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HEGIO and STALAGMUS.
HEGIO
Come you, step this way, you worthy fellow, my fine slave. STALAGMUS
What is fitting for me to do, when you, such a man as you are, are speaking false? I was never a handsome, or a fine, or a good person, or an honest one, nor shall I ever be; assuredly, don't you be forming any hopes that I shall be honest. HEGIO
You easily understand pretty well in what situation your fortunes are. If you shall prove truth-telling, you'll make your lot from bad somewhat better. Speak out, then, correctly and truthfully; but never yet truthfully or correctly have you acted. STALAGMUS
Do you think that I'm ashamed to own it, when you affirm it? HEGIO
But I'll make you to be ashamed; for I'll cause you to be blushes all over1. STALAGMUS
Heyday-you're threatening stripes, I suppose, to me, guite unaccustomed to them! Away with them, I beg. Tell me what you bring, that you may carry off hence what you are in want of. HEGIO
Very fluent indeed. But now I wish this prating to be cut short. HEGIO
As you desire, so be it done. HEGIO
to the AUDIENCE . As a boy he was very obedient2; now that suits him not. Let's to this business; now give your attention, and inform me upon what I ask. If you tell the truth, you'll make your fortunes somewhat better. STALAGMUS
That's mere trifling. Don't you think that I know what I'm deserving of? HEGIO
Still, it is in your power to escape a small portion of it, if not the whole. STALAGMUS
A small portion I shall escape, I know; but much will befall me, and with my deserving it, because I both ran away, and stole your son and sold him. HEGIO
To what person? STALAGMUS
To Theodoromedes the Polyplusian, in Elis, for six minæ. HEGIO
O ye immortal Gods! He surely is the father of this person, Philocrates. STALAGMUS
Why, I know him better than yourself, and have seen him more times. HEGIO
Supreme Jove, preserve both myself and my son for me. He goes to the door, and calls aloud. Philocrates, by your good Genius, I do entreat you, come out, I want you.
The Comedies of Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley. London. G. Bell and Sons. 1912.
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