Perde 4
[Textpart 2]
I see the token and I recognize it. But is he in the habit of sending no greeting written in his letter?
SIMO
Such is the military etiquette, Ballio;
with their hand they send health to their well-wishers, and with the same do they send destruction to their evil-wishers. But as you have commenced, go on to ascertain of yourself what this letter says.
1005
BALLIO
Listen then. (Reading on.) Harpax is my camp-servant, who has come to you.
Are you this Harpax?
1010
SIMO
I am, and the real Harpax too The real Harpax too: He lays a stress on the name, to catch a laugh from the audience by implying that he is a regular Harpax or plunderer, both in name and reality..
1010
BALLIO
Who brings this letter; I wish the money to be received from him, and the woman to be sent together with him. ’Tis becoming to send greeting to the worthy; had I deemed you worthy, I should have sent it to you.
BALLIO
Pay me the money, take away the woman.
1015
SIMO
Which of us is delaying the matter?
BALLIO
Follow me in-doors then.
[Textpart 3]
I’ troth, a more artful fellow, and one more skilfully cunning, I never did see than is this same Simmia. Very much do I dread this man, and sadly do I fear that
PSEUDOLUS
he may prove mischievous against myself just as he has been against him; lest in his prosperity he may now turn his horns against me, if he finds an opportunity. Should he prove mischievous towards me But, i’ faith, for my part I hope not, for I wish well to him.
1020
Now in three ways am I in the greatest dread. First of all then, I dread this comrade of mine, lest he should forsake me and go over from me to the enemy. Next do I dread that my master should in the meantime return from the Forum; lest, the booty taken, the plunderers should be taken.
Together with these things do I fear, lest that other Harpax should arrive here before this Harpax has departed hence with the woman. By my faith, I’m undone; they are very slow in coming out of doors. With baggage packed With baggage packed: Conligatis vasis. This is a figure derived from military affairs. In modern as in ancient times, the custom is for the soldiers, when they break up the encampment, to collect all their vessels and baggage and tie them up in bundles. up, my heart is waiting, ready,
1030
if he doesn’t bring out the damsel together with himself, to fly away in exile out from of my breast. (The door of BALLIO’S house opens.) I’m the conqueror— I’ve got the better of my wary guards.
[Textpart 4]
Don’t weep: you know not how the matter is, Phœnicium; but before long I’ll let you know it when you are resting.
SIMO
I’m not leading you to that Macedonian long-teethed fellow, who now causes you to be weeping. To him will I lead you, whose you especially long to be. I’ll cause you before very long to be embracing Calidorus.
1040
PSEUDOLUS
Prithee, why did you stay so long in-doors?
