Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
Now, if he comes back hither safe, I will restore to him his own. But if anything should happen to him, at all events I have a stock from which to give a marriage-portion to his daughter, who has been entrusted to me, that I may settle her in a condition of life that befits her.
155
MEGARONIDES
O ye immortal gods! how soon, in a few words, you have made another man of me; I came to you quite a different person. But, as you have begun, proceed further to inform me.
160
CALLICLES
What shall I tell you? How that this worthless fellow had almost utterly ruined his caution and my own trustiness and all the secret.
CALLICLES
Because, while I was in the country for only six days, in my absence and without my knowledge, without consulting me, he advertised with bills Advertised with bills: The method among the Romans of letting, or selling houses, was similar to ours. A ball was fixed upon the house, or some conspicuous place near it, inscribed with Aedes locandae, This house to be lot, or Aedes vendundae, This house for sale. this house for sale.
MEGARONIDES
The wolf hungered the more, and opened his mouth the wider;
he watched till He watched till: He alludes to the conduct of Lesbonicus, who watched for the absence of his guardian, Callicles, that he might sell the house. This he would attempt to do, probably, on the plea that his father, not having been heard of for a long time, must be presumed to be dead, and the house has consequently descended to him, as his heir the dog went to sleep; and intended to carry off the whole entire flock.
170
CALLICLES
I’ faith, he would have done it, if the dogs had not perceived this in time. But now, in my turn, I wish to ask you this: let me know what it was my duty for me to do.
Whether was it right for me to discover the treasure to him, against which very thing his father had cautioned me, or should I have permitted another person to become the owner of this house? Ought that money to have belonged to him who bought the house? In preference, I myself bought the house; I gave the money
175
for the sake of the treasure, that I might deliver it safe to my friend. I have not, then, bought this house either for myself or for my own use; for Charmides have I bought it back again; from my own store have I paid the money. This, whether it has been done rightfully or wrongfully, I own, Megaronides, that I have done.
180
Here, then, are my misdeeds; here, then, is my avarice. Is it for these things that they spread false reports against me?
185
MEGARONIDES
Stay—you have overcome your corrector. You have tied my tongue; there is nothing for me to say in answer.
CALLICLES
Now I entreat you to aid me with your assistance and counsel,
and to share this duty of mine in common with me.
190
MEGARONIDES
I promise you my assistance.
CALLICLES
Where, then, will you be a short time hence?
CALLICLES
Do you wish anything else?
MEGARONIDES
Attend to the trust reposed in you.
CALLICLES
That is being carefully done.
