Cistellaria, or The Casket (624b-666)

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!

Whether shall I pierce my side here (striking his right side) or on the left.

What’s the matter with you?

Don’t you see Alcesimarchus? He’s grasping a sword.

What art about? Thou art delaying. Quit the light of day.

Do run and aid him, pray, that he mayn’t kill himself.

O Safety more healthful than my own safety, you now, whether I wish or don’t wish, alone do cause me to live.

Fie on it! Were you ready to commit such violence?

I’ve nought to do with you—to you I’m dead. (Clasping SILENIUM in his arms.) Her, as I hold her, I’m determined not to lose. For, by heaven, I am resolved henceforth to have her entirely rivetted fast unto me. (Goes to the door of the house, and calls.) Where are you, servants? Shut the door with bolts, with bars,

when I shall have carried her within the threshold!

He’s gone off: he has carried the damsel away. I’ll go—I’ll at once follow him in-doors, that he may know of me these same things, if from being angered with me I can render him pleased.

I do believe I never saw a more tormenting old nag than this is. What she just now confessed to me, is she to be denying it?

But look, I see my mistress. Why (seeing the casket on the ground), how’s this, that this casket is lying here with these trinkets, and that I see no other person in the street? I must act the child’s part[*]; I’ll stoop to pick up the casket.

What are you about, Lampadio?

Is this casket from out of our house here, I wonder. For I picked it up, lying here near the door.

What news do you bring about the old woman?

That there’s not one other on earth more wicked. She denies all those things which she just now confessed to me. But, i’ faith, for me to allow that old jade to be laughing at me, it’s preferable for me to die by any kind of death.

Ye Gods, I do adjure you by our trust in you!

Why do you call upon the Gods?

Save us!

What’s the matter?

These are the trinkets with which you exposed my little daughter to death.

Are you in your senses?