Because ’twere better for an action of damages to be brought against himAction of damages to be brought against him: Multum dici has been adopted as the reading, in preference to multo induci, which seems capable of no translation consistently with sense. The passage may possbly mean that he prefers an action at law to summary proceedings..

(Enter LYCUS.)LYCUS(to himself.)No one, in my opinion at least, is deceived, who rightly states his case to his friends. But by all my friends the one same thing is agreed upon, that I ought to hang myself, so as not to be adjudged to Agorastocles.AGORASTOCLES(stepping forward.)Procurer, let’s away to the court of justice.LYCUSI do entreat you, Agorastocles, that I may be at liberty to hang myself.HANNOI summon you to justice.LYCUSBut what have you to do with me?HANNO(pointing at his DAUGHTERS.)Because I affirm that both of these are my daughters, free women, and free by birth, who, when little, were kidnapped together with their nurse.LYCUSIndeed, I knew that already, and I wondered that no one came to assert their freedom; they really are none of mine, indeed.ANTHEMONIDESProcurer, you must come to justice.LYCUSYou are talking about the breakfast; it is owing to you; I’ll give it.AGORASTOCLESTwofold compensation I must have for the theft.LYCUS(pointing to his neck.)Take it out of this, then.HANNOAnd I require a full satisfaction.LYCUS(pointing to his neck.)Take out of this whatever you please.ANTHEMONIDESAnd I, indeed, a mina of silver.LYCUS(pointing to his neck.)Take out of this whatever you please. I’ll at once settle the matter for all with my neck, just like a porter.AGORASTOCLESDo you refuse me in any way?LYCUSNot a word, in fact.AGORASTOCLESGo in-doors, then, damsels. But (to HANNO.) my kinsman, betroth me your daughter, as you promised.HANNOI should not venture to do otherwise.ANTHEMONIDESKindly farewell! AGORASTOCLESAnd kindly farewell to you!ANTHEMONIDES(holding up what he has got in his hand.)Procurer, I take this as a pledge with me for my mina.LYCUSBy heavens, I am ruined!AGORASTOCLESWhy yes, before very long, when you’ve come to justice.LYCUSNay but, I own myself your slave. What need of the Praetor have we? But I beseech you that I may be allowed to pay the simple sumPay the simple sum: In lieu of paying double the amount, as he might be forced at law to do, for being an accomplice in the theft., three hundred Philippeans. I think it can be scraped together; to-morrow I’ll have an auction.AGORASTOCLESOn condition, then, that you shall be in wooden custody at my house.