Perde 5
[Textpart 2]
Why are these two women holding a council here in private?
PHILOXENUS
What say you, my good fellow—?
1155
NICOBULUS
What would you with me?
1155
PHILOXENUS
I really am ashamed to tell you a certain thing.
1155
NICOBULUS
What is it that you’re ashamed about?
PHILOXENUS
Still, as you are a person, a friend of mine, I’m determined to entrust you with what I could wish. (Whispers.) I’m good for nought.
NICOBULUS
I’ve known that this long time; but tell me why you’re good for nought?
PHILOXENUS
I’ve been terribly touched with birdlime: troth, my heart is pierced by the goad.
NICOBULUS
I’ faith, ’twere much better if your flanks were goaded, you worthless fellow.
But what is it? Although I suspect that I myself pretty well know already what it is; still, I should even like to hear it from yourself.
1160
PHILOXENUS
Do you see that woman?
PHILOXENUS
She’s not an uncomely person.
NICOBULUS
Troth, but she is decidedly uncomely; and you are a good-for-nothing fellow.
PHILOXENUS
Why more? I’m in love.
PHILOXENUS
’Pon honorPon honor: Ναι γάρ. This Greek phrase was, no doubt, used as a cant or off-hand mode of expression, just as on similar occasions we adopt the French oui or vraiement, yes, decidedly..
NICOBULUS
And do you, you rotten creature, presume to become a lover at your time of life?
NICOBULUS
Because it’s a disgrace.
