their
masters?

CHREM. Upon occasion-- I certainly do commend {them}.

SYR. Quite right.

CHREM. Inasmuch as it often is the remedy for great disturbances. Then
would this man's only son have staid at home.

SYR. (_aside._) Whether he says this in jest or in earnest, I don't
know; only, in fact, that he gives me additional zest for longing
still more {to trick} him.

CHREM. And what is he now waiting for, Syrus? Is it until {his father}
drives him away from here a second time, when he can no longer support
her expenses?[63] Has he no plot on foot against the old gentleman?

SYR. He is a stupid fellow.

CHREM. Then you ought to assist him-- for the sake of the young man.

SYR. For my part, I can do {so} easily, if you command me; for I know
well in what fashion it is usually done.

CHREM. So much the better, i' faith.

SYR. 'Tis not my way to tell an untruth.

CHREM. Do it then.

SYR. But hark you! Just take care and remember this, in case any thing
of this sort should perchance happen at a future time, such are human
affairs! --your son might do {the same}.

CHREM. The necessity will not arise, I trust.

SYR. I' faith, and I trust so too: nor do I say so now, because I have
suspected him in any way; but in case, none the more[64]-- You see
what his age is; (_aside_) and truly, Chremes,[65] if an occasion does
happen, I may be able to handle you right handsomely.

CHREM. As to that, we'll consider what is requisite when the occasion
does happen. At present do you set about this matter. (_Goes into his
house._)

SYR. (_to himself._) Never on any occasion did I hear my master talk
more to the purpose; nor {at any time} could I believe that I was
authorized to play the rogue with greater impunity. I wonder who it is
coming out of our house? (_Stands aside._)

SCENE III.

_Enter CHREMES and CLITIPHO from the house of the former._

CHREM. Pray, what does this mean? What behavior is this, Clitipho? Is
this acting as becomes you?

CLIT. What have I done?

CHREM. Did I not see you just now putting your hand into this
Courtesan's bosom?

SYR. (_apart._) It's all up with us-- I'm utterly undone!

CLIT. What, I?

CHREM. With these self-same eyes {I saw it}-- don't deny it. Besides,
you wrong him unworthily in not keeping your hands off: for indeed it
is a gross affront to entertain a person, your friend, at your house,
and to take liberties with his mistress. Yesterday, for instance, at
wine,