I do credit you: but ’tis a thing to be wondered at, how she has been able to return from that house to ours. For, beyond a doubt, we have neither a terrace to our house, nor any garden, nor any window but what is latticedBut what is latticed
: The clathriwere a kind of lattice or trellice-work, which, as well as network, was sometimes placed before windows to prevent serpents and other noxious reptiles from getting in.. To PHILOCOMASIUM. But, undoubtedly, I did see you in the house next door.PALAESTRIO Do you persist, you rascal, in pretending to accuse her?PHILOCOMASIUM In good sooth, then, the dream has not turned out untrue, that I dreamed last night.PALAESTRIO What did you dream? PHILOCOMASIUM I’ll tell you; but, I pray you, give attention. Last night, in my sleep, my twin-sister seemed to have come from Athens to Ephesus with a certain person, her lover. Both of them seemed to me to be having their lodgings here next door.PALAESTRIOto the AUDIENCE. The dream that’s being related is Palaestrio’s—pray, go on.PHILOCOMASIUM I seemed to be delighted because my sister had come, and on her account I seemed to be incurring a most grievous suspicion. For, in my sleep, my own servant seemed to accuse me, as you are now doing, of being caressed by a strange young man, whereas it was that own twin-sister of mine, who had been toying with her own friend. Thus did I dream that I was wrongfully accused of a crime.PALAESTRIO And isn’t just the same thing befalling you when awake, that you speak of as seen in your sleep? Capital; i’ faith, the dream is verified: go in-doors, and pray And pray
: After any ill-omened dream, it was the custom to offer corn and frankincense to Jupiter Prodigialis, the disposer of prodigies,
and other of the Deities, in order that evil might be averted.. I should recommend that this be told to the Captain. PHILOCOMASIUM I am resolved to do so; nor, in fact, will I allow myself, with impunity, to be accused of disgraceful conduct. Goes into the CAPTAIN’S house. SCELEDRUS I fear for the thing I have done; my back does so tingle all over.PALAESTRIO Are you not aware that you are done for?SCELEDRUS Now, indeed, I’m sure she is at home; I am now resolved to watch our door, wheresoever she may be. Places himself at the door. PALAESTRIO But, prithee, Sceledrus, how very like the dream she dreamt to what has happened; and how you really did believe that you had seen her kissing. SCELEDRUS And do you suppose that I didn’t see her?PALAESTRIO I’ faith, I verily believe you’ll come to your senses when ’tis too late. If this matter should only reach our master, you certainly are undone.SCELEDRUS Now, at length, I find out that there was a mist placed before my eyes.PALAESTRIO I’ faith, that really has been plain for some time now; as she was here in-doors all the while.SCELEDRUS Not a word of certainty have I to utter; I did not see her, although I did see her.PALAESTRIO By my troth, through this folly of yours you certainly have nearly ruined us; while you have wished to prove yourself faithful to your master, you have been almost undone. But the door of our next neighbour makes a noise; I’ll be silent.