Now, Alcesimus, I shall know whether you are the very picture of friend or foe to me; now is the proof upon view; now is the contest going on. But why do I do so; forbear to correct me; save yourself all that. With your hoary head, at an age unfit; save yourself that as well. One who has a wife; save yourself that like wise. ALCESIMUS I never saw a person more distracted with love than yourself. STALINO Do take care that the house is clear. ALCESIMUS Why, faith, men-servants, maid-servants, all of them I’m determined to send out of the house to yours. STALINO Heyday! with your adroitness you are very adroit! But only take care and remember the lines which Colax repeats Which Colax repeats : Colax, or, the Flatterer, was a Play of Menander’s, which was translated by the Roman Comic writer Naevius, a little before the time of Plautus. It was not allowed to be acted at Rome, on account of some satirical passages in it which bore reference to the family of the Metelli. ; take care that every one comes with his own provisions, as if they were going to Sutrium Going to Sutrium : This was a proverbial expression (used in the Colax), which had originated at the time when Brennus attacked Rome. Sutrium was a Roman colony in Etruria. Fearing an attack upon it by the Gauls, Camillus ordered that some troops should march to the assistance of the Sutrians, but that they should carry their own provisions with them. . ALCESIMUS I’ll remember it. STALINO Why now there’s no public ordinance Public ordinance : See the Pseudolus, l. 748. better ordered than yourself, in fact. Attend to this. I’m now going to the Forum; I shall be here just now. ALCESIMUS Luck go with you. STALINO Take care that your house gets a tongue. ALCESIMUS Why so? STALINO That when I come, it may invite me. ALCESIMUS Pooh, pooh! you area person that stands in good need of a basting; you’re making too free with your fun. STALINO Of what use is it for me to be in love, unless I’m quite ready and talkative? But take you care that you haven’t to be sought for by me. ALCESIMUS I’ll be at home all the while. (Exit STALINO; ALCESIMUS goes into his house.) (Enter CLEOSTRATA, from her house.) CLEOSTRATA (to herself.) This was the reason, then, i’ faith, why my husband entreated me, with such great earnestness, to make haste and invite my female neighbour to our house— that the house might be clear for him to be taking Casina there. Now, therefore, I shall by no means invite her, so that liberty of free range shan’t be any way given to worn-out bell-wethers. (ALCESIMUS is coming out of his house.) But look, the pillar of the Senate’s coming forward, the safeguard of the public, my neighbour, the person who is finding free range for my husband. I’ faith, the measure of wit The measure of wit : Salis. Literally salt. The meaning of this passage is obscure in the extreme, and it is difficult to form a conjecture what it really is, further than that it is not complimentary to Alcesimus. that has been sold to him, was purchased at no cheap rate. ALCESIMUS (to himself.) I’m wondering that my wife, who’s already waiting at home, dressed out, to be sent for, hasn’t been invited by this to my neighbour’s here. But see, here she is; she’s come to fetch her, I guess. (Going up to CLEOSTRATA.) Good day, Cleostrata! CLEOSTRATA And you the same, Alcesimus. Where’s your wife? ALCESIMUS She’s waiting in-doors for you to send for her; for your husband requested me to send her to help you. Do you wish me to call her? (Going towards the door.) CLEOSTRATA Let it alone; I don’t care; if she’s busy. ALCESIMUS She’s at leisure. CLEOSTRATA I don’t care about it; I don’t want to be troublesome to her; I’ll see her at a future time. ALCESIMUS Are you not getting ready for a wedding there at your house? CLEOSTRATA I am getting ready and making preparations. ALCESIMUS Don’t you require an assistant then? CLEOSTRATA We have enough at home. When the marriage has taken place, then I’ll call upon her; for the present, farewell, and bid her the same from me. (Goes into her house.) ALCESIMUS (to himself.) What am I to do now? To my sorrow. I’ve done a most disgraceful action for the sake of that vile and toothless goat, who has engaged me in this. I’ve promised the aid of my wife out of doors, as though to go lick dishes To go lick dishes : He alludes to the habit of puppies, and grown-up dogs as well, of being very ready to find their way to the cupboards of their neighbours. like a dog. A worthless fellow, to tell me that his wife was going to send for her, whereas she herself declares that she does not want her. And upon my faith, it’s a wonder if this female neighbour of mine hasn’t already her suspicions of this.