Perde 2
[Textpart 6]
I assert, as well, that I saw here here in this house (points to the house of PERIPLECOMENUS), toying with a strange man.
PALAESTRIO
don’t you know that there is no communication between our house here and that one?
PALAESTRIO
Neither by the terraceBy the terrace: Solarium was either a balcony or terrace before a house, or on the top of it, which was exposed to the sun. People walked there in the cool of the evening. It was from a solarium that David first saw Bathsheba., nor by the garden, only through the skylight?
340
PALAESTRIO
What then, if she is now at home? If I shall make her, so as you may see her,come out hence from our house, are you not deserving of many a lashing?
SCELEDRUS
I am so deserving.
PALAESTRIO
Watch that door, then, that she may not privily betake herself out thence without your knowledge and pass here into our house.
SCELEDRUS
’Tis my intention to do so.
PALAESTRIO
Upon her feetUpon her feet: Lindemann thinks that pede here means upon her feet, as much as to say I’ll bring her to you on her feet and not standing on her head. The true meaning of the passage seems to be, I’ll bring her to you standing upon terra firma, and not flying with wings as you seem to expect. will I place her this moment here before you in the street.
SCELEDRUS
Come, then, and do so.
345
[Textpart 7]
I wish to know whether I did see that which I did see,Part of line 345 in the Latin. or whether he can do that which he says he can do — make her to be at home. For, really, I have eyes of my own, and I don’t ever ask to borrow them out of doors. But this fellow is forever fawning about her; he is always near her; he is called first to meat; his mess is givenHis mess is given: The pulmentum, or food of the slaves, usually consisted of salt, fish, oil, vinegar, and the olives that were windfalls. This food received its name from being eaten with a kind of porridge made from meal or pulse, which was generally eaten before bread was used, and probably continued to be the food of the slaves. to him first.
SCELEDRUS
For this fellow has been, perhaps, about three years with us; nor fares it better with any other servant in our family than with him. But it is necessary for me to mind what I am about; to keep my eye upon this door. If I take my station here, this way, in faith, I warrant they will never impose on me.
350
[Textpart 8]
Be sure to remember my instructions.
PHILOCOMASIUM
It’s strange you should so often remind me.
PALAESTRIO
But I fear you may not prove cunning enough.
355
PHILOCOMASIUM
Give me even ten scholars, though far from artful, I could instruct them so as to prove artful; in me alone is there a superabundance of artfulness;
355
come, then, now put your plans in force; I’ll step aside here.
PALAESTRIO
What have you to say, Scledrus?
SCELEDRUS
I’m about this business of mine; I have got ears, say what you please.
