Act IV, Scene VI

Enter DAVUS from the house of GLYCERIUM with the child.

MYS. My good sir, prithee, what is that? Whither are you carrying the child?

DAV. Mysis, I now stand in need of your cunning being brought into play in this matter, and of your address.

MYS. Why, what are you going to do?

DAV. (holding out the child.) Take it from me directly, and lay it down before our door.

MYS. Prithee, on the ground?

DAV. (pointing.) Take some sacred herbs from the altar here, and strew them under it.

MYS. Why don’t you do it yourself?

DAV. That if perchance I should have to swear to my master that I did not place it there, I may be enabled to do so with a clear conscience.

MYS. I understand; have these new scruples only just now occurred to you, pray?

DAV. Bestir yourself quickly, that you may learn what I’m going to do next. (MYSIS lays the child at SIMO’S door.) Oh Jupiter!

MYS. (starting up.) What’s the matter?

DAV. The father of the intended bride is coming in the middle of it all. The plan which I had first purposed I now give up.

MYS. I don’t understand what you are talking about.

DAV. I’ll pretend too that I’ve come in this direction from the right. Do you take care to help out the conversation by your words, whenever there’s necessity.

MYS. I don’t at all comprehend what you are about; but if there’s any thing in which you have need of my assistance, as you understand the best, I’ll stay, that I mayn’t in any way impede your success. (DAVUS retires out of sight.)