. That I will do every thing; that as a son-in-law he meets my
approbation; in fine, too, if you like, tell him also that she has
been promised him.

MEN. Well, that's what I wanted--

CHREM. That he may the sooner ask of you, and you may as soon as
possible give him what you wish.

MEN. It is my wish.

CHREM. Assuredly, before very long, according as I view this matter,
you'll have enough of him. But, however that may be, if you are wise,
you'll give to him cautiously, and a little at a time.

MEN. I'll do {so}.

CHREM. Go in-doors {and} see how much he requires. I shall be at home,
if you should want me for any thing.

MEN. I certainly do want you; for I shall let you know whatever I do.
(_They go into their respective houses._)

ACT THE FIFTH.

SCENE I.

_Enter MENEDEMUS from his house._

MEN. (_to himself._) I am {quite} aware that I am not so overwise, or
so very quick-sighted; but this assistant, prompter, and director[90]
of mine, Chremes, outdoes me in that. Any one of those epithets which
are applied to a fool is suited to myself, such as dolt, post,
ass,[91] lump of lead; to him not one can {apply}; his stupidity
surpasses them all.

_Enter CHREMES, speaking to SOSTRATA within._

CHREM. Hold now, do, wife, leave off dinning the Gods with
thanksgivings that your daughter has been discovered; unless you judge
of them by your own disposition, and think that they understand
nothing, unless the same thing has been told them a hundred times.
But, in the mean time, why does my son linger there so long with
Syrus?

MEN. What persons do you say are lingering?

CHREM. Ha! Menedemus, you have come opportunely. Tell me, have you
told Clinia what I said?

MEN. Every thing.

CHREM. What did he say?

MEN. He began to rejoice, just like people do who wish to be married.

CHREM. (_laughing._) Ha! ha! ha!

MEN. Why are you laughing?

CHREM. The sly tricks of my servant, Syrus, {just} came into my mind.

MEN. Did they?

CHREM. The rogue can even mould the countenances of people.[92]

MEN. That my son is pretending that he is overjoyed, is it that you
mean?

CHREM. Just so. (_Laughing._)

MEN. The very same thing came into my mind.

CHREM. A crafty knave!

MEN. Still more would you think such to be the fact, if you knew more.

CHREM. Do you say so?

MEN. Do you give attention then?

CHREM. Just stop-- first I want to know this, what {money} you have
squandered; for when you