Summary

English translation

English translation from 1857:

DEMEA In fine, if an example must be cited, does he not see his brother giving his attention to business, and living frugally and soberly in the country? No action of his is like this. When I say this to him, Micio, I say it to you. You allow him to be corrupted.

MICIO Never is there any thing more unreasonable than a man who wants experience, who thinks nothing right except what he himself has done.

DEMEA What is the meaning of that?

MICIO Because, Demea, you misjudge these matters. It is no heinous crime, believe me, for a young man to intrigue or to drink; it is not; nor yet for him to break open a door. If neither I nor you did so, it was poverty that did not allow us to do so. Do you now claim that as a merit to yourself which you then did from necessity? That is unfair; for if we had had the means to do so, we should have done the same. And, if you were a man, you would now suffer that other son of yours to act thus now, while his age will excuse it, rather than, when he has got you, after long wishing it, out of the way, he should still do so, at a future day, and at an age more unsuited.

DEMEA O Jupiter! You, sir, are driving me to distraction. Is it not a heinous thing for a young man to do these things?

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