Perde 1
[Textpart 1]
When at night we went to rest, behold, a female came to me, than whom not another female is there more charming. That night, by order of my entertainer, did she pass with me; consider your own selves, how very much he gratified me. Next day, I went to my host; I begged him to sell her to me;
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CHARINUS
I said that for his kindnesses I should ever be grateful and obliged. What need is there of talking? I bought her, and yesterday I brought her hither. I don’t wish my father to come to know I’ve brought her. For the present, I’ve left her and a servant in the harbour on board the ship. But why do I see my servant running hither from the harbour,
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whom I forbade to leave the ship? I dread what the reason may be.
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[Textpart 2]
With your utmost power and might always try and endeavour that your younger master Your younger master: Herus minor. One version renders these words, your master when thrown down. That surely cannot be the meaning of the passage. may by your aid be preserved. Come then, Acanthio, away with weariness from you; take care and be on your guard against sloth. At the same time put an end to this panting; troth, I can hardly fetch my breath;
ACANTHIO
at the same time, too, drive right full against all those persons who come in the way, shove them aside, and push them into the road. This custom here is a very bad one; no one thinks it proper for him to give way to one who is running and in haste; and thus three things must be done at the same moment, when you have commenced upon but one; you must both run and fight, and squabble as well, upon the road.
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CHARINUS
What’s the reason of this, that he’s requiring speed for himself at a rate so rapid? I have some anxiety, what the business is, or what news he brings.
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ACANTHIO
I’m trifling about it. The more I stop, the greater the risk that’s run.
CHARINUS
He brings news of some misfortune, I know not what.
ACANTHIO
His knees are failing this runner. I’m undone, my spleen is in rebellion Spleen is in rebellion: He alludes to the expansion of the spleen by the act of running fast., it’s taking possession of my breast.
I’m done up, I can’t draw my breath. A very worthless piper should I be.
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I’ faith, not all the baths will ever remove this lassitude from me. Am I to say that my master Charinus is at home or abroad?
CHARINUS
I’m doubtful in my mind what the matter is; I’d like for myself to learn of him, that I may become acquainted with it.
ACANTHIO
But why still standing here? Why still hesitating to make splinters of this door? (Knocks at the door of DEMIPHO’S house, and calls.) Open the door, some one. Where’s my master, Charinus? Is he at home or abroad? Does any one think fit to come to the door?
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CHARINUS
Why, here am I, whom you’re looking for, Acanthio.
ACANTHIO
There is nowhere a more lazy management than in his house.
CHARINUS
What matter is afflicting you so terribly?
ACANTHIO
Many, master, both yourself and me.
CHARINUS
What’s the matter?
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ACANTHIO
We are undone.
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CHARINUS
That beginning do you present unto our foes.
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