Perde 3
[Textpart 1]
It is now daybreak.It is now daybreak: Though this is the only Play which includes more than one day in the action, it is not the only one in which the day is represented as breaking. The Amphitryon and the Curculio of Plautts commence before daybreak, and the action is carried on into the middle of the day. Madame Dacier absolutely considers it as a fact beyond all doubt, that the Roman Audience went home after the first two Acts of the Play, and returned for the representation of the third the next morning at daybreak. Scaliger was of the same opinion; but it is not generally entertained by Commentators. Why do I delay to knock at my neighbor’s door, that he may learn from me the first that his son has returned? Although I am aware that the youth would not prefer this. But when I see him tormenting himself so miserably about his absence, can I conceal a joy so unhoped for,
410
CHREMES
especially when there can be no danger to him from the discovery? I will not do so; but as far as I can I will assist the old man. As I see my son aiding his friend and year’s-mate, and acting as his confidant in his concerns, it is but right that we old men as well should assist each other.
415
MENEDEMUS
Assuredly I was either born with a disposition peculiarly suited for misery, or else that saying which I hear commonly repeated, that time assuages human sorrow, is false. For really my sorrow about my son increases daily; and the longer
420
he is away from me, the more anxiously do I wish for him, and the more I miss him.
425
CHREMES
But I see him coming out of his house; I’ll go speak to him. (Aloud.) Menedemus, good-morrow; I bring you news, which you would especially desire to be imparted.
MENEDEMUS
Pray, have you heard any thing about my son, Chremes?
CHREMES
He’s alive, and well.
430
MENEDEMUS
Why, where is he, pray?
430
CHREMES
Here, at my house, at home.
430
CHREMES
Such is the fact.
MENEDEMUS
My son, Clinia, come home?
MENEDEMUS
Let us go. Lead me to him, I beg of you.
CHREMES
He does not wish you yet to know of his return, and he shuns your presence; he’s afraid that,
on account of that fault, your former severity may even be increased.
435
MENEDEMUS
Did you not tell him how I was affected?How I was affected: Ut essem, literally, How I was.
