ABSTRACT
Twelfth Night [After a great deal of elaborate nonsense, the speaker returns to the point.]
ACT ONE SCENE I
The old men, Gherardo and Virginio GHER. And now, Virginio, if you wish to gratify me in this (as
you have said you do) then arrange this blessed marriage as soon as you can, and free me once and for all from the intricate labyrinth in which I have run I don't know how foolishly. Yet something holds you back, whether it is not having money for the clothes (for I know well that you lost everything in the wretched Sack of Rome), or not having the furnishings for the house, or perhaps you are finding it difficult to provide for the wedding ceremony. Tell me frankly and I'll provide it all. So that the matter can be finished a month earlier to satisfy this desire of mine, it won't trouble me if I have to spend ten scudi or so more, for by God's mercy I know how to lay my hands on them. You know that neither of us two is in his Springtime any longer, but rather in his Summer, or perhaps even later; and the more one goes on deliberating the more time one loses. Do not wonder, Virginio, that I importune you so much, for I give you my word that since I got involved in this romantic fancy I haven't slept half the night. To show how true that is, think how early I got up this morning; for before I came to you, in
order not to disturb you too soon I went to hear the first Mass at the Cathedral. If by any chance you have changed your mind and think that your daughter's years suit ill with my own (which have already reached the forties and perhaps more) tell me straight out, and I shall take steps, turn my thoughts elsewhere; so you will free me as well as yourself from annoyance; for you know that I am sought after to unite myself with others.
