Perde 4
[Textpart 4]
For how long a time was my heart throbbing with beating against my breast.
1045
SIMO
You have found reason, you whipping-post, with a vengeance to be making enquires of me amid the ambush of the enemy. Why don’t we go home with all speed with military strides With military strides: Having often to march quickly, soldiers would naturally acquire the habit of walking with large strides..
PSEUDOLUS
Now, by my troth, although you are a worthless fellow, you advise aright. March in triumphal procession, this way, straight in the path to the festive goblet.
[Textpart 5]
Ha, ha, ha! (laughing.) Now, at last, my mind is in a state of ease, since that fellow has departed hence, and taken away the woman. I should like Pseudolus now to come, that wicked rascal,
BALLIO
to carry the woman off from me by his stratagems. I know for sure, right well, that I had rather in solemn form perjure myself a thousand times, than that he should cheat me by making a laughing-stock of me. By my troth now, I’ll laugh at the fellow if I meet him.
1055
But I guess that he’ll soon be on the treadmill, just as befits him. Now I wish for Simo that he would come in my way, in order that he might be joyful in common with my joy.
1060
[Textpart 6]
I’m going to see what business my Ulysses has transacted; whether he now has the statue Now has the statue: He alludes to Ulysses carrying away the Palladium or statue of Minerva from the citadel of Troy. from the Ballionian citadel.
BALLIO
O, lucky man! give me your lucky hand.
1065
BALLIO
There’s nothing at all for you to fear.
SIMO
What’s the matter? Has that fellow Pseudolus come to you?
SIMO
What good fortune is there, then?
BALLIO
Your twenty minae are safe and sound which Pseudolus stipulated for from you this day.
SIMO
I’ faith, I really do wish they were.
1070
BALLIO
Ask of me twenty minae if he this day gets hold of that woman, or gives her to your son this day, as he has promised. On my word, prithee, do demand them of me; I quite long to promise them.
1070
And, besides this, keep the woman as a present for yourself, that in every way you may know that your money’s safe.
SIMO
There’s no danger that I know of in making this bargain. According as you have solemnly pledged your word, will you give me twenty minae?
