Bacchides, or The Twin Sisters (78b-106b)

And I, i’ faith, I know not what I’m in fear of. But what say you—?

What’s the matter now?

Well, suppose perchance on a sudden a breakfast or a drinking bout,

or else a dinner, should take place at your house, just as is the wont in such places of resort; where, then, should I take my place?

Near myself, my life, that with a she wit a he wit may be reclining at the repast. A place here, at our house, should you come late, is always at your service. When you wish right merrily to disport yourself, my rosebud, you say to me, Do let me enjoy myself to-day, I’ll provide you a delightful place where it may be so.

Here is a rapid stream; not without hazard can this way be passed.

And, by my troth, something must you lose amid this stream. (Aloud.) Give me your hand and follow me.

O, by no means.

Why so?

Because to a man in his youth nothing can be more alluring than these—night, women, wine.

Away, then, with you; for my part, I don’t at all care for it, but for your own sake.

The Captain, then, shall take her off; don’t you be present at all if you don’t choose.

And am I a thing of nothing, who cannot moderate my own passions?

What’s there for you to fear?

There’s nothing; all nonsense. Madam, I resign myself to you. I’m yours; to you do I devote my services.

You are a dear man. Now I wish you to do this. To-day I want to give a welcome entertainment[*] to my sister.

For that purpose I shall at once order the money[*] to be brought you from in-doors. Do you take care and cater for us a splendid entertainment.

No, I’ll stand treat; for it would be a shame, that on my account you both should take trouble for me, and by reason of that trouble should pay the expense from your own means.

But I can’t allow you to give anything.

Do let me.

Well, I’ll let you, if you choose.

Prithee, do make haste.

I shall be here again, before I cease to love you.

You entertain me pleasantly upon my return, my sister.

How so, prithee?

Because, in my way of thinking, this day a lucky haul has fallen to your lot.

He’s mine, assuredly. Now, sister, with respect to Mnesilochus, I’ll give you my aid[*], that here at home you may be receiving gold, rather than be going hence together with the Captain.

That’s my desire.

My aid shall be given you. The water’s warm; let’s go in, that you may bathe. For, as you have travelled on board ship, you are faint, I think.

A little so, sister. (PISTOCLERUS is seen at a distance.) Besides, he’s beginning to cause I don’t know what bustle. Let’s begone hence.