DIPHILUS

Carthage has territorial designs on Sicily, so Corinth sends its general, Timoleon, to take charge of the defence of Syracuse. On arrival, he criticizes the Sicilians for appointing unworthy and inexperienced senators and for general corruption. He decrees that all private wealth should be sequestered to pay for the war. It is an unpopular measure until Cleora public- spiritedly gives up her jewels, forcing the others to follow her example. Cleora has several suitors, including Pisander of Thebes; but her brother Timagoras, keen for her to marry his friend Leosthenes, slandered Pisander to induce their father to send him away. Now that the young men are going to war, Leosthenes is jealous about what she may get up to in his absence, so she promises literally not to see or say anything until his return. The slaves of Syracuse take advantage of the absence of the army and rebel, enslaving their former masters. The ringleader is Cleora’s slave Marullo, who claims to be motivated by unrequited passion for his mistress, but, when he gains access to her, disclaims any intention of raping her and receives in return a wordless acknowledgement of her regard for him. He encourages the former slaves to treat their former masters well, since their positions may again be reversed. News arrives of a victory over the Carthaginians, with particular military distinction achieved by Leosthenes. The rebellious slaves man the city’s walls and gates to keep out the returning army; from the walls, Marullo declares their grievances and demands their freedom. Timoleon realizes they will have to fight their way into the city, but the slaves put up a valiant resistance until cowed by the sight of their masters’ whips. Marullo flees to Cleora’s house, where he is captured. Cleora tells Leosthenes what happened, and asks him to use his influence to have Marullo spared, but this only makes Leosthenes jealous again. Cleora’s father gives her freedom to choose her own husband; he respects Marullo for his restraint in not ransacking the house during the revolt. Cleora realizes she must marry either Leosthenes or Marullo: both are worthy of her, but she is bound to disappoint one. On hearing that Marullo has been ill-treated by his captors, she rushes off to visit him in prison. Leosthenes and Timagoras follow, alerted by her maid, and find them alone together. Timagoras tries to kill Marullo, but is prevented, Timoleon is appointed to try Marullo’s case. Leosthenes and Marullo both…