What then does my father mean? Why does he thus make pretense?
I'll tell you. If now he were angry with you, because Chremes will not give you a wife, he would seem to himself to be unjust, and that not without reason, before he has ascertained your feelings as to the marriage, how they are disposed. But if you refuse to marry her, in that case he will transfer the blame to you; then such disturbances will arise.
I will submit to any thing from him.
He is your father, Pamphilus. It is a difficult matter. Besides, this woman is defenseless. No sooner said than done; he will find some pretext for driving her away from the city.
Driving her away ?
Aye, and quickly too.
Tell me then, Davus, what am I to do?
Say that you will marry her.
What's the matter ?
What, am I to say so?
Why not?
Never will I do it.
Don't say so.
Don't attempt to persuade me.
Consider what will be the result of it.
That I shall be deprived of the one, and fixed with the other.
Not so. In fact, I think it will be thus: Your father will say: "I wish you to marry a wife to-day." You reply: " I'll marry her." Tell me, how can he raise a quarrel with you ? Thus you will cause all the plans which are now arranged by him to be disarranged, without any danger; for this is not to be doubted, that Chremes will not give you his daughter. Therefore do not hesitate in those measures which you are taking, on this account, lest he should change his sentiments. Tell your father that you consent; so that although he may desire it, he may not be able to be angry at you with reason. For that which you rely on, I will easily refute; "No one," you think, "will give a wife to a person of these habits." But he will find a beggar for you, rather than allow you to be corrupted by a mistress. If, however, he shall believe that you bear it with a contented mind, you will render him indifferent; at his leisure he will look out for another wife for you; in the mean time something lucky may turn up.
Do you think so?
It really is not a matter of doubt.
Consider to what you are persuading me.
Nay, but do be quiet.
Well, I'll say it; but, that he mayn't come to know that she has had a child by me, is a thing to be guarded against; for I have promised to bring it up.
Oh, piece of effrontery.
She entreated me that I would give her this pledge, by which she might be sure she should not be deserted.
It shall be attended to; but your father's coming. Take care that he doesn't perceive that you are out of spirits.