Perde 4
[Textpart 6]
But who’s this fellow in the scarf?
BALLIO
I don’t know, i’ faith; however, let’s observe whither he’s going, and what business he’s upon.
[Textpart 7]
That slave’s a base and worthless fellow, who values his master’s commands at nought; and he, too, is good for nothing who is forgetful to do his duty unless he’s put in mind.
HARPAX
But those who forthwith deem themselves to be at liberty, when they have hidden themselves from the sight of their master, who riot, wench, devour what they have,—aye, what they have not,—long do those same endure the name of servitude. Nor is there any good disposition in them,
1105
except only that they may uphold themselves by their dishonest contrivances. With these, neither their company nor their conversation suits me, nor by these persons have I been ever known. Although he is away, I consider my master as being here; I fear him
1110
when he isn’t here, that I may not have to fear him when he is here. Therefore, as I have been ordered, to this business will I give my attention. But that Syrus, to whom I gave the token, would have been letting me stay even yet in the shop. As he bade me, I stayed there; he said that he would send for me when the procurer was at home. But since he hasn’t come, or called me while staying there,
1115
I’m come hither of my own accord, that I may know what is the fact, that that fellow mayn’t be playing tricks with me. And there is nothing better than that I should knock at this door, and call some out here from indoors. I want this procurer to take this money of me, and to send off this woman with me.
1120
BALLIO
This fellow’s my own.
BALLIO
Because that booty’s mine.
He’s in search of a mistress he has got money. I already long to fix my teeth in him.
1125
SIMO
Are you going to devour him already?
BALLIO
While he’s fresh, while he’s in the habit of giving away, while he’s warm upon it, ’tis proper for him to be gobbled up. The good men keep me poor, the bad ones support me; the virtuous are a benefit to the public, the debauched to myself.
SIMO
A mischief may the Gods send you; such a villain are you.
1130
BALLIO
Venus bestows upon me these blessings, when she drives hither these haters of money, these who quite long for losses, who carefully pamper themselves and their youthful age, eat, drink, and wench. Of quite different dispositions are they and you.
HARPAX
I’m now delaying myself, in not knocking at this door, that I may know whether or no Ballio is at home now.
(Calls out, going up to the door.) Hallo! where are you? Hallo! where are you?
BALLIO
Why, he’s going straight up towards my house.
