Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
You think he ought to be devoured this instant, if you could see him.
LIBANUS
Aye, to be sure. But, however, you are speaking, I suppose, of those asses,
aged and lame, whose hoofs were quite worn away to their very thighs?
340
LEONIDA
Those same ones, that carried the elm twigs hither from the country, for your use.
LIBANUS
I understand you; and the same ones carried you from here, bound, into the countryBound, into the country: Namely, to the ergastulum, of puteus, the place to which refractory slaves were sent for hard labour, and which was generally at the country-house of the master..
LEONIDA
You say what’s quite correct. But as I was sitting in the barber’s shop, he began to make enquiries of me, whether I knew a certain Demaenetus, the son of Strato.
At once I said that I knew him, and that I was his servant; and I pointed out our house.
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LIBANUS
After that, what then?
LEONIDA
He said that he was bringing the money for the asses to the chamberlain Saurea, twenty minae in amount; but that he himself didn’t know the individual, who he was, but that he knew Demaenetus quite well.
Since he spoke thus to this effect—
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LEONIDA
Listen then, and you’ll know. At once I made myself courteous, and a person of consequence. I said that I was the chamberlain. Thus, in these terms did he answer me: Upon my faith, I don’t know Saurea, nor yet of what appearance he is. It isn’t fair for you to blame me; but if you like, bring here Demaenetus, your master, whom I do know; I’ll not prevent you taking the money then.
350
I said that I would bring him, and that I should be at home immediately. He’s about to go to the bathsTo go to the baths: It was very natural that after a long journey he should first go to the barber’s shop, and then repair to the public baths to refresh himself., from there he’ll afterwards come here. What plan do you think, now, I ought to adopt? Tell me.
LIBANUS
Why, I’m thinking of this, how to get between the money, and the stranger, and Saurea.
At present this matter is rough-hewn; but if this stranger brings here the money first, then are we both at once shut out from it. But the old man to-day took me apart at a distance from the house, and threatened me and yourself that we should be tasters of the elm twigs, if Argyrippus didn’t this very day get twenty mine of silver.
360
He commanded that we should cheat either the chamberlain or his own wife, and said that he would give the aid he promised. Now, do you go to the Forum to our master, and tell him this, how we are going to manage; that you, from Leonida, are going to be the chamberlain Saurea, until the dealer has brought the money for the asses.
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LEONIDA
I’ll do as you request me.
LIBANUS
In the meantime, I’ll amuse him here, if by chance he should come first.
370
LEONIDA
But what say you—?
LIBANUS
What do you want?
