Trinummus: The Three Pieces of Money (853-892b)

He who hired me, when he had hired me, took me to his house; he told me what he wanted to be done; he taught and showed me beforehand

how I was to do everything. If, then, I should add anything more, my employer will on that account the better forward his plan through me. As he dressed me out, so am I now equipped; his money did that. He himself borrowed my costume, at his own risk, from the theatrical wardrobe[*]; if I shall be able, now, to impose on this man through my garb,

I will give him occasion clearly to find that I am a very trickster.

The more I look at him, the less does the appearance of the fellow please me. ’Tis a wonder if that fellow there is not either a night-robber[*] or a cutpurse. He is viewing the locality; he is looking around him and surveying the houses; troth, I think he is reconnoitring the spot for him to come and rob bye and bye.

I have a still greater desire to watch what he is about: I’ll give attention to this matter.

This employer of mine pointed out these localities to me; at this house are my devices to be put in practice. I’ll knock at the door.

Surely this fellow is making in a straight line for my house; i’ faith, I think I shall have to keep watch this night of my arrival.

Open this door!—open it! Hallo, there! who now has the care of this door[*]?

Young man, what do you want? hat is it you wish? Why are you knocking at this door?

Eh! old gentleman;

I am inquiring here for a young man named Lesbonicus, where in this quarter he lives —and likewise for another person, with such white hairs on his head as yours;

he that gave me these letters said his name was Callicles.

In fact, this fellow is looking for my own son Lesbonicus and my friend Callicles, to whom I entrusted both my children and my property.

Let me know, respected sir[*], if you are acquainted with it, where these persons live.

Why are you inquiring for them? Or who are you?—Or whence are you?—Or whence do you cone?

I gave the return correctly to the Censor[*], when I was questioned by him—

You ask a number of things in the same breath; I know not which in especial to inform you upon. If you will ask each thing singly, and in a quiet manner, I’ll both let you know my name, and my business, and my travels.

I’ll do as you desire. Come then; in the first place, tell me your name.

You begin by demanding an arduous task.

How so?

Because, respected sir,

if you were to begin before daylight, i’ faith, to commence at the first part of my name[*], ’twould be the dead of the night before you could get to the end of it.

According to your story, a person should have a long journey’s provision crammed tightly in for your name.

I have another name somewhat less,—about the size of a wine-casks[*].

What is this name of yours, young man?

Hush, that’s my name[*];

that’s my every-day one.

I’ faith, ’tis a scampish name; just as though[*] you were to say, Hush, if I were confiding anything to you, and then it is at an end forthwith. (Aside.) This fellow is evidently a sharper. What say you, young man—?

What is it now?