Perde 5
[Textpart 2]
so much the more shall I censure him than I’ve censured you. Since he keeps you provided for and well clothed, and finds you amply in female servants and provisions, ’tis better, madam, to entertain kindly feelings.
800
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
But he purloins from me gold trinkets and mantles from out of the chests at home; he plunders me, and secretly carries off my ornaments to harlots.
OLD MAN
He does wrong, if he does that; if he does not do it, you do wrong in accusing him when innocent.
805
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Why at this moment, even, he has got a mantle, father, and a bracelet, which he had carried off to her; now, because I came to know of it, he brings them back.
OLD MAN
I’ll know from himself, then, how it happened. I’ll go up to this man and accost him. (Goes up to MENAECHMUS.) Tell me this, Menaechmus, what you two are disputing about, that I may know.
Why are you pensive? And why does she in anger stand apart from you?
810
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Whoever you are, whatever is your name, old gentleman, I call to witness supreme Jove and the Deities—
OLD MAN
For what reason, or what matter of all matters?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
That I have neither done wrong to that woman, who is accusing me of having purloined this (pointing to the mantle) away from her at home and which she solemnly swears that I did take away.
If ever I set foot inside of her house where she lives, I wish that I may become the most wretched of all wretched men.
815
OLD MAN
Are you in your senses to wish this, or to deny that you ever set foot in that house where you live, you downright madman?
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
Do you say, old gentleman, that I live in this house?
820
MENAECHMUS SOSICLES
By my faith, certainly do deny it.
OLD MAN
In your fun you are going too far in denying it; unless you flitted elsewhere this last night. Step this way, please, daughter. (To the WIFE.) What do you say? Have you removed from this house?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
To what place, or for what reason, prithee?
OLD MAN
I’ faith, I don’t know.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
He’s surely making fun of you.
OLD MAN
Part of line 824b in Latin. Can’t you keep yourself quiet?
Now, Menaechmus, you really have joked long enough; now do seriously attend to this matter.
825
