Captivi: The Captives (1-998)

PROLOGUS

THESE two captives pointing to PHILOCRATES and TYNDARUS, whom you see standing here, are standing here because—they are both

[*] standing, and are not sitting. That I am saying this truly, you are my witnesses. The old man, who lives here pointing to HEGIO'S house, is Hegio— his father pointing to TYNDARUS. But under what circumstances he is the slave of his own father, that I will here explain to you, if you give attention. This old man had two sons; a slave stole one child when four years old, and flying hence, he sold him in Elis [*], to the father of this captive pointing to PHIILOCRATES. Now, do you understand this? Very good. I' faith, that man at a distance [*] there pointing says, no. Come nearer then. If there isn't room for you to sit down, there is for you to walk; since you'd be compelling an actor to bawl like a beggar [*]. I'm not going to burst myself for your sake, so don't you be mistaken. You who are enabled by your means to pay your taxes [*], listen to the rest [*]; I care not to be in debt to another. This runaway slave, as I said before, sold his young master, whom, whom he fled, he had carried off, to this one's father. He, after he bought him, gave him as his own private slave [*] to his son of his, because they were of about the same age. He is now the slave at home of his own father, nor does his father know it. Verily, the Gods do treat us men just like footballs [*]. You hear the manner now how he lost one son. Afterwards, the Ætolians [*] are waging war with the people of Elis, and, as happens in warfare, the other son is taken prisoner. The physician Menarchus buys him there in Elis. On this, this Hegio begins to traffic in Elean captives, if, perchance, he may be able to find one to change for that captive son of his. He knows not that this one who is in his house is his own son. And as he heard yesterday that an Elean knight of very high rank and very high family was taken prisoner, he has spared no expense to rescue his son [*]. In order that he may more easily bring him back home, he buys both of these of the Quæstors [*] out of the spoil.

Now they, between themselves, have contrived this plan, that, by means of it, the servant may send away hence his master home. And therefore among themselves they change their garments and their names. He, there pointing, is called Philocrates; this one pointing, Tyndarus; he this day assumes the character of this one, this one of him. And this one to-day will cleverly carry out this plot, and cause his master to gain his liberty; and by the same means he will save his own brother, and without knowing it, will cause him to return back a free man to his own country to his father. just as often now, on many occasions, a person has done more good unknowingly than knowingly. But unconsciously, by their devices, they have so planned and devised their plot, and have so contrived it by their design, that this one is living in servitude with his own father. And thus now, in ignorance, he is the slave of his own father. What poor creatures are men, when I reflect upon it! This plot will be performed by us—a play for your entertainment. But there is, besides, a thing which, in a few words, I would wish to inform you of. Really, it will be worth your while to give your attention to this play. 'Tis not composed in the hackneyed style, nor yet like other plays, nor are there in it any ribald lines

[*] unfit for utterance: here is neither the perjured procurer, nor the artful courtesan, nor yet the braggart captain. Don't you be afraid because I've said that there's war between the Ætolians and the Eleans. There pointing, at a distance, beyond the scenes, the battles will be fought. For this were almost impossible for a Comic establishment [*], that we should at a moment attempt to be acting Tragedy. If, therefore, any one is looking for a battle, let him commence the quarrel; if he shall find an adversary more powerful, I'll cause him to be the spectator of a battle that isn't pleasant to him, so that hereafter he shall hate to be a spectator them all. I now retire. Fare ye well, at home, most upright judges, and in warfare most valiant combatants.

ERGASILUS

The young men have given me the name of "the mistress," for this reason, because invocated

[*] I am wont to attend at the banquet. I know that buffoons [*] say that this is absurdly said, but I affirm that it is rightly said. For at the banquet the lover, when he throws the dice, invokes his mistress [*]. Is she then invocated, or is she not? She is, most clearly. But, i' faith, we Parasites with better reason are so called, whom no person ever either invites or invokes, and who, like mice, are always eating the victuals of another person. When business is laid aside [*], when people repair to the country, at that same moment is business laid aside for our teeth. Just as, when it is hot weather, snails lie hidden in secret, and live upon their own juices, if the dew doesn't fall; so, when business is laid aside, do Parasites lie hidden in retirement, and miserably live upon their own juices, while in the country the persons are rusticating whom they sponge upon. When business is laid aside, we Parasites are greyhounds; when business recommences, like mastiffs [*], we are annoying-like and very troublesome- like [*]. And here, indeed, unless, i' faith, any Parasite is able to endure cuffs with the fist, and pots to be broken [*] about his head, why he may e'en go with his wallet outside the Trigeminian Gate [*]. That this may prove my lot, there is some danger. For since my patron [*] has fallen into the hands of the enemy—(such warfare are the Ætolians now waging with the Eleans; for this is Ætolia; this Philopolemus has been made captive in Elis, the son of this old man Hegio who lives here pointing to the house—a house which to me is a house of woe, and which so oft as I look upon, I weep). Now, for the sake of his son, has he commenced this dishonorable traffic, very much against his own inclination. He buys up men that have been made captives, if perchance he may be able to find some one for whom to gain his son in exchange. An object which I really do much desire that he may gain. for unless he finds him, there's nowhere for me to find myself. I have no hopes in the young men; they are all too fond of themselves. He, in fine, is a youth with the old-fashioned nanners, whose countenance I never rendered cheerful without a return. His father is worthily matched, as endowed with like manners. Now I'll go to him;—but his door is opening, the door from which full oft I've sallied forth drunk with excess of cheer. He stands aside.

HEGIO

Now, give attention you, if you please. Those two captives whom I purchased yesterday of the Quæstors out of the spoil, put upon them chains of light weight

[*]; take off those greater ones with which they are bound. Permit them to walk, if they wish, out of doors, or if in-doors, but so that they are watched with the greatest care. A captive at liberty is like a bird that's wild; if opportunity is once given for escaping, 'tis enough; after that, you can never catch him.

A SLAVE

Doubtless we all are free men more willingly than we live the life of slaves.

HEGIO

You, indeed, don't seem to think so

[*].

A SLAVE

If I have nothing to give, should you like me to give myself to flight

[*]?

HEGIO

If you do so give yourself, I shall at once have something to be giving to you.

A SLAVE

I'll make myself just like the wild bird you were telling of.

HEGIO

'Tis just as you say; for if you do so, I'll be giving you to the cage

[*]. But enough of prating; take you care of what I've ordered, and be off. The SLAVE goes into the house. I'll away to my brother's, to my other captives; I'll go see whether they've been making any disturbance last night. From there I shall forthwith betake myself home again.

ERGASILUS

apart. It grieves me that this unhappy old man is following the trade of a slave-dealer, by reason of the misfortune of his son. But, if by any means he can be brought back here, I could even endure for him to become an executioner.

HEGIO

overhearing him. Who is it that's speaking?

ERGASILUS

'Tis I, who am. pining at your affliction, growing thin, waxing old, and shockingly wasting away. Wretched man that I am, I'm but skin and bone through leanness; nor does anything ever do me good that I eat at home; even that ever so little which I taste out of doors, the same refreshes me.

HER.

Ergasilus, save you!

ERGASILUS

crying. May the Gods kindly bless you, Hegio!

HER.

Don't weep.

ERGASILUS

Must I not weep for him? Must I not weep for such a young man?

HEGIO

I've always known you to be a friend to my son, and I have understood him to be so to you.

ERGASILUS

Then at last do we men know our blessings, when we have lost those things which we once had in our power. I, since your son fell into the power of the enemy, knowing by experience of what value he was, now feel his loss.

HEGIO

Since you, who are no relation, bear his misfortune so much amiss, what is it likely that I, a father, should do, whose only son he is?

ERGASILUS

I, no relation to him? He, no relation to me? Oh, Hegio! never do say that, nor come to such a belief. To you he is an only child, but to me he is even more only than an only one.

HEGIO

I commend you, in that you consider the affliction of your friend your own affliction. Now be of good heart.

ERGASILUS

crying. O dear! HEG. half-aside. 'Tis this afflicts him, that the army for guttling is now disbanded. Meanwhile, have you found no one to command for you the army that you mentioned as disbanded?

ERGASILUS

What do you think? All to whom it used to fall are in the habit of declining that province since your son Philopolemus was taken prisoner.

HEGIO

I' faith, 'tisn't to be wondered at, that they are in the habit of declining that province. You have necessity for numerous troops, and those of numerous kinds. Well, first you have need of the Bakerians

[*]. Of these Bakerians there are several kinds, You have need of Roll-makerians, you have need too of Confectionerians, you have need of Poultererians, you have need of Beccaficorians; besides, all the maritime forces are necessary for you.

ERGASILUS

How the greatest geniuses do frequently lie concealed! How great a general now is this private individual!

HEGIO

Only have good courage; for I trust that in a few days I shall bring him back home. For see now; there's a captive here, a young man of Elis, born of a very high family, and of very great wealth; I trust that it will come to pass that I shall get my son in exchange for him.

ERGASILUS

May the Gods and Goddesses grant it so!

HEGIO

But are you invited out anywhere to dinner?

ERGASILUS

Nowhere that I know of. But, pray, why do you ask me?

HEGIO

Because this is my birthday; for that reason I'd like you to be invited to dinner at my house.

ERGASILUS

'Tis kindly said.

HEGIO

But if you can be content to eat a very little—

ERGASILUS

Aye, even ever so little; for on such fare as that do I enjoy myself every day at home.

HEGIO

Come, then, please, set yourself up for sale.

ERGASILUS

I'll put myself up for purchase, just like a landed estate, unless any one shall privately make a better offer that pleases myself and my friends more, and to my own conditions will I bind myself.

HEGIO

You are surely selling me a bottomless pit

[*], and not a landed estate. But if you are coming, do so in time.

ERGASILUS

Why, for that matter, I'm at leisure even now.

HEGIO

Go then, and hunt for a hare; at present, in me you have but a ferret

[*], for my fare is in the way of frequenting a rugged road.

ERGASILUS

You'll never repulse me by that, Hegio, so don't attempt it. I'll come, in spite of it, with teeth well shod.

HEGIO

Really, my viands are but of a rough sort

[*].

ERGASILUS

Are you in the habit of eating brambles?

HEGIO

Mine is an earthy dinner.

ERGASILUS

A pig is an earthy animal.

HEGIO

Earthy from its plenty of vegetables.

ERGASILUS

Treat your sick peoples

[*] at home with that fare? Do you wish anything else?

HEGIO

Come in good time.

ERGASILUS

You are putting in mind one who remembers quite well. (Exit.)

HEGIO

I'll go in-doors, and in the house I'll make the calculation how little money I have at my banker's; afterwards I'll go to my brother's, whither I was saying I would go. Goes into his house.

A SLAVE

If the immortal Gods have so willed it that you should undergo this affliction, it becomes you to endure it with equanimity; if you do so, your trouble will be lighter

[*]. At home you were free men, I suppose; now if slavery has befallen you, 'tis a becoming way for you to put up with it, and by your dispositions to render it light, under a master's rule. Unworthy actions which a master does must be deemed worthy ones.

PHILOCRATES

and

TYNDARUS

Alas! alas! alas!

A SLAVE

There's no need for wailing; you cause much injury to your eyes. In adversity, if you use fortitude of mind, it is of service.

PHILOCRATES

and

TYNDARUS

But we are ashamed, because we are in bonds.

A SLAVE

But in the result it might cause vexation to our master, if he were to release you from chains, or allow you to be loose, whom he has purchased with his money.

PHILOCRATES

and

TYNDARUS

What does he fear from us? We know our duty, what it is, if he allows us to be loose.

A SLAVE

Why, you are meditating escape. I know what it is you are devising.

PHILOCRATES

and

TYNDARUS

We, make our escape? Whither should we escape?

A SLAVE

To your own country.

PHILOCRATES

and

TYNDARUS

Out upon you; it would ill befit us to be following the example of runaways.

A SLAVE

Why, faith, should there be an opportunity, I don't advise you not.

PHILOCRATES

and

TYNDARUS

Do you allow us to make one request.

A SLAVE

What is it, pray?

PHILOCRATES

and

TYNDARUS

That you will give us an opportunity of conversing, without these and yourselves for overlookers.

A SLAVE

Be it so; go you away from here, you people. Let's step here, on one side. To the other CAPTIVES and SLAVES. But commence upon a short conversation only.

PHILOCRATES

O yes, it was my intention so to do. Step aside this way to TYNDARUS.

A SLAVE

to the other CAPTIVES. Stand apart from them.

TYNDARUS

to the SLAVE. We are both greatly obliged to you, by reason of your doing so, since you allow us to obtain what we are desirous of.

PHILOCRATES

Step here then, at a distance now, if you think fit, that no listeners may be enabled to overhear our discourse, and that this plan of ours mayn't be divulged before them for a stratagem is no stratagem, if you don't plan it with art but it is a very great misfortune if it becomes disclosed. For if you are my master, and I represent myself as your servant, still there's need of foresight, and need of caution, that this may be carried out discreetly and without overlookers, with carefulness and with cautious prudence and diligence. So great is the mutter that has been commenced upon; this must not be carried out in any drowsy fashion.

TYNDARUS

Just as you shall desire me to be, I will be.

PHILOCRATES

I trust so.

TYNDARUS

For now you see that for your precious life I'm setting at stake my own, as dear to me.

PHILOCRATES

I know it.

TYNDARUS

But remember to know it when you shall be enjoying that which you wish for; for mostly, the greatest part of mankind follow this fashion; what they wish for, until they obtain it, they are rightminded; but when they have now got it in their power, from being rightminded they become most deceitful, and most dishonest; now I do consider that you are towards me as I wish. What I advise you, I would advise my own father.

PHILOCRATES

I' faith, if I could venture, I would call you father; for next to my own father, you are my nearest father.

TYNDARUS

I understand.

PHILOCRATES

And therefore I remind you the more frequently, that you may remember it. I am not your master, but your servant; now this one thing I do beseech you. Inasmuch as the immortal Gods have disclosed to us their wishes, that they desire me to have once been your master, and now to be your fellow-captive; what formerly of my right I used to command you, now with entreaties do I beg of you, by our uncertain fortunes, and by the kindness of my father towards you, and by our common captivity, which has befallen us by the hand of the enemy, don't you pay me any greater respect than I did you when you were my slave; and don't you forget to remember who you were, and who you now are.

TYNDARUS

I know, indeed, that I now am you, and that you are I.

PHILOCRATES

Well, if you are able carefully to remember that, 1 have some hope in this scheme of ours.

HEGIO

I shall return in-doors just now, when I shall have discovered from these people what I want to know. To the SLAVES. Where are those persons whom I ordered to be brought out of doors here, before the house ?

PHILOCRATES

By my faith, I find that you have taken due precaution that we shouldn't be missed by you, so walled in are we with chains and keepers.

HEGIO

He that takes precaution that he mayn't be deceived, is hardly on his guard, even while he's taking precaution; even when he has supposed that he has taken every precaution, full often is this wary man outwitted. Was there not good reason, indeed, for me to watch you carefully, whom I purchased with so large a sum of ready money?

PHILOCRATES

Troth, it isn't fair for us to hold you to blame, because you watch us closely; nor yet for you us, if we go away hence, should there be an opportunity.

HEGIO

As you are here, so is my son a captive there among your people.

PHILOCRATES

He, a captive?

HEGIO

Even so.

PHILOCRATES

We, then, have not proved the only cowards[*].

HEGIO

to PHILOCRATES, supposing him to be the SERVANT of the other. Step you aside this way, for there are some things that I wish to enquire of you in private, on which subjects I would have you not to be untruthful to me, They step aside.

PHILOCRATES

I will not be, as to that which I shall know; if I shall not know anything, that which I don't know I'll tell you of.

TYNDARUS

. aside. Now is the old fellow in the barber's shop; now, at this very instant, is Philocrates wielding the razor

[*]. He hasn't cared, indeed, to put on the barber's cloth [*], so as not to soil his dress. But whether to say that he's going to shave him close, or trim him [*] through the eomb [*], I don't know; but if he's wise, he'll scrape him right well to the very quick.

HEGIO

to PHILOCRATES. Which would you? Would you prefer to be a slave, or a free man?—Tell me.

PHILOCRATES

That which is the nearest to good, and the furthest off from evil, do I prefer; although my servitude hasn't proved very grievous to me, nor has it been otherwise to me than if I had been a son in the family.

TYNDARUS

aside. Capital! I wouldn't purchase, at a talent's price even, Thales the Milesian

[*]; for compared with this man's wisdom, he was a very twaddler. How cleverly has he suited his language to the slave's condition.

HEGIO

Of what family is this Philocrates born?

PHILOCRATES

The Polyplusian

[*]; which one family is flourishing there, and held in highest esteem.

HEG.

. What is he himself? In what esteem is he held there?

PHILOCRATES

In the highest, and that by the very highest men.

HEGIO

Since, then, he is held in such great respect among the Eleans, as you tell of, what substance has he?—Of large amount?

PHILOCRATES

Enough for him, even, when an old man, to be melting out the tallow

[*].

HEGIO

What is his father? Is he living?

PHILOCRATES

When we departed thence, we left him alive; whether he's living now or not, Orcus, forsooth, must know that.

TYNDARUS

aside. The matter's all right; he's not only lying, but he's even philosophizing now.

HEGIO

What's his name?

PHILOCRATES

Thesaurochrysonicocrœsides

[*].

HEGIO

That name has been given, I suppose, by reason of his wealth, as it were.

PHILOCRATES

Troth, not so, but rather by reason of his avarice and grasping disposition; for, indeed, he was Theodoromedes originally by name.

HEGIO

How say you? Is his father covetous?

PHILOCRATES

Aye, by my faith, he is covetous. Why, that you may even understand it the better,—when he's sacrificing at any time to his own Genius

[*], the vessels that are needed for the sacrifice he uses of Samian ware, lest the Genius himself should steal them; from this, consider how much he would trust other people.

HEGIO

addressing TYNDARUS as though PHILOCRATES. Do you then follow me this way. (Aside.) The things that I desire to know, I'll enquire of him.Addressing TYNDARUS. Philocrates, this person has done as it becomes an honest man to do. For from him I've learnt of what family you are sprung; he has confessed it to me. If you are willing to own these same things (which, however, understand that I already know from him), you will be doing it for your own advantage.

TYNDARUS

He did his duty when he confessed the truth to you, although, Hegio, I wished carefully to conceal both my rank and my wealth; now, inasmuch as I've lost my country and my liberty, I don't think it right for him to be dreading me rather than you. The might of warfare has made my fortunes on a level with himself. I remember the time when he didn't dare to do it in word; now, in deed, he is at liberty to offend me. But don't you see? Human fortune moulds and fashions just as she wills. Myself, who was a free man she has made a slave, from the very highest the very lowest. I, who was accustomed to command, now obey the mandates of another. And indeed, if I meet with a master just such as I proved the ruler in my own household, I shall not fear that he will rule me harshly or severely. With this, Hegio, I wished you to be acquainted, unless perchance you your self wish it not.

HEGIO

Speak boldly out.

TYNDARUS

As free a man was I till lately as your son. As much did a hostile hand deprive me of my liberty as him of his. As much is he a slave among my people, as I am now a slave here with yourself. There is undoubtedly a God, who both hears and sees the things which we do. Just as you shall treat me here, in the same degree will he have a care for him. To the well-deserving will he show favour, to the ill-deserving will he give a like return. As much as you lament your son, so much does my father lament me.

HEGIO

That I am aware of. But do you admit the same that lie has disclosed to me?

TYNDARUS

I confess that my father has very great wealth at home, and that I am born of a very noble family; but I entreat you, Hegio, let not my riches make your mind too prone to avarice, lest it should seem to my father, although I am his only son, more suitable that I should be a slave in your house, bountifully supplied at your expense and with your clothing, rather than be living the life of a beggar where 'twould be far from honorable.

HEGIO

By the favour of the Gods and of my forefathers, I am rich enough. I don't quite believe that every kind of gain is serviceable to mankind. I know that gain has already made many a man famous; and yet there are occasions when it is undoubtedly better to incur loss than to make gain. Gold I detest: many a one has it persuaded to many an evil course. Now give your attention to this, that you may know as well what my wishes are. My son, taken prisoner. is in servitude at Elis there among your people; if you restore him to me, don't you give me a single coin besides; both you and him, your servant, I'll send back from here; on no other terms can you depart hence.

TYNDARUS

You ask what's very right and very just, and you are the very kindest person of all mankind. But whether is he in servitude to a private person or to the public

[*]?

HEGIO

In private servitude to Menarchus, a physician.

PHILOCRATES

By my faith, that person's surely his father's dependant. Why really, that's down as pat for you, as the shower is when it rains.

HEGIO

Do you then cause this person, my son, to be redeemed.

TYNDARUS

I'll do so: but this I beg of you, Hegio—

HEGIO

Whatever you wish, so that you request nothing against my interest, I'll do.

TYNDARUS

Listen then, and you'll know. I don't ask for myself to be released, until he has returned. But I beg of you to give me him pointing to PHILOCRATES with a price set

[*] upon him, that I may send him to my father, that this person, your son, may be redeemed there.

HEGIO

Why no; I'd rather send another person hence, when there shall be a truce, to confer with your father there, and to carry your injunctions which you shall entrust him with, just as you wish.

TYNDARUS

But it's of no use to send to him one that he doesn't know; you'd be losing your labour. Send this person; he'll have it all completed, if he gets there. And you cannot send any person to him more faithful, nor one in whom he places more confidence, nor who is more a servant after his own mind; nor, in fact, one to whom he would more readily entrust your son. Have no fears; at my own peril I'll make proof of his fidelity, relying upon his disposition; because he is sensible that I'm kindly disposed towards him.

HEGIO

Well then, I'll send him with a price set upon him, on the surety of your promise, if you wish it.

TYNDARUS

I do wish it; so soon as ever it can, I want this matter to be brought to completion.

HEGIO

What reason is there, then, that if he doesn't return, you should not pay me twenty minæ for him?

TYNDARUS

Yes—very good.

HEGIO

to the SLAVES, who obey. Release him now forthwith; and, indeed, both of them. On being released, PHILOCRATES goes into the house.

TYNDARUS

May all the Gods grant you all your desires, since you have deigned me honor so great, and since you release me from my chains. Really, this is not so irksome now, since my neck is free from the collar-chain.

HEGIO

The kindnesses that are done to the good, thanks for the same are pregnant with blessings. Now, if you are about to send him thither, direct, instruct him, give him the orders which you wish to be carried to your father. Should you like me to call him to you?

TYNDARUS

Do call him. HEGIO goes to the door, and calls PHILOCRATES.

HEGIO

May this affair turn out happily for myself and for my son, and for yourselves. To PHILOCRATES. Your new master wishes you to pay faithful obedience to your former owner in what he wishes. For I have presented you to him, with the price of twenty minæ set upon you: and he says that he is desirous to send you away hence to his father, that he may there redeem my son, and that an exchange may be made between me and him for our respective sons.

PHILOCRATES

My disposition takes its course straight in either direction, both to yourself and to him; as a wheel

[*] you may make use of me; either this way or that can I be turned, whichever way you shall command me.

HEGIO

You yourself profit the most from your own disposition, when you endure slavery just as it ought to be endured. Follow me. (To TYNDARUS.) See here's your man.

TYNDARUS

I return you thanks, since you give me this opportunity and permission to send this messenger to my parents, who may relate all the matter in its order to my father, what I'm doing here, and what I wish to be done. To PHILOCRATES. Now, Tyndarus, thus is it arranged between myself and him, that I'm to send you, valued at a fixed price, to my father in Elis; so that, if you don't return hither, I'm to give twenty minæ for you.

PHILOCRATES

I think that you've come to a right understanding. For your father expects either myself or some messenger to come from here to him.

TYNDARUS

I wish you, then, to mind what message it is I want you to carry hence to my country to my father.

PHILOCRATES

Philocrates, as up to this moment I have done, I will take all due care to endeavour that which may especially conduce to your interest, and to pursue the same with heart and soul, and with my ears.

TYNDARUS

You act just as you ought to act; now I wish you to give attention. In the first place of all, carry my respects to my mother and my father, and to my relations, and if any one else you see well-disposed towards me: say that I am in health here, and that I am a slave, in servitude to this most worthy man, who has ever honored me more and more with his respect, and does so still.

PHILOCRATES

Don't you be instructing me as to that; I can, still, easily bear that in mind.

TYNDARUS

For, indeed, except that I have a keeper, I deem myself to be a free man. Tell my father on what terms I have agreed with this party about his son.

PHILOCRATES

What I remember, it is sheer delay to be putting me in mind of.

TYNDARUS

To redeem him, and to send him back here in exchange for both of us.

PHILOCRATES

I'll remember it.

HEGIO

But as soon as he can that is especially to the interest of us both.

PHILOCRATES

You are not more anxious to see your son, than he is to see his.

HEGIO

My son is dear to myself, and his own to every man.

PHILOCRATES

to TYNDARUS. Do you wish any other message to be carried to your father?

TYNDARUS

Say that I am well here; and do you boldly tell him, Tyndarus, that we have been of dispositions for uninterrupted harmony between ourselves, and that you have neither been deserving of censure, nor that I have proved your enemy; and that still, amid miseries so great, you have shown implicit obedience to your master, and that you have never abandoned me, either in deed or in fidelity, amid my wavering, unprosperous fortunes. When my father shall know this, Tyndarus, how well-disposed you have proved towards his son and himself, he will never be so avaricious but that he'll give you your liberty for nothing. And by my own endeavours, if I return hence, I'll make him do so the more readily. For by your aid and kindness, and good disposition and prudence, you have caused me to be allowed to return to my parents once again, inasmuch as to Hegio you have confessed both my rank and my wealth; by means of which, through your wisdom, you have liberated your master from his chains.

PHILOCRATES

The things which you mention I have done, and I am pleased that you remember this. Deservedly have they been done for you by me; for now, Philocrates, if I, too, were to mention the things that you have kindly done for me, the night would cut short the day. For, had you been my slave even, no otherwise were you always obliging to me.

HEGIO

Ye Gods, by our trust in you! behold the kindly disposition of these persons! How they draw the very tears from me! See how cordially they love each other, and with what praises the servant has commended his master.

PHILOCRATES

I' troth, he hasn't commended me the one hundredth part of what he himself deserves to be commended in my praises.

HEGIO

to PHILOCRATES. Since, then, you have acted most becomingly, now there's an opportunity to add to your good deeds in managing this matter with fidelity towards him.

PHILOCRATES

I am not able more to wish it done, than by my endeavours to try to bring it about. That you may know this, Hegio, with praises do I call supreme Jove to witness that I will not prove unfaithful to Philocrates

[*]—

HEGIO

You are a worthy fellow.

PHILOCRATES

And that I will never in anything act otherwise towards him than towards my own self.

TYNDARUS

I wish you to put these speeches to the test, both by your deeds and your actions; and inasmuch as I have said the less about you than I had wished, I wish you the more to give me your attention, and take you care not to be angry with me by reason of these words. But, I beseech you, reflect that you are sent hence home with a price set upon you at my risk, and that my life is here left as a pledge for you. Do not you forget me the very moment that you have left my presence, since you will have left me here behind a captive in captivity for yourself, and don't consider yourself as free, and forsake your pledge

[*], and not use your endeavours for you to bring his son home again, in return for me. Understand that you are sent hence valued at twenty minæ. Take care to prove scrupulously faithful; take care that you show not a wavering fidelity. For my father, I am sure, will do everything that he ought to do. Preserve me as a constant friend to you, and find out [*] this person so lately discovered. These things, by your right hand, holding you with my own right hand, do I beg of you; do not prove less true to me than I have proved to you. This matter do you attend to; you are now my master, you my patron, you my father; to you do I commend my hopes and my fortunes.