Perde 5
[Textpart 7]
I hear you. Why the plague, then, do you two trifle with me in this way, you silly men, with your childish speeches—
PHORMIO
I won’t, and I will; I will, and I won’t, over again: keep it, give it me back; what has been said, is unsaid; what had been just a bargain, is now no bargain.
950
CHREMES
In what manner, or from whom has he come to know of this?
DEMIPHO
I don’t, know; but that I’ve told it to no one, I know for certain.
CHREMES
So may the Gods bless me, ’tis as good as a miracle.
PHORMIO
I’ve graveled them.
is he to be carrying offTo be carrying off: Patrick has the following note here: The different characters of the two brothers are admirably preserved throughout this Scene. Chremes stands greatly in awe of his wife, and will submit to any thing rather than the story should come to her ears; but Demipho can not brook the thoughts of losing so much money, and encourages his brother to behave with spirit and resolution, promising to make up matters between him and his wife. from us such a sum of money as this, and so palpably to impose upon us? By heavens, I’d sooner die. Manage to show yourself of resolute and ready wit. You see that this slip of yours has got abroad, and that you can not now possibly conceal it from your wife;
955
it is then more conducive to our quiet, Chremes, ourselves to disclose what she will be hearing from others; and then, in our own fashion, we shall be able to take vengeance upon this dirty fellow.
960
PHORMIO
Good lack-a-day, now’s the sticking-point, if I don’t look out for myself. They are making toward me with a gladiatorial air.
CHREMES
But I doubt whether it’s possible for her to be appeased.
965
DEMIPHO
Be of good courage; I’ll effect a reconciliation between you; remembering this, Chremes, that she is dead and goneDead and gone: E medio excedere, was an Euphemism signifying to die, which it was deemed of ill omen to mention. by whom you had this girl.
965
PHORMIO
Is this the way you are going to deal with me? Very cleverly done. Come on with you. By heavens, Demipho, you have provoked me, not to his advantage (pointing at CHREMES).
How say you? (addressing CHREMES). When you’ve been doing abroad just as you pleased, and have had no regard for this excellent lady here, but on the contrary, have been injuring her in an unheard-of manner, would you be coming to me with prayers to wash away your offenses? On telling her of this, I’ll make her so incensed with you,
970
that you sha’n’t quench her, though you should melt away into tears.
975
DEMIPHO
A plague may all the Gods and Goddesses send upon him. That any fellow should be possessed of so much impudence! Does not this villain deserve to be transported hence to some desolate land at the public charge?
CHREMES
I am brought to such a pass,
that I really don’t know what to do in it.
980
DEMIPHO
I know; let’s go into court.
980
PHORMIO
Into court? Here in preference (pointing to CHREMES’S house), if it suits you in any way.
