CHREM. That slave Of Clinia's---- SYRUS. Troth, I trembled for you, Syrus! (_Aside._) CHREM. Who suffer'd this. SYRUS. Why what should he have done? CHREM. What?--have devis'd expedients, contriv'd schemes, To raise the cash for the young gentleman To make his mistress presents; and have done A kindness to th' old hunks against his will. SYRUS. You jest. CHREM. Not I: it was his duty, Syrus. SYRUS. How's this? why prithee then, d'ye praise those slaves, Who trick their masters? CHREM. Yes upon occasion. SYRUS. Mighty fine, truly! CHREM. Why, it oft prevents A great deal of uneasiness: for instance, This Clinia, Menedemus' only son, Would never have elop'd. SYRUS. I can not tell Whether he says all this in jest or earnest; But it gives fresh encouragement to me. (_Aside._) CHREM. And now what is't the blockhead waits for, Syrus? Is't till his master runs away again, When he perceives himself no longer able To bear with the expenses of his mistress? Has he no plot upon th' old gentleman? SYRUS. He's a poor creature. CHREM. But it is your part, For Clinia's sake, to lend a helping hand. SYRUS. Why, that indeed I easily can do, If you command me; for I know which way. CHREM. I take you at your word. SYRUS. I'll make it good. CHREM. Do so. SYRUS. But hark ye, Sir! remember this, If ever it hereafter comes to pass, --As who can answer for th' affairs of men! That your own son---- CHREM. I hope 'twill never be. SYRUS. I hope so too; nor do I mention this From any knowledge or suspicion of him: But that in case--his time of life, you know; And should there be occasion, trust me, Chremes, But I could handle you most handsomely. CHREM. Well, well, we'll think of it, when that time comes. Now to your present task! (_Exit CHREMES._ [Changes: _Harper_ SYRUS. This way, or that way, or some way or other! For money must be had, and th' old man trick'd. _Colman 1768_ SYRUS. One way, or other, money must be had, And the old gentleman impos'd upon. _Harper_ CHREM. What?--have devis'd expedients, contriv'd schemes, _Colman 1768_ CHREM. What?--have devis'd some scheme, some ways and means _Harper_ This Clinia, Menedemus' only son, Would never have elop'd. SYRUS. I can not tell Whether he says all this in jest or earnest; But it gives fresh encouragement to me. _Colman 1768_ My neighbour Menedemus, well deceiv'd, Would ne'er have seen his son abandon him. SYRUS. I don't know whether he's in jest or earnest, But it gives me encouragement to trick him. Now to your present task! _initial "N" invisible in Harper edition_] SCENE IV. _SYRUS alone._ I never heard My master argue more commodiously; Nor ever had a mind to mischief, when It might be done with more impunity. But who's this coming from our house? [Changes: _Harper_ Nor ever had a mind to mischief, when _Colman 1768_ Nor ever was inclin'd to mischief, when] SCENE V.