Perde 5
[Textpart 4]
Is it not most heinous? Who ever saw any one taken up as a ravisher in a courtesan’s house?
PYTHIAS
I don’t know.
960
PARMENO
But that you mayn’t be ignorant of this, Pythias, I tell you, and give you notice that he is my master’s son.
960
PYTHIAS
How! Prithee, is it he?
PARMENO
Don’t let Thais suffer any violence to be done to him. But why don’t I go in myself?
PYTHIAS
Take care, Parmeno, what you are about, lest you both do him no good and come to harm yourself; for it is their notion,
that whatever has happened, has originated in you.
965
PARMENO
What then, wretch that I am, shall I do, or how resolve? But look, I see the old gentleman returning from the country; shall I tell him or shall I not? By my troth, I will tell him; although I am certain that a heavy punishment is in readiness for me; but it’s a matter of necessity, in order that he may rescue him.
965
PYTHIAS
You are wise. I’m going in-doors; do you relate to him every thing exactly as it happened.
[Textpart 5]
I have this advantageThis advantage: Donatus here observes that the Poet introduces Laches, as he has Parmeno just before, in a state of perfect tranquillity, that their sudden change of feeling may be the more diverting to the Audience. from my country-house being so near at hand; no weariness, either of country or of town, ever takes possession of me; when satiety begins to come on, I change my locality. But is not that our Parmeno? Surely it is he. Whom are you waiting for, Parmeno, before the door here?
970
PARMENO
Who is it (Turning round.) Oh, I’m glad that you have returned safe.
975
LACHES
Whom are you waiting for?
PARMENO
I’m undone: my tongue cleaves to my mouth through fright.
LACHES
Why, what is it you are trembling about? Is all quite right? Tell me.
PARMENO
Master, in the first place, I would have you persuaded of what is the fact; whatever has happened in this affair has happened through no fault of mine.
PARMENO
Really you have reason to ask. I ought first to have told you the circumstances. Phaedria purchased a certain Eunuch, to make a present of to this woman here.
980
LACHES
Bought? Good heavens, I’m undone! For how much?
