Andria; or, The Fair Andrian (566-592)

But for that experiment to be made upon a daughter is a serious thing—

Why look, all the inconvenience in fine amounts to this—possibly, which may the Gods forfend, a separation may take place. But if he is reformed, see how many are the advantages:

in the first place, you will have restored a son to your friend; you will obtain a sure son-in-law [*] for yourself, and a husband for your daughter.

What is one to say to all this? If you feel persuaded that this is beneficial, I don’t wish that any advantage should be denied you.

With good reason, Chremes, have I always considered you a most valuable friend.

But how say you—?

What?

How do you know that they are now at variance?

Davus himself, who is privy to all their plans, has told me so; and he advises me to expedite the match as fast as I can. Do you think he would do so, unless he was aware that my son desired it? You yourself as well shall presently hear what he says. (Goes to the door of his house and calls.) Halloo there! Call Davus out here.

Look, here he is; I see him just coming out.

I was coming to you.

Why, what’s the matter?

Why isn’t the bride sent for? [*] It’s now growing late in the day.

Do you hear me? I’ve been for some time not a little apprehensive of you, Davus, lest you should do that which the common class of servants is in the habit of doing, namely, impose upon me by your artifices; because my son is engaged in an amour.

What, I do that?

I fancied so;

and therefore, fearing that, I concealed from you what I shall now mention.

What?

You shall know; for now I almost feel confidence in you.

Have you found out at last what sort of a person I am?

The marriage was not to have taken place.

How? Not to have taken place?

But I was making pretense, that I might test you all.

What is it you tell me?

Such is the fact.

Only see! I was not able to discover that. Dear me! what a cunning contrivance!

Listen to this. Just as I ordered you to go from here into the house, he (pointing to CHREMES.) most opportunely met me.

Ha! Are we undone, then?

I told him what you just now told me.

Why, what am I to hear?