Come then, father, let’s take our places, please.DEMAENETUSAs you bid me, my son, so it shall be.ARGYRIPPUS(to the ATTENDANTS.)Lads, spread the table.DEMAENETUSIs it at all displeasing to you, son, if she takes her place by me?(They take their places.)ARGYRIPPUSDuty, 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.DEMAENETUSIt becomes a young man to be respectful, Argyrippus.ARGYRIPPUSTroth, father, through proper regard for you, I can be so.DEMAENETUSCome, 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.ARGYRIPPUSIn truth, I do them both, as is proper for a son.DEMAENETUSI’d believe it, if I saw you were cheerful.ARGYRIPPUSWhy, do you think that I’m sorrowful?DEMAENETUSDo I think so? You, whom I see as melancholy as if the dayAs if the day: He probably means the day for coming up for judgment, or else for trial. of trial had been named for you.ARGYRIPPUSDon’t you say that. DEMAENETUSDon’t you be so, then I’ll not say so. ARGYRIPPUSWell then, look at me; I’m laughing.(He affects to laugh.)DEMAENETUSI’d like that those who wish me ill would laugh thus.