Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
nor is the largest amount of equipment sufficient for them. And as I mention these things, from experience at home do I now say thus; for we two, even from daybreak up to the present hour of the day, have never ceased
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ADELPHASIUM
either washing, or scrubbing, or rubbing, or dressing, smoothing, polishing, painting, trimming, with all our might, and at the same time the two maid-servants, that have been provided for each of us, have been giving us their assistance in washing and cleaning; and in carrying water two men have become quite weary.
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Fie upon it! how great a plague there is in one female. But if there are two, I know full well that they are able to give to any one, the mightiest nation whatsoever, more trouble than enough, in being night and day, always, at all hours, dressing, washing, rubbing, polishing.
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In fine, there’s no moderation in women, nor do we understand how ever to set a limit to washing and scrubbing. But she who is washed clean, unless she is thoroughly dressed, in my notion at least, is just as though she were dirty.
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ANTERASTYLIS
I really wonder, sister, that you talk in this fashion; you who are so knowing, and discreet, and clever;
for when with all care we have ourselves in trim, hardly and with difficulty do we find poor pitiful admirers.
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ADELPHASIUM
Such is the fact; but still reflect upon this one thing; a limit is best to be observed in all things, sister; all things in excess give too much trouble to mortals of themselves.
ANTERASTYLIS
Sister, prithee, do reflect that we are accounted just in the same way as pickled salt-fish Pickled salt-fish: Salsa muriatica. Literally, the pickle of salt-fish, which is supposed by some to have been the thunny. is thought of—without any relish and without sweetness; unless full oft and long it is soaked in water, it smells badly, and is salt, so that you cannot touch it.
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Just so are we. Women of this class are utterly tasteless, and devoid of grace, without dress and expense.
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MILPHIO
She surely is a cook, Agorastocles, according to my notion; she knows how to soak pickled fish.
AGORASTOCLES
Why are you thus troublesome?
ADELPHASIUM
Sister, do, there’s a dear, forbear. It’s quite sufficient for others to say that to us, not to be ourselves as well proclaiming our foibles.
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ANTERASTYLIS
I’ll have done, then.
ADELPHASIUM
I thank you: but now answer me this; are all things here which ought to be provided for propitiating the Gods?
ANTERASTYLIS
I’ve taken care of everything.
AGORASTOCLES
How charming and joyous a day, and full of delight, worthy of Venus, by my troth, whose Aphrodisia are celebrated to-day!
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MILPHIO
Any thanks for me, for calling you out of doors? Oughtn’t I now to be presented with a cask of old wine? Say it shall be given. Don’t you answer me?
His tongue has fallen out, I imagine. What, plague on it, have you been struck with amazement standing here?
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AGORASTOCLES
Do let me love on; don’t disturb me, and do hold your peace.
MILPHIO
I’ll hold my peace.
