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Enter PSEUDOLUS, from the house of SIMO.
PSEUDOLUS
O Jupiter, whatever I undertake, how cleverly and how fortunately does it befal me. Not any plan is there stored up in my breast that I can hesitate upon or be afraid of. But it is folly to entrust a bold exploit to a timorous heart; for all things are just as you make them, so as you make them of importance. Now in my breast have I already so prepared my forces--double, aye, threefold stratagems, that when I engage with the enemy, relying upon the merits, I say, of my forefathers, and on my own industry and tricking propensity for mischief, I may easily conquer, and easily spoil my antagonists by my contrivances. Now will I adroitly batter down this Ballio1, the common foe of me and all of you; only lend me your attention. Now will I forthwith draw out my legions against this old town. If I take it, I shall make it a pleasant matter for the citizens: I'll load and fill myself, and my allies as well, with booty from it. I shall strike terror and fright into my enemies, so that they may know of what race I was born. Great exploits it befits me to perform, which long after may bespeak fame for me. But whom do I see here? Who's this low fellow that's presented before my eyes? I should like to know why he's come here with his sword: I' troth, now then I'll lie here in ambush for him, to see the business that he's about. Retires to a distance.
1 Batter down this Ballio: "Ballionem exbalistabo." He play upon the resemblance of the name of Ballio to the "balista," or "engine of war."
The Comedies of Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley. London. G. Bell and Sons. 1912.
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