Perde 2
[Textpart 1]
O Jupiter, whatever I undertake, how cleverly and how fortunately does it befal me.
PSEUDOLUS
Not any plan is there stored up in my breast that I can hesitate upon or be afraid of. But it is folly to entrust a bold exploit to a timorous heart; for all things are just as you make them, so as you make them of importance. Now in my breast have I already so prepared my forces—
575
double, aye, threefold stratagems, that when I engage with the enemy, relying upon the merits, I say, of my forefathers, and on my own industry and tricking propensity for mischief, I may easily conquer, and easily spoil my antagonists by my contrivances.
580
Now will I adroitly batter down this Ballio Batter down this Ballio: Ballionem exbalistabo. He play upon the resemblance of the name of Ballio to the balista, or engine of war., the common foe of me and all of you; only lend me your attention. Now will I forthwith draw out my legions against this old town. If I take it, I shall make it a pleasant matter for the citizens: I’ll load and fill myself, and my allies as well, with booty from it. I shall strike terror and fright into my enemies, so that they may know of what race I was born.
Great exploits it befits me to perform, which long after may bespeak fame for me. But whom do I see here? Who’s this low fellow that’s presented before my eyes? I should like to know why he’s come here with his sword: I’ troth, now then I’ll lie here in ambush for him, to see the business that he’s about.
590
[Textpart 2]
This is the place, and this the spot, which was pointed out to me by my master, according as I form a judgment from my eyesight. For my master, the Captain, told me to this effect, that the house was the seventh from the gate, in which lives the person to whom he requested me to carry the token and this silver * * * * * I could vastly wish that some one would inform me where this Ballio, the procurer, lives.
PSEUDOLUS
Hist! Silence! This man is mine, unless all Gods and men forsake me. Now have I need of a new plan; this new scheme is suddenly presented to me. This I prefer to my former one; that I shall dismiss, which, before, I had commenced to carry into effect. By my troth, I’ll then work this military messenger that’s just arrived.
600
HARPAX
I’ll knock at the door, and call some one out of doors from within.
PSEUDOLUS
Whoever you are, I wish you to spare your knocking; for I’ve just come out of doors, I, the spokesman and the defender of the door.
605
PSEUDOLUS
Why, no; but I’m the deputy-Ballio The deputy-Ballio: In the Latin subballio..
HARPAX
What means that expression?
PSEUDOLUS
I’m his butler-steward His butler-steward: Condus-promus was the title given to the slave who had charge of the storerooms, or cellae, in the Roman establishments. The office answered to those of our housekeeper and butler combined.; the caterer for his larder.
HARPAX
As though you were to say, you are his chamberlain His chamberlain: Atriensis was the title of the slave in whose charge was the atrium, or large hall, or central room on the ground floor..
PSEUDOLUS
No; I’m above his chamberlain.
HARPAX
What are you, slave or free man?
610
PSEUDOLUS
Why, at present, I’m still a slave.
610
HARPAX
So you seem to be; and you don’t look to be one worthy to be free.
PSEUDOLUS
Ain’t you in the habit of looking at yourself when you abuse another person?
HARPAX
This must be a roguish fellow.
