Perde 5
[Textpart 5]
I’ faith, Doctor, whatever you are about to do, prithee, do it quickly. Don’t you see that the man is raving?
DOCTOR.
Do you know what’s the best for you to do? Have him taken to my house.
DOCTOR.
Why should I not? There at my own discretion I shall be able to treat the man.
OLD MAN
Do just as you please.
DOCTOR.
I’ll make you drink hellebore some twenty days.
950
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
But, hanging up But, hanging up: Pendentem. When they were flogged, the slaves were tied up with their hands extended over their heads. Probably, the Doctor is intended to be represented as being a slave; as many of the liberal pursuits were followed by slaves, and sometimes to the very great profit of their masters. The furca (for want of a better word, called bilboes in the translation) is referred to in another Note., I’ll flog you with a whip for thirty days.
DOCTOR.
Go fetch some men to take him off to my house.
OLD MAN
How many are sufficient?
DOCTOR.
Since I see him thus raving, four, no less.
OLD MAN
They shall be here this instant. Do you keep an eye on him, Doctor.
DOCTOR.
Why, no, I shall go home
that the things may be got ready, which are necessary to be prepared. Bid your servants carry him to my house.
955
OLD MAN
I’ll make him be there just now.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
My father-in-law is gone, the Doctor is gone; I’m alone. O Jupiter! Why is it that these people say I’m mad? Why, in fact, since I was born, I have never for a single day been ill.
I’m neither mad, nor do I commence strifes or quarrels. In health myself, I see others well; I know people, I address them. Is it that they who falsely say I’m mad, are mad themselves? What shall I do now? I wish to go home; but my wife doesn’t allow me; and here (pointing to EROTIUM’S house) no one admits me. Most unfortunately has this fallen out.
960
Here will I still remain; at night, at least, I shall be let into the house, I trust.
965
[Textpart 6]
This is the proof of a good servant, who takes care of his master’s business, looks after it, arranges it, thinks about it, in the absence of his master diligently to attend to the affairs of his master, as much so as if he himself were present, or even better.
