Perde 3
[Textpart 1]
May this same matter turn out well for me, and for yourself, and for my stomach,
SATURIO
and for everlasting victuals for it as well for all time to come; that I may have more than enough, a superfluity, and that it may outlast me. Follow me this way, my daughter, with the Gods’ good leave. The matter to which we are to give our attention, you know, you remember, you understand; to you I have communicated all my designs.
330
For that reason have I dressed you out after this fashion; young woman, to-day you are to be sold.
335
DAUGHTER
Prithee, my dear father, although you do eagerly long for victuals at another’s cost, are you for the sake of your appetite going to sell your own daughter?
SATURIO
It is a wonder, indeed, if I don’t sell you, who are my own, for the sake of King Philip or Attalus Philip or Attalus: Attalus was the name of three wealthy kings of Pergamus. Philip was the name of several of the Macedoman monarchs., rather than my own.
DAUGHTER
Whether do you regard me as your slave or as your daughter?
SATURIO
I’ faith, that of the two which shall appear most for the interest of my stomach; it’s my authority over you, I suppose, not yours over me.
DAUGHTER
This power is yours, father; but still,
although our circumstances are but very limited, it’s better to pass our lives with frugality and moderation; for if disgrace is added to poverty, poverty will be more unendurable, our character more frail.
345
SATURIO
Why really you are impertinent.
DAUGHTER
I am not, nor do I think that I am,
when, though of youthful age, I give good advice to my father. For enemies carry about slander not in the form in which it took its rise.
350
SATURIO
Let them carry it about, and let them go to utter and extreme perdition. I don’t value all their enmities any more than if an empty table were now set before me.
DAUGHTER
Father, the scandal of men is everlasting; even then does it survive, when you would suppose it to be dead.
355
SATURIO
What? Are you afraid lest I should sell you?
DAUGHTER
I am not afraid of that, father; but I wish you not to pretend to do so.
SATURIO
Then it’s in vain you wish me not; this shall be done rather after my own fashion than yours.
DAUGHTER
Shall be done!Part of the first part of line 360 in the Latin.
360
SATURIO
What is the matter, now?
360
DAUGHTER
Father, reflect upon these words: if a master has threatened punishment to a slave, although it is not intended to be, still, when the whip is taken up, while he is taking off his tunics, with what an amount of misery is he afflicted. Now, that which is not to be, I’m still in fear of.
360
