Perde 4
[Textpart 2]
You are telling a lie—be off. One word, you said; but now three words have you uttered, and those untrue.
DINARCHUS
She’s off, and she’s gone hence in-doors That I should endure these things to be done to me. By heavens, enticer, with my cries I’ll be exposing you to ridicule in the street,
you who, contrary to law, have received money from many a one. Upon my faith, I’ll forthwith cause your name to be before every magistrateBefore every magistrate: He probably alludes to the Praetor and the Triumviri; which last magistrates had especial jurisdiction over the conduct of courtesans., and after that I’ll sue you for fourfoldSue you for fourfold: He will sue her for a fourfold return, which, in cases of fraud and extortion, a person was sometimes condemned to make., you sorceress, you kidnapper of children. By the powers, I’ll now disclose all your disgraceful deeds. Worthless creature that I am, who have lost everything I had! I’m become desperate,
760
and now I haven’t the slightest bit of concern what shoes I wearWhat shoes I wear: The Romans were very particular as to their dress in the street, and they were especially careful not to wear the shoes which they used in-doors, nor such as were too big, or fitted loosely to the feet. Ovid says, in the Art of Love, B, 1. l. 516, let not your foot wallop about, losing itself in the shoe, down at heel, enjoining the men to be careful on this point. The expression is used figuratively here, signifying that he will throw off all regard for appearances.. But why am I trying here? What, suppose she were to order me to be let in? I could swear in solemn form that I wouldn’t do it if she wished. It’s nonsense. If you thump a goad with your fists, your hands are hurt the most. It’s no good to be angry at a thing of nothing; a creature that doesn’t value you a straw.
765
(Starting.) But what’s this? O immortal Gods, I see old Callicles, him who was my connexion by marriageWas my connexion by marriage: He probably calls him adfinis, or connexion, from the fact of himself having been formerly betrothed to his daughter., bringing two female slaves in bonds, the one the hair-dresser of this Phronesium, the other his own servant-maid. I’m greatly alarmed! inasmuch as one care has so recently taken possession of my heart, I’m afraid lest all my former misdeeds should be discovered.
770
[Textpart 3]
Do I use ill language to you, or do I wish you so very ill? According to my ideas, you have both pretty well experienced how mild and gentle a person I am. I interrogated you both, as you were lashed and hanging up by the arms; I well remember it; the way in which you quite confessed each point, I know. Here now, I wish in the same way to learn; do you confess without a punishment.
775
CALLICLES
Although you are both of you of the serpent nature, I tell you beforehand, you mustn’t be having double tongues, lest with your two tongues I should be putting you to death; unless, perhaps, you wish to be taken to the men who go clink, clinkMen who go clink, clink: Tintinnaculos. The executioners or torturers are so called, either from their putting fetters on the persons to be punished, or else from their fastening bells (tintinnabula) upon them, to prevent their running away..
780
A MAID-SERVANT of Callicles.
Violence forces me to confess the truth; the thongs do so gall my arms.
CALLICLES
But, if you confess the truth to me, you shall be relieved from the chains.
DINARCHUS
Even now, what’s the matter, I’m at a loss to know and uncertain; except that still I’m afraid.End of this line is part of line 786 in the Latin.
785
SYRA
What I’ve done wrong I know not.
CALLICLES
First of all, then, you stand apart. (They stand apart.) Aye, so; that’s what I mean; that you mayn’t be making signs between you, I’ll be a party-wall. (To his MAID-SERVANT.) Speak you.
A MAID-SERVANT of Callicles.
What am I to speak about?
CALLICLES
What was done with the child that my daughter was delivered of? My grandchild, I mean? Tell me the circumstances of the case.
A MAID-SERVANT of Callicles.
I gave it to her.
790
CALLICLES
Now hold your tongue. (To SYRA.) Did you receive the child from her?
CALLICLES
Hold your tongue; I want no more; you’ve confessed enough.
SYRA
I’m not going to deny it.
CALLICLES
By this you’ve now caused some relief for your shoulder-blades. So far, the account of each of them tallies.
