The Captivi and the MostellariaPlautus, Titus Maccius
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The Captivi and the Mostellaria
Plautus, Titus Maccius
Latin drama (Comedy); Plautus, Titus Maccius -- Translations into English
SIM. But, to-morrow, unless any person invites me first, I'll even dine
with you.
THEU. I' faith, and that, too, I don't want. Unless you are engaged
_with something_ of greater importance, lend me your attention.
SIM. By all means. THEU. You have received, as far as I understand,
forty minae of Philolaches.
SIM. Never a coin, so far as I know.
THEU. What? _Not_ from my servant Tranio?
SIM. Much less _is_ that _the case_.
THEU. Which he gave you by way of deposit?
SIM. What are you dreaming about?
THEU. What, I? Why, really, 'tis yourself, who hope that, by dissembling
in this manner, you'll be able to make void this bargain.
SIM. Why, what _do you mean_? THEU. The business that, in my absence, my
son transacted with you here.
SIM. How did your son, in your absence, transact any business with me?
What pray, or on what day?
THEU. I owe you eighty minae of silver.
SIM. Not to me, indeed, upon my faith; but _still_, if you do owe them,
give them me. Faith must be kept. Don't be attempting to deny it.
THEU. Assuredly, I shall not deny that I owe them; and I shall pay them.
Do you take care how you deny that you received the forty from him.
SIM. Troth now, prithee, look this way at me, and answer me. He said
that you were wishful to give a wife to your son; for that reason, he
said that you intended building on your own _premises_.
THEU. I, intended building here? SIM. So he told me.
THEU. Ah me! I'm ruined outright! I've hardly any voice left [3].
Neighbours, I'm undone, ruined quite!
SIM. Has Tranio been causing any confusion?
THEU. Yes; he has thrown everything into confusion. He has made a fool
of me to-day in a disgraceful manner.
SIM. What is it you say?
THEU. This matter is just as I am telling you; he has this day made a
fool of me in an outrageous manner. Now I beseech you that you'll kindly
aid me, and lend me your assistance.
SIM. What would you have?
THEU. I beg of you, come this way together with me.
SIM. Be it so. THEU. Lend me the assistance of your slaves and some
scourges.
SIM. Take them _by all means_.
THEU. At the same time I'll tell you about this, in what a fashion he
has this day imposed upon me. (_They go into the house of_ SIMO.)
[Footnote 1: _Being carried out to burial_)--Ver. 991. It is supposed
that in this reply he plays upon the question of Theuropides, who uses
the word "processit" in his question, which may either mean, "what has
been going on?" or "what procession has there been?"]
[Footnote 2: _I shall invite you_)--996. He alludes to the universal
custom of giving friends a "coena viatica," or welcome entertainment, on
arriving from off a journey.]
[Footnote 3: _I've hardly any voice left_)--Ver. 1019. "Vocis non habeo
satis." Literally, "I have not voice enough."]
ACT V.--SCENE I.
_Enter_ TRANIO.
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