Epidicus, or The Fortunate Discovery (633b-660)

Make haste.

It’s at home.

Have I the use of my eyes quite unimpaired, or is it otherwise?

Do I not behold in you, Telestis, the daughter of Periphanes, born at Thebes of your mother Philippa, and conceived at Epidaurus?

What person are you who are making mention of the name of my parents and my own?

Don’t you know me?

Not, indeed, so far as recurs to my mind just now.

Don’t you remember my bringing you a crescent upon your birthday, and a little gold ring for your finger?

I remember it. What, are you that person?

I am, and (pointing to STRATIPPOCLES, at a distance) he there is your brother by another mother and the same father.

What of my father? Is he alive?

Be of calm and composed feelings; hold your peace.

The Gods will that from being lost I should be saved, if you speak the truth.

I have no occasion to be telling untruths to you.

Take this money, Banker; here are forty minae. If any piece shall be doubtful I’ll change it.

You do well. Kindly farewell.

Now then you are my own—

Why yes—sister, i’ faith, that you may know it as well. Greetings to you, brother.

Is this woman in her senses?

In her senses, if she calls you her brother.

How’s this? Have I just now become her brother while going in-doors and coming out?

What good fortune there is, do you in silence keep your peace thereon and rejoice.

Sister, you have both lost and found me!

Simpleton, hold your tongue! Through my endeavours, there’s ready for you at home, in fact, a Music-girl for you to make love to; I too, through my endeavours, have restored your sister to liberty.

Epidicus, I confess—

Be off into the house, and order the water to be made warm[*] for her. The rest I’ll let you know afterwards, when there’s leisure.

Follow me this way, sister.

I’ll bid Thesprio[*] come across to you. But remember, if the old gentlemen are at all savage, you, with your sister, to run and help me.

That will be easy.

Thesprio, come this way through the garden. Come to my rescue at home! The matter’s of importance! (To himself.) I care much less for the old fellows than I did just now. I’ll return in-doors, that the strangers may be attended to on their arrival. I’ll tell these same things that I know, in-doors to Stratippocles. I shall not take to flight; I’m determined to be there at home, and he shan’t throw it in my teeth