Perde 1
CALIDORUS
I’m distracted.
235
PSEUDOLUS
Harden your heart.
235
PSEUDOLUS
Make yourself to can.
CALIDORUS
By what means, pray, can I prevail upon my feelings?
PSEUDOLUS
Carry you out that which is to your advantage, rather than give heed with your feelings to the thing that’s disadvantageous.
CALIDORUS
That’s nonsense; there is no pleasure, unless a lover acts like a fool.
PSEUDOLUS
Do you persist?
CALIDORUS
O my dear Pseudolus, let me be undone—do let me, please.
PSEUDOLUS
I’ll let you; only let me go.
CALIDORUS
Stay, stay. As you shall, then, wish me to be, so will I be.
240
PSEUDOLUS
Now, at last, you are in your senses.
240
BALLIO
The day is passing; I’m causing delay to myself. Boy, do you go before me.
CALIDORUS
Hallo there! he’s going; why don’t you call him back?
PSEUDOLUS
Why in such a hurry? Gently.
CALIDORUS
But before he’s gone.
BALLIO
Why the plague do you go so slowly, boy?
PSEUDOLUS
You born on this day, hallo! you born on this day; I’m calling to you; hallo! you born on this day, come you back and look at us. Although you are busy,
we want you; stop—it’s because some persons want to speak to you.
245
