Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
We were enquiring one of another whose ship it was, and what it carried? In the meantime I espied your husband and his servant Stichus.
370
PHILUMENA
Ha! what? Did you mention Epignomus?
PINACIUM
He has arrived, I say.
PHILUMENA
Did you see him yourself?
PINACIUM
Yes, and with pleasure too.
GELASIMUS
I’ faith, I’ll surely take the broom, and sweep this place with pleasure.
375
PINACIUM
He has brought a great amount of silver and gold.
GELASIMUS
’Tis right cleverly done.
PINACIUM
Wool and purple in plenty.
GELASIMUS
Aye, for me to clothe my carcase with.
PINACIUM
Couches, adorned with ivory and gold.
GELASIMUS
I’ll recline at table right regally.
PINACIUM
Besides—Babylonian coverings for couchesCoverings for couches: Peristromatia, blankets or counterpanes were used among the Romans to cover couches; they were sometimes of the most costly description, and were mostly of purple colour, and frequently richly embroidered with gold. Pliny speaks of Babylonian cloths of divers colours, and in the seventh chapter of Joshua, ver. 24, we read, When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment., and carpets dyed in purple, has he brought.
GELASIMUS
Abundance of fine things.
I’ faith, his business has been successful.
PINACIUM
Then, as I began to say, female players on the harp, on the pipe, sackbuts tooSackbuts too: Sambucas. Sambuca is supposed to be the same instrument which is mentioned in the third chapter of the Prophet Daniel, and is rendered in our version of the Old Testament by the word sackbut. This instrument was probably introduced into Greece and Rome from Syria or Phoenicia. It is supposed to have been a kind of triangular harp. The word sambucas is substituted in Ritschel’s edition for sambucinas, in the former editions It is probably intended here to have the same meaning—female players on the sambuca, who were also called sambucistriae, and whose performances were highly prized by the Romans as Asiatic luxuries., has he brought with him, of surprising beauty.
380
GELASIMUS
Capital! When I’m at my wine, I’ll be quite sportive; then am I in merriest pin.
PINACIUM
Besides many unguents of numerous kinds.
