Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
Where is this gold?
STROBILUS
In my box at home; I now wish to be made free.
LYCONIDES
I, make you free, you fellow,
brimful of wickedness?
825
STROBILUS
Out upon you, master, I know what you would be at. Troth, I’ve cleverly tried your inclination; you were just getting ready to take it away from me; what would you do, if I had found it?
LYCONIDES
You can’t make good your pretences. Come, give up the gold!
STROBILUS
I, give up the gold?
LYCONIDES
Give it up, I say, that it may be given back to him.
STROBILUS
Where am I to get it from?
LYCONIDES
That which you confessed just now to be in your box.
830
STROBILUS
I’ faith, I’m in the habit of talking nonsense;
830
’twas in that way I was speaking.
LYCONIDES
But do you know what?—
STROBILUS
Even kill me outright, i’ faith, you never shall get it hence of me
— the pot belonging to the old fellow, which I’ve not got.
LYCONIDES
I will have it, whether you will or no; when I’ve tied you up all fours, and torn asunder your body for you tied up to the beam. But why do I delay to rush upon the jaws of this rascal, and why this instant do I not compel his soul to take its journey before its timeBefore its time: —The expression used here by Urceus is capable of two modes of translation; the most delicate one has been preferred.? Are you going to give it me or not?
STROBILUS
I will give it you.
LYCONIDES
I want you to give it me now, and not at a future time.
STROBILUS
I’ll give it now; but I entreat you to allow me to recover breath. (LYCONIDES lets him go.) Aha! What is it you want me to give you, master?
LYCONIDES
Don’t you know, you rascal? And do you dare to refuse me the four pound pot full of gold which you just now said you had stolen? (Calling at the door.) Hallo there! Where now are the flogging men?
