Perde 4
[Textpart 4]
By my faith, I know what you want, and what you desire, and what you ask for. You want to see me; you desire to caress me; you ask for the child.
DINARCHUS
Immortal Gods! how plain she speaks. How, in a few words, has she hit upon the very point!
PHRONESIUM
As for me, I know that you are betrothed, and that you have a son by your betrothed, and that a wife is now going to be married by you; that now your thoughts are elsewhere, that myself you are going to consider as forsaken. But still consider, the little mouse, how sagacious an animal it is, which never entrusts its life to one hole only;
865
inasmuch as, if one hole is blocked up, it seeks another as a place of refuge.
870
DINARCHUS
When there’s leisure, then I’ll talk to you on those matters more at large; at present, give me up the child.
PHRONESIUM
No; do, there’s a dear, let it be at my house the few next days.
PHRONESIUM
Do, there’s a dear.
DINARCHUS
What occasion is there?
PHRONESIUM
It’s for my interest. This for the next three days at least, until the Captain is circumvented somehow;
for that same purpose. If I get anything, it shall be for your own advantage as well. If you take the child away, all hope in the Captain will evaporate from my heart.
875
DINARCHUS
I would have that done; but, when it’s taken home, to do it againTo do it again: Refacere. This, in most of the Editions, is printed as re facere, to do in reality; but that does not seem to be the proper reading. Dinarchus appears to mean, You may keep the child for the present, in order to carry out your plans; for when I have once taken it home I shall not be able to do it again—or, in other words, lend it to you for your purposes., if I were to wish it, I have not the opportunity. Now make use of the child, and take care of it, because you have the means by which to take care of it.
PHRONESIUM
Upon my faith, I do love you much for this matter. When you shall be afraid of a scolding at home,
do you take shelter here in my house. At least, prove a friend, to help me to a profitable speculation.
880
DINARCHUS
Kindly farewell, Phronesium.
PHRONESIUM
Won’t you any longer call me apple of your eye?
DINARCHUS
That name too, meanwhile, shall be repeated full oft.
PHRONESIUM
Do you wish for anything else?
DINARCHUS
Fare thee well; when I have leisure, I’ll come to your house.
PHRONESIUM
Well, he’s gone away from here, and has taken his departure; we may say here whatever we please.
