Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
Upon my faith, in that you certainly tell no lie, for you are more senseless than a flint-stone to be in love with her.<
AGORASTOCLES
But consider this, will you; I’ve never soiled her Never soiled her: There is a puerile and rather Indelicate play in this line and the next two upon the resemblance of the word limus, mud, and limo, to rub. An attempt has been made to give something analogous in the Translation. with a kiss.
MILPHIO
I’ll run, then, somewhere to a fish-pond or a pool, and fetch some soil.
AGORASTOCLES
What need is there of that?
MILPHIO
I’ll tell you; to soil her lips and yours.
AGORASTOCLES
To utter perdition with you!
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MILPHIO
For my part, I’m there already.
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AGORASTOCLES
Do you persist?
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MILPHIO
I’ll hold my tongue.
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AGORASTOCLES
But I wish you to do so always.
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MILPHIO
Why really, master, you challenge me at my own game, and still you make fun of me.
ANTERASTYLIS
At present, sister, I suppose you think yourself quite well enough drest; but when the instances of other courtesans are compared, then you will be having the heartache, if perchance you should see any one more nicely drest.
ADELPHASIUM
Envy was never inbred in me, my sister, nor yet spitefulness: I had rather by far that I was adorned with a good disposition than with gold; gold is met with by luck, a good disposition is found by nature. I very much prefer for myself to be called good than fortunate. It more befits a courtesan to show modesty than purple;
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and more does it become a courtesan to show modesty than golden jewels. Evil habits soil a fine dress more than mud; good manners, by their deeds, easily set off a lowly garb.
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AGORASTOCLES
How now, you; would you like to play a merry and a frolicsome prank?
AGORASTOCLES
Can you, then, give attention to me?
AGORASTOCLES
Be off home, and go hang yourself.
