Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
Pray are you dwelling there?
110
SCEPARNIO
Why do you ask that? Are you reconnoitring the place for you to come and rob there?
110
PLESIDIPPUS
It befits a slave to be right rich in his savings, whom, in the presence of his master, the conversation cannot escape, or who is to speak rudely to a free man.
SCEPARNIO
And it befits a man to be shameless and impudent, for him to whom there’s nothing owing, of his own accord to come to the house of another person annoying people.
115
DAEMONES
Sceparnio, hold your tongue.
(To PLESIDIPPUS.) What do you want, young man?
PLESIDIPPUS
A mishap to that fellow, who is in a hurry to be the first to speak when his master’s present.
But, unless it’s troublesome, I wish to make enquiry of you in a few words.
120
DAEMONES
My attention shall be given you, even though in the midst of business.
SCEPARNIO
Rather, be off with you to the marsh, and cut down some reeds Some reeds: From this we learn that the cottage of Daemones was covered with a kind of thatch. This and l. 18 of the Miles Gloriosus are probably the earliest instances in which thatched roofs are mentioned., with which we may cover the cottage, while it is fine weather.
DAEMONES
Hold your tongue. Do you tell me (to PLESIDIPPUS) if you have need of anything.
PLESIDIPPUS
Inform me on what I ask you;
whether you have seen here any frizzle-headed fellow, with grey hair, a worthless, perjured, fawning knave.
125
DAEMONES
Full many a one; for by reason of fellows of that stamp am I living in misery.
PLESIDIPPUS
Him, I mean, who brought with him to the Temple of Venus here two young women, and who was to make preparations for himself
to perform a sacrifice either to-day or yesterday.
130
DAEMONES
By my faith, young man, for these very many days past I haven’t seen any one sacrificing there; and yet it can’t be unknown to me if any one does sacrifice there. They are always asking here for water, or for fire, or for vessels, or for a knife, or for a spit,
or for a pot for cooking A pot for cooking: Aula extaris. Literally, a pot for holding the entrails of the animals sacrificed., or something or other. What need is there of words? I procured my vessels and my well, for the use of Venus, and not my own. There has now been a cessation of it for these many days past.
135
PLESIDIPPUS
According to the words you utter, you tell me I’m undone.
DAEMONES
Really, so far as I’m concerned, I’ faith, you may be safe and sound.
