Page:Comedies of Publius Terentius Afer (1870).djvu/61

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Dav. Now, Mysis, waken wits, and look alive;

I want your aid, your wit, and self-possession.

Mys. What is it all about?

Dav. Quick—take the babe,

And go depose him, now, before our gate.

Mys. Upon the ground?

Dav. Snatch the verbena there

From off the altar—make a bed of those.

Mys. Why not do that yourself?

Dav. If I must swear

To our old master, that I did not do it,

I shall make oath with a more liquid conscience.

Mys. I see. Oppressed by new religious qualms.

Give me the babe.

Dav. Now set about it quick,

And ask me afterwards the reasons why.

Proh Jupiter!

Mys. What?

Dav. The father of the bride,

He comes—I change my mind—stop.

Mys. Wherefore stop?

Dav. Mysis, I now am come from the right hand,

So I declare; support me with your word,

Don't contradict, say nothing but at need.

Mys. I understand you not, but what of that?

If I can serve your turn in anything,

And you see more than I—I will assist,

For fear to cast obstructions in your path.