Perde 4
[Textpart 7]
And the new-made bride to be learning too?
DEMEA
Having hold of the rope,Hold of the rope: Restim ductans saltabis. Donatus and Madame Dacier think that this is only a figurative expression for a dance in which all joined hands; according to some, however, a dance is alluded to where the person who led off drew a rope or cord after him, which the rest of the company took hold of as they danced; which was invented in resemblance of the manner in which the wooden horse was dragged by ropes into the city of Troy. you will be dancing with them.
and you too along with us, if there’s need.
are you not ashamed of this?
755
MICIO
Demea, do, for once, lay aside this anger of yours, and show yourself as you ought at your son’s wedding, cheerful and good-humored. I’ll just step over to them, and return immediately.
755
DEMEA
O Jupiter! here’s a life! here are manners! here’s madness!
A wife to be coming without a fortune! A music-wench in the house! A house full of wastefulness! A young man ruined by extravagance! An:old man in his dotage!—Should Salvation herselfSalvation herself:: See an observation relative to the translation of the word Salus, in the Notes to Plautus, vol. i. pages 193. 450. desire it, she certainly could not save this family.
760
