Scene I.

Chremes, Simo.

Chremes. Enough already, Simo, and enough I've shown my friendship for you; hazarded Enough of peril: urge me then no more! Wishing to please you, I had near destroy'd My daughter's peace and happiness forever.

Simo. Ah, Chremes, I must now entreat the more, More urge you to confirm the promis'd boon.

Chremes. Mark, how unjust you are through willfulness! So you obtain what you demand, you set No bounds to my compliance, nor consider What you request; for if you did consider, You'd cease to load me with these injuries.

Simo. What injuries?

Chremes. Is that a question now? Have you not driven me to plight my child To one possess'd with other love, averse To marriage; to expose her to divorce, And crazy nuptials; by her woe and bane To work a cure for your distemper'd son? You had prevail'd: I travel'd in the match, While circumstances would admit; but now The case is chang'd, content you:- It is said That she's a citizen; a child is born: Prithee excuse us!

Simo. Now, for Heav'n's sake. Believe not them, whose interest it is To make him vile and abject as themselves. These stories are all feign'd, concerted all, To break the match: when the occasion's past That urges them to this, they will desist.

Chremes. Oh, you mistake: e'en now I saw the maid Wrangling with Davus.

Simo. Artifice! mere trick.

Chremes. Aye, but in earnest; and when neither knew That I was there.

Simo. It may be so: and Davus Told me beforehand they'd attempt all this; Though I, I know not how, forgot to tell you.