SCENE I.

CHARINUS, BYRRHIA[108].

_Char._ What is it you tell me, Byrrhia; is she then to be married to Pamphilus; and is the wedding to take place even on this very day?

_Byrr._ It is even so, Sir.

_Char._ How do you know it?

_Byrr._ From Davus, whom I met just now in the Forum.

_Char._ Alas! the measure of my wretchedness is now full: my soul has hitherto fluctuated between my hopes and fears; but now all hope is lost, I sink wearied and care-worn into utter despair.

_Byrr_[109]. I beseech you, O Charinus, [110]to wish for something possible, since what you now wish for is impossible!

_Char._ I can wish for nothing but Philumena!

_Byrr._ Ah! how much wiser you would be, if instead of talking thus, which only serves to nourish [111]a hopeless passion; you would endeavour to subdue, and banish it entirely from your heart.

_Char._ How readily do those who are in health give good counsel to the diseased! if you were in my situation you would not talk thus.

_Byrr._ Well, well, as you please, Sir.

_Char._ But I see Pamphilus coming this way. I am resolved to attempt every thing before I am quite undone.

_Byrr._ What is he going about now?

_Char._ I will entreat even my rival himself, I will implore him, I will tell him of my love. I trust I shall be able to prevail upon him, at least to postpone his marriage for a few days; meantime I hope something may happen in my favour.

_Byrr._ That something is nothing at all.

_Char._ What think you, Byrrhia; shall I speak to him?

_Byrr._ Why not? that even if you can obtain nothing, you may make him think, at least, that Philumena will find a pressing gallant in you, if he marries her[112].

_Char._ Get away, rascal, with your base suspicions.