Perde 2
[Textpart 4]
On such terms would I always dealWould I always deal: Sic dedero. Camerarius and Lambinus give these words a rather far-fetched meaning, and think that they signify, I had rather give away my commodities, than sell them and be so ill- paid.; before, what I’ve trusted, I’ve hardly been paid within a year after.
LEONIDA
Now he’s quite in a hurry; even of his own accord he brings him to the house, and writes a transfer of the moneyWrites a transfer of the money: Scribere nummos seems here to have the usual meaning of rescribere nummos, to transfer or set down money to the account of another person in one’s banker’s books.. Has Dromo paid down the wages agreed upon?
440
LIBANUS
Less than half, I think.
LEONIDA
What about the remainder?
LIBANUS
He said that he would pay it directly it was paidDirectly it was paid: It was the custom with the owners of slaves to let out their services for a specified sum. He pretends that Dromo is a slave that has been let out by him for a job, and enquires whether the money is paid on which he is told, that he has only been paid half, inasmuch as the job is not yet finished, and that the other half is retained until he has completed it. to him; for it was retained until he had finished the work that was agreed on to be done by him.
LEONIDA
The cups that I lent to Philodamus, has he brought them back?
LEONIDA
What, not yet? If you wish to make a presentWish to make a present: At the suggestion of Gronovius, dare is read, in this line, with a comma after it, instead of da, the usual reading. In the latter case the passage would read, — if you choose, do a service for a friend, which certainly has not the point of the other version., lend to a person that is a friend—
445
THE ASS-DEALER
I’ faith, I’m quite undone; he’ll be just now driving me away with his ill-temper.
LIBANUS
Hallo! you, enough now. Do you hear what he’s saying?
LEONIDA
I hear, and I’ll have done.
THE ASS-DEALER
At last, I think, he has done: now it’s best to accost him before he commences again to prate. (To LEONIDA.) How soon, sir, will you give me your attention?
LEONIDA
Oh, by all means—have you been here any time?
Troth, I didn’t observe you; pray, don’t lay it to my charge: anger has so blinded my eyesight.
450
THE ASS-DEALER
’Tisn’t to be wondered at. But if he’s at home, I was wanting Demaenetus.
LEONIDA
Libanus says that he isn’t within. But still, if you like to pay that money over to me, I’ll give you an acquittance that the account is discharged as to that item.
THE ASS-DEALER
This way rather, for me to pay you in the presence of your master, Demaenetus.
455
LIBANUS
My master knows him, and he my master.
THE ASS-DEALER
In his master’s presence, I’ll pay him.
LIBANUS
At my peril, so you only pay him, I’ll engage the matter’s safe. For if our old gentleman were to know that confidence wasn’t placed in him, to whom he himself always entrusts the management of all matters, he would be angry.
