Perde 5
[Textpart 6]
It is proper that his back That his back: For the purpose of keeping his back intact from the whip, and his feet from the fetters. should be of more consequence than his appetite, his legs than his stomach, whose heart is rightly placed. Let him bear in mind, those who are good for nothing, what reward is given them by their masters—lazy, worthless fellows. Stripes, fetters,
970
MESSENIO
the mill, weariness, hunger, sharp cold; these are the rewards of idleness. This evil do I terribly stand in awe of. Wherefore ’tis sure that to be good is better than to be bad. Much more readily do I submit to words, stripes I do detest; and I eat what is ground much more readily than supply it ground by myself Ground by myself: He alludes to the custom of sending refractory slaves to the pistrinum, where the corn was ground by a handmill, which entailed extreme labour on those grinding. He says that he would rather that others should grind the corn for him, than that he should grind it for others..
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Therefore do I obey the command of my master, carefully and diligently do I observe it; and in such manner do I pay obedience, as I think is for the interest of my back. And that course does profit me. Let others be just as they take it to be their interest; I shall be just as I ought to be.
980
If I adhere to that, I shall avoid faultiness; so that I am in readiness for my master on all occasions, I shall not be much afraid. The time is near, when, for these deeds of mine, my master will give his reward.
After I had deposited the goods and the servants in the inn, as he ordered me, thus am I come to meet him. (Going to the door of EROTIUM’S house.) Now I’ll knock at the door, that he may know that I’m here, and that out of this thick wood This thick wood: He compares the house of the Courtesan to a forest or thicket. These latter places, as being frequently the lurking-places of thieves and robbers, would be especially dangerous to travellers. of peril I may get my master safe out of doors. But I’m afraid that I’m come too late, after the battle has been fought.
[Textpart 7]
By Gods and men, I tell you prudently to pay regard to my commands, as to what I have commanded and do command. Take care that this person is carried at once upon your shoulders to the surgery, unless, indeed, you set no value upon your legs or your sides. Take care each of you to regard at a straw whatever threats he shall utter.
990
OLD MAN
What are you standing for? Why are you hesitating? By this you ought to have had him carried off on your shoulders. I’ll go to the Doctor; I’ll be there ready when you shall come. (Exit. The SERVANTS gather around MENAECHMUS.)
995
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I’m undone. What business is this? Why are these men running towards me, pray? What do you want? What do you seek? Why do you stand around me? (They seize and drag him.) Whither are you dragging me? Whither are you carrying me? I’m undone. I entreat your assistance,
citizens, men of Epidamnus, come and help me. (To the men.) Why don’t you let me go?
1000
MESSENIO
O ye immortal Gods, I beseech you, what do I behold with my eyes? Some fellows, I know not who, are most disgracefully carrying off my master upon their shoulders.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Who is it that ventures to bring me aid?
MESSENIO
I, master, and right boldly. (Aloud.) O shameful and scandalous deed, citizens of Epidamnus, for my master,
here in a town enjoying peace, to be carried off, in daylight, in the street, who came to you a free man. Let him go.
1005
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
Prithee, whoever you are, do lend me your aid, and don’t suffer so great an outrage to be signally committed against me.
MESSENIO
Aye, I’ll give you my aid, and I’ll defend you, and zealously succour you. I’ll never let you come to harm; ’tis fitter that I myself should come to harm.
I’ll now make a sowing on the faces of these fellows, and there I’ll plant my fists. I’ faith, you’re carrying this person off this day at your own extreme hazard. Let him go. (He lays about him.)
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MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I’ve got hold of this fellow’s eye.
MESSENIO
Make the socket of his eye be seen in his head.
You rascals! you villains! you robbers!
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THE SERVANTS
We are undone. Troth, now, prithee, do—
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