Act IV, Scene IV

Enter BACCHIS and PHRYGIA, from the house of CHREMES.

BACCH. (pretending not to see CLINIA and SYRUS.) To a very fine purpose, upon my faith, have the promises of Syrus brought me hither, who agreed to lend me ten minæ. If now he deceives me, oft as he may entreat me to come, he shall come in vain. Or else, when I’ve promised to come, and fixed the time, when he has carried word back for certain, and Clitipho is on the stretch of expectation, I’ll disappoint him and not come. Syrus will make atonement to me with his back.

CLIN. (apart, to SYRUS.) She promises you very fairly.

SYR. (to CLINIA.) But do you think she is in jest? She’ll do it, if I don’t take care.

BACCH. (aside.) They’re asleep-- I’faith, I’ll rouse them. (Aloud.) My dear Phrygia, did you hear about the country-seat of Charinus, which that man was showing us just now?

PHRY. I heard of it.

BACCH. (aloud.) That it was the next to the farm here on the right-hand side.

PHRY. I remember.

BACCH. (aloud) Run thither post-haste; the Captain is keeping the feast of Bacchus at his house.

SYR. (apart.) What is she going to be at?

BACCH. (aloud.) Tell him I am here very much against my inclination, and am detained; but that by some means or other I’ll give them the slip and come to him. (PHRYGIA moves.)

SYR. (coming forward.) Upon my faith, I’m ruined! Bacchis, stay, stay; prithee, where are you sending her? Order her to stop.

BACCH. (to PHRYGIA.) Be off.

SYR. Why, the money’s ready.

BACCH. Why, then I’ll stay. (PHRYGIA returns.)

SYR. And it will be given you presently.

BACCH. Just when you please; do I press you?

SYR. But do you know what you are to do, pray?

BACCH. What?

SYR. You must now go over to the house of Menedemus, and your equipage must be taken over thither.

BACCH. What scheme are you upon, you rascal?

SYR. What, I? Coining money to give you.

BACCH. Do you think me a proper person for you to play upon?

SYR. It’s not without a purpose.

BACCH. (pointing to the house.) Why, have I any business then with you here?

SYR. O no; I’m only going to give you what’s your own.

BACCH. Then let’s be going.

SYR. Follow this way. (Goes to the door of MENEDEMUS, and calls.) Ho there! Dromo.

Enter DROMO from the house.

DRO. Who is it wants me?

SYR. Syrus.

DRO. What’s the matter?

SYR. Take over all the attendants of Bacchis to your house here immediately.

DRO. Why so?

SYR. Ask no questions. Let them take what they brought here with them. The old gentleman will hope his expenses are lightened by their departure; for sure he little knows how much loss this trifling gain will bring him. You, Dromo, if you are wise, know nothing of what you do know.

DRO. You shall own that I’m dumb. (CLINIA, BACCHIS, and PHRYGIA go into the house of MENEDEMUS, and DROMO follows with BACCHIS’S retinue and baggage.)