A'S door, and returns._)
There was,
It seems, no need of warning: for, they tell me,
He has been gone to my house some time since;
I keep my guests in waiting; so I'll in.
But my doors creak. (_CLITIPHO appears._) Who's this? I'll step aside.
(_Retires._)

[Changes:

_Harper_
He has been gone to my house some time since;
I keep my guests in waiting; so I'll in.
But my doors creak. Who's this? I'll step aside.
_Colman 1768_
He went to his appointment some time since.
'Tis I myself that keep my guests in waiting.
I'll in immediately.--But what's the meaning
That my door opens?--Who's this?--I'll retire.]

SCENE III.

_Enter CLITIPHO, speaking to CLINIA within._

As yet, my Clinia, you've no cause to fear:
They are not long: and she, I'm confident,
Will be here shortly with the messenger.
Prithee, away then with these idle cares,
Which thus torment you!

CHREM. (_behind._) Whom does my son speak to?

CLIT. My father as I wish'd--Good Sir, well met.

CHREM. What now?

CLIT. D'ye know our neighbor Menedemus?

CHREM. Aye, very well.

CLIT. D'ye know he has a son?

CHREM. I've heard he is in Asia.

CLIT. No such thing.
He's at our house, Sir.

CHREM. How!

CLIT. But just arriv'd:
Ev'n at his landing I fell in with him,
And brought him here to supper: for, from boys,
We have been friends and intimates.

CHREM. Good news:
Now do I wish the more that Menedemus,
Whom I invited, were my guest to-day,
That I, and under my own roof, had been
The first to have surpris'd him with this joy!
And I may yet. (_Going._)

CLIT. Take heed! it were not good.

CHREM. How so?

CLIT. Because the youth is yet in doubt:
Newly arriv'd; in fear of ev'ry thing;
He dreads his father's anger, and suspects
The disposition of his mistress tow'rds him;
Her, whom he dotes upon; on whose account,
This diff'rence and departure came about.

CHREM. I know it.

CLIT. He has just dispatch'd his boy
Into the city to her, and our Syrus
I sent along with him.

CHREM. What says the son?

CLIT. Says? that he's miserable.

CHREM. Miserable!
Who needs be less so? for what earthly good
Can man possess which he may not enjoy?
Parents, a prosp'rous country, friends, birth, riches.
Yet these all take their value from the mind
Of the possessor: he that knows their use,
To him they're blessings; he that knows it not,
To him misuse converts them into curses.

CLIT. Nay, but he