The Comedies of Terence

SIMO. Since I bought you, from a boy How just and mild a servitude you've pass'd With me, you're conscious: from a purchas'd slave I made you free, because you serv'd me freely:...

DAVUS. (_to himself_). I thought 'twere wonderful If this affair went off so easily; And dreaded where my master's great good-humor Would end at last: who, after he perceiv'd Th...

Troth Davus, 'tis high time to look about you; No room for sloth, as far as I can sound The sentiments of our old gentleman About this marriage, which if not fought off, And cun...

I hear, Archyllis; I hear what you say: You beg me to bring Lesbia. By my troth That Lesbia is a drunken wretch, hot-headed, Nor worthy to be trusted with a woman In her first l...

PAM. Oh all ye pow'rs of heav'n and earth, what's wrong If this is not so?--If he was determin'd That I to-day should marry, should I not Have had some previous notice?--ought n...

CHAR. I will entreat him, beg, beseech him, Tell him our course of love, and thus, perhaps, At least prevail upon him to defer His marriage some few days: meanwhile, I hope, Som...

PAM. Now if you, or he, Your Byrrhia here, can do or think of aught; Act, plot, devise, invent, strive all you can To make her yours; and I'll do all I can That she may not be m...

DAVUS. I'm sure of it. Your Father but just now Takes me aside, and tells me 'twas his will That you should wed to-day; with much beside, Which now I have not leisure to repeat....

DAVUS. That I'll explain. If he were angry now, Merely that Chremes has refus'd his daughter, He'd think himself in fault; and justly too, Before the bias of your mind is known....

DAVUS. Now is he sure that you'll refuse to wed. From some dark corner brooding o'er black thoughts He comes, and fancies he has fram'd a speech To disconcert you. See, you keep...

BYR. To-day my master bade me leave all else For Pamphilus, and watch how he proceeds, About his marriage; wherefore I have now Followed the old man hither: yonder too Stands Pa...

DAVUS. No faith; or if at all, 'twill only be Two or three days' anxiety, you know; Then 'twill be over: for he sees the thing In its true light.

SIMO. How's this? (_To himself._) And can he be so mad? What! educate A harlot's child!--Ah, now I know their drift: Fool that I was, scarce smelt it out at last.

LESBIA _to ARCHYLLIS (within)_. As yet, Archyllis, all the symptoms seem As good as might be wish'd in her condition: First, let her make ablution: after that, Drink what I've o...

SIMO. While in the house, forsooth, the midwife gave No orders for the Lady in the straw: But having issued forth into the street, Bawls out most lustily to those within. --Oh D...

CHREMES. Well met.--Some persons came To tell me you inform'd them, that my daughter Was to be married to your son to-day: And therefore came I here, and fain would know Whether...

SIMO. D'ye hear him?--Davus, I for some time past Was fearful of you; lest, like other slaves, As slaves go now, you should put tricks upon me, And baffle me, to favor my son's...

Lost and undone! To prison with me straight! No prayer, no plea: for I have ruin'd all! Deceiv'd the old man, hamper'd Pamphilus With marriage; marriage, brought about to-day By...

PAM. And yet I must confess, That I deserv'd this, being such a dolt, A very idiot, to commit my fortunes To a vile slave. I suffer for my folly, But will at least take vengeanc...

Is this to be believ'd, or to be told? Can then such inbred malice live in man, To joy in ill, and from another's woes To draw his own delight?--Ah, is't then so? --Yes, such th...

PAM. Why rack me thus? Nay hear! he never ceas'd to importune That I would tell my father, I would wed; So press'd, and urg'd, that he at length prevail'd.

PAM. Ah, I'm undone: This sore breaks out afresh. Unhappy that we are, through your curs'd means, To be tormented thus. (_To DAVUS._)--She has been told A nuptial is prepar'd an...

Can we securely then count nothing ours? Oh all ye Gods! I thought this Pamphilus The greatest good my mistress could obtain, Friend, lover, husband, ev'ry way a blessing: And y...

DAVUS. Because, that if My master chance to put me to my oath That 'twas not I who laid it there, I may With a safe conscience swear. (_Gives her the child._)

CHREMES. Having provided all things necessary. I now return to bid them call the bride. What's here? (_seeing the child_) by Hercules, a child! Ha, woman, Was't you that laid it...

CRITO. In this street They say that Chrysis liv'd: who rather chose To heap up riches here by wanton ways, Than to live poor and honestly at home: She dead, her fortune comes by...

CHREMES. Enough already, Simo, and enough I've shown my friendship for you; hazarded Enough of peril: urge me then no more! Wishing to please you, I had near destroy'd My daught...

DAVUS. Nay, but Chremes, There's more in this, and you shall hear strange news. There's an old countryman, I know not who, Is just arriv'd here; confident and shrewd; His look b...

--By Heav'n, As I do live, I'll make you know this day What peril lies in trifling with a master, And make him know what 'tis to plague a father.

SIMO. They say so!--Oh amazing impudence!---- Does he consider what he says? does he Repent the deed? or does his color take The hue of shame?--To be so weak of soul, Against th...

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 con...

PAM. And is this true?--yes, yes, I know 'tis true, because I wish it so. Therefore I think the life of Gods eternal, For that their joys are permanent: and now, My soul hath he...

PAM. I shall remember. 'Twere tedious to expect his coming forth: Along with me then to Glycerium! Davus, do you go home, and hasten them To fetch her hence. Away, away!

PHÆD. And what then shall I do? not go? not now? When she herself invites me? or were't best Fashion my mind no longer to endure These harlots' impudence?--Shut out! recall'd! S...

PHÆD. No more?--O Thais, Thais, would to Heaven Our loves were parallel, that things like these Might torture you, as this has tortur'd me: Or that your actions were indifferent...

Ah me! I fear that he believes me not, And judges of my heart from those of others. I in my conscience know, that nothing false I have deliver'd, nor to my true heart Is any dea...

PHÆD. Ah, Parmeno, you wrong me. I'll cast out This treacherous softness from my soul, nor thus Indulge my passions. Yes, I could remain, If need, without her even three whole d...

GNAT. Good Heav'ns! how much one man excels another! What diff'rence 'twixt a wise man and a fool! What just now happen'd proves it: coming hither I met with an old countryman,...

CHÆR. Undone! undone! The Girl is lost; I know not where she is, Nor where I am: ah, whither shall I trace? Where seek? of whom inquire? or which way turn? I'm all uncertain; bu...

_Harper_ CHÆR. Oh most unhappily! for other ills May be told, Parmeno!--I could swear too _Colman 1768_ CHÆR. Oh most unhappily! for lighter ills May pass for inconvenient, Parm...

THRA. The courtiers all Began to envy me, and rail'd in secret: I car'd not; whence their spleen increas'd the more. One in particular, who had the charge Of th' Indian elephant...

PAR. What say you, Gnatho? Is he despicable? Or, Captain, what say you?--Dumb?--Praise sufficient; Try him in letters, exercises, music: In all the arts, a gentleman should know...

In truth the more and more I think, the more I am convinc'd that Thais means me ill: So plain I see her arts to draw me in. Ev'n when she first invited me, (and when Had any ask...

But yesterday a knot of us young fellows Assembled at Piræus, and agreed To club together for a feast to-day. Chærea had charge of all; the rings were given, And time and place...

CHÆR. (_looking about_). Is any body here?--No, nobody. Does any follow me?--No, nobody. May I then let my ecstasy break forth! O Jupiter! 'tis now the very time, When I could s...

Now, as I hope for mercy, I'm afraid, From what I've seen, lest yonder swaggerer Make some disturbance, or do violence To Thais. For as soon as Chremes came, (The youth that's b...

PHÆD. Going into the country, I began (As happens when the mind is ill at ease) To ponder with myself upon the road, Tossing from thought to thought, and viewing all In the wors...

PYTH. I don't know Or who, or what he was.--What he has done, The thing itself declares.----The virgin weeps, Nor, when you ask what ails her, dare she tell. But he, good man, i...

PHÆD. See the wretch! What a wry mouth he makes!--Come, what's the meaning Of your returning? and your change of dress? What answer, Sirrah!--If I had delay'd A minute longer, P...

DORI. Troth, if you're wise you know not what you know, Nor of the Eunuch, nor the ravishment: So shall you clear yourself of all this trouble, And do a kindness to our mistress...

CHREM. So! so!--I'm in for't--and the wine I've drank Has made me reel again.--Yet while I sat, How sober I suppos'd myself!--But I No sooner rose, than neither foot, nor head,...

THAIS. I am apt to think, The Captain will soon follow me, to take The virgin from me: Well then, let him come! But if he does but lay a finger on her, We'll tear his eyes out.-...

THRA. Here, in the centre, Donax, with your club! Do you, Simalio, charge on the left wing! You, Syrus, on the right!--Bring up the rest! Where's the Centurion Sanga, and his ba...

THAIS. Still, still, you, baggage, will you shuffle with me? --"I know--I don't know--he's gone off--I've heard---- I was not present"--Be it what it may, Can't you inform me op...

CHÆR. At Antipho's, as if for spite, there were His father and his mother both at home, So that I could by no means enter, but They must have seen me. Meanwhile, as I stood Befo...

PYTH. Oh brave news! I'm glad to hear it; For I've a kindness for the girl. Go in; My mistress is impatient for your coming. (_Exeunt CHREMES and SOPHRONA._ See, yonder's my goo...

PAR. I'm come to see what Chærea has been doing: Who, if he has but manag'd matters well, Good Heav'ns, how much, and what sincere applause Shall Parmeno acquire!--For not to me...

PYTH. (_behind_). 'Faith, Sirrah, I'll be handsomely revenged For all you've done and said. You shall not boast Your tricks on us without due punishment. (_Aloud, coming forward...

LACHES. I've this convenience from my neighb'ring villa; I'm never tir'd of country or of town. For as disgust comes on, I change my place. --But is not that our Parmeno? 'Tis h...

PYTH. Well! I was ne'er more pleas'd in all my life Than when I saw th' old man come blund'ring in. I had the jest alone; for I alone Knew what he was afraid of.

_1768 version of entire scene:_ GNAT. What now? with what hope, or design, advance we? What's your intention, Thraso? THRASO. My intention? To Thais to surrender at discretion....

CHÆR. Lives there, my countrymen, a happier man To-day than I?--Not one.--For on my head The gods have plainly emptied all their store, On whom they've pour'd a flood of bliss a...

PHÆD. Depend on naught but this! Captain, I give you warning, if, henceforth, I ever find you in this street, although You tell me, "_I was looking for another, I was but passin...

CHREM. Though our acquaintance is as yet but young, Since you have bought this farm that neighbors mine, And little other commerce is betwixt us; Yet or your virtue, or good nei...

He draws tears from me.--How I pity him! --But 'tis high time, as the day goes, to warn My neighbor Phania to come forth to supper. I'll go, and see if he's at home. (_Goes to P...

As yet, my Clinia, you've no cause to fear: They are not long: and she, I'm confident, Will be here shortly with the messenger. Prithee, away then with these idle cares, Which t...

What partial judges of all sons are fathers! Who ask gray wisdom from our greener years, And think our minds should bear no touch of youth; Governing by their passions, now kill...

CLIN. Had my affairs in love been prosperous, They had, I know, been here long since: but, ah, I fear she's fall'n from virtue in my absence: So many things concur to prove it s...

SYRUS (_to himself_). Gods, what a crowd! our house will hardly hold them. What eating, and what drinking will there be! How miserable our old gentleman! But here are those I wi...

BACCH. Well, I commend you, my Antiphila: Happy, that you have made it still your care, That virtue should seem fair as beauty in you! Nor Gracious Heav'n so help me, do I wonde...

CHREM. 'Tis now just daybreak.--Why delay I then To call my neighbor forth, and be the first To tell him of his son's return?--The youth, I understand, would fain not have it so...

MENE. (_to himself_). Sure I'm by nature form'd for misery Beyond the rest of humankind, or else 'Tis a false saying, though a common one, "That time assuages grief." For ev'ry...

SYRUS. Not like the maids of old, but passable, As girls go now: nor am I much amaz'd That Clinia dotes upon her. But he has, Alas, poor lad! a miserable, close, Dry, covetous,...

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?

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, an...

CHREM. But, Syrus, say, what progress have you made In that affair I just now mention'd to you? Have you struck out a scheme that pleases you? Or are you still to seek?

SOSTRA. Do you remember, I was pregnant once, When you assur'd me with much earnestness, That if I were deliver'd of a girl, You would not have the child brought up?

My mind misgives me, my defeat is nigh, This unexpected incident has driven My forces into such a narrow pass, I can not even handsomely retreat Without some feint, to hinder ou...

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...

BACCH. Upon my life, This Syrus with his golden promises Has fool'd me hither charmingly! Ten minæ He gave me full assurance of: but if He now deceives me, come whene'er he will...

SYRUS. No questions: let them carry over All they brought hither. Our old gentleman Will think himself reliev'd from much expense By their departure. Troth, he little knows With...

CHREM. (_to himself_). 'Fore Heav'n, I pity Menedemus. His case is lamentable: to maintain That jade and all her harlot family! Although I know for some few days to come He will...

CLIT. (_to himself_). Nothing so easy in itself, but when Perform'd against one's will, grows difficult. This little walk how easy! yet how faint And weary it has made me!--and...

My daughter now has had ten minæ of me, Which I account laid out upon her board: Ten more her clothes will come to: and moreover Two talents for her portion.----How unjust And a...

MENE. Alas, my transports are all groundless then. --Yet I would rather bear with any thing, Than lose my son again.--What answer, Chremes, Shall I return with, that he mayn't p...

That I'm not overwise, no conjurer, I know full well: but my assistant here, And counselor, and grand controller Chremes, Outgoes me far: dolt, blockhead, ninny, ass; Or these,...

CHREM. (_to SOSTRATA, within_). Nay prithee, good wife, cease to stun the Gods With thanking them that you have found your daughter; Unless you fancy they are like yourself, And...

CLIT. And can it, Menedemus, can it be, My father has so suddenly cast off All natural affection? for what act? What crime, alas! so heinous have I done? It is a common failing.

SYRUS. I'll speak my thoughts. Be you the judge. While they had you alone, While yet there was no other nearer joy, You they indulg'd, and gave with open hand: But now a daughte...

A lucky thought of mine! for Clitipho: The less he hopes, so much more easily Will he reduce his father to good terms. Besides, who knows but he may take a wife? No thanks to Sy...

SOSTRA. Nay indeed, husband, if you don't take care, You'll bring some kind of mischief on your son: I can't imagine how a thought so idle Could come into your head.

CLIT. Oh mother, if there ever was a time When you took pleasure in me, or delight To call me son, beseech you, think of that; Pity my present misery, and tell me Who are my rea...

MENE. Now in good faith our Chremes plagues his son Too long and too severely. I come forth To reconcile him, and make peace between them. And there they are!

Ho, Storax!--Æschinus did not return Last night from supper; no, nor any one Of all the slaves who went to see for him. --'Tis commonly--and oh how truly!--said, If you are abse...

DEMEA. What has he done? a wretch, whom neither ties Of shame, nor fear, nor any law can bind! For not to speak of all his former pranks, What has he been about but even now!

Though what he says be not entirely true, There's something in it, and it touches me. But I dissembled my concern with him, Because the nature of the man is such, To pacify, I m...

SAN. And in my way Of as good faith as any man alive. Hereafter, to absolve yourself, you'll cry, That you repent of having wrong'd me thus. I sha'n't care _that_ for your excus...

Oh Jupiter! I do not wonder now That men run mad with injuries. He drags me Out of my own house; cudgels me most soundly; And carries off my slave against my will: And after thi...

SYRUS (_to ÆSCH. within_). Say no more! Let me alone to talk with him! I warrant I'll make him take the money; aye, and own That he's well treated too. (_Coming forward._) Why h...

CTES. Favors are welcome in the hour of need From any hand; but doubly welcome when Conferr'd by those from whom we most expect them. O brother, brother, how shall I applaud the...

CTES. Melancholy! I Be melancholy, who have such a brother? Oh my dear Æschinus! thou best of brothers, --Ah, I'm asham'd to praise you to your face, Lest it appear to come from...

CAN. Troth, as the case stands, madam, circumstances Could not have happen'd better than they have: And since your daughter suffer'd violence, 'Twas well she met with such a man...

GETA. We are now So absolutely lost, that all the world Joining in consultation to apply Relief to the misfortune that has fallen On me, my mistress, and her daughter, all Would...

DEM. Confusion! I have heard that Ctesipho Was present with his brother at this riot. This is the sum of all my miseries, If he, even he, a sober, hopeful lad, May be seduc'd in...

SYRUS (_negligently_). Silly enough, to say the truth, and idle. (_To servants within_). Cleanse you the rest of those fish, Dromo: let That large eel play a little in the water...

I then will hence, since he, on whose account I hither came, is gone into the country. _He_ is my only care, _He's_ my concern. My brother, since he needs will have it so, May l...

DEM. (_behind._) So! he has heard about this Music-Girl, And is affected at it, though a stranger, While his good father truly thinks it nothing. Oh monstrous! would that he wer...

This is no more than I foretold: and well If his intemp'rance would stop _here!_--But this Immoderate indulgence must produce Some terrible misfortune in the end. --I'll hence,...

Be of good cheer, my Sostrata; and comfort, As much as in your pow'r, poor Pamphila! I'll find out Micio, if he's at the Forum, And tell him the whole story: if he'll act With h...

CTES. I wish, So that his health were not the worse for it, He might so heartily fatigue himself, As to be forc'd to keep his bed these three days!

DEM. Verily I am A most unhappy man! for first of all, I can not find my brother any where: And then besides, in looking after him, I chanc'd on one of my day laborers, Who had...

Aye, go your ways! I'll work your old shrunk shanks As you deserve, old Drybones!--Æschinus Loiters intolerably. Dinner's spoil'd. Ctesipho thinks of nothing but his girl. 'Tis...

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...

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 i...

MICIO. I'll tell you. This house is tenanted by some poor women, Whom, I believe, you know not;--Nay, I'm sure on't, For 'twas but lately they came over hither.

How's this? Is this to be a father? Or is this To be a son?--Were he my friend or brother, Could he be more complacent to my wish? Should I not love him? bear him in my bosom! A...

I'm tir'd With walking.--Now great Jove confound you, Syrus; You and your blind directions! I have crawl'd All the town over: to the gate; the pond; Where not? No sign of any sh...

MICIO. Not at all, If I could help it: now 'tis past all cure, I bear it patiently. The life of man Is like a game at tables. If the cast Which is most necessary be not thrown,...

Jove, what a life! what manners! what distraction! A bride just coming home without a portion; A Music-Girl already there in keeping: A house of waste; the youth a libertine; Th...

SYRUS. (_to himself_). Faith, little Syrus, you've ta'en special care Of your sweet self, and play'd your part most rarely. --Well, go your ways:--but having had my fill Of ev'r...

He's gone--gone in--and faith no welcome roarer---- --Especially to Ctesipho.--But what Can I do now; unless, till this blows over, I sneak into some corner, and sleep off This...

MICIO. (_to SOSTRATA within_). All is prepar'd: and we are ready, Sostrata, As I have already told you, when you please. (_Comes forward._) But who's this forces open our street...

Never did man lay down so fair a plan, So wise a rule of life, but fortune, age, Or long experience made some change in it; And taught him that those things he thought he knew H...

DEM. (_aside._) Excellent! Now for the first time, I, against my nature, Have added these three phrases, "Honest Syrus!---- How is't?--How goes it?"-- (_To SYRUS._) You have pro...

DEM. Geta, I this day have found you To be a fellow of uncommon worth: For sure that servant's faith is well approv'd Who holds his master's interest at heart, As I perceiv'd th...

DEM. Ne'er mind singers, company, lights, music; But tell them to throw down the garden-wall, As soon as possible. Convey the bride That way, and lay both houses into one. Bring...

DEM. Well, if 'tis large, let's give it. He has been Father to her; a good man; our relation. It will be given worthily. In short, That saying, Micio, I now make my own, Which y...

SYRUS. Oh Demea, you're a noble gentleman. I've taken care of both your sons from boys; Taught them, instructed them, and given them The wholesomest advice that I was able.

PHI. Now, by my troth, a woman of the town Scarce ever finds a faithful lover, Syra. This very Pamphilus, how many times He swore to Bacchis, swore so solemnly One could not but...

PAR. (_to SCRITUS within_). If our old gentleman Asks for me, tell him I'm this very moment Gone to the Port to seek for Pamphilus. D'ye understand my meaning, Scritus? If he as...

LACH. Oh heav'n and earth, what animals are women! What a conspiracy between them all, To do or not do, love or hate alike! Not one but has the sex so strong in her, She differs...

LACH. See, Phidippus in good time! I'll learn from him The cause of this.-- (_Going up to him._) Phidippus, though I own Myself indulgent to my family, Yet my complacency and ea...

SOSTRA. How unjustly Do husbands stretch their censures to all wives For the offenses of a few, whose vices Reflect dishonor on the rest!--For, Heaven So help me, as I'm wholly...

PAM. Never did man experience greater ills, More miseries in love than I.--Distraction! Was it for this I held my life so dear? For this was I so anxious to return? Better, much...

It were not good That I should follow him into the house: For all our family are odious to them. That's plain from their denying Sostrata Admittance yesterday.--And if by chance...

PAR. Do not go; No, nor send any body else; for they That love the folks, to whom themselves are odious, I think are guilty of a double folly: Their labor proves but idle to the...

Which way shall I begin the wretched tale Of my misfortunes, which have fall'n upon me Thus unexpectedly? which even now These very eyes have seen, these ears have heard? And wh...

SOSIA. Oh happy Parmeno! You little know the dangers you've escap'd, Who've never been at sea.--For not to dwell On other hardships, only think of this! I was on shipboard thirt...

He's gone. What shall I do? Alas! I scarcely know How to conceal, as Myrrhina desir'd, Her daughter's labor. Yet I pity her; And what I can, I am resolv'd to do, Consistent with...

PAM. Ah, Sir, He, his whole lifetime, was a man of pleasure, And such men seldom much enrich their heirs. Yet he has left at least this praise behind him, "While he liv'd, he li...

PHID. 'Fore Heaven I did not think him such a churl. What! does he fancy I'll go cringing to him? No;--if he'll take his wife he may:--if not, Let him refund her portion;--there...

Stay! Hear me! one word, Phidippus! Stay!--He's gone. --What is't to me? (_Angrily._) E'en let them settle it Among themselves; since nor my son, nor he Take my advice, nor mind...

MYRR. What shall I do?--Confusion!--which way turn? Alas! what answer shall I make my husband? For I dare say he heard the infant's cries, He ran so hastily, without a word, Int...

PHID. Soon as my wife perceiv'd That I was going to my daughter's chamber, She stole directly out o'doors.--But there She stands.--Why, how now, Myrrhina? Holo, I say! (_She aff...

No woman more unhappy than myself: For how he'd bear it, did he know the whole, When he has taken such offense at this, Which is of much less consequence, is plain. Nor by what...

SOSTRA. Dear son, I'm not to learn that you suppose, Though you dissemble your suspicions to me, That my ill-humor caus'd your wife's departure. But by my trust in Heav'n, and h...

LACH. I have been standing at a distance, wife, And overheard your conversation with him. You have done wisely to subdue your temper, And freely to comply with what, perhaps, He...

PHID. (_to PHILUMENA within_). I'm angry with you--'fore Heaven, very angry, Philumena!--You've acted shamefully. Though you indeed have some excuse for't, seeing Your mother ur...

PHID. I will.--I can not wonder that my wife Took this so ill. Women are passionate, And can't away with such affronts as these. This was their quarrel: nay she told me so, Thou...

LACH. (_to himself_). I must take care my anger don't transport me Beyond the bounds of prudence, which may hinder My gaining my design on her, and urge me To do what I may afte...

PHID. (_to the Nurse_). Nay, you shall want for nothing at my house; I'll give you all that's needful in abundance; But when you've eat and drank your fill yourself, Take care t...

I' faith my master holds my labor cheap, To send me to the Citadel for nothing, Where I have waited the whole day in vain For his Myconian, Callidemides. There was I sitting, ga...

PAR. No, i' faith, not I. I have not had it in my pow'r, I've been So bandied to and fro, sent here and there, Trotting, and running up and down all day. (_Exit._

What joy have I procur'd to Pamphilus By coming here to-day! what blessings brought him! And from how many sorrows rescued him! His son, by his and their means nearly lost, I've...

PAM. Shall I Permit you to go unrewarded; you, Who have restor'd me ev'n from death to life? Ah, Parmeno, d'ye think me so ungrateful? --But yonder's Bacchis standing at the doo...

Geta, my worthy friend and countryman, Came to me yesterday: for some time past I've ow'd him some small balance of account: This he desir'd I would make up: I have; And brought...

DAVUS. And well you may, as men and times go now, Things, by my troth, are come to such a pass, If a man pays you what he owes, you're much Beholden to him.--But, pray, why so sad?

ANT. Is it come to this? My father, Phædria!--my best friend!--That I Should tremble, when I think of his return! When, had I not been inconsiderate, I, as 'tis meet, might have...

GETA. Confusion! A quick thought, Geta, or you're quite undone, So many evils take you unprepar'd; Which I know neither how to shun nor how To extricate myself: for this bold st...

GETA. Do you remember The plea whereon you both agreed to rest, At your first vent'ring on this enterprise? "That Phormio's suit was just, sure, equitable, Not to be controverte...

DEM. How's this? a wife! what, Antipho! and ne'er Ask my consent?--nor my authority---- Or, grant we pass authority, not dread My wrath at least?--To have no sense of shame? --O...

I'll home, and thank the Gods for my return: Thence to the Forum, and convene some friends, Who may be present at this interview, That Phormio may not take me unprepar'd. (_Exit._

PHOR. Ah, 'tis not so. I'm an old stager too, and know my road. How many men d'ye think I've bastinadoed Almost to death? Aliens and citizens? The oft'ner, still the safer.--Tel...

PHOR. Hist! mind your cue: I'll work him. --(_Coming forward, and speaking loud._) Oh, ye Gods! Does he deny that Phanium's his relation? What, Demipho! does Demipho deny That P...

DEM. With how much care, and what solicitude, My son affects me, with this wretched match Having embroil'd himself and me! nor comes Into my sight, that I might know at least Or...

ANT. (_to himself_). Indeed, indeed, my Antipho, You're much to blame, to be so poor in spirit. What! steal away so guilty-like! and trust Your life and safety to the care of ot...

DORIO. And can you be so inconsiderate, And so unconscionable, Phædria, To think that you can talk me to your purpose, And wheedle me to give the girl for nothing?

PHÆD. What shall I do? Unhappy that I am, How shall I, who am almost worse than nothing, Raise such a sum so suddenly?--Alas! Had I prevail'd on him to wait three days, I had a...

CHREM. It seems the mother, grown impatient, Perceiving that I tarried here so long, And that the girl's age brook'd not my delays, Had journeyed here, they said, in search of m...

GETA (_to himself_). I never saw a more shrewd rogue than Phormio. I came to let him know we wanted money, With my advice for getting it; and scarce Had I related half, but he c...

GETA. I thought within myself, "suppose I found him!" And taking him aside, "Now prithee, Phormio, Why don't you try to settle this affair By fair means rather than by foul?" sa...

ANT. What do I mean, Sirrah! You've driven me to absolute perdition. All pow'rs of heav'n and hell confound you for't, And make you an example to all villains! --Here! would you...

DEM. Nay, peace! I'll warrant he shall play no tricks upon us: I'll not part rashly with it, I assure you; But pay it before witnesses, reciting To whom 'tis paid, and why 'tis...

SOPH. (_to herself_). Alas! What shall I do, unhappy as I am? Where find a friend? to whom disclose this story? Of whom beseech assistance?--For I fear My mistress will sustain...

DEM. 'Tis our own fault that we encourage rogues, By overstraining the due character Of honesty and generosity. "Shoot not beyond the mark," the proverb goes. Was't not enough t...

The money's got for Phædria: all is hush'd: And Phanium is not to depart as yet. What more then? where will all this end at last? --Alas! you're sticking in the same mire still:...

DEM. Come then, Nausistrata, afford us now A little of your usual art, and try To put this woman in good humor with us; That what is done she may do willingly.

NAUS. Indeed, I think, 'tis better on all sides, That you should keep her here, than send her hence. For she appear'd to me, when first I saw her, Much of a gentlewoman. (_Exit...

I'm glad, however my affairs proceed, That Phædria's have succeeded to his mind. How wise to foster such desires alone, As, although cross'd, are easily supplied! Money, once fo...

PHOR. (_to himself_). I've receiv'd the money; Paid the procurer; carried off the wench; Who's free, and now in Phædria's possession. One thing alone remains to be dispatch'd; T...

GETA. --And from what fears deliver'd us, his friends? --But wherefore do I loiter thus? and why Do I not throw my cloak upon my shoulder, And haste to find him out, that he may...

Well done, 'fore Heaven! I'm overjoy'd to see so much good fortune Fallen thus unexpectedly upon them: I've now an admirable opportunity To bubble the old gentlemen, and ease Ph...

DEM. Well may we thank the gracious Gods, good brother, That all things have succeeded to our wish. --But now let's find out Phormio with all speed, Before he throws away our th...

NAUS. Was ever any thing more infamous? When they're with us, their wives forsooth, they're old. --Demipho, I appeal to you: for him I can not bear to speak to.--And were these...