Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
That which really took place. After this, I myself, when I heard them talking, began again to draw closer towards them little by little, as though the crowd of people was pushing me, whether I would or no.
PERIPHIANES
I understand.
EPIDICUS
Then the one asked the other, How do you know? Why, because a letter has been brought her to-day from Stratippocles; that he has borrowed money on interest from a banker at Thebes; that it is ready, and he himself has brought it for that purpose.
250
PERIPHIANES
Tell on—I’m undone!
EPIDICUS
She said that she had heard so from her and from the letter which she had seen.
PERIPHIANES
What am I to do now? I ask your advice, Apaecides.
255
APAECIDES
Let us find some clever, useful expedient; for he, indeed, will either be here just now, or is here already.
EPIDICUS
If it were right for me to be wiser than you, I could give you some good advice, which you will praise, I fancy, both of you—
PERIPHIANES
Then where is it, Epidicus?
EPIDICUS
Yes, and useful for this purpose,
260
APAECIDES
Why do you hesitate to mention it?
260
EPIDICUS
It’s proper for yourselves, who are the wiser, to be the first to speak, and for me to speak afterwards.
PERIPHIANES
Aye, aye, of course—come, say on.
EPIDICUS
But you’ll laugh at me.
APAECIDES
On my word, we will not do so.
EPIDICUS
Well then, if it pleases you, use my advice; if it doesn’t please you, find better.
There’s neither sowing nor reaping Neither sowing nor reaping: Mihi istic nec seritur nec metitur. This proverbial saying (so well known to every student of the Eton Grammar) merely means, I have no interest whatever in the matter. for me in this matter; only that I do wish the same that you wish.
265
PERIPHIANES
I return you thanks. Make us partakers in your wisdom.
EPIDICUS
Let a wife at once be chosen for your son; and so take vengeance on this music-girl whom he wants to liberate, and who is corrupting him for you; and so let it be managed, that even until her dying day she may remain a slave.
APAECIDES
It ought to be so managed.
270
