Mercator, or The Merchant (575-614)

a stinking old fellow, be kissing a woman? And wouldn’t you, as you approached, be setting a female vomiting?

I’ faith, I’m sure that you’re in love, as you point out these things beforehand to me. What then, if I give a dinner? If you approve of this, let’s lay hold of some cook, who may be cooking away a meal[*]

here at your house, even until the evening.

Well, I’m of that way of thinking. Now you are talking wisely, and like a lover.

Why are we standing here? Why then don’t we be off and procure the provisions, that we may be comfortable?

For my part, I’ll follow you. And, i’ troth, you’ll be finding out a lodging for her, if you are prudent;

for, i’ faith, she shan’t be at my house a single day beyond the present; I’m afraid of my wife, lest, if she should return from the country to-morrow, she’ll be finding her here.

Am I not a wretched mortal, who can rest quietly nowhere? If I’m at home, my mind’s abroad; but if I’m abroad, my mind’s at home.

To such a degree. has love kindled a flame in my breast and in my heart; did not the tears fall from my eyes, why then, I doubt, my head would be on fire. I cling to hope; safety I’ve lost; whether she’ll return or no, I know not. If my father seizes her, as he has said, then my welfare is gone in exile; but if my companion has done what he promised, then my welfare has not departed.

But still, even if Eutychus had had gouty feet, he could have been back from the harbour by this. This is a very great fault of his, that he is too slow, against the wishes of my feelings. But (looking towards the side) isn’t this he whom I espy running? ’Tis he himself; I’ll go meet him. (Clasps his hands.) Thou who art the overlooker of Gods and of men and the mistress of mortals as well, inasmuch as thou hast indulged me in this hope that I entertained, I do return thee thanks. Does any hope remain? Alas! I’m utterly undone. His countenance by no means pleases me!

He moves along in sadness. My breast burns. I am in doubt. He shakes his head. Eutychus!

Alas! Charinus.

Before you take breath, in one word, speak out. Where am I? Here, or among the dead?

You are neither among the dead nor here.

I’m saved, immortality has been vouchsafed me—he has purchased her. He has nicely tricked my father.

There’s no one living more clever at gaining his purpose. Prithee, do tell me; if I’m neither here nor at Acheron, where am I?

Nowhere in the world.

I’m utterly undone! That speech has just put an end to me here.

Whatever it is, do come to the material points of the matter.

First of all,

we are ruined.

But why don’t you in preference tell me that which I don’t know?

It is an annoying way of speaking, when you should despatch the business, to be beating about the bush[*].

The damsel has been taken away from you.

Eutychus, you are guilty of a capital offence.

How so?

Because you are killing your year’s-mate and friend, a free citizen.

May the Gods forbid it!

You’ve thrust a sword into my throat; this moment I shall fall.

Troth now, prithee, don’t be desponding in mind.