Perde 1
[Textpart 1]
Very well then, I’ll read it through. Give me your attention.
CALIDORUS
That’s not here.
PSEUDOLUS
Do you summon it then.
CALIDORUS
Well, I’ll be silent; do you summon it from that wax there From that wax there: Allusion is here made to the wax with which the surface of the tablet was covered, and on which the writing was traced with the iron stylus.; for there my attention is at present, not in my breast.
PSEUDOLUS
I see your mistress, Calidorus.
35
CALIDORUS
Where is she, prithee?
35
PSEUDOLUS
See, here she is at full length in the letter; she’s lying upon the wax.
CALIDORUS
Now, may the Gods and Goddesses, inasmuch— Inasnmuch: He is going to say, may the Divinities confound you; which anathema Pseudolus adroitly turns aside, and refrains from further provoking his master.
PSEUDOLUS
Preserve me from harm, to wit.
CALIDORUS
For a short season have I been like a summer plant Like a summer plant: Some Commentators think that Plautus refers to some imaginary plant, which was supposed to grow up and wither on the day of the summer Solstice. It seems, however, more probable that he only refers to the short existence of summer flowers in general.; suddenly have I sprung up, suddenly have I withered.
PSEUDOLUS
Be silent, while I read the letter through.
40
CALIDORUS
Why don’t you read it then?
40
PSEUDOLUS
Phœnicium to her lover, Calidorus, by means of wax and string and letters, her exponents, sends health, and safety does she beg Safety does she beg: The writer plays upon the different meanings of the word sarus. She sends you salus, greeting or salutation, and requests you to find her salus, safety or rescue, in return. of you, weeping, and with palpitating feelings, heart, and breast.
CALIDORUS
I’m undone; I nowhere find, Pseudolus, this safety for me to send her back.
45
PSEUDOLUS
And do you wish to send her back a silver safety for one on wood For one on wood: Meaning, in return for her salus, or salutation, upon the wooden tablet, is it your wish to send her salus, safety, procured through the medium of money, by effecting her liberation.? Consider what you’re about.
CALIDORUS
Read on now; I’ll soon cause you to know from the letter
how suddenly there’s need for me for one of silver to be found.
50
PSEUDOLUS
The procurer has sold me, my love, for twenty minae, to a Macedonian officer from abroad. Before he departed hence, the Captain paid him fifteen minae; only five minae now are remaining unpaid.
