The Comedies of Terence Part 19

CRITO. By my troth, I think 'twas Phania; But this I'm sure, he said he was of Rhamnus.

CHREMES. Oh Jupiter!

CRITO. These circ.u.mstances, Chremes, Were known to many others, then in Andros.

CHREMES. Heav'n grant it may be as I wis.h.!.+--Inform me, Whose daughter, said he, was the child? his own?

CRITO. No, not his own.

CHREMES. Whose then?

CRITO. His brother's daughter.

CHREMES. Mine, mine undoubtedly!

CRITO. What say you?

SIMO. How!

PAM. Hark, Pamphilus!

SIMO. But why believe you this?

CHREMES. That Phania was my brother.

SIMO. True. I knew him.

CHREMES. He, to avoid the war, departed hence: And fearing 'twere unsafe to leave the child, Embark'd with her in quest of me for Asia: Since when I've heard no news of him till now.

PAM. I'm scarce myself, my mind is so enrapt With fear, hope, joy, and wonder of so great, So sudden happiness.

SIMO. Indeed, my Chremes, I heartily rejoice she's found your daughter.

PAM. I do believe you, father.

CHREMES. But one doubt There still remains, which gives me pain.

PAM. Away With all your doubts! you puzzle a plain cause. (_Aside._)

CRITO. What is that doubt?

CHREMES. The name does not agree.

CRITO. She had another, when a child.

CHREMES. What, Crito?

Can you remember?

CRITO. I am hunting for it.

PAM. Shall then his memory oppose my bliss, When I can minister the cure myself?

No, I will not permit it--Hark you, Chremes, The name is Pasibula.

CRITO. True.

CHREMES. The same.

PAM. I've heard it from herself a thousand times.

SIMO. Chremes, I trust you will believe, we all Rejoice at this.

CHREMES. 'Fore Heaven I believe so.

PAM. And now, my father----

SIMO. Peace, son! the event Has reconcil'd me.

PAM. O thou best of fathers!

Does Chremes too confirm Glycerium mine?

CHREMES. And with good cause if Simo hinder not.

PAM. Sir! (_To SIMO._)

SIMO. Be it so.

CHREMES. My daughter's portion is Ten talents, Pamphilus.

PAM. I am content.

CHREMES. I'll to her instantly: and prithee, Crito, Along with me! for sure she knows me not. (_Exeunt CHREMES and CRITO._

SIMO. Why do you not give orders instantly To bring her to our house?

PAM. Th' advice is good.

I'll give that charge to Davus.

SIMO. It can't be.

PAM. Why?

SIMO. He has other business of his own, Of nearer import to himself.

PAM. What business?

SIMO. He's bound.

PAM. Bound! how, Sir!