Perde 3
[Textpart 1]
I’ve disclosed the whole matter to you; follow, my Silenium, that you may rather belong to those to whom you ought to belong, than be mine. Although against my will I shall part with you, still I’ll reconcile my mind to consult that which in especial conduces to your benefit. (Giving her a casket.)
MELAENIS
For here in this are the trinkets Are the trinkets: The discovery in the Rudens depends on a similar circumstance. This custom of attaching trinkets to the persons of children when exposed, will be more fully remarked upon in the Notes to the Translation of Terence., together with which she who gave you to me formerly brought you to me; that your parents may recognize you the more easily. Take this casket, Halisca, and then go and knock at that door (pointing to the house of DEMIPHO): say that I request that some one will come from within. Make haste, quickly.
635
ALCESIMARCHUS
Death, receive me unto thyself, a friend and well-wisher to me!
SILENIUM
My mother, to our sorrow, we are undone!
ALCESIMARCHUS
Whether shall I pierce my side here (striking his right side) or on the left.
MELAENIS
What’s the matter with you?
SILENIUM
Don’t you see Alcesimarchus? He’s grasping a sword.
ALCESIMARCHUS
What art about? Thou art delaying. Quit the light of day.
SILENIUM
Do run and aid him, pray, that he mayn’t kill himself.
ALCESIMARCHUS
O Safety more healthful than my own safety, you now, whether I wish or don’t wish, alone do cause me to live.
MELAENIS
Fie on it! Were you ready to commit such violence?
ALCESIMARCHUS
I’ve nought to do with you—to you I’m dead. (Clasping SILENIUM in his arms.) Her, as I hold her, I’m determined not to lose. For, by heaven, I am resolved henceforth to have her entirely rivetted fast unto me. (Goes to the door of the house, and calls.) Where are you, servants? Shut the door with bolts, with bars,
when I shall have carried her within the threshold!
650
MELAENIS
He’s gone off: he has carried the damsel away. I’ll go—I’ll at once follow him in-doors, that he may know of me these same things, if from being angered with me I can render him pleased.
650
