{"id":120,"date":"2020-08-07T13:41:11","date_gmt":"2020-08-07T17:41:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/milesgloriosus\/?post_type=chapter&p=120"},"modified":"2021-01-18T12:55:09","modified_gmt":"2021-01-18T17:55:09","slug":"act-four-scene-two","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/chapter\/act-four-scene-two\/","title":{"raw":"Act Four, Scene Two","rendered":"Act Four, Scene Two"},"content":{"raw":"Enter MILPHIDIPPA.<\/em>\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nas she enters.<\/em> My Circus, then[footnote]My Circus, then: This is an allusion to the Circus at Rome, where the public games were exhibited.[\/footnote], is before the house, where my sports are to take place. I'll make pretense, as though I didn't see them, or knew as yet that they are here.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nHush! let's quietly listen, whether any mention is made of me.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\naloud.<\/em> Is there no one near at hand here, to attend to another's business rather than his own?--to prowl after[footnote]To prowl after: \u201cAucupo\u201d is properly applied to a birdcatcher, or fowler, who watches his nets.[\/footnote] me to see what I'm about? No one who is feeding this evening[footnote]Feeding this evening: \u201cQui de vesperi vivat suo.\u201d She is supposed to mean those who are not out on the hunt for a supper, but have got one of their own at home. These latter persons, she thinks, living at their ease, and not having to satisfy a hungry stomach, are likely to have more leisure for prying into the concerns of other people, than those who are put to their shifts for a meal.[\/footnote] at his own expense? I dread such men as these, lest they should now come in the way, or prove a hindrance somehow, should my mistress privately pass from her house this way, who is so enamored of his person, who so dotes upon this very charming man with his exceeding beauty--the Captain Pyrgopolinices\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nAnd doesn't she dote upon me, too? She is praising my beauty.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nI' faith, her language stands in need of no ashes[footnote]In need of no ashes: He says that she is so very clean spoken (laute et minime sordide) that she needs no ashes with which to scour her words; the figure being derived from the custom of scouring brass vessels with pounded ashes.[\/footnote].\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nFor what reason?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nWhy, because her language is clean spoken and far from slovenly. Whatever she says about yourself, she handles it in no slovenly way. And, then, besides, she herself is a very pretty and a very dainty wench.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nTroth, indeed, she has made an impression already, Palaestrio, at first sight.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nWhat! before you have seen the other with your eyes?\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nWhat I see, in that I have faith for myself; for this mackerel[footnote]This mackerel: The \u201clacerta\u201d was probably a delicate fish, whose name is now unknown, but not so much so as the \u201cmullus,\u201d the \u201cgrey mullet,\u201d which was very highly esteemed by the Roman epicures.[\/footnote], in the absence of the mullet, compels me to be in love with her.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nI' faith, you really mustn't be falling in love with her, she's engaged to me. If the other weds you to-day, forthwith I shall take this one for my wife.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nWhy, then, do you delay to accost her?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nFollow me this way, then.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nI am your lackey at your heels[footnote]Lackey at your heels: \u201cPedisequus.\u201d The \u201cpedisequi\u201d were a class of slaves at Rome whose duty it was to walk behind their master when he went out of doors. The name does not seem to have been given to every slave who followed his master, but they belonged to a class which was almost the lowest in the slave family.[\/footnote].\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong><\/em>\r\naloud.<\/em> I wish that I had an opportunity of meeting him on account of whom I came here out of doors.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\naccosting her.<\/em> It shall be so, and you shall have what you so greatly wish; be of good courage, don't fear; there is a certain person who knows where that is which you are seeking.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nWho's that I hear at hand?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nThe sharer of your plans and the partaker of your secrets.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nI' faith, then, what I do conceal I don't conceal.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nAye, but still you don't conceal it this way.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nHow so?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nFrom the uninitiated you conceal them. I am sure and trustworthy to you.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nGive me the sign, if you are one of these votaries[footnote]Of these votaries: \u201cBaccharum.\u201d Literally, \u201cone of the \u201cBacchae,\u201d or \u201cvotaries of Bacchus.\u201d Only those were admitted to the rites who had been duly initiated. These had a sign or password called \u201csymbolum,\u201d or \u201cmemoraculum,\u201d by which they recognised each other, and thus Milphidippa asks Palaestrio to give her some proof that he is the right person for her to address. This pretended caution is only assumed in the Captain\u2019s presence, in order the better to impose upon him, by affecting the utmost care and secrecy in the matter.[\/footnote].\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nA certain lady loves a certain gentleman.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nFaith, many ladies do that indeed.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nBut not many ladies send a present from off their fingers.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nAye, I know now. You've now made the matter level for me instead of steep. But is there a certain person here?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nEither he is or he is not.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nCome aside with me alone, in private.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nFor a short or for a lengthy conversation?\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nFor three words only.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nto PYRGOPOLINICES.<\/em> I'll return to you this instant.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nWhat? Shall I be standing here in the meanwhile, with such charms and valorous deeds, thus to no purpose?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nSubmit to it and wait; for you am I doing this service.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nMake haste; I am tortured with waiting.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nYou know that commodities of this kind are only wont to be reached step by step.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nWell, well; as is most agreeable to yourself.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\naside.<\/em> There is no stone more stupid than this fellow. I now return to you. To MILPHIDIPPA.<\/em>What would you with me? Retires with her to distance.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nIn the way in which I received it of you a short time since I bring you back your clever lot; my story is as though she were dying with love for him.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nThat I understand. Do you commend his beauty and his appearance, and make mention of his prowess.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nFor that purpose, I am armed at all points[footnote]Armed at all points: \u201cHabeo omnem aciem.\u201d Literally, \u201cI have all my troops in battle array.\u201d[\/footnote], as I have shown you before already. On the other hand, do you give all attention, and be on the watch, and take your cue[footnote]Take your cue: \u201cVenator.\u201d Literally, \u201chunt out,\u201d or \u201cact the hunter\u2019s part,\u201d probably with reference to starting the game.[\/footnote] from my words.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nPrithee do now, in fine, give me some share in the business; step this way this instant, I beg.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\ngoes up to him.<\/em> Here I am. If you wish for aught, give me your commands.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nWhat is she saying to you?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nShe is saying that her mistress is lamenting, and, in tears, is tormenting and afflicting herself because she wishes for you and because she possesses you not; for that reason has she been sent here to you.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nBid her approach.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nBut do you know how you are to act? Pretend that you are full of disdain, as though it pleased you not; exclaim against me, because I make you so common to the mob.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nI remember, and I'll follow your instructions.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nI'll call her, then, who is inquiring after you.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nIf she wants anything, let her come.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nWench, if you want anything, step this way.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\napproaching.<\/em> Save you, charmer[footnote]Charmer: \u201cPulcher.\u201d \u201cHandsome man.\u201d This, as a surname, would not sound so very absurd in Roman ears, as \u201cPulcher\u201d was a surname (cognomen) of a branch of the Claudian family.[\/footnote].\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nShe makes mention of my surname. May the Gods grant you whatever you may desire.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nTo pass life with you is the wish of----\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nYou are wishing too much.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nI am not speaking of myself, but of my mistress, who is dying for you.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nMany others are wishing for the same thing, who have not the opportunity.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nBy my troth, 'tis not to be wondered at; you set a high value on yourself--a person so handsome, and so illustrious for his prowess, and so valorous in his deeds! O! was there ever anyone more worthy to be a man?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\naside.<\/em> I' faith, the filthy fellow is not a human being; indeed, I think there is something more human in a vulture[footnote]In a vulture: He probably alludes to the fact of the vulture sometimes carrying human flesh in its maw[\/footnote].\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\naside.<\/em> Now I shall make myself of importance since she so praises me up. Struts about.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\naside.<\/em> Do you see the blockhead, how he struts? To PYRGOPOLINICES.<\/em> But will you not answer her; she is the woman that's come from the lady whom I was mentioning just now.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nBut from which one of them? For there are so many courting me, I cannot remember them all.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nFrom her who strips her own fingers and adorns your fingers; for I delivered to him (pointing to PALAESTRIO)<\/em>\u00a0that ring from her who is sighing for you, and then he to you.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nTell me, wench, what is it you want then?\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nThat you will not despise her who is sighing for you; who lives now but in your life: whether she is to exist or not, her hope is in you alone.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nWhat does she want then?\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nTo talk with you, to embrace you, and to be intimate with you. For unless you bring her succour, she will soon be quite desponding in her mind. Come, my Achilles, let that be done which I entreat; save her, charmer, by your charming ways. Call forth your kind disposition, stormer of cities, slayer of kings.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nO! by my troth, 'tis a vexatious thing!\u00a0To PALAESTRIO.\u00a0How often, whip-scoundrel, have I forbidden you to make promises of my attention thus common.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nDo you hear that, hussy? I have told you already, and I now tell you again, unless a fee is given to this boar-pig[footnote]Boar-pig: This passage is somewhat nodified in the translation.[\/footnote], he cannot possibly throw away his attentions in any quarter.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nA fee shall be given, as large as he shall demand.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nHe requires a talent of gold, in Philippean pieces. Less he will take from no one.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nO, by my troth, but that's too little, surely.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nBy nature there's no avarice in me; I have riches enough. I' faith! I've more than a thousand measures[footnote]A thousand measures: The \u201cmodius\u201d was a Roman measure one-third of the \u201camphora.\u201d It contained nearly two English gallons.[\/footnote] full of Philippean gold coins.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nBesides your treasures. Then, of silver, he has mountains, not ingots;\u00a0Aetna\u00a0is not so high.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\naside.<\/em> By the stars! O, what a lie!\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nto MILPHIDIPPA, aside.<\/em> How rarely I am playing him off!\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nto PALAESTRIO, aside.<\/em> And I; how do I do it? Ain't I gulling him?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\naside.<\/em> Rarely.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nBut, prithee, do let me go now.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nto the CAPTAIN.<\/em> But do you give her some answer, either that you will do it, or that you won't do it? Why cause this poor lady so much anguish of mind, who has never deserved any ill of you?\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nBid her come to me herself. Tell her that I will do everything that she requires.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nYou now act as it is proper for you to act. since you wish the same yourself that she is wishing.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nto himself, aside<\/em>. No poor faculty of invention has she.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nSince too you have not scouted your petitioner, and nave suffered me to prevail upon you.\u00a0Aside to PALAESTRIO.\u00a0<\/em>How now? Haven't I played him off?\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\naside to MILPHIDIPPA.<\/em> Faith, I couldn't refrain from laughing.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\naside to PALAESTRIO.<\/em> Yes; and for the same reason I turned in this direction away from you.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nBy my troth, wench, you don't understand how great an honor I am now paying her.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nI know, and I shall tell her so.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nTo another, he could have sold his favours for his weight in gold.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nI' faith, I believe you in that.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nOf those that are parents by him, true warriors are born, and his sons live eight hundred years.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\naside to PALAESTRIO.<\/em> Fie on you for a fibber!\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nWhy, straight on, from age to age, they live for a thousand years.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nI spoke within limits, for the reason that she mightn't suppose I was telling lies to her.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\naside.<\/em> I burst, I die!\u00a0Aloud.\u00a0How many years will he live himself whose sons live so long?\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nWench, I was born the day after\u00a0Jupiter\u00a0was born of Ops.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nIf he had only been born the day before the other was, he would have had the realms of heaven.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\naside to PALAESTRIO.<\/em> Now, now, prithee, no more do let me get away from you, if I can, alive.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nWhy don't you go then, as you have your answer?\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nI'll go, and I'll bring her here, on whose behalf I am employed. Is there aught else you wish?\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nMay I never be more handsome than I am at present; so much trouble do my good looks cause me.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nWhy do you stay now? Why don't you go?\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nI'm going.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\naside to MILPHIDIPPA<\/em>. And tell her, too, do you hear, cleverly and correctly, what has passed.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nto PALAESTRIO.<\/em> So that her very heart may leap for joy.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\naside to MILPHIDIPPA. <\/em>If Philocomasium is there, tell her to pass through into our house; that the Captain here.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nto PALAESTRIO.<\/em> She is there with my mistress for, on the sly, they have been overhearing[footnote]Overhearing: Probably at the upper window, next door.[\/footnote] this conversation.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\naside to MILPHIDIPPA<\/em>. 'Twas cleverly done; hereafter they will take their cue the more readily from this conversation.\r\n\r\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>\r\nto PALAESTRIO<\/em>. You are delaying me. I'm off.\r\n\r\nPALAESTRIO<\/strong>\r\nto MILPHIDIPPA.<\/em> I'm not delaying you, nor touching you, nor[footnote]Nor touching you, nor: This is an instance of Aposiopesis. He is about to say something rude, but checks himself.[\/footnote]--I'm mum.\r\n\r\nPYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>\r\nBid her make haste to come out here; we'll give our first attention to this matter especially.\u00a0MILPHIDIPPA goes into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.<\/em>","rendered":"

Enter MILPHIDIPPA.<\/em>
\nMILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nas she enters.<\/em> My Circus, then[1]<\/sup><\/a>, is before the house, where my sports are to take place. I’ll make pretense, as though I didn’t see them, or knew as yet that they are here.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nHush! let’s quietly listen, whether any mention is made of me.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\naloud.<\/em> Is there no one near at hand here, to attend to another’s business rather than his own?–to prowl after[2]<\/sup><\/a> me to see what I’m about? No one who is feeding this evening[3]<\/sup><\/a> at his own expense? I dread such men as these, lest they should now come in the way, or prove a hindrance somehow, should my mistress privately pass from her house this way, who is so enamored of his person, who so dotes upon this very charming man with his exceeding beauty–the Captain Pyrgopolinices<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nAnd doesn’t she dote upon me, too? She is praising my beauty.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nI’ faith, her language stands in need of no ashes[4]<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nFor what reason?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nWhy, because her language is clean spoken and far from slovenly. Whatever she says about yourself, she handles it in no slovenly way. And, then, besides, she herself is a very pretty and a very dainty wench.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nTroth, indeed, she has made an impression already, Palaestrio, at first sight.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nWhat! before you have seen the other with your eyes?<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nWhat I see, in that I have faith for myself; for this mackerel[5]<\/sup><\/a>, in the absence of the mullet, compels me to be in love with her.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nI’ faith, you really mustn’t be falling in love with her, she’s engaged to me. If the other weds you to-day, forthwith I shall take this one for my wife.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nWhy, then, do you delay to accost her?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nFollow me this way, then.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nI am your lackey at your heels[6]<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong><\/em>
\naloud.<\/em> I wish that I had an opportunity of meeting him on account of whom I came here out of doors.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\naccosting her.<\/em> It shall be so, and you shall have what you so greatly wish; be of good courage, don’t fear; there is a certain person who knows where that is which you are seeking.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nWho’s that I hear at hand?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nThe sharer of your plans and the partaker of your secrets.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nI’ faith, then, what I do conceal I don’t conceal.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nAye, but still you don’t conceal it this way.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nHow so?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nFrom the uninitiated you conceal them. I am sure and trustworthy to you.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nGive me the sign, if you are one of these votaries[7]<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nA certain lady loves a certain gentleman.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nFaith, many ladies do that indeed.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nBut not many ladies send a present from off their fingers.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nAye, I know now. You’ve now made the matter level for me instead of steep. But is there a certain person here?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nEither he is or he is not.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nCome aside with me alone, in private.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nFor a short or for a lengthy conversation?<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nFor three words only.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nto PYRGOPOLINICES.<\/em> I’ll return to you this instant.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nWhat? Shall I be standing here in the meanwhile, with such charms and valorous deeds, thus to no purpose?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nSubmit to it and wait; for you am I doing this service.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nMake haste; I am tortured with waiting.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nYou know that commodities of this kind are only wont to be reached step by step.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nWell, well; as is most agreeable to yourself.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\naside.<\/em> There is no stone more stupid than this fellow. I now return to you. To MILPHIDIPPA.<\/em>What would you with me? Retires with her to distance.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nIn the way in which I received it of you a short time since I bring you back your clever lot; my story is as though she were dying with love for him.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nThat I understand. Do you commend his beauty and his appearance, and make mention of his prowess.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nFor that purpose, I am armed at all points[8]<\/sup><\/a>, as I have shown you before already. On the other hand, do you give all attention, and be on the watch, and take your cue[9]<\/sup><\/a> from my words.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nPrithee do now, in fine, give me some share in the business; step this way this instant, I beg.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\ngoes up to him.<\/em> Here I am. If you wish for aught, give me your commands.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nWhat is she saying to you?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nShe is saying that her mistress is lamenting, and, in tears, is tormenting and afflicting herself because she wishes for you and because she possesses you not; for that reason has she been sent here to you.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nBid her approach.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nBut do you know how you are to act? Pretend that you are full of disdain, as though it pleased you not; exclaim against me, because I make you so common to the mob.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nI remember, and I’ll follow your instructions.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nI’ll call her, then, who is inquiring after you.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nIf she wants anything, let her come.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nWench, if you want anything, step this way.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\napproaching.<\/em> Save you, charmer[10]<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nShe makes mention of my surname. May the Gods grant you whatever you may desire.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nTo pass life with you is the wish of—-<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nYou are wishing too much.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nI am not speaking of myself, but of my mistress, who is dying for you.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nMany others are wishing for the same thing, who have not the opportunity.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nBy my troth, ’tis not to be wondered at; you set a high value on yourself–a person so handsome, and so illustrious for his prowess, and so valorous in his deeds! O! was there ever anyone more worthy to be a man?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\naside.<\/em> I’ faith, the filthy fellow is not a human being; indeed, I think there is something more human in a vulture[11]<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\naside.<\/em> Now I shall make myself of importance since she so praises me up. Struts about.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\naside.<\/em> Do you see the blockhead, how he struts? To PYRGOPOLINICES.<\/em> But will you not answer her; she is the woman that’s come from the lady whom I was mentioning just now.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nBut from which one of them? For there are so many courting me, I cannot remember them all.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nFrom her who strips her own fingers and adorns your fingers; for I delivered to him (pointing to PALAESTRIO)<\/em>\u00a0that ring from her who is sighing for you, and then he to you.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nTell me, wench, what is it you want then?<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nThat you will not despise her who is sighing for you; who lives now but in your life: whether she is to exist or not, her hope is in you alone.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nWhat does she want then?<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nTo talk with you, to embrace you, and to be intimate with you. For unless you bring her succour, she will soon be quite desponding in her mind. Come, my Achilles, let that be done which I entreat; save her, charmer, by your charming ways. Call forth your kind disposition, stormer of cities, slayer of kings.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nO! by my troth, ’tis a vexatious thing!\u00a0To PALAESTRIO.\u00a0How often, whip-scoundrel, have I forbidden you to make promises of my attention thus common.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nDo you hear that, hussy? I have told you already, and I now tell you again, unless a fee is given to this boar-pig[12]<\/sup><\/a>, he cannot possibly throw away his attentions in any quarter.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nA fee shall be given, as large as he shall demand.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nHe requires a talent of gold, in Philippean pieces. Less he will take from no one.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nO, by my troth, but that’s too little, surely.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nBy nature there’s no avarice in me; I have riches enough. I’ faith! I’ve more than a thousand measures[13]<\/sup><\/a> full of Philippean gold coins.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nBesides your treasures. Then, of silver, he has mountains, not ingots;\u00a0Aetna\u00a0is not so high.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\naside.<\/em> By the stars! O, what a lie!<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nto MILPHIDIPPA, aside.<\/em> How rarely I am playing him off!<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nto PALAESTRIO, aside.<\/em> And I; how do I do it? Ain’t I gulling him?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\naside.<\/em> Rarely.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nBut, prithee, do let me go now.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nto the CAPTAIN.<\/em> But do you give her some answer, either that you will do it, or that you won’t do it? Why cause this poor lady so much anguish of mind, who has never deserved any ill of you?<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nBid her come to me herself. Tell her that I will do everything that she requires.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nYou now act as it is proper for you to act. since you wish the same yourself that she is wishing.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nto himself, aside<\/em>. No poor faculty of invention has she.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nSince too you have not scouted your petitioner, and nave suffered me to prevail upon you.\u00a0Aside to PALAESTRIO.\u00a0<\/em>How now? Haven’t I played him off?<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\naside to MILPHIDIPPA.<\/em> Faith, I couldn’t refrain from laughing.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\naside to PALAESTRIO.<\/em> Yes; and for the same reason I turned in this direction away from you.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nBy my troth, wench, you don’t understand how great an honor I am now paying her.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nI know, and I shall tell her so.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nTo another, he could have sold his favours for his weight in gold.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nI’ faith, I believe you in that.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nOf those that are parents by him, true warriors are born, and his sons live eight hundred years.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\naside to PALAESTRIO.<\/em> Fie on you for a fibber!<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nWhy, straight on, from age to age, they live for a thousand years.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nI spoke within limits, for the reason that she mightn’t suppose I was telling lies to her.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\naside.<\/em> I burst, I die!\u00a0Aloud.\u00a0How many years will he live himself whose sons live so long?<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nWench, I was born the day after\u00a0Jupiter\u00a0was born of Ops.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nIf he had only been born the day before the other was, he would have had the realms of heaven.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\naside to PALAESTRIO.<\/em> Now, now, prithee, no more do let me get away from you, if I can, alive.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nWhy don’t you go then, as you have your answer?<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nI’ll go, and I’ll bring her here, on whose behalf I am employed. Is there aught else you wish?<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nMay I never be more handsome than I am at present; so much trouble do my good looks cause me.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nWhy do you stay now? Why don’t you go?<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nI’m going.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\naside to MILPHIDIPPA<\/em>. And tell her, too, do you hear, cleverly and correctly, what has passed.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nto PALAESTRIO.<\/em> So that her very heart may leap for joy.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\naside to MILPHIDIPPA. <\/em>If Philocomasium is there, tell her to pass through into our house; that the Captain here.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nto PALAESTRIO.<\/em> She is there with my mistress for, on the sly, they have been overhearing[14]<\/sup><\/a> this conversation.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\naside to MILPHIDIPPA<\/em>. ‘Twas cleverly done; hereafter they will take their cue the more readily from this conversation.<\/p>\n

MILPHIDIPPA<\/strong>
\nto PALAESTRIO<\/em>. You are delaying me. I’m off.<\/p>\n

PALAESTRIO<\/strong>
\nto MILPHIDIPPA.<\/em> I’m not delaying you, nor touching you, nor[15]<\/sup><\/a>–I’m mum.<\/p>\n

PYRGOPOLINICES<\/strong>
\nBid her make haste to come out here; we’ll give our first attention to this matter especially.\u00a0MILPHIDIPPA goes into the house of PERIPLECOMENUS.<\/em><\/p>\n

  1. My Circus, then: This is an allusion to the Circus at Rome, where the public games were exhibited. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  2. To prowl after: \u201cAucupo\u201d is properly applied to a birdcatcher, or fowler, who watches his nets. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  3. Feeding this evening: \u201cQui de vesperi vivat suo.\u201d She is supposed to mean those who are not out on the hunt for a supper, but have got one of their own at home. These latter persons, she thinks, living at their ease, and not having to satisfy a hungry stomach, are likely to have more leisure for prying into the concerns of other people, than those who are put to their shifts for a meal. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  4. In need of no ashes: He says that she is so very clean spoken (laute et minime sordide) that she needs no ashes with which to scour her words; the figure being derived from the custom of scouring brass vessels with pounded ashes. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  5. This mackerel: The \u201clacerta\u201d was probably a delicate fish, whose name is now unknown, but not so much so as the \u201cmullus,\u201d the \u201cgrey mullet,\u201d which was very highly esteemed by the Roman epicures. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  6. Lackey at your heels: \u201cPedisequus.\u201d The \u201cpedisequi\u201d were a class of slaves at Rome whose duty it was to walk behind their master when he went out of doors. The name does not seem to have been given to every slave who followed his master, but they belonged to a class which was almost the lowest in the slave family. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  7. Of these votaries: \u201cBaccharum.\u201d Literally, \u201cone of the \u201cBacchae,\u201d or \u201cvotaries of Bacchus.\u201d Only those were admitted to the rites who had been duly initiated. These had a sign or password called \u201csymbolum,\u201d or \u201cmemoraculum,\u201d by which they recognised each other, and thus Milphidippa asks Palaestrio to give her some proof that he is the right person for her to address. This pretended caution is only assumed in the Captain\u2019s presence, in order the better to impose upon him, by affecting the utmost care and secrecy in the matter. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  8. Armed at all points: \u201cHabeo omnem aciem.\u201d Literally, \u201cI have all my troops in battle array.\u201d ↵<\/a><\/li>
  9. Take your cue: \u201cVenator.\u201d Literally, \u201chunt out,\u201d or \u201cact the hunter\u2019s part,\u201d probably with reference to starting the game. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  10. Charmer: \u201cPulcher.\u201d \u201cHandsome man.\u201d This, as a surname, would not sound so very absurd in Roman ears, as \u201cPulcher\u201d was a surname (cognomen) of a branch of the Claudian family. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  11. In a vulture: He probably alludes to the fact of the vulture sometimes carrying human flesh in its maw ↵<\/a><\/li>
  12. Boar-pig: This passage is somewhat nodified in the translation. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  13. A thousand measures: The \u201cmodius\u201d was a Roman measure one-third of the \u201camphora.\u201d It contained nearly two English gallons. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  14. Overhearing: Probably at the upper window, next door. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  15. Nor touching you, nor: This is an instance of Aposiopesis. He is about to say something rude, but checks himself. ↵<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":4,"menu_order":13,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-120","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":3,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/120","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/120\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":192,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/120\/revisions\/192"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/3"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/120\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=120"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=120"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=120"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/milesgloriosus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=120"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}