T. Maccius Plautus, Menaechmi, ed. Friedrich Leo, 5.2

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

View: By Line

← Previous Next →

753

Senex

Vt aétas mea ést atque ut hóc usus fácto est

gradum proferam, progrediri properabo.

sed id quam mihi facile sit, haud sum falsus.
755

nam pernicitas deserit: consitus sum

senectute, onustum gero corpus, vires

reliquere: ut aetas mala est; mers mala ergost.

nam res plurumas pessumas, quom advenit, fert:

quas si aútumem omnis, nimis lóngus sermost.
760

sed haec res mihi in pectore et corde curaest,

quidnam hóc sit negóti, quod fília sic

repénte expetít me, ut ád sese irem.

nec, quíd id sit, mihí certiús facit, quid

velít, quid me accersat.

verúm propemodúm iam sció, quid siet rei.

credo cum viro litigium natum esse aliquod.
765

ita istaec solent, quae viros subservire

sibi postulant, dote fretae, feroces.

et illi quoque haud abstinent saepe culpa.

verum est modus tamen, quoad pati uxorem oportet;

nec pol filia umquam patrem accersit ad se,
770

nisi aut quid commissi aut iurgi est iusta causa.

sed id quidquid est, iam sciam. atque eccam eampse

ante aedis et eius virum tristem video.

id ést quod suspicábar.

áppellabo hanc.
775

Matrona

Ibo advorsum. sálve multum, mí pater.

Senex

Salva sis. salven advenio? salven accersi iubes?

quid tu tristis es? quid ille autem abs te iratus destitit?

nescio quíd vos velitati éstis inter vos duos.

loquere, uter meruistis culpam? paucis, non longos logos.

Matrona

Nusquam equidem quicquam deliqui: hoc primum te absolvo, pater.
780

verum vivere hic non possum neque durare ullo modo.

proin tu me hinc abducas.

Senex

Quid istuc autem est?

Matrona

Ludibrio, pater,

habeor.

Senex

Vnde?

Matrona

Ab illo, quoi me mandavisti, meo viro.

Senex

Ecce autem litigium. quotiens tandem édixi tibi,

ut caveres, neuter ad me iretis cum querimonia?
785

Matrona

Qui ego istuc, mi pater, cavere possum?

Senex

Men interrogas?

Matrona

Nisi non vis.

Senex

Quotiens monstravi tibi, viro ut morem geras,

quid ille faciat, né id observes, quó eat, quid rerum gerat.

Matrona

At enim ille hinc amat meretricem ex proxumo.
790

Senex

Sane sapit,

atque ob istánc industriam etiam faxo amabit amplius.

Matrona

Atque ibi potat.

Senex

Tua quidem ille causa potabit minus,

si illic sive alibi libebit? quae haec, malum, impudentiast?

una opera prohibere, ad cenam ne promittat, postules,

neve quemquam accipiat alienum apud se. serviren tibi
795

postulas viros? dare una ópera pensum postules,

inter ancillas sedere iubeas, lanam carere.

Matrona

Non equidem mihi te advocatum, pater, adduxi, sed viro.

hinc stas, illim causam dicis.

Senex

Si ille quid deliquerit,

multo tanto illum accusabo, quam te accusavi, amplius.
800

quando te auratam et vestitam bene habet, ancillas penum

recte praehibet, melius sanam est, mulier, mentem sumere.

Matrona

At ille suppilat mihi aurum et pallas ex arcis domo,

me despoliat, mea ornamenta clam ad meretrices degerit.

Senex

Male facit, si istuc facit; si non facit, tu male facis,
805

quae insontem insimules.

Matrona

Quin etiam nunc habet pallam, pater,

et spinter, quod ad hanc detulerat, nunc, quia rescivi, refert.

Senex

Iám ego ex hoc, ut factumst, scibo. íbo ad hominem atque adloquar.

dic mi istuc, Menaechme, quod vos dissertatis, ut sciam.

quid tu tristis es? quid illa autem irata abs te destitit?
810

Menaechmvs

Quisquis es, quidquid tibi nomen est, senex, summum Iovem

deosque do testes—

Senex

Qua de re aut cuius rei rerum omnium?

Menaechmvs

Me neque isti male fecisse mulieri, quae me arguit

hanc domo ab se surrupuisse atque abstulisse deierat.

sí ego intra aedis huius umquam, ubi habitat, penetravi pedem,

omnium hominum exopto ut fiam miserorum miserrimus.

Senex

Sanun es, qui istuc exoptes aut neges te umquam pedem

in eas aedis intulisse ubi habitas, insanissime?

Menaechmvs

Tun, senex, ais habitare med in illisce aedibus?
820

Senex

Tun negas?

Menaechmvs

Nego hercle vero.

Senex

Immo hercle †ludere negas;

nisi quo nocte hac exmigrastis. concede huc, mea filia.

quid tu ais? num hinc exmigrastis?

Matrona

Quem in locum aut quam ob rem, obsecro?

Senex

Non edepol scio.

Matrona

Profecto ludit te hic. non tu tenes?

Senex

Iam vero, Menaechme, satis iocatu's iocatus es. nunc hanc rem gere.
825

Menaechmvs

Quaeso, quid mihi tecum est? unde aut quis tu homo es?

† tibi aut adeo isti, quae mihi molesta est quoquo modo?

Matrona

Viden tu ílli oculos virere? ut viridis exoritur colos

ex temporibus atque fronte, ut oculi scintillant, vide.
829830

Menaechmvs

Quid mihi meliust, quam quando illi me insanire praedicant,

ego med adsimulem insanire, ut illos a me absterream?

Matrona

Vt pandiculans oscitatur. quid nunc faciam, mi pater?

Senex

Concede huc, mea nata, ab istoc quam potest longissime.

Menaechmvs

Euhoe Bacche, Bromie, quo me in silvam venatum vocas?
835

audio, sed non abire possum ab his regionibus,

ita illa me ab laeva rabiosa femina adservat canis,

poste autem illinc hircus † alus, qui saepe aetate in sua

perdidit civem innocentem falso testimonio.

Senex

Vae capiti tuo.
840

Menaechmvs

Ecce, Apollo mi ex oraclo ímperat,

ut ego ílli oculos exuram lampadibus ardentibus.

Matrona

Perii, mi pater, minatur míhi oculos exurere.

Menaechmvs

Ei mihi, insanire me aiunt, ultro cum ipsi insaniunt.

Senex

Filia, heus.

Matrona

Quid est? quid agimus?

Senex

Quid si ego huc servos cito?

ibo, abducam qui hunc hinc tollant et domi devinciant,
845

prius quam turbarum quid faciat amplius.

Menaechmvs

Enim haereo;

ni occupo aliquid mihi consilium, hí domum me ad se auferent.

pugnis me votas in huius ore quicquam parcere,

ni a meis oculis abscedat in malam magnam crucem.

faciam quod iubes, Apollo.
850

Senex

Fuge domum, quantum potest,

ne hic te obtundat.

Matrona

Fugio. amabo, ádserva istunc, mi pater,

ne quo hinc abeat. sumne ego mulier misera, quae illaec audio?—

Menaechmvs

Haud male, Apollo illanc amovi; nunc hunc impurissimum,

barbatum, tremulum Tithonum, qui cluet Cygno patre,

ita mihi imperas ut ego huius membra atque ossa atque artua
855

comminuam illo scipione quem ipse habet.

Senex

Dabitur malum,

me quidem si attígeris aut si propius ad me accesseris.

Menaechmvs

Faciam quod iubes; securim capiam ancipitem, atque hunc senem

osse fini dedolabo ássulatim viscera.

Senex

Enim vero illud praecavendumst, atque adcurandumst mihi;
860

sane ego illúm metuo, ut minatur, ne quid male faxit mihi.

Menaechmvs

Multa mi imperas, Apollo: nunc equos iunctos iubes

capere me indomitos, ferocis, atque in currum inscendere,

ut ego hunc proteram leonem vetulum, olentem, edentulum.

iam adstiti in currum, iam lora teneo, iam stimulus in manust.
865

agite equi, facitote sonitus ungularum appareat,

cursu celeri facite inflexa sit pedum pernicitas.

Senex

Mihin equis iunctis minare?

Menaechmvs

Ecce, Apollo, denuo

me iubes facere impetum in eum qui stat atque occidere.

sed quis hic est qui me capillo hínc de curru deripit?
870

imperium tuom demutat atque edictum Apollinis.

Senex

Eu hércle morbum acrem ac durum di vostram fidem.

vel hic qui insanit, quam valuit paulo prius;

ei derepente tantus morbus incidit.

ibo atque accersam medicum iam quantum potest.—
875

Menaechmi. T. Maccius Plautus. ed. Friedrich Leo. Berlin. 1895.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The National Endowment for the Humanities.

Current edition Perseus

Menaechmi (Latin) (Plautus. Plauti Comoediae, Volume 1. Leo, Friedrich, editor. Berlin: Weidmann, 1895.)

Translations (1)

Menaechmi, or The Twin Brothers Perseus (Plautus. The Comedies of Plautus, Volume 1. Riley, Henry Thomas, translator. London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1912.) — 5.2 focus

753 (Enter an OLD MAN, hobbling with a stick.)

OLD MAN

According as my age permits, and as there is occasion to do so, I’ll push on my steps and make haste to get along.

But how far from easy ’tis for me, I’m not mistaken as to that. For my agility forsakes me, and I am beset with age; I carry my body weighed down; my strength has deserted me. How grievous a pack upon one’s back is age. For when it comes, it brings very many and very grievous particulars,
755

were I now to recount all of which, my speech would be too long. But this matter is a trouble to my mind and heart, what this business can possibly be on account of which my daughter suddenly requires me to come to her,
760

and doesn’t first let me know what’s the matter, what she wants, or why she sends for me. But pretty nearly do I know now what’s the matter;

I suspect that some quarrel has arisen with her husband. So are these women wont to do, who, presuming on their portions, and haughty, require their husbands to be obedient to them; and they as well full oft are not without fault. But still there are bounds, within which a wife ought to be put up with.
765

By my troth, my daughter never sends for her father to come to her except when either something has been done wrong, or there is a cause for quarrelling. But whatever it is, I shall now know. And see, I perceive her herself before the house, and her husband in a pensive mood. ’Tis the same as I suspected.
770

I’ll accost her.
775

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

I’ll go and meet him. May every happiness attend you, my father.

OLD MAN

Happiness attend you. Do I find you in good spirits? Do you bid me be fetched in happy mood? Why are you sorrowful? And why does he (pointing at MENAECHMUS) in anger stand apart from you? Something, I know not what, are you two wrangling about¹ between you. Say, in few words, which of the two is in fault: no long speeches, though.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

For my part, I’ve done nothing wrong; as to that point do I at once make you easy, father. But I cannot live or remain here on any account; you must take me away hence immediately.
780

OLD MAN

Why, what’s the matter?

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

I am made a laughing-stock of, father.

OLD MAN

By whom?

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

By him to whom you gave me, my husband.

OLD MAN

Look at that — a quarrel now. How often, I wonder,

have I told you to be cautious, that neither should be coming to me with your complaints.
785

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

How, my father, can I possibly guard against that?

OLD MAN

Do you ask me?

unless you don’t wish.

How often have I told you to be compliant to your husband. Don’t be watching what he does, where he goes, or what matter he’s about.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

Why, but he’s in love with a courtesan here close by.
790

OLD MAN

He is exceedingly wise: and for this painstaking of yours, I would even have him love her the more.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

He drinks there, too.

OLD MAN

And will he really drink the less for you, whether it shall please him to do so there or anywhere else? Plague on it, what assurance is this? On the same principle, you would wish to hinder him from engaging to dine out,

or from receiving any other person at his own house. Do you want husbands to be your servants? You might as well expect, on the same principle, to be giving him out his task, and bidding him sit among the female servants and card wool.
795

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

Why, surely, father, I’ve sent for you not to be my advocate, but my husband’s: on this side you stand², on the other you plead the cause.

OLD MAN

If he has done wrong in anything,

so much the more shall I censure him than I’ve censured you. Since he keeps you provided for and well clothed, and finds you amply in female servants and provisions, ’tis better, madam, to entertain kindly feelings.
800

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

But he purloins from me gold trinkets and mantles from out of the chests at home; he plunders me, and secretly carries off my ornaments to harlots.

OLD MAN

He does wrong, if he does that; if he does not do it, you do wrong in accusing him when innocent.
805

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

Why at this moment, even, he has got a mantle, father, and a bracelet, which he had carried off to her; now, because I came to know of it, he brings them back.

OLD MAN

I’ll know from himself, then, how it happened. I’ll go up to this man and accost him. (Goes up to MENAECHMUS.) Tell me this, Menaechmus, what you two are disputing about, that I may know.

Why are you pensive? And why does she in anger stand apart from you?
810

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

Whoever you are, whatever is your name, old gentleman, I call to witness supreme Jove and the Deities—

OLD MAN

For what reason, or what matter of all matters?

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

That I have neither done wrong to that woman, who is accusing me of having purloined this (pointing to the mantle) away from her at home and which she solemnly swears that I did take away.

If ever I set foot inside of her house where she lives, I wish that I may become the most wretched of all wretched men.

OLD MAN

Are you in your senses to wish this, or to deny that you ever set foot in that house where you live, you downright madman?

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

Do you say, old gentleman, that I live in this house?
820
(Pointing at the house.)

OLD MAN

Do you deny it?

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

By my faith, certainly do deny it.

OLD MAN

In your fun you are going too far in denying it; unless you flitted elsewhere this last night. Step this way, please, daughter. (To the WIFE.) What do you say? Have you removed from this house?

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

To what place, or for what reason, prithee?

OLD MAN

I’ faith, I don’t know.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

He’s surely making fun of you.

OLD MAN

³ Can’t you keep yourself quiet?

Now, Menaechmus, you really have joked long enough; now do seriously attend to this matter.
825

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

Prithee, what have I to do with you? Whence or what person are you? Is your mind right, or hers, in fact, who is an annoyance to me in every way?

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

Don’t you see how his eyes sparkle? How a green colour⁴ is arising

on his temples and his forehead; look how his eyes do glisten
829830

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

O me! They say I’m mad, whereas they of themselves are mad.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

How he yawns, as he stretches himself. What am I to do now, my father?

OLD MAN

Step this way, my daughter, as far as ever you can from him.

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

(aside.)

What is there better for me than, since they say I’m mad, to pretend that I am mad, that I may frighten them away from me? (He dances about.)

Evoë, Bacchus , ho! Bromius⁵, in what forest dost thou invite me to the chase? I hear thee, but I cannot get away from this spot, so much does this raving mad female cur watch me on the left side. And behind there is that other old he-goat, who many a time in his life has proved the destruction of an innocent fellow-citizen by his false testimony.
835

OLD MAN

(shaking his stick at him.)

Woe to your head.
840

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

Lo! by his oracle, Apollo bids me burn out her eyes with blazing torches.

(He points with his fingers at her.)

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

I’m undone, my father; he’s threatening to burn my eyes out.

OLD MAN

Hark you, daughter.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

What’s the matter? What are we to do?

OLD MAN

What if I call the servants out here?

I’ll go bring some to take him away hence, and bind him at home, before he makes any further disturbance.
845

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

(aside.)

So now; I think now if I don’t adopt some plan for myself, these people will be carrying me off home to their house. (Aloud.) Dost thou forbid me to spare my fists at all upon her face, unless she does at once get out of my sight to utter and extreme perdition?

I will do what thou dost bid me, Apollo.
850
(Runs after her.)

OLD MAN

(to the WIFE.)

Away with you home as soon as possible, lest he should knock you down.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

I’m off. Watch him, my father, I entreat you, that he mayn’t go anywhere hence. Am I not a wretched woman to hear these things?

(She goes into her house.)

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

(aside.)

I’ve got rid of her not so badly. (Aloud.) Now as for this most filthy, long-bearded, palsied Tithonus, who is said to have had Cygnus for his father⁶,

you bid me break in pieces his limbs, and bones, and members with that walking-stick which he himself is holding.
855

OLD MAN

Punishment shall be inflicted if you touch me indeed, or if you come nearer to me.

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

(shouting aloud.)

I will do what thou dost bid me; I will take a two-edged axe, and I will hew this old fellow to his very bones, and I will chop his entrails into mincemeat.

OLD MAN

(retreating as far as he can.)

Why really against that must I take care and precaution. As he threatens, I’m quite in dread of him, lest he should do me some mischief.
860

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

(jumping and raising his arms.)

Many things dost thou bid me do, Apollo. Now thou dost order me to take the yoked horses, unbroke and fierce, and to mount the chariot, that I may crush to pieces this aged, stinking, toothless lion.

Now have I mounted the chariot; now do I hold the reins; now is the whip in my hand. Speed onward, ye steeds, let the sound of your hoofs be heard; in your swift course let the rapid pace of your feet⁷ be redoubled.
865
(Points at the OLD MAN as he pretends to gallop.)

OLD MAN

Are you threatening me with your yoked steeds?

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

Lo! again, Apollo, thou dost bid me to make an onset against him who is standing here, and to murder him.

But what person is this that is tearing me hence by the hair down from the chariot? He revokes thy commands and the decree of Apollo.
870

OLD MAN

Alas! a severe and obstinate malady, i’ faith. By our trust in you, ye Gods even this person who is now mad, how well he was a little time since. All on a sudden has so great a distemper attacked him.

I’ll go now and fetch a physician as fast as I can.
875
(Exit.)

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

Prithee, are these persons gone now out of my sight, who are compelling me by force, while in my wits, to be mad? Why do I delay to be off to the ship, while I can in safety?

And all of you (to the SPECTATORS), if the old gentleman should return, I beg not to tell him, now, by what street I fled away hence.
879880
(Exit.)

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Matrona Ibo advorsum. sálve multum, mí pater.

Senex Salva sis. salven advenio? salven accersi iubes? quid tu tristis es? quid ille autem abs te iratus destitit? nescio quíd vos velitati éstis inter vos duos. loquere, uter meruistis culpam? paucis, non longos logos.

Matrona Nusquam equidem quicquam deliqui: hoc primum te absolvo, pater. 780 verum vivere hic non possum neque durare ullo modo. proin tu me hinc abducas.

Senex Quid istuc autem est?

Matrona Ludibrio, pater, habeor.

Senex Vnde?

Matrona Ab illo, quoi me mandavisti, meo viro.

Senex Ecce autem litigium. quotiens tandem édixi tibi, ut caveres, neuter ad me iretis cum querimonia? 785

Matrona Qui ego istuc, mi pater, cavere possum?

Senex Men interrogas?

Matrona Nisi non vis.

Senex Quotiens monstravi tibi, viro ut morem geras, quid ille faciat, né id observes, quó eat, quid rerum gerat.

Matrona At enim ille hinc amat meretricem ex proxumo. 790

Senex Sane sapit, atque ob istánc industriam etiam faxo amabit amplius.

Matrona Atque ibi potat.

Matrona Non equidem mihi te advocatum, pater, adduxi, sed viro. hinc stas, illim causam dicis.

Senex Si ille quid deliquerit, multo tanto illum accusabo, quam te accusavi, amplius. 800 quando te auratam et vestitam bene habet, ancillas penum recte praehibet, melius sanam est, mulier, mentem sumere.

Matrona At ille suppilat mihi aurum et pallas ex arcis domo, me despoliat, mea ornamenta clam ad meretrices degerit.

Senex Male facit, si istuc facit; si non facit, tu male facis, 805 quae insontem insimules.

Matrona Quin etiam nunc habet pallam, pater, et spinter, quod ad hanc detulerat, nunc, quia rescivi, refert.

Senex Iám ego ex hoc, ut factumst, scibo. íbo ad hominem atque adloquar. dic mi istuc, Menaechme, quod vos dissertatis, ut sciam. quid tu tristis es? quid illa autem irata abs te destitit? 810

Menaechmvs Quisquis es, quidquid tibi nomen est, senex, summum Iovem deosque do testes—

Senex Qua de re aut cuius rei rerum omnium?

Menaechmvs Me neque isti male fecisse mulieri, quae me arguit hanc domo ab se surrupuisse atque abstulisse deierat. sí ego intra aedis huius umquam, ubi habitat, penetravi pedem, omnium hominum exopto ut fiam miserorum miserrimus.

Senex Sanun es, qui istuc exoptes aut neges te umquam pedem in eas aedis intulisse ubi habitas, insanissime?

Menaechmvs Tun, senex, ais habitare med in illisce aedibus? 820

Senex Tun negas?

Menaechmvs Nego hercle vero.

Senex Immo hercle †ludere negas; nisi quo nocte hac exmigrastis. concede huc, mea filia. quid tu ais? num hinc exmigrastis?

Matrona Quem in locum aut quam ob rem, obsecro?

Senex Non edepol scio.

Matrona Profecto ludit te hic. non tu tenes?

Senex Iam vero, Menaechme, satis iocatu's iocatus es. nunc hanc rem gere. 825

Menaechmvs Quaeso, quid mihi tecum est? unde aut quis tu homo es? † tibi aut adeo isti, quae mihi molesta est quoquo modo?

Matrona Viden tu ílli oculos virere? ut viridis exoritur colos ex temporibus atque fronte, ut oculi scintillant, vide. 829830

Menaechmvs Quid mihi meliust, quam quando illi me insanire praedicant, ego med adsimulem insanire, ut illos a me absterream?

Matrona Vt pandiculans oscitatur. quid nunc faciam, mi pater?

Senex Concede huc, mea nata, ab istoc quam potest longissime.

Menaechmvs Euhoe Bacche, Bromie, quo me in silvam venatum vocas? 835 audio, sed non abire possum ab his regionibus, ita illa me ab laeva rabiosa femina adservat canis, poste autem illinc hircus † alus, qui saepe aetate in sua perdidit civem innocentem falso testimonio.

Senex Vae capiti tuo. 840

Menaechmvs Ecce, Apollo mi ex oraclo ímperat, ut ego ílli oculos exuram lampadibus ardentibus.

Matrona Perii, mi pater, minatur míhi oculos exurere.

Menaechmvs Ei mihi, insanire me aiunt, ultro cum ipsi insaniunt.

Senex Filia, heus.

Matrona Quid est? quid agimus?

Senex Quid si ego huc servos cito? ibo, abducam qui hunc hinc tollant et domi devinciant, 845 prius quam turbarum quid faciat amplius.

Menaechmvs Enim haereo; ni occupo aliquid mihi consilium, hí domum me ad se auferent. pugnis me votas in huius ore quicquam parcere, ni a meis oculis abscedat in malam magnam crucem. faciam quod iubes, Apollo. 850

Senex Fuge domum, quantum potest, ne hic te obtundat.

Matrona Fugio. amabo, ádserva istunc, mi pater, ne quo hinc abeat. sumne ego mulier misera, quae illaec audio?—

Menaechmvs Haud male, Apollo illanc amovi; nunc hunc impurissimum, barbatum, tremulum Tithonum, qui cluet Cygno patre, ita mihi imperas ut ego huius membra atque ossa atque artua 855 comminuam illo scipione quem ipse habet.

Senex Dabitur malum, me quidem si attígeris aut si propius ad me accesseris.

Menaechmvs Faciam quod iubes; securim capiam ancipitem, atque hunc senem osse fini dedolabo ássulatim viscera.

Senex Enim vero illud praecavendumst, atque adcurandumst mihi; 860 sane ego illúm metuo, ut minatur, ne quid male faxit mihi.

Senex Mihin equis iunctis minare?

Menaechmvs Ecce, Apollo, denuo me iubes facere impetum in eum qui stat atque occidere. sed quis hic est qui me capillo hínc de curru deripit? 870 imperium tuom demutat atque edictum Apollinis.

Senex Eu hércle morbum acrem ac durum di vostram fidem. vel hic qui insanit, quam valuit paulo prius; ei derepente tantus morbus incidit. ibo atque accersam medicum iam quantum potest.— 875

Current edition Perseus

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. I’ll go and meet him. May every happiness attend you, my father.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. For my part, I’ve done nothing wrong; as to that point do I at once make you easy, father. But I cannot live or remain here on any account; you must take me away hence immediately. 780

OLD MAN Why, what’s the matter?

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. I am made a laughing-stock of, father.

OLD MAN By whom?

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. By him to whom you gave me, my husband.

OLD MAN Look at that — a quarrel now. How often, I wonder, have I told you to be cautious, that neither should be coming to me with your complaints. 785

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. How, my father, can I possibly guard against that?

OLD MAN Do you ask me? unless you don’t wish. How often have I told you to be compliant to your husband. Don’t be watching what he does, where he goes, or what matter he’s about.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Why, but he’s in love with a courtesan here close by. 790

OLD MAN He is exceedingly wise: and for this painstaking of yours, I would even have him love her the more.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. He drinks there, too.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Why, surely, father, I’ve sent for you not to be my advocate, but my husband’s: on this side you stand 2 , on the other you plead the cause.

OLD MAN If he has done wrong in anything, so much the more shall I censure him than I’ve censured you. Since he keeps you provided for and well clothed, and finds you amply in female servants and provisions, ’tis better, madam, to entertain kindly feelings. 800

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. But he purloins from me gold trinkets and mantles from out of the chests at home; he plunders me, and secretly carries off my ornaments to harlots.

OLD MAN He does wrong, if he does that; if he does not do it, you do wrong in accusing him when innocent. 805

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Why at this moment, even, he has got a mantle, father, and a bracelet, which he had carried off to her; now, because I came to know of it, he brings them back.

OLD MAN I’ll know from himself, then, how it happened. I’ll go up to this man and accost him. (Goes up to MENAECHMUS.) Tell me this, Menaechmus, what you two are disputing about, that I may know. Why are you pensive? And why does she in anger stand apart from you? 810

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES Whoever you are, whatever is your name, old gentleman, I call to witness supreme Jove and the Deities—

OLD MAN For what reason, or what matter of all matters?

OLD MAN Are you in your senses to wish this, or to deny that you ever set foot in that house where you live, you downright madman?

Matrona

Ibo advorsum. sálve multum, mí pater.

Senex

Salva sis. salven advenio? salven accersi iubes?

quid tu tristis es? quid ille autem abs te iratus destitit?

nescio quíd vos velitati éstis inter vos duos.

loquere, uter meruistis culpam? paucis, non longos logos.

Matrona

Nusquam equidem quicquam deliqui: hoc primum te absolvo, pater.
780

verum vivere hic non possum neque durare ullo modo.

proin tu me hinc abducas.

Senex

Quid istuc autem est?

Matrona

Ludibrio, pater,

habeor.

Senex

Vnde?

Matrona

Ab illo, quoi me mandavisti, meo viro.

Senex

Ecce autem litigium. quotiens tandem édixi tibi,

ut caveres, neuter ad me iretis cum querimonia?
785

Matrona

Qui ego istuc, mi pater, cavere possum?

Senex

Men interrogas?

Matrona

Nisi non vis.

Senex

Quotiens monstravi tibi, viro ut morem geras,

quid ille faciat, né id observes, quó eat, quid rerum gerat.

Matrona

At enim ille hinc amat meretricem ex proxumo.
790

Senex

Sane sapit,

atque ob istánc industriam etiam faxo amabit amplius.

Matrona

Atque ibi potat.

Matrona

Non equidem mihi te advocatum, pater, adduxi, sed viro.

hinc stas, illim causam dicis.

Senex

Si ille quid deliquerit,

multo tanto illum accusabo, quam te accusavi, amplius.
800

quando te auratam et vestitam bene habet, ancillas penum

recte praehibet, melius sanam est, mulier, mentem sumere.

Matrona

At ille suppilat mihi aurum et pallas ex arcis domo,

me despoliat, mea ornamenta clam ad meretrices degerit.

Senex

Male facit, si istuc facit; si non facit, tu male facis,
805

quae insontem insimules.

Matrona

Quin etiam nunc habet pallam, pater,

et spinter, quod ad hanc detulerat, nunc, quia rescivi, refert.

Senex

Iám ego ex hoc, ut factumst, scibo. íbo ad hominem atque adloquar.

dic mi istuc, Menaechme, quod vos dissertatis, ut sciam.

quid tu tristis es? quid illa autem irata abs te destitit?
810

Menaechmvs

Quisquis es, quidquid tibi nomen est, senex, summum Iovem

deosque do testes—

Senex

Qua de re aut cuius rei rerum omnium?

Menaechmvs

Me neque isti male fecisse mulieri, quae me arguit

hanc domo ab se surrupuisse atque abstulisse deierat.

sí ego intra aedis huius umquam, ubi habitat, penetravi pedem,

omnium hominum exopto ut fiam miserorum miserrimus.

Senex

Sanun es, qui istuc exoptes aut neges te umquam pedem

in eas aedis intulisse ubi habitas, insanissime?

Menaechmvs

Tun, senex, ais habitare med in illisce aedibus?
820

Senex

Tun negas?

Menaechmvs

Nego hercle vero.

Senex

Immo hercle †ludere negas;

nisi quo nocte hac exmigrastis. concede huc, mea filia.

quid tu ais? num hinc exmigrastis?

Matrona

Quem in locum aut quam ob rem, obsecro?

Senex

Non edepol scio.

Matrona

Profecto ludit te hic. non tu tenes?

Senex

Iam vero, Menaechme, satis iocatu's iocatus es. nunc hanc rem gere.
825

Menaechmvs

Quaeso, quid mihi tecum est? unde aut quis tu homo es?

† tibi aut adeo isti, quae mihi molesta est quoquo modo?

Matrona

Viden tu ílli oculos virere? ut viridis exoritur colos

ex temporibus atque fronte, ut oculi scintillant, vide.
829830

Menaechmvs

Quid mihi meliust, quam quando illi me insanire praedicant,

ego med adsimulem insanire, ut illos a me absterream?

Matrona

Vt pandiculans oscitatur. quid nunc faciam, mi pater?

Senex

Concede huc, mea nata, ab istoc quam potest longissime.

Menaechmvs

Euhoe Bacche, Bromie, quo me in silvam venatum vocas?
835

audio, sed non abire possum ab his regionibus,

ita illa me ab laeva rabiosa femina adservat canis,

poste autem illinc hircus † alus, qui saepe aetate in sua

perdidit civem innocentem falso testimonio.

Senex

Vae capiti tuo.
840

Menaechmvs

Ecce, Apollo mi ex oraclo ímperat,

ut ego ílli oculos exuram lampadibus ardentibus.

Matrona

Perii, mi pater, minatur míhi oculos exurere.

Menaechmvs

Ei mihi, insanire me aiunt, ultro cum ipsi insaniunt.

Senex

Filia, heus.

Matrona

Quid est? quid agimus?

Senex

Quid si ego huc servos cito?

ibo, abducam qui hunc hinc tollant et domi devinciant,
845

prius quam turbarum quid faciat amplius.

Menaechmvs

Enim haereo;

ni occupo aliquid mihi consilium, hí domum me ad se auferent.

pugnis me votas in huius ore quicquam parcere,

ni a meis oculis abscedat in malam magnam crucem.

faciam quod iubes, Apollo.
850

Senex

Fuge domum, quantum potest,

ne hic te obtundat.

Matrona

Fugio. amabo, ádserva istunc, mi pater,

ne quo hinc abeat. sumne ego mulier misera, quae illaec audio?—

Menaechmvs

Haud male, Apollo illanc amovi; nunc hunc impurissimum,

barbatum, tremulum Tithonum, qui cluet Cygno patre,

ita mihi imperas ut ego huius membra atque ossa atque artua
855

comminuam illo scipione quem ipse habet.

Senex

Dabitur malum,

me quidem si attígeris aut si propius ad me accesseris.

Menaechmvs

Faciam quod iubes; securim capiam ancipitem, atque hunc senem

osse fini dedolabo ássulatim viscera.

Senex

Enim vero illud praecavendumst, atque adcurandumst mihi;
860

sane ego illúm metuo, ut minatur, ne quid male faxit mihi.

Senex

Mihin equis iunctis minare?

Menaechmvs

Ecce, Apollo, denuo

me iubes facere impetum in eum qui stat atque occidere.

sed quis hic est qui me capillo hínc de curru deripit?
870

imperium tuom demutat atque edictum Apollinis.

Senex

Eu hércle morbum acrem ac durum di vostram fidem.

vel hic qui insanit, quam valuit paulo prius;

ei derepente tantus morbus incidit.

ibo atque accersam medicum iam quantum potest.—
875

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

I’ll go and meet him. May every happiness attend you, my father.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

For my part, I’ve done nothing wrong; as to that point do I at once make you easy, father. But I cannot live or remain here on any account; you must take me away hence immediately.
780

OLD MAN

Why, what’s the matter?

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

I am made a laughing-stock of, father.

OLD MAN

By whom?

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

By him to whom you gave me, my husband.

OLD MAN

Look at that — a quarrel now. How often, I wonder,

have I told you to be cautious, that neither should be coming to me with your complaints.
785

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

How, my father, can I possibly guard against that?

OLD MAN

Do you ask me?

unless you don’t wish.

How often have I told you to be compliant to your husband. Don’t be watching what he does, where he goes, or what matter he’s about.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

Why, but he’s in love with a courtesan here close by.
790

OLD MAN

He is exceedingly wise: and for this painstaking of yours, I would even have him love her the more.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

He drinks there, too.

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

Why, surely, father, I’ve sent for you not to be my advocate, but my husband’s: on this side you stand², on the other you plead the cause.

OLD MAN

If he has done wrong in anything,

so much the more shall I censure him than I’ve censured you. Since he keeps you provided for and well clothed, and finds you amply in female servants and provisions, ’tis better, madam, to entertain kindly feelings.
800

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

But he purloins from me gold trinkets and mantles from out of the chests at home; he plunders me, and secretly carries off my ornaments to harlots.

OLD MAN

He does wrong, if he does that; if he does not do it, you do wrong in accusing him when innocent.
805

THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.

Why at this moment, even, he has got a mantle, father, and a bracelet, which he had carried off to her; now, because I came to know of it, he brings them back.

OLD MAN

I’ll know from himself, then, how it happened. I’ll go up to this man and accost him. (Goes up to MENAECHMUS.) Tell me this, Menaechmus, what you two are disputing about, that I may know.

Why are you pensive? And why does she in anger stand apart from you?
810

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

Whoever you are, whatever is your name, old gentleman, I call to witness supreme Jove and the Deities—

OLD MAN

For what reason, or what matter of all matters?

OLD MAN

Are you in your senses to wish this, or to deny that you ever set foot in that house where you live, you downright madman?

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

Do you say, old gentleman, that I live in this house?
820
(Pointing at the house.)

OLD MAN

Do you deny it?

MENAECHMUS SOSICLES

By my faith, certainly do deny it.