Perde 5
[Textpart 8]
What do you advance to me, to make me expect or hope that this will not happen any more?
1025
PHORMIO
Those who haveThose who have: He here uses the terms which it was customary to employ in the celebration of a public funeral. See also the form of proclaiming an auction, at the end of the Menaechmi of Plautus. a mind to come to the funeral of Chremes, why now’s their time. ’Tis thus I retaliate: come now, let him challenge Phormio who pleases: I’ll have him victimizedHave him victimized: Mactatus was the term applied to the pouring of wine and frankincense on the victim about to be sacrificed, on which it was said to be magis auctus, increased, or amplified; which, in time, became corrupted into the word mactatus, or mactus. with just a like mischance. Why then, let him return again into her good graces. I have now had revenge enough.
She has got something for her as long as she lives, to be forever ringing into his ears.
1030
NAUSISTRATA
But it was because I deserved this, I suppose; why should I now, Demipho, make mention of each particular, how I have conducted myself toward him?
DEMIPHO
I know it all, as well as yourself.
NAUSISTRATA
Does it appear, then, that I deserved this treatment?
DEMIPHO
Far from it: but since, by reproaching, it can not now be undone,
forgive him: he entreats you—he begs your pardon—owns his fault—makes an apology. What would you have more?
1035
PHORMIO
But really, before she grants pardon to him, I must take care of myself and Phaedria. (To NAUSISTRATA.) Hark you, Nausistrata, before you answer him without thinking, listen to me.
NAUSISTRATA
What’s the matter?
PHORMIO
I got out of him thirty minae by a stratagem. I give them to your son; he paid them to a Procurer for his mistress.
CHREMES
Ha! what is it you say?
1040
PHORMIO
Does it seem to you so very improper for your son, a young man, to keep one mistress, while you have two wives? Are you ashamed of nothing? With what face will you censure him? Answer me that.
1040
DEMIPHO
He shall do as you wish.
NAUSISTRATA
Nay, that you may now know my determination, I neither forgive nor promise any thing, nor give any answer,
before I see my son: to his decision I leave every thing. What he bids me, I shall do.
1045
DEMIPHO
You are a wise woman, Nausistrata.
NAUSISTRATA
Does that satisfy you, Chremes?
CHREMES
Yes, indeed, I come off well, and fully to my satisfaction; indeed, beyond my expectation.
NAUSISTRATA
Do you tell me, what is your name?
