Perde 3
[Textpart 1]
More than thirty years have I been born yet during that time I never did any more mischievous or more evil trick than this day, when, to my misfortune, I thrust myself into the midst of the assembly Midst of the assembly: This concio was the sitting of the court for the trial of causes, to which we shall find further reference in the sequel, when it is explained how he happened to lose sight of Menaechmus.. while I was gaping about there, Menaechmus stole away from me,
PENICULUS
and went, I suppose, to his mistress, and didn’t want to take me. May all the Divinities confound that man who first mischievously devised the holding of an assembly, which keeps men thus engaged. By my troth, is it not fitting that men who are disengaged should be chosen for that purpose? These, when they are cited, if they are not present, let the officers exact the fine Exact the fine: He suggests that Menaechmus has possibly been summoned, in his capacity as a citizen, to the concio, for the purpose of being present at the trials going on. The Parasite curses this custom, and wishes that they would summon only the idle men, and not those engaged in the important business of feasting their friends. There is some doubt as to the meaning of census capiant, but it probably signifies let them exact the fine.
450
Abundance of men are there who every day eat their victuals alone, who have no business, who are neither invited nor invite to feast; these ought to give their attendance at the assembly and the law-courts And the law-courts: The comitia of the Romans have been referred to in a previous Note..
If so it had been, this say I shouldn’t have lost my breakfast; to which I deemed myself as much accustomed, as to see myself alive. I’ll go; even yet the hope of the scraps comforts my mind. But why do I see Menaechmus here? He’s coming out of doors with a chaplet on? The banquet is removed; i’ faith, I come just in time to meet him.
460
I’ll watch the fellow, what he’s about, then I’ll go and accost him. (He steps aside.)
465
[Textpart 2]
Can’t you rest content, if this day I bring it you back in good time, nicely and properly trimmed? I’ll cause you to say it isn’t itself, so much shall it be disguised.
PENICULUS
He’s carrying the mantle to the embroiderer’s, the breakfast finished
and the wine drunk up, and the Parasite shut out of doors. By my troth, I’m not the person that I am, if I don’t handsomely avenge this injury and myself. ’Tis requisite I should watch I’ll give something.
470
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
O ye immortal Gods! on what man ever have you conferred more blessings in one day, who hoped for less?
I’ve been breakfasting, drinking, feasting with a mistress; and I’ve carried off this mantle, of which she shall no more be owner after this day.
475
PENICULUS
Isn’t he now talking about me, and my share of the repast? I can’t well hear what he says.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
She says that I secretly gave her this, and that I stole it away from my wife. When I perceived that she was mistaken, at once I began to assent, as though I really had had acquaintanceship with her. Whatever the woman said, the same said I. What need of many words?
I was never entertained at less expense.
485
PENICULUS
I’ll accost the fellow; for I quite long to have a row.
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Who’s this that’s coming up towards me? (Takes off the mantle, and hides it.)
PENICULUS
What say you, you fellow lighter than a feather, most rascally and most abandoned—you disgraceful man—you cheat, and most worthless fellow?
Why have I deserved this of you? For what reason should you ruin me? How you stole yourself away from me just now at the Forum. You’ve been performing the funeral of the breakfast in my absence. Why did you dare to do so, when I was entitled to it in an equal degree?
490
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Young man, prithee, what business with me have you,
who are thus purposely insulting a person whom you know not? Do you wish a punishment to be given you for your abuse?
495
