And I, sheep and wool; and many other things that she shall ask for I’ll give. ’Twere better for you to contest it with me with minae than with menacesWith minae than with menaces: Melius, te minis certare mecum, quam minaciis. He plays upon the resemblance of the word minis, with minae, to minaciis, with threats, and means that money is more likely than menaces to have weight with Phronesium..PHRONESIUMUpon my faith you are a funny mortal, my Strabax. Prithee, do proceed—(Aside.) A fool and a madman are contending for their ruin; I’m all right.STRATOPHANESCome, younker, do you offer something first.STRABAXWhy no; do you squander first, and come to ruin.STRATOPHANES(to PHRONESIUM.)Well, here’s a talent of silver for you. It’s in Philippean coins. Take it for yourself.PHRONESIUM(taking the money.)So much the better. Be one of our family, but live at your own expense.STRATOPHANES(to STRABAX.)Where is that which you are going to give? Open your purse-stringsOpen your purse-strings: Solve zonam. Literally, loosen your girdle. The girdle was sometimes used as the purse itself. At other times the purse was placed there for safety. PHRONESIUMThat’s a challenge.Part of line 954 in the Latin.STRATOPHANES(to STRABAX.)What are you afraid of?Part of line 954 in the Latin.STRABAXYou are from abroadYou are from abroad: He alludes to the alleged service of Stratophanes in the Babylonian army, and implies that he hesitates to answer to the challenge because he does not know whether Stratophanes may not turn out to be a sharper.. I live here (points to his FATHER’S house). I am afraid. STRATOPHANESI am not. Walk off, then.Part of line 955 in the Latin.STRABAXI’m bringing her some sheep fastened in a purse to my neck.STRATOPHANESBecause I gave that, how I did flounder the fellowFlounder the fellow: Stratophanes plumes himself with the idea that, he having given the money to Phronesium, the other will not dare to answer his challenge..STRABAXWhy no, indeed, it’s I, who am going to give.PHRONESIUM(to STRATOPHANES.)Come in-doors now, prithee, and (to STRABAX) do you then stay with me here.STRATOPHANESYou will give me your company then?Part of line 958 in the Latin.STRABAX(to PHRONESIUM.) What say you?Part of line 959 in the Latin. PHRONESIUMWhat?Part of line 959 in the Latin.STRABAXWhat do you say? What, with this fellow? Am I to be postponed?STRATOPHANESI have made my present.Part of line 960 in the Latin.PHRONESIUM(to STRATOPHANES.)You have given; (pointing to STRABAX) he’s going to give just now; the one I’ve got, the other I expect. But each of the two shall be indulged to his heart’s content.STRABAXSo be it. As I see the matter stands, that must be taken that’s offered. STRATOPHANESIndeed, I shall assuredly not be letting you take possession of my couch.PHRONESIUM(aside.)I’ faith, I’ve cleverly netted them, and quite to my satisfaction.(To the AUDIENCE.) And as I see my affairs successfully managed, yours likewiseYours likewise: There has been some doubt as to the meaning of this and the next two lines; but, on examination, it is clear that they have an indecent signification. would I successfully manage. I’ll caress you in reality. If you are disposed to be doing anything, take care, will you, and let me know at once. For the sake of Venus, applaud; this Play is in her honor. Spectators, kindly farewell; grant applause, and then rise upThen rise up: Cicero, in his Treatise On Old Age, informs us that this Play was a favourite one of Plautus. It is difficult to see for what reason, as, compared with many of the others, it seems to be deficient in plot, and the Churl from whom it takes its name has scarcely, any part in the business of it..