Perde 3
[Textpart 4]
Ah! she is now imploring your protection, Demea;
HEGIO
let her obtain from you spontaneously what the power of the law compels you to give. I do entreat the Gods that what befits you may at once be clone. But if your sentiments are otherwise, Demea, I will defend both them and him who is dead to the utmost of my power.
490
He was my kinsman:He was my kinsman: In the Play of Menander, Hegio was the brother of Sostrata. we were brought up together from children, we were companions in the wars and at home, together we experienced the hardships of poverty. I will therefore exert myself, strive, use all methods, in fine lay down my life, rather than forsake these women. What answer do you give me?
DEMEA
I’ll go find my brother, Hegio:
the advice he gives me upon this matter I’ll follow.Upon this matter I’ll follow: Is, quod mihi de hac re dederat consilium, id sequar. Colman has the following Note on this passage: Madame Dacier rejects this line, because it is also to be found in the Phormio. But it is no uncommon thing with our author to use the same expression or verse for different places, especially on familiar occasions. There is no impropriety in it here, and the foregoing hemistich is rather lame without it. The propriety of consulting Micio, or Demea’s present ill-humor with him, are of no consequence. The old man is surprised at Hegio’s story, does not know what to do or say, and means to evade giving a positive answer, by saying that he would consult his brother.
500
HEGIO
But, Demea, take you care and reflect upon this: the more easy you are in your circumstances, the more powerful, wealthy, affluent, and noble you are, so much the more ought you with equanimity to observe the dictates of justice, if you would have yourselves esteemed as men of probity.
500
DEMEA
Go back now;Go back now: Redite. Demea most probably uses this word, because Hegio has come back to him to repeat the last words for the sake of greater emphasis. every thing shall be done that is proper to be done.
505
HEGIO
It becomes you to act thus. Geta, show me in to Sostrata.
DEMEA
Not without warning on my part have these things happened: I only wish it may end here; but this immoderate indulgence will undoubtedly lead to some great misfortune.
I’ll go find my brother, and vent these feelings upon him.
510
[Textpart 5]
Be of good heart,Be of good heart: Colman has the following Note here: Donatus tells us, that in some old copies this whole Scene was wanting. Guyetus therefore entirely rejects it. I have not ventured to take that liberty; but must confess that it appears to me, if not supposititious, at least cold and superfluous, and the substance of it had better been supposed to have passed between Hegio and Sostrata within. Sostrata, and take care and console her as far as you can. I’ll go find Micio, if he is at the Forum, and acquaint him with the whole circumstances in their order; if so it is that he will do his duty by you,
HEGIO
let him do so; but if his sentiments are otherwise about this matter, let him give me his answer, that I may know at once what I am to do.
515
