Miles Gloriosus

Plautus, Titus Maccius

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

  1. How cleverly the good soul has described their bad manners.
PERIPLECOMENUS
  1. I have not said a hundredth part of what I could have enlarged upon had there been leisure for the matter.
PALAESTRIO
  1. The business, then, that we are about—to that we ought first to turn our thoughts. Do you both, now, give me your attention. I have need, Periplecomenus, of your assistance; for I have hit upon a pleasant trick, how this Captain with his long locks may be fleeced quite close[*](Be fleeced quite close: By his mention of the Captain’s long locks, he seems to intend a pun on the word admutilo, to bamboozle or cajole, which, literally, signifies to clip, or shave close.), and how we may effect a means for Philocomasium, and this her lover, that he may carry her off hence, and have her as his own.
PERIPLECOMENUS
  1. I wish this plan to be imparted to me.
PALAESTRIO
  1. And I, wish that ring of yours to be imparted to me.
PERIPLECOMENUS
  1. For what purpose is it to be used?
PALAESTRIO
  1. When I have got it, I will impart the plan of my devices.
PERIPLECOMENUS
  1. Take and use it. (Gives him the ring.)
PALAESTRIO
  1. Take from me in return the plan of my contrivance that I have hit upon.
PERIPLECOMENUS
  1. We are listening to you with most attentive ear.