The Comedies of Terence Literally Translated into English Prose, with Notes

"The Comedies of Terence" by Terence is a collection of classical plays written in the 2nd century BC. This compilation features several comedic works that often explore themes of love, family, and societal norms through witty dialogue and engaging characters. With a vibrant cast that includes characters like Pamphilus, Simo, and Glycerium, the plays delve into the complexities of romantic entanglements and familial obligations. At the start of the collection, the play "Andria" introduces us to a tangled web of relationships centered around Pamphilus, who is in love with Glycerium, a young woman facing societal challenges due to her background. Simo, Pamphilus’s father, is eager to have his son married to Philumena, another young woman, which creates tension and conflict as secrets unfold. The opening reveals Pamphilus's emotional struggles regarding his loyalty to Glycerium and the pressures of familial expectations, setting the stage for a comedic yet poignant exploration of love and duty. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Publius Terentius Afer, better known in English as Terence, was a playwright during the Roman Republic. He was the author of six comedies based on Greek originals by Menander or Apollodorus of Carystus. All six of Terence's plays survive complete and were originally produced between 166–160 BC.