Titus Maccius Plautus — Amphitryo (1519)

A servant is said to be for the play because here servants play parts which they were not accustomed to perform; it is read in Plautus.

let it be What then? Different since here he also has servants as they possess parts they finish [the play].

This play is called a tragicomedy, for in it are found gods and kings, in which [the] middle ... Tragicomedy is a play ... mixed [with] tragedy and comedy.

namely Let it be therefore (as I have already said) a tragicomedy.

Prayers to seek Now, Jupiter ordered me to pray for this from you Jupiter.

The benches [subsellia] are called the lower and smaller seats in which all ranks of the order sit; however, from the seats [sellis] it denotes or ... however, theatrical ... lest there be no seat at all.

The searchers, so that each one [may be] in Here the benches the seats benches.

Let them go through the whole Theater enclosure, to the spectators,

The cavea [enclosure] is called the broad theater space where the people sit; however, the scene is where the actors [are], because they are called authors or other names.

If they should see any advocates submissive disposers delegated

So that in this Theater in the enclosure a pledge of their togas may be taken,

A player [histrio] is called an actor of plays; hence the art of players [histrionica], of the players.

had used ambition some Of the players for the actor to conquer they conquer Or if those who had canvassed for the palm for the players,

Or if anyone to some masked person [canvassed] for any artist, or through letters through written messages,

Or he who himself through ambition had canvassed, or through another messenger

The Aediles were magistrates in Rome who presided over games, sacred temples to be rebuilt, and public spectacles, [and] they distributed ... and were created by the common people, but later also by others, that is, by the curule aediles.

Or even if the aediles should give [it] perfidiously to anyone with good fraud

It is fair thus far properly Jupiter himself ordered a similar matter to be in the law,

dignity or for another had sought As if he had canvassed for a magistracy for himself.

Duint [they may give] for dant [they give] in the old manner.

as he shows you would prove He said by virtue you indicate the victors,

through ambition fraudulent nor or Not by ambition, nor by perfidy. Who is less

He judges because Jupiter [does] this ... so that for the laws lest, namely, [he] deceive the honor of virtue.

as it is Let the same law be for the player that is for the highest man:

through justice & integrity through advocates One ought to canvass by virtue, not by advocates.

Note

enough he does well He who does rightly always has enough advocates.

in power Loyalty is in those who have this matter in their hand.

commanded to me Jupiter He also gave this to me in my mandates,

commissioners for the players for the actors of the plays That searchers should be made for the players,

The order is and who will hear ...

had sent deputies would applaud Who had commanded them to be delegated so that they might applaud.

others but might be conquered Or he who, so that another might please, had done less,

garments skin might tear That they should cut his ornaments and skin.

for which red do not wonder I would not want you to wonder, for what reason Jupiter

At this time known stories Now cares for the players, lest you wonder.