Perde 5
[Textpart 2]
Will some one run to fetch the undertakersThe undertaker: The pollinctores were slaves, who belonged to the libitinarii, or undertakers, and whose duty it was to anoint the body with oil and perfumes before it was burnt.?
910
ARGYRIPPUS
Health to you, mother.
ARTEMONA
Health indeed after this fashion!
A PARASITE
Demaenetus is dead. ’Tis time to betake myself hence: this battle bravely waxes hot. I’ll be off to Diabolus. I’ll tell him his orders are performed as he desired them; and in the meantime I’ll persuade him that we should take a meal, while these people are squabbling.
Afterwards, in fine, I’ll bring him here to-morrow, to the procuress, that he may give her the twenty mince, that, in his turn, he in his passion may be enabled to obtain this damsel. I hope that Argyrippus will be able to be prevailed upon to allow him to pass each alternate night with him in her company; for, unless I obtain that, I’ve lost my patronMy patron: Regem. Literally, my king; the name which Parasites bestowed upon their patrons.; so great is the passion of the man by reason of his love.
915
ARTEMONA
What business have you to give a retreat here in your house to my husband?
920
PHILENIUM
Troth, he really will this day be the death of wretched me, through sheer disgust.
920
ARTEMONA
Rise, wencher, be off home.
ARTEMONA
Yes, you areYes, you are: He says, nullus sum, in the sense of I’m undone; but she chooses to take it as though he had meant I am a worthless fellow, which meaning these words are capable of bearing.; don’t, i’ faith, gainsay it, you most vile of all men. Why, the cuckoo’s still on his nestCuckoo’s still on his nest: The cuckoo takes possession of the nests of other birds. and lays its eggs there. Artemona probably alludes to that fact, on seeing her husband under such a disgraceful circumstances.. Rise, wencher, be off home.
ARTEMONA
You prophesy correctly. Rise, wencher, be off home.
DEMAENETUS
Step a little this way then.
925
ARTEMONA
Rise, wencher, be off home.
925
DEMAENETUS
Now, prithee, wife—
ARTEMONA
Do you remember now that I’m your wife? It was but just now, when you were heaping abuse upon me, that I wasn’t your wife.
DEMAENETUS
I’m utterly ruined.
ARTEMONA
Why, pray? Does the breath of your wife smell strong?
DEMAENETUS
It smells of myrrh.
ARTEMONA
Have you filched my mantle then to be giving to your harlot?
