for, behold! Philocomasium is at home. PERIPLECOMENUS How, then, hang-dog Hang-dog : Furcifer . Literally, bearer of the furca . Slaves are repeatedly thus called in these plays, as, by way of punishment for their misdeeds, they were compelled to carry a furca , or two pieces of wood shaped like the letter V, round their necks, with their hands tied to the ends of the instrument. . Have you seen them both? SCELEDRUS I have seen them. PERIPLECOMENUS I wish you to bring your master to me. SCELEDRUS Indeed, I confess that I deserve a very great punishment; and I own that I have done a wrong to your lady guest. But I thought that she was the lady of my master, to whom the Captain, my master, gave me as a keeper; for it is not possible for water ever to be drawn more like to water from the same well, than is she to this lady guest of yours. And I will confess, as well, that I did look through the skylight into your house. PERIPLECOMENUS Why shouldn’t you confess what I saw myself? SCELEDRUS And there saw in your house this lady guest of yours, kissing. PERIPLECOMENUS You saw her? SCELEDRUS I saw her. Why should I deny what I did see? But I fancied that I had seen Philocomasium. PERIPLECOMENUS And did you suppose me to be the very vilest of all men, in allowing In allowing : The old gentleman must surely have changed colour when he said this. , with my own knowledge, such an injury so glaringly to be done to my neighbour? SCELEDRUS Now, at length, I am of opinion that it was done foolishly by me, when I come to understand the matter; but still I did not do it with any ill intent. PERIPLECOMENUS Yes, but ’twas improperly done; for it befits a person that is a servant to keep his eyes, and hands, and talk, asleep. SCELEDRUS Now, if after this day I mutter anything, even what I know for certain, give me over to torture; I’ll give myself up to you. This time, prithee, do pardon me for this. PERIPLECOMENUS I shall subdue my feelings, so as to think that it was not done by you with malicious intent. I will pardon you in this matter. SCELEDRUS May the Gods bless you, then! PERIPLECOMENUS Troth now, as the Gods may prosper you, really do restrain your tongue henceforth; even that which you do know, don’t know, and don’t you see what you do see. SCELEDRUS You counsel me aright; so I’m resolved to do. Are you quite appeased? PERIPLECOMENUS Away with you. SCELEDRUS Is there aught else you now require of me? PERIPLECOMENUS That you would know me not.