The Comedies of Terence Part 47

CHREM. They will. Now, therefore, since The Dionysia are held here to-day, If 'tis convenient, come, and feast with me.

MENE. Impossible.

CHREM. Why so?--Nay, prithee now, Indulge yourself a while: your absent son, I'm sure, would have it so.

MENE. It is not meet, That I, who drove him forth to misery, Should fly it now myself.

CHREM. You are resolv'd?

MENE. Most constantly.

CHREM. Farewell then!

MENE. Fare you well! (_Exit._

[Changes:

_Harper_ Now, in the name of heav'n and earth, what is't You want? what seek you? Threescore years of age _Colman 1768_ For in the name of heav'n and earth, what would you?

What do you drive at? Threescore years of age

_Harper_ I ne'er go out so soon at morn, return So late at eve, but in your grounds I see you Dig, plow, or fetch and carry: in a word, _Colman 1768_ I ne'er go out so soon, return so late, Morning or evening, but I see you still At labour on your acres, digging, plowing, Or carrying some burden: in a word,

_Harper_ CHREM. If there's a cause, I'd not oppose it. But what evil's this?

_Colman 1768_ CHREM. If you're unhappy, I'm sorry for it. But what evil's this?

I possibly may serve you.

_"I" invisible in Harper edition_

"How," said I to myself, "so many then]

_inner quotes supplied from 1768 edition_

SCENE II.

_CHREMES alone._

He draws tears from me.--How I pity him!

--But 'tis high time, as the day goes, to warn My neighbor Phania to come forth to supper.

I'll go, and see if he's at home.

(_Goes to PHANIA'S door, and returns._) There was, It seems, no need of warning: for, they tell me, He has been gone to my house some time since; I keep my guests in waiting; so I'll in.

But my doors creak. (_c.l.i.tIPHO appears._) Who's this? I'll step aside.

(_Retires._)

[Changes:

_Harper_ He has been gone to my house some time since; I keep my guests in waiting; so I'll in.

But my doors creak. Who's this? I'll step aside.

_Colman 1768_ He went to his appointment some time since.

'Tis I myself that keep my guests in waiting.

I'll in immediately.--But what's the meaning That my door opens?--Who's this?--I'll retire.]

SCENE III.

_Enter c.l.i.tIPHO, speaking to CLINIA within._

As yet, my Clinia, you've no cause to fear: They are not long: and she, I'm confident, Will be here shortly with the messenger.

Prithee, away then with these idle cares, Which thus torment you!

CHREM. (_behind._) Whom does my son speak to?

c.l.i.t. My father as I wish'd--Good Sir, well met.

CHREM. What now?

c.l.i.t. D'ye know our neighbor Menedemus?

CHREM. Aye, very well.

c.l.i.t. D'ye know he has a son?

CHREM. I've heard he is in Asia.

c.l.i.t. No such thing.

He's at our house, Sir.

CHREM. How!

c.l.i.t. But just arriv'd: Ev'n at his landing I fell in with him, And brought him here to supper: for, from boys, We have been friends and intimates.

CHREM. Good news: Now do I wish the more that Menedemus, Whom I invited, were my guest to-day, That I, and under my own roof, had been The first to have surpris'd him with this joy!

And I may yet. (_Going._)

c.l.i.t. Take heed! it were not good.

CHREM. How so?

c.l.i.t. Because the youth is yet in doubt: Newly arriv'd; in fear of ev'ry thing; He dreads his father's anger, and suspects The disposition of his mistress tow'rds him; Her, whom he dotes upon; on whose account, This diff'rence and departure came about.

CHREM. I know it.

c.l.i.t. He has just dispatch'd his boy Into the city to her, and our Syrus I sent along with him.

CHREM. What says the son?

c.l.i.t. Says? that he's miserable.

CHREM. Miserable!

Who needs be less so? for what earthly good Can man possess which he may not enjoy?