 Act I of Adelphi or the Brothers by Terence. Translated by Henry Thomas Riley. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Adelphi. The Brothers. Dermatis Personae. Dimea. Brother. Aged Athenian. Read by Max Charlingham. Meseo. Brother. Aged Athenian. Read by Adam Bielka. Hegyo. An Aged Athenian. Kingsman of Sustrata. Read by Ethan Hurst. Iskinus. Son of Dimea. Adopted by Meseo. Read by Thomas Peter. Decepho. Another son of Dimea. Read by Shashank Jekmola. Sanio. A Procura. Read by Son of the Exiles. Geda. Servant of Sustrata. Read by Todd. Parmeno. Servant of Meseo. Read by Dvorah Allen. Cyrus. Servant to Meseo. Read by Allen Mapstone. Dromo. Servant of Meseo. Read by Dvorah Allen. Pamphila. A young woman beloved by Eskinus. Read by Lydia. Sustrata. A widow. Mother of Pamphila. Read by Kristen Hand. Canthera. A nurse. Read by Eva Davis. Stage directions. Read by Sonia. Seen. Athens. Before the houses of Meseo and Sustrata. The title of the play. Performed at the funeral games of Imedius Paulus, which was celebrated by Cufabius Maximus and P. Cornelius Africanus. L. Attilius Prenestinus and Minucius Prothemus performed it. Fleckus, the freedman of Claudius, composed the music for Serenian flutes. Taken from the Greek of Menander, L. Aeneasius and M. Cornelius being consoles. The prologue. Since the poet has found that his writings are carved at by unfair critics and that his adversaries represent in a bad light the play that we are about to perform, he shall give information about himself. You shall be the judges, whether this ought to be esteemed to his praise or to his discredit. The Sinapothnes Contas is a comedy of Diffilus. Plotus made it into a play called The Comorientus. In the Greek, there is a young man who at the early part of the play carries of a courtesan from a procurer. That part, Plotus, has entirely left out. This portion he has adopted in the Adelphi and has transferred it translated word for word. This new play we are about to perform. Determine then whether you think a theft has been committed or a passage has been restored to notice which has been passed over in neglect. For as to what these malevolent persons say that men of noble rank assist him and are always writing in conjunction with him that which they deem to be a heavy crimination he takes to be the highest praise. Since he pleases those who please you all and the public, the aid of whom in war, in peace, in private business each one has availed himself of, on his own occasion, without any haughtiness on their part. Now then, do not expect the plot of the play. The old men who come first will disclose it in part, a part in the representation they will make known. Do you cause your impartial attention to increase the industry of the poet in writing? Act the first. Scene one. Entemisio calling to a servant within. Storax. Iskinos has not returned home from the entertainment last night nor any of the servants who went to fetch him. To himself. Really, they say it with reason, if you are absent anywhere or if you stay abroad at any time to are better for that to happen which your wife says against you and which in her passion she imagines in her mind than the things which fond parents fancy. A wife, if you stay long abroad, either imagines that you are in love or are beloved or that you are drinking and indulging your inclination and that you are only taking your pleasure while she herself is miserable. As for myself, in consequence of my son not having returned home, what do I imagine? In what ways am I not disturbed? For fear lest he may either have taken cold or have fallen down somewhere or have broken some limb. Oh, dear, that any man should take it into his head or find out what is dearer to him than he is to himself. And yet he is not my son but my brothers. He is quite different in disposition. I, from my very youth upward, have lived a comfortable town life and taken my ease and what they esteem a piece of luck I have never had a wife. He, on the contrary to all this, has spent his life in the country and has always lived laboriously and penuriously. He married a wife and has two sons. This one, the elder of them, I have adopted. I have brought him up from an infant and considered and loved him as my own. In him I centre my delight. This object alone is dear to me. On the other hand, I take all due care that he may hold me equally dear. I give, I overlook. I do not judge it necessary to exert my authority in everything. In fine, the things that youth prompts to and that others do unknown to their fathers, I have used my son not to conceal from me. For he, who as the practice is, will dare to tell a lie or to deceive his father, will still more dare to do so to others. I think it better to restrain children through a sense of shame and liberal treatment than through fear. On these points, my brother does not agree with me, nor do they please him. He often comes to me, exclaiming, What are you about, missio? Why do you ruin for us this youth? Why does he intrigue? Why does he drink? Why do you supply him with the means for these goings on? You indulge him with too much stress. You are very inconsiderate. He himself is too strict, beyond what is just and reasonable. And he is very much mistaken, in my opinion, at all events, who thinks that an authority is more firm or more lasting, which is established by force, than that which is founded on affection. Such is my mode of reasoning, and thus do I persuade myself. He, who compelled by harsh treatment does his duty so long as he thinks it will be known, is on his guard. If he hopes that it will be concealed, he again returns to his natural bent. He, whom you have secured by kindness, acts from inclination. He is anxious to return, like for like, present and absent. He will be the same. This is the duty of a parent, to accustom a son to do what is right, rather of his own choice, than through fear of another. In this, the father differs from the master. He, who cannot do this, let him confess that he does not know how to govern children. But is not this the very man of whom I was speaking? Surely it is he. I don't know why it is. I see him out of spirits. I suppose he'll now be scolding as usual. Demia, I am glad to see you well. Scene two. Enter Demia. Oh, opportunely met. You are the very man I was looking for. Why are you out of spirits? Do you ask me, when we have such a son as a skinner's, why I am out of spirits? Me, see you aside. Did I not say it would be so? To Demia. What has he been doing? What has he been doing? He, who is ashamed of nothing and fears no one, know things that any law can control him. But I pass by what has been previously done. What a thing he has just perpetrated. Why? What is it? He has broken open a door and forced his way into another person's house, beaten to death by the master himself and all the household, and carried off a wench whom he had a fancy for. All people are exclaiming that it was the most disgraceful proceeding. How many, Mikio, told me of this as I was coming here? It's in everybody's mouth. In Fine, if an example must be cited, does he not see his brother giving his attention to business and living frugally and soberly in the country? No action of his is like this. When I say this to him, Mikio, I say it to you. You allow him to be corrupted. Never is there anything more unreasonable than a man who wants experience, who thinks nothing right except what he himself has done. What is the meaning of that? Because, Demia, you misjudged these matters. It is no heinous crime, believe me, for a young man to entree or to drink. It is not, nor yet for him to break open a door. If neither I nor you did so, it was poverty that did not allow us to do so. Do you now claim that as a merit to yourself, which you then did from necessity? That is unfair, for if we had had the means to do so, we should have done the same. And if you were a man, you would now suffer that other son of yours to act thus now, while his age will excuse it, rather than, when he has got you, after long wishing it out of the way, he should still do so at a future day and at an age more unsuited. Oh, Jupiter, you, sir, are driving me to destruction. Is it not a heinous thing for a young man to do these things? Oh, do listen to me, and do not everlastingly din me upon the subject. You gave me your son to adopt, he became mine. If he offends in anything, Demia, he offends against me. In that case, I shall bear the greater part of the inconvenience. Does he feast? Does he drink? Does he smell of perfumes? It is at my cost. Does he intrigue? Money shall be found by me, so long as it suits me. When it shall be no longer convenient, probably he'll be shut out of doors. Has he broken open a door? It shall be replaced. He has torn anyone's clothes? They shall be mended. Thanks to the gods, I both have the means for doing this, and these things are not as yet an annoyance. In fine, either desist, or else find some arbitrator between us. I will show that in this matter, you are the most to blame. Ah, may learn to be a father from those who are really so. You are his father by nature, I by my anxiety. You feel any anxiety? Oh, dear, if you persist, I'll leave you. Is it thus you act? Am I so often to hear about the same thing? I have some concern for my son. I have some concern for him, too. But, Demia, let us each be concerned for his own share, you for the one, and I for the other. For, to concern yourself about both is almost the same thing as to demand him back again, whom you entrusted to me. Alas, Mikio. So it seems to me... What am I to say to this? If it pleases you, henceforth, let him spend, squander and destroy. It's nothing to me. If I say one word after this... Again angry? Demia. Won't you believe me? Do I demand him back whom I have entrusted? I am concerned for him. I am not a stranger in blood. If I do interpose, well, well, I have done. You desire me to concern myself for one of them. I do concern myself, and I give thanks to the gods. He is just as I would have him. That fellow of yours will find it out at a future day. I don't wish to say anything more harsh against him. Exit. Scene three. Mikio alone. These things are not nothing at all. Nor yet all just as he says. Still, they do give me some uneasiness. But I am unwilling to show him that I took them amiss. For he is such a man, when I would pacify him, I steadily oppose and resist him. And, in spite of it, he hardly puts up with it like other men. But if I were to inflame, or even to humor his anger, I should certainly be as mad as himself. And yet Iskinos has done me some injustice in this affair. What cortisol has he not intrigued with? Or to which of them has he not made some present? At last he recently told me that he wished to take a wife. I suppose he was just tired of them all. I was in hopes that the warmth of youth has now subsided. I was delighted. But, look now, he is added again. However, I am determined to know it, whatever it is, and go meet the fellow, if he is at the forum. Exit End of Act 1 Act II of Adelphi or the Brothers by Terence Translated by Henry Thomas Riley This is a LibriVox recording, all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Act II Scene I Enter Iskinos and Parameno with the music girl, followed by Sanio and the crowd of people. I beseech you fellow citizens, do give aid to a miserable and innocent man. Do assist the distressed. Iskinos to the girl Be quiet, and now then stand here just where you are. Why do you look back? There's no danger. He shall never touch you while I am here. I'll have her in spite of all. Though he is a villain, he'll not risk today getting a second beating. Hear me, Iskinos, that you may not say that you were in ignorance of my calling. I am a procurer. I know it. And of as high a character as any one ever was. When you shall be excusing yourself by and by, how that you wish this injury had not been done me, I shall not value it this. Snapping his fingers. Depend upon it. I'll prosecute my rights, and you shall never pay with words for the evil that you have done me, indeed. I know these ways of yours. I wish it hadn't happened. I'll take my oath that you did not deserve this injustice, while I myself have been treated in a disgraceful manner. Iskinos to Parmino Go first with all dispatch and open the door. Parmino opens the door. But you will avail nothing by this. Iskinos to the girl. Now then, step in. Sanio, coming between. But I'll not let her. Step this way, Parmino. You are gone too far that way. Here. Pointing. Stand close by him. There, that's what I want. Now then, take care you don't move your eyes in any direction from mine, that there may be no delay if I give you the sign to your fist being instantly planted in his jaws. I'd have him then try that. Iskinos to Parmino. Now then, observe me. Parmino to Sanio. Let go the woman. Strikes him. Oh, scandalous deed. He shall repeat it if you don't take care. Parmino strikes him again. Oh, shocking. Iskinos to Parmino. I didn't give the sign, but still make your mistakes on that side in preference. Now then, go. Parmino goes with the musical into Missio's house. What is the meaning of this? Have you the sway here, Ashenus? If I had it, you should be exalted for your desserts. What business have you with me? None. How then, do you know who I am? I don't want to. Have I touched anything of yours? If you had touched it, you'd have got a drubbing. What greater right then have you to take my property for which I paid my money? Answer me that. It were better for you not to be making a disturbance here before the house, for if you persist in being impertinent you shall be dragged in at once, and there you shall be lashed to death with whips. A free man with whips. So it shall be. O you shameless fellow, is this the place where they say there is equal liberty for all? If you have now raved enough, procurer, now then listen, if you please. Why, is it I that have been raving or you against me? Leave alone all that and come to the point. What point? Where am I to come to? Are you willing now that I should say something that concerns you? With all my heart. Only so it be something that's fair. Very fine. A procurer wishing me not to say what's unfair. I am a procurer. I confess it. The common bane of youth. A procurer, a public nuisance. Still no injury has befallen you from me. Why, Faith, that remains to come. Pray, Ashenous, do come back to the point at which you set out. You botter for twenty minne, and may your bargain never thrive. That some shall be given for her. What if I don't choose to sell her to you? Will you compel me? By no means. I was afraid you would. Neither do I think that a woman can be sold who is free, for I claim her by action of freedom. Now consider which you choose. Take the money, or prepare yourself for the action. Think of it, procurer, till I return. He goes into the house of Micio. Scene two. Sanyo alone. Oh, Supreme Jupiter, I do by no means wonder that men run mad through ill usage. He has dragged me out of my house, beaten me, taken my property away against my will, and has given me unfortunate wretch more than five hundred blows. In return for all this ill usage, he demands the girl to be made over to him, for just the same price at which she was bought. But, however, since he has so well deserved of me, be it so, he demands what is his due. Very well, I consent then, provided only he gives the money. But I suspect this. When I have said that I will sell her for so much, he'll be getting witnesses forthwith that I have sold her. As to getting the money, it's all a dream. Call the game by and by. Come back tomorrow. I could bear with that too hard as it is, if he would only pay it. But I consider this to be the fact. When you take up this trade, you must brook and bear in silence in front of these young fellows. However, no one will pay me. It's in vain for me to be reckoning upon that. Scene three. Enter Cyrus from the house of Micio. Cyrus speaking to Iskinus within. Say no more. I myself will arrange with him. I'll make him glad to take the money at once, and say besides that he has been fairly dealt with. Addressing Sanyo. Sanyo? How is this that I hear you have been having some dispute or other with my master? I never saw a dispute on more unequal terms than the one that has happened a day between us. I, with being thumped, he, with beating me, were both of us quite tired. Your own fault. What could I do? You ought to have yielded to the young man. How could I more so, when today I have even afforded my face to his blows? Well, are you aware of what I tell you? To slight money on some occasions is somewhat the surest gain. What? Were you afraid you grittest, simpleton alive? If you had parted with ever so little of your right, you had humoured the young man that he would not repay you with interest. I do not pay ready money for hope. Then you'll never make a fortune. Get out with you, Sanyo. You don't know how to take him mankind. I believe that to be the better plan, but I was never so cunning as not, whenever I was able to get it, to prefer getting ready money. Calm, calm, I know your spirit, as if twenty mine-eye were anything at all to you in comparison to obliging him. Besides, they say that you are setting out for Cyprus. Sanyo, aside. Ha! That you have been buying up many things to take thither, and that the vessel is hired. This I know, your mind is in suspense. However, when you return thence, I hope you'll settle the matter. Not a foot do I stir. Aside. Heavens, I'm undone. It was upon this hope they devised their project. Cyrus aside. He is alarmed. I've brought the fellow into a fix. Sanyo aside. Oh, what villainy! Just look at that, how he has nicked me in the very joint. Several women have been purchased, and other things as well, for me to take to Cyprus. If I don't get there to the fair, my loss will be very great. Then, if I postpone this business, and settle it when I come back from there, it will be of no use. The matter will be quite forgotten. Come at last, thou so. Why did you delay it? Where have you been? So that I had better lose it all together than either stay here so long, or be suing for it then? Have you by this reckoned up what you calculate will be your profits? Is this honourable of him? Aught a sheeness to attempt this? Aught he to endeavour to take her away from me by downright violence? Cyrus aside. He gives ground. To Sanyo. I have this one proposal to make. See if you fully approve of it. Rather than you should run the risk, Sanyo, of getting or losing the whole, have it. He will manage to script together ten, my knife, from some quarter or other. Ah, me! Unfortunate wretch, I am now in danger of even losing part of the principal. As he knows shame, he has loosened all my teeth, my head too is full of bumps with his cuffs, and would he defraud me as well? I shall go nowhere. Just as you please. Have you anything more to say before I go? Why, yes, Cyrus. In faith I have this to request. Whatever the matters that are passed, rather than go to law, let what is my own be returned for me. At least, Cyrus. The sum she cost me. I know that you have not hitherto made trial of my friendship. You will have no occasion to say that I am unmindful or ungrateful. I'll do the best I can. But I see Tessifo. He's in high spirits about his mistress. What about what I was asking you? Stay a little. Scene four. Enter Tessifo at the other side of the stage. From any man, when you stand in need of it, you are glad to receive a service. But of a truth it is dubly acceptable. If he does you are kindness, who want to do so? Oh brother, brother, how can I sufficiently commend you? This I'm quite sure of. I can never speak of you in such high terms, but that your deserts will surpass it. For I am of opinion that I possess this one thing in a special beyond all others. A brother than whom no individual is more highly endowed with the highest qualities. Oh Tessifo. Oh Cyrus. Where is Echinus? Why look, he's at home waiting for you. Ha! What's the matter? What's the matter? For him Cyrus that I am now alive, generous creature. Has he not deemed everything of secondary importance to himself in comparison with my happiness? The reproach, the discredit, my own emerald and imprudence he has taken upon himself. There can be nothing beyond this. But what means that noise at the door? Stay, stay. Tessifo is himself coming out. Scene five. Enter Echinus from the house of Mithio. Where is that villain? Send you aside. He's looking for me. Is he bringing anything with him? Confusion. I don't see anything. Echinus took Tessifo. Ha! Well met. You are the very man I was looking for. How goes it, Tessifo? All is safe. Away then with your melancholy. By my troth I certainly will away with it when I have such a brother as you. O my dear Echinus, O my brother. Alas, I am unwilling to praise you any more to your face, lest you should think I do so rather for flattery than through gratitude. Go to you, Cymbalton, so we didn't by this time understand each other, Tessifo. This grieves me that we knew of it almost too late and that the matter had come to such a pass that all mankind had wished they could not possibly have assisted you. I felt ashamed. Ha! That is folly, not shame, about such a trifling matter to be almost flying the country. It is shocking to be mentioned. I pray the gods may forbid it. I did wrong. Echinus, in a lower voice. What says Sanyo to us at last? He is pacifoid at last. I go to the forum to pay him off. You, Tessifo, step indoors to her. Sanyo, aside to Cyrus. Cyrus, do urge the matter. Cyrus, to Echinus. Let us be off, for he is in haste to Cyprus. Not particularly so, although still I am stopping here doing nothing at all. It shall be paid, don't fear. But he is to pay it all. He shall pay it all. Only hold your tongue and follow us this way. Oh, follow. Tessifo, as Cyrus is going. Harky, harky, Cyrus. Cyrus turning back. Well now, what is it? Tessifo, aside. Pray do discharge that most abominable fellow as soon as possible. For fear, in case he should become more wrangly, by some means or other, this matter should reach my father, and then I should be ruined forever. That shall not happen. Be of good heart. Meanwhile, enjoy yourself indoors with her, and under the couches to be spread for us, and the other things to be got ready. As soon as this business is settled, I shall come home with the provisions. Pray do so. Since this has turned out so well, let us make a cheerful day of it. Tessifo goes into the house of Micio, an excellent easkiness and Cyrus, followed by Sanio. End of Act II. Act III of Adelphi or the Brothers by Terence, translated by Henry Thomas Riley. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Act III. Scene I. Enter Sostrata and Canthera from the house of the former. Prithee, my dear nurse, how is it like to end? Like to end, you ask. And truth, right well, I trust. Her pains are just beginning, my dear. You are in a fright now, though you had never been present on such an occasion. Never been in labor yourself. Unfortunate woman that I am. I have not a person at home. We are quite alone. Geta, too, is absent. I have no one to go for the midwife, or to fetch, easkiness. The faith you'll certainly be here just now, for he never lets a day pass without visiting us. He is my sole comfort in my afflictions. Things could not have happened, Mistress, more for the advantage of your daughter than they have. The violence was offered her. So far as he is concerned, it is most lucky, such a person, of such disposition and feelings, a member of so respectable a family. It is indeed, as you say, I entreat the gods that he may be preserved to us. They stand apart on seeing Geta. Scene II. Enter Geta on the other side of the stage. Geta to himself. Now such is our condition. That if all were to combine all their counsels and to seek a remedy for this mischief that has befallen myself, my mistress, and her daughter, they could find no relief. Oh, wretched me! So many calamities beset us on a sudden we could not possibly extradicate ourselves. Violence, poverty, oppression, desertion, infamy. What an age is this! Oh, shocking villainy! Oh, cursed race! Oh, impious man! Unhappy me. How is it that I see Geta hurrying along thus terrified? Geta continuing. Whom neither promises, nor ults, nor compassion could move or soften. Nor yet the fact that the delivery was nigh on hand of the unfortunate woman on whom he had so shamefully committed violence. Sustrata, apart to Cantera. I don't well understand what he is talking about. Pray, let us go nearer to him, Sustrata. Geta continuing. Oh, wretched me! I am scarcely master of my senses. I am so inflamed with anger. There is nothing that I would like better than for all that family to be thrown in my way that I might give vent while my wrath upon them while this wound is still fresh. I could be content with any punishment, so I might only rick my vengeance upon them. First I would stop the breath of the old fellow himself who gave being to this monster. Then as for his prompter, Cyrus, out upon him, how I would tear him piecemeal. I would snatch him by the middle of a loft and dash him head downward upon the earth so that with his brains he would be strewn the road. I would pull out the eyes of the young fellow himself and afterwards hurl him headlong over some precipice. The others I would rush along, drive, drag, crush and trample them under foot. But why do I delay at once to acquaint my mistress with this calamity? Moves as if going. So strata to Cancera. Let us call him back. Getta. Well, leave me alone, whoever you are. Tis I, so strata. Getta turning round. Why, where are you? You are the very person I was looking for. I was in quest of you. It's very fortunate you have met me. It's the matter. Why are you trembling? Alas, alas! My dear Getta, why in such haste? Do take breath. Quite. Pause this. Why, what means this quite? Undone. It's all over with us. Say then, I entreat you, what is the matter? Now? What now, Getta? Askiness. What about him? As abandoned our family. Then I am undone. Why so? He has attached himself to another woman. Woe unto wretched me. And he makes no secret of it. He himself has carried her off openly from a procurer. Are you quite sure of this? Quite sure. I saw it myself, so strata, with these same eyes. Oh wretched me. I want to believe, or whom believe? Our own Eskenus, the very life of us all, in whom all our hopes and comforts were centered, who used to swear he could never live a single day without her, who used to say that he would place the infant on his father's knees, and thus entreat that he might be allowed to make her his wife. Dear Mistress, for bear weeping, I'd rather consider what must be done for the future in this matter. Shall we submit to it? Or shall we tell it to any person? Are you in your senses, my good man? Does this seem to your business to be made known to any one? I, indeed, have no wish for it. In the first place, then, that his feelings are estranged from us, the thing itself declares. Now, if we make this known, you'll deny it, I'm quite sure. Your reputation and your daughter's character will then be in danger. On the other hand, if he were fully to confess it, as he is in love with another woman, it would not be to her advantage to be given to him. Therefore, under either circumstance, there is need of silence. Oh, by no means in the world, I'll not do it. What is it you say? I'll make it known. Ah, my dear Sostrata, take care of what you do. The matter cannot possibly be in a worse position than it is at present. In the first place, she has no portion. Then, besides, that which was as good as a portion, her honor is lost. She cannot be given in marriage as a virgin. This resource is left. If he should deny it, I have a ring which he lost as evidence of the truth. In fine, Geda, as I am fully conscious, that no blame attaches to me, in either interest nor any consideration unworthy of her or of myself, has had a share in this matter, I will make trial. What am I to say to this? I agree, as you speak for the best. You be off as fast as possible, and relate all the matter just as it has happened to her kinsman, Hegeo, for he was the best friend of our lamented Simulus, and has shown a special regard for us. Geda, aside. Ah, Faith, because nobody else takes any notice of us. Do you, my dear Kintara, run with all haste, and fetch the midwife, so that when she is wanted, we may not have to wait for her. Sostrata goes into the house, and exit Geta and Kintara. Scene 3 Antedimia Demia to himself Utterly undone! I hear that Kitesipho was with Aeskenus at the carrying off of this girl. This sorrow still remains for unhappy me. Should Aeskenus be able to seduce him, even him who promises so fair to a cause of debauchery? Where am I to inquire for him? I doubt he has been carried off to some bad house. That, proffly, yet has persuaded him, I'm quite sure. But, look, I see Cyrus coming this way. I shall now know from him where he is. But, I faith, he is one of the gang. If he perceives that I am looking for him, the rascal will never tell me. I'll not let him know what I want. Scene 4 Anta Cyrus at the other side of the stage. Cyrus to himself We just now told the old gentleman, all a fair, just as it happened. I never did see anyone more delighted. Demia apart Oh, Jupiter, the folly of the man. Cyrus continuing He commended his son. To me, who put them upon this project, he gave thanks. Demia apart I shall burst asunder. Cyrus continuing He told down the money instantly, and gave me half a minor besides to spend. That was laid out quite to my liking. Demia apart Very fine. If he would wish a thing to be nicely managed, entrusted to this fellow. Cyrus overhearing him Ah, Demia, I didn't see you. There goes it. How should it go? I cannot enough wonder at your mode of living here. Why, really silly enough. And to speak with that disguise, altogether absurd. Cyrus calling Calls at the door of Messiah's house. Dromo, clean the rest of the fish. Let the largest conger eel play a little in the water. When I come back, it shall be boned, not before. Is profligacy like this? As for myself, it isn't to my taste, and I often exclaim against it. Calls at the door. Stefanio, take care that saltfish is well soaked. Yeah, gods, by our trust in you. Is he doing this for any purpose of his own, or does he think it creditable to ruin his son? Wretch that I am. I mean, things, I already see the day when a skinnest will be running away for want to serve somewhere or other as a soldier. Oh, Demia, that is wisdom indeed. Not only to look at a present moment, but also to look forward to what's to come. Well, is this music girl still with you? Well, yeah, she's indoors. How now? Is he going to keep her at home? I believe so. Such is his madness. Is it possible? An imprudent lenity in his father, and a vicious indulgence. Really, I am ashamed and grieved at my brother. Demia, between you there is a great, I do not say it because you are here present, a two great difference. You are every bit of you, nothing but wisdom. He a mere dreamer. Would you indeed have suffered that son of yours to act thus? I suffer him? Would I not have smelt it out six months before you attempted it? Need I be told by you at your foresight? I pray he may only continue the same years at present. Just as each person wishes his son to be, so he turns out. What news of him? Have you seen him today? What? Your son? Aside. I'll pick him off into the country. To Demia. I fancy he's busy at the farm long before this. Are you quite sure he's there? What, when I saw him part of the way myself? Very good. I was afraid he might be loitering here. And extremely angry too. Why so? He attacked his brother in the forum with strong language about this music girl. Do you really say so? Oh dear, he didn't at all mince the matter. For just as the money was being counted out, the gentleman came upon us by chance and began exclaiming, Oh Ishinus, that you should perpetrate such enormities, that you should be guilty of actions so disgraceful to our family. Oh, I shall weep for joy. By this you are not squandering your money only, but your reputation. May he be preserved to me. I trust he will be like his forefathers. Weeping. Cyrus aside. Hey day. Cyrus. He is full of these maxims. Cyrus aside. Strange indeed. He had the means at home of learning them. I do everything I can. I spare no pains. I train him up to it. Infine, I bid him look into the lives of men as though into a mirror and from others to take an example for himself. Do this, I say. Quite right. Avoid that. Very shrewd. This is praiseworthy. That's the thing. That is considered blamable. Extremely good. And then, moreover, upon my honour, I have not the leisure to listen to you just at present. I have got some fish just to my taste and I must take care that they are not spoiled. For that would be as much as a crime in me as for you, Damia, not to observe those maxims which you have just been mentioning. And so far as I can, I lay down precepts for my fellow servants on the very same plan. This is too salt. That is quite burned up. This is not washed enough. That is very well done. Remember and do so another time. I carefully instruct them so far as I can to the best of my capacity. In short, Damia, I bid them look into their saucepans as though into a mirror and suggest to them what they ought to do. I am sensible these things are trifling which we do, but what is one to do? According as a man is, so must you ear him. Do you wish anything else? That more wisdom may be granted you. You will be going off into the country, I suppose. Directly. For what should you do here, where if you do give any good precepts, no one will regard them. Goes into Misia's house. Scene five, Damia alone. I certainly will be off as he on whose account I came hither has gone into the country. I have a care for him. That alone is my own concern, since my brother will have it so. Let him look to the other himself. But who is it I see yonder at a distance? Is it he, Joe, of our tribe? If I see right, I faith it is he. A man I have been friendly with from a child. Good gods, we certainly have a great dearth of citizens of that stamp nowadays, with the old-fashioned virtue and honesty. Not in a hurry will any misfortune accrue to the public from him. How glad I am to find some remnants of this race even still remaining. Now, I feel some pleasure in living. I'll wait here for him to ask how he is and have some conversation with him. Scene six, Enter Higio and Getta, conversing at a distance. O immortal gods, a disgraceful action, Getta. What is it you tell me? Such is the fact. That showing noble a deed should come from that family. O wishiness, assuredly you haven't taken after your father in that. Demia, a poet. Why, surely, he has heard this about the music girl. That gives him concern. Though a stranger, this father of his, thinks nothing of it. I mean, I wish he was somewhere close at hand over here of this. Unless they do as they ought to do, they shall not come off so easily. All our hopes, Higio, are centered in you. You we have for our only friend. You are our protector, our father. The old man, Simulus, when dying, recommended us to you. If you forsake us, we are undone. Be aware how you mention that. I know they will do it, nor do I think that, due regard to the ties of relationship I could. Demia, a poet. I'll accost him. Approaches Higio. Higio, I bid you welcome, right heartily. Higio, starting. O, you are the very man I was looking for. Greetings to you, Demia. Why, what's the matter? Your elder son, Simulus, whom you gave to your brother to adopt, has been acting the part of neither an honest man nor a gentleman. And what has he been doing? You knew my friend in years made Simulus. Why not? He has debauched his daughter, a virgin. Stay, Demia, you have not yet heard the worst. Is there anything still worse? Worse by far, for this indeed might in some measure have been borne with. The hour of night prompted him. Passion, wine, young blood, his human nature. When he was sensible of what he had done, he came voluntarily to the girl's mother, weeping, praying, and treating, pledging his honour, vowing that he would take her home. The affair was pardoned, hushed up, his word taken. The girl from that intercourse became pregnant. This is the tenth month. He worthy fellow has provided himself if it pleases the guards with the music girl to live with. The other he has cast off. Do you say this for certain? The mother of the young woman is among us. The young woman too. The fact speaks for itself. This getter besides, according to the common run of servants, not a bad one or vital habits. He supports them, alone maintains the whole family. Take him, bind him, examine him upon the matter. Aye, Faith, put me to the torture, Demia, if such is not the fact. Besides, he will not deny it. Confront me with him. Demia aside. I am ashamed. And what to do or how to answer him, I don't know. Penfila, crying out within the house of Sostrata. Ah, me, I am wracked with pains. Juneau Lucina, bring a heat, save me, I beseech thee. Hold. Is she in labour? Pray. No doubt of it, hegeo. Ah, she is now imploring your protection, Demia. Let her obtain from you spontaneously what the power of the law compels you to give. I do entreat the gods that would befit you may at once be done. But if you all sin to me, too, otherwise, Demia, I will defend both them and him who is dead to the utmost of my power. If you wish, my kinsmen, we were brought up together from children. We were companions in the wars, and at home, together, we experienced the hardships of poverty. I will therefore exert myself, strive, use all methods, and finally down my life rather than forsake these women. What answer do you give me? I'll go find my brother, hegeo. The advice he gives me upon this matter, I'll follow. But, Demia, take you care and reflect upon this. The more easy you are in your circumstances, the more powerful, wealthy, affluent and noble you are. So much the more art you with equanimity to observe the dictates of justice if you would have yourselves steamed as men of property. Go back now. Everything shall be done that is proper to be done. It becomes you to act thus. Geta, show me into Sostrata. Follows Geta into Sostrata's house. Demia to himself. Not without warning on my part of these things happened. I only wish it may end here, but this immoderate indulgence will undoubtedly lead to some great misfortune. I'll go find my brother and vent these feelings upon him. Exit. Scene seven, enter hegeo from Sostrata's house and speaking to her within. Be of good heart, Sostrata, and take care and console her as far as you can. Go find Mishio, if he set the forum and acquaint him with the whole circumstances in their order. If it is so that he will do his duty by you, let him do so. But if his sentiments are otherwise about this matter, let him give me his answer, but I may know at what's what I am to do. Exit. End of Act Three Act Four of Adelphi or the Brothers by Terrence translated by Henry Thomas Riley. This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Act The Fourth Scene One Enter Ctesifo and Cyrus from the house of Mishio. My father gone into the country, say you. Cyrus with a careless air. Sometime since. Do tell me, I beseech you. Is that the forum at this very moment, I warrant? Hard at some work or other. I really wish. Provided it be done with no prejudice to his health, I wish that he may so effectually tire himself, that for the next three days together he may be unable to arise from his bed. So be it. And anything still better than that, if possible. Just so. For I do most confoundedly wish to pass this whole day in many making as I have begun it. And for no reason do I detest that farm so heartily as for its being so near town. If it were at a greater distance, Knight would overtake him there before he could return hither again. Now, when he doesn't find me there, he'll come running back here. I'm quite sure. He'll be asking me where I have been, that I have not seen him all this day. What am I to say? Does nothing suggest itself to your mind? Nothing, whatever. So much the worse. Have you no client, friend or guest? I have. What then? You have been engaged with them? When I have not been engaged, that can never do. It may. During the daytime, but if I pass the night here, what excuse can I make, Cyrus? Dear me, how much I do wish it was the custom for one to be engaged with friends at night as well. But you be easy. I know his humour perfectly well. When he raves the most violently, I can make him as gentle as a lamb. In what way? He loves to hear you praised. I make a god of you to him and recount your virtues. What, mine? Yours. Immediately the tears fall from him as from a child for very joy. Ah, take care. Why, what's the matter? The wolf in the fable. What? My father? His own self. What shall we do, Cyrus? You only be off indoors. I'll see to that. If he makes any inquiries, you have seen me nowhere. Do you hear? Can you not be quiet? They retreat to the door of Myseo's house, and thus he first stands in the doorway. Scene two. Enter Demia on the other side of the stage. Demia to himself. I certainly am an unfortunate man. In the first place, I can find my brother nowhere. And then in the next place, while looking for him, I met a day labourer from the farm. He says that my son is not in the country. And what to do? I know not. Ctesifo, apart. Cyrus. Cyrus, apart. What's the matter? Is he looking for me? Yes. Undone. Nay, do be a good hour. Demia to himself. Plague on it. What ill luck is this? I cannot really account for it, unless I suppose myself only born for the purpose of enduring misery. I am the first to feel our misfortunes. The first to know of them all, then the first to carry the news. I am the only one, if anything does go wrong, to take it to heart. I am amused at him. He says that he is the first to know of everything, while he is the only one ignorant of everything. Demia to himself. I've now come back, and I'll go see whether Pachal's my brother's yet returned. Cyrus, pray do take care that he doesn't suddenly rush in and upon us here. Now will you hold your tongue? I'll take care. Over this day will I depend on your management for that, upon my faith, for I'll shut myself up with her in some cupboard. That's the safest. Goes into the house. Do so. I'll get rid of him. Demia seeing Cyrus. But see, there's that rascal Cyrus. Cyrus allowed, pretending not to see Demia. Really, upon my faith, no person can stay here, if this is to be the case. For my part, I should like to know how many masters I have. What a cursed condition this is! What's he whining about? What does he mean? How say you, good sir? Is my brother at home? What the plague do you talk about, good sir? I'm quite distracted. What's the matter with you? Do you ask the question? Cessifo has been beating me, poor wretch, and that music girl, almost to death. Ah, what is it you tell me? Aye, see how he's cut my lip. Pretends to point to it. For what reason? He says she was bought by my advice. Did not you tell me, a short time since, that you had seen him on his way into the country? I did, but he afterwards came back raving like a madman. He spared nobody. Or he not to have been ashamed to beat an old man? Him, who only the other day I used to carry a man in my arms when thus I... Showing. I commend him, O Cessifo, you take after your father. Well, I do pronounce you a man. Commend him? Assuredly, he will keep his hands to himself in future, if he's wise. It was done with spirit. Very much so, to be beaten a poor woman and me a slave who didn't dare strike him in return. Hey, day, very spirited indeed. He could not have done better. He thought the same as I did, but you were the principal in this affair. But it's my brother within. He is not. I'm thinking where to look for him. I only know where he is, but I shall not tell you at present. Ha! What's that, you say? I do say so. Then I'll break your head for you this instant. I can't tell the person's name he's gone to, but I know the place where he lives. Tell me the place, then. Do you know the portico down this way? Just bought a shambles? Pointing in the direction. How should I but know it? Go straight along, right up that street. When you come there, there is a descent right opposite that goes downward. Go straight down that, afterward on this side. Extending one hand. There is a chapel. Close by it is a narrow lane, where there's also a great wild fig tree. I know it. Go through that. But that lane is not a thoroughfare. He faith that's true. Dear, dear, would you take me to be in my senses? I made a mistake. Return to the portico. Indeed, that will be a much nearer way, and there is less going round about. You know the house of Kratinus, the rich man? I know it. When you have passed that, keep straight along that street on the left hand. When you come to the temple of Diana, turn to the right. Before you come to the city gate, just by that pond, there's a baker's shop, and opposite to it are joiners. There he is. What is he doing there? He has given some couches to be made with oak and legs for use in the oak mare. For you to carouse upon? Very fine. But why do I delay going to him? Exit. Scene three. Cyrus alone. Go by all means. I'll work you to day, you skeleton, as you deserve. Asianus loiterers intolerably. The breakfast's spoiling. And as for Sisypho, he's had an ears in love. I shall now think for myself. For I'll be off at once and pick out the very nicest bit, and leisurely sipping my cups, I'll lengthen out the day. Goes into the house. Scene four. Anthemisio and Hedgio. I can see no reason here, Hedgio, that I should be so greatly commended. I do my duty, the wrong that has originated with us, I redress. Unless, perhaps, you thought me one of that class of men who think that an injury is purposely done them if you expostulate about anything they have done, and yet are themselves the first to accuse. Because I have not acted thus, do you return me thanks? Oh, far from it. I never let myself to believe you to be otherwise than you are. But I beg, Mishio, that you will go with me to the mother of the young woman, and repeat to her the same what you have told me. Do you yourself tell the woman that this suspicion of a sheeness's fidelity was occurred on his brother's account, and that this music-girl was for him? If you think I ought, or if there's a necessity for doing so, let us go. You act with kindness. For you then both have relieved her mind who is now languishing and sorrow and affliction, and have discharged your duty. But, if you think otherwise, I will tell her myself what you've been saying to me. Nay, I'll go as well. You act with kindness. All who are in distressed circumstances are suspicious. Do I know not what degree. They take everything too readily as an affront. They fancy themselves trifled with odd account of their helpless condition. Therefore it will be more satisfactory for you to justify him to them yourself. They go into the house of Sostrata. Scene five, enter Iskinas. I'm quite distracted in mind, for this misfortune is so unexpectedly to perform me that I neither know what to do with myself or how to act. My limbs are enfeebled through fear. My faculties bewildered with apprehension. No council is able to find a place within my breast. Alas, how to extricate myself from this perplexity I know not. So strong a suspicion has taken possession of them about me. Not without some reason, too. Sostrata believes that I have purchased this music-girl for myself. The old woman informed me of that. For by accident, when she was sent for the midwife, I saw her, and it once went up to her. How was Pamphila, I inquired. Is it delivery at hand? Is it for that she is sending for the midwife? Away, away, Iskinas cries she. You have deceived us long enough. Already have your promises disappointed us sufficiently. Ha! said I. Pray what is the meaning of this? Farewell, she cries. Keep to her who is your choice. I instantly guessed what it was they suspected. But still I checked myself that I might not be telling that gossip anything about my brother, whereby it might be divulged. Now what am I to do? Should I say she is for my brother the thing that ought by no means to be repeated anywhere? However, let that pass. It is possible it might go no further. I'm afraid they will not believe it. So many probabilities concur against it. It was I myself carried her off. It was I my own self that paid the money for her. It was my own house she was carried to. This I confess has been entirely my own fault. But I not to have disclosed this affair just as it happened to my father. I might have obtained his consent to marry her. I have been too negligent to the two. Henceforth then, arouse yourself, Iskinas. This then is the first thing. Confusion. To go to them and clear myself. I'll approach the door. Advances to the door of Sostrata's house. Confusion. I always tremble most dreadfully when I go to knock at that door. Knocking and calling to them within. Oh, there! Oh, there! It is Iskinas. Open the door immediately, someone. The door opens. Some person. I know not who is coming out. I'll step aside here. He stands apart. Scene six. And the missio from the house of Sostrata. Missio speaking at the door to Sostrata. Do as I told you, Sostrata. I'll go find Ikinos, that he may know how these matters have been settled. Looking round. But who was it knocking at the door? Iskinas apart. Heaven, it is my father. I am undone. Iskinos. Iskinas aside. What can be his business here? Was it you knocking at this door? Aside. He is silent. Why shouldn't I rally him a little? It would be as well, as he was never willing to trust me with this secret. To Iskinas. Don't you answer me? It wasn't I knocked at that door that I know of. Just so, for I wondered what business you could have here. Apart. He blushes. All's well. Pray tell me, father, what business have you there? Why, none of my own, but a certain friend of mine just now brought me hither from the forum to give him some assistance. Why? I'll tell you, there are some women living here in impoverished circumstances. As I suppose you don't know them, and, in fact, I'm quite sure, for it is not long since they removed to this place. Well, what next? There is a girl living with her mother. Go on. This girl has lost her father. This friend of mine is her next of kin. The law obliges him to marry her. Iskinas aside. Undone. What's the matter? Nothing. Very well, proceed. He has come to take her with him, for he lives at Militis. What? To take the girl away with him? Such is the fact. All the way to Militis, pray. Yes. Iskinas aside. I'm overwhelmed with grief. To miss you. But what of them? What do they say? What do you suppose they should? Why, nothing at all. The mother has trumped up a tale, that there is a child by some other man. I know not who. And she does not state the name. She says that he was the first, and that she ought not to be given to the other. Well, now, does not this seem just to you after all? No. Why, not pray. Is the other to be carrying her away from here? Why should he not take her? You have acted harshly and unfeelingly. And even, if, father, I may speak my sentiments more plainly, unhandsomely. Why so? Do you ask me? Pray, what do you think must be the state of mind of the man who was first connected with her, who, to his misfortune, may perhaps still love her to distraction, when he sees her torn away from before his face, and born off from his sight forever? An unworthy action, father. On what grounds is it so? Who betrothed her? Who gave her away? When, and to whom, was she married? Who was the author of all this? Why did he connect himself with a woman who belonged to another? Was it to be expected that a young woman of her age should sit at home, waiting until a kinsman of hers should come from a distance? It's my father you are to have represented, and have insisted on it. Ridiculous! Was I to have pleaded against him whom I was to support? But what's all this, Ayhenos, to us? What have we to do with them? Let us be gone. What's the matter? Why these tears? Iskiness weeping. Father, I beseech you, listen to me. Ay, Ayhenos, I have heard and know it all, for I love you, and therefore everything you do is more a care to me. So do I wish you to find me deserving of your love, as long as you live, my dear father, as I am sincerely sorry for the offence I have committed, and am ashamed to see you. Upon my word I believe it, for I know your ingenious disposition, but I am afraid that you are too inconsiderate. In what city, pray, do you suppose you live? You have debauched a virgin whom it was not lawful for you to touch. In the first place, then, that was a great offence, great, but still natural. Others, and even men of worth, have frequently done the same. But after it happened, pray, did you show any circumspection, or did you use any foresight as to what was to be done, or how it was to be done? If you were ashamed to tell me of it, by what means was I to come to know it? While you were at a loss upon these points, ten months have been lost. So far indeed, as lay in your power, you have periled both yourself and this poor girl, and the child. What did you imagine that the gods would set these matters to rights for you while you were asleep, and that she would be brought home to your chamber without any exertions of your own? I would not have you to be equally negligent in other affairs. Be of good heart. You shall have her for your wife. Be of good heart, I tell you. Father, are you now jesting with me, pray? I, jesting with you? For what reason? I don't know, but so anxiously do I wish this to be true that I am the more afraid it may not be. Go home and pray to the gods that you may have your wife. Be off. What? Have my wife now? Now. Now? Now, as soon as possible. May all the gods detest me, Father, if I do not love you better than even my very eyes. What? Better than her? Quite as well. Very kind of you. Well, where is this Malaysian? Departed, vanished, gone on board ship. But why do you delay? Father, do you rather go and pray to the gods? For I know for certain that they will rather be propitious to you as being a much better man than I am. I'll go indoors. That what is requisite may be prepared. You do, as I said, if you are wise. Goes into his house. Scene seven. Iskiness alone. What can be the meaning of this? Is this being a father or this being a son? If he had been a brother or a familiar companion, how could he have been more complacent? Is he not worthy to be beloved? Is he not to be imprinted in my very bosom? Well then, the more does he impose an obligation on me by his kindness to take due precaution not inconsiderately to do anything that he may not wish. But why do I delay going indoors this instant that I may not myself delay my own upshows? Goes into the house of Misiil. Scene eight. Entademia. I am quite tired with walking. May the great Jupiter confound you, Cyrus, together with your directions. I've crawled the whole city over, to the gate, to the pond, where not. There was no joiner's shot there. Not a soul could say he had seen my brother. But now I'm determined to sit and wait at his house till he returns. Scene nine. Entademia from his house. Misiil speaking to the people within. I'll go and tell them. There's no delay on our part. See, here's the very man. Oh, Mikio, I have been seeking you this long time. Why? What's the matter? I'm bringing you some new and great enormities of that hopeful youth. Just look at that. Fresh ones of blackest dye. There now. Add it again. Ah, Mikio, you little know what sort of person he is. I do. Oh, Simpleton, you are dreaming that I'm talking about the music, girl. This crime is against a virgin and a citizen. I know it. So then, you know it and put up with it. Why not put up with it? Tell me, pray. Don't you exclaim about it? Don't you go distracted? Not I. Certainly I'd rather. There's been a child born. May the gods be propitious to it. Yeah, there's no fortune. So I have heard. And he must see Mary her without one? Of course. What is to be done then? Why, what the case itself points out, the young woman must be brought hither. Oh, Jupiter, must that be the way then? What can I do else? What can you do? If in reality this causes you no concern that I attended was surely the duty of a man. But I have already betrothed the young woman to him. The matter is settled. The marriage takes place today. I have removed all apprehensions. This is rather the duty of a man. But does the affair please you, Mikio? If I were able to alter it, no. Now, as I cannot, I bear it with patience. The life of a man is just like playing with dice. If that which you most want to throw does not turn up, what turns up by chance? You must correct by art. Oh, rare corrector. Of course it is by your art that twenty menae have been thrown away for a music girl who as soon as possible must be got rid of at any price. And if not for money, why then, for nothing? Not at all. And indeed I have no wish to sell her. What will you do with her then? She shall be at my house. For heaven's sake, you're caught to send in a matron in the same house. Why not? Do you imagine you are in your senses? Really? I do think so. So may the gods prosper me. I now see your folly. I believe you are going to do so that you may somebody to practice music with. Why not? And the new-made bride to be learning to. Of course. Having hold of the rope, you will be dancing with them. Like enough, and you too along with us, if there's need. Ah, me, are you not ashamed of this? Demia, do for once lay aside this anger of yours and show yourself as you ought at your son's wedding, cheerful and good-humored. I'll just step over to them and return immediately. Goes into Sustratas house. Scene ten, Demia alone. Oh, Jupiter, here's a life. Here are manners. Here's madness. A wife to be coming without a fortune. A music wench in the house. A house full of wastefulness. A young man, ruined by extravagance. An older man in his dotage. Should salvation herself desire it, she certainly could not save this family. Exit. End of Act four. Act five of Adelphi, or the Brothers, by Terence. Translated by Henry Thomas Riley. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Act the fifth. Scene one. Enter Cyrus, drunk, and Demia on the opposite side of the stage. Upon my faith, my dear little Cyrus, you have taken delicate care of yourself and have done your duty with exquisite taste. Be off with you. But, since I've had my fill of everything indoors, I have felt disposed to take a walk. Demia, a pirate. Just look at that. There's an instance of their good training. Cyrus to himself. But see, here comes our old man. Addressing him. What's the matter? Why out of spirits? Oh, you rascal. Oh, now. Are you spelling your sage maxims here? If you were my servant. Why, you would be a rich man, Demia, and improve your estate. I would take care that you should be an example to all the rest. For what reason? What have I done? Do you ask me, in the midst of this confusion, and during the greatest mischief, which is hardly yet set right, you have been getting drunk, you villain, as though things have been going on well. Cyrus, aside. Really? I wish I hadn't come out. Scene two, and a dromo in haste from the house of Micio. Hello, Cyrus. Stessipho desired you'll come back. You gone. Pushes him back into the house. What is it he says about Stessipho? Nothing. How now, you hang dog? Is Stessipho in the house? He is not. Then why does he mention him? It's another person, a little diminutive parasite. Don't you know him? I will know him before long. Into the door. Cyrus, stopping him. What are you about? Where are you going? Demia, struggling. Let me alone. Cyrus, holding him. Don't I tell you? Won't you keep your hands off, whip scoundrel? Would you like me to knock your brains out this instant? Rushes into the house. He's gone. No very pleasant boon companion upon my faith, particularly to Sissipho. What am I to do now? Why, even get into some corner till this tempest is lulled, and sleep off this drop of wine. That's my plan. Goes into the house, staggering. Scene three, enter Micio from the house of Sostrata. Micio to Sostrata within. Everything's ready with us, as I told you, Sostrata, when you like. Who, I wonder, is making my door fly open in such a fury? Enter Demia in haste from the house of Micio. Now, lass, what shall I do? How behave? What terms explain, or how make my complaint? Oh heavens, oh earth, oh seas of Neptune. Micio, apart. Here's for you. He has discovered all about the affair, and, of course, is now raving about it. A quarrel is the consequence. I must assist him, however. See, here comes the common corruptor of my children. Pray, moderate your passion, and recover yourself. I have moderated it. I am myself. I forbear all reproaches. Let us come to the point. Was this agreed upon between us? Proposed by yourself, in fact, that you were not to concern yourself about my son, nor I about yours? Answer me. It is the fact. I don't deny it. Why is he now carousing at your house? Why are you harboring my son? Why do you purchase a mistress for him, Micio? Is it at all fair that I should have any less justice from you than you from me? Since I do not concern myself about your son, don't you concern yourself about mine? You don't reason fairly. No. For surely it is a maxim of old among themselves all things are common to friends. Smartly said. You've got that speech up for the occasion. Listen to a few words unless it is disagreeable to me. In the first place, if the extravagance your sons are guilty of distresses you, pray to reason with yourself. You formally brought up the two suitably to your circumstances, thinking that your own property would have to suffice for them both. And, of course, you then thought that I should marry. Adhere to that same old rule of yours. Save, scrape together, and be thrifty for them. Take care to leave them as much as possible and take that credit to yourself. My fortune, which has come to them beyond their expectation, allow them to enjoy. Of your capital there will be no diminution. What comes from this quarter said it all down as so much gain. If you think proper and partially to consider these matters in your mind, Demia, you will save me and yourself and them considerable uneasiness. I don't speak about the expense. The morals. Hold. I understand you. That point I was coming to. There are in men, Demia, many signs from which a conjecture is easily formed, so that when two persons do the same thing, you may often say this one may be allowed to do it with impunity, the other may not. Not that the thing itself is different, but that he who does it, I see signs in them so as to feel confident that they will turn out as we wish. I see that they have good sense and understanding, that they have modesty upon occasion and are affectionate to each other. You may infer that their bent and disposition is of a plant nature. At any time you like, you may reclaim them, but still you may be apprehensive that they will be somewhat too apt to neglect their interests. Oh, my dear Demia, in all other things we grow wiser with age. This sole vice does old age bring upon men. We are all more solicitous about our own interests than we need be, and in this respect age will make them sharp enough. Only take care, Mikio, that these fine reasoning of yours, and this easy disposition of yours, do not ruin us in the end. Say no more, there's no danger of that. Now think no further of these matters. Put yourself to day in my hands, smooth your brow. Why, as the occasion requires it, I must do so, but tomorrow I shall be off with my son into the country at daybreak. Aye, tonight for my share, only keep yourself in good humour for the day. I'll carry off that musical along with me as well. You will gain your point. That means you will keep your son fast. Only take care to secure her. I'll see to that. And what with, coking and grinding, I'll take care she shall be well covered with ashes, smoke and meal. Besides all this, at the very midday, I'll set her gathering stubble. I'll make her as burn and as black as a coal. Heh, you quite delight me. Now you seem to me to be wise, but for my part I would then compel my son to go to bed with her, even though he should be unwilling. Do you banter me? Happy man to have such a temper. I feel... Ah, at it again. I'll have done then, at once. Go indoors then, and let's devote this day to the object to which it belongs. Goes into the house. Scene four, the Mia alone. Never was there any person of ever such well trained habits of life, but that experience, age and custom are always bringing him something new or suggesting something. So much so, that what you believe you know, you don't know. And what you have fancied of first importance to you or making trial, you reject. This is my case at present. For the rigid life I have hitherto led, my race nearly run, I now renounce. Why so? I have found, by experience, that there is nothing better for a man than an easy temper and complacency. That this is the truth it is easy for anyone to understand than comparing me with my brother. He has always spent his life in ease and gaiety. Mild, gentle, offensive to no one, having a smile for all. He has lived for himself and has spent his money for himself. All men speak well of him, all love him. I, again, a rustic, a rigid cross, self-denying, morose and thrifty person, married a wife, what misery I entailed in consequence. Sons were born of fresh care. And just look, while I have been studying to do as much as possible for them, I have worn out my life and years in saving. Now, in the decline of my days, the return I get from them for my pains is there dislike. He, on the other hand, without any trouble on his part, enjoys a father's comfort. They love him. Me, they shun. Him, they trust with all their secrets, or fond of him, or always with him. I am forsaken. They wish him to live, but my death, forsooth, they are longing for. Thus, after bringing them up with all possible pains, at a trifling cost, he has made them his own. Thus I bear all the misery. He enjoys the pleasure. Well then, henceforward, let us try, on the other hand, whether I can't speak kindly and act complacently, as he challenges me to it. I also want myself to be loved and highly valued by my friends. If that is to be effected by giving and indulging, I will not be behind him. If our means fail, that least concerns me, as I am the eldest. Scene five, enter Cyrus. Hark you, Demea! Your brother begs you will not go out of the way. Who is it? Oh, Cyrus, my friend. Save you, how are you? How goes it with you? Very well. Very good. Aside. I am now for the first time used these three expressions contrary to my nature. Oh, Cyrus, my friend, how are you? How goes it with you? To Cyrus. You show yourself far from an unworthy servant, and I shall gladly do your service. Oh, thank you. Yes, Cyrus, it is the truth, and you shall be convinced of it by experience before long. Scene six, enter Getta from the house of Sostrata. Getta to Sostrata within. Mistress, I am going to see after them that they may send for the damsel as soon as possible. But see, here's Demea. Acousting him. Save you. Oh, what's your name? Getta. Gita, I have this day come to the conclusion that you are a man of very great worth. For I look upon him as an undoubtedly good servant who has a care for his master as I have found to be your case, Gita. And for that reason, if any opportunity should offer, I will gladly do your service. Aside. I am practicing the affable, and it succeeds very well. You are kind, sir, to think so. Demea, aside. Getting on by degrees. I'll first make the lower classes my own. Scene seven. Enter Iskinus from the house of Micio. Iskinus to himself. They really are killing me while too intent on performing the nuptials of all ceremony. The whole day is being wasted in their preparations. Iskinus, how goes it? Ah, my father. Are you here? Your father indeed. Both by affection and by nature. As I love you more than my very eyes. But why don't you send for your wife? So I wish to do. But I am waiting for the music girl and people to sing the nuptial song. Come now. Are you willing to listen to an old fellow like me? What is it? Let those things alone. The nuptial song, the crowds, the torches, and the music girls, and order the stone ball in the garden here to be pulled down with all dispatch and bring her over that way to make but one house of the two, bring the mother and all the domestics over to our house. With all my heart kindest father. Demia aside. Well done. Now I am called kind. My brother's house will become a thoroughfare. He will be bringing home a multitude in current expense in many ways. What matters it to me? I, as the kind Demia, shall get into favour. Now then, bid that Babylonian pay down his twenty minet. To Cyrus. Cyrus, do you delay to go and do it? What am I to do? Pull down the wall and you, Gita, go and bring them across. May the gods bless you, Demia. As I see you so sincere a well-wisher to our family. Gita and Cyrus going to Missus' house. I think they deserve it. What say you, Eskinus, as to this plan? I quite agree to it. It is much more proper than that she, being sick and lying in, shall be brought hither through the street. Why, my dear father, I never did see anything better contrived. It's my way. But see, here's Mikio coming out. Scene eight and a missio from his house. Missio speaking to Gita within. Does my brother order it? Where is he? To Demia. Is this your order, Demia? Certainly I do order it. And in this matter, and in everything else, wish especially to make this family one with ourselves. To oblige, serve, and unite them. Father, pray let it be so. I do not oppose it. On the contrary, I faith, it is what we ought to do. In the first place, she is the mother of his wife. Pointing to Iskinus. She is. What then? An honest and respectable woman. So they say. Advance in years. I am aware of it. Through her years, she is long past childbearing. There is no one to take care of her. She is a lone woman. Missio aside. What can be his meaning? It is right. You should marry her. And that you, Iskinus, should use your endeavours to affect it. I? Marry her? Indeed. You. I? You, I say. You are trifling. Iskinus, if you are a man, he'll do it. My dear father. What ass? Do you attend to him? It is all in vain. It cannot be otherwise. You are mad. Do let me prevail on you, my father. Are you out of your senses? Take yourself off. Come, do oblige your son. Are you quite in your right mind? Am I in my five and sixtieth year to be marrying at last? A decrepit old woman, too. Do you advise me to do this? Do. I have promised it. Promised? Indeed. Be generous at your own cost, young man. Come. What if we should ask a silk grate a favour? As if this was not the greatest? Do comply. Don't make any difficulty. Do promise. Will you not have done? Not until I have prevailed upon you. Really? This is downright force. Act with heartiness, Mikio. Although this seems to me to be wrong, foolish, absurd, and repugnant to my mode of life. Yet, if you so strongly wish it, be it so. You act obligingly. With reason I love you, but... What? I will tell you when my wish has been complied with. What now? What remains to be done? Higio here is their nearest relation. He has a connection of ours and poor. We ought to do some good for him. Do what? There is a little farm here in the suburbs, which you let out. Let us give it him to live upon. But is it a little one? If it were a large one, still it ought to be done. He has been, as it were, a father to her. He is a worthy man, and connected with us. It will be properly bestowed. In fine, I now adopt that proverb which you, Mikio, a short time ago repeated with sense and wisdom. It is the common vice of all, in old age, to be too intent upon our own interests. This stain we ought to avoid. It is a true maxim, and ought to be observed indeed. What am I to say to this? Well then, as he desires it. Pointing to ischiness. It shall be given him. My father. Now, Mikio, you are indeed my brother, both in spirit and in body. I am glad of it. Demia aside. Ah, foil him at his own weapon. Scene nine, and the Cyrus from the house. It has been done as you ordered, Demia. You are a worthy fellow. Upon my faith, in my opinion, at least, I think Cyrus ordered once to be made free. He? Free? For what reason? For many. Oh, my dear Demia. Upon my word, you are a worthy man. I have strictly taken care of both these sons of yours from childhood. I have taught, advised, and carefully instructed them in everything I could. The thing is evident. And then, besides all this, to cater for them, secretly bring home a wench, prepare a morning entertainment. These are the accomplishments of no ordinary person. Oh, what a delightful man. Last of all, he assisted today in purchasing this music wench. He had the management of it. It is right he should be rewarded. Other servants will be encouraged thereby. Besides, he... Pointing to ischiness. Desires it to be so. Miss you to ischiness. Do you desire this to be done? I do wish it. Why then, if you desire it, just come hither. Cyrus to me. Performing the ceremony of manumission. Uh, be a free man. You act generously. I return my thanks to you all. And to you, Demia, in particular. I congratulate you. And I... I believe you. I wish that this joy were made complete. That I could see my wife, Frigia, free as well. Really, a most excellent woman. And the first to suckle your grandchild, his son, today. Pointing to ischiness. Why really? If she was the first to do so, there is no doubt she ought to be made free. What? For doing that? For doing that, Infine, receive the amount from me at which she is valued. May all the gods always grant you, Demia, all you desire. Cyrus, you have thrived pretty well today. If, in addition, Mico, you will do your duty and lend him a little ready money in hand for present use, he will soon repay you. Less than this. Snapping his fingers. He is a deserving fellow. Upon my word, I will repay it. Only lend it to me. Too far there. I'll consider of it afterward. He'll do it, Cyrus. Oh, most worthy man. Who most kind-hearted father. How is this? What has so suddenly changed your disposition, Demia? What caprice is this? What means this sudden liberality? I will tell you that I may convince you of this, Mico, that the fact that they consider you an easy and kind-hearted man does not proceed from your real life, nor, indeed, from a regard for virtue and justice, but from your humoring, indulging, and pampering them. Now, therefore, Esquinas, if my mode of life has been displeasing to you because I don't quite humor you in everything, just or unjust, I have done. Squander. Bye. Do what you please. But if you would rather have one to reprove and correct those faults, the results of which, by reason of your youth, you cannot see, which you pursue too ardently and or thoughtless upon, and induce season to direct you. Behold me, ready to do it for you. Father, we leave it to you. You best know what ought to be done. But what is to be done about my brother? I consent. Let him have his mistress. With her, let him make an end of his follies. That's right. To the audience. Grantus, your applause! End of Act 5 End of Adelphi or the Brothers by Terence Translated by Henry Thomas Riley