Perde 5
[Textpart 3]
Yes; that Myrrhina has recognized that ring as her daughter’s, which he formerly gave me.
PARMENO
I understand—is that all?
BACCHIS
That’s all. He will be here directly he has heard this from you. But do you linger?
PARMENO
Far from it, indeed; for I’ve not had the opportunity given me to-day;
so much with running and walking about have I wasted the whole day.
815
BACCHIS
What great joy have I caused for Pamphilus by my coming to-day! How many blessings have I brought him! and from how many sorrows have I rescued him! A son I save for him, when it was nearly perishing through the agency of these women and of himself: a wife, whom he thought that he must cast off forever, I restore to him:
from the suspicion that he lay under with his father and Phidippus, I have cleared him. This ring, in fact, was the cause of these discoveries being made. For I remember, that about ten months ago, at an early hour of night, he came running home to my house, out of breath, without a companion, and surcharged with wine,Surcharged with wine: Cooke has this remark here: I suppose that this is the best excuse the Poet could make for the young gentleman’s being guilty of felony and rape at the same time. In this speech, the incident is related on which the catastrophe of the Play turns, which incident is a very barbarous one, and attended with more than one absurdity, though it is the occasion of an agreeable discovery. with this ring in his hand. I felt alarmed immediately: My Pamphilus, I said, prithee, my dear,
820
why thus breathless, or where did you get that ring?—tell me! He began to pretend that he was thinking of something else. When I saw that, I began to suspect I know not what, and to press him still more to tell me. The fellow confessed that he had ravished some female, he knew not whom, in the street; and said, that while she was struggling, he had taken that ring away from her.
825
Myrrhina here recognized it just now, while I had it on my finger. She asked whence it came: I told her all the story. Hence the discovery has been made that it was Philumena ravished by him, and that this new-born child is his. I am overjoyed that this happiness hsa befallen him through my agency; although other courtesans would not have similar feelings; nor, indeed, is it to our interest
830
that any lover should find pleasure in matrimony. But, i’ faith, I never, for the sake of gain, will give my mind to base actions. So long as I had the opportunity, I found him to be kind, easy, and good-natured. This marriage has fallen out unluckily for me,—that I confess to be the fact. But, upon my word, I do think that I have done nothing for it to befall me deservedly.
835
It is but reasonable to endure inconveniences from one from whom I have received so many benefits.
840
[Textpart 4]
Once more, take care, will you, my dear Parmeno, that you have brought me a faithful and distinct account, so as not to allure me for a short time to indulge in these transient joys.
PARMENO
I have taken care.
PAMPHILUS
I am quite a God, if it is so!
PARMENO
You’ll find it true.
PAMPHILUS
Just stay, will you; I fear that I’m believing one thing, and you are telling another.
PARMENO
I am staying.
845
PAMPHILUS
I think you said to this effect—that Myrrhina had discovered that Bacchis has her ring.
845
