Perde 2
[Textpart 10]
But your master lives here.
PHILOCOMASIUM
I have nothing to do with that house, nor do I know or understand yourselves what persons you are.
SCELEDRUS
Proceed against meProceed against me: Lege agito.Lege agere was a technical expression, meaning to bring an action, or to sue a person at law. It is said to have been the formal expression in commencing an action or suit. at law. I’ll never let you go, until you give me your solemn word that you will go indoors here (pointing to the CAPTAIN’S house) if I let go of you.
PHILOCOMASIUM
You are compelling me by force, whoever you are.
I give you my word, that if you let go of me, I will go into that house where you bid me.
455
SCELEDRUS
Then, now I let go of you.
PHILOCOMASIUM
And, as I’m let go, I’ll go in here.
[Textpart 11]
She has acted with a woman’s honour.
PALAESTRIO
Sceledrus, you’ve lost the prey through your hands; as sure as possible she is the lady of our master. Do you intend to act in this matter with spirit?
SCELEDRUS
How am I to act?
PALAESTRIO
Bring me a sword out here from in-doors.
SCELEDRUS
What will you do with it?
PALAESTRIO
I’ll break right into the houseInto the house: The mock rage of Palaestrio here is admirably drawn.; and whatever man I see in-doors there caressing Philocomasium, I’ll behead him on the spot.
460
SCELEDRUS
And do you think that it was she?
PALAESTRIO
I’ faith, it was she, sure enough.
SCELEDRUS
But how she did dissemble.
PALAESTRIO
Go, bring me a sword out here.
SCELEDRUS
I’ll have it here this moment.
[Textpart 12]
Beyond a doubt, neither any horse nor foot has so great a degree of boldness
PALAESTRIO
in carrying out anything with as much confidence as some women. How cleverly and how skilfully she performed her part in both her characters!—how her wary keeper, my fellow-servant, is being gulled! ’Tis most fortunate that the passage communicates through the party-wall.
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