But for that experiment to be made upon a daughter is a serious thing—SIMOWhy 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.CHREMESWhat 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.SIMOWith good reason, Chremes, have I always considered you a most valuable friend.CHREMESBut how say you—?SIMOWhat?CHREMESHow do you know that they are now at variance?SIMODavus 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.)DAVUSI was coming to you.SIMOWhy, what’s the matter?DAVUSWhy 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.SIMODo 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.DAVUSWhat, I do that?SIMOI fancied so; and therefore, fearing that, I concealed from you what I shall now mention.DAVUSWhat?SIMOYou shall know; for now I almost feel confidence in you.DAVUSHave you found out at last what sort of a person I am?SIMOThe marriage was not to have taken place.DAVUSHow? Not to have taken place?SIMOBut I was making pretense, that I might test you all.DAVUS(affecting surprise.)What is it you tell me?SIMOSuch is the fact.DAVUSOnly see! I was not able to discover that. Dear me! what a cunning contrivance!SIMOListen 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?SIMOI told him what you just now told me.DAVUS(aside.)Why, what am I to hear?