Perde 2
[Textpart 5]
What matters that to you? So long as (pointing to himself) this Jupiter only is propitious to you, do you take care and esteem the lesser Gods at a straw’s value.
330
OLYMPIO
That’s great nonsense; as if you didn’t know how suddenly your human Jupiters take to dying.
So after all, if you, my Jupiter, are dead and gone, when your realm devolves upon the lesser Gods, who shall then come to the rescue of my back, or head, or legs?
335
STALINO
Affairs will go with you better than you expect, if I obtain this—the enjoyment of my Casina.
OLYMPIO
I’ faith, I do not think it possibly can be; so earnestly is your wife striving that she shall not be given to me.
340
STALINO
But this way I’ll proceed: I’ll put the lots in an urn, and draw the lots for yourself and Chalinus. I find that the business has come to this pass; it’s necessary to fight with swords hand to hand.
OLYMPIO
What, if the lot should turn out different from what you wish?
345
STALINO
Speak with good omen. I rely upon the Gods; we’ll trust in the Gods.
OLYMPIO
That expression I wouldn’t purchase at a rotten thread, for all people are relying upon the Gods; but still I’ve frequently seen many of those deceived who relied upon the Gods.
STALINO
But hold your tongue a little while. (Pointing.)
350
OLYMPIO
What is it you mean?
350
STALINO
Why look; here’s Chalinus coming from the house, out here, with the urn and the lots. Now, with standards closing, we shall fight.
350
[Textpart 6]
Let me know, Chalinus, what my husband wants with me.
CHALINUS
By my troth, he wants to see you burning outside of the Metian gateThe Metian gate: As he writes for a Roman audience, the author does not see any impropriety in speaking of the Metian gate, although the scene is at Athens. The bodies of the dead were burned outside of the Metian or Esquiline gate..
CLEOSTRATA
I’ faith, I believe he does want that.
355
CHALINUS
But, by my troth, I don’t believe it, but I know it for certain.
355
STALINO
I’ve got more men of business than I imagined: I’ve got this fellow, a Diviner, in my house. What, if we move our standards nearer, and go to meet them? Follow me. (Goes up to CLEOSTRATA and CHALINUS.) What are you about?
CHALINUS
All the things are here which you ordered; your wife, the lots, the urn, and myself.
STALINO
By yourself only, there is more here than I want.
CHALINUS
I’ faith, so it seems to you indeed. I’m a stinger to you now; I’m pricking that dear little heart of yours; even now it’s palpitating from alarm.
360
