Perde 2
[Textpart 7]
Only approach this way; only step this way!
620
STRATOPHANES
Scoundrelly fellow, threatening even? Whom this very, very, very instant I’ll be chopping up into splinters. What business have you coming here? What business have you to approach her? (Pointing to PHRONESIUM.) What business have you, I say, to be knowing my mistress? You shall die this instant if you make the slightest movement with your hand.
GETA
Why shouldn’t I move my hand?
625
STRATOPHANES
Do as I commanded; stop; I’ll this instant cut you up into mincemeat on the spot.
625
GETA
I’m done for.Part of line 626 in the Latin.
STRATOPHANES
’Twere best to be off.Part of line 626 in the Latin.
GETA
It’s a ticklish point; you have a longer sword there than this is (pointing to a knife in his girdle); but just let me go seek a spit, if indeed I must be having a battle with you. I’ll be off home. Warrior, for me and you I’ll choose an impartial judge.
(Aside.) But why am I delaying to betake myself off hence, while with a safe inside I may?
630
[Textpart 8]
Give me my sandalsMy sandals: She gets up from the couch where she has been reclining before her house, and calls for her sandals. Sandals were generally worn by women alone, and the use of them in public by the other sex was regarded as effeminate. Cicero censures Verres and Clodius for wearing them., and take me at once in-doors; for my head aches shockingly from the air.
STRATOPHANES
What’s to become of me, to whom the two female slaves cause ache enough, with which I presented you? (PHRONESIUM is led into the house.) Are you off then? Well thus one’s used in return. How can you possibly shut me out. (The door is slammed to.)
Prithee, can anything be more clear than that I’m now shut out? I’m finely fooled. Be it so. With how little difficulty (placing his foot against the door) might I now be persuaded to break the ankles of this entire mansion! Do the manners of covetous women change at all?
635
Since she has brought forth a son, she has plucked her spirit up. Now it’s as though she said to me, I neither ask you nor forbid you to come into the house. But I won’t—I shan’t go—I’ll make her to be saying in a very few days that I’m a cruel man. (To his ATTENDANTS.) Follow me this way. A word’s enough.
640
