O dear! madam, by my faith, you are both very bold and very perverse. Do you dare to say (pointing at the mantle) that this was stolen from you which another woman gave me, for me to get it trimmed? THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. A little while since you didn’t deny that you had purloined it from me; do you now hold up that same before my eyes? Are you not ashamed? MENAECHMUS SOSICLES By my faith, madam, I entreat you, if you know, show me what I’m to drink What I’m to drink : Some Commentators think that he is asking for a medical potion, to help him to swallow down the petulantia , or insulting conduct. This supposition does not seem necessary, for even a draught of water would have the same effect in such a case. , by means of which I may put up with your impertinence. What person you are taking me to be, I don’t know; I know you just as well as Parthaon As well as Parthaon : Parthaon was the father of Oeneus, King of Aetona, the father of Deianeira, the wife of Hercules. The name is used to signify a person who lived so long ago that it was impossible to know him. . THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. If you laugh at me, still, i’ troth, you can’t do so at him; my father, I mean, who’s coming here. Why don’t you look back? Do you know that person? MENAECHMUS SOSICLES Just as well as Calchas As well as Calchas : Calchas, the son of Thestor, was a famous soothsayer, who accompanied the Grecian army in the expedition against Troy . do I know him; I have seen him on that same day on which I have seen yourself before this present day. THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Do you deny that you know me? Do you deny that you know my father? MENAECHMUS SOSICLES Troth, I shall say the same thing, if you choose to bring your grandfather. THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. I’ faith, you do this and other things just in a like fashion. (Enter an OLD MAN, hobbling with a stick.) OLD MAN According as my age permits, and as there is occasion to do so, I’ll push on my steps and make haste to get along. But how far from easy ’tis for me, I’m not mistaken as to that. For my agility forsakes me, and I am beset with age; I carry my body weighed down; my strength has deserted me. How grievous a pack upon one’s back is age. For when it comes, it brings very many and very grievous particulars, were I now to recount all of which, my speech would be too long. But this matter is a trouble to my mind and heart, what this business can possibly be on account of which my daughter suddenly requires me to come to her, and doesn’t first let me know what’s the matter, what she wants, or why she sends for me. But pretty nearly do I know now what’s the matter; I suspect that some quarrel has arisen with her husband. So are these women wont to do, who, presuming on their portions, and haughty, require their husbands to be obedient to them; and they as well full oft are not without fault. But still there are bounds, within which a wife ought to be put up with. By my troth, my daughter never sends for her father to come to her except when either something has been done wrong, or there is a cause for quarrelling. But whatever it is, I shall now know. And see, I perceive her herself before the house, and her husband in a pensive mood. ’Tis the same as I suspected. I’ll accost her. THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. I’ll go and meet him. May every happiness attend you, my father. OLD MAN Happiness attend you. Do I find you in good spirits? Do you bid me be fetched in happy mood? Why are you sorrowful? And why does he (pointing at MENAECHMUS) in anger stand apart from you? Something, I know not what, are you two wrangling about Wrangling about : Velitati estis , literally, have been skirmishing. The figure is derived from the velites , the light-armed soldiers of the Roman army, who were not drawn up in rank and file, but commonly skirmished in front of the main body, attacking the enemy here and there, and when hard pressed, retiring into the vacant spaces of the legion. between you. Say, in few words, which of the two is in fault: no long speeches, though. THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. For my part, I’ve done nothing wrong; as to that point do I at once make you easy, father. But I cannot live or remain here on any account; you must take me away hence immediately. OLD MAN Why, what’s the matter? THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. I am made a laughing-stock of, father. OLD MAN By whom? THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. By him to whom you gave me, my husband. OLD MAN Look at that — a quarrel now. How often, I wonder, have I told you to be cautious, that neither should be coming to me with your complaints. THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. How, my father, can I possibly guard against that? OLD MAN Do you ask me? unless you don’t wish. How often have I told you to be compliant to your husband. Don’t be watching what he does, where he goes, or what matter he’s about.