The Comedies of Terence Part 57

CHREM. Her name; That we may make inquiry.

SOSTRA. Philtere.

SYRUS. The very same! she's found, and I am lost. (_Aside._)

CHREM. In with me, Sostrata!

SOSTRA. Beyond my hopes.

How much I fear'd you should continue still So rigidly inclin'd, as formerly, When you refus'd to educate her, Chremes!

CHREM. Men can not always be as they desire, But must be govern'd by their fortunes still.

The times are alter'd with me, and I wish To have a daughter now; then, nothing less.

[Changes:

_Harper_ SYRUS. She wants you, Sir! inquire What she would have. She's grave, I know not why.

_Colman 1768_ SYRUS. She wants you, Sir!

Enquire, what she would have. She's very grave.]

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I.

_SYRUS, alone._

My mind misgives me, my defeat is nigh, This unexpected incident has driven My forces into such a narrow pa.s.s, I can not even handsomely retreat Without some feint, to hinder our old man From seeing that this wench is c.l.i.tipho's.

As for the money, and the trick I dream'd of, Those hopes are flown, and I shall hold it triumph, So I but 'scape a scouring--Cursed fortune, To have so delicate a morsel s.n.a.t.c.h'd Out of my very jaws!--What shall I do?

What new device? for I must change my plan.

--Nothing so difficult, but may be won By industry.--Suppose, I try it thus. (_Thinking._) --'Twill never do.--Or thus?--No better still.

But thus I think.--No, no.--Yes, excellent!

Courage! I have it.--Good!--Good!--best of all!---- --'Faith, I begin to hope to lay fast hold Of that same slipp'ry money after all.

SCENE II.

_Enter CLINIA at another part of the stage._

CLIN. Henceforward, fate, do with me what thou wilt!

Such is my joy, so full and absolute, I can not know vexation. From this hour To you, my father, I resign myself, Content to be more frugal than you wis.h.!.+

SYRUS (_overhearing_). 'Tis just as I suppos'd. The girl's acknowledged; His raptures speak it so.-- (_Going up._) I'm overjoyed That things have happen'd to your wish.

CLIN. O Syrus!

Have you then heard it too?

SYRUS. I heard it? Aye: I, who was present at the very time!

CLIN. Was ever any thing so lucky?

SYRUS. Nothing.

CLIN. Now, Heav'n so help me, I rejoice at this On her account much rather than my own, Her, whom I know worthy the highest honors.

SYRUS. No doubt on't.--But now, Clinia, hold a while!

Give me a moment's hearing in my turn.

For your friend's business must be thought of now, And well secur'd, lest our old gentleman Suspect about the wench.

CLIN. O Jupiter! (_In raptures._)

SYRUS. Peace! (_Impatiently._)

CLIN. My Antiphila shall be my wife.

SYRUS. And will you interrupt me?

CLIN. Oh, my Syrus, What can I do! I'm overjoy'd. Bear with me.

SYRUS. Troth so I do.

CLIN. We're happy, as the G.o.ds.

SYRUS. I lose my labor on you.

CLIN. Speak; I hear.

SYRUS. Aye, but you don't attend.

CLIN. I'm all attention.

SYRUS. I say then, Clinia, that your friend's affairs Must be attended to, and well secur'd: For if you now depart abruptly from us, And leave the wench upon our hands, my master Will instantly discover she belongs To c.l.i.tipho. But if you take her off, It will remain, as still it is, a secret.

CLIN. But, Syrus, this is flatly opposite To what I most devoutly wish, my marriage, For with what face shall I accost my father?

D'ye understand me?

SYRUS. Aye.

CLIN. What can I say?

What reason can I give him?

SYRUS. Tell no lie.

Speak the plain truth.

CLIN. How?