Perde 4
[Textpart 2]
Nay but, I’ll cause him to be ruined before he moves one foot Moves one foot: Calcem. By some this word is thought to be used for calculum, a chessman, and that reference is made to the use of the word incitas in the previous line, which was the mate or backgammon in the game of duodecim scripta (somewhat similar to our game of backgammon) and in which calculi, pieces or chessmen, were used; ’tis so contrived already.
SYNCERASTUS
May the Gods grant it so, that I don’t continue the slave of this Procurer.
MILPHIO
On the contrary, upon my faith, I’ll cause you to be a free man with myself, if the Gods are willing.
910
SYNCERASTUS
May the Gods grant it so! Do you detain me for anything else, Milphio?
MILPHIO
Fare you well, and may happiness attend you.
SYNCERASTUS
I’ faith, that lies in the power of yourself and your master. Farewell, and mind that these things have been told in secrecy.
MILPHIO
This has not been mentioned even. Farewell.
SYNCERASTUS
But really it’s of no use, unless this is done while it is warm.
MILPHIO
You are right in your advice,
and so it shall be done.
915
SYNCERASTUS
There’s excellent material, if you provide an excellent workman.
915
MILPHIO
Can’t you hold your tongue?
SYNCERASTUS
I’ll hold my tongue and be off.
MILPHIO
A grand opportunity you’ve made for me. (SYNCERASTUS goes into the house of LYCUS.) He’s gone from here. The immortal Gods do will my master to be preserved, and this Procurer utterly ruined; a mischief so great is impending upon him. Is it not the fact, before one weapon has been launched, then another presses upon him?
I’ll go in-doors, that I may recount these matters to my master. For if I were to call him out hither before the house, and, what you’ve (to the AUDIENCE) just heard, if I were now here to repeat the same, it would be folly. I’d rather in-doors be an annoyance to my master singly, than be so here to all of you. Immortal Gods, what misfortunes, what great calamities do this day await this Procurer. But now there’s no reason why I should delay.
920
This business is resolved upon; no pausing is allowed; for both this must be cleverly managed, which has just now been entrusted to me, and that plan as well which was formed at home must be attended to. If there’s any delay, he who sends me a heavy mischance will be acting rightly. Now I’ll off in-doors; until my master comes from the Forum, I’ll wait at home.
925
