HKB
SIMO, SOSIA, and SERVANTS with Provisions.
SIMO. Carry those things in: go! (Ex. SERVANTS. Sosia, come here; A word with you!
SOSIA. I understand: that these Be ta'en due care of.
SIMO. Quite another thing.
SOSIA. What can my art do more for you?
SIMO. This business Needs not that art; but those good qualities, Which I have ever known abide in you, Fidelity and secrecy.
SOSIA. I wait Your pleasure.
SIMO. Since I bought you, from a boy How just and mild a servitude you've pass'd With me, you're conscious: from a purchas'd slave I made you free, because you serv'd me freely: The greatest recompense I could bestow.
SOSIA. I do remember.
SIMO. Nor do I repent.
SOSIA. If I have ever done, or now do aught That's pleasing to you, Simo, I am glad, And thankful that you hold my service good And yet this troubles me: for this detail, Forcing your kindness on my memory, Seems to reproach me of ingratitude. Oh tell me then at once, what would you? Sir!
SIMO. I will; and this I must advise you first; The nuptial you suppose preparing now, Is all unreal.
SOSIA. Why pretend it then?
SIMO. You shall hear all from first to last: and thus The conduct of my son, my own intent, And what part you're to act, you'll know at once. For my son, Sosia, now to manhood grown, Had freer scope of living: for before How might you know, or how indeed divine His disposition, good or ill, while youth, Fear, and a master, all constrain'd him?
SOSIA. True.
SIMO. Though most, as is the bent of youth, apply Their mind to some one object, horses, hounds, Or to the study of philosophy; Yet none of these, beyond the rest, did he Pursue; and yet, in moderation, all. I was o'erjoy'd.
SOSIA. And not without good cause. For this I hold to be the Golden Rule Of Life, too much of one thing's good for nothing.
SIMO. So did he shape his life to bear himself With ease and frank good-humor unto all; Mix'd in what company soe'er, to them He wholly did resign himself; and join'd In their pursuits, opposing nobody, Nor e'er assuming to himself: and thus With ease, and free from envy, may you gain Praise, and conciliate friends.
SOSIA. He rul'd his life By prudent maxims: for, as times go now, Compliance raises friends, and truth breeds hate.
SIMO. Meanwhile, 'tis now about three years ago, A certain woman from the isle of Andros, Came o'er to settle in this neighborhood, By poverty and cruel kindred driv'n: Handsome and young.
SOSIA. Ah! I begin to fear Some mischief from this Andrian.
SIMO. At first Modest and thriftily, though poor, she liv'd, With her own hands a homely livelihood Scarce earning from the distaff and the loom. But when a lover came, with promis'd gold, Another, and another, as the mind Falls easily from labor to delight, She took their offers, and set up the trade. They, who were then her chief gallants, by chance Drew thither, as oft happen with young men My son to join their company. "So, so!" Said I within myself, "he's smit! he has it!" And in the morning as I saw their servants Run to and fro, I'd often call, "here, boy! Prithee now, who had Chrysis yesterday?" The name of this same Andrian.
SOSIA. I take you.