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(Enter SCLEDRUS from the CAPTAIN’s house.)
SCELEDRUS
Periplecomenus, by Gods and men, and by my own folly, and by your knees! I do beseech you—
Periplecomenus, by Gods and men, and by my own folly, and by your knees! I do beseech you—
PERIPLECOMENUS
What now?
What now?
SCELEDRUS
Pardon my ignorance and my folly; now, at length, I know that I am half-witted, blind, and thoughtless;
for, behold! Philocomasium is at home.
545
Pardon my ignorance and my folly; now, at length, I know that I am half-witted, blind, and thoughtless;
for, behold! Philocomasium is at home.
545
PERIPLECOMENUS
How, then, hang-dog
1
. Have you seen them both?
How, then, hang-dog
1
. Have you seen them both?
SCELEDRUS
I have seen them.
I have seen them.
PERIPLECOMENUS
I wish you to bring your master to me.
I wish you to bring your master to me.
SCELEDRUS
Indeed, I confess that I deserve a very great punishment; and I own that I have done a wrong to your lady guest. But I thought that she was the lady of my master,
to whom the Captain, my master, gave me as a keeper; for it is not possible for water ever to be drawn more like to water from the same well, than is she to this lady guest of yours. And I will confess, as well, that I did look through the skylight into your house.
550
Indeed, I confess that I deserve a very great punishment; and I own that I have done a wrong to your lady guest. But I thought that she was the lady of my master,
to whom the Captain, my master, gave me as a keeper; for it is not possible for water ever to be drawn more like to water from the same well, than is she to this lady guest of yours. And I will confess, as well, that I did look through the skylight into your house.
550
PERIPLECOMENUS
Why shouldn’t you confess what I saw myself?
Why shouldn’t you confess what I saw myself?
SCELEDRUS
And there saw in your house this lady guest of yours, kissing.
555
And there saw in your house this lady guest of yours, kissing.
555
PERIPLECOMENUS
You saw her?
You saw her?
SCELEDRUS
I saw her. Why should I deny what I did see? But I fancied that I had seen Philocomasium.
I saw her. Why should I deny what I did see? But I fancied that I had seen Philocomasium.
PERIPLECOMENUS
And did you suppose me to be the very vilest of all men, in allowing
2
, with my own knowledge,
such an injury so glaringly to be done to my neighbour?
560
And did you suppose me to be the very vilest of all men, in allowing
2
, with my own knowledge,
such an injury so glaringly to be done to my neighbour?
560
SCELEDRUS
Now, at length, I am of opinion that it was done foolishly by me, when I come to understand the matter; but still I did not do it with any ill intent.
Now, at length, I am of opinion that it was done foolishly by me, when I come to understand the matter; but still I did not do it with any ill intent.
PERIPLECOMENUS
Yes, but ’twas improperly done; for it befits a person that is a servant to keep his eyes, and hands, and talk, asleep.
Yes, but ’twas improperly done; for it befits a person that is a servant to keep his eyes, and hands, and talk, asleep.
SCELEDRUS
Now, if after this day I mutter anything, even what I know for certain, give me over to torture; I’ll give myself up to you. This time, prithee, do pardon me for this.
Now, if after this day I mutter anything, even what I know for certain, give me over to torture; I’ll give myself up to you. This time, prithee, do pardon me for this.
PERIPLECOMENUS
I shall subdue my feelings, so as to think that it was not done by you with malicious intent.
I will pardon you in this matter.
570
I shall subdue my feelings, so as to think that it was not done by you with malicious intent.
I will pardon you in this matter.
570
SCELEDRUS
May the Gods bless you, then!
May the Gods bless you, then!
PERIPLECOMENUS
Troth now, as the Gods may prosper you, really do restrain your tongue henceforth; even that which you do know, don’t know, and don’t you see what you do see.
Troth now, as the Gods may prosper you, really do restrain your tongue henceforth; even that which you do know, don’t know, and don’t you see what you do see.
SCELEDRUS
You counsel me aright; so I’m resolved to do. Are you quite appeased?
You counsel me aright; so I’m resolved to do. Are you quite appeased?
PERIPLECOMENUS
Away with you.
Away with you.
SCELEDRUS
Is there aught else you now require of me?
575
Is there aught else you now require of me?
575
PERIPLECOMENUS
That you would know me not.
(Makes as if he is departing.)
That you would know me not.
SCELEDRUS
(aside.)
He has been cajoling me. How kindly he vouchsafed his favour not to be angry. I know what plan he is upon: that directly the Captain returns home from the Forum, I may be caught at home. He and Palaestrio together
have me in their power: I have perceived that, and for some time I’ve known it. I’ faith, never will I be seeking a bait this day from out of that wicker-net
3
. For now somewhither will I betake myself, and for some days will I lie concealed until this turmoil is hushed and their resentment is softened. Enough punishment for my unlucky prating have I already merited.
580
But still, whatever befals me I’ll be off hence home.
585
(Goes into the CAPTAIN’S house.)
He has been cajoling me. How kindly he vouchsafed his favour not to be angry. I know what plan he is upon: that directly the Captain returns home from the Forum, I may be caught at home. He and Palaestrio together
have me in their power: I have perceived that, and for some time I’ve known it. I’ faith, never will I be seeking a bait this day from out of that wicker-net
3
. For now somewhither will I betake myself, and for some days will I lie concealed until this turmoil is hushed and their resentment is softened. Enough punishment for my unlucky prating have I already merited.
580
But still, whatever befals me I’ll be off hence home.
585
Miles Gloriosus. Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley (Translator). London. 1912.
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