T. Maccius Plautus Captivi 4.4

A LAD

May Jupiter and the Deities confound you, Ergasilus, and your stomach,

and all Parasites, and every one who henceforth shall give a dinner to Parasites. Destruction and devastation and ruin have just now entered our house. I was afraid that he would be making an attack on me, as though he had been an hungry wolf. And very dreadfully, upon my faith, was I frightened at him; he made such a gnashing with his teeth. On his arrival, the whole larder, with the meat, he turned upside down.

910

He seized a knife, and first cut off the kernels of the neck ¹ from three sides. All the pots and cups he broke, except those that held a couple of gallons ² ; of the cook he made enquiry whether the salting pans could be set on the fire to be made hot. All the cellars in the house he has broken into, and has laid the store-closet ³ open. (At the door.) Watch him, servants, if you please; I’ll go to meet the old gentleman.

915

I’ll tell him to get ready some provisions for his own self, if, indeed, he wishes himself to make use of any. For in this place, as this man, indeed, is managing, either there’s nothing already, or very soon there will be nothing.

920

(Exit.)