Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
The matter’s all right; he promises well; he’ll keep faith, I trust.
EPIDICUS
Without any expenditure of my own, an entertainment An entertainment: As already mentioned, symbola was a club entertainment, or pic-nic (in the original sense of the word), where each provided his own share of the provisions. is already provided for my shoulder-blades. I’ll accost the man. (He goes up to STRATIPPOCLES.) The servant Epidicus wishes health to his master Stratippocles, on his arrival from abroad.
125
STRATIPPOCLES
Where is he?
EPIDICUS
Here he is; I’m delighted that you have returned safe.
STRATIPPOCLES
I believe you as much in that as I do myself.
EPIDICUS
Have you been well all along?
STRATIPPOCLES
I’ve been free from disease; in mind I’ve been ailing.
EPIDICUS
As regarded myself, I’ve taken care of what you entrusted to me; it has been obtained; the female captive has been bought, about which matter you were sending me letters so often.
130
STRATIPPOCLES
You’ve lost all your labour.
EPIDICUS
But why have I lost it?
STRATIPPOCLES
Because she is not dear to my heart, nor does she please me.
EPIDICUS
What means it, then, that you gave me such strict injunctions, and sent letters to me?
STRATIPPOCLES
Formerly I did love her; but now another passion influences my heart.
135
EPIDICUS
I’ faith, it is a shocking thing for that to be unpleasant for a man which you have managed well for him; where I’ve done well, I’ve in reality done ill, since love has shifted sides.
STRATIPPOCLES
I wasn’t right in my mind when I sent those letters to you.
EPIDICUS
Is it proper that I should be the atonement for your folly,
so as for you to substitute my back as the scape-goat As the scape-goat: Succidanea was a term applied to a victim, substituted in place of another which had not given favourable omens. for your folly?
140
STRATIPPOCLES
Why are we making words about that? This man (pointing to himself) has need of forty minae, ready money, and in all haste, for him to pay a Banker, and speedily too.
EPIDICUS
Only tell me from what quarter you wish me to get them. From what banker am I to seek them?
STRATIPPOCLES
From where you like. But if I don’t finger them before sunset,
