SCENE III.

CHARINUS, PAMPHILUS, DAVUS.

_Davus._ Heaven! what a world of good news do I bring! but, [_to himself_,] where shall I find Pamphilus? that I may relieve him from his present fears, and fill his soul with joy.

_Char._ He seems to be very much pleased at something; he’s mighty merry.

_Pam._ Oh! ’tis nothing at all: he does not yet know of this unfortunate affair.

_Davus._ [_to himself._] For if he has heard that he is to be married to-day.

_Char._ Do you hear what he says?

_Davus._ I’ll be bound he’s at this very moment half distracted, and seeking for me all over the town: but where shall I find him, or which way shall I now direct my course.

_Char._ Why do you not speak to him?

_Davus_ [_going._] Well, I’ll go.

_Pam._ Stop, Davus.

_Davus._ Who calls me? Oh! Pamphilus! I was seeking for you every where. Charinus, too! well met, Sir; I wanted both of you.

_Pam._ Oh Davus, I am quite undone.

_Davus._ But hear me.

_Pam._ I am quite ruined!

_Davus._ I know all your fears.

_Char._ And as for me, my very existence is at stake!

_Davus._ I know your affair also[115].

_Pam._ A marriage is――――

_Davus._ I know that also.

_Pam._ This very day too.

_Davus._ You stun me; I tell you I know every thing already. You, Pamphilus, fear lest you should be compelled to marry Philumena; and you, Charinus, lest you should not marry her.

_Char._ Exactly so.

_Pam._ ’Tis the very thing.

_Davus._ Then, Sir, in that very thing there is no danger at all; take my word for it.

_Pam._ For heaven’s sake, Davus, if you can do so, rid me of my fears at once.

_Davus._ I banish them all; Chremes does not intend to give you his daughter at present.

_Pam._ How do you know that?

_Davus._ I am sure of it. Your father took me aside just now, and told me that he meant to have you married to-day; and added a great deal more, which I have not time to tell you at present. Immediately I run at full speed to the Forum, to look for you; that I may acquaint you with all this. Not being able to find you, I get upon an eminence, look around; you are no where to be seen. By chance I descry among the crowd, Charinus’ servant Byrrhia; I inquire of him; he knows nothing of you: how vexatious! quite perplexed; I begin to consider what course to take next. Meantime as I was returning and thinking the business over, a suspicion struck me. How’s this! thought I; no extra provision made, the old man gloomy, and the marriage to take place so suddenly! these things don’t appear consistent.

_Pam._ Well, what then?

_Davus._ I then go directly to Chremes’ house; but when I get there, not a soul [116]do I see before the door; every thing is quite still and quiet, [117]which pleased me not a little.

_Char._ Very good.

_Pam._ Go on.

_Davus._ I stay there a little while, but no one goes in or out; I come quite up to the door, and look in, [118]but can see no bridemaid; no preparations[119]; all was silent.

_Pam._ I understand: a good sign!

_Davus._ Can all these things be consistent with a marriage?

_Pam._ I think not, Davus.

_Davus._ Think not! do you say? you must be blind, Sir, not to see it: it is an absolute certainty: besides all this, as I was returning I met Chremes’ servant, who was carrying home some herbs, and as many little [120]fishes for the old man’s supper, as might have cost an obolus.

_Char._ Friend Davus, you have been my deliverer to-day.

_Davus._ Not at all, Sir, this does not benefit you.

_Char._ How so? why Chremes certainly will not give his daughter to Pamphilus.

_Davus._ Nonsense; as if it followed of course that he must give her to you, because he does not give her to him: if you do not take care; if you do not use all your endeavours, to gain the support of the old man’s friends, you will be no nearer your wishes than ever[121].

_Char._ You advise me well; I will go about it, though in truth this hope has often deceived me before. Farewell.

[_Exit._