Perde 1
[Textpart 1]
But in solemn form he took an oath before my mother that he would take me as his wife. Now, another woman is about to be taken home by him,
SILENIUM
a Lemnian lady, his relation, who is living here hard by (pointing to DEMIPHO’S house); for his father has compelled him. Now my mother is enraged with me, because I didn’t return home to her, when I came to know of this matter, that he was about to take another as his wife.
100
A PROCURESS
Nothing’s unfair in love.
SILENIUM
Now, I entreat you that you’ll let her (pointing to GYMNASIUM) be here only for the next three days,
and keep house for me; for I’ve been sent for to my mother’s house.
105
A PROCURESS
Although this will be a troublesome three days for me, and you’ll be causing me a loss, I’ll do so.
SILENIUM
You act kindly and like a friend. But you, my dear Gymnasium, if in my absence Alcesimarchus shall come, don’t you chide him roughly; however he has deserved of myself, still he has my affections;
but, prithee, act gently, so that you mayn’t say anything that may cause him pain. Take the keys (giving them to her); if you have need to take out anything for use, take it out. I wish to go—
110
GYMNASIUM
(weeping.) How you have drawn tears from me.
SILENIUM
My dear Gymnasium, kindly, farewell.
GYMNASIUM
Take care of yourself, there’s a dear. Prithee, will you go in this dishabille?
SILENIUM
It’s right that such neglect should attend upon my prospects thus disarranged.
GYMNASIUM
At least do lift up that outer garment Outer garment: Amiculum was a general name for the outer garment, such as the pallium, toga, or chlamys, in contradistinction to the tunica, or under-clothing..
115
SILENIUM
Let it be dragged, while I myself am being dragged down.
115
GYMNASIUM
Since so it pleases you, fare you well and prosper.
SILENIUM
If I could, I would.
GYMNASIUM
Mother, do you wish anything of me, before I go indoors? Upon my faith, to me she does seem to be in love.
A PROCURESS
For this reason, then, it is, that I’m repeatedly dinning it into your ears, not to be in love with any man. Go in-doors.
GYMNASIUM
Do you wish anything of me?
A PROCURESS
That you may fare well.
