C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
Unpopularity of Tragedy
By Plautus (c. 254–184 B.C.)
Translation of William Cranston Lawton
Mercury speaks, in the Prologue of the ‘Amphitruo’
TWhy did you knit your brows? Because I said
’Twould be a tragedy? I’m a god, I’ll change it.
From tragedy I’ll make it, if you will,
A comedy,—with every verse the same.
Will you, or not?—Why! stupid that I am,
As if, a god, I knew not your desire!
Upon this point I understand your minds.
I’ll make a mixture, tragicomedy.