Pseudolus

Calidorus enters with his friend, Charinus, who has agreed to help. Charinus assures Calidorus that he’s “a friend and ally” (699) but that he isn’t sure about Pseudolus; Calidorus asserts that Pseudolus is “the very picture of human perfection—and my mastermind” (700). Pseudolus tells Calidorus that he has the token and that Calidorus will “be wrapping your arms around a free woman today” (722) as long as they can provide a man who is “unscrupulous, / Clever, devious and smart, a quick study” (724-25). Charinus says he can provide his father’s new slave. Pseudolus explains that the slave, Simia, is to dress in the costume of the Macedonian’s slave and that he will “take the token and the five minae to the pimp, / And then take the woman away with him” (753-54)—he will borrow the five minae from Charinus and pay it back later that day. After they agree to a meeting place, Calidorus and Charinus leave. Pseudolus, alone, expresses delight that “all looks auspicious for [his] plan” (762).

A slave boy emerges from Ballio’s house. He laments that he not only was made by the gods to be a slave for a pimp but also that he is unattractive.