Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
What am I to do? What friend, in my distress, shall I find, to whom to disclose these plans; and where shall I look for relief?
SOPHRONA
For I’m afraid that my mistress, in consequence of my advice, may undeservingly sustain some injury, so extremely ill do I hear that the young man’s father takes what has happened.
730
CHREMES
But what old woman’s this, that has come out of my brother’s house, half dead with fright?
SOPHRONA
It was distress that compelled me to this step, though I knew that the match was not likely to hold good; my object was, that in the mean time life might be supported.
CHREMES
Upon my faith, surely, unless my recollection deceives me, or my sight’s not very good, I espy my daughter’s nurse.My daughter’s nurse: Among the ancients, it was the custom for nurses who had brought up children to remain with them in after-life.
735
SOPHRONA
And we are not able to find—
CHREMES
Shall I accost her, or shall I wait to learn more distinctly what it is she’s saying?
SOPHRONA
If now I could find him, there’s nothing that I should be in fear of.
CHREMES
’Tis the very woman. I’ll address her.
SOPHRONA
Who’s that speaking here?
SOPHRONA
Mentioning my name, too?
CHREMES
Look round at me.
740
SOPHRONA
Ye Gods, I do beseech you, isn’t this Stilpho?
740
SOPHRONA
Do you deny it?
740
CHREMES
Step a little this way from that door, Sophrona, if you please (pointing). Don’t you, henceforth, be calling me by that name.
SOPHRONA
Why? Pray, are you not the person you always used to say you were?
