Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
Pretend that you wonder at this, and at the same time ask him the reason why I do so.
MENEDEMUS
Why, really, I can’t conceive the reason for your doing so.
CHREMES
Why do I do so? To check his feelings, which are now hurried away by luxury and wantonness, and to bring him down so as not to know which way to turn himself.
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MENEDEMUS
What is your design?
CHREMES
Let me alone, and give me leave to have my own way in this matter.
MENEDEMUS
I do give you leave: is this your desire?
CHREMES
And now let your son prepare to fetch the bride. The other one shall be schooled in such language as befits children. But Syrus—
MENEDEMUS
What of him?
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CHREMES
What? If I live, I will have him so handsomely dressed, so well combed out, that he shall always remember me as long as he lives; to imagine that I’m to be a laughing-stock and a plaything for him! So may the Gods bless me! he would not have dared to do to a widow-woman the things which he has done to me.Which he has done to me: Colman has the following Note: The departure of Menedemus here is very abrupt, seeming to be in the midst of a conversation; and his re-entrance with Clitipho, already supposed to be apprised of what has passed between the two old gentlemen, is equally precipitate. Menage imagines that some verses are lost here. Madame Dacier strains hard to defend the Poet, and fills up the void of time by her old expedient of making the Audience wait to see Chremes walk impatiently to and fro, till a sufficient time is elapsed for Menedemus to have given Clitipho a summary account of the cause of his father’s anger. The truth is, that a too strict observance of the unity of place will necessarily produce such absurdities; and there are several other instances of the like nature in Terence.
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[Textpart 2]
Prithee, is it really the fact, Menedemus, that my father can,
CLITIPHO
in so short a space of time, have cast off all the natural affection of a parent for me? For what crime? What so great enormity have I, to my misfortune, committed? Young men generally do the same.
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MENEDEMUS
I am aware that this must be much more harsh and severe to you, on whom it falls; but yet I take it no less amiss than you. How it is so I know not, nor can I account for it, except that from my heart I wish you well.
CLITIPHO
Did not you say that my father was waiting here?
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MENEDEMUS
See, here he is.
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CHREMES
Why are you blaming me, Clitipho? Whatever I have done in this matter, I had a view to you and your imprudence. When I saw that you were of a careless disposition, and held the pleasures of the moment of the first importance, and did not look forward to the future, I took measures that you might neither want nor be able to waste this which I have.
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When, through your own conduct, it was not allowed me to give it you, to whom I ought before all, I had recourse to those who were your nearest relations; to them I have made over and intrusted every thing.Intrusted every thing: This is an early instance of a trusteeship and a guardianship. There you’ll always find a refuge for your folly; food, clothing, and a roof under which to betake yourself.
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CHREMES
It is better than that, you being my heir, Bacchis should possess this estate of mine.
