Page:Comedies of Publius Terentius Afer (1870).djvu/82

64 "Give place, make room," and hurling folk about.

Why should he careful be for such a lout?

Better to quash his crudities than follow

So bad a master; let him cease to holloa.

And now attend and listen to the play,

Whilst I, uninterrupted, say my say;

Nor rack my legs and lungs upon the stage,

As running slave, or old man in a rage,

Or greedy parasite or sycophant

Or pander merchantman; but rather grant

Remission from such labours unto me.

For they who now indite the comedy

Demand my aid when they have somewhat dry;

If volatile to volatiles they fly.

But this is declamation pure—its zest

Lies in its moral—let me do my best.

I am not overweening, but I fain

Am your applauses and your praise to gain.

Then make me an example, so that they,

Who work to please you, on a future day

May find a beaten track and trodden way.