 | The Step-Mother |  |
493
SCENE VII.
Manent PHIDIPPUS, LACHES.Lach.
Going? how's that? and give me no plain answer!
—D'ye think he's in his senses?—Well—send home
The child to me, Phidippus. I'll take care on't.
Phid.
I will.—I cannot wonder that my wife
Took this so ill. Women are passionate,
And can't away with such affronts as these.
This was their quarrel: nay she told me so,
Though before Him I did not care to speak on't:
Nor did I credit it at first; but now
'Tis evident, and I can plainly see
He has no stomach to a wife.
Lach.
Phidippus,
How shall I act? What's your advice?
Phid.
How act?
I think 'twere best to seek this wench, his mistress.
Let us expostulate the matter with her,
Speak to her roundly, nay, e'en threaten her,
If she has aught to do with him hereafter.
Lach.
I'll follow your advice.—Ho, boy! [enter a boy.]
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494
[Exit boy.
—I must beseech you also to continue
Your kind assistance to me in this business.
Phid.
Ah, Laches! I have told you all along,
And I repeat it now, that 'tis my wish
To render our alliance firm and lasting,
If possible, as I have hopes it will be.
—But would you have me present at your conference
With Bacchis?
Lach.
No; go, seek the child a nurse.
[Exit Phidippus.
Phidippus utters these words with an air of disinclination to be present at this conference; and the characters are well sustained in this instance: for it would not become him to discourse coolly with a courtezan whom he supposed to be the seducer of Pamphilus from his daughter, although he might very properly advise such a conversation, as conducive to the peace of both families. Donatus.
| The Step-Mother | |