The Comedies of Terence Part 6

For know, your father will redeem some wretch From rags and beggary to be your wife, Rather than see your ruin with Glycerium.

But if he thinks you bear an easy mind, He too will grow indiff'rent, and seek out Another match at leisure; the mean while Affairs may take a lucky turn.

PAM. D'ye think so?

DAVUS. Beyond all doubt.

PAM. See, what you lead me to.

DAVUS. Nay, peace!

PAM. I'll say so then. But have a care He knows not of the child, which I've agreed To educate.

DAVUS. O confidence!

PAM. She drew This promise from me, as a firm a.s.surance That I would not forsake her.

DAVUS. We'll take care.

But here's your father: let him not perceive You're melancholy.

[Changes:

_The initial character names "PAMPHILUS. DAVUS." are supplied from the 1768 edition._]

SCENE V.

_Enter SIMO at a distance._

SIMO. I return to see What they're about, or what they meditate.

DAVUS. Now is he sure that you'll refuse to wed.

From some dark corner brooding o'er black thoughts He comes, and fancies he has fram'd a speech To disconcert you. See, you keep your ground.

PAM. If I can, Davus.

DAVUS. Trust me, Pamphilus, Your father will not change a single word In anger with you, do but say you'll wed.

SCENE VI.

_Enter BYRRHIA behind._

BYR. To-day my master bade me leave all else For Pamphilus, and watch how he proceeds, About his marriage; wherefore I have now Followed the old man hither: yonder too Stands Pamphilus himself, and with him Davus.

To business then!

SIMO. I see them both together.

DAVUS. Now mind. (_Apart to PAM._)

SIMO. Here, Pamphilus!

DAVUS. Now turn about, As taken unawares. (_Apart._)

PAM. Who calls? my father!

DAVUS. Well said! (_Apart._)

SIMO. It is my pleasure, that to-day, As I have told you once before, you marry.

DAVUS. Now on our part, I fear what he'll reply. (_Aside._)

PAM. In that, and all the rest of your commands, I shall be ready to obey you, Sir!

BYR. How's that! (_Overhearing._)

DAVUS. Struck dumb. (_Aside._)

BYR. What said he? (_Listening._)

SIMO. You perform Your duty, when you cheerfully comply With my desires.

DAVUS. There! said I not the truth? (_Apart to PAM._)

BYR. My master then, so far as I can find, May whistle for a wife.

SIMO. Now then go in That when you're wanted you be found.

PAM. I go. (_Exit._

BYR. Is there no faith in the affairs of men?

'Tis an old saying and a true one too; "Of all mankind each loves himself the best."

I've seen the lady; know her beautiful; And therefore sooner pardon Pamphilus, If he had rather win her to his arms, Than yield her to th' embraces of my master.

I will go bear these tidings, and receive Much evil treatment for my evil news. (_Exit._

[Changes:

_lines taken from 1768 edition_ PAM. Who calls? my father!

DAVUS. Well said!

SIMO. It is my pleasure ...

_as printed in Harper edition_ PAM. Who calls? my father!

SIMO. It is my pleasure ...]

SCENE VII.

_Manent SIMO and DAVUS._

DAVUS. Now he supposes I've some trick in hand, And loiter here to practice it on him!