Perde 5
[Textpart 9]
Why really, in seriousness, if she was the first to do so, there is no doubt she ought to be made free.
MICIO
What, for doing that?
DEMEA
For doing that; in fine, receive the amount from meReceive the amount from me: The only sign of generosity he has yet shown. at which she is valued.
SYRUS
May all the Gods always grant you, Demea, all you desire.
MICIO
Syrus, you have thrived pretty well to-day.
980
DEMEA
If, in addition, Micio, you will do your duty, and lend him a little ready money in hand for present use, he will soon repay you.
980
MICIO
Less than this (snapping his fingers).
AESCHINUS
He is a deserving fellow.
SYRUS
Upon my word, I will repay it; only lend it me.
MICIO
I’ll consider of it afterward.
DEMEA
He’ll do it, Syrus.
AESCHINUS
O most kind-hearted father!
MICIO
How is this? What has so suddenly changed your disposition, Demea? What caprice is this? What means this sudden liberality?This sudden liberality: Quid prolubium? Quae istaec subita est largitas? Madame Dacier tells us that this passage was borrowed from Coeilius, the Comic Poet.
985
DEMEA
I will tell you:—That I may convince you of this, Micio, that the fact that they consider you an easy and kind-hearted man, does not proceed from your real life, nor, indeed, from a regard for virtue and justice; but from your humoring, indulging, and pampering them.
Now therefore, Aeschinus, if my mode of life has been displeasing to you, because I do not quite humor you in every thing, just or unjust, I have done: squander, buy, do what you please.
990
But if you would rather have one to reprove and correct those faults, the results of which, by reason of your youth, you can not see, which you pursue too ardently, and are thoughtless upon, and in due season to direct you;
behold me ready to do it for you.
AESCHINUS
Father, we leave it to you; you best know what ought to be done. But what is to be done about my brother?
