Part 64 (1/2)
MENE. And can't you then contain yourself?
Have you no self-respect? And am not I A full example for you?
CHREM. Menedemus, My anger throws me quite beside myself.
MENE. That you should talk thus! is it not a shame To be so lib'ral of advice to others, So wise abroad, and poor in sense at home?
CHREM. What shall I do?
MENE. That which but even now You counsel'd me to do: Give him to know That you're indeed a father: let him dare Trust his whole soul to you, seek, ask of you; Lest he to others have recourse, and leave you.
CHREM. And let him go; go where he will; much rather Than here by his extravagance reduce His father to distress and beggary.
For if I should continue to supply The course of his expenses, Menedemus, Your desp'rate rakes would be my lot indeed.
MENE. Ah, to what evils you'll expose yourself, Unless you're cautious! You will seem severe, And yet forgive him afterward, and then With an ill grace too.
CHREM. Ah, you do not know How much this grieves me.
MENE. Well, well, take your way.
But tell me, do you grant me my request That this your new-found daughter wed my son?
Or is there aught more welcome to you?
CHREM. Nothing.
The son-in-law and the alliance please me.
MENE. What portion shall I tell my son you've settled!
Why are you silent?
CHREM. Portion!
MENE. Aye, what portion?
CHREM. Ah!
MENE. Fear not, Chremes, though it be but small: The portion nothing moves us.
CHREM. I propos'd, According to my fortune, that two talents Were full sufficient: But you now must say, If you'd save me, my fortune, and my son, That I have settled all I have upon her.
MENE. What mean you?
CHREM. Counterfeit amazement too, And question c.l.i.tipho my reason for it.
MENE. Nay, but I really do not know your reason.
CHREM. My reason for it?--That his wanton mind, Now flush'd with lux'ry and lasciviousness, I may o'erwhelm: and bring him down so low, He may not know which way to turn himself.
MENE. What are you at?
CHREM. Allow me! let me have My own way in this business.
MENE. I allow you.