The Comedies of Terence Part 16

CRITO. Well, since I am arriv'd here, bring me to her, That I may see her.

MYSIS. Aye, with all my heart.

DAVUS. I will in with them: for I would not choose That our old gentleman should see me now. (_Exeunt._

ACT THE FIFTH.

SCENE I.

_CHREMES, SIMO._

CHREMES. Enough already, Simo, and enough I've shown my friendship for you; hazarded Enough of peril: urge me then no more!

Wishing to please you, I had near destroy'd My daughter's peace and happiness forever.

SIMO. Ah, Chremes, I must now entreat the more, More urge you to confirm the promis'd boon.

CHREMES. Mark, how unjust you are through willfulness!

So you obtain what you demand, you set No bounds to my compliance, nor consider What you request; for if you did consider, You'd cease to load me with these injuries.

SIMO. What injuries?

CHREMES. Is that a question now?

Have you not driven me to plight my child To one possess'd with other love, averse To marriage; to expose her to divorce, And crazy nuptials; by her woe and bane To work a cure for your distemper'd son?

You had prevail'd: I travel'd in the match, While circ.u.mstances would admit; but now The case is chang'd, content you:--It is said That she's a citizen; a child is born: Prithee excuse us!

SIMO. Now, for Heav'n's sake.

Believe not them, whose interest it is To make him vile and abject as themselves.

These stories are all feign'd, concerted all, To break the match: when the occasion's past That urges them to this, they will desist.

CHREMES. Oh, you mistake: e'en now I saw the maid Wrangling with Davus.

SIMO. Artifice! mere trick.

CHREMES. Aye, but in earnest; and when neither knew That I was there.

SIMO. It may be so: and Davus Told me beforehand they'd attempt all this; Though I, I know not how, forgot to tell you.

SCENE II.

_Enter DAVUS from GLYCERIUM'S._

DAVUS (_to himself_). He may be easy now, I warrant him----

CHREMES. See yonder's Davus.

SIMO. Ha! whence comes the rogue?

DAVUS. By my a.s.sistance, and this stranger's safe. (_To himself._)

SIMO. What mischief's this? (_Listening._)

DAVUS. A more commodious man, Arriving just in season, at a time So critical, I never knew. (_To himself._)

SIMO. A knave!

Who's that he praises? (_Listening._)

DAVUS. All is now secure. (_To himself._)

SIMO. Why don't I speak to him?

DAVUS. My master here! (_Turning about._) What shall I do? (_To himself._)

SIMO. Good Sir, your humble Servant! (_Sneering._)

DAVUS. Oh, Simo! and our Chremes!--All is now Prepar'd within.

SIMO. You've taken special care. (_Ironically._)

DAVUS. E'en call them when you please.

SIMO. Oh, mighty fine!

That to be sure is all that's wanting now.

--But tell me, Sir! what business had you there? (_Pointing to GLYCERIUM'S._)

DAVUS. I? (_Confused._)

SIMO. You?

DAVUS. I--? (_Stammering._)

SIMO. You, Sir.

DAVUS. I went in but now. (_Disordered._)

SIMO. As if I ask'd, how long it was ago.

DAVUS. With Pamphilus.

SIMO. Is Pamphilus within?

--Oh torture.--Did not you a.s.sure me, Sirrah, They were at variance?

DAVUS. So they are.

SIMO. Why then Is Pamphilus within?