I have lighted upon a most rich inheritance without incumbrances.An inheritance without incumbrances: Sine sacris hereditas. The meaning of this expression has been explained in the Notes to the Trinummus, 484. Now will I wend my way to this old gentleman Hegio, to whom I am carrying blessings as great as he himself prays for from the Gods, and even greater. Now, this is my determination, in the same fashion that the slaves of ComedySlaves of Comedy: — This was done that, when expedition was required, the cloak might not prove an obstruction to the wearer as he walked. The slaves in Comedies usually wore the pallium, and as they were mostly active, bustling fellows, would have it tucked tightly around them. The pallium was usually worn passed over the left shoulder, then drawn behind the back, and under the left arm leaving it bare, and then thrown again over the left shoulder, are wont, so will I throw my cloak around my neck, that from me, the first of all, he may learn this matter. And I trust that I, by reason of this news, shall find provision up to the end.

(Enter HEGIO, at a distance.)HEGIO(to himself.) The more that I revolve this matter in my breast, the more is my uneasiness of mind increased. That I should have been duped in this fashion to-day! and that I wasn’t able to see through it! When this shall be known, then I shall be laughed at all over the city. The very moment that I shall have reached the Forum, all will be saying, This is that clever old gentleman, who had the trick played him. But is this Ergasilus, that I see coming at a distance? Surely he has got his cloak gathered up; what, I wonder, is he going to do?ERGASILUS(advancing, and talking to himself.) Throw aside from you all tardiness, Ergasilus, and speed on this business. I threaten, and I strictly charge no person to stand in my way, unless any one shall be of opinion that he has lived long enough. For whoever does come in my way, shall stop me upon his face.(He runs along, flourishing his arms about.)HEGIO(to himself.) This fellow’s beginning to box.