And let no one answer, when the old gentleman knocks at the door.PHILOLACHESAnything else?TRANIOOrder the master-keyOrder the master-key: Clavem—Laconicam; literally, the Laconian key. This was a kind of key originally invented by the Spartans, by means of which a door could be locked from the outside, but not from within. According to some, this key was called Laconica, from its rough appearance, in allusion to the inelegant exterior of the Spartans. In his Thesmophoriazusae, Aristophanes informs us that these keys had three wards. of the house to be brought me at once from within; this house I’ll lock here on the outside. PHILOLACHESTo your charge I commit myself, Tranio, and my hopes. (He goes into the house, and the things are removed from the stage.) TRANIO(to himself.)It matters not a feather whether a patron or a dependant is the nearest at hand for that man who has got no courage in his breast. For to every man, whether very good or very bad, even at a moment’s notice, it is easy to act with craft; but this must be looked to, this is the duty of a prudent man, that what has been planned and done in craftiness, may all come about smoothly and without mishap; so that he may not have to put up with anything by reason of which he might be loth to live; just as I shall manage, that, from the confusion which we shall here create, all shall really go on smoothly and tranquilly, and not produce us any inconvenience in the results. (Enter a BOY, from the house.) But, why have you come out? I’m undone! (The BOY shows him the key.) O very well, you’ve obeyed my orders most opportunely.A BOYHe bade me most earnestly to entreat you some way or other to scare away his father, that he may not enter the house.TRANIOEven more, tell him this, that I’ll cause that he shan’t venture even to look at the house, and to take to flight, covering up his headCovering up his head: With the ancients, when either ashamed or alarmed at anything, it was the custom to throw a part of the dress over the head, as a hood. with the greatest alarm.Give me the key (taking it), and be off in-doors, and shut to the door, and I’ll lock it on this side. (The BOY goes into the house, and TRANIO locks the door.) Bid him now come forthwith. For the old gentleman here while still alive this day will I institute gamesWill I institute games: , He plays on the double meaning of ludos, which means either tricks, or funerai games in honor of the dead, according to the context. in his presence, such as I fancy there will never be for him when he’s dead. (Moving away.) I’ll go away from the door to this spot; hence, I’ll look out afar in which direction to lay the burden on the old fellow on his arrival. (Exit to a little distance.)

(Enter THEUROPIDES, followed by ATTENDANTS.)THEUROPIDES(to himself.)Neptune, I do return extreme thanks to thee that thou hast just dismissed me from thee, though scarce alive. But if, from this time forward, thou shalt only know that I have stirred a foot upon the main, there is no reason why, that instant, thou shouldst not do with me that which thou hast now wished to do. Away with you, away with you from me henceforth for ever after to-day; what I was to entrust to thee, all of it have I now entrusted. (overhearing him.) TRANIO(apart.)By my troth, Neptune, you’ve been much to blame, to have lost this opportunity so fair.THEUROPIDESAfter three years, I’ve arrived home from Aegypt. I shall come a welcome guest to my household, I suppose.TRANIO(apart.)Upon my faith, he might have come a much more welcome one, who had brought the tidings you were dead.THEUROPIDES(looking at the door.)But what means this? Is the door shut in the daytime? I’ll knock. (Knocks at the door.) Hallo, there! is any one going to open this door for me?TRANIO(coming forward, and speakcing aloud.)What person is it that has come so near to our house?THEUROPIDESSurely this is my servant Tranio.TRANIOO Theuropides, my master, welcome; I’m glad that you’ve arrived in safety. Haveyou been well all along?THEUROPIDESAll along, as you see.TRANIOThat’s very good.THEUROPIDESWhat about yourselves? Are you all mad?TRANIOWhy so?THEUROPIDESFor this reason; because you are walking about outside; not a born person is keeping watch in the house, either to open or to give an answer. With kicking with my feet I’ve almost broken in the pannels?TRANIOHow now? Have you been touching this house?