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1060
(Enter MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus, from EROTIUM’s house.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
(at the door, to EROTIUM within.)
If you are ready to swear by your eyes, by my troth, not a bit the more for that reason, most vile woman, will you make it that I took away the mantle and the bracelet to-day.
1060
If you are ready to swear by your eyes, by my troth, not a bit the more for that reason, most vile woman, will you make it that I took away the mantle and the bracelet to-day.
1060
MESSENIO
Immortal Gods, what do I see?
Immortal Gods, what do I see?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
What do you see?
What do you see?
MESSENIO
Your resemblance in a mirror.
Your resemblance in a mirror.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
What’s the matter?
What’s the matter?
MESSENIO
’Tis your image; ’tis as like as possible.
’Tis your image; ’tis as like as possible.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
(catching sight of the other.)
Troth, it really is not unlike, so far as I know my own form.
Troth, it really is not unlike, so far as I know my own form.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
(to MESSENIO.)
O young man, save you, you who preserved me, whoever you are.
1065
O young man, save you, you who preserved me, whoever you are.
1065
MESSENIO
By my troth, young man, prithee, tell me your name, unless it’s disagreable.
By my troth, young man, prithee, tell me your name, unless it’s disagreable.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I’ faith, you’ve not so deserved of me, that it should be disagreable for me to tell what you wish. My name is Menaechmus.
I’ faith, you’ve not so deserved of me, that it should be disagreable for me to tell what you wish. My name is Menaechmus.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Why, by my troth, so is mine.
Why, by my troth, so is mine.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I am a Sicilian, of
Syracuse
.
I am a Sicilian, of
Syracuse
.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Troth, the same is my native country.
Troth, the same is my native country.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
What is it that I hear of you?
1070
What is it that I hear of you?
1070
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
That which is the fact.
That which is the fact.
MESSENIO
(To MENAECHMUS SOSICLES, by mistake.)
I know this person myself
(pointing to the other MENAECHMUS); he is my master, I really am his servant; but I did think I belonged to this other.
(To MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus, by mistake.) I took him to be you; to him, too, did I give some trouble.
(To his master.) Pray, pardon me if I have said aught foolishly or unadvisedly to you.
I know this person myself
(pointing to the other MENAECHMUS); he is my master, I really am his servant; but I did think I belonged to this other.
(To MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus, by mistake.) I took him to be you; to him, too, did I give some trouble.
(To his master.) Pray, pardon me if I have said aught foolishly or unadvisedly to you.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
You seem to me to be mad. Don’t you remember that together with me you disembarked from board ship to-day?
You seem to me to be mad. Don’t you remember that together with me you disembarked from board ship to-day?
MESSENIO
Why, really, you say what’s right—you are my master;
(to MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus) do you look out for a servant.
(To his master.) To you my greetings
(to MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus) to you, farewell. This, I say, is Menaechmus.
Why, really, you say what’s right—you are my master;
(to MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus) do you look out for a servant.
(To his master.) To you my greetings
(to MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus) to you, farewell. This, I say, is Menaechmus.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
But I say I am.
But I say I am.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
What story’s this? Are you Menaechmus?
What story’s this? Are you Menaechmus?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I say that I’m the son of Moschus, who was my father.
I say that I’m the son of Moschus, who was my father.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Are you the son of my father?
Are you the son of my father?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Aye, I really am, young man, of my own father.
I don’t want to claim your father, nor to take possession of him from you.
1080
Aye, I really am, young man, of my own father.
I don’t want to claim your father, nor to take possession of him from you.
1080
MESSENIO
Immortal Gods, what unhoped-for hope do you bestow on me, as I suspect. For unless my mind misleads me, these are the two twin-brothers; for they mention alike their native country and their father. I’ll call my master aside—Menaechmus.
Immortal Gods, what unhoped-for hope do you bestow on me, as I suspect. For unless my mind misleads me, these are the two twin-brothers; for they mention alike their native country and their father. I’ll call my master aside—Menaechmus.
BOTH OF THE MENAECHMI.
What do you want?
What do you want?
MESSENIO
I don’t want you both.
But which of you was brought here in the ship with me?
1085
I don’t want you both.
But which of you was brought here in the ship with me?
1085
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Not I.
Not I.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
But ’twas I.
But ’twas I.
MESSENIO
You, then, I want. Step this way.
(They go aside.)
You, then, I want. Step this way.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I’ve stepped aside now. What’s the matter?
I’ve stepped aside now. What’s the matter?
MESSENIO
This man is either an impostor, or he is your twin-brother. But I never beheld one person more like another person. Neither water, believe me, is ever more like to water nor milk to milk,
than he is to you, and you likewise to him; besides, he speaks of the same native country and father. ’Tis better for us to accost him and make further enquiries of him.
1090
This man is either an impostor, or he is your twin-brother. But I never beheld one person more like another person. Neither water, believe me, is ever more like to water nor milk to milk,
than he is to you, and you likewise to him; besides, he speaks of the same native country and father. ’Tis better for us to accost him and make further enquiries of him.
1090
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I’ faith, but you’ve given me good advice, and I return you thanks. Troth, now, prithee, do continue to lend me your assistance. If you discover that this is my brother, be you a free man.
I’ faith, but you’ve given me good advice, and I return you thanks. Troth, now, prithee, do continue to lend me your assistance. If you discover that this is my brother, be you a free man.
MESSENIO
I hope I shall.
I hope I shall.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I too hope that it will be so.
I too hope that it will be so.
MESSENIO
(to MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.)
How say you? I think you said that you are called Menaechmus?
1095
How say you? I think you said that you are called Menaechmus?
1095
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I did so indeed.
I did so indeed.
MESSENIO
(pointing to his master.)
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
You have deserved that you should beg nothing but what you should obtain that which you desire. Free as I am, I’ll serve you as though you. had bought me for money.
1100
You have deserved that you should beg nothing but what you should obtain that which you desire. Free as I am, I’ll serve you as though you. had bought me for money.
1100
MESSENIO
I have a hope that I shall find that you two are twin-born brothers, born of one mother and of one father on the same day.
I have a hope that I shall find that you two are twin-born brothers, born of one mother and of one father on the same day.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
You mention wondrous things. I wish that you could effect what you’ve promised.
You mention wondrous things. I wish that you could effect what you’ve promised.
MESSENIO
I can. But attend now, both of you, and tell me that which I shall ask.
1105
I can. But attend now, both of you, and tell me that which I shall ask.
1105
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Ask as you please, I’ll answer you. I’ll not conceal anything that I know.
Ask as you please, I’ll answer you. I’ll not conceal anything that I know.
MESSENIO
Isn’t your name Menaechmus?
Isn’t your name Menaechmus?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I own it.
I own it.
MESSENIO
Isn’t it yours as well?
Isn’t it yours as well?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
It is.
It is.
MESSENIO
Do you say that Moschus was your father?
Do you say that Moschus was your father?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Truly, I do say so.
Truly, I do say so.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
And mine as well.
And mine as well.
MESSENIO
Are you of
Syracuse
?
Are you of
Syracuse
?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Certainly.
Certainly.
MESSENIO
And you?
And you?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Why not the same?
Why not the same?
MESSENIO
Hitherto the marks agree perfectly well. Still lend me your attention.
(To MENAECHMUS.) Tell me, what do you remember at the greatest distance of time in your native country?
1110
Hitherto the marks agree perfectly well. Still lend me your attention.
(To MENAECHMUS.) Tell me, what do you remember at the greatest distance of time in your native country?
1110
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
When I went with my father to
Tarentum
to traffic; and afterwards how I strayed away from my father among the people, and was carried away thence.
When I went with my father to
Tarentum
to traffic; and afterwards how I strayed away from my father among the people, and was carried away thence.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Supreme Jupiter, preserve me!
Supreme Jupiter, preserve me!
MESSENIO
(to MENAECHMUS SOSICLES.)
Why do you exclaim? Why don’t you hold your peace?
(To MENAECHMUS.) How many years old were you when your father took you from your native country?
1115
Why do you exclaim? Why don’t you hold your peace?
(To MENAECHMUS.) How many years old were you when your father took you from your native country?
1115
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Seven years old; for just then my teeth were changing for the first time. And never since then have I seen my father.
Seven years old; for just then my teeth were changing for the first time. And never since then have I seen my father.
MESSENIO
Well, how many sons of you had your father then?
Well, how many sons of you had your father then?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
As far as I now remember, two.
As far as I now remember, two.
MESSENIO
Which of the two was the older—you or the other?
Which of the two was the older—you or the other?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Both were just alike in age.
Both were just alike in age.
MESSENIO
How can that be?
1120
How can that be?
1120
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
We two were twins.
We two were twins.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
The Gods wish to bless me.
The Gods wish to bless me.
MESSENIO
(to MENAECHMUS SOSICLES.)
If you interrupt, I shall hold my tongue.
If you interrupt, I shall hold my tongue.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Rather than that, I’ll hold my tongue.
Rather than that, I’ll hold my tongue.
MESSENIO
Tell me, were you both of the same name?
Tell me, were you both of the same name?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
By no means; for my name was what it is now Menaechmus; the other they then used to call Sosicles.
By no means; for my name was what it is now Menaechmus; the other they then used to call Sosicles.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
(embracing his brother.)
I recognize the proofs, I cannot refrain from embracing him.
My own twin-brother, blessings on you; I am Sosicles.
1125
I recognize the proofs, I cannot refrain from embracing him.
My own twin-brother, blessings on you; I am Sosicles.
1125
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
How then was the name of Menaechmus afterwards given to you?
How then was the name of Menaechmus afterwards given to you?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
After word was brought to us that you
and that my father was dead, my grandfather changed it; the name that was yours he gave to me.
After word was brought to us that you
and that my father was dead, my grandfather changed it; the name that was yours he gave to me.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I believe that it did so happen as you say. But answer me this.
11291130
I believe that it did so happen as you say. But answer me this.
11291130
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Ask it of me.
Ask it of me.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
What was the name of our mother?
What was the name of our mother?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Teuximarcha.
Teuximarcha.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
That quite agrees.
(He again embraces him.) O welcome, unhoped-for brother, whom after many years I now behold.
That quite agrees.
(He again embraces him.) O welcome, unhoped-for brother, whom after many years I now behold.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
And you, whom with many and anxious labours I have ever been seeking up to this time, and whom I rejoice at being found.
And you, whom with many and anxious labours I have ever been seeking up to this time, and whom I rejoice at being found.
MESSENIO
(to his master.)
It was for this reason that this Courtesan called you by his name; she thought that you were he, I suppose, when she invited you to breakfast.
1135
It was for this reason that this Courtesan called you by his name; she thought that you were he, I suppose, when she invited you to breakfast.
1135
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Why, faith, to-day I ordered a breakfast to be got ready here
(pointing to EROTIUM’S house) for me, unknown to my wife; a mantle which a short time since I filched from home, to her I gave it.
Why, faith, to-day I ordered a breakfast to be got ready here
(pointing to EROTIUM’S house) for me, unknown to my wife; a mantle which a short time since I filched from home, to her I gave it.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Do you say, brother, that this is the mantle which I’m wearing?
Do you say, brother, that this is the mantle which I’m wearing?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
How did this come to you?
How did this come to you?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
The Courtesan who took me here
(pointing to EROTIUM’S house) to breakfast, said that I had given it to her. I breakfasted very pleasantly; I drank and entertained myself with my mistress; she gave me the mantle and this golden trinket.
(Showing the bracelet.)
The Courtesan who took me here
(pointing to EROTIUM’S house) to breakfast, said that I had given it to her. I breakfasted very pleasantly; I drank and entertained myself with my mistress; she gave me the mantle and this golden trinket.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I’ faith, I’m glad if any luck has befallen you on my account; for when she invited you to her house, she supposed it to be me.
I’ faith, I’m glad if any luck has befallen you on my account; for when she invited you to her house, she supposed it to be me.
MESSENIO
Do you make any objection that I should be free as you commanded?
Do you make any objection that I should be free as you commanded?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
He asks, brother, what’s very fair and very just. Do it for my sake.
He asks, brother, what’s very fair and very just. Do it for my sake.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
(touching MESSENIO’S shoulder.)
Be thou a free man.
Be thou a free man.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I am glad, Messenio, that you are free.
I am glad, Messenio, that you are free.
MESSENIO
Why, better auspices
1
were required that I should be free for life.
11491150
Why, better auspices
1
were required that I should be free for life.
11491150
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Since these matters, brother, have turned out to our wishes, let us both return to our native land.
Since these matters, brother, have turned out to our wishes, let us both return to our native land.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Brother, I’ll do as you wish. I’ll have an auction here, and sell whatever I have. In the meantime, brother, let’s now go in-doors.
Brother, I’ll do as you wish. I’ll have an auction here, and sell whatever I have. In the meantime, brother, let’s now go in-doors.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Be it so.
Be it so.
MESSENIO
Do you know what I ask of you?
Do you know what I ask of you?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
What?
1155
What?
1155
MESSENIO
To give me the place of auctioneer.
To give me the place of auctioneer.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
It shall be given you.
It shall be given you.
MESSENIO
Would you like the auction, then, to be proclaimed at once? For what day?
Would you like the auction, then, to be proclaimed at once? For what day?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
On the seventh day hence.
On the seventh day hence.
MESSENIO
(coming forward, and speaking in a loud voice.)
An auction of the property of Menaechmus will certainly take place on the morning of the seventh day hence. His slaves, furniture, house, and farms, will be sold. All will go for whatever they’ll fetch at ready money prices.
An auction of the property of Menaechmus will certainly take place on the morning of the seventh day hence. His slaves, furniture, house, and farms, will be sold. All will go for whatever they’ll fetch at ready money prices.
Menaechmi. Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley (Translator). London. 1912.
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