Publii Terentii Carthaginiensis Afris poëtae lepidissimi comoediae sex Anglo-Latinae in usum ludi-discipulorum, quo Feliciùs venustatem linguae Latinae ad sermonem quotidianum exercendum assequantur / a Carolo Hoole ... = Six comedies of that excellent poet Publius Terentius, an African of Carthage, in English and Latine : for the use of young scholars, that they may the more readily attain the purity of the Latine tongue for common discourse / by Charles Hoole ...

Act. IV. Scen. I.

CTESPHO. SYRUS.

Ct.

DO you say my father is gone hence into the countrey?

S.

Long agoe.

Ct.

I pray thee tell me truly:

Sy.

He is at his farm-house. And I believe he is verie hard now at some work.

Ct.

I wish indeed, so it may be with his safetie, that he may so weary himself, As that he may not be able at all to rise out of his bed for these three dayes together.

S.

[line 5] I wish it may be so, and anie thing that he can do more commo∣dious then that.

Ct.

Ey! for I earnestly desire to spend all this day in merriment, as I have begun; and I utterly dislike That countrie-farm for no reason so much, as because it is neer-hand; but if it were Further off, the night would overtake him there, before he could return hither Again. Now when he shall not see me there, he will come running hi∣ther again by and by, [line 10] I am certain. He will ask me where I have been, because I have not seen him to day All the day long. What should I say?

S.

Is no excuse come into your minde?

Ct.

No nothing at all.

S.

You are so much the worse. Have you no client, friend, or guest?

Ct.

I have; what then?

S.

Tell him, you attended on these.

Ct.

Which attendance was not given; This cannot be done.

S.

It may.

Ct.

On the day time. But if I tarrie here all night, [line 15] What excuse shall I make▪ Syrus?

S.

Oh, how heartilie I could wish it were a custome

To attend our friends also by night. But do you rest your self secure, I know his pulse very well. When he is as hot as a roste, I make him As quiet as a lamb.

Ct.

How?

S.

He delighteth to hear you commended, I set you out as a little God to him, I tell him of all your good quali∣ties.

Ct.

Mine?

S.

[line 20] Yours: the man will weep like a childe for joy. Oh but see yonder for you?

Ct.

What is the matter?

Sy.

Here's the man we talk of.

Ct.

Is my father here?

S.

It is just he.

Ct.

Syrus, what shall we do?

Sy.

Get you but in now, I will look to it.

Ct.

If he ask you any thing concerning me, say you saw me no where. Do you hear?

Sy.

Can you commaud your self to give over your prate?

Act. IV. Scen. I.

CTESIPHO. SYRUS.

Ct.

A In' patrem hinc abiisse rus?

S.

Jam dudum.

Ct.

Dic sodes,

S.

Apud villam est. Nunc autem maximè operis ali∣quid facere Credo.

Ct.

Utinum quidem, quod cum salute ejus fiat, ita se defatigârit; Velim, ut triduo hoc perpetuo è lecto prorsus nequeat sur∣gere.

S.

[line 5] Ita fiat, & istoc si quid potis est rectius.

Ct.

Ita; nam hunc diem •…•…serè cupio, ut cepi, perpetuum in laetitiâ degere; & illud rus Nullá al â causâ tam malè odi, nisi quia prope est; quod si ab∣esset Longiùs, priùs nox oppressisset illic, quàm huc reverti posset Iterum. Nunc ubi me illic non videbit, jam huc recurret, [line 10] Sat scio. Rogabit me ubi fuerim, quem ego hodie toto non Vidi die, quid dicam?

S.

Nihilne in mentem?

Ct.

Nunquam quidquam:

S.

Tantò nequiores. Cliens, amicus, hospes nemo est vobis?

Ct.

Sunt, quid postea?

Sy.

Hisce opera ut data sit.

Ct.

Quae non Data sit? non potest fieri.

Sy.

Potest.

Ct.

Interdiu; sed si hîc [line 15] Pernocto, causae quid dicam, Syre?

S.

Vah, quàm vellem etiam

Noctu amicis operam mos esset dari. Quin tu otiosus es, ego Illius sensum pulchrè calleo. Cum fervet maximè, tam placi∣dum Quàm ovem reddo.

Ct.

Quo modo?

Sy.

Laudarier te audit Lubenter, facio te apud illum Deum, virtutes narro:

Ct.

Meas?

Sy.

[line 20] Tuas: homini cadunt lachrymae, quasi puero pr•••• ••audio. Hem tibi autem?

Ct.

Quidnam?

Sy.

Lupus est in fabula.

Ct.

Pater adest?

S.

Ipsus est.

Ct.

Syre, quid agimus?

S.

Fuge modò intró. Ego videro.

Ct.

Si quid rogabit, nusquam tu me: audistin'?

S.

Potin' es, ut desinas?

Act. IV. Scen. II.

DEMEA. CTESIPHO. SYRUS.

D.

VErilie I am an unfortunate man; first I can finde my brother no where In all the world. And besides, as I was looking for him, saw a day tale man Coming from my farm, he saith my son is not in the countrey; and I know not what to do.

Ct.

Syrus,

S.

What say you?

Ct.

Is he looking for me?

S.

Yes.

Ct.

I am un∣done.

S.

But be of good chear.

D.

[line 5] What unfortunateness is this, with a mischief? I cannot sufficientlie judge, But that I think I am born to this thing, to suffer miseries. I am the first that perceive our mishaps, I am the first that know all things, And I am the first that carrie the news of them; I am the onely man that am grieved at it, if any thing be done amiss.

S.

I cannot but laugh as this man, he saith he is the first that know∣eth and he alone is ignorant of all things.

D.

[line 10] Now I am come again, and am going to see, if my brother by chance be returned.

Ct.

Syrus, I pray thee have a care that he rush not himself quite in hither.

S.

What can you hold your peace? I will have a care.

Ct.

Truly I will never to day adventure that thing with you:

For I will pen up my self with her in some close room: that is the safest course.

S.

Do it, yet I will set this man packing.

D.

But loe where your ro∣guish Syrus is?

Sy.

[line 15] Trulie there is not any body can abide here, if things be car∣ried thus. Verilie I would faign know, how many masters I have: what a misery is this?

D.

What is he yelping like a fox? what would he have? what say you you honest man? Is my brother at home?

S.

What do you say honest man to me, with a mischief? verilie I am an undone man.

D.

What aileth you?

S.

[line 20] Do you ask? Ctesipho hath quite kild me poor man, and that singing wench With buffeting.

D.

Ha, what story you tell?

Sy.

Oh, do you see how he hath cut my lip?

D.

Why so?

S.

He saith, she was bought by perswasion.

D.

Did not you say You went agateward with him latelie into the countrey from hence?

S.

So I did, but he came afterwards Like a mad-man, he made no spare of any thing. Should not he have been ashamed to beate [line 25] An old man; whom I latelie carried in my arms, being but a little boy thus big.

D.

I commend thee Ctesipho, thou dost follow thy fathers steps; go thy way, I take thee to be a man.

S.

Do you commend him? he will hold his hands hereafter, if he be wise.

D.

Valiantlie done.

S.

Very valiantlie, because he hath overcome a poor woman, and me A poor slave, that durst not strike again: Whoo, it was very valiant∣lie done.

D.

[line 30] He could not have done better, he thought as I think, that you are the ring-leader in this matter. But is my brother within?

S.

He is not.

D.

I muse, where I may seek him.

S.

I know where he is, But I will not tell you to day.

D.

Ha, what say you?

S.

So.

D.

I will be sure to beat out thy brains now.

S.

But I know not the name Of that man, but I know the place where he is.

D.

Tell me the place then.

S.

[line 35] Do you know the porch by the shambles this way down the street?

D.

Why should 1 But know it?

S.

Go straight along this street to the upper end; when you come there,

There is a down-hill towards the lower end; haste your self this way; afterwards there is A chappel on this hand, there is a by-corner hard by.

D.

What one?

S.

There where There is also a great wilde fig-tree; do you know it?

D.

I know it.

S.

Go on this way. [line 40] Indeed that by-corner is no thorow-gate.

S.

True indeed, ah, Do you not perceive that I am a man? I am mistaken; ••ome back a∣gain to the porch, Indeed you will go a great deal nearer this way, & it is not so ill to hit. Do you know this rich man Cratinus's house?

D.

I know it.

S.

You are gone past it, Go on the left hand straight along this street; when you come at Diana's temple, [line 45] Go on the right hand; before you come at the gate, at the very great poole, There is a mil-house, and over against it there is a joyners shop; there he is.

D.

What doth he there?

S.

He hath put out some tables to be made with holm feer, Whereon you may drink in the sun-shine.

D.

Very well indeed: but do I m••ke no more haste to go to him?

S.

Get you gone for sooth; I will set you on work to day, as you de∣serve, you old dotard. [line 50] Aeschinus loytereth tediouslie; the dinner is spoiled; Ctesipho is in love up to the ears: I will now look to my self. For I will now go, and take everie thing that is the most tooth some, And tippling off the pots by little and little, I will draw this day to an end.

Act. IV. Scen. II.

DEMEA. CTESIPHO. SYRUS.

D.

NAe ego homo sum infaelix; primùm fratrem nusquam invenio Gentium. Praeterea autem dum illum quaero, à villâ mercenarium Vidi; is filium negat esse ruri: nec quid agam scio.

Ct.

Syre,

Sy.

Quid ais?

Ct.

Men' quaerit?

S.

Verum.

Ct.

Perii.

S.

Quin tu animo bono es.

D.

[line 5] Quid hoc, malùm, infelicitatis? nequeo satis discer∣nere, Nisi me credo huic esse natum rei, ferendis miseriis. Primus sentio mala nostra, primus rescisco omnia, Primus porrò obnuncio: aegré solus, si quid fit, fero.

S.

Rideo hunc, primum ait se scire, is solus nescit omnia.

D.

[line 10] Nunc redeo, si fortè frater redierit, viso.

Ct.

Syre, Obsecro, vide ne ille huc prorsus se irruat.

S.

Etiam taces? Ego cavebo.

Ct.

Nunquam hercle ego hodie istuc committam tibi.

Nam me in cellam aliquam cum illâ concludam; id tutissimum est.

S.

Age, tamen ego hunc amovebo.

D.

Sed eccum sceleratum Syrum!

S.

[line 15] Non hercle hic quidem durare quisquam, si sic fit, potest. Scire equidem volo, quot mihi sint domini: quae est haec mi∣seria!

D.

Quid ille gannit? quid vult? quid ais bone vir? est frater domii?

S.

Quid, malum, bone vir, mihi narras? equidem perii.

D.

Quid tibi est?

S.

[line 20] Rogitas? Ctesipho me pugnis miserum, & istam psal∣triam Usque occidit.

D.

Hem, quid narras?

S.

Hem, vides, ut dis∣cidit labrum.

D.

Quamobr••m?

S.

Me impulsore hanc emptam esse ait.

D.

Non tu eum Rus hinc modò produxe aiebas?

S.

Factum; verùm venit pòst Insaniens, nihil pepercit; non puduisse verberare hominem [line 25] Senem; quem ego modò puerum tantillùm in manibus ge∣stavi meis?

D.

Laudo, Ctesipho, patrissas; abi, virum te judico.

S.

Laudásne? ille continebit posthac, si sapiet, manus.

D.

Fortiter.

S.

Perquam, quia miseram mulierem, & me ser∣volum Qui referire non audebam, vicit; hui, per∣fortiter.

D.

[line 30] Non potuit melius; idem quod ego senfit, te esse huic rei caput. Sed estne frater intus?

S.

Non est.

D.

Ubi illum quaeram, cogi∣to.

S.

Scio ubi sit, Verùm hodie nunquam monstrabo.

D.

Hem, quid ais?

S.

Ita.

D.

Diminuetur tibi quidem jam cerebrum.

S.

At nomen nescio Illius hominis; sed locum novi ubi sit.

D.

Dic ergo locum.

S.

[line 35] Nostin' porticum apud macellum hâc deorsum?

D.

Quid ni Noverim?

S.

Praeterito hâc rectâ plateâ sursum; ubi eò ve∣neris,

Clivos deorsum versus est, hâc te praecipitato; postea est ad hanc Manum sacellum, ibi angiportum propter est.

D.

Quodnam?

S.

Illic ubi Etiam caprificus magna est; nostin'?

D.

Novi.

S.

Hâ•• per∣gito••

D.

[line 40] Id quidem angiportum non est pervium.

S.

Verum her∣cle, vah, Censen' hominem me esse? erravi; in porticum rursum redi, Sanè hâc multo propiùs ibis, & minor est erratio. Scin' Cratini hujus ditis aedes?

D.

Scio.

S.

Ubi eas praeterie∣ris, Ad finistram hâc rectà plateâ: ubi ad Dianae veneris, [line 45] Ito ad dextram; priùs, quàm ad portum venias, apud ip∣sum lacum Est pistrilla, & ex adverso fabrica, ibi est.

D.

Quid ibi facit?

S.

Lectulos in sole ilignis pedibus faciundos dedit, Ubi potetis vos.

D.

Bene sanè; sed cesso ad eum pergere?

S.

I sanè, ego te exercebo hodie, ut dignus es, silicer∣nium; [line 50] Aeschinus odiosè cessat: prandium corrumpitur: Ctesipho autem in amore est totus: ego jam prospiciam mihi. Nam jam adibo, at{que} unumquod{que} quod quidem erit bellissimū, Carpam, & cyathos sorbillans paulatim, hunc producam diem

Act. IV. Scen. III.

MITIO. HEGIO.

M.

I Finde nothing in this matter, Hegio, why I should be so much c••mended, I do but my duty, I amend what we have done a••••sse. Vnlesse you think me to be one of those men, who think thus That they have an injurie done them, if they have done one themselves wilfullie, they themselves complain, [line 5]

And cry whore first, because I have not done so, you give me thanks.

Heg.

Ah no, I never thought you to be otherwise then you are: But, I pray you, Mitio, go with me to the maids mother, And tell the woman your self those very same things which you told me; That this suspition is for his brother and the singing wench.

M.

[line 10] If you think fitting so, or if it be needful to be done, let us go.

Heg.

You do well: For you will both ease her heart, who wasteth away with grief And miserie, and you will discharge the dutie of an honest man as you are; but if you be minded otherwise, I my self will tell her, what you have told me.

M.

Nay, I will go.

H.

You do well. All people, with whom the world goeth not very well, are more supiti∣ous; I know not how, [line 15] They take all things the rather as affronts done to them; They always think they are neglected for their infirmitie Wherefore it is more pacifying for you to excuse your self to her face to face.

M.

You say well, and trulie.

H.

Follow me in then this way.

M.

Yes.

Act. IV. Scen. III.

MITIO. HEGIO.

M.

EGo in hac re nihil reperio, quam ob rem lauder tanto∣pere, Hegio. Meum officium facio, quod peccatum à nobis est, corrigo. Nisi si me in illo credidisti esse homi••u•• numero, qui ita putant Sibi fieri injuriam, ultrò siquam fecêre, ipsi expo∣stulant; [line 5]

Et ultrò accusant: id quia non est à me factum, agis gratias.

H.

Ah, minimè; nunquam te aliter at{que} es, in animū induxi meū. Sed quaeso, ut unà mecum ad matrem virginis eas, Mitio. Atque istaec eadem, quae mihi dixti, tute dicas mulieri: Suspicionē hanc propter fratrē ejus esse, & illam psalteriam.

M.

[line 10] Si ita aequum censes, aut si ita opus est facto, eamus.

H.

Bene facis: Nam & illi animum jam revelabis, quae dolore ac miseriâ Tabescit, & tuo officio fueris functus; sed si aliter putas, Egomet narrabo quae mihi dixti.

M.

Imò ego ibo.

H.

Bene facis. Omnes, quibus res sunt minus secundae, magis sunt, nescio quo∣modo, [line 15] Suspiciosi; ad contumeliam omnia accipiunt magis; Propter suam impotentiam, se semper credunt negligi. Quapropter te ipsum purgare ipsi coràm, placabilius est.

M.

Et certè, & verū dicis.

H.

Sequere me, ego hâc intro.

M.

Maximé.

Act. IV. Scen. IV.

AESCHINUS.

Aesch.

I Am vexed in my minde, that this so great a mischief should be objected to me on a suddoin, That I cannot be certain what do with my self, nor what course to take. My limbs are enfeebled with fear, my minde is astonished through af∣frightment, No counsel at all can stand in my heart. [line 5] How should I rid my self out of these incūbrances? so great a suspiti••n Hath now light upon me, and that not without cause. Sostrata thinketh. That I bought this singing wench for my self: the old woman discovered that to me; For as she by chance was sent hence to the mid-wife, as soon as I saw her, I went presentlie to her, I ask her how Pamphila did, whether she was near her labour, [line 10] Whether she went to call the mid-wife thither; sh•• cryeth out, away, away, Aeschinus,

You have now deceived us long enough; your promise hath hitherto Sufficiently frustrated us: Alas, quoth I, what is the matter, I pray you? You may fare well, you may have her that liketh you. I perceived pre∣sently, that they suspected that; Yet neverthelesse I with-held my self, lest I should utter anie thing concerning my brother to that blab, [line 15] And it come all abroad. Now what should I doe? should I say she is my brother's? which it is no need To be uttered. Well, I let it pass, it may come to passe, that it may not come out anie way. This is the verie thing I fear, lest they believe it, there are so many likeliehoods concur. I my self took her away by force; I my self paied the monie; she is brought away Home to me: moreover I confesse these things were done through my default, that I told not this thing [line 20] To my father how it was done. I should have intreated him, that I might marrie her. Hitherto I have been negligent; now Aeschinus henceforth bestir thy self. Now this is to be done first and foremost; I will go to them, to clear my self, I will come to the door. I am undone, I alwaies tremble everie bone of me, when I begin to knock at this door, poor man that I am. Ho ho, it is I Aeschinus, some of you open the door quickly. [line 25] One cometh forth, I know not who, I will step aside hither.

Act. IV. Scen. IV.

AESCHINUS.

Aesch.

DIscrucior animi, hoccine de improviso mali mihi objici tantum, Ut neque quid de me faciam, neque quid agam, certum siet. Membra metu debilia sunt; animus timore obstu∣puit, Pectore consistere nihil consilii quidquam potest. [line 5] Quomodo ex hac me expediam turbâ? tanta nunc Suspicio deme incidit, ne{que} ea immeritó Sostrata credit Mihi me psalteriam hanc emisse; id anus mihi judicium fecit; Nam ut hinc fortè ea ad obstetricem erat missa, ubi vidi eam, Illico accedo, rogito Pamphila quid agat, jam partus adsiet, [line 10] Eóne obstetricem acce••sat; illa exclama••, abi, abi, jam Ae∣schine,

Satis diu dedisti verba nobis, satis adhuc tua nos Frustrata est sides; hem, quid istuc, obsecro, inquam, est? Valeas, habeas illam quae placet. Sensi illico id illas suspi∣cari: Sed me reprehendi tamen, ne quid de fratre garrulae illi fave∣rem, [line 15] Ac fieret palam. Nunc quid faciam? dicam fratris esse hanc? quod minimè Est opus efferri. Age, mitto, fieri potis est, uti ne quâ exeat. Ipsum id metuo ne credant, tot concurrunt veri∣similia. Egomet rapui; ipse egomet solvi argentum; ad me abducta est Domum: haec adeò meâ culpâ fateor fieri, non me hanc rem patri [line 20] Ut erat gesta indicâsse; exorassem ut eam du∣cerem. Cessatum us{que} adhuc est; nunc por••ò, Aeschine, expergiscere. Nunc hoc est primum; ad illas ibo, ut purgem me, accedam ad fores, Perii, horresco semper, ubi pulsare hasce occipio fores, miser. Heus, heus, Aeschinus ego sum, aperite aliquis actutum ostium. [line 25] Prodit nescio quis, concedam huc.

Act. IV. Scen. V.

MITIO. AECHINUS.

M.

SOstrata, doe as you said. I will go talk with Aeschinus, That he may know how these things are carried. But who knock't at the door?

Aes.

Truly it is my father, I am undone.

M.

Aeschinus.

Aesc.

What businesse hath be here?

M.

Did you knock at this door? he saith never a word. Why do I not play upon a little while? [line 5] It is best to do so: because he would never believe me this. Do you make me no answer?

Aesch.

Truly I did not knock at this door, that I know of.

M.

Say you so? for I wondered what businesse you had here. He blusheth; All is well.

Aes.

I pray you tell me, father, What businesse had you here?

M.

I had no businesse truly. [line 10] A friend of mine brought me erewhile from the market, To be a dayes-man for him here.

Aes.

What?

M.

I will tell you. There are certain poor women dwell here, I suppose, and I am sure, you do not know them; For it is not long since they flitted hither.

Aes.

What more then?

M.

[line 15] There is a maid with her mother.

Aesc.

Go on.

M.

This maid is fatherlesse. This friend of mine is the next a-kin to her, The Lawes constrain him to marrie her.

Aes.

I am undone.

M.

What is the matter?

Aesch.

Nothing; well, go on.

M.

He is come to carrie her away with him, For he dwelleth at Miletum.

Aesc.

Ah, to have the maid away with him?

M.

[line 20] Yes.

Aesch.

As far as Miletum I pray you?

M.

Yes.

Aesc.

I am sick at the heart. What say the women?

M.

What do you think they say? for they can say nothing. The mother feigned that there is a child born by another man, I cannot tell who, for she doth not name him: And that he is the first, and therefore that she ought not to be given to this man.

Aesch.

[line 25] Ho, whether did not those things afterwards seem just to you?

M.

No.

Aes.

I beseech you, no? father, shall he have her away hence?

M.

Why should he not have her away?

Aes.

It is harshly done of you, And unmercifully; and if it be lawfull for me, father, To speak more plainly, ungentlemanly.

M.

[line 30] Why so.

Aes.

Ask you me? what heart at length do you think Will that poor man have, that kept her companie before, (Who forlorn man, I know not well, whether he love her dearly now or no)

When being by he shall see her taken from him by force before his face, As to be had away out of his sight? O father, it is an unworthy a∣ction.

M.

[line 35] What reason have you to say that? who betrothed her, who gave her? To whom, when was she married? who is the principal contriver of these matters? Why hath he married another man's sweet-heart?

Aesch.

Ought such a great maid To sit at home, waiting till her kinsman should come From thence hither? these things, father, [line 40] It was fitting you should have alledged, and defended that matter.

M.

You cox-comb, should I plead against him, For whom I came to be an advocate? But, Aeschinus, what are these things Concerning us? or what have we to do with them? let us go hence; what is the matter? Why do you weep?

Aesch.

Father, I beseech you, hear me.

M.

Ae∣schinus, [line 45] I have heard all things, and know every thing: for I love you; wherefore what things you doe, Are a greater care to me.

Aesch.

I wish you may love me as one that deserveth, your love, Whilest you live, father, as it heartily grieveth me, that I should have taken This fault upon me, and I am ashamed of my self for your sake.

M.

I believe it indeed, for I know your good nature: [line 50] But I fear you are too negligently careless in your businesse. In what citie I pray you do you think you live? You have defloured a maid, which it was not lawfull for you to touch. Now that is a very great offence, yet of humane frailtie. Others and good men have done so oftentimes. But since this thing fell out, tell me, [line 55] Have you looked about? or have you had any foresight to your self? What might be done? what way it might be done? if you your self were ashamed to Iell me, Which way should I know? whilst you are at a stand about these things the ten months are gone about: You have betrayed your self, and her poor woman, and your son, as far as was in your power.

What? did you think that God would do this for you whilest you were asleep? [line 60] And that he should be brought home into your chamber without any pains of yours? I would not have you be carelesse of other things af••tr the same manner. Have a good heart, you shall marrie her.

Aesch.

Ha!

M.

Have a good heart, I say.

Aesc.

Father, I pray you, do you now befool me?

M.

I be fool you? wherefore?

Aes.

I know not, because I so greatly covet this to be true, I am there∣fore the more afraid. [line 65] Go your way home, and pray to God, that you may goe fetch your wife: go your way.

Aesch.

What? shall I now marrie a wife?

M.

Now.

Aes.

Iust now?

M.

Iust now, as fast as you can.

Aesch.

I wish I were dead, father, if I do not now love you more then these eyes of mine own.

M.

What? better then her?

Aes.

As well.

M.

Very kindly.

Aesch.

What? where is That Milesian?

M.

He is gone, he is dasht, he hath taken ship. But why do you linger?

Aes.

[line 70] Father, go you rather, and pray to God, for I am sure he will rather Grant your request, because you are the virtuous man far away.

M.

I will go in, that such things as are needfull may be got readie; do you as I told you, If you be wise.

Aesch.

What businesse is this? is this to be a father? Or is this this to be a son? If he were my brother or fellow-companion, how could be [line 75] Humor me more? is not he worthie to be beloved? i•• not he worthy To be hugd in ones bosome? Therefore hath he laid on me a great care By his kindnesse towards me, lest peradventure I should do anything Vnawares, which he would not have me to do. Now I know it, I will take heed. But do I make no haste To get in, lest I be a cause of delay to my own marriage!

Act. IV. Scen. V.

MITIO. AESCHINUS.

M.

ITa ut dixisti, Sostrata, facite: ego Aeschinum conveniam, Ut quo modo acta haec sunt, sciat. Sed quis ostium hoc pulsavit?

Aesch.

Pater hercle est, perii:

M.

Aeschine.

Aesch.

Quid huic h••c negotii?

M.

Túne has pepulisti fores? tacet. Cur non ludo hunc aliquan∣tisper? [line 5] Melius est, quandoquidem hoc mihi ipse nunquā voluit credere. Nihil me respondes?

Aesch.

Non equidem istas, quod sciam.

M.

Ita? nam mirabar, quid hic negotii esset tibi. Erubuit, salva res est.

Aesch.

Dic sodes, pater, Tibi verò quid istic res est?

M.

Nihil mihi quidem. [line 10] Amicus me à foro abduxit modò Huc advocatum sibi.

Aesc.

Quid?

M.

Ego dicam tibi, Habitant hîc quaedam mulieres pauperculae, Ut opinor, has non nôsse re, & certè scio; Neque enim diu huc commigrârunt.

Aesch.

Quid tum postea?

M.

[line 15] Virgo est cum matre.

Aesc.

Perge.

M.

Haec virgo orba est patre. Hic meus amicus illi genere est proximus. Huic Leges cogunt nubere hanc.

Aesc.

Perii.

M.

Quid est?

Aesch.

Nihil; recté, perge.

M.

Is venit, ut secum ave∣hat, Nam habitat Mileti.

Aesch.

Hem, virginem ut secum avehat?

M.

[line 20] Sic est

Aes.

Miletum usque obsecro?

M.

Ita.

Aes.

Animo malè est. Quid ipsae aiunt?

M.

Quid istas censes? nihil enim. Commenta mater est esse ex alio viro, Nescio quo, puerum natum, neque eum nominat, Priorem esse illum, non oportere huic dari.

Aesch.

[line 25] Eho, nonne haec justa tibi videntur postea?

M.

Non.

Aes.

Obsecro, non? an illam hinc abducet pater?

M.

Quidni illam abducat?

Aes.

Factum a vobis duriter, Immisericorditérque; atque etiam si est, pater, Dicendum magis apertè, illiberaliter.

M.

[line 30] Quamobrem?

Aes.

Rogas me? quid illi tandem creditis Fore animi misero, qui cum illâ consuevit priús, (Qui infelix, haud scio, an illam miserè nunc amat,)

Cùm hanc sibi videbit praesens praesenti eripi, Abduci ab oculis? facinus indignum pater.

M.

[line 35] Quâ ratione istuc? quis despondit? quis dedit? Cui, quando nupsit? autor his rebus quis est? Cur duxit alienam?

Aesch.

An sedere opor∣tuit Domi virginem tam grandem, dum cognatus huc Illinc veniret exspectantem? haec, mi pater, [line 40] Te dicere aequum fuit, & id defendere?

M.

Ridiculum, advorsúmne illum causam dicerem, Cui veneram advocatus? Sed quid ista, Aeschine, Nostrâ? aut quid nobis cum illis? abeamus: quid est? Quid lachrymas?

Aesch.

Pater, obsecro, ausculta.

M.

Aeschine, [line 45] Audivi omnia, & scio: nam te amor quo ma∣gis Quae agis curae sunt mihi.

Aesch.

Ita velim me pro∣merentem ames, Dum vivas, mi pater, ut me hoc delictum ad∣misisse In me id mihi vehementer dolet; & me tui pudet.

M.

Credo hercle, nam ingenium novi tuum [line 50] Liberale; sed vereor ne indiligens nimium sies. In qua civitate tandem te arbitrare vivere? Virginem vitiasti, quam te jus non fuerat tangere. Jam id peccatum primū magnum, at humanū tamen. Fecere item alii saepe boni. At postquam id evenit, cedò, [line 55] Nunquid circumspexisti? aut nunquid tute pro∣spexti tibi? Quid fieret, quâ fieret? Si te ipsum mihi puduit di∣cere, Quâ resciscerem? haec dum dubitas, menses abiê••e decem: Prodidisti te, & illam miseram, & natum, quod quidem in te fuit.

Quid? credebas dormienti haec tibi confecturos Deos? [line 60] Et illam sine tuâ operâ in cubiculum iri deductum do∣mum? Nolo c••••erarum rerum te socordem eodem modo. Bono animo es, duces urorem hanc.

Aesch.

Hem.

M.

Bono animo es, inquam.

Aesch.

Pater, obsecro, num ludis tu nunc me?

M.

Ego te? quamobrem?

Aesch.

Nescio, quia tam miserè hoc esse cupio verum, ideo vereor magis.

M.

[line 65] Abi domum, ac Deos comprecare, uxorem accersas; abi.

Aesch.

Quid? jámne uxorem ducam?

M.

Jam.

Aesch.

Jam?

M.

Jam quantum potest.

Aesch.

Dii me, pater, omnes oderint, ni magis te, quàm oculos nunc ego amo meos.

M.

Quid? quàm illam?

Aes.

Aequé.

M.

Perbenign••.

Aesch.

Quid? ille ubi est Milesius?

M.

Abiit, periit, navem ascendit; sed cur cessas?

Aes.

[line 70] Abi, pater, tu potiùs Deos comprecare, nam tibi eos certò scio Quo vir melior multò es, quam ego, obtemperaturos magis.

M.

Ego eo intrò, ut quae opus sunt, parentùt; tu fac ut dixi, Si sapis.

Aes.

Quid hoc negotii? hoc est patrem esse? Authoc est filium esse? si frater aut sodalis esset, qui magis [line 75] Morem gereret? hic non amandus? hiccine non Gestandus in sinu est? Hem! itaque adeò magnam mihi Injecit suâ commoditate curam, ne fortè imprudens Faciam, quod nolit; sciens cavebo. Sed cesso ire Intrò, ne mora meis nuptiis egomet siem!

Act. IV. Scen. VI.

DEMEA.

D.

I Am wearie with walking up and down; I wish great Jupiter would bring on thee Some mischief with that thy shewing me the way, Syrus. I have gone creeping quite over all the town, to the gate, to the pool, Whither not? neither was there anie carpenter's shop there, nor did a••i•• man say [line 5] That he saw my brother. Now I am resolved to sit waiting At his house till he come home again.

Act. IV. Scen. VI.

DEMEA.

D

Efessus sum ambulando: ut, Syre, te cum tuâ Monstratione magnus perdat Iupiter. Perreptavi usque omne oppidum, ad portum, ad lacum, Quò non? nec fabrica illic ulla erat, nec fratrem homo [line 5] Vidisse se aiebat quisquam. Nunc verò domi Certum obsidere se usque donec redierit.

Act. IV. Scen. VII.

MITIO. DEMEA.

M.

I will go and tell them, there is no delay in us.

D.

But lo where he is; I have been looking for you a great while, Mitio.

M.

What is the matter?

D.

I bring you other great lewd pranks Of that honest young-man.

M.

But loe.

D.

New pranks, [line 5] Worthie of death.

M.

Enough, now.

D.

Alas, you know not what a man he is.

M.

I do know.

D.

Ah you fool, you dream that I speak of the singing-wench: This offence is done against a maid that is a citizen.

M.

I know it.

D.

Ho, do you know it, and suffer it?

M.

VVhat should I do but suf∣fer it?

D.

Tell me. Do not you crie out? are you not out of your wits?

M.

No, I had ra∣ther you were.

D.

[line 10] There is a child born.

M.

God blesse him and send him good luck.

D.

The maid hath nothing.

M.

I heard as much.

D.

And must he marry one without a portion?

M.

Ye.

D.

VVhat will now become of it?

M.

That forsooth which the matter affordeth. The maid shall be brought over from thence hither.

D.

O Iupiter! Must it be done on that fashion?

M.

VVhat should I do else?

D.

[line 15] Ask you what you should do? if that do not grieve you in ve•…•… deed,

Certainly it is a wise man's part to make as though it did.

M.

But I have alreadie Betrothed the maid to him, the matter is concluded, the marriage is to be made. I have taken away all fear; these things are rather belonging to a man.

D.

But, Doth this doing please you, Mitio?

M.

No; if I could tell how [line 20] To alter it; now that I cannot, I take it patiently. Man's life is so, as when you play at tables, If that fall not, which is most needfull to be cast, You must amend that by skill, which fell out by chance.

D.

You an amender! for sooth twentie pounds are lost by your skill [line 25] For this singing-wench; who is to be packt away somewhither, As soon as may be, if not for a piece of money, yet for nothing.

M.

Neither is she to be sold, nor indeed doth he desire to sell her.

D.

What will you do then?

M.

She shall be at my house.

D.

O strange! A whore, and a good-wife of the house under one roof?

M.

[line 30] Why not?

D.

Do you think you are well in your wits?

M.

Truly I think so.

D.

I swear, as far as I understand your follie, I think you will do this, that you may have one to sing with you.

M.

Why not?

D.

And the new married woman shall learn these same things?

M.

Yes forsooth.

D.

And you shall dance among them leading the ring.

M.

Verie well. [line 35] And if need be, you shall dance with us' too.

D.

Woe is me. Are you not ashamed of these things?

M.

But now, Demea, forbear That peevishnesse of yours, and make your self blithe and buxome at your son's marriage. I will go talk with these, and come hither again afterwards.

D.

O Jupi∣ter! Is this a life fit to be led? are these manners to be used? is this mad∣nesse to be shewn? [line 40] A wife shall come without a portion; a singing-wench is within∣door; A costly house is to be maintained; a young-man is undone by riot; An old man is turned dotard. Salus her self if she should desire it, Cannot at all be able to preserve this familie from ruine.

Act. IV. Scen. VII.

MITIO. DEMEA.

M.

IBo, illis dicam, nullam esse in nobis moram.

D.

Sed eccum ipsum; te jam dudum quaero, Mitio.

M.

Quidnam?

D.

Fero alia flagitia ad te ingentia Boni illius adolescentis.

M.

Ecce autem.

D.

Nova, [line 5] Capitalia.

M.

Ohe, jam.

D.

Ah, nescis qui vir sier.

M.

Scio.

D.

Ah stulte, tu de psaltriâ me somnias Agerè: hoc peccatum in virginem est civem.

M.

Scio.

D.

Eho, scis & patere?

M.

Quid ni patiar?

D.

Dic mihi, Non clamas? non infanis?

M.

Non, malim quidem.

D.

[line 10] Puer natus est.

M.

Dii bene vertant.

D.

Virgo nihil habet.

M.

Audivi.

D.

Et ducenda indotata est?

M.

S ilicet.

D.

Quid nunc futurum est?

M.

Id enim quod res ipsa fert. Illinc huc transferetur virgo.

D.

O Iupiter! Istoccine pacto oportet?

M.

Quid faciam amplius?

D.

[line 15] Quid facias rogitas? si non ipsâ re tibi istuc dolet,

Simulare certè est hominis.

M.

Quin jam vir∣ginem Despondi, res composita est, fiunt nu∣ptiae. Dempsi metum omnem; haec magis sunt hominis.

D.

Cae∣terum, Placet tibi factum, Mitio?

M.

Non; si queam [line 20] Mutare; nunc cùm non queo, aequo animo fero. Ita vita est hominum, quafi cùm ludas tesseris, Si illud, quod maximè opus est jactu, non cadit, Illud quod cecidit fortè, id arte ut corrigas.

D.

Corrector! nempe tuâ arte viginti minae [line 25] Pro psaltriâ periêre: quae quantum potest Aliquò abjicienda est, si non pretio, gratis.

M.

Neque est, neque illam sa••••è studet vendere.

D.

Quid igitur facies?

M.

Domi erit.

D.

Proh Deû n fidem! Meretrix, & mater familias unâ in domo?

M.

[line 30] Cur non?

D.

Sanum te credis esse?

M.

Equidem arbi∣tror.

D.

Ita me Dii ament, ut video tuam ego ineptiam, Facturum credo, ut habeas, quîcum cantites.

M.

Cur non?

D.

Et nova nupta eadem haec discet?

M.

Sci∣licet.

D.

Tu inter eas restim ductans saltabis.

M.

Probé. [line 35] Et tu nobiscum unà, si opus sit.

D.

Hei mihi. Non te haec pudent?

M.

Jam verò omitte, Demea, Tuam istanc iracundiam: atque ira, uti decet; Hilarem ac lubentem fac te in nati nuptiis. Ego hos conveniam, pòst huc redeo.

D.

O Iup∣piter! [line 40] Hanccine vitam? hoscine mores? hanc demen∣tiam? Uxor sine dote veniet: intus psaltria est: Domus sumptuosa: adolescens luxu praeditus: Senex delirans. Ipsa, si cupiat, Salus, Servare prorsus non potest hanc familiam.