Perde 4
[Textpart 2]
Did you suppose that you could possibly commit these villanies unknown to me?
605
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
By heavens, you have assuredly taken that away from me at a heavy usury;
such is the return Such is the return: Sic datur. Literally, thus it is given, or on these terms it is lent. Some Commentators will have it, that these words are accompanied with a slap on the face, in which case they will be equivalent to there, take that. They may, however, simply mean, such are the terms on which you had my mantle, such are the results of your lending; her abuse and indignation, accompanied, perhaps, with a threat, being the foenus, or interest for the loan..
PENICULUS
Such is the return. Do you make haste to eat up the breakfast in my absence; and then in your drunkenness make fun of me, with your chaplet on, before the house.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
By all the powers, I have neither breakfasted, nor have I this day set foot inside of that house.
630
PENICULUS
Do you deny it?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
By my troth, I really do deny it.
PENICULUS
Nothing is there more audacious than this fellow. Did I not just now see you standing here before the house, with a chaplet of flowers on, when you were declaring that my headpiece wasn’t sound, and declaring that you didn’t know me, and saying that you were a foreigner?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
On the contrary, as some time since I parted with you, so I’m now returning home at last.
635
PENICULUS
I understand you. You didn’t think it was in my power to take vengeance upon you; i’ faith, I’ve told it all to your wife.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Told her what?
PENICULUS
I don’t know; ask her own self.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
What’s this, wife? Pray, what has he been telling you? What is it? Why are you silent? Why don’t you say what it is?
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
As though you didn’t know.
I’ faith, I certainly am a miserable woman.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Why are you a miserable woman? tell me.
THE WIFE OF MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Do you ask me?
640
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Faith, I shouldn’t ask you if I knew.
640
PENICULUS
O the wicked fellow; how he does dissemble. You cannot conceal it; she knows the matter thoroughly; by my faith, I’ve disclosed everything.
640
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
What is it?
