Perde 3
[Textpart 1]
You remember it by heart; you have saved me.
ADVOCATI
He’ll be for denying it; he’ll suppose your Milphio is being looked for. He’ll have to pay double all the money stolen; the Procurer will be adjudged to you.
In this matter you wish us to be your witnesses.
565
AGORASTOCLES
You’ve got the matter fast.
565
ADVOCATI
I’ faith, hardly with the tips Hardly with the tips: He plays upon the two meanings of rem—the business in hand, or money or property. Agorastocles means it in the former sense, but the assistants take it in the latter, and probably allude to the smallness of their pay. of our fingers, indeed; it is so very small a one.
AGORASTOCLES
This must be done quickly and with expedition. Make as much haste, then, as you can.
ADVOCATI
Kindly fare you well, then; it’s better for you to provide some active assistants, we are but slow ones.
AGORASTOCLES
You move very well You move very well: Optume itis, pessume—dicitis. Rost suggests that the meaning of these words is, You’ll do well in going away, for you are very abusive. The passage has puzzled many of the Commentators.. (Aside.) But very badly do you speak me, faith.
(Aloud.) Moreover, I could wish your thighs to fall down into your ankles.
570
ADVOCATI
And, i’ faith, we that your tongue had fallen into your loins, and your eyes upon the ground.
AGORASTOCLES
Heyday! it’s not for you to be angry at what I said in joke.
ADVOCATI
Nor for you, indeed, to be speaking ill to your friends in joke.
AGORASTOCLES
Drop this. What I want to do, you understand.
ADVOCATI
We know full well:
to undo the perjured Procurer, it’s that you wish.
575
AGORASTOCLES
You’ve got the matter right. See, Milphio and the bailiff are opportunely coming out together. He’s coming rigged out like a nobleman, and appropriately, for the plot.
575
[Textpart 2]
Have you now got your instructions by heart?
MILPHIO
Take care you understand them, please.
COLLYBISCUS
What need is there of talking? I won’t let my own legs understand My own legs understand: Callum aprugnum callere aeque non sinam. For a literal translation of this pun, see the Persa, l. 306, and the Note to the passage. as well.
