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The Comedies of Terence

by Terence

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Act the Fourth

Scene I

Syrus, alone.

My mind misgives me, my defeat is nigh,

This unexpected incident has driven

My forces into such a narrow pass,

I can not even handsomely retreat

Without some feint, to hinder our old man

From seeing that this wench is Clitipho’s.

As for the money, and the trick I dream’d of,

Those hopes are flown, and I shall hold it triumph,

So I but ’scape a scouring—Cursed fortune,

To have so delicate a morsel snatch’d

Out of my very jaws!—What shall I do?

What new device? for I must change my plan.

—Nothing so difficult, but may be won

By industry.—Suppose, I try it thus. (Thinking.)

—’Twill never do.—Or thus?—No better still.

But thus I think.—No, no.—Yes, excellent!

Courage! I have it.—Good!—Good!—best of all!——

—’Faith, I begin to hope to lay fast hold

Of that same slipp’ry money after all.

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