’Tis not my way to tell an untruth.CHREMES Do it then.SYRUS But hark you! Just take care and remember this, in case any thing of this sort should perchance happen at a future time, such are human affairs!—your son might do the same.CHREMES The necessity will not arise, I trust.SYRUS I’ faith, and I trust so too: nor do I say so now, because I have suspected him in any way; but in case, none the moreBut in case, none the more: Sed si quid, ne quid. An instance of Aposiopesis, signifying But if any thing does happen, don’t you blame me.—You see what his age is; (aside) and truly, Chremes,And truly, Chremes: Some suppose that this is said in apparent candor by Syrus, in order the more readily to throw Chremes off his guard. Other Commentators, again, fancy these words to be said by Syrus in a low voice, aside, which seems not improbable; it being a just retribution on Chremes for his recommendation, however well intended: in that case, Chremes probably overhears it, if we may judge from his answer. if an occasion does happen, I may be able to handle you right handsomely.CHREMES As to that, we’ll consider what is requisite when the occasion does happen. At present do you set about this matter.(Goes into his house.)SYRUS(to himself.)Never on any occasion did I hear my master talk more to the purpose; nor at any time could I believe that I was authorized to play the rogue with greater impunity. I wonder who it is coming out of our house?(Stands aside.)

(Enter CHREMES and CLITIPHO from the house of the former.)CHREMES Pray, what does this mean? What behavior is this, Clitipho? Is this acting as becomes you?CLITIPHO What have I done?CHREMES Did I not see you just now putting your hand into this Courtesan’s bosom?SYRUS(apart.)It’s all up with us—I’m utterly undone!CLITIPHO What, I?CHREMES With these self-same eyes I saw it—don’t deny it. Besides, you wrong him unworthily in not keeping your hands off: for indeed it is a gross affront to entertain a person, your friend, at your house, and to take liberties with his mistress. Yesterday, for instance, at wine, how rude you were—SYRUS(apart.)’Tis the truth’Tis the truth: Factum.Done for is another translation which this word will here admit of. CHREMES How annoying you were! So much so, that for my part, as the Gods may prosper me, I dreaded what in the end might be the consequence.I understand lovers. They resent highly things that you would not imagine.CLITIPHO But he has full confidence in me, father, that I would not do any thing of that kind.CHREMES Be it so; still, at least, you ought to go somewhere for a little time away from their presence. Passion prompts to many a thing; your presence acts as a restraint upon doing them. I form a judgment from myself. There’s not one of my friends this day to whom I would venture, Clitipho, to disclose all my secrets. With one, his station forbids it; with another, I am ashamed of the action itself, lest I may appear a fool or devoid of shame; do you rest assured that he does the same.That he does the same: Clinia. But it is our part to be sensible of this; and, when and where it is requisite, to show due complaisance.SYRUS(coming forward and whispering to CLITIPHO.)What is it he is saying ?CLITIPHO(aside, to SYRUS.)I’m utterly undone!SYRUS Clitipho, these same injunctions I gave you. You have acted the part of a prudent and discreet person.Of a prudent and discreet person: This is said ironically. CLITIPHO Hold your tongue, I beg.SYRUS Very good.CHREMES(approaching them.)Syrus, I am ashamed of him.SYRUS I believe it; and not without reason. Why, he vexes myself even.