SYR. (_aloud to himself._) Run to and fro in every direction; still, money, you must be found: a trap must be laid for the old man. CHREM. (_apart, overhearing him._) Was I deceived {in saying} that they were planning this? That servant of Clinia’s is somewhat dull; therefore {that} province has been assigned to this one of ours. SYR. (_in a low voice._) Who’s that speaking? (_Catches sight of CHREMES._) I’m undone! Did he hear it, I wonder? CHREM. Syrus. SYR. Well-- CHREM. What are you doing here? SYR. All right. Really, I am quite surprised at you, Chremes, up so early, after drinking so much yesterday. CHREM. Not too much. SYR. Not {too much}, say you? Really, you’ve seen the old age of an eagle,[61] as the saying is. CHREM. Pooh, pooh! SYR. A pleasant and agreeable woman this Courtesan. CHREM. Why, so she seemed to me, in fact. SYR. And really of handsome appearance. CHREM. Well enough. SYR. Not like {those} of former days,[62] but as {times are} now, very passable: nor do I in the least wonder that Clinia doats upon her. But he has a father-- a certain covetous, miserable, and niggardly person-- this neighbor {of ours} (_pointing to the house_). Do you know him? Yet, as if he was not abounding in wealth, his son ran away through want. Are you aware that it is the fact, as I am saying? CHREM. How should I not be aware? A fellow that deserves the mill. SYR. Who? CHREM. That servant of the young gentleman, I mean. SYR. (_aside._) Syrus! I was sadly afraid for you. CHREM. To suffer it to come to this! SYR. What was he to do? CHREM. Do you ask the question? He ought to have found some expedient, contrived {some} stratagem, by means of which there might have been something for the young man to give to his mistress, and {thus} have saved this crabbed old fellow in spite of himself. SYR. You are {surely} joking. CHREM. This ought to have been done by him, Syrus. SYR. How now-- pray, do you commend {servants}, who deceive their masters? CHREM. Upon occasion-- I certainly do commend {them}. SYR. Quite right. CHREM. Inasmuch as it often is the remedy for great disturbances. Then would this man’s only son have staid at home. SYR. (_aside._) Whether he says this in jest or in earnest, I don’t know; only, in fact, that he gives me additional zest for longing still more {to trick} him. CHREM. And what is he now waiting for, Syrus? Is it until {his father} drives him away from here a second time, when he can no longer support her expenses?[63] Has he no plot on foot against the old gentleman? SYR. He is a stupid fellow. CHREM. Then you ought to assist him-- for the sake of the young man. SYR. For my part, I can do {so} easily, if you command me; for I know well in what fashion it is usually done. CHREM. So much the better, i’ faith. SYR. ’Tis not my way to tell an untruth. CHREM. Do it then.