Act V, Scene II

Enter DAVUS from the house of GLYCERIUM.

DAV. (aloud at the door, not seeing SIMO and CHREMES.) Now then, I bid you set your minds at ease.

CHREM. (to SIMO.) See you, there’s Davus.

SIM. From what house is he coming out?

DAV. (to himself.) Through my means, and that of the stranger----

SIM. (overhearing.) What mischief is this?

DAV. (to himself.) I never did see a more opportune person, encounter, or occasion.

SIM. The rascal! I wonder who it is he’s praising?

DAV. All the affair is now in a safe position.

SIM. Why do I delay to accost him?

DAV. (to himself, catching sight of SIMO.) It’s my master; What am I to do?

SIM. (accosting him.) O, save you, good sir!

DAV. (affecting surprise.) Hah! Simo! O, Chremes, my dear sir, all things are now quite ready in-doors.

SIM. (ironically.) You have taken such very good care.

DAV. Send for the bride when you like.

SIM. Very good: (ironically) of course, that’s the only thing that’s now wanting here. But do you answer me this, what business had you there? (Pointing to the house of GLYCERIUM.)

DAV. What, I?

SIM. Just so.

DAV. I?

SIM. Yes, you.

DAV. I went in just now.

SIM. As if I asked how long ago!

DAV. Together with your son.

SIM. What, is Phamphilus in there? (Aside.) To my confusion, I’m on the rack (To DAVUS.) How now? Didn’t you say that there was enmity between them, you scoundrel?

DAV. There is.

SIM. Why is he there, then?

CHREM. Why do you suppose he is? (Ironically.) Quarreling with her, of course.

DAV. Nay but, Chremes, I’ll let you now hear from me a disgraceful piece of business. An old man, I don’t know who he is, has just now come here; look you, he is a confident and shrewd person; when you look at his appearance, he seems to be a person of some consequence. There is a grave sternness in his features, and something commanding in his words.

SIM. What news are you bringing, I wonder?

DAV. Why nothing but what I heard him mention.

SIM. What does he say then?

DAV. That he knows Glycerium to be a citizen of Attica.

SIM. (going to his door.) Ho there! Dromo, Dromo!