Complete Works of Plautus

by Plautus

  MYRRHINA

  apart to CLEOSTRATA . Come now, you accost him Pointing to OLYMPIO.

  CLEOSTRATA

  accosting OLYMPIO . Where is your newly-made bride?

  OLYMPIO

  aside . By heavens, I’m utterly undone; the thing’s all out.

  CLEOSTRATA

  overhearing him . It’s right, then, that you should relate the whole affair as it happened. What’s going on in-doors? How fares Casina? Is she quite obsequious to your will?

  OLYMPIO

  I’m ashamed to tell it.

  CLEOSTRATA

  Relate it in its order just as you proceeded.

  OLYMPIO

  Upon my faith, I am ashamed.

  CLEOSTRATA

  Proceed boldly. After you went to bed, I want you to tell what took place after that.

  OLYMPIO

  But it’s a disgraceful matter.

  CLEOSTRATA

  I’ll take care that those who hear it shall be on their guard as to mentioning it.

  OLYMPIO

  That’s the principal thing.

  CLEOSTRATA

  You kill me with weariness. Why don’t you proceed?

  OLYMPIO

  —— Ubi * * * * us subtus porro * * * quid.

  OLYMPIO

  Babæ!

  CLEOSTRATA

  Quid?

  OLYMPIO

  Papæ! * * quid est?

  OLYMPIO

  Oh, erat maximum. Gladium ne haberet metui; id quærere occœpi. Dum, gladiumne habeat, quæro, arripio capulum. Sed, quom cogito, non habuit gladium; nam id esset frigidius.

  CLEOSTRATA

  Eloquere.

  OLYMPIO

  At pudet.

  CLEOSTRATA

  Num radix fuit?

  OLYMPIO

  Non fuit.

  CLEOSTRATA

  Num cucumis?

  OLYMPIO

  Profecto hercle non fuit quidquam olerum; Nisi quidquid erat, calamitas profecto attigerat nunquam. Ita, quidquid erat, grande erat.

  MYRRHINA

  Quid fit denique? Edisserta.

  OLYMPIO

  —— sepit veste id, quî estis. Ubi illum saltum video obseptum; Rogo, ut altero sinat ire. Ita, quidquid erat, grande erat. Tollo ut obvortam cubitissim * * * Ullum mutire * * * * * Surge, ut ineam in * * * * * Atque illam in * * * * *

  MYRRHINA

  Perlepide narrat * * * *

  OLYMPIO

  When I addressed Casina, “Casina,” said I, “my dear wife, why do you slight your husband in this fashion? Really, upon my faith, you do this quite without my deserving it, inasmuch as I have given you the preference as my wife.” She answered not a word. When I attempted a kiss, a beard pricked my lips just like briars. Forthwith, as I was upon my knees, she struck my head with her feet. I tumbled headlong from the bed; she leapt down upon me and punched my face. From there in silence out of doors I came in this guise; by your leaves I say it; may the old fellow drink of the same cup that I have been drinking of.

  CLEOSTRATA

  Most excellent. But where’s your cloak?

  OLYMPIO

  pointing to the house of ALCESIMUS . I left it here in-doors.

  CLEOSTRATA

  Well now; hasn’t a very nice trick been played you?

  OLYMPIO

  Yes, and deservedly. Hush! the door makes a noise. What, is she following me, I wonder? They go to a distance.

  Enter STALINO, in haste, from the house of ALCESIMUS.

  STALINO

  aloud to himself . I’m branded with the greatest disgrace, nor what, under my circumstances to do, do I know. Nor yet how to look my wife in the face; so utterly undone am I! All my misdeeds are discovered. In every way, to my confusion, I am ruined! So clearly am I hooked fast by the jaws! nor know I in what way to clear myself before my wife; wretch that I am, to have been stripped of my cloak! * * * * These clandestine nuptials are all discovered. * * * * I judge it best for me * * * * She taught my wife * the way * * But who is there, what person would be ready to undertake this office for me? What now to do I know not, except to imitate worthless slaves, and fly from the house; for there’s no safety for my shoulder-blades if I return home. I may tell lies there; i’ faith, I shall get a basting, though much against my will, although I have earned my punishment. I’ll at once betake myself in this direction in flight. He begins to run.

  OLYMPIO

  coming forward with the others . Hallo there! Stop, this instant, you amorous one!

  STALINO

  to himself . I’m utterly undone! I’m being called back. I’ll be off, as though I didn’t hear. Runs on. ]

  Enter CHALINUS, from the house of ALCESIMUS, dressed in woman’s clothes.

  CHALINUS

  Where are you, you who imitate the morals of the Massilians? Now, if you wish to be taking liberties with me, is a good opportunity [* * * at your risk. By my troth, you are undone. Come, only step this way. * * * Now I fancy that when a witness out of * * * * * * * * I’ll find * * * * thus out of the street I order * * * * a murmur I * * *

  STALINO

  Now am I in extreme danger, between the stone and the sacrifice, nor know I which way to fly * * * * * The wolf-dogs * * * it was * * *

  CHALINUS

  I’ faith, I do think * * * * old there now like new.]

  STALINO

  turning about . I’ll go this way. I trust that the omen of a bitch’s barking will prove the better.

  CLEOSTRATA

  What are you doing, my husband, my good man? Whence come you in this guise? What have you done with your walking-stick, or how disposed of the cloak you had?

  TWO MAID-SERVANTS

  While he was playing his loving pranks with Casina, he lost it, I fancy.

  STALINO

  aside . Utterly undone!

  CHALINUS

  coming up to STALINO . Shall we go to bed again? I am Casina.

  STALINO

  Away with you to utter perdition!

  CHALINUS

  Don’t you love me?

  CLEOSTRATA

  Nay, but answer me; what has become of your cloak?

  [

  STALINO

  running about, exclaiming . Upon my faith, wife, the Bacchantes! Bacchantes! Bacchantes!

  TWO MAID-SERVANTS

  He’s making pretence on purpose for, upon my word, no Bacchantes are exhibiting at the present time.

  STALINO

  I forgot that. But still, the Bacchantes! ——

  CLEOSTRATA

  How, the Bacchantes? Why, that cannot be.

  TWO MAID-SERVANTS

  By my troth, you are in a fright.

  STALINO

  What I?

  CLEOSTRATA

  to the SERVANT . I’ faith, do tell no lies, for it’s quite clear. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *]

  STALINO

  Won’t you hold your tongue?

  OLYMPIO

  I’ troth, I certainly shall not hold my tongue; for with the greatest earnestness you begged me to ask for Casina as my wife.

  STALINO

  That I did on account of my love for you.

  CLEOSTRATA

  I’ faith, of her rather. Turning to CHALINUS. He’d have been making an attack upon you, in fact.

  STALINO

  I been doing these things that you mention?

  CLEOSTRATA

  And do you ask me that?

  STALINO

  If indeed I have done so, I’ve been doing wrong.

  CLEOSTRATA

  Just come back in-doors here; I’ll remind you, if you have forgotten anything.

  STALINO

  Troth, I think, I’ll believe you in preference as to what you say. But, wife, do grant pardon to your husband for this; Myrrhina, do entreat Cleostrata! If ever, from this time forward, I love Casina, or even think of it, should I love her, I say, should I ever hereafter, in fact, be guilty of such a thing, there’s no reason, wife, why you shouldn’
t lash me with twigs as I hang up by the arms.

  MYRRHINA

  On my word, I do think that forgiveness may be granted for this.

  CLEOSTRATA

  to MYRRHINA . I’ll do as you request me. To STALINO. On this account with the less difficulty do I now grant you this pardon, that, from being a long one, we mayn’t be making this Play still longer.

  STALINO

  You are not angry?

  CLEOSTRATA

  I am not angry.

  STALINO

  Am I to trust your word?

  CLEOSTRATA

  You may my word.

  STALINO

  No person ever did have a more amiable wife than I’ve got.

  CHALINUS

  Keep to her, then.

  CLEOSTRATA

  to CHALINUS . Come you, give him back his walking-stick and cloak.

  CHALINUS

  taking them from behind him, where he had held them . Take them, if you wish. Upon my faith, a great injustice has really been most egregiously done me; I’ve been married to two husbands; neither has behaved to me as to a new-made bride.

  The PLAYERS.

  Spectators, what’s to be done within, we’ll tell you here. This Casina will be discovered to be the daughter of this person next door, and she’ll be married to Euthynicus, our master’s son. Now it’s only fair that with your deserving hands you should give us deserved applause. He who does so, may he always keep his mistress without the knowledge of his wife. But he who doesn’t with his hands clap as loud as he can, in place of a mistress, may a he-goat, soused in bilge-water, be palmed off upon him.

  CISTELLARIA

  Translated by Henry Thomas Riley

  CONTENTS

  THE SUBJECT.

  THE ACROSTIC ARGUMENT.

  ACT I.

  ACT II.

  ACT III.

  ACT IV.

  ACT V.

  THE SUBJECT.

  DEMIPHO, a merchant of Lemnos, having ravished Phanostrata, a young woman of Sicyon, she is brought to bed of a female child. This she gives to her servant Lampadiscus, to be exposed. On this being done, in the sight of Lampadiscus, a Procuress picks up the infant, and afterwards makes a present of it to her friend Melænis, by whom it is brought up, under the name of Silenium. Alcesimarchus, a young man of Sicyon, falls violently in love with her, and takes her under his protection. In the meantime, Demipho, who has married another wife, after her death marries Phanostrata, and comes to live at Sicyon. He and his wife are then anxious, if possible, to regain their lost child. The daughter of Demipho by his first wife is destined by her father to become the wife of Alcesimarchus; on hearing which, Melænis removes her foster-child from his protection. At this conjuncture Lampadiscus finds out the Procuress that had taken up the infant when exposed, and from her discovers that the child of his mistress is with Melænis. He informs his mistress of this, while Melænis is, unknown to them, standing by; upon which she determines to confess the truth, and to restore Silenium to her parents. While she is thinking upon this plan, Alcesimarchus lays hands on Silenium, and carries her off to his father’s house. In the confusion attendant on this, Halisca, the servant of Melænis, drops a casket in the street, containing some trinkets which had been worn by Silenium at the time when she was exposed. Phanostrata and Lampadiscus find the casket, and on Halisca coming to search for it, they discover where Silenium is. They go into the house, and Phanostrata discover her long-lost child.

  THE ACROSTIC ARGUMENT.

  [Supposed to have been written by Priscian the Grammarian.]

  A young man of Lemnos ravishes (Comprimit) a woman of Sicyon. He (Is) returns to his country, and becomes father of a daughter by his marriage there. The woman of Sicyon (Sicyonia) also bears a daughter. A servant takes (Tollit) and exposes her, and keeps watch in secret; her (Eam), taken up, a Courtesan presents to another. Coming back afterwards from Lemnos (Lemno), he marries her whom he had ravished; and his daughter born at Lemnos (Lemni) he promises in marriage to a young man captivated by passion (A more) for the one that had been exposed. On making enquiry (Requirens), the servant finds her whom he had exposed; and so (Itaque) legaliy and properly does Alcesimarchus (Alcesimarchus) gain her recognized as a tree woman, whom before he had had as a concubine.

  ACT I.

  Enter SILENIUM, GYMNASIUM, and PROCURESS, from the house of SILENIUM.

  SILENIUM

  Inasmuch as hitherto I have loved you, and have deemed you to be my friend, my dear Gymnasium, and your mother as well; so have you shown it to me this day, both you and she. If you had been my own sister, how more you two could possibly have held me in esteem I know not; but, according as is my way of thinking, I conceive it could not possibly be, such ready assistance, all other things laid aside, have you given me. For this reason do I love you, and for it a vast obligation have you both conferred upon me.

  GYMNASIUM

  I’ faith, at such a price as this, indeed, it’s easy for us to give you our attendance and to do you good offices; so handsomely and so elegantly have you entertained us at breakfast at your house, as we shall ever remember.

  SILENIUM

  It has been done with hearty good will by me, and will be done, to get those things which I shall think you are desirous of.

  A PROCURESS

  As the man said, who was borne by a prospering breeze on a calm sea: “I rejoice that we came to you;” in such a delightful manner have we been here this day received; nor except in the management, was there anything there at your house but what pleased me.

  SILENIUM

  How so, prithee?

  A PROCURESS

  Too seldom did the servant give me something to drink, and, as it was, it clouded the colour of the wine.

  GYMNASIUM

  Pray, is that becoming to be mentioned here?

  A PROCURESS

  It’s both right and proper; there’s no other person here.

  SILENIUM

  With reason do I love you both, who esteem and honor me.

  A PROCURESS

  I’ faith, my dear Silenium, it befits this class to be kindly disposed among themselves, and carefully to keep up friendships, when you see these matrons of elevated rank, born of the noblest families, how they value friendship, and how carefully they keep it united between themselves. If we do that same thing, if we imitate the same example, still as it is, with difficulty do we exist with their extreme dislike. Of their own enjoyments they would have us to be in want, in resources of our own they would have us not to possess any power, and to stand in need of them in all matters, that we may be their humble servants. If you wait upon them, you’d rather be giving your room than your company. So very kind are they before the world to our class; in private, if ever there’s the opportunity, underhandedly they pour cold water upon us. They declare that we are in the habit of having commerce with their husbands; they say that we are their supplanters; they attempt to crush us. Because we are the free daughters of slaves, both I and your mother, we became Courtesans; she brought up yourself, and I this girl pointing to GYMNASIUM , by chance-fathers. Nor yet for the sake of vanity have I driven her to the calling of a Courtesan, but that I mightn’t starve.

  SILENIUM

  But it had been better to give her in marriage to a husband in preference.

  A PROCURESS

  Heyday, now! Surely, faith, she’s married to a husband every day; she has both been married to one to-day, she’ll be marrying again to-night. I’ve never allowed her to go to bed a widow. For if she weren’t to be marrying, the household would perish with doleful famine.

  GYMNASIUM

  It behoves me, mother, to be just as you wish I should be.

  A PROCURESS

  I’ troth, I don’t regret it, if you will prove such as you say you’ll be; for if, indeed, you shall be such as I intend, you’ll never be a Hecale in your old age, and you’ll ever keep that same tender age which you now have, and you’ll prove a loss to many and a profit to m
yself full oft, without any outlay of my own.

  GYMNASIUM

  May the Gods grant it.

  A PROCURESS

  Without your own energies, the Gods cannot possibly do anything in this.

  GYMNASIUM

  I’ faith, for my own part, I’ll zealously devote my energies to it. But what mean you amid this conversation, apple of my eye, my own Silenium? (never did I see you more sad;) prithee, do tell me, why does mirth so shun you? And you are not so neat as you usually are. SILENIUM sighs. Do look at that, please, how deep a sigh she heaved. You are pale too. Tell us both what’s the matter with you, and in what you want our aid; so that we may know. Prithee, don’t by your tears be causing me anxiety.

  SILENIUM

  My dear Gymnasium, I’m sadly affected; I feel ill, I am shockingly distrest; I am pained in spirits, I feel pain in my eyes, I am in pain from faintness. What shall I say, but that my own folly drives me to sadness?

  GYMNASIUM

  Take you care, then, that you have your folly entombed in that very same place from which it takes its rise.

  SILENIUM

  What shall I do?

  GYMNASIUM

  Hide it in darkness, in the very deepest recesses of your breast. Take you care and have it so, that you yourself are alone sensible of your own folly, without any other witnesses.

  SILENIUM

  But I’ve got the heart-ache.

  GYMNASIUM

  Why so? For what reason have you the heartache, prithee, tell me, a thing that I neither have, nor any other woman whatever, according as the men say?

  SILENIUM

  If there’s any heart to feel pain, it does feel pain; but if there isn’t, still this pains me here. Pointing to her left-side.

  A PROCURESS

  This woman’s in love.

  GYMNASIUM

  Come now, to begin to be in love, is it bitter, prithee?

  A PROCURESS

  Why, troth, love is most fruitful both in honey and in gall; inasmuch as it produces sweetness in a mere taste, but causes bitterness even to repletion.

  SILENIUM

  Of that character is the malady that afflicts me, my dear Gymnasium.