Persa, or The Persian (600b-626b)

Why do you delay? Go to him yourself; and do you yourself ask him as well, that you may be allowed to make such enquiries as you please; although he has told me that he gives permission to do so of her, still I had rather that you yourself should go to him, that he mayn’t be holding you in contempt.

You give me very proper advice. (Accosting SAGARISTIO.) Stranger, I should like to ask some questions of her.

From earth to heaven, whatever you like.

Just bid her to step this way to me.

Go you, then, and humour him. (To DORDALUS.) Make enquiry, question her, just as you please.

Well, well[*], get on then; make your preparations. (Aside to the YOUNG WOMAN.) Take you care to commence with a good omen.

The auspices are favourable.

Hold your tongue.[*] (To DORDALUS.) Step you aside here; I will now conduct her to you.

Do what you think is most for my interest.

Follow me. (To DORDALUS.) I’ve brought her, if you are wishful to make any enquiries of her.

But I want you to be present.

I cannot do otherwise than pay attention to this stranger (pointing to SAGARISTIO.) whom my master bade me show courtesy to. What if he doesn’t choose that I should be present together with you?

Yes, but do come.

I’ll lend you my assistance, then.

You’re lending it yourself as well when you are assisting your friend.

Examine her. (Aside to the YOUNG WOMAN.) Hark you, be on your guard.

Enough has been said to me. (Aloud.) Although I am a slave, I know my duty, so that whatever he asks I’ll tell the truth as I have heard it.

Young woman, this is an honorable man.

I believe you.

You’ll not be long in servitude with him.

I’ faith, and so I trust, if my parents do their duty.

I do not wish you to be surprised, if we make enquiries of you

about either your country or your parents.

Why should I be surprised at that, my dear sir? My state of servitude has forbidden me to be surprised at any misfortune of my own.

May the Gods confound her! so cunning and crafty is she. She has got shrewd sense: how readily she does say what’s needed.

What’s your name?

Now I’m afraid she’ll be tripping.

My name was Lucris[*] in my own country.

The name and the omen are worth any price. Why don’t you make purchase of her? (Aside.) I was greatly afraid that she would be tripping. She has got herself free.

If I make purchase of you, I trust that you’ll prove Lucris to myself as well.