My son has made the promise. Now, I go
To find out Chremes, and to win the wife.
If he consents, I see no reason why
This marriage should not come to pass, to-day.
Altho' my son consents, there is no doubt
My rights paternal also may constrain him.
Here Chremes comes, and at the nick of time.
ACT III.—Scene 4.—Simo—Chremes.
Sim. Health unto Chremes!
Chr. Ah! I sought for you.
Sim. I sought for you, too.
Chr. You come at the wish.
I hear that you have rumoured it abroad
To-day your son is to wed with my daughter.
Now, are my neighbours crazy, or are you?
Sim. Now, hear me a few words. You know my wishes—
You know the truth of what you now demand.
Chr. Speak then, I am attention.
Sim. By the gods,
I do entreat you, Chremes: by that friendship
Which has existed from our early boyhood,
And which has grown with years. I do entreat you, by
Your only daughter and my only son,
Whose happiness is now within your hands,
Aid and consent to this; and suffer now
This marriage, promised, and then broken off.
Chr. Nay, ask it not, I say; and do not deem
That this can be accorded unto prayers.
Think you that I am other than I was,
