es,
Nor had a single wink of sleep this night,
For thinking how I might restore your son.

MENE. Give me your hand: and let me beg you, Chremes,
Continue to assist me!

CHREM. Willingly.

MENE. D'ye know what I would have you do at present?

CHREM. What?

MENE. Since you have found out they meditate
Some practice on me, prithee, urge them on
To execute it quickly: for I long
To grant his wishes, long to see him straight.

CHREM. Let me alone. I must lay hold of Syrus,
And give him some encouragement.--But see!
Some one, I know not who, comes forth: In, in,
Lest they perceive that we consult together!
I have a little business too in hand.
Simus and Crito, our two neighbors here,
Have a dispute about their boundaries;
And they've referr'd it to my arbitration,
I'll go and tell them, 'tis not in my power
To wait on them, as I propos'd to-day.
I will be with you presently.

MENE. Pray do. (_Exit CHREMES._
Gods! that the nature of mankind is such,
To see and judge of the affairs of others
Much better than their own! Is't therefore so,
Because that, in our own concerns, we feel
Too much the influence of joy or sorrow?
How much more wisely does my neighbor here,
Consult for me, than I do for myself!

CHREM. (_returning._) I've disengag'd myself! that I might be
At leisure to attend on your affairs. (_Exit MENEDEMUS._

[Changes:

_Harper_
So I but have him with me.
_Colman 1768_
So I but keep him with me.

_Harper_
And that you'd rather hazard life, and wealth,
Than part from him; ah, Menedemus, what
A window to debauchery you'll open!
Nay, life itself will grow a burden to you;
_Colman 1768_
That you had rather throw away your life,
And waste your whole estate, than part with him,
Ah, what a window to debauchery
You'll open, Menedemus! Such a one,
As will embitter even life itself;

_Harper_
Too much the influence of joy or sorrow?
_Colman 1768_
The influence of joy or grief too nearly?]

SCENE III.

_Enter SYRUS at another part of the stage._

SYRUS (_to himself._) This way, or that way, or some way or other!
For money must be had, and th' old man trick'd.

CHREM. (_overbearing._) Was I deceiv'd in thinking they were at it?
That slave of Clinia's, it should seem, is dull,
And so our Syrus has the part assign'd him.

SYRUS. Who's there (_seeing CHREMES_). Undone if he has overheard me.
(_Aside._)

CHREM. Syrus.