Part 62 (1/2)

'Tis as you say. From what a pleasing hope Have I then fall'n!

CHREM. And she, I warrant you, Now at your house, is my son's mistress? Eh!

MENE. So they say.

CHREM. What! and you believ'd it?

MENE. All.

CHREM. --And they say too he wants to marry her; That soon as I've consented, you may give him Money to furnish her with jewels, clothes, And other necessaries.

MENE. Aye, 'tis so: The money's for his mistress.

CHREM. To be sure.

MENE. Alas, my transports are all groundless then.

--Yet I would rather bear with any thing, Than lose my son again.--What answer, Chremes, Shall I return with, that he mayn't perceive I've found him out, and take offense?

CHREM. Offense!

You're too indulgent to him, Menedemus!

MENE. Allow me. I've begun, and must go through.

Do but continue to a.s.sist me.

CHREM. Say, That we have met, and treated of the match.

MENE. Well; and what else?

CHREM. That I give full consent; That I approve my son-in-law;--In short, You may a.s.sure him also, if you please, That I've betroth'd my daughter to him.

MENE. Good!

The thing I wanted.

CHREM. So shall he the sooner Demand the money; you, as you desire, The sooner give.

MENE. 'Tis my desire indeed.

CHREM. 'Troth, friend, as far as I can judge of this, You'll soon be weary of your son again.

But as the case now stands, give cautiously, A little at a time, if you are wise.

MENE. I will.

CHREM. Go in, and see what he demands.

If you should want me, I'm at home.

MENE. 'Tis well.

For I shall let you know, do what I will. (_Exeunt severally._

[Changes:

_Harper_ Do but continue to a.s.sist me.