that he has been provoked by my running awayBy my running away: Pedibus. Literally, by my feet.. I’ll away in-doors; I’ve been talking too long.(Goes into the house of PERIPHANES.)

(Enter PERIPHANES and APAECIDES, with thongs in their hands.)PERIPHIANES Hasn’t this fellow quite made a laughing-stock of us two decrepit old peopleDecrepit old people: Decrepitos. From the verb decrepo, to crackle, or make a sputtering, as a candle does when going out, or the wick of a lamp when the oil fails.?APAECIDES Why yes, I’ faith, you’ve really kept me plagued in a shocking fashion. PERIPHIANES Now do hold your tongue. Only let me catch the fellow!APAECIDES 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.PERIPHIANES 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!APAECIDES 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.(unperceived, from the house.)EPIDICUS(to himself.)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 homeAssistance at home: He alludes to Stratippocles, Telestis, Philippa, Thesprio, and probably Chaeribulus, who are all ready to take his part; and, indeed, have good reason to do so, from the opportune discovery which he has just made.. All my enemies I quite spurn by the heelsSpurn by the heels: Ἀπολακτιζώ. It has been more than once remarked that the use of Greek words was much affected by the Romans, in the same way that we make use of French phrases..PERIPHIANES(looking about.)Where in the world shall I look for him?APAECIDES 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.EPIDICUS(coming forward, and addressing PERIPHANES)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!PERIPHIANES It’s all overIt’s all over: Ilicet. Literally, you may begone; the word used when judicial proceedings had terminated.. He gives bail to me of his own accord for his appearance. EPIDICUS Why don’t you bind me?APAECIDES A wicked slave, upon my faith!EPIDICUS Really, Apaecides, I don’t want you to intercede for me.APAECIDES You easily obtain your wish, Epidicus.EPIDICUS(to PERIPHANES.)Are you going to do anything?PERIPHIANES What, at your pleasure? EPIDICUS Troth, at my own, indeed, and not at yours, are these hands to be bound by you to-day.PERIPHIANES But I don’t choose; I shan’t bind them.APAECIDES(to PERIPHANES.)He’s preparing to throw a dragnet over you; he’s framing some plan, I know not what.EPIDICUS You are causing delay to yourself, while I stand unbound; bind them, I tell you, bind them together.PERIPHIANES But I choose rather to question you unbound.EPIDICUS But you shall know nothing.PERIPHIANES(turning to APAECIDES.)What am I to do?APAECIDES What are you to do? Let him be complied with.EPIDICUS You are a worthy person, Apaecides.PERIPHIANES Hold out your hands then.EPIDICUS(holding out his hands.)They don’t at all object; bind them fast together too.