Perde 4
[Textpart 2]
What? Shall I be standing here in the meanwhile, with such charms and valorous deeds, thus to no purpose?
PALAESTRIO
Submit to it and wait; for you am I doing this service.
PYRGOPOLINICES
Make haste; I am tortured with waiting.
PALAESTRIO
You know that commodities of this kind are only wont to be reached step by step.
PYRGOPOLINICES
Well, well; as is most agreable to yourself.
PALAESTRIO
There is no stone more stupid than this fellow. I now return to you.
(To MILPHIDIPPA.) What would you with me?
1025
MILPHIDIPPA
In the way in which I received it of you a short time since, I bring you back your clever lot;
1025
my story is as though she were dying with love for him.
PALAESTRIO
That I understand.
Do you commend his beauty and his appearance, and make mention of his prowess.
MILPHIDIPPA
For that purpose I am armed at all pointsArmed at all points: Habeo omnem aciem. Literally, I have all my troops in battle array., as I have shown you before already.
On the other hand, do you give all attention, and be on the watch, and take your cueTake your cue: Venator. Literally, hunt out, or act the hunter’s part, probably with reference to starting the game. from my words.
PYRGOPOLINICES
Prithee do now, in fine, give me some share in the business; step this way this instant, I beg.
1030
PALAESTRIO
Here I am. If you wish for aught, give me your commands.
PYRGOPOLINICES
What is she saying to you?
PALAESTRIO
She is saying that her mistress is lamenting, and, in tears, is tormenting and afflicting herself because she wishes for you, and because she possesses you not; for that reason has she been sent here to you.
PYRGOPOLINICES
Bid her approach.
PALAESTRIO
But do you know how you are to act? Pretend that you are full of disdain,
as though it pleased you not; exclaim against me, because I make you so common to the mob.
1035