Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
I’ faith, my lands and tenements are not yet all gone.
ASTAPHIUM
Why then, prithee, are you standing before the door as a stranger and an alien? Do go in-doors. Really you are no stranger; for, upon my faith, not one person this day does she more love in her heart and soul—(aside) if, indeed, you’ve got land and tenements.
175
DINARCHUS
Your tongues and talk are steeped in honey; your doings and dispositions are steeped in gall and sour vinegar.
From your tongues you utter sweet words; you make your lovers of bitter heart if any don’t give you presents.
180
ASTAPHIUM
I’ve not learnt to say what’s false.
DINARCHUS
It was not this liberality of mine that taught you to say what’s false, but those niggardly fellows who are struggling against their appetites.
You are a sly one, and the same artful coaxer that you used to be.
ASTAPHIUM
How ardently longed for
have you returned from abroad! But, prithee, do come, my mistress wants to see you.
185
ASTAPHIUM
You alone of all mankind does she love.
DINARCHUS
Well done, lands and tenements; you have come to my aid in good time. (To ASTAPHIUM.) But how say you, Astaphium—?
ASTAPHIUM
What do you want?
DINARCHUS
Is Phronesium in-doors just now?
ASTAPHIUM
To you at all events she’s in-doors.
ASTAPHIUM
Aye, faith, and I do believe she’ll be still better when she sees you.
DINARCHUS
This is our greatest fault: when we’re in love, then we are undone; if that which we wish is told us, when manifestly they are telling lies, in our folly we believe it to be true; verily as though with a tide we fluctuate.
190
ASTAPHIUM
Heyday now—such is not the fact.
DINARCHUS
Do you say that she loves me?
