The Braggart Soldier

A self-satisfied Pyrgopolynices enters, and Palaestrio follows. The soldier has sent the mercenaries he hired for the king with Artotrogus, his parasite, to lead them while Pyrgopolynices is free to relax. Palaestrio gives Pyrgopolynices the ring, stating that it is from “a lively lady who adores you and who longs to have your handsome handsomeness” (31). He tells an intrigued Pyrgopolynices that the young woman is a slave, and both “wife and widow” for “she is young, her husband’s old!” (32). Palaestrio tells Pyrgopolynices that she is the wife of his old neighbor, and is desperate for the soldier and for escape from her husband. Pyrgopolynices pauses, as the presence of Philocomasium is a hindrance. Palaestrio quickly informs him that Philocomasium’s mother and twin sister haved just traveled from Athens to take her back. Pyrgopolynices is thrilled at this serendipitous excuse to be rid of Philocomasium.

Palaestrio suggests that in order to send Philocomasium away without hurting her feelings, Pyrgopolynices should allow her to take all of the fine jewelry and fancy clothing he bought her. The soldier agrees. Milphidippa enters from the neighbor’s house. The soldier admires her, but Palaestrio asserts that she is a “chimpanzee— – a harpy beside her mistress!” (33).