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By Scene
549
(Enter SAGARISTIO and the DAUGHTER of SATURIO, dressed as PERSIANS.)
SAGARISTIO
Doesn’t Athens seem to you a rich and opulent place?
Doesn’t Athens seem to you a rich and opulent place?
DAUGHTER
I’ve seen the appearance of the city; the customs of the people I’ve observed but little of.
550
I’ve seen the appearance of the city; the customs of the people I’ve observed but little of.
550
TOXILUS
(apart.)
At the very outset has she forborne to make a wise remark.
At the very outset has she forborne to make a wise remark.
DORDALUS
(apart.)
I cannot by her very first words form an estimate of her wisdom.
I cannot by her very first words form an estimate of her wisdom.
SAGARISTIO
What as to that which you have seen? How does the city seem fortified to you, with its wall?
What as to that which you have seen? How does the city seem fortified to you, with its wall?
DAUGHTER
If the inhabitants have good morals, I think it’s properly fortified.
If Perfidiousness, and Peculation, and Avarice are exiled from the city, Envy in the fourth place, Ambition in the fifth, Scandal in the sixth, Perjury in the seventh.
555
If the inhabitants have good morals, I think it’s properly fortified.
If Perfidiousness, and Peculation, and Avarice are exiled from the city, Envy in the fourth place, Ambition in the fifth, Scandal in the sixth, Perjury in the seventh.
555
TOXILUS
(apart.)
Bravo!
Bravo!
DAUGHTER
Idleness in the eighth, Injustice in the ninth, Immorality, which is the very worst in its attack, in the tenth.
If these things shall not be away from it, a wall a hundred-fold were too little for preserving its interests.
560
Idleness in the eighth, Injustice in the ninth, Immorality, which is the very worst in its attack, in the tenth.
If these things shall not be away from it, a wall a hundred-fold were too little for preserving its interests.
560
TOXILUS
(apart.)
What say you?
What say you?
DORDALUS
(apart.)
What do you mean?
What do you mean?
TOXILUS
(apart.)
You are among those ten companions; you must depart in banishment from here.
You are among those ten companions; you must depart in banishment from here.
DORDALUS
(apart.)
Why so?
Why so?
TOXILUS
(apart.)
Because you are perjured.
Because you are perjured.
DORDALUS
(apart.)
Really she has spoken not without some cleverness.
Really she has spoken not without some cleverness.
TOXILUS
(apart.)
That’s to your advantage, I say; you buy her.
That’s to your advantage, I say; you buy her.
DORDALUS
(apart.)
Upon my faith, the more I look at her, the more she pleases me.
Upon my faith, the more I look at her, the more she pleases me.
TOXILUS
(apart.)
If you do buy her,
immortal Gods, no other Procurer will be more wealthy than yourself; at your will you’ll be turning people out of their estates and households; you’ll be transacting business with men of the highest rank; they’ll be longing for your favour; they’ll be coming to make merry at your house.
565
If you do buy her,
immortal Gods, no other Procurer will be more wealthy than yourself; at your will you’ll be turning people out of their estates and households; you’ll be transacting business with men of the highest rank; they’ll be longing for your favour; they’ll be coming to make merry at your house.
565
DORDALUS
(apart.)
But I shan’t allow them to be admitted.
But I shan’t allow them to be admitted.
TOXILUS
(apart.)
But then at night they’ll be singing
1
before your threshold, and be burning down your door;
do you at once order your house to be fastened with a door of iron
2
, change for a house of iron, fix in thresholds of iron, a bar of iron and a ring; if you don’t prove sparing of the iron, do you order thick fetters of iron to be rivetted upon yourself.
570
But then at night they’ll be singing
1
before your threshold, and be burning down your door;
do you at once order your house to be fastened with a door of iron
2
, change for a house of iron, fix in thresholds of iron, a bar of iron and a ring; if you don’t prove sparing of the iron, do you order thick fetters of iron to be rivetted upon yourself.
570
DORDALUS
(apart.)
Away to utter perdition!
Away to utter perdition!
TOXILUS
(pushing him.)
Go then, make purchase of her, and follow my advice.
Go then, make purchase of her, and follow my advice.
DORDALUS
(apart.)
Only let me know how much he asks for her.
575
Only let me know how much he asks for her.
575
TOXILUS
(apart.)
Should you like me to call him here?
Should you like me to call him here?
DORDALUS
(apart.)
I’ll go to him.
I’ll go to him.
TOXILUS
(accosting him.)
How fare you, guest?
How fare you, guest?
SAGARISTIO
I’m come; I’ve brought her
(pointing to the DAMSEL.) as I just now said I would. For yesterday at night the ship arrived in harbour: I want her to be sold, if she can; if she cannot, I intend to go away from here as soon as I can.
I’m come; I’ve brought her
(pointing to the DAMSEL.) as I just now said I would. For yesterday at night the ship arrived in harbour: I want her to be sold, if she can; if she cannot, I intend to go away from here as soon as I can.
DORDALUS
Greetings to you, young man.
Greetings to you, young man.
SAGARISTIO
If indeed I shall dispose of her at her own price—
If indeed I shall dispose of her at her own price—
TOXILUS
(pointing to DORDALUS.)
Why, you’ll either sell her handsomely with him for your purchaser, or you can to no one.
580
Why, you’ll either sell her handsomely with him for your purchaser, or you can to no one.
580
SAGARISTIO
Are you a friend of his?
Are you a friend of his?
TOXILUS
In the same measure as all the Divinities who inhabit the heavens.
In the same measure as all the Divinities who inhabit the heavens.
DORDALUS
Then you are an assured enemy to me; for to the race of procurers no God was ever so kind as to prove propitious.
Then you are an assured enemy to me; for to the race of procurers no God was ever so kind as to prove propitious.
SAGARISTIO
Attend to the business in hand. Have you any need to purchase her?
Attend to the business in hand. Have you any need to purchase her?
DORDALUS
If you have need for her to be sold,
I, too, have need to purchase her; if you have no sudden occasion to sell, just in the same degree have I to buy.
585
If you have need for her to be sold,
I, too, have need to purchase her; if you have no sudden occasion to sell, just in the same degree have I to buy.
585
SAGARISTIO
State a sum; name a price.
State a sum; name a price.
DORDALUS
The commodity is your own; it’s for you to name a sum.
The commodity is your own; it’s for you to name a sum.
TOXILUS
(to SAGARISTIO.)
He asks what’s right.
He asks what’s right.
SAGARISTIO
Do you wish to buy at a bargain?
Do you wish to buy at a bargain?
DORDALUS
Do you wish to sell at a handsome profit?
Do you wish to sell at a handsome profit?
TOXILUS
I’ faith, I’m sure that both of you would like to do so.
I’ faith, I’m sure that both of you would like to do so.
DORDALUS
Come, boldly name your price.
Come, boldly name your price.
SAGARISTIO
I tell you beforehand; no one will dispose of her to you on warranty. Do you so understand it, then?
I tell you beforehand; no one will dispose of her to you on warranty. Do you so understand it, then?
DORDALUS
I understand it.
Declare what’s the lowest price at which you’ll offer her, for which she may be taken by the purchaser.
590
I understand it.
Declare what’s the lowest price at which you’ll offer her, for which she may be taken by the purchaser.
590
TOXILUS
Hold your tongue, hold your tongue. Really, upon my faith, you are a very simple man, with your childish ways.
Hold your tongue, hold your tongue. Really, upon my faith, you are a very simple man, with your childish ways.
DORDALUS
Why so?
Why so?
TOXILUS
Why because I wish you first to make enquiries of the damsel which relate to your interest.
Why because I wish you first to make enquiries of the damsel which relate to your interest.
DORDALUS
And really, upon my faith, you’ve given me no bad advice. Look at that, will you. I, an experienced Procurer, had almost fallen into the pit,
if you had not been here. How important a point it is to have a person your friend at hand when you are about anything.
595
And really, upon my faith, you’ve given me no bad advice. Look at that, will you. I, an experienced Procurer, had almost fallen into the pit,
if you had not been here. How important a point it is to have a person your friend at hand when you are about anything.
595
TOXILUS
I want you to make enquiry of her, of what family or in what country she was born, or of what parents, so that you mayn’t say that you’ve bought her at hazard by my persuasion or suggestion.
I want you to make enquiry of her, of what family or in what country she was born, or of what parents, so that you mayn’t say that you’ve bought her at hazard by my persuasion or suggestion.
DORDALUS
On the contrary, I approve of your counsel, I tell you.
On the contrary, I approve of your counsel, I tell you.
TOXILUS
(to SAGARISTIO.)
Unless it’s troublesome, he’s desirous to make a few enquiries of her.
Unless it’s troublesome, he’s desirous to make a few enquiries of her.
SAGARISTIO
By all means;
at his own pleasure.
600
By all means;
at his own pleasure.
600
TOXILUS
(to DORDALUS.)
Why do you delay? Go to him yourself; and do you yourself ask him as well, that you may be allowed to make such enquiries as you please; although he has told me that he gives permission to do so of her, still I had rather that you yourself should go to him, that he mayn’t be holding you in contempt.
Why do you delay? Go to him yourself; and do you yourself ask him as well, that you may be allowed to make such enquiries as you please; although he has told me that he gives permission to do so of her, still I had rather that you yourself should go to him, that he mayn’t be holding you in contempt.
DORDALUS
You give me very proper advice.
(Accosting SAGARISTIO.) Stranger, I should like to ask some questions of her.
(Pointing to the YOUNG WOMAN.)
You give me very proper advice.
(Accosting SAGARISTIO.) Stranger, I should like to ask some questions of her.
SAGARISTIO
From earth to heaven, whatever you like.
From earth to heaven, whatever you like.
DORDALUS
Just bid her to step this way to me.
605
Just bid her to step this way to me.
605
SAGARISTIO
(to the YOUNG WOMAN.)
Go you, then, and humour him.
(To DORDALUS.) Make enquiry, question her, just as you please.
Go you, then, and humour him.
(To DORDALUS.) Make enquiry, question her, just as you please.
TOXILUS
(to DORDALUS.)
Well, well
3
, get on then; make your preparations.
(Aside to the YOUNG WOMAN.) Take you care to commence with a good omen.
Well, well
3
, get on then; make your preparations.
(Aside to the YOUNG WOMAN.) Take you care to commence with a good omen.
DAUGHTER
The auspices are favourable.
The auspices are favourable.
TOXILUS
(Aside to the YOUNG WOMAN.)
Hold your tongue.
4
(To DORDALUS.) Step you aside here; I will now conduct her to you.
Hold your tongue.
4
(To DORDALUS.) Step you aside here; I will now conduct her to you.
DORDALUS
Do what you think is most for my interest.
Do what you think is most for my interest.
TOXILUS
(to the YOUNG WOMAN, who advances with him.)
Follow me.
(To DORDALUS.) I’ve brought her, if you are wishful to make any enquiries of her.
Follow me.
(To DORDALUS.) I’ve brought her, if you are wishful to make any enquiries of her.
DORDALUS
But I want you to be present.
But I want you to be present.
TOXILUS
I cannot do otherwise than pay attention to this stranger
(pointing to SAGARISTIO.) whom my master bade me show courtesy to. What if he doesn’t choose that I should be present together with you?
I cannot do otherwise than pay attention to this stranger
(pointing to SAGARISTIO.) whom my master bade me show courtesy to. What if he doesn’t choose that I should be present together with you?
SAGARISTIO
Yes, but do come.
Yes, but do come.
TOXILUS
(to DORDALUS.)
I’ll lend you my assistance, then.
I’ll lend you my assistance, then.
DORDALUS
You’re lending it yourself as well when you are assisting your friend.
You’re lending it yourself as well when you are assisting your friend.
TOXILUS
Examine her.
(Aside to the YOUNG WOMAN.) Hark you, be on your guard.
615
Examine her.
(Aside to the YOUNG WOMAN.) Hark you, be on your guard.
615
DAUGHTER
(aside.)
Enough has been said to me.
(Aloud.) Although I am a slave, I know my duty, so that whatever he asks I’ll tell the truth as I have heard it.
Enough has been said to me.
(Aloud.) Although I am a slave, I know my duty, so that whatever he asks I’ll tell the truth as I have heard it.
TOXILUS
(pointing to DORDALUS.)
Young woman, this is an honorable man.
Young woman, this is an honorable man.
DAUGHTER
I believe you.
I believe you.
TOXILUS
You’ll not be long in servitude with him.
You’ll not be long in servitude with him.
DAUGHTER
I’ faith, and so I trust, if my parents do their duty.
I’ faith, and so I trust, if my parents do their duty.
DORDALUS
I do not wish you to be surprised, if we make enquiries of you
about either your country or your parents.
620
I do not wish you to be surprised, if we make enquiries of you
about either your country or your parents.
620
DAUGHTER
Why should I be surprised at that, my dear sir? My state of servitude has forbidden me to be surprised at any misfortune of my own.
Why should I be surprised at that, my dear sir? My state of servitude has forbidden me to be surprised at any misfortune of my own.
TOXILUS
(aside.)
May the Gods confound her! so cunning and crafty is she. She has got shrewd sense: how readily she does say what’s needed.
May the Gods confound her! so cunning and crafty is she. She has got shrewd sense: how readily she does say what’s needed.
DORDALUS
What’s your name?
What’s your name?
TOXILUS
(aside.)
Now I’m afraid she’ll be tripping.
Now I’m afraid she’ll be tripping.
DAUGHTER
My name was Lucris
5
in my own country.
My name was Lucris
5
in my own country.
TOXILUS
The name and the omen are worth any price. Why don’t you make purchase of her?
(Aside.) I was greatly afraid that she would be tripping. She has got herself free.
625
The name and the omen are worth any price. Why don’t you make purchase of her?
(Aside.) I was greatly afraid that she would be tripping. She has got herself free.
625
DORDALUS
If I make purchase of you, I trust that you’ll prove Lucris to myself as well.
If I make purchase of you, I trust that you’ll prove Lucris to myself as well.
TOXILUS
If you do make purchase of her, never, on my word, do I think that she’ll remain your slave throughout the month.
If you do make purchase of her, never, on my word, do I think that she’ll remain your slave throughout the month.
DORDALUS
And so indeed I’d hope, i’ faith.
And so indeed I’d hope, i’ faith.
TOXILUS
That what you wish may come to pass, employ your own energies.
(Aside.) In nothing even as yet has she made a slip.
630
That what you wish may come to pass, employ your own energies.
(Aside.) In nothing even as yet has she made a slip.
630
DORDALUS
Where were you born?
Where were you born?
DAUGHTER
According to what my mother told me,in the kitchen
6
, in a corner on the left hand.
According to what my mother told me,in the kitchen
6
, in a corner on the left hand.
TOXILUS
(to DORDALUS.)
This woman will prove a lucky Courtesan for you; she has been born in a warm spot, where full oft there is an abundance of all good things.
(Aside.) The Procurer was taken in when he asked where she was born.
She has played him off nicely.
635
This woman will prove a lucky Courtesan for you; she has been born in a warm spot, where full oft there is an abundance of all good things.
(Aside.) The Procurer was taken in when he asked where she was born.
She has played him off nicely.
635
DORDALUS
But I ask of you, what is your country?
But I ask of you, what is your country?
DAUGHTER
What should be mine but that where I now am?
What should be mine but that where I now am?
DORDALUS
But this I’m asking, what was?
But this I’m asking, what was?
DAUGHTER
Everything that was, do I consider as nothing, since it was, and is not now. Just like a man when he has breathed forth his spirit; why enquire of him who he was?
Everything that was, do I consider as nothing, since it was, and is not now. Just like a man when he has breathed forth his spirit; why enquire of him who he was?
TOXILUS
(aside.)
So may the Deities kindly favour me, right cleverly. And yet I really do pity her.
So may the Deities kindly favour me, right cleverly. And yet I really do pity her.
DORDALUS
But still, young woman, come, tell me at once which is your country? Why are you silent?
640
But still, young woman, come, tell me at once which is your country? Why are you silent?
640
DAUGHTER
For my part, I really am telling you my country. Since I’m in servitude here, this is my country.
For my part, I really am telling you my country. Since I’m in servitude here, this is my country.
TOXILUS
Do cease now making enquiries about that. Don’t you see that she’s unwilling to declare, lest you should recall to her the remembrance of her misfortunes?
Do cease now making enquiries about that. Don’t you see that she’s unwilling to declare, lest you should recall to her the remembrance of her misfortunes?
DORDALUS
What’s the matter? Is your father in captivity?
What’s the matter? Is your father in captivity?
DAUGHTER
Not in captivity; but what he had, he has lost.
Not in captivity; but what he had, he has lost.
TOXILUS
She will prove to be born of a good family; she knows how to say nothing but the truth.
645
She will prove to be born of a good family; she knows how to say nothing but the truth.
645
DORDALUS
Who was he? Tell me his name?
Who was he? Tell me his name?
DAUGHTER
Why should I tell of him, wretched man, who he was? For the present ’twere proper for him to be called Miserable, and me Miserable.
Why should I tell of him, wretched man, who he was? For the present ’twere proper for him to be called Miserable, and me Miserable.
DORDALUS
What kind of a person was he considered by the public?
What kind of a person was he considered by the public?
DAUGHTER
Not a person more acceptable; slaves and free persons all liked him.
Not a person more acceptable; slaves and free persons all liked him.
TOXILUS
You do speak of a miserable man,
inasmuch as he’s almost lost himself, and has lost his friends.
650
You do speak of a miserable man,
inasmuch as he’s almost lost himself, and has lost his friends.
650
DORDALUS
I shall purchase her, I think.
I shall purchase her, I think.
TOXILUS
What, still
I think?
What, still
I think?
DORDALUS
I imagine that she’s of a noble family.
7
I imagine that she’s of a noble family.
7
TOXILUS
You’ll make riches by her.
You’ll make riches by her.
DORDALUS
May the Gods grant it so.
May the Gods grant it so.
TOXILUS
Do you only buy her.
Do you only buy her.
DAUGHTER
Now this I tell you: my father will be here directly, when he knows that I’ve been sold, and will ransom me thus separated from him.
Now this I tell you: my father will be here directly, when he knows that I’ve been sold, and will ransom me thus separated from him.
TOXILUS
What say you now?
What say you now?
DORDALUS
What’s the matter?
What’s the matter?
TOXILUS
Do you hear what she says?
655
Do you hear what she says?
655
DAUGHTER
For although his fortunes are broken, he still has friends.
(Pretends to cry.)
For although his fortunes are broken, he still has friends.
DORDALUS
Don’t weep, please; you’ll soon be at liberty, if—you have sweethearts enough
8
. Would you like to belong to me?
Don’t weep, please; you’ll soon be at liberty, if—you have sweethearts enough
8
. Would you like to belong to me?
DAUGHTER
So long, indeed, as I don’t belong to you too long. I’d like.
So long, indeed, as I don’t belong to you too long. I’d like.
TOXILUS
How well she does keep in mind her liberty. She’ll be producing you fine hauls. About it, if you are about it. I’ll go back to him.
(To the YOUNG WOMAN.) Do you follow me.
(To SAGARISTIO) I’ve brought her back to you.
How well she does keep in mind her liberty. She’ll be producing you fine hauls. About it, if you are about it. I’ll go back to him.
(To the YOUNG WOMAN.) Do you follow me.
(To SAGARISTIO) I’ve brought her back to you.
DORDALUS
Young man, are you disposed to sell her?
660
Young man, are you disposed to sell her?
660
SAGARISTIO
I’d like it, rather than lose her.
I’d like it, rather than lose her.
DORDALUS
Do you compress it then into a few words; state the price at which she’s offered.
Do you compress it then into a few words; state the price at which she’s offered.
SAGARISTIO
I’ll do so, as I see you wish it. Take her for a hundred minae.
I’ll do so, as I see you wish it. Take her for a hundred minae.
DORDALUS
That’s too much.
That’s too much.
SAGARISTIO
For eighty.
For eighty.
DORDALUS
That’s too much.
That’s too much.
SAGARISTIO
There can’t a didrachm be abated from the price which I shall now name.
There can’t a didrachm be abated from the price which I shall now name.
DORDALUS
What is it, then? Speak out at once and name it.
What is it, then? Speak out at once and name it.
SAGARISTIO
At your own risk, she’s offered at sixty minae.
665
At your own risk, she’s offered at sixty minae.
665
DORDALUS
Toxilus, what am I to do?
Toxilus, what am I to do?
TOXILUS
(aside to DORDALUS.)
The Gods and Goddesses are pursuing you with their vengeance, you rogue, for not making haste to purchase her.
The Gods and Goddesses are pursuing you with their vengeance, you rogue, for not making haste to purchase her.
DORDALUS
Take them, then.
Take them, then.
TOXILUS
Well done, you have got a rich prize! Be off, and fetch the money out here. On my faith, she’s not dear at three hundred minae.
Well done, you have got a rich prize! Be off, and fetch the money out here. On my faith, she’s not dear at three hundred minae.
SAGARISTIO
Hark you, for her clothing there’ll be ten minae added to this as well.
Hark you, for her clothing there’ll be ten minae added to this as well.
DORDALUS
Yes, be deducted, not added.
670
Yes, be deducted, not added.
670
TOXILUS
Do hold your tongue, will you; don’t you see that he’s seeking an excuse to have the bargain broken? Why don’t you be off and fetch the money?
Do hold your tongue, will you; don’t you see that he’s seeking an excuse to have the bargain broken? Why don’t you be off and fetch the money?
DORDALUS
(to TOXILUS, as he is going.)
Hark you, do you keep an eye upon him.
Hark you, do you keep an eye upon him.
TOXILUS
Why don’t you then go in?
Why don’t you then go in?
DORDALUS
I’ll go and fetch the money.
(Goes into his house.)
I’ll go and fetch the money.
Persa. Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley (Translator). London. 1913.
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