Perde 5
[Textpart 7]
Let him go then.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
What business have you to touch me? Thump them with your fists.
MESSENIO
Come, begone, fly hence to utter perdition with you. (Three run away.) Here’s for you, too (giving the fourth one a punch); because you are the last to yield, you shall have this for a reward. (They all disappear.) Right well have I marked his face, and quite to my liking.
Troth, now, master, I really did come to your help just now in the nick of time.
1020
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
And may the Gods, young man, whoever you are, ever bless you. For, had it not been for you, I should never have survived this day until sunset.
MESSENIO
By my troth, then, master, if you do right, you will give me my freedom.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I, give you your freedom?
MESSENIO
Doubtless: since, master, I have saved you.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
How’s this?
Young man, you are mistaken.
1025
MESSENIO
How, mistaken?
1025
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
By father Jove, I solemnly swear that I am not your master.
1025
MESSENIO
Will you not hold your peace?
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I’m telling no lie; nor did any servant of mine ever do such a thing as you have done for me.
MESSENIO
In that case, then, let me go free, if you deny that I am your servant.
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
By my faith, so far, indeed, as I’m concerned, be free, and go where you like.
MESSENIO
That is, you order me to do so?
1030
MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus.
I’ faith, I do order you, if I have aught of authority over you.
1030
MESSENIO
Save you, my patron. Since you seriously give me my freedom,
