The Comedies of Terence Part 18

PAM. My father, but one word!

SIMO. What would you say?

CHREMES. Nay, hear him, Simo.

SIMO. Hear him?

What must I hear then, Chremes!

CHREMES. Let him speak.

SIMO. Well, let him speak: I hear him.

PAM. I confess, I love Glycerium: if it be a fault, That too I do confess. To you, my father, I yield myself: dispose me as you please!

Command me! Say that I shall take a wife; Leave her; I will endure it, as I may---- This only I beseech you, think not I Suborn'd this old man hither.--Suffer me To clear myself, and bring him here before you.

SIMO. Bring him here!

PAM. Let me, father!

CHREMES. 'Tis but just: Permit him!

PAM. Grant me this!

SIMO. Well, be it so. (_Exit PAMPHILUS._ I could bear all this bravely, Chremes; more, Much more, to know that he deceiv'd me not.

CHREMES. For a great fault a little punishment Suffices to a father.

SCENE VI.

_Re-enter PAMPHILUS with CRITO._

CRITO. Say no more!

Any of these inducements would prevail: Or your entreaty, or that it is truth, Or that I wish it for Glycerium's sake.

CHREMES. Whom do I see? Crito, the Andrian?

Nay certainly 'tis Crito.

CRITO. Save you, Chremes!

CHREMES. What has brought you to Athens?

CRITO. Accident.

But is this Simo?

CHREMES. Aye.

SIMO. Asks he for me?

So, Sir, you say that this Glycerium Is an Athenian citizen?

CRITO. Do you Deny it?

SIMO. What then are you come prepar'd?

CRITO. Prepar'd! for what?

SIMO. And dare you ask for what?

Shall you go on thus with impunity?

Lay snares for inexperienc'd, lib'ral youth, With fraud, temptation, and fair promises Soothing their minds?----

CRITO. Have you your wits?

SIMO. --And then With marriage solder up their harlot loves?

PAM. Alas, I fear the stranger will not bear this. (_Aside._)

CHREMES. Knew you this person, Simo, you'd not think thus: He's a good man.

SIMO. A good man he?--To come, Although at Athens never seen till now, So opportunely on the wedding-day!---- Is such a fellow to be trusted, Chremes?

PAM. But that I fear my father, I could make That matter clear to him. (_Aside._)

SIMO. A Sharper!

CRITO. How?

CHREMES. It is his humor, Crito: do not heed him.

CRITO. Let him look to 't. If he persists in saying Whate'er he pleases, I shall make him hear Something that may displease him.--Do I stir In these affairs, or make them my concern?

Bear your misfortunes patiently! For me, If I speak true or false, shall now be known.

--"A man of Athens once upon a time Was s.h.i.+pwreck'd on the coast of Andros: with him This very woman, then an infant. He In this distress applied, it so fell out, For help to Chrysis' father--"

SIMO. All romance.

CHREMES. Let him alone.

CRITO. And will he interrupt me?

CHREMES. Go on.

CRITO. "Now Chrysis' father, who receiv'd him, Was my relation. There I've often heard The man himself declare, he was of Athens.

There too he died."

CHREMES. His name?

CRITO. His name so quickly!-- Phania.

CHREMES. Amazement!