SCENE III.

PAMPHILUS, CHARINUS, DAVUS, MYSIS.

_Mysis._ (_speaking to Glycera within._) I will directly, Madam; wherever he may be, I’ll take care to find your dear [165]Pamphilus, and bring him to you: only, my love, let me beg of you not to make yourself so wretched.

_Pam._ Mysis!

_Mysis._ Who is that? Ah! Pamphilus! you come most opportunely.

_Pam._ What’s the matter?

_Mysis._ My mistress conjures you by the love you bear her, to come to her instantly: she says, she shall be miserable till she sees you.

_Pam._ Heavens! I’m quite distracted: (_to Davus._) Villain! behold the misery to which we are reduced: this is your work! she has heard of the intended marriage, and therefore sends for me.

_Char._ All would have been quiet, if that fellow had but been quiet.

_Davus._ (_to Charinus._) Well done! if he does not rave enough of himself, do try to make him worse.

_Mysis._ It is the rumour of your approaching marriage with Philumena that makes her so miserable.

_Pam._ Mysis, I solemnly swear to you by all the gods, that I never will forsake her; no, though my love for her should make all mankind my foes, I never, never will forsake her. I wooed, and made her mine; our souls accord; and I will hold no communion with those who wish to separate us: death alone shall part us.

_Mysis._ Your words revive me, Pamphilus.

_Pam._ [166]The oracles of Apollo are not more true. I wish, that, if it be possible, my father should not think that I throw any impediments in the way of the marriage: if not, I will do what will be easily done, tell him frankly that I cannot marry Chremes’s daughter. Charinus, what do you think of me?

_Char._ That you are as wretched as I am.

_Davus._ I am studying for an expedient.

_Char._ (_to Pamphilus._) But you are constant and courageous[167].

_Pam._ (_to Davus._) I know what you would attempt[168].

_Davus._ I will both attempt, and accomplish it, rest assured, Sir.

_Pam._ But it must be done immediately.

_Davus._ It shall be done immediately.

_Char._ What is your plan?

_Davus._ (_to Charinus._) Do not deceive yourself, Sir; ’tis not for you, but for my master that I am scheming.

_Char._ Enough.

_Pam._ What are you going to do? tell me[169].

_Davus._ I am afraid that this day will scarcely afford me sufficient time for action: I am sure I have none to waste in talking: let me beg you both to withdraw from this place: you hinder me from putting my designs into execution.

_Pam._ I will go to my Glycera.

[_Exit._