Trinummus: The Three Pieces of Money (480-527)

You say what is the fact.

I will tell you without any subterfuge: I would make place for him on the highway, on the footpath, in the canvass for public honors; but as to what concerns the stomach—by my troth, not this much (shows the breadth of his finger-nail), unless he should first have thrashed me with his fists. With provisions at the present prices, a feast is a fortune without incumbrances[*].

Always, Lesbonicus, do you take care and think this, that that is the best, according as you yourself are the most deserving: if that you cannot attain to, at least be as near as possible to the most deserving. And now, Lesbonicus, I wish you to grant and accept these terms which I propose, and which I ask of you.

The Gods are rich; wealth and station befit the Gods: but we poor mortal beings are, as it were, the salt-cellar[*] for the salt of life. The moment that we have breathed forth this, the beggar is held of equal value at Acheron [*] with the most wealthy man when dead.

It will be a wonder if you don’t carry your riches there with you. When you are dead, you may, perhaps, be as good as your name imports[*].

Now, that you may understand that position and means have no place here, and that we do not undervalue your alliance; I ask for your sister without a marriage-portion.

May the matter turn out happily. Do I understand her to be promised? Why are you silent?

O immortal Gods, what a proposal!

Why don’t you say, May the Gods prosper it, I agree[*]?

Alas! when there was no advantage in the expression, he used to say, I agree; now, when there is advantage in it, he is not able to say so.

Since you think me, Philto, worthy of an alliance with you, I return you many thanks. But though this fortune of mine has sadly diminished through my folly, I have, Philto, a piece of land near the city here; that I will give as a portion to my sister: for, after all my follies,

that alone, besides my existence, is left me.

Really I care nothing at all about a portion.

I am determined to give her one.

And are you ready, master, to sever that nurse from us which is supporting us? Take care how you do it. What are we ourselves to eat in future?

Once more, will you hold your tongue?

Am I to be rendered accountable to you?

We are evidently done for, unless I devise something or other. Philto, I want you.

If you wish aught, Stasimus.

Step a little this way.

By all means.

I tell you this in secrecy, that neither he nor any one else may learn it of you.

Trust me boldly with anything you please.

By Gods and men I warn you, not to allow that piece of land ever to become yours or your son’s. I’ll tell you my reasons for this matter.

Troth, I should like to hear them.

First of all then, when at any time the ground is being ploughed, in every fifth furrow the oxen die.

Preserve me from it.[*]

The gate of Acheron is in that land of ours.

Then the grapes, before they are ripe, hang in a putrid state.

He is persuading the man to something, I think. Although he is a rogue, still he is not unfaithful to me.