The Comedies of Terence Part 55

SYRUS. Whither! where'er you please. Give place to them.

Go take a walk.

c.l.i.t. Walk! where?

SYRUS. A pretty question!

This, that, or any way.

CHREM. He says right. Go!

c.l.i.t. Now, plague upon you, Syrus! (_Going._)

SYRUS (_to c.l.i.tIPHO, going_). Henceforth, learn To keep those hands of yours at rest. (_Exit c.l.i.tIPHO._

[Changes:

c.l.i.t. Still, rascal!

_1768 edition has question mark_]

SCENE VI.

_CHREMES, SYRUS._

D'ye mind?

What think you, Chremes, will become of him, Unless you do your utmost to preserve, Correct, and counsel him?

CHREM. I'll take due care.

SYRUS. But now's your time, Sir, to look after him.

CHREM. It shall be done.

SYRUS. It must be, if you're wise: For ev'ry day he minds me less and less.

CHREM. But, Syrus, say, what progress have you made In that affair I just now mention'd to you?

Have you struck out a scheme that pleases you?

Or are you still to seek?

SYRUS. The plot, you mean, On Menedemus. I've just hit on one.

CHREM. Good fellow! prithee now, what is't?

SYRUS. I'll tell you.

But as one thing brings in another----

CHREM. Well?

SYRUS. This Bacchis is a sad jade.

CHREM. So it seems.

SYRUS. Aye, Sir, if you knew all; nay, even now She's hatching mischief.--Dwelling hereabouts, There was of late an old Corinthian woman, To whom this Bacchis lent a thousand pieces.

CHREM. What then?

SYRUS. The woman's dead; and left behind A daughter, very young, whom she bequeath'd, By way of pledge, to Bacchis for the money.

CHREM. I understand.

SYRUS. This girl came here with Bacchis, And now is with your wife.

CHREM. What then?

SYRUS. She begs Of Clinia to advance the cash; for which She'll give the girl as an equivalent.

She wants the thousand pieces.

CHREM. Does she so?

SYRUS. No doubt on't.

CHREM. So I thought.--And what do you Intend to do?

SYRUS. Who? I, Sir? I'll away To Menedemus presently; and tell him This maiden is a rich and n.o.ble captive, Stolen from Caria; and to ransom her Will greatly profit him.

CHREM. 'Twill never do.

SYRUS. How so?

CHREM. I answer now for Menedemus.

_I will not purchase her._ What say you now?

SYRUS. Give a more favorable answer!

CHREM. No, There's no occasion.

SYRUS. No occasion?

CHREM. No.

SYRUS. I can not comprehend you.

CHREM. I'll explain.

--But hold! what now? whence comes it that our door Opens so hastily?

[Changes:

_CHREMES, SYRUS._ _character names supplied from 1768 edition_]