Enter PHIDIPPUS from his house.
PHIDIPPUS
speaking to PHILUMENA within. Although I am aware,
Philumena, that I have the right to compel you to do what I order,
still, being swayed by the feelings of a father, I will prevail upon
myself to yield to you, and not oppose your inclination.
LACHES
And look, most opportunely I see Phidippus; I'll presently know from him
how it is. Accosting him. Phidippus, although I am aware
that I am particularly indulgent to all my family, still it is not to
that degree to let my good nature corrupt their minds. And if you would
do the same, it would be more for your own interest and ours. At present
I see that you are under the control of those women.
PHIDIPPUS
Just look at that, now !
LACHES
I waited on you yesterday about your daughter; you sent me away just as
wise as I came. It does not become you, if you wish this alliance to
continue, to conceal your resentment. If there is any fault on our side,
disclose it; either by clearing ourselves, or excusing it, we shall
remedy these matters for you, yourself the judge. But if this is the
cause of detaining her at your house, because she is ill, then I think
that you do me an injustice, Phidippus, if you are afraid lest she
should not be attended with sufficient care at my house. But, so may the
Gods prosper me, I do not yield in this to you, although you are her
father, that you can wish her well more than I do, and that on my son's
account, who I know values her not less than his own self. Nor, in fact,
is it unknown to you, how much, as I believe, it will vex him, if he
comes to know1 of this; for this reason, I wish to
have her home before he returns.
PHIDIPPUS
Laches, I am sensible of both your carefulness and your good-will, and I
am persuaded that all you say is just as you say: and I would have you
believe me in this; I am anxious for her to return to you, if I possibly
can by any means effect it.
LACHES
What is it prevents you from effecting it? Come, now, does she make any
complaint against her husband?
PHIDIPPUS
By no means; for when I urged it still more strongly, and attempted to
constrain her by force to return, she solemnly protested that she
couldn't possibly remain with you, while Pamphilus was absent. Probably
each has his own failing; I am naturally of an indulgent disposition; I
can not thwart. my own family.
LACHES
turning to his wife, who stands apart. Ha!
Sostrata!2
SOSTRATA
sighing deeply. Alas! wretched me!
LACHES
to PHIDIPPUS. Is this your final determination ?
PHIDIPPUS
For the present, at least, as it seems; but have you any thing else to
say? for I have some business that obliges me to go at once to the
Forum.
LACHES
I'll go with you. (Exeunt.)
