Andria; or, The Fair Andrian (363c-386b)

I stopped there. In the mean time I saw no one going in, no one going out; no matron at the house,[*]

no preparation, no bustle. I drew near; looked in—

I understand; a considerable indication.

Do these things seem to accord with a wedding?

I think not, Davus.

Think, do you say? You don’t view it rightly; the thing is certain. Besides, coming away from there I saw the servant-boy of Chremes carrying some vegetables and little fishes, an obol’s worth,[*] for the old man’s dinner.

This day, Davus, have I been delivered by your means.

And yet not at all.

Why so? Surely he will not give her to him, after all this. (Pointing to PAMPHILUS.)

You silly fellow! as though it were a necessary consequence that if he doesn’t give her to him you should marry her: unless, indeed, you look about you; unless you entreat and make court to the old man’s friends.

You advise well. I’ll go; although, upon my faith, this hope has often eluded me already. Farewell!

What then does my father mean? Why does he thus make pretense?

I’ll tell you. If now he were angry with you, because Chremes will not give you a wife, he would seem to himself to be unjust, and that not without reason, before he has ascertained your feelings as to the marriage, how they are disposed. But if you refuse to marry her, in that case he will transfer the blame to you;

then such disturbances will arise.

I will submit to any thing from him.

He is your father, Pamphilus. It is a difficult matter. Besides, this woman is defenseless. No sooner said than done; he will find some pretext for driving her away from the city.

Driving her away?

Aye, and quickly too.

Tell me then, Davus, what am I to do?

Say that you will marry her.

Ha!

What’s the matter?

What, am I to say so?

Why not?

Never will I do it.

Don’t say so.

Don’t attempt to persuade me.

Consider what will be the result of it.

That I shall be deprived of the one, and fixed with the other.

Not so. In fact, I think it will be thus: Your father will say: I wish you to marry a wife to-day. You reply: I’ll marry her. Tell me, how can he raise a quarrel with you? Thus you will cause all the plans