Perde 2
[Textpart 3]
In Epidamnus? A man who, until this day, has never put a foot here inside of this city.
380
EROTIUM
Heyday! You are making fun, my dear Menaechmus. But, prithee, why not go in? There, it will be more suitable for you.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I’ faith, this woman really does address me rightly by my name. I wonder very much what’s the meaning of this business.
MESSENIO
That purse that you are carrying has been smelt out by her.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I’ faith, and rightly have you put me in mind. Take it, then; I’ll know now whether she loves myself or the purse most.
385
EROTIUM
Let’s go in the house to breakfast.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
You invite me kindly; so far, my thanks.
EROTIUM
Why then did you bid me a while since prepare a breakfast for you?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
I, bid you prepare?
EROTIUM
Certainly you did, for yourself and your Parasite.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
A plague, what Parasite? Surely this woman isn’t quite right in her senses.
390
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Who is this Peniculus The one with which the shoes are wiped clean Are wiped clean: Baxae or baxeae were sandals made a twigs or fibres. They were often worn on the stage by Comic actors, and probably on saying this, Menaechmus Sosicles points to his own. The Egyptians made them of palm-leaves and papyrus. They were much worn by the philosophers of ancient times. Probably the peniculi, made of the tails of oxen, were much used for the purpose of dusting shoes.?
EROTIUM
Him, I mean, who came with you a while ago, when you brought me the mantle which you purloined from your wife.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
What do you mean? I, gave you a mantle, which I purloined from my wife? Are you in your senses?
Surely this woman dreams standing, after the manner of a gelding Manner of a gelding: He compares her to a horse, which sleeps and dreams (if it dreams at all) in a standing posture..
395
EROTIUM
Why does it please you to hold me in ridicule, and to deny to me things that have been done by you?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Tell me what it is that I deny after having done it?
EROTIUM
That you to-day gave me your wife’s mantle.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Even still do I deny it. Indeed, I never had a wife, nor have I one; nor
