ACT IV

(_It is to be assumed that several hours only have elapsed._)

ENTER _Ergasilus_, ELATED.

_Erg._

Iuppiter supreme, servas me measque auges opes, maximas opimitates opiparasque offers mihi, laudem lucrum, ludum iocum, festivitatem ferias, 770 pompam penum, potationis saturitatem, gaudium, nec cuiquam homini supplicare[19] nunc certum est mihi; nam vel prodesse amico possum vel inimicum perdere, ita hic me amoenitate amoena amoenus oneravit dies, sine sacris hereditatem sum aptus effertissimam.

Great God on high, thou dost preserve me and prosper me with fatness! Boundless abundance, yea, sublime abundance dost thou bring me! Praise, profit, pleasure, jollity, festivity, feasting, trains of victuals, eatables, drinkables, satiety, joy! Never will I toady to human being more, I now resolve it. Why, I can bless my friend or blast my foe, now that this delightful day has loaded me down with its delightful delightfulness! I’ve landed a legacy stuffed fit to burst, and not a single encumbrance attached!

nunc ad senem cursum capessam hunc Hegionem, cui boni tantum affero quantum ipsus a dis optat, atque etiam amplius. nunc certa res est, eodem pacto ut comici servi solent. coniciam in collum pallium, primo ex med hanc rem ut audiat: speroque me ob hunc nuntium aeternum adepturum cibum. 780

Now for a race up to old Hegio here. I’m bringing him all the happiness he craves of Heaven, yes, and more, too. I know what I’ll do now: like slaves in the comedies, I’ll bundle my cloak round my neck and run, so that I’ll be the first man he hears this news from; and I hope to get food for ever and ever for my information.

IV. 2.