Aeschinus !
Was it you knocking at this door?
Just so; for I wondered what business you could have here.
Pray tell me, father, what business have you there?
Why, none of my own; but a certain friend of mine just now brought me hither from the Forum to give him some assistance.
Why?
I'll tell you. There are some women living here; in impoverished circumstances, as I suppose you don't know them; and, in fact, I'm quite sure, for it is not long since they removed to this place.
Well, what next?
There is a girl living with her mother.
Go on.
This girl has lost her father; this friend of mine is her next of kin; the law obliges him to marry her.
Obliges him to marry her
: It appears to have been a law given by Solon to the Athenians that the next male relative of suitable age should marry a female orphan himself, or find her a suitable portion. Madame Dacier suggests that the custom was derived from the Phoenicians, who had received it from the Jews, and quotes the Book of Numbers, xxxvi. 8. This law forms the basis of the plot of the Phormio.
What's the matter?
Nothing. Very well: proceed.
He has come to take her with him; for he lives at
What ! To take the girl away with him?
Such is the act.
All the way to To
: A colony of
Yes.
What do you suppose they should? Why, nothing at all. The mother has trumped up a tale, that there is a child by some other man, I know not who, and she does not state the name; she says that he was the first, and that she ought not to be given to the other.
Well now, does not this seem just to you after all?
No.
Why not, pray? Is the other to be carrying her away from here?
Why should he not take her?
You have acted harshly and unfeelingly, and even, if, father, I may speak my sentiments more plainly, unhandsomely.
Why so?
Do you ask me? Pray, what do you think must be the state of mind of the man who was first connected with her, who, to his misfortune, may perhaps still love her to distraction, when he sees her torn away from before his face, and borne off from his sight forever? An unworthy action, father!
On what grounds is it so? Who betrothed her?
Who betrothed her?
: Donatus observes that these questions, which enumerate all the proofs requisite for a marriage, are an indirect and very delicate reproof of Aeschinus for the irregular and clandestine nature of his proceedings.
Was it to be expected that a young woman of her age should sit at home, waiting till a kinsman of hers should come from a distance? This, my father, you ought to have represented, and have insisted on it.
Ridiculous! Was I to have pleaded against him whom I was to, support But what's all this, Aeschinus, to us? What have we to do with them? Let us begone:— What's the matter? Why these tears?
Aeschinus, I have heard and know it all; for I love you, and therefore every thing you do is the more a care to me.
So do I wish you to find me deserving of your love, as long as you live, my dear father, as I am sincerely sorry for the offense I have committed, and am ashamed to see you.
Upon my word 1 believe it, for I know your ingenuous disposition: but I am afraid that you are too inconsiderate. In what city, pray, do you suppose you live? You have debauched a virgin, whom it was not lawful for you to touch. In the first place then that was a great offense; great, but still natural. Others, and even men of worth, have frequently done the same. But after it happened, pray, did you show any circumspection? Or did you use any foresight as to what was to be done, or how it was to be done? If you were ashamed to tell me of it, by what means was I to come to know it? While you were at a loss upon these points, ten months have been lost. So far indeed as lay in your power, you have periled both yourself and this poor girl, and the child. What did you imagine—that the Gods would set these matters to rights for you while you were asleep, and that she would be brought home to your chamber without any exertions of your own? I would not have you to be equally negligent in other affairs. Be of good heart, you shall have her for your wife.
Hah!
Be of good heart, I tell you.
Father, are you now jesting with me, pray?
I, jesting with you! For what reason?
I don't know; but so anxiously do I wish this to be true, that I am the more afraid it may not be.
Go home, and pray to the Gods that you may have your wife; be off.
What! have my wife now?
Now.
Now?
Now, as soon as possible.
May all the Gods detest me, father, if I do not love you better than even my very eyes!
What! better than her?
Quite as well.
Very kind of you !
Well, where is this Milesian?
Departed, vanished, gone on board ship; but why do you delay?
Father, do you rather go and pray to the Gods; for I know, for certain, that they will rather be propitious to you,
Propitious to you
: Donatus remarks that there is great delicacy in this compliment of Aeschinus to Micio, which, though made in his presence, does not bear the semblance of flattery. Madame Dacier thinks that Terence here alludes to a line of Hesiod, which says that it is the duty of the aged to pray. Colman suggests that the passage is borrowed from some lines of Menander still in existence.
I'll go in-doors, that what is requisite may be prepared. You do as I said, if you are wise.
What can be the meaning of this? Is this being a father, or this being a son? If he had been a brother or familiar companion, how could he have been more complaisant ! Is he not worthy to be beloved? Is he not to be imprinted in my very bosom? Well then, the more does he impose an obligation on me by his kindness, to take due precaution not inconsiderately to do any thing that he may not wish. But why do I delay going in-doors this instant, that I may not myself delay my own nuptials?
I am quite tired with walking: May the great
But see here's the very man: O Micio, I have been seeking you this long time.
Why, what's the matter?
I'm bringing you some new and great enormities of that hopeful youth.
Just look at that!
Fresh ones, of blackest dye.
There now—at it again.
Ah, Micio! you little know what sort of person he is.
I do.
O simpleton! you are dreaming that I'm talking about the Music-girl; this crime is against a virgin and a citizen.
I know it.
So then, you know it, and put up with it!
Why not put up with it?
Tell me, pray, don't you exclaim about it? Don't you go distracted?
Not I: certainly I had rather
Certainly I had rather
: He pauses after "
There has been a child born.
May the Gods be propitious to it.
The girl has no fortune.
So I have heard.
And he—must he marry her without one?
Of course.
What is to be done then?
Why, what the case itself points out: the young woman must be brought hither.
O Jupiter! must that be the way then?
What can I do else?
What can you do?: If in reality this causes you no concern, to pretend it were surely the duty of a man.
But I have already betrothed the young woman to him; the matter is settled: the marriage takes place to-day. I have removed all apprehensions. This is rather the duty of a man.
But does the affair please you, Micio?
If I were able to alter it, no; now, as I can not, I bear it with patience. The life of man is just like playing with dice:
Playing with dice
: The "
O rare corrector! of course it is by your art that twenty minae have been thrown away for a Music-girl; who, as soon as possible, must be got rid of at any price; and if not for money, why then for nothing.
Not at all, and indeed I have no wish to sell her.
What will you do with her then?
She shall be at my house.
For heaven's sake, a courtesan and a matron in the same house!
Why not?
Do you imagine you are in your senses
Really I do think so.
So may the Gods prosper me, I now see your folly; I believe you are going to do so that you may have somebody to practice music with.
Why not?
And the new-made bride to be learning too?
Of course.
Having hold of the rope,
Hold of the rope
: "
Like enough; and you too along with us, if there's need.
Ah me! are you not ashamed of this?
Demea, do, for once, lay aside this anger of yours, and show yourself as you ought at your son's wedding, cheerful and good-humored. I'll just step over to them, and return immediately.
O Salvation herself:
: See an observation relative to the translation of the word "
Upon my faith, my dear little Syrus, you have taken delicate care of yourself, and have done your dutyHave done your duty
: His duty of providing the viands and drink for the entertainment. So Ergasilus says in the Captivi of Plautus,
Oh you rascal!
Hold now; are you spouting your sage maxims here?
If you were my servant—
Why, you would be a rich man, Demea, and improve your estate.
I would take care that you should be an example to all the rest.
For what reason ? What have I done ?
Do you ask me ? in the midst of this confusion, and during the greatest mischief, which is hardly yet set right, you have been getting drunk, you villain, as though things had been going on well.
Halloo, Syrus! Ctesipho desires you'll come back.
Get you gone.
What is it he says about Ctesipho?
Nothing.
How now, you hang-dog, is Ctesipho in the house?
He is not.
Then why does he mention him?
It's another person; a little diminutive Parasite. Don't you know him?
I will know him before long.
Won't you keep your hands off, whip-scoundrel? Or would you like me to knock your brains out this instant ?
He's gone! no very pleasant boon-companion, upon my faith, particularly to Ctesipho. What am I to do now ? Why, even get into some corner till this tempest is lulled, and sleep off this drop of wine. That's my plan.
Alas! what shall I do? How behave? In what terms exclaim, or how make my complaint? O heavens! O earth! O seas of
I must assist him
: Colman remarks on this passage: "The character of Micio appears extremely amiable through the first four Acts of this Comedy, and his behavior is in many respects worthy of imitation; but his conduct in conniving at the irregularities of Ctesipho, and even assisting him to support them, is certainly reprehensible. Perhaps the Poet threw this shade over his virtues on purpose to show that mildness and good-humor might be carried to excess."
See, here comes the common corrupter of my children.
Pray moderate your passion, and recover yourself.
I have moderated it; I am myself; I forbear all reproaches; let us come to the point: was this agreed upon between us,—proposed by yourself, in fact,—that you were not to concern yourself about my son, nor I about yours? Answer me.
It is the fact,—I don't deny it.
Why is he now carousing at your house? Why are you harboring my son ? Why do you purchase a mistress for him, Micio ? Is it at all fair, that I should have any less justice from you, than you from me? Since I do not concern myself about your son, don't you concern yourself about mine.
You don't reason fairly.
No ?
For surely it is a maxim of old, that among themselves all things are common to friends.
Smartly said; you've got that speech up for the occasion.
Listen to a few words, unless it is disagreeable, Demea. In the first place, if the extravagance your sons are guilty of distresses you, pray do reason with yourself. You formerly brought up the two suitably to your circumstances, thinking that your own property would have to suffice for them both; and, of course, you then thought that I should marry. Adhere to that same old rule of yours,—save, scrape together, and be thrifty for them; take care to leave them as much as possible, and take that credit to yourself: my fortune, which has come to them beyond their expectation, allow them to enjoy; of your capital there will be no diminution; what comes from this quarter, set it all down as so much gain. If you think proper impartially to consider these matters in your mind, Demea, you will save me and yourself, and them, considerable uneasiness.
I don't speak about the expense; their morals—
Hold; I understand you; that point I was coming to.That point I was coming to
: Colman observes here: "Madame Dacier makes an observation on this speech, something like that of Donatus on one of Micio's above; and says that Micio, being hard put to it by the real circumstances of the case, thinks to confound Demea by a nonsensical gallimatia. I can not be of the ingenious lady's opinion on this matter, for I think a more sensible speech could not be made, nor a better plea offered in favor of the young men, than that of Micio in the present instance."
Only take care, Micio, that these fine reasonings of yours, and this easy disposition of yours, do not ruin us in the end.
Say no more; there's no danger of that. Now think no further of these matters. Put yourself to-day into my hands; smooth your brow.
Why, as the occasion requires it, I must do so; but to-morrow I shall be off with my son into the country at day-break.
Aye, to-night, for my share; only keep yourself in good-humor for the day.
I'll carry off that Music-girl along with me as well.
You will gain your point; by that means you will keep your son fast there; only take care to secure her.
I'll see to that; and what with cooking and grinding, I'll take care she shall be well covered with ashes, smoke, and meal; besides all this, at the very mid-dayAt the very mid-day
: Exposed to the heat of a mid-day sun.
You quite delight me; now you seem to me to be wise; and for my part I would then compel my son to go to bed with her, even though he should be unwilling.
Do you banter me? Happy man, to have such a temper! I feel—
Ah ! at it again!
I'll have done then at once.
Go in-doors then, and let's devote this day to the objectTo the object
: The marriage and its festivities.
Never was there any person of ever such well-trained habits of life, but that experience, age, and custom are always bringing him something new, or suggesting something; so much so, that what you believe you know you don't know, and what you have fancied of first importance to you, on making trial you reject; and this is my case at present: for the rigid life I have hitherto led, my race nearly run, I now renounce. Why so ?—I have found, by experience, that there is nothing better for a man than an easy temper and complacency. That this is the truth, it is easy for any one to understand on comparing me with my brother. He has always spent his life in ease and gayety; mild, gentle, offensive to no one, having a smile for all, he has lived for himself, and has spent his money for himself; all men speak well of him, all love him. I, again, a rustic, a rigid, cross, self-denying, morose and thrifty person, married a wife; what misery I entailed in consequence! Sons were born—a fresh care. And just look, while I have been studying to do as much as possible for them, I have worn out my life and years in saving; now, in the decline of my days, the return I get from them for my pains is their dislike. He, on the other hand, with out any trouble on his part, enjoys a father's comforts; they love him; me they shun; him they trust with all their secrets, are fond of him, are always with him. I am forsaken; they wish him to live; but my death, forsooth, they are longing for. Thus, after bringing them up with all possible pains, at a trifling cost he has made them his own; thus I bear all the misery, he enjoys the pleasure. Well, then, henceforward let us try, on the other hand, whether I can't speak kindly and act complaisantly, as he challenges me to it: I also want myself to be loved and highly valued by my friends. If that is to be effected by giving and indulging, I will not be behind him. If our means fail, that least concerns me, as I am the eldest.Am the eldest
: And therefore likely to be the first to die, and to avoid seeing such a time come.
Hark you, Demea, your brother begs you will not go out of the way.
Who is it?—O Syrus, my friend,O Syrus, my friend
: The emptiness of his poor attempts to be familiar are very evident in this line.
Very well.
Very good.
I thank you.
Yes, Syrus, it is the truth; and you shall be convinced of it by experience before long.
O, what's your name?
Geta.
Geta, I have this day come to the conclusion that you are a man of very great worth, for I look upon him as an undoubtedly good servant who has a care for his master; as I have found to be your case, Geta; and for that reason, if any opportunity should offer, I would gladly do you a service.
You are kind, sir, to think so.
Aeschinus ! how goes it?
Ha, my father! are you here ?
Your father, indeed, both by affection and by nature; as I love you more than my very eyes; but why don't you send for your wife ?
So I wish to do; but I am waiting for the music-girlThe music-girl
: "
Come now, are you willing to listen to an old fellow like me?
What is it?
Let those things alone, the nuptial song, the crowds, the torches,The crowds, the torches
: See the Casina of Plautus, Act IV., Scenes 3 and 4, for some account of the marriage ceremonial. The torches, music-girls, processions, and hymeneal song, generally accompanied a wedding, but from the present passage we may conclude that they were not considered absolutely necessary.Stone wall in the garden
: The "
With all my heart, kindest father.
Bid that Babylonian
: This passage has much puzzled the Commentators; but it seems most probable that it is said aside, and that in consequence of his profuseness he calls his brother a Babylonian, (just as we call a wealthy man a nabob,) and says, "Well, let him, with all my heart, be paying twenty mine (between £70 and £80) for a music-girl."
What am I to do?
Pull down the wall: and you, Geta, go and bring them across.
May the Gods bless you, Demea, as I see you so sincere a well-wisher to our family.
I think they deserve it. What say you, Aeschinus, as to this plan ?
I quite agree to it.
It is much more proper than that she, being sick and lying-in, should be brought hither through the street.
Why, my dear father, I never did see any thing better contrived.
It's my way; but see, here's Micio coming out.
Certainly, I do order it, and in this matter, and in every thing else, wish especially to make this family one with ourselves, to oblige, serve, and unite them.
Father, pray let it be so.
I do not oppose it.
On the contrary, i' faith, it is what we ought to do: in the first place, she is the mother of his wife
She is. What then?
An honest and respectable woman.
So they say.
Advanced in years.
I am aware of it.
Through her years, she is long past child-bearing; there is no one to take care of her; she is a lone woman.
It is right you should marry her; and that you, Aeschinus, should use your endeavors to effect it.
I, marry her, indeed ?
You.
I?
You, I say.
You are trifling !
Aeschinus, if you are a man, he'll do it
My dear father—
What, ass! do you attend to him?
'T is all in vain; it can not be otherwise.
You are mad!
Do let me prevail on you, my father.
Are you out of your senses? Take yourself off.Take yourself off
: Aeschinus, probably, in his earnestness, has seized hold of him with his hand, which Micio now pushes away.
Come, do oblige your son.
Are you quite in your right mind? Am I, in my five-and-sixtieth year, to be marrying at last? A decrepit old woman too ? Do you advise me to do this?
Do; I have promised it.I have promised it
: This is not the truth; the notion has only been started since he last saw them.
Promised, indeed; be generous at your own cost, young man.
Come, what if he should ask a still greater favor ?
As if this was not the greatest !
Do comply.
Don't make any difficulty.
Do promise.
Will you not have done?
Not until I have prevailed upon you.
Really, this is downright force.Really, this is downright force
: "Ita quidem vis est!
Act with heartiness, Micio.
Although this seems to meThis seems to me
: Donatus informs us that in Menander's Play, the old man did not make any resistance whatever to the match thus patched up for him. Colman has the following observation on this fact: "It is surprising that none of the critics on this passage. have taken notice of this observation of Donatus, especially as our loss of Menander makes it rather curious. It is plain that Terence in the plan of his last Act followed Menander; but though he has adopted the absurdity of marrying Micio to the old lady, yet we learn from Donatus that his judgment rather revolted at this circumstance, and he improved on his original by making Micio express a repugnance to such a match, which it seems he did not in the Play of Menander."
You act obligingly.
With reason I love you; but—
What ?
I will tell you, when my wish has been complied with.
What now ? What remains to be done?
Hegio here is their nearest relation; he is a connection of ours and poor; we ought to do some good for him.
Do what?
There is a little farm here in the suburbs, which you let out; let us give it him to live upon.
But is it a little one ?
If it were a large one, still it ought to be done; he has been as it were a father to her; he is a worthy man, and connected with us; it would be properly bestowed. In fine, I now adopt that proverb which you, Micio, a short time ago repeated with sense and wisdom—it is the common vice of all, in old age, to be too intent upon our own interests. This stain we ought to avoid: it is a true maxim, and ought to be observed in deed.
What am I to say to this? Well then, as he desires it
My father!
Now, Micio, you are indeed my brother, both in spirit and in body.
I am glad of it.
At his own weapon
: He probably means, by aping the kind feeling which is a part of Micio's character.
It has been done as you ordered, Demea.
You are a worthy fellow. Upon my faith,—in my opinion, at least,—I think Syrus ought at once to be made free.
He free! For what reason?
For many.
O my dear Demea! upon my word, you are a worthy man! I have strictly taken care of both these sons of yours, from childhood; I have taught, advised, and carefully instructed them in every thing I could.
The thing is evident; and then, besides all this, to cater for them, secretly bring, home a wench, prepare a morning entertainment;A morning entertainment
: A banquet in the early part or middle of the day was considered by the Greeks a debauch.
O, what a delightful man !
Last of all, he assisted to-day in purchasing this Music-wench—he had the management of it; it is right he should be rewarded; other servants will be encouraged thereby: besides, he
I do wish it.
Why then, if you desire it, just come hither, Syrus, to me Be a free man
: He touches Syrus on the ear, and makes him free. The same occurs in the Epidicus of Plautus, Act V., Sc. 2, 1. 65.
You act generously; I return my thanks to you all;—and to you, Demea, in particular.
I congratulate you.
And I.
I believe you. I wish that this joy were made complete—that I could see my wife, My wife,
: The so-called marriage, or rather cohabitation, of the Roman slaves will be found treated upon in the Notes to Plautus. Syrus calls
Really, a most excellent woman.
And the first to suckle your grandchild, his son, today
Why really, in seriousness, if she was the first to do so, there is no doubt she ought to be made free.
What, for doing that?
For doing that; in fine, receive the amount from meReceive the amount from me
: The only sign of generosity he has yet shown.
May all the Gods always grant you, Demea, all you desire.
Syrus, you have thrived pretty well to-day.
If, in addition, Micio, you will do your duty, and lend him a little ready money in hand for present use, he will soon repay you.
Less than this
He is a deserving fellow.
Upon my word, I will repay it; only lend it me.
Do, father.
I'll consider of it afterward.
He'll do it, Syrus.
O most worthy man !
O most kind-hearted father!
How is this? What has so suddenly changed your disposition, Demea? What caprice is this? What means this sudden liberality?This sudden liberality
: "
I will tell you:—That I may convince you of this, Micio, that the fact that they consider you an easy and kind-hearted man, does not proceed from your real life, nor, indeed, from a regard for virtue and justice; but from your humoring, indulging, and pampering them. Now therefore, Aeschinus, if my mode of life has been displeasing to you, because I do not quite humor you in every thing, just or unjust, I have done: squander, buy, do what you please. But if you would rather have one to reprove and correct those faults, the results of which, by reason of your youth, you can not see, which you pursue too ardently, and are thoughtless upon, and in due season to direct you; behold me ready to do it for you.
Father, we leave it to you; you best know what ought to be done. But what is to be done about my brother?
I consent. Let him have his mistress:Let him have his mistress
: It must be remembered that he has the notions of a Greek parent, and sees no such criminality in this sanction as a parent would be sensible of at the present day.
That's right.