Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
Why in such a hurry? There’s a crowd there at present.
ADELPHASIUM
I know it; there are other females there whom I wish to see, and by whom to be seen.
AGORASTOCLES
How can it give you pleasure to look at ugly people, and to afford one so beauteous to be looked at?
ADELPHASIUM
Because to-day, at the Temple of Venus, there’s a fair for the courtesans;
there the dealers meet; there I wish myself to be shown.
340
AGORASTOCLES
To wares unsaleable, its right to entice the buyer of one’s own accord; good wares easily meet with a purchaser, although they may be placed in concealment. How say you? When, at my house here (pointing) will you lay your head and side by me?
ADELPHASIUM
On the day on which Orcus sends away the dead Orcus sends away the dead: Which, of course, means never. from Acheron.
AGORASTOCLES
I’ve got in-doors I know not how many golden coins in a state of madness.
345
ADELPHASIUM
Bring them to me; I’ll make their madness pretty soon come to an end.
MILPHIO
A nice one, upon my word!
AGORASTOCLES
Away to utter and extreme perdition with you, and go and be hanged!
MILPHIO
The more I look at her, the more insignificant The more insignificant: Nimbata. According to some Commentators, this word is a substantive here, and signifies a slight fillet, of the same colour with the hair which the women used to wear upon the forehead; the idea of Turnebus, however, that it is an adjective, signifying cloud-like, seems more likely to be correct. she is, and a mere bauble.
AGORASTOCLES
Keep your prating to yourself; I’m tired of it.
(To ADELPHASIUM.) Come, do lift up this outer garment.
ADELPHASIUM
I’m in a state of purity A state of purity: This she says, probably, because she is especially careful to avoid pollution, by contact with the male sex, when on the eve of worshipping the Goddess in her Temple.; prithee forbear to touch me, Agorastocles.
350
AGORASTOCLES
What am I to do, then?
ADELPHASIUM
If you are wise, you may be saving yourself your anxiety.
AGORASTOCLES
What? Me not be anxious on your account? What are you about, Milphio?
MILPHIO
See now, my aversion, this My aversion, this: Odium meum. He forgets that Adelphasium is only the innocent cause of his master’s anxiety.. (Aloud.) What is it you want with me?
AGORASTOCLES
Why is she angry with me?
