View:
By Scene
1120
(Enter FIRST BACCHIS and SECOND BACCHIS from the house.)
1st BACCHIS
Who is it that calls out my name with such a noise and tumult, and is knocking so hard at the door?
1120
Who is it that calls out my name with such a noise and tumult, and is knocking so hard at the door?
1120
NICOBULUS
I and this person here.
(Pointing to PHILOXENUS.)
I and this person here.
1st BACCHIS
Pray, what’s the matter now? Who has been driving these sheep
1
to us?
Pray, what’s the matter now? Who has been driving these sheep
1
to us?
NICOBULUS
These most shocking hussies call us sheep.
These most shocking hussies call us sheep.
2nd BACCHIS
Their shepherd’s asleep, as they come straying thus from the flock.
Their shepherd’s asleep, as they come straying thus from the flock.
1st BACCHIS
But, i’ faith, they are not white; they both look dirty.
But, i’ faith, they are not white; they both look dirty.
2nd BACCHIS
Because they have both been shorn just now.
1125
Because they have both been shorn just now.
1125
PHILOXENUS
How they seem to be laughing at us.
How they seem to be laughing at us.
NICOBULUS
Let them, just as long as they please.
Let them, just as long as they please.
1st BACCHIS
Don’t you think that these sheep are shorn three times a year?
Don’t you think that these sheep are shorn three times a year?
2nd BACCHIS
I’ faith, to-day one of them has been already shorn twice, that’s sure.
I’ faith, to-day one of them has been already shorn twice, that’s sure.
1st BACCHIS
They are old and fleeceless
2
, both of them.
They are old and fleeceless
2
, both of them.
2nd BACCHIS
But I think they have been in good plight once.
But I think they have been in good plight once.
1st BACCHIS
Prithee, do you see how they are looking with a sheep’s eye at us?
1130
Prithee, do you see how they are looking with a sheep’s eye at us?
1130
2nd BACCHIS
By my troth, I really do believe they are without any ill design.
By my troth, I really do believe they are without any ill design.
PHILOXENUS
This happens to us deservedly, for having come here.
This happens to us deservedly, for having come here.
1st BACCHIS
Well, let them be driven in-doors to fold
3
.
Well, let them be driven in-doors to fold
3
.
2nd BACCHIS
I don’t know what occasion there is for that, as they have neither milk nor wool. Let them stand as they are.
Of whatever value they have been, they are now out of date; all their fruit has fallen off them by this. Don’t you see, how, straying unattended, they are ranging about at liberty? Why, I fancy that they must be dumb with age; they don’t bleat even, though they are absent from the rest of the flock.
1135
They seem both silly and worthless.
I don’t know what occasion there is for that, as they have neither milk nor wool. Let them stand as they are.
Of whatever value they have been, they are now out of date; all their fruit has fallen off them by this. Don’t you see, how, straying unattended, they are ranging about at liberty? Why, I fancy that they must be dumb with age; they don’t bleat even, though they are absent from the rest of the flock.
1135
They seem both silly and worthless.
1st BACCHIS
Let’s return in-doors, sister.
1140
Let’s return in-doors, sister.
1140
NICOBULUS
Stay where you are, both of you; these sheep want you.
Stay where you are, both of you; these sheep want you.
2nd BACCHIS
Why, surely this is a prodigy; sheep are addressing us with a human voice.
Why, surely this is a prodigy; sheep are addressing us with a human voice.
PHILOXENUS
These sheep will return you the heavy and great injury which they owe to you.
These sheep will return you the heavy and great injury which they owe to you.
1st BACCHIS
If you owe me aught, I forgive it you; keep it to yourself; I’ll never demand it of you. But what is the reason that you are threatening mischief to us?
If you owe me aught, I forgive it you; keep it to yourself; I’ll never demand it of you. But what is the reason that you are threatening mischief to us?
PHILOXENUS
Because they say that our two lambs are shut up here.
1145
(Pointing to the house.)
Because they say that our two lambs are shut up here.
1145
NICOBULUS
And besides those lambs, my dog is there concealed that bites
4
. If they are not now produced to us and sent out of the house, we shall be furious rams; we shall attack you forthwith.
And besides those lambs, my dog is there concealed that bites
4
. If they are not now produced to us and sent out of the house, we shall be furious rams; we shall attack you forthwith.
1st BACCHIS
Sister, I have something to say to you in private.
Sister, I have something to say to you in private.
2nd BACCHIS
How now, prithee?
(They go apart.)
How now, prithee?
NICOBULUS
Whither are they going?
Whither are they going?
FIRST BACCHIS
Sister, I give to you that old fellow that’s farthest off, that you may have him cleverly smoothed down; I’ll now attack this other one that’s angry; if we can only entice them here indoors.
1150
Sister, I give to you that old fellow that’s farthest off, that you may have him cleverly smoothed down; I’ll now attack this other one that’s angry; if we can only entice them here indoors.
1150
2nd BACCHIS
I’ll manage my task with cleverness, although ’tis to caress an old skeleton.
I’ll manage my task with cleverness, although ’tis to caress an old skeleton.
1st BACCHIS
Take care and do your best.
Take care and do your best.
2nd BACCHIS
Be quiet; do you do yours; I’ll manage what I have said.
Be quiet; do you do yours; I’ll manage what I have said.
NICOBULUS
Why are these two women holding a council here in private?
Why are these two women holding a council here in private?
PHILOXENUS
What say you, my good fellow—?
1155
What say you, my good fellow—?
1155
NICOBULUS
What would you with me?
What would you with me?
PHILOXENUS
I really am ashamed to tell you a certain thing.
I really am ashamed to tell you a certain thing.
NICOBULUS
What is it that you’re ashamed about?
What is it that you’re ashamed about?
PHILOXENUS
Still, as you are a person, a friend of mine, I’m determined to entrust you with what I could wish.
(Whispers.) I’m good for nought.
Still, as you are a person, a friend of mine, I’m determined to entrust you with what I could wish.
(Whispers.) I’m good for nought.
NICOBULUS
I’ve known that this long time; but tell me why you’re good for nought?
I’ve known that this long time; but tell me why you’re good for nought?
PHILOXENUS
I’ve been terribly touched with birdlime: troth, my heart is pierced by the goad.
I’ve been terribly touched with birdlime: troth, my heart is pierced by the goad.
NICOBULUS
I’ faith, ’twere much better if your flanks were goaded, you worthless fellow.
But what is it? Although I suspect that I myself pretty well know already what it is; still, I should even like to hear it from yourself.
1160
I’ faith, ’twere much better if your flanks were goaded, you worthless fellow.
But what is it? Although I suspect that I myself pretty well know already what it is; still, I should even like to hear it from yourself.
1160
PHILOXENUS
Do you see that woman?
(Pointing to the SECOND BACCHIS.)
Do you see that woman?
NICOBULUS
I see her.
I see her.
PHILOXENUS
She’s not an uncomely person.
She’s not an uncomely person.
NICOBULUS
Troth, but she is decidedly uncomely; and you are a good-for-nothing fellow.
Troth, but she is decidedly uncomely; and you are a good-for-nothing fellow.
PHILOXENUS
Why more? I’m in love.
Why more? I’m in love.
NICOBULUS
You, in love?
You, in love?
PHILOXENUS
’Pon honor
5
.
’Pon honor
5
.
NICOBULUS
And do you, you rotten creature, presume to become a lover at your time of life?
And do you, you rotten creature, presume to become a lover at your time of life?
PHILOXENUS
Why not?
Why not?
NICOBULUS
Because it’s a disgrace.
Because it’s a disgrace.
PHILOXENUS
What need of words? I am not vexed with my son, nor yet is it right you should be vexed with yours: if they are in love, they do wisely.
What need of words? I am not vexed with my son, nor yet is it right you should be vexed with yours: if they are in love, they do wisely.
1st BACCHIS
Follow me this way.
(They approach the old men.)
Follow me this way.
NICOBULUS
See, they are moving at last, these allurers and enticers to disgrace.
(To the women.) How now? Do you this instant restore us our sons and my servant, or am I to try rougher means with you?
See, they are moving at last, these allurers and enticers to disgrace.
(To the women.) How now? Do you this instant restore us our sons and my servant, or am I to try rougher means with you?
PHILOXENUS
Won’t you away with you? You surely are not a man, to address a pretty woman so rudely in that fashion.
Won’t you away with you? You surely are not a man, to address a pretty woman so rudely in that fashion.
1st BACCHIS
Most worthy old gentleman, by whatsoever is upon the earth, let me entreat this of you, that you will cease to attack this error with such great vehemence.
1170
Most worthy old gentleman, by whatsoever is upon the earth, let me entreat this of you, that you will cease to attack this error with such great vehemence.
1170
NICOBULUS
If you don’t away with you, although you are so handsome, I’ll be doing you some great mischief just now.
If you don’t away with you, although you are so handsome, I’ll be doing you some great mischief just now.
1st BACCHIS
I shall endure it; I don’t apprehend that any blow that you can give, will cause me any pain.
I shall endure it; I don’t apprehend that any blow that you can give, will cause me any pain.
NICOBULUS
How smooth of speech she is. O me! I am in alarm.
How smooth of speech she is. O me! I am in alarm.
1st BACCHIS
(aside.)
He’s more calm already.
(Aloud.) Step this way with me in-doors; and there, if you choose, correct your son.
1175
(Takes his arm.)
He’s more calm already.
(Aloud.) Step this way with me in-doors; and there, if you choose, correct your son.
1175
NICOBULUS
Avaunt from me, abomination!
(Shakes her off.)
Avaunt from me, abomination!
1st BACCHIS
Do, my love, let me prevail upon you.
Do, my love, let me prevail upon you.
NICOBULUS
You, prevail upon me?
You, prevail upon me?
2nd BACCHIS
For sure, I shall prevail, at all events, upon this gentleman.
(Pointing to PHILOXENUS.)
For sure, I shall prevail, at all events, upon this gentleman.
PHILOXENUS
Yes, I beg of you to show me in-doors.
Yes, I beg of you to show me in-doors.
2nd BACCHIS
What a dear man you are.
What a dear man you are.
PHILOXENUS
But do you know on what condition you are to show me in-doors?
But do you know on what condition you are to show me in-doors?
2nd BACCHIS
That you are to be with me.
That you are to be with me.
PHILOXENUS
You mention all that I desire.
You mention all that I desire.
2nd BACCHIS
NICOBULUS
I have seen wicked men; but not one worse than yourself.
I have seen wicked men; but not one worse than yourself.
PHILOXENUS
I am as I am.
I am as I am.
1st BACCHIS
(to NICOBULUS.)
Step this way in-doors with me, where you may be elegantly received with viands, wine, and unguents.
Step this way in-doors with me, where you may be elegantly received with viands, wine, and unguents.
NICOBULUS
Enough, enough now of your banquets; it matters not to me how I’m received. My son and Chrysalus have choused me out of four hundred Philippeans. If I don’t surely this day put him to the torture, may I never receive as large a sum again.
Enough, enough now of your banquets; it matters not to me how I’m received. My son and Chrysalus have choused me out of four hundred Philippeans. If I don’t surely this day put him to the torture, may I never receive as large a sum again.
1st BACCHIS
What, pray, if half the gold is paid you back? Will you go in-doors here with me, and so control your feelings as to forgive them their faults?
1185
What, pray, if half the gold is paid you back? Will you go in-doors here with me, and so control your feelings as to forgive them their faults?
1185
PHILOXENUS
He’ll do it.
(Takes his arm.)
He’ll do it.
NICOBULUS
Certainly not—I won’t—I don’t care—let me alone, now.
(Shakes him off.) I had rather punish them both.
Certainly not—I won’t—I don’t care—let me alone, now.
(Shakes him off.) I had rather punish them both.
PHILOXENUS
Take you care, you good-for-nothing man, that through your own fault you don’t lose even that which the favouring Gods offer you. One half of the gold is offered; take it, and carouse, and enjoy yourself with your partner.
Take you care, you good-for-nothing man, that through your own fault you don’t lose even that which the favouring Gods offer you. One half of the gold is offered; take it, and carouse, and enjoy yourself with your partner.
NICOBULUS
What, am I to carouse in that very place where my son is being corrupted?
1190
What, am I to carouse in that very place where my son is being corrupted?
1190
PHILOXENUS
You must carouse there.
You must carouse there.
NICOBULUS
Am I to be the witness of it when she is reclining with him at table?
Am I to be the witness of it when she is reclining with him at table?
1st BACCHIS
Nay, so far as I’m concerned, i’ faith, I’ll recline at table with your own self.
Nay, so far as I’m concerned, i’ faith, I’ll recline at table with your own self.
NICOBULUS
My head does itch so
6
.
(Aside.) I’m a ruined man—I can scarce deny her.
My head does itch so
6
.
(Aside.) I’m a ruined man—I can scarce deny her.
PHILOXENUS
And has it not before this come into your mind, that if, while you live, you enjoy yourself,
that, i’ faith, is for no very long time; and that, if you lose the present day, it can never return to you after you are dead?
1195
And has it not before this come into your mind, that if, while you live, you enjoy yourself,
that, i’ faith, is for no very long time; and that, if you lose the present day, it can never return to you after you are dead?
1195
NICOBULUS
What am I to do?
What am I to do?
PHILOXENUS
What are you to do? Do you even ask it?
What are you to do? Do you even ask it?
NICOBULUS
I should like, and yet I’m afraid.
I should like, and yet I’m afraid.
1st BACCHIS
What are you afraid of?
What are you afraid of?
NICOBULUS
Lest I should be exposed before my son and my servant.
Lest I should be exposed before my son and my servant.
1st BACCHIS
Pray now, my honey; such things do happen. He’s your own son; whence do you suppose that he is to have money, except that only which you give him yourself? Let me obtain pardon of you for them both.
Pray now, my honey; such things do happen. He’s your own son; whence do you suppose that he is to have money, except that only which you give him yourself? Let me obtain pardon of you for them both.
NICOBULUS
(aside.)
How she does work her way.
She’s now prevailing on me against that which I was quite resolved upon.
1200
How she does work her way.
She’s now prevailing on me against that which I was quite resolved upon.
1200
1st BACCHIS
I will love you, and embrace you.
I will love you, and embrace you.
NICOBULUS
Through your doing, and for your sake am I corrupted.
Through your doing, and for your sake am I corrupted.
1st BACCHIS
I certainly had rather ’twere for your own than for mine.
I certainly had rather ’twere for your own than for mine.
NICOBULUS
Come then, however that may be, although it is to my disgrace, I’ll submit; I’ll induce my feelings to do so.
Come then, however that may be, although it is to my disgrace, I’ll submit; I’ll induce my feelings to do so.
1st BACCHIS
Have I that solemnly promised?
Have I that solemnly promised?
NICOBULUS
What I have once said, I will not alter.
What I have once said, I will not alter.
1st BACCHIS
The day wears apace. Come into the house, to take your places at table: your sons are expecting within—
The day wears apace. Come into the house, to take your places at table: your sons are expecting within—
NICOBULUS
How soon, in fact, we may be dead, d’ye mean?
How soon, in fact, we may be dead, d’ye mean?
1st BACCHIS
’Tis evening, already; come, follow us.
1205
’Tis evening, already; come, follow us.
1205
PHILOXENUS
Lead us in like bondsmen
7
.
(They go into the house.)
Lead us in like bondsmen
7
.
1st BACCHIS
(to the SPECTATORS.)
Right cleverly are these persons entrapped
8
themselves, who for their sons had laid a snare.
(Goes in.)
Right cleverly are these persons entrapped
8
themselves, who for their sons had laid a snare.
The COMPANY
9
of COMEDIANS
Had not these old men been worthless from their youth upwards, they would not, with their hoary heads, have this day done an action so disgraceful; nor, indeed, should we have represented this, if we had not, before this, seen it happen
that fathers became the rivals of their sons in the houses of procurers. Spectators, we wish you Farewell! and that you will grant us loud applause.
1210
Had not these old men been worthless from their youth upwards, they would not, with their hoary heads, have this day done an action so disgraceful; nor, indeed, should we have represented this, if we had not, before this, seen it happen
that fathers became the rivals of their sons in the houses of procurers. Spectators, we wish you Farewell! and that you will grant us loud applause.
1210
Bacchides. Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley (Translator). London. 1912.
Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.
Funding provided by NSF, NEH: Digital Libraries Initiative, Phase 2.