Bacchides
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Dramatis Personae SILENUS, the Divinity, who speaks the Prologue. NICOBULUS, an aged citizen of . MNESILOCHUS, his son. PHILOXENUS, another aged citizen of . PISTOCLERUS, his son. LYDUS, servant of Philoxenus, and tutor of Pistoclerus. CHRYSALUS, servant of Nicobulus. CLEOMACHUS, a Captain of . A PARASITE of Cleomachus. BOY, servant of Cleomachus. SERVANT of Pistoclerus (in the introductory fragment). ARTAMO, servant of Nicobulus. FIRST BACCHIS Twin-sisters, Courtesans. SECOND BACCHIS
scene
Scene—Athens: before the houses of the FIRST BACCHIS and of PHILOXENUS which are in the same street.)
subject
THE SUBJECT. MNESILOCHUS, when absent at Ephesus, writes and requests his friend, Pistoclerus, to search for his mistress, Bacchis, who has left Athens with a military Captain. Having discovered her on her return to Athens, Pistoclerus falls in love with her twin-sister, whose name is also Bacchis, and is severely reproved by his tutor, Lydus, for so doing. Mnesilochus returns to Athens, and discovers from Lydus that his friend Pistoclerus is in love with a female of the name of Bacchis. He thereupon imagines that he has supplanted him with his own mistress, and in his anger resolves to restore to his father some money of his which he had gone to Ephesus to recover, and a part of which he had contrived, through a scheme of the servant Chrysalus, to retain, in order that he might redeem his mistress from the Captain. Having afterwards discovered the truth, he greatly repents that he has done so, as the officer threatens to carry Bacchis off instantly, if the money is not paid. On this, Chrysalus contrives another stratagem against Nicobulus, his aged master, and makes him, through fear of the Captain’s threats, pay the required sum. Having gained not only this but a still further sum of money, the young men regale themselves at the house of Bacchis. Nicobulus afterwards discovers from the Captain the trick that has been played upon him, and he and Mnesilochus repair to the house of Bacchis to demand their sons. The damsels, hereupon, apply themselves to coaxing the old men, who are at last persuaded to forgive their sons and Chrysalus and to go into the house and join the entertainment.
argument
THE ACROSTIC ARGUMENT. [Supposed to have been written by Priscian the Grammarian.] MNESILOCHUS is inflamed with love for Bacchis (Bacchidis). But, first of all, he goes to Ephesus, to bring back some gold (Aurum). Bacchis sails for Crete (Cretam), and meets with (Convenit) the other Bacchis; thence she returns to Athens; upon this (Hinc), Mnesilochus sends a letter to Pistoclerus, that he may seek for her (Illam). He returns; he makes a quarrel while (Dum) he supposes that his own mistress is beloved by Pistoclerus; when they have discovered the mistake as to the twin-sisters, Mnesilochus pays the gold to that (Ei) Captain; equally are the two in love. The old men (Senes), while they are looking after their sons, join the women, and carouse.
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SILENUS
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’Tis a wonder if the spectators on the benches this day don’t hiss, and cough, and make a snorting noise at this ridiculous sight, furrow their brows, and, with cries with one consentWith cries with one consent: Concrepario is a barbarous word, formed from crepo, to make a noise., shout all aloud, and mutter imprecations.
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Hardly in their youth can beardless actors, or mimics with their beards plucked out, find room upon the stage. Why comes forth this aged and lethargic go-between, who is borne upon the ass’s back? Listen, I pray, and give me your attention,
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while I tell you the name of this quiet ComedyQuiet Comedy: Statariae. There were two kinds of Comedy represented on the ancient stage, one of which was called stataria, while the other was motoria. In the first, the actors stood still, or moved about quietly, and with little gesture; while in the other, dancing, gesture, and grimace were extensively employed.. ’Tis proper for you to make silence for a Divinity. It befits not those to use the resources of the voice, who come here not to exclaim, but to be spectators. Give me attentive ears; but not into my hands I mean;
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I wish my voiceI wish my voice: There is a poor attempt at alliteration here, in the words volo volans vox vacuas., as it flies, to strike these vacant ears. What do you fear? Are those blows more hurtful which open what is shutWhat is shut: This passage is obscure, but the meaning seems to be, Is it anything more disagreable to open your ears and listen, than to keep them shut and be stunned by my noise? for talk I will., or which close what is open? You’re very kind; the inhabitants of heaven do love you deservedly. There is profound silence—even the children are still—
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and now, attend to a new-come messenger, on a new errand. Who I am—why I am come to you—I’ll tell you in a few words; at the same time, I’ll disclose to you the name of this Comedy. Now, behold, I shall tell you what you wish to know; do you then give me your attention.
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I am a God of NatureA God of Nature: The ancients considered Pan, Silenus, Sylvanus, the Fauns, the Dryades, the Hyades, and the Oreades, as Gods of Nature, presiding over it in its various aspects., the foster-father of most mighty BromiusBromius: Bromius was one of the names of Bacchus, probably derived from Βρέμω, to make a noise. the Bacchanalian orgies being attended with riot and drunkenness., him who, with a female armyWith a female army: He alludes to the Indian expedition of Bacchus, who was fabled to have marched thither at the head of an arny of Bacchantes or Bacchae, females who were his votaries., gained a kingdom. Whatever about him renowned nations relate, some part, at least, has been accomplished by my advice. That which pleases me is never displeasing to him.
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’Tis right if one fatherIf one father: The ancients gave the Gods the title of pater, father, by way of honorable distinction. Bacchus would especially be so honored, as wine was looked upon as one of the chief supports of life. another father does obey. Ass-borne do the Ionian multitudesIonian multitudes: The Lydians were adjacent to the people of lonia. Etruria, which supplied the earliest actors to Rome, was supposed to have been colonised by the Lydians. style me, because I am borne on an assBorne on an ass: Asibidam. This is a spurious word, probably invented by the author. for my conveyance. Who I am, you understand: if you understand, allow me now to tell the name of this quiet play;
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at the same time, you may learn why I have come to you. PhilemonPhilemon: Philemon was a Greek Comic poet, of considerable merit, though inferior to Menander, of whom he was a contemporary. This play is more generally supposed to have been borrowed from a Comedy of Menander, which was called Δὶς Ἐξαπατῶν, the Twice Deceived. formerly produced a play in Greek; this, those who speak the Greek language call EvantidesEvantides: Evantides corresponds with the Latin word Bacchantes, followers, or namesakes of Bacchus, as Evan was one of the names by which that God was addressed during the celebration of the orgies.. Plautus, who speaks the Latin, calls it Bacchides. ’Tis not to be wondered, then, if hither I have come.
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Bacchus sends to you the Bacchides—the Bacchanalian Bacchanals. I am bringing them unto you. What! Have I told a lie? It don’t become a God to tell a lie; but the truth I tell—I bring not them; but the salacious ass, wearied with its journey, is bringing to you three, if I remember right.
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One you behold; see now, what on my lips I bring—to wit, two Samian sistersSamian sisters: Samos was an island off the coast of lonia, neat Ephesus. It was the birthplace of the philosopher Pythagoras., Bacchanalians, merry Courtesans, born of the same parents, at one time, at a twin-birth; not less alike than milk to milk, if you compare it,
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or water to water; were you to see them you would think them halvedThink them halved: Dimidiatas — one split into two.; so much would you confuse your sight, that you would not be able to distinguish which was which. What remains you long to hear. Now give attention: the story of this Play I will disclose.
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What country Samos is, is known to all; for seas, lands, mountains, and islands, have your legionsHave your legions: He is supposed to be flattering the Romans in their love for foreign conquest. made easy of access. There, Sostrata bore to her husband, Pyrgoteles PyroclesPyrgoteles Pyrocles: It was quite unusual for the Greeks to have two names. They have here been introduced either for the sake of the metre, or, as the Delphin editor suggests, as meaning her husband Pyrocles, who was a regular Pyrgoteles, that is, a most skilful engraver; a celebrated artist of that name having flourished in the time of Alexander the Great., twin daughters at one birth;
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and it pleased them, being initiated at the triennial festivalTriennial festival: Among the festivals of Bacchus, there was one which occurred every three years, and was called the Trieterica. On that occasion the Bacchantes carried the figure of the God on a chariot, drawn by two tigers or panthers, and crowned with vine leaves; holding thyrsi in their hands, they ran in a frantic manner around the chariot, filling the air with the sound of tambourines and brazen instruments, shouting Evoë Bacche, and calling the God by his several names of Bromius, Lyaeus, Evan, Lenaeus, and Sabazius. To this ceremonial, which was derived from the Egyptians, the Greeks added other rites, replete with licentiousness and repulsive to decency. The author says that the parents of the Bacchides were initiated at this festival, and that in compliment to the God they named each of the newly-born twins Bacchis. of Bacchus, to call after his name the damsels of which they were the parents. The parents, as often happens, gave a turn toGave a turn to: Fata occupant. Consider the fact of their being born at that period as ominous of their future destiny, and devote them to the service of the Deity. their future fortunes. A Captain carried one of them with him to Crete. The other of the twins sailed for Athens Sailed for Athens : Literally, Cecropia. Cecrops was the founder of Athens..
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As soon as Mnesilochus, the son of Nicobulus, beheld her, he began to love her, and frequently paid her visits. Meantime, his father sent the youth to Ephesus, to bring back thence some gold, which he himself, some time before, had deposited with Archidemides,
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an ancient friend of his, an aged Phœnician. When, for two years he had stayed at Ephesus, he received the sad news that Bacchis was gone from Athens, for some sailors of his acquaintance sent him word that she had set sail.
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On this, he writes a letter to Pistoclerus, his only friend, the son of Philoxenus, entreating him to seek the fugitive with care and earnestness. While Pistoclerus is devoting his services to his friend, the twin-sisters, who have just returned to Athens, arouse a passion in the seeker.
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The one wins Pistoclerus for herself; the other longs for the coming of Mnesilochus. What wonder if two bewitching, merry, pretty Bacchantes, should attract to themselves two unfledged Bacchanalians, and if they should ensnare their decrepit, most aged fathers, fit subjects for the undertakerSubjects for the undertaker: Libitinarios. This word properly corresponds to our word undertakers. They were so called because their biers and other requisites were kept in the temple of the Goddess Libitina. The word here has the forced meaning of persons with one not in the grave., bowed down by the weight of their years?
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But, see, here’s Pistoclerus, who is returning to the Bacchides so lately found, and in his simplicityIn his simplicity: Insolens. Mnesilochus is already in love with the Second Bacchis before the play commences; but Pistoclerus is entrapped during the First Act. is blowing in himself the sparks of passion so lately kindled. Now I’m off—do you attend.
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PISTOCLERUS
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those who areThose who are: It is not unlikely that this and the next three lines are fragments of a Prologue, spoken by Pistoclerus, in which he is complimenting the ingenuity shown by the slave Chrysalus throughout the piece as he is making reference to the punishment of slaves when speaking of chains, rods, and the mill. to which latter place refractory slaves were sent for hard labour. of a thrifty turn of mind, modest, and without servility.
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Chains, rods, and mills; their shocking brutality becomes worse.
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She who keeps my friend and me engaged.
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1st BACCHIS
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I have heardI have heard: This is probably the commencement of a Scene. The First Bacchis is revolving her plans against Pistoclerus, who is wandering through the city in search of the mistress of his friend Mnesilochus. that Ulysses underwent toils innumerable, who, in wanderings, was twenty years away from his native land. But this young man by far outdoes Ulysses; who here in this spot is wandering within the walls of the city.
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1st BACCHIS
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She was of the same name with myself.
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1st BACCHIS
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Sweep out the houseSweep out the house: She is evidently ordering the servants to put the house in readiness against the arrival of her sister from abroad. with brooms, work briskly.
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Will some one call
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that most dirty fellow with the water-pailThe water-pail: Nassiterna was a pail, or water-pot, having three spouts or mouths. and the water.
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CLEOMACHUS
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But if a lifeBut if a life: Here is another Scene. It would appear probable that the Second Bacchis, having heard, on her arrival, that Mnesilochus, by his friend, is in search of her, signifies to the Captain her intention to remain at Athens, and not to accompany him to Elatia in Phocis, on which he reminds her of the sum of money he has given her, and the original terms of the agreement. It would appear that he proceeds to threaten with his wrath any more fortunate rival; and then concludes by inveighing against harlots in general, as limaces, snails, or slugs, in the same way as a Comic writer of our day might style them leeches, or bloodsuckers. It may be remarked, that with the ancients, the avail was the emblem of salacity. of wantonness is perchance preferred by you, consider the price that I agreed to give you that at that age you might not be following me for nought
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that from no one else you might be receiving a yearly pay, except from oneself, nor be toying with any man
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like slugs upon a man.
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PISTOCLERUS
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As like as milkAs like as milk: Here again is another Scene. Pistoclerus has caught sight of the Second Bacchis, but being unaware that she really is the person whom he is in search of, he remarks upon her strong resemblance to the First Bacchis, with whom, by this time, he has probably had an interview on the subject. His servant then comes and informs him that she is the person whom he is looking for, but that she is under the protection of a mighty Captain, whose breast heaves like a pair of blacksmith’s bellows. is to milk;
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whatever is her name
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SERVANT
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The soldier who sells his life for gold
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I know that his breath is much stronger than when the bellows of bull’s hide are blowing, when the rocks melt where the iron is made.
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PISTOCLERUS
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Of what country did he seem to you?
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SERVANT
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I think he is of PraenesteIs of Praeneste: He has a hit here at the people of Praeneste, whom he has in a former play censured for their bad grammar, and whom he here represents as occupying the same place in Roman estimation, as the Gascons do, whether deservedly or not, in ours.; he was such a boaster.
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PISTOCLERUS
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The city and I don’t think it is in spurious boastfulness.
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1st BACCHIS
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My heart, my hopeMy heart, my hope: The First Bacchis seems here to be repeating her first lessons in the attack which she is about to make on the heart of the novice Pistoclerus; she is evidently conning over the flattering things that she intends to say to him.,
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my honey, my sweetness, my nutriment, my delight.
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Let me bestow on you my love
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the Arabian
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Has Cupid or has love overpowered you?
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Perhaps to suspect that you are in love.
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Get money from that quarter
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for I really do believe that with ease you can enchant the heart of any manThe heart of any man: With this line conclude the fragments which have been brought to light by Ritschel; in the previous editions the next line commences the second Scene, the spurious Scene preceding it..
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1st BACCHIS
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And suppose it is much better that you should hold your peace, and I should speak?
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2nd BACCHIS
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With pleasure; you may proceed.
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1st BACCHIS
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When my memory shall fail me, then do you take care to aid me, sister.
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2nd BACCHIS
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I’ faith, I’m more afraid that I shan’t have the choice of prompting you.
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1st BACCHIS
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Troth, I’m afraid the little nightingale may lose her powersMay lose her powers: The nightingale was supposed to sing continually; so that lusciniae deest cantio, the nightingale has lost her song, became a proverb which expressed the happening of anything extraordinary. of song. Follow this way.
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PISTOCLERUS
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What are these two Courtesans, the namesake-sisters, about?
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1st BACCHIS
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Nothing is there more wretched than a woman.
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PISTOCLERUS
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What, say you, is there more worthy of it?
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What have you been planning in your consultation?
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1st BACCHIS
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What’s proper?
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PISTOCLERUS
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I’ faith, that doesn’t belong to the Courtesan.
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1st BACCHIS
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This sister of mine entreats me so to find some person to protect her against this Captain; that when she as served her timeHas served her time: Emeritus was the term applied to soldiers who had served out their time, or got their discharge. Plautus probably uses the term satirically, as applied to the engagement which the Second Bacchis had made with the Captain. he may bring her back home. Do you, I entreat you, be her protector.
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PISTOCLERUS
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Why should I protect her?
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1st BACCHIS
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That she may be brought home again,
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when she has fulfilled her engagement to him, so that he may not take her as a servantAs a servant: She pretends that her sister is afraid, that when her time has expired, the Captain—having carried her to a foreign country—may make a slave of her, and that she s, consequently, desirous to be left at Athens, and to repay him the money which he had given her upon the making of the engagement. She feigns that it is necessary for him to protect her sister on behalf of his absent friend Mnesilochus, that she herself may obtain an opportunity of ensnaring him for himself. But, if she had the gold to pay him back again, gladly would she do so.
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PISTOCLERUS
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Where now is this person?
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1st BACCHIS
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I expect that he’ll be here just now. But this you’ll be able to arrange better among ourselves; and sitting there, you shall wait until he comes. So you will drink some wine, and so, I’ll give you a kiss when you have drunk it.
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PISTOCLERUS
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Your coaxing is mere birdlime.
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1st BACCHIS
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How so?
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PISTOCLERUS
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Because, in fact, I understand how you two are aiming at one poor pigeon, myself; (aside) very nearly is the limed reedThe limed reed: A reed dipped in birdlime was employed for the purpose of catching birds. Pistoclerus says to himself that he feels how nearly he is entrapped. breaking my feathers. Madam, I judge that such deeds befit me not.
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1st BACCHIS
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Why so, I pray?
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PISTOCLERUS
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Bacchis, it is, because I dread you Bacchantes, and your Bacchanalian denYour Bacchanalian den: Bacchanal. was properly the place where the Bacchanalia, or orgies, were celebrated. He styles them Bacchantes, and their house a Bacchanal, in allusion both to their names and their habits..
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1st BACCHIS
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What is it that you dread? Surely, not that the couch in my house may lead you into mischief?
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PISTOCLERUS
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Your allurementsYour allurements: There is a play here upon the resemblance of the words illectus, allurement, and lectus, a bed., more than your couch, do I dread. You’re a mischievous serpentMischievous serpent: Mala tu’s bestia. Literally, you are an evil beast. which sounds harsh to an English ear, even when applied to such an animal as Bacchis.. But, madam, a lurking-place does not befit this youthful age.
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1st BACCHIS
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Should you wish at my house to do anything that’s unwise, I myself should hinder it. But, when the Captain comes, I wish you to be at my house for this reason; because, when you are present, no one will do her and me any injury.
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You will prevent that, and by the same means you will be aiding your friend; this Captain, too, on arriving, will suspect that I am your mistress. Why are you silent, pray?
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PISTOCLERUS
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Because these things are pleasant in the talking of; but in the practice, and when you make trial, the same are armed with stings. They pierce the feelings, goad one’s fortune, and wound one’s merits and character.
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2nd BACCHIS
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What do you dread from her?
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PISTOCLERUS
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What do I dread, do you ask? Am I a person in my youth to enter a place of exerciseA place of exercise: He draws a parallel between the life of a person who for health and rational recreation frequents the palaestra, or school for exercise, and of those who frequent the haunts of Courtesans. He alludes in the following lines to the exercises of throwing the quoit, running, boxing fencing, hurling the lance, and riding. of such a nature, where people sweat to their undoing?—where for the quoit I rereive a loss, disgrace, too, for my running?
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2nd BACCHIS
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How charmingly you do talk.
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PISTOCLERUS
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Where I’m to take a turtle-doveA turtle-dove: The turtle-dove, as being sacred to Venus, would be an appropriate inmate of a Courtesan’s house. instead of a sword, and where another puts into my hand the gobletThe goblet: Cantharus was a kind of drinking-cup, with two handles. It was considered as peculiarly sacred to Bacchus, the tutelary Divinity of Bacchis, whom Pistoclerus is addressing. instead of the cestus; the drinking-cupThe drinking-cup: Scaphium here probably means a drinking vessel with a swelling belly. Some Commentators, however, think that it has here the same meaning as matula. is in place of the helmet, the wreathed garland instead of the crestInstead of the crest: The insigne was the crest, or waving plume of the helmet.,
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the dice in place of the lance. For the coat of mail I should have to assume a soft cloakA soft cloak: It was the custom at entertainments for the revellers to exchange their ordinary clothes for fine vestments, elaborately embroidered.; where, too, in place of a horse a couch must be given me,—for shield, a strumpetFor shield, a strumpet: Scortum pro scuto. There is a play here upon the resemblance of the words. may be lying by me. Avaunt from me—avaunt!
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2nd BACCHIS
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O, you’re too fierce.
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PISTOCLERUS
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I am attending to my own interests.
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2nd BACCHIS
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You must be softened down; and, in fact, I offer you my aid in this.
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PISTOCLERUS
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But you are too expensive an assistant.
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1st BACCHIS
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Do pretend that you are in love with me.
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PISTOCLERUS
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Whether should I be pretending that in jest, or seriously?
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1st BACCHIS
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Well said! better to do the last. When the Captain comes here, I want youI want you: He is only to pretend to be her admirer when the Captain comes, by way of accounting for his presence and interference on behalf of her sister. This is afterwards rendered unnecessary by his own pliancy, and the arrival of Mnesilochus himself. to embrace me.
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PISTOCLERUS
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What need is there of my doing that?
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1st BACCHIS
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I want him to see you. I know what I’m about?
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PISTOCLERUS
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And I, i’ faith, I know not what I’m in fear of. But what say you—?
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1st BACCHIS
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What’s the matter now?
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PISTOCLERUS
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Well, suppose perchance on a sudden a breakfast or a drinking bout,
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or else a dinner, should take place at your house, just as is the wont in such places of resort; where, then, should I take my place?
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1st BACCHIS
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Near myself, my life, that with a she wit a he wit may be reclining at the repast. A place here, at our house, should you come late, is always at your service. When you wish right merrily to disport yourself, my rosebud, you say to me, Do let me enjoy myself to-day, I’ll provide you a delightful place where it may be so.
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PISTOCLERUS
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Here is a rapid stream; not without hazard can this way be passed.
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1st BACCHIS
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And, by my troth, something must you lose amid this stream. (Aloud.) Give me your hand and follow me.
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PISTOCLERUS
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O, by no means.
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1st BACCHIS
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Why so?
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PISTOCLERUS
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Because to a man in his youth nothing can be more alluring than these—night, women, wine.
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1st BACCHIS
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Away, then, with you; for my part, I don’t at all care for it, but for your own sake.