Chapter 20

_Enter PAMPHILUS; DAVUS behind._

PAM. Where is this villain that has ruined me?

DAVUS. I'm a lost man.

PAM. And yet I must confess, That I deserv'd this, being such a dolt, A very idiot, to commit my fortunes To a vile slave. I suffer for my folly, But will at least take vengeance on him.

DAVUS. If I can but escape this mischief now, I'll answer for hereafter.

PAM. To my father What shall I say?--And can I then refuse, Who have but now consented? with what face? I know not what to do.

DAVUS. I'faith, nor I; And yet it takes up all my thoughts. I'll tell him I've hit on something to delay the match.

PAM. Oh! (_Seeing DAVUS._)

DAVUS. I am seen.

PAM. So, good Sir! What say you? See, how I'm hamper'd with your fine advice.

DAVUS (_coming forward_). But I'll deliver you.

PAM. Deliver me?

DAVUS. Certainly, Sir.

PAM. What, as you did just now?

DAVUS. Better, I hope.

PAM. And can you then believe That I would trust you, rascal? You amend My broken fortunes, or redeem them lost? You, who to-day, from the most happy state, Have thrown me upon marriage.--Did not I Foretell it would be thus?

DAVUS. You did indeed.

PAM. And what do you deserve for this?

DAVUS. The gallows. --Yet suffer me to take a little breath, I'll devise something presently.

PAM. Alas, I have not leisure for your punishment. The time demands attention to myself, Nor will be wasted in revenge on you.

[Changes:

_Harper_ But will at least take vengeance on him. DAVUS. If I can but escape this mischief now _Colman 1768_ But will at least take vengeance upon him. DAVUS. Let me but once escape the present danger]

ACT THE FOURTH.