Perde 1
[Textpart 1]
You must be softened down; and, in fact, I offer you my aid in this.
PISTOCLERUS
But you are too expensive an assistant.
1st BACCHIS
Do pretend that you are in love with me.
75
PISTOCLERUS
Whether should I be pretending that in jest, or seriously?
75
1st BACCHIS
Well said! better to do the last. When the Captain comes here, I want youI want you: He is only to pretend to be her admirer when the Captain comes, by way of accounting for his presence and interference on behalf of her sister. This is afterwards rendered unnecessary by his own pliancy, and the arrival of Mnesilochus himself. to embrace me.
PISTOCLERUS
What need is there of my doing that?
1st BACCHIS
I want him to see you. I know what I’m about?
PISTOCLERUS
And I, i’ faith, I know not what I’m in fear of. But what say you—?
1st BACCHIS
What’s the matter now?
PISTOCLERUS
Well, suppose perchance on a sudden a breakfast or a drinking bout,
or else a dinner, should take place at your house, just as is the wont in such places of resort; where, then, should I take my place?
80
1st BACCHIS
Near myself, my life, that with a she wit a he wit may be reclining at the repast. A place here, at our house, should you come late, is always at your service. When you wish right merrily to disport yourself, my rosebud, you say to me, Do let me enjoy myself to-day, I’ll provide you a delightful place where it may be so.
PISTOCLERUS
Here is a rapid stream; not without hazard can this way be passed.
85
1st BACCHIS
And, by my troth, something must you lose amid this stream. (Aloud.) Give me your hand and follow me.
PISTOCLERUS
O, by no means.
PISTOCLERUS
Because to a man in his youth nothing can be more alluring than these—night, women, wine.
1st BACCHIS
Away, then, with you; for my part, I don’t at all care for it, but for your own sake.
The Captain, then, shall take her off; don’t you be present at all if you don’t choose.
90
PISTOCLERUS
And am I a thing of nothing, who cannot moderate my own passions?
