Perde 3
[Textpart 2]
Never on any occasion did I hear my master talk more to the purpose;
SYRUS
nor at any time could I believe that I was authorized to play the rogue with greater impunity. I wonder who it is coming out of our house?
560
[Textpart 3]
Pray, what does this mean? What behavior is this, Clitipho? Is this acting as becomes you?
CLITIPHO
What have I done?
CHREMES
Did I not see you just now putting your hand into this Courtesan’s bosom?
SYRUS
It’s all up with us—I’m utterly undone!
CHREMES
With these self-same eyes I saw it—don’t deny it.
Besides, you wrong him unworthily in not keeping your hands off: for indeed it is a gross affront to entertain a person, your friend, at your house, and to take liberties with his mistress. Yesterday, for instance, at wine, how rude you were—
565
SYRUS
’Tis the truth’Tis the truth: Factum. Done for is another translation which this word will here admit of.
CHREMES
How annoying you were! So much so, that for my part, as the Gods may prosper me, I dreaded what in the end might be the consequence.
I understand lovers. They resent highly things that you would not imagine.
570
CLITIPHO
But he has full confidence in me, father, that I would not do any thing of that kind.
CHREMES
Be it so; still, at least, you ought to go somewhere for a little time away from their presence. Passion prompts to many a thing; your presence acts as a restraint upon doing them. I form a judgment from myself. There’s not one of my friends this day
to whom I would venture, Clitipho, to disclose all my secrets. With one, his station forbids it; with another, I am ashamed of the action itself, lest I may appear a fool or devoid of shame; do you rest assured that he does the same.That he does the same: Clinia. But it is our part to be sensible of this; and, when and where it is requisite, to show due complaisance.
575
SYRUS
What is it he is saying ?
CLITIPHO
I’m utterly undone!
SYRUS
Clitipho, these same injunctions I gave you.
You have acted the part of a prudent and discreet person.Of a prudent and discreet person: This is said ironically.
580
CLITIPHO
Hold your tongue, I beg.
580
