Perde 5
[Textpart 2]
If you find that I have told a lie in any one matter, then kill me.
SIMO
I’ll hear nothing. I’ll soon have you set in motion. You set in motion: By the use of the word Commotus he seems to allude to the wretched, restless existence of a man tied hand and foot, and continually working at the hand-mill. Westerhovius thinks that Simo uses this word sarcastically, in allusion to the words of Davus, at the beginning of the present Scene, Animo otioso esse impero; I bid you set your minds at ease.
DAVUS
What? Although this is the truth.
(To DROMO.) Take care he’s kept well secured; and, do you hear? Tie him up hands and feet together.Hands and feet together: Quadrupedem. Literally as a quadruped or all fours. Echard remarks that it was the custom of the Athenians to tie criminals hands and feet together, just like calves. Now then, be off; upon my faith this very day, if I live, I’ll teach you what hazard there is in deceiving a master, and him in deceiving a father.
865
CHREMES
Oh, don’t be so extremely vexed.
SIMO
O Chremes, the dutifulness of a son! Do you not pity me?
That I should endure so much trouble for such a son! (Goes to the door of GLYCERIUM’s house.) Come, Pamphilus, come out, Pamphilus! have you any shame left?
870
[Textpart 3]
Who is it that wants me? (Aside.) I’m undone! it’s my father.
SIMO
What say you, of all men, the —?
CHREMES
Oh! rather speak about the matter itself, and forbear to use harsh language.
SIMO
As if any thing too severe could now be possibly said against him.
Pray, do you say that Glycerium is a citizen—
875
PAMPHILUS
So they say.
875
SIMO
So they say! Unparalleled assurance! does he consider what he says? Is he sorry for what he has done? Does his countenance, pray, at all betray any marks of shame? That he should be of mind so weak, as, without regard
to the custom and the law Without regard to the custom and the law: There was a law among the Athenians which forbade citizens to marry strangers, and made the offspring of such alliances illegitimate; the same law also excluded such as were not born of two citizens from all offices of trust and honor. of his fellow-citizens, and the wish of his own father, to be anxious, in spite of every thing, to have her, to his own utter disgrace!
880
PAMPHILUS
Miserable that I am!
SIMO
Ha! have you at last found that out only just now, Pamphilus? Long since did that expression, long since, when you made up your mind, that what you desired must be effected by you at any price;
from that very day did that expression aptly befit you. But yet why do I torment myself? Why vex myself? Why worry my old age with this madness? Am I to suffer the punishment for his offenses? Nay then, let him have her, good-by to him, let him pass his life with her.
885
