Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
By my troth, Euclio, I perceive that you consider me a fit man for you to make sport of in my old age, for no deserts of my own.
EUCLIO
I’ faith, Megadorus, I am not doing so, nor, should I desire it, had I the meansHad I the means: Neque, si cupiam, copia est. In saying this, Euclio intends to play upon the words of Megadorus, ludos facias, which may either signify you make sport of me, or you give a public show or spectacle, which the wealthy Patricians of Rome were in the habit of doing. Euclio pretends to take his words in the latter sense, and replies, I couldn’t even if I would, by reason of his poverty, as he pretends. It was usual for the Aediles to provide the spectacles from their private resources, from which circumstance one who lived a life of extravagance was said Aedilitatem petere, to be aspiring to the Aedileship..
MEGADORUS
How now? Do you then betroth your daughter to me?
255
EUCLIO
On those terms, and with that portion which I mentioned to you.
255
MEGADORUS
Do you promise her then?
MEGADORUS
May the Gods bestow their blessings on it.
EUCLIO
May the Gods so do. Take you care of this, and remember that we’ve agreed, that my daughter is not to bring you any portion.
EUCLIO
But I understand in what fashion you, of your class, are wont to equivocate;
an agreement is no agreement, no agreement is an agreement, just as it pleases you.
260
MEGADORUS
I’ll have no misunderstanding with you. But what reason is there why we shouldn’t have the nuptials this day?
EUCLIO
Why, by my troth, there is very good reason for them.
MEGADORUS
I’ll go, then, and prepare matters. Do you want me in any way?
EUCLIO
That shall be done. Fare you well.
MEGADORUS
Hallo! Strobilus, follow me quickly, in all haste, to the fleshmarket.
EUCLIO
He has gone hence. Immortal Gods, I do beseech you! How powerful is gold! I do believe, now, that he has had some intimation that I’ve got a treasure at home; he’s gaping for that; for the sake of that has he persisted in this alliance.
265
[Textpart 3]
Where are you who have now been blabbing to all my neighbours that I’m going to give a portion to my daughter? Hallo! Staphyla, I’m calling you!
EUCLIO
Don’t you hear? Make haste in-doors there, and wash the vessels clean. I’ve promised my daughter in marriage; to-day I shall give her to be married to Megadorus here.
270
STAPHYLA
May the Gods bestow their blessings on it! But, i’ faith, it cannot be; ’tis too sudden.
