[PSEUDOLUS] Oh, what a word! Oh, what a word! Say it again.
[HERO] Free!
[PSEUDOLUS] I often thought, I often dreamed how it would be-- And yet I never thought I'd be-- Once again.
[HERO] Free!
[PSEUDOLUS] But when you come to think of such things, A man should have the rights that all others-- Can you imagine what it will be like when I am-- Can you see me? Can you see me as a Roman with my head unbowed? Sing it good and loud!
[HERO] Free!
[PSEUDOLUS] Like a Roman having rights and like a Roman proud? Can you see me?
[HERO] I can see you.
[PSEUDOLUS] Can you see me, a reformer fighting graft and vice? Sing it soft and nice!
[HERO] Free!
[PSEUDOLUS] Why, I'll be so consciencious that I may vote twice! Can you see me? Can you see me? When I'm free to be whatever I want to be, Think what wonders I'll accomplish then! When the master that I serve is me and just me-- Can you see me being equal with my countrymen? Can you see me being Pseudolus the citizen? Can you see me being--give it to me once again--
[HERO] Free!
[PSEUDOLUS] Yes!
[HERO] Free!
[PSEUDOLUS] That's it!
[HERO] Free!
[PSEUDOLUS] Now, not so fast! I didn't think-- The way I am, I have a roof, three meals a day, And I don't have to pay a thing. I'm just a slave and everything's free. If I were free, then nothing would be free! And if I'm beaten now and then, what does it matter?
[HERO] Free!
[PSEUDOLUS] Can you see me? Can you see me as a poet writing poetry? All my verse will be--
[HERO] Free.
[PSEUDOLUS] A museum will have me pickled for posterity. Can you see me?
[HERO] I can see you.
[PSEUDOLUS] Can you see me as a lover, one of great renown? Women falling down--
[HERO] Free?
[PSEUDOLUS] No. But I'll buy the house of Lycus for my house in town. Can you see me? Can you see me? Be you anything from king to baker of cakes, You're a vegetable unless you're free. Such a little word, but oh, the difference it makes! It's the necessary essence of democracy, It's the thing that every slave should have the right to be, And I soon will have the right to buy a slave for me. Can you see him? Well, I'll free him! When a Pseudolus can move, the universe shakes, But I'll never move until I'm free. Such a little word, but oh, the difference it makes! I'll be Pseudolus, the founder of a family, I'll be Pseudolus, the pillar of society, I'll be Pseudolus the man, if I can only be--