Miles Gloriosus
Plautus, Titus Maccius
Plautus. The Comedies of Plautus, Volume 1. Riley, H. T., translator. London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1912.
- Bid her approach.
- But do you know how you are to act? Pretend that you are full of disdain, as though it pleased you not; exclaim against me, because I make you so common to the mob.
- I remember, and I’ll follow your instructions.
- I’ll call her, then, who is inquiring after you.
- If she wants anything, let her come.
- Wench, if you want anything, step this way.
- approaching. Save you, charmer[*](Charmer: Pulcher.Handsome man. This, as a surname, would not sound so very absurd in Roman ears, as Pulcher was a surname (cognomen) of a branch of the Claudian family.).
- She makes mention of my surname. May the Gods grant you whatever you may desire.
- To pass life with you is the wish of—
- You are wishing too much.
- I am not speaking of myself, but of my mistress, who is dying for you.
- Many others are wishing for the same thing, who have not the opportunity.
- By my troth, ’tis not to be wondered at; you set a high value on yourself—a person so handsome, and so illustrious for his prowess, and so valorous in his deeds! O! was there ever any one more worthy to be a man?
- aside. I’ faith, the filthy fellow is not a human being; indeed, I think there is something more human in a vulture[*](In a vulture: , He probably alludes to the fact of the vulture sometimes carrying human flesh in its maw).
- aside. Now I shall make myself of importance, since she so praises me up. Struts about.
- aside. Do you see the blockhead, how he struts? To PYRGOPOLINICES. But will you not answer her; she is the woman that’s come from the lady whom I was mentioning just now.
- But from which one of them? For there are so many courting me, I cannot remember them all.
- From her who strips her own fingers and adorns your fingers; for I delivered to him pointing to PALAESTRIO that ring from her who is sighing for you, and then he to you.
- Tell me, wench, what is it you want then?