m some service.

MICIO. Do what?

DEM. There is a little piece of ground,
Which you let out near town. Let's give it him
To live upon.

MICIO. So little, do you call it?

DEM. Well, if 'tis large, let's give it. He has been
Father to her; a good man; our relation.
It will be given worthily. In short,
That saying, Micio, I now make my own,
Which you so lately and so wisely quoted;
"It is the common failing of old men
To be too much intent on worldly matters."
Let us wipe off that stain. The saying's true,
And should be practic'd.

MICIO. Well, well; be it so,
If he requires it. (_Pointing to AESCHINUS._)

AESCH. I beseech it, father.

DEM. Now you're indeed my brother, soul and body.

MICIO. I'm glad to find you think me so.

DEM. I foil him
At his own weapons. (_Aside._)

[Changes:

_Harper_
[Demea's entire speech, beginning
Well, if 'tis large ...]
_Colman 1768_
DEM. Well, if 'tis large, let's give it. He has been
A father to the bride; a worthy man;
Our kinsman too. It will be well bestow'd.
In short, that saying I now make my own,
Which you but now so wisely quoted, Micio;
"It is the common failing of old men
To be too much intent on worldly matters."
Let us wipe off that stain. The saying's true,
And worthy notice.]

SCENE VI.

_To them SYRUS._

SYRUS. I have executed
Your orders, Demea.

DEM. A good fellow!----Truly
Syrus, I think, should be made free to-day.

MICIO. Made free! He!----Wherefore?

DEM. Oh, for many reasons.

SYRUS. Oh Demea, you're a noble gentleman.
I've taken care of both your sons from boys;
Taught them, instructed them, and given them
The wholesomest advice that I was able.

DEM. The thing's apparent: and these offices,
To cater;--bring a wench in, safe and snug;
--Or in mid-day prepare an entertainment;----
All these are talents of no common man.

SYRUS. Oh most delightful gentleman!

DEM. Besides,
He has been instrumental too this day
In purchasing the Music-Girl. He manag'd
The whole affair. We should reward him for it.
It will encourage others.--In a word,
Your AEschinus would have it so.

MICIO. Do you
Desire it?

AESCH. Yes, Sir.

MICIO. Well, if you desire it----
Come hither, Syrus!--Be thou free! (_SYRUS kneels; MICIO strikes him,
being the ceremony of manumission, or giving a slave his freedom._)

SYRUS. I thank you:
Thanks to you all; but most of all, to Demea!

DEM. I'm gl