Theopropides Learns of Philolaches' Debauchery from Slaves

Notes

1. 942qui res alienas procures — The relative clause introduced by `qui` uses the subjunctive mood (`procures, quaeras, videas, audias`) to express a characteristic of the hypothetical "new prefect" (`praefectus novos`).
2. 958desitum est potarier — `desitum est` is an impersonal passive form of `desinere` used with `potarier`, an archaic passive infinitive ending in `-ier` (equivalent to standard `potari`). Literally, "it has never been ceased to be drunk," meaning "drinking never stopped."
3. 973dμὰ τὸν ʼαπόλλω — A Greek oath ("by Apollo") inserted by Plautus into the Latin text. It emphasizes the Greek setting (Athens) of the play and adds a humorous, colloquial flavor characteristic of Roman comedy.
4. 982prae quam — Used as a subordinating conjunction meaning "in comparison with" or "compared to how." It indicates that the thirty minae are insignificant compared to the other lavish expenses the son makes.
5. 992qui tergum tegam — `qui` is an archaic ablative/instrumental form of the relative pronoun (equivalent to `quo`), introducing a relative clause of purpose with the subjunctive `tegam`. For a slave, fear and diligence toward the master are the only means with which to protect their back from the whip.