Page:Comedies of Publius Terentius Afer (1870).djvu/48

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I tell you, master, what will come to pass

So that it may not take you unprepared,

And that you may not think it was the deed

By trick or counsel, of this brain of mine.

Henceforth I would stand right in your opinion.

Sim. How do you know this?

Dav. I heard it, and believe it;

A thousand things concur. This woman, first,

Says she is great with child by Pamphilus.

Well, that's a lie. Next, when she hears of nuptials,

She sends to seek a midwife, who then brings

An infant to her; for, unless you see

The child with your own eyes, you won't believe,

Neither retard these nuptials.

Sim. What is this?

If you were cognizant of such a plot,

Why did you not tell Pamphilus?

Dav. Who, I!

Who else, save I, has weaned him from this girl!

We know the fervour wherewith he adored her,

And now he asks a wife. Let me alone,

Let me conclude this matter. The mean time

Do you push on this wedding, and I trust

The gods will bring it to a good result.

Sim. Well, get you in; and wait you for me there,

And get all things in order—do you hear!

I know not what to think of this, or if

The fellow tells me true or tells me false.

Nor do I care; for, what concerns me most,