XANTHIAS. Look to yourselves and don't come near me.
AEACUS. Hah! you would show fight! Ditylas, Sceblyas, Pardocas,[447] come here and have at him!
DIONYSUS. Ah! you would strike him because he has stolen!
XANTHIAS. 'Tis horrible!
DIONYSUS. 'Tis a revolting cruelty!
XANTHIAS. By Zeus! may I die, if I ever came here or stole from you the value of a pin! But I will act nobly; take this slave, put him to the question, and if you obtain the proof of my guilt, put me to death.
AEACUS. In what manner shall I put him to the question?
XANTHIAS. In every manner; you may lash him to the wooden horse, hang him, cut him open with scourging, flay him, twist his limbs, pour vinegar down his nostrils, load him with bricks, anything you like; only don't beat him with leeks or fresh garlic.[448]
AEACUS. 'Tis well conceived; but if the blows maim your slave, you will be claiming damages from me.
[447] Names of Thracian slaves.
[448] As was done to unruly children; he allows every kind of torture with the exception of the mildest.
Studies
