Perde 5
[Textpart 1]
Upon my faith you are a funny mortal, my Strabax. Prithee, do proceed—
PHRONESIUM
(Aside.) A fool and a madman are contending for their ruin; I’m all right.
950
STRATOPHANES
Come, younker, do you offer something first.
STRABAX
Why no; do you squander first, and come to ruin.
STRATOPHANES
Well, here’s a talent of silver for you. It’s in Philippean coins. Take it for yourself.
PHRONESIUM
So much the better. Be one of our family, but live at your own expense.
STRATOPHANES
Where is that which you are going to give? Open your purse-stringsOpen your purse-strings: Solve zonam. Literally, loosen your girdle. The girdle was sometimes used as the purse itself. At other times the purse was placed there for safety.
PHRONESIUM
That’s a challenge.Part of line 954 in the Latin.
STRATOPHANES
What are you afraid of?Part of line 954 in the Latin.
STRABAX
You are from abroadYou are from abroad: He alludes to the alleged service of Stratophanes in the Babylonian army, and implies that he hesitates to answer to the challenge because he does not know whether Stratophanes may not turn out to be a sharper.. I live here (points to his FATHER’S house). I am afraid.
955
STRATOPHANES
I am not. Walk off, then.Part of line 955 in the Latin.
955
STRABAX
I’m bringing her some sheep fastened in a purse to my neck.
STRATOPHANES
Because I gave that, how I did flounder the fellowFlounder the fellow: Stratophanes plumes himself with the idea that, he having given the money to Phronesium, the other will not dare to answer his challenge..
STRABAX
Why no, indeed, it’s I, who am going to give.
PHRONESIUM
Come in-doors now, prithee, and (to STRABAX) do you then stay with me here.
STRATOPHANES
You will give me your company then?Part of line 958 in the Latin.
STRABAX
What say you?Part of line 959 in the Latin.
PHRONESIUM
What?Part of line 959 in the Latin.
STRABAX
What do you say? What, with this fellow? Am I to be postponed?
STRATOPHANES
I have made my present.Part of line 960 in the Latin.
960
