Perde 1
SAGARISTIO
Because you ought to give them your commands.
TOXILUS
As for myself, you were already dead to me, because I haven’t seen you.
20
SAGARISTIO
Business, upon my faith—
TOXILUS
In the iron chain line, perhaps.
SAGARISTIO
For more than a twelvemonth I’ve been promoted in chains to be commanding officer in the basting line In the basting line: Tribunus vapularis. Literally, a vapulary Tribune. By this droll expression he means, promoted above all others to the distinction of a flogging. The military Tribune was an officer high in rank in the Roman armies. at the mill.
TOXILUS
Why, that’s your old line of service.
SAGARISTIO
Have you been quite well all along?
SAGARISTIO
I’ faith, it’s with reason then you are so pale.
TOXILUS
I’ve been wounded in the battles of Venus;
Cupid has pierced my heart with his arrow.
25
SAGARISTIO
Do servants then fall in love here?
25
TOXILUS
Why, what could I do? Was I to be struggling against the Gods? Was I, like the sons of Titan, to be waging war with the Deities, with whom I am not quite able to cope?
SAGARISTIO
Do you only take care that catapultae made of elm Made of elm: He means the elm-twigs, which were especially used for the punishment of slaves. don’t pierce your sides.
TOXILUS
In right royal manner I’m celebrating the feast of Freedom Feast of Freedom: Agito Eleutheria. He is speaking of his enjoying full range in the absence of his master, and for that purpose borrows a figure from the Eleutheria, or Feast of Liberty, a festival which the Greeks, after the battle of Plataea, instituted in honor of Jupiter or Zeus Eleutherius, The Deliverer. This festival was not only a mark of gratitude to the Deity, to whom they believed themselves indebted for their victory over the Persians, but employed as a bond of union among themselves. It was celebrated each year at Plataea, and every fifth year with additional solemnities, and contests No slaves were allowed to minister on the occasion of this festival..
TOXILUS
Because my master’s gone abroad.
SAGARISTIO
Do you say so?
