Act 1 — Scene II.

Scene II.

Simo, Davus.

Simo. My son, I have no doubt, will refuse to marry; for I observed that Davus seemed terribly perplexed just now, when he heard that the match was to take place: but here he comes[85].

Davus. (not seeing Simo.) I wondered that this affair seemed likely to pass off so easily! and always mistrusted the drift of my old master’s extraordinary patience and gentleness; who, though he was refused the wife he wished for, for his son, never mentioned a word of it to us, or seemed to take any thing amiss.

Simo. (aside.) But now he will, as you shall feel, rascal.

Davus. His design was to entrap us while we were indulging in an ill-founded joy, and fancied ourselves quite secure. He wished to take advantage of our heedlessness, and make up the match before we could prevent him: what a crafty old fellow!

Simo. How this rascal prates[86]!

Davus. Here is my master! he has overheard me! I never saw him!

Simo. Davus.

Davus. Who calls Davus?

Simo. Come hither, sirrah.

Davus. (aside.) What can he want with me?

Simo. What were you saying?

Davus. About what, Sir?

Simo. About what, Sir? The world says that my son has an intrigue.

Davus. Oh! Sir, the world cares a great deal about that, no doubt.

Simo. Are you attending to this, Sir?

Davus. Yes, Sir, certainly.

Simo. It does not become me to inquire too strictly into the truth of these reports. I shall not concern myself in what he has done hitherto; for as long as circumstances allowed of it, I left him to himself: but it is now high time that he should alter and lead a new life. Therefore, Davus, I command, and even entreat, that you will prevail on him to amend his conduct.

Davus. What is the meaning of all this discourse?

Simo. Those who have love intrigues on their hands are generally very averse to marriage.

Davus. So I have heard.

Simo. And if any of them manage such an affair after the counsel of a knave, ’tis a hundred to one but the rogue will take advantage of their weakness, and lead them a step further, from being love-sick to some still greater scrape or imprudence.

Davus. Truly, Sir, I don’t understand what you said last.

Simo. No! not understand it!

Davus. No. I am not Œdipus[87] but Davus.

Simo. Then you wish that what I have to say should be explained openly and without reserve.

Davus. Certainly I do.

Simo. Then, sirrah, if I discover that you endeavour to prevent my son’s marriage by any of your crafty tricks; or interfere in this business to show your cunning; you may rely on receiving a few scores of lashes, and a situation in the grinding-house[88] for life: upon this token, moreover, that when I liberate you from thence, I will grind in your stead. Is this plain enough for you, or don’t you understand yet?

Davus. Oh, perfectly! you come to the point at once: you don’t use much circumlocution, i’faith.

Simo. Remember! In this affair above all others, if you begin plotting, I will never forgive it.

Davus. Softly, worthy Sir, softly, good words I beg of you.

Simo. So! you are merry upon it, are you, but I am not to be imposed upon. I advise you, finally, to take care what you do: you cannot say you have not had fair warning.

[Exit.