Perde 2
[Textpart 1]
What partial judges are all fathers in regard to all of us young men, in thinking it reasonable for us to become old men all at once from boys,
CLITIPHO
and not to participate in those things which youth is naturally inclined to. They regulate us by their own desires,—such as they now are,—not as they once were. If ever I have a son, he certainly shall find in me an indulgent father. For the means both of knowing and of pardoningOf knowing and of pardoning: There is a jingle intended here in the resemblance of the words cognoscendi, knowing, and ignoscendi, pardoning. his faults shall be found by me; not like mine, who by means of another person, discloses to me his own sentiments.
215
I’m plagued to death,—when he drinks a little more than usual, what pranks of his own he does relate to me! Now he says, Take warning from others of what may be to your advantage. How shrewd! He certainly does not know how deaf I am at the moment when he’s telling his stories. Just now, the words of my mistress make more impression upon me. Give me this, and bring me that, she cries; I have nothing to say to her in answer, and no one is there more wretched than myself.
220
But this Clinia, although he, as well, has cares enough of his own, still has a mistress of virtuous and modest breeding, and a stranger to the arts of a courtesan. Mine is a craving, saucy, haughty, extravagant creature, full of lofty airs. Then all that I have to give her is—fair wordsIs—fair words: Recte est. It is supposed that he pauses before uttering these words, which mean very well, or very good, implying the giving an assent without making a promise; he tells the reason, in saying that he has scruples or prejudices against confessing that he has got nothing to give her.—for I make it a point not to tell her that I have nothing. This misfortune I met with not long since, nor does my father as yet know any thing of the matter.
225
[Textpart 2]
If my love-affairs had been prosperous for me, I am sure she would have been here by this; but I’m afraid that the damsel has been led astray here in my absence. Many things combine to strengthen this opinion in my mind; opportunity, the place, her age, a worthless mother, under whose control she is, with whom nothing but gain is precious.
230
CLINIA
Alas! wretched me!
CLITIPHO
Do, pray, take care that no one coming out of your father’s house sees you here by accident.
235
CLINIA
I will do so; but really my mind presages I know not what misfortune.
CLITIPHO
Do you persist in making up your mind upon that, before you know what is the fact?
CLINIA
Had no misfortune happened, she would have been here by this.
CLITIPHO
She’ll be here presently.
CLINIA
When will that presently be?
CLITIPHO
You don’t consider that it is a great way fiom here.Great way from here: That is, from the place where they are, in the country, to Athens. Besides, you know the ways of women,
while they are bestirring themselves, and while they are making preparations a whole year passes by.
240
CLINIA
O Clitipho, I’m afraid—
240
CLITIPHO
Take courage. Look, here comes Dromo, together with Syrus: they are close at hand.
[Textpart 3]
Do you say so?
DROMO
’Tis as I told you,—
but in the mean time, while we’ve been carrying on our discourse, these women have been left behind.
