Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
The man that shall prove timid in critical matters, will not be worth a nutshell. And, really, to say what that expression, worth a nutshell, means, I don’t know. But after my master sent me into the country to fetch his son hither,
TRANIO
I went that way (pointing) slily through the lane to our garden. At the entrance to the garden that’s in the lane, I opened the door; and by that road I led out all the troop, both men and women. After, from being in a state of siege, I had led out my troops to a place of safety, I adopted the plan of convoking a senate of my comrades,
and when I had convoked it, they forthwith banished me from the senate. When I myself perceived that the matter must be decided by my own judgment, as soon as ever I could, I did the same as many others do, whose affairs are in a critical or a perplexed state; they proceed to render them more perplexed, so that nothing can be settled.
1050
But I know full well, that now by no means can this be concealed from the old man.
But how’s this, that our next neighbour’s door makes a noise? Why, surely this is my master: I’d like to have a taste of his talk.
THEUROPIDES
Do you stand there, in that spot within the threshold; so that, the very instant I call,
you may sally forth at once. Quickly fasten the handcuffs upon him. I’ll wait before the house for this fellow that makes a fool of me, whose hide I’ll make a fool of in fine style, if I live.
1065
TRANIO
The affair’s all out. Now it’s best for you, Tranio, to consider what you are to do.
THEUROPIDES
I must go to work to catch him cleverly and artfully when he comes here.
I’ll not disclose to him my feelings all at once; I’ll throw out my line; I’ll conceal the fact that I know anything of these matters.
1070
TRANIO
O cunning mortal! not another person in Athens can be pronounced more clever than he. One can no more this day deceive him than he can a stone. I’ll accost the man; I’ll address him.
THEUROPIDES
Now I do wish that he would come here.
TRANIO
I’ faith, if me indeed you want, here I am ready at hand for you. (Comes forward.)
1075
THEUROPIDES
Bravo! Tranio, what’s being done?
TRANIO
The country people are coming from the country Philolaches will be here in a moment.
THEUROPIDES
I’ faith, he comes opportunely for me. This neighbour of ours I take to be a shameless and dishonest fellow.
THEUROPIDES
Inasmuch as he denies that he knows you.
THEUROPIDES
And declares that you never gave him a single coin of money
