_Simo._ Yet the most serious mischief, after all, can amount but to a separation[153], which may the gods avert. But, on the other hand, if he fulfils our wishes, consider the advantages that will result from the marriage: in the first place, you will restore to your friend a son: you will ensure to yourself, a dutiful son: and, to your daughter, a faithful husband. _Chremes._ What occasion for so many words: if you think this step so very essential to reclaim your son, I should be sorry to throw any impediment in your way. _Simo._ O Chremes! you well deserve the love I’ve always borne you. _Chremes._ But tell me―――― _Simo._ What? _Chremes._ How did you learn their quarrel? _Simo._ I was informed of it by Davus himself, who is the confidant of all their counsels; and he persuaded me to do all in my power to forward the marriage: would he have done so, do you think, had he not known it to be consonant to my son’s wishes? But you yourself shall hear what he says. Within, there: send Davus hither; but here he is, I see him coming forth. SCENE V. SIMO, CHREMES, DAVUS. _Davus._ I was coming to you, Sir. _Simo._ What is it? _Davus._ Why is not the bride brought? it grows late[154ᴬ]. _Simo._ (_to Chremes._) Do you hear him? I confess to you, Davus, that, till lately, I have been fearful, that you would prove perfidious[154ᴮ], like the common herd of slaves, and deceive me in this intrigue of Pamphilus. _Davus._ I do such a thing, Sir! _Simo._ I did suspect it, and, on that very account, I concealed from you what I will now disclose. _Davus._ What is that, Sir? _Simo._ You shall hear: for, at last, I begin to think that I may trust you. _Davus._ Ah, Sir, you now appreciate my character as you ought; you now see what kind of man I am. _Simo._ This marriage was all counterfeited. _Davus._ Counterfeited! _Simo._ Yes, for the purpose of proving you and my son, and to try how you would receive the proposal. _Davus._ How! is it possible? _Simo._ Fact, I assure you. _Davus._ I never could have fathomed this design; what a profound contrivance! deep, Sir, very deep. (_bantering._) _Simo._ But hear me out. After I sent you in, I most opportunely met my friend Chremes. _Davus._ (_aside._) How! what does he say? All is lost, I fear. _Simo._ I related to him what you had just before related to me. _Davus._ (_aside._) What do I hear! _Simo._ I entreated him to give his daughter to Pamphilus, and, with great difficulty, prevailed upon him to consent. _Davus._ (_aside._) How unfortunate! _Simo._ Ha! what’s that you say[155]? _Davus._ How very fortunate, I say. _Simo._ Chremes now consents to an immediate union. _Chremes._ Well, I will now return home, and order every thing to be prepared: when all is ready, I shall let you know. [_Exit._ SCENE VI.