In the Law Court

In the courthouse

The judge enters the courthouse.

Judge: Who are you?

Caecilius: I am Lucius Caecilius Iucundus.

Judge: Are you a Pompeian?

Caecilius: I am a Pompeian.

Judge: What do you do in the city?

Caecilius: I come to the forum every day. I am a banker.

Judge: Why do you come to the courthouse today?

Caecilius: Hermogenes owes me a lot of money. Hermogenes does not pay back the money.

Hermogenes: Caecilius is a liar!

Judge: Who are you?

Hermogenes: I am Hermogenes.

Judge: Hermogenes, what do you do in the city?

Hermogenes: I conduct business in the forum. I am a merchant.

Judge: What do you answer? Do you owe money?

Hermogenes: I do not owe money. My friend is a witness.

Friend: I am a witness. Hermogenes does not owe Caecilius money. Caecilius is a liar.

Caecilius: You, Hermogenes, are a liar. Your friend also is a liar. You do not pay back money...

Judge: Enough! You accuse Hermogenes, but you do not prove the case.

Caecilius: I have the wax tablet. You see the seal in the wax.

Hermogenes: Oh no!

Judge: Hermogenes, do you have the ring?

Caecilius: Look! Hermogenes hides the ring.

Judge: Where is the ring? Look! The ring proves the case. I convict Hermogenes.