10 nam vos quidem id iam scitis concessum et datum mi esse ab dis aliis, nuntiis praesim et lucro—­:  haec ut me voltis adprobare adnitier,[4] (13) ita huic facietis fabulae silentium (15) itaque aequi et iusti his eritis omnes arbitri.

and according as ye would have me bring you and all yours glad news, reporting and announcing matters which most contribute to your common good (for ye doubtless are aware ere now that ’tis to me the other gods have yielded and granted plenipotence o’er messages and profits); according as ye would have me bless you in these things, then in such degree will ye (suddenly dropping his pomposity) keep still while we are acting this play and all be fair and square judges of the performance.

Nunc cuius iussu venio et quam ob rem venerim dicam simulque ipse eloquar nomen meum.  Iovis iussu venio, nomen Mercurio est mihi. pater huc me misit ad vos oratum meus, 20 tam etsi, pro imperio vobis quod dictum foret, scibat facturos, quippe qui intellexerat vereri vos se et metuere, ita ut aequom est Iovem;

Now I will tell you who bade me come, and why I came, and likewise myself state my own name.  Jupiter bade me come:  my name is Mercury (pauses, evidently hoping he has made an impression).  My father has sent me here to you to make a plea, yea, albeit he knew that whatever was told you in way of command you would do, inasmuch as he realized that you revere and dread him as men should Jupiter.

verum profecto hoc petere me precario a vobis iussit, leniter, dictis bonis. etenim ille, cuius huc iussu venio, Iuppiter non minus quam vostrum quivis formidat malum:  humana matre natus, humano patre, mirari non est aequom, sibi si praetimet;

But the fact remains that he has bidden me make this request in suppliant wise, with gentle, kindly words. (confidentially) For you see, that Jupiter that “bade me come here” is just like any one of you in his horror of (rubbing his shoulders reflectively) trouble[A]:  his mother being human, also his father, it should not seem strange if he does feel apprehensive regarding himself.

        [Footnote A:  Actors might be whipped on occasion.]

atque ego quoque etiam, qui Iovis sum filius, 30 contagione mei patris metuo malum. propterea pace advenio et pacem ad vos affero[5]:  iustam rem et facilem esse oratam a vobis volo, nam iusta ab iustis iustus sum orator datus.

Yes, and the same is true of me, the son of Jupiter:  once my father has some trouble I am afraid I shall catch it, too. (rather pompously again) Wherefore I come in peace and peace do I bring to you.  It is a just and trifling request I wish you to grant:  for I am sent as a just pleader pleading with the