But for that experiment to be made upon a daughter is a serious thing— SIMO 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 A sure son-in-law : By the use of the word firmum. he means a son-in-law who will not be likely to resort to divorce or separation from his wife. for yourself, and a husband for your daughter. CHREMES 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. SIMO With good reason, Chremes, have I always considered you a most valuable friend. CHREMES But how say you—? SIMO What? CHREMES How do you know that they are now at variance? SIMO 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. (Enter DAVUS from the house.) DAVUS I was coming to you. SIMO Why, what’s the matter? DAVUS Why isn’t the bride sent for? Why isn’t the bride sent for? : Among the Greeks the bride was conducted by the bridegroom at nightfall from her father’s house, in a chariot drawn by a pair of mules or oxen, and escorted by persons carrying the nuptial torches. Among the Romans, she proceeded in the evening to the bridegroom’s house; preceded by a boy carrying a torch of white thorn, or, according to some, of pine-wood. To this custom reference is indirectly made in the present passage. It’s now growing late in the day. SIMO 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. DAVUS What, I do that? SIMO I fancied so; and therefore, fearing that, I concealed from you what I shall now mention. DAVUS What? SIMO You shall know; for now I almost feel confidence in you. DAVUS Have you found out at last what sort of a person I am? SIMO The marriage was not to have taken place. DAVUS How? Not to have taken place? SIMO But I was making pretense, that I might test you all. DAVUS (affecting surprise.) What is it you tell me? SIMO Such is the fact. DAVUS Only see! I was not able to discover that. Dear me! what a cunning contrivance! SIMO Listen to this. Just as I ordered you to go from here into the house, he (pointing to CHREMES.) most opportunely met me. DAVUS (aside.) Ha! Are we undone, then? SIMO I told him what you just now told me. DAVUS (aside.) Why, what am I to hear?