_Chr._ The shock this gave his father Betrayed at last the affection he really bore his son: It measures too the mischief—shows his purpose too, And strong determination. He sold his house in town, Retired from life & pleasure—bought a farm out here, And works upon it from morning till night like a common drudge. There’s nothing to laugh at.
_Gor._ Excuse me, sir, I was only thinking Of something very ridiculous.
_Chr._ Attend. ’Tis you have caused This quarrel: you have alienated father and son. 660 Not only that; but it lies with you, and you alone, That one is risking his life in wild & barbarous wars, The other is taking leave of his senses as fast as he can. Think of this happy family life thus broken up, Which may be never renewed. Suppose that Clinia Be slain in the wars, and his father brought by grief to his grave— Should not this make you serious?
_Chr._ Your trifling manner, miss, Causes me much distress.
_Gor._ I am very nervous, sir, Your solemn way of talking alarms me, and when alarmed, I always laugh. He! he! he!
_Chr._ Well, try and contain yourself, I pray. I asked you here to my house the better to judge of you. 671
_Chr._ Well, well, I see you are merry. I would not check your mirth, And yet I cannot see what cause you have to laugh. Still ’tis a feast with us. I bade you join the feast: Be merry to-day.
_Chr._ (_aside_). By luck, here’s Pamphilus— (_To Gor._) See, here is my son: go in: I’ll speak with you soon again.
_Chr._ (_aside_). My word! What a woman!—I’ll call my wife to attend you within.
_Chr._ (_aside to Pam._). O Pamphilus, Pamphilus, What have you done? Such a woman as this to dine in my house. [_Exit Chremes with Gorgo._
_Pam._ By jove, Philolaches; here’s a dilemma now: I never thought of it. 682
_Pam._ Why when, for Clinia’s sake, We changed the ladies, I quite forgot that I had described Antiphila to my father. Gorgo will never do.
_Pam._ Don’t ask. What is to be done? What shall I say?
_Pam._ My father must never know who Gorgo is.
_Pam._ What is to be done? What can I say?
_Ph._ Your father Must sooner or later come to learn the ladies were changed. 690
_Pam._ To-morrow that will not matter when Gorgo is out of the way. To-day we must keep up the deception.