Cistellaria, or The Casket (608b-639_640)

In what way then, pray, is she a former woman, who is now his wife?

Woman, whoever you are, you weary me with your prating.

The middle woman[*] whom he had for a wife, of her this maiden was born that’s being given to Alcesimarchus. That wife is dead. Do you understand now?

I understand that quite well; but it’s this knotty point I’m enquiring about, how

the first can be the last, the last be the first.

The fact is this; this woman he ravished before he took her home as his wife; before that she was pregnant, and before that she gave birth to a daughter: after she gave birth to her, she ordered the infant to be exposed; I myself exposed her; another woman took her away;

I was on the look-out; after that, my master married her. That girl, her daughter, we are now in search of. (MELAENIS turns aside her head.) Why now, with face upturned, are you looking up towards the heavens?

Now, then, be off at once whither you were hastening; I won’t detain you; I understand it now.

I’ troth, to the Deities I do give thanks;

for if you hadn’t understood me, I do think you would never have let me go.

Now it’s necessary for me to be honest, whether I will or no, although I had rather not; I find the thing is discovered. Now will I myself lay them under an obligation to me, rather than she shall peach upon me. I’ll go home,

and I’ll bring Silenium to her parents.

I’ve disclosed the whole matter to you; follow, my Silenium, that you may rather belong to those to whom you ought to belong, than be mine. Although against my will I shall part with you, still I’ll reconcile my mind to consult that which in especial conduces to your benefit. (Giving her a casket.)

For here in this are the trinkets[*], together with which she who gave you to me formerly brought you to me; that your parents may recognize you the more easily. Take this casket, Halisca, and then go and knock at that door (pointing to the house of DEMIPHO): say that I request that some one will come from within. Make haste, quickly.

Death, receive me unto thyself, a friend and well-wisher to me!

My mother, to our sorrow, we are undone!