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.MILPHIDIPPA Who’s that I hear at hand? PALAESTRIO The sharer of your plans and the partaker of your secrets.MILPHIDIPPA I’ faith, then, what I do conceal I don’t conceal.PALAESTRIO Aye, but still you don’t conceal it this way.MILPHIDIPPA How so? PALAESTRIO From the uninitiated you conceal them. I am sure and trustworthy to you.MILPHIDIPPA Give me the sign, if you are one of these votariesOf these votaries: Baccharum. Literally, one of the Bacchae, or votaries of Bacchus. Only those were admitted to the rites who had been duly initiated. These had a sign or password called symbolum, or memoraculum, 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’s presence, in order the better to impose upon him, by affecting the utmost care and secrecy in the matter.PALAESTRIO A certain lady loves a certain gentleman. MILPHIDIPPA Faith, many ladies do that indeed. PALAESTRIO But not many ladies send a present from off their fingers.MILPHIDIPPA Aye, I know now. You’ve now made the matter level for me instead of steep. But is there a certain person here?PALAESTRIO Either he is or he is not.MILPHIDIPPA Come aside with me alone, in private.PALAESTRIO For a short or for a lengthy conversation?MILPHIDIPPA For three words only.PALAESTRIO(to PYRGOPOLINICES.)I’ll return to you this instant.PYRGOPOLINICES What? Shall I be standing here in the meanwhile, with such charms and valorous deeds, thus to no purpose?PALAESTRIO Submit to it and wait; for you am I doing this service.PYRGOPOLINICES Make haste; I am tortured with waiting.PALAESTRIO You know that commodities of this kind are only wont to be reached step by step.PYRGOPOLINICES Well, well; as is most agreable to yourself.PALAESTRIO(aside.)There is no stone more stupid than this fellow. I now return to you. (To MILPHIDIPPA.) What would you with me? (Retires with her to distance.)MILPHIDIPPA In 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.PALAESTRIO That I understand.Do you commend his beauty and his appearance, and make mention of his prowess.MILPHIDIPPA For that purpose I am armed at all pointsArmed at all points: Habeo omnem aciem. Literally, I have all my troops in battle array., as I have shown you before already.On the other hand, do you give all attention, and be on the watch, and take your cueTake your cue: Venator. Literally, hunt out, or act the hunter’s part, probably with reference to starting the game. from my words.