Notes on the Text of Plautus, Menaechmi 497 and Truculentus 311–312

Abstract

In this short note, I discuss the text of Menaechmi 497, where I argue for adopting A’s pol and propose the conjecture iam for eam, and Truculentus 311–312, where I argue for adopting P’s exportatur and propose bibitis for ebibitis. I argue that a proper understanding of the distinction between prefixed comesse (with a “perfectivizing” com-) and uncompounded esse is crucial to understanding these passages. I also discuss the rare verb exunguo and argue that both occurrences in Plautus are from an active verb which is being used reflexively (and not as a transitive deponent as often assumed).