Perde 4
[Textpart 3]
’Twere better for you to buy some one to give your commands to.
CHARMIDES
I’ faith, I have bought one, and paid the money, too. But if he is not obedient to my orders, what ani I to do?
STASIMUS
Give him a severe punishment.
CHARMIDES
You give good advice; I am resolved to do so.
STASIMUS
Unless, indeed, you are under obligations to him.
CHARMIDES
If he is a deserving person, I am under obligations to him; but if he is otherwise, I’ll do as you advise me.
STASIMUS
What matters it to me whether you have good or bad slaves?
1065
CHARMIDES
Because you have a share in this matter both of the good and of the bad.
STASIMUS
The one share I leave to yourself; the other share, that in the good, do you set down Do you set down: Appone. This word is used figuratively, it being employed to mean, in mercantile matters, to set down to one’s account. So Horace says: Quem sors dierum cumque dabit, lucro Appone— Whatever lot each day shall bring, set that down as clear gain. This, we may here observe, is a similar sentiment to that conveyed in the remark of Callicles, L. 65. to my account.
CHARMIDES
If you shall prove deserving, it shall be so. Look back at me—I am Charmides.
STASIMUS
Ha! what person is it that has made mention of that most worthy man?
CHARMIDES
’Tis that most worthy man himself.
1070
STASIMUS
O seas, earth, heavens, by my trust in you—do I see quite clearly with my eyes? Is this he, or is it not? ’Tis he! ’Tis certainly he; ’tis he beyond a doubt! O my most earnestly wished-for master, health to you!
1070
CHARMIDES
Health to you, too, Stasimus!
STASIMUS
That you are safe and sound, I—
CHARMIDES
I know it, and I believe you. But wave the rest; answer me this; how are my children,
my son and daughter, whom I left here?
1075
STASIMUS
They are alive, and well.
1075
CHARMIDES
Both of them, say you?
