In Taberna Translation

Metella and Melissa left out of the house in the morning. Metella's son was searching for his toga. After they entered the forum, Metella and the slave girl look around the shop where the best togas were. Many women were in the shop. The slaves showed the stolas to the women. Two gladiators were in the shop also. The slaves showed the tunics to the gladiators. The merchant was standing in the middle of the shop. The merchant was Marcellus. After he saw Metella, Marcellus asked,

"What are you searching for, ma'am?"

"I am searching for a toga," said Metella. "I am looking for a gift for my son, because he is celebrating his birthday."

"I have many togas," replied the merchant.

The merchant gave a signal to the slave. The slave quickly handed over the toga to the merchant. Marcellus showed the togas to the women. Metella and the slave girl inspected the togas.

"By Hercules!" shouted Melissa. "These togas are dirty."

Marcellus cursed at the slaves.

"The togas inside are splendid," says Marcellus.

Marcellus led the women inside. The merchant showed the women the other togas. Metella soon chose a splendid toga for Quintus.

"How much is this toga?" asked Metella.

"I want fifty denarii," replied Marcellus.

"You want fifty denarii? Crook!" shouted Melissa. "I am offering you ten denarii."

"I want forty denarii," replied the merchant.

"I am offering fifteen denarii," says the slave girl.

"What? This toga is very beautiful! I want forty denarii," replies Marcellus.

"You demand too much," says Metella. "I will give you thirty denarii."

"Agreed," replied Marcellus.

Melissa gave the money to Marcellus. Marcellus handed over the toga to Metella.

"I give you great thanks, ma'am," says Marcellus.