Well then, I lay all other things aside, and I give my attention to you. Speak out: my ears, in fact, I surrender at your disposal. PALAESTRIO Look around, then, that no one here may be an eavesdropper for our discourse; for this business was entrusted me to transact with you in private. PYRGOPOLINICES (looks around). There’s no one near. PALAESTRIO In the first place, receive from me this pledge of affection. 
 (Gives him the ring.) PYRGOPOLINICES What’s this? Whence comes it? PALAESTRIO From a charming and a handsome lady, one who loves you, and dotes upon your extreme beauty. Her maid just now gave me the ring that I might then give it to you. PYRGOPOLINICES What? Is she free born or a freed woman, made free from a slave by the Praetor’s rod By the Praetor’s rod : Festuca is the same with vindicta , the rod, or wand, which the Praetor used to lay on the head of the slave when he was made free. ? PALAESTRIO Pshaw! Should I presume to be the bearer of a message to you from a person once a slave, who cannot sufficiently answer the demands of the free women who are longing for you? PYRGOPOLINICES Is she wife, or is she widow? PALAESTRIO She is both wife and widow. PYRGOPOLINICES In what way is it possible for the same woman to be a wife and a widow? PALAESTRIO Because she is a young woman married to an old man. PYRGOPOLINICES That’s good. PALAESTRIO She is of genteel and charming person. PYRGOPOLINICES Beware of misrepresenting. PALAESTRIO It is alone worthy to be compared with your own charms. PYRGOPOLINICES By my faith, you make her out to be a beauty. But who is she? PALAESTRIO The wife of that old gentleman, Periplecomenus, next door. She is dying for you, and wishes to leave him; she hates the old fellow. Now she has begged me to entreat and beseech you that you will give her your support and assistance. PYRGOPOLINICES I’ faith, I’m ready for my part if she desires it. PALAESTRIO Doesn’t she long for it? PYRGOPOLINICES What shall we do with that mistress of mine, who is at my house? PALAESTRIO Why, do you bid her to be gone about her business, wherever she chooses; as her twin-sister has come here to Ephesus , and her mother, and they are come to fetch her. PYRGOPOLINICES Ha! what’s that you say? Has her mother come to Ephesus ? PALAESTRIO Those say so who know it. PYRGOPOLINICES I’ faith, a charming opportunity for me to turn the wench out of doors. PALAESTRIO Aye, but do you wish to do the thing handsomely? PYRGOPOLINICES Speak out, and give me your advice.