_Simo._ Why? because of a wicked mind one can expect nothing but wicked intentions[83]. But if I catch him at his tricks――However, ’tis in vain to say more: if it appear, as I trust it will, that my son makes no objection to the marriage, I have only to gain Chremes, whom I must prevail upon by entreaty; and I have great hopes that I shall accomplish it. What I wish you to do is, to assist me in giving out this marriage for truth, to terrify Davus, and to watch the conduct of my son, what he does; and what course he and his hopeful servant resolve upon. _Sosia._ It is enough, Sir; I will take care to obey you. Now, I suppose, we may go in. _Simo._ Go, I will follow presently[84]. [_Exit_ SOSIA. SCENE II. SIMO, DAVUS. _Simo._ My son, I have no doubt, will refuse to marry; for I observed that Davus seemed terribly perplexed just now, when he heard that the match was to take place: but here he comes[85]. _Davus._ (_not seeing Simo._) I wondered that this affair seemed likely to pass off so easily! and always mistrusted the drift of my old master’s extraordinary patience and gentleness; who, though he was refused the wife he wished for, for his son, never mentioned a word of it to us, or seemed to take any thing amiss. _Simo._ (_aside_.) But now he will, as you shall feel, rascal. _Davus._ His design was to entrap us while we were indulging in an ill-founded joy, and fancied ourselves quite secure. He wished to take advantage of our heedlessness, and make up the match before we could prevent him: what a crafty old fellow! _Simo._ How this rascal prates[86]! _Davus._ Here is my master! he has overheard me! I never saw him! _Simo._ Davus. _Davus._ Who calls Davus? _Simo._ Come hither, sirrah. _Davus._ (_aside._) What can he want with me? _Simo._ What were you saying? _Davus._ About what, Sir? _Simo._ About what, Sir? The world says that my son has an intrigue. _Davus._ Oh! Sir, the world cares a great deal about that, no doubt. _Simo._ Are you attending to this, Sir? _Davus._ Yes, Sir, certainly. _Simo._ It does not become me to inquire too strictly into the truth of these reports. I shall not concern myself in what he has done hitherto; for as long as circumstances allowed of it, I left him to himself: but it is now high time that he should alter and lead a new life. Therefore, Davus, I command, and even entreat, that you will prevail on him to amend his conduct. _Davus._ What is the meaning of all this discourse? _Simo._ Those who have love intrigues on their hands are generally very averse to marriage. _Davus._ So I have heard. _Simo._ And if any of them manage such an affair after the counsel of a knave, ’tis a hundred to one but the rogue will take advantage of their weakness, and lead them a step further, from being love-sick to some still greater scrape or imprudence.