The Comedies of Terence Part 4

PAM. Aye, so they say.

CHAR. Ah, Pamphilus, if so, this day You see the last of me.

PAM. How so?

CHAR. Ah me!

I dare not speak it: prithee tell him, Byrrhia.

BYR. Aye, that I will.

PAM. What is't?

BYR. He is in love With your bride, Sir.

PAM. I' faith so am not I.

Tell me, Charinus, has aught further pa.s.sed 'Twixt you and her?

CHAR. Ah, no, no.

PAM. Would there had!

CHAR. Now by our friends.h.i.+p, by my love I beg You would not marry her.----

PAM. I will endeavor.

CHAR. If that's impossible, or if this match Be grateful to your heart----

PAM. My heart!

CHAR. At least Defer it some few days; while I depart, That I may not behold it.

PAM. Hear, Charinus; It is, I think, scarce honesty in him To look for thanks, who means no favor. I Abhor this marriage, more than you desire it.

CHAR. You have reviv'd me.

PAM. Now if you, or he, Your Byrrhia here, can do or think of aught; Act, plot, devise, invent, strive all you can To make her yours; and I'll do all I can That she may not be mine.

CHAR. Enough.

PAM. I see Davus, and in good time: for he'll advise What's best to do.

CHAR. But you, you sorry rogue, (_To BYRRHIA_) Can give me no advice, nor tell me aught, But what it is impertinent to know.

Hence, Sirrah, get you gone!

BYR. With all my heart. (_Exit._

[Changes:

_Harper_ PAM. I do lack Myself both help and counsel--But what mean you?

_Colman 1768_ PAM. Help, and counsel!

I can afford you neither.--But what mean you?]

SCENE III.

_Enter DAVUS hastily._

DAVUS. Good Heav'ns, what news I bring! what joyful news!

But where shall I find Pamphilus, to drive His fears away, and make him full of joy?

CHAR. There's something pleases him.

PAM. No matter what.

He has not heard of our ill fortune yet.

DAVUS. And he, I warrant, if he has been told Of his intended wedding----

CHAR. Do you hear?

DAVUS. Poor soul, is running all about the town In quest of me. But whither shall I go?

Or which way run?

CHAR. Why don't you speak to him?

DAVUS. I'll go.

PAM. Ho! Davus! Stop, come here!

DAVUS. Who calls?

O, Pamphilus! the very man.--Heyday!

Charinus too!--Both gentlemen, well met!

I've news for both.

PAM. I'm ruin'd, Davus.

DAVUS. Hear me!

PAM. Undone!

DAVUS. I know your fears.

CHAR. My life's at stake.

DAVUS. Yours I know also.

PAM. Matrimony mine.

DAVUS. I know it.