Miles Gloriosus

Plautus, Titus Maccius

Plautus. The Comedies of Plautus, Volume 1. Riley, H. T., translator. London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1912.

  1. And heartily fare you well.
PALAESTRIO
  1. Prithee, do remember me; if perchance I should happen to be made free, I’ll send the news to you; don’t you forsake me[*](don’t you forsake me: He hypocritically entreats his master not to desert him in need, should he be made free, and be thereby thrown entirely upon his own resources.).
PYRGOPOLINICES
  1. That is not my habit.
PALAESTRIO
  1. Consider every now and then how faithful I have been to you. If you do that, then at last you’ll know who is honest towards you and who dishonest.
PYRGOPOLINICES
  1. I know it; I have often found that true, as well before as to-day in especial.
PALAESTRIO
  1. Do you know it? Aye, and this day I’ll make you hereafter say still more how true it is.
PYRGOPOLINICES
  1. I can hardly refrain from bidding you to stay.
PALAESTRIO
  1. Take you care how[*](Take you care how: There is considerable drollery in his anxiety lest his master should suddenly change his mind and refuse to let him go. His situation would, indeed, under such circumstances have proved an unfortunate one.) you do that. They may say that you are a liar and not truthful, that you have no honor; they may say that no one of your slaves is trustworthy except my-self. If, indeed, I thought you could do it with honor, I should advise you. But it cannot be; take care how you do so.
PYRGOPOLINICES
  1. Be off; I’ll be content then, whatever happens.
PALAESTRIO
  1. Then, fare you well.
PYRGOPOLINICES
  1. ’Twere better you should go with a good heart.
PALAESTRIO
  1. Still, once more, farewell. Exit.
PYRGOPOLINICES
  1. Before this affair, I had always thought that he was a most rascally servant; still, I find that he is faithful to me. When I consider with myself, I have done unwisely in parting with him. I’ll go hence at once now to my love here: the door, too, I perceive, makes a noise there.
Enter a BOY from the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.
A BOY.
  1. to some one within. don’t you be advising me; I remember my duty; this moment I’ll find him. Wherever on earth he may chance to be, I’ll search him out; I’ll not be sparing of my pains.
PYRGOPOLINICES
  1. ’Tis I he is looking for, I’ll go and meet this boy.
A BOY.
  1. O, I’m looking for you; save you, dearest sir, one loaded by opportunity with her gifts, and whom before all others two Divinities do favour.
PYRGOPOLINICES
  1. What two?
A BOY.
  1. Mars and Venus.
PYRGOPOLINICES
  1. A sprightly boy.