Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
Just step this way to me.
SIMO
What are you saying?
SIMO
Do you ask the question? There’s a report that my son’s in love.
DAVUS
The public troubles itself about that,Troubles itself about that: He says this contemptuously, as if it was likely that the public should take any such great interest in his son as the father would imply by his remark. By thus saying, he also avoids giving a direct reply. of course.
185
SIMO
Will you attend to this, or not?
DAVUS
Certainly, I will, to that.
SIMO
But for me to inquire now into these matters, were the part of a severe father. For what he has done hitherto, doesn’t concern me at all. So long as his time of life prompted to that course, I allowed him to indulge his inclination: now this day brings on another mode of life, demands other habits.
From this time forward, I do request, or if it is reasonable, I do entreat you, Davus, that he may now return to the right path.
190
DAVUS
What can this mean?
SIMO
All who are intriguing take it ill to have a wife given them.
SIMO
And if anyone has adopted a bad instructor in that course, he generally urges the enfeebled mind to pursuits still more unbecoming.
DAVUS
I’faith, I do not comprehend.
DAVUS
No—I am Davus, not Oedipus.Davus, not OEdipus: Alluding to the circumstance of Oedipus alone being able to solve the riddle of the Sphynx.
SIMO
Of course then, you wish me to speak plainly in what further I have to say.
195
DAVUS
Certainly, by all means.
195
SIMO
If I this day find out that you are attempting any trickery about this marriage, to the end that it may not take place; or are desirous that in this matter it should be proved how knowing you are; I’ll hand you over, Davus, beaten with stripes, to the mill,To the mill: The pistrinum. or hand-mill, for grinding corn, was used as a mode of punishment for refractory slaves. See the Notes to the Translation of Plautus. even to your dying day,
