Valentinus.
Oh, merely a little skill, reinforced by healing onion juice and oil of balsam!
Asterius.
We must have a feast, a regular banquet to celebrate the glorious event! Nerva, give orders that this shall be done instantly!
Tertulla.
Oh, joyful day! A banquet! But first, Maronis, come, help me improve the fashion of my hair! [Looking at herself critically in the mirror.]
Maronis.
[Laughing happily.] Hear that now! Like Narcissus she will fall in love with her own reflection! [Tertulla goes with Maronis and Quartilla, all talking happily.]
Asterius.
[To Valentinus.] Ask of me, demand what you will in repayment! It is yours unchallenged! Meanwhile to each of my household his heart’s desire! For you, you impudent rascal Nerva, remission of all the floggings you already deserve, and will deserve during the coming hebdomad. Also all the sweets you can stuff yourself with! As for you, Pertinax, my faithful Pertinax, on the soonest day that the Prætor sits in Court, you shall go before him to have the rod of liberty laid on your head! More. In addition to your freedom will I bestow on you the beginnings and makings of a farm of your own!