_Chr._ What scheme? _Ph._ I’ll wager my life he means, this lady here Has plenty of other lovers; offer her fifty pounds, If she’ll renounce this one. _Chr._ Why, stuff! suppose she did. She might be off to-day and on again to-morrow: Besides, against what Clinia’s worth in cash to her, A fifty pounds is nothing. (_To Pam._) If that is all you meant, You’re a very clever fellow. _Ph._ No doubt there’s nothing in it, 730 Unless she set her hand to paper. _Chr._ Would that bind? How can you think it? _Ph._ It might not be binding perhaps on her; And yet ’twould do the business. If it did not shock Clinia’s love, as it must, ’twould kill his last pretence. How could he face his father armed with such a paper? If you will help this old Menedemus, that’s the way— _Chr._ I’ll tell Menedemus of this. _Pam._ If you would help him, father, Spare him the pain. No doubt he’d give you back the money. _Chr._ I believe you there. I’d give six times the sum myself, Were I in his place. _Ph._ I’ve half a mind, if you are afraid, 740 To do it myself. _Chr._ I should not fear to advance the money. _Ph._ A poor man might, but you, sir.... _Chr._ I do not grudge the money. _Ph._ A gentleman can’t consider his pocket at every turn. _Pam._ I’m sure you can’t. _Chr._ Do you think that forty pounds would do it? _Ph._ Forty or fifty. _Chr._ Thirty? _Pam._ Do it handsomely. You say you’d give six times the sum yourself. _Chr._ I would. Ay, Pamphilus, fifty times. _Ph._ Then don’t think twice about it. _Chr._ I do think twice. (_Goes aside._) _Ph._ Will he do it or not? _Pam._ My lucky coin. _Ph._ Watch him. _Pam._ Heads he does, & tails he doesn’t. Heads! He does. _Ph._ And he will. Look at him. _Chr._ (_aside._) Fifty pounds! A risk. 750 No chance of profit; no: nor marketable return. Yet might it save a thousand. Well saved, is like well spent; Ay, even though ’tis saved for another: besides I am sure The money is safe enough. And now I have gone so far To help Menedemus, I can’t draw back; while if I do it I certainly win his esteem & thanks. ’Tis very true That a good turn done to a neighbour is done to oneself: one lives Within the circle of joy one goes to create! ’Tis wise: And then to have Menedemus my friend! Say forty pounds; 759 I happen to have it handy. I’ll do it. It shan’t be said, Chremes is not a gentleman. No, I’ll do it. _Pam._ Sir, Have you decided?