Act V, Scene V

Enter MENEDEMUS from his house.

MEN. (to himself.) Why really, Chremes is treating his son too harshly and too unkindly. I’m come out, therefore, to make peace between them. Most opportunely I see them both.

CHREM. Well, Menedemus, why don’t you order my daughter to be sent for, and close with the offer of the portion that I mentioned?

SOS. My husband, I entreat you not to do it.

CLIT. Father, I entreat you to forgive me.

MEN. Forgive him, Chremes; do let them prevail upon you.

CHREM. Am I knowingly to make my property a present to Bacchis? I’ll not do it.

MEN. Why, we would not suffer it.

CLIT. If you desire me to live, father, do forgive me.

SOS. Do, my dear Chremes.

MEN. Come, Chremes, pray, don’t be so obdurate.

CHREM. What am I to do here? I see I am not allowed to carry this through, as I had intended.

MEN. You are acting as becomes you.

CHREM. On this condition, then, I’ll do it; if he does that which I think it right he should do.

CLIT. Father, I’ll do any thing; command me.

CHREM. You must take a wife.

CLIT. Father----

CHREM. I’ll hear nothing.

MEN. I’ll take it upon myself; he shall do so.

CHREM. I don’t hear any thing from him as yet.

CLIT. (aside.) I’m undone!

SOS. Do you hesitate, Clitipho?

CHREM. Nay, just as he likes.

MEN. He’ll do it all.

SOS. This course, while you are making a beginning, is disagreeable, and while you are unacquainted with it. When you have become acquainted with it, it will become easy.

CLIT. I’ll do it, father.

SOS. My son, upon my honor I’ll give you that charming girl, whom you may soon become attached to, the daughter of our neighbor Phanocrata.

CLIT. What! that red-haired girl, with cat’s eyes, freckled face, and hooked nose? I can not, father.

CHREM. Heyday! how nice he is! You would fancy he had set his mind upon it.

SOS. I’ll name another.

CLIT. Why no-- since I must marry, I myself have one that I should pretty nearly make choice of.

SOS. Now, son, I commend you.

CLIT. The daughter of Archonides here.

SOS. I’m quite agreeable.

CLIT. Father, this now remains.

CHREM. What is it?

CLIT. I want you to pardon Syrus for what he has done for my sake.

CHREM. Be it so. (To the Audience.) Fare you well, and grant us your applause.