Captivi: The Captives (425-435)

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[*]—

You are a worthy fellow.

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

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 minae. Take care to prove scrupulously faithful; take care that you show not a wavering fidelity.