Perde 4
[Textpart 2]
Follow me this way, then.
PYRGOPOLINICES
I am your lackey at your heelsLackey at your heels: Pedisequus. The pedisequi were a class of slaves at Rome whose duty it was to walk behind their master when he went out of doors. The name does not seem to have been given to every slave who followed his master, but they belonged to a class which was almost the lowest in the slave family..
MILPHIDIPPA
I wish that I had an opportunity of meeting him on account of whom I came here out of doors.
PALAESTRIO
It shall be so, and you shall have what you so greatly wish; be of good courage, don’t fear; there is a certain person who knows where that is which you are seeking.
MILPHIDIPPA
Who’s that I hear at hand?
PALAESTRIO
The sharer of your plans and the partaker of your secrets.
MILPHIDIPPA
I’ faith, then, what I do conceal I don’t conceal.
PALAESTRIO
Aye, but still you don’t conceal it this way.
PALAESTRIO
From the uninitiated you conceal them. I am sure and trustworthy to you.
1015
MILPHIDIPPA
Give me the sign, if you are one of these votariesOf these votaries: Baccharum. Literally, one of the Bacchae, or votaries of Bacchus. Only those were admitted to the rites who had been duly initiated. These had a sign or password called symbolum, or memoraculum, by which they recognised each other, and thus Milphidippa asks Palaestrio to give her some proof that he is the right person for her to address. This pretended caution is only assumed in the Captain’s presence, in order the better to impose upon him, by affecting the utmost care and secrecy in the matter.
PALAESTRIO
A certain lady loves a certain gentleman.
MILPHIDIPPA
Faith, many ladies do that indeed.
PALAESTRIO
But not many ladies send a present from off their fingers.
MILPHIDIPPA
Aye, I know now. You’ve now made the matter level for me instead of steep. But is there a certain person here?
PALAESTRIO
Either he is or he is not.
MILPHIDIPPA
Come aside with me alone, in private.
PALAESTRIO
For a short or for a lengthy conversation?
1020
MILPHIDIPPA
For three words only.
1020
PALAESTRIO
I’ll return to you this instant.
1020
