The Comedies of Terence Part 13

DAVUS. Well, and what mean you?

Whither will you, Sir?

CHAR. Shall I speak the truth?

DAVUS. Oh to be sure: now for a tedious tale!

CHAR. What will become of me?

DAVUS. How! not content!

Is it not then sufficient, if I give you The respite of a day, a little day, By putting off his wedding?

CHAR. Aye, but Davus,----

DAVUS. But what?

CHAR. That I may wed----

DAVUS. Ridiculous!

CHAR. If you succeed, come to me.

DAVUS. Wherefore come?

I can't a.s.sist you.

CHAR. Should it so fall out----

DAVUS. Well, well, I'll come.

CHAR. If aught, I am at home. (_Exit._

[Erratum:

_1768 edition prints "SEENE III."]

SCENE IV.

_Manent DAVUS, MYSIS._

DAVUS. Mysis, wait here till I come forth.

MYSIS. For what?

DAVUS. It must be so.

MYSIS. Make haste then.

DAVUS. In a moment. (_Exit to GLYCERIUM'S._

SCENE V.

_MYSIS alone._

Can we securely then count nothing ours?

Oh all ye G.o.ds! I thought this Pamphilus The greatest good my mistress could obtain, Friend, lover, husband, ev'ry way a blessing: And yet what woe, poor wretch, endures she not On his account? Alas, more ill than good.

But here comes Davus.

SCENE VI.

_Re-enter DAVUS with the child._

MYSIS. Prithee, man, what now?

Where are you carrying the child?

DAVUS. Oh, Mysis, Now have I need of all your ready wit, And all your cunning.

MYSIS. What are you about?

DAVUS. Quick, take the boy, and lay him at our door.

MYSIS. What, on the bare ground?

DAVUS. From the altar then Take herbs and strew them underneath.

MYSIS. And why Can't you do that yourself?

DAVUS. Because, that if My master chance to put me to my oath That 'twas not I who laid it there, I may With a safe conscience swear. (_Gives her the child._)

MYSIS. I understand.

But pray how came this sudden qualm upon you?

DAVUS. Nay, but be quick, that you may comprehend What I propose.-- (_MYSIS lays the child at SIMO'S door._) Oh Jupiter! (_Looking out._)

MYSIS. What now?

DAVUS. Here comes the father of the bride!--I change My first-intended purpose.

MYSIS. What you mean I can't imagine.

DAVUS. This way from the right, I'll counterfeit to come:--And be't your care To throw in aptly now and then a word, To help out the discourse as need requires.

MYSIS. Still what you're at, I can not comprehend.

But if I can a.s.sist, as you know best, Not to obstruct your purposes, I'll stay. (_DAVUS retires._)

[Changes: