Scene I.

Enter Demipho and Chremes .

Dem. Well, Chremes, have you brought your daughter with you, On whose account you went to Lemnos?

Chrem. No.

Dem. Why not?

Chrem. Her mother grown, it seems, impatient, Perceiving that I tarried here so long, And that the girl's age brook'd not my delays, Had journeyed here, they said, in search of me, With her whole family.

Dem. Appris'd of this, What kept you there so long then?

Chrem. A disease.

Dem. How came it? what disease?

Chrem. Is that a question? Old age itself is a disease. - However, The master of the ship, who brought them over, Inform'd me of their safe arrival hither.

Dem. Have you heard, Chremes, of my son's misfortune During my absence?

Chrem. Aye; and it confounds me. For to another should I tender her, I must relate the girl's whole history, And whence arises my connection with her. You I can trust as safely as myself: But if a stranger courts alliance with me, While we're new friends, he'll hold his peace perhaps, But if he cools, he'll know too much of me. Then I'm afraid my wife should know of this; Which if she does, I've nothing else to do But shake myself, and leave my house directly: For I've no friend at home except myself.

Dem. I know it; and 'tis that which touches me. Nor are there any means I'll leave untried, Till I have made my promise to you good.