Miles Gloriosus
Plautus, Titus Maccius
Plautus. The Comedies of Plautus, Volume 1. Riley, H. T., translator. London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1912.
- I have met her.
- And did she seem a brisk wench?
- You are wishing to have everything.
- Where did the sister say her mother was?
- The captain that brought them told me that she was in bed, on board the ship, with sore and inflamed eyes. This captain of the ship is lodging with them next door.
- And he, too, is he a very fine fellow?
- Away with you, if you please. What have you[*](What have you: This passage is somewhat modified above.) to do with him? You have your hands quite full enough with the women. Attend to this for the present.
- As to that advice you were giving me, I wish you to have a few words with her upon that subject. For, really, a conversation on that subject with her is more becoming[*](Is more becoming: He thinks it not suitable to his dignity to speak on the subject himself, and therefore wishes to put the task upon Palaestrio.) for you.
- What is more advisable than for you to go yourself, and transact your own concerns? You must say that it is absolutely necessary for you to marry: that your relations are persuading, your friends are urging, you.
- And do you think so?