Source edition
Plautus. Plauti Comoediae, Volume 2. Leo, Friedrich, editor. Berlin: Weidmann, 1896.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This Roman comedy centers on two virtuous sisters who remain faithful to their husbands during their long absence abroad. Set in Athens, the play begins as their father, Antipho, attempts to persuade them to divorce their impoverished husbands, though the daughters resolutely uphold their duty. The tension dissolves when the husbands return from their travels bearing immense wealth, leading to a reconciliation with their father-in-law. Meanwhile, the parasite Gelasimus desperately tries to secure an invitation to dinner from the returned brothers, only to be repeatedly and comically rejected, leaving him in despair. The focus of the story then shifts to the slaves, particularly Stichus and Sagarinus, who celebrate their masters' return with a private feast alongside their shared mistress, the maidservant Stephanium. The play concludes with the slaves engaging in a lively, music-filled celebration, inviting the audience to applaud.