Very well, give it me.(Receives the bag.)SYRUS(to CLITIPHO.)Follow me this way directly. (To CHREMES.) You in the mean while will wait here for us till we return; for there’s no occasion for us to stay there long.(CLITIPHO and SYRUS go into the house of MENEDEMUS.)CHREMES(to himself.)My daughter, in fact, has now had ten minae from me, which I consider as paid for her board; another ten will follow these for clothes; and then she will require two talents for her portion. How many things, both just and unjust, are sanctioned by custom!Are sanctioned by custom: He inveighs, perhaps justly, against the tyranny of custom; but in selecting this occasion for doing so, he does not manifest any great affection for his newly-found daughter.Now I’m obliged, neglecting my business, to look out for some one on whom to bestow my property, that has been acquired by my labor.

(Enter MENEDEMUS from his house.)MENEDEMUS(to CLINIA within.)My son, I now think myself the happiest of all men, since I find that you have returned to a rational mode of life.CHREMES(aside.)How much he is mistaken!MENEDEMUS Chremes, you are the very person I wanted;preserve, so far as in you lies, my son, myself, and my family.CHREMES Tell me what you would have me do.MENEDEMUS You have this day found a daughter.CHREMES What then?MENEDEMUS Clinia wishes her to be given him for a wife.CHREMES Prithee, what kind of a person are you?MENEDEMUS Why?CHREMES Have you already forgotten what passed between us, concerning a scheme, that by that method some money might be got out of you?MENEDEMUS I remember.CHREMES That self-same thing they are now about.MENEDEMUS What do you tell me, Chremes? Why surely, this Courtesan, who is at my house, is Clitipho’s mistress.CHREMES So they say, and you believe it all; and they say that he is desirous of a wife, in order that, when I have betrothed her,you may give him money, with which to provide gold trinkets and clothing, and other things that are requisite.MENEDEMUS That is it, no doubt; that money will be given to his mistress.CHREMES Of course it is to be given.MENEDEMUS Alas! in vain then, unhappy man, have I been overjoyed; still however, I had rather any thing than be deprived of him. What answer now shall I report from you, Chremes,so that he may not perceive that I have found it out, and take it to heart?CHREMES To heart, indeed! you are too indulgent to him, Menedemus. MENEDEMUS Let me go on; I have now begun: assist me in this throughout, Chremes.CHREMES Say then, that you have seen me, and have treated about the marriage.MENEDEMUS I’ll say so—what then?CHREMES That I will do every thing;