Perde 4
[Textpart 4]
Aye, aye, I wish us to do each thing deliberately; when I’ve accomplished the one, then I’ll set about the other. First, for the two hundred pieces, I shall direct my engine of war against the old gentleman.
CHRYSALUS
If with that engine I batter down the tower and the outworks, straight at the gate that instant I’ll attack the old town and the new one; if I take it, then carry to your friends the gold in baskets, just as your heart wishes.
710
PISTOCLERUS
Our hearts are with you, Chrysalus.
CHRYSALUS
Now, do you go in-doors to Bacchis, Pistoclerus, and quickly bring out—
CHRYSALUS
A pen, some waxSome wax: This wax was to be used—not to be placed on the surface of the tablets, but in the manner of our sealing-wax, upon the strings with which the tablets were fastened., tablets, and some cord.
715
PISTOCLERUS
I’ll have them here this instant.
715
MNESILOCHUS
What now are you about to do? Do tell me that.
CHRYSALUS
Let a breakfast be prepared; there will be you two, and your mistress will make a third with you.
MNESILOCHUS
Just as you say.
CHRYSALUS
Pistoclerus has no mistress?
MNESILOCHUS
O yes, she’s here; he’s in love with the one sister, I with the other, both of the name of Bacchis.
CHRYSALUS
What were you going to say?
720
MNESILOCHUS
This; how we are to manageAre to manage: Mnesilochus is probably going to ask how they are about to arrange, when he is interrupted by Chrysalus, who then asks him what he was going to say, on which he answers that he was going to observe how many there would be at the entertainment..
720
CHRYSALUS
Where are your couchesYour couches: Biclinium is supposed to mean either a snug room fitted up with only two lecti, or couches for reclining at meals, or else, perhaps with more probability, a couch formed for holding two guests, instead of three, as the common triclinium did. It is not unlikely that the use of these was especially adopted in houses of the character of that kept by Bacchis. laid out?
720
MNESILOCHUS
Why o you ask that?
CHRYSALUS
So the matter stands; I wish to be informed. You know not what I am about to do, nor what a great exploit I shall attempt.
MINES.
Give me your hand, and follow me close, to the door. Peep in.
CHRYSALUS
Hurra! ’Tis a very pretty place, this, and exactly as I could wish it to be.
PISTOCLERUS
The things that you ordered—what’s ordered for a good purpose is forthwith done by the obedient.
