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306
(Enter TRACHALIO, at a distance, in haste.)
TRACHALIO
(to himself.)
I’ve carefully given all attention that I mightn’t pass my master anywhere; for when some time since he went out of the house, he said that he was going to the harbour, and he ordered me to come here to meet him at the Temple of Venus. But see, opportunely do I espy some people standing here of whom I may enquire; I’ll accost them.
I’ve carefully given all attention that I mightn’t pass my master anywhere; for when some time since he went out of the house, he said that he was going to the harbour, and he ordered me to come here to meet him at the Temple of Venus. But see, opportunely do I espy some people standing here of whom I may enquire; I’ll accost them.
FISHERMEN of Cyrene
Just as befits a fisherman with hunger, thirst, and expectation.
Just as befits a fisherman with hunger, thirst, and expectation.
TRACHALIO
Have you seen to-day, while you’ve been standing here, any young man, of courageous aspect, ruddy, stout, of genteel appearance, come by this way,
who was taking with him three men in scarfs, with swords?
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Have you seen to-day, while you’ve been standing here, any young man, of courageous aspect, ruddy, stout, of genteel appearance, come by this way,
who was taking with him three men in scarfs, with swords?
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FISHERMEN of Cyrene
We know of no one coming this way of that appearance which you mention.
We know of no one coming this way of that appearance which you mention.
TRACHALIO
Have you seen any old fellow, bald on the forehead and snub-nosed, of big stature, pot-bellied, with eyebrows awry, a narrow forehead, a knave, the scorn of Gods and men, a scoundrel, one full of vile dishonesty and of iniquity,
who had along with him two very pretty-looking young women?
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Have you seen any old fellow, bald on the forehead and snub-nosed, of big stature, pot-bellied, with eyebrows awry, a narrow forehead, a knave, the scorn of Gods and men, a scoundrel, one full of vile dishonesty and of iniquity,
who had along with him two very pretty-looking young women?
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FISHERMEN of Cyrene
One who has been born with qualities and endowments of that sort, ’twere really fitter for him to resort to the executioner than to the Temple of Venus.
One who has been born with qualities and endowments of that sort, ’twere really fitter for him to resort to the executioner than to the Temple of Venus.
TRACHALIO
But tell me if you have seen him.
But tell me if you have seen him.
FISHERMEN of Cyrene
Really, no one has passed this way. Fare you well.
Really, no one has passed this way. Fare you well.
TRACHALIO
Fare ye well.
(Exeunt FISHERMEN.)
(to himself.) I thought so; it has come to pass as I suspected;
my master has been deceived; the cursed Procurer has taken himself off to distant lands. He has embarked on board ship, and carried the women away; I’m a wizard. He invited my master here to breakfast, as well, this very spawn of wickedness. Now what is better for me than to wait here in this spot until my master comes? At the same time, if this Priestess of Venus knows anything more,
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if I see her, I’ll make enquiries; she’ll give me the information.
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Fare ye well.
(Exeunt FISHERMEN.)
(to himself.) I thought so; it has come to pass as I suspected;
my master has been deceived; the cursed Procurer has taken himself off to distant lands. He has embarked on board ship, and carried the women away; I’m a wizard. He invited my master here to breakfast, as well, this very spawn of wickedness. Now what is better for me than to wait here in this spot until my master comes? At the same time, if this Priestess of Venus knows anything more,
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if I see her, I’ll make enquiries; she’ll give me the information.
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Rudens. Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley (Translator). London. 1913.
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