Perde 3
[Textpart 2]
This ought to have been done by him, Syrus.
SYRUS
How now—pray, do you commend servants, who deceive their masters?
CHREMES
Upon occasion—I certainly do commend them.
CHREMES
Inasmuch as it often is the remedy for great disturbances.
Then would this man’s only son have staid at home.
540
SYRUS
Whether he says this in jest or in earnest, I don’t know; only, in fact, that he gives me additional zest for longing still more to trick him.
CHREMES
And what is he now waiting for, Syrus? Is it until his father drives him away from here a second time, when he can no longer support her expenses?Can no longer support her expenses: He refers to Menedemus and Bacchis.
Has he no plot on foot against the old gentleman?
545
SYRUS
He is a stupid fellow.
545
CHREMES
Then you ought to assist him—for the sake of the young man.
SYRUS
For my part, I can do so easily, if you command me; for I know well in what fashion it is usually done.
CHREMES
So much the better, i’ faith.
SYRUS
’Tis not my way to tell an untruth.
SYRUS
But hark you! Just take care and remember this, in case any thing of this sort should perchance happen at a future time, such are human affairs!—your son might do the same.
550
CHREMES
The necessity will not arise, I trust.
SYRUS
I’ faith, and I trust so too: nor do I say so now, because I have suspected him in any way;
but in case, none the moreBut in case, none the more: Sed si quid, ne quid. An instance of Aposiopesis, signifying But if any thing does happen, don’t you blame me.—You see what his age is; (aside) and truly, Chremes,And truly, Chremes: Some suppose that this is said in apparent candor by Syrus, in order the more readily to throw Chremes off his guard. Other Commentators, again, fancy these words to be said by Syrus in a low voice, aside, which seems not improbable; it being a just retribution on Chremes for his recommendation, however well intended: in that case, Chremes probably overhears it, if we may judge from his answer. if an occasion does happen, I may be able to handle you right handsomely.
555
CHREMES
As to that, we’ll consider what is requisite when the occasion does happen. At present do you set about this matter.
