Perde 2
[Textpart 8]
Forbear to threaten me: I know that the cross will prove my tomb; there are laid my forefathers, my father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather. ’Tis not in possibility, however, for these eyes of mine to be dug outTo be dug out: That is, you cannot make me not to have seen what I really did see. by your threats.
SCELEDRUS
But I want a few words with you; prithee, Palaestrio, whence came she hither?
375
PALAESTRIO
Whence but from our house?
SCELEDRUS
From our house?
PALAESTRIO
Do you credit meDo you credit me: Viden? (vides-ne) Literally, do you look at me? The Romans, when they wished to impress any one with the belief that they were speaking seriously and in good faith, used this phrase, or vide me, look at me now. Our expression, do you look me in the face and say so? is somewhat similar.?
SCELEDRUS
I do credit you: but ’tis a thing to be wondered at, how she has been able to return from that house to ours. For, beyond a doubt, we have neither a terrace to our house, nor any garden, nor any window but what is latticedBut what is latticed: The clathri were a kind of lattice or trellice-work, which, as well as network, was sometimes placed before windows to prevent serpents and other noxious reptiles from getting in.. (To PHILOCOMASIUM.) But, undoubtedly, I did see you in the house next door.
PALAESTRIO
Do you persist, you rascal, in pretending to accuse her?
380
PHILOCOMASIUM
In good sooth, then, the dream has not turned out untrue, that I dreamed last night.
380
PALAESTRIO
What did you dream?
PHILOCOMASIUM
I’ll tell you; but, I pray you, give attention. Last night, in my sleep, my twin-sister seemed to have come from Athens to Ephesus with a certain person, her lover.
Both of them seemed to me to be having their lodgings here next door.
385
PALAESTRIO
The dream that’s being related is Palaestrio’s—pray, go on.
PHILOCOMASIUM
I seemed to be delighted because my sister had come, and on her account I seemed to be incurring a most grievous suspicion. For, in my sleep, my own servant seemed to accuse me, as you are now doing,
of being caressed by a strange young man, whereas it was that own twin-sister of mine, who had been toying with her own friend. Thus did I dream that I was wrongfully accused of a crime.
390
PALAESTRIO
And isn’t just the same thing befalling you when awake, that you speak of as seen in your sleep? Capital; i’ faith, the dream is verified: go in-doors, and pray And pray: After any ill-omened dream, it was the custom to offer corn and frankincense to Jupiter Prodigialis, the disposer of prodigies, and other of the Deities, in order that evil might be averted..
I should recommend that this be told to the Captain.
395
PHILOCOMASIUM
I am resolved to do so; nor, in fact, will I allow myself, with impunity, to be accused of disgraceful conduct. (Goes into the CAPTAIN’S house.)
395
[Textpart 9]
I fear for the thing I have done; my back does so tingle all over.
PALAESTRIO
Are you not aware that you are done for?
SCELEDRUS
Now, indeed, I’m sure she is at home; I am now resolved to watch our door, wheresoever she may be. (Places himself at the door.)
