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 | The Brothers |  |
SCENE III.
MICIOalone.
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,
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And even thus I scarce can teach him patience.
But were I to inflame, or aid his anger,
I were as great a madman as himself.
Yet Æschinus, 'tis true, has been to blame.
What wench is there he has not lov'd? to whom
He has not made some present?—And but lately
(Tir'd, I suppose, and sick of wantonness)
He told me he propos'd to take a wife.
I hop'd the hey-day of the blood was over,
And was rejoyc'd: but his intemperance
Breaks out afresh.—Well, be it what it may,
I'll find him out; and know it instantly,
If he is to be met with at the Forum.
[Exit.
Terence seems inclined to favour the part of mild fathers. He represents Micio as affected at his son's irregularities; lest, if he should appear wholly unmoved, he might seem to corrupt his son, rather than to treat him with a proper indulgence. Wherefore, through all his moderation, he still betrays a fatherly emotion. Donatus.
The art of Terence in preparing his incidents is wonderful. He contrives that even ignorant persons shall open the plot: as in the present instance, which gives us to understand that Æschinus had mentioned to Micio his intentions of taking a wife, though he had not entered into particulars. This naturally leads us to the ensuing part of the fable, without forestalling any of the circumstances. Donatus.
| The Brothers | |