Act 5 — Scene II.
W. R. Goodluck translation
Scene II.
Chremes, Simo, Davus.
Davus. (to himself.) I banish care.
Chremes. Here comes Davus.
Simo. Where does he come from?
Davus. (to himself.) By virtue of the stranger’s assistance, and my sovereign skill and ingenuity.
Simo. What’s the matter now?
Davus. (to himself.) I never saw any man arrive more opportunely.
Simo. Whom is this rascal praising?
Davus. (to himself.) All now is safe.
Simo. What hinders me from speaking to him?
Davus. (aside.) ’Tis my master, what shall I do?
Simo. (sneering.) God save you, worthy Sir.
Davus. Oh! Simo, and our Chremes, all things are now prepared within.
Simo. You’ve taken good care, no doubt!
Davus. Send for the bride as soon as you please.
Simo. Very well, but Pamphilus is absent now: however, do you answer me: what business had you in that house?
Davus. (confused.) Who? I?
Simo. You.
Davus. I, do you say?
Simo. Yes, you, I say.
Davus. I went in just now.
Simo. As if I asked him how long it was ago.
Davus. With Pamphilus.
Simo. How! is Pamphilus there? wretch that I am! I’m half distracted! ha! rascal, did you not tell me that they were at variance.
Davus. So they are.
Simo. Why then is he there?
Chremes. (sneering.) Oh! he’s gone to quarrel with her, no doubt.
Davus. Oh yes, and Chremes, I will tell you of a most curious affair. An old man, whose name I know not, arrived here just now; he seems both shrewd and confident; his manners and appearance command respect; there [194]is a grave severity in his countenance; and he speaks with boldness.
Simo. What’s all this about, sirrah?
Davus. Nothing, truly, but what I heard him say.
Simo. And what does he say?
Davus. That he can prove Glycera to be a citizen of Athens.
Simo. (in a passion.) Ho! Dromo! Dromo!
Davus. What’s the matter?
Simo. Dromo!
Davus. Only hear me.
Simo. If you dare to say another word.—Dromo, I say!
Davus. Hear me, Sir, I beseech you.