Perde 4
[Textpart 1]
If you give attention to any matter with steadiness or with good management,
TOXILUS
that same is wont properly to thrive to your satisfaction. And, by my faith, pretty nearly according as each man gives attention to his business, in the same manner do the results The results: Postprincipia. Literally, the continuance of a thing after it is once begun. finally ensure him success. If he is knavish or a rogue, the business turns out badly which he has commenced; but if he uses good management, it results profitably.
450
Cleverly and skilfully did I commence upon this business; for that reason do I trust that it will turn out well for me. Now, I’ll this day have the Procurer so hampered, that he shan’t know himself which way to extricate himself. (Goes to the door.) Sagaristio, hallo! Come forth, and bring out the young woman,
455
and that letter which I sealed for you, which you brought me all the way from Persia, from my master.
460
[Textpart 2]
Have I delayed at all?
TOXILUS
Bravo! bravo! dressed out in splendid style. (To SAGARISTIO.) The tiara The tiara: The tiara was a head-dress with a large high crown, which covered the ears, and was worn especially by the Armenians, Parthians, and Persians. The King of Persia wore an erect tiara, while that of his subjects was soft and flexible, falling on one side. does finely set off your dress. Then, too, how beautifully does the slipper become this stranger damsel!
But are you thoroughly up in your parts?
465
SAGARISTIO
Tragedians and Comedians have never been up so well.
465
TOXILUS
Troth, you are giving me kind assistance. Come, be off that way (pointing.) to a distance out of sight, and hold your tongue. When you see me conversing with the Procurer, that will be the time to accost us; now be off, you,—away with you.
[Textpart 3]
The man to whom the Deities are propitious, in his way they throw some profit. For I this day have made a saving of two loaves daily; this way, she who this day was my slave is now her own; by his cash he has prevailed; this day then she’ll be dining at the expense of another, she’ll be tasting nothing of mine. Am I not a worthy man, am I not a courteous citizen, who this day have made the extensive state of Attica
470
DORDALUS
still larger, and increased it by a female citizen? But how obliging have I been to-day! To how many have I given credit, and have from no person taken surety; so readily did I give credit to all: and I don’t fear that of those whom I’ve trusted to-day any one will forswear himself against me upon trial. I wish from this day forth to be honest—a thing that never will be and never was.
475
TOXILUS
This fellow, this very day, by clever contrivances, I’ll catch in a springe; and so the snare is cunningly laid for him; I’ll accost the fellow. (Aloud.) What are you about?
480
TOXILUS
Whence do you betake yourself, Dordalus?
DORDALUS
I’m going to give you credit To give you credit: He probably says this satirically, as Toxilus has really paid him the money. If so, we must suppose that his soliloquy is spoken in a bantering manner, on the absurdity of trusting people. Perhaps he has been just requested at the Forum to give credit to some intended customers. It is not improbable that a portion of this Play is lost here, or that it is in a very corrupt state..
TOXILUS
May the Gods grant whatever you may desire.
How now, have you given the damsel her liberty by this?
DORDALUS
I’m going to give you credit, i’ faith, I’m going to give you credit, I repeat.
TOXILUS
Are you now increased in number by one freed-woman?
DORDALUS
You worry me to death.
