Perde 5
[Textpart 2]
By my troth, I really do believe they are without any ill design.
PHILOXENUS
This happens to us deservedly, for having come here.
1st BACCHIS
Well, let them be driven in-doors to foldBe driven in-doors to fold: Cogantur. Literally, let them be driven within. Cogor was the term applied to penning or folding sheep of cattle..
2nd BACCHIS
I don’t know what occasion there is for that, as they have neither milk nor wool. Let them stand as they are.
Of whatever value they have been, they are now out of date; all their fruit has fallen off them by this. Don’t you see, how, straying unattended, they are ranging about at liberty? Why, I fancy that they must be dumb with age; they don’t bleat even, though they are absent from the rest of the flock.
1135
They seem both silly and worthless.
1st BACCHIS
Let’s return in-doors, sister.
1140
NICOBULUS
Stay where you are, both of you; these sheep want you.
1140
2nd BACCHIS
Why, surely this is a prodigy; sheep are addressing us with a human voice.
PHILOXENUS
These sheep will return you the heavy and great injury which they owe to you.
1st BACCHIS
If you owe me aught, I forgive it you; keep it to yourself; I’ll never demand it of you. But what is the reason that you are threatening mischief to us?
PHILOXENUS
Because they say that our two lambs are shut up here.
1145
NICOBULUS
And besides those lambs, my dog is there concealed that bitesThat bites: He alludes to his having been bitten by Chrysalus.. If they are not now produced to us and sent out of the house, we shall be furious rams; we shall attack you forthwith.
1st BACCHIS
Sister, I have something to say to you in private.
2nd BACCHIS
How now, prithee?
NICOBULUS
Whither are they going?
FIRST BACCHIS
Sister, I give to you that old fellow that’s farthest off, that you may have him cleverly smoothed down; I’ll now attack this other one that’s angry; if we can only entice them here indoors.
1150
2nd BACCHIS
I’ll manage my task with cleverness, although ’tis to caress an old skeleton.
1st BACCHIS
Take care and do your best.
2nd BACCHIS
Be quiet; do you do yours; I’ll manage what I have said.
