Perde 3
[Textpart 2]
Prithee, why did you stay there so long?
TRANIO
The old gentleman hadn’t leisure; I was waiting until then.
THEUROPIDES
You keep up that old way of yours, of being tardy.
TRANIO
Hark you! if you please reflect upon this proverb: to blow and swallow To blow and swallow: Or exhale and inhale. A proverbial expression, very similar to that in use with us, that a person cannot blow hot and cold at the same time. at the same moment isn’t easy to be done; I couldn’t be here and there at the same time.
790
TRANIO
Come and look, and inspect it at your own pleasure.
THEUROPIDES
Very well, you go before me.
TRANIO
Am I delaying to do so?
THEUROPIDES
I’ll follow after you.
TRANIO
Look, the old gentleman himself is awaiting you before the door, but he is concerned that he has sold this house.
795
TRANIO
He begs me to persuade Philolaches to let him off.
THEUROPIDES
I don’t think he will. Each man reaps on his own farm Reaps on his own farm: A country proverb, meaning every one for himself.. If it had been bought dear,
we shouldn’t have had permission to return it on his hands. Whatever profit there is, it’s proper to bring it home. It don’t, now-a-days, befit men to be showing compassion.
800
TRANIO
I’ faith, you are losing time while you are talking. Follow me.
TRANIO
I’ll give you my services.
(Pointing.) There’s the old gentleman. (To SIMO.) Well now, I’ve brought you this person.
SIMO
I’m glad that you’ve arrived safely from abroad, Theuropides.
805
THEUROPIDES
May the Gods bless you.
