that as a son-in-law he meets my approbation; in fine, too, if you like, tell him also that she has been promised him.MENEDEMUS Well, that’s what I wanted—CHREMES That he may the sooner ask of you, and you may as soon as possible give him what you wish.MENEDEMUS It is my wish.CHREMES Assuredly, before very long, according as I view this matter, you’ll have enough of him.But, however that may be, if you are wise, you’ll give to him cautiously, and a little at a time.MENEDEMUS I’ll do so.CHREMES Go in-doors and see how much he requires. I shall be at home, if you should want me for any thing.MENEDEMUS I certainly do want you; for I shall let you know whatever I do.(They go into their respective houses.)

(Enter MENEDEMUS from his house.)MENEDEMUS(to himself.)I am quite aware that I am not so overwise, or so very quick-sighted;but this assistant, prompter, and directorAssistant, prompter, and director: The three terms here used are borrowed from the stage. Adjutor was the person who assisted the performers either by voice or gesture; monitor was the prompter; and praemonstrator was the person who in the rehearsal trained the actor in his part. of mine, Chremes, outdoes me in that. Any one of those epithets which are applied to a fool is suited to myself, such as dolt, post, ass,Dolt post, ass: There is a similar passage in the Bacchides of Plautus, 1. 1087. Whoever there are in any place whatsoever, whoever have been, and whoever shall be in time to come, fools, blockheads, idiots, dolts, sots, oafs, lubbers, I singly by far exceed them all in folly and absurd ways. lump of lead; to him not one can apply; his stupidity surpasses them all.(Enter CHREMES, speaking to SOSTRATA within.)CHREMES Hold now, do, wife, leave off dinning the Gods with thanksgivingsthat your daughter has been discovered; unless you judge of them by your own disposition, and think that they understand nothing, unless the same thing has been told them a hundred times. But, in the mean time, why does my son linger there so long with Syrus?MENEDEMUS What persons do you say are lingering?CHREMES Ha! Menedemus, you have come opportunely. Tell me, have you told Clinia what I said?MENEDEMUS Every thing.CHREMES What did he say?MENEDEMUS He began to rejoice, just like people do who wish to be married.CHREMES(laughing.)Ha! ha! ha!MENEDEMUS Why are you laughing?CHREMES The sly tricks of my servant, Syrus, just came into my mind.MENEDEMUS Did they?CHREMES The rogue can even mould the countenances of people.Mould the countenances of people. He means that Syrus not only lays his plots well, but teaches the performers to put on countenances suitable to the several parts they are to act. MENEDEMUS That my son is pretending that he is overjoyed, is it that you mean?CHREMES Just so.(Laughing.)MENEDEMUS The very same thing came into my mind.CHREMES A crafty knave!MENEDEMUS Still more would you think such to be the fact, if you knew more.CHREMES Do you say so?MENEDEMUS Do you give attention then?