Perde 1
[Textpart 1]
But do take care and remember it.
PHILUMENA
I do not wish, sister, to be thought to be unmindful of my husband; nor has he thrown away the distinction that he conferred upon me.
For, by my troth, his kindness is pleasing and delightful to me; and, really, this choice of mine is not now irksome to me, nor is there any reason why I should wish to abandon this match. But, in fine, ’tis placed in our father’s powerIn our father’s power: By the law of the Twelve Tables at Rome, females were never sui juris, but under a perpetual guardianship; and even marriage did not entirely exempt them from parental authority, unless they had been emancipated from it before. Among the Greeks also, parents exercised great authority in disposing of their daughters in marriage.; that must be done by us which our relatives enjoin.
50
PAMPHILA
I know it, and in thinking of it I am overwhelmed with grief; for already has he almost disclosed his sentiments.
55
PHILUMENA
Let us consider, then, what is necessary for us to do.
[Textpart 2]
The man in condition of a servant who always waits to be told his duty, and doesn’t remember to do it of his own accord, that servant, I say, is not of a deserving character.
ANTIPHO
You remember well on each returning Calends to ask for your allotment of provisionsAllotment of provisions: The Greeks, it must be borne in mind, had no Calends (whence the proverb ad Graecas Calendas, to-morrow come never); the Poet is here alluding to the Roman custom of distributing to the slaves their allowance of food on the Calends, or first day of every month.; why, then, do you less remember to do what is necessary to do about the house? Now, therefore, if, when I return, the furniture shall not be set for me, each piece in its proper place, I’ll be putting you in mind with a bull’s hide remembrancerBull’s hide remembrancer: Monumentis bubulis. Literally, with memorials of oxen. The thongs of the scutica and of the flagellum were generally made of bull’s hide.. Not human beings seem to be living with me, but pigs.
60
Take care, if you please, that my house is clean, when I return home. I shall soon be back home; I’m going to her house, to see my eldest daughter. If any one should enquire for me, call me thence, some of you; or—I shall be here soon myself.
65
PHILUMENA
What are we to do, sister, if our father shall resolve against us?
PAMPHILA
It befits us to submit to what he does whose power is the stronger.
By entreating, not by opposing, I think we must use our endeavours. If with mildness we ask for favour, I trust to obtain it of him. Oppose him we cannot, without disgrace and extreme criminality; I will neither do that myself, nor will I give you the advice to do it, but rather that we should entreat him. I know our familyI know our family: Nostros. Literally, ours, meaning our people, our family.; he will yield to entreaty.
70
ANTIPHO
In the first place, in what manner I should make a beginning with them, about that I am in doubt; whether I should accost them in language couched in ambiguous terms, after this fashion, as though I had never pretendedAs though I had never pretended: Despite the ingenuity of Ritschel, this line seems to be in a corrupt state. anything at all against them, or whether as though I had heard that they were deserving of some censure against them; whether I should rather try them gently or with threats. I know that there will be opposition; I know my daughters right well.
75
If they should prefer to remain here rather than to marry afresh, why, let them do so. What need is there for me, the term of my life run out, to be waging war with my children, when I think that they don’t at all deserve that I should do so? By no means; I’ll have no disturbances. But I think that this is the best thing to be done by me; I’ll do thus; I’ll pretend as though they had themselves been guilty of some fault;
80
I’ll terribly terrify their minds this day by some ambiguous expressions; ana then, after that, as I shall feel disposed, I’ll disclose myself. I know that many words will be spoken; I’ll go in. (Goes to the door of PHILUMENA’S house.) But the door’s open.
85
PHILUMENA
Why, surely the sound of my father’s voice reached my ears.
PAMPHILA
I’ troth, ’tis he; let’s hasten to meet him with a kiss.
PHILUMENA
My father, my respects.
90
ANTIPHO
And to you the same. Away this instant, and be off from me,
90
ANTIPHO
I’ve had enough of your kissing.
