Plautus Miles Gloriosus 5.2

PYRGOPOLINICES

Here are some of my servants, I see. Tell me, is Philocomasium off yet.

SCELEDRUS

Aye, some time since.

PYRGOPOLINICES

Ah me!

SCELEDRUS

You would say that ¹ still more if you were to know what I know,

for that fellow who had the wool before his eye was no sailor.

1430

PYRGOPOLINICES

Who was he, then?

SCELEDRUS

A lover of Philocomasium’s.

PYRGOPOLINICES

How do you know?

SCELEDRUS

I do know: for after they had got out of the city gate, they didn’t wait a moment before falling to kissing and embracing each other at once.

PYRGOPOLINICES

O wretched fool that I am! I see that I have been gulled. That scoundrel of a fellow, Palaestrio,

it was he that contrived this plot against me.

1435

SCELEDRUS

I think it was properly done. ² If it were so done to other letchers, there would be fewer letchers here; they would stand more in awe, and give their attention less to these pursuits.

PYRGOPOLINICES

³ Let’s go into my house.

AN ACTOR

(to the AUDIENCE.)

⁴ Give us your applause.