Bacchides, or The Twin Sisters (191-223)

Because if she has been found whom he so loves, he is alive and well. If she is not found, he is not well, and is like to die. His mistress is the very life of a lover. If she is away, he is non-existent; if she is with him, his property is non-existent, and himself worthless and wretched.

But what have you done in respect of his commission?

And ought I not to have his request complied with against his arrival, which his messenger brought to me from him? I’d sooner be dwelling in the realms of Acheron than not.

How now, have you found out this Bacchis?

Yes, and a Samian one too.

Prithee, do take care that no one handles her carelessly: you know how soon a Samian vessel[*] is wont to break.

What now, your old habit?

Prithee, do tell me where she now is.

Here, where you just now saw me coming out.

How capital that is! She’s living almost next door. Does she at all remember Mnesilochus?

Do you ask me that? Aye, him alone does she esteem at the very highest value.

Indeed!

Yes, and were you to believe her, distractedly in love—she quite longs for him.

That’s good.

Yes, Chrysalus; see, now; not even so small

a space of time ever passes by as this[*], out that she is uttering his name.

I’ faith, so much the better.

Yes; but—

Yes, faith [*], I’d rather be off.

And do you so unwillingly hear how your master’s interests have prospered?

No, not the subject[*], but the actor offends my feelings with his tediousness. Even Epidicus, a play that I love quite as much as my own self,

were Pollio to act it[*], no play would I see so reluctantly. But, does Bacchis seem handsome, as well, to you?

Do you ask the question? Had I not got a Venus, I should pronounce her a Juno.

I’ faith, Mnesilochus, as I find these matters proceeding, there’s something ready for you to love; ’tis needful that you find something to give her.

But, perhaps you have need of gold for that other one?

Yes, some Philippeans.

And you have need of it directly, perhaps?

Aye, and even sooner than directly. For there’s a Captain coming here just now—

A Captain, indeed!

Who is demanding some gold here for relinquishing Bacchis.