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1174
(Enter ADELPHASIUM and ANTERBASTYLIS, from the Temple of Venus.)
ADELPHASIUM
’Twas worth the while, to-day, of him who has a taste for loveliness
to afford a feast to his eyes, in coming hither to the Temple this day to see the sights. Upon my faith, I was charmed there to-day with the most elegant offerings of the courtesans, worthy of Venus, the most handsome Goddess; nor did I despise her worship this day; so great an abundance of beauteous objects was there there, each nicely arranged in its own place.
1175
The odours of Arabia and of myrrh filled everything. The festive day seemed to be affected with no gloom, Venus, nor did thy Temple; so great a throng of her dependants was there, who had come to Venus of Calydon.
’Twas worth the while, to-day, of him who has a taste for loveliness
to afford a feast to his eyes, in coming hither to the Temple this day to see the sights. Upon my faith, I was charmed there to-day with the most elegant offerings of the courtesans, worthy of Venus, the most handsome Goddess; nor did I despise her worship this day; so great an abundance of beauteous objects was there there, each nicely arranged in its own place.
1175
The odours of Arabia and of myrrh filled everything. The festive day seemed to be affected with no gloom, Venus, nor did thy Temple; so great a throng of her dependants was there, who had come to Venus of Calydon.
ANTERASTYLIS
But certainly, as far indeed as regarded us two, sister, we were all-powerful
in our prayers, beauteous and gainers of her favour; neither were we there held in ridicule by the young men, which, i’ faith, sister, happened to all the rest.
But certainly, as far indeed as regarded us two, sister, we were all-powerful
in our prayers, beauteous and gainers of her favour; neither were we there held in ridicule by the young men, which, i’ faith, sister, happened to all the rest.
ADELPHASIUM
I’d rather that it should so appear to other persons, than that you, sister, should praise yourself.
I’d rather that it should so appear to other persons, than that you, sister, should praise yourself.
ANTERASTYLIS
Indeed, I trust
so.
1185
Indeed, I trust
so.
1185
ADELPHASIUM
Troth, and
so do I, when I reflect of what breeding we and the others are. We were born in that station, that it befits us to be unblemished by faultiness.
Troth, and
so do I, when I reflect of what breeding we and the others are. We were born in that station, that it befits us to be unblemished by faultiness.
HANNO
(apart.)
Jupiter, who dost preserve and feed the race of men, through whom we pass this mortal life, in whose hands are the hopes of life in all men, prithee, do grant this day as a prosperous one
for my fortunes! Those whom I’ve missed for many years,
and whom when little I lost from their native land, to them restore their liberty, that I may be sure that for an indomitable sense of duty there is a reward.
1190
Jupiter, who dost preserve and feed the race of men, through whom we pass this mortal life, in whose hands are the hopes of life in all men, prithee, do grant this day as a prosperous one
for my fortunes! Those whom I’ve missed for many years,
and whom when little I lost from their native land, to them restore their liberty, that I may be sure that for an indomitable sense of duty there is a reward.
1190
AGORASTOCLES
(apart.)
I’ll engage that Jove shall do it all; for to me he is indebted
1
, and stands in awe of me.
I’ll engage that Jove shall do it all; for to me he is indebted
1
, and stands in awe of me.
HANNO
(apart.)
Prithee, do hold your peace.
(He weeps.)
Prithee, do hold your peace.
AGORASTOCLES
(apart.)
Kinsman, do not weep.
Kinsman, do not weep.
ANTERASTYLIS
(apart.)
As it is a pleasure for a man, my sister, if he succeeds in anything, to have the credit of victory, just so did we this day among the rest excel
them all in beauty.
As it is a pleasure for a man, my sister, if he succeeds in anything, to have the credit of victory, just so did we this day among the rest excel
them all in beauty.
ADELPHASIUM
Sister, you are more silly than I could wish. Prithee, do you really think yourself a beauty,
if your face has not been besmeared with soot
2
?
1195
Sister, you are more silly than I could wish. Prithee, do you really think yourself a beauty,
if your face has not been besmeared with soot
2
?
1195
AGORASTOCLES
(apart.)
O kinsman! O kinsman, dearest of all kinsmen
3
to me!
O kinsman! O kinsman, dearest of all kinsmen
3
to me!
HANNO
(apart.)
What is it, son of my cousin? My son, tell me, what is it you wish?
What is it, son of my cousin? My son, tell me, what is it you wish?
AGORASTOCLES
(apart.)
Why, really, I do wish you to attend to this.
Why, really, I do wish you to attend to this.
HANNO
(apart.)
Why, really, I am attending to it.
Why, really, I am attending to it.
AGORASTOCLES
(apart.)
Kinsman, kinsman, dearest of all kinsmen to me!
Kinsman, kinsman, dearest of all kinsmen to me!
HANNO
(apart.)
What’s the matter?
What’s the matter?
AGORASTOCLES
(apart.)
She’s a clever and a nice girl. How shrewd she is!
She’s a clever and a nice girl. How shrewd she is!
HANNO
(apart.)
She has her father’s disposition in being shrewd.
She has her father’s disposition in being shrewd.
AGORASTOCLES
(apart.)
How’s that? This long time, i’ faith, she has surely used up your shrewdness.
’Tis from here
(pointing to himself) she now derives her shrewdness; ’tis from here her sense; whatever she does shrewdly, through my love does she act so shrewdly.
1200
How’s that? This long time, i’ faith, she has surely used up your shrewdness.
’Tis from here
(pointing to himself) she now derives her shrewdness; ’tis from here her sense; whatever she does shrewdly, through my love does she act so shrewdly.
1200
ADELPHASIUM
We are not born of that rank, although we are slaves, sister, that it should befit us to do anything which any man may laugh at. Many are the faults of women; but of the many, this one is the greatest, to please themselves too much, and to give their attention too little to pleasing the men.
We are not born of that rank, although we are slaves, sister, that it should befit us to do anything which any man may laugh at. Many are the faults of women; but of the many, this one is the greatest, to please themselves too much, and to give their attention too little to pleasing the men.
ANTERASTYLIS
It was a very great delight that was portended in our sacrifice of the entrails, sister, and what the soothsayer said about us both—
1205
It was a very great delight that was portended in our sacrifice of the entrails, sister, and what the soothsayer said about us both—
1205
AGORASTOCLES
(apart.)
I wish he had said something about me!
I wish he had said something about me!
ANTERASTYLIS
That we should be free in a few days, in spite of our owner. I don’t know why I should hope for that, unless the Gods or our parents do something.
That we should be free in a few days, in spite of our owner. I don’t know why I should hope for that, unless the Gods or our parents do something.
AGORASTOCLES
(apart.)
’Twas through confidence in me
4
, kinsman, upon my faith, that the soothsayer promised them
liberty, I’m sure
of it, because he knows I’m in love with her.
1210
’Twas through confidence in me
4
, kinsman, upon my faith, that the soothsayer promised them
liberty, I’m sure
of it, because he knows I’m in love with her.
1210
ADELPHASIUM
Sister, follow me this way.
(Moves as if going.)
Sister, follow me this way.
ANTERASTYLIS
I follow.
(Moves also.)
I follow.
HANNO
(stepping forward.)
Before you go away
5
, I want you both. Unless it’s inconvenient, stop.
Before you go away
5
, I want you both. Unless it’s inconvenient, stop.
ADELPHASIUM
Who’s calling us back?
Who’s calling us back?
AGORASTOCLES
One who wishes to do you a kindness.
One who wishes to do you a kindness.
ADELPHASIUM
There’s opportunity for doing it. But who is the person?
There’s opportunity for doing it. But who is the person?
AGORASTOCLES
A friend of yours.
A friend of yours.
ADELPHASIUM
One who is not an enemy, in fact.
One who is not an enemy, in fact.
AGORASTOCLES
This is a good man, my love.
This is a good man, my love.
ADELPHASIUM
I’ faith, I should prefer him rather than a bad one.
I’ faith, I should prefer him rather than a bad one.
AGORASTOCLES
If, indeed, friendship must be engaged in, with such a person ought it to be engaged in.
1215
If, indeed, friendship must be engaged in, with such a person ought it to be engaged in.
1215
ADELPHASIUM
I don’t beg for it.
I don’t beg for it.
AGORASTOCLES
He wishes to do you many services.
He wishes to do you many services.
ADELPHASIUM
Being good
yourself you will be doing good to the good.
Being good
yourself you will be doing good to the good.
HANNO
I will cause you joy—
I will cause you joy—
ADELPHASIUM
And, i’ faith, we pleasure to you.
And, i’ faith, we pleasure to you.
HANNO
And liberty.
And liberty.
ADELPHASIUM
At that price you’ll easily make us your own.
At that price you’ll easily make us your own.
AGORASTOCLES
My kinsman, so may the Gods bless me, if I were Jupiter,
upon my faith I’d at once marry her for my wife, and pack Juno out of doors. How quietly did she utter her words, how considerately and becomingly! how modestly did she frame her speech! certainly she is my own!
1220
My kinsman, so may the Gods bless me, if I were Jupiter,
upon my faith I’d at once marry her for my wife, and pack Juno out of doors. How quietly did she utter her words, how considerately and becomingly! how modestly did she frame her speech! certainly she is my own!
1220
HANNO
(apart to AGORASTOCLES.)
But how skilfully I accosted her!
But how skilfully I accosted her!
AGORASTOCLES
Cleverly and becomingly, upon my faith.
Cleverly and becomingly, upon my faith.
HANNO
Am I still to go on testing them?
Am I still to go on testing them?
AGORASTOCLES
Compress it in a few words; the people who are sitting
here are getting thirsty
6
.
Compress it in a few words; the people who are sitting
here are getting thirsty
6
.
HANNO
Well, why don’t we proceed to do that which was to be done?
(To the WOMEN.) I summon you to justice.
1225
Well, why don’t we proceed to do that which was to be done?
(To the WOMEN.) I summon you to justice.
1225
AGORASTOCLES
Seize hold of this one, kinsman, if you are wise. Should you like me to catch hold of her?
Seize hold of this one, kinsman, if you are wise. Should you like me to catch hold of her?
ADELPHASIUM
Is this person your kinsman, Agorastocles?
Is this person your kinsman, Agorastocles?
AGORASTOCLES
I’ll soon let you know. Now, by my word, I’ll be nicely revenged on you; for I’ll make—you my bride.
I’ll soon let you know. Now, by my word, I’ll be nicely revenged on you; for I’ll make—you my bride.
HANNO
Come before a court of justice; don’t delay!
Come before a court of justice; don’t delay!
AGORASTOCLES
Summon me as your witness
7
, and take me; I’ll be a witness for you; and after that, her
(pointing to ADELPHASIUM) will I love and embrace. But ’twas this, indeed, I intended to say—why yes, I did say that which I intended
to say.
1230
Summon me as your witness
7
, and take me; I’ll be a witness for you; and after that, her
(pointing to ADELPHASIUM) will I love and embrace. But ’twas this, indeed, I intended to say—why yes, I did say that which I intended
to say.
1230
HANNO
(to the DAMSELS.)
You are lingering. I summon you to justice, unless it is more becoming for you to be dragged
thither.
You are lingering. I summon you to justice, unless it is more becoming for you to be dragged
thither.
ADELPHASIUM
Why do you summon us to justice? What are we in your debt?
Why do you summon us to justice? What are we in your debt?
AGORASTOCLES
He’ll tell it there.
He’ll tell it there.
ADELPHASIUM
Are even my own dogs barking
at me?
Are even my own dogs barking
at me?
AGORASTOCLES
Then, troth, do you caress me;
give me a kiss in place of a piece of meat; present your lips in place of a bone
8
: that way I’ll render this dog more smooth for you than oil.
1235
Then, troth, do you caress me;
give me a kiss in place of a piece of meat; present your lips in place of a bone
8
: that way I’ll render this dog more smooth for you than oil.
1235
HANNO
Come on, if you are coming.
Come on, if you are coming.
ADELPHASIUM
What have we done to you?
What have we done to you?
HANNO
You are thieves, both of you.
You are thieves, both of you.
ADELPHASIUM
What, we, as regards you?
What, we, as regards you?
HANNO
You, I say.
You, I say.
AGORASTOCLES
And I know it.
And I know it.
ADELPHASIUM
What theft is this?
What theft is this?
AGORASTOCLES
Enquire of him.
Enquire of him.
HANNO
Because for many years you have been concealing my daughters from me,
and, in fact, persons free-born,
and free,
and born of the highest rank.
1240
Because for many years you have been concealing my daughters from me,
and, in fact, persons free-born,
and free,
and born of the highest rank.
1240
ADELPHASIUM
I’ faith, you’ll never find that villany to have been committed by us.
I’ faith, you’ll never find that villany to have been committed by us.
AGORASTOCLES
Make a bet of a kiss now, if you are not forsworn, which is to give it to the other.
Make a bet of a kiss now, if you are not forsworn, which is to give it to the other.
ADELPHASIUM
I’ve nothing to do with you; prithee, get you gone.
I’ve nothing to do with you; prithee, get you gone.
AGORASTOCLES
But, i’ faith, I’ve got something to do with you; for he is my kinsman; it’s necessary for me to be his advocate.
And I’ll inform him how you are guilty of many a theft, and in what way you have got his daughters
as slaves at your house, whom you know to be free women stolen from their native land.
1245
But, i’ faith, I’ve got something to do with you; for he is my kinsman; it’s necessary for me to be his advocate.
And I’ll inform him how you are guilty of many a theft, and in what way you have got his daughters
as slaves at your house, whom you know to be free women stolen from their native land.
1245
ADELPHASIUM
Where are these, or who are they, prithee?
Where are these, or who are they, prithee?
AGORASTOCLES
(aside to HANNO.)
They have been teased sufficiently.
They have been teased sufficiently.
HANNO
(aside.)
Why not speak out,
then?
Why not speak out,
then?
AGORASTOCLES
(aside.)
I’ faith, I’m of that opinion, kinsman.
I’ faith, I’m of that opinion, kinsman.
ADELPHASIUM
I’m dreadfully afraid
what this business can mean, my sister; so astounded
am I, I stand here without my senses.
1250
I’m dreadfully afraid
what this business can mean, my sister; so astounded
am I, I stand here without my senses.
1250
HANNO
Damsels, give
me your attention. In the first place, if it could possibly come to pass, for the Gods not to send upon the innocent what is undeserved, that could I have wished to happen; now for the good the Gods bestow upon me, upon yourselves and upon your nurse
9
, ’tis due that we should give to the Deities our endless thanks,
since the immortal Gods approve and reward our piety. You are my daughters, both of you, and this is your relation, Agorastocles, the son of my cousin.
1255
Damsels, give
me your attention. In the first place, if it could possibly come to pass, for the Gods not to send upon the innocent what is undeserved, that could I have wished to happen; now for the good the Gods bestow upon me, upon yourselves and upon your nurse
9
, ’tis due that we should give to the Deities our endless thanks,
since the immortal Gods approve and reward our piety. You are my daughters, both of you, and this is your relation, Agorastocles, the son of my cousin.
1255
ADELPHASIUM
Prithee, are they deluding us with imaginary joys?
Prithee, are they deluding us with imaginary joys?
AGORASTOCLES
Really, so may the Deities preserve me, this is your father. Give
him your hands.
Really, so may the Deities preserve me, this is your father. Give
him your hands.
ADELPHASIUM
(embracing him.)
Welcome, father! unhoped-for by us, allow us to embrace you!
Welcome, father! unhoped-for by us, allow us to embrace you!
ANTERASTYLIS
(embracing him.)
Welcome, father! much wished and longed for!
We are both your daughters;
we both embrace you.
Welcome, father! much wished and longed for!
We are both your daughters;
we both embrace you.
AGORASTOCLES
Who’ll be for embracing me in the next place?
Who’ll be for embracing me in the next place?
HANNO
Now am I happy! Now with this delight do I allay the miseries of many a year.
Now am I happy! Now with this delight do I allay the miseries of many a year.
ADELPHASIUM
We hardly seem to believe this.
We hardly seem to believe this.
HANNO
I’ll tell you something to make you believe it the more:
why, it was your nurse who recognized me first.
1265
I’ll tell you something to make you believe it the more:
why, it was your nurse who recognized me first.
1265
ADELPHASIUM
Prithee, where is she?
Prithee, where is she?
HANNO
(pointing to AGORASTOCLES.)
She’s at his house.
She’s at his house.
AGORASTOCLES
(to ADELPHASIUM,
who is embracing her father .)
Pray, why does it please you to clasp his neck so long,
before he has betrothed you to me?
Dear one, much longed-for, blessings on you!
(He embraces her.)
Pray, why does it please you to clasp his neck so long,
before he has betrothed you to me?
Dear one, much longed-for, blessings on you!
ADELPHASIUM
(struggling.)
Do leave off your salutations!
Do leave off your salutations!
AGORASTOCLES
I will leave off.
And you the other one.
10
(To ANTERASTYLIS,
whom he embraces.
I will leave off.
And you the other one.
10
ANTERASTYLIS
(struggling.)
I don’t want that;
11
you torment me to death!
I don’t want that;
11
you torment me to death!
HANNO
Let us each clasp the other in our arms,
than whom is there anything on earth more happy?
1270
Let us each clasp the other in our arms,
than whom is there anything on earth more happy?
1270
AGORASTOCLES
Blessings befall the deserving.
(Pointing to HANNO.) At last his wishes are realized!
O Apelles! O Zeuxis
12
the painter! why did you die too soon? Would that you could paint a subject after this! For I don’t care for other
common painters to be treating subjects of this description.
Blessings befall the deserving.
(Pointing to HANNO.) At last his wishes are realized!
O Apelles! O Zeuxis
12
the painter! why did you die too soon? Would that you could paint a subject after this! For I don’t care for other
common painters to be treating subjects of this description.
HANNO
Gods and Goddesses all! I return you deservedly extreme thanks,
for having blest me with this gladness so supreme and with these joys so great; as my daughters have returned to me
and into my possession.
1275
Gods and Goddesses all! I return you deservedly extreme thanks,
for having blest me with this gladness so supreme and with these joys so great; as my daughters have returned to me
and into my possession.
1275
ADELPHASIUM
My father, your own piety has clearly come to our aid.
My father, your own piety has clearly come to our aid.
AGORASTOCLES
Kinsman, take care and keep it in memory that you’ve betrothed your elder daughter to me—
Kinsman, take care and keep it in memory that you’ve betrothed your elder daughter to me—
HANNO
I remember it.
I remember it.
AGORASTOCLES
The portion, too, that you promised.
The portion, too, that you promised.
Poenulus. Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley (Translator). London. 1913.
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