gance of his son, of his sale of the house, and the consequent loss of the buried treasure on which he had depended, and still more at the faithlessness of his friend,—who has not only taken no care to prevent this catastrophe, but has employed his knowledge of the secret to his own advantage in the most shameless manner, by becoming the purchaser of the house.
Of course such misunderstanding is soon cleared up. The father hears with joy of his daughter's approaching marriage, and thanks young Lysiteles warmly for his generous conduct, though he will not allow him—especially as he has made money during his absence abroad—to take into his house a portionless bride. But the young man has a favour to ask of much more importance: it is that Charmides will overlook and forgive the extravagance of his dear friend, his son,—who will, he assures him, do better in future. Somewhat reluctantly the father consents—he can refuse nothing at such a moment, and to so generous a petitioner. His judgment upon the offender forms a characteristic ending to the piece.
Charm. If you'll reform, my old friend Charicles
Here oflfers you his daughter—a good girl;
Say, will you marry her?
Lesbon. (eagerly). I will, dear father!
I will—and any one else besides, to please you.
Charm. Nay—one's enough: though I am angry with ye,
I'll not inflict a double chastisement;
That were too hard.
Callicles (laughing). Nay, scarcely, for his sins—
A hundred wives at once would serve him right.[1]
- ↑ This is the only comedy of Plautus which has been presented by Westminster scholars of late years. When it was acted in
