Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
In his dreams, then, you mean?
TRANIO
Just so. But only listen. He said that he had met with his death by these means—
THEUROPIDES
What, in his sleep?
TRANIO
It would have been surprising if he had told him awake, who had been murdered sixty years ago.
On some occasions you are absurdly simple.
495
But look, what he said: I am the guest of Diapontius, from beyond the seas; here do I dwell; this has been assigned me as my abode; for Orcus would not receive me in Acheron,
because prematurely I lost my life. Through confiding was I deceived: my entertainer slew me here, and that villain secretly laid me in the ground without funereal rites, in this house, on the spot, for the sake of gold. Now do you depart from here; this house is accursed, this dwelling is defiled.
500
The wonders that here take place, hardly in a year could I recount them.
505
THEUROPIDES
Troth now, what has happened, prithee?
TRANIO
The door made a noise.
Was it he that was knocking?
THEUROPIDES
I have not one drop of blood! Dead men are come to fetch me to Acheron, while alive!
TRANIO
I’m undone! those people there will mar my plot. (A noise is heard from within.) How much I dread, lest he should catch me in the fact.
510
THEUROPIDES
What are you talking about to yourself? (Goes near the door.)
TRANIO
Do get away from the door. By heavens, fly, I do beseech you.
THEUROPIDES
Fly where? Fly yourself, as well.
TRANIO
I am not afraid: I am at peace with the dead.
A VOICE
Hallo! Tranio Hallo! Tranio: Weise’s Edition gives these words to Theuropides, Rost, no doubt rightly, suggests that these words are spoken by Philolaches from inside (perhaps in a low voice, to ask Tranio how matters are going on). On this, Tranio turns it to good account, by pretending that the Ghost is calling out to him for his supposed impiety in daring to knock at the door..
515
TRANIO
You won’t be calling me, if you are wise. (Aloud, as if speaking to the APPARITION.) ’Tis not I that’s guilty; I did not knock at the door.
515
