I
could see my wife, Phrygia,[101] free as well.

DEM. Really, a most excellent woman.

SYR. And the first to suckle your grandchild, his son, today
(_pointing to AESCHINUS_).

DEM. Why really, in seriousness, if she was the first to do so, there
is no doubt she ought to be made free.

MIC. {What}, for doing that?

DEM. For doing that; in fine, receive the amount from me[102] at which
she is valued.

SYR. May all the Gods always grant you, Demea, all you desire.

MIC. Syrus, you have thrived pretty well to-day.

DEM. If, in addition, Micio, you will do your duty, and lend him a
little ready money in hand for present use, he will soon repay you.

MIC. Less than this (_snapping his fingers_).

AESCH. He is a deserving fellow.

SYR. Upon my word, I will repay it; only lend it me.

AESCH. Do, father.

MIC. I'll consider of it afterward.

DEM. He'll do it, {Syrus}.

SYR. O most worthy man!

AESCH. O most kind-hearted father!

MIC. How is this? What has so suddenly changed your disposition,
{Demea}? What caprice {is this}? What means this sudden
liberality?[103]

DEM. I will tell you:-- That I may convince you of this, Micio, that
the fact that they consider you an easy and kind-hearted man, does not
proceed from your real life, nor, indeed, from {a regard for} virtue
and justice; but from your humoring, indulging, and pampering them.
Now therefore, AEschinus, if my mode of life has been displeasing to
you, because I do not quite humor you in every thing, just {or}
unjust, I have done: squander, buy, do what you please. But if you
would rather have one to reprove and correct those faults, the results
of which, by reason of your youth, you can not see, which you pursue
too ardently, {and} are thoughtless upon, and in due season to direct
you; behold me ready to do it for you.

AESCH. Father, we leave it to you; you best know what ought to be done.
But what is to be done about my brother?

DEM. I consent. Let him have {his mistress}:[104] with her let him
make an end {of his follies}.

MIC. That's right. (_To the AUDIENCE._) Grant us your applause.

FOOTNOTES

[Footnote 1: From +demos+, "the people."]

[Footnote 2: From +Mikion+, a Greek proper name.]

[Footnote 3: From +hegeisthai+, "to lead," or "take charge of."]

[Footnote 4: From +aischos+, "disgrace."]

[Footnote 5: From +ktesis+, "a patrimony," and +phos+, "light."]

[Footnote 6: From +sannos+, "foolish."]

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