Chapter 18

_Enter DAVUS._

DAVUS. I was about to seek you.

SIMO. What's the matter?

DAVUS. Why is not the bride sent for? it grows late.

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 love.

DAVUS. I, Sir?

SIMO. I thought so: and in fear of that Conceal'd a secret which I'll now disclose.

DAVUS. What secret, Sir?

SIMO. I'll tell you: for I now Almost begin to think you may be trusted.

DAVUS. You've found what sort of man I am at last.

SIMO. No marriage was intended.

DAVUS. How! none!

SIMO. None. All counterfeit, to sound my son and you.

DAVUS. How say you?

SIMO. Even so.

DAVUS. Alack, alack! I never could have thought it. Ah, what art! (_Archly._)

SIMO. Hear me. No sooner had I sent you in. But opportunely I encountered Chremes.

DAVUS. How! are we ruin'd then? (_Aside._)

SIMO. I told him all. That you had just told me,----

DAVUS. Confusion! how? (_Aside._)

SIMO. Begged him to grant his daughter, and at length With much ado prevail'd.

DAVUS. Undone! (_Aside._)

SIMO. How's that? (_Overhearing._)

DAVUS. Well done! I said.

SIMO. My good friend Chremes then Is now no obstacle.

CHREMES. I'll home a while, Order due preparations, and return. (_Exit._

SIMO. Prithee, now, Davus, seeing you alone Have brought about this match----

DAVUS. Yes, I alone.

SIMO. Endeavor farther to amend my son.

DAVUS. Most diligently.

SIMO. It were easy now, While his mind's irritated.

DAVUS. Be at peace.

SIMO. Do then: where is he?

DAVUS. Probably at home.

SIMO. I'll in, and tell him, what I've now told you. (_Exit._