The Captiva and The Mostellaria | Page 9

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 ruler in my own household, I shall not fear that he will
rule me harshly or severely. With this, Hegio, I wished you to be
acquainted, unless perchance you yourself wish it not.
HEG. Speak boldly out. TYND. As free a man was I till lately as your
son. As much did a hostile hand deprive me of my liberty as him of his.
As much is he a slave among my people, as am now a slave here with
yourself. There is undoubtedly a God, who both hears and sees the
things which we do. Just as you shall treat me here, in the same degree
will he have a care for him. To the well-deserving will he show favour,
to the ill-deserving will he give a like return. As much as you lament
your son, so much does my father lament me.
HEG. That I am aware of. But do you admit the same that he has
disclosed to me?
TYND. I confess that my father has very great wealth at home, and that
I am born of a very noble family; but I entreat you, Hegio, let not my
riches make your mind too prone to avarice, lest it should seem to my
father, although I am his only son, more suitable that I should be a
slave in your house, bountifully supplied at your expense and with your
clothing, rather than be living the life of a beggar where 'twould be far
from honorable.
HEG. By the favour of the Gods and of my forefathers, I am rich
enough. I don't quite believe that every kind of gain is serviceable to
mankind. I know that gain has already made many a man famous; and
yet there are occasions when it is undoubtedly better to incur loss than
to make gain. Gold I detest: many a one has it persuaded to many an
evil course. Now give your attention to this, that you may know as well
what my wishes are. My son, taken prisoner, is in servitude at Elis there
among your people; if you restore him to me, don't you give me a
single coin besides; both you and him, your servant, I'll send back from
here; on no other terms can you depart hence.

TYND. You ask what's very right and very just, and you are the very
kindest person of all mankind. But whether is he in servitude to a
private person or to the public [11]?
HEG. In private servitude to Menarchus, a physician.
PHIL. By my faith, that person's surely his father's dependant. Why
really, that's down as pat for you, as the shower is when it rains.
HEG. Do you then cause this person, my son, to be redeemed.
TYND. I'll do so: but this I beg of you, Hegio--
HEG. Whatever you wish, so that you request nothing against my
interest, I'll do.
TYND. Listen then, and you'll know. I don't ask for myself to be
released, until he has returned. But I beg of you to give me him
(pointing to PHILOCRATES) with a price set [12] upon him, that I
may send him to my father, that this person, your son, may be
redeemed there.
HEG. Why no; I'd rather send another person hence, when there shall
be a truce, to confer with your father there, and to carry your
injunctions which you shall entrust him with, just as you wish.
TYND. But it's of no use to send to him one that he doesn't know;
you'd be losing your labour. Send this person; he'll have it all
completed, if he gets there. And you cannot send any person to him
more faithful, nor one in whom he places more confidence, nor who is
more a servant after his own mind; nor, in fact, one to whom he would
more readily entrust your son. Have no fears; at my own peril I'll make
proof of his