Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
against which I really think that we must be on our guard.
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MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I’ troth, you really counsel aright.
MESSENIO
Then, in fine, shall I be sure that I’ve counselled aright, if you are rightly on your guard.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Be silent for a moment, then; for the door makes a noise. Let’s see who’s coming out from there.
MESSENIO
Meanwhile, I’ll lay this down. (He puts down the wallet.)
Do you keep watch upon these things, if you please, you sailors You sailors: Some Commentators think that by the words navales pedes he means oars, as being the feet, or source of motion to the ship, and that Messenio puts his luggage upon some oars on the ground close by, telling them to be good enough to keep it all safe. It is more probable, however, that he is addressing some of the crew, perhaps the rowers who have carried the luggage from the ship. Others suggest that the luggage-porters, who awaited the arrival of ships with passengers and merchandize, are here referred to. This line, in Cotter’s translation, is rendered, Observe these things now, if you please. Behold the ship! with this note, Navales pedes, the oars of a ship, put for the ship itself.! De l’Oeuvre ingeniously suggests that paedes is the correct reading, and the word is the Greek παιδέσ Latinized, and signifying, in the present instance, the ship-boys or servants. .
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[Textpart 3]
Leave the door ajar Leave the door ajar: Ladies of Erotium’s character would find it more convenient to have their doors ajar, that persons might step in unperceived, besides, in the present instance, she wishes the ianitor not to shut the door, as me expects to return directly with Menaechmus. thus; begone. I don’t want it shut: prepare, attend, and provide within; what is requisite, let it be done. Lay down the couches, burn the perfumes; neatness,
EROTIUM
that is the charm for the minds of lovers. Our agreableness is for the lover’s loss, for our own gain. (To herself.) But where is he whom the Cook said was in front of the house? O, I see him there—one who is of service to me, and who profits me very much. And right willingly is such usage shown to him, as he deserves to be of especial importance in my house.
Now I’ll accost him; I’ll address him of my own accord. (To MENAECHMUS.) My dear life, it seems wonderful to me that you are standing here out of doors, for whom the door is wide open, more so than your own house, inasmuch as this house is at your service. Everything’s ready as you requested
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and as you desired; nor have you now any delay in-doors. The breakfast, as you ordered, is prepared here; when you please, you may go and take your place.
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MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
To whom is this woman addressing herself?
EROTIUM
Why, I’m talking to yourself.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
What business have I ever had with you, or have I now?
EROTIUM
Troth, inasmuch as Venus has willed that you singly above all I should exalt; and that not without your deserving it. For, by my faith, you alone make me, by your kindnesses, to be thriving.
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MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
For sure this woman is either mad or drunk, Messemo, that addresses me, a person whom she knows not in so familiar a way.
MESSENIO
Didn’t I say that these things are in the habit of occurring here? The leaves are falling now; in comparison with this, if we shall be here for three days, the trees will be tumbling upon you. For to such a degree are all these Courtesans wheedlers out of one’s money. But only let me address her. Harkye, woman, I’m speaking to you.
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EROTIUM
What’s the matter?
MESSENIO
Where have you yourself known this person?
EROTIUM
In that same place where he has known me for this long time,
