Perde 3
[Textpart 2]
and I don’t know whether what he has said is all true; but I deem it of little moment; this is of far greater importance to me—that my son himself has promised me. Now I’ll go and find Chremes; I’ll ask him for a wife for my son; if I obtain my request, at what other time rather than to-day should I prefer these nuptials taking place?
525
SIMO
For as my son has promised, I have no doubt but that if he should prove unwilling, I can fairly compel him. And look! here’s Chremes himself, just at the very time.
530
[Textpart 3]
I greet you, Chremes.
CHREMES
O, you are the very person I was looking for.
CHREMES
You meet me at a welcome moment. Some persons have been to me, to say that they had heard from you, that my daughter
was to be married to your son to-day; I’ve come to see whether they are out of their senses or you.
535
SIMO
Listen; in a few words you shall learn both what I want of you, and what you seek to know.
CHREMES
I am listening; say what you wish.
SIMO
By the Gods, I do entreat you, Chremes, and by our friendship, which, commencing with our infancy, has grown up with our years,
and by your only daughter and by my own son (of preserving whom the entire power lies with you), that you will assist me in this matter; and that, just as this marriage was about to be celebrated, it may be celebrated.
540
CHREMES
O, don’t importune me; as though you needed to obtain this of me by entreaty.
Do you suppose I am different now from what I was formerly, when I promised her? If it is for the advantage of them both that it should take place, order her to be sent for. But if from this course there would result more harm than advantage for each, this I do beg of you, that you will consult for their common good, as though she were your own daughter, and I the father of Pamphilus.
545
SIMO
Nay, so I intend, and so I wish it to be, Chremes; and I would not ask it of you, did not the occasion itself require it.
550
CHREMES
What is the matter?
SIMO
There is a quarrel between Glycerium and my son.
SIMO
So munch so, that I’m in hopes they may be separated.
