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Enter ALCESIMUS and STALINO, from the house of the former.
STALINO
Now, Alcesimus, I shall know whether you are the very picture of friend or foe to me; now is the proof upon view; now is the contest going on. "But why do I do so;" forbear to correct me; save yourself all that. "With your hoary head, at an age unfit;" save yourself that as well. "One who has a wife;" save yourself that like wise. ALCESIMUS
I never saw a person more distracted with love than yourself. STALINO
Do take care that the house is clear. ALCESIMUS
Why, faith, men-servants, maid-servants, all of them I'm determined to send out of the house to yours. STALINO
Heyday! with your adroitness you are very adroit! But only take care and remember the lines which Colax repeats1; take care that every one comes with his own provisions, as if they were going to Sutrium2. ALCESIMUS
I'll remember it. STALINO
Why now there's no public ordinance3 better ordered than yourself, in fact. Attend to this. I'm now going to the Forum; I shall be here just now. ALCESIMUS
Luck go with you. STALINO
Take care that your house gets a tongue. ALCESIMUS
Why so? STALINO
That when I come, it may invite me. ALCESIMUS
Pooh, pooh! you area person that stands in good need of a basting; you're making too free with your fun. STALINO
Of what use is it for me to be in love, unless I'm quite ready and talkative? But take you care that you haven't to be sought for by me. ALCESIMUS
I'll be at home all the while. Exit STALINO; ALCESIMUS goes into his house.
1 Which Colax repeats: Colax, or, the Flatterer, was a Play of Menander's, which was translated by the Roman Comic writer Nævius, a little before the time of Plautus. It was not allowed to be acted at Rome, on account of some satirical passages in it which bore reference to the family of the Metelli.
2 Going to Sutrium: This was a proverbial expression (used in the Colax), which had originated at the time when Brennus attacked Rome. Sutrium was a Roman colony in Etruria. Fearing an attack upon it by the Gauls, Camillus ordered that some troops should march to the assistance of the Sutrians, but that they should carry their own provisions with them.
3 Public ordinance: See the Pseudolus, l. 748.
The Comedies of Plautus. Henry Thomas Riley. London. G. Bell and Sons. 1912.
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