Titus Maccius Plautus — Amphitryo (1519)

Me. That man is fearful and superstitious; my fists are eager for blows.
So. If you are going to exercise your fists on me, I beg you to do so against the wall first, so that you may tame them little by little.
Me. A voice has flown to my ears.
So. Alas, I am a wretch; I am a man—
I am a man who has not plucked away his wings; I carry a swift voice.
Me. That man is drawing a bad thing upon himself by his own burden, that is, he is seeking harm for his own body.
So. I indeed have no burden.
Me. You are to be burdened with fists.
So. I am exhausted from the sea, as I was carried here; even now I am still vomiting.
I am hardly walking, I am empty; do not think that I can walk with a load.
Me. Certainly I hear someone speaking, I know not whom.
So. I am safe, he does not see me.
He thinks he hears someone speaking, but my name is truly Sosia.
Me. From here, from the right side, a voice strikes my ear; it beats it as it sees fit.
So. I fear that in this place I may be beaten today, because the voice is striking me.
Me. Excellent, behold, he walks toward me.
So. I am afraid, I am entirely stiff, I stand motionless.
By Pollux, I do not know where in the world I am now, or where he is asking [of].
Nor can I, poor wretch, move myself for fear.
Those commands of my master have perished together, and Sosia as well.
But it is certain that I must speak boldly against the man,
So that I might appear brave to him, and he might keep his hand off me.
Me. Where are you walking, you who carry a burning candle in a lantern?
So. Why do you ask me that, you who are unboning men here with your fists?
Me. Are you a slave or a free man?
So. Whichever it pleases me to say.
Me. Do you say that in earnest?
So. I say it in earnest.
Me. I am beating you; you are lying at this time.
But now I will make you learn to speak the truth.
So. For what purpose is that?
Me. Can I know where you have come from, whose you are, or why you have come?
So. I am coming here, I am a servant, are you not yet certain?
Me. I shall suppress that wicked tongue of yours today.
So. Indeed, you shall not.