Perde 2
[Textpart 18]
I wish you to bring your master to me.
SCELEDRUS
Indeed, I confess that I deserve a very great punishment; and I own that I have done a wrong to your lady guest. But I thought that she was the lady of my master,
to whom the Captain, my master, gave me as a keeper; for it is not possible for water ever to be drawn more like to water from the same well, than is she to this lady guest of yours. And I will confess, as well, that I did look through the skylight into your house.
550
PERIPLECOMENUS
Why shouldn’t you confess what I saw myself?
SCELEDRUS
And there saw in your house this lady guest of yours, kissing.
555
PERIPLECOMENUS
You saw her?
SCELEDRUS
I saw her. Why should I deny what I did see? But I fancied that I had seen Philocomasium.
PERIPLECOMENUS
And did you suppose me to be the very vilest of all men, in allowingIn allowing: The old gentleman must surely have changed colour when he said this., with my own knowledge,
such an injury so glaringly to be done to my neighbour?
560
SCELEDRUS
Now, at length, I am of opinion that it was done foolishly by me, when I come to understand the matter; but still I did not do it with any ill intent.
PERIPLECOMENUS
Yes, but ’twas improperly done; for it befits a person that is a servant to keep his eyes, and hands, and talk, asleep.
SCELEDRUS
Now, if after this day I mutter anything, even what I know for certain, give me over to torture; I’ll give myself up to you. This time, prithee, do pardon me for this.
565
PERIPLECOMENUS
I shall subdue my feelings, so as to think that it was not done by you with malicious intent.
I will pardon you in this matter.
570
SCELEDRUS
May the Gods bless you, then!
570
PERIPLECOMENUS
Troth now, as the Gods may prosper you, really do restrain your tongue henceforth; even that which you do know, don’t know, and don’t you see what you do see.
SCELEDRUS
You counsel me aright; so I’m resolved to do. Are you quite appeased?
PERIPLECOMENUS
Away with you.
SCELEDRUS
Is there aught else you now require of me?
575
PERIPLECOMENUS
That you would know me not.
575
