Menedemus—whom he affects to abuse as "a covetous old wretch"—in order to make him a little more liberal to his unfortunate son, whom he has once already driven from home by his harshness. "That poor young man ought to have had some clever servant," says Chremes, "who would have managed the old gentleman for him." Syrus is astonished, as he may well be, at such a proposal from such a quarter; but it suits his own purpose exactly.
Syr. Oh! I can do it, sir, if you insist—
I have, methinks, some modest gifts that way.
Chr. Egad! so much the better.
Syr. I'm not used
To so much lying—but
Chr. Do it—you'll oblige me.
Syr. But hark ye, sir, remember this, I pray you;
In case—I say in case—men are but men—
Your son should get in some such scrape hereafter.
Chr. That case won't happen, I trust.
Syr. Nay, heavens forefend!
I trust so too. Don't think, because I mention it,
That I have any suspicion—not the slightest;
But still—he's young, you see—such things will happen;
And if they should (bowing), I shall know how to act,
By following your excellent instructions.
Chr. (laughing). Well, well; we'll see to that, my worthy Syrus,
When the day comes; now go about this business.
Syr. I vow I never heard my master talk
More to the purpose—never had I before
Free leave and licence given to be a rascal!
The behaviour of his young guests is somewhat
