Page:Plautus and Terence.djvu/120

108

Davus. (with an air of injured innocence). I, master!

could you think it? cheat?—Oh dear!

Si. (soothingly). Well, well—I fancied so: and with that thought I kept the secret which I tell you now.

Da. What's that?

Si. Well, you shall hear: for now at last

I almost think that I may trust you—may I?

Da. At last, sir, it seems, sir, you appreciate me.

Si. This wedding was a mere pretence.

Da. (with feigned surprise). No! really?

Si. A scheme of mine, to test my son and you.

Da. Indeed!

Si. Yes, really.

Da. Look ye! what a wit

Our master has! I never could have guessed it.

Si. Listen; when I dismissed you, I met Chremes—

Da. (aside.) We're lost—I know it.

Si. Listen; straight I told him

What you told me, that Pamphilus was ready.

I begged and prayed that he would give his daughter;

At last I moved him.

Da. (aside). Then I'm done for.

Si. Hey! did you speak?

Da. I only said "well done," sir.

Si. And I beseech you, Davus, as you love me,

Since you alone have brought about this wedding—

Da. I! oh. dear, no! pray—

Si. For my son I ask you,

Still do your best to regulate his morals.

Da. I will, I will, sir—trust me. [Exit Chremes.

(Throws himself on the ground and tears his hair.)

O—h! O—h!

I'm gone—a thing of nought. Why don't I go

Straight to the mill-prison of myself?—Forgiveness?

No hope of that, from any one. I've played