Perde 4
[Textpart 4]
Take the child, for surely that
LACHES
is not in fault; I will consider about the mother afterward.
700
PAMPHILUS
In every way I am wretched, and what to do I know not; with so many troubles is my father now besetting wretched me on every side. I’ll go away from here, since I avail but little by my presence. For without my consent, I do not believe that they will bring up the child,
especially as on that point my mother-in-law will second me.
705
LACHES
Do you run away? What, and give me no distinct answer? (To PHIDIPPUS.) Does he seem to you to be in his senses? Let him alone. Phidippus, give me the child; I’ll bring it up.
PHIDIPPUS
By all means. No wonder if my wife has taken this amiss:
women are resentful; they do not easily put up with such things. Hence that anger of hers, for she herself told me of it; I would not mention this to you in his presence, and at first I did not believe her; but now it is true beyond a doubt; for I see that his feelings are altogether averse to marriage.
710
LACHES
What am I to do, then, Phidippus? What advice do you give?
715
PHIDIPPUS
What are you to do? I am of opinion that first we ought to go to this mistress of his. Let us use entreaties with her; then let us rebuke her; and at last, let us very seriously threaten her, if she gives him any encouragement in future.
LACHES
I will do as you advise. (Turning to an ATTENDANT.) Ho, there, boy! run to the house of Bacchis here,
our neighbor; desire her, in my name, to come hither. (Exit ATTENDANT.) And you, I further entreat, to give me your assistance in this affair.
720
PHIDIPPUS
Well, I have already said, and I now say again to the same effect, Laches, I wish this alliance between us to continue, if by any means it possibly may, which I trust will be the case.
But should you likeBut should you like: Donatus observes that Phidippus utters these words with an air of disinclination to be present at the conference; and, indeed, the characters are well sustained, as it would not become him coolly to discourse with a courtesan, whom he supposes to have alienated Pamphilus from his daughter, although he might very properly advise it, as being likely to conduce to the peace of both families. me to be with you while you meet her?
725
LACHES
Why yes; but first go and get some one as a nurse for the child.
