Enter GETA, running, at the other side of the stage.GETAto himself. Geta, you are undone, unless you instantly find out some expedient; so suddenly do such mighty evils now threaten me thus unprepared, which I neither know how to shun, nor how to extricate myself therefrom; for this daring step of:ours can not now any longer be kept a secret. If such a result is not adroitly guarded against, these matters will cause the ruin of myself, or of my master.
ANTIPHOto PHAEDRIA. Why, I wonder, is he coming in such fright?:
GETAto himself. Besides, I've but a moment left for this matter—my master's close at hand.
ANTIPHOto PHAEDRIA. What mischief is this?
GETAto himself. When he comes to hear of it, what remedy shall I discover for his anger Am I to speak? I shall irritate him: be silent? I shall provoke him: excuse myself? I should be washing a brickbat.Be washing a brickbat)—
Ver. 187. "Laterem lavare," "to wash a brick,"' or "tile," was a proverb signifying labor in vain, probably because (if the brick was previously baked) it was impossible to wash away the red color of it. According to some, the saying alluded to the act of washing a brick which had been only dried in the sun, in which case the party so doing both washed away the brick and soiled his own fingers. Alas! unfortunate me! While I am trembling for myself, this Antipho distracts my mind. I am concerned for him; I'm in dread for him: 'tis he that now keeps me here; for had it not been for him, I should have made due provision for my safety, and have taken vengeance on the old man for his crabbedness; I should have scraped up something, and straightway taken to my heels away from here.
ANTIPHOto PHAEDRIA. I wonder What running away or theft it is that he's planning.
GETAto himself. But where shall I find Antipho, or which way go look for him?
PHAEDRIAto ANTIPHO. He's mentioning your name.
ANTIPHOto PHADRIA. I know not what great misfortune I expect to hear from this messenger.
PHAEDRIAto ANTIPHO. Why, are you in your senses?
GETAto himself. I'll make my way homeward; he's generally there.
PHAEDRIAto ANTIPHO. Let's call the fellow back.
ANTIPHOcalling out. Stop, this instant.
GETAturning round. Heyday—with authority enough, whoever you are.
ANTIPHO Geta!
GETA The very person I wanted to find.
ANTIPHO Pray, tell me what news you bring, and dispatch it in one word, if you can.
GETA I'll do so.
ANTIPHO Out with it.
GETA Just now, at the harbor—
ANTIPHO What, my father?—
GETA You've hit it.
ANTIPHO. Ruined outright!
PHAEDRIA Pshaw!
ANTIPHO What am I to do?
PHAEDRIAto GETA. What is it you say?
GETA That I have seen his father, your uncle.
ANTIPHO How am I, wretch that I am, now to find a remedy for this sudden misfortune? But if it should be my fortune, Phanium, to be torn away from you, life would cease to be desirable.
GETA Therefore, Antipho, since matters are thus, the more need have you to be on your guard; fortune helps the brave.
ANTIPHO I am not myself.
GETA But just now it is especially necessary you should be so, Antipho; for if your father perceives that you are alarmed, he will think that you have been guilty of sone fault.
PHAEDRIA That's true.
ANTIPHO I can not change.
GETA What would you do, if now something else still more difficult had to be done by you?
ANTIPHO As I am not equal to this, I should be still less so to the other.
GETA This is doing nothing at all, Phaedria, let's be gone; why do we waste our time here to no purpose. I shall be off.
PHAEDRIA And I too. They move as if going.
ANTIPHO Pray, now, if I assume an air, will that do? He endeavors to assume another air.
GETA You are trifling.
ANTIPHO Look at my countenance—there's for you. Assuming a different air. Will that do?
GETA No.
ANTIPHO Well, will this? Assuming another air.
GETA Pretty well.
ANTIPHO Well then, this? Assuming a still bolder air.
GETA That's just the thing. There now, keep to that, and answer him word for word, like for like; don't let him, in his anger, disconcert you with his blustering words.
ANTIPHO I understand.
GETA Say that you were forced against your will by law, by sentence of the court; do you take me? Looking earnestly in one direction. But who is the old man that I see at the end of the street?
ANTIPHO 'Tis he himself. I can not stand it. Going.
GETA Oh! What are you about? Whither are you going, Antipho? Stop, I tell you.
ANTIPHO I know my own self and my offense; to your management I trust Phanium and my own existence. (Exit hastily.)
PHAEDRIA Geta, what's to be done now?
GETA You will just hear some harsh language: I shall be trussed up and trounced, if I am not somewhat mistaken. But what we were just now advising Antipho to do, the same we must do ourselves, Phaedria.
PHAEDRIA Away with your "musts;" rather do you command me what I am to do.
GETA DO you remember what were your words formerly on our entering upon this project, with the view of protecting yourselves from ill consequences—that their cause was just, clear, unanswerable, and most righteous?
PHAEDRIA I remember it.
GETA Well then, now there's need of that plea, or of one still better and more plausible, if such there can be.
PHAEDRIA I'll use my best endeavors.
GETA Do you then accost him first; I'll be here in re-serve,Here in reserve)—Ver. 230. "Succenturiatus." The "succenturiati" were, properly, men intrusted to fill up vacancies in the centuries or companies, when thinned by battle. by way of reinforcement, if you give ground at all.
PHAEDRIA Very well. They retire to a distance.
Enter DEMIPHO, at the other side of the stage.DEMIPHOto himself. And is it possible that Antipho has taken a wife without my consent? and that no authority of mine—but let alone "authority"Let alone "authority"
"Ac mitto imperium." Cicero has quoted this passage in his Epistles to Atticus, B. ii. Ep. 19.—no displeasure of mine, at all events, has he been in dread of? To have no sense of shame! O audacious conduct! O Geta, rare adviser!
GETAapart to PHAEDRIA. Just brought in at last.
DEMIPHO What will they say to me, or what excuse will they find? I wonder much.
GETAapart. Why, I've found that out already; do think of something else.
DEMIPHO Will he be saying this to me: "I did it against my will; the law compelled me?" I hear you, and admit it.
GETAapart. Well said!
DEMIPHO But knowingly, in silence, to give up the cause to his adversaries—did the law oblige him to do that as well?
GETAapart. That is a hard blow.
PHAEDRIA I'll clear that up; let me alone for that.
DEMIPHO It is a matter of doubt what I am to do; for beyond expectation, and quite past all belief, has this befallen me. So enraged am I, that I can not compose my mind to think upon it. Wherefore it is the duty of all persons, when affairs are the most prosperous,When affairs are the most prosperous)—Ver. 241. Cicero quotes this passage in the Third Book of his Tusculan Questions, and the maxim here inculcated was a favorite one with the Stoic philosophers. then in especial to reflect within themselves in what way they are to endure adversity. Returning from abroad, let him always picture to himself dangers and losses, either offenses committed by a son, or the death of his wife, or the sickness of a daughter,—that these things are the common lot, so that no one of them may ever come as a surprise upon his feelings. Whatever falls out beyond his hopes, all that he must look upon as so much gain.
GETAapart. O Phaedria, it is incredible how much I surpass my master in wisdom. All my misfortunes have been already calculated upon by me, upon my master coming home. I must grind at the mill, be beaten, wear fetters, be set to work in the fields; not one individual thing of these will happen unexpected by my mind. Whatever falls out beyond my expectations, all that I shall look upon as so much gain. But why do you hesitate to accost him, and soften him at the outset with fair words? PHAEDRIA goes forward to accost DEMIPHO.
DEMIPHOto himself. I see Phaedria, my brother's son, coming toward me.
PHAEDRIA My uncle, welcome!
DEMIPHO Greetings to you; but where is Antipho?
PHAEDRIA That you have arrived in safety—
DEMIPHO I believe it; answer my question.
PHAEDRIA He is well; he's close at hand; but is every thing quite to your wishes?
DEMIPHO I wish it was so, indeed.
PHAEDRIA What's the matter?
DEMIPHO Do you ask me, Phaedria? You people have cooked up a fine marriage in my absence.
PHAEDRIA What now, are you angry with him for that?
GETAapart. What a clever contriver!
DEMIPHO Have I not reason to be angry with him? I long for him to come into my sight, that he may know that through his faultiness, from being a mild father, I am become a most severe one.
PHAEDRIA But he has done nothing, uncle, for which you should blame him.
DEMIPHO Now, do look at that; all alike; all hanging together; when you know one, you know all.
PHAEDRIA That is not the case.
DEMIPHO When the one is in fault, the other is at hand to defend him; when it is the other, then he is ready; they just help one another by turns.
GETAapart. The old man, without. knowing it, has exactly described their proceedings.
DEMIPHO For if it had not been so, you would not, Phaedria, have stood up for him.
PHAEDRIA If, uncle; it is the fact, that Antipho has been guilty of any fault, in consequence of which he has been too regardless of his interest or his reputation, I would not allege any reason why he should not suffer what he deserves. But if some one by chance, relying upon his own artfulness, has laid a snare for our youthful age, and has succeeded, is it our fault or that of the judges, who often, through envy, take away from the rich, or, through compassion, award to the poor?
GETAapart. Unless I knew the case, I could fancy he was saying the truth.
DEMIPHO Is there any judge who can possibly know your rights, when you yourself don't answer a word—as he has done?
PHAEDRIA He acted the part of an ingenuous young man; after they had come before the judges, he was not able to say what he had intended, so much did his modesty confuse him there through his bashfulness.
GETAapart. I commend him: but why do I hesitate at once to accost the old man? Going forward to DEMIPHO. Master, welcome to you! I'm glad to see you safe returned.
DEMIPHOironically. Ah, excellent guardian! save you, stay of my family, no doubt, to whom, at my departure, I intrusted my son.
GETA For some minutes past I've heard you accusing all of us undeservedly; and me the most undeservedly of them all; for what would you have had me do for you in this affair? The laws do not allow a person who is a slave to plead; nor is there any giving evidenceAny giving evidence)—Ver. 293. Slaves were neither allowed to plead for themselves, nor to give evidence. See the Curculio of Plautus, 1. 621, and the Notes to the Andria. on his part.
DEMIPHO I grant all that: I admit this too—the young man, unused to courts, was bashful; I allow it: you, too, are a slave: still, if she was ever so near a relative, it was not necessary for him to marry her, but as the law enjoins, you might have given her a portion;Given her a portion)—Ver. 297. By this remark, Donatus observes that Terence artfully prepares us for the imposition of Phormio, who extorts money fiom the old gentleman on this very ground. she could have looked out for another husband. Why, then, in preference, did he bring a pauper home?
GETA No particular reason; but he hadn't the money.
DEMIPHO He might have borrowed it from some person or other.
GETA From some person or other? Nothing more easily said.
DEMIPHO After all, if on no other terms, on interest.
GETA Aye, aye, fine talking; as if any one would have trusted him, while you were living.While you were living)—Ver. 302. There was a law at Athens which enacted that persons who lent money to young men in the lifetime of their parents should have no power to recover it. In line 303 of the Pseudolus, Plautus alludes to the Quinavicenarian or Laetorian Law, at Rome, which forbade credit to be given to persons under the age of twenty-five years, and deprived the creditor of all right to recover his money or goods.
DEMIPHO No, it shall not be so; it must not be. Ought I to allow her to remain with him as his wife a single day? She merits no indulgence. I should like this fellow to be pointed out to me, or to be shown where he lives.
GETA Phormio, do you mean?
DEMIPHO That fellow, the woman's next friend?The woman's next friend)—Ver. 307. The "patronus" was the person who undertook to conduct a lawsuit for another.
GETA I'll have him here immediately.
DEMIPHO Where is Antipho at present?
GETA Away from home.
DEMIPHO Go, Phedria, look for him, and bring him here.
PHAEDRIA I'Il go straightway to the place.
GETAaside. To Pamphila, you mean. (Exeunt PHAEDRIA and GETA.
DEMIPHOto himself. I'll just step home to salute the house-hold Gods.Salute the household Gods)—Ver. 311. It was the custom for those returning from a voyage or journey, to give thanks to their household Gods for having protected them in their absence. Thus, in the Amphitryon of Plautus, Jupiter, while personating Amphitryon, pretends, in 1. 983, that he is going to offer sacrifice for his safe return. From there, I'll go to the Forum, and summon some of my friends to give me their assistance in this affair; so that I may not be unprepared, when Phormio comes. Goes into his house.
Enter PHORMIO and GETA.PHORMIO And so you sayAnd so you say)—Ver. 315. Donatus tells the following story with reference to this passage: "This Play being once rehearsed before Terence and some of his most intimate acquaintances, Ambivius, who acted the part of Phormio, came in drunk, which threw the author into a violent passion; but Ambivius had scarcely repeated a few lines, stammering and scratching his head, before Terence became pacified, declaring that when he was writing these very lines, he had exactly such a Parasite as Ambivius then represented, in his thoughts." that, dreading his father's presence, he has taken himself off?
GETA Exactly so.
PHORMIO That Phanium is left alone?
GETA Just so.
PHORMIO And that the old man is in a rage?
GETA Extremely so.
PHORMIO The whole business, Phormio, rests on yourself alone; you yourself have hashed it up;Have hashed it up)—Ver. 318. He is thought to allude here, figuratively, to the composition of a dish called "moretum," (in praise of which Virgil wrote a poem,) which was composed of garlic, onions, cheese, eggs, and other ingredients, beaten up in a mortar. The allusion to eating is appropriately used in an address to a Parasite. it must all be swallowed by yourself, so set about it.
GETA I entreat you—
PHORMIOto himself. If he inquires.
GETA In you is all our hope.
PHORMIOto himself. Look at this, now:—What if he sends her back?
GETA It was you that urged us.
PHORMIOto himself. I think that will do.
GETA Do help us.
PHORMIOwith alacrity. Let the old gentleman come; all my plans are now ready prepared in my mind.
GETA What will you do?
PHORMIO What would you have me? But that Phanium may continue with him, and that I may clear Antipho from this charge, and turn upon myselfTurn upon myself)—Ver. 323. Donatus observes that in this Scene Terence exhibits the lower order of Parasites, who ingratiated themselves by sharping and roguery, as in the Eunuchus he describes Parasites of a higher rank, and of a-newer species, who obtained their ends by flattery. all the wrath of the old gentleman?
GETA O brave and kind man! But, Phormio, I often dread lest this courage may end in the stocks at last.In the stock at last)—Ver. 325. "In nervum; crumpat denique." There are several interpretations suggested for these words. Some think they allude to the drawing of a bow till it breaks; but they are more generally thought to imply termination in corporal punishment. "Nervus" is supposed to have been the name of a kind of stocks used in torturing slaves, and so called from being formed, in part at least, of the sinews of animals.
PHORMIO Oh, by no means; I've made trial, and have already pondered on the paths for my feet. How many men before to-day do you suppose I have beaten, even to death, strangers as well as citizens: the better I understand it, the oftener I try it. Just tell me, look you, did you ever hear of an action of damages being brought against me?
GETA How is that?
PHORMIO Because the net is never spread for the hawk or the kite, that do us the mischief; it is spread for those that do us none: because in the last there is profit, while with the others it is labor lost.- For persons, out of whom any thing can be got, there's risk from others; they know that I've got nothing. You will say: "They will take you,They will take you)—Ver. 334. At Rome, insolvent debtors became the slaves of their creditors till their debts were paid. when sentenced, into their house;" they have no wish to maintain a devouring fellow; and, in my opinion, they are wise, if for an injury they are unwilling to return the highest benefits.
GETA It's impossible that sufficient thanks can be returned you by him for your kindness.
PHORMIO Why no; no person can return thanks sufficient to his patronTo his patron)—Ver. 338. "Regi." The Parasites were in the habit of calling their patron "Rex," their "King." for his kindness. For you to take your place at table at free cost,At free cost)—Ver. 339. "Asymbolum." Without having paid his "symbola," or "club," for the entertainment. Donatus informs us that the whole of this passage is borrowed from one of Ennius, which is still preserved. anointed and just washed at the bath, with your mind at ease, whereas he is devoured with the care and expense: while every thing is being done to give you delight, he is being vexed at heart; you are laughing away, first to drink,First to drink)—Ver. 342. To be the first to drink, and to take the higher place on the couch when eating, was the privilege of the most honored guests, who usually bathed, and were then anointed before the repast. take the higher place; a banquet full of doubtsBanquet full of doubts)—Ver. 342. "Coena dubia." Horace, who borrows many of his phrases from Terence, uses the same expression. is placed before you—
GETA What is the meaning of that expression?
PHORMIO When you are in doubt which in especial to par-take of. When you enter upon a consideration how delicious these things are, and how costly they are, the person who provides them, must you not account him a very God—neither more nor less?
GETA The old man is coming; take care what you are about; the first onset is the fiercest; if you stand that, then, afterward, you may play just as you please. They retire to a distance.
Enter, at a distance, DEMIPHO, HEGIO, CRATINUS, and CRITO, following him.DEMIPHO Well now—did you ever hear of an injury being done to any person in a more affronting manner than this has to me? Assist me, I do beg of you.
GETAapart. He's in a passion.
PHORMIOapart. Do you mind your cue; I'll rouse him just now. Stepping forward and crying aloud. Oh immortal Gods! does Demipho deny that Phanium here is related to him?
GETA He does deny it.
DEMIPHOto his friends. I believe it is the very man I was speaking about. Follow me. They all come forward.
PHORMIOto GETA. And that he knows who her father was?
GETA He does deny it.
PHORMIO And that he knows who Stilpho was?
GETA He does deny it.
PHORMIO Because the poor thing was left destitute, her father is disowned; she herself is slighted: see what avarice does.
GETAin a loud voice. If you are going to accuse my: master of avarice, you shall hear what you won't like.
DEMIPHO Oh, the impudence of the fellow! Does he come on purpose to accuse me?
PHORMIO For really, I have no reason why I should be offended at the young man, if he did not know him; since that person, when growing aged and poor, and supporting himself by his labor, generally confined himself to the country; there hehad a piece of land from my father to cultivate; full oft, in the mean time, did the old. man tell me that this kinsman of his neglected him: but what a man? The very best I ever saw in all my life.
GETAin a loud voice. Look to yourself as well as to him, how you speak.
PHORMIOwith affected indignation. Away, to utter perdition, with you. For if I had not formed such an opinion of him, I should never have incurred such enmity with your family on her account, whom he now slights in such an ungenerous manner.
GETAaloud. What, do you persist in speaking abusively of my master in his absence, you most abominable fellow?
PHORMIO Why, it's just what he deserves.
GETAaloud. Say you so, you jail-bird?
DEMIPHOcalling aloud. Geta!
GETAaloud. A plunderer of people's property—a perverter of the laws!
DEMIPHOcalling aloud. Geta!
PHORMIOapart, in a low voice. Answer him.
GETA Who is it? Looking round. Oh!—
DEMIPHO Hold your peace.
GETA He has never left off uttering abuse against you behind your back, unworthy of you, and just befitting himself.
DEMIPHO Well now, have done. Addressing PHORMIO. Young man, in the first place, with your good leave, I ask you this, if you may possibly be pleased to give me an answer: explain to me who this friend of yours was, that you speak of, and how he said that he was related to me.
PHORMIOsneeringly. You are fishing it out, just as if you didn't know.
DEMIPHO I, know?
PEM. Yes.
DEMIPHO I say I do not; you, Who affirm it, recall it to my recollection.
PHORMIO Come now, didn't you know your own cousin-ger-man?
DEMIPHO You torture me to death; tell me his name.
PHORMIO His name?
DEMIPHO Of course. PHORMIO hesitates. Why are you silent now?
PHORMIOaside. Heavens, I'm undone; I've forgot the name.
DEMIPHO Well, what do you say?
PHORMIOaside, to GETA. Geta, if you recollect the name I told you a short time since, prompt me. Aloud, to DEMIPHO. Well then, I sha'n't tell you; as if you didn't know, you come to pump me.
DEMIPHO I, come to pump you, indeed?
GETAwhispering to PHORMIO. Stilpho.
PHORMIO But, after all, what matters that to me? It is Stilpho.
DEMIPHO Whom did you say?
PHORMIO Stilpho, I tell you; you knew him.
DEMIPHO I neither know him, nor had I ever any relation of that name.
PHORMIO Say you so? Are you not ashamed of this? But if he had left you ten talents—
DEMIPHO May the Gods confound you!
PHORMIO You'd have been the first, from memory, to trace your line of kindred, even as far back as from grandfather and great-grandfather.
DEMIPHO Very likely what you say. In that case, when I had undertaken it, I should have shown how she was related to me; do you do the same: tell me, how is she related to me?
GETA Well done, my master, that's right! Threateningly to PHORMIO. Hark you, take you care.
PHORMIO I've already made the matter quite plain where I ought, before the judges; besides, if it was untrue, why didn't your son disprove it?
DEMIPHO Do you talk about my son to me? Of whose folly there is no speaking in the language it deserves.
PHORMIO Then do you, who are so wise, go to the magistrates, that for you they may give a second decision in the same cause, since you reign aloneSince you reign alone)—Ver. 605. This is a remark well put into the mouth of an Athenian, as the public were very jealous of any person becoming paramount to the laws, and to prevent it, were frequently guilty of the most odious oppression. here, and are the only man allowed to get a second trial in the same cause.
DEMIPHO Although wrong has been done me, still, however, rather than engage in litigation, or listen to you, just as though she had been my relation, as the law orders one to find her a portion, rid me of her, and take five minae.
PHORMIO laughing.) Ha, ha, ha! a pleasant individual!
DEMIPHO Well! am I asking any thing unfair? Or am I not to obtain even this, which is my right at common law?
PHORMIO Pray, really is it so, that when you have abused-her like a courtesan, the law orders you to pay her hire and pack her off? Or is it the fact, that in order that a citizen may bring no disgrace upon herself through poverty, she has been ordered to be given to her nearest relative, to pass her life with him alone? A thing which you mean to prevent.
DEMIPHO Yes, to her nearest.relative, indeed; but why to us, or on what ground?
PHORMIO Well, well, a thing tried, they say, you can't try over again.
DEMIPHO Not try it? On the contrary, I shall not desist until I have gone through with it.
PHORMIO You are trifling.
DEMIPHO Only let me alone for that.
PHORMIO In short, Demipho, I have nothing to do with you; your son has been cast, and not you; for your time of life for marrying has now gone by.
DEMIPHO Consider that it is he that says to you all I now say, or else assuredly, together with this wife of his, I'll be forbidding him the house.
GETAaside. He's in a passion.
PHORMIO You'll be acting more considerately.
DEMIPHO Are you so resolved, you unlucky fellow, to do me all the mischief you can?
PHORMIOaside, to GETA. He's afraid of us, although he's so careful to conceal it.
GETAaside, to PHORMIO. Your beginning has turned out well.
PHORMIO But if, on the contrary, you endure what must be endured, you'll be doing what's worthy of you, so that we may be on friendly terms.
DEMIPHOindignantly. What, I seek your friendship, or have any wish to see or hear you?
PHORMIO If you can agree with her, you will have some one to cheer up your old age; just consider your time of life.
DEMIPHO Let her cheer up yourself; keep her to yourself.
PHORMIO Really, do moderate your passion.
DEMIPHO Mark what I say. There have been words enough already; if you don't make haste to fetch away the woman, I shall turn her out: I have said it, Phormio.
PHORMIO If you use her in any other manner than is befitting a free-born woman, I shall be bringing a swinging action against you: I have said it, Demipho. To GETA. Hark you, if there should be any occasion for me, I shall be at home.
GETAapart. I understand you. (Exit PHORMIO.)
DEMIPHO, HEGIO, CRATINUS, CRITO, and GETA.DEMIPHO What care and anxiety my son does bring upon me, by entangling himself and me in this same marriage! And he doesn't so much as come into my sight, that at least I might know what he says about this matter. or what his sentiments are. To GETA. Be off, go see whether he has returned home or not by this.
GETA I will. Goes into the house.
DEMIPHOto the ASSISTANTS. You see how the case stands. What am I to do? Tell me, Hegio.
HEGIO What, I? I think Cratinus ought, if it seems good to you.
DEMIPHO Tell me, Cratinus.
CRATINUS What, do you wish me to speak? I should like you to do what is most for your advantage; it is my opinion, that what this son of yours has done in your absence, in law and justice ought to be annulled; and that you'll obtain redress. That's my opinion.
DEMIPHO Say now, Hegio.
HEGIO I believe that he has spoken with due deliberation; but it is the fact, "as many men, so many minds;"So many minds)—Ver. 454. "Quot homines, tot sententiae." This is a famous adage. One similar to the succeeding one is found in the Second Eclogue of Virgil, 1. 65: "Trahit sua quemque voluptas," exactly equivalent to our saying, "Every man to his taste." every, one his own way. It doesn't appear to me that what has been done by law can be revoked; and it is wrong to attempt it.
DEMIPHO Speak, Crito.
CRITO I am of opinion that we must deliberate further;Must deliberate further)—Ver. 457. "Amplius deliberandum." This is probably a satirical allusion to the judicial system of procrastination, which, by the Romans, was called "ampliatio." When the judges could not come to a satisfactory conclusion about a cause, they signified it by the letters N. L. (for "non liquet," "it is not clear"), and put off the suit for a rehearing. it is a, matter of importance.
HEGIO Do you want any thing further with us?
DEMIPHO You have done very well. Exeunt ASSISTANTS. I am much more at a lossMuch more at a loss)—Ver. 459. See the Poenulus of Plautus, where advocates or assistants are introduced among the Dramatic Personae. Colman has the following remarks on this quaint passage: "I believe there is no Scene in Comedy more highly seasoned with the ridiculous than this before us. The idea is truly comic, and it is worked up with all that simplicity and chastity so peculiar to the manner of Terence. An ordinary writer would have indulged himself in twenty little conceits on this occasion; but the dry gravity of Terence infinitely surpasses, as true humor, all the drolleries which, perhaps, even those great masters of Comedy, Plautus or Molière, might have been tempted to throw out. It is the highest art of a Dramatic Author, on some occasions, to leave a good deal to the Actor; and it has been remarked by Heinsius and others, that Terence was particularly attentive to this circumstance." than before.
Re-enter GETA, from the house.
GETA They say that he has not come back.
DEMIPHO I must wait for my brother. The advice that he gives me about this matter, I shall follow. I'll go make inquiry at the harbor, when he is to come back. (Exit.)
GETA And I'll go look for Antipho, that he may learn what has passed here. But look, I see him coming this way, just in the very nick of time.
Enter ANTIPHO, at a distance.ANTIPHOto himself. Indeed, Antipho, in many ways you are to be blamed for these feelings; to have thus run away, and intrusted your existence to the protection of other people. Did you suppose that others would give more attention to your interests than your own self? For, however other matters stood, certainly you should have thought of her whom you have now at home, that she might not suffer- any harm in consequence of her confiding in you, whose hopes and resources, poor thing, are all now centred in yourself alone.
GETAcoming forward. Why really, master, we have for some time been censuring you here in your absence, for having thus gone away.
ANTIPHO You are the very person I was looking for.
GETA But still, we were not a bit the more remiss on that account.
ANTIPHO Tell me, I beg of you, in what posture are my interests and fortunes. Has my father any suspicion?
GETA Not any at present.
ANTIPHO Is there still any hope?
GETA I don't know.
ANTIPHO Alas!
GETA But Phaedria has not neglected to use his endeavors in your behalf.
ANTIPHO He did nothing new.
GETA Then Phormio, too; in this matter, just as in every thing else, showed himself a man of energy.
ANTIPHO What did he do?
GETA With his words he silenced the old man, who was very angry.
ANTIPHO Well done, Phormio!
GETA I, too, did all I could.
ANTIPHO My dear Geta, I love you all.
GETA The commencement is just in this position, as I tell you: matters, at present; are going on smoothly, and your father intends to wait for your uncle till he arrives.
ANTIPHO Why him?
GETA He said he was wishful to act by his advice, in all that relates to this business.
ANTIPHO How greatly now, Geta, I do dread my uncle's safe arrival! For, according to his single sentence, from what I hear, I am to live or die.
GETA Here comes Phaedria.
ANTIPHO Where is he, pray?
GETA See, he's coming from his place of exercise.
From his place of exercise
: "Palaestra." He alludes to the Procurer's house under this name.
Enter from DORIO'S house, DORIO, followed by PHAEDRIA.PHAEDRIA Prithee, hear me, Dorio.
DORIO I'll not hear you.
PHAEDRIA Only a moment.
DORIO Let me alone.
PHAEDRIA Do hear what I have to say.
DORIO Why really I am tired of hearing the same thing a thousand times over.
PHAEDRIA But now, I have something to tell you that you'll hear with pleasure.
DORIO Speak then; I'm listening.
PHAEDRIA Can I not prevail on you to wait for only three days? Whither are you going now?
DORIO I was wondering if you had any thing new to offer.
ANTIPHOapart, to GETA. I'm afraid for this Procurer, lest—
GETAapart, to ANTIPHO. Something may befall his own safety.Befall his own safety)—Ver. 490. Overhearing Phedria earnest and determined, and the Procurer obstinate and inflexible, Antipho and Geta join in -apprehending that the brutality of the latter may provoke Phaedria to some act of violence.
PHAEDRIA You don't believe me?
DORIO You guess right.
PHAEDRIA But if I pledge my word.
DORIO Nonsense!
PHAEDRIA You will have reason to say that this kindness was well laid out by you on interest.
DORIO Stuff!
PHAEDRIA Believe me, you will be glad you did so; upon my faith, it is the truth.
DORIO Mere dreams!
PHAEDRIA Do but try; the time is not long.
DORIO The same story over again.
PHAEDRIA You will be my kinsman, my father, my friend; you—
DORIO Now, do prate on.
PHAEDRIA For you to be of a disposition so harsh and inexorable, that neither by pity nor by entreaties can you be softened!
DORIO For you to be of a disposition so unreasonable and so unconscionable, Phadria, that you can be talking me over with fine words,With fine words)—Ver. 499. "Phaleratis dictis." "Phalerae" were, properly, the silver ornaments with which horses were decked out, and being only for show, and not for use, gave rise to this saying. "Ductes" was an obscene Word, and not likely to be used by any but such characters as Dorio. and be for amusing yourself with what's my property for nothing!
ANTIPHOapart, to GETA. I am sorry for him.
PHAEDRIAaside. Alas! I feel it to be too true.
GETAapart, to ANTIPHO. How well each keeps up to his character!
PHAEDRIAto himself. And would that this misfortune had not befallen me at a time when Antipho was occupied with other cares as well.
ANTIPHOcoming forward. Ah Phaedria, why, what is the matter?
PHAEDRIA O most fortunate Antipho!
ANTIPHO What, I?
PHAEDRIA To have in your possession the object of your love, and have no occasion to encounter such a nuisance as this.
ANTIPHO What I, in my possession? Why yes, as the saying is, I've got a wolf by the ears;
A wolf by the ears
: A proverbial expression which, according to Suetonius, was frequently in the mouth of Tiberius Caesar. for I neither know how to get rid of her, nor yet how to keep her.
DORIO That's just my case with regard to him pointing to PHAEDRIA.
ANTIPHOto DORIO. Aye, aye, don't you show too little of the Procurer. To PHAEDRIA. What has he been doing?
PHAEDRIA What, he? Acting the part of a most inhuman fellow; been and sold my Pamphila.
GETA What! Sold her?
ANTIPHO Sold her, say you?
PHAEDRIA Sold her.
DORIOironically. What a shocking crime—a wench bought with one's own money!
PHAEDRIA I can not prevail upon him to wait for me the next three days, and so far break off the bargain with the person, while I get the money from my friends, which has been promised me; if I don't give it him then, let him not wait a single hour longer.
DORIO Very good.
ANTIPHO It's not a long time that he asks, Dorio; do let him prevail upon you; he'll pay you two-fold for having acted to him thus obligingly.
DORIO Mere words!
ANTIPHO Will you allow Pamphila to be carried away from this place? And then, besides, can you possibly allow their love to be severed asunder?
DORIO Neither I nor you cause that.
GETA May all the Gods grant you what you are deserving of!
DORIO I have borne with you for several months quite against my inclination; promising and whimpering, and yet bringing nothing; now, on the other hand, I have found one to pay, and not be sniveling; give place to your betters.
ANTIPHO I' faith, there surely was a day named, if I remember right, for you to pay him.
PHAEDRIA It is the fact.
DORIO Do I deny it?
ANTIPHO Is that day past, then?
DORIO No; but this one has come before it.
ANTIPHO Are you not ashamed of your perfidy?
DORIO Not at all, so long as it is for my interest.
GETA Dunghill!
PHAEDRIA Dorio, is it right, pray, for you to act thus?
DORIO It is my way; if I suit you, make use of me.
ANTIPHO Do you try to trifle with him pointing to PHAEDRIA in this manner?
DORIO Why really, on the contrary, Antipho, it's he trifling with me, for he knew me to be a person of this sort; I supposed him to be quite a different man; he has deceived me; I'm not a bit different to him from what I was before. But however that may be, I'll yet do this; the captain has said, that to-morrow morning he will pay me the money; if you bring it me before that, Phaedria, I'll follow my rule, that he is the first served who is the first to pay. Farewell! Goes into his house.