Perde 3
[Textpart 2]
To have in your possession the object of your love,
PHAEDRIA
and have no occasion to encounter such a nuisance as this.
505
ANTIPHO
What I, in my possession? Why yes, as the saying is, I’ve got a wolf by the ears;A wolf by the ears: A proverbial expression which, according to Suetonius, was frequently in the mouth of Tiberius Caesar. for I neither know how to get rid of her, nor yet how to keep her.
DORIO
That’s just my case with regard to him (pointing to PHAEDRIA).
ANTIPHO
Aye, aye, don’t you show too little of the Procurer. (To PHAEDRIA.) What has he been doing?
PHAEDRIA
What, he? Acting the part of a most inhuman fellow;
been and sold my Pamphila.
510
ANTIPHO
Sold her, say you?
510
DORIO
What a shocking crime—a wench bought with one’s own money!
PHAEDRIA
I can not prevail upon him to wait for me the next three days, and so far break off the bargain with the person, while I get the money from my friends, which has been promised me; if I don’t give it him then, let him not wait a single hour longer.
ANTIPHO
It’s not a long time that he asks, Dorio; do let him prevail upon you; he’ll pay you two-fold for having acted to him thus obligingly.
515
ANTIPHO
Will you allow Pamphila to be carried away from this place? And then, besides, can you possibly allow their love to be severed asunder?
DORIO
Neither I nor you cause that.
GETA
May all the Gods grant you what you are deserving of!
DORIO
I have borne with you for several months quite against my inclination; promising and whimpering, and yet bringing nothing; now, on the other hand, I have found one to pay, and not be sniveling; give place to your betters.
520
ANTIPHO
I’ faith, there surely was a day named, if I remember right, for you to pay him.
