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[Textpart 4]
and no calamity can ever possibly interrupt your love.
395
ANTIPHILA
I know nothing about other women: I’m sure that I have, indeed, always used every endeavor to derive my own happiness from his happiness.
CLINIA
Ah! ’tis for that reason, my Antiphila, that you alone have now caused me to return to my native country; for while I was absent from you, all other hardships which I encountered were light to me,
save the being deprived of you.
400
CLINIA
Syrus, I can scarce endure it!I can scarce endure it: Colman has the following remark on this passage: Madame Dacier, contrary to the authority of all editions and MSS., adopts a conceit of her father’s in this place, and places this speech to Clitipho, whom she supposes to have retired to a hiding-place, where he might overhear the conversation, and from whence he peeps out to make this speech to Syrus. This she calls an agreeable jeu de théâtre, and doubts not but all lovers of Terence will be obliged to her father for so ingenious a remark; but it is to be feared that critical sagacity will not be so lavish of acknowledgments as filial piety. There does not appear the least foundation for this remark in the Scene, nor has the Poet given us the least room to doubt of Clitipho being actually departed. To me, instead of an agreeable jeu de théâtre, it appears a most absurd and ridiculous device; particularly vicious in this place, as it most injudiciously tends to interrupt the course of Clinia’s more interesting passion, so admirably delineated in this little Scene. Wretch that I am, that I should not be allowed to possess one of such a disposition at my own discretion!
400
SYRUS
Nay, so far as I understand your father, he will for a long time yet be giving you a hard task.
BACCHIS
Why, who is that young man that’s looking at us?
ANTIPHILA
Ah! do support me, I entreat you!
BACCHIS
Prithee, what is the matter with you?
ANTIPHILA
I shall die, alas! I shall die!
BACCHIS
Why are you thus surprised, Antiphila?
ANTIPHILA
Is it Clinia that I see, or not?
405
BACCHIS
Whom do you see?
405
CLINIA
Blessings on you, my life!
ANTIPHILA
Oh my long-wished for Clinia, blessings on you!
CLINIA
How fare you, my love?
ANTIPHILA
I’m overjoyed that you have returned safe.
CLINIA
And do I embrace you, Antiphila, so passionately longed for by my soul?
SYRUS
Go in-doors; for the old gentleman has been waiting for us some time.
