Come then, father, let’s take our places, please. DEMAENETUS As you bid me, my son, so it shall be. ARGYRIPPUS (to the ATTENDANTS.) Lads, spread the table. DEMAENETUS Is it at all displeasing to you, son, if she takes her place by me? (They take their places.) ARGYRIPPUS Duty, father, keeps sorrow from my eyes; although I love her, still I can control my feelings, not to take it to heart because she takes her place by you. DEMAENETUS It becomes a young man to be respectful, Argyrippus. ARGYRIPPUS Troth, father, through proper regard for you, I can be so. DEMAENETUS Come, then, let’s enjoy this banquet with wine and pleasant discourse. I don’t wish to be feared, I prefer myself to be loved by you, my son. ARGYRIPPUS In truth, I do them both, as is proper for a son. DEMAENETUS I’d believe it, if I saw you were cheerful. ARGYRIPPUS Why, do you think that I’m sorrowful? DEMAENETUS Do I think so? You, whom I see as melancholy as if the day As if the day : He probably means the day for coming up for judgment, or else for trial. of trial had been named for you. ARGYRIPPUS Don’t you say that. DEMAENETUS Don’t you be so, then I’ll not say so. ARGYRIPPUS Well then, look at me; I’m laughing. (He affects to laugh.) DEMAENETUS I’d like that those who wish me ill would laugh thus.