Perde 4
[Textpart 3]
I’ll not allow you to go away from here; stop.
GRIPUS
Take you care of a mishap, if you please; but why the plague are you dragging me back?
945
TRACHALIO
But, upon my faith, you shall listen.
GRIPUS
Nay but, another time, tell me what you want.
TRACHALIO
Come now, it’s worth your while at once to hear what I want to tell you.
GRIPUS
Say on, whatever it is.
TRACHALIO
See whether any person is following near us.
GRIPUS
Why, what reason is there that it should matter to me?
but can you give me some good advice?
950
GRIPUS
What’s the business? Only tell me.
TRACHALIO
I’ll tell you; keep silence; if only you’ll give me your word that you won’t prove treacherous to me.
GRIPUS
I do give you my word; I’ll be true to you, whoever you are.
TRACHALIO
Listen. I saw a person commit a theft;
I knew the owner to whom that same property belonged. Afterwards I came myself to the thief, and I made him a proposal in these terms: I know the person on whom that theft was committed; now if you are ready to give me half, I’ll not make a discovery to the owner.
955
He didn’t even give me an answer. What is it fair should be given me out of it? Half, I trust you will say.
960
GRIPUS
Aye, even more; but unless he gives it you, I think it ought to be told to the owner.
TRACHALIO
I’ll act on your advice. Now give me your attention; for it is to yourself all this relates.
