Troth, in that self-same fashion ’tis generally done. How clever and shrewd is his discernment.PERIPLECOMENUS But these same persons never say, although such an abundance has been provided, Do order that to be taken off; do take away this dish; remove this gammon of bacon, I’ll have none of it; put aside that piece of pork; this conger’s goodThis conger’s good: Lampreys and conger eels were very much esteemed by the Romans. Probably the conger was considered best when eaten cold. when cold; remove it, take and put it aside. You hear none of them saying this in earnest, but they stretch themselves out, while with half their bodiesHalf their bodies: This would be the more easily done when we remember that the guests were reclining on the triclinium, or couch, which was above the level of the table on which the viands were placed. on the table, they are indulging their appetite.PALAESTRIO How cleverly the good soul has described their bad manners.PERIPLECOMENUS I have not said a hundredth part of what I could have enlarged upon had there been leisure for the matter.PALAESTRIO The business, then, that we are about—to that we ought first to turn our thoughts. Do you both, now, give me your attention. I have need, Periplecomenus, of your assistance; for I have hit upon a pleasant trick, how this Captain with his long locks may be fleeced quite closeBe fleeced quite close: By his mention of the Captain’s long locks, he seems to intend a pun on the word admutilo, to bamboozle or cajole, which, literally, signifies to clip, or shave close., and how we may effect a means for Philocomasium, and this her lover, that he may carry her off hence, and have her as his own.PERIPLECOMENUS I wish this plan to be imparted to me.PALAESTRIO And I, wish that ring of yours to be imparted to me.PERIPLECOMENUS For what purpose is it to be used? PALAESTRIO When I have got it, I will impart the plan of my devices.PERIPLECOMENUS Take and use it. (Gives him the ring.)PALAESTRIO Take from me in return the plan of my contrivance that I have hit upon.PERIPLECOMENUS We are listening to you with most attentive ear.PALAESTRIO My master is such a shocking rake among the women, that I think no one ever was his equal, nor ever will be.PERIPLECOMENUS I believe the same as well. PALAESTRIO He boasts, too, that his beauty exceeds that of Alexander Of Alexander: Alexander, from two Greek words, signifying the brave man, was one of the names of Paris, the son of Priam, who was remarkable for his beauty, which captivated Helen.; and, therefore, he says that all the womenAll the women: The Parasite quizzes him upon this weak point in the First Act. in Ephesus of their own accord are courting him.PERIPLECOMENUS Aye, faith, many there are who could wishWho could wish: The meaning of Periplecomenus seems to be that the Captain has been but too successful in his intrigues, and that many a husband could wish that what Palaestrio says were false. that you were now telling an untruth about him. But I am convinced full well that it is as you say. For that reason, Palaestrio, do compress your words in as short a compass as ever you possibly can.PALAESTRIO Can you, then, find any woman of agreable person, whose mind and body are full of merriment and subtlety?PERIPLECOMENUS Free by birth, or bondwoman made free?PALAESTRIO I consider that a matter of indifference, so that you find one who is greedy for gain, who supports her body by her charms, who has, too, her senses all awake; as for her heart, that cannot be so, as none of them have one.