Translation of Terence
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An Onymus (imported)
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Translation of Terence
Does anybody know of a good translation of the play, The Eunuch, by Terence, which is available on the internet? It doesn't seem to be available from The Gutenberg Project. I don't actually know if it is a comedy or another type of play, but assume it must be worth reading since it has survived since antiquity.
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JosephR (imported)
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Re: Translation of Terence
I read this play a few years back in a book at the local library which had several plays by Terence. If I remember correctly, it is a Roman play, a comedy, in which some guy who is in love with this girl, trades places with a just purchased eunuch to get close to her. I didn't find it a good, funny, or interesting play.
Re: Translation of Terence
I have a copy of this comedy but alas only in book form. I also personally like the tale 'Eunuchus', which was his most popular play.
Unlike his great predecessor, Plautus, Publius Terentius Afer (185-159 BC) wrote thoughtful, psychologically refined comedies, in which he did not aim at strong wit or farce but rather at sharp character and elegance of form. However, his faults, for those who dislike his work, can be said to derive from such virtues, as he is sometimes regarded as too dry and refined, with his stories perhaps exhibiting more skill than humour.
Terence was actually a Carthagian slave, who was taken to Rome as a 21 year-old by a Senator, Terentius Lucanus. Impressed by his abilities, his master set him free and encouraged his studies, and his work was later sponsored by Scipio Aemilianus (see my own 'Nero', chapter 36) and Laelius.
Terence sadly died when only 26, having written just six plays.
PUEROS
Unlike his great predecessor, Plautus, Publius Terentius Afer (185-159 BC) wrote thoughtful, psychologically refined comedies, in which he did not aim at strong wit or farce but rather at sharp character and elegance of form. However, his faults, for those who dislike his work, can be said to derive from such virtues, as he is sometimes regarded as too dry and refined, with his stories perhaps exhibiting more skill than humour.
Terence was actually a Carthagian slave, who was taken to Rome as a 21 year-old by a Senator, Terentius Lucanus. Impressed by his abilities, his master set him free and encouraged his studies, and his work was later sponsored by Scipio Aemilianus (see my own 'Nero', chapter 36) and Laelius.
Terence sadly died when only 26, having written just six plays.
PUEROS