Perde 2
[Textpart 3]
Let’s go in-doors.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I’ll follow you this instant; I only wish to speak to this person. So, there! Messenio, step to me this way.
MESSENIO
What’s the matter?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Listen.
MESSENIO
What need for it?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
There is need, I know what you’ll say to me—
MESSENIO
So much the worse.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Hold your tongue I’ve got some spoil; thus much of the business have I begun upon. Go, and, as quick as you can, take away those people Those people: By istos he probably means the sailors or perters who were carrying the luggage. at once to an inn To an inn: The accommodation of the taberna diversoria, or diversorium, was generally of a humble kind, and these places were mostly adapted for the poorer classes only.. Then do you take care to come and meet me Come and meet me: That is, as his adversitor, which was the title given to the servant whose duty it was to fetch his master home in the evening. before sunset.
MESSENIO
Don’t you know that these people are harlots, master?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Hold your tongue, I say, and go you away from here. It will cost me pain, not you, if I do anything here that’s foolish.
This woman is silly and inexperienced. So far as I’ve perceived just now, there’s some spoil for us here.
440
MESSENIO
I’m undone. Are you going away then? He is certainly ruined; the piratical craft is now leading the boat straight to destruction. But I’m an unreasonable fellow to wish to rule my master; he bought me to obey his orders, not to be his commander.
(To the ATTENDANTS.) Follow me, that, as I’m ordered, I may come in good time to meet my master.
445
