Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
Upon my faith, my dear little Syrus, you have taken delicate care of yourself,
SYRUS
and have done your dutyHave done your duty: His duty of providing the viands and drink for the entertainment. So Ergasilus says in the Captivi of Plautus, l. 912 Now I will go off to my government (praefecturam), to give laws to the bacon. with exquisite taste; be off with you. But since I’ve had my fill of every thing in-doors, I have felt disposed to take a walk.
765
DEMEA
Just look at that—there’s an instance of their good training!
SYRUS
But see, here comes our old man. (Addressing him.) What’s the matter ? Why out of spirits?
SYRUS
Hold now; are you spouting your sage maxims here?
770
DEMEA
If you were my servant—
SYRUS
Why, you would be a rich man, Demea, and improve your estate.
DEMEA
I would take care that you should be an example to all the rest.
SYRUS
For what reason? What have I done ?
DEMEA
Do you ask me? in the midst of this confusion, and during the greatest mischief,
which is hardly yet set right, you have been getting drunk, you villain, as though things had been going on well.
775
SYRUS
Really, I wish I hadn’t come out.
[Textpart 2]
Halloo, Syrus! Ctesipho desires you’ll come back.
DEMEA
What is it he says about Ctesipho?
DEMEA
How now, you hang-dog, is Ctesipho in the house?
DEMEA
Then why does he mention him?
