The Comedies of Terence Part 81

aeSCH. But where is that Milesian?

MICIO. Gone: Vanish'd: on board the s.h.i.+p.--But why d'ye loiter?

aeSCH. Ah, Sir, you rather go, and pray the G.o.ds; For, being a much better man than I, They will the sooner hear your pray'rs.

MICIO. I'll in, To see the needful preparations made.

You, if you're wise, do as I said. (_Exit._

[Changes:

More than my eyes!

_Harper edition has question mark_

SCENE VII.

_aeSCHINUS alone._

How's this?

Is this to be a father? Or is this To be a son?--Were he my friend or brother, Could he be more complacent to my wish?

Should I not love him? bear him in my bosom!

Ah! his great kindness has so wrought upon me, That it shall be the study of my life To shun all follies, lest they give him pain.

--But I'll in straight, that I may not r.e.t.a.r.d My marriage by my own delay. (_Exit._

[Changes:

_Harper_ --But I'll in straight, that I may not r.e.t.a.r.d My marriage by my own delay.

_Colman 1768_ But wherefore do I loiter here, and thus r.e.t.a.r.d my marriage by my own delay?

SCENE VIII.

_DEMEA alone._

I'm tir'd With walking.--Now great Jove confound you, Syrus; You and your blind directions! I have crawl'd All the town over: to the gate; the pond; Where not? No sign of any shop was there, Nor any person who had seen my brother.

--Now I'll in, therefore, and set up my rest In his own house, till he comes home again. (_Going._

[Changes:

_Harper_ I'm tir'd With walking.--Now great Jove confound you, Syrus; _Colman 1768_ I've walk'd, and walk'd, till I'm quite tir'd with walking.

--Almighty Jove confound you, Syrus, I say;]

SCENE IX.

_Enter MICIO._

MICIO. I'll go and let the women know we're ready.

DEM. But here he is.--I have long sought you, Micio.

MICIO. What now?

DEM. I bring you more offenses: great ones; Of that sweet youth----

MICIO. See there!

DEM. New; capital!

MICIO. Nay, nay, no more!

DEM. Ah, you don't know----

MICIO. I do.

DEM. O fool, you think I mean the Music-Girl.

This is a rape upon a citizen.

MICIO. I know it.

DEM. How? d'ye know it, and endure it?

MICIO. Why not endure it?

DEM. Tell me, don't you rave?

Don't you go mad?

MICIO. No: to be sure I'd rather----

DEM. There's a child born.

MICIO. Heav'n bless it!

DEM. And the girl Has nothing.

MICIO. I have heard so.

DEM. And is he To marry her without a fortune?

MICIO. Aye.

DEM. What's to be done then?

MICIO. What the case requires.

The girl shall be brought over here.

DEM. Oh Jove!

Can that be proper?