The Captiva and The Mostellaria | Page 8

to remember that, I have some
hope in this scheme of ours.
[Footnote 1: Will be lighter)--Ver. 197. The English proverb
corresponds with this: What can't be cured must be endured.]
SCENE II.--Enter HEGIO, from his house, speaking to those within.
HEG. I shall return in-doors just now, when I shall have discovered
from these people what I want to know. (To the SLAVES.) Where are
those persons whom I ordered to be brought out of doors here, before
the house?
PHIL. By my faith, I find that you have taken due precaution that we
shouldn't be missed by you, so walled in are we with chains and
keepers.
HEG. He that takes precaution that he mayn't be deceived, 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