Act V, Scene III

Enter CHREMES and SOSTRATA from the house.

SOS. Really, sir, if you don’t take care, you’ll be causing some mischief to your son; and indeed I do wonder at it, my husband, how any thing so foolish could ever come into your head.

CHREM. Oh, you persist in being the woman? Did I ever wish for any one thing in all my life, Sostrata, but that you were my contradicter on that occasion? And yet if I were now to ask you what it is that I have done amiss, or why you act thus, you would not know in what point you are now so obstinately opposing me in your folly.

SOS. I, not know?

CHREM. Yes, rather, I should have said you do know; inasmuch as either expression amounts to the same thing.

SOS. Alas! you are unreasonable to expect me to be silent in a matter of such importance.

CHREM. I don’t expect it; talk on then, I shall still do it not a bit the less.

SOS. Will you do it?

CHREM. Certainly.

SOS. Don’t you see how much evil you will be causing by that course? --He suspects himself to be a foundling.

CHREM. Do you say so?

SOS. Assuredly it will be so.

CHREM. Admit it.

SOS. Hold now-- prithee, let that be for our enemies. Am I to admit that he is not my son who really is?

CHREM. What! are you afraid that you can not prove that he is yours, whenever you please?

SOS. Because my daughter has been found?

CHREM. No; but for a reason why it should be much sooner believed-- because he is just like you in disposition, you will easily prove that he is your child; for he is exactly like you; why, he has not a single vice left him but you have just the same. Then, besides, no woman could have been the mother of such a son but yourself. But he’s coming out of doors, and how demure! When you understand the matter, you may form your own conclusions.