T. Maccius Plautus Truculentus 4.1

DINARCHUS

(to himself.)

There’s not a person born, nor will there be born, nor can there be found one,

to whom I would now wish praises to be given, or on whom attentions bestowed, rather than on Venus. Ye great Gods, how joyous I am, and how I’m transported with joyousness! Such great tidings of joy has Cyamus brought to me this day; that my presents have been esteemed and deemed acceptable by Phronesium. While this now is a delight, then besides this in especial is rare honey-drink to me,

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that the Captain’s presents are held as disagreable and not acceptable. I’m all enraptured! The ball’s my own ¹ ; if the Captain’s sent adrift, the woman will be mine. I’m saved, because I’m going to ruin; if I didn’t go to ruin, it’s clear I should die. Now I’ll keep watch, what’s going on there, who goes into the house, who comes out of doors; from here at a distance will I observe what is to be my lot.

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Because I’ve got nothing, my feelings remind me of one thing; I’ll do everything by begging.

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