The Captivi and the MostellariaPlautus, Titus Maccius
General
The Captivi and the Mostellaria
Plautus, Titus Maccius
Latin drama (Comedy); Plautus, Titus Maccius -- Translations into English
CALL. Should you like, _then_, for me to hug you, and you me? DEL. If
you've a mind to do so, of course.
CALL. You are a charming one. (_He stumbles._) Do hold me up, there's a
dear.
DEL. (_holding him by the arm_). Take care you don't fall. Stand up.
CALL. O! you are the apple of my eye. I'm your fosterling, my honey.
(_He stumbles._)
DEL. (_still holding him up_). Only do take care that you don't recline
in the street, before we get to a place where a couch is ready laid.
CALL. Do let me fall.
DEL. _Well_, I'll let you. (_Lets go._)
CALL. (_dragging her as he falls_). But that as well which I've got hold
of in my hand.
DEL. If you fall, you shan't fall without me falling with you. Then
some one shall pick us both up as we lie. (_Aside._) The man's quite
drenched.
CALL. (_overhearing_). Do you say that I am drenched, my bubsy?
DEL. Give me your hand; I really do not want you hurt.
CALL. (_giving his hand_). There now, take it.
DEL. Come, move on with me.
CALL. Where am I going, do you know?
DEL. I know.
CALL. It has just come into my head: why, of course I'm going home for a
booze.
DEL. Why yes, really now I do remember that.
PHILO. Won't you let me go to find them, my life? Of all persons I wish
well to him especially. I'll return just now. (_Goes forward towards the
door._)
PHILE. That "just now" is a long time to me.
CALL. (_going to the door and knocking_). Is there any person here?
PHILO. 'Tis he.
CALL. (_turning round_). Bravo! Philolaches, good day to you, most
friendly to me of all men.
PHILO. May the Gods bless you. (_Pointing to a couch._) Take your place,
Callidamates. (_He takes his place._) Whence are you betaking yourself?
CALL. Whence a drunken man _does_.
PHILO. Well said. But, my Delphium, do take your place, there's a dear.
(_She takes her place on a couch._)
CALL. Give her something to drink. I shall go to sleep directly. (_Nods
and goes to sleep._)
PHILO. He doesn't do anything wonderful or strange. What shall I do with
him then, my dear?
DEL. Let him alone just as he is.
PHILO. Come, you _boy_. Meanwhile, speedily pass the goblet round,
beginning with Delphium.
[Footnote 1: _You to come for me_)--Ver. 306. Though none of the
Editions say so, it is not improbable that this is said to Phaniscus,
who, in the sequel, comes to fetch Callidamates home. The duties of the
"adversitor" have been alluded to in a previous Note.]
SCENE V.--_Enter_ TRANIO, _at a distance._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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