Introduction
THE SUBJECT.
MOSCHUS, a merchant of
Syracuse, had two twin sons who exactly resembled each other. One of these, whose name was Menaechmus, when a child, accompanied his father to
Tarentum, at which place he was stolen and carried away to
Epidamnus, where in course of time he has married a wealthy wife. Disagreements, however, arising with her, he forms an acquaintance with the Courtesan Erotium, and is in the habit of presenting her with clothes and jewels which he pilfers from his wife. The original name of the other twin-brother was Sosicles, but on the loss of Menaechmus, the latter name has been substituted by their grandfather for Sosicles, in remembrance of the lost child. Menaechmus Sosicles, on growing to manhood, determines to seek his lost brother. Having wandered for six years, lie arrives at
Epidamnus, attended by his servant, Messenio. In consequence of his resemblance to his brother, many curious and laughable mistakes happen between him and the Courtesan Erotium, the wife of Menaechmus of
Epidamnus, the Cook Cylindrus, the Parasite Peniculus, the father-in-law of Menaechmus of
Epidamnus, and lastly Messenio himself. At length, through the agency of the latter, the brothers recognize each other; on which Messenio receives his liberty, and Menaechmus of
Epidamnus resolves to make sale of his possessions and to return to
Syracuse, his native place.
THE ACROSTIC ARGUMENT. [Supposed to have been written by Priscian the Grammarian.]
A SICILIAN merchant (
Mercator) who had two sons, on one being stolen from him (
Ei), ended his life. As a name (
Nomen) for him who is at home, his paternal grandfather (
Avus) gives him that of Menaechmus instead of Sosicles. And (
Et) he, as soon as he is grown up, goes to seek his brother about (
Circum) all countries. At last he comes to
Epidamnus; hither (
Huc) the one that was stoien has been carried. All think that the stranger, Menaechmus (
Menaechmum), is their fellow-citizen, and address him (
Eum)
as such: Courtesan, wife, and father-in-law. There (
Ibi) at last the brothers mutually recognize each other.
