r._

Perge, Nox, ut occepisti, gere patri morem meo:
optumo optume optumam operam das, datam pulchre locas.

(_aside_) Go on as you have begun, Night: oblige my
father: you're doing splendidly in a splendid work for a
splendid deity: you'll find it a fine investment.

_Sos._

Neque ego hac nocte longiorem me vidisse censeo,
nisi item unam, verberatus quam pependi perpetem; 280
eam quoque edepol etiam multo haec vicit longitudine.
credo edepol equidem dormire Solem, atque adpotum probe;
mira sunt nisi invitavit sese in cena plusculum.

I don't think I ever did see a longer night--barring that
one when I got whipped and was left strung up till morning.
And goodness me, in length this one's way ahead of even that
one. Gad, I certainly do believe old Sol's asleep, asleep
and dead drunk. It's a wonder if he hasn't drunk his own
health a bit too much at dinner.

_Mer._

Ain vero, verbero? deos esse tui similis putas?
ego pol te istis tuis pro dictis et male factis, furcifer,
accipiam; modo sis veni huc: invenies infortunium.

(_aside_) So, you scoundrel? Think the gods are like
yourself, eh? By heaven, I'll give you a reception to match
this talk and roguery of yours, you gallows-bird. Just you
be good enough to step this way, and you shall meet with a
mishap.

_Sos._

Ubi sunt isti scortatores, qui soli inviti cubant?
haec nox scita est exercendo scorto conducto male.

Where are those young blades that hate a lonely couch? Here
is your lovely night for gallivanting with an expensive lady.

_Mer._

Meus pater nunc pro huius verbis recte et sapienter facit,
qui complexus cum Alcumena cubat amans animo obsequens. 290

(_aside_) According to this chap, my father's making good,
intelligent use of his time--loving to his heart's content
with Alcmena in his fond embrace.

_Sos._

Ibo ut erus quod imperavit Alcumenae nuntiem.
sed quis hic est homo, quem ante aedis video hoc noctis? non placet.

Now for the message master told me to give mistress.
(_aside as he moves toward house and sees Mercury_)
But who's that fellow in front of the house at this time
o' night? (_halts, frightened_) I don't like it.

_Mer._

Nullust hoc metuculosus aeque.

(_aside_) Of all the pusillanimous rogues!

_Sos._

Mi i