_Men._ The deceit was planned for me, And I forgive it. _Chr._ Who were they? _Men._ They came from yóur house. _Chr._ Not Clinia? _Men._ No; although it was done in his interest. Your son was one, and a friend ... _Chr._ I know: Philolaches. I see. _Men._ It seems they had drawn from you, I know not how, Somewhat too harsh a picture of me: so ’twas resolved To put me to proof. _Chr._ Menedemus, since ’twas my own son, It does not matter; for now my account with him is closed. _Men._ What say you? _Chr._ Well, never mind. He is now no more my son. 1440 O Menedemus, indeed he has treated me shamefully. This morning I thought your son had acted ill by you: How willingly now I’d change. _Men._ You make too much of it. No harm was meant; and none has been done: a foolish hoax, And nothing more. _Chr._ You cannot hope to persuade me now There is any excuse for a son deceiving his own father. _Men._ I think a father would find one, Chremes, where there was none. _Chr._ Nay, nay: no more of him. I understand you came About my daughter. _Men._ I did. Clinia asks her hand. _Chr._ You know she is not that woman they made me think.... _Men._ I know. 1450 _Chr._ Menedemus, I never wished to have a daughter. I thought A girl was a burden, the worst possession a man could have; Costly to rear, costly to keep, costly to get rid of. It seems I was wrong. I have had a daughter, who from her cradle Has never cost me a single penny, and the very hour She is thrown on my hands, she has offers of marriage. ’Tis not for me To hinder the kindness of heaven. You are welcome to take her. Yet I have one condition: the dowry. _Men._ Certainly: about that We shall not quarrel however. My son will be rich: and you 1459 Will give as you think is fit. _Chr._ I still shall insist on terms. You will not oppose a project of mine? _Men._ I promise not; Consider it settled: & now let us put the business off, And bring the two young lovers happily face to face. I long to see Antiphila. _Chr._ Wait. I’ll call my wife, [_Goes to_ L. And tell her to bring her out. _Men._ And I will call my son. [_Goes to_ R. (_Calling_) Clinia! _Re-enter Clinia._ _Clin._ Father! _Men._ Come! Is Pamphilus there? _Clin._ He is. _Men._ Let him be ready. _Enter Sostrata and Antiphila._ _Chr._ See here, Menedemus, my daughter.