MEN. I am aware that this must be much more harsh and severe to you, on whom it falls; but { yet} I take it no less amiss { than you}. How it is so I know not, nor can I account for it, except that from my heart I wish you well.
CLIT. Did not you say that my father was waiting here?
MEN. See, here he is. (_MENEDEMUS goes into his house._)
CHREM. Why are you blaming me, Clitipho? Whatever I have done in this matter, I had a view to you and your imprudence. When I saw that you were of a careless disposition, and held the pleasures of the moment of the first importance, and did not look forward to the future, I took measures that you might neither want nor be able to waste this { which I have}. When, through your own { conduct}, it was not allowed me to give it you, to whom I ought before all, I had recourse to those who were your nearest relations; to them I have made over and intrusted every thing.[98] There you’ll always find a refuge for your folly; food, clothing, and a roof under which to betake yourself.
CHREM. It is better than that, you being my heir, Bacchis should possess this { estate of mine}.
SYR. (_apart._) I’m ruined irrevocably! --Of what mischief have I, wretch that I am, unthinkingly been the cause?
CHREM. Prithee, first learn what it is to live. When you know that, if life displeases you, then try the other.
SYR. What injustice or what madness is this, that that in which I have offended, should be to his detriment?
CHREM. It’s all over.[99] Don’t you mix yourself up { in it}; no one accuses you, Syrus, nor need you look out for an altar,[100] or for an intercessor for yourself.
CHREM. I am not at all angry either with you (_to SYRUS_), or with you (_to CLITIPHO_); nor is it fair that you { should be so} with me for what I am doing. (_He goes into his house._)
SYR. He’s gone. I wish I had asked him----
SYR. Where I am to get my subsistence; he has so utterly cast us adrift. You are to have it, for the present, at your sister’s, I find.
CLIT. Has it then come to this pass, Syrus-- that I am to be in danger even of starving?
CLIT. Do you jest in a matter so serious, and not give me any assistance with your advice?
SYR. On the contrary, I’m both now thinking of that, and have been about it all the time your father was speaking just now; and so far as I can perceive----