Perde 3
[Textpart 6]
He lives on good terms with yourself. But were he not; so, I would entreat you to do him whatever harm you could do.
PISTOCLERUS
Only tell me the person, who he is; if I don’t do him an injury, some way or other, do you say that I’m the greatest of cowards.
555
MNESILOCHUS
The person’s a bad one, but he’s your friend, i’ faith.
PISTOCLERUS
So much the rather, then, tell me who he is. In good sooth, I set no value on the esteem of a worthless person.
MNESILOCHUS
I appear, then, not to be able to avoid disclosing to you his name.
Pistoclerus, you have utterly undone me, your friend.
560
MNESILOCHUS
How’s that? Did I not send you a letter from Ephesus about my mistress, that you should find her out for me?
PISTOCLERUS
I own you did; and I have discovered her.
MNESILOCHUS
How now? Was there not a choice for you of other Courtesans in Athens, for you to form engagements with, instead of with her whom I had recommended to your care?
Could you yourself begin to love, and to contrive an injury against myself?
565
PISTOCLERUS
Are you in your senses?
MNESILOCHUS
I have found out the whole affair from your tutor; don’t deny it. You’ve ruined me.
PISTOCLERUS
What, still upbraiding me without reason with these rebukes of yours?
MNESILOCHUS
Why? You’re in love with Bacchis.
PISTOCLERUS
But look you, two persons of the name of Bacchis are living here in this house.
PISTOCLERUS
Aye, and the two are sisters.
MNESILOCHUS
You are now designedly telling idle stories.
PISTOCLERUS
In fine, if you persist in thinking there’s but little confidence in me, I’ll take you upon my shoulders, and carry you hence into their house.
570
