Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
Am I to begin cutting him up at once?
PERIPLECOMENUS
As soon as you like. Stretch the fellow out, and spread out his pinionsSpread out his pinions: Dispennite. He means, stretch him out as you would spread out to their utmost length the wings of a bird. in opposite ways.
PYRGOPOLINICES
By heavens, prithee, do hear my words before he cuts me.
PERIPLECOMENUS
Speak before you’re made of no sex.
PYRGOPOLINICES
I supposed that she was a widow; and so her maid, who was her go-between, informed me.
PERIPLECOMENUS
Now take an oath that you won’t injure any person for this affair, because you have been beaten here today, or shall be beaten hereafter, if we let you go safe hence, you dear little grandson of VenusGrandson of Venus: This is an allusion to the Captains own boast in Act IV. s. 4, that he was the grandson of Venus..
PYRGOPOLINICES
I swear by DioneBy Dione: Dione, according to Homer, was the name of the mother of Venus; but the name is much more frequently used, as in the present instance, to signify Venus herself. He appropriately swears by these guardian Deities of intrigue. The translation of l. 1416 is somewhat modified. and Mars that I will hurt no one
because I have been beaten here this day; and I think that it was rightfully done; and if I don’t go hence further injured, I am rightly punished for the offence.
1415
PERIPLECOMENUS
But what if you don’t do so?
PYRGOPOLINICES
Then, may I always have my word not to be trustedNot to be trusted: Intestabilis. A gross pun is here intended, and in l. 1420 as well. The word here signifies forsworn, or perjured, so infamous, that his testimony will never be received in a Court of justice.
CARIO
Let him be beaten once more; after that I think he may be dismissed.
PYRGOPOLINICES
May the Gods ever bless you, since you so kindly come as my advocate.
CARIO
Give us a golden minaA golden mina: The golden mina was worth ten silver ones, or one thousand drachmae, of about ninepence three-farthings each., then.
1420
PYRGOPOLINICES
For what reason?
1420
CARIO
That we may now let you go hence unmaimed, you little grandson of Venus; otherwise you shall not escape from here; don’t you deceive yourself.
1420
PYRGOPOLINICES
It shall be given you.
CARIO
You’re very wise. As for your tunic, and your scarfAnd your scarf: The chlamys was an outer garment worn among the Greeks and Oriental nations, somewhat resembling our scarfs. That worn by the Captain would probably be of great value, which of course would tempt the cupidity of his persecutors. The translation of l. 1426 is somewhat modified., and sword, don’t at all hope for them; you shan’t have them.
A SERVANT.
Shall I beat him again, or do you let him go?
PYRGOPOLINICES
I’m tamed by your cudgels. I do entreat you.
PERIPLECOMENUS
Loose him.
1425
