Part 47 (1/2)

CHREM. They will. Now, therefore, since The Dionysia are held here to-day, If 'tis convenient, come, and feast with me.

MENE. Impossible.

CHREM. Why so?--Nay, prithee now, Indulge yourself a while: your absent son, I'm sure, would have it so.

MENE. It is not meet, That I, who drove him forth to misery, Should fly it now myself.

CHREM. You are resolv'd?

MENE. Most constantly.

CHREM. Farewell then!

MENE. Fare you well! (_Exit._

[Changes:

_Harper_ Now, in the name of heav'n and earth, what is't You want? what seek you? Threescore years of age _Colman 1768_ For in the name of heav'n and earth, what would you?

What do you drive at? Threescore years of age

_Harper_ I ne'er go out so soon at morn, return So late at eve, but in your grounds I see you Dig, plow, or fetch and carry: in a word, _Colman 1768_ I ne'er go out so soon, return so late, Morning or evening, but I see you still At labour on your acres, digging, plowing, Or carrying some burden: in a word,

_Harper_ CHREM. If there's a cause, I'd not oppose it. But what evil's this?

_Colman 1768_ CHREM. If you're unhappy, I'm sorry for it. But what evil's this?

I possibly may serve you.

_”I” invisible in Harper edition_

”How,” said I to myself, ”so many then]

_inner quotes supplied from 1768 edition_

SCENE II.

_CHREMES alone._

He draws tears from me.--How I pity him!

--But 'tis high time, as the day goes, to warn My neighbor Phania to come forth to supper.

I'll go, and see if he's at home.

(_Goes to PHANIA'S door, and returns._) There was, It seems, no need of warning: for, they tell me, He has been gone to my house some time since; I keep my guests in waiting; so I'll in.

But my doors creak. (_c.l.i.tIPHO appears._) Who's this? I'll step aside.

(_Retires._)

[Changes:

_Harper_ He has been gone to my house some time since; I keep my guests in waiting; so I'll in.

But my doors creak. Who's this? I'll step aside.

_Colman 1768_ He went to his appointment some time since.