[14.1] ¿A qué ha venido? 'For what has he come?' 'Why has he come?' This use of a is parallel to its use before an infinitive after venir and other intransitive verbs of motion. In this case a expresses purpose.
[15.1] se. Ethical dative, best omitted in translation; analysis shows that the pronoun contains an idea of advantage, or at least of reference, to the subject.
[15.2] del botarate de su hijo 'of his madcap of a son.' In Spanish, as in English, the preposition merely denotes that what follows is appositive. There is no change of identity. In Spanish, this construction is more comprehensive than in English: el bueno de Juan. Note la ciudad de Madrid 'the city of Madrid.'
[15.3] todo lo. When todo precedes a verb of which it is the object, lo also must be used. When todo follows the verb, lo may be used, but is not required. See note [10.1].
[15.4] sin contar... con. See vocabulary under contar, and see [21.1].
DE PEQUEÑAS CAUSAS
De pequeñas causas... illustrates Benavente's satirical vein. It seems to have been written chiefly to amuse; but the plot amply allows for character study. The pettiness of the reason that finally induces Manuel to remain in the ministry reminds the listener or reader of the author's delight in details and in ironical situations. The Teatro de la Princesa, where the comedy was first performed, is on the Calle de Tamayo near the Paseo de Recoletos in Madrid. This theater is devoted to the production of high-class comedy. Contemporary press reports state that De pequeñas causas... was well received. The implication in the title is that from small causes proceed great results.
[19.1] está. Supply en casa.
[19.2] para mí sí 'for me he is'; cf. [10.2].
[19.3] Nada. Incomplete in itself; here we might translate: 'Don't say anything,' 'There's no use talking,' 'Not a word.'