The Comedies of Terence Part 116

_Enter CHREMES, hastily._

CHREM. Ha!

Has Phormio had the money yet?

DEM. I paid him Immediately.

CHREM. I'm sorry for't.-- (_Seeing NAUSISTRATA._)--My wife!

I'd almost said too much. (_Aside._)

DEM. Why sorry, Chremes?

CHREM. Nothing.--No matter.

DEM. Well, but hark ye, Chremes!

Have you been talking with the girl, and told her Wherefore we bring your wife?

CHREM. I've settled it.

DEM. Well, and what says she?

CHREM. 'Tis impossible To send her hence.

DEM. And why impossible?

CHREM. Because they are both so fond of one another.

DEM. What's that to us?

CHREM. A great deal. And besides, I have discover'd she's related to us.

DEM. Have you your wits?

CHREM. 'Tis so. I'm very serious.

--Nay, recollect a little!

DEM. Are you mad?

NAUS. Good now, beware of wronging a relation!

DEM. She's no relation to us.

CHREM. Don't deny it.

Her father had a.s.sum'd another name, And that deceiv'd you.

DEM. What! not know her father?

CHREM. Perfectly.

DEM. Why did she misname him then?

CHREM. Won't you be rul'd, nor understand me then?

DEM. What can I understand from nothing?

CHREM. Still? (_Impatiently._)

NAUS. I can't imagine what this means.

DEM. Nor I.

CHREM. Would you know all?--Why then, so help me Heaven, She has no nearer kindred in the world Than you and I.

DEM. Oh, all ye powers of heaven!

--Let us go to her then immediately: I would fain know, or not know, all at once. (_Going._)

CHREM. Ah! (_Stopping him._)

DEM. What's the matter?

CHREM. Can't you trust me then?

DEM. Must I believe it? take it upon trust?

--Well, be it so!--But what is to be done With our friend's daughter?

CHREM. Nothing.

DEM. Drop her?

CHREM. Aye.

DEM. And keep this?

CHREM. Aye.

DEM. Why then, Nausistrata, You may return. We need not trouble you.

NAUS. Indeed, I think, 'tis better on all sides, That you should keep her here, than send her hence.

For she appear'd to me, when first I saw her, Much of a gentlewoman. (_Exit NAUSISTRATA._

[Changes:

_Harper_ CHREM. Ha!

_Colman 1768_ CHREM. Ha! Demipho!]

SCENE V.

_Manent DEMIPHO and CHREMES._