The Comedies of Terence Part 59

BACCH. The next house on the right hand.

PHRY. I remember.

_Colman 1768_ Did you observe the villa of Charinus, Which yonder fellow shew'd us?

PHRY. I did, Madam.

BACCH. The next upon the right.

PHRY. I recollect.

_Harper_ Detain'd by force; but that I'll find some means _Colman 1768_ Detain'd by force; but I'll devise some means

_Harper_ SYRUS. The money's ready.

BACCH. Then I stay.

SYRUS. This instant you shall have it, Bacchis.

_Colman 1768_ SYRUS. The money's ready for you BACCH. Oh! then I stay.

SYRUS. You shall be paid directly.

_Harper_ But there I'll pay the money.

_Colman 1768_ But 'twill secure your money.]

SCENE IV.

_Enter DROMO._

DROMO. Who calls?

SYRUS. Syrus.

DROMO. Your pleasure! What's the matter now?

SYRUS. Conduct All Bacchis' maids to your house instantly.

DROMO. Why so?

SYRUS. No questions: let them carry over All they brought hither. Our old gentleman Will think himself reliev'd from much expense By their departure. Troth, he little knows With how much loss this small gain threatens him.

If you're wise, Dromo, know not what you know.

DROMO. I'm dumb.

(_Exit DROMO, with BACCHIS' servants and baggage, into the house of MENEDEMUS._

SCENE V.

_After which, enter CHREMES._

CHREM. (_to himself_). 'Fore Heav'n, I pity Menedemus.

His case is lamentable: to maintain That jade and all her harlot family!

Although I know for some few days to come He will not feel it; so exceedingly He long'd to have his son: but when he sees Such monstrous household riot and expense Continue daily, without end or measure, He'll wish his son away from him again.

But yonder's Syrus in good time. (_Seeing SYRUS._)

SYRUS. I'll to him. (_Aside._)

CHREM. Syrus!

SYRUS. Who's there? (_Turning about._)

CHREM. What now?

SYRUS. The very man!

I have been wis.h.i.+ng for you this long time.

CHREM. You seem to've been at work with the old man.

SYRUS. What! at our plot? No sooner said than done.

CHREM. Indeed!

SYRUS. Indeed.

CHREM. I can't forbear to stroke Your head for it. Good lad! come nearer, Syrus!

I'll do thee some good turn for this. I will, I promise you. (_Patting his head._)

SYRUS. Ah, if you did but know How luckily it came into my head!

CHREM. Pshaw, are you vain of your good luck?

SYRUS. Not I.

I speak the plain truth.

CHREM. Let me know it then.

SYRUS. Clinia has told his father that the wench Is mistress to your c.l.i.tipho; and that He brought her with him hither, to prevent Your smoking it.

CHREM. Incomparable!

SYRUS. Really?

CHREM. O, admirable!

SYRUS. Aye, if you knew all.

But only hear the rest of our advice.

He'll tell his father he has seen your daughter, Whose beauty has so charm'd him at first sight, He longs to marry her.

CHREM. Antiphila?

SYRUS. The same: and he'll request him to demand her Of you in marriage.

CHREM. To what purpose, Syrus?

I don't conceive the drift on't.