Cambridge Latin Stage 33, in Aula Domitiani i Translation

in scaenā parvā, quae in aulae Domitiānī ātriō exstrūcta erat,

Paris fābulam dē amōre Mārtis et Veneris agēbat. simul pūmiliō,

Myropnous nōmine, tībīcen atque amīcus Paridis, suāviter tībiīs

cantābat. nūllī aderant spectātōrēs nisi Domitia Augusta, uxor

Imperātōris Domitiānī, quae Paridem inter familiārissimōs suōs 5

habēbat. oculīs in eō fīxīs fābulam intentē spectābat. tam

mīrābilis, tam perīta ars eius erat ut lacrimās retinēre Domitia

vix posset.

On a small stage, which was built in the atrium of the palace of Domitian, Paris was putting on a play about the love of Mars and Venus. At the same time a dwarf, by the name of Myropnous, a pipe player and friend of Paris, was sweetly playing the pipes. There was no audience except Dominitia Augusta, the wife of Emperor Domitian, who had Paris among her very close friends. With eyes fixed on him she was intently watching the story. So wonderful, so skillful was his art that Domitia was hardly able to retain tears.

subitō servus, nōmine Olympus, quem Domitia iānuam ātriī

custōdīre iusserat, ingressus est.

"domina," inquit, "ego Epaphrodītum, Augustī lībertum,

modo cōnspicātus sum trānseuntem āream, decem mīlitibus

comitantibus. mox hūc intrābit."

quibus verbīs audītīs, Paris ad Domitiam conversus rīsit.

Suddenly a slave, by the name of Olympus, whom Domitia had ordered to guard the door of the atrium, entered.

"Domitia," he said, "I just now have caught sight of Epaphroditus, the freedman of Augustus, crossing the courtyard with ten soldiers accompanying. Soon he will enter here."

Having heard these words, Paris turning to Domitia smiled.

Paris: dēliciae meae! quam fortūnāta es! ab Epaphrodītō ipsō, Augustī lībertō, vīsitāris.

Domitia: (adventū Epaphrodītī commōta) mī Pari, tibi perīculōsum est hīc manēre. odiō es Epaphrodītō! sī

tē apud mē ille invēnerit, poenās certē dabis. iubēbit mīlitēs in carcerem tē conicere. fuge!

Paris: My sweet! How lucky you are! You are visited by Epa himself, the freedman of Augustus.

Domitia: (Upset about the arrival of Epaphroditus) My Paris, it is dangerous for you to remain here. I am hated by Epaphroditus! If he finds you with me, you will certainly pay the price. He will order the soldiers to throw you into prison. Escape!

Paris: cūr fugiendum est? illum psittacum Domitiānī

haudquāquam vereor.

Domitia: at ego valdē vereor. nam mihi quoque Epaphrodītus est inimīcus. iussū eius conclāvia mea saepe

īnspiciuntur; epistulae meae leguntur; ancillae meae cotīdiē interrogantur. potestās eius nōn minor est

quam Imperātōris ipsīus.

Paris: mea columba, dēsine timēre! mē nōn capiet iste homunculus. paulīsper abībō."

Paris: Why is it necessary to escape? I am not at all afraid of that parrot of Domitian.

Domitia: But I am very afraid. For Epaphroditus is also my enemy. At his order my rooms are inspected often; my slave girls are interrogated every day; my letters are read. His power is not smaller than the emperor himself.

Paris: My dove, end your fear! That little man cannot catch me. I will go away for a short time.

haec locūtus, columnam proximam celeriter cōnscendit et per 30

compluvium ēgressus in tēctō sē cēlāvit. Myropnous quoque sē

cēlāre cōnstituit. post tapēte quod dē longuriō gravī pendēbat sē

collocāvit. Domitia contrā, quae quamquam perterrita erat in

lectō manēbat vultū compositō, Olympō imperāvit ut aliquōs

versūs recitāret.

Having spoken these words, he quickly climbed the nearest column and entering through the hole hid himself on the roof. Myropnous also decided to hide himself. Behind the tapestry which was hanging about a heavy pole, he put himself. Domitia on the other hand, who although she was terrified was remaining on the couch with a composed face, ordered Olympus to recite a verse.