son,
as other fathers do?

_Lib._

Quid istuc novi est? 50
demiror quid sit et quo evadat sum in metu.

(_aside_) Hm! What's this surprise? Wonder what it means!
Where it will end is what scares me.

_Dem._

Equidem scio iam, filius quod amet meus
istanc meretricem e proxumo Philaenium.
estne hoc ut dico, Libane?

As a matter of fact, I know already that my son has an
affair with that wench, Philaenium, next door. Isn't that
so, Libanus?

_Lib._

Rectam instas viam.
ea res est. sed eum morbus invasit gravis.

You're on the right track, sir. That's how it is. But he has
suffered a severe shock.

_Dem._

Quid morbi est?

Shock? What?

_Lib._

Quia non suppetunt dictis data.

Well, his presents are falling short of his promises.

_Dem._

Tune es adiutor nunc amanti filio?

Are you aiding my son in this amour?

_Lib._

Sum vero, et alter noster est Leonida.

Indeed I am, sir, and so is my mate, your servant Leonida.

_Dem._

Bene hercle facitis et a me initis gratiam.
verum meam uxorem, Libane, nescis qualis sit? 60

Well, well, my lad, thanks! You are both earning my
gratitude. But (_looking cautiously around_) my wife,
Libanus, don't you know her temperament?

_Lib._

Tu primus sentis, nos tamen in pretio sumus.

(_with certainty_) You feel it first, sir, but we get plenty
of it.

_Dem._

Fateor eam esse importunam atque incommodam.

(_awkwardly_) I confess that she is ... high-handed and ...
hard to get along with.

_Lib._

Posterius istuc dicis quam credo tibi.

I believe that before you speak a word, sir.

_Dem._

Omnes parentes, Libane, liberis suis
qui mi auscultabunt, facient obsequellam[3]
quippe qui mage amico utantur gnato et benevolo.
atque ego me id facere studeo, volo amari a meis;

(_with an air of profound moral conviction_) Libanus,
all parents who take my advice will be a bit indulgent to
their children, seeing it makes a son more friendly and
affectionate. Yes, and I am anxious to be so myself. I
wish to be loved by my own flesh and blood;

volo me patris mei similem, qui causa mea
nauclerico ipse ornatu per fallaciam
quam amabam abduxit ab lenone mulierem; 70
n