Perde 4
[Textpart 1]
My father gone into the country, say you?
CTESIPHO
Do tell me, I beseech you.
SYRUS
He is at the farm at this very moment,At this very moment: It is very doubtful whether the words cum maxime mean to signify exactly at this moment, or are intended to signify the intensity with which Demea is laboring. I warrant—hard at some work or other.
CTESIPHO
I really wish, provided it be done with no prejudice to his health, I wish that he may so effectually tire himself,
that, for the next three days together, he may be unable to arise from his bed.
520
SYRUS
So be it, and any thing still better than that,Any thing still better than that: Lemaire suggests that by these words Syrus intends to imply that he should not care if Demea were never to arise from his bed, but were to die there. Ctesipho, only taking him heartily to second his own wishes for the old man’s absence, answers affirmatively ita, by all means, exactly so. if possible.
CTESIPHO
Just so; for I do most confoundedly wish to pass this whole day in merry-making as I have begun it; and for no reason do I detest that farm so heartily as for its being so near town. If it were at a greater distance,
night would overtake him there before he could return hither again. Now, when he doesn’t find me there, he’ll come running back here, I’m quite sure; he’ll be asking me where I have been, that I have not seen him all this day: what am I to say?
525
SYRUS
Does nothing suggest itself to your mind?
CTESIPHO
Nothing whatever.
SYRUS
So much the worseSo much the worse: Schmieder observes that tanto nequior might have two meanings,—so much the worse for us, or, as the spectators might understand it, so much the more worthless you.—have you no client, friend, or guest?
CTESIPHO
I have; what then?
SYRUS
You have been engaged with them.
530
CTESIPHO
When I have not been engaged? That can never do.
530
CTESIPHO
During the daytime; but if I pass the night here, what excuse can I make, Syrus?
SYRUS
Dear me, how much I do wish it was the custom for one to be engaged with friends at night as well! But you be easy; I know his humor perfectly well. When he raves the most violently, I can make him as gentle as a lamb.
SYRUS
He loves to hear you praised: I make a god of you to him, and recount your virtues.
535
