Perde 4
[Textpart 1]
’Tis a pleasure what you do, if it succeeds agreably and to your mind. For I this day have sent my Parasite to King Seleucus, to lead those soldiers, that I have levied, hence to Seleucus;
PYRGOPOLINICES
in order that they may defend his kingdom till I have leisure to attend in person.
950
PALAESTRIO
Why don’t you attend to your own concerns rather than those of Seleucus. What a charming new proposal is being offered to you through me as the negotiator.
PYRGOPOLINICES
Well then, I lay all other things aside, and I give my attention to you. Speak out: my ears, in fact, I surrender at your disposal.
PALAESTRIO
Look around, then, that no one here may be an eavesdropper for our discourse; for this business was entrusted me to transact with you in private.
955
PYRGOPOLINICES
(looks around). There’s no one near.
PALAESTRIO
In the first place, receive from me this pledge of affection. (Gives him the ring.)
PYRGOPOLINICES
What’s this? Whence comes it?
PALAESTRIO
From a charming and a handsome lady, one who loves you, and dotes upon your extreme beauty.
Her maid just now gave me the ring that I might then give it to you.
960
PYRGOPOLINICES
What? Is she free born or a freed woman, made free from a slave by the Praetor’s rodBy the Praetor’s rod: Festuca is the same with vindicta, the rod, or wand, which the Praetor used to lay on the head of the slave when he was made free.?
PALAESTRIO
Pshaw! Should I presume to be the bearer of a message to you from a person once a slave, who cannot sufficiently answer the demands of the free women who are longing for you?
PYRGOPOLINICES
Is she wife, or is she widow?
PALAESTRIO
She is both wife and widow.
PYRGOPOLINICES
In what way is it possible for the same woman to be a wife and a widow?
PALAESTRIO
Because she is a young woman married to an old man.
PYRGOPOLINICES
That’s good.
PALAESTRIO
She is of genteel and charming person.
PYRGOPOLINICES
Beware of misrepresenting.
PALAESTRIO
It is alone worthy to be compared with your own charms.
