Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
Come then, father, let’s take our places, please.
DEMAENETUS
As you bid me, my son, so it shall be.
ARGYRIPPUS
Lads, spread the table.
DEMAENETUS
Is it at all displeasing to you, son, if she takes her place by me?
830
ARGYRIPPUS
Duty, father, keeps sorrow from my eyes; although I love her, still I can control my feelings, not to take it to heart because she takes her place by you.
DEMAENETUS
It becomes a young man to be respectful, Argyrippus.
ARGYRIPPUS
Troth, father, through proper regard for you, I can be so.
DEMAENETUS
Come, then, let’s enjoy this banquet
with wine and pleasant discourse. I don’t wish to be feared, I prefer myself to be loved by you, my son.
835
ARGYRIPPUS
In truth, I do them both, as is proper for a son.
DEMAENETUS
I’d believe it, if I saw you were cheerful.
ARGYRIPPUS
Why, do you think that I’m sorrowful?
DEMAENETUS
Do I think so? You, whom I see as melancholy as if the dayAs if the day: He probably means the day for coming up for judgment, or else for trial. of trial had been named for you.
ARGYRIPPUS
Don’t you say that.
DEMAENETUS
Don’t you be so, then I’ll not say so.
ARGYRIPPUS
Well then, look at me; I’m laughing.
DEMAENETUS
I’d like that those who wish me ill would laugh thus.
ARGYRIPPUS
I know, indeed, father, why you now suppose to yourself that I’m sad; it is because she is by you. And really, father, by my faith, to tell you the truth, that matter does hurt me; and not for this reason, that I don’t desire for you that which you wish,
but because I love her; another woman, indeed, I could easily endure to be by you.
845
DEMAENETUS
But I have a fancy for this one.
