The Comedies of Terence Part 54

SYRUS. But hark ye, Sir! remember this, If ever it hereafter comes to pa.s.s, --As who can answer for th' affairs of men!

That your own son----

CHREM. I hope 'twill never be.

SYRUS. I hope so too; nor do I mention this From any knowledge or suspicion of him: But that in case--his time of life, you know; And should there be occasion, trust me, Chremes, But I could handle you most handsomely.

CHREM. Well, well, we'll think of it, when that time comes.

Now to your present task! (_Exit CHREMES._

[Changes:

_Harper_ SYRUS. This way, or that way, or some way or other!

For money must be had, and th' old man trick'd.

_Colman 1768_ SYRUS. One way, or other, money must be had, And the old gentleman impos'd upon.

_Harper_ CHREM. What?--have devis'd expedients, contriv'd schemes, _Colman 1768_ CHREM. What?--have devis'd some scheme, some ways and means

_Harper_ This Clinia, Menedemus' only son, Would never have elop'd.

SYRUS. I can not tell Whether he says all this in jest or earnest; But it gives fresh encouragement to me.

_Colman 1768_ My neighbour Menedemus, well deceiv'd, Would ne'er have seen his son abandon him.

SYRUS. I don't know whether he's in jest or earnest, But it gives me encouragement to trick him.

Now to your present task!

_initial "N" invisible in Harper edition_]

SCENE IV.

_SYRUS alone._

I never heard My master argue more commodiously; Nor ever had a mind to mischief, when It might be done with more impunity.

But who's this coming from our house?

[Changes:

_Harper_ Nor ever had a mind to mischief, when _Colman 1768_ Nor ever was inclin'd to mischief, when]

SCENE V.

_Enter c.l.i.tIPHO, and CHREMES following._

CHREM. How now?

What manners are these, c.l.i.tipho? does this Become you?

c.l.i.t. What's the matter?

CHREM. Did not I This very instant see you put your hand Into yon wench's bosom?

SYRUS. So! all's over: I am undone. (_Aside._)

c.l.i.t. Me, Sir?

CHREM. These very eyes Beheld you: don't deny it.--'Tis base in you To be so flippant with your hands. For what Affront's more gross than to receive a friend Under your roof, and tamper with his mistress?

And, last night in your cups too, how indecent And rudely you behav'd!

SYRUS. 'Tis very true.

CHREM. So very troublesome, so help me Heav'n, I fear'd the consequence. I know the ways Of lovers: they oft take offense at things You dream not of.

c.l.i.t. But my companion, Sir, Is confident I would not wrong him.

CHREM. Granted.

Yet you should cease to hang forever on them.

Withdraw, and leave them sometimes to themselves.

Love has a thousand sallies; you restrain them.

I can conjecture from myself. There's none, How near soever, c.l.i.tipho, to whom I dare lay open all my weaknesses.

With one my pride forbids it, with another The very action shames me: and believe me, It is the same with him; and 'tis our place To mark on what occasions to indulge him.

SYRUS. What says he now? (_Aside._)

c.l.i.t. Confusion!

SYRUS. c.l.i.tipho, These are the very precepts that I gave you: And how discreet and temperate you've been!

c.l.i.t. Prithee, peace!

SYRUS. Aye, I warrant you.

CHREM. Oh, Syrus, I'm quite asham'd of him.

SYRUS. I do not doubt it.

Nor without reason; for it troubles me.

c.l.i.t. Still, rascal!

SYRUS. Nay, I do but speak the truth.

c.l.i.t. May I not then go near them?

CHREM. Prithee, then, Is there _one_ way alone of going near them?

SYRUS. Confusion! he'll betray himself before I get the money. (_Aside._)--Chremes, will you once Hear a fool's counsel?

CHREM. What do you advise?

SYRUS. Order your son about his business.

c.l.i.t. Whither?