Truculentus, or The Churl (873c-898)

Do, there’s a dear.

What occasion is there?

It’s for my interest. This for the next three days at least, until the Captain is circumvented somehow;

for that same purpose. If I get anything, it shall be for your own advantage as well. If you take the child away, all hope in the Captain will evaporate from my heart.

I would have that done; but, when it’s taken home, to do it again[*], if I were to wish it, I have not the opportunity. Now make use of the child, and take care of it, because you have the means by which to take care of it.

Upon my faith, I do love you much for this matter. When you shall be afraid of a scolding at home,

do you take shelter here in my house. At least, prove a friend, to help me to a profitable speculation.

Kindly farewell, Phronesium.

Won’t you any longer call me apple of your eye?

That name too, meanwhile, shall be repeated full oft.

Do you wish for anything else?

Fare thee well; when I have leisure, I’ll come to your house.

Well, he’s gone away from here, and has taken his departure; we may say here whatever we please.

’Tis a true proverb that’s quoted, Where the friends are, there are the riches. Through him, there’s still some hope that the Captain may be duped to-day; whom, by the powers, I love better than my own self,—so long as I get out of him what I want: since, when we have got much, not much of it is seen that has been given. Such are the brilliant prospects of Courtesans!

Hush! hush! be quiet.

Prithee, what is it?

The father of the child is coming.

Well, let him come here. Let him, if it only is he,

let him come himself straight up to me here just as he chooses.

If he does come, for very sure, i’ faith, I’ll do him to-day with some cunning tricks.

That I should love[*] for this! I’m taking an atonement for my offences to my mistress! That that may be taken by her in kindly part which I’ve squandered before, I’ll add this as well.

But what’s this? I see the mistress and her maid before the house. I must accost her. (Addressing them.) What are you doing here?

Don’t speak to me.

You are too angry.

Leave me alone. Can’t you possibly cease to be an annoyance to me?

What is the matter, my dear little Astaphium?

I’ faith, she’s angry with you with good reason.