Really I am treated by you quite with contempt. SIMO And why shouldn’t I treat you with contempt, I who have the repute of being a military gentleman? PSEUDOLUS I want this then, which has been commenced, to be completed. SIMO Do you see me a-doing anything else? PSEUDOLUS Therefore walk on briskly. SIMO No, I choose to go slowly. PSEUDOLUS This is the opportunity; while this Harpax is asleep, I want you to be the first to accost him. SIMO 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. PSEUDOLUS How can that be? SIMO You are murdering me when you ask me that. PSEUDOLUS A clever fellow. SIMO And so are you too, who are quite my equal with your mischievous tricks and lies PSEUDOLUS May Jupiter preserve you for me. SIMO Aye, and for myself. But look, does this dress become me quite well? PSEUDOLUS It suits very well. SIMO Be it so. PSEUDOLUS 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. SIMO (overhearing him.) Do you say that to me? PSEUDOLUS This man’s an honest fellow. SIMO It is neither this person, then (pointing to PSEUDOLUS) , nor myself. PSEUDOLUS But take care that you don’t be tripping. SIMO 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. PSEUDOLUS 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— SIMO They won’t do so; you’ll be uttering sheer falsehoods then. PSEUDOLUS How I do love you, Simmia, for your roguery, and both fear and laud you. SIMO That I have learned to make a present of to others; you can’t put your flatteries on me.