Perde 4
[Textpart 10]
But I’ll go hence to the market-place to pay this to the Captain.
1060
CHRYSALUS
For my part, I’ll not receive it; do you seek somebody at once to take it. I won’t have it entrusted to me.
NICOBULUS
But do take it; you’re worrying me now.
CHRYSALUS
For my part, I’ll not take it.
NICOBULUS
But, prithee do.
CHRYSALUS
I am telling you what is the fact.
NICOBULUS
You are delaying me.
CHRYSALUS
I don’t want, I say, the gold to be entrusted to me. At all events, find some person to keep a watch upon me.
NICOBULUS
You’re plaguing me.
1065
CHRYSALUS
Well, give it me, if it must be so.
NICOBULUS
Take care of it. I’ll be back here just now.
CHRYSALUS
I’ve taken care—that you shall be a most wretched old fellow; this is bringing an undertaking to a fair ending; even as it has proved my lot to go rejoicing, laden with the spoil.
With safety to myself, and the city taken by stratagem, I now bring home my whole army unhurt. But, Spectators, don’t you now be surprised that I don’t go in triumph; ’tis such a common thing, I don’t care for it. Still however, the soldiers shall be received with the usual honeyed wine.
1070
Now I’ll carry off all this booty at once to the QuaestorTo the Quaestor: It was the custom of the Romans to deliver to the City Quaestor the plunder taken in war, to be employed in the public service. Here he means his young master, Mnesilochus..
1075
PHILOXENUS
The more I revolve it in my breast, what disturbances my son has raised, into what a course of life, and into what habits he unwittingly has headlong plunged himself, the greater is my concern, and the more do I dread lest he may be ruined or corrupted. I know it; I once was of the same age, and I did all these things; but in a quiet way.
I was gay, I had my mistress, I drank, I feasted, I made presents, but still it was seldom I did so. The methods, too, please me not which I see parents in general employ towards their sons. I have determined to give some latitude to my son, that he may have some scope for his inclinations. I think that’s right; but still, I don’t wish him to give way too much to sloth and wantonness. Now I’m going to Mnesilochus,
1080
to see whether, as I requested, by his endeavours he has turned him for me to virtue and to sobriety; as, indeed, I am sure he has done if he has met him, of such a disposition is he by nature.
