Perde 1
[Textpart 3]
happy you, were not this one thing wanting, a mind capable of bearing all this with moderation. If you had to deal with that Procurer with whom I have to deal, then you would soon be sensible of it. We are mostly all of us inclined by nature to be dissatisfied with our lot.
170
ANTIPHO
Still, on the other hand, Phaedria, you now seem to me the fortunate man, who still have the liberty, without restraint, of resolving on what pleases you best:
whether to keep, to love on, or to give her up. I, unfortunately, have got my-self into that position, that I have neither rightNeither right. No right to get rid of her in consequence of the judgment which, at the suit of Phormio, has been pronounced against him; nor yet, right to keep her, because of his father insisting upon turning her out of doors. to give her up, nor liberty to retain her. But how’s this? Is it our Geta I see running this way? ’Tis he himself. Alas! I’m dreadfully afraid what news it is he’s now bringing me.
175
[Textpart 4]
Geta, you are undone, unless you instantly find out some expedient;
GETA
so suddenly do such mighty evils now threaten me thus unprepared, which I neither know how to shun, nor how to extricate myself therefrom; for this daring step of:ours can not now any longer be kept a secret. If such a result is not adroitly guarded against, these matters will cause the ruin of myself, or of my master.
180
ANTIPHO
Why, I wonder, is he coming in such fright?:
GETA
Besides, I’ve but a moment left for this matter—my master’s close at hand.
ANTIPHO
What mischief is this?
GETA
When he comes to hear of it, what remedy shall I discover for his anger Am I to speak? I shall irritate him: be silent? I shall provoke him: excuse myself? I should be washing a brickbat.Be washing a brickbat. Laterem lavare, to wash a brick, or tile, was a proverb signifying labor in vain, probably because (if the brick was previously baked) it was impossible to wash away the red color of it. According to some, the saying alluded to the act of washing a brick which had been only dried in the sun, in which case the party so doing both washed away the brick and soiled his own fingers. Alas! unfortunate me! While I am trembling for myself, this Antipho distracts my mind. I am concerned for him; I’m in dread for him: ’tis he that now keeps me here; for had it not been for him, I should have made due provision for my safety, and have taken vengeance on the old man for his crabbedness;
185
I should have scraped up something, and straightway taken to my heels away from here.
190
ANTIPHO
I wonder What running away or theft it is that he’s planning.
GETA
But where shall I find Antipho, or which way go look for him?
PHAEDRIA
He’s mentioning your name.
ANTIPHO
I know not what great misfortune I expect to hear from this messenger.
PHAEDRIA
Why, are you in your senses?
GETA
I’ll make my way homeward; he’s generally there.
PHAEDRIA
Let’s call the fellow back.
195
ANTIPHO
Stop, this instant.
195
GETA
Heyday—with authority enough, whoever you are.
195
