[Footnote 7: _Have but a ferret_)--Ver. 185. This passage has much puzzled the Commentators; but allowing for some very far-fetched wit, which is not uncommon with Plautus, it may admit of some explanation. He tells the Parasite that he had better look for a nicer dinner, a hare, in fact; for that in dining with him, he will only get the ferret (with which the hare was hunted) for his dinner. Then, inasmuch as the ferret was and for following the bare or rabbit into "scruposae viae," "impervious" or "rocky places" where they had burrowed, he adds: "For my dinner, ferret-like, frequents ragged places;" by which he probably means that it is nothing but a meagre repast of vegetables, of which possibly capers formed a part, which grow plentifully in Italy, in old ruins and craggy spots. Some suggest that it was a custom with the huntsmen, if they failed to catch the hurt, to kill and eat the ferret.] [Footnote 8: _Are but of a rough sort_)--Ver. 189. The word "asper" means either "unsavoury" or "prickly," according to the context. Hegio means to use it in the former sense, but the Parasite, for the sake of repartee, chooses to take it in the latter.] [Footnote 9: _Treat your sick people_)--Ver. 191. He means that such a dinner may suit sick people, but will not be to his taste.] ACT II.--SCENE I. _Enter, from the house,_ PHILOCRATES, TYNDARUS, _and_ SLAVES _and_ CAPTIVES of HEGIO. SLAVE. If the immortal Gods have so willed it that you should undergo this affliction, it becomes you to endure it with equanimity; if you do so, your trouble will be lighter [1]. At home you were free men, I suppose; now if slavery has befallen you, 'tis a becoming way for you to put up with it, and by your dispositions to render it light, under a master's rule. Unworthy actions which a master does must be deemed Worthy ones. PHIL. _and_ TYND. Alas! alas! alas! SLAVE. There's no need for wailing; you cause much injury to your eyes. In adversity, if you use fortitude of mind, it is of service. PHIL. _and_ TYND. But we are ashamed, because we are in bonds. SLAVE. But in the result it might cause vexation to our master, if he were to release you from chains, or allow you to be loose, whom he has purchased with his money. PHIL. _and_ TYND. What does he fear from us? We know our duty, what it is, if he allows us to be loose. SLAVE. Why, you are meditating escape. I know what it is you are devising. PHIL. _and_ TYND. We, make our escape? Whither should we escape? SLAVE. To your own country. PHIL. _and_ TYND. Out upon you; it would ill befit us to be following the example of runaways. SLAVE. Why, faith, should there be an opportunity, I don't advise you not. PHIL. _and_ TYND. Do you allow us to make one request. SLAVE. What is it, pray? PHIL. _and_ TYND. That you will give us an opportunity of conversing, without these and yourselves for overlookers.