T. Maccius Plautus Captivi 2.2

HEGIO

I shall return in-doors just now, when I shall have discovered from these people what I want to know. (To the SLAVES.) Where are those persons whom I ordered to be brought out of doors here, before the house ?

PHILOCRATES

By my faith, I find that you have taken due precaution that we shouldn’t be missed by you, so walled in are we with chains and keepers.

HEGIO

He that takes precaution that he mayn’t be deceived, is hardly on his guard, even while he’s taking precaution; even when he has supposed that he has taken every precaution, full often is this wary man outwitted. Was there not good reason, indeed, for me to watch you carefully, whom I purchased with so large a sum of ready money?

255

PHILOCRATES

Troth, it isn’t fair for us to hold you to blame, because you watch us closely;

nor yet for you us, if we go away hence, should there be an opportunity.

260

HEGIO

As you are here, so is my son a captive there among your people.

PHILOCRATES

He, a captive?

HEGIO

Even so.

PHILOCRATES

We, then, have not proved the only cowards ¹ .

HEGIO

(to PHILOCRATES, supposing him to be the SERVANT of the other.)

Step you aside this way, for there are some things that I wish to enquire of you in private, on which subjects I would have you not to be untruthful to me.

(They step aside.)

PHILOCRATES

I will not be,

as to that which I shall know; if I shall not know anything, that which I don’t know I’ll tell you of.

265

TYNDARUS

(aside.)

Now is the old fellow in the barber’s shop; now, at this very instant, is Philocrates wielding the razor ² . He hasn’t cared, indeed, to put on the barber’s cloth ³ , so as not to soil his dress. But whether to say that he’s going to shave him close, or trim him ⁴ through the comb ⁵ , I don’t know; but if he’s wise, he’ll scrape him right well to the very quick.

HEGIO

(to PHILOCRATES.)

Which would you? Would you prefer to be a slave, or a free man?—Tell me.

270

PHILOCRATES

That which is the nearest to good, and the furthest off from evil, do I prefer; although my servitude hasn’t proved very grievous to me, nor has it been otherwise to me than if I had been a son in the family.

TYNDARUS

(aside.)

Capital! I wouldn’t purchase, at a talent’s price even, Thales the Milesian ⁶ ;

for compared with this man’s wisdom, he was a very twaddler. How cleverly has he suited his language to the slave’s condition.

275

HEGIO

Of what family is this Philocrates born?

PHILOCRATES

The Polyplusian ⁷ ; which one family is flourishing there, and held in highest esteem.

HEGIO

What is he himself? In what esteem is he held there?

PHILOCRATES

In the highest, and that by the very highest men.

HEGIO

Since, then, he is held in such great respect among the Eleans, as you tell of, what substance has he?—Of large amount?

280

PHILOCRATES

Enough for him, even, when an old man, to be melting out the tallow ⁸ .

HEGIO

What is his father? Is he living?

PHILOCRATES

When we departed thence, we left him alive; whether he’s living now or not, Orcus, forsooth, must know that.

TYNDARUS

(aside.)

The matter’s all right; he’s not only lying, but he’s even philosophizing now.

HEGIO

What’s his name?

285

PHILOCRATES

Thesaurochrysonicocrœsides ⁹ .

HEGIO

That name has been given, I suppose, by reason of his wealth, as it were.

PHILOCRATES

Troth, not so, but rather by reason of his avarice and grasping disposition; for, indeed, he was Theodoromedes originally by name.

HEGIO

How say you? Is his father covetous?

PHILOCRATES

Aye, by my faith, he is covetous.

Why, that you may even understand it the better,—when he’s sacrificing at any time to his own Genius ¹⁰ , the vessels that are needed for the sacrifice he uses of Samian ware, lest the Genius himself should steal them; from this, consider how much he would trust other people.

290

HEGIO

(addressing TYNDARUS as though PHILOCRATES.)

Do you then follow me this way. (Aside.) The things that I desire to know, I’ll enquire of him. (Addressing TYNDARUS.) Philocrates, this person has done as it becomes an honest man to do.

For from him I’ve learnt of what family you are sprung; he has confessed it to me. If you are willing to own these same things (which, however, understand that I already know from him), you will be doing it for your own advantage.

295

TYNDARUS

He did his duty when he confessed the truth to you, although, Hegio, I wished carefully to conceal both my rank and my wealth;

now, inasmuch as I’ve lost my country and my liberty, I don’t think it right for him to be dreading me rather than you. The might of warfare has made my fortunes on a level with himself. I remember the time when he didn’t dare to do it in word; now, in deed, he is at liberty to offend me. But don’t you see? Human fortune moulds and fashions just as she wills.

300

Myself, who was a free man she has made a slave, from the very highest the very lowest. I, who was accustomed to command, now obey the mandates of another. And indeed, if I meet with a master just such as I proved the ruler in my own household, I shall not fear that he will rule me harshly or severely. With this, Hegio, I wished you to be acquainted, unless perchance you your self wish it not.

305

HEGIO

Speak boldly out.

310

TYNDARUS

As free a man was I till lately as your son. As much did a hostile hand deprive me of my liberty as him of his. As much is he a slave among my people, as I am now a slave here with yourself. There is undoubtedly a God, who both hears and sees the things which we do. Just as you shall treat me here, in the same degree will he have a care for him.

To the well-deserving will he show favour, to the ill-deserving will he give a like return. As much as you lament your son, so much does my father lament me.

315

HEGIO

That I am aware of. But do you admit the same that lie has disclosed to me?

TYNDARUS

I confess that my father has very great wealth at home, and that I am born of a very noble family; but I entreat you, Hegio,

let not my riches make your mind too prone to avarice, lest it should seem to my father, although I am his only son, more suitable that I should be a slave in your house, bountifully supplied at your expense and with your clothing, rather than be living the life of a beggar where ‘twould be far from honorable.

320

HEGIO

By the favour of the Gods and of my forefathers, I am rich enough.

I don’t quite believe that every kind of gain is serviceable to mankind. I know that gain has already made many a man famous; and yet there are occasions when it is undoubtedly better to incur loss than to make gain. Gold I detest: many a one has it persuaded to many an evil course. Now give your attention to this, that you may know as well what my wishes are.

325

My son, taken prisoner. is in servitude at Elis there among your people; if you restore him to me, don’t you give me a single coin besides; both you and him, your servant, I’ll send back from here; on no other terms can you depart hence.

330

TYNDARUS

You ask what’s very right and very just, and you are the very kindest person of all mankind. But whether is he in servitude to a private person or to the public ¹¹ ?

HEGIO

In private servitude to Menarchus, a physician.

335

PHILOCRATES

By my faith, that person’s surely his father’s dependant. Why really, that’s down as pat for you, as the shower is when it rains.

HEGIO

Do you then cause this person, my son, to be redeemed.

TYNDARUS

I’ll do so: but this I beg of you, Hegio—

HEGIO

Whatever you wish, so that you request nothing against my interest, I’ll do.

TYNDARUS

Listen then, and you’ll know. I don’t ask for myself to be released, until he has returned.

But I beg of you to give me him (pointing to PHILOCRATES) with a price set ¹² upon him, that I may send him to my father, that this person, your son, may be redeemed there.

340

HEGIO

Why no; I’d rather send another person hence, when there shall be a truce, to confer with your father there, and to carry your injunctions which you shall entrust him with, just as you wish.

TYNDARUS

But it’s of no use to send to him one that he doesn’t know; you’d be losing your labour.

Send this person; he’ll have it all completed, if he gets there. And you cannot send any person to him more faithful, nor one in whom he places more confidence, nor who is more a servant after his own mind; nor, in fact, one to whom he would more readily entrust your son. Have no fears; at my own peril I’ll make proof of his fidelity,

345

relying upon his disposition; because he is sensible that I’m kindly disposed towards him.

350

HEGIO

Well then, I’ll send him with a price set upon him, on the surety of your promise, if you wish it.

TYNDARUS

I do wish it; so soon as ever it can, I want this matter to be brought to completion.

HEGIO

What reason is there, then, that if he doesn’t return, you should not pay me twenty minae for him?

TYNDARUS

Yes—very good.

HEGIO

(to the SLAVES, who obey.)

Release him now forthwith;

and, indeed, both of them.

355

(On being released, PHILOCRATES goes into the house.)

TYNDARUS

May all the Gods grant you all your desires, since you have deigned me honor so great, and since you release me from my chains. Really, this is not so irksome now, since my neck is free from the collar-chain.

HEGIO

The kindnesses that are done to the good, thanks for the same are pregnant with blessings. Now, if you are about to send him thither, direct, instruct him, give him the orders

which you wish to be carried to your father. Should you like me to call him to you?

360

TYNDARUS

Do call him.

(HEGIO goes to the door, and calls PHILOCRATES.)