Cistellaria, or The Casket (642b-655)

Don’t you see Alcesimarchus? He’s grasping a sword.

What art about? Thou art delaying. Quit the light of day.

Do run and aid him, pray, that he mayn’t kill himself.

O Safety more healthful than my own safety, you now, whether I wish or don’t wish, alone do cause me to live.

Fie on it! Were you ready to commit such violence?

I’ve nought to do with you—to you I’m dead. (Clasping SILENIUM in his arms.) Her, as I hold her, I’m determined not to lose. For, by heaven, I am resolved henceforth to have her entirely rivetted fast unto me. (Goes to the door of the house, and calls.) Where are you, servants? Shut the door with bolts, with bars,

when I shall have carried her within the threshold!

He’s gone off: he has carried the damsel away. I’ll go—I’ll at once follow him in-doors, that he may know of me these same things, if from being angered with me I can render him pleased.

I do believe I never saw a more tormenting old nag than this is. What she just now confessed to me, is she to be denying it?

But look, I see my mistress. Why (seeing the casket on the ground), how’s this, that this casket is lying here with these trinkets, and that I see no other person in the street? I must act the child’s part[*]; I’ll stoop to pick up the casket.