Perde 3
[Textpart 6]
Be off then, Trachalio, with all speed to the sea-shore; bid those persons that I brought with me to hand over this rascal to the executioner, to come from the harbour to the city to meet me; afterwards return hither and keep guard here. I’ll now drag this scoundrelly outcast to justice. (Exit TRACHALIO. Pleusicles addresses LABRAX.)
855
PLESIDIPPUS
Come, proceed to a court of justice.
860
LABRAX
In what have I offended?
860
PLESIDIPPUS
Do you ask? Didn’t you receive an earnest of me for this woman (pointing to PALAESTRA), and carry her off from here?
860
LABRAX
I didn’t carry her off.
PLESIDIPPUS
Why do you deny it?
LABRAX
Troth now, because I put her on board ship; carry her off Carry her off: There is a play or quibble here upon the words avehere and provehere, to carry away, and to put on board ship, for the purpose of being carried away. unfortunately, I couldn’t. For my part, I told you that this day I would make my appearance
at the Temple of Venus; have I swerved at all from that? Am I not there?
865
PLESIDIPPUS
Plead your cause in the court of justice; here a word is enough. Follow me.
LABRAX
I entreat you, my dear Charmides, do come to my rescue; I am being seized with my throat wrenched.
CHARMIDES
Who calls my name?
LABRAX
Do you see me how I’m being seized?
CHARMIDES
I see, and view it with pleasure.
LABRAX
Don’t you venture to assist me?
870
CHARMIDES
What person is seizing you?
870
LABRAX
Young Plesidippus.
CHARMIDES
What you’ve got, put up with; ’twere better for you, with a cheerful spirit, to slink to gaol; that has befallen you which many greatly wish for for themselves.
CHARMIDES
To find for themselves that which they are seeking.
LABRAX
I entreat you, do follow me.
875
