Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
Am I not a sufficient example to you?
920
CHREMES
For very anger, Menedemus, I am not myself.
920
MENEDEMUS
For you to talk in that manner! Is it not a shame for you to be giving advice to others, to show wisdom abroad and yet be able to do nothing for yourself?
MENEDEMUS
That which you said I failed to do:
make him sensible that you are his father; make him venture to intrust every thing to you, to seek and to ask of you; so that he may look for no other resources and forsake you.And forsake you: Madame Dacier observes here, that one of the great beauties of this Scene consists in Chremes retorting on Menedemus the very advice given by himself at the beginning of the Play.
925
CHREMES
Nay, I had much rather he would go any where in the world, than by his debaucheries here reduce his father to beggary!
For if I go on supplying his extravagance, Menedemus, in that case my circumstances will undoubtedly be soon reduced to the level of your rake.
930
MENEDEMUS
What evils you will bring upon yourself in this affair, if you don’t act with caution! You’ll show yourself severe, and still pardon him at last; that too with an ill grace.
CHREMES
Ah! you don’t know how vexed I am.
MENEDEMUS
Just as you please.
What about that which I desire—that she may be married to my son? Unless there is any other step that you would prefer.
935
CHREMES
On the contrary, both the son-in-law and the connection are to my taste.
MENEDEMUS
What portion shall I say that you have named for your daughter? Why are you silent?
MENEDEMUS
Chremes, don’t be at all afraid to speak, if it is but a small one. The portion is no consideration at all with us.
CHREMES
I did think that two talents were sufficient, according to my means. But if you wish me to be saved, and my estate and my son, you must say to this effect, that I have settled all my property on her as her portion.
940
MENEDEMUS
What scheme are you upon?
