PHA. Why really, this is nothing at all--thirty minae, in comparison with the other expenses he has incurred in good living. He has ruined his father. There's one servant there, a very great scoundrel, Tranio _by name_; he could even waste the revenue of a Hercules [4]. On my word, I'm sadly distrest for his father; for when he comes to know that things have gone on thus, a hot coal will be scorching his breast, poor man. THEU. If, indeed, this is the truth. PHA. What am I to gain, that I should tell a lie? (_Knocks again at the door._) Hallo, you! is any one coming to open this _door_? SER. Why do you knock in this way, when there's no one in the house? PHA. I fancy that he's gone elsewhere to carouse. Now then, let's begone. (_They move as if going._) THEU. What, _my_ lad, are you off then? Liberty's the overcoat for your back [5]. PHA. Nothing have I with which to cover my back, except to pay respect and service to my master. (_Exeunt_ PHANISCUS and SERVANT. THEU. (_to himself_). By my troth, I am undone! What need is there of talking? According to the words I have heard, I surely haven't lately voyaged hence to Aegypt, but even to some desolate land and the most remote shores have I been borne about, so much am I at a loss to know where I now am. But I shall soon know; for see, here's the person of whom my son bought the house. [Footnote 1: _Respected sir_)--Ver. 944. "Pater," Literally, "father."] [Footnote 2: _An afternoon's whet_)--Ver. 958. "Merendam." According to some, this meal was the same as the "prandium," or "breakfast;" while others take it to have been a slight meal or luncheon, taken at about four or five in the afternoon.] [Footnote 3: _No, by Apollo_)--Ver. 965. [Greek: Ma ton Apollo]. He uses a Greek adjuration.] [Footnote 4: _The revenue of a Hercules_)--Ver. 976. It was the custom with many to devote to Hercules the tenth part of their possessions. Consequently, the revenues belonging to the Temples of this Deity would be especially large.] [Footnote 5: _The overcoat for your back_)--Ver. 982. Schmieder thinks this is said insultingly to Phaniscus. It would, however, appear otherwise: Phaniscus having no "paenula," or "overcoat," on, Theuropides, who thinks him a very worthy fellow, says, "My good fellow, your freedom would make you a very fine overcoat." ] SCENE IV.--_Enter_ SIMO. THEU. What are you about? SIM. I'm coming home from the Forum. THEU. Has anything new been going on at the Forum to-day? SIM. Why yes. THEU. What is it, pray? SIM. I saw a dead man being carried to burial. THEU. Dear me! that is something new! SIM. I saw one who was dead being carried out to burial [1]. They said that he had been alive but just before. THEU. Woe to that head of yours _for your nonsense_! SIM. Why are you, _thus_ idling about, enquiring after the news? THEU. Because I've just arrived from abroad. SIM. I'm engaged out to dine: don't suppose I shall invite you [2]. THEU. I' faith, I don't want.