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(Enter BACCHIS and ANTIPHILA at a distance.)
BACCHIS
Upon my word, my dear Antiphila, I commend you, and think you fortunate in having made it your study that your manners should be conformable to those good looks of yours: and so may the Gods bless me, I do not at all wonder if every man is in love with you. For your discourse has been a proof to me what kind of disposition you possess.
And when now I reflect in my mind upon your way of life, and that of all of you, in fact, who keep the public at a distance from yourselves, it is not surprising both that you are of that disposition, and that we are not; for it is your interest to be virtuous; those, with whom we are acquainted, will not allow us to be so. For our lovers, allured merely by our beauty, court us for that;
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when that has faded, they transfer their affections elsewhere; and unless we have made provision in the mean time for the future, we live in destitution. Now with you, when you have once resolved to pass your life with one man whose manners are especially kindred to your own, those persons
1
become attached to you. By this kindly feeling, you are truly devoted to each other;
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and no calamity can ever possibly interrupt your love.
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Upon my word, my dear Antiphila, I commend you, and think you fortunate in having made it your study that your manners should be conformable to those good looks of yours: and so may the Gods bless me, I do not at all wonder if every man is in love with you. For your discourse has been a proof to me what kind of disposition you possess.
And when now I reflect in my mind upon your way of life, and that of all of you, in fact, who keep the public at a distance from yourselves, it is not surprising both that you are of that disposition, and that we are not; for it is your interest to be virtuous; those, with whom we are acquainted, will not allow us to be so. For our lovers, allured merely by our beauty, court us for that;
385
when that has faded, they transfer their affections elsewhere; and unless we have made provision in the mean time for the future, we live in destitution. Now with you, when you have once resolved to pass your life with one man whose manners are especially kindred to your own, those persons
1
become attached to you. By this kindly feeling, you are truly devoted to each other;
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and no calamity can ever possibly interrupt your love.
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ANTIPHILA
I know nothing about other women: I’m sure that I have, indeed, always used every endeavor to derive my own happiness from his happiness.
I know nothing about other women: I’m sure that I have, indeed, always used every endeavor to derive my own happiness from his happiness.
CLINIA
(apart, overhearing ANTIPHILA.)
Ah! ’tis for that reason, my Antiphila, that you alone have now caused me to return to my native country; for while I was absent from you, all other hardships which I encountered were light to me,
save the being deprived of you.
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Ah! ’tis for that reason, my Antiphila, that you alone have now caused me to return to my native country; for while I was absent from you, all other hardships which I encountered were light to me,
save the being deprived of you.
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SYRUS
(apart.)
I believe it.
I believe it.
CLINIA
(apart.)
Syrus, I can scarce endure it!
2
Wretch that I am, that I should not be allowed to possess one of such a disposition at my own discretion!
Syrus, I can scarce endure it!
2
Wretch that I am, that I should not be allowed to possess one of such a disposition at my own discretion!
SYRUS
Nay, so far as I understand your father, he will for a long time yet be giving you a hard task.
Nay, so far as I understand your father, he will for a long time yet be giving you a hard task.
BACCHIS
Why, who is that young man that’s looking at us?
Why, who is that young man that’s looking at us?
ANTIPHILA
(seeing CLINIA.)
Ah! do support me, I entreat you!
Ah! do support me, I entreat you!
BACCHIS
Prithee, what is the matter with you?
Prithee, what is the matter with you?
ANTIPHILA
I shall die, alas! I shall die!
I shall die, alas! I shall die!
BACCHIS
Why are you thus surprised, Antiphila?
Why are you thus surprised, Antiphila?
ANTIPHILA
Is it Clinia that I see, or not?
Is it Clinia that I see, or not?
BACCHIS
Whom do you see?
Whom do you see?
CLINIA
(running to embrace ANTIPHILA.)
Blessings on you, my life!
Blessings on you, my life!
ANTIPHILA
Oh my long-wished for Clinia, blessings on you!
Oh my long-wished for Clinia, blessings on you!
CLINIA
How fare you, my love?
How fare you, my love?
ANTIPHILA
I’m overjoyed that you have returned safe.
I’m overjoyed that you have returned safe.
CLINIA
And do I embrace you, Antiphila, so passionately longed for by my soul?
And do I embrace you, Antiphila, so passionately longed for by my soul?
SYRUS
Go in-doors; for the old gentleman has been waiting for us some time.
(They go into the house of CHREMES.)
Go in-doors; for the old gentleman has been waiting for us some time.
Heautontimorumenos. Publius Terentius Afer (Terence). Henry Thomas Riley (Translator), George Colman (Translator). Ney York. 1874.
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