while I’m subjecting these things to the strength of the fire Strength of the fire : Vulcani ad violentiam . Literally to the violence of Vulcan, the God of fire . I’ll go in-doors now, and tell Erotium that you are standing here, that she may fetch you away hence, rather than you be standing here out of doors. (He goes into the house.) MENAECHMUS SOSICLES Is he gone then? He is gone. By my faith, I find by experience that your words are not untrue. MESSENIO Do you only be on your guard; for I do believe that some woman in the harlot line is living here, as, in fact. this madman said, who has just gone away from here. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES But I wonder how he came to know my name. MESSENIO I’ faith, ’tis far from surprising: courtesans have this custom; they send servant-boys and servant-girls down to the harbour; if any foreign ship comes into port, they enquire of what country it is, and what its name is; after that, at once they set themselves to work, and fasten themselves upon him; if they inveigle him, they send him home a ruined man. Now in this harbour there stands a piratical craft, against which I really think that we must be on our guard. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES I’ troth, you really counsel aright. MESSENIO Then, in fine, shall I be sure that I’ve counselled aright, if you are rightly on your guard. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES Be silent for a moment, then; for the door makes a noise. Let’s see who’s coming out from there. MESSENIO Meanwhile, I’ll lay this down. (He puts down the wallet.) Do you keep watch upon these things, if you please, you sailors You sailors : Some Commentators think that by the words navales pedes he means oars, as being the feet, or source of motion to the ship, and that Messenio puts his luggage upon some oars on the ground close by, telling them to be good enough to keep it all safe. It is more probable, however, that he is addressing some of the crew, perhaps the rowers who have carried the luggage from the ship. Others suggest that the luggage-porters, who awaited the arrival of ships with passengers and merchandize, are here referred to. This line, in Cotter’s translation, is rendered, Observe these things now, if you please. Behold the ship! with this note, Navales pedes , the oars of a ship, put for the ship itself. ! De l’Oeuvre ingeniously suggests that paedes is the correct reading, and the word is the Greek παιδέσ Latinized, and signifying, in the present instance, the ship-boys or servants. . (Enter EROTIUM from her house.) EROTIUM (speacking to her SERVANTS within.) Leave the door ajar Leave the door ajar : Ladies of Erotium’s character would find it more convenient to have their doors ajar, that persons might step in unperceived, besides, in the present instance, she wishes the ianitor not to shut the door, as me expects to return directly with Menaechmus. thus; begone. I don’t want it shut: prepare, attend, and provide within; what is requisite, let it be done. Lay down the couches, burn the perfumes; neatness, that is the charm for the minds of lovers. Our agreableness is for the lover’s loss, for our own gain. (To herself.) But where is he whom the Cook said was in front of the house? O, I see him there—one who is of service to me, and who profits me very much. And right willingly is such usage shown to him, as he deserves to be of especial importance in my house. Now I’ll accost him; I’ll address him of my own accord. (To MENAECHMUS.) My dear life, it seems wonderful to me that you are standing here out of doors, for whom the door is wide open, more so than your own house, inasmuch as this house is at your service. Everything’s ready as you requested and as you desired; nor have you now any delay in-doors. The breakfast, as you ordered, is prepared here; when you please, you may go and take your place. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES To whom is this woman addressing herself? EROTIUM Why, I’m talking to yourself. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES What business have I ever had with you, or have I now? EROTIUM Troth, inasmuch as Venus has willed that you singly above all I should exalt; and that not without your deserving it. For, by my faith, you alone make me, by your kindnesses, to be thriving. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES For sure this woman is either mad or drunk, Messemo, that addresses me, a person whom she knows not in so familiar a way. MESSENIO Didn’t I say that these things are in the habit of occurring here? The leaves are falling now; in comparison with this, if we shall be here for three days, the trees will be tumbling upon you. For to such a degree are all these Courtesans wheedlers out of one’s money. But only let me address her. Harkye, woman, I’m speaking to you. EROTIUM What’s the matter? MESSENIO Where have you yourself known this person? EROTIUM In that same place where he has known me for this long time, in Epidamnus . MESSENIO In Epidamnus? A man who, until this day, has never put a foot here inside of this city. EROTIUM Heyday! You are making fun, my dear Menaechmus. But, prithee, why not go in? There, it will be more suitable for you. MENAECHMUS SOSICLES I’ faith, this woman really does address me rightly by my name. I wonder very much what’s the meaning of this business.