_Men._ You shall hear: attend. There came to live in the city A poor old widow woman from Corinth. She had a daughter, With whom my son, who is just of age, fell madly in love, Was even at the point to marry: and all without my knowledge. However it came to my ears; and then I began to treat him Unkindly, and not in the way to deal with a love-sick lad; But after the usual dictatorial manner of fathers. 69 I never left him in peace. _Don’t think, my fine fellow_, I’d say, _that you’ll be allowed to continue behaving thus, While I am alive to prevent it; running after a girl And talking of marrying too: you are very much mistaken, Clinia, if you think that. You don’t know me. I am glad To have you called my son, while you respect your honour; But if you once forget it, I shall find a means, And one you will not like, of asserting my own. All this I see very plainly_, I said, _has come from idle habits. You have not enough to do. When I was your age I did not fritter away my time in making love;_ 80 _But finding my pockets empty, set out for Asia, And won myself distinction and fortune in foreign service._ At last, Chremes, it came to this: the poor young fellow, Continually hearing the same thing put so strongly to him, Gave in: he thought my age and due regard for his welfare Were likely to shew him a wiser and more prudent course Than his own feelings;—he left the country, and went to fight Under the king of Persia. _Chr._ Indeed? _Men._ He started off One day without a word. He has now been gone six months. _Chr._ Both were to blame; however I think the step that he took 90 Was the act of a modest and not unmanly disposition.