Perde 5
[Textpart 4]
We are not born of that rank, although we are slaves, sister, that it should befit us to do anything which any man may laugh at. Many are the faults of women; but of the many, this one is the greatest, to please themselves too much, and to give their attention too little to pleasing the men.
ANTERASTYLIS
It was a very great delight that was portended in our sacrifice of the entrails, sister, and what the soothsayer said about us both—
1205
AGORASTOCLES
I wish he had said something about me!
ANTERASTYLIS
That we should be free in a few days, in spite of our owner. I don’t know why I should hope for that, unless the Gods or our parents do something.
AGORASTOCLES
’Twas through confidence in me Through confidence in me: He surmises that the soothsayer (like most other successful prophets) had learnt the true state of the case beforehand., kinsman, upon my faith, that the soothsayer promised them
liberty, I’m sure of it, because he knows I’m in love with her.
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ADELPHASIUM
Sister, follow me this way.
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ANTERASTYLIS
I follow.
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HANNO
Before you go away Before you go away: Warner, in his Note on this passage, suggests that Plautus has here forgotten the rules of nature. He says, It is unnatural to suppose a parent, who has so long been in search of his daughters, should be so near them as to see them, and hear them talk, and not immediately fly into their embraces. And when he does speak to them, he teases and torments them a long time, for no other reason than to divert the Spectators., I want you both. Unless it’s inconvenient, stop.
ADELPHASIUM
Who’s calling us back?
AGORASTOCLES
One who wishes to do you a kindness.
ADELPHASIUM
There’s opportunity for doing it. But who is the person?
AGORASTOCLES
A friend of yours.
ADELPHASIUM
One who is not an enemy, in fact.
AGORASTOCLES
This is a good man, my love.
ADELPHASIUM
I’ faith, I should prefer him rather than a bad one.
AGORASTOCLES
If, indeed, friendship must be engaged in, with such a person ought it to be engaged in.
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ADELPHASIUM
I don’t beg for it.
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AGORASTOCLES
He wishes to do you many services.
ADELPHASIUM
Being good yourself you will be doing good to the good.
