Perde 2
[Textpart 8]
I think that in that self-same positionIn that self-same position: Sceledrus is standing before the door with both arms stretched out that Philocomasium may not come out without his knowing. Palaestrio tells him, that when he comes to be fastened on the cross for his negligence, he will have to assume that attitude. The gate here alluded to is supposed to have been the Esquiline, or Metian gate at Rome, a place near which was devoted to the punishment of slaves. Athens and other Greek cities had the gate of Charon, through which malefactors passed to punishment. you will have to die outside the gates,
PALAESTRIO
when, with hands outstretched, you will be carrying your cross.
360
SCELEDRUS
For what reason so?
360
PALAESTRIO
Just look on your left hand; who is that lady?
SCELEDRUS
O ye immortal Gods, it really is the lady of my master!
PALAESTRIO
I’ faith, so she seems to me as well. Do then, now, since so you would have it—
PALAESTRIO
Die this very instant.
PHILOCOMASIUM
Where is this faithful servant, who has falsely accused me in my innocence
of this most heinous crime?
365
PALAESTRIO
See, here he is; ’tis he that told it me,—assuredly ’twas he.
365
PHILOCOMASIUM
Villain, did you say that you had seen me next door here kissing?
PALAESTRIO
Besides, he said it was with some strange young man.
SCELEDRUS
I’ faith, I did. say so, undoubtedly.
PHILOCOMASIUM
You, saw me?
SCELEDRUS
Yes, with these self-same eyes.
PHILOCOMASIUM
I fancy you will lose those eyes, which see more than what they really do see.
SCELEDRUS
By my faith, I shall never be intimidated
from having seen what I really did see.
370
PHILOCOMASIUM
In my foolishness I am delaying too long in parleying with this madman, whom, by the powers, I’ll punish with death.
370
