 | The Self-Tormentor |  |
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SCENE III.
Re-enter MENEDEMUS with CLITIPHO and SYRUS.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.
Mene.
This, I know,
Should be more heavy and severe to you
On whom it falls: and yet am I no less
Affected by it, tho' I know not why,
And have no other reason for my grief,
But that I wish you well.
Clit.
Did not you say
My father waited here?
Mene.
Ay; there he is.
[Exit Menedemus.
Chremes.
Why d'ye accuse your father, Clitipho?
Whate'er I've done, was providently done
Tow'rd you and your imprudence. When I saw
Your negligence of soul, and that you held
307
Regardless of the morrow; I found means
That you shou'd neither want, nor waste my substance.
When You, whom fair succession first made heir,
Stood self-degraded by unworthiness,
I went to those the next in blood to you,
Committing and consigning all to Them.
There shall your weakness, Clitipho, be sure
Ever to find a refuge; food, and raiment,
And roof to fly to.
Clit.
Ah me!
Chremes.
Better thus,
Than, you being heir, for Bacchis to have all.
Syrus.
Distraction! what disturbances have I,
Wretch that I am, all unawares created!
Clit.
Wou'd I were dead!
Chremes.
Learn first, what 'tis to live.
When you know That, if life displeases you,
Then talk of dying.
Syrus.
Master, may I speak?
Chremes.
Speak.
Syrus.
But with safety?
Chremes.
Speak.
Syrus.
How wrong is this,
308
To punish him for my offence!
Chremes.
Away!
Do not you meddle. No one blames you, Syrus!
Nor need you to provide a sanctuary,
Or intercessor.
Syrus.
What is it you do?
Chremes.
I am not angry, nor with you, nor him:
Nor should you take offence at what I do.
[Exit Chremes.
| The Self-Tormentor | |