Perde 2
[Textpart 18]
He has been cajoling me. How kindly he vouchsafed his favour not to be angry. I know what plan he is upon: that directly the Captain returns home from the Forum, I may be caught at home. He and Palaestrio together
SCELEDRUS
have me in their power: I have perceived that, and for some time I’ve known it. I’ faith, never will I be seeking a bait this day from out of that wicker-netThat wicker-net: The nassa was a contrivance, by means of joining willow rods, for catching fish. It was probably somewhat in the shape of a large bottle with a narrow mouth, which was placed with a bait in it, facing the current of the stream. See the Halieuticon of Ovid, l. 11.. For now somewhither will I betake myself, and for some days will I lie concealed until this turmoil is hushed and their resentment is softened. Enough punishment for my unlucky prating have I already merited.
580
But still, whatever befals me I’ll be off hence home.
585
[Textpart 19]
So he has departed hence. I’ faith, I know right well, that a dead pig full oft has more relishHas more relish: He puns on the word sapis;and probably this was a common saying of the day. Sapio means either to be wise, or to have a relishing flavour. Now, inasmuch as the flesh of the pig is of a relishing nature, it may be very truly said, that it has more of the sapit in it when dead than alive. In reference to Sceledrus, he seems to mean that he will prove of much more use to their plan now he is bewildered and half deprived of his senses, than when in full possession of his faculties; and that, in fact, so far as their object is concerned, there will be more of the sapit in him now than there was before. by far than a living one: so bamboozled has he been, that he did not see what he really did see. For his eyes, and ears, and thoughts
PERIPLECOMENUS
have come over to us. So far, ’tis right cleverly managed; the lady has played her part most excellently. I’ll go back again to my SenateTo my Senate: He calls his fellow-plotters in the mischief, namely, Palaestrio, Philocomasium, and Pleusicles, his Senate, which is now meeting in consultation. When sitting in deliberation, the Senate was said to be frequens which may be rendered sitting, or full.; for Palaestrio is now at home in my house, and now Sceledrus is gone from the door. A full Senate can now be held.
590
I’ll go in; lest while I am absent, there should be a distributionBe a distribution: Sortitus or sortitio was the distribution by the Senate of the Roman provinces among the Proconsuls. He keeps up the Metaphor of the Senate, and says, that he must make haste, or all the provinces will be distributed; or, in other words, that each party will have agreed on the part he has to play, and will leave him nothing to do. of their parts among them.
595
