Aulularia, or The Concealed Treasure (105-137)

I’m tormented in my mind, because I must go away from my house I’ faith, I go but very unwillingly; but I know full well what I’m about; for the person that is our master of our ward[*] has given notice that he will distribute a didrachm of silver to each man; if I relinquish that, and don’t ask for it, at once I fancy that all

will be suspecting that I’ve got gold at home; for it isn’t very likely that a poor man would despise ever such a trifle, so as not to ask for his piece of money. For as it is, while I am carefully concealing it from all, lest they should know, all seem to know it,

and all salute me more civilly than they formerly used to salute me; they come up to me, they stop, they shake hands [*]; they ask me how I am, what I’m doing, what business I’m about. Now I’ll go there whither I had set out [*]; afterwards, I’ll betake myself back again home as fast as ever I can.

I could wish you, brother, to think that I utter these words by reason of my own regard and your welfare, as is befitting your own sister to do. Although I’m not unaware that we women are accounted troublesome; for we are all of us deservedly considered very talkative,

and, in fact, they say at the present day that not a single woman has been found dumb[*] in any age. Still, brother, do you consider this one circumstance, that I am your nearest relation, and you in like manner are mine. How proper it is that I should counsel and advise you,

and you me, as to what we may judge for the interest of each of us; and for it not to be kept concealed or kept silence upon through apprehension, but rather that I should make you my confidant, and you me in like manner. For that reason, now, have I brought you here apart out of doors, that I might here discourse with you upon your private concerns.

Best of women, give me your hand.

Where is she? Who, pray, is this best of women?

Yourself.