But I want you boiledI want you boiled: He puns upon the word assum, which Milphio uses. He intends it to signify here am I. But as it may also mean the neuter of the participle assus, roasted, Agorastocles chooses to take the sentence in the latter sense, as meaning here I am roasted; and answers, I’d rather you were boiled..MILPHIO(apart.)Why really, master, you are making merry.AGORASTOCLES(apart.)Why, it was from yourself I learnt all this.MILPHIO(apart.)What, even to be in love with her whom you have never touched? Really, that is nonsense.AGORASTOCLES(apart.)I’ faith, the Gods as well do I love and fear from whom, nevertheless, I keep off my hands.ANTERASTYLISAlas! upon my word, when I look at the dress of us both, I’m grieved at the way we are dressed out.ADELPHASIUMWhy really, it’s quite in a proper style; for our master’s gain and our own we are dressed quite well enough. For no profits can result, if the outlay exceeds them, sister; therefore, that is better to be had which is enough, than that which is more than enough.AGORASTOCLES(apart.)So may the Gods love me, may she love me (I had rather she than the Gods), Milphio; why, this woman has it in her power to force a flint-stone to be in love with her. MILPHIO(apart.)Upon my faith, in that you certainly tell no lie, for you are more senseless than a flint-stone to be in love with her.<AGORASTOCLES(apart.)But consider this, will you; I’ve never soiled herNever soiled her: There is a puerile and rather Indelicate play in this line and the next two upon the resemblance of the word limus,mud, and limo, to rub. An attempt has been made to give something analogous in the Translation. with a kiss.MILPHIO(apart.)I’ll run, then, somewhere to a fish-pond or a pool, and fetch some soil.AGORASTOCLES(apart.)What need is there of that?MILPHIO(apart.)I’ll tell you; to soil her lips and yours.AGORASTOCLES(apart.)To utter perdition with you!MILPHIO(apart.)For my part, I’m there already. AGORASTOCLES(apart.)Do you persist?MILPHIO(apart.)I’ll hold my tongue.AGORASTOCLES(apart.)But I wish you to do so always.MILPHIO(apart.)Why really, master, you challenge me at my own game, and still you make fun of me.ANTERASTYLISAt present, sister, I suppose you think yourself quite well enough drest; but when the instances of other courtesans are compared, then you will be having the heartache, if perchance you should see any one more nicely drest.ADELPHASIUMEnvy was never inbred in me, my sister, nor yet spitefulness: I had rather by far that I was adorned with a good disposition than with gold; gold is met with by luck, a good disposition is found by nature. I very much prefer for myself to be called good than fortunate. It more befits a courtesan to show modesty than purple; and more does it become a courtesan to show modesty than golden jewels. Evil habits soil a fine dress more than mud; good manners, by their deeds, easily set off a lowly garb.AGORASTOCLES(apart to MILPHIO.)How now, you; would you like to play a merry and a frolicsome prank?MILPHIO(apart.)I should like.AGORASTOCLES(apart.)Can you, then, give attention to me?MILPHIO(apart.)I can.AGORASTOCLES(apart.)Be off home, and go hang yourself.MILPHIO(apart.)Why?