The Comedies of Terence Part 61

c.l.i.t. At our house.

SYRUS. No.

c.l.i.t. Where then?

SYRUS. At Clinia's.

c.l.i.t. Then I'm ruin'd.

SYRUS. Courage, man!

You shall go to her instantly, and carry The money that you promis'd her.

c.l.i.t. Fine talk!

Where should I get it?

SYRUS. From your father.

c.l.i.t. Pshaw!

You play upon me.

SYRUS. The event shall show.

c.l.i.t. Then I am bless'd indeed. Thanks, thanks, dear Syrus!

SYRUS. Hist! here's your father.--Have a care! don't seem Surpris'd at any thing: give way in all: Do as he bids, and say but little. Mum!

[Changes:

_Harper_ SYRUS. Away, you malapert! Your frowardness Had well-nigh ruin'd me.

c.l.i.t. I would it had, As you deserv'd!

SYRUS. As I deserv'd!--How's that?---- _Colman 1768_ SYRUS. Away, you malapert! Your frowardness Had well-nigh been my ruin.

c.l.i.t. Would it had!

For you deserv'd it richly.

SYRUS. How! deserv'd it?

I'faith I'm glad I heard you say so much]

SCENE VII.

_Enter CHREMES._

CHREM. Where's c.l.i.tipho?

SYRUS (_to c.l.i.tIPHO_). Here, say.

c.l.i.t. Here, Sir!

CHREM. Have you Inform'd him of the business? (_To SYRUS._)

SYRUS. In good part.

CHREM. Here, take the money then, and carry it. (_To c.l.i.tIPHO._)

SYRUS. Plague, how you stand, log!--take it.

c.l.i.t. Give it me. (_Awkwardly._)

SYRUS. Now in with me immediately!--You, Sir, (_To CHREMES._) Be pleas'd meanwhile to wait our coming here; There's nothing to detain us very long.

(_Exit c.l.i.tIPHO and SYRUS._

SCENE VIII.

_CHREMES alone._

My daughter now has had ten minae of me, Which I account laid out upon her board: Ten more her clothes will come to: and moreover Two talents for her portion.----How unjust And absolute is custom! I must now Leave every thing, and find a stranger out, On whom I may bestow the sum of wealth Which I have so much labor'd to acquire.

SCENE IX.

_Enter MENEDEMUS._

MENE. (_to himself_). Oh son, how happy hast thou made thy father, Convinc'd of thy repentance!

CHREM. (_overhearing_). How mistaken!

MENE. Chremes! I wish'd for you.--'Tis in your power, And I beseech you do it, to preserve My son, myself, and family.

CHREM. I'll do't.

Wherein can I oblige you?

MENE. You to-day Have found a daughter.

CHREM. True. What then?

MENE. My Clinia Begs your consent to marry her.

CHREM. Good Heaven!

What kind of man are you?

MENE. What mean you, Chremes?

CHREM. Has it then slipp'd your memory so soon, The conversation that we had together, Touching the rogueries they should devise, To trick you of your money?

MENE. I remember.

CHREM. This is the trick.

MENE. How, Chremes? I'm deceiv'd.