Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
I’ve heard that an ancient Poet An ancient Poet: Who this ancient Poet was, is not known. wrote in a Tragedy, that two women are worse than one; such is the fact. But a more crafty woman than is this mistress of Phaedromus, I never saw or heard of, nor, i’ faith, can one be spoken of or imagined;
CURCULIO
she, as soon as ever she saw that I had got this ring, asked me whence I got it. Why do you ask that? said I. Because I’ve need to know, said she. I said I wouldn’t tell her. To get it away, she seized hold of my hand with her teeth. With much ado I betook me out of doors, and made my escape. Away with this slut This slut: Caniculam. Little bitch..
595
[Textpart 2]
My Phaedromus, make haste.
PHAEDROMUS
Make haste for what?
PLANESIUM
That you mayn’t let the Parasite escape;
the affair’s of consequence.
600
PHAEDROMUS
Nothing have I Nothing have I: Planesium says, res, the affair, is urgent. Phaedromus, understanding the word as meaning property, says, I’ve got none; what I had, I soon squandered. of consequence; for what I did have I quickly made away with?
600
PLANESIUM
Ask him whence he got that ring: my father used to wear it.
CURCULIO
Why, troth, and so did my aunt.
PLANESIUM
My mother gave it him to wear.
CURCULIO
And your father, in his turn, to me.
PLANESIUM
You are talking nonsense.
CURCULIO
I’m in the habit; for by reason of it I make a livelihood the more easily. What is the matter now?
PLANESIUM
I entreat you, don’t be keeping me from finding my parents.
605
CURCULIO
How can I? Have I got your father and mother hidden beneath the stone? (Holding up the ring.)
PLANESIUM
I was born a free woman.
CURCULIO
And so were many others, who are now in servitude.
PLANESIUM
Really now, I’m vexed.
