Perde 1
[Textpart 2]
For either, father, we ought not formerly to have been bestowed in marriage, unless our husbands pleased you, or, it is not right for us now to be taken away when they are absent.
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ANTIPHO
And shall I suffer you while I am alive to remain married to men who are beggars?
PAMPHILA
This beggar of mine is agreable to me; her own king is agreableHer own king is agreable: She speaks here of the husband in the character of the rex, or king, in his own establishment, which to him is his kingdom. Of course, then, the wife would be the regina, or queen. to the queen. In poverty have I the same feelings that once I had in riches.
ANTIPHO
And do you set such high value on thieves and beggars?
135
PHILUMENA
You did not, as I think, give me in marriage to the money, but to the man.
ANTIPHO
Why are you still in expectation of those who have been absent for now three years? Why don’t you accept an eligible matchEligible match: Conditio, in the sense of offer or proposal, especially applies to one of marriage. As their husbands had spent almost all their substance, the ladies are probably living on the fortune which he has given them, and he anticipates that it may be soon exhausted. in place of a very bad one?
PAMPHILA
’Tis folly, father, to lead unwilling dogs to hunt.
That wife is an enemy, who is given to a man in marriage against her will.
140
ANTIPHO
Are you then determined that neither of you will obey the command of your father?
PHILUMENA
We do obey; for where you gave us in marriage, thence are we unwilling to depart.
ANTIPHO
Kindly good b’ye; I’ll go and tell my friends your resolutions.
PAMPHILA
They will, I doubt not, think us the more honorable, if you tell them to honorable men.
ANTIPHO
Take you care, then, of their domestic concerns, the best way that you can.
145
PHILUMENA
Now you gratify us, when you direct us aright: now we will hearken to you. Now, sister, let’s go indoors.
145
PAMPHILA
Well, first I’ll take a look at home. If, perchance, any news should come to you from your husband, take you care that I know it.
PHILUMENA
Neither will I conceal it from you, nor do you conceal from me what you may know.
(Calls at the door of her house.) Ho there, CrocotiumCrocotium: This name is derived from Crocus, which means the plant of that name, or saffron., go, fetch hither Gelasimus, the Parasite; bring him here with you. For, i’ faith, I wish to send him to the harbour, to see if, perchance, any ship from AsiaShip from Asia: Asia Minor was the place of resort, in those days for persons who wish to make money speedily. has arrived there yesterday or to-day. But, one servant has been sitting at the harbour whole days in waiting; still, however, I wish it to be visited every now and then. Make haste, and return immediately.
150
[Textpart 3]
I do suspect that Famine was my mother; for since I was born I have never been filled with victuals. And no man could better return the favour to his mother, than do I right unwillingly return it to my mother, Famine. For in her womb, for ten months she bore me,
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GELASIMUS
whereas I have been carrying her for more than ten years in my stomach. She, too, carried me but a little child, wherefore I judge that she endured the less labour; in my stomach no little Famine do I bear, but of full growth, i’ faith, and extremely heavy.
160
The labour-pains arise with me each day, but I’m unable to bring forth my mother, nor know I what to do. I’ve often heard it so said that the elephant is wontThe elephant is wont: Pliny the Elder informs us that this was the vulgar notion with regard to the elephant. He also says that Aristotle tells us that two years is the duration of its pregnancy. to be pregnant ten whole years; for sure this hunger of mine is of its breed.
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