Please now, is my door apt to biteApt to bite: Taubmann has a notion that this remark refers to the inscription often set up in the Roman vestibules: Cave canem,Beware of the dog., that you are afraid to come in, my love?DINARCHUS(aside.)Behold the spring! How all blooming it is! how fragrantly does it smell! how brightly does it shine.PHRONESIUMWhy so ill-mannered, as not, on your arrival from Lemnos From Lemnos : This may be intended as a hit at the people of Lemnos, who were remarkable for their rude and unpolished manners., to give a kiss to your mistress, my Dinarchus?DINARCHUS(aside.)O dear, by my troth, I’m being punished now, and most terribly—PHRONESIUMWhy do you turn yourself away?DINARCHUSMy greetings to you, Phronesium.PHRONESIUMGreetings to you as well. Will you dine here to-day, as you’ve arrived in safety?DINARCHUSI’m engaged. PHRONESIUMWhere will you dine then?DINARCHUSWherever you request me; here.PHRONESIUMYou’ll give me pleasure by doing so.(They take their places at a collation spread before the house.)DINARCHUSI’ troth, myself still more. You’ll give me your company to-day, I suppose, my Phronesium?PHRONESIUMIf it could possibly be done, I would.DINARCHUSGive me my shoesGive me my shoes: Soleas. These were a kind of slipper or sandal much in use among the Romans in the house; but it was considered effeminate to wear them in the street. They were taken off when persons reclined on the triclinia, or couches, at meals. Dinarchus is calling to the servant to fetch his slippers, as he is going to leave the entertainment given him on his return by Phronesium. This appears to be set out on the stage in the front of the house; but there is probably some portion of the Play lost here, in which Phronesium orders it to be laid out. The last Scene in the Asinaria is somewhat similar. then—make haste, remove the table. PHRONESIUMAre you in your senses, pray?DINARCHUSBy heavens, I cannot drink now; so sick at heart am I. PHRONESIUMStay; something shall be done. Don’t go.DINARCHUSAh, you’ve refreshed me with cold water! My senses have now returned. Take off my shoesTake off my shoes: This he says to the servant whose duty it was to take off the slippers of the guests before they reclined. Limiers suggests, most probably incorrectly, that this is going on inside of Phronesium’s house, and that the door is opened wide, so that the Audience can see in.; give me something to drink.PHRONESIUMBy my faith, you are just the same that you used to be. But tell me, have you sped successfully?DINARCHUSI’ troth, successfully enough, indeed, hither to you, inasmuch as I enjoy the opportunity of seeing you.PHRONESIUMEmbrace me then. DINARCHUSWith pleasure. (He embraces her.) Oh, this is honey sweeter than sweet honey. In this, Jove, my fortune does exceed thine own!PHRONESIUMWon’t you give me a kiss?DINARCHUSAye, ten even.(Kisses her.)PHRONESIUMYou are not niggardly in that. You promise more than I ask of you.(Turns away her head.)DINARCHUSI only wish that from the first I had been as sparing of my property, as you are now thrifty of your kisses.PHRONESIUMIf I could possibly cause you any saving, i’ troth, I could wish it done.DINARCHUSHave you bathed then? PHRONESIUMI’ troth, indeed I have then, to my own satisfaction and that of my eyes. Do I seem to be loathsome to you?DINARCHUSI’ faith, not to myself indeed;