University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter MYSIS.
Mysis
to Glycer. within.]
Be where he will, I'll find your Pamphilus,
And bring him with me. Meanwhile, you, my soul,
Forbear to vex yourself.

Pam.
Mysis!

Mysis.
Who's there?
Oh Pamphilus, well met, Sir!

Pam.
What's the matter?

Mysis.
My Mistress, by the love you bear her, begs
Your presence instantly. She longs to see you.

Pam.
Ah, I'm undone: This sore breaks out afresh.
Unhappy that we are, thro' your curst means,
To be tormented thus! [to Davus.]
—She has been told
A nuptial is prepar'd, and therefore sends.

Char.
From which how safe you were, had he been quiet!

[pointing to Davus.
Davus.
Ay, if he raves not of himself enough,
Do, irritate him.

[to Charinus.
Mysis.
Truly that's the cause;
And therefore 'tis, poor soul, she sorrows thus.

Pam.
Mysis, I swear to thee by all the Gods,
I never will desert her: tho' assur'd
That I for her make all mankind my foes.
I sought her, carried her: our hearts are one,
And farewell they that wish us put asunder!
Death, nought but death shall part us.

Mysis.
I revive.

Pam.
Apollo's oracles are not more true.
If that my father may be wrought upon,
To think I hinder'd not the match, 'tis well:
But if that cannot be, come what come may,
Why let him know, 'twas I.—What think you now?

[to Char.
Char.
That we are wretches both.

Davus.
My brain's at work.

Char.
Oh brave!

Pam.
I know what you'd attempt.

Davus.
Well, well!
I will effect it for you.

Pam.
Ay, but now.

Davus.
E'en now.

Char.
What is't?

Davus.
For him, Sir, not for you.
Be not mistaken.

Char.
I am satisfied.

Pam.
Say, what do you propose?

Davus.
This day, I fear,
Is scarce sufficient for the execution,
So think not I have leisure to relate.
Hence then! You hinder me: hence, hence I say!

Pam.
I'll to Glycerium.

[Exit.
Davus.
Well, and what mean you?
Whither will you, Sir?

Char.
Shall I speak the truth?

Davus.
Oh to be sure: now for a tedious tale!

Char.
What will become of me?

Davus.
How! not content!
Is it not then sufficient, if I give you
The respite of a day, a little day,
By putting off his wedding?

Char.
Ay, but Davus,—

Davus.
But what?

Char.
That I may wed—

Davus.
Ridiculous!

Char.
If you succeed, come to me.

Davus.
Wherefore come?
I can't assist you.

Char.
Should it so fall out—

Davus.
Well, well, I'll come.

Char.
If ought, I am at home.

[Exit.