The Captivi and the MostellariaPlautus, Titus Maccius
General
The Captivi and the Mostellaria
Plautus, Titus Maccius
Latin drama (Comedy); Plautus, Titus Maccius -- Translations into English
PHIL. I' troth, he hasn't commended me the one hundredth part of what he
himself deserves to be commended in my praises.
HEG. (_to_ PHILOCRATES). Since, then, you have acted most becomingly,
now there's an opportunity to add to your good in managing this matter
with fidelity towards him.
PHIL. I am not able more to wish it done, than by my endeavours to try
to bring it about. That you may know this, Hegio, with praises do I call
supreme Jove to witness that I will not prove unfaithful to Philocrates
[2]--
HEG. You are a worthy fellow. PHIL. And that I will never in anything
act otherwise towards him than towards my own self.
TYND. I wish you to put these speeches to the test, both by your deeds
and your actions; and inasmuch as I have said the less about you than
I had wished, I wish you _the more_ to give me your attention, and
take you care not to be angry with me by reason of these words. But, I
beseech you, reflect that you are sent hence home with a price set upon
you at my risk, and that my life is here left as a pledge for you. Do
not you forget me the very moment that you have left my presence, since
you will have left me here behind a captive in captivity for yourself,
and _don't_ consider yourself as free, _and_ forsake your pledge [3],
and not use your endeavours for you to bring his son home again, in
return for me. Understand that you are sent hence valued at twenty
minae. Take care to prove scrupulously faithful; take care that you show
not a wavering fidelity. For my father, I am sure, will do everything
that he ought to do. Preserve me as a constant friend to you, and find
out [4] this person _so lately_ discovered. These things, by your right
hand, holding you with my _own_ right hand, do I beg of you; do not
prove less true to me than I have proved to you. This matter do you
attend to; you are now my master, you my patron, you my father; to you
do I commend my hopes and my fortunes.
PHIL. You have given injunctions enough. Are you satisfied if I bring
back accomplished what you have enjoined?
TYND. Satisfied. PHIL. (_to_ HEGIO). According to your wishes, and (_to_
TYNDARUS) according to yours, will I return, hither provided. Is there
anything else?
TYND. For you to return bad as soon as ever you can.
PHIL. The business _itself_ reminds _me of that_.
HEG. (_to_ PHILOCRATES). Follow me, that I may give you your expenses
for the journey at my banker's; on the same occasion I'll get a passport
from the Praetor.
TYND. What passport [5]? HEG. For him to take with him hence to the
army, that he may be allowed to go home from here. (_To_ TYNDARUS.) You
go in-doors.
TYND. Speed you well. PHIL. Right heartily, farewell. (TYNDARUS _goes
into the house._)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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