_Simo._ I told of it! _Davus._ Ha! ha! Could you, of yourself, have discovered that this was all pretended? _Simo._ I am laughed at! _Davus._ You must have been told of it: how else could you have suspected any thing? _Simo._ How! because I know you thoroughly, sirrah. _Davus._ Meaning, Sir, I suppose, that this was done by my advice? _Simo._ Certainly: there can’t be the least doubt of that. _Davus._ I’m sorry, Simo, that you don’t yet know me better. _Simo._ What! not know you? _Davus._ The moment I begin to speak, you imagine that I am trying to impose upon you. _Simo._ Quite without cause, hey, Mr. Innocence? _Davus._ Truly, at this rate, I shall hardly dare open my [147]mouth. _Simo._ One thing I am sure of; that this child-birth is all counterfeited. _Davus._ You have discovered the truth; but, nevertheless, they will not fail to lay a child at our door very shortly. I tell you, Sir, beforehand, that this will happen, that you may be prepared for it; and not afterwards say, that it was done by the advice and contrivance of Davus. Indeed, Sir, I wish to remove the unjust opinion you entertain of me. _Simo._ How do you know this? _Davus._ I heard it, and believe it to be true. Many circumstances induce me to form this conjecture. First of all, this girl affirms that she is with child by Pamphilus, which I have discovered to be false. Now, finding that the marriage preparations are going forward in our house[148], she sends her maid to fetch a midwife, and to provide a child[149]: at the same time, thinking that unless they managed that you should see a child, the marriage would not be impeded. _Simo._ But, as you had discovered all this, why did you not directly acquaint my son with their designs? _Davus._ Why, Sir, who was it that prevailed on him to break off the connexion? was it not Davus? We all know how madly he loved her: but now, on the contrary, he prudently resolves to marry. In short, Sir, leave this business to me: and do you persevere, (as you have begun,) in forwarding the marriage: and, I trust, that Heaven will be propitious to your endeavours! _Simo._ Well, now, go in, and wait for me. SCENE III. SIMO. _Simo._ I am not exactly inclined to believe this fellow; and I know not whether all that he has been telling me is true, neither do I much care. Pamphilus has given me his promise; that I conceive to be of the greatest consequence. Now, I will go to Chremes, and entreat him to give his daughter to my son. If I prevail, what can I do better than celebrate the marriage this very day? As for Pamphilus, if he refuse, I have no doubt I can compel him to keep his promise[150]. And, most opportunely for my purpose, I see Chremes himself coming this way. SCENE IV. SIMO, CHREMES[151]. _Simo._ Chremes, I am very glad to see you! _Chremes._ O! Simo, I was looking for you.