Navigium

We shall have to pull you by the cloak, and compel you to turn round, Adimantus; you will take no notice of our shouts, You seem like one rapt in contemplation; you are pondering on matters of no light import?

Adimantus Oh, it is nothing serious. An idle fancy, that came to me as I walked, and engroeee my attention, so that I never heard you.

Lycinus And the fancy? Tell us without reserve, unless it is a very delicate matter. And even if it is, you know, we have all been through the Mysteries; we can keep a secret.

Adimantus No, I had rather not tell you; you would think it so childish.

Lycinus Can it be a love affair? Speak on; those mysteries too are not unknown to us; we have been initiated in full torchlight.

Adimantus Oh dear, no; nothing of that kind—No; I was making myself an imaginary present of a fortune—that ‘vain, deluding joy,’ as it has been called; I had just reached the pinnacle of luxury and affluence when you arrived.

Lycinus Then all I have to say is, ‘Halves!’ Come, out with your wealth! We are Adimantus’s friends: let us share his superfluities.

Adimantus Well, I lost sight of you at once on the ship—the moment I had got you safely up, Lycinus. I was measuring the thickness of the anchor, and you disappeared somewhere.