The Captiva and The Mostellaria | Page 8

is hardly on his guard, even while he's taking precaution; even when he has supposed that he has taken every precaution, full often is this wary man outwitted. Was there not good reason, indeed, for me to watch you carefully, whom I purchased with so large a sum of ready money?
PHIL. Troth, it isn't fair for us to hold you to blame, because you watch us closely; nor yet for you us, if we go away hence, should there be an opportunity.
HEG. As you are here, so is my son a captive there among your people.
PHIL. He, a captive?
HEG. Even so.
PHIL. We, then, have not proved the only cowards [1].
HEG. (to PHILOCRATES, supposing him to be the SERVANT of the other). Step you aside this way, for there are some things that I wish to enquire of you in private, on which subjects I would have you not to be untruthful to me. (They step aside.)
PHIL. I will not be, as to that which I shall know; if I shall not know anything, that which I don't know I'll tell you of.
TYND. (aside). Now is the old fellow in the barber's shop; now, at this very instant, is Philocrates wielding the razor [2]. He hasn't cared, indeed, to put on the barber's cloth [3], so as not to soil his dress. But whether to say that he's going to share him close, or trim him [4] through the comb [5], I don't know; but if he's wise, he'll scrape him right well to the very quick.
HEG. (to PHILOCRATES). Which would you? Would you prefer to be a slave, or a free man?--Tell me.
PHIL. That which is the nearest to good, and the furthest off from evil, do I prefer; although my servitude hasn't proved very grievous to me, nor has it been otherwise to me than if I had been a son in the family.
TYND. (aside). Capital! I wouldn't purchase, at a talent's price even, Thales the Milesian [6]; for compared with this man's wisdom, he was a very twaddler. How cleverly has he suited his language to the slave's condition.
HEG. Of what family is this Philocrates born?
PHIL. The Polyplusian [7]; which one family is flourishing there, and held in highest esteem.
HEG. What is he himself? In what esteem is he held there?
PHIL. In the highest, and that by the very highest men.
HEG. Since, then, he is held in such great respect among the Eleans, as you tell of, what substance has he?--Of large amount?
PHIL. Enough for him, even, when an old man, to be melting out the tallow [8]
HEG. What is his father? Is he living? PHIL, When we departed thence, we left him alive; whether he's living now or not, Orcus, forsooth, must know that.
TYND. (aside). The matter's all right; he's not only lying, but he's even philosophizing now.
HEG. What's his name? PHIL. Thesaurochrysonicocroesides [9].
HEG. That name has been given, I suppose, by reason of his wealth, as it were.
PHIL. Troth, not so, but rather by reason of his avarice and grasping disposition; for, indeed, he was Theodoromedes originally by name.
HEG. How say you? Is his father covetous?
PHIL. Aye, by my faith, he is covetous. Why, that you may even understand it the better,--when he's sacrificing at any time to his own Genius [10], the vessels that are needed for the sacrifice he uses of Samian ware, lest the Genius himself should steal them; from this, consider how much he would trust other people.
HEG. (addressing TYNDARUS as though PHILOCRATES). Do you then follow me this way. (Aside.) The things that I desire to know, I'll enquire of him. (Addressing TYNDARUS.) Philocrates, this person has done as it becomes an honest man to do. For from him I've learnt of what family you are sprang; he has confessed it to me. If you are willing to own these same things (which, however, understand that I already know from him), you will be doing it for your own advantage.
TYND. He did his duty when he confessed the truth to you, although, Hegio, I wished carefully to conceal both my rank and my wealth; now, inasmuch as I've lost my country and my liberty, I don't think it right for him to be dreading me rather than you. The might of warfare has made my fortunes on a level with himself. I remember the time when he didn't dare to do it in word; now, in deed, he is at liberty to offend me. But don't you see? Human fortune moulds and fashions just, as she wills. Myself, who was a free man she has made a slave, from the very highest the very lowest. I, who was accustomed to command, now obey the mandates of another. And indeed, if I meet with a master just such as I proved the