Miles Gloriosus
Plautus, Titus Maccius
Plautus. The Comedies of Plautus, Volume 1. Riley, H. T., translator. London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1912.
- Aye, I know now. You’ve now made the matter level for me instead of steep. But is there a certain person here?
- Either he is or he is not.
- Come aside with me alone, in private.
- For a short or for a lengthy conversation?
- For three words only.
- to PYRGOPOLINICES. I’ll return to you this instant.
- What? Shall I be standing here in the meanwhile, with such charms and valorous deeds, thus to no purpose?
- Submit to it and wait; for you am I doing this service.
- Make haste; I am tortured with waiting.
- You know that commodities of this kind are only wont to be reached step by step.
- Well, well; as is most agreable to yourself.
- aside. There is no stone more stupid than this fellow. I now return to you. To MILPHIDIPPA. What would you with me? Retires with her to distance.
- In the way in which I received it of you a short time since, I bring you back your clever lot; my story is as though she were dying with love for him.
- That I understand. Do you commend his beauty and his appearance, and make mention of his prowess.
- For that purpose I am armed at all points[*](Armed at all points: Habeo omnem aciem.Literally, I have all my troops in battle array.), as I have shown you before already. On the other hand, do you give all attention, and be on the watch, and take your cue[*](Take your cue: Venator.Literally, hunt out, or act the hunter’s part, probably with reference to starting the game.) from my words.
- Prithee do now, in fine, give me some share in the business; step this way this instant, I beg.
- goes up to him. Here I am. If you wish for aught, give me your commands.
- What is she saying to you?
- She is saying that her mistress is lamenting, and, in tears, is tormenting and afflicting herself because she wishes for you, and because she possesses you not; for that reason has she been sent here to you.
- Bid her approach.