lines for Act 2

Pseudolus: he owes me a favor!

Since sending my husband back to Rome I have been haunted by the premonition that he is up to something low

Hysterium!

Hysterium; you’re home!

And parched with thirst, ever thoughtful Hysterium

Hysterium: No it’s a potion!

What sort of potion?

Hysterium: and you’re already thirsty so you don’t need it

Thirst is the lesser of my problems. Hysterium, on the best of intuition I believe my husband is fouling the nest

Hysterium: no never!

Never? Old friend and confidant you are talking to a woman who faces facts

Miles: Why?

Ah I hear him now.

Miles: why must I always be surrounded by fawning admirers

That is not my husband’s voice. Tell me who is in my house?

Hysterium: I think it’s is a captain

A captain ?

Hysterium: I hope you don’t object to my offering hospitality

Object? When I myself am the daughter of a Roman general? Hysterium I must meet him

Hysterium: he’s very vulgar

All soldiers are in a grand sort of way

Hysterium: you see?

Captain I was just coming to give you a proper welcome

Miles: you are of this house?

For years and years. You know captain my father was magnus.

On the last anniversary of his death I entertained over two hundred officers.

Miles: by yourself?

Of course not! Hysterium here was a big help

But now now my business takes me to the forum, but I shall return. And for the length of your stay I shall bend over backwards to please you

(Miles Exits)

I do wish I could chat on with him but I must find out why my husband was so anxious to return to Rome. Hysterium when next we meet I shall be in some form of disguise. If you recognize me, not a word!

Until later captain

Ah Pseudolus busy as ever

Miles: I have found her!

If it’s a pretty face he wants…

How dare you!

Miles: my virgin

Sir I am not anybody’s virgin

Hysterium: The cause of it all (kick)

You again!

Philia: I thought I heard someone call my name

This is where my husband is!

I know what goes on in there.

Soldier: you are under arrest!

Dearest Senex you saw through my disguise

Senex: yes beloved

Forgive me for mistrusting you. My darling it’s just that you have been a little distant these last 29 years

Senex: yes beloved

Where are you going?

Senex: pressing business

Senex! Senex!!!

Miles: seize that man

Senex!

Miles: this is the house of Lycus!

Lycus?