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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 packed1 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.
1 With baggage packed: "Conligatis vasis." This is a figure derived from military affairs. In modern as in ancient times, the custom is for the soldiers, when they break up the encampment, to collect all their vessels and baggage and tie them up in bundles.
The Comedies of Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley. London. G. Bell and Sons. 1912.
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