Part 62 (2/2)

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

_Colman 1768_ Do but continue to a.s.sist me, Chremes.

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

_Harper_ 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.

_Colman 1768_ MENE. Good!

The very thing I wanted.

CHREM. So your son The sooner shall demand the money of you; And so shall you, according to your wish The sooner give.

MENE. It is my wish indeed.

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

But be it as it may, give cautiously, A little at a time, if you are wise.]

ACT THE FIFTH.

SCENE I.

_MENEDEMUS alone._

That I'm not overwise, no conjurer, I know full well: but my a.s.sistant here, And counselor, and grand controller Chremes, Outgoes me far: dolt, blockhead, ninny, a.s.s; Or these, or any other common terms By which men speak of fools, befit me well: But him they suit not: his stupidity Is so transcendent, it exceeds them all.

SCENE II.

_Enter CHREMES._

CHREM. (_to SOSTRATA, within_). Nay prithee, good wife, cease to stun the G.o.ds With thanking them that you have found your daughter; Unless you fancy they are like yourself, And think they can not understand a thing Unless said o'er and o'er a hundred times.

--But meanwhile (_coming forward_) wherefore do my son and Syrus Loiter so long?

MENE. Who are those loiterers, Chremes?

CHREM. Ha, Menedemus, are you there?--Inform me, Have you told Clinia what I said?

MENE. The whole.

CHREM. And what said he?

MENE. Grew quite transported at it, Like those who wish for marriage.

CHREM. Ha! ha! ha!

<script>