Chapter 34

_Enter PAMPHILUS._

PAM. Who calls?--Undone! my father!

SIMO. What say you? Most----

CHREMES. Ah, rather speak at once Your purpose, Simo, and forbear reproach.

SIMO. As if 'twere possible to utter aught Severer than he merits!--Tell me then; (_To PAM._) Glycerium is a citizen?

PAM. They say so.

SIMO. They say so!--Oh amazing impudence!---- Does he consider what he says? does he Repent the deed? or does his color take The hue of shame?--To be so weak of soul, Against the custom of our citizens, Against the law, against his father's will, To wed himself to shame and this vile woman.

PAM. Wretch that I am!

SIMO. Ah, Pamphilus! d'ye feel Your wretchedness at last? Then, then, when first You wrought upon your mind at any rate To gratify your passion: from that hour Well might you feel your state of wretchedness. --But why give in to this? Why torture thus, Why vex my spirit? Why afflict my age For his distemp'rature? Why rue his sins? --No; let him have her, joy in her, live with her.

PAM. My father!----

SIMO. How, my father!--can I think You want this father? You that for yourself A home, a wife, and children have acquir'd Against your father's will? And witnesses Suborn'd, to prove that she's a citizen? --You've gain'd your point.

PAM. My father, but one word!

SIMO. What would you say?

CHREMES. Nay, hear him, Simo.

SIMO. Hear him? What must I hear then, Chremes!

CHREMES. Let him speak.

SIMO. Well, let him speak: I hear him.

PAM. I confess, I love Glycerium: if it be a fault, That too I do confess. To you, my father, I yield myself: dispose me as you please! Command me! Say that I shall take a wife; Leave her; I will endure it, as I may---- This only I beseech you, think not I Suborn'd this old man hither.--Suffer me To clear myself, and bring him here before you.

SIMO. Bring him here!

PAM. Let me, father!

CHREMES. 'Tis but just: Permit him!

PAM. Grant me this!

SIMO. Well, be it so. (_Exit PAMPHILUS._ I could bear all this bravely, Chremes; more, Much more, to know that he deceiv'd me not.

CHREMES. For a great fault a little punishment Suffices to a father.