Perde 5
[Textpart 8]
What, mine? Phormio; a well-wisher to your family, upon my honor, and to your son Phaedria in particular.
NAUSISTRATA
Then, Phormio, on my word, henceforward I’ll both do and say for you all I can, and whatever you may desire.
1050
PHORMIO
You speak obligingly.
NAUSISTRATA
I’ faith, it is as you deserve.
PHORMIO
First, then, will you do this, Nausistrata, at once, to please me, and to make your husband’s eyes ache with vexation?
NAUSISTRATA
With all my heart.
PHORMIO
Invite me to dinner.
NAUSISTRATA
Assuredly indeed, I do invite you.
DEMIPHO
Let us now away in-doors.
CHREMES
By all means; but where is Phaedria,
PHORMIO
I’ll have him here just now.
1055
(To the AUDIENCE.) Fare you well, and grant us your applause.Grant us your applause: Thus concludes the last, and certainly not the least meritorious of the Plays of our Author; indeed, for genuine comic spirit, it may challenge comparison with the Eunuch, which is in general considered to be the best.
1055
[Textpart 9]
Assuredly there is a God, who both hears and sees what we do. And I do not consider that to be true which is commonly said: Fortune frames and fashions the affairs of mankind, just as she pleases.
PHORMIO
Heyday! what means this? I’ve met with Socrates, not Phaedria, so far as I see. Why hesitate to go up and address him? (Accosting him.) How now, Phaedria, whence have you acquired this new wisdom, and derived such great delight, as you show by your countenance?
PHAEDRIA
O welcome, my friend; O most delightful Phormio, welcome ! There’s not a person in all the world I could more wish just now to meet than yourself.
PHORMIO
Pray, tell me what is the matter.
PHAEDRIA
Aye, faith, I have to beg of you, that you will listen to it. My Pamphila is a citizen of Attica, and of noble birth, and rich.
PHORMIO
What is it you tell me? Are you dreaming, pray?
PHAEDRIA
Upon my faith, I’m saying what’s true.
