Stichus, or The Parasite Rebuffed (360-379b)

take you down the gammon of bacon and the collar of brawn[*].

I’ faith, this is a very sensible fellow.

By my troth, as I imagine, you haven’t quite minded the directions of your mistress.

Why, I’ve left all matters unattended to by reason of what you wished.

Then do you inform me upon that, on account of which you were sent to the harbour?

I’ll tell you. After, with the daybreak, you had sent me to the harbour,

the sun with its beams opportunely arose from out of the sea. While I was enquiring of the revenue officers whether any ship had arrived from Asia, and they were saying none had come, I beheld, in the meantime, a bark, than which I think I never saw a greater one. With a favouring breeze, and in full sail, it came into harbour.

We were enquiring one of another whose ship it was, and what it carried? In the meantime I espied your husband and his servant Stichus.

Ha! what? Did you mention Epignomus?

Your husband

and my own life.

He has arrived, I say.

Did you see him yourself?

Yes, and with pleasure too.

I’ faith, I’ll surely take the broom, and sweep this place with pleasure.

He has brought a great amount of silver and gold.

’Tis right cleverly done.

Wool and purple in plenty.

Aye, for me to clothe my carcase with.

Couches, adorned with ivory and gold.

I’ll recline at table right regally.

Besides—Babylonian coverings for couches[*], and carpets dyed in purple, has he brought.

Abundance of fine things.

I’ faith, his business has been successful.