was, Chremes, that you would now be of feelings as
unrelenting as formerly you were on exposing {the child}.

CHREM. Many a time a man can not be[77] such as he would be, if
circumstances do not admit of it. Time has now so brought it about,
that I should be glad of a daughter; formerly {I wished for} nothing
less.

(_CHREMES and SOSTRATA go into the house._)

SCENE II.

_SYRUS alone._

SYR. Unless my fancy deceives me,[78] retribution[79] will not be
very, far off from me; so much by this incident are my forces now
utterly driven into straits; unless I contrive by some means that the
old man mayn't come to know that this {damsel} is his son's mistress.
For as to entertaining any hopes about the money, or supposing I could
cajole him, it's useless; I shall be {sufficiently} triumphant, if I'm
allowed to escape with my sides covered.[80] I'm vexed that such a
{tempting} morsel has been so suddenly snatched away from my jaws.
What am I to do? Or what shall I devise? I must begin upon my plan
over again. Nothing is so difficult, but that it may be found out by
seeking. What now if I set about it after this fashion. (_He
considers._) That's of no use. What, if after this fashion? I effect
just about the same. But this I think will do. It can not. Yes!
excellent. Bravo! I've found out the best of all-- I' faith, I do
believe that after all I shall lay hold of this same runaway
money.[81]

SCENE III.

_Enter CLINIA at the other side of the stage._

CLIN. (_to himself._) Nothing can possibly henceforth befall me of
such consequence as to cause {me} uneasiness; so extreme is this joy
that has surprised me. Now then I shall give myself up entirely to my
father, to be more frugal than {even} he could wish.

SYR. (_apart._) I wasn't mistaken; she has been discovered, so far as
I understand from these words of his. (_Advancing._) I am rejoiced
that this matter has turned out for you so much to your wish.

CLIN. O my {dear} Syrus, have you heard of it, pray?

SYR. How shouldn't I, when I was present all the while?

CLIN. Did you {ever} hear of any thing falling out so fortunately for
any one?

SYR. Never.

CLIN. And, so may the Gods prosper me, I do not now rejoice so much on
my own account as hers, whom I know to be deserving of any honor.

SYR. I believe it: but now, Clinia, come, attend to me in my turn. For
your friend's business as well,-- it must be seen to-- that it is
placed in a state of securit