SCENE II.

CHREMES, SIMO, DAVUS.

_Davus._ (_to himself._) I banish care.

_Chremes._ Here comes Davus.

_Simo._ Where does he come from?

_Davus._ (_to himself._) By virtue of the stranger’s assistance, and my sovereign skill and ingenuity.

_Simo._ What’s the matter now?

_Davus._ (_to himself._) I never saw any man arrive more opportunely.

_Simo._ Whom is this rascal praising?

_Davus._ (_to himself._) All now is safe.

_Simo._ What hinders me from speaking to him?

_Davus._ (_aside._) ’Tis my master, what shall I do?

_Simo._ (_sneering._) God save you, worthy Sir.

_Davus._ Oh! Simo, and our Chremes, all things are now prepared within.

_Simo._ You’ve taken good care, no doubt!

_Davus._ Send for the bride as soon as you please.

_Simo._ Very well, but Pamphilus is absent now: however, do you answer me: what business had you in that house?

_Davus._ (_confused._) Who? I?

_Simo._ You.

_Davus._ I, do you say?

_Simo._ Yes, you, I say.

_Davus._ I went in just now.

_Simo._ As if I asked him how long it was ago.

_Davus._ With Pamphilus.

_Simo._ How! is Pamphilus there? wretch that I am! I’m half distracted! ha! rascal, did you not tell me that they were at variance.

_Davus._ So they are.

_Simo._ Why then is he there?

_Chremes._ (_sneering._) Oh! he’s gone to quarrel with her, no doubt.

_Davus._ Oh yes, and Chremes, I will tell you of a most curious affair. An old man, whose name I know not, arrived here just now; he seems both shrewd and confident; his manners and appearance command respect; there [194]is a grave severity in his countenance; and he speaks with boldness.

_Simo._ What’s all this about, sirrah?

_Davus._ Nothing, truly, but what I heard him say.

_Simo._ And what does he say?

_Davus._ That he can prove Glycera to be a citizen of Athens.

_Simo._ (_in a passion._) Ho! Dromo! Dromo!

_Davus._ What’s the matter?

_Simo._ Dromo!

_Davus._ Only hear me.

_Simo._ If you dare to say another word.――Dromo, I say!

_Davus._ Hear me, Sir, I beseech you.