Perde 2
[Textpart 4]
The sweets and the bitters, all have I disclosed to you. You know my love, you know my difficulty, you know my poverty.
CHARINUS
I well remember all; do you only let me know what you want me to do.
CALIDORUS
Pseudolus has directed me thus, that I should bring to him some bold and zealous person.
CHARINUS
You observe your directions well; for you bring him one both friendly and zealous. But this Pseudolus
CALIDORUS
He is a very clever fellow—he is my contriver. He said that he would effect those things for me that I have told you of.
700
PSEUDOLUS
I’ll address this person in a very lofty strain.
CALIDORUS
Whose voice is it that’s heard here?
PSEUDOLUS
Oh! thee, sovereign lord, thee, oh! thee do I address who dost rule over Pseudolus: thee do I seek, to impart to thee delights thrice three, threefold, acquired by three contrivances,
obtained over three persons through craftiness and through subtlety, which in this very little sealed packet I have brought unto you I have brought unto you: The note of interrogation at the end of this passage, as found in Ritschel’s Edition, seems to be out of place..
705
CALIDORUS
That’s the fellow;
how the hang-dog does bluster just like a tragedian.
PSEUDOLUS
Advance a step on thy side towards me. Boldly stretch forth thine arm for greeting.
CALIDORUS
Tell me, Pseudolus, whether, as Hope or as Safety, must I greet you?
CALIDORUS
As both I greet you. But what has been done?
710
I have carried this person here.
PSEUDOLUS
How? Carried him here?
CALIDORUS
Brought, I meant to say.
