Clit. I give him leave then.
Syr. This affair is now just as though when—
Clit. Plague on it, what roundabout story is he beginning to tell me?
Clin. Syrus, he says what’s right—do omit digressions; come to the point.
Syr. Really I can not hold my tongue. Clitipho, you are every way unjust, and can not possibly be endured.
Clin. Upon my faith, he ought to have a hearing. (To Clitipho.) Do be silent.
Syr. You wish to indulge in your amours; you wish to possess your mistress; you wish that to be procured wherewithal to make her presents; in getting this, you do not wish the risk to be your own. You are not wise to no purpose,—if indeed it is being wise to wish for that which can not happen. Either the one must be had with the other, or the one must be let alone with the other. Now, of these two alternatives, consider which one you would prefer; although this project which I have formed, I know to be both a wise and a safe one. For there is an opportunity for your mistress to be with you at your father’s house, without fear of a discovery; besides, by these self-same means, I shall find the money which you have promised her—to effect which, you have already made my ears deaf with entreating me. What would you have more?
Clit. If, indeed, this could be brought about—
Syr. If, indeed? You shall know it by experience.
Clit. Well, well, disclose this project of yours. What is it?