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THE PROLOGUE.
Since the Poet has found that his writings are carped at by unfair critics, and that his adversaries represent in a bad light the Play that we are about to perform, he shall give information about himself; you shall be the judges whether this ought to be esteemed to his praise or to his discredit. The Synapothnescontes1 is a Comedy of Diphilus;2 Plautus made it into a Play called the "Commorientes." In the Greek, there is a young man, who, at the early part of the Play, carries off a Courtesan from a Procurer; that part Plautus has entirely left out. This portion he has adopted in the Adelphi, and has transferred it, translated word for word. This new Play we are about to perform; determine then whether you think a theft has been committed, or a passage has been restored to notice which has been passed over in neglect. For as to what these malevolent persons say, that men of noble rank assist him, and are always writing in conjunction with him--that which they deem to be a heavy crimination, he takes to be the highest praise; since he pleases those who please you all and the public; the aid of whom in war, in peace, in private business,3 each one has availed himself of, on his own occasion, without any haughtiness on their part. Now then, do not expect the plot of the Play; the old men4 who come first will disclose it in part; a part in the representation they will make known. Do you cause your impartial attention to increase the industry of the Poet in writing?
1 Synapothnescontes: Signifying "persons dying together." The "Commorientes" of Plautus is lost. It has been doubted by some, despite these words of Terence, if Plautus ever did write such a Play.
2 Of Diphilus: Diphilus was a Greek Poet, contemporary with Menander.
3 In war, in peace, in private, business: According to Donatus, by the words "in bello," Terence is supposed to refer to his friend and patron Scipio; by "in otio," to Furius Publius; and in the words "in negotio" to Laelius, who was famed for his wisdom.
4 The old men: This is similar to the words in the Prologue to the Trinummus of Plautus, l. 16: "But expect nothing about the plot of this Play; the old men who will come hither will disclose the matter to you."
The Comedies of Terence. Henry Thomas Riley. Ney York. Harper and Brothers. 1874.
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