Perde 3
[Textpart 1]
I’ve lent my assistance to my friend in a friendly manner; this piece of goods, which my neighbour requested me, I’ve purchased. (Turning to PASICOMPSA.) You are my own; then follow me.
LYSIMACHUS
Don’t weep. You are acting very foolishly; spoiling such eyes. Why, really you have more reason to laugh than to be crying.
PASICOMPSA
In the name of heaven, prithee, my good old gentleman, do tell me—
LYSIMACHUS
Ask me what you please.
PASICOMPSA
Why have you bought me?
LYSIMACHUS
What, I, bought you? For you to do what you are bidden;
in like manner what you bid me, I’ll do.
505
PASICOMPSA
I am determined, to the best of my ability and skill, to do what I shall think you desire.
505
LYSIMACHUS
I shall bid you do nothing of laborious work.
PASICOMPSA
Why, really, for my part, my good old gentleman, I haven’t learnt, i’ faith, to carry burdens, or to feed cattle at the farm, or to nurse children.
LYSIMACHUS
If you choose to be a good girl, it shall be well for you.
510
PASICOMPSA
Then, i’ faith, to my sorrow, I’m undone.
510
PASICOMPSA
Because in the place from which I have been conveyed hither, it used to be well with the worthless Well with the worthless: She seems to mean that at Rhodes, where she has lately come from, women of light character are treated better than those who are virtuous..
LYSIMACHUS
By my troth, her talk alone is worth more than the sum that she was purchased at.
As though you would say that no woman is good.
PASICOMPSA
Indeed I don’t say so; nor is it my way, to say a thing which I believe all people are acquainted with.
LYSIMACHUS
I want to ask this one thing of you.
515
PASICOMPSA
I’ll answer you when you ask.
515
LYSIMACHUS
What say you now? What am I to say your name is?
