Perde 3
[Textpart 5]
I’ll tell him that I will devise something, in order that I may procure some respite in this dilemma.
615
PAMPHILUS
How now, good sir, what are you about? Do you see how dreadfully I am hampered by your devices?
DAVUS
Still, I’ll soon extricate you.
PAMPHILUS
You, extricate me?
DAVUS
Assuredly, Pamphilus.
PAMPHILUS
As you have just done, I suppose.
DAVUS
Why no, better, I trust.
PAMPHILUS
What, am I to believe you, you scoundrel? You scoundrel: Furcifer; literally, wearer of the furca, or wooden collar. This method of punishment has been referred to in the Notes to the Translation of Plautus.
You, indeed, make good a matter that’s all embarrassment and ruin! Just see, in whom I’ve been placing reliance—you who this day from a most happy state have been and plunged me into a marriage. Didn’t I say that this would be the case?
620
PAMPHILUS
What do you deserve? What do you deserve?: Madame Dacier remarks that this question is taken from the custom of the Athenians, who never condemned a criminal without first asking him what punishment he thought he deserved; and according to the nature of his answer they mitigated or increased his punishment. The Commentators quote a similar passage from the Frogs of Aristophanes.
DAVUS
The cross. The cross: The cross, crux as a punishment for refractory slaves has been remarked upon in the Notes to the Translation of Plautus. But allow me a little time to recover myself; I’ll soon hit upon something.
PAMPHILUS
Ah me! not to have the leisure to inflict punishment upon you as I desire! for the present conjuncture warns me to take precautions for myself, not to be taking vengeance on you.
