Perde 3
[Textpart 2]
do cater somewhat within bounds, at no great expense; anything is enough for meIs enough for me: Mihi quidvis sat est seem to have been an antiquated and hackneyed expression, used by philosophers and old-fashioned people, to imply their habits of self-denial and frugality..
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PERIPLECOMENUS
Won’t you nowWon’t you now: He tells him to have done with such stale canting expressions, which are now worn threadbare, and have descended to the tables of the mob. Indeed, he says right, for nothing can be more annoying than pretended refusals, and bowings and scrapings, where they are merely an affectation of a modesty, humility, or self-denial that is not really felt. have done with that old-fashioned and antiquated talk? Now surely, guest, you are using the cant of the vulgarCant of the vulgar: The proletarii were the poorest class of the free citizens, who, according to Livy, were possessed of less than eleven thousand asses, and could serve the state, not with money, but with their children (proles).. For they are in the habit of saying, when they have taken their places, when dinner is put on table: What necessity was there for you to go to this great expense on out account?
Surely you were mad, for this same dinner was enough for ten persons. What has been provided on their account they find fault with; they eat it up, however.
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PALAESTRIO
Troth, in that self-same fashion ’tis generally done. How clever and shrewd is his discernment.
PERIPLECOMENUS
But these same persons never say, although such an abundance has been provided, Do order that to be taken off; do take away this dish; remove this gammon of bacon, I’ll have none of it;
put aside that piece of pork; this conger’s goodThis conger’s good: Lampreys and conger eels were very much esteemed by the Romans. Probably the conger was considered best when eaten cold. when cold; remove it, take and put it aside. You hear none of them saying this in earnest, but they stretch themselves out, while with half their bodiesHalf their bodies: This would be the more easily done when we remember that the guests were reclining on the triclinium, or couch, which was above the level of the table on which the viands were placed. on the table, they are indulging their appetite.
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PALAESTRIO
How cleverly the good soul has described their bad manners.
PERIPLECOMENUS
I have not said a hundredth part of what I could have enlarged upon had there been leisure for the matter.
PALAESTRIO
The business, then, that we are about—to that we ought first to turn our thoughts. Do you both, now, give me your attention. I have need, Periplecomenus, of your assistance; for I have hit upon a pleasant trick, how this Captain with his long locks may be fleeced quite closeBe fleeced quite close: By his mention of the Captain’s long locks, he seems to intend a pun on the word admutilo, to bamboozle or cajole, which, literally, signifies to clip, or shave close., and how we may effect a means for Philocomasium, and this her lover,
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that he may carry her off hence, and have her as his own.
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PERIPLECOMENUS
I wish this plan to be imparted to me.
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PALAESTRIO
And I, wish that ring of yours to be imparted to me.
PERIPLECOMENUS
For what purpose is it to be used?
PALAESTRIO
When I have got it, I will impart the plan of my devices.
PERIPLECOMENUS
Take and use it. (Gives him the ring.)
PALAESTRIO
Take from me in return the plan of my contrivance that I have hit upon.
PERIPLECOMENUS
We are listening to you with most attentive ear.
PALAESTRIO
My master is such a shocking rake among the women, that I think no one ever was his equal, nor ever will be.
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PERIPLECOMENUS
I believe the same as well.
PALAESTRIO
He boasts, too, that his beauty exceeds that of Alexander Of Alexander: Alexander, from two Greek words, signifying the brave man, was one of the names of Paris, the son of Priam, who was remarkable for his beauty, which captivated Helen.; and, therefore, he says that all the womenAll the women: The Parasite quizzes him upon this weak point in the First Act. in Ephesus of their own accord are courting him.
