Perde 2
TOXILUS
Whither are you now going?
PAEGNIUM
Home; that I may be at home while you are thinking that I am there.
TOXILUS
You are a rascal of a boy, and—for this service I’ll give you something to add Give you something to add: Peculiabo. Some Commentators will have it that an indecent allusion is intended here. Possibly they are not mistaken; but it is a rather far-fetched one. to your savings.
PAEGNIUM
I’m aware how want of shame is wont to be imputed to a master’s word, and that masters cannot ever be compelled to appear before the judge on account of those promises.
PAEGNIUM
I’ll give you reason to command me.
195
TOXILUS
But, Paegnium, take you care and give that letter to Lemniselene herself, and tell her what I bade you.
195
SOPHOCLIDISCA
Do I delay to go whither I was sent?
TOXILUS
Then do be off; I’ll off home. Take care and manage this business with attention. Fly post haste.
PAEGNIUM
That’s what the ostrich The ostrich: Marinus passer. Literally, the sea-sparrow, Paegnium alludes to the mode in which the ostrich runs, in answer to the order of Toxilus, who tells him to fly. The ostrich, as it runs, flaps it wings as though flying. Referring to Roman customs, Paegnium speaks as though he had seen ostriches in the Roman Circus. These, and wild beasts of every description, were hunted there at the Venationes, for the amusement of the people. It is not improbable that ostriches had been recently introduced into Rome, as forming part of the spoil of the Carthaginians. The Emperor Probus, several centuries after this period, gave a Venatio of a thousand ostriches in the Circus. is wont to do in the Circus.
He’s off from here in-doors there. But who’s this woman that’s coming towards me?
200
SOPHOCLIDISCA
Surely this is Paegnium.
PAEGNIUM
This is Sophoclidisca, the private servant of her to whom I’m sent.
SOPHOCLIDISCA
There’s not a person this day that’s reported to be more artful than this boy. I’ll accost him.
PAEGNIUM
At this bar At this bar: Seeing Sophoclidisca, he knows that she will stop him for a bit of gossip, and he consequently stvles her an obex, a bar or impediment.
SOPHOCLIDISCA
Paegnium, my charmer of a boy, save you; how are you? How do you do?
PAEGNIUM
Sophoclidisca, the Gods will favour me.
205
