Perde 1
[Textpart 3]
(to EROTIUM) for if you really loved him, by this his nose ought to have been off with your teething him. With your teething him: Judging from this remark, perhaps she has accidentally forgotten to kiss her dupe, Menaechmus..
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Take hold of this, Peniculus: I wish to dedicate the spoil that I’ve vowed.
PENICULUS
Give it me. (Holds it while MENAECHMUS puts it on.) But, i’ faith, prithee, do dance afterwards with the mantle on in this way.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I—dance? I’ faith, you’re not in your senses.
PENICULUS
Are you or I the most? If you won’t dance, then take it off.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
At a great risk have I
stolen this to-day. In my opinion, indeed, Hercules didn’t ever carry off the belt from Hippolyta From Hippolyta: Hercules was commanded by Eurystheus to obtain the belt or girdle of Hippolyta, or Antiope, the Queen of the Amazons. This he effected, and gave her in marriage to his companion Theseus, by whom, after giving birth to Hippolytus, she was put to death. Some accounts, however, state that she was slain by Hercules. with danger as great. Take this for yourself (he takes it off, and gives her the mantle), since you are the only one alive that’s compliant with my humours.
200
EROTIUM
With such feelings ’tis proper that real lovers should be animated.
PENICULUS
Those, indeed, who are making haste to bring themselves down to beggary.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I purchased that for my wife a year since at the price of four minae.
205
PENICULUS
The four minae are clearly gone for ever, as the account now stands.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Do you know what I wish you to attend to?
EROTIUM
I don’t know; but I’ll attend to whatever you do wish.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Order a breakfast, then, to be provided for us three at your house, and some dainties to be purchased at the market;
kernels of boars’ neck, or bacon off the gammon Bacon off the gammon: He facetiously calls bacon pernonides, literally, the son of the gammon., or pig’s head, or something in that way, which, when cooked and placed on table before me, may promote an appetite like a kite’s: and-forthwith—
210
EROTIUM
I’ faith, I will.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
We’re going to the Forum: we shall be here just now. While it’s cooking, we’ll take a whet in the meantime.
EROTIUM
Come when you like, the things shall be ready.
215
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Only make haste, then. Do you follow me
215
PENICULUS
By my troth, I certainly shall keep an eye on you, and follow you. I wouldn’t take the wealth of the Gods to lose you this day.
