Heautontimorumenos; or, The Self-Tormenter (151-187b)

I believe you to be of an affectionate disposition toward your children,[*] and him to be an obedient son, if one were to manage him rightly or prudently. But neither did you understand him sufficiently well, nor he you—a thing that happens where persons don’t live on terms of frankness together.

You never showed him how highly you valued him, nor did he ever dare put that confidence in you which is due to a father. Had this been done, these troubles would never have befallen you.

Such is the fact, I confess; the greatest fault is on my side.

But still, Menedemus, I hope for the best, and

I trust that he’ll be here safe before long.

Oh that the Gods would grant it!

They will do so. Now, if it is convenient to you—the festival of Bacchus [*] is being kept here to-day—I wish you to give me your company.

I can not.

Why not? Do, pray, spare yourself a little while. Your absent son would wish you do so.

It is not right that I, who have driven him hence to endure hardships, should now shun them myself.

Is such your determination?

It is.

Then kindly fare you wall.

And you the same.

He has forced tears from me, and I do pity him. But as the day is far gone, I must remind Phania, this neighbor of mine,

to come to dinner. I’ll go see whether he is at home. (Goes to PHANIA’s door, makes the inquiry, and returns.) There was no occasion for me to remind him: they tell me he has been some time already at my house; it’s I myself am making my guests wait. I’ll go in-doors immediately. But what means the noise at the door of my house? I wonder who’s coming out! I’ll step aside here.

There is nothing, Clinia, for you to fear as yet: they have not been long by any means: and I am sure that she will be with you presently along with the messenger. Do at once dismiss these causeless apprehensions which are tormenting you.

Who is my son talking to?

Here comes my father, whom I wished to see: I’ll accost him. Father, you have met me opportunely.

What is the matter?

Do you know this neighbor of ours, Menedemus?

Very well.

Do you know that he has a son?

I have heard that he has; in Asia.

He is not in Asia, father; he is at :our house.

What is it you say?

Upon his arrival, after he had just landed from the ship, I immediately brought him to dine with us; for from our very childhood upward I have always been on intimate terms with him.

You announce to me a great pleasure.

How much I wish that Menedemus had accepted my invitation to make one of us: that at my house I might have been the first to surprise him, when not expecting it, with this delight!—and even yet there’s time enough—

Take care what you do; there is no necessity, father, for doing so.