The Braggart Soldier

Palaestrio enters quietly from the old man’s house, and checks the street, noting that it is empty. He calls for Periplectomenus and Pleusicles. As they discuss the plan, Pleusicles confesses that he is “troubled and tormented” (22) for having involved an old and distinguished man such as Periplectomenus in something so silly. Palaestrio responds, “You’re a novel lover if you blush at doing anything! You’re no lover— – just the palest of shadow of what lovers should be” (23). Offended at the implication that he is too old to participate in their hijinks, Periplectomenus assures Pleusicles that at age 54, he still has all of his faculties and insists, “Try me in a crisis, boy. The more I’m pressed the more you’ll note how I’ll support your love affair” (23).

Pleusicles expresses his gratitude for the old man’s hospitality and help, and Periplectomenus asserts that without family obligations, he does what he pleases. As Periplectomenus begins to make a speech, Palaestrio cuts him off, suggesting that the three of them focus on scheming. Palaestrio sends Periplectomenus to take Pleusicles to the barber for a haircut, requesting that Pleusicles hand over his ring.