Perde 4
[Textpart 7]
I shall come off finely loaded with plunder from this fellow; I know it’s a lucky omen for me.
HARPAX
Does any one come to open this door?
BALLIO
Hallo! you in the scarf, what’s owing you at that house?
HARPAX
I’m enquiring for Ballio, the procurer, the master of the house.
1140
BALLIO
Whoever you are, young man, make short work of your enquiries.
BALLIO
Because he himself in person sees you in his presence before him.
SIMO
You in the scarf, take you care, please, of some crooked misfortune, and point your finger Point your finger: Simo thinks that Harpax has come to be a customer of the procurer, and tells him to beware of misfortune, and rather to point the finger of scorn at such a worthless character. The middle finger was used for that purpose. at him; this fellow is a procurer.
BALLIO
And this is an honest man.
(To SIMO.) But you, worthy fellow, are many a time being hunted after in the Forum with noise enough, when you haven’t a groat in the world, unless this procurer here comes to help you a bit.
1145
HARPAX
But why don’t you address yourself to me?
BALLIO
I do address you. What is it you want?
HARPAX
You to take this money.
BALLIO
Already have I extended my hand, if you are going to give it.
HARPAX
Take it; here are five picked minae of silver counted out.
(Gives him the money.) This did my master, Polymachaeroplagides. order me to deliver to you, the sum which he was owing, and that you were to send Phœnicium with me.
1150
HARPAX
I say to that effect.
