Sim. Will you attend to this, or not?
Dav. Certainly, I will, to that.
Sim. But for me to inquire now into these matters, were the part of a severe father. For what he has done hitherto, doesn’t concern me at all. So long as his time of life prompted to that course, I allowed him to indulge his inclination: now this day brings on another mode of life, demands other habits. From this time forward, I do request, or if it is reasonable, I do entreat you, Davus, that he may now return to the right path.
Dav. (aside.) What can this mean?
Sim. All who are intriguing take it ill to have a wife given them.
Dav. So they say.
Sim. And if any one has adopted a bad instructor in that course, he generally urges the enfeebled mind to pursuits still more unbecoming.
Dav. I’faith, I do not comprehend.
Sim. No? Ha——
Dav. No—I am Davus, not Œdipus.[39]