Chrem. Portion?
Men. I say so.
Chrem. Alas!
Men. Chremes, don’t be at all afraid to speak, if it is but a small one. The portion is no consideration at all with us.
Chrem. I did think that two talents were sufficient, according to my means. But if you wish me to be saved, and my estate and my son, you must say to this effect, that I have settled all my property on her as her portion.
Men. What scheme are you upon?
Chrem. Pretend that you wonder at this, and at the same time ask him the reason why I do so.
Men. Why, really, I can’t conceive the reason for your doing so.
Chrem. Why do I do so? To check his feelings, which are now hurried away by luxury and wantonness, and to bring him down so as not to know which way to turn himself.
Men. What is your design?