MS. Auct. F. 2. 13, fol. 16v
Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford Order image
MS. Auct. F. 2. 13, fol. 17r
Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford Order image
Roman theatre: comedies of Terence
Excerpt from a comedy by Terence (in English), read by Cressida Ryan
Excerpt from a comedy by Terence (in Latin), read by Cressida Ryan
Enter BYRRHIA, unperceived, at a distance behind SIMO.
BYRRHIA apart to himself. My master has ordered me, leaving my business, to keep an eye on Pamphilus today, what he is doing with regard to the marriage. I was to learn it; for that reason, I have now followed him pointing to SIMO as he came hither. Himself, as well, I see standing with Davus close at hand; I’ll note this.
SIMO apart to himself. I see that both of them are here.
DAVUS in a low voice to PAMPHILUS. Now then, be on your guard.
SIMO Pamphilus!
DAVUS in a low voice. Look round at him as though taken unawares.
PAMPHILUS turning round sharply. What, my father!
DAVUS in a low voice. Capital!
SIMO I wish you to marry a wife to-day, as I was saying.
BYRRHIA apart. Now I’m in dread for our side, as to what he will answer.
PAMPHILUS Neither in that nor in any thing else shall you ever find any hesitation in me.
BYRRHIA apart. Hah!
DAVUS in a low voice to PAMPHILUS. He is struck dumb.
BYRRHIA apart. What a speech!
SIMO You act as becomes you, when that which I ask I obtain with a good grace.
DAVUS aside to PAMPHILUS. Am I right?
BYRRHIA My master, so far as I learn, has missed his wife.
SIMO Now, then, go in-doors, that you mayn’t be causing delay when you are wanted.
PAMPHILUS I’ll go. Goes into the house.
BYRRHIA apart. Is there, in no case, putting trust in any man? That is a true proverb which is wont to be commonly quoted, that “all had rather it to be well for themselves than for another.” I remember noticing, when I saw her, that she was a young woman of handsome figure; wherefore I am the more disposed to excuse Pamphilus, if he has preferred that he himself, rather than the other, should embrace her in his slumbers. I’ll carry back these tidings, that, in return for this evil he may inflict evil upon me. (Exit.)
Comments
What makes this a treasure?
The Andria is Terence’s first play, and marks a new kind of drama for Rome, moving away from translating and adapting Greek New Comedy. With this text we have novelty, however old the play; it teaches us to think about perspective, and the ‘sitcom’ style of human nature it depicts. The manuscript contains old words, with stylised contemporary illustrations, in the contemporary script. Reading a text from one era in the script of another, from the vantage point of a third is a thrill and a privilege.
Posted by Cressida Ryan
On 29/09/2011