Perde 1
[Textpart 1]
Full oft have I entrusted many matters to you, Milphio,
AGORASTOCLES
matters of doubt and necessity, and standing in need of good counsel, which you wisely, discreetly, cleverly, and skilfully have by your aid brought to completion for me. For which services I do confess that both your liberty and many kind thanks are due unto you.
130
MILPHIO
An old adage, if you timely introduce it, is a clever thing: but your compliments are to me what are wont to be called sheer nonsense, and, upon my faith, mere bagatelles Mere bagatelles: Λῆροι. This word almost exactly answers to the word bagatelles, or kickshaws, borrowed by us from the French. As to the origin of the word gerrae, in the sense of trifles, or nonsense, Festus gives the following anecdote:—Osier-twigs, in bundles, were called gerrae. When the Athenians were besieging the Syracusans, and were often calling aloud for these fascines, the besieged, in ridicule, used to cry out, gerrae, on which account that word came in use, to signify, in contempt, anything trifling.. Just now, you are full of kind speeches towards me; yesterday, without hesitation, upon my back you wore out three bulls’ hides with flogging.
135
AGORASTOCLES
But if, being in love, I did anything by reason of my distraction, Milphio, it’s only reasonable that you should pardon me for it.
140
MILPHIO
I’ve seen nothing more reasonable. I, too, am now dying for love; allow me to thrash you just as you did me, for no fault at all; and then, after that, do you pardon me being thus in love.
AGORASTOCLES
If you have a mind for it, or it gives you pleasure, I do permit it; tie me up, bind me, scourge me; I recommend you, I give you my permission.
145
MILPHIO
If, hereafter, you should revoke your permission, when you are unloosed, I myself should be hung up Be hung up: Pendeam. He alludes to the practice of tying slaves up by the hands for the purpose of being flogged. for punishment.
AGORASTOCLES
And would I venture to do that, to yourself espercially?
On the contrary, if I see you but struck, it gives me pain immediately.
150
MILPHIO
To me, indeed, i’ faith.
MILPHIO
I could prefer that to be the case. But what now do you wish?
AGORASTOCLES
Why need I tell a lie to you? I am desperately in love.
MILPHIO
My shoulder-blades feel that.
AGORASTOCLES
But I mean with this damsel, my neighbour Adelphasium,
the elder Courtesan that belongs to this Procurer.
155
MILPHIO
For my own part, I’ve heard that from yourself already.
AGORASTOCLES
I’m on the rack with love for her. But than this Procurer Lycus, her master, not dirt itself is more dirty.
MILPHIO
Do you wish now to present him with some mischief?
AGORASTOCLES
I should like it.
