Epidicus, or The Fortunate Discovery (665-694b)

that he has been provoked by my running away[*]. I’ll away in-doors; I’ve been talking too long.

Hasn’t this fellow quite made a laughing-stock of us two decrepit old people[*]?

Why yes, I’ faith, you’ve really kept me plagued in a shocking fashion.

Now do hold your tongue. Only let me catch the fellow!

I’ll tell you now, that you may know it. It’s best for you to seek another companion; so much, while I’ve been following you,

has the congested blood, from weariness, come down into the knees of poor me.

After how many fashions has this fellow made sport of me and you to-day! besides, how he has disembowelled my silver resources for me!

Away with him from me; for surely he’s the son of Vulcan in his wrath: wherever he touches, he sets all on fire; if you stand by him, he scorches you with his heat.

More than the twelve Gods, the immortal Gods as many as are in the heavens, are now assistants in my rescue, and are fighting on my side. As to whatever I have offended in, I have aid and assistance at home[*]. All my enemies I quite spurn by the heels[*].

Where in the world shall I look for him?

So long as you look for him without me, you may look for him even in the middle of the sea, as far as I’m concerned.

Why are you looking for me? Why are you taking this trouble? Why are you worrying him? (Pointing to APAECIDES.) See, here I am. Have I run away from you? Have I betaken myself from the house? Have I hid myself from your sight? I don’t entreat you either. Do you wish to bind me? Look then, I present my hands. (Holding out his hands.) You have got thongs; I saw you purchase them. Why do you delay now? Do bind me!

It’s all over[*]. He gives bail to me of his own accord for his appearance.

Why don’t you bind me?

A wicked slave, upon my faith!

Really, Apaecides, I don’t want you to intercede for me.

You easily obtain your wish, Epidicus.

Are you going to do anything?

What, at your pleasure?

Troth, at my own, indeed, and not at yours, are these hands to be bound by you to-day.

But I don’t choose; I shan’t bind them.

He’s preparing to throw a dragnet over you; he’s framing some plan, I know not what.

You are causing delay to yourself, while I stand unbound; bind them, I tell you, bind them together.

But I choose rather to question you unbound.

But you shall know nothing.

What am I to do?

What are you to do? Let him be complied with.

You are a worthy person, Apaecides.

Hold out your hands then.

They don’t at all object; bind them fast together too.