_Sost._ ’Tis all so strange, that really and truly I don’t suppose That any one would believe it. It may be best to wait. But you should waste no time, Pamphilus; go at once. _Pam._ I go, but do not tell him where I am gone. _Sost._ No, son. [_Exit Pam._ I’ll do my best to win him. (_To Ph._) I thank you, sir, very kindly. _Ph._ I wish you good success. [_Exit Sostrata._ A sensible body. I lean 1330 On her and old Menedemus. Not that I doubt myself; I know a stroke to play: is’t not the feast of Bacchus? I will invoke the god; his genius will confound This dull, contrary Chremes. What’s his humour worth To gods or men, that I should bow to it? Nay, & since Whate’er the humour be, ’tis the persistency That carries it, to hell with dumps! ’Twere póor mérriment That Chremes’ frown could dash. Why, if there be a choice 1338 ’Twixt Chremes pleased and Chremes angry, of the two This latter, angry Chremes is the more ridiculous. ACT ·• V _MENEDEMUS and CLINIA._ _MENEDEMUS._ You have made me, my dear Clinia, the very happiest of fathers, By this return to your senses; indeed I ran great risk Of taking leave of my own: but since I have you back, ’Tis nothing but happiness: and gladly I now consent To the match, which hitherto in your own interest I have only opposed because I would not have you marry A woman not freeborn. To be sure I c^d have wished ’Twas somebody else’s daughter than Chremes’. After all It might be worse. But are you sure you hold to it still, And wish to marry her? _CLINIA._ I, father? How can you ask? 1350