Were the damsels sitting on the altar even then when you set out to come to me?TRACHALIOYes, and now they are sitting in the same place.PLESIDIPPUSWho is now protecting them there?TRACHALIOSome old gentleman, I don’t know who, a neighbour of the Temple of Venus—he gave very kind assistance; he is now protecting them with his servants—I committed them to his charge.PLESIDIPPUSLead me straight to the Procurer. Where is this fellow?(They go towards LABRAX.)LABRAXHealth to you. PLESIDIPPUSI want none of your healths. Make your choice quickly, whether you lad rather be seized by your throat wrenchedSeized by your throat wrenched: Rapin te obtorto collo. Echard has the following Note: When any person was brought before the Praetor, they always threw his gown or cloak about his neck, and led him that way; and this was called rapi obtorto collo., or be dragged along; choose whichever you please, while you may.LABRAXI wish for neither. PLESIDIPPUSBe off then, Trachalio, with all speed to the sea-shore; bid those persons that I brought with me to hand over this rascal to the executioner, to come from the harbour to the city to meet me; afterwards return hither and keep guard here. I’ll now drag this scoundrelly outcast to justice. (Exit TRACHALIO. Pleusicles addresses LABRAX.)Come, proceed to a court of justice.LABRAXIn what have I offended? PLESIDIPPUSDo you ask? Didn’t you receive an earnest of me for this woman (pointing to PALAESTRA), and carry her off from here?LABRAXI didn’t carry her off. PLESIDIPPUSWhy do you deny it?LABRAXTroth now, because I put her on board ship; carry her offCarry her off: There is a play or quibble here upon the words avehere and provehere, to carry away, and to put on board ship, for the purpose of being carried away. unfortunately, I couldn’t. For my part, I told you that this day I would make my appearance at the Temple of Venus; have I swerved at all from that? Am I not there?PLESIDIPPUSPlead your cause in the court of justice; here a word is enough. Follow me.(They lay hold of him.)LABRAX(calling aloud.)I entreat you, my dear Charmides, do come to my rescue; I am being seized with my throat wrenched.(Enter CHARMIDES, from the Temple.)CHARMIDES(looking about.)Who calls my name?LABRAXDo you see me how I’m being seized?CHARMIDESI see, and view it with pleasure.LABRAXDon’t you venture to assist me?CHARMIDESWhat person is seizing you?LABRAXYoung Plesidippus.CHARMIDESWhat you’ve got, put up with; ’twere better for you, with a cheerful spirit, to slink to gaol; that has befallen you which many greatly wish for for themselves. LABRAXWhat’s that? CHARMIDESTo find for themselves that which they are seeking.LABRAXI entreat you, do follow me. CHARMIDESYou try to persuade me, just like what you are: you are being taken off to gaol, for that reason is it you entreat me to follow you?