The Comedies of Terence Part 77

I'll find out Micio, if he's at the Forum, And tell him the whole story: if he'll act With honor in it, why 'tis well; if not, Let him but speak his mind to me, and then I shall know how to act accordingly. (_Exit._

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I.

_CTESIPHO, SYRUS._

CTES. My father gone into the country, say you?

SYRUS. Long since.

CTES. Nay; speak the truth!

SYRUS. He's at his farm, And hard at work, I warrant you.

CTES. I wish, So that his health were not the worse for it, He might so heartily fatigue himself, As to be forc'd to keep his bed these three days!

SYRUS. I wish so too; and more, if possible.

CTES. With all my heart: for I would fain consume, As I've begun, the livelong day in pleasure.

Nor do I hate that farm of ours so much For any thing, as that it is so near.

For if 'twas at a greater distance, night Would come upon him ere he could return.

But now, not finding me, I'm very sure He'll hobble back again immediately; Question me where I've been, that I've not seen him All the day long; and what shall I reply?

SYRUS. What? can you think of nothing?

CTES. No, not I.

SYRUS. So much the worse.--Have you no client, friend, Or guest?

CTES. I have. What then?

SYRUS. You've been engag'd With them.

CTES. When not engag'd? It can not be.

SYRUS. It may.

CTES. Aye, marry, for the day I grant you.

But if I pa.s.s the night here, what excuse Then, Syrus?

SYRUS. Ah! I would it were the custom To be engag'd at night too with one's friends!

--But be at ease! I know his mind so well, That when he raves the loudest, I can make him As gentle as a lamb.

CTES. How so?

SYRUS. He loves To hear you prais'd. I sing your praises to him, And make you out a little G.o.d.

CTES. Me!

SYRUS. You.

And then the old man blubbers like a child, For very joy.--But have a care! (_Looking out._)

CTES. What now?

SYRUS. The wolf i' th' fable!

CTES. What, my father?

SYRUS. He.

CTES. What's the best, Syrus?

SYRUS. In! fly! I'll take care.

CTES. You have not seen me, if he asks: d'ye hear?

SYRUS. Can't you be quiet? (_Pushes out CTESIPHO._)

SCENE II.

_Enter DEMEA at another part of the stage._

DEM. Verily I am A most unhappy man! for first of all, I can not find my brother any where: And then besides, in looking after him, I chanc'd on one of my day laborers, Who had but newly left my farm, and told me Ctesipho was not there. What shall I do?

{_CTESIPHO and SYRUS apart._}

CTES. (_peeping out._) Syrus?

SYRUS. What?

CTES. Does he seek me?

SYRUS. Yes.

CTES. Undone!

SYRUS. Courage!

DEM. (_to himself_). Plague on it, what ill luck is this?

I can't account for it: but I believe That I was born for nothing but misfortunes.

I am the first who feels our woes; the first Who knows of them; the first who tells the news: And come what may, I bear the weight alone.

SYRUS (_behind_). Ridiculous! he says he knows all first; And he alone is ignorant of all.