MENE. Having heard of this From some of his familiars, home I came Mournful, half-mad, and almost wild with grief. I sit me down; my servants run to me; Some draw my sandals off; while others haste To spread the couches, and prepare the supper: Each in his way, I mark, does all he can To mitigate my sorrow. Noting this, "How," said I to myself, "so many then Anxious for me alone? to pleasure me? So many slaves to dress me? All this cost For me alone?--Meanwhile, my only son, For whom all these were fit, as well as me, Nay rather more, since he is of an age More proper for their use; him, him, poor boy, Has my unkindness driven forth to sorrow. Oh I were worthy of the heaviest curse, Could I brook that!--No; long as he shall lead A life of penury abroad, an exile Through my unjust severity, so long Will I revenge his wrongs upon myself, Laboring, scraping, sparing, slaving for him." --In short, I did so; in the house I left Nor clothes, nor movables: I scrap'd up all. My slaves, both male and female, except those Who more than earn'd their bread in country-work, I sold: Then set my house to sale: In all I got together about fifteen talents; Purchas'd this farm; and here fatigue myself; Thinking I do my son less injury, While I'm in misery too; nor is it just For me, I think, to taste of pleasure here, Till he return in safety to partake on't. CHREM. You I believe a tender parent, him A duteous son, if govern'd prudently. But you was unacquainted with his nature, And he with yours: sad life, where things are so! You ne'er betray'd your tenderness to him; Nor durst he place that confidence in you, Which well becomes the bosom of a father. Had that been done, this had not happen'd to you. MENE. True, I confess; but I was most in fault. CHREM. All, Menedemus, will, I hope, be well, And trust, your son will soon return in safety. MENE. Grant it, good Gods! CHREM. They will. Now, therefore, since The Dionysia are held here to-day, If 'tis convenient, come, and feast with me. MENE. Impossible. CHREM. Why so?--Nay, prithee now, Indulge yourself a while: your absent son, I'm sure, would have it so. MENE. It is not meet, That I, who drove him forth to misery, Should fly it now myself. CHREM. You are resolv'd? MENE. Most constantly. CHREM. Farewell then! MENE. Fare you well! (_Exit._ [Changes: _Harper_ Now, in the name of heav'n and earth, what is't You want? what seek you? Threescore years of age _Colman 1768_ For in the name of heav'n and earth, what would you? What do you drive at? Threescore years of age _Harper_ I ne'er go out so soon at morn, return So late at eve, but in your grounds I see you Dig, plow, or fetch and carry: in a word, _Colman 1768_ I ne'er go out so soon, return so late, Morning or evening, but I see you still At labour on your acres, digging, plowing, Or carrying some burden: in a word,