Perde 5
[Textpart 2]
You boy, take this cloak Take this cloak: Though commonly rendered cloak, the pallium differed materially from that article of dress. It was a square piece of cloth, which came direct from the loom in that shape, and required no cutting out by the tailor. The pallia were mostly worn in an undyed state, consequently white, brown, and grey were the prevailing colours. They were sometimes dyed of crimson, purple, and saffron colour. Sometimes they were striped, like our plaids or checks. Flowers were sometimes interwoven, and occasionally with gold thread. Wool was the most common material. They were not only used for wearing, but for spreading over beds and couches, and covering the body during sleep. Sometimes they were used as carpets, and sometimes as awnings or curtains; and indeed the word as often means a blanket as a garment. When worn, the pallium was passed over the left shoulder, then drawn behind the back and under the right arm, leaving it bare, and then thrown again over the left shoulder See Dr. Smith’s Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities., please.
EUTYCHUS
Really this hasn’t come but this moment into my mind to tell it you.
My mother’s dreadfully angry with my father, because he has brought into the house a harlot before her very eyes, while she was away in the country. She suspects that she’s his own mistress.
CHARINUS
I’ve taken up my belt My belt: The zona, girdle or belt, would be employed by the traveller to tuck up his long clothing, for the sake of expedition; it was also used either as a purse or for the purpose of holding the purse. The traveller would require his sword for the purposes of safety, while the ampulla, or leather bottle, was to hold the oil with which the feet were anointed when galled with walking..
925
EUTYCHUS
She’s now enquiring into this matter in-doors.
CHARINUS
Now my sword’s in hand.
EUTYCHUS
But if I were now to introduce you?
CHARINUS
I’ll take my bottle, and be off from here.
EUTYCHUS
Stop, stop, Charinus!
CHARINUS
You are mistaken; you can’t deceive me.
EUTYCHUS
And, i’ faith, I have no wish.
CHARINUS
Why, then, don’t you allow me to proceed upon my journey?
EUTYCHUS
I won’t let you.
930
CHARINUS
I’m delaying myself. Boy, do you this instant be off hence in-doors.
930
Now I’ve ascended the chariot; now I’ve taken the reins in my hands.
EUTYCHUS
You are not in your senses.
CHARINUS
Feet of mine, why don’t ye betake yourselves into the chariot, straight for Cyprus, since my father determines on my banishment?
EUTYCHUS
You are silly. Prithee, don’t be saying this.
CHARINUS
I’m resolved to persist—
to use my endeavours to seek her out where she is.
935
