is. But,
i'faith, he is one of the gang; if he perceives that I am looking for
him, the rascal will never tell me. I'll not let him know what I want.

SCENE IV.

_Enter SYRUS, at the other side of the stage._

SYR. (_to himself._) We just now told the old gentleman the whole
affair just as it happened; I never did see any one more delighted.

DEM. (_apart._) O Jupiter! the folly of the man!

SYR. (_continuing._) He commended his son. To me, who put them upon
this project, he gave thanks----

DEM. (_apart_) I shall burst asunder.

SYR. (_continuing._) He told down the money instantly, {and} gave me
half a mina besides to spend. That was laid out quite to my liking.

DEM. (_apart._) Very fine-- if you would wish a thing to be nicely
managed, intrust it to this {fellow}.

SYR. (_overhearing him._) Ha, Demea! I didn't see you; how goes it?

DEM. How should it go? I can not enough wonder at your mode of living
{here}.

SYR. Why, really silly enough, and, to speak without disguise,
{altogether} absurd. (_Calls at the door of MICIO'S house._) Dromo,
clean the rest of the fish; let the largest conger-eel play a little
in the water; when I come {back} it shall be boned;[49] not before.

DEM. Is profligacy like this----

SYR. As for myself, it isn't to my taste, and I often exclaim {against
it}. (_Calls at the door._) Stephanio, take care that the salt fish is
well soaked.

DEM. Ye Gods, by our trust in you! is he doing this for any purpose of
his own, or does he think it creditable to ruin {his} son? Wretch that
I am! methinks I already see the day when {AEschinus} will be running
away for want, to serve somewhere or other as a soldier.[50]

SYR. O Demea! that is wisdom {indeed},-- not only to look at the
present moment, but also to look forward to what's to come.

DEM. Well-- is this Music-girl still with you?

SYR. Why, yes, she's in-doors.

DEM. How now-- is he going to keep her at home?

SYR. I believe so; such is his madness!

DEM. Is it possible?

SYR. An imprudent lenity in his father, and a vicious indulgence.

DEM. Really, I am ashamed and grieved at my brother.

SYR. Demea! between you there is a great-- I do not say it because you
are here present-- a too great difference. You are, every bit of you,
nothing but wisdom; he a {mere} dreamer. Would you indeed have
suffered that son of yours to act thus?

DEM. I, suffer him? Would I not have smelt it out six months before he
attempted i