Titus Maccius Plautus — Amphitryo (1519)

therefore? it is indeed worthy
which they reproach where they stretch
but they hold this nearby

But to seek just things from the unjust is dementia [and] lack of wisdom.
Indeed those wicked men are ignorant of justice, they do not know nor do they hold or observe [it].
Now then, all of you, turn your minds to you here to these things which I shall speak turn.
You ought to wish what we wish. We are worthy [for] we have earned it—
Both I and my father—from you and the Republic.
For why should I mention (as I have seen others otherwise in tragedies—
Neptune, Virtue, Victory,
Bellona, goddess of war

Mars, Bellona—mentioning what good things
They have done for you) with what benefits my father Jupiter

In this manner concerning persons;
others are proper; they are of the makers
which are attributed to those of whom
the makers are finished

The ruler of the gods, the architect, who is praised to me? of all things?
But that habit was never [in] my father,

To reproach is a commemoration
of good deeds, to reproach
and to overcome well

That he should cast up [and] reproach the good he did for the good.
From you as from others

He thinks it is considered as given to him by you,
And deservedly so, that he does the good things for you that he does.
Now, for what purpose I have come here to ask, I shall first express [and] set forth.
Afterward I shall narrate [and] utter the argument of this tragedy.

Tragedy and Comedy differ.
In Tragedy, gods,
heroes, and kings alone [appear].
In Comedy, the common people and servants of kings enter.
In tragedies, sad events
fall and calamities.
In comedies, joyful things and in certain ones,
they close with humble loves
and petulance, and thus
it is finished.

Why have you wrinkled your brow? as if because I said this swiftly?

They are accustomed to
contract the brow with a look
in others, which they do not
obtain

Tragedy would be? I am a god, I shall change I shall have changed [it].
This same one, if you wish, I shall make from a tragedy
[into] a comedy, comedy so that it is for all [of you], in the same verses verses.

and I also am wise
he can speak closely

Whether this way, or do you not wish? But I, more stupid foolish,
As if I did not know you wish for [it], since I am a god God.
I hold what your minds to us on this matter will be.
I shall make it so that it is a mixed mixed Tragicomedy tragico-comedy,
For I do not think it right? judge to make it a comedy perpetually,
In which kings and gods speak; I do not think [it] equal.