Perde 2
[Textpart 1]
Seal fast the store-roomsSeal fast the store-rooms: This passage bears reference to the common practice of the ancients, who were in the habit of sealing boxes and cupboards with the impression of their signets, stamped on wax. So in St. Matthew, xxvii, 66: So they went and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch; and in Daniel, vi., 17: A stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords., bring back the signet to me.
CLEOSTRATA
I’m going here to my next door neighbour; if my husband wants me for anything, take care and send for me thence.
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PARDALISCA
The old gentleman ordered a breakfast to be got ready for him to-day.
CLEOSTRATA
Tut! Hold your tongue, and be off. (PARDALISCA goes into the house.) I don’t prepare it, and it shan’t be cooked; since he sets himself against myself and his son,
for the sake of his passion and his appetite. A disgraceful fellow that! I’ll punish this lover with hunger, I’ll punish him with thirst, with abuse, with hardships.
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By my faith, I’ll thoroughly worry him with disagreable speeches; I’ll make him to pass a life in future just as he deserves—fit food for Acheron, a hunter after iniquity, a stable of infamy!
Now I’ll away hence to my neighbours, to lament my lot. But the door makes a noise; and see, she’s coming out of doors herself. On my word, I’ve not started for my call at a convenient time.
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[Textpart 2]
Follow me, my attendantsMy attendants: It was considered unbecoming for women of rank and character to appear abroad without their attendants., here next door. You there! Does any one hear this that I say? I shall be here, if my husband or any person shall seek me. Did I order my distaff to be taken there? For when I’m at home alone, drowsiness takes effect uponTakes effect upon: Calvitur Literally, baulks or impedes. my hand.
CLEOSTRATA
Myrrhina, good morrow.
MYRRHINA
Good morrow, my dear Cleostrata. But, prithee, why are you sad?
CLEOSTRATA
So all are wont to be who are unfortunately married; at home and abroad, there’s always enough to make them sad. But I was going to your house.
MYRRHINA
And, troth, I was coming here to yours. But what is it that now distresses your mind? For the thing that distresses you, that same is a trouble to me.
CLEOSTRATA
On my word, I do believe you. For with good reason no female neighbour of mine do I love better than yourself, nor any one with whom I have more ties of intimacy, to afford me pleasure.
MYRRHINA
I thank you kindly, and I long to know what this is.
CLEOSTRATA
My husband has put slights upon me in a most unworthy manner.
MYRRHINA
Hah! What is it? Prithee, repeat that same again; for, on my word, I don’t in my mind sufficiently comprehend your complaints.
CLEOSTRATA
My husband has put slights upon me in a most unworthy manner,
and I have not the advantage of enjoying my own rights.
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MYRRHINA
’Tis surprising, if you say the truth; for husbands can scarce obtain from their wives what’s their own right.
CLEOSTRATA
Why, against my will, he demands a female servant of me, who belongs to myself, and was brought up at my own expense,
