The Comedies of Terence Part 79

DEM. What business has he there?

SYRUS. He has bespoke Some tables to be made with oaken legs To stand the sun.

DEM. For you to drink upon.

Oh brave! But I lose time. I'll after him.

(_Exit hastily._

[Changes:

_Harper_ SYRUS. Go up that street; keep straight along: and then _Colman 1768_ SYRUS. Go straight along that street: and at the end]

SCENE III.

_SYRUS alone._

Aye, go your ways! I'll work your old shrunk shanks As you deserve, old Drybones!--aeschinus Loiters intolerably. Dinner's spoil'd.

Ctesipho thinks of nothing but his girl.

'Tis time for me to look to myself too.

Faith, then I'll in immediately; pick out All the tid-bits, and tossing off my cups, In lazy leisure lengthen out the day. (_Exit._

SCENE IV.

_Enter MICIO and HEGIO._

MICIO. I can see nothing in this matter, Hegio, Wherein I merit so much commendation.

'Tis but my duty, to redress the wrongs That we have caus'd: unless perhaps you took me For one of those who, having injur'd you, Term fair expostulation an affront; And having first offended, are the first To turn accusers.--I've not acted thus: And is't for this that I am thank'd?

HEGIO. Ah, no; I never thought you other than you are.

But let me beg you, Micio, go with me To the young woman's mother, and repeat Yourself to her what you have just told me: --That the suspicion, fall'n on aeschinus, Sprung from his brother and the Music-Girl.

MICIO. If you believe I ought, or think it needful, Let's go!

HEGIO. 'Tis very kind in you: for thus You'll raise her spirit drooping with the load Of grief and misery, and have perform'd Ev'ry good office of benevolence.

But if you like it not, I'll go myself, And tell her the whole story.

MICIO. No, I'll go.

HEGIO. 'Tis good and tender in your nature, Micio.

For they, whose fortunes are less prosperous, Are all I know not how, the more suspicious; And think themselves neglected and contemn'd, Because of their distress and poverty.

Wherefore I think 'twould satisfy them more If you would clear up this affair yourself.

MICIO. What you have said is just, and very true.

HEGIO. Let me conduct you in!

MICIO. With all my heart. (_Exeunt._

SCENE V.

_aeSCHINUS alone._

Oh torture to my mind! that this misfortune Should come thus unexpectedly upon me!

I know not what to do, which way to turn.

Fear shakes my limbs, amazement fills my soul, And in my breast despair shuts out all counsel.

Ah, by what means can I acquit myself?

Such a suspicion is now fallen on me; And that too grounded on appearances.

Sostrata thinks that on my own account I bought the Music-Girl. That's plain enough From the old nurse. For meeting her by chance, As she was sent from hence to call a midwife, I ran, and ask'd her of my Pamphila.

--"Is she in labor? are you going now To call a midwife?"--"Go, go, aeschinus!

Away, you have deceiv'd us long enough, Fool'd us enough with your fine promises,"

Cried she.--"What now?" says I.--"Farewell, enjoy The girl that you're so taken with!"--I saw Immediately their cause of jealousy: Yet I contain'd myself, nor would disclose My brother's business to a tattling gossip, By whom the knowledge on't might be betray'd.

--But what shall I do now? shall I confess The girl to be my brother's; an affair Which should by no means be reveal'd?--But not To dwell on that.--Perhaps they'd not disclose it.

Nay, I much doubt if they would credit it: So many proofs concur against myself.---- I bore her off: I paid the money down; She was brought home to me.--All this, I own, Is my own fault. For should I not have told My father, be it as it might, the whole?

I should, I doubt not, have obtain'd his leave To marry Pamphila.--What indolence, Ev'n, till this hour! now, aeschinus, awake!

--But first I'll go and clear myself to them.

I'll to the door. (_Goes up._) Confusion! how I tremble!

How guilty like I seem when I approach This house! (_Knocks._) Holloa! within! 'Tis I; 'Tis aeschinus. Come, open somebody The door immediately!--Who's here? A stranger!

I'll step aside. (_Retires._)

SCENE VI.

_Enter MICIO._

MICIO (_to SOSTRATA, within_). Do as I have told you, Sostrata.

I'll find out aeschinus, and tell him all.

--But who knock'd at the door? (_Coming forward._)

aeSCH. (_behind_). By Heav'n, my father!

Confusion!

MICIO (_seeing him_). aeschinus!

aeSCH. What does he here? (_Aside._)

MICIO. Was't you that knock'd? What, not a word! Suppose I banter him a little. He deserves it, For never trusting this affair to me. (_Aside._) --Why don't you speak?

aeSCH. Not I, as I remember. (_Disordered._)

MICIO. No, I dare say, not you: for I was wond'ring What business could have brought you here.--He blushes.

All's safe, I find. (_Aside._)

aeSCH. (_recovering._) But prithee, tell me, Sir, What brought you here?

MICIO. No business of my own.

But a friend drew me hither from the Forum, To be his advocate.