Perde 4
[Textpart 10]
Well, I do come closer.
980
CHRYSALUS
I am an excellent pleader. By rebuking him, and by whatever hard language I really was able to think of, I forced the fellow to tears.
NICOBULUS
What did he say?
CHRYSALUS
He uttered not a word: crying, he listened in silence to what I was saying; in silence he wrote down on his tablets; these sealed he gave to me;
he bade me deliver them to you. (Gives him the tablets.) But I am afraid that they sing to the same tune that the former ones did. Observe the seal, is it his?
985
NICOBULUS
I recognize it. I’d like to read them over.
CHRYSALUS
Read them through. (Aside.) Now is the upper lintelThe upper lintel: He alludes to the Phrygian gate, which he has before mentioned in l. 955 being cut down, now is the destruction of Troy near at hand. The wooden horse is shaking it right cleverly.
NICOBULUS
Chrysalus, just step here while I am reading these through.
CHRYSALUS
Prithee, what need is there for me to be near you?
NICOBULUS
That you may know what’s written here.
CHRYSALUS
I don’t care, and I don’t wish to know.
NICOBULUS
Still, do come here.
990
CHRYSALUS
What need is there?
990
NICOBULUS
Hold your tongue.
990
NICOBULUS
But I will, I say.
CHRYSALUS
What need is there?
NICOBULUS
Still do you only do that which I bid you.
CHRYSALUS
I’ll come. ’Tis right to do so; your own servant ought to be obedient at your command.
