_Chr._ By all means. I shall be glad enough to be rid of her. 1011 I go at once.
_Men._ And find those Persians, whoever they are.
_Chr._ Indeed I must. For either I was grossly deceived In a manner I cannot believe—I gave them money too— Or else—
_Men._ Well, lose no time, I pray: I am less at ease In the matter now, than when you told me first.
_Chr._ Indeed I fear you have cause: I’ll go at once. Farewell.
_Men._ Farewell. A silly hoax no doubt. I wish ’twere half as likely That Chremes was wrong about the girl. ’Tis very strange 1019 That he should suddenly take such an active interest In my affairs. I think he’s a little meddlesome, With all his kindness and thought. But that’s the way of the world. [_Exit._
_Chr._ See Gorgo at once, I say, and get it back if you can.
_Chr._ I’ll tell you. Clinia your friend is dead.
_Chr._ No. I have seen two Persians just arrived, Who say he was slain in battle.
_Pam._ How should I know? The cross old hunks.
_Chr._ Stop! Pamphilus. You wrong him; he’s distracted: and now in consequence, 1029 He has made up his mind to adopt that woman.
_Pam._ Well, if he adopts her, what’s the use Of asking her for the money now? Menedemus will pay.
_Chr._ You do, please, as I say. Of course it’s impossible To adopt her: I intimated to him as much, but still He wants to judge for himself. I promised to send her tó him. As soon as the ladies return from the bath explain this tó her. And take her across; at least if I’m not back from town.
_Chr._ I have promised to bring these Persians back; We wish to establish the news they brought. They half engaged 1039 To await me here, but it seems they are gone.
_Chr._ Ay, ay. Yet no. (_aside_) Nay, I shall have to explain to them That I am not Menedemus,—I fear I must go myself. I think I shall not be long. You do as I told you, please; And tell your mother where I am gone.
_Chr._ I shan’t come back without ’em. [_Exit._
_Pam._ (_aside_). Good-bye then, dad, for ever!
’TIS simply ruin, Clinia; pray come back at once. Do wait till after dinner.
_Pam._ The governor Will smoke it all if you go: ’twill break our party up.
_Clin._ He’ll be so grieved. Indeed I can’t consider your party. 1050
_Clin._ Nay indeed, good Pamphilus, I am much obliged for all your kindness; I say so again. But this I told you expressly I did not wish.