Hecyra: The Mother-In-Law


Hecyra: The Mother-In-Law
By P. Terentius Afer
Translated by: Henry Thomas Riley
Ney York Harper and Brothers 1874



Perseus Documents Collection Table of Contents



Introduction
   THE SUBJECT.
   THE TITLE OF THE PLAY.
   THE SUMMARY OF C. SULPITIUS APOLLINARIS.


Funded by The Annenberg CPB/Project

Introduction

 

Scene summary

THE SUMMARY OF C. SULPITIUS APOLLINARIS.

PAMPHILUS has married Philumena, to whom, when a virgin, he formerly, not knowing who she was, offered violence; and whose ring, which he took off by force, he gave to his mistress, Bacchis, a Courtesan. Afterward he sets out for Imbros, not having touched his bride. Having become pregnant, her mother brings her over to her own house, as though sick, that her mother-in-law may not know it. Pamphilus returns; detects her being delivered; conceals it; but determines not to take back his wife. His father imputes this to his passion for Bacchis. While Bacchis is exculpating herself, Myrrhina, the mother of the injured girl, by chance recognizes the ring. Pamphilus takes back his wife, together with his son.