Perde 1
[Textpart 3]
Come softly out, and prevent the noise of the doors and the creaking of the hinges, my dear Planesium, that our master mayn’t perceive that that is going on which we are doing here.
PROCURESS
Stay, I’ll pour a little water Pour a little water: To prevent their creaking, so that Cappadox may not hear them. on it.
160
PALINURUS
Do you see how the palsied hag is giving her dose? She herself has learnt right well to drink up the wine; to the door she’s giving water for it to drink.
160
PLANESIUM
Where are you—you who have summoned me on the recognizances of Venus Recognizances of Venus: Veneriis vadimoniis. She borrows a legal phrase here. Vadimonium legere was, to call a person on his bail or recognizances. When the Praetor had granted an action, the plaintiff required the defendant to give security for his appearance on the day named. The defendant, on finding a surety, was said vadem dare, or vadimonium facere; and the vas, or surety, was said spondere. The plaintiff, if satisfied with the surety, was said vadari reum, to let the defendant go on his sureties. Planesium probably means that she considers herself summoned on pain of forfeiting the love of Phaedromus.? To you do I present myself, and, in the same way do I call on you, on the other hand, to present yourself to me.
PHAEDROMUS
Here I am; for could I be absent, I wouldn’t repine for any misfortune to befall me, my honey.
PLANESIUM
My life, it is not becoming for one thus in love to be at a distance.
165
PHAEDROMUS
Palinurus, Palinurus!
PALINURUS
Say on; why is it that you call upon Palinurus?
PHAEDROMUS
She is a charming one.
PALINURUS
Aye, too charming.
PALINURUS
Why, no—a mortal, of no great value.
PHAEDROMUS
What have you seen, or what will you see, more nearly to be compared with the Gods?
PALINURUS
You are not in your senses, master; a thing that’s grievous to me.
PHAEDROMUS
You are not sufficiently respectful to me: hold your tongue.
PALINURUS
The person that sees Person that sees: He is censuring his master for his backwardness in not embracing Planesium instantly on her appearance. the object which he loves, and enjoys not the opportunity while he may, is one who torments his own self.
170
PHAEDROMUS
Rightly does he rebuke me; really there’s nothing which for this long time past I have more eagerly desired.
PLANESIUM
Clasp me, embrace me then.
PHAEDROMUS
This, too, is a reason for which I could wish to live; because your master restrains, you, in secret do I court you.
PLANESIUM
Restrain me? He neither can restrain me, nor will he restrain me, unless death should separate my soul from you.
