Pseudolus, or The Cheat (916-945)

Really I am treated by you quite with contempt.

And why shouldn’t I treat you with contempt, I who have the repute of being a military gentleman?

I want this then, which has been commenced, to be completed.

Do you see me a-doing anything else?

Therefore walk on briskly.

No, I choose to go slowly.

This is the opportunity; while this Harpax is asleep, I want you to be the first to accost him.

Why are you hurrying? Softly; don’t you fear. I wish Jupiter would so make it, that he were openly in the same place with me, whoever he is, that has arrived from the Captain.

Never a jot, by my troth, should he be a bit the better Harpax than I. Have good courage, I’ll have this business nicely accounted for to you. So by my tricks and lies would I put this military stranger in a fright that he himself would deny that he is the person that he is,

and would believe me to be the person that he himself is.

How can that be?

You are murdering me when you ask me that.

A clever fellow.

And so are you too, who are quite my equal with your mischievous tricks and lies ⋯

May Jupiter preserve you for me.

Aye, and for myself.

But look, does this dress become me quite well?

It suits very well.

Be it so.

May the Deities grant you as many blessings as you may wish for yourself. For if I were to wish for as many as you are deserving of, they would be less than nothing; (aside) nor have I ever seen any one more of a rogue than this fellow.

Do you say that to me?

This man’s an honest fellow.

It is neither this person, then (pointing to PSEUDOLUS), nor myself.

But take care that you don’t be tripping.

Can’t you hold your tongue? He that puts a man in mind of that which, remembering it, he does keep in mind, causes him to forget it. I recollect everything; they are stored up in my breast; my plans are cleverly laid.

I’m silent. But what good turn shall I do you if you carry through this matter with management?

So may the Gods love me—

They won’t do so; you’ll be uttering sheer falsehoods then.

How I do love you, Simmia, for your roguery, and both fear and laud you.

That I have learned to make a present of to others; you can’t put your flatteries on me.