Page:Comedies of Publius Terentius Afer (1870).djvu/50

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They are consistent with their happiness,

Then call them hither, let them marry straight.

If, on the other hand, they bode for ill—

Evil to both—I pray you pause a while;

Let us take counsel in this case together,

As if she were your daughter, he my son.

Sim. Therefore I wish it, therefore I demand it;

Ah, Chremes! if it were not evident

For good, I would not ask it.

Chr. Well, how so?

Sim. Glycerium and my son have fallen out.

Chr. Well:

Sim. And irretrievably, as I believe.

Chr. Fables!

Sim. Nay, it is fact.

Chr. Hercle! e'en thus:

Quarrels of lovers but renew their love."

Sim. Ah, Chremes! aid us, whilst the time avails;

Whilst passion is the prey of contumely;

Before the harlot tears convert to smiles;

Before the angry humour change to love,

Grant him the wife; won by connubial bliss,

And conversation with a worthy wife,

He will retrieve himself from depths of ill.

Chr. It may seem so to you, but not to me;

I have no faith in his so fickle love;

Nor will I trust it.

Sim. But how can you tell,

Unless you make essayal?

Chr. Essayal, by the hand

Of my dear daughter—no—that were unjust!

Sim. The utmost inconvenience could arise