Perde 1
[Textpart 1]
and say that he’s a stranger from another city; that he’s amorously inclined, and wishes to gratify his inclinations; that he wants free range to be found him, where he may secretly indulge his appetite, so that there may be no overlooker. The Procurer, greedy for the gold, will at once take him into his house;
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MILPHIO
he’ll conceal the man and the gold.
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AGORASTOCLES
The design pleases me.
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MILPHIO
Do you then enquire of him whether your slave hasn’t come to him. He’ll think that I am being sought for; immediately he’ll say no to you. Have you any doubt but that the Procurer will at once have to double the gold for you, and be considered to have stolen the man?
Neither has he the means of raising it. When he comes to trial, the Praetor will award Praetor will award: In consequence of his being unable to pay the penalty or damages decreed against him. his whole household to you. Thus with a pitfall shall we deceive the Procurer Lycus.
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AGORASTOCLES
The design pleases me.
MILPHIO
Aye, when I’ve polished it up, you’ll then say so still more even; now it’s but in the rough.
AGORASTOCLES
I’m going to the Temple of Venus, unless, Milphio, you wish for anything. It’s the Aphrodisia The Aphrodisia: The Aphrodisia were festivals periodically celebrated in honor of Venus or Aphrodite, in most of the towns of Greece. The worshippers were, however, mostly of the class of courtesans. to-day.
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AGORASTOCLES
I wish to amuse my eyes with the harlot finery.
MILPHIO
Let’s first proceed to this, the plan we have resolved upon. Let’s go in-doors, that we may instruct Collybiscus, the bailiff,
how to plant this cheatery.
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AGORASTOCLES
Although Cupid has the sway in my heart, still I’ll listen to you.
MILPHIO
I’ll cause you to be glad it’s done. (AGORASTOCLES goes into his house.) There is a speck of love upon this man’s breast, which cannot by any means be washed out without great harm;
this Lycus, too, the Procurer, is such a wicked person, against whom the engine of mischief is now well aimed, which before long I shall discharge from my battery From my battery: Balistario. According to Lipsius, balistarium was the same as the balista itself; while Turnebus thinks it was the place where the balista was mounted.. But see, here’s Adelphasium coming out, and Anterastylis. The first is the one who renders my master distracted.
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But I’ll call him out. (Goes to the door and calls.) Hallo! Agorastocles, come out of doors if you would see most joyous sports!
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AGORASTOCLES
What’s this bustle, Milphio?
MILPHIO
Why, here’s your mistress, if you’d like to see her.
AGORASTOCLES
O may the Gods bestow many a blessing on you, for having presented to me a sight so charming as this!
[Textpart 2]
The man who wants to find abundance of employment for himself—a woman and a ship, these two things, let him procure; for no two things do produce more trouble, if, perchance, you begin to equip them; neither are these two things ever equipped enough,
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