Perde 5
[Textpart 8]
It’s a wonder if this sort of man can not be made use of in some way or other.
GNATHO
You act properly. One thing I have still to beg of you,—that you’ll receive me into your fraternity; I’ve been rolling that stoneBeen rolling that stone: Donatus thinks that he alludes to the story of Sisyphus, who, in the Infernal Regions, was condemned eternally to roll a stone up a hill, which, on arriving at the summit, immediately fell to the bottom. for a considerable time past.
CHAEREA
And with all my heart.
1085
GNATHO
Then I, in return for this, Phaedria, and you, Chaerea, make him over to youMake him over to you. Vobis propino. The word propino was properly applied to the act of tasting a cup of wine, and then handing it to another; he means that he has had his taste of the Captain, and is now ready to hand him over to them. to be eaten and drunk to the dregs.
1085
PHAEDRIA
He quite deserves it.He quite deserves it. Cooke has the following appropriate remark: I can not think that this Play, excellent as it is in almost all other respects, concludes consistently with the manners of gentlemen; there is a meanness in Phaedria and Chaerea consenting to take Thraso into their society, with a view of fleecing him, which the Poet should have avoided.
GNATHO
Thraso, whenever you please, step this way.
THRASO
Prithee, how goes it?
GNATHO
How? Why, these people didn’t know you; after I had discovered to them your qualities, and had praised you as your actions and your virtues deserved,
I prevailed upon them.
1090
THRASO
You have managed well; I give you my best thanks. Besides, I never was any where but what all were extremely fond of me.
1090
GNATHO
Didn’t I tell you that he was a master of the Attic elegance?
PHAEDRIA
He is no other than you mentioned. (Pointing to his FATHER’s house.) Walk this way.
(To the AUDIENCE.) Fare you well, and grant us your applause.
