Perde 2
[Textpart 1]
And is it possible that Antipho has taken a wife without my consent? and that no authority of mine—but let alone authorityLet alone authority Ac mitto imperium. Cicero has quoted this passage in his Epistles to Atticus, B. ii. Ep. 19.—no displeasure of mine, at all events, has he been in dread of? To have no sense of shame! O audacious conduct! O Geta, rare adviser!
GETA
Just brought in at last.
DEMIPHO
What will they say to me, or what excuse will they find?
GETA
Why, I’ve found that out already; do think of something else.
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DEMIPHO
Will he be saying this to me: I did it against my will; the law compelled me? I hear you, and admit it.
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DEMIPHO
But knowingly, in silence, to give up the cause to his adversaries—did the law oblige him to do that as well?
GETA
That is a hard blow.
PHAEDRIA
I’ll clear that up; let me alone for that.
DEMIPHO
It is a matter of doubt what I am to do; for beyond expectation, and quite past all belief, has this befallen me.
So enraged am I, that I can not compose my mind to think upon it. Wherefore it is the duty of all persons, when affairs are the most prosperous,When affairs are the most prosperous. Cicero quotes this passage in the Third Book of his Tusculan Questions, and the maxim here inculcated was a favorite one with the Stoic philosophers. then in especial to reflect within themselves in what way they are to endure adversity. Returning from abroad, let him always picture to himself dangers and losses, either offenses committed by a son, or the death of his wife, or the sickness of a daughter,—
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that these things are the common lot, so that no one of them may ever come as a surprise upon his feelings. Whatever falls out beyond his hopes, all that he must look upon as so much gain.
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GETA
O Phaedria, it is incredible how much I surpass my master in wisdom. All my misfortunes have been already calculated upon by me, upon my master coming home. I must grind at the mill, be beaten, wear fetters,
be set to work in the fields; not one individual thing of these will happen unexpected by my mind. Whatever falls out beyond my expectations, all that I shall look upon as so much gain. But why do you hesitate to accost him, and soften him at the outset with fair words?
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DEMIPHO
I see Phaedria, my brother’s son, coming toward me.
PHAEDRIA
My uncle, welcome!
DEMIPHO
Greetings to you; but where is Antipho?
PHAEDRIA
That you have arrived in safety—
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DEMIPHO
I believe it; answer my question.
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