Perde 2
[Textpart 1]
I could wish you, brother, to think that I utter these words by reason of my own regard and your welfare, as is befitting your own sister to do. Although I’m not unaware that we women are accounted troublesome; for we are all of us deservedly considered very talkative,
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EUNOMIA
and, in fact, they say at the present day that not a single woman has been found dumbHas been found dumb: Not seeing the sarcasm intended against the female sex in this passage, Lambinus seriously takes the trouble to contradict Eunomia; his words are, I myself, who am at present in my fifty-sixth year have seen no less than two dumb women. in any age. Still, brother, do you consider this one circumstance, that I am your nearest relation, and you in like manner are mine. How proper it is that I should counsel and advise you,
125
and you me, as to what we may judge for the interest of each of us; and for it not to be kept concealed or kept silence upon through apprehension, but rather that I should make you my confidant, and you me in like manner. For that reason, now, have I brought you here apart out of doors, that I might here discourse with you upon your private concerns.
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MEGADORUS
Best of women, give me your hand.
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EUNOMIA
Where is she? Who, pray, is this best of women?
MEGADORUS
If you say no, I say no.
EUNOMIA
Indeed, it’s right that the truth should be spoken; for the best of women can nowhere be found;
one is only worse than another, brother.
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MEGADORUS
I think the same, and I’m determined never to contradict you on that point, sister. What do you wish?
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EUNOMIA
Give me your attention, I beg of you.
MEGADORUS
’Tis at your service; use and command me, please, if you wish for aught.
EUNOMIA
A thing that I consider very greatly for your advantage
I’m come to recommend you.
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MEGADORUS
Sister, you are doing after your usual manner.
EUNOMIA
I wish it were done.
MEGADORUS
What is it, sister?
EUNOMIA
That you may enjoyThat you may enjoy: Quod tibi sempiternum salutare sit. This was a formula frequently introduced in announcing intelligence, or in making a proposition, and was considered to be significant of a good omen. everlasting blessings in being the father of children.
MEGADORUS
May the Gods so grant it.
