Читать книгу The Greatest Works of Roman Classical Literature - Луций Анней Сенека - Страница 57

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Enter Syrus, from the house.

Syr. It has been done as you ordered, Demea.

Dem. You are a worthy fellow. Upon my faith,—in my opinion, at least,—I think Syrus ought at once to be made free.

Mic. He free! For what reason?

Dem. For many.

Syr. O my dear Demea! upon my word, you are a worthy man! I have strictly taken care of both these sons of yours, from childhood; I have taught, advised, and carefully instructed them in every thing I could.

Dem. The thing is evident; and then besides all this, to cater for them, secretly bring home a wench, prepare a morning entertainment;99 these are the accomplishments of no ordinary person.

Syr. O, what a delightful man!

Dem. Last of all, he assisted to-day in purchasing this Music-wench—he had the management of it; it is right he should be rewarded; other servants will be encouraged thereby: besides, he (pointing to Æschinus) desires it to be so.

Mic. (to Æschinus.) Do you desire this to be done?

Æsch. I do wish it.

Mic. Why then, if you desire it, just come hither, Syrus, to me (performing the ceremony of manumission); be a free man.100

Syr. You act generously; I return my thanks to you all;—and to you, Demea, in particular.

Dem. I congratulate you.

Æsch. And I.

Syr. I believe you. I wish that this joy were made complete—that I could see my wife, Phrygia,101 free as well.

Dem. Really, a most excellent woman.

Syr. And the first to suckle your grandchild, his son, today (pointing to Æschinus).

Dem. Why really, in seriousness, if she was the first to do so, there is no doubt she ought to be made free.

Mic. What, for doing that?

Dem. For doing that; in fine, receive the amount from me102 at which she is valued.

Syr. May all the Gods always grant you, Demea, all you desire.

Mic. Syrus, you have thrived pretty well to-day.

Dem. If, in addition, Micio, you will do your duty, and lend him a little ready money in hand for present use, he will soon repay you.

Mic. Less than this (snapping his fingers).

Æsch. He is a deserving fellow.

Syr. Upon my word, I will repay it; only lend it me.

Æsch. Do, father.

Mic. I’ll consider of it afterward.

Dem. He’ll do it, Syrus.

Syr. O most worthy man!

Æsch. O most kind-hearted father!

Mic. How is this? What has so suddenly changed your disposition, Demea? What caprice is this? What means this sudden liberality?103

Dem. I will tell you:—That I may convince you of this, Micio, that the fact that they consider you an easy and kind-hearted man, does not proceed from your real life, nor, indeed, from a regard for virtue and justice; but from your humoring, indulging, and pampering them. Now therefore, Æschinus, if my mode of life has been displeasing to you, because I do not quite humor you in every thing, just or unjust, I have done: squander, buy, do what you please. But if you would rather have one to reprove and correct those faults, the results of which, by reason of your youth, you can not see, which you pursue too ardently, and are thoughtless upon, and in due season to direct you; behold me ready to do it for you.

Æsch. Father, we leave it to you; you best know what ought to be done. But what is to be done about my brother?

Dem. I consent. Let him have his mistress:104 with her let him make an end of his follies.

Mic. That’s right. (To the Audience.) Grant us your applause.