Ah, I am learning this now at first hand, learning it of my own experience—­a few short hours of happiness, allowed to see my husband for just one night; and then away he goes all of a sudden before daylight!  It does seem so lonely here now, when the one I love best is gone.  I have felt more unhappy at his going than happy at his coming.

sed hoc me beat saltem, quom perduellis vicit et domum laudis compos revenit:  id solacio est. absit, dum modo laude parta domum recipiat se; feram et perferam usque abitum eius animo forti atque offirmato, id modo si mercedis datur mi, ut meus victor vir belli clueat.

But there is thus much to be thankful for, at least:  he has been victorious and come home a hero—­that is one comfort.  He may leave me, if only he returns to me with a glorious name:  I will bear his going, yes, and keep on bearing it to the end firmly and unflinchingly, only let me have the reward of hearing my husband hailed conqueror.

satis mi esse ducam. virtus praemium est optimum; virtus omnibus rebus anteit profecto:  libertas salus vita res et parentes, patria et prognati 650 tutantur, servantur:  virtus omnia in sese habet, omnia adsunt bona quem penest virtus

That is enough for me!  Courage is the very best gift of all; courage stands before everything, it does, it does!  It is what maintains and preserves our liberty, safety, life, and our homes and parents, our country and children.  Courage comprises all things:  a man with courage has every blessing.

Amph.

Edepol me uxori exoptatum credo adventurum domum, quae me amat, quam contra amo, praesertim re gesta bene, victis hostibus. quos nemo posse superari ratust, eos auspicio meo atque ductu primo coetu vicimus certe enim med illi expectatum optato venturum scio.

By Jove, my wife will certainly be delighted to have me home—­loving each other as we do!  Especially now that we have been successful, and the enemy, that every one thought invincible, beaten, beaten at the first set-to under my auspices and leadership.  Ah yes, my arrival will surely be a very welcome event to her.

Sos.

  Quid? me non rere expectatum amicae venturum meae?

      What?  And don’t you think mine is going to be welcome to my
      lady friend?

Alc.

  Meus vir hic quidem est.

      (seeing them) Why, here is my husband!

Amph.

  Sequere hac tu me.

      (to Sosia) Here you, this way! (goes on toward house)

Alc.