TRA. I' faith, 'twas cleverly done, and I rejoice that it was done. Those who have white heads ought at that age to be wiser.
THEU. What am I now to do if my friend Demipho or Philonides—
TRA. Tell them in what way your servant made a fool of you. You would be affording most capital plots for Comedies.
CALL. Hold your tongue awhile; let me speak in my turn.—Listen. THEU. By all means.
CALL. In the first place of all then, you know that I am the companion of your son; he has gone to my house, for he is ashamed to come into your presence, because he knows that you are aware what he has done. Now, I beseech you, do pardon his simplicity and youthfulness. He is your son; you know that this age is wont to play such pranks; whatever he has done, he has done in company with me. We have acted wrong: the interest, principal, and all the sum at which the mistress vas purchased, all of it we will find, and will contribute together, at our own cost, not yours.
THEU. No mediator could have come to me more able to influence me than yourself. I am neither angry with him {2}, nor do I blame him for anything: nay more, in my presence, wench on, drink, do what you please. If he's ashamed of this, that he has been extravagant, I have sufficient satisfaction.
CALL. I'm quite ashamed myself.
TRA. He grants pardon thus far; now then, what is to become of me?
THEU. Filth, tied up as you hang, you shall be beaten with stripes.
TRA. Even though I am ashamed {3}?