Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
And will you be relieving his poverty by that, if you shall accept anything of him?
LYSITELES
By that very means, my father.
PHILTO
Faith, I wish that you would instruct me in that method.
LYSITELES
Certainly. Do you know of what family he is born?
PHILTO
I know—of an extremely honourable one.
LYSITELES
He has a sister—a fine young woman now grown up: I wish, father,
to take her without a portion for my wife.
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PHILTO
A wife without a portion?
375
LYSITELES
Just so—your riches saved as well. By these means you will be conferring an extreme favour on him, and in no way could you help him to greater advantage.
375
PHILTO
Am I to suffer you to take a wife without a portion?
LYSITELES
You must suffer it, father; and by these means you will be giving an estimable character to our family.
PHILTO
I could give utterance to many a learned saying, and very fluently too: this old age of mine retains stories of old and ancient times. But, since I see that you are courting friendship and esteem for our family, although I have been opposed to you, I thus give my decision—I will permit you; ask for the girl, and marry her.
380
LYSITELES
May the Gods preserve you to me.
But, to this favour add one thing.
385
PHILTO
But what is this one thing?
385
LYSITELES
I will tell you. Do you go to him, do you solicit him, and do you ask for her yourself.
385
PHILTO
Think of that now.
LYSITELES
You will transact it much more speedily: all will be made sure of that you do. One word of yours in this matter will be of more consequence than a hundred of mine.
PHILTO
See, now, how, in my kindness, I have undertaken this matter.
My assistance shall be given.
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