Persa, or The Persian (105-139b)

I’ve ordered the remnants to be warmed.

Why, it’s the proper thing for the gammon to be served up cold the day after.

I’ve ordered it so to be done.

Any caviare[*]?

Get out—do you ask the question?

You have a capital notion of what’s good[*].

But do you at all remember the matter about which I was making mention to you yesterday?

I recollect; that the lamprey and the conger ought not to be made warm; for they are much better stripped of their meat[*] when cold. But why do we delay to commence the engagement? While it’s the morning, it befits all people to eat.

It’s almost too early in the morning.

The business that you begin to do in the morning, that same lasts on throughout the day.

Prithee, do give your attention to this. For yesterday I mentioned it to you, and entreated you to lend me six hundred didrachms.

I recollect it and am aware, both that you did ask me, and that I hadn’t any to lend.

A Parasite’s good for nothing that has got money at home; he has a longing at once to begin upon an entertainment, and to gobble away at his own expense, if he has anything at home. A Parasite ought to be a right down needy Cynic; he ought to have a leather bottle[*], a strigil, an utensil[*], a pair of slippers, a cloak,

and a purse; and in that a little of the needful, with which he may just cheer up the existence of his own household.

I don’t want money now; lend me your daughter.

By my troth, never to any person whatsoever have I lent her as yet.

Not for that purpose which you are insinuating.

Why do you want her then?

You shall know;

because she’s of a pretty and genteel figure.

Such is the fact.

This Procurer (pointing to the house of DORDALUS.) neither knows yourself nor your daughter.

How should any one know me, except him who finds me food?

Such is the fact. This way you can find some money for me.

I’ faith, I wish I could.

Then do you allow me to sell her.

You to sell her?

Why no, I’ll depute another person to sell her, and to say that he is a foreigner; since it isn’t six months since that Procurer removed hither from Megara[*].

The remnants are spoiling; this, however, can be done afterwards.

Do you understand on what terms it can?