Perde 2
[Textpart 3]
Let’s be off.
PARMENO
Do you still persist?
CHAEREA
I am resolved upon it.
PARMENO
Only take care that this isn’t too rash a project.
CHAEREA
Certainly it isn’t; let me alone for that.
380
PARMENO
Aye, but I shall have to pay the penaltyHave to pay the penalty. In me cudetur faba, literally, the bean will be struck or laid about me; meaning, I shall have to smart for it. There is considerable doubt what is the origin of this expression, and this doubt existed as early as the time of Donatus. He says that it was a proverb either taken from the threshing of beans with a flail by the countrymen; or else from the circumstance of the cooks who have dressed the beans, but have not moistened them sufficiently, being sure to have them thrown at their heads, as though for the purpose of softening them. Neither of these solutions seems so probable as that suggested by Madame Dacier, that dried beans were inserted in the thongs of the scuticae, or whips, with which the slaves were beaten. According to others the knots in the whips were only called fabae, from their resemblance to beans. for this?
380
PARMENO
We shall be guilty of a disgraceful action.
CHAEREA
What, is it disgracefulIs it disqraceful. Donatus remarks that here Terence obliquely defends the subject of the Play. to be taken to the house of a Courtesan, and to return the compliment upon those tormentors who treat us and our youthful age so scornfully, and who are always tormenting us in every way;—to dupe them just as we are duped by them?
Or is it right and proper that in preference my father should be wheedled out of his money by deceitful pretexts? Those who knew of this would blame me; while all would think the other a meritorious act.
385
PARMENO
What’s to be done in such case? If you are determined to do it, you must do it: but don’t you by-and-by be throwing the blame upon me.
CHAEREA
I shall not do so.
PARMENO
Do you order me, then?
CHAEREA
I order, charge, and command you; I will never disavow my authorizing you.
PARMENO
Follow me; may the Gods prosper it!
