Chapter 4

(Enter PSEUDOLUS.)

PSEUDOLUS: If the immortal Gods ever did determine that any person should be assisted by their aid, now do they intend that Calidorus shall be preserved for me, and the procurer destroyed, inasmuch as they produced you for my assistant, so clever and so knowing a fellow. (Looking back.) But where is he? am I not a silly fellow to be thus talking to myself alone? I’ faith, he has put a trick upon myself, as I fancy; myself one knave, I have been poorly on my guard against another knave.

By my troth I’m undone, if this fellow’s off, and I shall not carry into effect this day what I intended. But see, there he is, a statue that deserves a whipping; how stately he does stalk along! (HARPAX.)

PSEUDOLUS: How now! By my faith I was looking about for you; I was very greatly afraid that you were off.

SIMO: It was my character to do so, I confess.

PSEUDOLUS: Where were you loitering?

SIMO: Where I pleased.

PSEUDOLUS: That I know well enough already.

SIMO: Why then do you ask me what you know?

PSEUDOLUS: Why this I want, to put you in mind.

SIMO: Needing to be put in mind yourself, don’t you be putting me in mind.

PSEUDOLUS: Really I am treated by you quite with contempt.

SIMO: And why shouldn’t I treat you with contempt, I who have the repute of being a military gentleman?

PSEUDOLUS: I want this then, which has been commenced, to be completed.

SIMO: Do you see me a-doing anything else?

PSEUDOLUS: Therefore walk on briskly.

SIMO: No, I choose to go slowly.

PSEUDOLUS: This is the opportunity; while this Harpax is asleep, I want you to be the first to accost him.

SIMO: Why are you hurrying? Softly; don’t you fear. I wish Jupiter would so make it, that he were openly in the same place with me, whoever he is, that has arrived from the Captain.

Never a jot, by my troth, should he be a bit the better Harpax than I. Have good courage, I’ll have this business nicely accounted for to you. So by my tricks and lies would I put this military stranger in a fright that he himself would deny that he is the person that he is, and would believe me to be the person that he himself is.

PSEUDOLUS: How can that be?

SIMO: You are murdering me when you ask me that.

PSEUDOLUS: A clever fellow.

SIMO: And so are you too, who are quite my equal with your mischievous tricks and lies

PSEUDOLUS: May Jupiter preserve you for me.

SIMO: Aye, and for myself.

But look, does this dress become me quite well?

PSEUDOLUS: It suits very well.

SIMO: Be it so.

PSEUDOLUS: May the Deities grant you as many blessings as you may wish for yourself. For if I were to wish for as many as you are deserving of, they would be less than nothing; (aside) nor have I ever seen any one more of a rogue than this fellow.

SIMO: (overhearing him.) Do you say that to me?

PSEUDOLUS: This man’s an honest fellow.

SIMO: It is neither this person, then (pointing to PSEUDOLUS), nor myself.

PSEUDOLUS: But take care that you don’t be tripping.

SIMO: Can’t you hold your tongue? He that puts a man in mind of that which, remembering it, he does keep in mind, causes him to forget it. I recollect everything; they are stored up in my breast; my plans are cleverly laid.

PSEUDOLUS: I’m silent. But what good turn shall I do you if you carry through this matter with management?

So may the Gods love me—

SIMO: They won’t do so; you’ll be uttering sheer falsehoods then.

PSEUDOLUS: How I do love you, Simmia, for your roguery, and both fear and laud you.

SIMO: That I have learned to make a present of to others; you can’t put your flatteries on me.

PSEUDOLUS: In how delightful a manner I shall receive you this day, when you have completed this matter.

SIMO: Ha, ha, ha! (Laughing.)

PSEUDOLUS: With nice viands, wine, perfumes, and titbits between our cups. There, too, shall be a charming damsel, who shall give you kiss upon kiss.

SIMO: You will be receiving me in a delightful manner.

PSEUDOLUS: Aye, and if you effect it, then I’ll make you say so still more.

SIMO: If I don’t effect it, do you, the executioner, take me off to torture. But make haste and point out to me where is the door of the procurer’s house.

PSEUDOLUS: ’Tis the third hence.

SIMO: Hist! hush! the door’s opening.

PSEUDOLUS: In my mind, I believe that the house is poorly.

SIMO: Why so?

PSEUDOLUS: Because, i’ faith, it is vomiting forth the procurer. (BALLIO is coming out of his house.)

SIMO: Is this he?

PSEUDOLUS: This is his own self.

SIMO: ’Tis a worthless commodity.

PSEUDOLUS: Do see that: he doesn’t go straight, but sideways, just as a crab is wont. (They conceal themselves from BALLIO.)

(Enter BALLIO from his house.)

BALLIO: I do believe that this fellow is not so bad a cook as I thought he was; for he has clawed off nothing as yet except a cup and a tankard.

PSEUDOLUS: (apart to SIMMIA.) Hallo you! now’s your opportunity and your time.

SIMO: I agree with you.

PSEUDOLUS: Step slily out into the street; I’ll be here in ambush. (SIMMIA steps forward, and then walks along the middle of the street to meet BALLIO.)

SIMO: (talking aloud to himself.) I took the number carefully; this is the sixth lane from the city gate; down that lane he bade me turn; how many houses down he told me, that I don’t quite know for certain.

BALLIO: (eyeing SIMMIA.) Who’s this fellow in the scarf, or whence does he come, or whom is he looking for? The appearance of the fellow seems outlandish and shabby.

SIMO: But see, here’s a person, who, from uncertainty, will make the thing more certain for me that I wish to know.

BALLIO: He’s coming straight towards me. Where in the world am I to say this fellow comes from?

SIMO: Harkye! you who are standing there with a goat’s beard, answer me this that I ask you.

BALLIO: How now! Don’t you salute me first?

SIMO: (with a surly voice.) I have no salutations to give away.

BALLIO: Well, troth, you shall get just as much from here then.

PSEUDOLUS: (from behind.) Well done, at the very beginning.

SIMO: Do you know any person in this lane, I ask you?

BALLIO: I know myself.

SIMO: Few persons do that which you mention; for in the Forum there is hardly every tenth person that knows his own self.

PSEUDOLUS: (from behind.) I’m all right; he is philosophizing now.

SIMO: I’m looking for a fellow here, a bad one, a law breaker, an impious, perjured, and dishonest rogue.

BALLIO: (aside.) He’s looking for me, for those are my titles If he would only mention the name. (To SIMMIA.) What’s the name of this person?

SIMO: Ballio, the procurer.

BALLIO: Do I know him? I am the very person, young man, that you are looking for.

SIMO: What, are you Ballio?

BALLIO: I really am he.

SIMO: How you are clothed, a housebreaker (He takes hold of BALLIO’S cloak.)

BALLIO: I think if you were to see me in the dark, you’d be keeping your hand off.

SIMO: My master bade me present you many greetings. Receive this letter from me; he bade me give you it.

BALLIO: Who’s the person that bade you?

PSEUDOLUS: (from behind.) I’m undone, now the fellow’s in the middle of the mud.

He doesn’t know the name—this business is at a dead lock.

BALLIO: Who do you say sent me this?

SIMO: Observe the seal; do you yourself tell me his name, that I may know that you are Ballio himself.

BALLIO: Give me the letter.

SIMO: Take it, and look at the seal. (Gives him the letter.)

BALLIO: (looking at it.) Oho!’Tis nothing more nor less than Polymachaeroplagides, his own very self; I recognize it. Hallo you, Polymachaeroplagides is his name!

SIMO: I know now that I have rightly given you the letter, since you have mentioned the name of Polymachaeroplagides,

BALLIO: How fares he?

SIMO: By my troth, just as a brave man and a good soldier should. But make haste, I beg, to read this letter through, for it is requisite to do so, and to take this money at once and send out the damsel.

For it’s necessary for me this day to be at Sicyon, or else to suffer death to-morrow; so peremptory is my master.

BALLIO: I know it: you are telling those who know it already.

SIMO: Make haste then to read the letter through.

BALLIO: I’ll do so, if you’ll only hold your tongue. (He reads the letter.) The Captain Polymachaeroplagides sends this letter, written to the procurer Ballio, sealed with the impression which was formerly agreed upon between us two.

SIMO: The token’s in the letter

BALLIO: I see the token and I recognize it. But is he in the habit of sending no greeting written in his letter?

SIMO: Such is the military etiquette, Ballio;

with their hand they send health to their well-wishers, and with the same do they send destruction to their evil-wishers. But as you have commenced, go on to ascertain of yourself what this letter says.

BALLIO: Listen then. (Reading on.) Harpax is my camp-servant, who has come to you.

Are you this Harpax?

SIMO: I am, and the real Harpax too.

BALLIO: (reading on.) Who brings this letter; I wish the money to be received from him, and the woman to be sent together with him.’Tis becoming to send greeting to the worthy; had I deemed you worthy, I should have sent it to you.

SIMO: What then?

BALLIO: Pay me the money, take away the woman.

SIMO: Which of us is delaying the matter?

BALLIO: Follow me in-doors then.

SIMO: I’m following. (They go into BALLIO’S house.)

(PSEUDOLUS comes forward.)

PSEUDOLUS: I’ troth, a more artful fellow, and one more skilfully cunning, I never did see than is this same Simmia. Very much do I dread this man, and sadly do I fear that he may prove mischievous against myself just as he has been against him; lest in his prosperity he may now turn his horns against me, if he finds an opportunity. Should he prove mischievous towards me But, i’ faith, for my part I hope not, for I wish well to him.

Now in three ways am I in the greatest dread. First of all then, I dread this comrade of mine, lest he should forsake me and go over from me to the enemy. Next do I dread that my master should in the meantime return from the Forum; lest, the booty taken, the plunderers should be taken.

Together with these things do I fear, lest that other Harpax should arrive here before this Harpax has departed hence with the woman. By my faith, I’m undone; they are very slow in coming out of doors. With baggage packed up, my heart is waiting, ready, if he doesn’t bring out the damsel together with himself, to fly away in exile out from of my breast. (The door of BALLIO’S house opens.) I’m the conqueror— I’ve got the better of my wary guards.

(Enter SIMMIA, from BALLIO’S house, leading PHŒNICIUM.)

SIMO: (to PHŒNICIUM.) Don’t weep: you know not how the matter is, Phœnicium; but before long I’ll let you know it when you are resting.

I’m not leading you to that Macedonian long-teethed fellow, who now causes you to be weeping. To him will I lead you, whose you especially long to be. I’ll cause you before very long to be embracing Calidorus.

PSEUDOLUS: Prithee, why did you stay so long in-doors?

For how long a time was my heart throbbing with beating against my breast.

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.

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. (They march off in triumphal procession.)

(Enter BALLIO, from his house.)

BALLIO: 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, 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.

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.

(Enter SIMO.)

SIMO: (to himself.) I’m going to see what business my Ulysses has transacted; whether he now has the statue from the Ballionian citadel.

BALLIO: O, lucky man! give me your lucky hand. (Takes his hand.)

SIMO: What’s the matter?

BALLIO: Now.

SIMO: What now?

BALLIO: There’s nothing at all for you to fear.

SIMO: What’s the matter? Has that fellow Pseudolus come to you?

BALLIO: No.

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.

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.

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?

BALLIO: They shall be given.

SIMO: This, indeed, is not so badly done. But have you met the fellow?

BALLIO: Aye, both of them together.

SIMO: What did he say? What did ho talk about? Prithee, what did he mention to you?

BALLIO: Theatrical nonsense; expressions which, in comedies, are wont to be used to a procurer, which boys are acquainted with. He said that I was worthless, and wicked, and forsworn.

SIMO: I’ faith, he told no lie.

BALLIO: ’Twas for that reason I wasn’t angry.

For what matters it for you to speak uncivilly to him who cares not for it, and who don’t deny the truth of what you say?

SIMO: Why is it that you are in no fear of him? That I’m longing to hear.

BALLIO: Because he never will carry the woman off now, nor is he able. Don’t you yourself remember that I told you, some time since, that she had been sold to a Macedonian officer?

SIMO: I remember.

BALLIO: Well, his servant just now brought me the money, and the token with the impression, which had been arranged between himself and me.

SIMO: What then?

BALLIO: He took away with him the woman, not long since.

SIMO: Do you say this in real truth?

BALLIO: Whence could I possibly have that quality?

SIMO: Do you only take care that he hasn’t been playing some trick there.

BALLIO: The letter and the impress on the seal make me sure. Indeed,’twas but just now he took her off for Sicyon.

SIMO: Troth now,’twas well done. Why do I delay to make Pseudolus give a name to a colony at the mill-stones?

But who’s this fellow in the scarf?

BALLIO: I don’t know, i’ faith; however, let’s observe whither he’s going, and what business he’s upon. (They stand on one side.)

(Enter HARPAX.)

HARPAX: (to himself.) That slave’s a base and worthless fellow, who values his master’s commands at nought; and he, too, is good for nothing who is forgetful to do his duty unless he’s put in mind.

But those who forthwith deem themselves to be at liberty, when they have hidden themselves from the sight of their master, who riot, wench, devour what they have,—aye, what they have not,—long do those same endure the name of servitude. Nor is there any good disposition in them, except only that they may uphold themselves by their dishonest contrivances. With these, neither their company nor their conversation suits me, nor by these persons have I been ever known. Although he is away, I consider my master as being here; I fear him when he isn’t here, that I may not have to fear him when he is here. Therefore, as I have been ordered, to this business will I give my attention. But that Syrus, to whom I gave the token, would have been letting me stay even yet in the shop. As he bade me, I stayed there; he said that he would send for me when the procurer was at home. But since he hasn’t come, or called me while staying there,

I’m come hither of my own accord, that I may know what is the fact, that that fellow mayn’t be playing tricks with me. And there is nothing better than that I should knock at this door, and call some out here from indoors. I want this procurer to take this money of me, and to send off this woman with me. (Goes towards BALLIO’S door.)

BALLIO: (from behind, to SIMO.) Hark you!

SIMO: (apart.) What do you want?

BALLIO: (apart.) This fellow’s my own.

SIMO: (apart.) How so?

BALLIO: (apart, pointing to the purse in the hand of HARPAX.) Because that booty’s mine.

He’s in search of a mistress he has got money. I already long to fix my teeth in him.

SIMO: (apart.) Are you going to devour him already?

BALLIO: (apart.) While he’s fresh, while he’s in the habit of giving away, while he’s warm upon it,’tis proper for him to be gobbled up. The good men keep me poor, the bad ones support me; the virtuous are a benefit to the public, the debauched to myself.

SIMO: (aside.) A mischief may the Gods send you; such a villain are you.

BALLIO: (apart.) Venus bestows upon me these blessings, when she drives hither these haters of money, these who quite long for losses, who carefully pamper themselves and their youthful age, eat, drink, and wench. Of quite different dispositions are they and you.

HARPAX: (to himself.) I’m now delaying myself, in not knocking at this door, that I may know whether or no Ballio is at home now.

(Calls out, going up to the door.) Hallo! where are you? Hallo! where are you?

BALLIO: (apart.) Why, he’s going straight up towards my house.

I shall come off finely loaded with plunder from this fellow; I know it’s a lucky omen for me.

HARPAX: (knocking violently at the door.) Does any one come to open this door?

BALLIO: (calling out to him.) Hallo! you in the scarf, what’s owing you at that house?

HARPAX: I’m enquiring for Ballio, the procurer, the master of the house.

BALLIO: Whoever you are, young man, make short work of your enquiries.

HARPAX: Why so?

BALLIO: Because he himself in person sees you in his presence before him.

HARPAX: What, are you he?

SIMO: You in the scarf, take you care, please, of some crooked misfortune, and point your finger at him; this fellow is a procurer.

BALLIO: (pointing to SIMO.) And this is an honest man.

(To SIMO.) But you, worthy fellow, are many a time being hunted after in the Forum with noise enough, when you haven’t a groat in the world, unless this procurer here comes to help you a bit.

HARPAX: But why don’t you address yourself to me?

BALLIO: I do address you. What is it you want?

HARPAX: You to take this money. (He holds out the five minae.)

BALLIO: (holding out his hand.) Already have I extended my hand, if you are going to give it.

HARPAX: Take it; here are five picked minae of silver counted out.

(Gives him the money.) This did my master, Polymachaeroplagides. order me to deliver to you, the sum which he was owing, and that you were to send Phœnicium with me.

BALLIO: Your master?

HARPAX: I say to that effect.

BALLIO: The Captain?

HARPAX: I speak to that effect.

BALLIO: The Macedonian?

HARPAX: Such is the fact, I say.

BALLIO: Polymachaeroplagides sent you to me?

HARPAX: You say what’s fact.

BALLIO: To give me this money?

HARPAX: If you really are the procurer Ballio.

BALLIO: And for you to take away the woman from me?

HARPAX: Even so.

BALLIO: Did he say that it was Phœnicium?

HARPAX: You remember it exactly.

BALLIO: Wait there; I’ll return to you this instant.

HARPAX: Make haste, then, with all speed, for I’m in a hurry.’Tis now late in the day, d’ye see?

BALLIO: I see; still I wish to call this person aside. Do you only wait there; I’ll return to you this instant. (He takes SIMO on one side.) What’s to be done now, Simo?

What are we to do? I’ve detected this fellow that has brought the money in the fact.

SIMO: How so?

BALLIO: And don’t you understand what this plan is?

SIMO: About as much as the most ignorant do.

BALLIO: Your servant, Pseudolus, has sent this fellow on the message, as though he was from the Macedonian Captain.

SIMO: Have you got the money from the fellow?

BALLIO: Do you ask about that which you see? (Shows the purse in his hand.)

SIMO: Harkye, remember to give me one half of that plunder.

It’s right that that should be in common.

BALLIO: Why, plague on’t,’tis all your own.

HARPAX: (coming forward a step.) How soon are you going to attend to me?

BALLIO: I’ll attend to you, indeed. (Aside.) What now do you advise me to do, Simo?

SIMO: (aside.) Let’s make some fun of this counterfeit spy, even until he himself shall be sensible that he is being made a fool of.

BALLIO: Follow me. (To HARPAX.) What have you to say? You are his servant, I suppose?

HARPAX: Most certainly.

BALLIO: At what price did he purchase you?

HARPAX: With the victory of his prowess in battle; for I was a very great general at home in my own country.

BALLIO: Why, did he ever capture a gaol in your country?

HARPAX: If you utter affronting speeches, you’ll be hearing them.

BALLIO: In what time did you come from Sicyon hither?

HARPAX: In one day, by noon.

SIMO: Bravo! By my troth, you did come quickly;

how very swift of foot this man is.

BALLIO: When you look at his calves, you might know that he can wear heavy fetters.

How say you—were you also, when a child, in the habit of sleeping in a cradle?

SIMO: Of course.

BALLIO: And were you, too, in the habit of doing —you know what I mean?

SIMO: Of course he was in the habit of doing as other children did?

HARPAX: Are you men in your senses?

BALLIO: What, because I asked you that?

At night, when the Captain was going on guard, and when you were going with him, did the sword of the officer fit your scabbard?

HARPAX: Go to utter perdition.

BALLIO: You, indeed, shall have the opportunity of going there in good time to-day.

HARPAX: But do you bring out the woman to me, or else give me back the money.

BALLIO: Wait a bit.

HARPAX: Why should I wait?

BALLIO: That scarf, tell me for how much it has been lent.

HARPAX: What matters it?

SIMO: How much is the sword hired for?

HARPAX: These fellows surely stand in need of hellebore.

BALLIO: How now— (Takes hold of him.)

HARPAX: (repulsing him.) Leave me alone.

BALLIO: What wages does that broad-brimmed hat hire to-day for its owner?

HARPAX: What owner?

SIMO: What do the shoes?

HARPAX: What are you dreaming about? Why, I’m the owner of all these things, bought with my own savings.

BALLIO: Those, you mean, which the upper part of your thighs supports.

HARPAX: (aside.) These old fellows have been anointed; they want themselves rubbed down, after the old-fashioned custom.

BALLIO: I’ faith, prithee, answer me this truly and seriously, which I ask of you: What are you to earn? For how trifling a sum has Pseudolus hired you?

HARPAX: Who is this Pseudolus?

BALLIO: Your tutor, who has instructed you in this knavery, to take away the woman hence from me by stratagem.

HARPAX: What Pseudolus, and what stratagem are you talking to me about? A person that I know of no colour, black or white.

BALLIO: Will you not be off from here? There’s no profit here for swindlers to-day. Therefore you may tell Pseudolus that another person has carried off the prize-the first Harpax that came.

HARPAX: On my word, I really am that Harpax.

BALLIO: Aye, on my word, you want to be.

This is nothing more nor less than a downright impostor.

HARPAX: I have given yourself the money, and a while ago, immediately on my arrival, the token to your servant; a letter sealed with the likeness of my master, here before the door.

BALLIO: You gave a letter to my servant? What servant?

HARPAX: To Syrus.

BALLIO: (to SIMO.) The wicked rogue has assurance enough. He hasn’t contrived his knavish scheme amiss.

By my faith, that whipping-post of a fellow, Pseudolus, how cleverly he has managed his plans; just as much money as the Captain owed, he has given this man, and has dressed out the fellow that he might take away the woman (To HARPAX.) But the real Harpax himself brought that letter hither to me.

HARPAX: My name is Harpax; I am the servant of the Macedonian Captain. I’m doing nothing roguishly or cheatingly, nor do I know or understand this Pseudolus, what mortal being he is.

SIMO: Unless it’s something wonderful, procurer, you’ve clearly lost the woman.

BALLIO: Assuredly, by my troth, I’m in dread of that more and more, when I come to hear his words.

I’ faith, that Syrus, too, has already set my heart a-freezing, that received the token from him.

SIMO: ’Tis a wonder if it isn’t Pseudolus.

(To HARPAX.) How now, you! of what appearance was the person to whom you delivered the token?

HARPAX: A certain red-haired fellow, pot-bellied, with thick calves, swarthy, with a big head, sharp eyes, red face, and very large feet.

BALLIO: You prove our undoing, when you mention the feet. It was Pseudolus himself. It’s all up with me. I’m dying now, Simo.

HARPAX: By my troth, I shan’t let you die, unless the money’s returned me-twenty minae.

SIMO: And another twenty minae to me as well.

BALLIO: (to SIMO.) And is the sum to be taken of me that I promised by way of a joke?

SIMO: From unprincipled men it’s proper for both their money and their plunder to be taken.

BALLIO: At least you might give up Pseudolus to me.

SIMO: I, give up Pseudolus to you? What has he done amiss? Did I not tell you a hundred times that you were to beware of him?

BALLIO: He has ruined me.

SIMO: And on me he has laid a fine of twenty fair minae.

BALLIO: What am I to do then?

HARPAX: When you have given me the money—go hang yourself.

BALLIO: The Gods confound you. (To HARPAX.) Follow me, then, this way, please, to the Forum, that I may pay you.

HARPAX: I follow you.

SIMO: What am I to do?

BALLIO: Strangers I’ll pay at once; to-morrow I’ll settle with fellow-citizens. Pseudolus has been holding a council-general against my life, in sending that fellow to me to-day to carry off the woman. (To HARPAX.) Do you follow me, (To the AUDIENCE.) Now don’t you be expecting that I shall be returning home this way.

As matters stand, I’ve determined to go through the alleys.

HARPAX: If you had walked at the rate you talk, you’d by this have been at the Forum.

BALLIO: I’m determined to make this, instead of my birthday, my dying day. (Exit BALLIO, HARPAX following.)

(SIMO, alone)

SIMO: I’ve touched this fellow handsomely, and cleverly has my servant managed his adversary. Now am I resolved to lie in ambush for Pseudolus in a different manner to what’s done in other plays, where people lie in wait with goads or whips. Without revenge will I at once pay down the twenty minae which I promised if he should effect it. I’ll carry them to him of my own accord. This creature is very clever, very cunning, very artful. Pseudolus has surpassed the Trojan stratagem and Ulysses too.

Now I’ll be off in-doors. I’ll take out the money; I’ll lie in ambush for Pseudolus. (Goes into his house.)