Perde 4
[Textpart 3]
To my sorrow, amid extreme dangers I have been borne over vast oceans, with the peril of my life I have preserved myself among robbers full many in number, and I have returned safe. Now, to my misery, I am here undone
CHARMIDES
by reason of those same persons for whose sake I have been struggling at this time of life Grief is depriving me of my senses. Support me, Stasimus.
1090
STASIMUS
Do you wish me to fetch you some water?
CHARMIDES
When my fortunes were in their mortal struggle, then was it befitting that water should be sprinkled Should be sprinkled: His meaning is, you should have beer as ready to give your assistance at the time when my fortunes were in their death- struggle through the conduct of my son Lesbonicus. upon them.
[Textpart 4]
What noise is this that I hear before my house?
CHARMIDES
O Callicles! O Callicles! O Callicles!
to what sort of friend have I entrusted my property?
1095
CALLICLES
To one good, and faithful, and trusty, and of strict integrity. Health to you, and I rejoice that you have arrived safe and sound Safe and sound: The lines after this, enclosed in brackets, are supplied by Ritschel in Latin verse, to supply the lacuna here, where it is clear that some part of the play has been lost. They are cleverly composed, and do great credit to his ingenuity..
CHARMIDES
How, health to me? Troth, I have no patience with such health. This I wish to know; how have you kept your trust, who, without my knowledge, have utterly destroyed my property and my children that I entrusted to you and committed to your charge when going hence abroad?
CALLICLES
I don’t think that it is fair, when you don’t understand the matter, to censure your old friend with harsh words. For you are both mistaken and you are doing me a very great injustice.
CHARMIDES
Have you not bought this house which you came out of just now, and driven thence my son Lesbonicus? Is this so as I say, or is it not? Answer me.
CALLICLES
I myself did buy the house; I bought it that I might keep it for you. And without that it would have happened that your son would have sold it to another person; and then you would have lost both it and that treasure together, which, concealed there, you had entrusted to my charge. See, I restore it safe to you; for you did I buy it, not for myself.
CHARMIDES
Prithee, what do you say? By my trust in Gods and men, you make me suddenly to be quite ashamed of my error in speaking unkindly to my friend in return for his services.
CALLICLES
How, then; do you now think that I am trusty and faithful?
CHARMIDES
I do think so, if all these matters are so as you relate them. But what means But what means: As he has been interrupted while digging up the treasure, it is probable that he has run out with his sleeves tucked up. and perhaps with the spade in his hand, which causes Charmides to make the present inquiry. this garb of yours?
I was digging up the treasure indoors, as a marriage-portion to be given to your daughter. But I will relate to you both this and the rest in the house. Follow me.
1100
CHARMIDES
Run with all haste to the Piraeus The Piraeus: — The Piraeus was the main harbour of Athens, with which it was connected by long walls., and make but one run of it. There you will at once see the ship, on board of which I was carried hither.
