Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
Can you imagine to what an extent? Observe the consequence. The day after, he goes straight to the old woman; entreats her to let him have her: she, on the other hand, refuses him, and says that he is not acting properly; that, she is a citizen of Athens,
GETA
virtuous, and born of honest parents: that if he wishes to make her his wife, he is at liberty to do so according to law; but if otherwise, she gives him a refusal. Our youth was at a loss what to. do. He was both eager to marry her, and he dreaded his absent father.
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DAVUS
Would not his father, if he had returned, have given him leave?
GETA
He let him marry a girl with no fortune, and of obscure birth! He would never do so.
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DAVUS
What came of it at last?
GETA
What came of it? There is one Phormio here, a Parasite, a fellow of great assurance; may all the Gods confound him!
GETA
He has given this piece of advice, which I will tell you of.
There is a law, that orphan girls are to marry those who are their next-of-kin; and the same law commands such persons to marry them. I’ll say you are the next-of-kin, and take out a summonsTake out a summons: Dica was the writ or summons with which an action at law was commenced. against you; I’ll pretend that I am a friend of the girl’s father; we will come before the judges: who her father was,
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who her mother, how she is related to you—all this I’ll trump up, just as will be advantageous and suited to my purpose; on your disproving none of these things, I shall prevail, of course. Your father will return; a quarrel will be the consequence; what care I? She will still be ours.
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DAVUS
An amusing piece of assurance!
GETA
He was, persuaded to this. It was carried out; they came into court: we were beaten. He has married her.
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DAVUS
What is it you tell me?
GETA
Just what you have heard.
DAVUS
O Geta, what will become of you?
GETA
Upon my faith, I don’t know; this one thing I do know, whatever fortune may bring, I’ll bear it with firmness.
DAVUS
You please me; well, that is the duty of a man.
GETA
All my hope is in myself.
GETA
Suppose I have recourse to some one to intercede for me, who will plead for me in these terms: Pray, do forgive him this time; but if after this he does any thing, I make no entreaty: if only he doesn’t add, When I’ve gone, e’en kill him for my part.
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