But do you know how you are to act? Pretend that you are full of disdain, as though it pleased you not; exclaim against me, because I make you so common to the mob.PYRGOPOLINICES I remember, and I’ll follow your instructions.PALAESTRIO I’ll call her, then, who is inquiring after you.PYRGOPOLINICES If she wants anything, let her come.PALAESTRIO Wench, if you want anything, step this way.MILPHIDIPPAapproaching. Save you, charmerCharmer
: Pulcher.Handsome man.
This, as a surname, would not sound so very absurd in Roman ears, as Pulcher
was a surname (cognomen) of a branch of the Claudian family..PYRGOPOLINICES She makes mention of my surname. May the Gods grant you whatever you may desire.MILPHIDIPPA To pass life with you is the wish of—PYRGOPOLINICES You are wishing too much. MILPHIDIPPA I am not speaking of myself, but of my mistress, who is dying for you.PYRGOPOLINICES Many others are wishing for the same thing, who have not the opportunity.MILPHIDIPPA By my troth, ’tis not to be wondered at; you set a high value on yourself—a person so handsome, and so illustrious for his prowess, and so valorous in his deeds! O! was there ever any one more worthy to be a man?PALAESTRIOaside. I’ faith, the filthy fellow is not a human being; indeed, I think there is something more human in a vultureIn a vulture
: , He probably alludes to the fact of the vulture sometimes carrying human flesh in its maw.PYRGOPOLINICESaside. Now I shall make myself of importance, since she so praises me up. Struts about.PALAESTRIOaside. Do you see the blockhead, how he struts? To PYRGOPOLINICES. But will you not answer her; she is the woman that’s come from the lady whom I was mentioning just now.PYRGOPOLINICES But from which one of them? For there are so many courting me, I cannot remember them all.MILPHIDIPPA From her who strips her own fingers and adorns your fingers; for I delivered to him pointing to PALAESTRIO that ring from her who is sighing for you, and then he to you.PYRGOPOLINICES Tell me, wench, what is it you want then? MILPHIDIPPA That you will not despise her who is sighing for you; who lives now but in your life: whether she is to exist or not, her hope is in you alone.PYRGOPOLINICES What does she want then?