 | The Brothers |  |
SCENE IV.
Enter MICIO, and HEGIO.Micio.
I can see nothing in this matter, Hegio,
Wherein I merit so much commendation.
'Tis but my duty, to redress the wrongs,
That we have caus'd: unless perhaps you took me
For one of those, who, having injur'd you,
Term fair expostulation an affront;
And having first offended, are the first
To turn accusers.—I've not acted thus:
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Hegio.
Ah, no;
I never thought you other than you are.
But let me beg you, Micio, go with me
To the young woman's mother, and repeat
Yourself to Her what you have just told Me:
—That the suspicion, fall'n on Æschinus,
Sprung from his brother and the Musick-Girl.
Micio.
If you believe I ought, or think it needful,
Let's go!
Hegio.
'Tis very kind in you: for thus
You'll raise her spirit drooping with the load
Of grief and misery, and have perform'd
Ev'ry good office of benevolence.
But if you like it not, I'll go myself,
And tell her the whole story.
Micio.
No, I'll go.
Hegio.
'Tis good and tender in your nature, Micio.
For they, whose fortunes are less prosperous,
Are all, I know not how, the more suspicious;
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Because of their distress and poverty.
Wherefore I think 'twould satisfy them more,
If you would clear up this affair yourself.
Micio.
What you have said is just, and very true.
Hegio.
Let me conduct you in!
Micio.
With all my heart.
[Exeunt.
This fine sentiment is supposed to be built on the following lines of Menander. If so, I think our poet has improved on his original.
Προς απαντα δειλος ο πενης εστι πραγματα,
Και παντας αυτου καταφρονειν υπολαμβανει.
Ο δε μετριως πραττων περισκελεσερον
Απαντα τ'ανιαρα, Λαμπρια, φερει.
Και παντας αυτου καταφρονειν υπολαμβανει.
Ο δε μετριως πραττων περισκελεσερον
Απαντα τ'ανιαρα, Λαμπρια, φερει.
The poor man in all things acts fearfully,
Suspecting all despise him. But the man
Who's more at ease, with greater constancy
Bears up against misfortunes, Lamprias!
Suspecting all despise him. But the man
Who's more at ease, with greater constancy
Bears up against misfortunes, Lamprias!
| The Brothers | |