Andria; or, The Fair Andrian (872-905)

Who is it that wants me? (Aside.) I’m undone! it’s my father.

What say you, of all men, the —?

Oh! rather speak about the matter itself, and forbear to use harsh language.

As if any thing too severe could now be possibly said against him.

Pray, do you say that Glycerium is a citizen—

So they say.

So they say! Unparalleled assurance! does he consider what he says? Is he sorry for what he has done? Does his countenance, pray, at all betray any marks of shame? That he should be of mind so weak, as, without regard

to the custom and the law [*] of his fellow-citizens, and the wish of his own father, to be anxious, in spite of every thing, to have her, to his own utter disgrace!

Miserable that I am!

Ha! have you at last found that out only just now, Pamphilus? Long since did that expression, long since, when you made up your mind, that what you desired must be effected by you at any price;

from that very day did that expression aptly befit you. But yet why do I torment myself? Why vex myself? Why worry my old age with this madness? Am I to suffer the punishment for his offenses? Nay then, let him have her, good-by to him, let him pass his life with her.

My father—

How, my father? As if you stood in any need of this father. Home, wife, and children, provided by you against the will of your father! People suborned, too, to say that she is a citizen of this place! You have gained your point.

Father, may I say a few words?

What can you say to me?

But, Simo, do hear him.

I, hear him? Why should I hear him,

Chremes?

Still, however, do allow him to speak.

Well then, let him speak: I allow him.

I own that I love her; if that is committing a fault, I own that also. To you, father, do I subject myself. Impose on me any injunction you please; command me. Do you wish me to take a wife? Do you wish me to give her up? As well as I can I will endure it. This only I request of you, not to think that this old gentleman has been suborned by me.

Allow me to clear myself, and to bring him here before you.

To bring him here?

Do allow me, father.

He asks what’s reasonable; do give him leave.

Allow me to obtain thus much of you.

I allow it. I desire any thing, so long as I find, Chremes, that I have not been deceived by him.

For a great offense, a slight punishment ought to satisfy a father.

Forbear entreating. Of these, any one reason prompts me to do it,

either your own sake, or the fact that it is the truth, or that I wish well for Glycerium herself.