country-work,
I sold: Then set my house to sale: In all
I got together about fifteen talents;
Purchas'd this farm; and here fatigue myself;
Thinking I do my son less injury,
While I'm in misery too; nor is it just
For me, I think, to taste of pleasure here,
Till he return in safety to partake on't.

CHREM. You I believe a tender parent, him
A duteous son, if govern'd prudently.
But you was unacquainted with his nature,
And he with yours: sad life, where things are so!
You ne'er betray'd your tenderness to him;
Nor durst he place that confidence in you,
Which well becomes the bosom of a father.
Had that been done, this had not happen'd to you.

MENE. True, I confess; but I was most in fault.

CHREM. All, Menedemus, will, I hope, be well,
And trust, your son will soon return in safety.

MENE. Grant it, good Gods!

CHREM. They will. Now, therefore, since
The Dionysia are held here to-day,
If 'tis convenient, come, and feast with me.

MENE. Impossible.

CHREM. Why so?--Nay, prithee now,
Indulge yourself a while: your absent son,
I'm sure, would have it so.

MENE. It is not meet,
That I, who drove him forth to misery,
Should fly it now myself.

CHREM. You are resolv'd?

MENE. Most constantly.

CHREM. Farewell then!

MENE. Fare you well! (_Exit._

[Changes:

_Harper_
Now, in the name of heav'n and earth, what is't
You want? what seek you? Threescore years of age
_Colman 1768_
For in the name of heav'n and earth, what would you?
What do you drive at? Threescore years of age

_Harper_
I ne'er go out so soon at morn, return
So late at eve, but in your grounds I see you
Dig, plow, or fetch and carry: in a word,
_Colman 1768_
I ne'er go out so soon, return so late,
Morning or evening, but I see you still
At labour on your acres, digging, plowing,
Or carrying some burden: in a word,

_Harper_
CHREM. If there's a cause,
I'd not oppose it. But what evil's this?
_Colman 1768_
CHREM. If you're unhappy,
I'm sorry for it. But what evil's this?

I possibly may serve you.
_"I" invisible in Harper edition_

"How," said I to myself, "so many then]
_inner quotes supplied from 1768 edition_

SCENE II.

_CHREMES alone._

He draws tears from me.--How I pity him!
--But 'tis high time, as the day goes, to warn
My neighbor Phania to come forth to supper.
I'll go, and see if he's at home.
(_Goes to PHANI