SCENE VI.

SIMO, DAVUS, PAMPHILUS, BYRRHIA.

_Byrr._ [_to himself._] My master has given me orders to lay all other business aside and watch Pamphilus to-day, that I may discover how he acts touching this marriage; so [127]as I saw the old man coming this way, I followed him. Oh! here is Davus, and his master with him: now then to execute my commission.

_Simo._ Oh! there they are together.

_Davus._ [_aside to Pamphilus._] Now, Sir, be on your guard.

_Simo._ Pamphilus.

_Davus._ [_aside to Pamphilus_.] Turn round suddenly, as if you had not perceived him.

_Pam._ Ha! my father.

_Davus._ [_aside._] Acted to the life.

_Simo._ I intend, (as I told you before), to have you married to-day.

_Byrr._ [_aside._] Now for my master’s[128] sake, I dread to hear his answer.

_Pam._ You shall not find me tardy in obeying your commands, Sir, either on this, or any other subject.

_Byrr._ [_aside._] Ha! I am[129] struck dumb. What did he say?

_Simo._ You do your duty, when you meet my wishes with a ready compliance.

_Davus._ [_aside to Pam._] Was I not right, Sir?

_Byrr._ [_aside._] From what I hear, I fancy my master has nothing to do, but to provide himself with another mistress as soon as possible[130].

_Simo._ Now, Pamphilus, go in immediately, that you may be ready when you are wanted.

_Pam._ I go, Sir.

[_Exit._

_Byrr._ [_aside._] Is there no honour, no sincerity in any man? I find the common proverb to be true. Every man loves himself best. I have seen Philumena, and I remember that I thought her charming; in truth, I cannot much blame Pamphilus, that he had rather wed her himself than yield her to my master. Well, I’ll carry him an account of what has passed. I suppose I shall receive an abundance of bad language in return for my bad news[131].

[_Exit._