Perde 3
[Textpart 1]
another door to the back buildings of our house. I’ll go that way to market; by that way I’ll bring back the provisions—through the garden there’s a passage that communicates with both houses. (To the SLAVES.) Do you follow me this way. I surely will pull this day to bitsPull this day to bits: Hunc lacero diem. He seems here to continue the metaphor used in ver. 436: I’ll torture this day finely—I’ll get all I can out of it..
450
[Textpart 2]
I’ve consulted my books; I’m as sure as possible,
GELASIMUS
that by my funny bon mots I shall recover my patronRecover my patron: Regem. In common parlance, rich men were often styled by their dependents and flatterers, rex, my king.. Now I’m going to see whether he has arrived by this from the harbour, that when he comes I may smooth him down with my speeches.
455
EPIGNOMUS
Surely, this is Gelasimus, the Parasite, that’s coming.
GELASIMUS
With lucky auspices, by my troth, this day did I come out of doors;
since an omen auspiciously befel meAuspiciously befel me: Quum strena mi obscaevavit. This passage is very obscure, and has puzzled the Commentators, who have generally taken refuge in a various reading, Eum strenue obcaenavit, which seems to make but very poor sense. The research, however, of the indefatigable Ritschel has set that mode of escape entirely at rest. Strena was the name of a New Year’s gift, which was given and received on the Calenus of January, that the year might be commenced under good auspices. Probably from that circumstance, it became synonymous with a good or auspicious omen. Obscaevo is rendered in the Dictionaries, to give a bad omen Such, however, is not necessarily its meaning, in all instances. Scaeva is an omen or augury, whether fortunate or not. Consequently, obscaevo may very reasonably mean, to fall in one’s way as an omen; if so, the expression, as here used, will mean a lucky omen fell in my way.. This was beheld by me; how a weasel carried off a mouse close at my feet. For as she found sustenance for herself this day, so do I hope that I shall do, as the augury predicts.
460
(Sees EPIGNOMUS.) Surely this is Epignomus that’s standing here; I’ll go and address him. My dear Epignomus, how pleased I am to see you now; how my tears are starting forth for very joy. Have you all along enjoyed your health?
465
EPIGNOMUS
With care it has been preserved.
GELASIMUS
Right heartily I wish you healthI wish you health: Propino tibi salutem plenis faucibus. Literally, I drink your health with my jaws crammed full, a very apt mode of expression for a Parasite..
EPIGNOMUS
You speak kindly, and like a friend. May the Gods grant what you wish.
I, sup there with you?
470
GELASIMUS
Since you are returned safe.Part of prior line(s) in the Latin.
470
EPIGNOMUS
Really, an engagement has been made already; but I give you thanks.
EPIGNOMUS
The thing’s agreed on.
GELASIMUS
By my troth, you’d do it with much pleasure to me.
EPIGNOMUS
I know that well.
When an opportunity shall come, it shall be so.
475
