University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

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 favour 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 encounter'd 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.
Begg'd 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 awhile,
Order due preparations, and return.

[Exit.
Simo.
Prithee, now, Davus, seeing you alone
Have brought about this match—

Davus.
Yes, I alone.

Simo.
Endeavour 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.