Perde 2
[Textpart 3]
Whom did you say?
390
PHORMIO
Stilpho, I tell you; you knew him.
390
DEMIPHO
I neither know him, nor had I ever any relation of that name.
PHORMIO
Say you so? Are you not ashamed of this? But if he had left you ten talents—
DEMIPHO
May the Gods confound you!
PHORMIO
You’d have been the first, from memory,
to trace your line of kindred, even as far back as from grandfather and great-grandfather.
395
DEMIPHO
Very likely what you say. In that case, when I had undertaken it, I should have shown how she was related to me; do you do the same: tell me, how is she related to me?
GETA
Well done, my master, that’s right! (Threateningly to PHORMIO.) Hark you, take you care.
PHORMIO
I’ve already made the matter quite plain where I ought,
before the judges; besides, if it was untrue, why didn’t your son disprove it?
400
DEMIPHO
Do you talk about my son to me? Of whose folly there is no speaking in the language it deserves.
PHORMIO
Then do you, who are so wise, go to the magistrates, that for you they may give a second decision in the same cause,
since you reign aloneSince you reign alone. This is a remark well put into the mouth of an Athenian, as the public were very jealous of any person becoming paramount to the laws, and to prevent it, were frequently guilty of the most odious oppression. here, and are the only man allowed to get a second trial in the same cause.
405
DEMIPHO
Although wrong has been done me, still, however, rather than engage in litigation, or listen to you, just as though she had been my relation, as the law orders
one to find her a portion, rid me of her, and take five minae.
410
PHORMIO
laughing.) Ha, ha, ha! a pleasant individual!
DEMIPHO
Well! am I asking any thing unfair? Or am I not to obtain even this, which is my right at common law?
PHORMIO
Pray, really is it so, that when you have abused-her like a courtesan, the law orders you to pay her hire and pack her off? Or
is it the fact, that in order that a citizen may bring no disgrace upon herself through poverty, she has been ordered to be given to her nearest relative, to pass her life with him alone? A thing which you mean to prevent.
415
