Perde 3
[Textpart 1]
Now, Alcesimus, I shall know whether you are the very picture of friend or foe to me; now is the proof upon view; now is the contest going on. But why do I do so; forbear to correct me; save yourself all that. With your hoary head, at an age unfit; save yourself that as well. One who has a wife; save yourself that like wise.
515
ALCESIMUS
I never saw a person more distracted with love than yourself.
520
STALINO
Do take care that the house is clear.
ALCESIMUS
Why, faith, men-servants, maid-servants, all of them I’m determined to send out of the house to yours.
STALINO
Heyday! with your adroitness you are very adroit! But only take care and remember the lines which Colax repeats Which Colax repeats: Colax, or, the Flatterer, was a Play of Menander’s, which was translated by the Roman Comic writer Naevius, a little before the time of Plautus. It was not allowed to be acted at Rome, on account of some satirical passages in it which bore reference to the family of the Metelli.; take care that every one comes with his own provisions, as if they were going to SutriumGoing to Sutrium: This was a proverbial expression (used in the Colax), which had originated at the time when Brennus attacked Rome. Sutrium was a Roman colony in Etruria. Fearing an attack upon it by the Gauls, Camillus ordered that some troops should march to the assistance of the Sutrians, but that they should carry their own provisions with them..
ALCESIMUS
I’ll remember it.
525
STALINO
Why now there’s no public ordinancePublic ordinance: See the Pseudolus, l. 748. better ordered than yourself, in fact. Attend to this. I’m now going to the Forum; I shall be here just now.
525
ALCESIMUS
Luck go with you.
STALINO
Take care that your house gets a tongue.
STALINO
That when I come, it may invite me.
ALCESIMUS
Pooh, pooh! you area person that stands in good need of a basting; you’re making too free with your fun.
STALINO
Of what use is it for me to be in love, unless I’m quite ready and talkative?
But take you care that you haven’t to be sought for by me.
530
ALCESIMUS
I’ll be at home all the while.
530
[Textpart 2]
This was the reason, then, i’ faith, why my husband entreated me, with such great earnestness, to make haste and invite my female neighbour to our house— that the house might be clear for him to be taking Casina there. Now, therefore, I shall by no means invite her,
CLEOSTRATA
so that liberty of free range shan’t be any way given to worn-out bell-wethers. (ALCESIMUS is coming out of his house.) But look, the pillar of the Senate’s coming forward, the safeguard of the public, my neighbour, the person who is finding free range for my husband. I’ faith, the measure of witThe measure of wit: Salis. Literally salt. The meaning of this passage is obscure in the extreme, and it is difficult to form a conjecture what it really is, further than that it is not complimentary to Alcesimus. that has been sold to him, was purchased at no cheap rate.
535
ALCESIMUS
I’m wondering that my wife, who’s already waiting at home, dressed out, to be sent for, hasn’t been invited by this to my neighbour’s here.
But see, here she is; she’s come to fetch her, I guess. (Going up to CLEOSTRATA.) Good day, Cleostrata!
CLEOSTRATA
And you the same, Alcesimus. Where’s your wife?
