Publii Terentii Carthaginiensis Afris poëtae lepidissimi comoediae sex Anglo-Latinae in usum ludi-discipulorum, quo Feliciùs venustatem linguae Latinae ad sermonem quotidianum exercendum assequantur / a Carolo Hoole ... = Six comedies of that excellent poet Publius Terentius, an African of Carthage, in English and Latine : for the use of young scholars, that they may the more readily attain the purity of the Latine tongue for common discourse / by Charles Hoole ...

Act. I. Scene 1.

Chremes, Menedemus.

Ch.

ALthough this acquaintance betwixt us is of very late time, And hereupon in that you have bought a piece of ground here hard by, Neither was there indeed almost any matter of occasion, besides; Yet either your honestie, or your neighbour-hood, [line 5] Which thing I account to be as a main part of friendship, Causeth me boldly and familiarly to advise you, Because you seem to do otherwise then becometh one of your age, And otherwise then your estate doth advise you to; For, O wonderful strange! what mean you to do with your self, [line 10] What do you look after? you are threefcore years old, Or more then so, as I suppose; no man hoth a better piece of ground In these parts, nor more worth; You have a great many servants; and yet as though you had no body, You your self so diligently supply their office. [line 15] I never go forth so early in a morning, nor return home So late in an evening, but I espie you in your ground, Either digging or plowing, or carrying something. To be short, You slack no time, nor do you consider your self. I know very well, that these things are no pleasure to you. [line 20] But you will say, It grieves me to see what work is done here. What pains of your own you bestow in working, If you would spend it in imploying them, you would do more good.

Men.

Chremes, have you so much leisure srom your own business, That you can minde other mens, those which do not belong to you?

Ch.

[line 25] I am a man; I think nothing that belongs to a man strange to me. Imagine I do but admonish you, or ask you a question: It is lawfull that I should do it; it is not to discourage you.

M.

I have need to do thus: Do you do as is needfull for you to do.

Ch.

Is it needful for any man to torment himself?

M.

For me it is.

Ch.

[line 30] If there were any toil in it, I would not do it; but what is the mischief, I pray you? what have you deserved so much of your self?

M.

Alas.

Ch.

Do not weep, but let me know the matter what ever it is.

Do not keep it in, be not afraid; beleeve me, I say, I will help you either by comforting you, or advising, or in the thing it self.

M.

[line 35] Would you know this?

Ch.

For this reason indeed that I told you.

M.

I will tell you.

Ch.

But in the mean time lay down Those boughs, do not work.

M.

By no means.

Ch.

What do you do?

M.

Let me alone; that I may not afford my self any time Free from labour.

Ch.

I say, I will not let you alone.

M.

Ah, you do not do fairly.

Ch.

[line 40] Whoo, such heavie ones as these?

M.

Such is my desert.

Ch.

Now speak.

M.

I have one onely son, a young youth; But what said I, that I have one? Nay, Chremes I had one, But whether I have one now or not, I am uncertain.

Ch.

Why so?

M.

You shall know. There is here a poor old woman a stranger from Corinth, [line 45] He began to fall in love with her daughter a maid, So as he was just neer upon having her to wife. All these things were done unknown to me. When I came to know it, I began to deal with him Not in a gentle way, nor as it became the weak minde of a youth, But by force, and after the common fashion of fathers: [line 50] I every day chid him: Ha, do you hope that you may do these things Any longer, whilst I your father am alive, So as to have a sweet-heart now as though she were your wife? You are mistaken, if you think so, and you do not know me, Clinia. I am contented you should be called my son so long [line 55] As you shall do what is befitting you; but if you do not that, I shall finde what may be fitting for me to do to you. That cometh of nothing else but too much idleness; When I was at that age I did not set my minde on wooing But I went hence into Asia, by reason of poverty, and there [line 60] I got both means and renown by feats of arms. At last the matter came just to this pass; the yong youth Was overcome with hearing the same things often over, and with gries. He thought that I by reason of my age and good will towards him Knew more, and would provide better for him, then he could do for himself; [line 65] He is gone, Chremes, into Asia to the King to be a souldier

Ch.

What soy you?

M.

He went unknown to me, and hath been away this three months.

Ch.

Ye are both too blame; though that enterprise for all this Is a sign of a bashful minde, and of one that is no coward.

M.

When I understood it by those that were privie to it, [line 70] I returned home very sad, and almost distracted in my minde, I not knowing what to do for grief, I sate me down: My servants come running to me, they pull off my shooes; I see others hasten to lay the table, And to get ready my supper: every one for his own part did the best he could, [line 75] To ease me of my gries. When I saw these things, I began to muse with my self; Alas, are so many So much trou••led sor my sake onely, that they may give me content? Should so many maids cloath me? Should I alone Be at so great charges in my house? but my onely son [line 80] Whom it is fitting to use these things as well as I, or rather more, Because that age is more meet to make use of these things, I have abandoned him hence poor man by my unjust dealing. Truly I may judge my self worthy of any misery, If I should do it; for so long as he shall live that poor kinde of life, [line 85] Being deprived of his country by reason of my wrong dealings, I will punish my self all the while for his sake, Working, pinching, seeking sor more, and making my self a slave to him, And so I do: I leave nothing at all in my house. Neither vessel, nor suit, I scraped all together. [line 90] I brought out and sold my maid-servants, and men-servants, All except those who by doing husbandry-work Could easily gain their charges; I set a b••ll presently Upon my house to be sold; I got together about two thousand pounds. I bought this parcel of ground, and here I ••mpl••y my self. [line 95] I am perswaded, Chremes, that I do less wrong to my son, So long as I undergo mis••rie my self; And that it is not lawful for me to enjoy any pleasure here, Till he that should share with me return safe.

Ch.

I think that you are tender-hearted towards your children; [line 100] And that he is tractable enough if any body would use him Well or orderly. But you neither knew him well enough,

Nor he you, this falls out there, where men do not live as they ought. You never let him see how much you valued him, Neither durst he commit such things to you, as it is fit for a father to know; [line 105] Which if it had been done, these things had never befallen you.

M.

It is so, I confess; I am in the greatest fault of the two.

Ch.

But Menedemus, I hope it will be well for all this, and I trust, that he Is well, and will be here shortly with you.

M.

God grant it may be so.

Ch.

He will grant it; and now if it may be convenient, [line 110] Here is a feast to Bacchus to day, I would have you be at my house.

M.

I cannot.

Ch.

Why not? I pray you, spare your self A little; your son that is away would have you do so.

M.

There is no reason that I who have forced him to pain, Should now avoid it my self.

Ch.

Is that your resolution?

M.

[line 115] It is so.

Ch.

Fare you well.

M.

And you too.

Ch.

He hath made me to weep, And I pitie him. But as the time of the day is, I must put this Phania in minde to come to supper: I will go see if he be at home. He needed no body To put him in minde; They say he hath been ready a good while [line 120] At home at my house. I make my guests to tarry of me; I will go hence in a doors: But why did the door creak? Who come's hence out ot my house? I will step aside hither.

Act. I. Scen. 1.

Chremes, Menedemus.

Ch.

QUanquam haec inter nos nupera notitia admodum est, Indè adeò quod agrum in proximo hîc mercatus es, Nec rei ferè sanè ampliùs quicquam fuit: Tamen vel virtus tua me, vel vicinitas, [line 5] Quod ego in propinquâ parte amicitiae puto, Facit ut te audacter moneam, & familariter, Quòd videre praeter aetatem tuam Facere, & praeterquam res te adhortatur tua•…•… Nam proh Deum at{que} hominum fidem! qui•…•… is tibi? [line 10] Quid quaeris? annos sexaginta natus 〈…〉〈…〉 Aut plus eo, ut conjicio; agrum in his regionibus Mellorem, ne{que} pretii majoris nemo habet; Servos quam plures: P••oinde quasi nemo siet, Ita tute attentè illorum officia fungere. [line 15] Nunquam tam manè egredior, ne{que} tam vesperi Domum revertor, quin te in fundo conspicer Fodere, aut arare, aut aliquid ferre. Denique, Nullum remittis tempus, neque te respicis. Haec non voluptati tibi esse, satis certè scio. [line 20] At dices enim, me quantum hic operis fiat, poeniter. Quod in opere faciundo operae consumis tuae, Si sumas in illis exercendis, plus agas.

Men.

Chreme, tantúmne est ab re tuâ otii tibi, Aliena ut cures, ea quae nihil ad te attinent?

Ch.

[line 25] Homo sum: humani à me nihil alienum puto. Vel me monere hoc, vel percunctari puta; Rectum est ut ego faciam; non est ut deterream.

Men.

Mihi sic est usus. Tibi ut opus est facto, face.

Ch.

An cuiquam homini est usus, ut se cruciet?

M.

Mihi.

Ch.

[line 30] Si quid laboris est, nollem: sed quid istuc mali est, Quaeso? quid de te tantum meruisti?

M.

Eheu.

Ch.

Ne lachryma, at{que} istuc quicquid est, fac me ut sciam.

Ne retice; ne verere: crede, inquam, mihi, Aut consolando, aut consilio, aut re juvero. [line 35] 35. Scire hoc vis?

Ch.

Hâc quidem causâ quâ dixi tibi.

M.

Dicetur.

Ch.

At istos rastros interea tamen Depone, ne labora.

M,

Minimé.

Ch.

Quam rem agis?

M.

Sine; vacuum tempus ne quid dem mihi Laboris.

Ch.

Non sinam, inquam.

M.

Ah, non aequum facis.

Ch.

[line 40] Hui, tam graves hos!

M.

Sic meritum est meum.

Ch.

Nunc loquere.

M.

Filium unicum adolescentulum Habeo; at, quid dixi, habere me? imò habui, Chreme, Nunc habeam necne incertum est.

Ch.

Quid ita istuc?

M.

Scies. Est è Corintho hîc advena anus paupercula, [line 45] Ejus filiam ille amare coepit virginem, Propè jam ut pro uxore haberet. Haec clam me omnia. Ubi id rescivi, coepi non humanitùs, Ne{que} ut animum decuit aegrotum adolescentuli Tractare; sed vi & viâ provulgatâ patrum; [line 50] Quotidie accusabam: Hem, tibine haec diutiùs Licere speras facere, me vivo patre Amicam ut habeas propè jam in uxorisloco? Erras, si id credis, & me ignoras, Clinia. Ego te meum esse dici tantisper volo, [line 55] Dum quod te dignum est facies; sed si id non facis, Ego, quod me in te sit facere dignum, invenero. Nullâ ad ò ex re ist••c fit, nisi ex nimio otio. Ego istuc aetatis non amori operam dabam, Sed in Asiam hinc abii propter pauperiem, at{que} ibi [line 60] Simul rem & gloriam armis belli repperi. Postremò adeò res rediit; adolescentulus Saepe eadem & graviter audiendo victus est. Putavit me & aetate & benevolent a Plus scire, & providere quàm seipsum sibi. [line 65] In Asiam ad regem militatum abiit, Chreme.

Ch.

Quid ais?

M.

Clam me profectus menses ••res abest.

Ch.

Ambo accusandi: etsi illud incoeptum tamen, Animi est pudentis signum & non instrenui.

M.

Ubi comperi ex his qui fuê••e ei conscii, [line 70] Domum revertor moestus, at{que} animo ferè Conturbato at{que} incerto prae a gritud ne, assedi: Accurrunt servi; soccos detrahunt: Video alios festinare, lectos sternere, Coenam apparare; pro se quisque sedulò [line 75] Faciebant, quò illam mihi lenirent miseriam. Ubi video, haec coepi cogitare; Hem, tot meâ Solius solliciti sunt causâ, ut me unum expleant? Ancillae tot me vestiant? sumptus domi Tantos ego solus faciam? sed gnatum unicum [line 80] Quem pariter his uti decuit, aut etiam an pliús; Quòd illa aetas magis ad haec utenda idonea est, Eum ego hinc ejeci miscrum injust tiâ meâ. Malo equidem me dignum quovis deputem, Si id fa••iam; nam us{que} dum ille vitam illam incolet [line 85] Inopem, carens patriâ ob meas injurias, Interea us{que} illi de me supplicium dabo, Laborans, parcens, quaerens, illi serviens. Ita facio: prorsus nihil relinquo in aed bus, Nec vas, nec vesti mentum: contasi omnia. [line 90] Ancillas, servos, nisi eos qui opere rustico Faciundo facilè sumptum exercerert suum, Omnes perduxi ac vendidi: inscripsi illico Aedes mercede; quasi ad talenta quindecim Coëgi: agrum hunc mercatus sum, hic me exerceo. [line 95] Decrevi tantisper me minus injuriae Chreme meo gnato facere, dum fiam miser. Nefas esse ullâ me voluptate hîc f••ui, Nisi ubi ille huc salvus redierit meus particeps.

Ch.

Ingenio te esse in liberos leni puto. [line 100] Et illum obsequentem si quis rectè aut commodé Tractaret. Verùm neque tu illum satis noveras,

Nec te ille: hoc ibi fit, ubi verè non vivitur. Tu illum, nunquam ostendistl, quanti penderes; Nec tibi ille credere est ausus, quae est aequum patri; [line 105] Quod si esset factum, haec nunquam evenissent tibi.

M.

Ita res est fateor; peccatum à me maxumum est.

Ch.

Menedeme, at porrò rectè spero, & illum tibi Salvum, & futurum esse hîc confido propediem.

M.

Utinam ita Dii faxint.

Ch.

Facient; nunc si est commodum, [line 110] Dionysia hîc sunt, hodie—-apud me sis volo.

M.

Non possum.

Ch.

Cur non? quaeso tandem aliqnantulum Tibi parce: Idem absens facere te hoc vult filius.

M.

Non convenit, qui illum ad laborem impulerim, Nunc me ipsum fugere.

Ch.

Siccine est sententia?

M.

[line 115] Sic.

Ch.

Bene vale.

M.

Et tu.

Ch.

Lachrymas excussit mihi. Miserétque me ejus. Sed ut diei tempus est, Monere oportet me hunc ad coenam Phaniam Ut veniat; ibo ut visam si domi est. Nihil opus Fuit monitore, praesto jamdudum domi [line 120] Apud me esse aiunt; egomet convivas moror; Ibo hinc intró. Sed quid crepuerunt fores? Hinc à me quisnam egreditur? huc concessero.

Act I. Scen. 2.

Clitopho, Chremes.

Cl.

THere is no cause yet, Clinia, why you should be afraid; veri∣ly they do not linger. And I know that she will be here for you to day, together with the mes∣senger. And therefore let go that false thought somness, which so tormenteth you.

Ch.

Who is my son talking withal?

Cl.

My father is here, whom I wished for. Father, you come in good time.

Ch.

[line 5] What is the matter?

Cl.

Do you know Menedemus ••his neigh∣bour of ours?

Ch.

Very well.

Cl.

Do you know that he hath a son?

Ch.

I heard he is in Asia.

Cl.

He is not father; he is at our house.

Ch.

What say you?

Cl.

I brought him to supper, as soon as he came, just as he came from the ship; For he and I had been acquainted over since we were little children.

Ch.

You tell me good news. How I could wish that our neighbour Menedemus [line 10] Were more at our house, that I might first present him with this good news before he be aware, At my house; and now it is full time.

Cl.

Father, take heed how you do it; there is no need.

Ch.

Why so?

Cl.

Because as yet he is uncertain what to do with him∣self: He is but newly come. He is afraid of every thing; his fathers displeasure, and how his sweet∣heart is affected to him. He l••v th her dearly; this ado, and this going away is all long of her.

Ch.

I know that.

Cl.

[line 15] He hath now sent his boy to her into the citie, and I have sent our Sy us with him.

Ch.

What saith he?

Cl.

What? he saith that he is in a miserable case.

Ch

M••serable! whom Should one think to be lesse miserable? What wants he, but he hath those things Which are rcckoned for good in a man, parents, a safe country, friends, stock, kindred, Riches; and these are indeed just as his minde is that enjoyeth them. [line 20] They are good to him that knoweth how to use them; they are naught to him that doth not use them well.

Ch.

Nay, but That old man hath been always very unreasonable, and now I fear nothing more, but That his father b••ing angry will do more then is fitting against him.

Ch.

What he? But I will refrain my self; for it is good for this my son, that he stand in fear.

Cl.

What say you with your self?

Ch.

I will tell you. How ever the case stood, yet he should have tarried; perhaps his fa∣ther was a little more harsh [line 25] Then he would have had him; he should have born with him. For whom will he abide, If he will not abide his own father? was it fitting that the father should live as the son would have him,

Or the Son as the Father would have him? and whereas he pretends he is harsh; it is not so: For Parents injuries are for the most part of one sort; he that is a man but pretty tolerable, They are loth they should often play the whore-master, they are loth they should often feast it; [line 30] They allow them but little money to spend; and all these things yet are for their good. But when once the mind hath entangled it self with a naughty appetite, It must needs be, Clitipho, that like resolutions do follow. This is A known truth, to make trial by others, what may be usefull for your self.

Clit.

I think so.

Ch.

I will go hence in adoors, that I may see what supper we have. [line 35] Do you look to it, as the time of the day requireth, that you goe not any whither far hence.

Actus I. Scen. 2.

Clitipho, Chremes.

Cl.

NIhil est adhuc quod vereare, Clinia; haudquaquam etiam cessant: Et illam simul cum nuncio tibi hîc ego ad futuram hodie, scio. Proin tu sollicitudinem istam falsam, quae te excruciat, mittas.

Ch.

Quîcum loquitur filius?

Cl.

Pater adest, quem volui. Pater, opportunè advenis.

Ch.

[line 5] Quid id est?

Cl.

Hunc Menedemum nostin' vicinum nostrum?

Ch.

Probé.

Cl.

Huic filium scis esse?

Chr.

Audivi esse in Asiâ.

Ch.

Non est, pater a pud nos est.

Ch.

Quid ais?

Cl.

Advenientem, è navi egre-dientem illico abduxi Ad coenam, nam mihi cum eo jam inde us{que} à pueritiâ semper fuit fa∣miliaritas.

Ch.

Voluptatem magnam nuntias. Quàm vellem Menedemum vici∣num [line 10] Ut nobiscum esset ampliùs, ut hanc laetitiam nec opinanti primus Objicerem ••ei, domi! at{que} etiam nunc tempus est.

Cl.

Cave faxis, non est opus, pater.

Ch.

Qua propter?

Cl.

Quia enim incertum est etiam quid se faciat: modò venit. Timet omnia, pat: is iram, at{que} animum amicae se erga ut sit suae. Eam miserè amat, propter eam haec turba at{que} abitio evenit.

Ch.

Scio.

Cl.

[line 15] Nunc servulum ad eam in u bem misit, & ego nostrum unà Syrum.

Ch.

Quid narrat?

Cl.

Quid? ille miserum se esse.

Ch.

Miserum! quem minùs Credere est? Quid reliqui est, quin habeat, quae quidem esse in ho∣mine d••cuntur Bona, parentes, patriam incolumem, amicos, genus, cognatos, D••vitias? At{que} haec perinde sunt ut illius anî qui ea possider: 20. Qui uti scit, ei bona; illi qui non utitur rectè, mala.

Cl.

Immò ille fuit Senex import••nus semper: & nunc nihil magis. Vereor quam ne quid In illum iratus plus satis faxit pater.

Ch.

Illene? Sed reprimam me, Nam in metu esse hunc, illi est utile.

Cl.

Quid tute to cum?

Ch.

Di∣cam. U•• ut erat, mansum tamen oportu••t: fortasse aliquanto iniquior [line 25] Erat praeter ejus libidinem; pateretur. Nam quem ferret, si pa∣rentem Non ferret suum? hunccine erat aequum ex illius more, an illum

Ex hujus vivere? Et quod illum insimulat durum, id non est: nam parentum Injuriae uniusmodi sunt fermè, paulò qui est homo tolerabilis, Scortari crebrô nolunt, crebrô convivarier nolunt, [line 30] Praebent exiguè sumptum, at{que} hae•• sunt tamen ad virturem omnia. Verùm ubi animus semel se cupiditate se devinxit malâ, Necesse est, Clitipho, consilia copsequi similia. Hoc Scitum est, periculum ex aliis facere, tibi quod ex usu siet.

Cl.

Ita credo.

Ch.

Ego ibo hinc intrò, ut videam nobis quid coe∣nae siet. [line 35] Tu, ut tempus est diei, videsis, ne quò hinc abeas longius.

Act II. Scene 1.

Clitipho.

Cl.

WHat unequal judges are fathers towards all young-men? Who think it meet that we should presently of children be∣come old-men, And not be partakers of those things which youth affordeth? They measure us according to their desire which they have now, and not which they had in times past. [line 5] If ever I have a son, truly he shall find me a gentle father, For a time shall be allowed both to know, and pardon his faults. I will not do as my Father, who shews me his mind by another person; I am undone: When he hath drunk a little too much, what pranks of his doth he tell! Now he saith, Make trial by others, what may be good for your self. [line 10] A crasty fox! truly, truly, he doth not know how he tells me a tale in my deaf ear, My sweet-hearts sayings do now more move me, Give me, and fetch me; To whom I have nothing that I can answer, nor is any one in a worse condition: For this Clinia, although he have work enough of his own to do, yet

He hath one that is will and modestly brought up, and that knoweth not how to play the whore. [line 15] Mine is a stately, crav••ag, gallant, costly, notorious whore; Moreover, all that I have to give her, is to say well; for I dare not say I have nothing. I found this mischief not long ago, and my father doth not yet know it.

Actus II. Scen. 1.

Clitipho.

Cl.

Quàm iniqui sunt patres in omnes adolescentes judices? Qui aequum esse censent jam nos à pueris illico nasci senes, Neque illarum affines esse rerum quas fert adolescenti••: Ex suâ libidine moderantur nunc quae est, non quae olim fuit. [line 5] Mihi si unquam filius erit, nae ille facili me utetur patre, Nam & cognoscendi & ignoscendi dabitur peccatis locus: Non ut meus, qui mihi per alium ostendit suam sententiam: Perii: is ubi adbibit plus paulò, sua quae narrat facinora! Nunc ait, Periculum ex aliis facito tibi quod ex usu siet. [line 10] Astutus! nae, ille haud fcit quàm mihi nunc surdo narret fa∣bulam. Magis nunc me amicae dicta stimulant, Da mihi at{que} affer mihi: Cui quid respondeam nihil habeo, ne{que} quisquam est miserior. Nam hic Clinia etsi is quo{que} suarum rerum satagit, attamen

Habet bene & pudicè eductam, ignaram artis meretrie••ae. [line 15] Mea est potens, procax, magn fica, sum••tuosa, nobilis; Tum quod dem ei rectè est: nam nihil esse mihi religi•• est d••cere. Hoc ego mali non pr••dem inven••, ne{que} etiam dum scit pater.

Act II. Scene 2.

Clinia, Clitipho.

Cl.

IF all things went well with me concerning my love, I know They would have come long ago; but I fear least the woman be corrupted here, whilst I was away; Many thoughts come in my head, which may encrease my suspition: The occasion, the place, her age, her bad Mother under whose com∣mand she is, to whom [line 5] Nothing is sweet but money.

Clit.

Clinia.

Clin.

Wo is me poor man.

Clit.

Yet take heed that no body coming from your fathers chance to e∣spy you here.

Clin.

I will. But I do not know what evil my mind for gives me.

Clit.

Do you go on to judg of that, before you know what truth there is in it?

Clin.

If there were no harm, they would have been here already.

Clit.

They will be here by and by.

Clin.

When will that be?

Clit.

[line 10] You do not consider that it is a good way hence, and you know womens fashions; Whilst they are getting up, and getting ready, it is a years time.

Clin.

O Clitipho, I am afraid.

Clit.

Take heart again; see where Dromo is and Sy∣rus; they are both here together for you.

Actus II. Scen. 2.

Clinia, Clitipho.

Clin.

SIm hi secundae res essent de amore meo, jan dudum scio Venissent: sed vercor, ne mulier, me abscntc, hîc cor∣rupta sit: Concu••runt multae opiniones, quae mihi animum exaugeant. Occasio, lo••••s, aetas, mater cujus sub imperio est mala, cui nihil [line 5] Jam p••aeter pretium dulce est.

Clit.

Clinia.

Clin.

Hei mise••o mihi,

Clit.

Etiam cave, ne videat fortè hic te à patre aliquis ex••ens.

Clin.

Faciam, sed nescio quid prof••cto animus praesagit mali.

Clit.

Pergin' ••stuc prius d••judicare, quàm scias quad veri siet.

Clin.

Si nihil mali esset, jam hic adessent.

Clit.

Jam aderunt

Clin.

Quando ist c••erit?

Clit.

[line 10] Non cogitas hinc longius abesse, & nôsti mores mulle∣rum; Dum moliuntur, dum comuntur, annus est.

Clin.

O Clitipho, Timeo.

Clit.

Respira, eccum Dromonem cum Syro! unà adsun tibi.

Act II. Scene 3.

Syrus, Dromo, Clitipho, Clinia.

S.

SAy you so?

D.

It is so.

S.

But in the mean time whilst we hold discourse,

They are left behind.

Clit.

Your woman is here for you; do you hear, Clinia?

Clin.

I hear indeed now at length, and see her, and am very well, Clitipho.

S.

It is no wonder they are so hindred; they bring a company [line 5] Of maids with them.

Clin.

I am undone: whence had she those maids?

Clit.

Do you ask me?

S.

They should not have been left, they bring some things with them.

Clin.

We is me.

S.

Gold, and clothes; and it groweeh towards night, and they know not the way. We have done foolishly. Do you, Dromo, step and meet them. Make haste, why do you loyter?

Clin.

We is me poor man, how am I fallen short of my hope?

Clit.

[line 10] What is that? what thing troubleth you now?

Clin.

Do you ask what it is? Do not you see her maids, her gold, her clothes, whom I left here but with one maid! Whence do you think they are?

Clit.

Ah, now at length I understand you.

S.

O strange, what a hurry is here! I know our house will scarce he be able to hold them. What shall they eat? what shall they drink? what will be more mi∣serable then our old man? [line 15] But lo, I see those that I desired!

Clin.

O. Jupiter! where is there any truth to be found? While I wandring up and down like a mad-man, want my Countrey sor your sake, you in the mean time Have enriched your self, Antiphila, and for saken me in these mis∣fortunes, Because of whom I undergo very great disgrace, and am not so duti∣tifull to my father as I ought to be: For whose sake I am ashamed, and I pity him, that often told me the conditions of these whores. [line 20] I am sorry that he counselled me to no purpose, and that he could not be able to drive me from her: Which thing I will now do; I would not do it then when it might have been for my good. There is no man in a worse case than I.

S.

He is mistaken surely upon our words,

Wh••en we shake here. Clinia, you take your sweet-heart to be other∣wise then she is, For her course of life is the same, and her mind is the same as it was towards you, [line 25] As far as we could guess upon the matter.

Clin.

What is the matter, I beseech you? f••r there is nothing that I would now be more glad of, Than that I make a false surmiz•• about this matter.

S.

First and fore••ost, that you may not be ignorant os any thing touch∣ing this matter, The old-woman which was heretofore said to be her mother, was not so. [line 30] She died. I chanced to hear this as she told it to the other woman upon the way.

Clit.

Who is that other woman?

S.

Tarry, Clitipho, I will first tell out my tale which I have begun, And afterwards I will come to that.

Clit.

Make haste.

S.

Now first of all, As soon as ever we came at the house. D•…•… knockt at the door; [line 35] An old-woman came forth: after she had opened the door, She presently got her self here in again; I followed hard after her: The old-woman bolted the door, and fell to her spinning again. Hereupon, or no way else, Clinia, it may be known, In what imployment she spent her time, when you was away, [line 40] Seeing we came upon the woman on a suddain. For that thing then gave us an occasion to judge Of the daily course of her life, Which doth most of all declare every ones disposition how it is. We found her busily weaving a web, [line 45] M••anly c••ad in a mourning suit; For that old womans sake, I suppose, which was dead; Dressed then without any gold, just as they that are dressed for them∣selves: We found her not painted with any ugly matter, He hair was loose, hanging down, and thrown back [line 50] Carelesly about her head. All is well.

Clin.

I pray thee, good Syrus, Do not bring me into a fools Paradise.

S.

The old-woman Spun the woof, and a little maid besides, She weaved with her, being all ragged, Not regarded, nasty with sl••ttish less.

Clit.

If these things be true Clinia, [line 55]

As I beleeve they are, who is more fortunate then you? Do you know this fluttish and nastie girl that he speaketh of? This also is a great sign that the mistress is faultless, When they that go her errands to and fro are so much neglected. For the order is, that they that desire way to the mistresses, [line 60] Must first see the maids with the like gifts.

Clin.

Go on I pray you, and beware you do not labour To get thanks of me undeserved. What said she, when you named me?

Syr.

As soon as we told her that you were returned, and intreated her To come to you, the woman left her web presently, [line 65] And all to be-blubbered her face with tears, That you might easily perceive it was done for the love of you.

Clin.

I know not, I swear, where I am for joy; I was so afraid.

Clit.

But I knew there was no cause, Clinia: Come on again, Syrus, tell me who is that other woman?

Sy.

[line 70] We bring your Bacchis with us.

Cl.

How now? what, Bacchis? Why you rogue, whither do you bring her?

Syr.

Whither do I bring her? to our house for sooth.

Clit.

To my father?

Syr.

To him himself.

Clit.

O the shameless bold∣ness Of the fellow!

Syr.

Do you hear Sir, a great and memorable exploit Is not done without danger.

Clit.

Look you to this; you rogue, you go about [line 75] To get your self commendations with the hazard of my life, wherein if any thing, Though never so little fail you, I am undone; what will you do with him?

Syr.

But.

Clit.

What but?

Syr.

If you will let me alone, I will tell you.

Clin.

Let him alone.

Clit.

I do let him alone.

Syr.

Thus standeth the matter; she as though with.

Clit.

What Long tales, with a mischief, doth he begin to tell me?

Clin.

He speak∣eth the truth: [line 80] Let those things passe, and come to the matter.

Syr.

Truly I cannot but speak it, Clitipho is injurious to me many wayes, and he cannot be born withal.

Clin.

Truly you must hear; hold your peace.

Clit.

What is the matter?

Syr.

You desire to love, You desire to obtain, you desire it may be brought about, that you may have something to give her, you will not willingly be at any hazard

In enjoying her; you are very wise, if this be to be wise, for you to de∣sire that [line 85] Which cannot befall. Lither these things are to be had with those, Or those that are to be foregone with these: Now see whether of these two proffers You would rather have; although I know this resolution that I have taken Is right and safe. For there is liberty for your sweet heart to be with you At your fathers, without any fear; and then as for the money which you promised her, [line 90] I shall finde is this very way; which that I would do, you made my ears deaf Already by intreating me: What else would you have?

Clit.

If in∣deed This be done.

Syr.

If indeed: you shall know it by making tryal.

Clit.

Well, well, tell me, That your resolution, what it is.

Syr.

We will fain his sweet-heart to be Your sweet-heart.

Cl.

Finely done! tell me what shall he do [line 95] With his own? Shall she also be said to be his, if this one be no disgrace to him?

Syr.

Nay, she shall be had to your mother.

Clit.

Why thither?

Syr.

Cli∣tipho, It would be too long for me to tell you why I do it: there is cause suf∣ficient.

Clit.

These are but tales. I see nothing substantial why it is meet for me To take this sear upon my self.

Syr.

Stay, I have another trick, if you fear this, [line 100] Which you will both consess is out of all danger.

Clit.

I pray you, Finde some such thing as this.

Syr.

Yes, I will go hence to meet them, And bid them return home again.

Clit.

Ha, what said you?

Syr.

I will rid you Of all your fear by and by, that you may rest securely.

Clit.

What should I do now?

Clin.

What you? What becomes an ho∣nest man.

Clit.

Syrus, Do but tell me the truth.

Syr.

[line 105] Do it now to day; you will wish it in vain when it is too late.

Clin.

Shee is offered you now, enjoy her whilst you may; For you know not whether you may have liberty of her hereafter, or ne∣ver.

Clit.

Syrus, I say.

Syr.

Go on and spare not; yet I will do it.

Clit.

Indeed that is very true, you said, Syrus; Syrus I say, ho, ho Syrus.

Syr.

He is very hot, what would you have?

Clit.

come again, come again.

Syr.

Here I am, say what is the matter; You will say anon that this doth not like you.

Clit.

[line 110] Nay, Syrus, I commit my self, my love, and my credit to you, You are the judge, see you be not blame-worthy.

Syr.

It is a fondness, Clitipho, for you to warn me of this. As if I was not as much con∣cerned in the matter, As you; If any miscarriage chance to happen to us in this matter, You shall be chid, but this fellow shall be beaten. Wherefore, [line 115] I do not at all neglect this business. But prevail you with him That he would make as though she were his sweet heart.

Clin.

Yes, For the matter is now come to that point That I must needs do it.

Clit.

I love you, and good reason why, Clinia.

Clit.

But take heed she do not faulter in her speech.

Syr.

Shee is taught her lesson very well. But I wonder at this, how you could so easily perswade her, [line 120] Who useth to scorn every body.

Syr.

I came to her in season which is the chiefest thing of all. For there I found a wretched souldier, intreating a nights lodging with her. She dealt cunningly with the fellow, that she might enflame his lustful minde With the want of her, and that she might be very great in your favour because of this. But do you hear Sir, have a care that you do not fall on unawares. [line 125] You know how quick-sighted your father is about these matters. And I know you, How little command you use to have of your self; forbear your speak∣ing the wrong word first, Your turning your neck aside, your sighing, your spitting,, your cough∣ing, and laughing.

Clit.

You will commend my behaviour.

Syr.

Have a care.

Clit.

You your self will wonder at me.

Syr.

But how soon have the women overtaken us?

Clit.

Where are they? Why do you hold me?

Syr.

Now this is none of your sweet-heart.

Clit.

I know that, at my fathers. [line 130] But now in the mean time.

Syr.

Not a jot the mere.

Clit.

Let 〈…〉〈…〉 alone.

Syr.

I will not let you alone, I say.

Clit.

I pray you, a little while.

Syr.

I forbid you.

Clit.

At least wise let me salute her.

Syr.

Get you gone If you be wise.

Clit.

I am going, but what must be do?

Syr.

He shall tarry.

Clit.

O happy man he!

Syr.

Walk.

Act. II. Scen. 3.

Syrus, Dromo, Clitipho, Clinia.

S.

AIn' tu?

D.

Sic est.

S.

Verum interea dum sermones edi•…•… mus,

Illae sunt relictae.

Clit.

Mulier tibi adest, audin' Cliniae?

Clin.

Ego verò audio nunc demum, & video & valeo, Clitipho.

Syr.

Minimè mirum, adeò impeditae sunt; ancillarum gregem [line 5] Ducunt secum.

Clin.

Perii, unde illi{que} sunt ancillae?

Cl.

Me rogas?

Syr.

Non oportuit relictas: portant▪ quid rerum.

Clin.

Hci mihi.

Syr.

Aurum, vestem, & vesp••rascit, & non noverunt viam. Factum à nobis stultè est. Abi dum tu, Dromo, illis obviam. Propera, quid stas?

Clin.

Vae misero mihi, quantâ de spe decidi!

Clit.

[line 10] Quid isthuc? quae res te sollicitat autem?

Clin.

Rogitas quid siet? Viden'tu ancillas, aurum, vestem, quam ego cum unâ ancillulâ Hîc reliqui; unde esse censes?

Clit.

Vah, nunc demum intelligo.

Syr.

Dii boni, quid turbae est? aedes nostrae vix capient scio. Quid comedent? quid b••bent? quid sene erit n••stro miferius? [line 15] Sed video, eccos quos volebam.

Clin.

O Jupiter, ubinam est fi∣des? Dum ego propter te errans patriâ careo demens, tu interea loci, Collocupletâsti, Antiphila, te, & me in his deseruisti malis: Propter quam in summâ infamiâ sum, & meo patri mirù, obse∣quens: Cujus nunc pudet me & miseret, qui harum mores cantabat mihi, [line 20] Monuisse frustra dolco, ne{que} eum potuisse unquam ab hac me expellere: Quod tamen nunc faciam; tum cum mihi gratum effe potuit, no∣lui. Nemo est miscrior me.

Syr.

Hic de nostris verbis errat videlicer,

Quae hîc sumus loquuti. Clinia, Aliter •…•…m amorem at{que} est a••∣cipis. Nam & vita est cadem, & animus erga te idem ac fuit, [line 25] Quantum ex ipsâ re conjecturam cepimus.

Clin.

Quid est, obsecro? nam mihi nunc nihil rerum omnium est, Quod malim, quàm me hic falsò suspicarier.

S.

Hoc primum, ut ne quid hujus rei ignores, anus Quae est dicta mater ei antehac, non fuit. [line 30] Ea obiit mortem. Hoc, ipsa in itinere alterae Dum narrat, forte audivi.

Clit.

Quaenam est altera?

S.

Mane, hoc quod cepi primùm enarrem, Clitipho; Pòst istuc veniam.

Clit.

Propera.

S.

Jam primum omnium, Ubi ventum ad aedes est, Dromo pultat fores: [line 35] Anus quaedam prodit; haec ubiaperuit ostium, Continuò hîc se conjecit int••ò, ego consequor. Anus foribus obdit pessulum, ad lanam red••it; Hîc sciri potuit, aut nusquam alibi, Clinia, Quo st••dio vitam suam te absente exegerit, [line 40] Ubi de improviso est inte••ventum mulieri. Nam ea res dedit tum existumand▪ copiam Quotidianae vitae consuetudinem, Quae cujus{que} ingenium ut sit declarat maxumè. Texent••m telam st••diosè ipsam effendimus, [line 45] Mediocriter vestitam veste lugubri: Ejus an ûs causâ, opinor, quae erat mortus; Sine auro tum ornatam, ita ut quae ornantur sibi; N••llâ malâ re esse expolitam muliebri, Capillus passus, prolixus, circum capur [line 50] Rejectus negligenter: Pax.

Clin.

Syre mi, obsecro Ne me in laetitiam frustra conjicias.

S.

Anus Sub regmen nebat; praeterea una ancillula Erat, ea texebat una pannis obsita, Neglecta, immunda illuvie.

Clit.

Si haec sunt, Clinia, [line 55]

Vera, ita ut credo, quis te est fortunatior? Scin' tu hanc quam dicit sordidatam & sordidam? Magnum hoc quoque signum est dominam esse extra noxiam, Cùm tam negliguntur ejus inter nuncii: Nam disciplina est, iisdem munerarier [line 60] Ancillas primùm, ad dominas qui affectant viam.

Clin.

Perge, obsecro te, & cave ne falsam gratiam Studeas inire: quid ait ubi me nominas?

Syr.

Ubi dicimus rediisse te, & rogare uti Veniret ad te, mulier telam deserit [line 65] Continuò, & lachrymis opplet os totum sibi, Ut facil è scires desiderio id fieri tuo.

Clin.

Prae gaudio, ita me Dii ament, ubi sim, nescio: Ita timui.

Clit.

At ego nihil esse sciebam, Clinia, Agedum vicissim, Syre. Dic quae est altera.

Syr.

[line 70] Adducimus tuam Bacchidem.

Clit.

Hem! quid? Bacchidem? Eho, sceleste, quò illam dueis?

Syr.

Quo illam ego? ad nos sci∣licet.

Clit.

Ad patrémne?

Syr.

Ad eum ipsum.

Clit.

O hominis impu∣dentem Audaciam!

Syr.

Heus tu, non fit sine periclo magnum facinus Et memorabile.

Clit.

Hoc vide; in meâ vitâ tu tibi [line 75] Laudem is quaesitum, scelus; ubi si paululum modò Quid te fugerit, ego perierim. Quid illo facias?

Syr.

At enim.

Clit.

Quid enim?

Syr.

Si finas, dicam.

Clin.

Sino.

Clit.

Sino.

Syr.

Ita res est, haec quasi cùm.

Clit.

Quas malùm, Ambages mihi narrare occipit!

Clin.

Verum hic dicit, [line 80] Mitte; Ad rem redi.

Syr.

Enimvero reticere nequeo, Multis modis injurius Clitipho est, neque ferri potis est.

Clin.

Audiendum hercle est; tace.

Clit.

Quid est?

Syr.

Vis amare; Vis potiri: vis, quod des illi, effici, Tuum esse in potiundo peri∣culum

Non vis; haud stultè sapis, siquidem id sapere est, relle te id [line 85] Quod non potest contingere. Aut haec cum illis sunt habenda, Aut illa cum his amittenda sunt. Harum duarum conditionum Nunc utram malis, vide; etsi hoc consilium quod coepi rectum esse Et tutum scio; nam apud patrem tua amica tecum Sine metu ut sit, copia est; tum quod illi argentum es pollicitus, [line 90] Eadem hâc inveniam via; quod ut efficerem, orando surdas Jam aures reddideras mihi. Quid aliud vis tibi?

Clit.

Siquidem Hoc fic.

Syr.

Siquidem, experiundo scies.

Clit.

Age, age, cedò Istud tuum consilium, quid id est?

Syr.

Adsimulabimus tuam Amicam hujus esse amicam.

Clit.

Pulchrè, cedò quid hic faciet [line 95] Suâ? an ea quoque dicetur hujus, fi una haec dedecori est pa∣rúm?

Syr.

Immò, ad tuam matrem deducetur.

Clit.

Quid eó?

Syr.

Lon∣gum est, Clitipho, si tibi narrem, quamobrem id faciam: Vera causa est.

Clit.

Fabulae. Nihil satis firn••i video quamobrem accipere hunc mihi Expediat metum.

Syr.

Mane, habeo illud, si istuc metuis, [line 100] Quod ambo confiteamini sine periculo esse.

Clit.

Hujusmodi, Obsecre, aliquid reperi.

Syr.

Maximè ibo obviam hinc; Dicam, ut revertantur domum.

Clit.

Hem, quid dixti?

Syr.

Adem∣ptum Tibi jam faxo omnem metum, in aurem utramvis otiosè ut dormias.

Clit.

Quid ago nunc?

Clin.

Túne? quod boni est.

Clit.

Syre, dic modò verum.

Syr.

[line 105] Age modò hodie: serò ac nequicquam voles.

Clin.

Da∣tur modò: fruere dum licet. Nam nescias ejus sit potestas posth••c an nunquam tibi.

Cli,.

Syre, i••quam.

Syr.

Perge porrò: tamen istuc ago.

Clit.

Verum herele istuc est. Syre, Syre, inquam; Heus, heus, Syre.

Syr.

Concaluit: quid vis?

Clit.

Redi, redi.

Syr.

Adsum, dic quid est. Jam hoc quo{que} negabis tibi placere.

Clit.

[line 110] Imò, Syre, & me, & meum amorem, & falā permitto tibi. Tu es judex, ne quid accusandus sis, vide.

Syr.

Ridiculum est Te me istuc admonere, Clitipho. Quasi istic minor mea res Agatur quàm tua. Hîc si quid nobis fortè adversi evenerit, Tibi erunt parata verba, huic homini verbera. Quapropter haec res [line 115] Neut quam neglectui est mihi. Sed istunc exora ut suam esse Assimulet.

Clin.

Scilicet, facturum me esse, in eum res jam Rediit locum, ut sit necesse.

Clit.

Meritò te amo, Clinia.

Clin.

Verum illa ne quid titubet.

Syr.

Perdocta est probé. At hoc demiror, qui tam facilè potueris persuadere illi, quae [line 120] Solet quos spernere!

Syr.

In tempore ad eam veni, qùod rerum omnium est Primum. Nam miserum quendam offendi ibi militem ejus noctem Orantem. Haec arte tractabat virum, ut illius animum cupidum Inopiâ incenderet, eadem{que} ut esset apud te ob hoc quàm Gratissima. Sed heus tu, vide sis ne quid imprudens ruas. [line 125] Patrem novîsti ad has res quàm sit perspicax. Ego autem novi, Quàm esse soleas impotens. Inversa verba, & versas cervices tuas, Gemitus, screatus, tusses, risus abstine.

Clit.

Laudabis.

Syr.

Vide sis.

Clit.

Tutemet mirabere.

Syr.

Sed quàm citò sunt consequutae mulie∣res?

Clit.

Ubi sunt? cur retines?

Syr.

Jam nunc haec non est tua.

Clit.

Scio apud patrem, [line 130] At nunc interim.

Syr.

Nihilo magis.

Clit.

Sine.

Syr.

Non si∣nam, inquam.

Clit.

Quaeso paulisper.

Syr.

Veto.

Clit.

Saltem salutare.

Syr.

A∣beas, Si sapis.

Clit.

Eo, quid istic?

Syr.

Manebit.

Clit.

O hominem Foelicem!

Syr.

Ambula.

Act II. Scene 4.

Bacchis, Antiphila, Clinia, Syrus.

B.

TRuly my Antiphila, I commend you, and deem you Fortunate, seeing you endeavoured that your conditions might be answerable to your beautie: And (I swear) I do not wonder, though every one desire to enjoy you, For your talk discovered to me of what disposition you are, and when I consider [line 5] With my self your course of life, and also of all such as you, who cast off vulgar persons, it is no wonder That you are such as you are, and that we are not. For it stands you in hand to be honest; They with whom we have to doe, will not suffer us. For lovers being taken with our beauty Do haunt us; when this is decayed, they turn their minds elsewhere; Unless we have provided somewhat for our selves in the mean time, we live forlorn. [line 10] Ye are resolved to spend your time with one husband, whose beha∣viour is Very answerable to yours; these apply themselves to you; by this good turn Ye are so really linked one to another, that never any mishap Can befal your love.

Ant.

I know not what other women are, but I know I have always done my best, That I might do my self good by seeking his good.

Clin.

Ah, then [line 15] My Antiphila, you alone bring me back again into my countrey. For whilst I was absent from you, I thought all the pains which I un∣dertook were nothing, But only that I was without your company.

Syr.

I beleeve you.

Clit.

Sy∣rus, I have much ado To forbear. That I poor man may not do now as it liketh my self;

Syr.

Nay, for as I see your father is disposed, a long while he will deal hardly with you.

B.

[line 20] What yong man is this that looketh at us?

Ant.

Ah, hold me, I pray you.

B.

I pray you, what ail you?

Ant.

I am undone poor woman.

B.

Antiphila, Why are you ready to sound.

Ant.

Do I see Clinia, or no?

B.

Whom do you see?

Clin.

God save you my dear-heart.

Ant.

O my long-looked for Clinia, God save you.

Clin.

How do you?

Ant.

I am glad that you are come safe home.

Clin.

[line 25] Do I imbrace you Antiphila, whom my heart so much desireth?

Syr.

Get ye in, for the old man hath tarried for you a good while.

Act. II. Scen. 4.

Bacchis, Antiphila, Clinia, Syrus.

B.

AE Dipol te, mea Antiphila, laudo, & fortunatam Judico: id cùm studuisti formae ut mores consimiles forent, Minimé{que} (ita me bene Dii ament) miror, si te sibi quis{que} expetit, Nam mihi quale ingenium habetes fuit indicio oratio, & cum ego∣met [line 5] Nunc mecum in animo vitam tuam considero, Omniúm{que} adeò Vestrarum, vulgus quae ab se segregant; Et vos esse istiusmodi, Et nos non esse, haud mirabile est. Nam expedit bonas esse vobis, Nos, quibuscum res est, non sinunt. Quippe formâ impulsi nostrâ nos Amatores colunt: haec ubi imminuta est, illi suum animum aliò Conferunt: nisi si prospectum est interea aliquid nobis, desertae vi∣vimus. [line 10] Vobis cum uno simul ubi aetatem agere decretum est viro, cujus mos maximè Est consimilis vestrûm; hi se ad vos applicant; hoc beneficio utri{que} Ab utris{que} ve 〈◊〉〈◊〉 devincimini, ut nunquam ulla amori vestro incidere Possit calamitas.

Ant.

Nescio alias; me quidem semper scio fecisse sedulò, Ut ex illius commodo meum comparem commodum.

Clin.

Vah, ergo [line 15] Mea Antiphila, tu nunc sola reducem me in patriam facis. Nam dum abs te absum, omnes mihi labores fu êre, quas cepi, le∣ves, Praeterquam tui carendum quod erat.

Syr.

Credo.

Clit.

Syre, vix Suffero. Hoccine me miserum non licere meo medò ingenio f••ui!

Syr.

Imò, ut patrem tuum video esse habitum diu, etiam duras dabi••▪

B.

[line 20] Quisnam adolescens est qui intuetur nos?

Ant.

Ah, retine me, Obsecro.

B.

Amabó, quid tibi est?

Ant.

Disperii misera.

B.

Quid Stupes, Antiphila?

Ant.

Videon' Cliniam, an non?

B.

Quem Vides?

Clin.

Salve, anime mi.

Ant.

O mi expectate Clinia, Salve.

Clin.

U•• vales?

Ant.

Salv••m advenisse gaudeo.

Clin.

[line 25] Ten••on••te, Antiphila, maxumè animo exoptata meo?

Syr.

Ite intrò, nam vos jamdudum expectat senex.

Act. III. Scen. 1.

Chremes, Menedemus.

Ch.

IT is towards day: Do I forbear to knock at this door Of my neighbours? that he may first know from me that his son Is returned, although I know the yong man is both to have it so. But forasmuch as I see this poor man is so much troubled [line 5] At his going away, should I conceal this unlooked for joy, When there is no danger to him by discovering it? I will not do it, for I will help the old man as far as I am able, Just as I see my son to be ready to serve his friend and companion, And to help him with his attendance in all his businesse; [line 10] It is also fitting that we old men should help one another.

Men.

Certainly I am either notably born disposed To misery, or that is not true which I hear to be commonly Spoken, that Time takes away grief from men; For my grief concerning my son increaseth with me daily [line 15] More and more: and by how much the longer He is away, by so much I desire and covet more and more to see him.

Ch.

But I see him gone out of doors, I will go to him, and speak to him. Menedemus, God save you, I bring you news Whereof you desire most especially to be a sharer.

Men.

Chremes, Have you heard any thing concerning my son?

Ch.

He is well, and alive.

Men.

Where I pray you?

Ch.

At home at my house.

Men.

My son?

Ch.

Yes.

Men.

Is he come?

Ch.

For certain.

Men.

Is my son Clinia come?

Ch.

I told you so.

Men.

Let us go, have me to him, I pray you:

Ch.

He would not have you know that he is returned yet, and he a∣voideth [line 25] The sight of you because of his fault, and is also afraid Lest your old wonted austerity should be increased.

Men.

Did not you tell him, how I was?

Ch.

No.

Men.

Why so, Chremes?

Ch.

Because you take a very bad course both for him and you in that matter, son shew your self to be so tender-hearted, and easily overcome.

Men.

[line 30] I cannot but do so; I have been a harsh father long, and long enough.

Ch.

Ah Menedemus, You are too eager both wayes, Either in too much spending or sparing. You shall fall into the same trap by the one as well as the other. First, in times past rather then you would suffer your son [line 35] To go to a woman, which was then contented with a very little, And by whom all things were thankfully accepted, You rated him hence; she being forced whether she would or not Began to seek a living where she could come by it; Now when she cannot be had without great loss, [line 40] You desire to bestow any thing on her. For that you may under∣stand, How well she is now fitted to work ones destruction: First of all, she hath brought with her above ten maids Laden with clothes and gold; if her lover were a Lord, He could never be able to maintain her charges, [line 45] Much less can you.

Men.

Is she within?

Ch.

Do you ask, whether she be or not? I have felt it: For I have bestowed one supper upon her, And her attendants; but if I were to give them another, I should be undone; For to let other things pass, what wine hath she spent me even now In sipping, saying thus, This wine is somewhat too harsh, [line 50] Let me have that which is smoother! I pray you consider, I have unbroached all my hogs-heads, all my pipes, I had all my folks bi••sied, and this was but one night,

What do you think will become of you, whom they will daily eat out of house and harbour? I swear from my heart, I pity your estate, [line 55] Menedemus.

Men.

Let him do as he listeth. Let him take, let him spend, let him waste, I am resolved •••• abide it, So I may but have him with me.

Ch.

If you be resolved So to doe, I think it will be very requisite for you, That he may think you give it him unwittingly.

Men.

[line 60] What should I do?

Ch.

Any thing rather then what you intend; I would have you give him by any body else, and suffer your self To be cosened by a servant with his tricks, although that I perceive that also, That they are about it, and consult of it closely amongst themselves. Syrus whispereth with that son of yours, and the yong men lay their heads together; [line 65] And it is better for you to lose a talent This way, then a pound the other way. We do not now stand about money, but that is we stand about, How we may let the yong man have it with the least perill; For if he once come to understand your minde, [line 70] That you will rather lose your own life, and rather Lose all your money, then you will let your son go from you, Fie, what a gap will you lay open for his lewdness? So as besides you have small comfort of your life; For we are all of us worse by too much liberty, [line 75] He will do whatsoever comes in his minde, Neither wil he consider whether it be bad or good which he shal request; You will never be able to endure your estate and him to be cast away. You will deny to give him, he will presently run to that Whereby he shall think himself most able to prevail with you. [line 80] He will threaten to go away from you forthwith.

Men.

You seem to speak the truth, and just as the matter is.

Ch.

Truly, I have not slept one wink all this night, Whilst I was musing, how I might help you to your son again.

Men.

Give me your right hand; I intreat you further Chremes that you would do this same thing.

Ch.

[line 85] I am ready to serve you.

Men.

Do you know what I would have you do now?

Ch.

Tell me.

Men.

That which you perceive they go about to cosen me of.

That they would make haste to do it; I desire to give him What he would have; I long now to see him.

Ch.

I will do my best. I must take Syrus in hand and perswade him. [line 90] I know not who comes forth of my house; go you hence home, Lest they should think that you and I have agreed betwixt our selves; This little business hindreth me; Sinus and Crito Our neighbours are at a controversie here about their lands. They have made me an Ʋmpire betwixt them; I will go and say, as I told you, [line 95] That I will do my best to help them, but I cannot attend them to day. I will be here again presently.

Men.

I pray you do so: O strange! That the nature of all men should be so disposed, That they can better see and judge of other mens things then their own Cometh it hereupon, because in our own affairs [line 100] We are very much hindred by too much joy, Or gries of minde? How much wiser Now is this man for me then I am for my self?

Ch.

I have rid my self srom them, that I might attend you at leisure.

Actus III. Scen. 1.

Chremes, Menedemus.

Ch.

LUcescit; hoc jam cesso pultare ostium Vicini? primùm ex me ut sciat sibi filium Redisse; etsi adolescentem hoc nolle intelligo; Verùm cum videam miserum hunc tam cruciarier [line 5] Ejus abitu, celem tam insperatum gaudium, Cùm illi pericli nihil ex indicio siet? Haud faciam: adjuvabo senem nam quod potero; Ita ut'filium meum amico at{que} aequali suo Video inservire, & servum esse in negotii••: [line 10] Nos quo{que} senes est aequum senibus obsequi.

Men.

Aut ego prefectò ingenio egregiè ad miseriam Natus sum, aut illud falsum est quod vulgò audio Dici, Diem adimere aegritudinem hominibus: Nam mihi quotidie augescit magis de filio [line 15] Aegritudo; & quanto diut ùs Abest, magis cupio tantò & magis defidero.

Ch.

Sed ipsum egressum foràs video; ib••, alloquar. Menedeme, salve, nuncium apporto tibi Cujus maxumè te fieri participem cup••s.

Men.

[line 20] Numquidnam de ••nato meo audist••, Chreme?

Ch.

Valet at{que} vivit.

Men.

Ubinam quaeso?

Ch.

Apud me domi.

Men.

Meus gnatus?

Ch.

Sic est.

Men.

Venit?

Ch.

Cert••.

Men.

Cli∣nia Meus venit?

Ch.

Dixi.

Men.

Eamus; duc me ad eum, obsecro.

Ch.

Non vult te scire se rediisse etiam, & tuum [line 25] Conspectum fugitat ob peccatum, tum hec timer, Ne tua duritia illa antiqua etiam adaucta siet.

Men.

Non tu ei dixisti, ut essem?

Ch.

Non.

Men.

Quamobrem, Chreme?

Ch.

Quia pessumè istuc in te at{que} in illum consulis, Si te tam leni & victo esse animo ostenderis.

Men.

[line 30] Non possum; satis jam satis pater durus fui.

Ch.

Ah, Vehemens in utram{que} partem, Menedeme, es nimis, Aut largitate nimiâ aut parsimoniâ; In eandem fraudem ex hac re arque ex illâ incides. Primùm olim potiùs quàm pater êre filium [line 35] Commeare ad mulierculam, quae paululo tum erat Contenta, euique erant grata omnia, Perterruisti hinc: ea coacta ingratiis Post illa coepit victum vulgo quaerere. Nunc cùm sine magno intertrimento non potest [line 40] Haberi, quidvis dare cupis; nam ut tu scias Quam ea nunc instructa pulchrè ad perniciem siet, Primùm jam ancillas secum adduxit plus decem, Oner••tas veste at{que} auro: Satrapes si siet, Amator, nunquam sufferre ejus sumptus queat, [line 45] Nedum tu possis.

Men.

Estné ea intus?

Ch.

Sit rogas? Sensi. Nam unam coenam ei at{que} ejus comitibus Dedi; quòd si iterum sit danda, actum est. Nam ut alia omittam, pitissando modò mihi Quod vini absumpsit? sic, Hoc, dicens, asperum, [line 50] Pater, est; hoc aliud lenius: sodes vide, Relevi dolia omnia, omnes serias. Omnes sollicitos habui, atque haec una nox,

Quid te futurum esse censes, quem assiduè exederit? Sic me Dii amabunt, ut me tuarum misertum est, [line 55] Menedeme, fortunarum.

Men.

Faciat, quod lubet, Sumat, consumat, perdat; decretum est pati, Dum illum modò habeam m••cum.

Ch.

Si certum est tibi Sic facere, illud permagnl referre arbitror, Ut nescientem sentiat te id sibi dare.

Men.

[line 60] Quid faciam?

Ch.

Quidvis potius quàm quod cogitas. Per alium quemvis ut des; falli te sinas Technis per servulum, ersi subsensi id quoque, Illos ibi esse, id agere inter se clanculum. Sy rus cum illo vestro consusurrat; conferunt [line 65] Consilia adolescentes, & tibi perdere Talentum hoc pacto satius est, quàm illo minam. Non nunc de pecuniâ agitur, sed illud, quo modo Minimo periculo id demus adolescentulo. Nam si semel tuum animum ille intellexrit, [line 70] Prius proditurum te tuam vitam, & prius Pecuniam omnem, quàm abs te amittas filium, Hui quantam fenestram ad nequitiam parefeceris! Tibi autem porrò ut non sit suave vivere; Nam deteriores omnes sumus licentiâ. [line 75] Quodcun{que} inciderit in mentem, volet, Ne{que} id putabit pravum an rectum sit, quod petet. Tu rem perire & illum, non poteris pati. Dare denegâris, ibit ad illud illico, Quo maximè apud re se valere sentiet; [line 80] Abiturum se abs re esse illieo minabitur.

Men.

Videre verum, atque ita uti res est, dicere.

Ch.

Somnum hercle ego hac nocte oculis non vidi meis, Dum id quaero, tibi quî filium restituerim.

Men.

Cedò dextram; porrò te oro idem ut facias, Chreme.

Ch.

[line 85] Paratus sum.

Men.

Scin', quid nunc facere te volo?

Ch.

Dic.

Men.

Quod sensisti illos me incipere fallere,

Id ut maturent facere; cupio illi dare, Quod vult: cupio ipsum jam videre.

Ch.

Operam dabe. Syrus est prehendendus, at{que} adhortandus mihi. [line 90] A me nescio quis exit; concede hinc domum, Ne nos inter nos congruere sentiant. Paulum hoc negoti mihi obstat: Sinus, & Crito Vicini nostri hic ambigunt de finibus. Me cepêre arbitrum; ibo ac dicam, ut dixeram, [line 95] Operam daturum me, hodie non posse his dare. Continuò hîc adero.

Men.

Ita quaeso. Dii vostram fidem! Itan' comparatam esse hominum naturam omnium Aliena vt melius videant & judicent, quàm sua? [line 100] An eò sit, quia in re nostrâ aut gaudio sumus Perpediti nimio, aut aegritudine? Hic mihi, Nunc quantò plus sapit, quàm egomet mihi?

Ch.

Dissolvi me, otiosus ut operam tibi darem.

Act III. Scene 2.

Syrus, Chremes.

Sy.

RƲn about this way and that way, yet I must finde Money, I must devise some trick for the old man.

Ch.

I was not mistaken, that they were plotting about it, now verily That same servant of Clinia's is a dullard, [line 5] And therefore the charge of the business is committed to this fellow of ours.

S.

Who talks here? I am undone. Hath he heard these words?

Ch.

Sy∣rus.

S.

Ha.

Ch.

What do you there?

S.

Truly Chremes I much wonder at you, That you are up so early, who drunk so much yesterday.

Ch.

Nothing too much.

S.

Nothing say you! me thought as folks use to say, [line 10] You were like an old Eagle.

Ch.

No more of that.

S.

This where is a pleasant and

Merry-conceited woman.

Ch.

So she seemed indeed to me.

S.

And truly of a clear complexion.

Ch.

So and so.

S.

Not so good as it was in times past, but as it is at this present. And I do not wonder that Clinia is deep in love with her: [line 15] But hath a certain father, a covetous, mif••rly, and dry fellow. This neighbour of ours; do not you know him? And as if he had Not means enough, his son for sook his country for want. Do you know it to be done as I say?

Ch.

Why should I but know? A fellow that deserves the house of correction.

S.

Whom do you mean?

Ch.

I mean [line 20] That servant of the yong mans.

S.

O Syrus, I was cursedly afraid for ▪you.

Ch.

Who suffered that thing to be done.

S.

What should he have done?

Ch.

Do you ask? He should have found out some shift, and have devised wily tricks, Whereby the yong man might have somewhat to bestow on his sweet∣heart, And might have saved this old-man against his will, that is so hard to please.

S.

[line 25] You do but talk.

Ch.

Syrus, these things ought to have been done by him.

S.

Why, I pray you, do you commend those that deceive their masters?

Ch.

In season Truly I commend them.

S.

Very well indeed.

Ch.

Because That is sometimes a remedie os great inconveniences. Now his only son might have remained at home to this man.

S,

[line 30] I know not whether he speak these words in jest or in earnest, But indeed he gives me encouragement, that I may have more minde to do it.

Ch.

And now, Syrus, what doth he wait for? what whilst he go away Hence again, seeing he cannot be able to bear her charges, Doth he not invent some cunning-trick to put upon the old man?

S.

He a blockhead. [line 35] But it behoveth you to help him sor the yong mans sake.

S.

Truly I can soon do it, if you but say the word; For I know very well, how it is wont to be done.

Ch.

Verily you are so much the fitter man.

S.

I am not used to dis∣semble.

Ch.

Do it then.

S.

But do you hear, be sure you remember these same things, [line 40]

If any thing of this nature chance to befall at any time, As humane things are casual, that your son should do the like.

Ch.

It will not come to passe, I hope.

S.

Truly I hope so too, Nor do I speak it now therefore, because I perceived him go about any such thing; But if he should do any such thing, that you may not be angry at me; you see what his age is. [line 45] And truly Chremes, if need should be, I could handle you gal∣lantly.

Ch.

We will consider concerning that matter when occasion shall serve, What shall be needful. Now mind what you have in hand.

S.

I never heard my master speak more opportunely then now. Nor when I went about to do a mischief, did I think [line 50] I might more freely do it. Who comes forth from our house?

Actus III. Scen. 2.

Syrus, Chremes.

Sy.

HAc illac circumcursa, inveniendum tamen Argentum, intendenda in senem est fallacia.

Ch.

Non me fesellit hosce id struere, videlicet Ille Cliniae servus tardiusculus est, [line 5] Idcirco huic nostro tradita est provincia.

S.

Quis hic loquitur? perii. Numnam haec audivit?

Ch.

Syre.

S.

Hem!

Ch.

Quid tu ist îc?

S.

Rectè quidem te demiror, Chreme; Tam manè, qui heri tantum b••beris.

Ch.

Nihil nimis.

S.

Nihil narras? visa verò est, quod dici solet, [line 10] Aquilae senectus.

Ch.

Eja.

S.

Mulier commoda &

Faceta haec est meretrix.

Ch.

Sanè idem vifa est mihi.

S.

Et quidem hercle formâ luculentâ.

Ch.

Sie satis.

S.

Ita non ut olim, sed uti nunc sanè, bonâ. Minimé{que} miror; Glinia hanc si deperit. [line 15] Sed habet patrem quendam, avidum, miserum at{que} aridum, Vicinum hunc, nostin? & quafi is non divitiis Abundet, natus ejus profugit inopiâ; Scin' esse factum ut dico?

Ch.

Quid ego nesciam? Hominem pistrino dignum.

S.

Quem?

Ch.

Istunc servulum [line 20] Dico adolescentis.

S.

Syre, tibi timui malé.

Ch.

Qui passus est id fieri?

S.

Quid faceret?

Ch.

Rogas? Aliquid reperiret, fingeret fallacias, Unde esset adolescenti amicae quod daret, At{que} hunc difficilem invitum servaret senem.

S.

[line 25] Garris.

Ch.

Haec facta ab illo oportebant, Syre.

S.

Eho, quaeso, laudas qui heros fallunt.

Ch.

In loco Ego verò laudo.

S.

Rectè sané.

Ch.

Quippe quia Magnarum saepe aegritudinum id remedium est, Jam huic mansisset unicus gnatus domi.

S.

[line 30] Jocóne an seriò illaec dicat nescio, Nisi mihi qaidem addit animum, quo lubeat magis,

Ch.

Et nunc quid expectat, Syre? an dum hinc denuo Abeat, cum tolerare hujus sumptus non queat? Nonne ad senem aliquam fabricam fingit?

S.

Stolidus est, [line 35] At te adjutare oportet adolescentuli Causâ.

S.

Facilè quidem facere possum, si jubes: Etenim quo pacto id fieri soleat, calleo.

Ch.

Tanto hercle melior.

S.

Non est mentiri meum.

Ch.

Fac ergo.

S.

At, heus tu, facito eadem haec memineris, [line 40]

Si quid hujus simile, forte aliquand•• evenerit, Ut sunt humana, tuus ut faciat filius.

Ch.

Non usus veniet, spero.

S.

Spero hercle ego quoque. Neque eò nunc dico, quò quicquam illum senserim: Sed si quid, nequid quae sit ejus aetas vides. [line 45] Et nae ego te, si usus veniat, magnificè, Chreme, Tractare possim.

Ch.

De istoc, cum usus venerit, Videbimus quid opus sit; nunc istuc age.

S.

Nunquam commodiùs unquam herum audiviloqui. Nec, cùm malefacerem, crederem mihi impunius [line 50] Licere. Quisnam a nobis egreditur foras?

Act III. Scen. 3.

Chremes, Clitipho, Syrus.

Ch.

WHat is that I pray you? what behaviour is that, Cliti∣pho? Is it fitting to do so?

Cl.

What have I done?

Ch.

Did not I see you just now, Put your hand into that whores bosome?

S.

The matter is dasht, I am undone.

Cl.

What me?

Ch.

With these eyes. [line 5] Do not deny it. Do you offer him such a base wrong, That you cannot hold your hands? For indeed this is A gross abuse, to entertain a man that is your friend With you, and to busie your self with his sweet-heart: even yesterday in your wine How immodest were you?

S.

He was so.

Ch.

How trouble some? [line 10] That indeed (I swear) I was afraid what would be the end of it. I know the mind of lovers, they take things in dudgeon Which you would not imagine.

Cl.

But he dare credit me, Fathers that I will do no such matter.

Ch.

Be it so; yet indeed

You should have gone somewhither a while out of their sight. Love [line 15] Affordeth many things; your presence hindereth them. I guess By my self. There is none of my friends at this day, Clitipho, To whom I dare disclose all my secrets. His worth hindereth with one, with another it ir••eth me Of what is done, lest I should seem to be foolish or saucie, which sup∣pose him to doe. [line 20] But it is our duty to understand to pleasure a friend, howsoever, and whensoever there is need.

S.

What is he telling?

Cl.

I am undone.

S.

Clitipho, I discharging the duty Of an honest and moderate person, do advise you these things.

Cl.

Hold your peace, I pray you.

S.

Very well indeed.

Ch.

Syrus, I am ashamed.

S.

I beleeve you, and not without cause; for it troubleth me.

Cl.

Do you go on [line 25] Indeed?

S.

I speak the truth, what I think.

Cl.

Should I not come At them?

Ch.

Why I pray you, is there but one way to come at them?

S,

But he will first bewray him self, before I get the money. Chromes, Will you hearken to me a foolish fellow?

Ch.

What Shall I do?

S.

••id this man go some whither hence.

Cl.

Whither should I go [line 30] Hence?

S.

Whither you list. Give them place. Go walk.

Cl.

Walk, whither?

S

Fie, as if you wanted a place. Go forsooth this way, or that way, whither you will.

Ch.

He saith well I suppose.

Cl.

Syrus, an ill end come to thee That thrustest me thence.

S.

But do you hold those hands hereaf∣ter. [line 35] Suppose you so indeed? what do you think Chremes, he will do further, Unless you observe, chastise, and admonish him, as far as God will en∣able you.

Ch.

I will look to that.

S.

But master, you must now look to him.

Ch.

It shall be done.

S.

If you be wise, for he regards me less and less.

Ch.

Syrus, What say you? Have you done any thing about that matter, of which I spake to you a while ago? [line 40]

Or have you found any thing that liketh you, or not yet at all?

S.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 you speak About the trick? whilst I have found one lately.

Ch.

You are an honest fellow, tell me what it is.

S.

I will tell you, but as one thing fell out after another.

Ch.

What is it Syrus?

S.

This is a very naughtie whore.

Ch.

So she seems.

S.

Nay, if you knew all. See this prank which she begins to play. There was an old woman of Corinth here. [line 45] This woman had lent her sixteen pounds and a mark.

Ch.

What then? She died and left behinde her a yong daughter, She was left as a pawn to this whore for that money.

Ch.

I under∣derstand you.

S.

She hath brought her with her, and she is now with your wife.

Ch.

What then?

S.

Clinia intreateth her to bestow her on him, and yet desireth to give her [line 50] Afterwards the sixteen pounds and a mark.

Ch.

And will be in∣deed desire it?

S.

Whoo, is that any question?

Ch.

I thought so; what do you now think to do?

S.

What I? I will go to Menedemus, and tell him she was bought from Caria, Being rich, and a gentlewoman; if he will buy her again, much gain is to be got by her.

Ch.

You are mistaken.

S.

Why so?

Ch.

I will now answer you for Menedemus. [line 55] I will not buy her; What will you do?

S.

Speak as one would have you.

Ch.

But there is no need.

S.

Is there no need?

Ch.

No indeed.

S.

Why say you so? I wonder.

Ch.

You shall know by and by▪ Tarry, tarry; what is the matter, That our door creaks so much?

Act. III. Scen. 3.

Chremes, Clitipho, Syrus,

Ch.

QUid istuc, quaeso? qui istic mos est Clitipho? Itáne fieri oportet?

Cl.

Quid ego feci?

Ch.

Vid••n' ego te mod•• Manum in sinum huic meretrici ins••rere?

S.

Acta haec res est, perii.

Cl.

Méne?

Ch.

Hisce oculis: [line 5] Ne nega. Facis adeò indignè injuriam Illi, qui non abstaneas manum? nam istaec quidem Contumelia est, hominem amicum recipere Ad te, at{que} ejus amicam subagitare; Vel heri in vino Quàm immodestus fuisti?

S.

Factum est.

Ch.

Quàm molestus? [line 10] Ut equidem (ita me dii ament) metui quid futurum denique Esset. Novi ego amantium animum, advortunt graviter, Quae non censeas.

Cl.

At mihi fides apud hunc est, Nihil me istius facturum, pater.

Ch.

Esto; at oertè

Coneedas aliquo ab ore ••orum aliquantisper. Multa fert [line 15] Libido; ea prohibet facere tua praesentia. Ego de me facio Conjecturam. Nemo est meorum am••corum hodie, apud quem Expromere omnia mea occulta, Clitipho, audeam. Apud alium prohibet dignitas, apud alium ipsius facti Piget, ne ineptus, ne protervus videar: quod illum facere credito. [line 20] Sed nostrum est intelligere utcun{que} atque ubicun{que} opus opus obsequi.

S.

Quid istic narrat?

Clit.

Perii.

S.

Clitipho, haec ego Praecipio tibi, hominis frugi & temperantis functus officio.

Cl.

Tace, sodes.

S.

Rectè sane.

Ch.

Syre, pudet me.

S.

Credo, neque id injuriâ; quin mihi molestum est.

Cl.

Pergin' [line 25] Hercle!

S.

Verum dico, quod videtur.

Cl.

Nonne accedam Ad illos?

Ch.

Eho, quaeso, una accedendi via est.

S.

Atenim hic priùs se indicaverit, quàm ego argentum effero. Chreme, vin'tu homini stulto mihi auscultare?

Ch.

Quid Faciam?

S.

J••be hunc abire hinc aliquó.

Cl.

Quò ego hinc [line 30] Abeam?

S.

Quò lubet. Da illis locum. Abi deambulatum.

Cl.

Deambulatum? quò?

S.

Vah, quasi desit locus. Abi, sanè, istâc, istorsum, quò vis.

Ch.

Rectè dicit, Censeo.

Cl.

Dii te eradicent, Syre, qui me istinc Extrudis.

S.

At tu tibi istas posthac comprimito manus. [line 35] Censen' verò, quid illum por••ò credis facturum, Chreme, Nisi eum, quantum tibi op••s Dii dant, servas, castigas, mones?

Ch.

Ego istuc curabo.

S.

Atqui nunc, here, tibi adservandus est.

Ch.

Fiet.

S.

Si sapias; nam mihi jam minus minús{que} obtemperat.

Ch.

Quid tu? ecquid de illo, quod dudum tecum egi, egistin', Syre? [line 40]

Aut reperisti tibi quod placeat, an nondum etiam?

S.

De fal∣laciâ Dicis? est, inveni quandam nuper.

Ch.

Frugies; cedò quid id est?

S.

Dicam, verùm ut aliud ex alio incidit.

Ch.

Quidnam, Syre?

Ch.

Pessima haec est meretrix.

Ch.

Ita videtur.

S.

Immo, si scias. Hoc vide quod inceptat facinus. Fuit quaedam anus Corinthia hîc; [line 45] Huic drachmarum argenti haec mille dederat mutuum.

Ch.

Quid tum?

S.

Ea mortua est: reliquit filiam adolescentulam, Ea relicta huic arraboni est pro illo argento.

Ch.

Intelligo.

S.

Hanc secum huc adduxit, ea{que} est nunc ad uxorem tuam.

Ch.

Quid tum?

S.

Clinia orat sibi uti nunc det illam; illi tamen pòst daturum mille 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Nummum poscit.

Ch.

Et pos••it quidem?

S.

Hui, dubiúmne Id est?

Ch.

Ego sic putavi. Quid nunc facere cogitas?

S.

Egóne? ad Menedemum ibo: dicam hanc esse captam ex Caria, Ditem & nobilem; fi redimat, magnum in eâ esse lucrum.

Ch.

Erras.

S.

Quid ita?

Ch.

Pro Menedemo ego nunc tibi [line 55] Respondeo, Non emo: quid agis?

S.

Op••ata loquere.

Ch.

Atqui non est opus.

S.

Non opus est?

Ch.

Non hercle veró.

S.

Quî istuc? miror.

Ch.

Jam scies. Mane, mane; quid est, quòd tam. A nobis graviter crepuére fores?

Act IV. Scene 1.

Sostrata, Chremes, Nutrix, Syrus.

So.

UNless I be deceived, surely this is the ring, which I suppose it to be. That with which my daughter was exposed with.

Ch.

Syrus, what meaneth this talk?

So.

What is it? Do not you think it To be it?

N.

Truly I told you presently, as soon as you shewed it me, [line 5] That it was it.

So.

But be sure that you now look well upon it, My nurse.

N.

I have viewed it sufficiently.

So.

Now go your way in, and if she Have already washed, bring me word. In the mean time I will tarry for my husband here.

Sy.

She would speak with you, you may see what she would have: I know not why she is sad, There's some occasion: I fear what the matter should be.

Ch.

What should it be? truly she [line 10] Will tell us great trifling tales now with much ado.

So.

O ho, my husband.

Ch.

O ho, my wife.

So.

I am looking for you.

Ch.

Speak, what You would have.

So.

First, I intreat you that you would not think That I durst do any thing contrary to your command.

Ch.

Would you have me Beleeve you this, though it be a thing not to be beleeved? I beleeve you.

Sy.

I know not [line 15] What fault this excuse importeth.

So.

Do you not remember that I was with childe, And that you gave me very strict charge, that if I had a girl I should not Bring it up?

Ch.

I know what you have done, you have brought it up.

Sy.

Have you done so? Then, mistress, my master hath received damage.

So.

Not so, But there was here an old woman of Corinth, an honest woman, I gave her to be cast forth.

Ch.

[line 20] O Jupiter, that you should be so void of wit!

So.

I am un∣done.

What have I done?

Ch.

But do you ask?

So.

I have done amiss, my Chremes, I have done it unwittingly.

Ch.

I know that for certain, though you should say say to it, That you both say and doe all things unwittingly and unadvisedly; You discover so many faults in this matter. For first now▪ if you would have done [line 25] As I commanded you, she should have been killed, you should not have dissembled her death In words, and given her hope of life in very deed. But I pass by that; that was but pity, And a motherly minde, I bear with it. But how well have you looke to it? what did you intend? Consider with your self, your daughter forsooth is most manifestly be∣trayed to that old woman By you, either to turn whore, or to be sold publikely. I think this was [line 30] Your thought; any thing is well enough, so she may but live. What should one do with those That know neither right nor reason, what is fitting? be a thing better or worse, Be it for them, or against them, they regard nothing but what they list.

So.

My Chremes, I confess, I have offended, I am confuted; now I intreat you this, by how much more Experienced your minde is, and more inclinable to pardon, that your equity [line 35] May be some protection to my folly.

Ch.

Yes indeed I will pardon that fault. But Sostrata, my gentleness doth badly teach you Many things. But what ever it be, speak, wherefore it was begun.

So.

As we foolish and sorry women are all superstitious; when I gave her to her to be exposed, I pluckt the ring from off my finger, and bade her expose it with the girl; [line 40] That if she died she might not be quite without some of óur goods.

Ch.

That is very well, you both saved your self and her.

So.

This is that ring:

Ch.

Whence had you it?

So.

Of the yong woman which Bacchis brought with her.

Sy.

What now?

Ch.

What doth she say?

So.

She whilst she went to wash her, Gave me the ring to keep. I did not minde it at first, but after I lookt upon it, I knew it presently. [line 45] I came in haste to you.

Ch.

What now do you conjecture or finde concerning her?

So.

I know not, but you may ask of her, whence she had it, if she may Be found.

Sy.

I am undone, I see more hope then I would; she is ours, if it be so.

Ch.

Is she alive to whom you gave her?

So.

I know not.

Ch.

What did she say Shee did heretofore?

So.

That which I bade her.

Ch.

Tell me what was the name [line 50] Of the woman, that she may be enquired after.

So.

Philtere.

Sy.

That is she, it is a wonder If she be not safe, and I undone.

Ch.

Sostrata, follow me in this way.

So.

How is it fallen out beyond my expectation! how greatly feared I, lest you should be As hard-hearted now, as you was heretofore, Chremes, about bringing her up!

Ch.

A man may not be Oftentimes as he would, if the matter do not permit. Now so is the time with me that I desire [line 55] A daughter, whereas once I coveted nothing lesse.

Sy.

Ʋnless I be deceived, an ill turn is not far off me, My forces are now quite driven into such a narrow strait, Except I finde out some trick, that the old may not know this is his sons sweet-heart. For there is nothing for me to hope on about getting the money, or that I should desire To deceive the old man; I shall be glad if I may get away with a whole skin. [line 60] I am vext that such a good morsel is suddenly taken out of my chaps; What should I do? or what shall I devise? I must begin to reckon anew; There is nothing so hard, but by searching it may be found out. What if I should begin this thus? it is to no purpose. What if thus? I shall do all one. But I think it may be thus: it cannot be; Yes, very well; O brave! I have a very fine way. [line 65]

Truly I suppose I shall for all this draw into my fingers that same monie which is apt to be gone.

Act. IV. Scen. 1.

Sostrata, Chremes, Nutrix, Syrus.

So.

NIsi me animus fall it, hic profectò est annulus, quem Ego suspicor. Is quîcum exposita est gnata.

Ch.

Quid vult sibi, Syre, haec oratio?

So.

Quid est? isne tibi Videtur?

N.

Dixi equidem, ubi mihi ostendisti, [line 5] Illicò cum esse.

So.

At ut satis modò contemplata sis, mea Nutrix.

N.

Satis.

So.

Abi nunc jam intró, at{que} illa Si jam laverit, mihi nuntia. Hîc ego virum interea operibor.

Sy.

Te vult: ut videas quid velit; nescio quid tristis est, Non temerè est: metuo quid sit.

Ch.

Quid siet? nae ista hercle [line 10] Magno jam conatu magnas nugas dixerit.

So.

Ehem, mi vir.

Ch.

Ehem, mea uxor.

So.

Teipsum quaero.

Ch.

Loquere, quid Velis.

So.

Primùm hoc te oro, ne quid credas me advers••m Edictum tuum facere esse ausam.

Ch.

Vis me istuc tibi, etsi Incredibile est, credere? credo.

Sy.

Nescio quid peccati [line 15] Portat haec purgatio.

So.

Meministin' me esse gravidam, Et mihi te maximo opere interminatum, si puellam parerem, nollc Tolli?

Ch.

Scio quid feceris, sustulisti.

Sy.

Sic est factum? Domina, Ergo herus damno auctus est.

So.

Minimè. Sed erat hîc anus Corinthia haud impura, ei dedi exponendam.

Ch.

[line 20] O Jupiter, tantámne esse in animo inscitiam!

So.

Perii.

Quid ego feci?

Ch.

Atrogitas?

So.

Si peccavi, mi Chremes, Insciens feci.

Ch.

Id quidem ego, etsi tu neges, certe scio, Te inscientem at{que} imprudentem dicere ac facere omnia. Tot peccata in hac re ostendis. Nam jam primùm si meum impe∣rium [line 25] Exequi voluisses, interemptam oportuit, non simulare mortem Verbis, re ipsâ spem vitae dare; at id omitto; miscricord••a, Animus maternus, sino; quàm bene verò abs te prospectum est▪ quid voluisti? Cogita: nempe anui illi prodita abs te filia est planissimé, Per te; vel uti quaestum faceret, vel uti veniret palàm. Credo id [line 30] Cogitâsti, quidvis satis est dum vivat modó. Quid cum illis agas, Qui neque, jus, neque bonum at{que} aequum sciunt? melius, pejus; Prosit, obsit; nihil vident, nisi quod lubet.

So.

Mi Chreme, Peccavi, fateor, vincor; nunc hoc te obsecro, quanto tuus est Animus natu gravior, ignoscentior, ut meae stultitiae [line 35] Justitia tua sit aliquid praesidii.

Ch.

Scilicet equidem Istuc factum ignoscam. Verùm, Sostrata, malè docet te mea faci∣litas Multa. Sed istud quicquid est, quâ hoc occeptum causâ est, loquere.

So.

Ut stultae & miserae omnes sumus religiosae; cùm exponendam do Illi, de digito annulum detraho, & cum dico ut unà cum puellâ [line 40] Exponeret. Si moreretur, ne expers partis esset de nostris bonis.

Ch.

Istuc rectè, conservâsti te at{que} illam.

So.

Hic is est annulu••.

Ch.

Unde habes?

So.

Quam Bacchis secum adduxit adolescentu∣lam.

Sy.

Hem!

Ch.

Quid ea narrat?

So.

Ea lavatum dum it, servandum mihi Dedit annulum. Non advorti primò; sed postquam aspexi, illico cognovi. [line 45] Ad te exilii.

Ch.

Quid nunc suspicare, aut invenis de illâ?

So.

Nescio, nisi ut ex ipsâ quaeras, unde hunc habuerit, si potis est Reperiri.

Sy.

Interii, plus spei video quàm volo; nostra est, si ita est;

Ch.

Vivitne illa, cui tu dederas?

So.

Nescio.

Ch.

Quid renuncia∣vit Olim fecisse?

So.

Id quod jusseram.

Ch.

Nomen mulieris cedò [line 50] Quid sit, ut quaeratur.

So.

Philtere.

Sy.

Ipsa est; mirum, ni Illa salva est, & ego perii.

Ch.

Sostrata, sequere intrò hâc.

So.

Ut praeter spem evenit! quam timui malè, ne nunc animo ita esses duro, Ut olim in tollendâ, Chreme!

Ch.

Non licet hominem esse saepe Ita ut vult, si res non sinit. Nunc ita tempus est mihi ut cupiam fi∣liam, olim [line 55] Nihil minús.

Sy.

Nisi me animus fall••t, haud multum a me ab∣erit infortunium, Ita hercle in angustum oppidò nunc meae coguntur copiae: Nisi aliquid video, ne esse amicam hanc gnati resciscat senex. Nam quod de argento sperem, aut posse postulem, me fallere, Nihil est; triumpho, si licet me latere tecto abscedere [line 60] Crucior bolum tantum mihi esse ereptum tam subitò è faucibus. Quid agam? aut quid comminiscar? ratio de integro ineunda est mihi. Nihil tam difficile est, quin quaerendo investigari possiet. Quid si hoc sic incipi••m? nihil est; fi sic? tantundem egero. At sic opinor: non potest; immò, optumè; euge, optumam habeo. [line 65]

Retraham hercle opinor ad me idem illud fu gitivum argentum tamen.

Act IV. Scene 2.

Clinia, Syrus.

Cl.

NOthing hereafter can happen to me so weightie, which May cause me any grief; this so great joy hath befallen me. I now yeild my self to my father, to become more thrifty then he would have me.

Sy.

The matter hath not deceived me, as far as I hear by his words. [line 5] I am glad that this is fallen out to you according to your desire.

Cl.

O my Syrus, have you heard I pray you?

Sy.

What else, who was continually with them?

Cl.

To whom did you ever hear any thing happen so well?

Sy.

To •••• man.

Cl.

And I swear, I am not so much glad for my own sake, As for hers, whom I know to deserve all the respect that may be.

S.

[line 10] So I think; but now, Clinia, go to, let me have your help again. For your friends business must also be looked to, that it may be made safe: Lest the old man should now perceive any thing about the love.

Cl.

O Jupiter!

Sy.

Be quiet.

Cl.

My Antiphila shall be married to me.

Sy.

Do you so interrupt me in my speech!

Cl.

What shall I do, my Syrus? I am glad: bear with me.

Sy.

I do bear with you, but indeed.

Cl.

[line 15] We are very happy.

Sy.

I suppose, I bestow my labour in vain.

Cl.

Speak; I hear you.

Sy.

But you will not now hear me this.

Cl.

I will do it.

Sy.

I say, Clinia, you must have a care of your friends business that it be made safe: For if you now go away from our house, and leave Bacchis here, the old man will know Presently that she is Clitipho's sweet-heart; but if you have her away, it will be concealed [line 20]

So as it hath been hitherto.

Cl.

But Syrus, there is nothing more Against my marriage; for with what face shall I speak to my fa∣ther? Do you understand what I should say?

Sy.

What else?

Cl.

What should I say? what excuse Shall I make?

Sy.

What? I would not have you lie; tell him plainly How the matter is.

Cl.

What say you?

Sy.

I charge you, tell him that you [line 25] Love her, and desire to marry her, and that this is Clilipho's sweet∣heart.

Cl.

You command me A very honest and just thing, and easie to be done; and forsooth You would now have me intreat my father this, that he would conceal it from your old man.

Sy.

Nay, I would have him tell all the matter down-right in order.

Cl.

Ha, Are you well in your wits, and not drunk? Truly you go the way to un∣do him quite; for how [line 30] For how can he be in safety? tell me.

Sy.

Indeed I think this course The best; herein I gallantly vaunt my self, that have so great power In me, and ability of such craft, as that by telling the truth I can deceive them both; that when our old man telleth yours that she is His sons sweet-heart, he may not beleeve it for all that.

Clin.

But by this means [line 35] You take from me again all hope of marriage: for as long as he shall think That she is my sweet-heart, he will not adventure his daughter. You perhaps, Make smal reckoning what shall become of me, so you may shift for him.

Sy.

What With a mischief, do you think I desire it to be dissembled long? its but for one day, Till I get the money, and no more.

Cl.

Do you account so much e∣nough? [line 40] What then I pray you, if my father know it? what if I tell you As they that say, What if the skie should fall now?

Cl.

I am afraid What to do.

Sy.

Are you afraid? as if it were not in your own power To acquit your self what time you list, and make the matter manifest.

Cl.

〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••c••his ••e brought.

Syr.

In very good ti••••, she her self cometh forth.

Actus IV. Scen. 2.

Clinia, Syrus.

Cl.

NUlla mihi res posthac potest jam intervenire tanta, quae mihi Aegritudinem afferat: tanta haec laetitia aborta est, Dedo patri me nunc jam, ut frugalior sim quàm vult.

Sy.

Nihil me fefellit, quantum audio hujus verba. [line 5] Istuc tibi ex sententiâ tuâ obtigisse laetor.

Cl.

O mi Syre, audistin' obsecro?

Sy.

Quid ni, qui us{que} unà affu∣erim;

Cl.

Cui aequè audisti commodè quicquam evenisse?

Sy.

Nulli.

Cl.

At{que} ita me Dii ament, ut ego nunc non tam meâpte causâ Laetor, quam illius, quam ego scio esse honore quovis dignam. [line 10] Ira credo; sed nunc Clinia, age, da te mihi vicissim, Nam amici quo{que} res est videnda, in tuto ut collocetur; Ne quid de amore nunc senex.

Cl.

O Jupiter

Sy.

Quiesce.

Cl.

Antiphila mea nubet mihi.

Sy.

Siccine me interloquere?

Cl.

Quid faciam, mi Syre? gaudeo; fer me.

S.

Fero, hercle vero

Cl.

[line 15] Deorum vitam adeptti sumus.

S.

Frustra operam, opinor sumo.

Cl.

Loquere, audio.

S.

At jam hoc non audies.

Cl.

Agam.

S.

Vid••ndum, inquam, amici quo{que} res, Clinia, tui in tuto ut col∣locetur: Nam si nunc à nobis abis, & Bacchidem hic relinquis, senex rescis∣scet Illico esse amicam hanc Clitiphonis: si adduxeris, celabitur [line 20]

Itidem, ut celata est adhuc.

Cl.

Atenim istoc nihil est magis Syre, meis nuptiis adversum: nam quo ore appellabo patrem? Tenes, quid dicam?

Sy.

Quidni?

Cl.

Quid dicam? quam causam Afferam?

Sy.

Quid? nolo mentiare, apertè ita ut res sose Habet, narrato.

Cl.

Quid ais?

Sy.

Jubeo illam te [line 25] Amare & velle uxorem: hanc esse Clitiphonis.

Cl.

Bonam Atq: justam rem oppidò imperas, & factu facilem; & scilicet Jam me hoc voles patrem exorare, ut celet senem vestrum.

Sy.

Imò, ut rectâ viâ rem narret ordine omnem.

Cl.

Hem, Satin' sanus es & sobrius? Tu quidem illum planè perd••s; nam quî [line 30] Ille poterit esse in tuto? dic mihi.

Sy.

Huic equidem consilio Palmam do, hic me magnificè effero, qui vim tantam In me & potestatem habeam tantae astutiae, vera dicendo Ut eos ambos fallam; ut cùm narret senex noster vestro istam esse Amicam gnati, non credat tamen.

Cl.

At enim spem istoc [line 35] Pacto rursus nuptiarum omnem mihi eripis; nam dum amica•• Hanc meam esse credet, non committet filiam. Tu fortasse Quid me fiet, parvi pendis, dum illi consulas.

Sy.

Quid, Malùm me aetatem censes velle id assimularier? Unus est dies, Dum argentum eripio•• nihil amplius.

Cl.

Tantum sat habes? [line 40] Quid tum quaeso, si pater hoc resciverit?

Sy.

Quid si redeo Ad illos, qui aiunt, Quid si nunc coelum ruat?

Cl.

Metuo Quid agam.

Sy.

Metuis? quasi non ea potestas sit tua, Quo velis in tempore ut te exsolvas, rem facias palam.

Cl.

Age, age, traducatur Bacchis.

Sy.

Optum••, ipsa exit fo••as.

Act IV. Scene 3.

Bacchis, Clinia, Syrus, Dromo, Phrygia.

B.

TRuly, Syrus's his promises have saucily enough brought me hi∣ther For the ten pounds which be promised me. But if he shall now D••ceive me, he shall come in vain, often intreating me to come. Or when I shall have told him, and appointed that I will come, when he [line 5] Hath carried certain word, Clitipho shall then hang in hope, I will deceive him and not come; I shall make Syrus's back to smart for it.

Cl.

Shee promiseth you pretty well. But do you think she jesteth? Shee will do it, except I take heed.

B.

They are asleep, but indeed I will rouse them. My Phrygia, did you not hear even now, what country house [line 10] Of Charinus's that fellow shewed us?

Ph.

I heard him.

B.

He said it was next To this ground on the right hand.

Ph.

I remember it.

B.

Run Apact; the souldier keeps with him a feast to Bacchus.

Sy.

Why doth she begin these things?

B.

Tell him, that I am here sore against my will, and that I am kept perforce, But that I will deceive them one way or other, and will come.

Sy.

[line 15] I am undone indeed. Bacchis, tarry, tarry; whither do you send that maid, I pray you? Bid her tarry.

B.

Go your way.

Sy.

But the money is ready.

B.

But I tarry here.

Sy.

But it shall be given you by and by.

B.

As you please; do I urge you?

Sy.

But I pray you, know you not what you are to doe?

B.

What?

Sy.

You must now step, over to Menedemus house, and all your train, Must be brought over thither.

B.

What do you do, you rogue?

Sy.

What I? I am coyning the money.

Which I must give you.

B.

Do you think me fit to make a fool on?

Sy.

It is not for nothing.

B.

What have you any thing to do with me here?

Sy.

No, I will but give you your own.

B.

Let us go.

Sy.

Follow me this way. Ho Dromo.

Dr.

Who would have any thing with me?

Sy.

Syrus.

Dr.

What is the matter? Bring over all Bacchis maids hither to your house quickly.

Dr.

Why so?

Sy.

Do not stand to ask. And let them bring what things they brought with them hither. The old man will hope [line 25] That his charge is lessened by their going hence. Truly, he little knoweth what great losse This little gain may bring him. You know not what you do know, D••omo, if you be wise.

Dr.

You shall tell them, I will be as mute as a Fish.

Actus IV. Scen. 3.

Bacchis, Clinia, Syrus, Dromo, Phrygia.

B.

SAtis pol protervè me Syri promissa huc adduxerunt, Decem minas quas mihi pollicitus est. Quod si nunc me Deceperit, ••aepe obsecrans me ut ut veniam, frustra veniet: Aut cùm venturam dixero & constituero, cùm is certe [line 5] Renunciaverit, Clitipho tum spe pendebit animi, Decipiam ac non veniam; Syrus mihi tergo paenas pendet.

Cl.

Satis scitè promittit tibi.

Sy.

Atqui tu hanc jocari credis? Faciet, nisi caveo.

B.

Dormiunt; ego pol istos Commovebo. Mea Phrygia, and istin modò iste homo quam villam [line 10] Demonstravit Charini?

Ph.

Audivi.

B.

Proxumam esse Huic fundo ad dextram?

Ph.

Memini.

B.

Curriculo Percurre: apud eum miles Dionysia agitat.

Sy.

Quid haec inceptat?

B.

Dic me hîc oppidò esse invitam, atque asservari: [line 15] Verùm aliquo pacto verba me his daturam esse, at{que} venturam.

Sy.

Perii hercle: Bacchis mane, mane; quò mittis istam nunc quaeso? Jube, maneat.

B.

Abi.

Sy.

Quin est paratum argentum.

B.

Quin ego hîc maneo.

Sy.

Atqui jam dabitur.

B.

Ut lubet, num ego insto?

Sy.

At scin, quid sodes facias?

B.

Quid?

Sy.

Transeundum nunc tibi ad Menedemum est, & tua pompa Eò traducenda est.

B.

Quam rem agis, scelus?

Sy.

Egon'? argen∣tum cudo, [line 20]

Quod tibi dem.

B.

Dignam me putas, quam illudas?

Sy.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 est temeré.

B.

Etiámne tecum hîc res mihi est?

S•…•…

•…•…inimè, tuum tibi reddo.

B.

Eatur.

Sy.

Sequere me hâc. Heus Dromo.

Dr.

Quis me vult?

Sy.

Syrus.

Dr.

Quid est rei?

Sy.

Ancillas omnes Bacchidis Traduce huc ad vos properé.

Dr.

Quam ob rem?

Sy.

Ne quaeras. [line 25] Et ferant, quae secum huc attulerunt. Sperabit sumptum sibi senex Levatum esse harum abitu. Nae, ille haud scit hoc paululum lucri, Quantum ei damni apportet. Tu nescis id quod scis, Dromo, si sapies.

Dr.

Mutum dices.

Act. IV. Scen. 4.

Chremes, Syrus.

Ch.

I Swear, I pity Menedemus's hap, That so much mischief hath befallen him, As to maintain that woman with all her family, Though I know he will not be sensible of it these two or three dayes, [line 5] He hath had such a great desire after his son. But when he shall see that he shall be daily at such charges In house-keeping, and that there will be no mean, He will wish again that his son were gone from him. I see Syrus in good time, Lo where he is.

Sy.

Do I make no haste to set on him?

Ch.

Syrus.

Sy.

Ha.

Ch.

[line 10] What is the matter?

Sy.

I wished long ago to have met with you.

Ch.

Me thinks you have been doing something now with the old man, I know not what.

Sy.

Do you mean about that which you spake of ere-while? I fully dis∣ta••ched it.

Ch.

What in good earnest?

Sy.

In good earnest truly.

Ch.

I cannot forbear,

But I must stroke thy bead. Come hither to me, Syrus, [line 15] I will do you some good turn for that matter, and with all my heart.

Sy.

But if you knew how prettily it came into my minde.

Ch.

Fie do you brag, that it fell out according to your minde?

Sy.

No, indeed, I tell you the truth.

Ch.

Tell me what it is.

Sy.

Cli••i•• told Menedemus that this Bacchis [line 20] Is your son Clitipho's sweet-heart, and that he brought her with him For that reason, for fear you should fully perceive it.

Ch.

Very well.

Sy.

Speak in good sooth.

Ch.

I say it is too too well.

Sy.

Yes, so far well enough. But bear further, what bravery remaineth; He will tell you that himself saw your daughter, [line 25] And that her beauty liked him well, after he saw her.

Sy.

Her, And that he would fain have her to wife.

Ch.

Doth he mean her which was found erewhile? And he will bid that she be required.

Ch.

Why say you that Syrus? For I understand nothing at all.

Sy.

Tush, you are a dullard.

Ch.

Perhaps so.

Sy.

He shall have money given him for the marriage, [line 30] Wherewith he may get gold and cloathes; do you apprehend me?

Ch.

Let him get it.

Sy.

That same is it.

Ch.

But I will neither give nor promise her to him.

Sy.

No? why?

Ch.

Do you ask me why? to a fellow?

Sy.

Do as you list.

Act. IV. Scen. 4.

Chremes, Syrus.

Ch.

ITa me Dii amabunt, ut nunc Menedemi vicem Miseret me, tantum devenisse ad cum mali, Illancine mulierem alere cum illâ familiâ, Etsi scio hosce aliquot dies non sentiet, [line 5] Ita magno desiderio fuit ei filius. Verùm ubi videbit tantos sibi sumptus domi Quotidianos fieri, nec fieri modum, Optabit rursum ut abeat ab se filius. Syrum optumè, eccum.

Sy.

Cesso hunc adoriri?

Ch.

Syre.

Sy.

Hem,

Ch.

[line 10] Quid est?

Sy.

Te mihi ipsum jamdudum exoptabam dari.

Ch.

Videre egisse jam nescio quid cum sene.

Sy.

De illo quod dudum? dictum ac factum reddidi.

Ch.

Bonáne fide?

Sy.

Bonâ hercle.

Ch.

Non possum pati

Quin tibi caput demmulceam. Accede huc, Syre, [line 15] Faciam tibi boni aliquid pro istâ re ac lubens.

S.

At si scias, quàm scitè in mentem venerit.

Ch.

Vah, gloriare evenisse ex sententiâ?

Sy.

Non hercle verò, verum dico.

Ch.

Dic quid est.

Sy.

Tui Clitiphonis esse amicam hanc Bacchidem [line 20] Menedemo dixit Clinia, & ei gratiâ Secum adduxisse, ne tu id persentisceres.

Ch.

Probè.

Sy.

Dic sodes.

Ch.

Nimiùm inquam.

Sy.

Imò sic satis. Sed porrò ausculta quod superest fallaciae, Sese ipse dicet tuam vidisse filiam, [line 25] Ejus sibi complacitam formam, postquam aspexerit, Hanc se cupere uxorem.

Ch.

Modóne quae inventa est?

Sy.

Eam. Et quidem jubebit posci.

Ch.

Quamobrem istuc, Syre? Nam prorsus nihil intelligo.

Sy.

Hui, tardus es.

Ch.

Fortasse.

S.

Argentum dabitur ei ad nuptias; [line 30] Aurum at{que} vestem, quî; tenésne?

Ch.

Comparet.

Sy.

Id ipsum.

Ch.

At ego illi nec do nec despondeo.

Sy.

Non, quamobrem?

Ch.

Quamobrem me rogas? homini?

Sy.

Ut lubet.