Perde 2
[Textpart 1]
I beseech you, fellow-citizens, do give aid to a miserable and innocent man; do assist the distressed.
155
AESCHINUS
Be quiet, and now then stand here just where you are. Why do you look back? There’s no danger; he shall never touch you while I am here.
SANNIO
I’ll have her, in spite of all.
AESCHINUS
Though he is a villain, he’ll not risk, to-day, getting a second beating.
SANNIO
Hear me, Aeschinus, that you may not say that you were in ignorance of my calling; I am a Procurer.I am a Procurer: He says this aloud, and with emphasis, relying upon the laws which were enacted at Athens in favor of the lenones, whose occupation brought great profits to the state, from their extensive trading in slaves. It was forbidden to maltreat them, under pain of being disinherited.
160
SANNIO
And of as high a character as any one ever was. When you shall be excusing yourself by-and-by, how that you wish this injury had not been done me, I shall not value it this (snapping his fingers). Depend upon it, I’ll prosecute my rights; and you shall never pay with words for the evil that you have done me in deed.
I know those ways of yours: I wish it hadn’t happened; I’ll take my oath that you did not deserve this injustice; while I myself have been treated in a disgraceful manner.
165
AESCHINUS
Go first with all dispatch and open the door.
SANNIO
But you will avail nothing by this.
AESCHINUS
Now then, step in.
SANNIO
But I’ll not let her.
AESCHINUS
Step this way, Parmeno; you are gone too far that way; here (pointing), stand close by him; there, that’s what I want.
Now then, take care you don’t move your eyes in any direction from mine, that there may be no delay if I give you the sign, to your fist being instantly planted in his jaws.
170
SANNIO
I’d have him then try that.
AESCHINUS
Now then, observe me.Part of line 172b in the Latin.
PARMENO
Let go the woman.
SANNIO
Oh! scandalous deed!
AESCHINUS
He shall repeat it, if you don’t take care.
