “ quidem,” Jut he means to say that if he had his choice, he would rather it had not been so Sc, IX, THE BROTHERS, 239 DEM. There has been a child born. MIC. May the Gods be propitious to it. DEM. The girl has no fortune. MIC. So I have heard. DEM. And he-must he marry her without one P MIC. Of course. DEM. What is to be done then P MIC. Why, what the case itself points out : the young woman must be brought hither. DEM. O Jupiter! must that be the way then? MIC. What can I do else P DEM. What can you do? If in reality this causes you no concern, to pretend it were surely the duty of a man. MIC. But I have already betrothed the young woman to him ; the matter is settled: the marriage takes place to-day. I have removed all apprehensions. That is rather the duty of a man. - DEM. But does the affair please you, Micio P MIC. If I were able to alter it, no ; now, as I cannot, I bear it with patience. The life of man is just like playing with dice :" if that which you most want to throw does not turn up, what turns up by chance you must correct by DEM. O rare corrector! of course it is by your art that twenty minae have been thrown away for a Music-girl; who, as soon as possible, must be got rid of at any price; and if not for money, why then for nothing. MIC. Not at all, and indeed I have no wish to sell her. DEM. What will you do with her then P MIC. She shall be at my house. DEM. For heaven's sake, a courtesan and a matron in the same house ! * Playing with dice)—Ver. 742. The “tesserae” of the ancients were cubes, or what we call “ dice;” while the “tali” were in imitation of the knuckle-bones of animals, and were marked on four sides only. For some account of the mode of playing with the “tali,” see the last Scene of the Asinaria, and the Curculio of Plautus, l. 257–9. Madame Dacier suggests that Menander may possibly have borrowed this passage from the Republic of Plato, B. X., where he says, “We should take counsel from accidents, and, as in a game at dice, act according to what has tallen, in the manner which reason tells us to be the best.” 24U) ADELPHI; Act IV., Sc. X. MIC, Why not P T).E.M. Do you Imagine you are in your senses? MIC. Really I do think so. DEM. So may the Gods prosper me, I now see your folly; I believe you are going to do so that you may have some- body to practise music with. MIC, Why not P DEM. And the new-made bride to be learning too? MIC. Of course. DEM. Having hold of the rope,' you will be dancing with them. •. MIC. Like enough ; and you too along with us, if there's need. DEM. Ah me! are you not ashamed of this? MIC. Demea, do, for once, lay aside this anger of yours, and show yourself as you ought at your son's wedding, cheerful and good-humoured. I'll just step over to them, and return immediately. (Goes into SOSTRATA's house.) SCENE X. DEMEA alone. DEM. O Jupiter! here's a life here are manners! here's madness! A wife to be coming without a fortune 1 A music-wench in the house ! A house full of wastefulness A young man ruined by extravagance An old man in his dotage!—Should Salvation herself” desire it, she certainly could not save this family. (Easit. 1 Hold of the rope)—Wer. 755. “Restim ductans saltabis.” Donatus and Madame Dacier think that this is only a figurative expression for a dance in which all joined hands; according to some, however, a dance is alluded to where the person who led of drew a rope or cord after him, which the rest of the company took hold of as they danced; which was invented in resemblance of the manner in which the wooden horse was dragged by ropes into the city of Troy. * Salvation herself)—Wer. 764. See an observation relative to the translation of the word “Salus,” in the Notes to *autus, vol. i. pages 193, 450. Act V, Sc. II. THE BROTHERS. 3.4 241 ACT THE FIFTH. SCENE I. Enter SYRUs, drunk, and DEMEA, on the opposite side of the stage. SyR. Upon my faith, my dear little Syrus, you have taken delicate care of yourself, and have done your duty' with exquisite taste; be off with you. But since I’ve had my fill of everything indoors, I have felt disposed to take a walk. DxM. (ºpºrt.) Kust lock at that—there's an instance of their good training! SYR. (to himself.) But see, here comes our old man. (Addressing him.) What's the matter? Why out of spirits P DEM. Oh you rascal! SYR. Hold now ; are you spouting your Sage maxims here? DEM. If you were my servant SYR. Why, you would be a rich man, Demea, and improve your estate. DEM. I would take care that you should be an example to all the rest. SYR. For what reason 2 What have I done? DEM. Do you ask me? in the midst of this confusion, and during the greatest mischief, which is hardly yet set right, you have been getting drunk, you villain, as though things had been going on well. - SYR. (aside.) Really, I wish I hadn't come out. SCENE II. IEnter DROMo in haste, from the house of MICIO. DRO. Hallo, Syrus ! Ctesipho desires you'll come back. SYR. Get you gone. (Pushes him back into the house.) * Have done your duty)—Wer. 767. His duty of providing the viands and drink for the entertainment. So Ergasilus says in the Captivi of Plautus, l. 912, “Now I will go off to my government (praefecturam), to give laws to the bacon.” R 242 ADELPHI; - Act W. DEM. What is it he says about Ctesipho P SYR. Nothing. DEM. How now, you hang-dog, is Ctesipho in the house? SYR. He is not. DEM. Then why does he mention him * SYR. It's another person; a little diminutive Parasite. Don't you know him P i.JEM, I will know him before long. (Going to the door.) SYR. (stopping him.) What are you about P Whither are you going? DEM. (struggling.) Let me alone. SYR. (holding him.) Don't, I tell you, DEM. Won't you keep your hands off, whip-scoundrel ? Or would you like me to knock your brains out this instant P (Rushes into the house.) SYR. He's gone! no very pleasant boon-companion, upon my faith, particularly to Ctesipho. What am I to do now? Why, even get into some corner till this tempest is lulled, and sleep off this drop of wine. That's my plan. (Goes info the house, staggering.) SCENE III. Enter MICIO, from the house of SoSTRATA. MIC, (to SoSTRATA, within.) Everything's ready with us, as I told you, Sostrata, when you like.—Who, I wonder, in making my door fly open with such fury P Enter DEMEA in haste, from the house of MICIo. DEM. Alas! what shall I do P. How behave P In what terms exclaim, or how make my complaint P O heavens ! O earth ! O seas of Neptune! MIC, (apart.) Here's for you! he has discovered all about the affair; and of course is now raving about it ; a quarrel is the consequence; I must assist him," however. . * I must assist him)—Wer. 795. Colman remarks on this passage: “The character of Micio appears extremely amiable through the first hour Acts of this Comedy, and his behaviour is in many respects worthy ºf imitation; but his conduct in conniving at the irregularities of Ctesipho, and even assisting him to support them, is certainly repre- Sc. III. THE BROTHERS. 243 DEM. See, here comes the common corruptor of my children. MIC. Pray moderate your passion, and recover yourself. DEM. I have moderated it ; I am myself; I forbear all reproaches; let us come to the point : was this agreed upon between us, proposed by yourself, in fact, that you were not to concern yourself about my son, nor I about yours? Answer me. MIC. It is the fact, I don't deny it. DEM. Why is he now carousing at your house ? Why are you harbouring my son? Why do you purchase a mistress for him, Micio P. Is it at all fair, that I should have any less justice from you, than you from me? Since I do not concern myself about your son, don't you concern yourself about mine. MIC. You don't reason fairly. DEM. No P | ‘MIC. For surely it is a maxim of old, that among them. selves all things are common to friends. DEM. Smartly said; you've got that speech up for the OCC8,SIOIl. | MIC. Listen to a few words, unless it is disagreeable, Demea. In the first place, if the extravagance your sons; are guilty of distresses you, pray do reason with yourself. You formerly brought up the two suitably to your circum- stances, thinking that your own property would have to suffice for them both ; and, of course, you then thought that I should marry. Adhere to that same old rule of yours, save scrape together, and be thrifty for them ; take care to leave them as much as possible, and take that credit to yourself: my fortune, which has come to them beyond their expectation, allow them to enjoy; of your capital there will be no diminution ; what comes from this quarter, set it all down as so much gain. If you think proper impartially to consider these matters in your mind, Demea, you will Save me and yourself, and them, considerable uneasiness. DEM. I don't speak about the expense; their morals— MIC. Hold; I understand you; that point I was coming hensible. Perhaps the Poet threw this shade over his virtues on pur- pose to show that mildness and good humour might be carried to excess.” R 2 244 ADELPHI; Act V. to." There are in men, Demea, many signs from whicle a conjecture is easily formed; so that when two persons do the same thing, you may often say, this one may be allowed to do it with impunity, the other may not ; not that the thing itself is different, but that he is who does it. I see signs in them, so as to feel confident that they will turn out as we wish. I see that they have good sense and understanding, that they have modesty upon occasion, and are affectionate to each other; you may infer that their bent and disposition is of a pliant nature; at any time you like you may reclaim them. But still, you may be apprehensive that they will be somewhat too apt to neglect their interests. O my dear Demea, in all other things we grow wiser with age ; this sole vice does old age bring upon men: we are all more solicitous about our own interests than we need be ; and in this respect age will make them sharp enough. DEM. Only take care, Micio, that these fine reasonings of yours, and this easy disposition of yours, do not ruin us in the end. MIC. Say no more ; there's no danger of that. Now think ino further of these matters. Put yourself to-day into my mands; smooth your brow. DEM. Why, as the occasion requires it, I must do so; but 3.o-morrow I shall be off with my son into the country at -daybreak. MIC. Aye, to-night, for my share; only keep yourself in good humour for the day. DEM. I’ll carry off that Music-girl along with me as well. MIC. You will gain your point ; by that means you will keep your son fast there; only take care to secure her. DEM. I’ll see to that ; and what with cooking and grinding, I’ll take care she shall be well covered with ashes, smoke, and * That point I was coming to)—Wer. 824. Colman observes here : “Madame Dacier makes an observation on this speech, something like that of Donatus on one of Micio's above; and says that Micio, being hard }. to it by the real circumstances of the case, thinks to confound Demea y a nonsensical gallimatia. I cannot be of the ingenious lady's opinion on this matter, for I think a more sensible speech could not be made, Inor a better plea offered in favour of the young men, than that of Micio in the present instance.” Sc. IV. THE BROTHERs. 245 meal; besides all this, at the very mid-day’ I’ll set her gathering stubble ; I'll make her as burnt and as black as a coal. MIC. You quite delight me; now you seem to me to be wise ; and for my part I would then compel my son to go to bed with her, even though he should be unwilling. DEM. Do you banter me P Happy man, to have such a temper! I feel MIC. Ah! at it again! DEM. I’ll have dome then at once. MIC. Go indoors then, and let's devote this day to the object” to which it belongs. (Goes into the house.) * SCENE IV. DEMEA alone. DEM. Never was there any person of ever such well-trained habits of life, but that experience, age, and custom are always bringing him something new, or suggesting something; so much so, that what you believe you know you don't know, and what you have fancied of first importance to you, on making trial you reject; and this is my case at present: for the rigid life I have hitherto led, my race nearly run, I now renounce. Why so P-I have found, by experience, that there is nothing better for a man than an easy temper and complacency. That this is the truth, it is easy for any one to understand on comparing me with my brother. He has always spent his life in ease and gaiety; mild, gentle, offensive to no one, having a smile for all, he has lived for himself, and has spent his money for himself; all men speak well of him, all love him. I, again, a rustic, a rigid, cross, self-denying, morose and thrifty person, married a wife; what misery I entailed in consequence! Sons were born—a fresh care. And just look, while I have been studying to do as much as pos- sible for them, I have worn out my life and years in Saving ; now, in the decline of my days, the return I get from them for my pains is their dislike. He, on the other hand, * At the very mid-day)—Wer. 851. Exposed to the heat of a mid-day fillIl, * To the object)—Wer. 857. The marriage and its festivities. 246 ADELPHI; Act W. without any trouble on his part, enjoys a father's comforts; they love him; me they shun ; him they trust with all their secrets, are fond of him, are always with him. I am for- saken ; they wish him to live; but my death, forsooth, they are longing for. Thus, after bringing them up with all possible pains, at a trifling cost he has made them his own; thus I bear all the misery, he enjoys the pleasure. Well then, henceforward let us try, on the other hand, whether I can't speak kindly and act complaisantly, as he challenges me to it : I also want myself to be loved and highly valued by my friends. If that is to be effected by giving and indulging, I will not be behind him. If our means fail, that least concerns me, as I am the eldest." SCENE V. Enter SYRUS. SYR Hark you, Demea, your brother begs you will not go out of the way. DEM. Who is it 2–0 Syrus, my friend,” save you ! how are you? How goes it with you ? SYR. Very well. DEM. Very good. (Aside.) I have now for the first time used these three expressions contrary to my nature, “O Syrus, my friend, how are you?—how goes it with you?” (To SYRUs.) You show yourself far from an unworthy servant, and I shall gladly do you a service. SYR. I thank you. DEM. Yes, Syrus, it is the truth ; and you shall be con- vinced of it by experience before long. SCENE VI. Enter GETA, from the house of SoSTRATA. GETA. (to SOSTRATA, within.) Mistress, I am going to see * Am the eldest)—Wer. 884. And therefore likely to be the first to die, and to avoid seeing such a time come. * O Syrus, my friend)—Wer. 886. The emptiness of his poor attempts to be familiar are very evident in this line. Sc. VII. THE BROTHERS. 247 after them, that they may send for the damsel as soon as possible; but see, here's Demea. (Accosting him.) Save you! DEM. O, what's your name P GETA. Geta. DEM. Geta, I have this day come to the conclusion that you are a man of very great worth, for I look upon him as an undoubtedly good servant who has a care for his master; as I have found to be your case, Geta; and for that reason, if any opportunity should offer, I would gladly do you a service. (Aside.) I am practising the affable, and it succeeds very well. * GETA. You are kind, sir, to think so. DEM. (aside.) Getting on by degrees lower classes my own. I’ll first make the SCENE VII. JEnter ÆscHINUs, from the house of MICIO. AESCH. (to himself.) They really are killing me while too intent on performing the nuptials with all ceremony; the whole day is being wasted in their preparations. DEM. AEschinus ! how goes it P AESCH. Ha, my fatherſ are you here P DEM. Your father, indeed, both by affection and by nature; as I love you more than my very eyes; but why don't you send for your wife? AESCH. So I wish to do; but I am waiting for the music- girl" and people to sing the nuptial song. DEM. Come now, are you willing to listen to an old fellow like me? - AESCH. What is it 2 DEM. Let those things alone, the nuptial song, the crowds, the torches,” and the music-girls, and order the * The music-girl) —Ver. 908. “Tibicinae,” or music-girls, attended at marriage ceremonials. See the Aulularia of Plautus, where Mega- dorus hires the music-girls on his intended marriage with the daughter of Euclio. * The crowds, the torches)—Wer. 910. See the Casina of Plautus, Act IV. Scenes 3 and 4, for some account of the marriage ceremonial. The torches, music-girls, processions, and hymenaeal song, generally accompanied a wedding, but from the present passage we may conclude that they were not considered absolutely necessary. 248 ADELPHI; Act; W. stone-wall in the garden" here to be pulled down with all dispatch, and bring her over that way; make but one house of the two; bring the mother and all the domestics over to our house. AESCH. With all my heart, kindest father. DEM. (aside.) Well done ! now I am called “kind.” My brother's house will become a thoroughfare; he will be bring- ing home a multitude, incurring expense in many ways: what matters it to me? I, as the kind Demea, shall get into favour. Now then, bid that Babylonian” pay down his twenty minae. (To SYRUS.) Syrus, do you delay to go and do it? SYR. What am I to do ſº DEM. Pull down the wall; and you, Geta, go and bring them across. GETA. May the Gods bless you, Demea, as I see you so sincere a well-wisher to our family. (GETA and SYRUS go into MICIO's house.) DEM. I think they deserve it. What say you, AEschinus, as to this plan & AESCH. I quite agree to it. DEM. It is much more proper than that she, being sick and lying-in, should be brought hither through the street. AESCH. Why, my dear father, I never did see anything better contrived. DEM. It's my way; but see, here's Micio coming out. SCENE VIII. Fnter MICIO, from his house. MIC. (speaking to GETA, within.) Does my brother order it P Where is he P (To DEMEA.) Is this your order, Demea P DEM. Certainly, I do order it, and in this matter, and in everything else, wish especially to make this family one with ourselves, to oblige, serve, and unite them. * Stone-wall in the garden)—Ver. 911. The “maceria,” or garden-wall of loose stones, is also mentioned in the Truculentus of Plautus, l. 301. * Bid that Babylonian)—Wer. 918. This passage has much puzzled the Commentators; but it seems most probable that it is said aside, and that in consequence of his profuseness he calls his brother a Babylonian, (just as we call a wealthy man a nabob,) and says, “Well, let him, with all my heart, be paying twenty minae (between 701. and 807.) for a music-girl.” Se. VIII. THE BROTHERs; 249 AESCH. Father, pray let it be so. MIC. I do not oppose it. DEM. On the contrary, i'faith, it is what we ought to do: in the first place, she is the mother of his wife (pointing to AESCHINUs). MIC, She is. What then P DEM. An honest and respectable woman. MIC. So they say. DEM. Advanced in years. MIC. I am aware of it. DEM. Through her years, she is long past child-bearing; there is no one to take care of her ; she is a lone woman. MIC, (aside.) What can be his meaning? DEM. It is right you should marry her ; and that you, AEschinus, should use your endeavours to effect it. MIC. I, marry her, indeed P DEM. You. MIC. I? DEM. You, I say. MIC. You are trifling! DEM. AEschinus, if you are a man, he'll do it. AESCH. My dear father MIC. What, ass! do you attend to him P DEM. 'T is all in vain ; it cannot be otherwise. MIC. You are mad! AESCH. Do let me prevail on you, my father. MIC. Are you out of your senses? Take yourself off.” DEM. Come, do oblige your son. MIC. Are you quite in your right mind P Am I, in my five-and-sixtieth year, to be marrying at last? A decrepit old woman too? Do you advise me to do this P AESCH. Do; I have promised it.” MIC. Promised, indeed ; be generous at your own cost, young man. DEM. Come, what if he should ask a still greater fa- vour? * Take yourself off)—Ver. 940. AEschinus, probably, in his earnest- ness, has seized hold of him with his hand, which Micio now pushes away. * I have promised it)—Ver. 943. This is not the truth; the notion has only been started since he last saw them. 250 ADELPHI; Act V. MIC. As if this was not the greatest l DEM. Do comply. AESCH. Don't make any difficulty. TXEM. Do promise. - MIC. Will you not have done P AESCH. Not until I have prevailed upon you. MIC, Really, this is downright force." DEM. Act with heartiness, Micio. MIC. Although this seems to me” to be wrong, foolish, absurd, and repugnant to my mode of life, yet, if you so strongly wish it, be it so. AESCH. You act obligingly. DEM. With reason I love you; but— MIC. What P DEM. I will tell you, when my wish has been complied with. MIC, What now P What remains to be done? DEM. Hegio here is their nearest relation; he is a con- nexion of ours and poor; we ought to do some good for him, MIC. Do what P DEM. There is a little farm here in the suburbs, which you let out ; let us give it him to live upon. MIC. But is it a little one P DEM. If it were a large one, still it ought to be done; he has been as it were a father to her; he is a worthy man, and connected with us; it would be properly bestowed. In fine, * Really, this is downright force)—Wer. 946. “Wis est haec quidem.” The same expression occurs in the Captivi of Plautus, l. 755. The expression seemed to be a common one with the Romans. According to Suetonius, Julius Caesar used it when attacked by his murderers in the senate-house. On Tullius Cimber seizing hold of his garments, he exclaimed, “Ita quidem vis est ſ”—“Why, really, this is violence ſ” * This seems to me)—Wer. 947. Donatus informs us that in Menan- der's Play, the old man did not make any resistance whatever to the match thus patched up for him. Colman has the following observation on this fact : “It is surprising that none of the critics on this passage have taken notice of this observation of Donatus, especially as our loss of Menander makes it rather curious. It is plain that Terence in the plan of his last Act followed Menander ; but though he has adopted the absurdity of marrying Micio to the old lady, yet we learn from Donatus that his judgment rather revolted at this circumstance, and he improved on his original by making Micio express a repugnance to such a match, which it seems he did not in the Play ºf Menander.” Sc. IX. THE BROTHERS. 251 I now adopt that proverb which you, Micio, a short time ago repeated with sense and wisdom—it is the common vice of all, in old age, to be too intent upon our own interests. This stain we ought to avoid : it is a true maxim, and ought to be observed in deed. - MIC. What am I to say to this? Well then, as he desires it (pointing to AESCHINUs), it shall be given him. AESCH. My father DEM. Now, Micio, you are indeed my brother, both in spirit and in body. MIC. I am glad of it. DEM. (aside). I foil him at his own weapon." SCENE IX. Fnter SYRUs, from the house, SYR. It has been done as you ordered, Demea. DEM. You are a worthy fellow. Upon my faith, in my opinion, at least,--I think Syrus ought at once to be made free. MIC. He freel For what reason 2 DEM. For many. SYR. O my dear Demeal upon my word, you are a worthy man I have strictly taken care of both these sons of yours, from childhood; I have taught, advised, and carefully in- structed them in everything I could. DEM. The thing is evident ; and then, besides all this, to cater for them, secretly bring home a wench, prepare a morning entertainment;” these are the accomplishments of no ordinary person. SYR. O, what a delightful man! DEM. Last of all, he assisted to-day in purchasing this Music-wench—he had the management of it; it is right he should be rewarded ; other servants will be encouraged thereby: besides, he (pointing to AESCHINUS) desires it to be so. * At his own weapon)—Wer. 961. He probably means, by aping the kind feeling which is a part of Micio's character. * * A morning entertainment)—Wer. 969. A banquet in the early part or middle of the day was considered by the Greeks a debauch. 252 ADELPHI; Act V. MIC. (to AESCHINUs.) Do you desire this to be done? AESCH I do wish it. MIC. Why then, if you desire it, just come hither, Syrus, to me (performing the ceremony of manumission); be a free In all. SYR. You act generously; I return my thanks to you all;- and to you, Demea, in particular. DEM. I congratulate you. AESCH. And I. SYR. I believe you. I wish that this joy were made com- plete—that I could see my wife, Phrygia,” free as well, DEM. Really, a most excellent woman. SYR. And the first to suckle your grandchild, his son, to-day (pointing to ÆschINUs). DEM. Why really, in seriousness, if she was the first to do so, there is no doubt she ought to be made free. MIC. What, for doing that ? DEM. For doing that ; in fine, receive the amount from me” at which she is valued. SYR. May all the Gods always grant you, Demea, all you desire. MIC, Syrus, you have thrived pretty well to-day. DEM. If, in addition, Micio, you will do your duty, and lend him a little ready money in hand for present use, he will soon repay you. MIC. Less than this (snapping his fingers). AESCH. He is a deserving fellow. SYR. Upon my word, I will repay it; only lend it me. AESCH. Do, father. MIC. I’ll consider of it afterwards. DEM. He'll do it, Syrus. SYR, O most worthy man! AESCH. O most kind-hearted father | 1 Be a free man)—Wer. 974. He touches Syrus on the ear, and makes him free. The same occurs in the Epidicus of Plautus, Act V. Sc. 2, 1.65. * My wife, Phrygia)—Wer. 977. The so-called marriage, or rather cohabitation, of the Roman slaves will be found treated upon in the Notes to Plautus. Syrus calls Phrygia his wife on anticipation that she will become a free woman. * Receive the amount from me)—Wer. 981. The only sign of genero- sity he has yet shown. Sc. TX. THE BROTHERS. 253 MIC. How is this? What has so suddenly changed your disposition, Demea 2 What caprice is this f What means this sudden liberality?" DEM. I will tell you :—That I may convince you of this, Micio, that the fact that they consider you an easy and kind- hearted man, does not proceed from your real life, nor, in- deed, from a regard for virtue and justice; but from your humouring, indulging, and pampering them. Now therefore, AEsChinus, if my mode of life has been displeasing to you. because I do not quite humour you in every thing, just or unjust, I have done: squander, buy, do what you please. But if you would rather have one to reprove and correct those faults, the results of which, by reason of your youth, you cannot see, which you pursue too ardently, and are thought- less upon, and in due season to direct you; behold me ready to do it for you. AESCH. Father, we leave it to you; you best know what ought to be done. But what is to be done about my brother P DEM. I consent. Let him have his mistress :” with her let him make an end of his follies. MIC. That's right. (To the AUDIENCE) Grant us your applause. 1 This sudden liberality)—Ver. 989, “Quid prolubium ? Quae istaec subita est largitas?” Madame Dacier tells us that this passage was borrowed from Coecilius, the Comic Poet. * Let him have his mistress)—Wer. 1001. It must be remembered that he has the notions of a Greek parent, and sees no such criminality 'u this sanction as a parent would be sensible of at the present day. HECYRA : THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. LACHEs,” an aged Athenian, father of Pamphilus. PHIDIPPUs,” an aged Athenian, father of Philumena. PAMPHILUs,” son of Laches. Sosſ A,” servant of Pamphilus. PARMENo,” servant of Sostrata. SoSTRATA,6 wife of Laches. MYRRHINA,7 wife of Phidippus. BACCHIS,” a Courtesan. PHILOTIs,” a Courtesan. SYRA,” a Procuress. Scene.—Athens; before the houses of LACHES, PHIDIPPUs, and BACCHrs. * See the Dramatis Personae of the Eunuchus. ? From pstäd, “parsimony,” and irröc, “a horse.” * See the Dramatis Personae of the Andria, 4 See the Dramatis Personae of the Andria. 5 See the Dramatis Personae of the Eunuchus. 6 See the Dramatis Personae of the Heautontimorumenos. 7 From pavóów), “a myrtle.” 8 See the Dramatis Personae of the Heautontimorumenos. 9 From ºt)\otijc, “friendship.” * From Syria, her native country. - - THE SUBJECT. PAMPHILUs, the son of Laches by his wife Sostrata, being at the time enamoured of Bacchis, a Courtesan, chances, one night, in a drunkeu fit, to debauch Philumena, the daughter of Phidippus and Myrrhina. In the struggle he takes a ring from her, which he gives to Bacchis, Some time afterwards, at his father's express desire, he consents to marry. By chance the young woman whom he has ravished is given to him as a wife, to the great joy of her mother, who alone is aware of her misfortune, and hopes that her disgrace may be thereby concealed. It, however, happens otherwise; for Pamphilus, still retaining his passion for Bacchis, refuses for some time to cohabit with her. Bacchis, however, now rejects the advances of Pamphilus, who by degrees becomes weaned from his affection for her, and grows attached to his wife, whom he has hitherto disliked. Meantime, however, he is suddenly called away from home. During his absence, Philumena, finding herself pregnant in consequence of her misfortune before her marriage, fearing detection, especially avoids the company of her mother-in-law. At length she makes an excuse for returning to the home of her own parents, where she remains. Sostrata thereupon sends for her, but is answered that she is ill, on which she goes to see her, but is refused admittance to the house. On hearing of this, Laches blames his wife as being the cause of this estrangement. Pamphilus now returns, and it so happens that, on the day of his arrival, Philumena is brought to bed of a child. Impatient to see her, Pamphilus rushes into her room, and to his great distress finds that this is the case. Myrrhina thereupon entreats him to keep the matter secret, and begs him, if he refuses to receive her daughter back again, at least not to ruin her reputation by divulging it. As he now declines either to take back his wife or give his reason for so doing, Laches suspects that he is still enamoured of Bacchis, and accordingly sends for her, and expostulates with her. She, however, exonerates herself; on which the old man, supposing that Philumena and her mother are equally ignorant with himself as to his son's motives, begs her to call on them and remove their suspicions. While she is conversing with them, they recognize the ring upon her finger which Pamphilus had formerly taken from Philumena. By means of this it is discovered that Pamphilus himself is the person who has ravished Philumena; on which, overjoyed, he immediately takes home his wife and son. THE TITLE OF THE PIAY. PERFORMED at the Megalensian Games; Sextus Julius Caesar and Cneius Cornelius Dolabella being Curule AEdiles. The whole was not then acted. Flaccus, the freedman of Claudius, composed the music to a pair of flutes. It was composed wholly from the Greek of Menander." It was performed the first time without a Prologue. Represented a second time; Cneius Octavius and T. Manlius being Consuls.” It was then brought out in honour of L. AEmilius Paulus, at his Funeral Games, and was not ap- roved of. It was repeated a third time; Q. Fulvius and 1. Marcius being Curule AEdiles. L. Ambivius Turpio performed it. It was then approved of.” * Menander)—According to some, this Play was borrowed from the Greek of Apollodorus, a Comic Poet and contemporary of Menander, who wrote forty-seven Plays. * Being Consuls)—Cneius Octavius Nepos and T. Manlius Torquatus were Consuls in the year from the building of the City 587, and B.o. 166. * It was then approved of)—“Placuit.” This is placed at the end. in consequence of the inauspicious reception which had been given to it. on the two first representations. See the account given in the Prologues. HECYRA: THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. THE SUMMARY OF C. SULPITIUS APOLLINARIS. PAMPHILUs has married Philumena, to whom, when a virgin, he formerly, not knowing who she was, offered violence; and whose ring, which he took off by force, he gave to his mistress, Bacchis, a Courtesan. After- wards he sets out for Imbros, not having touched his bride. Hav- ing become pregnant, her mother brings her over to her own house, as though sick, that her mother-in-law may not know it. Pamphilus returns; detects her being delivered; conceals it; but determines not to take back his wife. His father imputes this to his passion for Bacchis. While Bacchis is exculpating herself, Myrrhina, the mother of the injured girl, by chance recognizes the ring. Pamphilus takes back his wife, together with his son. THE FIRST PROLOGUE. HECYRA" is the name of this Play; when it was represented for the first time, an unusual disaster and calamity” inter- rupted it, so that it could not be witnessed throughout or estimated; so much had the populace, carried away with admiration, devoted their attention to some rope-dancing. It is now offered as though entirely a new Play; and he who wrote it did not wish to bring it forward then a second time, on purpose that he might be able again to sell it.” Other | Hecyra.)—Wer. 1. The Greek word "Exupa, a “step-mother,” or “mother-in-law,” Latinized. * And calamity)—Wer. 3. “Calamitas.” This word is used in the same sense in the first line of the Eunuch. This is evidently the Prologue spoken on the second attempt to bring forward the piece. On the first occasion it probably had none. “Witium” was a word used by the Augurs, wit... whom it implied an unfavourable omen, and thence came to be used for any misfortune or disaster. He seems to mean the depraved taste of the public, that preferred exhibitions of rope-dancers and pugilists to witnessing his Plays. * Again to sell it)—Wer. 7. See the last Note to the Second Pro- logue. S 258 HECYRA; Plays of his you have seen represented; I beg you now to give your attention to this. THE SECOND PROLOGUE3 I COME to you as an envoy from the Poet, in the character of prologue-speaker; allow me to be a successful pleader, that in my old age I may enjoy the same privilege that I enjoyed when a younger man, when I caused new Plays, that had been once rejected, to come into favour; so that his writings might not die with the Poet. Among them, as to those of Caecilius,” which I first studied when new; in some of which I was rejected; in some I kept my ground with difficulty. As I knew that the fortune of the stage was varying, where the hopes were uncer- tain, I submitted to certain toil. Those I zealously attempted to perform, that from the same writer I might learn new ones, cºnd not discourage him from his pursuits. I caused them to be represented. When seen, they pleased. Thus did I re- store the Poet to his place, who was now almost weaned, through the malevolence of his adversaries, from his pursuits and labours, and from the dramatic art. But if I had at that period slighted the writer, and had wished to use my endea- * Other Plays of his)—Wer. 8. Madame Dacier informs us that Vossius was of opinion that the second representation of this Play did not take place till after that of the Adelphi. In that case, they had already seen the rest of his Plays. * Second Prologue)—Eugraphius informs us that this Prologue was spoken by Ambivius Turpio, the head of the company of Actors. * Caecilius)—Wer. 14. Colman has the following Note: “A famous Comic Poet among the Romans. His chief excellences are said to have been, the gravity of his style and the choice of his subjects. The first quality was attributed to him by Horace, Tully, &c., and the last by Warro. “In argumentis Caecilius poscit palmam, in ethesi Terentius.’ “In the choice of subjects, Caecilius demands the preference; in the man- ners, Terence.’” Madame J)acier, indeed, renders “in argumentis,” “in the disposition of his subjects.” But the words will not bear that con- struction. “Argumentum,” I believe, is uniformly used for the argu- ment itself, and never implies the conduct of it; as in the Prologue to the Andrian, “non tam dissimili argumento.” Besides, the disposition of the subject was the very art attributed by the critics of those days to Terence, and which Horace mentions in the very same line with the gravity of Caecilius, distinguishing them as the several characteristics of cach writer, “Wincere Caecilius gravitate, Terentius arte.” THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 259 vours in discouraging him, so that he might live a life of idle- ness rather than of study, I might have easily discouraged him from writing others. Now, for my sake, hear with un- biassed minds what it is I ask. I again bring before you the Hecyra, which I have never been allowed to act before you in silence; such misfortunes have so overwhelmed it. These mis- fortunes your intelligence will allay, if it is a seconder of our exertions. The first time, when I began to act this Play, the vauntings of boxers," the expectation of a rope-dancer,” added to which, the throng of followers, the noise, the clamour of the women, caused me to retire from your presence before the time. In this new Play, I attempted to follow the old custom of nine,” of making a fresh trial; I brought it on again. In the first Act I pleased ; when in the meantime a rumour spread that gladiators were about to be exhibited; the populace flock together, make a tumult, clamour aloud, and fight for their places:* meantime, I was unable to maintain my place. Now there is no confusion: there is attention and silence—an opportunity of acting my Play has been granted me; to yourselves is given the power of gracing the scenic fostival.” Do not permit, through your agency, the dramatic * Vauntings of boxers)—Wer. 33. Horace probably had this passage in his mind when he penned the First Epistle in his Second Book, l. 185; where he mentions the populace leaving a Play in the midst for the sight of a bear, or an exhibition of boxers. * Of a rope-dancer)—Wer. 34. The art of dancing on the tight rope was carried to great perfection among the ancients. Many paintings have been discovered, which show the numerous attitudes which the performers assumed. The figures have their heads enveloped in skins or caps, probably intended as a protection in case of falling. At the conclusion of the performance the dancer ran down the rope. Ger- manicus and Galba are said to have exhibited elephants dancing on the tight rope. * The old custom of mine)—Wer. 38. He says that on the second representation he followed the plan which he had formerly adopted in the Plays of Caecilius, of bringing those forward again which had not given satisfaction at first. * Fight for their places)—Wer. 41. This was in consequence of their sitting indiscriminately at the Amphitheatre, where the gladiators were exhibited ; whereas at the Theatres there were distinct places appro- priated to each “ordo” or class. * Gracing the scenic festival)—Wer. 45. Madame Dacier remarks that there is great force and eloquence in the Actor's affecting a concern for the sacred festivals, which were in danger of being deprived of their 8 2 260 HECYRA; Act I. art to sinkinto the hands of a few; let your authority prove a seconder and assistant to my own. If I have never covetously set a price upon my skill and have come to this conclusion, that it is the greatest gain in the highest possible degree to contribute to your entertainment; allow me to obtain this of you, that him who has entrusted his labours to my protec- tion, and himself to your integrity,+that him, I say, the malicious may not maliciously deride, beset by them on every side. For my sake, admit of this plea, and attend in silence, that he may be encouraged to write other Plays, and that it may be for my advantage to study new ones hereafter, purchased at my own expense.” ACT THE FIRST. SCENE I. JEnter PHILOTIs” and SYRA. PHIL. I'faith, Syra, you can find but very few lovers who prove constant to their mistresses. For instance, how often did this Pamphilus swear to Bacchis—how solemnly, chief ornaments, if by too great a severity they discouraged the Poets who undertook to furnish the Plays during the solemnity. At my own expense)—Wer. 57. It is generally supposed that “meo pretio” means “a price named as my estimate ;” and that it was the custom for the Ædiles to purchase a Play of a Poet at a price fixed by the head of the company of actors. It is also thought that the money was paid to the actor, who handed over the whole, or a certain part, to the Poet, and if the Play was not received with favour, the AEdiles had the right to ask back the money from the actor, who consequently became a loser by the transaction. Pareus and Meric Casaubon think, however, that in the case of this Play, the AEdiles had purchased it from the Poet, and the performers had bought it of the AEdiles as a speculation. What he means at the end of the First Prologue by selling the Play over again, is not exactly known. Perhaps if the Play had been then performed throughout and received with no favour, he would have had to forfeit the money, and lose all right to any future pecuniary interest in it; but he preferred to cancel the whole transaction, and to reserve the Play for purchase and representation at a more favourable period. * Philotis)—This is a protatic character, or one that helps to introduce the subject of the Play, and then appears no more. SC, II. THE MOTHER-IN-LAw. * 961 so that any one might have readily believed him—that ho never would take home a wife so long as she lived. Well now, he is married. SYR. Therefore, for that very reason, I earnestly both advise and entreat you to take pity upon no one, but plunder, fleece, and rend every man you lay hold of. PHIL. What Hold no one exempt P SYR. No one; for not a single one of them, rest assured, comes to you without making up his mind, by means of his flatteries, to gratify his passion with you at the least possible expense. Will you not, pray, plot against them in return ? PHIL. And yet, upon my faith, it is unfair to be the same to all. SYR. What unfair to take revenge on your enemies? or, for them to be caught in the very way they try to catch you? Alas! wretched me! why do not your age and beauty belong to me, or else these sentiments of mine to you? SCENE II. Fnter PARMENO from the house of LACHES. PAR. (at the door, speaking to SCIRTUs within.) If the old man should be asking for me, do you say #hat I have just gone to the harbour to enquire about the arrival of Pam- philus. Do you hear what I say, Scirtus P. If he asks for me, then you are to say so ; if he does not, why, say nothing’ at all; so that at another time I may be able to employ that excuse as a new one. (Comes forward, and looking around.)—But is it my dear Philotis that I see & How has she come here 2 (Accosting her.) Philotis, heartily good JOOOTTOW. - PHIL. O, good morrow, Parmeno. SYR. By my troth, good morrow, Parmeno. . PAR, I'faith, Syra, the same to you. Philotis, tell me, where have you been enjoying yourself so long P PHIL. For my part, indeed, I have been far from enjoying myself, in leaving this place for Corinth with a most brutal captain ; for two whole years, there, had I to put up with him to my sorrow. PAR. I'troth, I fancy that regret for Athens full oft pos- 262 hºcyna 5 Act I. sessed you, and that you thought but poorly of your foresight. PHIL. It cannot be expressed how impatient I was to return hither, get rid of the captain, and see yourselves here, that after our old fashion I might at my ease enjoy the merry-makings among you; for there it was not allowed me to speak, except at the moment prescribed, and on such sub- jects as he chose. PAR. (sarcastically.) I don’t think it was gallant in the captain to place a restraint on your tongue. - PHIL. But what is this piece of business that Bacchis has just now been telling me in-doors here * (pointing to her house.) A thing I never supposed would come to pass, that he, in her lifetime, could possibly prevail upon his feelings to take a wife. PAR. To take, indeed PHIL. Why, look you, has he not taken one P PAR. He has; but I doubt whether this match will be lasting. § PHIL. May the Gods and Goddesses grant it so, if it is for the advantage of Bacchis. But why am I to believe it is so 2 Tell me, Parmeno. PAR. There is no need for its being spread abroad; ask me no more about it. PHIL. For fear, I suppose, it may be made public. So may the Gods prosper me, I do not ask you in order that I may spread it abroad, but that, in silence, I may rejoice within myself. PAR. You'll never speak me so fairly, that I shall trust my back to your discretion. PHIL. Oh, don't say so, Parmeno;' as though you were not much more impatient to tell me this, than I to learn what I'm enquiring about. PAR. (to himself.) She tells the truth there; and that is my greatest failing. (To PHILOTIS.) If you give me your word that you'll keep it a secret, I'll tell you. Pon't say so, Parmeno)—Ver. 109. She says this ironically, at the same time intimating that she knows Parmeno too well, not to be sure that he is as impatient to impart the secret to her as she is to know it. Donatus remarks, that she pretends she has no curiosity to hear it, that he may deem her the more worthy to be entrusted with the secret. | Sc. II. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 263 PHIL. You are now returning to your natural disposition. I give you my word; say on. PAR. Listen. PHIL. I’m all attention. PAR. Pamphilus was in the height of his passion for Bac- chis here, when his father began to importune him to take a wife, and to urge those points which are usual with all fathers, that he himself was now in years, and that he was his only son, that he wished for a support for his declining years. He refused at first. But on his father pressing more urgently, he caused him to become wavering in his mind, whether to yield rather to duty or to love. By hammering on and teazing him, at last the old man gained his point; and betrothed him to the daughter of our next door neighbour here (pointing to the house of PHIDIPPUs.) This did not seem so very disagree- able to Pamphilus, until on the very point of marriage, when he saw that all was ready, and that no respite was granted, but marry he must ; then, at last, he took it so much to heart, that I do believe if Bacchis had been present, even she would have pitied him. Whenever opportunity was afforded for us being alone, so that he could converse with me, he used to say: “Parmeno, I am ruined! What have I done ! Into what misery have I plunged myself! Parmeno, I shall never be able to endure this. To my misery, I am undone!” PHIL (vehemently eacclaiming.) May the Gods and God- desses confound you, Laches, for vexing him so! PAR. To cut the matter short, he took home his wife. On the first night, he did not touch the girl; the night that followed that, not a bit the more. PHIL. What is it you tell me? A young man go to bed with a virgin, intoxicated to boot, and able to restrain him- self from touching her You do not say what's likely; nor do I believe it to be the truth. PAR. I suppose it does seem so to you, for no one comes to you unless he is eager for you; but he had married her against his will. PHIL. After this, what followed P PAR. In a very few days after, Pamphilus took me aside, away from the house, and told me how that the young woman was still untouched by him; and how that before he had taken her home as his wife, he had hoped to be able to endure 264 HECYRA; Act I. this marriage : “But, Parmeno, as I cannot resolve to live with her any longer, it is neither honorable in me, nor of advantage to the young woman herself, for her to be turned to ridicule, but rather I ought to return her to her relations just as I received her.” * PHIL. You tell me of a conscientious and virtuous disposi- tion in Pamphilus. PAR. “ For me to declare this, I consider to be inconvenient to me, but for her to be sent back to her father without men- tioning any blame, would be insolent ; but I am in hopes that she, when she is sensible that she cannot live with me, will go at last of her own accord.” PHIL. What did he do in the meanwhile P. Used he to visit Bacchis? PAR. Every day. But as usually is the case, after she saw that he belonged to another, she immediately became more ill-natured and more peevish. PHIL. I’faith, that's not to be wondered at. PAR. And this circumstance in especial contributed to estrange him from her; after he had fairly examined himself, and her, and the one that was at home, he formed a judgment, by comparison, upon the principles of them both. She, just as might be expected from a person of respectable and free birth, chaste and virtuous, patient under the slights and all the insults of her husband, and concealing his affronts. Upon this, his mind, partly overcome by compassion for his wife, partly constrained by the insolence of the other, was gra- dually estranged from Bacchis, and transferred its affections to the other, after having found a congenial disposition. In the meantime, there dies at Imbros,' an old man, a relative of theirs. His property there devolved on them by law. Thither his father drove the love-sick Pamphilus, much against his will. He left his wife here with his mother, for the old man has retired into the country; he seldom comes into the city. PHIL. What is there yet in this marriage to prevent its being lasting P PAR. You shall hear just now. At first, for several days, there really was a good understanding between them. In the * Imbros)—Wer. 171. An island in the AEgean Sea, off the coast of Thrace. Se.. II. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 265 Żmeantime, however, in a strange way, she began to take a dislike to Sostrata; nor yet was there ever any quarrel or words between them. PHIL. What then P PAR. If at any time she came to converse with her, she would instantly withdraw from her presence," and refuse to See her; in fine, when she could no longer endure her, she pretended that she was sent for by her mother to assist at a sacrifice. When she had been there a few days, Sostrata Ordered her to be fetched. She made some, I know not what, excuse. Again she gave similar orders; no one sent back any eacuse. After she had sent for her repeatedly, they pre- tended that the damsel was sick. My mistress immediately went to see her; no one admitted her. On the old man coming to know of this, he yesterday came up from the country on purpose, and waited immediately upon the father of Philumena. What passed between them, I do not know as yet ; but really I do feel some anxiety in what way this is to end. You now have the whole matter; and I shall pro- ceed whither I was on my way. & PHIL. And I too, for I made an appointment with a certain stranger” to meet him. PAR. May the Gods prosper what you undertakeſ PHIL. Farewell ! PAR. And a kind farewell to you, my dear Philotis. (Eveunt severally. * From her presence)—Wer. 182. For the purpose, as will afterwards appear, of not letting Sostrata see that she was pregnant. * With a certain stranger)—Wer. 195. Here Philotis gives a reason, as Donatus observes, why she does not again appear in the Play. Th following is an extract from Colman's remarks on this passage: “It were to be wished, for the sake of the credit of our author's acknowledged art in the Drama, that Philotis had assigned as good a reason for her appearing at all. Eugraphius justly says: ‘The Courtesan in this Scene is a character quite foreign to the fable.’ Donatus also says much the same thing in his Preface, and in his first Note to this Comedy; but adds that ‘Terence chose this method rather than to relate the argº- ment by means of a Prologue, or to introduce a Cod speaking from a machine. I will venture to say that the Poet might have taken a much shorter and easier method than either; I mean, to have begun the Play with the very Scene which now opens the Second Act.” 266 - HECYRA; Act II ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I.” Fnter LACHEs and SosTRATA, from the house of the former LACH, O faith of Gods and men! what a race is this! what a conspiracy this! that all women should desire and reject every individual thing alike | And not a single one can you find to swerve in any respect from the disposition of the rest. For instance, quite as though with one accord, do all mothers-in-law hate their daughters-in-law. Just in the same way is it their system to oppose their husbands; their obstinacy here is the same. In the very same school they all seem to me to have been trained up to perverseness. Of that school, if there is any mistress, I am very sure that she (pointing at SOSTRATA) it is. SOS. Wretched me ! when now I don’t so much as know why I am accused LACH. Eh! you don't know P SOs. So may the Gods kindly prosper me, Laches, and so may it be allowed us to pass our lives together in unity! t LACH. (aside.) May the Gods avert such a misfortune! SOs. I’m sure that before long you will be sensible that I have been accused by you undeservedly. LACH. You, undeservedly P Can anything possibly be said that you deserve in return for this conduct of yours? ! Scene I.)—Colman has the following observations on this Scene: “Donatus remarks that this Scene opens the intention of Terence to oppose the generally-received opinion, and to draw the character of a good step-mother. It would, therefore, as has been already observed, have been a very proper Scene to begin the Play, as it carries us imme- diately into the midst of things; and we cannot fail to be interested when we see the persons acting so deeply interested themselves. We gather from it just so much of the story as is necessary for our informa- tion at first setting out. We are told of the abrupt departure of Philu- mena, and are witnesses of the confusion in the two families of Laches and Phidippus. The absence of Laches, which had been in great mea- sure the occasion of this misunderstanding, is also very artfully men- tioned in the altercation between him and Sostrata. The character of Laches is very naturally drawn. He has a good heart, and a testy dis- position, and the poor old gentleman is kept in such constant perplexity that he has perpetual occasion to exert both those qualities.” Sc. T. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. - 267 You, who are disgracing both me and yourself and the family, and are laying up sorrow for your son. Then besides, you are making our connexions become, from friends, enemies to us, who have thought him deserving for them to entrust their children" to him. You alone have put yourself for- ward, by your folly, to be causing this disturbance. Sos. What, I ? LACH. You, woman, I say, who take me to be a stone, not a man. Do you think because it's my habit to be so much in the country, that I don’t know in what way each person is passing his life here P I know much better what is going on here than there, where I am daily; for this reason, be- cause, just as you act at home, I am spoken of abroad. Some time since, indeed, T heard that Philumena had taken a dislike to you; nor did I the least wonder at it ; indeed, if she hadn't done so, it would have been more surprising. But I did not suppose that she would have gone so far as to hate even the whole of the family; if I had known that, she should have remained here in preference, and you should have gone away. But consider how undeservedly these vexations arise on your account, Sostrata ; I went to live in the country, in compliance with your request, and to look after my affairs, in order that my circumstances might be able to support your lavishness and comforts, not sparing my own exertions, beyond what's reasonable and my time of life allows. That you should take no care, in return for all this, that there should be nothing to vex me! SOs. Upon my word, through no means or fault of mine has this taken place. LACH. Nay, through you in especial ; you were the only person here; on you alone, Sostrata, falls all the blame. You ought to have taken care of matters here, as I had released you from other anxieties. Is it not a disgrace for an old woman to pick a quarrel with a girl? You will say it was her fault. SOS. Indeed I do not say so, my dear Laches. LACH. I am glad of that, so may the Gods prosper me, for my son's sake. I am quite sure of this, that no fault of yours can possibly put you in a worse light. Sos. How do you know, my husband, whether she may ! Entrust their children)—Wer. 212. The plural “liberos,” children, is used where only one is being spoken of, similarly, in the Heautonti- morumenos, l. 151. - 268 HECYRA - Act II not have pretended to dislike me, on purpose that she might be more with her mother ? LACH. What say you to this 2 Is it not proof sufficient, when yesterday no one was willing to admit you into the house, when you went to see her ? Sos. Why, they told me that she was very ill just then ; for that reason I was not admitted to her. LACH. I fancy that your humours are more her malady than anything else ; and with good reason in fact, for there is not one of you but wants her son to take a wife ; and the match which has taken your fancy must be the one ; when, at your solicitation, they have married, then, at your solicitation, they are to put them away again. SCENE II. Enter PHIDIPPUs from his house. PHID. (speaking to PHILUMENA within.) Although I am aware, Philumena, that I have the right to compel you to do what I order, still, being swayed by the feelings of a father, I will prevail upon myself to yield to you, and not oppose your inclination. - LACH. And look, most opportunely I see Phidippus; I'll presently know from him how it is. (Accosting him.) Phidip- pus, although I am aware that I am particularly indulgent to all my family, still it is not to that degree to let my good nature corrupt their minds. And if you would do the same, it would be more for your own interest and ours. At present I see that you are under the control of those women. PHID. Just look at that, now ! - LACH. I waited on you yesterday about your daughter; you sent me away just as wise as I came. It does not become you, if you wish this alliance to continue, to conceal your resentment. If there is any fault on our side, disclose it; either by clearing ourselves, or excusing it, we shall remedy these matters for you, yourself the judge. But if this is the cause of detaining her at your house, because she is ill, then I think that you do me an injustice, Phidippus, if you are afraid lest she should not be attended with sufficient care at my house. But, so may the Gods prosper me, I do not yield in this to you, although you are her father, that you can wish her well more than I do, and that on my son's account, who I Sc. III. THE MOTHER-IN-L.A.W. 269 know values her not less than his own self. Nor, in fact, is it unknown to you, how much, as I believe, it will vex him, if he comes to know" of this; for this reason, I wish to have her home, before he returns. PHID. Laches, I am sensible of both your carefulness and your good-will, and I am persuaded that all you say is just as you say: and I would have you believe me in this; I am anxious for her to return to you, if I possibly can by any means effect it. LACH. What is it prevents you from effecting it P Come, now, does she make any complaint against her husband P PHID. By no means; for when I urged it still more strongly, and attempted to constrain her by force to return, she solemnly protested that she couldn't possibly remain with you, while Pamphilus was absent. Probably each has his own failing; I am naturally of an indulgent disposition ; I cannot thwart my own family. LACH. (turning to his wife, who stands apart.) Ha! Sos- trata | * Sos. (sighing deeply.) Alas! wretched me! LACH. (to PHIDIPPUs.) Is this your final determination ? PHID. For the present, at least, as it seems; but have you anything else to say? for I have some business that obliges me to go at once to the Forum. LACH. I’ll go with you. (Ea.eunt. SCENE III. SOSTRATA alone. Sos. Upon my faith, we assuredly are all of us hated by our husbands with equal injustice, on account of a few, who * If he comes to know)—Wer. 262. Donatus observes that the Poet shows his art in here preparing a reason to be assigned by Pamphilus for his pretended discontent at the departure of his wife. * Ha / Sostrata)—Wer. 271. Colman observes on this passage: “This is extremely artful. The answer of Philumena, as related by Phidippus, contains an ample vindication of Pamphilus. What, then, can we sup- pose could make the house so disagreeable to her in his absence, but the behaviour of Sostrata ? She declares her innocence; yet, appearances are all against her. Supposing this to be the first Act of the Play, it would be impossible for a Comedy to open in a more interesting manner.” 270 HECYRA; Act III. cause us all to appear deserving of harsh treatment. For, so may the Gods prosper me, as to what my husband accuses me of, I am quite guiltless. But it is not so easy to clear myself, so strongly have people come to the conclusion that all step-mothers are harsh : iſfaith, not I, indeed, for I never regarded her otherwise than if she had been my own daughter; nor can I conceive how this has befallen me. But really, for many reasons, I long for my son's return home with im- patience. (Goes into her house.) ACT THE THIRD. SCENE I. IEnter PAMPHILUs and PARMENo. PAM. No individual, I do believe, ever met with more crosses in love than I. Alas! unhappy me ! that I have thus been sparing of life Was it for this I was so very impatient to return home P O, how much more preferable had it been for me to pass my life anywhere in the world than to return here and be sensible that I am thus wretched! For all of us know who have met with trouble from any cause, that all the time that passes before we come to the knowledge of it, is so much gain. PAR. Still, as it is, you'll the sooner know how to extricate yourself from these misfortunes. If you had not returned, this breach might have become much wider; but now, Pam- philus, I am sure that both will be awed by your presence. You will learn the facts, remove their enmity, restore them to good feeling once again. These are but trifles which you have persuaded yourself are so grievous. PAM. Why comfort me? Is there a person in all the world so wretched as I? Before I took her to wife, I had my heart engaged by other affections. Now, though on this subject I should be silent, it is easy for any one to know how much I have suffered; yet I never dared refuse her whom my father forced upon me. With difficulty did I withdraw myself from another, and disengage my affections so firmly rooted there ! and hardly had I fixed them in another quarter, when, lo! a new misfortune has arisen, which Sc. I. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 271 may tear me from her too. Then besides, I suppose that in this matter I shall find either my mother or my wife in fault; and when I find such to be the fact, what remains but to become still more wretched P For duty, Parmeno, bids me bear with the feelings of a mother; then, to my wife I am bound by obligations; with so much temper did she formerly bear my usage, and on no occasion disclose the many wrongs inflicted on her by me. But, Parmeno, some- thing of consequence, I know not what it is, must have happened for this misunderstanding to have arisen between them, that has lasted so long. PAR. Or else something frivolous, i' faith, if you would only give words their proper value; those which are sometimes the greatest enmities, do not argue the greatest injuries; for it often happens that in certain circumstances, in which another would not even be out of temper, for the very same reason a passionate man becomes your greatest enemy. What enmities do children entertain among themselves for trifling injuries' For what reason P Why, because they have a weak understanding to direct them. Just so are these women, almost like children with their fickle feelings; perhaps a single word has occasioned this enmity between them, master. PAM. Go, Parmeno, into the house, and carry word” that I have arrived. (A noise is heard in the house of PHIDIPPUS.) PAR. (starting.) Ha! What means this? PAM. Be silent. I perceive a bustling about, and a run- ning to and fro. PAR. (going to the door.) Come then, I'll approach nearer to the door. (He listens.) Ha! did you hear P PAM. Don't be prating. (He listens.) O Jupiter, I heard a shriek | PAR. You yourself are talking, while you forbid me. MYR. (within the house.) Prithee, my child, do be silent. PAM. That seems to be the voice of Philumena's mother. I’m undone ! PAR. Why so P PAM. Utterly ruined 1 And carry word)—Wer. 314. It was a custom with the Greeks and Romans, when returning from abroad, to send a messenger before them, to inform their wives of their arrival. 272 - HECYRA; Act III. PAR. For what reason P PAM. Parmeno, you are concealing from me some great misfortune to me unknown. PAR. They said that your wife, Philumena, was in alarm about * something, I know not what ; whether that may be it, perchance, I don’t know. - PAM. I am undone! Why didn't you tell me of this? PAR. Because I couldn't tell everything at once. PAM. What is the malady ? PAR. T don’t know. PAM. What! has no one brought a physician to see her ? PAR. I don’t know. PAM. Why delay going in-doors, that I may know as soon as possible for certain what it is P. In what condition, Phi- lumena, am Inow to find you? But if you are in any peril, beyond a doubt I will perish with you. (Goes into the house of PHIDIPPUs.) ScFNE II. PARMENO alone. PAR (to himself.) There is no need for me to follow him into the house at present, for I see that we are all dis- agreeable to them. Yesterday, no one would give Sostrata admittance. If, perchance, the malady should become worse, which really I could far from wish, for my mas- ter's sake especially, they would at once say that Sostrata's servant had been in there; they would invent a story that I had brought some mischief against their lives and persons, in consequence of which the malady had been increased. My mistress would be blamed, and I should incur heavy punish- ment.”. * Was in alarm about)—Wer. 321. “Pavitare.” Casaubon has a curious suggestion here; he thinks it not improbable that he had heard the female servants whispering among themselves that Philumena “paritare,” “was about to be brought to bed,” which he took for “pavitare,” “was in fear” of something. * Heavy punishment)—Wer. 335. Probably meaning that he will be examined by torture, whether he has not, by drugs or other means, con. tributed to Philumena's illness. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 273 SCENE III. JEnter SoSTRATA, Sos. (to herself) In dreadful alarm, I have for some time heard, I know not what confusion going on here ; I'm sadly afraid Philumena's illness is getting worse. AEsculapius, I do entreat thee, and thee, Health,’ that it may not be so. Now I'll go visit her. (Approaches the door.) PAR. (coming forward.) Hark you, Sostrata. Sos. (turning round.) Well. PAR. You will again be shut out there. Sos. What, Parmeno, is it you ? I’m undone! wretch that I am, what shall I do P Am I not to go see the wife of Pamphilus, when she is ill here next door P - PAR. Not go see her Don't even send any person for the purpose of seeing her; for I'm of opinion that he who loves a person to whom he is an object of dislike, commits a double mistake: he himself takes a useless trouble, and causes annoyance to the other. Besides, your son went in to see how she is, as soon as he arrived. Sos. What is it you say? Has Pamphilus arrived P PAR. He has. Sos. I give thanks unto the Gods ! Well, through that news my spirits are revived, and anxiety has departed from my heart. - PAR. For this reason, then, I am especially unwilling you should go in there ; for if Philumena's malady at all abates, she will, I am sure, when they are by themselves, at once tell him all the circumstances; both what misunderstandings have arisen between you, and how the difference first began. But see, he's coming out—how sad he looks 1 ! And thee, Health)—Wer. 338. She invokes AEsculapius, the God of Medicine, and “Salus,” or “Health,” because, in Greece, their statues were always placed near each other; so that to have offered prayers to one and not to the other, would have been deemed a high indignity. {)n the worship of Æsculapius, see the opening Scene of the Curculio of Plautus. 274 HECYRA; - Act III. SCENE IV. Re-enter PAMPHILUs, from the house of PHIDIPPos. Sos. (running up to him.) O my son 1 (Embraces him.) PAM. My mother, blessings on you. SOS, I rejoice that you are returned safe. Is Philumena in a fair way ? PAM. She is a little better. (Weeping.) Sos Would that the Gods may grant it so! Why, then, do you weep, or why so dejected P PAM. All's well, mother. Sos. What meant that confusion ? Tell me, was she sud- denly taken ill P PAM. Such was the fact. Sos. What is her malady ? |PAM. A fever. Sos. An intermitting one?” PAM. So they say. Go in the house, please, mother; I'll follow you immediately. Sos. Very well (Goes into her house.) PAM. Do you run and meet the servants, Parmeno, and help them with the baggage. PAR. Why, don't they know the way themselves to come to our house P PAM, (stamping.) Do you loiter P (Ea'it PARMENo. SCENE V. PAMPHILUs, alone. PAM. I cannot discover any fitting commencement of my troubles, at which to begin to narrate the things that have so unexpectedly befallen me, some of which with these eyes I have beheld ; some I have heard with my ears; and on account of which I so hastily betook myself, in extreme agitation, out of doors. For just now, when, full of alarm, I rushed into the house, expecting to find my wife afflicted with some other malady than what I have found it to be ;- ah me ! Immediately the servant-maids beheld that I had ' An intermitting one)—Wer. 357. “Quotidiana;" literally, “daily.” Sc. V. THE MOTHER-IN-LAVW. 275 arrived, they all at the same moment joyfully exclaimed “He is come,” from having so suddenly caught sight of me But I soon perceived the countenances of all of them change, because at so unseasonable a juncture chance had brough, me there. One of them in the meantime hastily ran befort me to give notice that I had come. Impatient to see my wife, I followed close. When I entered the room, that instant, to my sorrow, I found out her malady; for neither did the time afford any interval to enable her to conceal it, nor could she complain in any other accents than those which the case itself prompted. When I perceived this : “O dis- graceful conduct!” I exclaimed, and instantly hurried away from the spot in tears, overwhelmed by such an incredible and shocking circumstance. Her mother followed me; just as I got to the threshold, she threw herself on her knees: I felt compassion for her. Assuredly it is the fact, in my opinion, just as matters befall us all, so are we elated or depressed. At once, she began to address me in these words: “O my dear Pamphilus, you see the reason why she left your house; for violence was offered to her when formerly a maid, by some villain to us unknown. Now, she took refuge here then, that from you and others she might conceal her labour.” But when I call to mind her entreaties, I cannot, wretched as I am, refrain from tears. “Whatever chance or fortune it is,” said she, “which has brought you here to-day, by it we do both conjure you, if with equity and justice we may, that her misfortune may be concealed by you, and kept a secret from all. If ever you were sensible, my dear Pamphilus, that she was tenderly disposed towards you, she now asks you to grant her this favour in return, without making any difficulty of it. But as to taking her back, act quite according to your own con- venience. You alone are aware of her lying-in, and that the child is none of yours. For it is said that it was two months after the marriage before she had commerce with you. And then, this is but the seventh month since she came to you.” That you are sensible of this, the circumstances them- - All of them change)—Wer. 369. This must have been imaginary, as they were not likely to be acquainted with the reason of Philumena's apprehensions. * Since she came to you)—Wer. 394. There is great doubt what is the T 2 276 HECYRA; Act III. Selves prove. Now, if it is possible, Pamphilus, I especially wish, and will use my endeavours, that her labour may remain unknown to her father, and to all, in fact. But if that cannot be managed, and they do find it out, I will say that she miscarried ; I am sure no one will suspect otherwise than, what is so likely, the child was by you. It shall be instantly exposed; in that case there is no inconvenience whatever to yourself, and you will be concealing an outrage so undeservingly committed upon her,” poor thing!” I pro- mised this, and I am resolved to keep faith in what I said. But as to taking her back, really I do not think that would be at all creditable, nor will I do so, although love for her, and habit, have a strong influence upon me. I weep when it occurs to my mind, what must be her life, and how great her loneliness in future. O Fortune, thou hast never been found constant ' But by this time my former passion has taught me experience in the present case. The means by which I got rid of that, I must employ on the present occasion. Parmeno is coming with the servants; it is far from convenient that he should be here under present cir- cumstances, for he was the only person to whom I trusted the secret that I kept aloof from her when I first married her. I am afraid lest, if he should frequently hear her cries, he might find out that she is in labour He must be dispatched by me somewhere till Philumena is delivered. exact meaning of “postguam ad te venit,” here, whether it means, “it is now the seventh month since she became your wife,” or, “it is now the seventh month since she came to your embraces,” which did not happen for two months after the marriage. The former is, under the circum- stances, the most probable construction. * Committed upon her)—Wer. 401. Colman very justly observes here: “It is rather extraordinary that Myrrhina's account of the injury done to her daughter should not put Pamphilus in mind of his own adventure, which comes out in the Fifth Act. It is certain that had the Poet let the Audience into that secret in this place, they would have immediately concluded that the wife of Pamphilus and the lady whom he had ravished were one and the same person.” Playwrights have never, in any age or country, troubled themselves much about probability in their plots. Besides, his adventure with Philumena was by no means an uncommon one. We find similar instances mentioned by Plautus; and violence and debauchery seem almost to bave reigned paramount in the streets at night. - So, WI. THE MOTHER-IN-L.A.W. 2 7 SCENE VI. Enter at a distance PARMENO and SoSIA, with people carrying baggage. PAR. (to SOSIA) Do you say that this voyage was disagree- able to you ? SOSIA. Upon my faith, Parmeno, it cannot be so much as expressed in words, how disagreeable it is to go on a voyage. PAR. Do you say so P SOSIA. Olucky man! You don't know what evils you have escaped, by never having been at sea. For to say nothing of other hardships, mark this one only; thirty days or more' was I on board that ship, and every moment, to my horror, was in continual expectation of death ; such unfavourable weather did we always meet with. PAR. How annoying ! SoSIA. That's not unknown to me: in fine, upon my faith, I would rather run away than go back, if I knew that I should have to go back there. PAR. Why really, but slight causes formerly made you, Sosia, do what now you are threatening to do. But I see Pamphilus himself standing before the door. (To the Atten- dants, who go into the house of LACHES.) Go in doors; I'll accost him, to see if he wants anything with me. (Accosts PAMPHILUs.) What, still standing here, master P PAM. Yes, and waiting for you. PAR. What's the matter P PAM You must run across to the citadel.” PAR. Who must P PAM. You. PAR. To the citadel? Why thither ? PAM. To meet Callidemides, my entertainer at Myconos, who came over in the same ship with me. PAR. (aside.) Confusion! I should say he has made a vow | Thirty days or more)—Wer. 421. In his voyage from Imbros to Athens, namely, which certainly appears to have been unusually long. * To the citadel)—Wer. 431. This was the fort or citadel that defended the Piraeus, and being three miles distant from the city, was better guited for the design of Pamphilus, whose object it was to keep Parmeno for some time at a distance. 278 HECYRA; Act, III. that if ever he should return home safe, he would rupture me" with walking. PAM. Why are you lingering P PAR. What do you wish me to say ? Or am I to meet him. only P PAM. No ; say that i cannot meet him to-day, as I appointed, so that he may not wait for me to no purpose. Fly! PAR. But I don’t know the man's appearance. PAM. Then I'll tell you how to know it; a huge fellow, ruddy, with curly hair, fat, with grey eyes and freckled Countenance. PAR. May the Gods confound him! What if he shouldn't come P Am I to wait there, even till the evening P PAM. Yes, wait there. Rum ! PAR. I can’t ; I am so tired. (Exit slowly. SCENE VII. PAMPHILUs, alone. PAM. He's off. What shall I do in this distressed situa- tion ? Really, I don't know in what way I'm to conceal this, as Myrrhina entreated me, her daughter's lying-in ; but I do pity the woman. What I can, I'll do; only so long, how- ever, as I observe my duty; for it is proper that I should be regardful of a parent,” rather than of my passion. But look— I see Phidippus and my father. They are coming this way ; what to say to them, I’m at a loss. (Stands apart.) SCENE VIII. IEnter, at a distance, LACHES and PHIDIPPUs. LACH. Did you not say, just now, that she was waiting for my son's return ? * He would rupture me)—Wer. 435. He facetiously pretends to think that Pamphilus may, during a storm at Sea, have vowed to walk him to death, if he should return home. * Regardful of a parent)—Wer. 448. Colman observes here: “This reflection seems to be rather improper in this place, for the discovery of Philumena's labour betrayed to Pamphilus the real motive of her depar- ture; after which discovery his anxiety proceeds entirely from the sup- posed injury offered him, and his filial piety is from that period made use of merely as a pretence.” Sc. VIII. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 279 PHID. Just so. . LACH. They say that he has arrived; let her return. PAM. (apart to himself, aloud.) What excuse to make to my father for not taking her back, I don’t know ! LACH. (turning round.) Who was it I heard speaking here P PAM. (apart.) I am resolved to persevere in the course I determined to pursue. LACH. 'Tis the very person about whom I was talking to OUl. y PAM. Health to you, my father. LACH. Health to you, my son. PHID. I am glad that you have returned, Pamphilus, and the more especially so, as you are safe and well. PAM. I believe you. LACH. Have you but just arrived P PAM. Only just now. LACH. Tell me, what has our cousin Phania left us? PAM. Why really, iſ faith, he was a man very much devoted to pleasure while he lived; and those who are so, don't much benefit their heirs, but for themselves leave this com- mendation : While he lived, he lived well." LACH. So then, you have brought home nothing more” than a single sentiment P PAM. Whatever he has left, we are the gainers by it. LACH. Why no, it has proved a loss; for I could have wished him alive and well. PHID. You may wish that with impunity; he'll never come to life again; and after all I know which of the two you would prefer. LACH. Yesterday, he (pointing to PHIDIPPUs) desired Philu- mena to be fetched to his house. (Whispers to PHIDIPPUS, nudging him with his elbow.) Say that you desired it. | He lived well)—Wer. 461. This is living well in the sense used hy the “Friar of orders grey.” “Who leads a good life is sure to live well.” - 2 Brought home nothing more)—Wer. 462. Colman remarks that this passage is taken netice of by Donatus as a particularly happy stroke of character; and indeed the idea of a covetous old man gaping for a fat legacy, and having his mouth stopped by a moral precept, is truly &OIIllC. > 280 HECYRA; Act III. PHID. (aside to LACHES.) Don't punch me so. (To PAM- PHILUs.) I desired it. LACH. But he'll now send her home again. PHID. Of course. PAM. I know the whole affair, and how it happened; I heard it just now, on my arrival. LACH. Then may the Gods confound those spiteful people who told this news with such readiness! PAM. (to PHIDIPPUs.) I am sure that it has been my study, that with reason no slight might possibly be committed by your family ; and if I were now truthful to mention of how faithful, loving, and tender a disposition I have proved towards her, I could do so truly, did I not rather wish that you should learn it of herself; for by that method, you will be the more ready to place confidence in my disposition when she, who is now acting unjustly towards me, speaks favourably of me. And that through no fault of mine this separation has taken place, I call the Gods to witness. But since she considers that it is not befitting her to give way to my mother, and with readiness to conform to her temper, and asſon no other terms it is possible for good feeling to exist between them, either my mother must be separated, Phidippus, from me, or else Philumena. Now affection urges me rather to consult my mother's pleasure. LACH. Pamphilus, your words have reached my ears not otherwise than to my satisfaction, since I find that you post- pone all considerations for your parent. But take care, Pam- philus, lest impelled by resontment, you carry matters too far. PAM How, impelled by resentment, could I now be biassed against her who never has been guilty of anything towards me, father, that I could not wish, and who has often deserved as well as I could desire P I both love and praise and exceed- ingly regret her, for I have found by experience that she was of a wondrously engaging disposition with regard to myself; and I sincerely wish that she may spend the remainder of her life with a husband who may prove more fortunate than me, since necessity thus tears her from me. PHID. "Tis in your own power to prevent that. LACH. If you are in your senses, order her to come back. PAM. It is not my intention, father; I shall study my mother's interests. (Going away.) Sc. X. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 28] LACH. Whither are you going ? Stay, stay, I tell you; whither are you going P (Earit PAMPHILUs. SCENE IX. TACHES and PHIDIPPUS. PHID. What obstinacy is this P LACH. Did I not tell you, Phidippus, that he would take this matter amiss P It was for that reason I entreated you to send your daughter back. º PHID. Upon my faith, I did not believe he would be so brutish; does he now fancy that I shall come begging to him P. If so it is that he chooses to take back his wife, why, let him; if he is of another mind, let him pay back herº portion," and take himself off. LACH. Just look at that, now; you too are getting obstinate and huffish. PHID. (speaking with anger.) You have returned to us in a very ungovernable mood, Pamphilus. LACH. This anger will depart; although he has some reason for being vexed. - PHID. Because you have had a windfall, a little money, your minds are elevated. LACH. Are you going to fall out with me, too P PHID. Let him consider, and bring me word to-day, whether he will or will not, that she may belong to another if she does not to him. (Goes hastily into his own house.) LACH. Phidippus, stay ; listen to a few words SCENE X. LACHES, alone. TACH. He's off; what matters it to me? In fine, let them manage it between themselves, just as they please ; since neither my son nor he pay any regard to me; they care but little for what I say. I’ll carry the quarrel to my wife, by whose planning all these things have been brought about, and against her I will vent all the vexation that I feel. * Pay back her portion)—Wer. 502. As was universally done on a sepa ration by agreement. 282 HECYRA; Act IV, ACT THE FOURTH. SCENE I. Enter MYRRHINA, from her house. MYR. I am undone ! What am I to do? which way turn myself? In my wretchedness, what answer am I to give to my husband P For he seems to have heard the voice of the child when crying, so suddenly did he rush in to my daughter without saying a word. What if he comes to know that she has been delivered P for what reason I am to Say I kept it concealed, upon my faith I do not know. But there's a noise at the door; I believe it is himself coming out to me: I’m utterly undone! SCENE II. Enter PHIDIPPUs, from the house. PHID. (to himself.) My wife, when she saw me going to my daughter, betook herself out of the house : and look, there she is. (Addressing her.) What have you to say, Myrrhina P Hark you ! to you I speak. MYR. What, to me, my husband P PHID. Am I your husband P Do you consider me a hus- band, or a man, in fact P For, woman, if I had ever appeared to you to be either of these, I should not in this way have been held in derision by your doings. - MYR, By what doings 2 , PHID. Do you ask the question ? Is not your daughter brought to bed P Eh, are you silent P By whom P MYR. Is it proper for a father to be asking such a question ? Oh, shocking ! By whom do you think, pray, except by him to whom she was given in marriage P - IPHID. I believe it ; nor indeed is it for a father to think otherwise. But I wonder much what the reason can be for which you so very much wish all of us to be in ignorance of the truth, especially when she has been delivered properly, and at the right time." That you should be of a mind so per- * At the right time)—Wer. 531. Lemaire observes that, from this passage, it would appear that the Greeks considered seven months suffi- - SC II, THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 283 verse as to prefer that the child should perish, through which you might be sure that hereafter there would be a friendship more lasting between us, rather than that, at the expense of your feelings, his wife should continue with him I supposed this to be their fault, while in reality it lies with you. MYR. I am an unhappy creature PHID. I wish I were sure that so it was ; but now it recurs to my mind what you once said about this matter, when we accepted him as our son-in-law. For you declared that you could not endure your daughter to be married to a person who was attached to a courtesan, and who spent his nights away from home. MYR. (aside.) Any cause whatever I had rather he should suspect than the right one. PHID. I knew much sooner than you did, Myrrhina, that he kept a mistress; but this I never considered a crime in young men; for it is natural to them all. For, i' faith, the time will soon come when even he will be disgusted with him- self for doing so. But just as you formerly showed yourself, you have never ceased to be the same up to the present time; in order that you might withdraw your daughter from him, and that what I did might not hold good, one thing itself now plainly proves how far you wished it carried out. MYR. Do you suppose that I am so wilful that I could have entertained such feelings towards one whose mother I am, if this match had been to our advantage * PHID. Can you possibly foresee or judge what is to our advantage P You have heard it of some one, perhaps, who has told you that he has seen him coming from or going to his mistress. What then P. If he has done so with discretion, and but occasionally, is it not more kind in us to conceal our knowledge of it, than to do our best to be aware of it, in consequence of which he will detest us? For if he could all at once have withdrawn himself from her with whom he had been intimate for so many years, I should not have deemed him a man, or likely to prove a constant husband for our daughter. MYR. Do have done about the young man, I pray ; and tient for gestation. So it would appear, if we are to take the time of the Play to be seven, and not nine, months after the marriage; and, as before observed, the former seems to be the more reasonable conclusion. 284 HECYRA; Act IV, what you say I've been guilty of Go away, meet him by yourself; ask him whether he wishes to have her as a wife or not ; if so it is that he should say he does wish it, why, send her back ; but if on the other hand he does not wish it, I have taken the best course for my child. PHID. And suppose he does not wish it, and you, Myrrhina, knew him to be in fault ; still I was at hand, by whose advice it was proper for these matters to be settled; therefore I am greatly offended that you have presumed to act thus without my leave. I forbid you to attempt to carry the child any- where out of this house. But I am very foolish to be expect- ing her to obey my orders. I’ll go in-doors, and charge the servants to allow it to be carried out nowhere. (Goes into the house.) SCENE III. MYRRHINA, alone. { MYR. Upon my faith, I do believe that there is no woman living more wretched than I; for how he would take it, if he came to know the real state of the case, i' faith, is not unknown to me, when he bears this, which is of less conse- quence, with such angry feelings; and I know not in what way his sentiments can possibly be changed. Out of very many misfortunes, this one evil alone had been wanting to me, for him to compel me to rear a child of whom we know not who is the father; for when my daughter was ravished, it was so dark that his person could not be distin- guished, nor was anything taken from him on the occasion by which it could be afterwards discovered who he was. He, on leaving her, took away from the girl, by force, a ring whish" she had upon her finger. I am afraid, too, of Pam- F. that he may be unable any longer to conceal what I ave requested, when he learns that the child of another is being brought up as his. (Goes into the house.) * A ring which)—Wer. 574. Colman remarks that this preparation for the catastrophe by the mention of the ring, is not so artful as might have been expected from Terence; as in this soliloquy he tells the cir. tumstances directly to the Audience. SC. IV. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW, 285 Scene IV. IEnter SosTRATA and PAMPHILUs. Sos. It is not unknown to me, my son, that I am suspected by you as the cause of your wife having left our house in consequence of my conduct ; although you carefully conceal your knowledge of it. But so may the Gods prosper me, and so may you answer all my hopes, I have never knowingly deserved that hatred of me should with reason possess her ; and while I thought before that you loved me, on that point you have confirmed my belief: for indoors your father has just now related to me in what way you have preferred me to your passion. Now it is my determination to return you the favour, that you may understand that with me lies the reward of your affection. My Pamphilus, I think that this is expedient both for yourselves and my own reputation. I have finally resolved to retire hence into the country with your father, that my presence may not be an obstacle, and that no pretence may remain why your Philumena should not return to you. - PAM. Pray, what sort of resolution is this? Driven away by her folly, would you be removing from the city to live in the country P You shall not do so; and I will not permit, mother, any one who may wish to censure us, to say that this has been done through my perverseness, and not your inclination. Besides, I do not wish you, for my sake, to forego your friends and relations, and festive days." Sos. Upon my word, these things afford me no pleasure now. While my time of life permitted it, I enjoyed them enough ; satiety of that mode of life has now taken posses- sion of me : this is at present my chief concern, that the length of my life may prove an annoyance to no one, or that he may look forward with impatience to my death.” Here I see that, without deserving it, I am disliked ; it is time for me to retire. Thus, in the best way, I imagine, I shall cut * And festive days)—Wer. 592. “Festos dies.” The days for sacri. ficing to particular Divinities, when she would have the opportunity of meeting her friends, and making herself merry with them. * Look forward with impatience to my death)—Wer. 596. Colman says: “This idea of the long life of a step-mother being odious to her 286 . HECYRA; Act IV. short all grounds of discontent with all; I shall both flee myself from suspicion, and shall be pleasing them. Pray, let me avoid this reproach, which so generally attaches on women to their disadvantage. PAM, (aside.) How happy am I in other respects, were it not for this one thing alone, in having such a good mother, and her for my wife - SOS. Pray, my Pamphilus, can you not, seeing how each woman is, prevail upon yourself to put up with one matter of inconvenience P If everything else is according to your wish, and such as I take it to be—my son, do grant me this indulgence, and take her back. PAM. Alas! wretched me ! SOs. And me as well; for this affair does not cause me less Sorrow than you, my son. SCENE V. IEnter LACHES. LACH. While standing just by here, I have heard, wife, the conversation you have been holding with him. It is true wisdom to be enabled to govern the feelings whenever there is necessity; to do at the present moment what may perhaps, in the end, be necessary to be done. SOs. Good luck to it, i' troth. LACH. Retire then into the country; there I will bear with you, and you with me. Sos. I hope so, it faith. LACH. Go indoors then, and get together the things that are to be taken with you, I have now said it. Sos. I’ll do as you desire. (Goes into the house.) family, is applied in a very beautiful and uncommon manner by Shaks- peare:— “Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour Draws on apace; for happy days bring in Another morn; but oh, methinks how slow This old morn wanes 1 she lingers my desires Like to a step-dame, or a dowager, Long withering out a young man's revenue.” Midsummer Night's Dream. Sc. VI. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 287 PAM. Fatherſ LACH. What do you want, Pamphilus P PAM. My mother go away ? By no means. LACH. Why would you have it so? PAM. Because I am as yet undetermined what I shall do about my wife. LACH. How is that ? What should you intend to do but bring her home P PAM. For my part, I could like, and can hardly forbear it; but I shall not alter my design; that which is most advan- tageous I shall pursue; I suppose (ironically) that they will be better reconciled, in consequence, if I shall take her back. LACH. You cannot tell. But it matters nothing to you which they do when she has gone away. Persons of this age are disliked by young people ; it is right for us to withdraw from the world ; in fine, we are now a nice byword. We are, Pamphilus, “the old man and the old woman.”" . But I See Phidippus coming out just at the time; let's accost him. SCENE VI. IEnter PHIDIPPUs, from his house. PHID. (speaking at the door to PHILUMENA, within.) Upon my faith, I am angry with you too, Philumena, extremely so, for, on my word, you have acted badly; still there is an excuse for you in this matter; your mother forced you to it; but for her there is none. LACH. (accosting him.) Phidippus, you meet me at a lucky moment, just at the very time. |PHID. What's the matter P PAM. (aside.) What answer shall I make them, or in what manner keep this secret P 1 The old man and the old woman)—Wer. 621. “Senex atque anus.” In these words he probably refers to the commencement of many of the stories current in those times, which began : “There were once upon a time an old man and an old woman.” Indeed, almost the same words occur in the Stichus of Plautus, l. 540, at the commencement of a story : “Fuit olim, quasi ego sum, Senex,” “There was upon a time an old pman, just like me.” 289 . HECYRA; Act IV. LACH. (to PEIDIPPUs.) Tell your daughter that Sostrata is going into the country, that she may not now be afraid of returning home. PHID. Alas! your wife has been guilty of no fault in this affair; all this mischief has originated in my wife Myr- rhina. PAM. (aside.) They are changing sides. PHID. 'Tis she that causes our disturbances, Laches. PAM. (aside.) So long as I don't take her back, let her cause as much disturbance as she pleases. PHID. I, Pamphilus, could really wish, if it were possible, this alliance between us to be lasting; but if you are other- wise inclined, still take the child.” PAM. (aside.) He has discovered that she has been brought to bed. I’m undone ! LACH. The child ! What child P PHID. We have had a grandson born to us; for my daughter was removed from you in a state of pregnancy, and yet never before this day did I know that she was pregnant. LACH. So may the Gods prosper me, you bring goodtidings, and I am glad a child has been born, and that she is Safe: but what kind of woman have you for a wife, or of what sort of a temper, that we should have been kept in ignorance of this so long P I cannot sufficiently express how disgraceful this conduct appears to me. PHID. This conduct does not vex me less than yourself, Laches. PAM. (aside.) Even if it had just now been a matter of doubt to me, it is so no longer, since the child of another man is to accompany her. LACH. Pamphilus, there is no room now for deliberatida for you in this matter. - PAM. (aside.) I'm undone ! LACH. (to PAMPHILUs.) We were often longing to see the day on which there should be one to call you father; it has come to pass. I return thanks to the Gods. PAM. (aside.) I am ruined - LACH. Take home your wife, and don't oppose my will. * Still take the child)—Wer. 638. In cases of separation it was cus, tomary for the father to have the care of the male children. So WI. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 289 PAM. Father, if she had wished to have children by me, or to continue to be my wife, I am quite certain she would not have concealed from me what I find she has concealed. Now, as I find that her mind is estranged from me, and think that there would be no agreement between us in future, why should I take her back? LACH. The young woman has done what her mother per- suaded her. Is that to be wondered at P Do you suppose you can find any woman who is free from fault P. Or is it that men have no failings P PHID. Do you yourselves now consider, Laches, and you, Pamphilus, whether it is most advisable for you to leave her or take her back. What your wife may do, is not in my control. Under neither circumstance will you meet with any difficulty from me. But what are we to do with the child P LASH. You do ask an absurd question; whatever happens, send him back his child of course, that we may bring it up 8,S OUITS. PAM. (in a low voice.) A child which the father has aban- doned, am I to rear P isch. What was it you said P. How—not rear it, Pam- philus P. Prithee, are we to expose it, in preference P What madness is this? Really, I cannot now be silent any longer. For you force me to say in his presence (pointing to PHI- DIPPUs) what I would rather not. Do you suppose I am in ignorance of the cause of your tears, or what it is on account of which you are perplexed to this degree ? In the first place, when you alleged as a reason, that, on account of your mother, you could not have your wife at home, she promised that she would leave the house. Now, since you see this pretext as well taken away from you, because a child has been born without your knowledge, you have got another. You are mistaken if you suppose that I am ignorant of your feelings. That at last you might prevail upon your feelings to take this step, how long a period for loving a mistress did I allow you ! With what patience did I bear the expense you were at in keeping her I remonstrated with you and entreated you to take a wife. I said that it was time: by my persuasion you married. What you then did in obedience to me, you did as became you. Now again you have set U 200 HECYRA; Act TV. your fancy upon a mistress, and, to gratify her, you do an injury to the other as well. For I see plainly that you have once more relapsed into the same course of life. PAM. What, I ? LACH. Your own self, and you act unjustly therein. You feign false grounds for discord, that you may live with her when you have got rid of this witness of your actions ; your wife has perceived it too ; for what other reason had she for leaving you ? PHID. (to himself.) It's clear he guesses right ; for that must be it. PAM. I will give you my oath that none of these is the TeaSOI). LACH. Oh take home your wife, or tell me why you should not. PAM. It is not the time at present. LACH. Take the child, for surely that is not in fault; I will consider about the mother afterwards. PAM, (apart.) In every way I am wretched, and what to do I know not ; with so many troubles is my father now besetting wretched me on every side. I’ll go away from here, since I avail but little by my presence. For without my consent, I do not believe that they will bring up the child, especially as on that point my mother-in-law will second me. (Ea'it speedily. SCENE VII. LACHES and PHYDIPPUS. LACH. (to PAMPHILUs.) Do you run away ? What, and give me no distinct answer P (To PHIDIPPUs.) Does he seem ...to you to be in his senses? Let him alone. Phidippus, give me the child; I’ll bring it up. PHID. By all means. No wonder if my wife has taken this amiss: women are resentful; they do not easily put up with such things. Hence that anger of hers, for she herself told me of it; I would not mention this to you in his presence, and at first I did not believe her; but now it is true beyond a doubt; for I see that his feelings are alto- gether averse to marriage. So. VIII. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 291 LACH. What am I to do, then, Phidippus? What advice do you give P PHID. What are you to do? I am of opinion that first we ought to go to this mistress of his. Let us use entreaties with her; then let us rebuke her; and at last, let us very seriously threaten her, if she gives him any encouragement in future. LACH. I will do as you advise. (Turning to an ATTENDANT) Ho, there, boy! run to the house of Bacchis here, our neigh- bour; desire her, in my name, to come hither. (Exit AT- TENDANT.) And you, I further entreat, to give me your assistance in this affair. PHID. Well, I have already said, and I now say again to the same effect, Laches, I wish this alliance between us to continue, if by any means it possibly may, which I trust will be the case. But should you like" me to be with you while you meet her ? LACH. Why yes; but first go and get some one as a nurse for the child. (Exit PHIDIPPUs. SCENE VIII. Inter BACCHIs, attended by her WoyſEN. BACCH. (to her WomEN.) It is not for nothing that Laches now desires to speak with me; and, it faith, I am not very far from mistaken in making a guess what it is he wants me for. LACH. (to himself) I must take care that I don’t, through anger, miss gaining in this quarter what I otherwise might, and that I don't do anything which hereafter it would have been better I had not done. I'll accost her. (Accosts her.) Bacchis, good morrow to you! BACCH. Good morrow to you, Laches! LACH. Troth, now, Bacchis, I suppose you somewhat * But should you like)—Wer. 725. Donatus observes that Phidippus utters these words with an air of disinclination to be present at the con- ference; and, indeed, the characters are well sustained, as it would not be- come him coolly to discourse with a courtesan, whom he supposes to have alienated Pamphilus from his daughter, althongh he might very pro- perly advise it, as being likely to conduce to the peace of both families. U 2 292 FIECYRA : - Act IV. wonder what can be my reason for sending the lad to fetch you out of doors. BACCH. Upon my faith, I am even in some anxiety as well, when I reflect what I am, lest the name of my calling should be to my prejudice; for my behaviour I can easily defend. LACH. If you speak the truth, you will be in no danger, woman, from me, for I am now of that age that it is not meet for me to receive forgiveness for a fault; for that reason do I the more carefully attend to every particular, that I may not act with rashness; for if you now do, or intend to do, that which is proper for deserving women to do, it would be unjust for me, in my ignorance, to offer an injury to you, when undeserving of it. BACCH. On my word, great is the gratitude that I ought to feel towards you for such conduct; for he who, after commit- ting an injury, would excuse himself, would profit me but little. But what is the matter P LACH. You admit my son, Pamphilus, to your house. BACCH. Ah! LACH. Just let me speak : before he was married to this woman, I tolerated your amour. Stay! I have not yet said to you what I intended. He has now got a wife: look out for another person more to be depended on, while you have time to deliberate; for neither will he be of this mind all his life, nor, i' faith, will you be always of your present age. BACCH. Who is it says this P LACH. His mother-in-law. BACCH. What I that I LACH. That you do; and she has taken away her daughter; and for that reason, has wished secretly to destroy the child that has been born. BACCH. Did I know any other means whereby I might be enabled to establish my credit with you, more solemn than an oath, I would, Laches, assure you of this, that I have kept Pamphilus at a distance" from me ever since he took a wife. * Kept Pamphilus at a distance)—Wer. 752. Colman observes, how are we to reconcile this with the words of Parmeno at the beginning of the Play, where he says that Pamphilus visited Bacchis daily; and he enquires whether we are to suppose that Bacchis, who behaves so can- didly in every other instance, wantonly perjures herself in this, or that the Poet, by a strange infatuation attending him in this Play, contradicts Sc. IX. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 993 LACH. You are very good. But, pray, do you know what I would prefer that you should do? BACCH. What ? Tell me. LACH. Go in-doors there (pointing to the house of PHIDIP- PUs) to the women, and make the same promise, on oath, to them; satisfy their minds, and clear yourself from this charge. BACCH. I will do so; although, it faith, if it had been any other woman of this calling, she would not have done so, am quite sure ; present herself before a married woman for such a purpose ! But I do not wish your son to be suspected on an unfounded report, nor appear inconstant, undeservedly, to you, to whom he by no means ought ; for he has deserved of me, that, so far as I am able, I should do him a service. LACH. Your language has rendered me quite friendly and well disposed towards you; but not only did they think so—I too believed it. Now that I have found you quite different from what I had expected, take care that you still continue the same—make use of my friendship as you please; if otherwise ; but I will forbear, that you may not hear anything unkind from me. But this one thing I recommend you—make trial what sort of a friend I am, or what I can effect as such, rather than what as an enemy. SCENE IX. IEnter PHIDIPPUs and a NURSE. PHID. (to the NURSE) Nothing at my house will I suffer you to be in want of ; but whatever is requisite shall be supplied you in abundance. Still, when you are well fed and well drenched, do take care that the child has enough. (The NURSE goes into his house.) LACH. (to BACCHIS.) My son's father-in-law, I see, is coming; he is bringing a nurse for the child. (Accosting him.) Phidippus, Bacchis swears most solemnly. PHID. Is this she P himself? To this it may be answered, that as Bacchis appears to be sG scrupulous in other instances, it is credible that, notwithstanding his visits, she may not have allowed him to share her embraces. 294 HECYRA; Act IV., Sc. IX. LACH. It is. PHID. Upon my faith, those women don't fear the Gods; and I don't think that the Gods care about them. BACCH. (pointing to her ATTENDANTs.) I will give you up my female servants; with my full permission, examine them with any tortures you please. The business at present is this: I must make his wife return home to Pamphilus; should I effect that, I shall not regret its being reported that I have been the only one to do what other courtesans avoid doing." LACH. We find, Phidippus, that our wives have been unjustly suspected” by us in this matter. Let us now try her still further; for if your wife discovers that she has given credence to a false charge, she will dismiss her resent- ment ; but if my son is also angry, by reason of the circum- stance that his wife has been brought to bed without his knowledge, that is a trifle: his anger on that account will speedily subside. Assuredly in this matter, there is nothing so bad as to be deserving of a separation. PHID. I sincerely wish it may be so. LACH. Examine her; here she is ; she herself will satisfy you. PHID. Why do you tell me these things P. Is it because you have not already heard what my feelings are with regard to this matter, Laches P Do you only satisfy their minds. ! Other courtesans avoid doing)—Wer. 777, Colman has the following quotation from Donatus: “Terence, by his uncommon art, has attempted many innovations with great success. In this Comedy, he introduces, contrary to received prejudices, a good step-mother and an honest courtesan; but at the same time he so carefully assigns their motives of action, that by him alone everything seems reconcileable to truth and nature; for this is just the opposite of what he mentions in another place, as the common privilege of all Poets, “to paint good matrons and wicked courtesans.” Perhaps the same good feeling prompted Terence, in showing that a mother-in-law and a courtesan could be capable of acting with good and disinterested feelings, which caused Cumberland to write his Play of “The Jew,” to combat the popular prejudice against that persecuted class, by showing, in the character of Sheva, that a Jew might possibly be a virtuous man. * Have been unjustly suspected) — Ver. 778. The words here employed are also capable of meaning, if an active sense is given to “suspectas,” “our wives have entertained wrong suspicions;” but the sense above given seems preferable, as being the meaning of the PaSSage. Act W., Sc. I. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. . 295 LACH. Troth now, Bacchis, I do entreat that what you have promised me you will do. BACCH. Would you wish nº.e, then, to go in about this business? LACH. Go, and satisfy theº: minis, so as to make them believe it. BACCH. I’ll go: although, upon my word, I am quite sure that my presence will be disagreeable to them, for a married woman is the enemy of a mistress, when she has been sepa- rated from her husband. LACH. But they will be your friends, when they know the reason of your coming. PHID. And I promise that they shall be your friends, when they know the fact; for you will release them from their mistake, and yourself, at the same time, from suspicion. BACCH. Wretched me ! I’m ashamed to meet Philumena. % her ATTENDANTs.) Do you both follow me into the house. Goes into the house with PHIDIPPUs and her ATTENDANTs.) LACH. (to himself.) What is there that I could more wish for, than what I see has happened to this woman P. To gain favour without loss to myself, and to benefit myself at the same time. For if now it is the fact that she has really with- drawn from Pamphilus, she knows that by that step she has acquired honour and reputation: she returns the favour to him, and, by the same means, attaches us as friends to her- self. (Goes into the house.) ACT THE FIFTH. SCENE I. Enter PARMENo, moving along with difficulty. PAR. (to himself.) Upon my faith, my master does assuredly think my labour of little value ; to have sent me for nothing, where I have been sitting the whole day to no purpose, waiting at the citadel for Callidemides, his land- lord at Myconos. And so, while sitting there to-day, like a fool, as each person came by, I accosted him:-“Young man, just tell me, pray, are you a Myconian P” “I am not.” 296 HECYRA; - Act W. “But is your name Callidemides P” “No.” “Have you any former guest here named Pamphilus P” All said, “No ; and I don't believe that there is any such person.” At last, i' faith, I was quite ashamed, and went away. But how is it I see Bacchis coming out of our neighbour's P What business can she have there P SCENE II. Enter BACCHIS, from the house of PHIDIPPUs. BACCH. Parmeno, you make your appearance opportunely; n with all speed" to Pamphilus. PAR. Why thither? BACCH. Say that I entreat him to come. PAR. To your house ? BACCH. No ; to Philumena. PAR. What's the matter P BACCH. Nothing that concerns you; so cease to make enquiry. a PAR. Am I to say nothing else? BACCH. Yes; that Myrrhina has recognised that ring as her daughter's, which he formerly gave me. PAR. I understand—is that all ? BACCH. That's all. He will be here directly he has heard this from you. But do you linger ? PAR. Far from it, indeed; for I’ve not had the opportunity given me to-day; so much with running and walking about have I wasted the whole day. (Goes into the house of LACHES.) SCENE III. BACCHIS, alone. BACCH. What great joy have I caused for Pamphilus by my coming to-day ! How many blessings have I brought him and from how many sorrows have Irescued him A son Run with all speed)—Wer. 809. Donatus remarks, that Parmeno is drawn as being of a lazy and inquisitive character; and that Terence, therefore, humorously contrives to keep him always on the move, and in total ignorance of what is going on. Sc. III. THE MOTHER-IN-L.A.W. 297 I save for him, when it was nearly perishing through the agency of these women and of himself: a wife, whom he thought that he must cast off for ever, I restore to him : from the suspicion that he lay under with his father and Phidippus, I have cleared him. This ring, in fact, was the cause of these discoveries being made. For I remember, that about ten months ago, at an early hour of night, he came running home to my house, out of breath, without a companion, and sur- charged with wine,” with this ring in his hand. I felt alarmed immediately: “My Pamphilus,” I said, “prithee, my dear, why thus breathless, or where did you get that ring P-tell me!” He began to pretend that he was thinking of some- thing else. When I saw that, I began to suspect ſ know not what, and to press him still more to tell me. The fellow con- fessed that he had ravished some female, he knew not whom, in the street; and said, that while she was struggling, he had taken that ring away from her. Myrrhina here recognized it just now, while I had it on my finger. She asked whence it came: I told her all the story. Hence the discovery has been made, that it was Philumena ravished by him, and that this new-born child is his. I am overjoyed that this happiness has befallen him through my agency; although other courtesans would not have similar feelings; nor, indeed, is it to our interest that any lover should find pleasure in matrimony. But, i' faith, I never, for the sake of gain, will give my mind to base actions. So long as I had the opportunity, I found him to be kind, easy, and good-natured. This marriage has fallen out unluckily for me, that I confess to be the fact. But, upon my word, I do think that I have done nothing for it to befall me deservedly. It is but reasonable to endure inconveniences from one from whom I have received so many benefits. * Surcharged with wine)—Wer. 824. Cooke has this remark here: “I suppose that this is the best excuse the Poet could make for the young gentleman's being guilty of felony and rape at the same time. In this speech, the incident is related on which the catastrophe of the Play turns, which incident is a very barbarous one, and attended with more than one absurdity, though it is the occasion of an agreeable discovery.” ,298. HECYRA; Act W. SCENE IV. Fnter PAMPHILUs and PARMENo, from the house of LACHES, on the other side of the stage. PAM. Once more, take care, will you, my dear Parmeno, that you have brought me a faithful and distinct account, so as not to allure me for a short time to indulge in these transient joys. PAR. I have taken care. PAM. For certain P PAR. For certain. PAM. I am quite a God, if it is so ! PAR. You'll find it true. PAM. Just stay, will you; I fear that I’m believing one thing, and you are telling another. PAR. I am staying. PAM, I think you said to this effect—that Myrrhina had discovered that Bacchis has her ring. PAR. It is the fact. PAM. The one Iformerly gave to her; and she has desired you to tell me this: is such the fact P PAR. Such is so, I tell you. PAM. Who is there happier than I, and, in fact, more full of joyousness? What am I to present you for these tidings P What P−what ? I know not. PAR. But I know. PAM. What P PAR. Why, nothing; for neither in the tidings nor in myself do I know of there being any advantage to you. PAM. What am I to suffer you, who have caused me, when dead, to be restored from the shades to life—to leave me unrewarded ? Oh, you deem me too thankless! But look —I see Bacchis standing before the door; she's waiting for me, I suppose; I’ll accost her. BACCH. Save you, Pamphilus! PAM. Oh Bacchis Oh my Bacchis—my preserver! BACCH. It is a fortunate thing, and gives me great delight. PAM. By your actions, you give me reason to believe you, and so much do you retain your former charming qualities, So, IV. THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 299 that wherever you go, the meeting with you, your company, your conversation, always give pleasure. BACCH. And you, upon my word, possess your former man- ners and disposition; so much so that not a single man living is more engaging than you. PAM. (laughing.) Ha, ha, ha! do you tell me so P BACCH. You had reason, Pamphilus, for being so fond of your wife. For never before to-day did I set eyes upon her, so as to know her: she seems a very gentle person. PAM. Tell the truth. BACCH. So may the Gods bless me, Pamphilus! PAM. Tell me, have you as yet told any of these matters to my father ? BACCH. Not a word. PAM. Nor is there need, in fact; therefore keep it a secret: I don't wish it to be the case here as it is in the Comedies,” where everything is known to everybody. Here, those who ought to know, know already; but those who ought not to know, shall neither hear of it nor know it. BACCH. Nay more, I will give you a proof why you may suppose that this may be the more easily concealed. Myrrhina has told Phidippus to this effect—that she has given credit to my oath, and that, in consequence, in her eyes you are exculpated. PAM. Most excellent ; and I trust that this matter will turn out according to our wishes. PAR. Master, may I not be allowed to know from you what is the good that I have done to-day, or what it is you are talking about P PAM. You may not. * In the Comedies) — Ver. 867. Madame Dacier obselves on this passage: “Terence here, with reason, endeavours to make the most of a circumstance peculiar to his Play. In other Comedies, everybody, Actors as well as Spectators, are at last equally acquainted with the whole intrigue and catastrophe, and it would even be a defect in the plot were there any obscurity remaining. But Terence, like a true genius, makes himself superior to rules, and adds new beauties to his piece by forsaking them. His reasons for concealing from part of the personages of the Drama the principal incident of the plot, are so plau- sible and natural, that he could not have followed the beaten track without offending against manners and decency. This bold and uncom- mon turn is one of the chief graces of the Play.” 300 HECYRA, Act. W., Sc. IV. PAR. Still I suspect. “I restore him, when dead, from the shades below.” In what way ? PAM. You don't know, Parmeno, how much you have henefited me to-day, and from what troubles you have extricated me. PAR. Nay, but indeed I do know ; and I did not do it without design. PAM. I know that well enough (ironically). BACCH. Could Parmeno, from negligence, omit anything that ought to be done P PAM. Follow me in, Parmeno. PAR. I’ll follow ; for my part, I have done more good to: day, without knowing it, than ever I did, knowingly, in all my life. (Coming forward.) Grant us your applause.” 1 From the shades below)—Wer. 876 Parmeno says this, while pon. dering upon the meaning of all that is going on, and therby expresses his impatience to become acquainted with it. He therefore repeats what Pamphilus has before said in the twelfth line of the present Act, about his having been restored from death to life by his agency. * Your applause)--Ver. 881. We may here remark, that the Hecyra is the only one of the Piºs of Terence with a single plot. PHORMI0; OR THE SCHEMING PARASITE. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. DEMTPho,” |Aged Athenians, brothers. CHREMEs,” ANTIPHo,” son of Demipho. PHAEDRIA," son of Chremes. PHORMIo,” a Parasite. GETA," servant of Demipho. DAVUs,' a servant. HEGIO,” ºne- CRIT0,10 DoRIo,” a Procurer. NAUSISTRATA,” the wife of Chremes. SoPHRONA,” the nurse of Phanium. Scene.—Athens; hefore the houses of DEMIPHo, CHREMEs, and DoRIO. us- * From 6muðc, “the people,” and p&c, “light.” * See the Dramatis Personae of the Andria. * See the Dramatis Personae of the Eunuchus. * See the Dramatis Personae of the Eunuchus. * From poppiðg, “an osier basket.” * See the Dramatis Personae of the Adelphi. 7 See the Dramatjs Personae of the Andria. * See the Dramatis Personae of the Adelphi. * From kparöc, “strength.” 10 See the Dramatis Personae of the Andria. il From Doris, his country, a part of Caria. * From vaúc, “a ship,” and orparoc, “an army." * See the Dramatis Personae of the Eunuchus. THE SUBJECT. CHREMEs and DEMIPHo are two aged Athenians, brothers. Nausistrate the wife of Chremes, is a wealthy woman, possessed of large estates il. the island of Lemnos. Chremes, who goes thither yearly to receive the rents, meets with a poor woman there, whom he secretly marries, and has by her a daughter, called Phanium : while engaged in this intrigue, Chremes passes at Lemnos by the name of Stilpho. By his wife, Nausistrata, at Athens, Chremes has a son, named Phaedria, and his brother has a son, named Antipho. Phanium having no w arrived at her fifteenth year, the two brothers privately agree that she shall be brought to Athens and married to Antipho. For this purpose, Chremes goes to Lemnos, while Demipho is obliged to take a journey to Cilicia. On departing, they leave their sons in the care of Geta, one of Demipho's servants. Shortly afterwards, Phaedria falls in love with a Music-girl, but, from want of means, is unable to purchase her from her owner. In the meantime, the Lemnian wife of Chremes, urged by poverty, embarks for Athens, whither she arrives with her daughter and her nurse. Here they inquire for Stilpho, but in vain, as they cannot find any one of that name. Shortly after, the mother dies, and Antipho, seeing Phanium by acci- dent, falls in love with her. Being wishful to marry her, ce applies to Phormio, a Parasite, for his advice. The latter hits upon the fol- lowing scheme: there being a law at Athens, which obliges the next- of-kin to female orphans, either to marry them or give them a portion, the Parasite pretends that he is a friend of Phanium, and insists that Antipho is her nearest relation, and is consequently bound to marry her. Antipho is summoned before a court of justice, and it being previously arranged, allows_judgment to be given against himself, and immediately marries Phanium. Shortly after, the old men return upon the same day, and are much vexed, the one on finding that his son has married a woman without a fortune, the other that he has lost the opportunity of getting his daughter advantageously married. In the meantime, Phaedria being necessitated to raise some money to purchase the Music-girl, Geta and Phormio arrange that the former shall pretend to the old man, that Phormio has consented to take back the woman whom Antipho has married, if Demipho will give her a portion of thirty minae. Demipho borrows the money of Chremes, and pays it to Phormio, who hands it over to l’haedria, and Phaedria to Dorio, for his mistress. At this conjuncture, it becomes known who Phanium really is, and the old men are delighted to find that Antipho has married the very person they wished. They attempt, however, to get back the thirty minae from Phormio, and proceed to threats and violence. On this, Phormio, who has accidentally learnt the intrigue of Chremes with the woman of Lemnos, exposes him, and relates the whole story to his wife, Nausistrata; on which she censures her husband for his bad conduct, and the Play concludes with her thanks to Phormio for his information, THE TITLE OF THE PLAY. *-mº \ PERFORMED at the Roman Games," L. Posthumius Albinuſ; and L. Cornelius Merula being Curule AEdiles. L. Ambi- vius 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, repre- sented four times,” C. Fannius and M. Valerius being Consuls.” 1 The Roman Games)—The “ludi Romani,” or “Roman Games,” were first established by Ancus Marcius, and were celebrated in the month of September. * Four times)—The numerals signifying “four,” Donatus takes to mean that this was the fourth Play composed by Terence; it is, however, more generally supposed that the meaning is, that it was acted four times in one year. 8 Being Consuls)—M. Walerius Messala and C. Fannius Strabo were Consuls in the year from the Building of the City 591, and B.G. 16? PHORMI0; OR, THE SCHEMING PARASITE, THE SUMMARY OF C. SULPITIUS APOLLINARIS. SMIPHO, the brother of Chremes, has gone abroad, his son Antipho being left at Athens. Chremes has secretly a wife and a daughter at Lemnos, another wife at Athens, and an only son, who loves a Music-girl. The mother arrives at Athens from Lemnos, and there dies. The girl, her orphan daughter, (Chremes being away,) arranges the funeral. After Antipho has fallen in love with her when seen there, through the aid of the Parasite he receives her as his wife. His father and Chremes, having now returned, begin to be enraged. Afterwards they give thirty minae to the Parasite, that he may take her as his own wife. With this money the Music-girl is bought for Phaedria. Antipho then keeps his wife, who has been recognized by his uncle. THE PROLOGUE. SINCE the old Poet" cannot withdraw our bard from his pursuits and reduce him to indolence, he endeavours, by invectives, to deter him from writing: for he is wont to say to this effect, that the Plays which he has hitherto com- posed 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 1 Since the old Poet)—Wer. 1. He alludes to his old enemy, Luscus Lavinius, who is mentioned in all his Prologues, except those to the Hecyra. 2 %il. one implored)—Wer. 8. “Eteam plorare, orare ut subveniat sibi.” This is probably in allusion to some absurd passage in one of the Plays of Lavinius. It is generally supposed to mean, that the stag implores the young man; but as the youth is mad, the absurdity of the passage is heightened if we suppose that he implores the stag, and, in the moment of its own danger, entreats it to come to his own assistance; as certainly the Latin will admit of that interpretation.—Ovid has a somewhat similar passage in the Pontic Epistles, B. ii. Ep. ii. 1.39: “The hind that, in its terror, is flying from the savage dogs, hesitates not to trust itself to the neighbouring house.” PHORMIO; OR, THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 305 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 intended 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 “Epidicazo- menos,” 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 favour 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 goodwill and candour seconding it, has since restored unto us. * Epidicazomenos)—Wer. 25. A Play of Apollodorus, so called from that Greek word, signifying “one who demands justice from another,” in allusion to Phormio, who is the complainant in the suit, which is the foundation of the plot. * Was driven from the place)—Wer. 32. Alluding, probably, to the disturbances which took place at the first representation of the Hecyla, and which are mentioned in the Prologues to that Piay. 306 PHoRMIo; on, Act I., Sc.I. ACT THE FIRST. SCENE I. Enter DAVUS, with a bag of money in his hand. DAv. 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 l—that those who have the least should always be giving something to the mo, e wealthy! That which the poor wretch has with difficulty spared, ounce by ounce, out of his allowance,” defrauding himsel, of every indulgence, the whole of it will she carry off, without thinking with how much labour 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 i." when the child's birthday comes; when they initiate im,” 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 P * Davus)—Davus is a protatic character, only introduced for the pur. pose of opening the story. * Out of his allowance)—Wer. 43. Donatus tells us that the slaves received four “modii,” or measures of corn, each month, which was called their “ demensum.” * Will be struck)—Ver. 48. “Ferietur.” “To strike” a person for a present was said when it was extorted from him reluctantly. So in the Trinummuns of Plautus, l. 247, “Ibi illa pendentem ferit.” “Then does she strike while he is wavering.” * For another present) — Ver. 48. Presents were usually made to persons on their birthday, on the day of their marriage, and on the birth of their children. * Initiate him)—Wer. 49. It is not known what initiation is here referred to. Madame Dacier thinks it was an initiation into the great mysteries of Ceres, which was commonly performed while children were yet very young; others suggest that it means the period of weaning the child, and initiating it into the use of another kind of diet. Donatus says, that Varro speaks of children being initiated into the mysteries of the Deities Edulia, Potica, and Cuba, the Divinities of Eating, Drinking, and Sleeping. : Sc. II. THE SCHEMING PARASITE, 307 SCENE II. Enter GETA, from the house of DEMIPHO. GETA, (at the door, to those within.) If any red-haired mail should enquire for me DAV. (stepping forward.) Here he is, say no more. GETA. (starting.) Oh! Why I was trying to come and meet you, Davus. - DAV. (giving the money to GETA.) Here, take it; it's all ready counted out;" the number just amounts to the sum I owed you. GETA. I am obliged to you; and I return you thanks for not having forgotten me. DAV. Especially as people's ways are now-a-days; things are come to such a pass, if a person repays you anything, you must be greatly obliged to him. But why are you out of spirits? GETA. What, I? You little know what terror and peril I am in. DAV. What's the matter ? GETA. You shall know, if you can only keep it secret. DAV. Out upon you, simpleton; the man, whose trustwor- thiness you have experienced as to money, are you afraid to entrust with words? In what way have I any interest in deceiving you ? GETA. Well then, Jisten. DAv. I give you my best attention. GETA. Davus, do you know Chremes, the elder brother of our old gentleman P DAv. Why should I not ? GETA. Well, and his son Phaedria P DAv. As well as your own self. GETA. It so happened to both the old gentlemen, just aſ the same period, that the one had to take a journey to Lemnos, and our old man to Cilicia, to see an old acquaint- ance; he tempted over the old man by letters, promising him all but mountains of gold. * Ready counted out)—Wer. 53. “Lectum,” literally “picked out” or “chosen”—the coins being of full weight. X 2 308 PHORMIo; OR, Act I. DAv. To one who had so much property, that he had more than he could use ? GETA. To have done; that is his way. DAv. Oh, as for that, I really ought to have been a man of fortune. GETA. When departing hence, both the old gentlemen left me as a sort of tutor to their sons. DAv. Ah, Geta, you undertook a hard task there. 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 everything for them that they wished to be humoured in. DAv. You knew how to make your market.” 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 * Have been angry with me)—Wer. 74. He alludes to the common belief that each person had a Genius or Guardian Deity; and that when misfortune overtook him, he had been abandoned by his Genius. * Kick against the spur)—Wer. 78. “To kick against the pricks,” or “in spite of the spur,” was a common Greek proverb. The expression occurs in the New Testament, Acts ix. 5. “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” * To make your market)—Wer. 79. This is a metaphorical expression taken from traffic, in which merchants suit themselves to the times, and fix a price on their commodities, according to the course of the market. * To the school)—Wer. 86. It was the custom for the “lenones,” or “procurers,” to send their female slaves to music-schools, in order to learn accomplishments. So in the Prologue to the Rudens of Plautus: “This Procurer brought the maiden to Cyrene hither. A certain Athenian youth, a citizen of this city, beheld her as she was going home from the music-school.” Sc. [I. THE SCHEMING PARASITE, 309 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 meantime, while one day we were sitting there, there came in a young man in tears; we were surprised at this. We enquired 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 neighbourhood 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 P. She moved us all. At once Antipho eacclaims, “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 dishevelled, 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 extin- guished those charms. The one who had lately fallen in love with the Music-girl said: “She is well enough;” but our youth & DAV. I know it already—fell in love with her. - GETA. Can you imagine to what an extent P 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. ! Young man in tears)—Wer. 92. In the Play of Apollodorus, it was the barber himself that gave the account how he had just returned from cutting off the young woman's hair, which was one of the usual ceremo- nies in mourning among the Greeks. Donatus remarks, that Terence altered this circumstance that he might not shock a Roman audience by a reference to manners so different from their own. 310 PHORMIo; OR, Act I. DAv. Would not his father, if he had returned, have given him leave. GETA. He let him marry a girl with no fortune, and of obscure birth ! He would never do so. DAV. What came of it at last P GETA. What came of it P. There is one Phormio here, a Parasite, a fellow of great assurance; may all the Gods confound him | DAV. What has he done? 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.” DAv. An amusing piece of assuranceſ GETA. He was persuaded to this. It was carried out; they came into court : we were beaten. He has married her. DAV. What is it you tell me? GETA. Just what you have heard. DAV. O. Geta, what will become of you? GETA. Upon my faith, I don't know; this one thing I do know, whatever fortune may bring, I’ll bear it with firmness. DAV. You please me; well, that is the duty of a man. GETA. All my hope is in myself. DAV. I commend you. 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 anything, I make no entreaty:” if only he doesn’t add, “When I’ve gone, e'en kill him for my part.” T}Av. What of the one who was usher to the Music-girl?” * Take out a summons)—Wer. 127. “Dica” was the writ or sum- mons with which an action at law was commenced. * Usher to the Music-girl) — Wer. 144. This is said satirically of Sc. III. THE schEMING PARASITE. 311 GETA. (shrugging his shoulders.) So so, but poorly. DAv. Perhaps he hasn't much to give. GETA. Why, really, nothing at all, except mere hopes. TXAv. Is his father come back or not ? GETA. Not yet. DAV. Well, when do you expect your old man? 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. G DAV. Is there anything else that you want with me, eta ? GETA Nothing, but that I wish you well. (Exit DAvus.) Hark you, boy (calling at the door). Is nobody coming out here?, (ALAD comes out) Take this, and give it to Dorcium. (He gives the purse to the LAD, who carries it into DEMIPHO's house, and ea'it GETA) SCENE III. IEnter ANTIPHo and PHAEDRIA. ANT. That things should have come to such a pass, Phae- dria, 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. PHAED. What's the matter P ANT. Do you ask the qmestion ? 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). BHAED. I hear you. - Phaedria, who was in the habit of escorting the girl to the music-school. It was the duty of the “paedagogi,” or “tutors,” to lead the children to school, who were placed under their care. See the speech of Lydus, the paedagogus of Pistoclerus, in the Bacchides of Plautus, Act iii. Sc. 3, where, enlarging upon his duties, he mentions this among them. 312 PHORMIO; OR, Act I. ANT. While I am every moment expecting his return, who is to sever from me this connection." PHAED. Other men feel uneasiness because they cannot 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 mode- ration. 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. ‘e ANT. 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 myself into that position, that I have neither right” to give her up, nor liberty to retain her. But how’s this P. 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. SCENE IV. 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 there- * Sever from me this connection)—Wer. 161. By forcing him to divorce her. * Neither right)—Wer. 176. No right to get rid of her in consequence of the judgment which, at the suit of Phormio, has been pronounced against him; nor yet, right to keep her, because of his father insisting upon turning her out of doors. So, IV. THE schEMING PARAsrre. 313 from; for this daring step of ours cannot 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. ANT. (to PHAEDRIA.) Why, I wonder, is he coming in such a fright P GETA (to himself.) Besides, I've but a moment left for this matter—my master's close at hand. ANT. (to PHAEDRIA) What mischief is this? 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 ven- geance on the old man for his crabbedness; I should have scraped up something, and straightway taken to my heels away from here - ANT. (to PHAEDRIA.) I wonder what running away or theft it is that he's planning. GETA. (to himself.) But where shall I find Antipho, or which way go look for him P PHAED. (to ANTIPHo.) He's mentioning your name. ANT. (to PHAEDRIA.) I know not what great misfortune I expect to hear from this messenger. PHAED. % ANTIPHo.) Why, are you in your senses P GETA, (to himself.) I'll make my way homewards; he's generally there. - PHAED. (to ANTIPHo.) Let's call the fellow back. ANT. (calling out.) Stop, this instant. - GETA. (turning round.) Heyday—with authority enough, whoever you are. ANT. Geta | GETA. The very person I wanted to find. * Be washing a brickbat)—Wer. 187. “Laterem lavare,” “to wash a brick,” or “tile,” was a proverb signifying labour in vain, probably because (if the brick was previously baked) it was impossible to wash away the red colour of it. According to some, the saying alluded to the act of washing a brick which had been only dried in the sun, in which case the party so doing both washed away the brick and soiled his own fingers. 314 PHORMIO; OR, e Act I. ANT. Pray, tell me what news you bring, and despatch it in one word, if you can. GETA. I'll do so. ANT. Out with it. GETA. Just now, at the harbour—- ANT. What, my father 2 GETA. You've hit it. ANT. Ruined outright ! PHAED. Pshawl ANT. What am I to do P PHAED. (to GEfA.) What is it you say? GETA. That I have seen his father, your uncle, ANT. How am I, wretch that I am, now to find a remedy for this sudden misfortune P But if it should be my fortune, Phanium, to be torn away from you, life would cease to be desirable. GETA. Therefore, Antipho, since matters are thus, the more need have you to be on your guard; fortune helps the brave. ANT. I am not myself. - GETA. But just now it is especially necessary you should be so, Antipho; for iſ your father perceives that you are alarmed, he will think that you have been guilty of some fault. PHAED. That's true. ANT. I cannot change. GETA. What would you do, if now something else still more difficult had to be done by you ? ANT. As I am not equal to this, I should be still less so to the other. 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. PHAED. And I too. (They move as if going.) ANT. Pray, now, if I assume an air, will that do P (E19 endeavours to assume another air.) GETA. You are trifling. - ANT. Look at my countenance—there's for you. (Assuming a different air.) Will that do P GETA, No. ANT. Well, will this? (Assuming another air.) Sc. W. THE SCHEMING PARASITE, 315 GETA. Pretty well. ANT. Well then, this? (Assuming a still bolder air.) 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. ANT. I understand. 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 P ANT. "Tis he himself. I cannot stand it. (Going.) GETA, Oh! What are you about P Whither are you going Antipho P Stop, I tell you. ANT. I know my own self and my offence; to your manage- ment I trust Phanium and my own existence. (Evit hastily. SCENE V. PHAEDRIA and GETA. PHAED. Geta, what's to be done now P - 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. ! PHAED. Away with your “musts;” rather do you comman me what I am to do. 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 P PHAED. I remember it. GETA. Well then, now there's need of that plea, or of one still better and more plausible, if such there can be. PHAED. I’ll use my best endeavours. GETA. Do you then accost him first; I’ll be here in reserve," by way of reinforcement, if you give ground at all. PHAED. Very well. (They retire to a distance.) 1 Here in reserve)—Wer. 230. “Succenturiatus.” The “succentu- riati” were, properly, men entrusted to fill up vacancies in the centuries or companies, when thinned by battle. 316 PHORMIO; OR, Act I. SCENE VI. JEnter DEMIPHO, at the other side of the stage. DEM. (to himself.) And is it possible that Antipho has taken a wife without my consent P 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 adviserſ GETA. (apart to PHAEDRIA.) Just brought in at last. DEM. What will they say to me, or what excuse will they find? I wonder much. GETA. (apart.) Why, I've found that out already; do think of something else. DEM. Will he be saying this to me: “I did it against my will; the law compelled me P” I hear you, and admit it. GETA. (apart.) Well said DEM. But knowingly, in silence, to give up the cause to his adversaries—did the law oblige him to do that as well ? GETA. (apart.) That is a hard blow. PHAED. I’ll clear that up; let me alone for that. DEM. 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 cannot 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 offences 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. * Let alone “authority”)—Wer. 232. “Ac mitto imperium.” Cicero has quoted this passage in his Epistles to Atticus, B. ii. Ep. 19. * When affairs are the most prosperous)—Wer. 241 Cicero quotes this passage in the Third Book of his Tusculan Questions, and the maxim here inculcated was a favourite one with the Stoic philosophers. Sc, WI. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 317 3ETA. (apart.) O Phaedria, it is incredible how much I sur- pass 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.) - DEM. (to himself) I see Phaedria, my brother's son, coming towards me. PHAED. My uncle, welcome ! DEM. Greetings to you; but where is Antipho? PHAED. That you have arrived in safety DEM. I believe it; answer my question. PHAED. He is well; he's close at hand; but is everything quite to your wishes? DEM. I wish it was so, indeed. PHAED. What's the matter P DEM. Do you ask me, Phaedria P You people have cooked up a fine marriage in my absence. PHAED. What now, are you angry with him for that ? GETA, (apart.) What a clever contriver ! T)EM. Have I not reason to be angry with him P 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. PHA.D. But he has done nothing, uncle, for which you should blame him. DEM. Now, do look at that; all alike; all hanging together; when you know one, you know all. PHAED. That is not the case. T) EM. When the one is in fault, the other is at hand to defend him; when it is the other, then he is ready ; they 7 ust help one another by turns. GETA, (apart.) The old man, without knowing it, has exactly described their proceedings. - DEM. For if it had not been so, you would not, Phaedria, have stood up for him. PHLED. If, uncle, it is the fact, that Antipho has been 3.18 PHORMIO; OR, Act I. 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 P GETA. (apart.) Unless I knew the case, I could fancy he was saying the truth. DEM. Is there any judge who can possibly know your rights, when you yourself don't answer a word—as he has done P PHAED. 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. GETA. (apart.) I commend him: but why do I hesitate at once to accost the old man P (Going forward to DEMIPHO) Master, welcome to you ! I'm glad to see you safe returned. DEM, (ironically.) Ah, excellent guardian! Save you, stay of my family, no doubt, to whom, at my departure, I entrusted my son. 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 P The laws do not allow a person who is a slave to plead; nor is there any giving evidence" on his part. DEM. 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 P * Any giving evidence)—Wer. 293. Slaves were neither allowed to plead for themselves, nor to give evidence. See the Curculio of Plautus, l. 621, and the Notes to the Andria. * Given her a portion)—Wer. 297. By this remark, Donatus observes that Terence artfully prepares us for the imposition of Phormio, who extorts money from the old gentleman on this very ground. Sc. WII, THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 319 GETA. No particular reason; but he hadn't the money. DEM. He might have borrowed it from some person or other. GETA. From some person or other? Nothing more easily said. DEM. After all, if on no other terms, on interest. GETA. Aye, aye, fine talking; as if any one would have trusted him, while you were living.” DEM. 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. GETA. Phormio, do you mean P DEM. That fellow, the woman's next friend ?" GETA. I’ll have him here immediately. DEM. Where is Antipho at present P GETA. Away from home. * - DEM. Go, Phaedria, look for him, and bring him here. PHAED. I'll go straightway to the place. GETA. (aside.) To Pamphila, you mean. (Ereunt PHEDRIA and GETA, SCENE VII. DEMIPHo, alone. DEM. (to himself.) I'll just step home to salute the house- hold Gods.” From there, I'll go to the Forum, and sum- * While you were living)—Ver. 302. There was a law at Athens which enacted, that persons who lent money to young men in the lifetime of their parents, should have no power to recover it. In line 303 of the Pseudolus, Plautus alludes to the Quinavicenarian or Laetorian law, at Ikome, which forbade credit to be given to persons under the age of twenty-five years, and deprived the creditor of all right to recover his money or goods. * The woman's next friend)—Wer. 307. The “patronus” was the person who undertook to conduct a lawsuit for another. * Salute the household Gods)—Wer. 311. It was the custom for those returning from a voyage or journey, to give thanks to their household Gods for having protected them in their absence. Thus, in the Amphitryon of Plautus, Jupiter, while personating Amphitryon, pre- tends, in l. 983, that he is going to offer sacrifice for ais safe return. 320 PHORMIo; or, - Act II. mon some of my friends to give me their assistance in this aſtair; so that I may not be unprepared, when Phormio comes. (Goes into his house.) ACT THE SECOND. SCENE L. JEnter PHoRMIo and GETA. PHoR. And so you say" that dreading his father's pre- sence, he has taken himself off P GETA. Exactly so. PHoR. That Phanium is left alone P GETA. Just so. PHoR. And that the old man is in a rage P GETA. Extremely so. PHoR. 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. GETA. I entreat you PHoR (to himself) If he enquires. GETA. In you is all our hope. PHoR (to himself.) Look at this, now:—What if he sends her back P º GETA. It was you that urged us. * And so you say)—Wer. 315. Donatus tells the following story with reference to this passage : “This Play being once rehearsed before Terence and some of his most intimate acquaintances, Ambivius, who acted the part of Phormio, came in drunk, which threw the author into a violent passion; but Ambivius had scarcely repeated a few lines, stammering and scratching his head, before Terence became pacified, declaring that when be was writing these very lines, he had exactly such a Parasite as Ambivius then represented, in his thoughts.” * Have hashed it up)—Wer. 318. He is thought to allude here, figuratively, to the composition of a dish called “moretum,” (in praise of which Virgil wrote a poem), which was composed of garlic, onions, cheese, eggs, and other ingredients, beaten up in a mortar. The allusion to oating is appropriately used in an address to a Parasite. Sc, I. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 321 PHOR (to himself) I think that will do. GETA. Do help us. PHOR. (with alacrity.) Let the old gentleman come; all my plans are now ready prepared in my mind. GETA. What will you do? PHoR. 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 P GETA, O brave and kind man l But, Phormio, I often dread lest this courage may end in the stocks at last.” PHoR. 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? GETA. How is that ? - PHOR. 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 labour lost. For persons, out of whom anything 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 benefit. * Turn upon myself) — Ver. 323. Donatus observes that in this Scene, Terence exhibits the lower order of Parasites, who ingratiatel Shemselves by sharping and roguery, as in the Eunuchus he describes Parasites of a higher rank, and of a newer species, who obtained their ends by flattery. * In the stocks at last)—Wer. 825. “In nervum crumpat denique.” There are several interpretations suggested for these words. Some think they allude to the drawing of a bow till it breaks; but they are more generally thought to imply termination in corporal punishment. “Nervus" is supposed to have been the name of a kind of stocks used in torturing slaves, and so called from being formed, in part at least, of the sinews of animals. - * They will take you)—Wer. 334. At Rome, insolvent debtors became the slaves of their creditors till their debts were paid. Y 322 PHoRMIO; OR, Act II. GETA. It's impossible that sufficient thanks can be returned you by him for your kindness. PHoR. 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 everything 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 GETA. What is the meaning of that expression ? PHoR. When you are in doubt which in especial to partake 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 P - GETA. The old man is coming; take care what you are about; the first onset is the fiercest; if you stand that, then, afterwards, you may play just as you please. (They retire to a distance.) - SCENE II. Fnter, at a distance, DEMIPHo, HEGIO, CRATINUs, and CRIto, jollowing him. DEM. 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. - GETA. (apart.) He's in a passion. * To his patron)—Wer. 338. “Regi.” The Parasites were in the habit of calling their patron “Rex,” their “King.” * At free cost)—Ver. 339. “Asymbolum.” Without having paid his “symbola,” or “club,” for the entertainment. Donatus informs us that the whole of this passage is borrowed from one of Ennius, which is still preserved. * First to drink)—Wer. 842. To be the first to drink, and to take the higher place on the couch when eating, was the privilege of the most honoured guests, who usually bathed, and were then anointed before the repast. “Banquet full of doubts)—Wer. 842. “Coena dubia.” Horace, whi borrows many of his phrases from Terence, uses the same expression. Sc. II. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 323 PHOR. (apart.) Do you mind your cue; I'll rouse him just now. (Stepping forward and crying aloud.) Oh immortal . ! does Demipho deny that Phanium here is related to IIIl GETA. He does deny it. DEM. (to his friends.) I believe it is the very man I was speaking about. Follow me. (They all come forward.) rºok (to GETA.) And that he knows who her father W3S GETA. He does deny it. e PHOR. And that he knows who Stilpho was P GETA. He does deny it. ... PHOR. Because the poor thing was left destitute, her father is disowned; she herself is slighted: see what avarice does. GETA. (in a loud voice.) If you are going to accuse my master of avarice, you shall hear what you won’t like. DEM. Oh, the impudence of the fellow ! Does he come on purpose to accuse me? - PHOR. 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 him- self by his labour, generally confined himself to the country; there he had a piece of land from my father to cultivate; full oft, in the meantime, 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. GETA. (in a loud voice.) Look to yourself as well as to him, how you speak. PHOR. (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 Iſlal]]16I’. GETA. (aloud.) What, do you persist in speaking abusively of my master in his absence, you most abominable fellow P PHOR. Why, it's just what he deserves. GETA.'(aloud.) Say you so, you gaol-bird P DEM. (calling aloud.) Geta GETA. (aloud.) A plunderer of people's property—a per- verter of the laws! DEM. (calling aloud) Getal 324 - PHORMIO: OR, Act II. PHOR. (apart, in a low voice.) Answer him. GETA, Who is it 2 (Looking round.) Oh!— DEM. Hold your peace. GETA. He has never left off uttering abuse against you be- hind your back, unworthy of you, and just befitting himself. DEM. 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. PHOR. (sneeringly.) You are fishing it out, just as if you didn’t know. DEM. I, know P PHOR. Yes. T)FM. I say I do not; you, who affirm it, recall it to my recollection. PHOR. Come now, didn't you know your own cousin- german P - DEM. You torture me to death; tell me his name. PHOR. His name P DEM. Of course. (PHORMIo hesitates.) Why are you silent now P PHOR. (aside.) Heavens, I’m undone; I've forgot the 118. Iſle. DEM. Well, what do you say? PHOR. (aside, to GETA.) Geta, if you recollect the name I told you a short time since, prompt me. (Aloud, to T)FMIPHO) Well then, I shan’t tell you; as if you didn't know, you come to pump me. DEM. I, come to pump you, indeed P GETA. (whispering to PHORMIo.) Stilpho. PHOR. But, after all, what matters that to me P. It is Stilpho. DEM. Whom did you say? PHOR. Stilpho, I tell you; you knew him. DEM. I neither know him, nor had I ever any relation of that name. PHOR. Say you so P Are you not ashamed of this? But if he had left you ten talents DEM. May the Gods confound you ! PHOR. You'd have been the first, from memory, to trace SC. II. THY: SCHEMING PARASITE. 325 your line of kindred, even as far back as from grandfather and great-grandfather. DEM. 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? GETA, Well done, my master, that's right ! (Threateningly to PHORMIo.) Hark you, take you care. - PHOR. 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 P DEM. Do you talk about my son to me? Of whose folly there is no speaking in the language it deserves. PHOR. 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. DEM. 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. PHOR (laughing.) Ha, ha, ha! a pleasant individual DEM. Well! am I asking anything unfair? Or am I not to obtain even this, which is my right at common law P PHOR. 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 P 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 P A thing which you mean to prevent. DEM, Yes, to her nearest relative, indeed; but why to us, or on what ground P PHOR. Well, well, a thing tried, they say, you can't try over again. DEM, Not try it? On the contrary, I shall not desist until I have gone through with it. PHOR. You are trifling. DEM. Only let me alone for that. * Since you reign alone)—Wer. 605. This is a remark well put into the mouth of an Athenian, as the public were very jealous of any person becoming paramount to the laws, and to prevent it, were frequently guilty of the most odious oppression. 326 PHORMIo; OR, Act II. PHOR. 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. DEM. 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. GETA. (aside.) He's in a passion. PHOR. You'll be acting more considerately. DEM. Are you so resolved, you unlucky fellow, to do me all the mischief you can P PHOR. (aside, to GETA.) He's afraid of us, although he's so careful to conceal it. GETA. (aside, to PHORMIO.) Your beginning has turned out well. PHOR. 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. DEM. (indignantly.) What, I seek your friendship, or have any wish to see or hear you ? PHOR. If you can agree with her, you will have some one to cheer up your old age; just consider your time of life. DEM. Let her cheer up yourself; keep her to yourself. BHOR. Really, do moderate your passion. DEM. 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. PHO3. If you use her in any other manner than is befitting a free-born woman, I shall be bringing a swingeing 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. GETA. (apart.) I understand you. (Earit PHORMIO. SCENE III. DEMIPHo, HEGIO, CRATINUS, CRITO, and GETA, DEM. 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 Sc. III. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 327 sentiments are. (To GETA) Be off, go see whether he has returned home or not by this. GETA. I will. (Goes into the house.) DEM. (to the ASSISTANTS.) You see how the case stands. What am I to do? Tell me, Hegio. HEG. What, I ? I think Cratinus ought, if it seems good to you. DEM. Tell me, Cratinus. CRAT. 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 Óbtain redress. That's my opinion. DEM. Say now, Hegio. HEG. 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. DEM. Speak, Crito. CRIT. I am of opinion, that we must deliberate further;” it is a matter of importance. HEG. Do you want anything further with us? DEM. You have done very well. (Eveunt ASSISTANTS.) I am much more at a loss” than before. * So many minds)—Wer. 454, “Quot homines, tot sententiae.” This is a famous adage. One similar to the succeeding one is iound in the Second Eclogue of Virgil, 1.65 : “Trahit sua quemgue voluptas, exactly equivalent to our saying, “Every man to his taste.” * Must deliberate further) —Wer. 457. “Amplius deliberandum. This is probably a satirical allusion to the judicial system of procrasti- nation, which, by the Romans, was called “ampliatio.” When the judges could not come to a satisfactory conclusion about a cause, they signified it by the letters N. L. (for “non liquet,” “it is not clear”), and put off the suit for a rehearing. - * Much more at a loss)—Wer. 459. See the Poenulus of Plautus, where advocates or assistants are introduced among the Dramatis Personae. Colman has the following remarks on this quaint passage: “I believe there is no Scene in Comedy mora highly seasoned with the ridiculous than this before us. The idea is truly comic, and it is worked up with ak that simplicity and chastity so peculiar to the manner of Terence. An ordinary writer would have indulged himself in twenty little conceits on this occasion; but the dry gravity of Terence infinitely surpasses, as true humour, all the drolleries which, perhaps, even those great masters 328 PHORMIo: or, Act II. Re-enter GETA, from the house. GETA. They say that he has not come back. DEM. I must wait for my brother. The advice that he gives me about this matter, I shall follow. I’ll go make enquiry at the harbour, when he is to come back. (Ea'it. 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. SCENE IV. IEnter ANTIPHo, at a distance. ANT. (to himself.) Indeed, Antipho, in many ways you are to be blamed for these feelings; to have thus run away, and entrusted 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. GETA. (coming forward.) Why really, master, we have for some time been censuring you here in your absence, for having thus gone away. ANT. You are the very person I was looking for. GETA. But still, we were not a bit the more remiss on that account. ANT, Tell me, Ibeg of you, in what posture are my interests and fortunes. Has my father any suspicion? GETA. Not any at present. ANT. Is there still any hope P GETA. I don’t know. ANT. Alas! of Comedy, Plautus or Molière, might have been tempted to throw out. It is the highest art of a Dramatic Author, on some occasions, to leave a good deal to the Actor; and it has been remarked by Heinsius and others, that Terence was particularly attentive to this circumstance.” Sc. V. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 329 GETA. But Phaedria has not neglected to use his endeavours in your behalf. - ANT. He did nothing new. GETA. Then Phormio, too, in this matter, just as in every- thing else, showed himself a man of energy. ANT. What did he do P GETA. With his words he silenced the old man, who was very angry. ANT. Well done, Phormio ! GETA. I, too, did all I could. ANT. My dear Geta, I love you all. . 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. ANT. Why him P GETA. He said he was wishful to act by his advice, in all that relates to this business. ANT. 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. GETA. Here comes Phaedria. ANT. Where is he, pray ? GETA. See, he's coming from his place of exercise." SCENE V. Enter from DoRIo's house, DoRIO, followed by PHAEDRIA. PHAED. Prithee, hear me, Dorio. DoR. I’ll not hear you. PHAED. Only a moment. DoR. Tet me alone. PHAED. Do hear what I have to say. DoR. Why really I am tired of hearing the same thing a thousand times over. PHAED. But now, I have something to tell you that you'll hear with pleasure. 1 From his place of eacercise)—Wer. 484. “Palaestra.” He alludes to the Procurer's house under this name. 330 PHORMIO; OR, Act II. DoR. Speak then ; I’m listening. PHAED. Can I not prevail on you to wait for only three days? Whither are you going now P DOR. I was wondering if you had anything new to offer. ANT. (apart, to GETA.) I'm afraid for this Procurer, lest GETA. (apart, to ANTIPHO.) Something may befall his own safety." PHAED. You don’t believe me P DOR. You guess right. PHED. But if I pledge my word. DoR. Nonsense 1 PHA.D. You will have reason to say that this kindness was well laid out by you on interest. DOR. Stuff! PHAED. Believe me, you will be glad you did so; upon my faith, it is the truth. DoR. Mere dreams PHED. Do but try; the time is not long. DOR. The same story over again. PHAED. You will be my kinsman, my father, my friend; you— DoR. Now, do prate on. PHAED. For you to be of a disposition so harsh and inex- orable, that neither by pity nor by entreaties can you be softened DOR. 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! ANT. (apart, to GETA.) I am sorry for him. PHAED. (aside.) Alas! I feel it to be too true. GETA. (apart, to ANTIPHO) How well each keeps up to his character | * Befall his own safety)—Wer. 490. Overhearing Phaedria earnest and determined, and the Procurer obstinate and inflexible, Antipho and Geta join in apprehending that the brutality of the latter may pro- voke Phaedria to some act of violence. * With fine words)—Wer. 499. “Phaleratis dictis.” “Phalerae” were, properly, the silver ornaments with which horses were decked out, and being only for show, and not for use, gave rise to this saying. “Ductes" was an obscene word, and not likely to be used by any but such cha- racters as Dorio. Sc. V. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 33L PHAED. (to himself.) And would that this misfortune had not befallen me at a time when Antipho was occupied with other cares as well. ANT. (coming forward.) Ah Phaedria, why, what is the matter? PHAED. O most fortunate Antipho! ANT. What, I ? PHAED. To have in your possession the object of your love, and have no occasion to encounter such a nuisance as this. ANT. 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. DOR. That's just my case with regard to him (pointing to PHAEDRIA). ANT. (to DoRIO.) Aye, aye, don't you show too little of the Procurer. (To PHAEDRIA.) What has he been doing? PHAED. What, he P Acting the part of a most inhuman fellow; been and sold my Pamphila. GETA. What Sold her ? ANT. Sold her, say you ? PHAED. Sold her. - DOR. (ironically.) What a shocking crime—a wench bought with one's own money! - PHAED. I cannot 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 pro- mised me ; if I don't give it him then, let him not wait a single hour longer. DoR. Very good. ANT. It's not a long time that he asks, Dorio; do let him revail upon you; he'll pay you twofold for having acted to him thus obligingly. DOR. Mere words ! ANT. Will you allow Pamphila to be carried away from this place P And then, besides, can you possibly allow their love to be severed asunder P DoR. Neither I nor you cause that. * A wolf by the ears)—Wer. 505. A proverbial expression which, according to Suetonius, was frequently in the mouth of Tiberius Caesar. 332 PHORMIo; OR, Act II: GETA. May all the Gods grant you what you are deserving of DOR. 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 snivelling; give place to your betters. ANT. I'faith, there surely was a day named, if I remember right, for you to pay him. PHAED. It is the fact. DoR. Do I deny it P ANT. Is that day past, then P DoR. No ; but this one has come before it. ANT. Are you not ashamed of your perfidy ? DOR. Not at all, so long as it is for my interest. GETA. Tunghill ! PHAED. Dorio, is it right, pray, for you to act thus? DOR. It is my way; if I suit you, make use of me. ANT. Do you try to trifle with him (pointing to PHAEDRIA) in this manner P DOR. Why really, on the contrary, Antipho, it's he trifling with me, for he knew me to be a person of this sort; I sup- posed 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, Ill follow my rule, that he is the first served who is the first to pay. ' Tarewell I (Goes into his house.) SCENE VI. PHAEDRIA, ANTIPHo, and GETA, PHAED. 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. ANT. Geta, shall we suffer him to continue thus wretched, when he so lately assisted me in the kind way you were men- tioning P. On the contrary, why not, as there's need of it. try to do him a kindness in return ? Sc. VI. • THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 333 GETA. For my part, I’m sure it is but fair. ANT. Come then, you are the only man able to serve him. GETA. What can I do P ANT. Procure the money. GETA. I wish I could; but where it is to come from—tell me that. ANT. My father has come home. GETA. I know; but what of that ? ANT. Oh, a word to the wise" is quite enough. GETA. Is that it, then P ANT. Just so. 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 addi- tion to that, you must now bid me, for his sake, to be seeking risk upon risk? ANT. "Tis true what he says. - PHAED. What I am I a stranger to you, Geta ? GETA. I don't consider you so. But is it so trifling a mat- ter that the old gentleman is now vexed with us all, that we must provoke him still more, and leave no room for entreaty P PHED. Is another man to take her away from before my eyes to some unknown spot P Alas! speak to me then, Antipho, and look upon me while you have the opportunity, and while I’m present. ANT. Why so, or what are you going to do? Pray, tell Iſle. PHAED. To whatever part of the world she is borne away, I’m determined to follow her or to perish. GETA. May the Gods prosper your design! Cautiously's the word, however. ANT. (to GETA.) Do see if you can give him any assistance at all. GETA. Any at all—how P ANT. Pray, do try, that he mayn't be doing something that we may afterwards be more or less sorry for, Geta. GETA, I'm considering. (He pauses.) He's all safe, so far as I can guess: but still, I'm afraid of mischief. * A word to the wise)—Ver. 540. “Dictum sapienti sat est.” The same proverb is found in the Persa of Plautus, l. 736. 334 PHORMIO; OR, Act III. ANT. Don't be afraid; together with you, we'll share good and bad. GETA. (to PHAEDRIA.) How much money do you want? Tell me. - PHAED. Only thirty minae. GETA. Thirty P Heyday! she's monstrous dear, Phaedria. PHAED. Indeed, she's very cheap. GETA. Well, well, I'll get them for you. PHAED. Oh the dear man! (They both fall to hugging GETA, - §. Take yourselves off (Shakes them off.) PHAED. There's need for them directly. - GETA. You shall have them directly ; but I must have Phormio for my assistant in this business. ANT. 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. GETA. Let's go to him at once then. ANT. Will you have any occasion for my assistance P 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 ? ANT. There's nothing I could do with so much pleasure. (Goes into the house of DEMIPHo.) PHAED. What way will you manage this P GETA. I’ll tell you on the road; first thing, betake yourse!" off. (Ea'eunf ACT THE THIRD SCENE T. JEnter DEMIPHO and CHREMES. DEM. Well, have you brought your daughter with you, Chremes, for whom you went to Lemnos ? CHREM. No. DEM. Why not P CHREM. When her mother found that I stayed here longer than usual, and at the same time the age of the girl did not Sy. II. THE SCHEMING PARASITE, 335 suit with my delays, they told me that she, with all her family, set out in search of me. DEM. Pray, then, why did you stay there so long, when you had heard of this? CHREM. Why, faith, a malady detained me. DEM. From what cause P. Or what was it 2 CHREM. Do you ask me P Old age itself is a malady. However, I heard that they had arrived safe, from the captain who brought them. DEM. Have you heard, Chremes, what has happened to my son, in my absence P CHREM. '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.” DEM. 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. SCENE II. JEnter GETA, on the other side of the stage, not seein DEMIPHO or CHREMES. º GETA. (to himself) I never saw a more cunning fellow than this Phormio. I came to the fellow to tell him that 1 To shake myself)—Wer. 585. “Me excutiam.” In reference to the custom of the Greeks, and the Eastern nations, of shaking their clothes at the door of any house which they were going to leave. * Rely on at home)— Wer. 586. “Nam ego meorum solus sum meus.” He means that he is the only person in his house friendly to himself, inasmuch as his wife, from her wealth, has supreme power over the domestics, in whom he himself can place no trust. 336 PHORMIO; OR, Act III 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 P 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 P I deem it preferable to enjoy a twofold 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. SCENE III. Fnter ANTIPHO from the house, behind at a distance. ANT. (to himself) I’m expecting every moment that Geta will be here. But I see my uncle standing close by, with Imy father. Ah me! how much I fear what influence his return may have upon my father GETA. (to himself.) I'll accost them. (Goes up to them.) O welcome to you, our neighbour Chremes. CHREM. Save you, Geta. GETA. I’m delighted to see you safe returned. CHREM. I believe you. GETA. How go matters? CHREM. Many changes here upon my arrival, as usually the case. GETA. True; have you heard what has happened to Antipho P CHREM. All. GETA. (to DEMIPyo.) What, have you told him P Dis- graceful conduct, Chreines, thus to be imposed on. DEM. It was about that V was talking to him just now. GETA. But really, on carefully reflecting upon this matter I think I have found a remedy. Sc. III. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 337 DEM. What is the remedy ? GETA. When I left you, by accident Phormio met me. CHREM. Who is Phormio P GETA. He who patronized her. CHREM. I understand. 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 P 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.” ANT. (apart.) What is he about P Or where is this to end at last P GETA. (continuing the supposed conversation.) “He’ll have to give satisfaction at law, you say, if he turns her out P That has been already enquired 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 ?” . º: (apart.) Are the Gods quite on good terms with him P* GETA. (continuing the conversation.) “For I’m quite sure, if you were to mention anything that's fair and reasonable, as he is a reasonable man, you'll not have to bandy three words with him.” DEM. Who ordered you to say so? CHREM. Nay, he could not have more happily contrived to bring about what we want. ANT. (apart.) Undone ! CHREM. Go on with your story. GETA. At first the fellow raved. DEM. Say, what did he ask P GETA. What ? A great deal too much. * Good terms with him)—Wer. 635. Meaning, “Is he in his senset or not " Z 338 PHORMIo; OR Act III. CHREM. How much P Tell me. GETA, Suppose he were to give a great talent. DEM. Aye, faith, perdition to him rather ; has he no shame P 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 an- swer: “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.” ANT. (apart.) Whether to say he's doing this through folly or mischief, through stupidity or design, I’m in doubt. DEM. What if he's in debt to the amount of his life P1 GETA. His land is mortgaged,—for ten minae he said. DEM. Well, well, let him take her then; I'll give it. GETA. He has a house besides, mortgaged for another ten. DEM. Huy, huy! that's too much. CHREM. Don't be crying out; you may have those ten of Iſle. 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.” DEM. 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? * Amount of his life)—Wer. 660. “Quid si animam debet " Erasmus tells us that this was a proverb among the Greeks applied to those who ran so deeply in debt, that their persons, and consequently, in one sense, their very existence came into the power of their creditors. * Six hundred actions)—Wer. 667. “Sescentos;” literally, “six hun. dred.” The Romans used this term as we do the words “ten thousand,” to signify a large, but indefinite number Sc. IV. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 339 CHREM. Pray do be quiet; I'll give it: do you only bring your son to marry the woman we want him to have. ANT. (apart.) Ah me! Geta, you have ruined me by your treachery. CHREM. 'Tis on my account she's turned off; it's right that I should bear the loss. 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.” CHREM. 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. DEM. Yes, and little joy to him of the bargain CHREM. Luckily, too, I've now brought home some money with me, the rents which my wife's farms at Lemnos pro- duce. I’ll take it out of that, and tell my wife that you had occasion for it. (They go into the house of CHREMEs) SCENE TV. ANTIPHO and GETA. ANT. (coming forward.) Geta. GETA. Well. ANT. What have you been doing? GETA. Diddling the old fellows out of their money. ANT. Is that quite the thing P GETA. I' faith, I don't know : it's just what I was told to do. ANT. How now, whip-scoundrel, do you give me an answer to what I don't ask you ? (Kicks him.) & GETA. What was it then that you did ask P ANT. What was it I did ask P. Through your agency, mat- ters 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 anything to succeed, entrust 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 Z 2 340 PHORMIO; OR, Act III. my wife? Hopes have been excited in my father that she may possibly be got rid of Pray now, tell me, suppose hormio receives the portion, she must be taken home by him as his wife: what's to become of me? GETA. But he's not going to marry her. ANT. I know that. But (ironically) when they demand the money back, of course, for our sake, he'll prefer going to prison. 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 meantime, Phaedria's friends will advance what they have promised; out of that he will repay it. ANT. On what grounds P Or what will he say ? GETA. Do you ask the question ? “How many circum- stances, since then, have befallen me as prodigies? A strange black dog" entered the house; a snake came down from the tiles through the skylight;" 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. ANT. I only wish it may be the case. GETA. It shall be the case; trust me for that. Your father's coming out; go tell Phaedria that the money is found. * A strange black dog)—Wer. 705. This omen, Plautus calls, in the Casina, l. 937, “canina scaeva.” * Through the skylight)—Wer. 706. So in the Amphitryon of Plautus, 1. 1108, two great snakes come down through the “impluvium,” or “Skylight.” On the subject of the “impluvium,” see the Notes to the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus, l. 159. * A hem crowed)—Wer. 707. Donatus tells us that it was a saying, that in the house where a hen crowed, the wife had the upper hand. * The soothsauer — the diviner) — Ver. 708. According to some accounts there was this difference between the “hariolus” and the “aruspex,” that the former foretold human events, the latter those relating to the Deities. Donatus has remarked on these passages, that Terence seems to sneer at the Superstitions referred to. Sc. V. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 34? SCENE V. Enter DEMIPHo and CHREMEs, from the house of the latter, the former with a purse of money. DEM. 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. - GETA. (apart.) How cautious he is, when there's no need for it, I CHREM. 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. GETA. You've hit upon the very thing. DEM. Lead me to him then. GETA. I won't delay. CHREM. (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. DEM. What the plague does that matter to you ? CHREM. 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. DEM. I can do all that myself. CHREM. It will come better from one woman to another. DEM. I’ll ask her. (Goes into the house of CHREMEs; and earit GETA.) CHREM. (to himself.) I’m thinking where I can find them now." * Can find them now)—Wer. 726. His Lemnian wife and daughter. Colman remarks: “ This is intended as a transition to the next Scene; but I think it would have been better if it had followed without this kind of introduction. The Scene itself is admirable, and is, in many places, both affecting and comic, and the discovery of the real character of Phanium is made at a very proper time. 342 PHORMIO; OR, Act III. SCENE VI. Enter SoPHRONA from the house of DEMIPHo, at a distance. SOPH. (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 mis- tress, 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. CHREM. (apart, to himself.) But what old woman's this, that has come out of my brother's house, half dead with fright P SoPH. (to herself, continuing.) It was distress that com- pelled me to this step, though I knew that the match was not likely to hold good; my object was, that in the meantime life might be supported. CHREM. (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." SOPH. (to herself.) And we are not able to find— CHREM. (apart.) What must I do P SOPH. (to herself.) Her father. CHREM. (to himself, apart.) Shall I accost her, or shall I wait to learn more distinctly what it is she's saying P SOPH. (to herself) If now I could find him, there's nothing that I should be in fear of - CHREM. (apart, to himself, aloud.) 'Tis the very woman. I’ll address her. - SoPH. (turning round.) Who's that speaking here P CHREM. (coming forward.) Sophrona. SOPH. Mentioning my name, too? CHREM. Look round at me. SoPH. (seeing him.) Ye Gods, I do beseech you, isn't this Stilpho P CHREM. No. * My daughter's nurse)—Wer. 735. Among the ancients, it was the custom for nurses who had brought up children to remain with them in after-life. Sc. VI. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 343 SoPH. Do you deny it P CHREM. (in a low voice.) Step a little this way from that door, Sophrona, if you please (pointing). Don't you, hence- forth, be calling me by that name. SoPH. Why? Pray, are you not the person you always used to say you were P CHREM. Hush (pointing to his own house). SoPH. Why are you afraid about that door P CHREM. (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. SoPH. I faith, that's the very reason why we, wretched creatures, have never been able to find you out here. CHREM. Well, but tell me, what business have you with that family from whose house you were coming out P Where are the ladies P' SOPH. Ah, wretched me ! CHREM. Hah! What's the matter ? Are they still alive P SOPH. Your daughter is alive. Her poor mother died of ief. CHREM. An unfortunate thing! SOPH. 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). CHREM. What! to Antipho P SOPH. The very same, I say. CHREM. What ? Has he got two wives? SOPH. Dear no, prithee, he has only got this one. CHREM. What about the other one that's called his relative P SoPH. Why, this is she. CHREM. What is it you say? SOPH. It was done on purpose, in order that her lover might be enabled to marry her without a portion. CHREM. Ye Gods, by our trust in you! How often do those things come about through accident, which you couldn't dare * Where are the ladies 2)—Wer. 748. “Ubi illae?” literally, “Where are these women º’” 344 f PHORMIO; OR, Act IV. to hope for P. 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 endeavours, 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. - SoPH. 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. CHREM. 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. SoPH. No one shall know it from me. CHREM. Follow me; in-doors we'll hear the rest. (He goee into DEMIPHO's house, followed by SOPHRONA) ACT THE FOURTH. SCENE I. IEnter DEMIPHO and GETA. DEM. '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 sub- sist while he plans some other piece of roguery P * Run beyond the house)—Wer. 767. “Fugias ne praeter casam.” This passage has given much trouble to the Commentators; but it is pretty clear that the explanation of Donatus is the correct one : “Don’t abandon your own home,” that being the safest place. Stallbaum agrees with Gronovius in thinking that it was first applied as a piece of advice to runaway slaves, as being likely to become worse of by the change; probably much in the same spirit as we say, “Out of the frying. pan into the fire.” Sc. II. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 345 GETA. Most clearly so. DEM. They now get rewarded for it, who confound right with wrong. GETA. Most undoubtedly. * DEM. How very foolishly, in fact, we have managed the affair with him GETA. If by these means we can only manage for him to marry her. DEM. Is that, then, a matter of doubt P GETA. I'faith, judging from what the fellow is, I don't know whether he mightn't change his mind. DEM. How ! change it indeed P GETA. I don't know : but “if perhaps,” I say. DEM. 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.) SCENE IT. GETA, alone. GETA. The money's been got for Phaedria; it's all hushed about the law-suit; due care has been taken that she's not to leave for the present. What next, then P What's to be done P 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.) * Paying by borrowing)—Wer. 779. “Wersura solvere,” was “to pay a debt by borrowing money,” and consequently to be no better off than before. Geta having, by the money he has procured, freed Phaedria from all danger of losing his mistress, but at the same time having brought Antipho into still greater danger of losing his wife. ? Or his talking)—Wer. 782. “Ejus” here alludes, not to Nausistrata but to Phormio. Madame 1)acier suggests, that it should be “hujus 346 - PHORMIO; OR, Act IV. SCENE III. Enter DEMIPHo and NAUSISTRATA, from the house of CHREMEs. DEM. Come now, Nausistrata, after your usual way, manage to keep her in good humour with us, and make her do of her own accord what must be done. NAUs. I will. DEM. You are now seconding me with your endeavours, just as you assisted me with your money" before. NAUs. I wish to do so; and yet, i' faith, through the fault of my husband, I am less able than I ought to be. DEM. Why so P - NAUs. 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. DEM. Two talents, pray ? NAUs. Aye, and when things were much worse, two talents €Ven. DEM. Whew NAUs. What does this seem surprising? DEM. Of course it does. NAUs. I wish I had been born a man; I'd have shewn— DEM. That I’m quite sure of. NAUs. In what way DEM. 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. NAUs. I’ll do as you bid ine; but I see my husband coming out of your house. * With your money)—Wer. 785. Colman observes: “Alluding to the money borrowed of her to pay Phormio; and as Donatus observes in another place, it is admirably contrived, in order to bring about a humorous catastrophe, that Chremes should make use of his wife's money on this occasion.” - Sc. IV. THE SCII EMING PARASITE. 347 SCENE IV. Enter CHREMEs, hastily, from DEMIPHo's house. CHREM. Ha! Demipho, has the money been paid him yet P DEM. I took care immediately. CHREM. I wish it hadn't been paid him. (On seeing NAU- SISTRATA, aside.) Hallo, I espy my wife; I had almost said more than I ought. DEM. Why do you wish I hadn't, Chremes P CHREM. It's all right. DEM. What say you? Have you been letting her know why we are going to bring her P (pointing to NAUSISTRATA) CHREM. I've arranged it. DEM. Pray, what does she say ? CHREM. She can’t be got to leave. DEM. Why can’t she P CHREM. Because they are fond of one another. DEM. What's that to us? CHREM. (apart, to DEMIPHO.) A great deal; besides that, I've found out that she is related to us. DEM. (apart.) What? You are mad, surely. CHREM. (apart.) So you will find; I don't speak at ran- dom; I’ve recovered my recollection. DEM. (apart.) Are you quite in your senses 2 CHREM. (apart.) Nay, prithee, do take care not to injure your kinswoman. DEM. (apart.) She is not. CHREM. (apart.) Don't deny it; her father went by another name; that was the cause of your mistake. DEM. (apart.) Did she not know who was her father ? CHREM. (apart.) She did. DEM. (apart.) Why did she call him by another name 2 CHREM. (apart, frowning.) Will you never yield to me, nor understand what I mean & DEM. (apart.) If you don't tell me of anything CHREM. (impatiently.) Do you persist P NAUs. I wonder what all this can be. DEM. For my part, upon my faith, I don't know. 348 PHORMIO; OR, Act IV. CHREM. (whispering to him.) Would you tike to know? hen, so may Jupiter preserve me, not a person is there more nearly related to her than are you and T. DEM. (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). - CHREM. (stopping him.) Ah! DEM. What's the matter P CHREM. That you should put sº little confidence in me! DEM. Do you wish me to believe you ? Do you wish me to consider this as quite certain P. Very well, be it so. Well, what's to be done with our friend's' daughter P CHREM. She'll do well enough. DEM. Are we to drop her, then P CHREM. Why not ? DEM. The other one to stop P CHREM. Just so. DEM. You may go then, Nausist1ata. NAUs. 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 wnto her house.) SCENE. W. DEMIPHo and CHREMEs. DEM. What is the meaning of all this P CHREM. (looking at the door of his house.) Has she shut the door yet P I)EM. Now she has. CHREM. O Jupiter! the Gods do befriend us; I have found that it is my daughter married to your son. DEM. Ha! How can that possibly be P CHREM. This spot is not exactly suited for me to tell it 02/. DEM. Well then, step in-doors. - CHREM. Hark you, I don't wish our sons even to come to know of this. (They go into DEMIPHo's house.) * Our friend's)—Wer. 811. Chremes himself is so called, to deceive Nausistrata. Sc. VII. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 349 SCENE WI. Enter ANTIPHO. ANT. 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 oppor- tunity he would recommend me to take for meeting my father? SCENE VII. Enter PHORMIo, at a distance. PHOR. (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 neart few days. ANT. But here’s Phormio. (Going up to him.) What have you to say ? PHOR. About what P e ANT. Why—what's Phaedria going to do now P In what way does he say that he intends to take his fill of love? PHOR. In his turn, he's going to act your part. ANT. What part 2 - PHOR. 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 350 PHORMIo; OR, Act IV. 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. ANT. See who's coming out. PHOR. It's Geta. SCENE VIII. 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 has thou loaded this day with thy favours to my master Antipho ANT. (apart to PHORMIO.) I wonder what it is he means. 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. ANT. (apart to PHORMIO.) Do you understand what he's talking about P PHoR. (apart to ANTIPHo.) Do you? ANT. (apart to PHORMIO.) Not at all. PHOR. (apart to ANTIPHO.) And I just as much. GETA. (to himself.) I'll be off hence to the Procurer's; they are there just now. (Runs along.) ANT. (calling out.) Hallo! Geta 1 GETA. (still running.) There's for you. Is it anything new or wonderful to be called back, directly you’ve started ? ANT. Geta' GETA. Do you persist P Troth, you shall not on this occasion get the better of me by your annoyance. ANT. (running after him.) Won't you stop P GETA. You'll be getting a beating. ANT. Assuredly that will befall yourself just now unless you stop, you whip-knave. ! O goºd luck)—Wer. 840. “Fors fortuna,” “good fortune;” while “fortuna” merely means “chance.” * Throwing my cloak)—Ver. 843. When expedition was required, it was usual to throw the ends of the “pallium,” or “cloak,” over the shoulders. Sc. VIII. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 351 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. ANT. What's the matter P GETA, O being most blessed of all men living ! For without question, Antipho, you are the only favourite of the Gods. ANT. So I could wish; but I should like to be told why I'm to believe it is so. - GETA. Is it enough if I plunge you into a sea of joy P ANT. You are worrying me to death. PHOR. Nay but, do have done with your promises and tell us what you bring. GETA. (looking round.) Oh, are you here too, Phormio P PHOR. I am; but why do you delay P GETA. Listen, then. When we just now paid you the money at the Forum, we went straight to Chremes; in the meantime, my master sent me to your wife. ANT. What for P 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 enquired 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). ANT. Well done, Geta. GETA. Here I overheard a very pretty piece of business; so much so that I had nearly cried out for joy. ANT. What was it 2 GETA. (laughing.) What do you think P ANT. I don’t know. - GETA. Why, something most marvellous. Your uncle has been discovered to be the father of your wife, Phanium. ANT. (starting.) Hah! what's that you say? GETA. He formerly cohabited secretly with her mother at Lemnos. 352 PHORMIO; on, Act IV PHOR. A dream: how could she be ignorant about her own father ? GETA. Be sure, Phormio, that there is some reason: but do you suppose that, outside of the door, I was able to understand everything that passed between them within P ANT. On my faith, I too have heard the same story. GETA, Aye, and I’ll give you still further reason for believ- ing it: your uncle in the meantime 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. ANT. Why then carry me off" at once;—why do you delay GETA. I’ll do so. ANT. O my dear Phormio, farewell ! PHOR. Farewell, Antipho. (ANTIPHo and GETA go into DEMIPHO's house.) SCENE IX. PHORMIo, alone. PHOR. 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 oppor- tunity 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; * Carry me off)—Wer. 881. Madame Dacier says that Antipho is so rejoiced here at Geta's news, that he jumps upon his shoulders, and is carried off in triumph, which was a sort of stage-trick, and was very diverting to the Audience. On this, Colman observes: “I believe Madame Dacier has not the least foundation for this extraordinary piece of information; and I must confess, that I have too high an opinion, both of the Roman audience and actors, to believe it to be true.” Act V., sc. U. *HE SCHEMING PARASITE. 353 from tiss spot iſ: present myself to them, when they come out of doors. I shan’t go to the fair, where I pretended I was going. (He retires into the alley.) ACT THE FIFTH. SCENE I. Enter DEMIPHo and CHREMEs, from DEMIPHo's house. DEM. 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 Phor- mio as soon as possible, before he squanders our thirty minae, so that we may get them from him. Inter PHORMIO, coming forward, and speaking aloud, as though not seeing them. PHOR. I’ll go see if Demipho's at home; that as to what' DEM. (accosting him.) Why, Phormio, we were coming to Oll. y PHOR. Perhaps about the very same affair. (DEMIPHO nods assent.) I'faith, I thought so. What were you coming to my house for P Ridiculous; are you afraid that I shan’t do what I have once undertaken P Hark you, whatever is my poverty, still, of this one thing I have taken due care, not to forfeit my word. CHREM. (to DEMIPHO) Is she not genteel-looking,” just as I told you ? * That as to what)—Wer. 898. Lemaire suggest that he is about to say: “that as to what was agreed upon between us, I may take home this young woman, and make her my wife.” ? Is she not genteel-looking) —Wer. 904. Patrick has the following note here : “One cannot conceive anything more happy or just than these words of Chremes. Demipho's thoughts are wholly taken up how to recover the money, and Phormio is equally solicitous to retain it; but Chremes, who had just left his daughter, is regardless of their discourse, and fresh from the impressions which she had made on him, longs to know if his brother's sentiments of her were equally favourable, and naturally puts this paternal question to him.” - * 2 A 354 PHORMIO: OR, Act V. DEM. Very much so. PHOR. And this is what I'm come to tell you, Demipho, that I’m quite ready; whenever you please, give me my wife. For Ipostponed all my other business, as was fit I should, when I understood that you were so very desirous to have it so. DEM. (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 Ilić. PHOR. Upon my faith, you are treating me in a very insulting manner. DEM. How so? PHOR. Do you ask me P 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 P CHREM. Then besides, I see that Antipho is unwilling to part with her. (Aside, prompting DEMIPHO.) Say so. DEM. 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. PHOR. What, when I’ve paid it over to the persons to whom I was indebted P DEM. What's to be done, then P PHOR. If you will let me have her for a wife, as you pro- mised, 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. DEM. Away with you to utter perdition, with this swag- gering, you vagabond. What, then, do you fancy we don't know you, or your doings P * Transferred to my account)—Wer. 921. “Rescribere argentum,” or “nummos,” meant “to transfer,” or “set down money to the account of another person in one's banker's books.” A passage in the Asinaria of Plautus, l. 445 seems to have the same meaning. ſ Sc. I. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 355 PHOR. You are provoking me. DEM. Would you have married her, if she had been given to you ? PHOR. Try the experiment. DEM. That my son might cohabit with her at your house, that was your design. 2. PHOR. Pray, what is that you say? DEM. Then do you give me my money P PHOR. Nay, but do you give me my wife P h * Come before a magistrate. (Going to seize hold of 2%. PHOR. Why, really, if you persist in being troublesome— DEM. What will you do? PHOR. 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. CHREM. What's that to us P PHOR. (with a careless air.) Nothing at all. I know a certain lady here (pointing at CHREMEs's house) whose hus- band had - CHREM. (starting.) Ha! DEM. What's the matter P PHOR. Another wife at Lemnos— CHREM. (aside.) I’m ruined PHOR. By whom he had a daughter; and her he is secretly bringing up. - CHREM. (aside.) I’m dead and buried ! PHOR. This I shall assuredly now inform her of (Walks towards the house.) CHREM. (running and catching hold of him.) I beg of you, don’t do so. PHOR. (with a careless air.) Oh, were you the person P DEM. What a jest he's making of us. CHREM, (to PHORMIo.) We'll let you off PHOR. Nonsense. CHREM. What would you have P. We'll forgive you the money you've got. PHOR. I hear you. Why the plague, then, do you two trifle with me in this way, you silly men, with your childish * For the well portioned)—Wer. 939. Though Colman thinks other. wise, it is pretty clear that he alludes to Nausistrata in these words. 2 A 2 356 PHORMIO; OR, Act W. 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.” CHREM. (aside, to DEMIPHO.) In what manner, or from whom has he come to know of this P DEM. (aside.) I don't know; but that I’ve told it to no one, I know for certain. CHREM. (aside.) So may the Gods bless me, ’tis as good as a miracle. PHOR. (aside, to himself.) Tve gravelled them. DEM. (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 cannot 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, PHOR. (aside, to himself) Good lack-a-day, now's the stick- ing point, if I don't look out for myself. They are making towards me with a gladiatorial air. CHREM. (apart, to DEMIPHO.) But 1 doubt whether it's possible for her to be appeased. DEM. (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. * PHOR. (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 * To be carrying off)—Wer. 954. Patrick has the following note here: “The different characters of the two brothers are admirably pre- served throughout this Scene. Chremes stands greatly in awe of his wife, and will submit to anything rather than the story should come to her ears; but Demipho cannot brook the thoughts of losing so much money, and encourages his brother to behave with spirit and resolution, promising to make up matters between him and his wife.” * Dead and gone)—Wer. 965. “E medio excedere,” was an Euphemism signifying “to die,” which it was deemed of ill omen to mention. Sø, I. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 357 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 offences? On telling her of this, I’ll make her so incensed with you, that you shan’t quench her, though you should melt away into tears. DEM. (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 P CHREM. (aside.) I am brought to such a pass, that I really don’t know what to do in it. DEM. I know; let's go into court. PHOR. Into court P. Here in preference (pointing to CHREMEs's house), if it suits you in any way. (Moves towards the house.) DEM. (to CHREMEs.) Follow him, and hold him back, till I call out the servants. CHREM. (trying to seize PHORMIo.) But I can't by myself; run and help me. PHOR. (to DEMIPHo, who seizes hold of him.) There's one action of damages against you. CHREM. Sue him at law, then. PHOR. And another with you, Chremes. DEM. Lay hold of him. (They both drag him). PHOR. Is it thus you do? Why then I must exert my voice: Nausistrata, come out (calling aloud). CHREM. (to DEMIPHO) Stop his mouth. DEM. See how strong the rascal is. . PHOR. (calling aloud.) Nausistrata, I say. CHREM. Will you not hold your tongue? PHOR. Hold my tongue? - DEM. (to CHREMEs, as they drag him along.) If he won't follow, plant your fists in his stomach. PHOR. Or e'en gouge out an eye. The time's coming when I shall have a full revenge on you. 358 PHORMIO; OR, Act W. SCENE II. Enter NAUSISTRATA, in haste, from the house. NAUs. Who calls my name 2 CHREM. (in alarm.) Ha! NAUs. My husband, pray what means this disturbance? PHOR. (to CHREMEs.) Oh, oh, why are you mute now P NAUs. Who is this man? Won't you answer me P PHOR. What, he to answer you? who, upon my faith, doesn't know where he is. CHREM, (to NAUSISTRATA.) Take care how you believe that fellow in anything. PHOR. (to NAUSISTRATA) Go, touch him; if he isn't in a cold sweat all over, why then kill me. CHREM. 'Tis nothing at all. NAUs. What is it, then, that this person is talking about P PHoR. You shall know directly; listen now. CHREM. Are you resolved to believe him P NAUS. Pray, how can I believe him, when he has told me nothing : PHOR. The poor creature is distracted from fright. NAUS. It isn't for nothing, i' faith, that you are in such a fright. - CHREM. What, I in a fright PHOR. (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. DEM. Villain, is he to relate it at your request ? PHOR. (to DEMIPHO.) Come now, you've managed nicely for your brother. NAUs. My husband, will you not tell me? CHREM. But NAUS. But what ? CHREM. There's no need to tell you. PHOR. Not for you, indeed; but there's need for her to know it. At Lemnos— CHREM. (starting.) Ha! what are you doing 2 Sc. II. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 359 DEM. (to PHoRMIo.) Won't you hold your tongue? PHOR. (to NAUSISTRATA.) Unknown to you CHREM. Ah me ! PHoR. He married another NAUs. My dear sir, may the Gods forbid it ! PHoR. Such is the fact. NAUs. Wretch that I am, I’m undone ! PHOR. And had a daughter by her, too, while you never dreamt of it. CHREM. What are we to do P NAUs. O immortal Gods !— a disgraceful and a wicked misdeed DEM. (aside, to CHREMEs.) It's all up with you. PHOR. Was ever anything now more ungenerously done P Your men, who, when they come to their wives, then become incapacitated from old age. NAUs. 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 P DEM. Nausistrata, I don’t deny that in this matter, he has been deserving of censure; but still, it may be pardoned. PHoR. (apart.) He is talking to the dead. T)EM. 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 afterwards. 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. NAUs. Why should I with patience P I could wish, afflicted as I am, that there were an end now of this matter. But how can I hope P 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 P 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 ? PHoR. (in a loud voice.) Those who have* a mind to come 1 Those who have)—Wer. 1025. He here uses the terms which it was 360 PHORMIO; OR, Act W. 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 for ever ringing into his ears. - NAUs. But it was because I deserved this, I suppose; why should I now, Demipho, make mention of each particular, how I have conducted myself towards him P DEM. I know it all, as well as yourself. NAUs. Does it appear, then, that I deserved this treat- ment P DEM. Far from it: but since, by reproaching, it cannot now be undone, forgive him : he entreats you—he begs your pardon—owns his fault—makes an apology. What would you have more ? PHOR. (aside) But really, before she grants pardon to him, I must take care of myself and Phaedria. (To NAUSI- STRATA) Hark you, Nausistrata, before you answer him without thinking, listen to me. NAUS. What's the matter P PHOR. 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. CHREM. Ha! what is it you say ? PHOR. (sneeringly.) Does it seem to you so very im- proper for your son, a young man, to keep one mistress, while you have two wives P Are you ashamed of nothing? With what face will you censure him P Answer me that. DEM. He shall do as you wish. NAUS. Nay, that you may now know my determination, I neither forgive nor promise anything, nor give any answer, customary to employ in the celebration of a public funeral. See also the form of proclaiming an auction, at the end of the Menaechmi of Plautus. * Have him victimized)—Wer. 1027. “Mactatus” was the term applied to the pouring of wine and frankincense on the victim about to be sacrificed, on which it was said to be “magis auctus,” “increased,” or “amplified;’’ which, in time, became corrupted into the word “mactatus,” or “mactus.” Sc. II. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 361. before I see my son: to his decision I leave everything. What he bids me, I shall do. DEM. You are a wise woman, Nausistrata. NAUs. Does that satisfy you, Chremes P CHREM. Yes, indeed, I come off well, and fully to my satisfaction; indeed, beyond my expectation. NAUs. (to PHoRMIo.) Do you tell me, what is your name P PHOR. What mine? Phormio; a well-wisher to your family, upon my honour, and to your son Phaedria in par- ticular. NAUs. Then, Phormio, on my word, henceforward I'll both do and say for you all I can, and whatever you may desire. PHOR. You speak obligingly. NAUs. I’laith, it is as you deserve. PHOR. First, then, will you do this, Nausistrata, at once, to please me, and to make your husband's eyes ache with veacation f NAUs. With all my heart. PHOR. Invite me to dinner. NAUs. Assuredly indeed, I do invite you. DEM. Let us now away in-doors. CHREM. By all means; but where is Phaedria, our arbi trator P PHOR. I’ll have him here just now. (To the AUDIENCE.) Fare you well, and grant us your applause." * Grant us your applause)—Wer. 1054. Thus concludes the last, and certainly not the least meritorious of the Plays of our Author; indeed, for genuine comic spirit, it may challenge comparison with the Eunuch, which is in general cousidered to be the best. 362 PHORMIo; OR, ADDITIONAL SCENE. (Which is generally considered to be spurious.) Enter PHAEDRIA and PHORMIo, from opposite sides of the stage. PHAED. 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.” PHOR. (aside.) Heyday ! what means this P I've met with Socrates, not Phaedria, so far as I see. Why hesi- tate to go up and address him P (Accosting him.) How now, Phaedria, whence have you acquired this new wisdom, and derived such great delight, as you show by your coun- tenance P PHA.D. Owelcome, 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. & PHOR. Pray, tell me what is the matter. PHAED. 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. PHOR. What is it you tell me P Are you dreaming, pray ? PHAED. Upon my faith, I’m saying what's true. PHOR. 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.” PHA.D. Nay, but do ſisten, 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. PHOR. I’ve been for some time in a state of suspense. PHAED. Do you know Phanocrates ? PHOR. As well as I do yourself. THE SCHEMING PARASITE. 363 PHAED. The rich man P PHOR. I understand. PHAED. He is the father of Pamphila. Not to detain you, these were the circumstances: Calchas. W is his ser- vant, a worthless, wicked fellow. Intending to run away from the house, he carried off this girl, whorl 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, inas- much as she recollected herself being attended and trained up by female servants: the name of her parents she didn't recollect. ſ PHOR. How, then, were they discovered P PHAED. 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 afterwards to Dorio. Phanocrates sent immediately, and claimed his daughter; but when he learned that she had been sold, he came running to me. PHOR. O, how extremely fortunate 1 PHAED. Phanocrates has no objection to my marrying her; nor has my father, I imagine. PHOR. 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. PHAED. You are joking. PHOR. So it is, I tell you. Do you only give me the thirty minae which Dorio PHAED. 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. PHOR. 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 cannot in wealth; and in p 364 PHORMIO; OR, THE SCHEMING PARASITE. affection and zeal, I must repay you what I owe. To be surpassed in deserving well, is a disgrace to a man of principle. º PHAED. 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 ? PHOR. There are many particulars, which at present T 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. PHED. Very well; follow me. (To the AUDIENCE.) Fare you well, and grant us your applause. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. B 00 K I. TEIE PROLOGUE. THE matter which Æsop, the inventor of Fables, has provided, I have polished in Iambic verse. The advantages of this little work are twofold—that it excites laughter, and by counsel guides the life of man. But if any one shall think fit to cavil, because not only wild beasts, but even trees speak, let him remember that we are disporting in fables. FABLE I. THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. Driven by thirst, a Wolf and a Lamb had come to the same stream; the Wolf stood above, and the Lamb at a dis- tance below. Then, the spoiler, prompted by a ravenous maw, alleged a pretext for a quarrel. “Why,” said he, “have you made the water muddy for me while I am drink- ing?” The Fleece-bearer, trembling, answered: “Prithee. Wolf, how can I do what you complain of P. The water is flowing downwards from you to where I am drinking.” The other, disconcerted by the force of truth, eacclaimed: “Six months ago, you slandered me.” “Indeed, answered 366 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book I. the Lamb, “I was not born then.” “By Hercules,” said the Wolf, “then “twas your father slandered me;” and so, snatching him up, he tore him to pieces, killing him unjustly. This Fable is applicable to those men who, under false pretences, oppress the innocent. FABLE II. THE FROGS ASKING FOR A. KING. When Athens” was flourishing under just laws, liberty grown wanton embroiled the city, and license relaxed the reins of ancient discipline. Tſpon this, the partisans of factions conspiring, Pisistratus the Tyrant” seized the citadel. When the Athenians were lamenting their sad servitude (not that he was cruel, but because every burden is grievous to those who are unused to it), and began to complain, AEsop related a Fable to the following effect :— - “The Frogs, roaming at large in their marshy fens, with loud clamour demanded of Jupiter a king, who, by his authority, might check their dissolute manners. The Father of the Gods smiled, and gave them a little Log, which, on being thrown among them startled the timorous race by the noise and sudden commotion in the bog. When it had lain for some time immersed in the mud, one of them by chance silently lifted his head above the water, and having taken a peep at the king, called up all the rest. Having got the better of their fears, vying with each other, they swim towards him, and the insolent mob leap upon the Log. After defiling it with . every kind of insult, they sent to Jupiter, requesting another king, because the one that had been given them was use- less. Upon this, he sent them a Water Snake,” who with * When Athens)—Wer. 1. This probably alludes to the government of Solon, when Archon of Athens. 2 Pisistratus the Tyrant)—Wer. 5. From Suidas and Eusebius we learn that Æsop died in the fifty-fourth Olympiad, while Pisistratus did not seize the supreme power at Athens till the first year of the fifty-fifth. These dates, however, have been disputed by many, and partly on the strength of the present passage. * A Water-Snake)—Wer. 24. Pliny tells us that the “hydrus” lives in the water, and is exceedingly venomous. Some Commentators think Fable III. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 367 his sharp teeth began to gobble them up one after another. Helpless they strive in vain to escape death; terror deprives them of voice. By stealth, therefore, they send through Mer- cury a request to Jupiter, to succour them in their distress. Then said the God in reply: ‘Since you would not be con- tent with your good fortune, continue to endure your bad fortune.” “Do you also, O fellow-citizens,” said Æsop, “submit to the present evil, lest a greater one befall you.” FABLE III. THE WAIN JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCK. That one ought not to plume oneself on the merits which belong to another, but ought rather to pass his life in his own proper guise, Æsop has given us this illustration:— A Jackdaw, swelling' with empty pride, picked up some feathers which had fallen from a Peacock, and decked him- self out therewith ; upon which, despising his own kind, he mingled with a beauteous flock of Peacocks. They tore his feathers from off the impudent bird, and put him to flight with their beaks. The Jackdaw, thus roughly handled, in grief hastened to return to his own kind; repulsed by whom, he had to submit to sad disgrace. Then said one of those whom he had formerly despised : “If you had been con- tent with our station, and had been ready to put up with what nature had given, you would neither have experienced the former affront, nor would your ill fortune have had to feel the additional pang of this repulse. that Phaedrus, like AEsop, intends to conceal a political meaning under this Fable, and that by the Water-Snake he means Caligula, and by the Log, Tiberius. Others, perhaps with more probability, think that the cruelty of Tiberius alone is alluded to in the mention of the Snake. Indeed, it is doubtful whether Phaedrus survived to the time of Caligula: and it is more generally believed that the First and Second Books were written in the time of Augustus and Tiberius. ' A Jackdaw, swelling)—Ver, 4. Scheffer thinks that Sejanus is alluded to under this image. - 368 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book I. FABLE IV. THE DOG CARRYING SOME MEAT ACROSS A RIVER, He who covets what belongs to another, deservedly loses his own. As a Dog, swimming" through a river, was carrying a piece of meat, he saw his own shadow in the watery mirror ; and, thinking that it was another booty carried by another dog, attempted to snatch it away; but his greediness was disap- pointed, he both dropped the food which he was holding in his mouth, and was after all unable to reach that at which he grasped. FABLE W. THE COW, THE SHE-GOAT, THE SHEEP, AND THE LION. An alliance with the powerful is never to be relied upon: the present Fable testifies the truth of my maxim. A Cow, a She-Goat, and a Sheep” patient under injuries, were partners in the forests with a Lion. When they had captured a Stag of vast bulk, thus spoke the Lion, after it had been divided into shares: “Because my name is Lion, I take the first; the second you will yield to me because I am courageous; then, because I am the strongest,” the third will As a Dog swimming)—Wer. 9. Lessing finds some fault with the way in which this Fable is related, and with fair reason. The Dog swimming would be likely to disturb the water to such a degree, that it would be impossible for him to see with any distinctness the reflection of the meat. The version which represents him as crossing a bridge is certainly more consistent with nature. * And a Sheep)—Wer. 3. Lessing also censures this Fable on the ground of the partnership being contrary to nature; neither the cow, the goat, nor the sheep feed on flesh. * I am the strongest)—Wer. 9. Some critics profess to see no difference between “sum fortis” in the eighth line, and “plus valeo” here; bi the former expression appears to refer to his courage, and the latter to his strength. However, the second and third reasons are nothing but reite- rations of the first one, under another form. Davidson remarks on this passage: “I am not certain that the Poet meant any distinction; nay, there is, perhaps, a propriety in supposing that he industriously makes Fable VII. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 369 fall to my lot; if any one touches the fourth, woe betide him.” f Thus did unscrupulousness seize upon the whole prey for itself. FABLE VI. THE FROGS COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN. AEsop, on seeing the pompous wedding of a thief, who was his neighbour, immediately began to relate the following story : - & on a time, when the Sun was thinking of taking a wife,” the Frogs sent forth their clamour to the stars. Dis- turbed by their croakings, Jupiter asked the cause of their complaints. Then said one of the inhabitants of the pool: “As it is, by himself he parches up all the standing waters, and compels us unfortunates to languish and die in our scorched abode. What is to become of us, if he beget children P” Fabir VII. THE FOX AND THE TRAGIC MASK. * knew". - e A Fox, by chance, casting § eyes on a Tragic Mask: “Ah,” said she, “great as is its beauty, still it has no brains.” the Lion plead twice upon the same title, to represent more strongly by what "unjust claims men in power often invade the property of another.” 1 Taking a wife)—Wer. 3. It has been suggested by Brotier and Desbillons, that in this Fable Phaedrus covertly alludes to the marriage which was contemplated by Livia, or Livilla, the daughter of the elder Drusus and Antonia, and the wife of her first-cousin, the younger Drusus, with the infamous Sejanus, the minister and favourite of Tibe- rius, after having, with his assistance, removed her husband by poison. In such case, the Frogs will represent the Roman people, the Sun Sejanus, who had greatly oppressed them, and by Jupiter, Tiberius will be meant. 2 Has no brains)—Wer. 2. To make the sense of this remark of the Fox the more intelligible, we must bear in mind that the ancient masks covered the whole head, and sometimes extended down to the shoulders; consequently, their resemblance to the human head was much more striking than in the masks of the present day. 2 B 870 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book I. This is meant for those to whom fortune has granted honor and renown, leaving them void of common sense. FABLE VIII. | THE WOLE AND THE CRANE. . . He who expects a recompense for his services rom the dishonest commits a twofold mistake; first, because he assists the undeserving, and in the next place, because he cannot be gone while he is yet safe. A bone that he had swallowed stuck in the jaws of a Wolf. Thereupon, overcome by extreme pain, he began to tempt all and sundry by great rewards to extract the cause of misery. At length, on his taking an oath, a Crane was prevailed on, and, trusting the length of her neck to his throat, she wrought, with danger to herself, a cure for the Wolf. When she demanded the promised reward for this service, You are an ungrateful one,” replied the Wolf, “to have taken your head in safety out of my mouth, and then to ask for a seward.” - FABLE IX. THE SPARROW AND THE HARE. Let us show, in a few lines, that it is unwise to be heed- less" of ourselves, while we are giving advice to others. A Sparrow upbraided a Hare, that had been pounced upon by an Eagle, and was sending forth piercing cries. “Where now,” said he, “is that fleetness for which you are so remarkable? Why were your feet thus tardy ?” While he was speaking, a Hawk seizes him unawares, and kills him, shrieking aloud with vain complaints. The Hare, almost dead, as a consolation in his agony, eaclaimed: “You, who so lately, free from care, were ridiculing my misfortunes, have now to deplore your own fate with as woful cause.” * To be heedless)—Wer. 1. “Cavere” is a word of legal signification, meaning to give advice to a person by Way of assistance or precaution, as a patron to his client. Fable XI. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS, 371. EABLE X. THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE. Whoever has once become notorious by base fraud, even if he speaks the truth, gains no belief. To this, a short Fable of AEsop bears witness. A. Wolf indicted a Fox upon a charge of theft; the latter denied that she was amenable to the charge. Upon this, the Ape sat as judge between them; and when each of them had pleaded his cause, the Ape is said to have pronounced this sentence : “You, Wolf, appear not to have lost what you demand; I believe that you, Foa, have stolen what you so speciously deny. FABLE XI. THE ASS AND THE LION FIUNTING. A dastard, who in his talk brags of his prowess, and is devoid of courage," imposes upon strangers, but is the jest of all who know him. A Lion having resolved to hunt in company with an Ass, concealed him in a thicket, and at the same time enjoined him to frighten the wild beasts with his voice, to which they were unused, while he himself was to catch them as they fled. Upon this, Long-ears, with all his might, suddenly raised a cry, and terrified the beasts with this new cause of astonishment.” While, in their alarm, they are flying to the well-known outlets, they are overpowered by the dread onset of the Lion; who, after he was wearied with slaughter, called forth the Ass from his retreat, and bade him cease his clamour. On this the other, in his insolence, inquired : “What think you of the assistance given by my voice P” “Excellent 1” said the Lion, “so much so, that if I had not been acquainted with your spirit and your race, I should have fled in alarm like the rest. * Devoid of courage)—Wer. 1. Burmann suggests, with great pro- bability, that Phaedrus had here in mind those braggart warriors, who have been so well described by Plautus and Terence, under the charac- ters of Pyrgopolynices and Thraso. * This new cause of astonishment) Ver, 8.-Never having heard the voice of an ass in the forests before 2 B 2 372, THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book I. FABLE XII. THE STAG AT THE STREAM. This story shows that what you contemn is often found of more utility than what you load with praises. A Stag, when he had drunk at a stream, stood still, and gazed upon his likeness in the water. While there, in admi- ration, he was praising his branching horns, and finding fault with the extreme thinness of his legs, suddenly roused by the cries of the huntsmen, he took to flight over the plain, and with nimble course escaped the dogs. Then a wood received the beast ; in which, being entangled and caught by his horns, the dogs began to tear him to pieces with Savage bites. While dying, he is said to have uttered these words: “Oh, how unhappy am I, who now too late find out how useful to me were the things that I despised ; and what sor- row the things I used to praise, have caused me.” FABLE XITT. THE FOX AND THE RAVEN. He who is delighted at being flattered with artful words, generally pays the ignominious penalty of a late repentance. As a Raven, perched in a lofty tree, was about to eat a piece of cheese, stolen from a window," a Fox espied him, and thereupon began thus to speak: “O Raven, what a glossiness there is upon those feathers of yours | What grace you carry in your shape and air! If you had a voice, no bird whatever would be superior to you.” On this, the other, while, in his folly, attempting to show off his voice, let fall the cheese from his mouth, which the crafty Fox with greedy teeth instantly snatched up. Then, too late, the Raven, thus, in his stupidity overreached, heaved a bitter sigh. By this story” it is shown, how much ingenuity avails, and how wisdom is always an overmatch for strength. * From a windºw)— Ver. 3. Burmann suggests that the window of a house in which articles of food were exposed for sale, i- probably meant. * By this story)—Wer. 13. Heinsius thinks this line and the next to be spurious ; because, though Phaedrus sometimes at the beginning Fable XV. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 3 7 3 FABLE XIV. THE COBBLER, TURNED PHYSICIAN. A bungling Cobbler, broken down by want, having begun. to practise physic in a strange place, and selling his anti- dote" under a feigned name, gained some reputation for himself by his delusive speeches. Upon this, the King of the city, who lay ill, being afflicted with a severe malady, asked for a cup, for the purpose of try- ing him ; and then pouring water into it, and pretending that he was mixing poison with the fellow's antidote, ordered him to drink it off, in consideration of a stated rewar Through fear of death, the cobbler then confessed that not by any skill in the medical art, but through the stupidity of the public, he had gained his reputation. The King, hav- ing summoned a council, thus remarked : “What think you of the extent of your madness, when you do not hesitate to trust your lives” to one to whom no one would trust his feet to be fitted with shoes?” This, I should say with good reason, is aimed at those through whose folly impudence makes a profit. FABLE XV. THE ASS AND THE OLD SHIEPHERD. In a clange of government, the poor change nothing beyond the name of their master. That this is the fact this little Fable shows. * mentions the design of his Fable, he seldom does so at the end. In this conjecture he is followed by Bentley, Sanadon, and many others of the learned. * Selling his antidote)—Wer. 3. “Antidotum ” probably means a universal remedy, capable of curing all natural diseases, as well as neutralizing the effects of poison. * Trust your lives)—Wer. 15. He seems to pun upon the word “capita,” as meaning not only “the life,” but “the head,” in contradis- tinction to “the feet,” mentioned in the next line. As in l. 2 we find that he came to a place where he was not known, we must suppose that the Cobbler confessed to the King his former calling. 374, THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book I. A timorous Old Man was feeding an Ass n a meadow. Frightened by a sudden alarm of the enemy, he tried to per- suade the Ass to fly, lest they should be taken prisoners. But he leisurely replied: “Pray, do you suppose that the conqueror will place double panniers upon me?” The Old Man said, “No.” “Then what matters it to me, so long as I have to carry my panniers, whom I serve " FABLE XVI. THE STAG, THE SHEEP, AND THE WOLF. When a rogue offers his name as surety in a doubtful case, he has no design to act straight-forwardly, but is looking to mischief. A Stag asked a Sheep for a measure of wheat, a Wolf being his surety. The other, however, suspecting fraud, replied: “The Wolf has always been in the habit of plun- dering and absconding; you, of rushing out of sight with rapid flight : where am I to look for you both when the day comes?” FABLE XVII. THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND THE WOLF. Liars generally” pay the penalty of their guilt. . A Dog, who was a false accuser, having demanded of a Sheep a loaf of bread, which he affirmed he had entrusted to her charge ; a Wolf, summoned as a witness, affirmed that not only one was owing but ten. Condemned on false tes- timony, the Sheep had to pay what she did not owe. A few days after, the Sheep saw the Wolf lying in a pit. “This,” said she, “is the reward of villany, sent by the Gods.” * For a measure)—Wer. 3. Properly “modius;” the principal dry measure of the Romans. It was equal to one-third of the amphora, and therefore to nearly two gallons English. * Day comes)—Wer. 6. “Quum dies adveniat,” a law term, signify- ing “when the day of payment comes.” * Liars generally)—Wer. 1. It is supposed by some that this Fable is levelled against the informers who infested Rome in the days of Tiberius. Fable XX. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 375 EABLE XVIII. THE WOMAN IN LABOUR. No one returns with good will to the place which has done him a mischief. Her months completed,” a Woman in labour lay upon the ground, uttering woful moans. Her Husband entreated her to lay her body on the bed, where she might with more ease deposit her ripe burden. “I feel far from confident,” said she, “that my pains can end in the place where they originated.” FABLE XIX. THE BITCH AND HER, WHELPS. The fair words of a wicked man are fraught with treachery, and the subjoined lines warn us to shun them. A Bitch, ready to whelp,” having entreated another that she might give birth to her offspring in her kennel, easily obtained the favour. Afterwards, on the other asking for her place back again, she renewed her entreaties, earnestly begging for a short time, until she might be enabled to lead forth her whelps when they had gained sufficient strength. This time being also expired, the other began more urgently to press for her abode : “If,” said the tenant, “you can be a match for me and my litter, I will depart from the place." FABLE XX. THE HUNGERY DOGS. An ill-judged project is not only without effect, but also lures mortals to their destruction. | Her months completed)—Wer. 2. Plutarch relates this, not as a Fable, but as a true narrative. * Ready to whelp)—Wer. 3. Justin, B. I., c. 3, mentions this Fable with some little variation, as being related by a Ligurian to Comanus, the son of King Nannus, who had granted (about B.C. 540) Some land to the Phocaeans for the foundation of the city of Massilia; signifying thereby that the natives would be quickly dispossessed by the new- COIIl CIS, 376 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book E. Some Dogs espied a raw hide sunk in a river. In order that they might more easily get it out and devour it, they fell to drinking up the water ; they burst, however, and perished before they could reach what they sought. FARLE XXI. THE AGED LION, THE WILD BOAR, THE BULL, AND THE ASS. Whoever has fallen from a previous high estate, is in his calamity the butt even of cowards. As a Lion, worn out with years, and deserted by his strength, lay drawing his last breath, a Wild Boar came up to him, with flashing tusks," and with a blow revenged an old affront. Next, with hostile horns, a Bull pierced the body of his foe. An Ass, on seeing the wild beast maltreated with impunity, tore up his forehead with his heels. On this, expiring, he said: “I have borne, with indignation, the insults of the brave; but in being inevitably forced to bear with you, disgrace to nature | I seem to die a double death.” FABLE XXII. THE MAN AND THE WEASEL. A Weasel, on being caught by a Man, wishing to escape impending death : “Pray,” said she, “do spare me, for 'tis I who keep your house clear of troublesome mice.” The Man made answer: “If you did so for my sake, it would be a reason for thanking you, and I should have granted you the pardon you entreat. But, inasmuch as you do your best that you may enjoy the scraps which they would have gnawed, and devour the mice as well, don't think of plac- ing your pretended services to my account;” and so saying, he put the wicked creature to death. - ' With flashing tusks)—Wer. 5. “Fulmineus,” “ lightning like.’ is an epithet given by Ovid and Statius also, to the tusks of the wild boar; probably by reason of their sharpness and the impetuosity of the blew inflicted thereby. Scheffer suggests that they were so called from their white appearance among the black hair of the boar's head. Table XXV. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 377 Those persons ought to recognize this as applicable to themselves, whose object is private advantage, and who boast to the unthinking of an unreal merit. FABLE XXIII. THE FAITH FUL DOG. The man who becomes liberal all of a sudden, gratifies the foolish, but for the wary spreads his toils in vain. A Thief one night threw a crust of bread to a Dog, to try whether he could be gained by the proffered victuals: “Hark you,” said the Dog, “do you think to stop my tongue so that I may not bark for my master's property P You are greatly mistaken. For this sudden liberality bids me be on the watch, that you may not profit by my neglect. TABLE XXIV. THE FROG AND THE OX. The needy man, while affecting to imitate the powerful, comes to ruin. Once on a time, a Frog espied an Ox in a meadow, and moved with envy at his vast bulk, puffed out her wrinkled skin, and then asked her young ones whether she was bigger than the Ox. They said “No.” Again, with still greater efforts, she distended her skin, and in like manner enquired which was the bigger:* they said: “The Ox.” At last, while, full of indignation, she tried, with all her might, to puff herself out, she burst her body on the spot. FABLE XXV. THE DOG AND THE CROCODTLE, Those who give bad advice to discreet persons, both lose their pains, and are laughed to scorn. | Which war the bigger)—Wer. 8. “Quis major esset. Illi dixerunt Bovem.” Bentley censures this line, and thinks it spurious. In good Latin, he says “uter” would occupy the place of “quis,” and “bo- vem” would be replaced by “bos.” 378 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book I. It has been related," that Dogs drink at the river Nile running along, that they may not be seized by the Crocodiles. Accordingly, a Dog having begun io drink while running along, a Crocodile thus addressed him : “Lap as leisurely as you like; drink on ; come nearer, and don’t be afraid,” said he. The other replied: “Egad, I would do so with all my heart, did I not know that you are eager for my flesh.” FABLE XXVI. THE FOX AND THE STORK. Harm should be done to no man; but if any one do an injury, this Fable shows that he may be visited with a like return. A Fox is said to have given a Stork the first invitation to a banquet, and to have placed before her some thin broth in a flat dish, of which the hungry Stork could in no way get a taste. Having invited the Fox in return, she set before him a narrow-mouthed jar,” full of minced meat:” and, thrust- ing her beak into it, satisfied herself, while she tormented her guest with hunger; who, after having in vain licked the neck of the jar, as we have heard, thus addressed the foreign bird:* “Every one is bound to bear patiently the results of his own example.” 1 It has been related)—Wer. 3. Pliny, in his Natural History, B. viii. c. 40, and Ælian, in his Various and Natural Histories, relate the same fact as to the dogs drinking of the Nile. “To treat a thing, as the dogs do the Nile,” was a common proverb with the ancients, signifying to do it superficially; corresponding with our homely saying, “To give it a lick and a promise.” Macrobius, in the Saturnalia, B. i. c. 2, mentions story, that after the defeat at Mutina, when enquiry was made as to what had become of Antony, one of his servants made answer: “He has done what the dogs do in Egypt, he drank and ran away,” * Of minced meat)—Wer. 7. “Intritus cibus,” is thought here to signify a peculiar dish, consisting of bread soaked in milk, cheese, gar- lic, and other herbs. * Warrow-mouthed jar)—Wer. 8. The “lagena,” or “lagona,” was a long-necked bottle or flagon, made of earth, and much used for keeping wine or fruit. * The foreign bird)—Wer. 11. Alluding probably to the migratory habits of the stork, or the fact of her being especially a native of Egypt. Fable XXVIII. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUs. 379 FABLE XXVII. THE DOG, THE TREASURE, AND THE WULTURE. This Fable may be applied to the avaricious, and to those, who, born to a humble lot, affect to be called rich. Grubbing up human bones," a Dog met with a Treasure; and, because he had offended the Gods the Manes,” a desire for riches was inspired in him, that so he might pay the penalty due to the holy character of the place. Accordingly, while he was watching over the gold, forgetful of food, he was starved to death; on which a Vulture, standing over him, is reported to have said: “O Dog, you justly meet your death, who, begotten at a cross-road, and bred up on a dunghill, have suddenly coveted regal wealth. FABLE XXVIII. THE FOX AND THE EAGLE, Men, however high in station, ought to be on their guard against the lowly; because, to ready address, revenge lies near at hand. An Eagle one day carried off the whelps of a Fox, and placed them in her nest before her young ones, for them to tear in pieces as food. The mother, following her, began to entreat that she would not cause such sorrow to her miserable suppliant. The other despised her, as being safe in the very situation of the spot. The Fox snatched from an altar a burning torch, and surrounded the whole tree with flames, intending to mingle anguish to her foe with the loss 1 Human bones)—Wer. 3. This plainly refers to the custom which prevailed among the ancients, of burying golden ornaments, and even money, with the dead; which at length was practised to such an excess, that at Rome the custom was forbidden by law. It was probably prac- tised to a great extent by the people of Etruria; if we may judge from the discoveries of golden ornaments frequently made in their tombs. * Gods the Manes)—Wer. 4. Perhaps by “Deos Manes” are meant the good and bad Genii of the deceased. 3S0 THE FABEES OF PHAEDRUS. Book I. of her offspring. The Eagle, that she might rescue her young ones from the peril of death, in a suppliant manner restored to the Fox her whelps in safety. • FABLE XXIX. - THE ASS DERIT)ING THE BOAR. Fools often, while trying to raise a silly laugh, provoke others by gross affronts, and cause serious danger to them- selves. - An Ass meeting a Boar: “Good morrow to you, brother,” says he. The other indignantly rejects the salutation, and enquires why he thinks proper to utter such an untruth. The Ass, with legs' crouching down, replies: “If you deny that you are like me, at all events I have something very like your snout.” The Boar, just on the point of making a fierce attack, suppressed his rage, and said: “Revenge were easy for me, but I decline to be defiled with such dastardly blood. FABLE XXX. THE FROGS FRIGHTENED AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS. When the powerful” are at variance, the lowly are the sufferers. - - A Frog, viewing from a marsh, a combat of some Bulls: “Alas!” said she, “what terrible destruction is threatening us.” Being asked by another why she said so, as the Bulls were contending for the sovereignty of the herd, and passed their lives afar from them : “Their habitation is at a dis- tance,” said she, and they are of a different kind; still, he who is expelled from the sovereignty of the meadow, will take * The ass, with legs)—Ver. 7. This line is somewhat modified in the translation. * When the powerful)—Wer. 1. This is similar to the line of Horace, “Quicquid delirant reges, plectuntur Achivi.” Fable XXXI. THE FABLEs of PHAEDRUs. 381, to flight, and come to the secret hiding-places in the fens. and trample and crush us with his hard hoof. Thus does their fury concern our safety.” FABLE XXXI. THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS. He who entrusts himself to the protection of a wicked man, while he seeks assistance, meets with destruction. Some Pigeons, having often escaped from a Kite, and by their swiftness of wing avoided death, the spoiler had recourse to stratagem, and by a crafty device of this nature, deceived the harmless race. “Why do you prefer to live a life of anxiety, rather than conclude a treaty, and make me ºfour king, who can ensure your safety from every injury?” They, putting confidence in him, entrusted themselves ;o the Kite, who, on obtaining the sovereignty, began to devour them one by one, and to exercise authority with his cruel talons. Then said one of those that were left : “Deservedly are we smittel.”. 382 | THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book II. B 00 K II. THE PROLOGUE. THE plan of AEsop is confined to instruction by examples; nor by Fables is anything else' aimed at than that the errors of mortals may be corrected, and persevering industry” exert itself. Whatever the playful invention, therefore, of the narrator, so long as it pleases the ear, and answers its pur- pose, it is recommended by its merits, not by the Author's Ila.II 162. - For my part, I will with all care follow the method of the sage;” but if I should think fit to insert something" of my own, that variety of subjects may gratify the taste, I trust, Reader, you will take it in good part ; provided that my brevity be a fair return for such a favour: of which, that my praises may not be verbose, listen to the reason why you ought to deny the covetous, and even to offer to the modest that for which they have not asked. ! Is anything else)—Wer. 2. Burmann thinks that the object of the Author in this Prologue is to defend himself against the censures of those who might blame him for not keeping to his purpose, mentioned in the Prologue of the First Book, of adhering to the fabulous matter used by AEsop, but mixing up with such stories narratives of events that had happened in his own time. * Persevering industry)—Wer. 5. “Diligens industria.” An indus- try or ingenuity that exerts itself in trying to discover the meaning of his Fables. * Of the sage)—Wer. 8. Meaning Æsop. * To insert something)—Wer. 9. He probably alludes to such con- temporary narratives as are found in Fable v. of the present Book; in Fable x. of the Third; in B. iV., Fables v., xxi., xxiv.; and B. W., Fables i., v. vii. *- Fable II. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 383 FABLE I. THE LION, THE ROBBER, AND THE TRAVELLER. While a Lion was standing over a Bullock, which he had brought to the ground, a Robber came up, and demanded a share. “I would give it you,” said the Lion, “were you not in the habit of taking without leave;” and so repulsed the rogue. By chance, a harmless Traveller was led to the same spot, and on seeing the wild beast, retraced his steps; on which the Lion kindly said to him : “You have nothing to fear; boldly take the share which is due to your modesty.” Then having divided the carcase, he sought the woods, that he might make room for the Man. A very excellent example, and worthy of all praise; but covetousness is rich and modesty in want.” FABLE II. THE TWO WOMEN OF TXITFERENT AGES BELOWED BY THE MIDIDLE-AGED MAN. That the men, under all circumstances, are preyed upon by the women, whether they love or are beloved, this truly we learn from examples. A Woman, not devoid of grace, held enthralled a certain Man of middle age,” concealing her years by the arts of the toilet : a lovely Young creature, too, had captivated the heart of the same person. Both, as they were desirous to appear of the same age with him, began, each in her turn, to pluck out the hair of the Man. While he imagined that * Modesty in want)—Wer. 12. Martial has a similar passage, B. iv., Epig. 9:— “Semper eris pauper, si pauper es, AEmiliane, Dantur opes nulli nunc nisi divitibus.” * Of middle age)—Wer 8. It has been a matter of doubt among Commentators to which “aetatis mediae" applies—the man or the woman. But as she is called “anus,” “an Old Woman,” in the last line, it is most probable that the man is meant. 384 THE FABLEs of PHAEDRUS Book II. he was made trim by the care of the women, he suddenly found himself bald; for the Young Woman had entirely pulled out the white hairs, the Old Woman the black ones. FABLE III. THE MAN AND THE DOG. A Man, torn by the bite of a savage Dog, threw a piece of bread, dipt in his blood, to the offender ; a thing that he had heard was a remedy for the wound. Then said Æsop : “Don’t do this before many dogs, lest they devour us alive, when they know that such is the reward of guilt.” The success of the wicked is a temptation to many. FABLE IV. THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE WILD SOW. An Eagle had made her nest at the top of an oak ; a Cat who had found a hole in the middle, had kittened there; a Sow, a dweller in the woods, had laid her offspring at the bottom. Then thus does the Cat with deceit and wicked malice, destroy the community so formed by accident. She mounts up to the nest of the Bird: “Destruction,” says she, “is preparing for you, perhaps, too, for wretched me; for as you see, the Sow, digging up the earth every day, is insidiously trying to overthrow the oak, that she may easily seize our progeny on the ground.” Having thus spread terror, and bewildered the Eagle's senses, the Cat creeps down to the lair of the bristly Sow : “In great danger,” says she, “are your offspring ; for as soon as you go out to forage with your young litter, the Eagle is ready to Snatch away from you your little pigs.” Having filled this place likewise with alarna, she cunningly hides herself in her safe hole. Thence she wanders forth on tiptoe by night, and having filled herself and her offspring with food, she looks out all day long, pretending alarm. Fearing the downfall, the Eagle sits still in the branches; to avoid the attack of the spoiler, the Sow stirs not abroad. Why make a long story Fable V THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. - 385 They perished through hunger, with their young ones, and afforded the Cat and her kittens an ample repast. Silly credulity may take this as a proof how much evil a double-tongued man may often contrive. FABLE V. CAESAR TO THE CHAMBERLAIN. There is a certain set of busybodies at Rome, hurriedly running to and fro, busily engaged in idleness, out of breath about nothing at all, with much ado doing nothing, a trouble to themselves, and most annoying to others. It is my object, by a true story, to reform this race, if indeed I can : it is worth your while to attend. Tiberius Caesar, when on his way to Naples, came to his country-seat at Misenum," which, placed by the hand of Lucullus on the summit of the heights, beholds the Sicilian sea in the distance, and that of Etruria close at hand. One of the highly girt Chamberlains,” whose tunic of Pelusian linen was nicely smoothed from his shoulders downwards, with hanging fringes, while his master was walking through the pleasant shrubberies, began with bustling officiousness to sprinkle” the parched ground with a wooden watering-pot; but only got laughed at. Thence, by short cuts to him * Country-seat at Misenwm)—Wer. 8. This villa was situate on Cape Misenum, a promontory of Campania, near Baiae and Cumae, so called from Misenus, the trumpeter of Æneas, who was said to have been buried there. The villa was originally built by C. Marius, and was bought by Cornelia, and then by Lucullus, who either rebuilt it or added extensively to it. ? Of the chamberlains)—Wer. 11. The “atrienses” were a superior class of the domestic slaves. It was their duty to take charge of the “atrium,” or hall; to escort visitors or clients, and to explain to strangers all matters connected with the pictures, statues, and other decorations of the house. 3 To sprinkle)—Wer. 16. Burmann suggests that this duty did not belong to the “atriensis,” who would consequently think that his courteous politeness would on that account be still more pleasing to the Emperor. 2 C. 386 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book IL well known, he runs before into another walk," laying the dust. Caesar takes notice of the fellow, and discerns his object. Just as he is supposing that there is some extra- ordinary good fortune in store for him : “Come hither,” says his master; on which he skips up to him, quickened by the joyous hope of a sure reward. Then, in a jesting tone, thus spoke the mighty majesty of the prince : “You have not profited much ; your labour is all in vain; manumission stands at a much higher price with me.” FABLE VI. THE EAGLE, THE CROW, AND THE TORTOISE. No one is sufficiently armed against the powerful; but if a wicked adviser joins them, nothing can withstand such a combination of violence and unscrupulousness.” An Eagle carried a Tortoise aloft, who had hidden her body in her horny abode, and in her concealment could not, while thus sheltered, be injured in any way. A Crow came through the air, and flying near, exclaimed: “You really have carried off a rich prize in your talons; but if I don’t instruct you what you must do, in vain will you tire your- self with the heavy weight.” A share being promised her, she persuades the Eagle to dash the hard shell from the lofty stars upon a rock, that, it being broken to pieces, she may easily feed upon the meat. Induced by her words, the Eagle attends to her suggestion, and at the same time gives a large share of the banquet to her instructress. * Another walk)—Wer. 18. The “xystus” was a level piece of ground, in front of a portico, divided into flower-beds of various shapes by borders of box. 2 Much higher price).--Wer. 25. He alludes to the Roman mode of manumission, or setting the slaves at liberty. Before the master pre- sented the slave to the Quaestor, to have the “ vindicta,” or lictor's rod, laid on him, he turned him round and gave him a blow on the face. In the word “veneunt,” “sell,” there is a reference to the pur- chase of their liberty by the slaves, which was often effected by means of their “peculium,” or savings. * Literally : Whatever violence and unscrupulousness attack, comes Fable VIII. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 387 Thus she who had been protected by the bounty of nature, being an unequal match for the two, perished by an umhappy fate. FABLE VII. THE MULES AND THE ROBBERS. Laden with burdens, two Mules were travelling along; the one was carrying baskets' with money, the other sacks dis- tended with store of barley. The former, rich with his burden, goes exulting along, with neck erect, and tossing to-and-fro upon his throat his clear-toned bell:” his com- panion follows, with quiet and easy step. Suddenly some Robbers rush from ambush upon them, and amid the slaughter” pierce the Mule with a sword, and carry off the money; the valueless barley they neglect. While, then, the one despoiled was bewailing their mishaps : “For my part,” says the other, “I am glad I was thought so little of ; for I have lost nothing, nor have I received hurt by a wound.” According to the moral of this Fable, poverty is safe; great riches are liable to danger. FABLE VIII. TEIE STAG AND THE OXEN. A Stag, aroused from his woodland lair, to avoid im- pending death threatened by huntsmen, repaired with blind fear to the nearest farm-house, and hid himself in an ox-stall close at hand. Upon this, an Ox said to him, as he concealed himself: “Why, what do you mean, un- happy one, in thus rushing of your own accord upon * Carrying baskets)—Wer. 2. “Fisci” were baskets made of twigs, or panniers, in which the Romans kept and carried about sums of money. Being used especially in the Roman treasury, the word in time came to signify the money itself. Hence our word “fiscal.” 2 Clear-toned bell)—Wer. 5. Scheffer and Gronovius think that the bell was used, as in some countries at the present day, for the pur- pose of warning those who came in an opposite direction to make room where the path was narrow. 3 Amid the slaughter)—Wer. 8. He alludes no doubt to the murder of the men conducting the mules by the Robbers. 3 C 2 388 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book II. destruction, and trusting your life to the abode of man?” To this he suppliantly replied: “I)o you only spare me; the moment an opportunity is given I will again rush forth.” Night in her turn takes the place of day; the Neat-herd brings fodder, but yet sees him not. All the farm servants pass and repass every now and then ; no one perceives him; even the Steward passes by, nor does he observe anything. Upon this, the stag, in his joy, began to return thanks to the Oxen who had kept so still, because they had afforded him hospitality in the hour of adversity. One of them made answer: “We really do wish you well; but if he, who has a hundred eyes, should come, your life will be placed in great peril.” In the meanwhile the Master himself comes back from dinner; and having lately seen the Oxen in bad con- dition, comes up to the rack: “Why,” says he, “is there so little fodder? Is litter scarce? What great trouble is it to remove those spiders' webs?” While he is prying into every corner, he perceives too the branching horns of the Stag, and having summoned the household, he orders him to be killed, and carries off the prize. This Fable signifies that the master sees better than any one else in his own affairs. THE EPILOGUE. The Athenians, erected a statue to the genius of Æsop, and placed him, though a slave, upon an everlasting pedestal, that all might know that the way to fame is open to all, and that glory is not awarded to birth but to merit. Since another” has prevented me from being the first, I have ', Those spiders' webs)—Wer. 23. The mode of clearing away the spider webs may be seen described in the beginning of the “Stichus.” of Plautus. * Since another)—Wer. 5. He probably refers to Æsop : though Heinsius thinks that he refers to C. Mecaenas Melissus, mentioned by Ovid, in his Pontic Epistles, B. iv., El. xvi., l. 30, a freedman of Mecanas, who compiled a book of jests partly from the works o AEsop. Burmann, however, ridicules this supposition. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUs. 389 made it my object, a thing whileh still lay in my power, that he should not be the only one. Nor is this envy, but emula- tion; and if Latium shall favour my efforts, she will have still more authors whom she may match with Greece. But if jealousy shall attempt to detract from my labours, still it shall not deprive me of the consciousness of deserving praise. If my attempts reach your ears, and your taste relishes these Fables, as being composed with skill, my success then banishes every complaint. But if, on the contrary, my learned labours fallinto the hands of those whom a perversenature has brought to the light of day, and who are unable to do anything except carp at their betters, I shall endure my unhappy destiny" with strength of mind, until Fortune is ashamed of her own injustice. * * Unhappy destiny)—Wer. 17. The words “fatale exitium” have been considered as being here inappropriately used. It is very doubtful whether the last part of this Epilogue is genuine. 390 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book III. BOOK III. THE PROLOGUE. TO EUTYCHUS. If you have a desire, Eutychus, to read the little books of Phaedrus, you must keep yourself disengaged from business, that your mind, at liberty, may relish the meaning of the lines. “But,” you say, “my genius is not of such great value, that a moment of time should be lost for it to my own pur- suits.” There is no reason then why that should be touched by your hands which is not suited for ears so engaged. Perhaps you will say, “some holidays will come,” which * Eutychus)—Wer. 2. It is not known with certainty who this Eutychus was to whom he addresses himself. It has been suggested that he is the same person who is mentioned by Josephus, Antiq. B. xix., c. 4, as flourishing at the Court of Caligula, and who had previously been a charioteer and inspector of buildings at the stables of Claudius. He is also supposed, from the words of the Epilogue of this Book, line 20–26, to have held more than one public office. It has been suggested that he was the freedman of the Emperor Claudius or Augustus, an inscription having been found in the tomb of the freedmen of the latter to C. Julius Eutychus. But it is hardly probable that he is the person meant; as there is little doubt that Phaedrus wrote the present Book of Fables long after the time of Augustus. Indeed it has been suggested by some that he wrote it as late as the reign of Caligula. *Some holidays)—Wer. 8. The Romans had three kinds of public “feriae,” or holidays, which all belonged to ihe “dies nefasti,” or days on which no public business could be done. These were the “feriae stativae,” “conceptivae,” and “imperativae.” The first were held regularly, and on stated days set forth in the Calendar. To these belonged the Lupercalia, Carmentalia, and Agonalia. The “conceptivae,” or “con- ceptae,” were moveable feasts held at certain seasons in every year, but not on fixed days; the times for holding them being annually appointed THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 391 will invite me to study with mind unbent.” Will you rather, I ask you, read worthless ditties,” than bestow attention upon your domestic concerns, give moments to your friends, your leisure to your wife, relax your mind, and refresh your body, in order that you may return more efficiently to your wonted duties? You must change your purpose and your mode of life, if you have thoughts of crossing the threshold of the Muses. I, whom my mother brought forth on the Pierian hill,” upon which hallowed Mnemosyne, nine times fruitful, bore the choir of Muses to thundering Jove : although I was born almost in the very school itself, and have entirely erased all care for acquiring wealth from my breast, and with the approval of many have applied myself to these pursuits, am still with difficulty received into the choir of the Poets. What do you imagine must be the lot of him who seeks, with ceaseless vigilance, to amass great wealth, preferring the sweets of gain to the labours of learning? But now, come of it what may (as Sinon said” when he by the magistrates or priests. Among these were the “feriae Latinae,” Sementivae, Paganalia, and Compitalia. The “ferae imperativae.” were appointed to be held on certain emergencies by order of the Consuls, Praetors, and Dictators; and were in general held to avert national calamities or to celebrate great victories. * Worthless ditties) — Wer. 10. “Naenia " were, properly, the improvised songs that were sung at funerals by the hired mourners, who were generally females. From their trivial nature, the word came to be generally applied to all worthless ditties, and under this name Phaedrus, with all humility, alludes to his Fables. * On the Pierian Hill)—Wer. 17. Judging from this passage it would appear that Phaedrus was a Macedonian by birth, and not, as more generally stated, a Thracian. Pieria was a country on the south-east coast of Macedonia, through which ran a ridge of mountains, a part of which were called Pieria, or the Pierian mountain. The inhabitants are celebrated in the early history of the music and poesy of Greece, as their country was one of the earliest seats of the worship of the Muses, and Orpheus was said to have been buried there. It is most probable that Phaedrus was carried away in slavery to Rome in his early years, and that he remembered but little of his native country. * As Simon said)—Wer. 27. He here alludes to the words of Sinon, the Grecian spy, when brought before Priam, in the Second Book of Wirgil, 77-78:— “Cuncta equidem tibi, rex, fuerit quodcumque fatebor Wera, inquit— 392 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book III. was brought before the King of Dardania), I will trace a third book with the pen of Æsop, and dedicate it to you, in acknowledgment of your honor and your goodness.” If you read it, I shall rejoice; but if otherwise, at least º will have something with which to amuse them- SelveS. Now will I explain in a few words why Fabulous narrative was invented. Slavery,” subject to the will of another, because it did not dare to say what it wished, couched its sentiments in Fables, and by pleasing fictions eluded censure. In place of its foot-path I have made a road, and have invented more than it left, selecting some points to my own misfortune.” But if any other than Sejanus" had been the informer, if any other the witness, if any other the judge, in fine, Ishould confess myself deserving of such severe woes; nor should I soothe my sorrow with these expedients. If any one shall make erroneous surmises, and apply to himself what is applicable to all in common, he will absurdly expose the Secret convictions of his mind. And still, to him I would hold myself excused; for it is no intention of mine to point at individuals, but to describe life itself and the manners of mankind. Perhaps some one will say, that I undertake a Others, again, suppose that this was a proverbial expression in general use at Rome. It is not improbable that it may have become so on being * from the work of Virgil: “Come what may of it, as Sinon said.” * And your goodness)—Ver. 30. “Honori et meritis dedicam illum tuis.” We learn from ancient inscriptions that this was a customary formula in dedications. * Slavery)—Wer. 34. He probably alludes to Æsop's state of slavery, in the service of the philosopher Xanthus. * To my own misfortune)—Wer. 40. He evidently alludes to some misfortune which has befallen him in consequence of having alluded in his work to the events of his own times. It has been suggested that he fell under the displeasure of Tiberius and his minister Sejanus, in consequence of the covert allusions made to them in Fables II and WI in the First Book. This question is, however, involved in impene- trable obscurity. * Than Sejanus)—Wer. 41. He means that Ælius Sejanus had acted against him as both informer, witness, and judge; but that had an honest man condemned him to the sufferings he then experienced, he should not have complained. The nature of the punishment here alluded to is not known. Fable I. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 393 weighty task. If AEsop of Phrygia, if Anacharsis of Scythia could, by their genius, found a lasting fame, why should I who am more nearly related to learned Greece, forsake in sluggish indolence the glories of my country? especially as the Thracian race numbers its own authors, and Apollo was the parent of Linus, a Muse of Orpheus, who with his song moved rocks and tamed wild beasts, and held the current of JHebrus in sweet suspense. Away then, envy! nor lament in vain, because to me the customary fame is due. I have urged you to read these lines; I beg that you will give me your sincere opinion” of them with your well-known candour. EABLE I. THE OLD WOMAN AND THE CASK. An Old Woman espied a Cask,” which had been drained to the dregs, lying on the ground, and which still spread forth from its ennobled shell a delightful smell of the Falernian lees.” After she had greedily snuffed it up her nostrils with all her might ; “O delicious fragrance,” said * Anacharsis of Scythia)—Wer. 52. A Scythian philosopher, and supposed contemporary of Æsop. He came to Athens in pursuit of knowledge while Solon was the lawgiver of that city. He is said to have written works on legislation and the art of war. * Nearer to learned Greece)—Wer. 54. Alluding to Pieria, the place of his birth. The people of Pieria were supposed to have been of Thracian origin. * A cask)—Wer. 1. “Amphoram.” Properly, the “amphora,” or earthen vessel with two handles, in which wine was usually kept, * Falernian Lees)—Wer. 2. The Falernian wine held the second rank in estimation among the Romans. The territory where it was grown commenced at the “Pons Campanus,” and extended from the Massic Hills to the river Vulturnus. Pliny mentions three kinds, the rough, the sweet, and the thin. It is supposed to have been of an amber colour, and of considerable strength. It was the custom to write the age of the wine and the yintage on the “amphora,” or cask. * 0, delicious fragrance)—Ver. 5. “Anima,” most probably applies to the savour or smell of the wine; though some Commentators have thought that she addresses the cask as “anima,” meaning “O dear soul;” others, that she speaks of the wine as being the soul of life; 394 THIE FAIBLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book III. she, “how good I should say were your former contents, when the remains of them are such !” What this refers to let him say who knows me." FABLE II. THE PANTHER AND THE SHEPHERD. Repayment in kind is generally made by those who are despised. - A Panther” had once inadvertently fallen into a pit. Th rustics saw her; some belaboured her with sticks, others pelted her with stones; while some, on the other hand, moved with compassion, seeing that she must die even though no one should hurt her, threw her some bread to sustain existence. Night comes on apace; homeward they go without concern, making sure of finding her dead on the following day. She, however, after having recruited her failing strength, with a swift bound 2ffected her escape from the pit, and with hurried pace hastened to her den. A few days intervening, she sallies forth, slaughters the flocks, kills the shepherds them- selves, and laying waste every side, rages with unbridled fury. Upon this those who had shown mercy to the beast, while Walchius seems to think that she is addressing her own soul, which is quite cheered by the fumes. * Who knows me)—Wer. 7. Burmann thinks that the author covertly hints here at the habits of the Emperor Tiberius in his old age, who still hankered after those vicious indulgences which had been his main pursuits in his former days; or else that the Poet simply refers to human life, in the same spirit in which Seneca, Ep. lvii., calls old age, “faex vitae,” “the lees of life.” Others again suppose that Phaedrus alludes to his own old age, and means that those who knew him when this Fable was written, may judge from their present acquaintance with him what he must have been in his younger days. Heinsius thinks that it refers to the present state of servitude of Phaedrus, compared with his former liberty; but, if he was manumitted, as generally supposed by Augustus, and this Fable was not written till after the death of Sejanus, that cannot be the case. * A Panther)—Wer. 2. Some have suggested, Burmann and Guyetus in the number, that by the Panther is meant Tiberius, who, during his banishment to the isle of Rhodes, occupied himself in studying how to wreak his vengeance upon his enemies at Rome, and, with the fury of the Panther, as soon as he had the opportunity, glutted his vengeance. is notion, however, seems more ingenious than well founded. Fable IV. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 395 alarmed for their safety, made no demur to the loss of their flocks, and begged only for their lives. But she thus answered them: “I remember him who attacked me with stones, and him who gave me bread; lay aside your fears; I return as an enemy to those only who injured me.” FABLE III. AESOP AND THE FAIRMER. One taught by experience is proverbially said to be more quick-witted than a wizard, but the reason is not told ; which, now for the first time, shall be made known by my Fable. The ewes of a certain Man who reared flocks, brought forth lambs with human heads. Dreadfully alarmed at the prodigy, he runs full of concern to the soothsayers. One answers that it bears reference to the life of the owner, and that the danger must be averted with a victim. Another, no wiser, affirms that it is meant that his wife is an adultress, and his children are spurious; but that it can be atoned for by a victim of greater age." Why enlarge P. They all differ in opinions, and greatly aggravate the anxiety of the Man. AEsop being at hand, a sage of nice discernment, whom nature could never deceive by appearances, remarked:—“If you wish, Farmer, to take due precautions against this portent, find wives for your shepherds.” FABLE IV. THE BUTCHER AND THE APE. A man seeing an Ape hanging up at a Butcher's among the rest of his commodities and provisions, enquired how it might taste; on which the Butcher, joking, replied: “Just as the head is, such, I warrant, is the taste.” * Of greater age)—Wer. 11. “Majori hostiá;” probably, a sheep of two years old instead of a lamb. * For your shepherds)—Ver. 17. Plutarch introduces Thales in his “Convivium Sapientium,” astelling a somewhat similar story. Phaedrus might, with better grace, have omitted this so-called Fable. * How it might taste)—Wer. 3. The Butcher puns upon the twofold 396 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book III. This I deem to be said more facetiously than correctly; for on the one hand I have often found the good-looking to be very knaves, and on the other I have known many with ugly features to be most worthy men. FABLE V. AESOP AND THE INSOLENT MAN. Success leads many astray to their ruin. An Insolent Fellow threw a stone at Æsop. “Well done,” said he, and then gave him a penny, thus continuing: “Upon my faith I have got no more, but I will show you where you can get some ; see, yonder comes a rich and influential man; throw a stone at him in the same way, and you will receive a due reward.” The other, being persuaded, did as he was advised. His daring impudence, however, was dis- appointed of its hope, for, being seized, he paid the penalty on the cross.” FABLE VI. THE FLY AND THE MUTE. A Fly sat on the pole of a chariot, and rebuking the Mule: “How slow you are,” said she; “will you not go faster P Take care that I don't prick your neck with my sting.” The Mule made answer: “I am not moved by your words, but I fear him who, sitting on the next seat, guides my yoke” with his pliant whip, and governs my mouth with the foam- meaning of “sapio,” “to taste of,” or “have a flavour,” and “to be wise.” The customer uses the word in the former sense, while the Butcher answers it in the latter, and perhaps in the former as well; “Such as the head is,” pointing to it, “I’ll warrant the wisdom of the animal to be ;” the words at the same time bearing the meaning of, “It has an ape's head, and therefore it can only taste like the head of an ape.” “Sapor” ordinarily means “flavour,” or “taste;” but Cicero uses it in the signification of wisdom or genius. Many other signi- fications of this passage have been suggested by the various Editors. * On the cross)—Wer. 10. The cross was especially used as an instru- ment of punishment for malefactors of low station, and, as we see here, sometimes on very trivial occasions. * Guides my yoke)—Wer. 6. “Jugum meum;” meaning, “me who bear the yoke.” f Fable VII. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 397 covered reins. Therefore, cease your frivolous impertinence, for I well know when to go at a gentle pace, and when to run.” - In this Fable, he may be deservedly ridiculed, who, without any strength, gives utterance to vain threats. FABLE VII. THE DOG AND THE WOLF. I will shew in a few words how sweet is Liberty. A. Wolf, quite starved with hunger, chanced to meet a well-fed Dog, and as they stopped to salute each other, “Pray,” said the Wolf, how is it that you are so sleek P or on what food have you made so much flesh P I, who am far stronger, am perishing with hunger.” The Dog frankly replied: “You may enjoy the same condition, if you can render the like service to your master.” “What is it f" said the other. “To be the guardian of his threshold, and to protect the house from thieves at night.” “I am quite ready for that,” said the Wolf; “at present I have to en- dure snow and showers, dragging on a wretched existence in the woods. How much more pleasant for me to be living under a roof, and, at my ease, to be stuffed with plenty of victuals.” “Come along, then, with me,” said the Dog. As they were going along, the Wolf observed the neck of the Dog, where it was worn with the chain. “Whence comes this, my friend ?” “Oh, it is nothing.” “Do tell me, though.” “Because I appear to be fierce, they fasten me up in the day- time, that I may be quiet when it is light, and watch when night comes; unchained at midnight, I wander wherever I please. Bread is brought me without my asking; from his own table my master gives me bones; the servants throw me bits, and whatever dainties each person leaves; thus, without trouble on my part, is my belly filled.” “Well, if you have a mind to go anywhere, are you at liberty?” “Cer- tainly not,” replied the Dog. “Then, Dog, enjoy what you boast of; I would not be a king, to lose my liberty.” ! It is nothing) —Wer. 17. “Nihil est.” This was a form of expres- sion used when they wished to cut short any disagreable question, to which they did not think fit to give a direct answer. 398 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS, Book IIL. . FABLE VIII. THE BROTHER AND SISTER, Warned by this lesson, often examine yourself. A certain Man had a very ugly Daughter, and also a Son, remarkable for his handsome features. These, diverting themselves, as children do, chanced to look into a mirror, as it lay upon their mother's chair." He praises his own good looks; she is vexed, and cannot endure the raillery of her boasting brother, construing everything (and how could she do otherwise?) as a reproach against herself. Accordingly, off she runs to her Father, to be avenged on him in her turn, and with great rancour, makes a charge against the Son, how that he, though a male, has been meddling with a thing that belongs to the women. Em- bracing them both, kissing them, and dividing his tender affection between the two, he said: “I wish you both to use the mirror every day: you, that you may not spoil your beauty by vicious conduct; you, that you may make amends by your virtues for your looks.” FABLE IX. SOCRATES TO HIS FRIENDS. The name of a friend is common; but fidelity is rarely found. Socrates having laid for himself the foundation of a small house (a man, whose death I would not decline, if I could acquire similar fame, and like him I could yield to envy, if I might be but acquitted” when ashes); one of the people, no * Their mother's chair)—Wer. 4. The “cathedra” was properly a soft or easy chair used in the “ gynaeca'a,” or women's apartments. These were of various forms and sizes, and had backs to them; it was considered effeminate for the male sex to use them. “Sellae” was the name of seats common to both sexes. The use of the “speculum,” or mirror, was also confined to the female sex; indeed, even Pallas or Minerva Was represented as shunning its use, as only befitting her more volup- .uous fellow-goddess, Venus. * I might be acquitted)—Wer. 4. He alludes to the fate of Socrates, Fable X. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 399 matter who, amongst such passing remarks as are usual in these cases, asked: “Why do you, so famed as you are, build so small a house?” “I only wish,” he replied, “I could fill it with real friends.” FABLE X. THE POET, ON BELIEVING, AND NOT BELIEVING. It is dangerous alike to believe or to disbelieve. Of either fact, I will briefly lay before you an instance. Hippolytus met his death,” because his step-mother was believed : because Cassandra was not believed, Troy fell. Therefore, we ought to examine strictly into the truth of a matter, rather than suffer an erroneous impression to pervert our judgment. But, that I may not weaken this truth by referring to fabulous antiquity, I will relate to you a thing that happened within my own memory. A certain married Man, who was very fond of his Wife, having now provided the white toga.” for his Son, was pri- vately taken aside by his Freedman, who hoped that he should be substituted as his next heir, and who, after telling many lies about the youth, and still more about the mis- conduct of the chaste Wife, added, what he knew would espe- cially grieve one so fond, that a gallant was in the habit of paying her visits, and that the honor of his house was stained with base adultery. Enraged at the supposed guilt of his Wife, the husband pretended a journey to his country-house, and privately stayed behind in town; then at night he suddenly entered at the door, making straight to his Wife's apartment, who, after he was put to death by his countrymen, was publicly pro- nounced to be innocent, and a statue was erected in his honour. * Met his death)—Wer. 3. The story of Hippolytus, who met his death in consequence of the treachery of his step-mother Phaedra, is related at length in the Play of Euripides of that name, and in the Fifteenth Book of Ovid's Metamorphoses. The fate of Cassandra, the daughter of Priam, who in vain prophesied the fall of Troy, is related in the Second Book of the AEmeid, 1. 246, et Seg. * The white toga)—Wer. 10. The “toga praetexta,” or Consular robe, was worn by the male children of the Romans till their sixteenth year; when they assumed the ordinary “toga,” which was called “pura,” because it had no purple border, and was entirely white. 400 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS, Eook III. in which the mother had ordered her son to sleep, keeping a strict eye over his ripening years. While they are seeking for a light, while the servants are hurrying to and fro, unable to restrain the violence of his raging passion, he approaches the bed, and feels a head in the dark. When he finds the hair cut close, he plunges his sword into the sleeper's breast, caring for nothing, so he but avenge his injury. A light being brought, at the same instant he beholds his son, and his chaste wife sleeping in her apartment; who, fast locked in her first sleep, had heard nothing: on the spot he inflicted punishment on himself for his guilt, and fell upon the sword which a too easy belief had unsheathed. The accusers indicted the woman, and dragged her to Rome, before the Centumviri.” Innocent as she was, dark suspicion weighed heavily against her, because she had become possessor of his property: her patrons stand” and boldly plead the cause of the guiltless woman. The judges then besought the Emperor Augustus that he would aid them in the discharge of their oath, as the intricacy of the case had embarrassed them. After he had dispelled the clouds raised by calumny, and had discovered a sure source of truth*: “Let the Freedman,” said he, “the cause of the mischief, suffer punishment; but as for her, at the same instant bereft of a son, and deprived of a husband, I deem her to be pitied rather than con- demned. If the father of the family had thoroughly enquired into the charge preferred, and had shrewdly sifted the lying 1 The hair cut close)—Wer. 27. This is appropriately introduced, as the hair of youths was allowed to grow long until they had reached the age of manhood, on which it was cut close, and consecrated to the Gods. 2 The Centumviri)—Ver. 35. The “Centumviri” were a body of 105 officers, whose duty it was to assist the praetor in litigated questions. They were sometimes called “judices selecti,” or “commissioned judges.” 3 The patrons stand)—Wer. 37. The patrons stood while pleading the causes of their clients, while the judges Sat, as with us. t * Sure source of truth)—Wer. 43. It is suggested that the source of information here alluded to was the evidence of the slaves, who had heard their master mention in his last moments the treachery of his freedman. It is not probable that the freedman voluntarily came for- ward, and declared the truth to Augustus. In 1.39, Augustus is called “ Divus,” as having been deified after his death. Domitian was the first who was so called during his lifetime. d’able XII. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 401 accusations, he would not, by a dismal crime, have ruined his house from the very foundation.” Let the ear despise nothing, nor yet let it accord implicit belief at once: since not only do those err whom you would be far from suspecting, but those who do not err are some- times falsely and maliciously accused. This also may be a warning to the simple, not to form a judgment on anything according to the opinion of another; for the different aims of mortals either follow the bias of their goodwill or their prejudice. He alone will be correctly estimated by you, whom you judge of by personal experience. These points I have enlarged upon, as by too great brevity 1 have offended some. FABLE XI. THE EUNUCH TO THE ABUSIVE MAN. A Eunuch had a dispute with a scurrilous fellow, who, in addition to obscene remarks and insolent abuse, reproached him with the misfortune of his mutilated person. “Look you,” said the Eunuch, “this is the only point as to which I am effectually staggered, forasmuch as I want the evidences of integrity. But why, simpleton, do you charge me with the faults of fortune? That alone is really disgraceful to a man, which he has deserved to suffer.” FABLE XII. THE COCK AND THE PEATRL. A young Cock, while seeking for food on a dunghill, found a Pearl, and exclaimed: “What a fine thing are you *o be lying in so unseemly a place. If any one sensible of your value had espied you here, you would long ago have returned to your former brilliancy. And it is I who have * Deserved to suffer)—Wer. 7. Though this moral may apply to all misfortunes in general, it is supposed by Some of the Commentators that by the insulter some individual notorious for his adulteries was intended to be represented; who consequently merited by law to be reduced to the San e situation as the innocent Eunuch. - 2 D 402 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book III. found you, I to whom food is far preferable! I can be of no use to you or you to me.” - This Irelate for those who have no relish for me.” FABLE XIII. THE BEES AND THE DRONES, THE WASP SITTING AS JUDGE. Some Bees had made their combs in a lofty oak. Some lazy Drones asserted that these belonged to them. The cause was brought into court, the Wasp sitting as judge; who, being perfectly acquainted with either race, proposed to the two parties these terms: “Your shape is not unlike, and your colour is similar; so that the affair clearly and fairly becomes a matter of doubt. But that my sacred duty may not be at fault through insufficiency of knowledge, each of ſou take hives, and pour your productions into the waxen cells; that from the flavour of the honey and the shape of the comb, the maker of them, about which the present dis- pute exists, may be evident.” The Drones decline; the proposal pleases the Bees. Upon this, the Wasp pronounces sentence to the following effect: “It is evident who cannot, and who did, make them ; wherefore, to the Bees I restore the fruits of their labours.” This Fable I should have passed by in silence, if the Drones had not refused the proposed stipulation.” FABLE XIV. AESOP AT PLAY. An Athenian seeing AEsop in a crowd of boys at play with nuts,” stopped and laughed at him for a madman. As * Have no relish for me)—Wer. 8. From this passage we may infer either that Phaedrus himself had many censurers at Rome, or that the people in general were not admirers of Fables. * The proposed stipulation)—Wer. 17. It has been suggested that Phaedrus here alludes to some who had laid claim to the authorship of his Fables, and had refused a challenge given by him, such as that here given to the Drones, to test the correctness of their assertions. * At play with nuts)—Wer. 2. It is thought by Schwabe that Phaedrus Fable XV. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUs, 403 Soon as the Sage, a laugher at others rather than one to be laughed at, perceived this, he placed an unstrung bow in the middle of the road : “Hark you, wise man,” said he, “unriddle what I have done.” The people gather round. The man torments his invention a long time, but cannot make out the reason of the proposed question. At last he gives up. Upon this, the victorious Philosopher says: “You will soon break the bow, if you always keep it bent; but if you loosen it, it will be fit for use when you want it.” Thus ought recreation sometimes to be given to the mind, that it may return to you better fitted for thought. FABLE XV. THE DOG TO THE TAMIB. A Dog said to a Lamb" bleating among some She-Goats: “Simpleton, you are mistaken ; your mother is not here;” and pointed out some Sheep at a distance, in a flock by them- selves. “I am not looking for her,” said the Lamb, “who, when she thinks fit, conceives, then carries her unknown burden for a certain number of months, and at last empties out the fallen bundle ; but for her who, presenting her udder, nourishes me, and deprives her young ones of milk that I may not go . without.” “Still,” said the Dog, “she ought to be preferred who brought you forth.” “Not at all: how was she to know whether I should be born black or white P” However, wrote this Fable in defence of his early patron Augustus, against those who censured him for the levity of his conduct in his old age, as we learn from Suetonius that he amused himself with fishing, playing with dice, pebbles, or nuts with boys.--For some account of Roman games with nuts, see “The Walnut-tree,” a fragment of Ovid, invol. iii. p. 491, of Bohn's Translation of that author. * To a Lamb)—Ver. 1. Burmann suggests that this Fable is levelled against the cruelty of parents, who were much in the habit of exposing their children, who were consequently far from indebted to them. Schwabe conjectures that the system of employing wet-nurses is intended here to be censured. 2 Black or white)—Wer. 10. This, though disregarded by the mother, would be of importance to him, as the black lambs were first selected for sacrifice. 2 D 2 404 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS, Book III. suppose she did know ; seeing I was born a male, truly she conferred a great obligation on me in giving me birth, that I might expect the butcher every hour. Why should she, who had no power in engendering me, be preferred to her who took pity on me as I lay, and of her own accord shewed me a welcome affection ? It is kindliness makes parents, not the ordinary course of Nature.” - By these lines the author meant to show that men are averse to fixed rules, but are won by kind services. FABLE XVI. THE GRASSEIOPPER, AND THE OWL. He who does not conform to courtesy, mostly pays the penalty of his superciliousness. A Grasshopper was making a chirping that was disagree- able to an Owl, who was wont to seek her living in the dark, and in the day-time to take her rest in a hollow tree. She was asked to cease her noise, but she began much more loudly to send forth her note ; entreaties urged again only set her on still more. The Owl, when she saw she had no remedy, and that her words were slighted, attacked the chatterer with this stratagem : “As your song, which one might take for the tones of Apollo's lyre, will not allow me to go to sleep, I have a mind to drink some nectar which Pallas lately gave me; if you do not object, come, let us drink together.” The other, who was parched with thirst, as soon as she found her voice complimented, eagerly flew up. The Owl, coming forth from her hollow, seized the trembling thing, and put her to death. Thus what she had refused when alive, she gave when dead. * Pallas lately gave me)—Wer. 13. The Owl was sacred to Tallas. Fable XVIII. THE FABLEs of PHAEDRUs. 405 TABLE XVII. THE TREES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE - GODS, The Gods in days of yore made choice of such Trees as they wished to be under their protection. The Oak pleased Jupiter, the Myrtle Venus, the Laurel Phoebus, the Pine Cybele, the lofty Poplar Hercules. Minerva, wondering why they had chosen the barren ones, enquired the reason. Jupiter answered: “That we may not seem to sell the honor for the fruit.” “Now, so heaven help me,” said she, “let any one say what he likes, but the Olive is more pleasing to me on account of its fruit.” Then said the Father of the Gods and the Creator of men : “O daughter, it is with justice that you are called wise by all ; unless what we do is useful, vain is our glory.” This little Fable admonishes us to do nothing that is not profitable. FABLE XVIII. THE PEACOCK TO JUNO. A Peacock came to Juno, complaining sadly that she had not given to him the song of the Nightingale; that it was the admiration of every ear, while he himself was laughed ! So heaven help me)—Wer. 8. “Mehercule,” literally “By Hercules.” This was a form of oath used generally by men, and Phaedrus has been censured for here putting it in the mouth of Minerva. Some Commen- tators also think that he is guilty of a slight anachronism in using the name of Hercules here to give emphasis to an asseveration; but there does not appear to be any ground for so thinking, as the choice must, of course, be supposed to have been made after his death and deifica- tion. . In the Amphitryon of Plautus, Mercury is represented as swear- ing by Hercules before that God was born. ? Vain is owr glory)—Wer. 12. “Nisi utile est quod facimus, stulta est gloria.” This line is said to have been found copied on a marble stone. as part of a sepulchral inscription, at Alba Julia or Weissenburg, in Transylvania. 406 THE FARLEs of PHAEDRUS. Book 1ſt. at the very instant he raised his voice. The Goddess, to console him, replied: “But you surpass the nightingale in beauty, you surpass him in size; the brilliancy of the eme- rald shines upon your neck; and you unfold a tail begemmed with painted plumage.” “Wherefore give me,” he retorted, “a beauty that is dumb, if I am surpassed in voice P’ “Dy the will of the Fates,” said she, “ have your respective qualities been assigned; beauty to you, strength to the Eagle, melody to the Nightingale, to the Raven presages, unpropitious omens to the Crow ; all of these are contented with their own endowments.” Covet not that which has not been granted you, lest your baffled hopes sink down to useless repinings. FABLE XIX. AESOP'S ANSWER TO THE INQUISITIVE MAN. When Æsop was the only servant of his master, he was ordered to prepare dinner earlier than usual. Accordingly, he went round to several houses, seeking for fire," and at last found a place at which to light his lantern. Then as he had made a rather long circuit, he shortened the way back, for he went home straight through the Forum. There a certain Busybody in the crowd said to him : “AEsop, why with a light at mid-day ?” “I’m in search of a man,” said he ; and went hastily homewards. If the inquistive fellow reflected on this answer, he must have perceived that the Sage did not deem him a man, who could so unseasonably rally him when busy. * Seeking for fire)—Wer. 3. Fire was kindled in general by being kept smouldering in a log under the ashes, from day to day, for culinary purposes; or else it was begged from a neighbour, as we learn from the Aulularia of Plautus, A. I., Sc. ii., 1, 12 et seq., and so generally was this done that we find it stated in the Trinummus, A. II., Sc. ii., l. 53, that it was the custom not to refuse fire when asked for even to an enemy. * In search of a man)—Wer 9. Meaning that he did not deem the enquirer to be a man. The same story is told in Diogenes Laertius, of Diogenes the Cynic. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS.- 407 EPILOGUE.1 There are yet remaining Fables for me to write, but I pur- posely abstain ; first, that I may not seem troublesome to you, whom a multiplicity of matters distract ; and next, that, if perchance any other person is desirous to make a like attempt, he may still have something left to do; although there is so abundant a stock of matter that an artist will be wanting to the work, not work to the artist. I request that you will give the reward to my brevity which you promised; make good your word. For life each day is nearer unto death; and the greater the time that is wasted in delays, the less the advantage that will accrue to me. If you dispatch the matter quickly, the more lasting will be my enjoyment ; the sooner I receive your favours, the longer shall I have the benefit thereof. While there are yet some remnants of a wearied life,” there is room for your goodness; in aftertimes your kindness will in vain endeavour to aid me, infirm with old age; for then I shall have ceased to be able to enjoy your kindness, and death, close at hand, will be claiming its due. I deem it foolish to address my entreaties to you, when your compassion is so ready, spontaneously, to render assistance. A criminal has often gained pardon by confessing; how much more reasonably ought it to be granted to the innocent P It is your province° now to judge of my cause; it will fall * This and the following Prologue seem better suited to their present places than to the close of the Fourth Book, where in most of the editions they appear. * Of a wearied life)—Wer. 15. It is impossible to say with any certainty to what he refers; but the most probable conjecture is that he has again got into trouble through his compositions, and is begging Eutychus, in some public capacity, immediately to give a favourabie decision in his behalf. That “Languens aevum ” means a life worn out with misfortune, and does not refer to himself as sinking, in want, under old age, is evident from the next line. It has been conjectured by some that Phaedrus wrote these lines in prison, where he had been thrown through the malice of his enemies. * It is your province)—Wer. 24. He is supposed to allude to some judicial position held by Eutychus, which he would have to vacate at the end of a year, and be succeeded by others, probably not so favourablv disposed to himself. 408 - THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. to others by-and-by; and again by a like revolution, the turn of others will come. Pronounce the sentence, as religion— as your oath permits; and give me reason to rejoice in your decision. My feelings have passed the limits they had pro- posed; but the mind is with difficulty restrained, which, conscious of unsullied integrity, is exposed to the insults of spiteful men. “Who are they P" you will ask: they will be seen in time. For my part, so long as I shall continue in my senses, I shall take care to recollect that “it is a dangerous thing for a man of humble birth to murmur in public.” * To murmur in public)—Wer. 33. “Palam mutire plebeio piaculum est.” These words are quoted from the Telephus of Ennius, THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 409 B 00 K IW. P R O L O G U E. TO PARTICULO. When I had determined to put an end to my labours, with the view that there might be material enough left for others, in my mind I silently condemned my resolve. For even if there is any one desirous of the like fame, how will he guess what it is I have omitted," so as to wish to hand down that same to posterity; since each man has a turn of thinking of his own, and a tone peculiar to himself. It was not, therefore, any fickleness, but assured grounds, that set me upon writing again. Wherefore, Particulo,” as you are amused by Fables (which I will style “AEsopian,” not “those of Æsop;” for whereas he published but few, I have brought out a great many, employing the old style, but with modern subjects), now at your leisure you shall peruse a Fourth Book. If envy shall choose to carp at it, so long as it can- not imitate,” why let it carp. I have gained glory enough, in that you, and others like to you, have quoted my words in your writings, and have thought me worthy of being long remembered. Why should I stand in need of the applause of the illiterate P * I have omitted)—Wer. 5. “Divinabit” seems preferable here to “ damnabit,” or “demonstrabit,” the other readings; and Burmann is probably right in supposing that he means to say that many of the AEsopian fables had not yet been used by him, and though others may make use of them as bearing a general moral, they will not be able so well as himself to point their moral in reference to individuals or classes, in consequence of his advantage in having already adapted many of them to the censure of particular vices. * Particulo)—Wer. 10. Of Particulo nothing whatever is known, except that he was a freedman, 3 Cannot imitate)—Wer. 16. Gronovius thinks that he alludes to the Greek proverb ‘Mwpºsio9at fióðtov iſ pupieiotat.” “”Tis easier to blame than to imitate.” 410 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book IV. FABLE I. THE ASS AND THE PRIESTS OF CYBELE. He who has been born to ill luck, not only passes an un- happy life, but even after death the cruel rigour of destiny pursues him. The Galli, priests of Cybele, were in the habit, on their begging excursions, of leading about an Ass, to carry their burdens. When he was dead with fatigue and blows, his hide being stripped off, they made themselves tambourines” there- with. Afterwards, on being asked by some one what they had done with their favourite, they answered in these words: “He fancied that after death he would rest in quiet; but see, dead as he is, fresh blows are heaped upon him.” FABLE II. THE WEASEL AND THE MICE, This way of writing seems to you facetious; and no doubt, while we have nothing of more importance, we do sport with the pen. But examine these Fables with atten- tion, and what useful lessons will you find concealed under them! Things are not always what they seem; first appear- ances deceive many: few minds understand what skill has hidden in an inmost corner. That I may not appear to have said this without reason, I will add a Fable about the Weasel and the Mice. A Weasel, worn out with years and old age, being unable to overtake the active Mice, rolled herself in flour, and threw herself carelessly along in a dark spot. A Mouse, thinking her food, jumped upon her, and, being caught, was put to death: * Priests of Cybele)—Wer. 4. During the Festival of Cybele, the Galli or eunuch-priests of the Goddess went about with an image of her Seated on an ass, and beating a tambourine, for the purpose of making a collection to defray the expenses of the worship, They were called by the Greeks untpayiotat, “Collectors for the Mother.” See the Fasti of Ovid, B. iv., 1.350, vol. i., p. 149, of Bohn's Translation. * Tambourines)—Ver. 7. “The tympana,” which were almost exactly similar to our tambourines, were covered with the skin of asses or of oxen, and were beaten with the hand or a small stick, Fable IV. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUs. 411 another in like manner perished, and then a third. Some others having followed, an old brindled fellow came, who had escaped snares and mouse-traps full oft; and viewing from afar the stratagem of the crafty foe: “So fare you well,” said he, “you that are lying there, as you are flour.” FABLE III. THE FOX AND THE GRAPES. Urged by hunger, a Fox, leaping with all her might, tried to reach a cluster of Grapes upon a lofty vine. When she found she could not reach them, she left them, saying : “They are not ripe yet ; I don't like to eat them while sour.” Those who disparage what they cannot perform, ought to apply this lesson to themselves. * FABLE TV. THE HORSE AND THE WITD BOAR. While a Wild Boar was wallowing, he muddied the shallow water, at which a Horse had been in the habit of quenching his thirst. Upon this, a disagreement arose. The Horse,” enraged with the beast, sought the aid of man, and, raising him on his back, returned against the foe. After the Horse- man, hurling his javelins, had slain the Boar, he is said to have spoken thus: “I am glad that I gave assistance at your entreaties, for I have captured a prey, and have learned how useful you are;” and so compelled him, unwilling as he was, to submit to the rein. Then said the Horse, sorrowing: “Fool that I am while seeking to revenge a trifling matter, I have met with slavery.” This Fable will admonish the passionate, that it is better to be injured with impunity, than to put ourselves in the power of another. - * So fare you well)—Wer. 21. “Sic valeas.”—“Fare you well, if you are flour, which you are not. I wish you luck as much as I believe you are what you pretend to be. i. e., not at all.” * The horse)—Wer. 3. “Sonipes,” literally “sounding-hoof.” This was a name commonly given to the horse by the Romans. Lucan repeatedly calls a war-horse by this epithet. 412 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS, Book IV. FABLE V. AESOP INTERPRETING A WILL. I will show to posterity, by a short story, that there is often more merit in one man than in a multitude. A Person, at his death, left three Daughters; one hand- Some, and hunting for the men with her eyes; the second, an industrious spinner of wool, frugal, and fond of a country life; the third, given to wine, and very ugly. Now the old man made their Mother his heir, on this condition, that she should distribute his whole fortune equally among the three, but in such a manner that they should not possess or enjoy what was given them; and further, that as soon as they should cease to have the property which they had re- ceived, they should pay over to their Mother a hundred thou- sand sesterces. The rumour spreads all over Athens. The anxious Mother consults the learned in the law. No one can explain in what way they are not to possess what has been given, or have the enjoyment of it; and then again, in what way those who have received nothing, are to pay money. After a long time had been wasted, and still the mean- ing of the will could not be understood, the Parent, dis- regarding the strict letter of the law, consulted equity.” For the Wanton, she sets aside the garments, female trinkets, silver bathing-vessels, eunuchs, and beardless boys: for the Worker in wool, the fields, cattle, farm, labourers, oxen, beasts of burden, and implements of husbandry: for the Drinker, a store-room,” well stocked with casks of old * Spinner of wool)—Wer. 5. “Lanificam.” Working in wool was the constant employment of the more industrious among the females of the higher class. Ovid, in the Fasti, Book ii., l. 742, represents Lucretia as being found thus employed by her husband and Tarquinius. The Emperor Augustus refused to wear any clothes that were not woven by the females of his family. * Consulted equity)—Wer. 20. This seems to be the meaning of “fidem advocare:” but the passage has caused considerable difficulty to the Commentators. * A store-room)—Wer. 25. The “apotheca.” was a place in the upper part of the house, in which the Romans frequently placed the amphorae in which their wine was stored. It was situate above the “fumarium,' as the smoke was thought to heighten the flavour of the wine. Fable VI. TEIE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 413 wine, a finely finished house," and delightful gal dens. When she was intending to distribute what was thus set apart for each, and the public approved, who knew them well; AEsop suddenly stood up in the midst of the multitude, and ea:- claimed: “O! if consciousness remained to their buried father, how would he grieve that the people of Athens are unable to interpret his will I’” On this, being questioned, he explained the error of them all: “The house and the furniture, with the fine gardens, and the old wines, give to the Worker in wool, so fond of a country life. The clothes, the pearls, the attendants, and other things, make over to her who spends her life in luxury. The fields, the vines, and the flocks, with the shepherds, pre- sent to the Wanton. Not one will be able to retain posses- sion of what is alien to her taste. The Ungainly one will sell her wardrobe to procure wine; the Wanton will part with the lands to procure fine clothes; and she who delights in cattle, and attends to her spinning, will get rid of her luxurious abode at any price. Thus, no one will possess what was given, and they will pay to their Mother the sum named from the price of the things, which each of thern has sold.” Thus did the sagacity of one man find out what had baffled the superficial enquiries of many. FABLE VI. THE BATTLE OF THE MICE AND THE WEASELS. When the Mice, overcome by the army of the Weasels, (whose History is painted in our taverns"), took to flight, and crowded in trepidation about their narrow lurking-holes, with difficulty getting in, they managed, however, to escape death. * A finely finished house)—Wer. 26. “Politam” probably refers to the care with which the houses of the opulent in cities were smoothed by the workman's art. According to some Commentators, however, “domus polita” here means “a house furnished with every luxury.” * In our taverns)—Wer. 2. We learn from Horace and other ancient writers, that it was the custom to paint comic subjects on the walls of the taverns; and similar subjects have been found painted on walls at Pompeii. 414 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS, Book IV. Their Leaders, who had fastened horns to their heads, in order that they might have a conspicuous sign for their troops to follow in battle, stuck fast at the entrance, and were cap- tured by the enemy. The victor, sacrificing them with greedy teeth, plunged them into the Tartarean recesses of his capacious paunch. Whenever a people is reduced to the last extremity, the high position of its chiefs is in danger; the humble com- monalty easily finds safety in obscurity. FABLE VII. THE POET'S DEFENCE AGAINST THE CENSURERS OF HIS FABLES. You, fastidious critic, who carp at my writings, and dis- dain to read trifles of this kind, endure with some small patience this little book, while I smooth down the severity of your brow, and AEsop comes forward in a new and more lofty style." Would that the pine had never fallen on the summits of Pelion” under the Thessalian axe! and that Argus had never, with the aid of Pallas, invented a way boldly to meet cer- tain death, in the ship which, to the destruction of Greeks and Barbarians, first laid open the bays of the inhospitable Euxine. For both had the house of the proud AEetes to lament it, and the realms of Pelias” fell by the guilt of Medea, who, after concealing by various methods the cruelty of her dis- position, there effected her escape, by means of the limbs" of * More lofty style)—Ver. 5. “Cothurnis,” literally “the buskins of Tragedy.” * Summits of Pelion)—Wer 6. The ship Argo was said to have been built of wood grown on Mount Pelion. The author alludes to the expedition of Jason to Colchis to fetch thence the Golden Fleece. * The realms of Pelias)—Wer. 13. He alludes to the death of Pelias, King of Thessaly, through the schemes of Medea, daughter of Æetes, Ring of Colchis, at the hands of his own daughters. See Ovid's Meta- morphoses, B. vii. l. 297, et seq. * Limbs of her brother)—Wer. 15. When, on her flight with Jason, AEetes pursued his daughter Medea, she, having taken with her her brother Absyrtus, in order to retard her father in the pursuit, cut her brother in pieces, and scattered his limbs in the way. Thus, while the father was employed in gathering the limbs of his son, Medea made her escape. The place where this happened was thence said to have had Table IX, THE FABLY'S OF PHAEDRUS, 415 her brother, and here embrued the hands of the daughters of Pelias in their father's blood. What think you of this P “This, too, is mere folly,” say you, “ and is an untrue story; for long before this, Minos, of more ancient date, subjected the AEgaean seas with his fleet, and by seasonable correction, punished piratical attacks.” What then can I possibly do for you, my Cato of a Reader, if neither Fables' nor Tragic Stories suit your taste P Do not be too severe upon all literary men, lest they repay you the injury with interest. This is said to those who are over-squeamish in their folly, and, to gain a reputation for wisdom, would censure heaven itself. FABLE WITT. THE WIPER AND THE FILE. Let him who with greedy teeth attacks one who can bite harder, consider himself described in this Fable. A Viper came” into a smith's workshop ; and while on the search whether there was anything fit to eat, fastened her teeth upon a File. That, however, disdainfully ex- claimed: “Why, fool, do you try to wound me with your teeth, who am in the habit of gnawing asunder every kind of iron P” FABLE IX. THE FOX AND THE GOAT. As soon as a crafty man has fallen into danger, he seeks to make his escape by the sacrifice of another. the name of Tomi; and to this place Ovid was banished by Augustus. See the Story related in the Tristia of Ovid, B. iii. El. ix. * If neither Fables)–Wer. 22. By “fabellae,” he probably means AEsopian fables, while by “fabulae,” the more lofty stories of tragedy are meant. By “Cato,” he means a censorious or over-scrupulous reader. * A Viper entered)—Wer. 3. Lokman, the Arabian Fabulist, has the same fable; but there a Cat plays the part of the Wiper. 416 THE FAIBLES OF PEIAEDRUS. Book IV. A Fox, through inadvertence, having fallen into a well." and being closed in by the sides which were too high for her, a Goat parched with thirst came to the same spot, and asked whether the water was good, and in plenty. The other, de- vising a stratagem, replied: “Come down, my friend: such is the goodness of the water, that my pleasure in drinking can- not be satisfied.” Longbeard descended ; then the Fox, mounting on his high horns, escaped from the Well, and left the Goat to stick fast in the enclosed mud. FABLE X. OF THE VICES OF MEN. Jupiter has loaded us with a couple of Wallets: the one, filled with our own vices, he has placed at our backs, the other, heavy with those of others, he has hung before. From this circumstance, we are not able to see our own faults: but as soon as others make a slip, we are ready to CéIlSUll'é. FABLE XI. A THIEF PILLAGING THE ALTAR OF JUPTTER. A Thief lighted his Lamp at the altar of Jupiter, and then plundered it by the help of its own light. Just as he was taking his departure, laden with the results of his sacrilege, the Holy Place suddenly sent forth these words: “Although these were the gifts of the wicked, and to me abominable, so much so that I care not to be spoiled of them, still, profane man, thou shalt pay the penalty with thy life, when here- after, the day of punishment, appointed by fate, arrives. But, that our fire, by means of which piety worships the awful Gods, may not afford its light to crime, I forbid that henceforth there shall be any such interchange of light.” Accordingly, to this day, it is neither lawful for a lamp to le lighted at the fire of the Gods, nor yet a sacrifice kindled from a lamp.” * Fallen into a well)—Wer. 3. Some of the Commentators think that Tiberius and Scjanus are pointed at in this Fable. * From a lamp)—Ver, 13. The ancients were compelled to light sacrifices to the Gods from torches, and not with fire from a lalup. Fable XIII. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS, 417 No other than he who invented this Fable, could explain how many useful lessons it affords. In the first place, it teaches that those whom you yourself have brought up, may often be found the most hostile to you: then again, it shows that crimes are punished not through the wrath of the Gods, but at the time appointed by the Fates: lastly, it warns the good to use nothing in common with the wicked. FABLE XII. THE EVILS OF WEATTEI. HERCULES and PLUTUs. Riches are deservedly despised by a man of worth," because a well-stored chest intercepts praise from its true objects. When Hercules was received into heaven as the reward of his virtues, and saluted in turn the Gods who were con- gratulating him, on Plutus approaching, who is the child of Tortune, he turned away his eyes. His father, Jupiter, enquired the reason: “I hate him,” says he, “because he is the friend of the wicked, and at the same time corrupts all by presenting the temptation of gain.” FABLE XIII. THE LION REIGNING. Nothing is more advantageous to a man than to speak the truth; a maxim that ought indeed to be approved of by all; but still sincerity is frequently impelled to its own destruc- tion. The Lion having made himself king of the wild beasts, and wishing to acquire the reputation of equity, abandoned his former course of rapine, and, content among them More usually a fire was kept constantly burning in the temple for the purpose. 1 A man of worth)—Wer. 1. It has been suggested that by “forti viro,” Phaedrus means a military man. The word “fortis” seems rather here to mean “of real worth,” or “ of strong mind.” Some of ancient authors make Plutus to be the son of Ceres and Jasius. 2 E 418 THE FABLEs of PHAEDRUS. Book IV. with a moderate supply of food, distributed hallowed justice with incorruptible fidelity. But after second thoughts began to prevail' * * * * * * * * * (The rest is lost). FABLE XIV. PROMETHEUS. ... • * $ * * * * * \ §§ * * $ & * * A fictione veretri linguam mulieris, Affinitatem traxit inde obscoenitas. Rogavit alter, tribadas et molles mares Quae ratio procreasset P Exposuit senex, Idem Prometheus auctor vulgi fictilis (Qui simul offendit ad fortunam, frangitur) Naturae partes, veste quas celat pudor, Quum separatim toto finxisset die, Aptare mox ut posset corporibus suis, Ad coenam est invitatus subito a Libero; Ubi irrigatus multo venas nectare Sero domum est reversus titubanti pede. Tum semisomno corde et errore ebrio, Applicuit virginale generi masculo, Et masculina membra applicuit faeminis; Ita nunc libido pravo fruitur gaudio. FABLE XV. THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS. The She-Goats” having obtained of Jupiter the favour of a * Began to prevail)—Ver. 9. The remainder of this Fable is lost. It is supposed to have been torn out of the MS. of the writings of Phaedrus by some pious monk, who, objecting to the following Fable, destroyed the leaf which contained the latter part of the present one, as well as somc part of the next. Orellius considers the lines ending with “obscoenitas” as the fragment of a Fable distinct from the succeeding lines. * The She-Goats)—Ver. 1. This Fable is thought by some to bear reference to the interference of Livia in affairs of state. Fable XVII. THE FABLEs of PHEDRUs. 419 beard, the He-Goats, full of concern, began to be indignant that the females rivalled them in their dignity. “Suffer them,” said the God, “to enjoy their empty honours, and to use the badge that belongs to your rank, so long as they are not sharers in your courage.” This Fable teaches you to bear that those who are inferior to you in merit should be like you in outside appearances. FABLE XVI. THE PILOT AND THE MARINERS. On a certain man complaining of his adverse fortune, AEsop, for the purpose of consoling him, invented this Fable. A ship which had been tossed by a fierce tempest (while the passengers were all in tears, and filled with apprehensions of death) on the day suddenly changing to a serene aspect, began to be borne along in safety upon the buoyant waves, and to inspire the mariners with an excess of gladness. On this, the Pilot, who had been rendered wise by experience, zemarked: “We ought to be moderate in our joy, and to complain with caution; for the whole of life is a mixture of grief and joy.” FABLE XVII. THE EMBASSY OF THE DOGS TO JUPRTER. The Dogs once sent' Ambassadors to Jupiter, to entreat of him a happier lot in life, and that he would deliver them from the insulting treatment of man, who gave them bread mixed with bran, and satisfied their most urgent hunger with filthy offal. The ambassadors set out, but with no hasty steps, while snuffing with their nostrils for food in every filth. Being summoned, they fail to make their appearance. After some difficulty Mercury finds them at last, and brings them * The Dogs once sent)—Wer. 1. It is supposed that in this singular Fable, Phaedrus ridicules, in a covert manner, some of the prevailing superstitions of his day, or else that he satirizes Tiberius and Sejanus, while the Dogs signify the Roman people. 2 E 2 420 THE FAIBLES OF PHAEDRUS. Eook IV. up in confusion. As soon, however, as they saw the coun- tenance of mighty Jove, in their fright they bewrayed the whole palace. Out they go, driven away with sticks; but great Jove forbade that they should be sent back. The Dogs, wondering that their Ambassadors did not return, and suspecting that they had committed something dis- graceful, after a while ordered others to be appointed to aid them. Rumour soon betrayed the former Ambassadors. Dreading that something of a similar nature may happen a second time, they stuff the Dogs behind with perfumes, and plenty of them. They give their directions; the Am- bassadors are dispatched; at once they take their departure They beg for an audience, and forthwith obtain it. Then did the most mighty Father of the Gods take his seat on his throne, and brandish his thunders; all things began to shake. The Dogs in alarm, so sudden was the crash, in a moment let fall the perfumes with their dung. All cry out, that the affront must be avenged. But before proceeding to punish- ment, thus spoke Jupiter:-" It is not for a King to send Ambassadors away, nor is it a difficult matter to inflict a proper punishment on the offence; but by way of judgment this is the reward you shall have. I don’t forbid their return, but they shall be famished with hunger, lest they be not able to keep their stomachs in order. And as for those who sent such despicable Ambassadors as you, they shall never be free from the insults of man.” And so it is,” that even now the Dogs of the present day are in expectation of their Ambassadors. When one of them sees a strange Dog appear, he snuffs at his tail. FABLE XVIII. THE MAN AND THE SNARE. He who gives relief to the wicked has to repent it before long. - A Man took up a Snake stiffened with frost, and warmed * And so it is)—Wer. 35. This and the next line are regarded by many as spurious : indeed Hare is disinclined to believe that this Fable was written by Phaedrus at all. Fable XIX. THE FAIBLES OF PHAEDRUS. 421 her in his bosom, being compassionate to his own undoing; for when she had recovered, she instantly killed the Man. On another one asking her the reason of this crime, she made answer: “That people may learn not to assist the wicked." EABLE XIX. THE FOX AND THE DEAGON. While a Fox, digging a lair, was throwing out the earth, and making deeper and more numerous burrows, she came to the farthest recesses of a Dragon's den,” who was watching some treasure hidden there. As soon as the Foa perceived him, she began:—“In the first place, I beg that you will pardon my unintentional intrusion ; and next, as you see clearly enough that gold is not suited to my mode of life, have the goodness to answer me: what profit do you derive from this toil, or what is the reward, so great that you should be deprived of sleep, and pass your life in darkness?” “None at all,” replied the other; “but this task has been assigned me by supreme Jove.” “Then you neither take anything for yourself, nor give to another?” “Such is the will of the Fates.” “Don’t be angry then, if I say frankly : the man is born under the displeasure of the Gods who is like you.” As you must go to that place to which others have gone before, why in the blindness of your mind do you torment your wretched existence P To you I address myself, Miser, joy of your heir,” who rob the Gods of their incense, your- yourself of food; who hear with sorrow the musical sound of the lyre ; whom the joyous notes of the pipes torment ; * Not to assist the wicked)—Wer. 5. It has been remarked that Phaedrus here deviates from nature, in making the Serpent give a bad character of itself. Those who think that Phaedrus wrote after the time of Tiberius, suggest that Caligula is represented by the ; who wreaked his cruelty on his former benefactors, Macro and Illſlla, ° Of a Dragon's den)—Wer. 3. In former times, when riches were more commonly duried in the earth, it was perhaps found convenient to encourage a superstitious notion, which was very prevalent, that they were guarded by watchful Dragons. * Joy of gour heir)—Wer. 18. That is to say, in his death. 422 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book IV. from whom the price of provisions extorts a groan ; who, while adding some farthings to your estate, offend heaven by your sordid perjuries; who are for cutting down” ever expense at your funeral, for fear Libitina” should be at all a gainer at the expense of your property. FABLE XX. PHIAEDEUS. Although malice may dissemble for the present, I am still perfectly aware what judgment it will think proper to arrive at. Whatever it shall here deem worthy to be trans- Amitted to posterity, it will say belongs to Æsop; if it shall be not so well pleased with any portion, it will, for any wager, contend that the same was composed by me. One who thus thinks, I would refute once for all by this my answer: whether this work is silly, or whether it is worthy of praise, he was the inventor: my hand has brought it to perfection. But let us pursue our purpose in the order We proposed. FABLE XXI. THE SHIPWRECK OF STMONIDES. A learned man has always a fund of riches in himself. Simonides, who wrote such excellent lyric poems, the more easily to support his poverty, began to make a tour of the celebrated cities of Asia, singing the praises of victors for such reward as he might receive. After he had become enriched by this kind of gain, he resolved to return to his * Eactorts a groan)—Wer. 22. So in the Aulularia of Plautus, Act II. Sc. viii. the miser Euclid is represented as groaning over the high price of provisions. * Cutting down)—Wer. 25. In his will. * Lest Libitina;-Wer. 26. The “pollinctores,” or “undertakers,” kept their biers and other implements required at funerals, at the Teluple of the Goddess Libitina. Fable XXII. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 423 native land by sea; (for he was born, it is said, in the island of Ceos’). Accordingly he embarked in a ship, which a dreadful tempest, together with its own rottenness, caused to founder at Sea. Some gathered together their girdles,” others their precious effects, which formed the support of their existence. One who was over inquisitive, remarked: “Are you going to save none of your property, Simonides?” He made reply: “All my possessions are about me.” A few only made their escape by swimming, for the majority, being weighed down by their burdens, perished. Some thieves make their appearance, and seize what each person has saved, leaving them naked. Clazomenae, an ancient city, chanced to be near; to which the shipwrecked persons repaired. Here a person devoted to the pursuits of literature, who had often read the lines of Simonides, and was a very great admirer of him though he had never seen him, knowing from his very language who he was, received him with the greatest pleasure into his house, and furnished him with clothes, money, and attendants. The others meanwhile were carrying about their pictures,” begging for victuals. Simonides chanced to meet them; and, as soon as he saw them, remarked: “I told you that all my property was about me; what you endeavoured to save is lost.” FABLE XXII. THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUTR. A Mountain“ was in labour, sending forth dreadful groans, * In the island of Ceos)—Wer. 28. The poet Simonides was born at Iulis, a city of the isle of Ceos, one of the Cyclades, in the AEgaean Sea. * Their girdles)–Wer. 11. Among the ancients, the zones or girdles were sometimes used for the purpose of keeping money there; while sometimes purses were carried suspended from them. * Carrying about their pictures)—Wer. 24. It was the custom for shipwrecked persons to go about soliciting charity with a painting suspended from the neck, representing their calamity; much in the fashion which we sometimes see followed at the present day. * A Mountain)—Wer. 1. Tachos, King of Egypt, is said by Plutarch to have said to Agesilaüs, King of Sparta, when he came to his assist- 424 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book IV. and there was in the districts the highest expectation. After all, it brought forth a Mouse. This is designed for you, who, when you have threatened great things, produce nothing. FABLE XXIII. THE ANT AND THE FLY. An Ant and a Fly were contending with great warmth which was of the greater importance. The Fly was the first to begin : “Can you possibly compare with my endow- ments? When a sacrifice is made, I am the first to taste of the entrails that belong to the Gods. I pass my time among the altars, I wander through all the temples; soon as I have espied it, I seat myself on the head of a king ; and I taste of the chaste kisses of matrons. I labour not, and yet enjoy the nicest of things: what like to this, good rustic, falls to your lot ?” “Eating with the Gods,” said the Ant, “is certainly a thing to be boasted of; but by him who is invited, not him who is loathed as an intruder. You talk about kings and the kisses of matrons. While I am carefully heaping up a stock of grain for winter, I see you feeding on filth about the walls. You frequent the altars; yes, and are driven away as often as you come. You labour not; therefore it is that you have nothing when you stand in need of it. And, further, you boast about what modesty ought to conceal. You tease me in summer; when winter comes you are silent. While the cold is shrivelling you up and putting you to death, a well-stored abode harbours me. Surely I have now pulled down your pride enough.” A Fable of this nature distinctly points out the characters of those who set themselves off with unfounded praises, and of those whose virtues gain solid fame. ance: “The mountain has been in labour, Jupiter has been in alarm, but it has brought forth a mouse,” alluding to the diminutive stature of Agesilaus; who contented himself with replying, in answer to this rude remark: “One day I shall appear to you even to be a lion.” Fable XXIV. THE FABLEs of PHAEDRUs. 425 FABLE XXIV. SIMONIDES PRESERVED BY THE GODS, I have said, above, how greatly learning is esteemed among men: I will now hand down to posterity how great is the honor paid to it by the Gods. Simonides, the very same of whom I have before made mention, agreed, at a fixed price, to write a panegyric for a certain Pugilist," who had been victorious: accordingly he sought retirement. As the meagreness of his subject cramped his imagination, he used, according to general custom, the license of the Poet, and introduced the twin stars of Leda,” citing them as an example of similar honours. He finished the Poem according to contract, but received only a third part of the sum agreed upon. On his demanding the rest: “They,” said he, “will give it you whose praises occupy the other two- thirds; but, that I may feel convinced that you have not departed in anger, promise to dine with me, as I intend to-day to invite my kinsmen, in the number of whom I reckon you. Although defrauded, and smarting under the injury, in order that he might not, by parting on bad terms, break off all friendly intercourse, he promised that he would. At the hour named he returned, and took his place at table. The banquet shone joyously with its cups; the house re- Sounded with gladness, amid vast preparations, when, on a sudden, two young men, covered with dust, and dripping with perspiration, their bodies of more than human form, requested one of the servants to call Simonides to them, and say that it was of consequence to him to make no delay. The man, quite confused, called forth Simonides; and hardly had he put one foot out of the banquetting room, when Sud- denly the fall of the ceiling crushed the rest, and no young men were to be seen at the gate. * A certain Pugilist)—Ver. 5. “Pyctae;” from the Greek rvkrijg, a “boxer,” or “pugilist,” Latinized. * Twin stars of Leda)—Wer. 9. Castor and Pollux, the twin sons of Leda. 426 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book IV. When the circumstances of the story I have told were made known, all were persuaded that the personal inter- vention of the Divinities had saved the Poet's life by way of reward. EPILOGUE. There are still remaining many things which I might say, and there is a copious abundance of subjects; but though witticisms, well-timed, are pleasing; out of place, they dis- gust. Wherefore, most upright Particulo (a name destined to live in my writings, so long as a value shall continue to be set upon the Latin literature), if you like not my genius, at least approve my brevity, which has the more just claim to be commended, seeing how wearisome Poets usually are.” * Usually are)—Wer. 9. Orellius introduces this after Fable V ir, the Fifth Book. Fable I. - THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 427 B00K W. PIROLOGUE. If I shall anywhere insert the name of AEsop, to whom I have already rendered every honor that was his due, know that it is for the sake of his authority, just as some sta- tuaries do in our day, who obtain a much greater price for their productions, if they inscribe the name of Praxiteles on their marbles, and Myron" on their polished silver. There- fore let these Fables obtain a hearing. Carping envy more readily favours the works of antiquity than those of the pre- sent day. But now I turn to a Fable, with a moral to the purpose. FABLE I. DEMETRIUS AND MENANT) ER, Demetrius," who was called Phalereus, unjustly took pos- session of the sovereignty of Athens. The mob, according to their usual practice, rush from all quarters vying with each other, and cheer him, and wish him joy. Even the * And Myron)—Wer. 7. Myron was a famous sculptor, statuary, and engraver, of Greece. He was a native of Eleutherae, in Boeotia, and according to Petronius Arbiter, died in extreme poverty. * Called Phalereus)—Wer. 1. Demetrius Phalereus, the statesman, philosopher, and ruler of Athens, was so called from the Attic demus, or borough of Phalerus, where he was born. He died in exile in Egypt, according to some accounts, of the bite of a serpent. There seems no good reason for giving to his rule over the Athenians the epithet of “improbum,” found in the next line, although in the latter years of his government he gave himself up in a great measure to sensual pursuits. 428 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book V. chief men kiss the hand by which they are oppressed, while they silently lament the sad vicissitudes of fortune. More- Sver, those who live in retirement, and take their ease, come creeping in last of all, that their absence may not injure them. Among these Menander, famous' for his Come- dies (which Demetrius, who did not know him, had read, and had admired the genius of the man), perfumed with unguents, and clad in a flowing robe, came with a mincing and languid step. As soon as the Tyrant caught sight of him at the end of the train : “What effeminate wretch,” said he, “is this, who presumes to come into my presence?” Those near him made answer: “This is Menander the Poet.” Changed in an instant, he exclaimed: “A more agreeable looking man could not possibly exist.” FABLE II. THE TRAVELLERS AND THE ROBBER. Two Soldiers having fallen in with a Robber, one fled, while the other stood his ground, and defended himself with a stout right-hand. The Robber slain, his cowardly companion comes running up, and draws his sword; then throwing back his travelling cloak,” says: “Let’s have him;” “I’ll take care he shall soon know whom he attacks.” On this, he who had vanquished the robber made answer: “I wish you had seconded me just now at least with those words; I should have been still more emboldened, believing them true ; now keep your sword quiet, as well as your silly tongue, that you may be able to deceive others who don’t know you. I, who have experienced with what speed you take to your heels, know full well that no dependence is to be placed upon your valour.” This story may be applied to him who is courageous in prosperity, in times of danger takes to flight. 2 Menander, famous)—Wer. 9. Menander, the inventor of the New Comedy. Some of the Comedies of Terence are Translations from his works. * His travelling cloak)—Wer. 5. The “paenula” was a travelling- cloak made of leather or wool, with a hood attached to it, to cover the head. Fable V. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS, 429 FABLE III. THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY. A Fly bit the bare pate of a Bald Man; who, endea- vouring to crush it, gave himself a heavy blow. Then said the Fly jeeringly : “You wanted to revenge the sting of a tiny insect with death; what will you do to yourself, who have added insult to injury?” The Man made answer: “I am easily reconciled to myself, because I know that there was no intention of doing harm. But you, worthless insect, and one of a contemptible race, who take a delight in drink- ing human blood, I could wish to destroy you, even at a heavier penalty.” This Fable teaches that pardon is to be granted to him who errs through mistake. But him who is designedly mis- chievous, I deem to be deserving of any punishment. FABLE IV. THE MAN AND THE ASS. A Man having sacrificed a young boar to the god Her- cules, to whom he owed performance of a vow made for the preservation of his health, ordered the remains of the barley to be set for the Ass. But he refused to touch it, and said: “I would most willingly accept your food, if he who had been fed upon it had not had his throat cut.” Warned by the significance of this Fable, I have always been careful to avoid the gain that exposed to hazard. “But,” say you, “those who have got riches by rapine, are still in possession of them.” Come, then, let us enumerate those, who, being detected, have come to a bad end; you will find that those so punished constitute a great majority. Rashness brings luck to a few, misfortune to most. FABLE W. THE BUFFOON AND THE COUNTRY MAN. Men are in the habit of erring through prejudice: and 430 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Book V. while they stand up in defence of their erroneous notions, are wont to be driven by plain facts to confession of their mistakes. - A rich Man, about to entertain the people with grand shows, invited all, by the promise of a reward, to exhibit whatever new piece of ingenuity any one could. The Performers came to the contest for fame, among whom a Buffoon, well known for his drollery, said that he had a kind of entertainment which had never yet been brought out at any theatre. The rumour, spreading, brought together the whole city; and the places, empty shortly before, sufficed not for the multitude. But as soon as he appeared on the stage, alone, and without any apparatus, any stage-assistants, the very intenseness of expectation produced silence. Sud- denly, he dropped down his head towards his bosom, and so well did he imitate the voice of a pig with his own, that they concluded there was a real one under his cloak, and ordered it to be shaken out. This being done, as soon as they found that nothing was discovered, they loaded the Man with many praises, and bestowed upon him the greatest applause. A Countryman seeing this take place: “Egad,” said he, “he shan’t surpass me ;” and immediately gave out that he would do the same thing still better on the following day. A still greater crowd assembled. Prejudice had already taken possession of their minds, and they took their seats, determined to deride, and not as unbiassed spectators. Both Performers come forth. First, the Buffoon grunts away, and excites their applause, and awaken their acclamations. Next, the Countryman, pretending that he concealed a pig beneath his clothes (which, in fact, he did; but quite unsuspected, because they had found none about the other), twitched the ear of the real pig, which he was concealing, and with the pain forced from it its natural cry. The people shouted with one voice that the Buffoon had given a much more exact imitation, and ordered the Countryman to be driven from the stage. On this, he produced the pig itself from the folds of his cloak, and convicting them of their disgraceful mistake by a manifest proof: “Look,” said he, “this shows what sort of judges you are.” Fable VII. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 431 FABLE VI. THE TWO BALD MEN. A Bald Man chanced to find a comb in the public road. Another, equally destitute of hair, came up : “Come,” said he, “shares, whatever it is you have found.” The other showed the booty, and added withal: “The will of the Gods has favoured us, but through the malignity of fate, we have found, as the saying is, a coal instead of a treasure.” This complaint befits him whom hope has disappointed. FABLE VII. PRINCEPS, THE FLUTE-PLAYER. When a weak mind, beguiled by frivolous applause, has once given way to insolent self-sufficiency, such foolish vanity is easily exposed to ridicule. Princeps, the Flute-player, was º well known, being accustomed to accompany Bathyllus" with his music on the stage. It chanced that, at a representation, I don’t well remember what it was, while the flying-machine” was being whirled along, he fell heavily, through inadvertence, and broke his left leg, when he would much rather have parted with two right ones.” He was picked up and carried to his house groaning aloud. Some months pass by before his cure is completed. As is the way with the spectators, for they are a merry race, the man began to be missed, by * Accompany Bathyllus)—Wer. 5. He alludes to Bathyllus, the favourite and freedman of Mecaenas, and who brought to perfection pantomimic dancing at Rome. * Flying-machine)—Wer. 7. The “pegma” was a piece of machinery used on the stage for the purpose of aiding the ascents and descents of the Gods there represented. * Losing two right ones)—Wer. 9. The Poet puns on the twofold meanings of the word “ tibia,” which signifies the main bone of the leg, and a pipe or flute. These pipes were right-handed or left-handed, probably varying in tone, two being played at a time. Explained at length, the pun means, “Princeps broke his left leg, when he could have better afforded to break two right-handed pipes.” 432 TPIE FABLES OF PIIAEDRUS. Rook. W. whose blasts the vigour of the dancer was wont to be kept at full stretch. - A certain Nobleman was about to exhibit a show, just when Princeps was beginning to walk abroad. With a pre- sent and entreaties he prevailed upon him merely to present himself on the day of the show. When the day came a rumour about the Flute-player ran through the theatre. Some affirmed that he was dead, some that he would ap- pear before them without delay. The curtain falling," the thunders rolled,” and the Gods conversed in the usual form. At this moment the Chorus struck up a song unknown to him who had so recently returned; of which the burthen was this: “Rejoice, Rome, in security, for your prince [Princeps] is well.” All rise with one consent and applaud. The Flute-player kisses hands, and imagines that his friends are congratulating him. The Equestrian order perceive the ridiculous mistake, and with loud laughter encore the song. It is repeated. My man now throws himself sprawling at full length upon the stage.” Ridiculing him, the Knights applaud; while the people fancy he is only asking for a chaplet. When, however, the reality came to be known throughout all the tiers, Princeps, his leg bound up with a snow-white fillet, clad in snow-white tunic, and snow- white shoes,” while pluming himself on the honors really paid to the Deified House,” was thrust out headlong by com- mon consent. 1 The curtain falling)—Ver. 23. The “aulaeum,” or stage-curtain, called also “siparium,” was a piece of tapestry stretched on a frame, which, rising before the stage, concealed it till the actors appeared. Instead of drawing up this curtain to discover the stage and actors, according to the present practice, it was depressed when the play began, and fell beneath the level of the stage: whence “aulaea premuntur” or “mittuntur,” “the curtain is dropped,” meant that the play had began. 2 The thunders rolled)—Wer. 23. This thunder was made by the noise of rolling stones in copper vessels. 3 Upon the stage)—Wer. 32. The “pulpitum” was properly an elevated place on the proscenium, or space between the scene and the orchestra. 4 Snow-white shoes)—Wer. 37. We learn from Ovid and other authors that white shoes were solely worn by the female sex. 5 To the Deified house)—Wer. 38. Taking to himself the honor that belonged to the house of Augustus, which was worshipped with Divine fl0110T, Fable X. THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 433 * FABLE VIII. THE EMBLEM OF OPPORTUNITY. A Bald Man, balancing on a razor's edge, fleet of foot, his forehead covered with hair," his body naked—if you have caught him, hold him fast ; when he has once escaped, not Jupiter himself can overtake him : he is the emblem how shortlived is Opportunity. The ancients devised such a portraiture of Time, to signify that slothful delay should not hinder the execution of our purposes. FABLE IX. THE BULL AND THE CALF. When a Bull was struggling with his horns in a narrow passage, and could hardly effect an entrance to the manger, a Calf began to point out in what way he might turn himself: “Hush,” said the Bull, “I knew that before you were born.” Let him who would instruct a wiser man, consider this as said to himself. FABLE X. THE HUNTSMAN AND THE DOG. A Dog, who had always given satisfaction to his master by his boldness against swift and savage beasts, began to grow feeble under increasing years. On one occasion, being * His forehead covered with hair)—Wer. 2. From this figure of Time or Opportunity, Time came to be represented in the middle ages with a tuft of hair on his forehead; whence our common expression “To take time by the forelock,” signifying to make the best of an opportunity.” g 2 F 434 THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. urged to the combat with a bristling Boar, he seized him by the ear; but, through the rottenness of his teeth, let go his prey. Vexed at this, the Huntsman upbraided the Dog. Old Barker' replied: “It is not my courage that dis- appoints you, but my strength. You commend me for what I have been ; and you blame me that I am not what I was. - You, Philetus,” may easily perceive why I have written this. * Old Barker)—Wer. 7. We may here enumerate the names of this nature, which we find given by Phaedrus to various animals: “laniger,” “wool-bearer,” the sheep; “auritulus,” “long-ears,” the ass; “sonipes,” “sounding-hoof,” the horse; “barbatus,” “ long-beard,” the goat; “retorridus,” “brindle,” the mouse; and “latrans,” “barker,” the dog. * Philetus.)—Wer. 10. Of this Philetus nothing certain is known, but he is supposed to have been a freedman of the emperor Claudius. THE NEW FABLES BY SOME ATTRIBUTED TO PHAEDRUS. FABLE I. THE APE AND THE FOX. The Greedy Man is not willing to give even from his superabundance. AN Ape asked a Fox for a part of her tail, that he might decently cover his naked hinder parts therewith ; but the ill-natured creature replied: “Although it grow even longer than it is, still I will sooner drag it through mud and brambles, than give you ever so small a part thereof.” * Attributed to Phaedrus)—Cassito and Jannelli, with several other critics, are strongly of opinion that these Fables were written by Phaed- vus. On a critical examination, however, they will be found to be so dissimilar in style and language from those acknowledged to be Yy Phaedrus, that it is very difficult not to come to the conclusion that they are the work of some more recent writer, of inferior genius, and less pure latinity. They were first published in 1809, at Naples, by Cassito, from a MS. which had belonged to Nicholas Perotti, Archbishop of Sipontum or Manfredonia, at the end of the fifteenth century, and who, notwithstanding his assertions to the contrary, was perhaps either the author of them or altered them very materially. They appear in the MSS. in a mutilated condition; and the lacuna have been filled up according to the fancy of the successive Editors of the Fables. Those inserted in Gail's edition have in general been here adopted. - 2 F 2 436 THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Table II. FABLE II. THE AUTHOR, We must not require what is unreasonable. If Nature had" formed the human race according to my notions, it would have been far better endowed: for she would have given us every good quality that indulgent Fortune has bestowed on any animal: the strength of the Elephant, and the impetuous force of the Lion, the age of the Crow, the majestic port of the fierce Bull, the gentle tractableness of the fleet Horse; and Man should still have had the ingenuity that is peculiarly his own. Jupiter in heaven laughs to himself, no doubt, he who, in his might plan, denied these qualities to men, lest our audacity should wrest from him the sceptre of the world. Contented, there- fore, with the gifts of unconquered Jove, let us pass the years of our time allotted by fate, nor attempt more than mortality permits. FABLE III. IMERCURY AND THE TWO WOMEN. Another Fable on the same subject. Once on a time, two Women had given their guest, Mercury, a mean and sordid entertainment; one of the women had a little son in the cradle, while the profession of a Courtesan had its charms for the other. In order, there- fore that he might give a suitable return for their services, when about to depart, and just crossing the threshold, he said: “In me you behold a God; I will give you at once whatever each may wish.” The Mother makes her request, and asks that she may immediately see her Son graced with a beard; the Courtesan requests that whatever she touches may follow her. Mercury flies away—the women return in-doors: behold * If nature had)—Wer. 1. This can hardly be styled a Fable; it is merely an Epilogue or moral lesson. Fable IV. THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 437 the infant, with a beard, is crying aloud. The Courtesan happened to laugh heartily at this, on which the humours of the head filled her nostrils, as is often the case. Intending therefore to blow her nose, she seized it with her hand, and drew out its length to the ground; and thus, while laughing at another, she became herself a subject for laughter." FABLE IV. PROMETHEUS AND CUNNING. On Truth and Falsehood. When once Prometheus, the framer of a new race, had formed Truth from fine earth, that she might be able to dispense justice among mankind, being suddenly summoned by the messenger of great Jove, he left his workshop in charge of treacherous Cunning, whom he had lately received in appren- ticeship. The latter, inflamed by zeal, with clever hand formed an image of similar appearance, corresponding stature, and like in every limb, so far as the time permitted. When nearly the whole had now been wondrously set up, he found he had no clay to make the feet. His master came back, and Cunning, confused by fear at his quick return, sat down in his own place. Prometheus, admiring so strong a re- semblance, wished the merit to appear to belong to his own skill, and therefore placed the two images together in the furnace. When they were thoroughly baked, and life had been breathed into them, hallowed Truth moved on with modest gait; but her imperfect copy remained fixed on the spot. Thence the spurious image, the result of the stealthy work, was called Mendacity,” because they say, she has no feet,_an assertion with which l readily agree. * For laughter)—Wer. 17. This story savours more of the false wit of the middle ages than of the genius of Phaedrus. * Was called Mendacity)—Wer. 21. There is a sort of pun intended upon the word “menda,” a blemish.” Because Falsehood was blemished in having no feet, she was called “mendacium” or “mendacity.” Here the author's etymology is at fault, as the word “mendacity” comes from “mentior,” to lie ; which is not likely to have been derived from “menda.” Besides, Falsehood, whether she has ſeet or aot, generally travels more speedily than Truth. 4.38 THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Fable W FABLE V." THE AUTHOR. Nothing is long concealed. * * * Pretended vices are sometimes profitable to men, but still the truth appears in time. FABLE VI. THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE PUNISHMENTS OF TARTAR, US. The meaning is to be considered, not the mere words. The story of Ixion, whirling round upon the wheel, teaches ws what a rolling thing is fortune. Sisyphus, with immense labour, pushing the stone up the lofty hill, which ever, his labour lost, rolls back from the top, shows that men's miseries are endless. When Tantalus is athirst, standing in the midst of the river, the greedy are described, whom a sufficiency of blessings surrounds, but none can they enjoy. The wicked Danaids carry water in urns, and cannot fill their pierced vessels; just so, whatever you bestow on luxury, will flow out beneath. Wretched Tityus is stretched over nine acres," presenting for dire punishment a liver that ever grows again: by this it is shown that the greater the extent of land a man possesses, the heavier are his cares. Antiquity purposely wrapped up the truth, in order that the wise might understand—the ignorant remain in error. * Fable V.)—This seems to be only a fragment ; probably the moral of a Fable now lost. * Nine acres)—Wer. 13. “Jugera.” The “jugerum” was a piece of land 240 feet long by 120 wide. Fable VIII. THE NEW FABLEs of PHAEDRUs. 439 FABLE VII. THE AUTHOR. On the Oracle of Apollo. Phoebus! who dost inhabit Delphi and the beauteous Parnassus, say what is most useful to us. Why do the locks of the holy prophetess stand erect; the tripods shake; the holy shrines resound; the laurels, too," quiver, and the very day grow pale? Smitten by the Divinity, the Pythia utters these words, and the warning of the Delian God instructs the nations: “Practise virtue; pay your vows to the Gods above; defend your country, your parents, your children, and your chaste wives with arms; repel the foe with the sword; assist your friends; spare the wretched; favour the good; meet the treacherous face to face; punish offences; chastise the impious; inflict vengeance on those who, by base adultery, defile the marriage couch ; beware of the wicked; trust no man too far.” Thus having said, the Maiden falls frenzied to the ground: frenzied, indeed, for what she said, she said in vain. - FABLE VIII. AESOP AND THE AUTHOR. On a bad Author who praised himself. A Person had recited” some worthless composition to AEsop, in which he had inordinately bragged about himself. Desirous, therefore, to know what the Sage thought thereof: “Does it appear to you,” said he, “that I have been too * The laurels, too)—Wer. 5. The “cortina” or oracular shrine was surrounded with laurels; which were said to quiver while the oracles were being pronounced. This is probably the most beautiful portion of these newly-discovered poems. Still, it cannot with propriety be called a Fable. * A person had recited)—Wer. 1. Adry remarks that this is not a Fable, but only an Epigram. 440 THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Fable conceited P I have no empty confidence in my own capa city.” Worried to death with the execrable volume, AEsop replied: “I greatly approve of your bestowing praise on yourself, for it will never be your lot to receive it from another.” FABLE IX. POMPEIUS MAGNU'S AND HIS SOLDIER, How difficult it is to understand a man. A Soldier of Pompeius Magnus, a man of huge bulk, by talking mincingly and walking with an affected gait, had acquired the character of an effeminate wretch, and that most fully established. Lying in wait by night for the beasts of burden of his General, he drives away the mules laden with garments and gold, and a vast weight of silver. A rumour of what has been done gets abroad; the soldier is accused, and carried off to the Praetorium. On this, Magnus says to him : “How say you? Have you dared to rob me, comrade P” The soldier forthwith spits into his left hand, and scatters about the spittle with his fingers. “Even thus, General,” says he, “may my eyes drip out, if I have seen or touched your pro- perty.” Then Magnus, a man of easy disposition, orders the false accusers to be sent about their business," and will not believe the man guilty of so great audacity. Not long afterwards a barbarian, confiding in his strength of hand, challenges one of the Romans. Each man fears to accept the challenge, and the leaders of highest rank mutter among themselves. At length, this effeminate wretch in appearance, but Mars in prowess, approached the Gene- ral, who was seated on his tribunal, and, with a lisping voice, said “May I ?” But Magnus, getting angry, as * About their business)—Wer. 13. The words suggested in Orellius, ºil falsi auctores propelli jubet,” are used here to fill up the 3.CUlDià. * May I ?)—Wer. 29. “Licetº" meaning: “Do you give me per- mission to go against the enemy " The story about the spºttle savours of the middle ages. Fable X. THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 44.1 as well he might, the matter being so serious, ordered him to be turned out. Upon this, an aged man among the Chief- tain's friends, remarked: “I think it would be better for this person to be exposed to the hazards of Fortune, since in him our loss would be but small, than a valiant man, who, if conquered through some mischance, might entail upon you a charge of rashness.” Magnus acquiesced, and gave the Soldier permission to go out to meet the champion, whose head, to the surprise of the army, he whipped off sooner than you could say it, and returned victorious. Thereupon said Pompeius: “With great pleasure I present you with the soldier's crown, because you have vindicated the honor of the Roman name ; nevertheless,” said he, “may my eyes drip out" (imitating the unseemly act with which the Soldier had accompanied his oath), “if you did not carry off my property from among the baggage.” FABLE X. JUNO, VENUS, AND THE HEN. On the Lustfulness of Women. When Juno’ was praising her own chastity, Venus did not lose the opportunity of a joke, and, to show that there was no female equal to herself in that virtue, is said to have asked this question of the Hen: “Tell me, will you, with how much food could you be satisfied ?” The hen replied : “Whatever you give me will be enough; but still you must let me scratch a bit with my feet.” “To keep you from scratching,” said the Goddess, “is a measure of wheat enough P” “Certainly ; indeed it is too much ; but still do allow me to scratch.” “In fine,” said Venus, “what do you require, on condition of not scratching at all P” Then at last the hen confessed the weak point in her nature : “Though a whole barn were open for me, still scratch I must.” Juno is said to have laughed at the joke of Venus, for by the Hen she meant the Female Sex. * When Juno)—Wer. 1. This story is both silly and in very bad taste. 442 THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Fable XI. FABLE XI. THE FATHER OF A FAMILY AND AESOP. How a bad-tempered Son may be tamed. A Father of a family had a passionate Son, who, as soon as he had got out of his father's sight, inflicted many a blow upon the servants, and gave loose to the impetuous temper of youth. Æsop consequently told this short story to the old man. A certain Man was yoking an old Ox along with a Calf; and when the Ox shunning to bear the yoke with a neck so unfit for it, alleged the failing strength of his years: “You have no reason to fear,” said the Countryman, “I don’t do this that you may labour, but that you may tame him, who with his heels and horns has made many lame.” Just so, unless you always keep your son by you, and by your manage- ment restrain his temper, take care that the broils in your house don't increase to a still greater degree. Gentleness is the remedy for a bad temper." FABLE XII. THE PHILOSOPHER, AND THE VICTOR IN THE GYMNASTIC GAMES. JHow Boastfulness may sometimes be checked. A Philosopher chancing to find the Victor in a gymnastic contest too fond of boasting, asked him whether his ad- versary had been the stronger man. To this the other replied: “Don’t mention it; my strength was far greater.” “Then, you simpleton,” retorted the Philosopher, “what praise do you deserve, if you, being the stronger, have con- quered one who was not so powerful? You might perhaps have been tolerated if you had told us that you had conquered one who was your superior in strength.” * Remedy for a bad temper)—Wer. 15. This doctrine is stated in far too general terms. Fable XIV. THE NEW FABLEs of PHAEDRUs. 443 RABLE XIII. THE ASS AND THE LYRE. How Genius is often wasted through Misfortune. An Ass espied a Lyre lying in a meadow: he approached and tried the strings with his hoof; they sounded at his touch. “By my faith, a pretty thing,” said he ; “it happens unfortunately that I am not skilled in the art. If any person of greater skill had found it, he might have charmed my ears with divine notes.” So Genius is often wasted through Misfortune." FABLE XIV. THE WIDOW AND THE SOLDIER. The great Inconstancy and Lustfulness of Women. A certain Woman” had for some years lost her beloved Husband, and had placed his body in a tomb; and as she could by no means be forced from it, and passed her life in mourning at the Sepulchre, she obtained a distinguished character for strict chastity. In the meantime, some persons who had plundered the temple of Jupiter suffered the penalty of crucifixion. In order that no one might remove their remains, soldiers were appointed as guards of the dead bodies, close by the monument in which the woman had shut herself up. Some time after, one of the Guards, being thirsty, asked, in the middle of the night, for some water, of a servant-maid, who chanced just then to be assisting her mistress, who was going to rest ; for she had been watch- ing by a lamp, and had prolonged her vigils to a late houl. The door being a little open, the Soldier peeps in, and beholds * Genius often wasted.)—Wer. 7. It seems to border upon the absurd to speak of an ass losing the opportunity of cultivating his “ingenium.” He can hardly with propriety be quoted under any circumstances as a specimen of a “mute inglorious Milton.” * A certain Woman)—Wer. 1. This is the story of the Matron of Ephesus, told in a much more interesting manner by Petronius Arbiter. - 444 THE NEW FABLES OF PH.EDRUS. Fable XV. a Woman, emaciated indeed, but of beauteous features. His smitten heart is immediately inflamed, and he gradually burns with unchaste desires. His crafty shrewdness in- vents a thousand pretences for seeing her more frequently. Wrought upon by daily intercourse, by degrees she became more complaisant to the stranger, and soon enthralled his heart by a closer tie. While the careful Guard is here passing his nights, a body is missed from one of the crosses. The Soldier in his alarm relates to the Woman what has happened; but the chaste Matron replies: “You have no grounds for fear;” and gives up the body of her Husband to be fastened to the cross, that he may not undergo punish- ment for his negligence. Thus did profligacy usurp the place of honour. FABLE XV. THE RICH SUITOR AND THE POOR ONE. JFortune sometimes favours Men beyond their hopes and eapectations. Two Youths were courting a Maiden at the same time; the Rich man got the better of the birth and good looks of the Poor one. When the appointed day for the nuptials had arrived, the woe-begone Lover, because he could not endure his grief, betook himself to some gardens near at hand; a little beyond which, the splendid villa of the Rich man was about to receive the Maiden from her mother's bosom, as his house in the city seemed not to be roomy enough. The marriage procession is arranged, a great crowd flocks to the scene, and Hymenaeus gives the marriage torch. Now an Ass, which used to gain a living for the Poor man, was standing at the threshold of a gate; and it so happens the maidens lead him along, that the fatigues of the way may not hurt the tender feet of the Bride. On a sudden, by the pity of Venus, the heavens are swept by winds, the crash of thunder resounds through the firmament, and brings on a rough night with heavy rain; light is withdrawn from their eyes, and at the same moment a storm of hail, spreading in all directions, beats upon them, frightening and Fable XVI. THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUs. 445 Seattering them on all sides, compelling each to seek safety for himself in flight. The Ass runs under the well-known roof close at hand, and with a loud voice gives notice of his presence. The servants run out of doors, behold with admiration the beautiful Maiden, and then go and tell their master. He, seated at table with a few companions, was consoling his passion with repeated draughts. When the news was brought him, exulting with delight, both Bacchus and Venus exhorting him, he celebrated his joyous nuptials amid, the applauses of his comrades. The bride's parents sought their daughter through the crier, while the intended Husband grieved at the loss of his Wife. After what had taken place became known to the public, all agreed in approving of the favour shown by the Gods of heaven. FABLE XVI. AESOP AND HIS MISTRESS. How injurious it often is to tell the Truth. AEsop being in the service of an Ugly Woman, who wasted the whole day in painting herself up, and used fine clothes, pearls, gold, and silver, yet found no one who would touch her with a finger: “May I say a few words?” said he. “Say on,” she replied. “Then I think,” said he, “that you will effect anything you wish, if you lay aside your ornaments.” “I)o I then seem to you so much preferable by myself?” said she. “Why, no; if you don't make pre- sents, your bed will enjoy its repose.” “But your sides.” she replied, “shan’t enjoy their repose;” and ordered the talkative Slave to be flogged. Shortly after a thief took away a silver bracelet. When the Woman was told that it could not be found, full of fury she summoned all her slaves, and threatened them with a severe flogging if they did not tell the truth. “Threaten others,” said Æsop, “indeed you won't trick me, mistress; I was lately beaten with the whip because I told the truth.” 1 Shan't enjoy their repose)—Wer. 9. The play upon the word “cessabo,” seems redolent of the wit of the middle ages, and not of the days of Phaedrus. 446 THE NEW FABLEs of PHAEDRUs. Fable XVII: FABLE XVII. A COCK CARRIED IN A LITTER BY CATS. An extreme feeling of Security often leads Men into Danger. A Cock had some Cats to carry him in his litter: a Fox on seeing him borne along in this pompous manner, said: “I advise you to be on your guard against treachery, for if you were to examine the countenances of those creatures, you would pronounce that they are carrying a booty, not a burden.” As soon as the Savage brotherhood" began to be hungry, they tore their Master to pieces, and went shares in the proceeds of their guilt. FABLE XVIII. THE SOW BRINGING FORTH, AND THE WOLF We must first make trial of a Man before we entrust ourselves to him. - A Sow was lying and groaning, her travail coming on; a Wolf came running to her aid, and, offering his assistance, said that he could perform the duties of midwife. She, how- ever, understanding the treachery of the wicked animal, rejected the suspicious services of the evil-doer, and said: “If you keep at a greater distance it is enough.” But had she entrusted herself to the perfidious Wolf, she would have had just as much pain to cry for, and her death into the bargain. * Savage brotherhood)—Wer. 6. “Societas.” The brotherhood of litter-carriers, perhaps four or six in number, Fabie XX. THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. 447 FABLE XIX. THE RUN AWAY SLAVE AND AESOP. There is no necessity to add evil to evil. A Slave, when running away from a Master of severe dis. position, met AEsop, to whom he was known as a neighbour : “Why are you in such a hurry P” said Æsop. “I’ll tell you candidly, father,” said the other, “for you are worthy to be called by that name, as our sorrows are safely en- trusted to you. Stripes are in superabundance; victuals fail : every now and then I am sent to the farm as a slave to the rustics there: if he dines at home I am kept standing by him all night, or if he is invited out, I remain until daylight in the street. I have fairly earned my liberty; but with grey hairs I am still a slave. If I were conscious to myself of any fault, I should bear this patiently: I never have had a bellyful, and, unhappy that I am, I have to put up with a severe master besides. For these reasons, and for others which it would take too long to recount, I have determined to go wherever my feet may carry me.” “Listen then,” said Æsop; “When you have committed no fault, you suffer these inconveniences as you say: what if you had offended ? What do you suppose you would then have had to suffer P” By such advice he was prevented from running away. FABLE XX. THE CHARIOT-HORSE SOLD FOR THE MILL. Whatever happens, we must bear it with equanimity. A certain Man withdrew from his chariot a Horse, en- nobled by many victories, and sold him for the mill. As he was being led out of doors from the mill-stones to water, he saw his fellows going towards the Circus, to celebrate the joyous contests at the games. With tears starting forth, he 448 THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Fable XXI. said, “Go on and be happy; celebrate without me the festive day in the race; at the place to which the accursed hand of the thief has dragged me, will I lament my sad fate.” FABLE XXI. THE HUNGRY BEAR. Hunger sharpens the wits. If at any time sustenance is wanting to the Bear in the woods, he runs to the rocky shore, and, grasping a rock, gradually lets down his shaggy thighs into the water; and as soon as the Crabs have stuck to the long hair, betaking himself to shore, the crafty fellow shakes off his sea-spoil, and enjoys the food that he has collected in every quarter. Thus even in Fools does hunger sharpen the wits. FABLE XXII. - THE TRAVELLER AND THE RAVEN. Men are very frequently imposed upon by words. A Man while going through the fields along his solitary path, heard the word “Hail!” whereat he stopped for a moment, but seeing no one, went on his way. Again the same sound saluted him from a hidden spot ; encouraged by the hospitable voice, he stopped short, that whoever it was might receive the like civility. When, looking all about, he had remained long in perplexity, and had lost the time in which he might have walked some miles, a Raven showed himself, and hovering above him, continually repeated “Hail!” Then, perceiving that he had been deluded: “Perdition seize you,” said he, “most mischievous bird, to have thus delayed me when I was in such a hurry.” * If at any time)—Wer. 1. This is not a Fable; it is merely an anecdote in natural history, and one not very unlikely to have been true. Fable XXV. THE NEW FABLES OF PILEDRUS. 449 FABLE XXIII. THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHE-GOAT. Nothing is secret which shall not be made manifest." A. Shepherd had broken” the horn of a She-Goat with his staff, and began to entreat her not to betray him to his Master. “Although unjustly injured,” said she, “still, I shall be silent ; but the thing itself will proclaim your offence.” FABLE XXIV. THE SERPIENT AND THE DIZABID. When the Lion's skin fails, the Fow's must be employed; that is to say, when strength fails, we must employ craftiness. A Serpent chanced to catch a Lizard by the tail; but when she tried to devour it with open throat, it snatched up a little twig that lay close at hand, and, holding it transversely with pertinacious bite, checked the greedy jaws, agape to devour it, by this cleverly contrived impediment. So the Serpent dropped the prey from her mouth unenjoyed FABLE XXV. THE CROW AND THE SHEEP. Many are in the habit of injuring the weak and cringing to the powerful. An pestilent Crow had taken her seat upon a Sheep; which after carrying her a long time on her back and much against * Be made manifest)—Ver. 1. This moral is couched in the same words as St. Luke, viii. 17 : “For nothing is secret which shall not be made manifest.” 2 A Shepherd had broken)—Wer. 1. As Adry remarks, this Fable more closely resembles the brevity and elegance of Phaedrus. tº 2 G 450 THE NEW FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. Fable XXVI. her inclination, remarked : “If you had done thus to a Dog with his sharp teeth, you would have suffered for it. To this the rascally Crow replied: “I despise the defenceless, and I yield to the powerful; I know whom to vex, and whom to flatter craftily; by these means I put off my old age for years.” FABLE XXVI. THE SERVANT AND THE MASTER. There is no curse more severe than a bad conscience, A Servant having been guilty" of a secret offence in debauching the wife of his master, on the latter coming to know of it, he said, in the presence of those standing by : “Are you quite pleased with yourself? For, when you ought not, you do please yourself; but not with impunity, for when you ought to be pleased, you cannot be.” FABLE XXVII. THE HARE AND THE HERDSMAN. Many are kind in words, faithless at heart. A Hare was flying from the Huntsman with speedy foot, and being seen by a Herdsman, as she was creeping into a thicket: “By the Gods of heaven, I beg of you,” said she, “ and by all your hopes, do not betray me, Herdsman; I have never done any injury to this field.” “Don’t be afraid,” * Having been guilty)—Wer. 5. Chambry, one of the French Editors, omits this, as unworthy of Phaedrus, and Adry pronounces it unintel- Jigible. The meaning of this, which is Jannelli's version, seems to be: “When you ought not to please yourself, you do please yourself, in committing the crime; but the consequence is that, afterwards, when you ought to feel pleased, in that you have gratified your desires, you cannot, in consequence of your guilty conscience.” It is so muti- lated, however, that Cassitti, Jannelli, and other Editors give entirely different versions. * Injury to this field)—Wer. 4. The Hare is more an enemy to the flowers in gardens than to the fields. It was probably for this reason that the Romans sacrificed this animal to the Goddess Flora. Fable XXIX. THE NEW FABLEs of PHAEDRUs. 451 the Countryman replied, “remain concealed without appre- hension.” And now the Huntsman coming up, enquired: “Pray, Herdsman, has a Hare come this way?” “She did come, but went off that way to the left ;” he answered, winking and nodding to the right. The Huntsman in his haste did not understand him, and hurried out of sight. Then said the Herdsman : “Are you not glad that I concealed you?” “I don't deny,” said she, “that to your tongue I owe most sincere thanks, and I return them, but I wish you may be deprived of your perfidious eyes.” FABLE XXVIII. THE YOUNG MAN AND THE COURTESAN. Many things are pleasing which still are not to our advantage. While a perfidious Courtesan was fawning upon a Youth, and he, though wronged by her many a time and oft, still showed himself indulgent to the Woman, the faithless Creature thus addressed him : “Though many contend for me with their gifts, still do festeem you the most.” The Youth, recollecting how many times he had been deceived, replied: “ Gladly, my love, do I hear these words; not because you are constant, but because you administer to my pleasures.” FABLE XXIX. THE BEAVER. Many would escape, if for the sake of safety they would disregard their comforts. The Beaver (to which the talkative Greeks have given the name of Castor, thus bestowing upon an animal the name of a God"—they who boast of the abundance of their epi- 1 Name of a God)—Wer. 3. This pun upon the resesemblance of “Castor,” the name of the demigod, to “Castor,” “a beaver,” seems to be a puerile pun; and the remark upon the limited “copia verborum.” 2 G 2 452 THE NEW FABLEs of PHAEDRUS. Fable XXX. thets) when can no longerescape the dogs, is said to bite off his testicles, because he is aware that it is for them he is sought ; a thing which I would not deny being done through an instinct granted by the Gods; for as soon as the Huntsman has found the drug, he ceases his pursuit, and calls off the dogs. If men could manage, so as to be ready to part with what they own, in order to live in safety for the future, there would be no one to devise stratagems to the detriment of the naked body. FABLE XXX. THE BUTTERFLY AND THE WASP. Not past but present Fortune must be regarded. A Butterfly" seeing a Wasp flying by: “Oh, sad is our lot,” said she, “derived from the depths of hell, from the recesses of which we have received our existence. I, eloquent in peace, brave in battle, most skilled in every art, whatever I once was, behold, light and rotten, and mere ashes do I fly.” You, who were a Mule” with panniers, hurt whomsoever you of the Greeks, seems more likely to proceed from the Archbishop of Sipontum than from Phaedrus, who was evidently proud of his Grecian OT1911). * A Butterfly)—Wer. 1. This Fable is in a sadly mutilated state, and critics are at a loss to say, with any certainty, what is meant by it. Whether the supposed word in l. 2, “barathris,” (if really the correct reading), means the depths of hell, or the inner folds of the leaves in which the Butterfly is enveloped in the chrysalis state, or whether it means something else, will probably always remain a matter of doubt. However, the Fable seems to allude to the prevalent idea, that the soul, when disengaged from the body, took the form of a butterfly. Indeed the Greeks called both the soul and a butterfly by the name of Wüx). There are six or seven different versions of the first five lines. * Ashes do I fly)—Wer. 6. It is just possible that this may allude to the soul being disengaged from the corruption of the body. * Who were a Mule)—Wer. 7. She would seem here to allude to the doctrine of the transmigration of souls. It may possibly have been a notion, that as the human soul took the form of a Butterfly, the souls of animals appeared in the shapes of Wasps and Flies. Fable XXXII. THE NEW FABLEs of PH.L.Litus. 453 choose, by fixing your sting in him. The Wasp, too, uttered these words, well suited to her disposition: “Consider not what we were, but what we now are.” FABLE XXXI. THE GROUND-SWALLOW AND THE FOX. Confidence is not to be placed in the wicked. A Bird which the Rustics call a Ground-Swallow (ter- raneola), because it makes its nest in the ground, chanced to meet a wicked Fox, on seeing whom she soared aloft on her wings. “Save you,” said the other; “why, pray, do you fly from me, as though I had not abundance of food in the meadows, crickets, beetles, and plenty of locusts. You have nothing to fear, I beg to assure you ; I love you dearly for your quiet ways, and your harmless life. The Bird replied: “You speak very fairly, indeed; however, I am not near you, but up in the air; I shall therefore pro- ceed, and that is the way in which I trust my life to you.” FABLE XXXII. TEIE EPILOGUE.1 Of those who read this book. Whatever my Muse has here written in sportive mood, both malice and worth equally join in praising; but the latter with candour, while the other is secretly annoyed. * The Epilogue)—This appears in reality to be only the Fragment of an Epilogue. AESOPIAN FABLES.” THE AUTHORS OF WEHICH ARE NOT KNOWN FABLE I. THE SICK KITE. A Kite having been sick for many months, and seeing now there was no longer any hope of his recovery, asked his Mother to go round the sacred places, and make the most earnest vows for his recovery. “I will do so, my Son,” said she, “but I am greatly afraid I shall obtain no help ; but you, who have polluted every temple and every altar with your ravages, sparing no sacrificial food, what is it you would now have me ask?” FABLE II. THE HARES TIRED OF LIFE. He who cannot endure his own misfortune, let him look at others, and learn patience. On one occasion, the Hares being scared in the woods by a great noise, cried out, that, on account of their continued alarms, they would end their lives. So they repaired to a certain pond, into which, in their despondency, they were * AEsopian Fables)—These AEsopian Fables appear much more worthy of the genius of Phaedrus than the preceding ones, which have been attributed to him by the Italian Editors. The name of the author or authors of these is unknown ; but from the internal evidence, it is not improbable that some may have been composed by Phaedrus. Fable IV. AESOPIAN FABLES. 455 going to throw themselves. Alarmed at their approach, some Frogs fled distractedly into the green sedge. “Oh ſ* says one of the hares, “there are others too whom fear of mis- fortune torments. Endure existence as others do.” FABLE III. JUPITER AND THE FOX. No fortune conceals baseness of nature. Jupiter having changed a Fox into a human shape, while she was sitting as a Mistress on a royal throne, she saw a beetle creeping out of a corner, and sprang nimbly towards the well-known prey. The Gods of heaven smiled; the Great Father was ashamed, and expelled the Concubine, repudiated and disgraced, addressing her in these words: “Live on in the manner that you deserve, you, who cannot make a worthy use of my kindness.” FABLE IV. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. This Fable teaches that no one should hurt thºse of more humble condition. While a Lion was asleep in a wood, where some Field- Mice were sporting about, one of them by chance leaped upon the Lion as he lay. The Lion awoke and seized the wretched creature with a sudden spring. The captive im- plored pardon and suppliantly confessed his crime, a sin of imprudence. The Monarch, not deem in,’ it a glorious thing to exact vengeance for this, pardoned hi m and let him go. A few days after, the Lion, while roan ing by night, fell into a trap. When he perceived that he was caught in the snare, he began to roar with his loudest voice. At this tremoudous noise the Mouse instantly ran to his assistance, and ex- claimed: “You have no need to fear; I will make an adequate return for your great kindness.” Immediately he began to survey all the knots and the fastenings of the knots; and 456 AESOPIAN FABLES. Fable W. / gnawing the strings after he had examined them, loosened the snare. Thus did the Mouse restore the captured Lion to the woods. FABLE W. THE MAN AND THE TREES. Those perish, who give assistance to their foes. A certain Man, having made an axe, besought the Trees to afford him a handle from their wood that would prove firm : they all desired that a piece of Olive-tree should be given. He accepted the offer, and, fitting on the handle, set to work with the axe to hew down the huge trunks. While he was selecting such as he thought fit, the Oak is reported thus to have said to the Ash: “We richly deserve to be cut down.” FABLE VI. THE MOUSE AND THE FROG, A Mouse, in order that he might pass over a river with greater ease, sought the aid of a Frog. She tied the fore leg of the Mouse to her hinder thigh. Hardly had they swum to the middle of the river, when the Frog dived suddenly, trying to reach the bottom, that she might perfidiously deprive the Mouse of life. While he struggled with all his Imight not to sink, a Kite that was flying near at hand, beheld the prey, and seizing the floundering Mouse in his talons, at the same time bore off the Frog that was fastened to him. Thus do men often perish while meditating the destruction others. FABLE VII. THE TWO COCKS AND THE HAWK. A Cock who had often fought with another Cock, and been beaten, requested a Hawk to act as umpire in the contest. Fable IX. AESOPIAN FABLES. 457 The latter conceived hopes, if both should come, of devour- ing him who should first present himself. Shortly after, when he saw that they had come to plead their cause, he seized the one who first brought his case into court. The victim clamorously exclaimed: “'Tis not I that should be punished, but the one who took to flight ;” the Bird replied: “Do not suppose that you can this day escape my talons; it is just that you jã now yourself endure the treacheries you were planning for another.” He who often cogitates upon the death of others, little knows what sad Fate he may be preparing for himself. FABLE VIII. THE SNAIL AND THE AIPE, A Snail, smitten with admiration of a Mirror which she had found, began to climb its shining face, and lick it, fancy- ing she could confer no greater favour upon it, than to stain its brightness with her slime. An Ape, when he saw the Mirror thus defiled, remarked : “He who allows himself to be trodden by such beings, deserves to suffer such a disgrace.” This Fable is written for those Women who unite them- selves to ignorant and foolish Men. FABLE IX. THE CITY MOUSE AND COUNTRY MOUSE. A City Mouse being once entertained at the table of a Country one, dined on humble acorns in a hole. After- wards he prevailed upon the Countryman by his entreaties to enter the city and a cellar that abounded with the choicest things. Here, while they were enjoying remnants of various kinds, the door is thrown open, and in comes the Butler; the Mice, terrified at the noise, fly in different direc- * Planning for another)—Wer. 10. The nature of the reason assigned by the Hawk is not very clear. Perhaps the writer did not care that he should give even so much as a specious reason. 458 AESOPLAN FABLES. Fable X. tions, and the City one easily hides himself in his well-known holes; while the unfortunate Rustic, all trepidation in that strange house, and dreading death, runs to-and-fro along the walls. When the Butler had taken what he wanted, and had shut the door, the City Mouse bade the Country one again to take courage. The latter, still in a state of perturbation, replied: “I hardly can take any food for fear. Do you think he will come P”—“Why are you in such a fright P. said the City one ; “come, let us enjoy dainties which you may seek in vain in the country.” The Countryman replied: “You, who don’t know what it is to fear, will enjoy all these things; but, free from care and at liberty, may acorns be my food!” - 'Tis better to live secure in poverty, than to be consumed by the cares attendant upon riches. FABLE X. THE ASS FAWNING UPON HIS MASTER. An Ass, seeing the Dog fawn upon his master, and how he was crammed at his table each day, and had bits thrown to him in abundance by the Servants, thus remarked : “If the Master and the Servants are so very fond of a most filthy Dog, what must it be with me, if I should pay him similar attentions, who am much better than this Dog, and useful and praiseworthy in many respects; who am supported by the pure streams of undefiled water, and never in the habit of feeding upon nasty food? Surely I am more worthy than a whelp to enjoy a happy life, and to obtain the highest honor.” While the Ass is thus soliloquising, he sees his Master enter the stable ; so running up to him in haste and braying aloud, he leaps upon him, claps both feet on his shoulders, begins to lick his face; and tearing his clothes with his dirty hoofs, he fatigues his Master with his heavy weight, as he stupidly fawns upon him. At their Master's outcry the Servants run to the spot, and seizing everywhere such sticks and stones as come in their way, they punish the braying beast, and knocking him off his Master's body, soon send him back, half-dead to the manger, with sore limbs and battered rump. Fable XII. AESOPIAN FABLES, 459 This Fable teaches that a fool is not to thrust himself upon