Simo. There is no need of your skill in the management of the affair I am now engaged in; all that I require of you is faithfulness and secrecy; qualities I know you to possess.
Sosia. I long to hear your commands.
Simo. You well know, Sosia, that from the time when I first bought you as my slave;[61] even from your childhood until the present moment; I have been a just and gentle master: you served me with a free spirit; and I gave you freedom; [62]as the greatest reward in my power to bestow.
Sosia. Believe me, Sir, I have not forgotten it.
Simo. Nor have you given me any cause to repent that I did so.[63]
Sosia. I am very glad, Simo, that my past, and present conduct has been pleasing to you; and I am grateful for your goodness in receiving my poor services so favourably: but it pains me to be thus reminded of the benefits you have conferred upon me, as it seems to upbraid me with having forgotten them.[64] Pray, Sir, let me request to know your will at once.
Simo. You shall; but first I must inform you that my son’s marriage, which you expect to take place, is only a feigned marriage.
Sosia. But why do you make use of this deceit?
Simo. [65]You shall hear every thing from the beginning; by which means you will learn my son’s course of life, my intentions, and the part I wish you to take in this affair. When my son, Pamphilus, arrived at man’s estate,[66] of course he was able to live more according to his own inclination: for, until a man has attained that age, his disposition does not discover itself, being kept in check either by his tutor, or by bashfulness, or by his tender years.
Sosia. That is very true.