Enter PISTOCLERUS.The portion from the commencement of this scene down to the beginning of the thirty-fifth line, is translated from the fragments of the beginning of the play which have been lately discovered by the research of Ritschel. It was generally supposed by Commentators that the beginning of the play had been lost, and that the author of the Prologue, or some other writer, had supplied the hiatus by adding a first scene of his own composition; in which he represents, somewhat inconsistently, Pistoclerus as having been in love with the First Bacchis before the play began, whereas it is obviously the intention of Plautus to represent him as drawn into the amour by her allurements during the First Act. It is worthy of remark, that the learned and ingenious Rost was of opinion that the beginning of this play had not been lost, and that it properly commenced at line 35, "Quod si hoc potis est." This opinion, however, is thoroughly controverted by the result of the researches of Ritschel. Although, for the sake of brevity, these fragments are here grouped into one Scene, to supply the place of the spurious Scene which formerly occupied their place, it is clear that they are really the remnants of several Scenes, introductory to the attempt of the First Bacchis to entrap Pistoclerus. The fragments are ordered differently by different editors. PISTOCLERUS

those who areThose who are: It is not unlikely that this and the next three lines are fragments of a Prologue, spoken by Pistoclerus, in which he is complimenting the ingenuity shown by the slave Chrysalus throughout the piece as he is making reference to the punishment of slaves when speaking of "chains, rods, and the mill;" to which latter place refractory slaves were sent for hard labour. of a thrifty turn of mind, modest, and without servility. Chains, rods, and mills; their shocking brutality becomes worse. She who keeps my friend and me engaged. (Exit.) Enter FIRST BACCHIS.

1st BACCHIS

I have heard I have heard: This is probably the commencement of a Scene. The First Bacchis is revolving her plans against Pistoclerus, who is wandering through the city in search of the mistress of his friend Mnesilochus. that Ulysses underwent toils innumerable, who, in wanderings, was twenty years away from his native land. But this young man by far outdoes Ulysses; who here in this spot is wandering within the walls of the city.

1st BACCHIS

She was of the same name with myself.

1st BACCHIS

Sweep out the house Sweep out the house: She is evidently ordering the servants to put the house in readiness against the arrival of her sister from abroad. with brooms, work briskly. Will some one call that most dirty fellow with the water-pail The water-pail: "Nassiterna" was a pail, or water-pot, having three spouts or mouths. and the water. CLEOMACHUS, SECOND BACCHIS.

CLEOMACHUS

But if a life But if a life: Here is another Scene. It would appear probable that the Second Bacchis, having heard, on her arrival, that Mnesilochus, by his friend, is in search of her, signifies to the Captain her intention to remain at Athens, and not to accompany him to Elatia in Phocis, on which he reminds her of the sum of money he has given her, and the original terms of the agreement. It would appear that he proceeds to threaten with his wrath any more fortunate rival; and then concludes by inveighing against harlots in general, as "limaces," "snails," or "slugs," in the same way as a Comic writer of our day might style them "leeches," or "bloodsuckers." It may be remarked, that with the ancients, the avail was the emblem of salacity. of wantonness is perchance preferred by you, consider the price that I agreed to give you that at that age you might not be following me for nought that from no one else you might be receiving a yearly pay, except from oneself, nor be toying with any man like slugs upon a man. PISTOCLERUS, SECOND BACCHIS, SERVANT.

PISTOCLERUS

As like as milk As like as milk: Here again is another Scene. Pistoclerus has caught sight of the Second Bacchis, but being unaware that she really is the person whom he is in search of, he remarks upon her strong resemblance to the First Bacchis, with whom, by this time, he has probably had an interview on the subject. His servant then comes and informs him that she is the person whom he is looking for, but that she is under the protection of a mighty Captain, whose breast heaves like a pair of blacksmith's bellows. is to milk; whatever is her name

SERVANT

The soldier who sells his life for gold I know that his breath is much stronger than when the bellows of bull's hide are blowing, when the rocks melt where the iron is made.

PISTOCLERUS

Of what country did he seem to you?

SERVANT

I think he is of Præneste Is of Præneste: He has a hit here at the people of Præneste, whom he has in a former play censured for their bad grammar, and whom he here represents as occupying the same place in Roman estimation, as the Gascons do, whether deservedly or not, in ours.; he was such a boaster.

PISTOCLERUS

The city and I don't think it is in spurious boastfulness. Enter FIRST and SECOND BACCHIS.

1st BACCHIS

My heart, my hope My heart, my hope: The First Bacchis seems here to be repeating her first lessons in the attack which she is about to make on the heart of the novice Pistoclerus; she is evidently conning over the flattering things that she intends to say to him., my honey, my sweetness, my nutriment, my delight. Let me bestow on you my love the Arabian Has Cupid or has love overpowered you? Perhaps to suspect that you are in love. Get money from that quarter for I really do believe that with ease you can enchant the heart of any man The heart of any man: With this line conclude the fragments which have been brought to light by Ritschel; in the previous editions the next line commences the second Scene, the spurious Scene preceding it..

1st BACCHIS

And suppose it is much better that you should hold your peace, and I should speak?

2nd BACCHIS

With pleasure; you may proceed.

1st BACCHIS

When my memory shall fail me, then do you take care to aid me, sister.

2nd BACCHIS

I' faith, I'm more afraid that I shan't have the choice of prompting you.

1st BACCHIS

Troth, I'm afraid the little nightingale may lose her powers May lose her powers: The nightingale was supposed to sing continually; so that "lusciniae deest cantio," "the nightingale has lost her song," became a proverb which expressed the happening of anything extraordinary. of song. Follow this way. They move. Enter PISTOCLERUS.

PISTOCLERUS

What are these two Courtesans, the namesake-sisters, about?

1st BACCHIS

Nothing is there more wretched than a woman.

PISTOCLERUS

What, say you, is there more worthy of it? What have you been planning in your consultation?

1st BACCHIS

What's proper?

PISTOCLERUS

I' faith, that doesn't belong to the Courtesan.

1st BACCHIS

This sister of mine entreats me so to find some person to protect her against this Captain; that when she as served her time Has served her time: "Emeritus" was the term applied to soldiers who had "served out their time," or "got their discharge." Plautus probably uses the term satirically, as applied to the engagement which the Second Bacchis had made with the Captain. he may bring her back home. Do you, I entreat you, be her protector.

PISTOCLERUS

Why should I protect her?

1st BACCHIS

That she may be brought home again, when she has fulfilled her engagement to him, so that he may not take her as a servant As a servant: She pretends that her sister is afraid, that when her time has expired, the Captain—having carried her to a foreign country—may make a slave of her, and that she s, consequently, desirous to be left at Athens, and to repay him the money which he had given her upon the making of the engagement. She feigns that it is necessary for him to protect her sister on behalf of his absent friend Mnesilochus, that she herself may obtain an opportunity of ensnaring him for himself. But, if she had the gold to pay him back again, gladly would she do so.

PISTOCLERUS

Where now is this person?

1st BACCHIS

I expect that he'll be here just now. But this you'll be able to arrange better among ourselves; and sitting there, you shall wait until he comes. So you will drink some wine, and so, I'll give you a kiss when you have drunk it.

PISTOCLERUS

Your coaxing is mere birdlime.

1st BACCHIS

How so?

PISTOCLERUS

Because, in fact, I understand how you two are aiming at one poor pigeon, myself; aside very nearly is the limed reed The limed reed: A reed dipped in birdlime was employed for the purpose of catching birds. Pistoclerus says to himself that he feels how nearly he is entrapped. breaking my feathers. Madam, I judge that such deeds befit me not.

1st BACCHIS

Why so, I pray?

PISTOCLERUS

Bacchis, it is, because I dread you Bacchantes, and your Bacchanalian den Your Bacchanalian den: "Bacchanal" was properly the place where the Bacchanalia, or orgies, were celebrated. He styles them "Bacchantes," and their house a "Bacchanal," in allusion both to their names and their habits..

1st BACCHIS

What is it that you dread? Surely, not that the couch in my house may lead you into mischief?

PISTOCLERUS

Your allurements Your allurements: There is a play here upon the resemblance of the words "illectus," "allurement," and "lectus," a "bed.", more than your couch, do I dread. You're a mischievous serpent Mischievous serpent: "Mala tu's bestia." Literally, "you are an evil beast;" which sounds harsh to an English ear, even when applied to such an animal as Bacchis.. But, madam, a lurking-place does not befit this youthful age.

1st BACCHIS

Should you wish at my house to do anything that's unwise, I myself should hinder it. But, when the Captain comes, I wish you to be at my house for this reason; because, when you are present, no one will do her and me any injury. You will prevent that, and by the same means you will be aiding your friend; this Captain, too, on arriving, will suspect that I am your mistress. Why are you silent, pray?

PISTOCLERUS

Because these things are pleasant in the talking of; but in the practice, and when you make trial, the same are armed with stings. They pierce the feelings, goad one's fortune, and wound one's merits and character.

2nd BACCHIS

What do you dread from her?

PISTOCLERUS

What do I dread, do you ask? Am I a person in my youth to enter a place of exercise A place of exercise: He draws a parallel between the life of a person who for health and rational recreation frequents the "palaestra," or school for exercise, and of those who frequent the haunts of Courtesans. He alludes in the following lines to the exercises of throwing the quoit, running, boxing fencing, hurling the lance, and riding. of such a nature, where people sweat to their undoing?—where for the quoit I rereive a loss, disgrace, too, for my running?

2nd BACCHIS

How charmingly you do talk.

PISTOCLERUS

Where I'm to take a turtle-dove A turtle-dove: The turtle-dove, as being sacred to Venus, would be an appropriate inmate of a Courtesan's house. instead of a sword, and where another puts into my hand the goblet The goblet: "Cantharus" was a kind of drinking-cup, with two handles. It was considered as peculiarly sacred to Bacchus, the tutelary Divinity of Bacchis, whom Pistoclerus is addressing. instead of the cestus; the drinking-cup The drinking-cup: "Scaphium" here probably means a "drinking vessel with a swelling belly." Some Commentators, however, think that it has here the same meaning as "matula." is in place of the helmet, the wreathed garland instead of the crest Instead of the crest: The "insigne" was the crest, or waving plume of the helmet., the dice in place of the lance. For the coat of mail I should have to assume a soft cloak A soft cloak: It was the custom at entertainments for the revellers to exchange their ordinary clothes for fine vestments, elaborately embroidered.; where, too, in place of a horse a couch must be given me,—for shield, a strumpet For shield, a strumpet: "Scortum pro scuto." There is a play here upon the resemblance of the words. may be lying by me. Avaunt from me—avaunt!

2nd BACCHIS

O, you're too fierce.

PISTOCLERUS

I am attending to my own interests.

2nd BACCHIS

You must be softened down; and, in fact, I offer you my aid in this.

PISTOCLERUS

But you are too expensive an assistant.

1st BACCHIS

Do pretend that you are in love with me.

PISTOCLERUS

Whether should I be pretending that in jest, or seriously?

1st BACCHIS

Well said! better to do the last. When the Captain comes here, I want you I want you: He is only to pretend to be her admirer when the Captain comes, by way of accounting for his presence and interference on behalf of her sister. This is afterwards rendered unnecessary by his own pliancy, and the arrival of Mnesilochus himself. to embrace me.

PISTOCLERUS

What need is there of my doing that?

1st BACCHIS

I want him to see you. I know what I'm about?

PISTOCLERUS

And I, i' faith, I know not what I'm in fear of. But what say you—?

1st BACCHIS

What's the matter now?

PISTOCLERUS

Well, suppose perchance on a sudden a breakfast or a drinking bout, or else a dinner, should take place at your house, just as is the wont in such places of resort; where, then, should I take my place?

1st BACCHIS

Near myself, my life, that with a she wit a he wit may be reclining at the repast. A place here, at our house, should you come late, is always at your service. When you wish right merrily to disport yourself, my rosebud, you say to me, "Do let me enjoy myself to-day," I'll provide you a delightful place where it may be so.

PISTOCLERUS

Here is a rapid stream; not without hazard can this way be passed.

1st BACCHIS

aside. And, by my troth, something must you lose amid this stream. Aloud. Give me your hand and follow me.

PISTOCLERUS

O, by no means. 1st

FIRST BACCHIS

Why so?

PISTOCLERUS

Because to a man in his youth nothing can be more alluring than these—night, women, wine.

1st BACCHIS

Away, then, with you; for my part, I don't at all care for it, but for your own sake. The Captain, then, shall take her off; don't you be present at all if you don't choose.

PISTOCLERUS

to himself. And am I a thing of nothing, who cannot moderate my own passions?

1st BACCHIS

What's there for you to fear?

PISTOCLERUS

There's nothing; all nonsense. Madam, I resign myself to you. I'm yours; to you do I devote my services.

1st BACCHIS

You are a dear man. Now I wish you to do this. To-day I want to give a welcome entertainment A welcome entertainment: "Cæna viatica" was an entertainment offered to a person by his friends immediately on his arrival from a voyage or journey. to my sister. For that purpose I shall at once order the money Order the money: This she says artfully, well knowing that he will at once offer to bear the expense of the entertainment. to be brought you from in-doors. Do you take care and cater for us a splendid entertainment.

PISTOCLERUS

No, I'll stand treat; for it would be a shame, that on my account you both should take trouble for me, and by reason of that trouble should pay the expense from your own means.

1st BACCHIS

But I can't allow you to give anything.

PISTOCLERUS

Do let me.

1st BACCHIS

Well, I'll let you, if you choose. Prithee, do make haste.

PISTOCLERUS

I shall be here again, before I cease to love you. (Exit PISTOCLERUS.)

2nd BACCHIS

You entertain me pleasantly upon my return, my sister.

1st BACCHIS

How so, prithee?

2nd BACCHIS

Because, in my way of thinking, this day a lucky haul has fallen to your lot.

1st BACCHIS

He's mine, assuredly. Now, sister, with respect to Mnesilochus, I'll give you my aid Give you my aid: They will try to get Mnesilochus to advance the-money to redeem her from the Captain., that here at home you may be receiving gold, rather than be going hence together with the Captain.

2nd BACCHIS

That's my desire.

1st BACCHIS

My aid shall be given you. The water's warm; let's go in, that you may bathe. For, as you have travelled on board ship, you are faint, I think.

2nd BACCHIS

A little so, sister. PISTOCLERUS is seen at a distance. Besides, he's beginning to cause I don't know what bustle. Let's begone hence.

1st BACCHIS

Follow me this way in-doors to bathe, that you may relieve your weariness.

Enter PISTOCLERUS, accompanied by People with Provisions for the Entertainment, followed by LYDES.LYDUS

For some time, Pistoclerus, I've been following you in silenceFollowing you in silence: We must not be surprised to find "Lydus" a Lydian slave, as his name imports, acting as the "paedagogus," or "tutor," of Pistoclerus. Among the wealthy, the sons of the family were committed to the "paedagogi" at their sixth or seventh year, and of course that officer was selected from the most trustworthy and most learned among the slaves. The youths remained under the tutor till they reached the years of puberty. His duty was rather to watch and protect them and accompany them to their school and the "gymnasium" or "palaestra," the place of exercise, than to instruct them himself; indeed; the "praeceptores," or "teachers," are expressly distinguished by Quintilian from the "paedagogi," or "conductors" of the youths. Eunuchs were sometimes appointed to this office. Among the Romans, a tutor attended on both boys and girls very frequently, as they were not confined at home according to the Grecian custom. During the Empire, much care was taken in the training of the "paedagogi.", watching what you were doing in this dress In this dress: He has put on the "malacum pallium," "the soft garment," mentioned in l. 71, as being about to join the entertainment which he is providing.. For, so may the Gods favour me, even Lycurgus himself Lycurgus himself: He says that such company is enough to corrupt Lycurgus himself, a man of the most moral and strict habits. He was the lawgiver of Sparta. seems to me as if he could be led into debauchery here. Whither now are you betaking yourself hence in an opposite direction with such a train?

PISTOCLERUS

To this place pointing to the house.

LYDUS

Why to this place? Who lives there?

PISTOCLERUS

Love, Pleasure, Venus, Beauty, Joy, Jesting, Dalliance, Converse, and Sweet-kissing.

LYDUS

What intercourse have you with these most destructive Deities?

PISTOCLERUS

Bad are those men who speak evil of the good. You speak not well of even the Gods themselves; you do what is not right.

LTD.

Is Sweet-kissing, then, some God?

PISTOCLERUS

And do you not think she is? O Lydus, why, what a barbarians What a barbarian: He alludes to Lydia, the country of Lydus, which was "barbara." you are, you, whom I had deemed to be far more wise than Thales hinself Than Thales himself: Thales of Miletus was one of the seven wise men of Greece. He was the founder of the Ionic sect of philosophers.. Go to, you are more foolish than Potitius, the foreigner Potitius, the foreigner: "Barbaro" signifies "Roman," the scene being in Attica. We learn from St. Augustine that the Potitii received the epithet of "stulti," "unwise," from the following circumstance. They were the hereditary priests of Hercules, at Rome. Wishing to lighten their duties, they instructed some slaves in their office, for which, by the wrath of the Divinity twelve families of them were destroyed in one night., who, at an age so advanced, knew not the names of the Divinities.

LYDUS

This dress of yours pleases me not.

PISTOCLERUS

But no one prepared it for you; it was prepared for myself, whom it pleases well.

LYDUS

And do you commence upon your repartees against myself even? You, who, if you had even ten tongues, ought to be silent.

PISTOCLERUS

Not every age, Lydus, is suited for school Suited for school: There is here a "Paronomasia," or jingle upon the resemblance of the words "Lyde," "Lydus," and "ludo," "a school.". One thing especially is just now on my mind, how the cook may with due care attend to these things as befits the elegance of the entertainment.

LYDUS

Now have you undone yourself and me and all my labours, me who so oft have shown you what is right, all to no purpose.

PISTOCLERUS

In the same place have I lost my labour where you've lost yours: your instructions profit neither me nor yourself.

LYDUS

O obdurate heart!

PISTOCLERUS

You are troublesome to me. Hold your tongue, Lydus, and follow me.

LYDUS

Now, see that, please; he no longer calls He no longer calls: He is shocked at the want of respect shown to him by his pupil. me "tutor," but mere "Lydus."

PISTOCLERUS

It seems not proper, nor can it be fit, that, when a person is in a house, and is reclining at the feast together with his mistress, and is kissing her, and the other guests are reclining too, the tutor should be there too in their presence.

LYDUS

Are these provisions purchased for such a purpose, pray?

PISTOCLERUS

My intentions, indeed, expect so; how it falls out, is in the hands of the Gods.

LYDUS

Will you be having a mistress?

PISTOCLERUS

When you see, then you'll know.

LYDUS

Aye, but you shall not have one, and I won't allow it. Go back again home.

PISTOCLERUS

Do leave me alone, Lydus, and beware of mischief Beware of mischief: This is a threat of vengeance if Lydns presumes to interfere any further..

LYDUS

What? Beware of mischief? O yawning gulf, where art thou now? How gladly would I avail myself of thee! Already have I lived far longer than I could have wished. 'Twere much better now to have once existed than to be living still. That any pupil should thus threaten his tutor!

PISTOCLERUS

My years are now advanced beyond your tutorship.

LYDUS

I want no pupils for me with heated blood With heated blood: "Plenus sanguinis." Literally, "full of blood.". An up-grown one may harass me thus devoid of strength.

PISTOCLERUS

As I guess, I shall become a Hercules, and you a Linus You a Linus: Linus instructed Hercules in music, and was slain by his scholar with his musical instrument..

LYDUS

I' faith, I fear more that through your goings-on I shall become a Phœnix Become a Phœnix: Phœnix was the preceptor who attended Achilles to the Siege of Troy, and brought the account of his death to his father Peleus., and have to tell the news to your father that you are dead.

PISTOCLERUS

Enough of these stories.

LYDUS

This youth is lost to shame Is lost to shame: "Hic vereri perdidit." Literally, "He has lost how to be ashamed."; the man's ruined. And does it then recur to you that you have a father?

PISTOCLERUS

Am I your servant, or you mine?

LYDUS

By my troth, you made an exchange not desirable for that age of yours, when you gained these impudent ways. Some bad master has been teaching you all this, not I. You are a scholar far more apt at these pursuits than at those lessons which I taught you when I was losing my labour. Troth, 'twas a bad piece of deceit you were guilty of at your age, when you concealed these vicious tendencies from myself and from your father.

PISTOCLERUS

Lydus, you have thus far had liberty of speech; that is enough. So now do you follow this way, and hold your tongue Hold your tongue: The interval between this Act and the next is filled up with the time necessary for preparing the entertainment which Pistoclerus is giving to Bacchis and her sister.. They go into the house of BACCHIS.

Enter CHRYSALUS.CHRYSALUS

All hail, land of my master! which I joyfully behold after the two years that I have been absent hence at Ephesus. I salute thee, neighbour Apollo Neighbour Apollo: He is supposed to refer to Apollo "Prostitorus," whose statue was placed in the vestibule of the houses, and to whom the Athenians paid veneration as the tutelar God of their habitations., who dost have thy shrine close by our house, and to thee do I make my prayer, that thou wilt not let me meet our old gentleman, Nicobulus, before I have seen Pistoclerus, the friend of Mnesilochus, him to whom Mnesilochus has sent the letter about his mistress, Bacchis.