Perde 4
[Textpart 2]
But that lane is not a thoroughfare.
SYRUS
I’ faith, that’s true; dear, dear, would you take me to be in my senses?Take me to be in my senses: Censen hominem me esse? literally, Do you take me to be a human being? meaning, Do you take me to be a person in my common senses? I made a mistake. Return to the portico;
indeed that will be a much nearer way, and there is less going round about you know the house of Cratinus, the rich man?
580
SYRUS
When you have passed that, keep straight along that street on the left hand;Street on the left hand: Theobald, in his edition of Shakspeare, observes that the direction given by Lancelot in the Merchant of Venice seems to be copied from that given here by Syrus: Turn up on your right hand at the next turning, but at the next turning of all on your left; marry, at the very next turning of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew’s house. (2.2) when you come to the Temple of Diana, turn to the right; before you come to the city gate,Come to the city gate: From this we discover that Demea is being sent to the very extremity of the town, as Donatus informs us that ponds of water were always close to the gates of towns, for the purpose of watering the beasts. of burden, and of having a supply at hand in case the enemy should set fire to the city gates. just by that pond, there is a baker’s shop, and opposite to it a joiner’s; there he is.
DEMEA
What is he doing there?
SYRUS
He has given some couches to be made, with oaken legs, for use in the open air.The open air: Donatus remarks that it was usual for the Greeks to sit and drink in the sun; and that Syrus being suddenly asked this question shows his presence of mind by giving this circumstantial answer, that he may the better impose upon Demea. The couches used on such occasions may be presumed to have required stout legs, and to be made of hard wood, such as oak, to prevent them from splitting. Two instances of couches being used for carousing in the open air will be found in the last Scenes of the Asinaria and Stichus of Plautus.
585
DEMEA
For you to carouse upon! Very fine ! But why do I delay going to him?
SYRUS
Go, by all means. I’ll work you to day, you skeleton,You skeleton: Silicernium. This was said to be the name of a funeral entertainment or dish of meats offered up to the umbras or manes, in silence. The word is also said to have been applied to an old man from his stooping postures, silices cernit, he looks at the stones. as you deserve. Aeschinus loiters intolerably; the breakfast’s spoiling; and as for Ctesipho, he’s head and ears in love.Head and ears in love: Totus, literally, quite or altogether. I shall now think of myself,
for I’ll be off at once, and pick out the very nicest bit, and, leisurely sipping my cups,Sipping my cups: As to the cyathi and cups of the ancients, see the last Scene of the Stichus of Plautus, which is a perfect specimen of a carousal among the lower classes in ancient times. See also the last Scene of the Asinaria. The slaves generally appear to have taken part in the entertainments with their young masters. I’ll lengthen out the day.
590
[Textpart 3]
I can see no reason here, Hegio, that I should be so greatly commended. I do my duty; the wrong that has originated with us I redress.
MICIO
Unless, perhaps, you thought me one of that class of men who think that an injury is purposely done them if you expostulate about any thing they have done; and yet are themselves the first to accuse. Because I have not acted thus, do you return me thanks?
HEGIO
Oh, far from it; I never led myself to believe you to be otherwise than you are; but I beg, Micio, that you will go with me to the mother of the young woman, and repeat to her the same; what you have told me, do you yourself tell the woman,
that this suspicion of Aeschinus’s fidelity was incurred on his brother’s account, and that this Music-girl was for him.
600
MICIO
If you think I ought, or if there is a necessity for doing so, let us go.
HEGIO
You act with kindness; for you’ll then both have relieved her mind who is now languishing in sorrow and affliction, and have discharged your duty. But if you think otherwise, I will tell her myself what you have been saying to me.
MICIO
Nay, I’ll go as well.
HEGIO
You act with kindness;
all who are in distressed circumstances are suspicious,Are suspicious: These lines are supposed to be founded on some verses of Menander which are still extant. to I know not what degree; they take every thing too readily as an affront; they fancy themselves trifled with on account of their helpless condition; therefore it will be more satisfactory for you to justify him to them yourself.
605
[Textpart 4]
I am quite distracted in mind! for this misfortune so unexpectedly to befall me, that I neither know what to do with myself, or how to act! My limbs are enfeebled through fear, my faculties bewildered with apprehension; no counsel is able to find a place within my breast.
610
