Act IV, Scene VIII

Enter MENEDEMUS from his house.

MEN. (to CLINIA within.) My son, I now think myself the happiest of all men, since I find that you have returned to a rational mode of life.

CHREM. (aside.) How much he is mistaken!

MEN. Chremes, you are the very person I wanted; preserve, so far as in you lies, my son, myself, and my family.

CHREM. Tell me what you would have me do.

MEN. You have this day found a daughter.

CHREM. What then?

MEN. Clinia wishes her to be given him for a wife.

CHREM. Prithee, what kind of a person are you?

MEN. Why?

CHREM. Have you already forgotten what passed between us, concerning a scheme, that by that method some money might be got out of you?

MEN. I remember.

CHREM. That self-same thing they are now about.

MEN. What do you tell me, Chremes? Why surely, this Courtesan, who is at my house, is Clitipho’s mistress.

CHREM. So they say, and you believe it all; and they say that he is desirous of a wife, in order that, when I have betrothed her, you may give him money, with which to provide gold trinkets and clothing, and other things that are requisite.

MEN. That is it, no doubt; that money will be given to his mistress.

CHREM. Of course it is to be given.

MEN. Alas! in vain then, unhappy man, have I been overjoyed; still however, I had rather any thing than be deprived of him. What answer now shall I report from you, Chremes, so that he may not perceive that I have found it out, and take it to heart?

CHREM. To heart, indeed! you are too indulgent to him, Menedemus.

MEN. Let me go on; I have now begun: assist me in this throughout, Chremes.

CHREM. Say then, that you have seen me, and have treated about the marriage.

MEN. I’ll say so-- what then?

CHREM. That I will do every thing; that as a son-in-law he meets my approbation; in fine, too, if you like, tell him also that she has been promised him.

MEN. Well, that’s what I wanted--

CHREM. That he may the sooner ask of you, and you may as soon as possible give him what you wish.

MEN. It is my wish.

CHREM. Assuredly, before very long, according as I view this matter, you’ll have enough of him. But, however that may be, if you are wise, you’ll give to him cautiously, and a little at a time.

MEN. I’ll do so.

CHREM. Go in-doors and see how much he requires. I shall be at home, if you should want me for any thing.

MEN. I certainly do want you; for I shall let you know whatever I do. (They go into their respective houses.)