Perde 2
[Textpart 4]
I don’t much care; don’t let him not pay it, if he don’t like; so let him stand here.
460
LIBANUS
Give it him, I say. Oh dear, I’m sadly afraid that he’ll be thinking that I’ve persuaded you not to trust him; prithee, do give it and don’t be afraid. Upon my word, it will be safe.
THE ASS-DEALER
I think it will be—so long, indeed, as I myself keep it in my hand. I’m a stranger; I don’t know Saurea.
LIBANUS
Well, know him now then.
THE ASS-DEALER
It may be he, it may not be he; i’ faith, I know not; if it’s he, why then it must be he. I know for sure that I shall give this up to no person that I don’t know.
465
LEONIDA
Troth now, may all the Gods confound the fellow. (Aloud to LIBANUS.) Take care you don’t entreat him with a word. He’s arrogant, because he’s fingering my twenty minae. No one will take it. (To the ASS-DEALER.) Take yourself off home, be off from here, and don’t be troublesome.
THE ASS-DEALER
You are in too angry mood: it isn’t right for a person who is a slave to give himself airs.
470
LIBANUS
By my faith, to your own great misfortune now are you talking uncivilly to him.
Dirty, worthless fellow, don’t you see he’s angry?
LIBANUS
Scoundrelly fellow. (Aside to him.) Prithee, do give him the money lest he should abuse you.
THE ASS-DEALER
On my word, you are seeking evil for yourselves.
LEONIDA
By the powers, your legs shall be brokenYour legs shall be broken: One of the most cruel punishments inflicted on refractory or runaway slaves was that of breaking their legs. To effect this, their legs were extended upon an anvil, and then struck with a bar of iron or a hammer.,
if you don’t proclaim this shameless fellow.
475
LIBANUS
Troth, I’m undone. Be off, you shameless fellow.
475
LIBANUS
Won’t you venture to assist me, you rascal?
LEONIDA
Do you persist in soliciting the scamp?
THE ASS-DEALER
How’s this? (To LEONIDA.) Do you, rascal, who are a slave, speak abusively to a free man?
LEONIDA
Give him a beating.
