The Comedies of Terence E-Book

Terence

• Herausgeber: Terence
• Kategorie: Poesie und Drama
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

Scene I.Enter Simo and Sosia, followed by Servants carrying provisions.Simo (to the Servants.) Do you carry those things away indoors; begone. (Beckoning to Sosia.) Sosia, just step here; I want a few words with you.Sosia. Consider it as said; that these things are to be taken care of, I suppose.Sim. No, it’s another matter.Sos. What is there that my ability can effect for you more than this?Sim. There’s no need of that ability in the matter which I have in hand; but of those qualities which I have ever known as existing in you, fidelity and secrecy.

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Terence

The Comedies of Terence

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Table of contents

ANDRIA;THE FAIR ANDRIAN.

THE PROLOGUE.

ACT THE FIRST.

ACT THE SECOND.

ACT THE THIRD.

ACT THE FOURTH.

ACT THE FIFTH.

FOOTNOTES

EUNUCHUS;THE EUNUCH.

THE PROLOGUE.

ACT THE FIRST.

ACT THE SECOND.

ACT THE THIRD.

ACT THE FOURTH.

ACT THE FIFTH.

FOOTNOTES

HEAUTONTIMORUMENOS; THE SELF-TORMENTOR.

THE PROLOGUE.

ACT THE FIRST.

ACT THE SECOND.

ACT THE THIRD.

ACT THE FOURTH.

ACT THE FIFTH.

FOOTNOTES

ADELPHI;THE BROTHERS,

THE PROLOGUE.

ACT THE FIRST.

ACT THE SECOND.

ACT THE THIRD.

ACT THE FOURTH.

ACT THE FIFTH.

FOOTNOTES

HECYRA;THE MOTHER-IN-LAW

THE FIRST PROLOGUE.

THE SECOND PROLOGUE.18

ACT THE FIRST.

ACT THE SECOND.

ACT THE THIRD.

ACT THE FOURTH.

ACT THE FIFTH.

FOOTNOTES

PHORMIO; OR, THE SCHEMING PARASITE

THE PROLOGUE.

ACT THE FIRST.

ACT THE SECOND.

ACT THE THIRD.

ACT THE FOURTH.

ACT THE FIFTH.

ADDITIONAL SCENE.

FOOTNOTES

ANDRIA;THE FAIR ANDRIAN.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.Simo,1 an aged Athenian.Pamphilus,2 son of Simo.Sosia,3 freedman of Simo.Chremes,4 an aged Athenian.Charinus,5 a young Athenian, in love with Philumena.Crito,6 a native of Andros.Davus,7 servant of Simo.Dromo,8 servant of Simo.Byrrhia,9 servant of Charinus.Glycerium,10 a young woman beloved by Pamphilus.Mysis,11 her maid-servant.Lesbia,12 a midwife.Scene.—Athens; before the houses of Simo and Glycerium.THE SUBJECT.Chremes and Phania were brothers, citizens of Athens. Chremes going to Asia, leaves his daughter, Pasibula, in the care of his brother Phania, who, afterward setting sail with Pasibula for Asia, is wrecked off the Isle of Andros. Escaping with their lives, they are kindly received by a native of the island; and Phania soon afterward dies there. The Andrian changes the name of the girl to Glycerium, and brings her up, as his own child, with his daughter Chrysis. On his death, Chrysis and Glycerium sail for Athens to seek their fortune there. Chrysis being admired by several Athenian youths, Pamphilus, the son of Simo, an opulent citizen, chances to see Glycerium, and falls violently in love with her. She afterward becomes pregnant by him, on which he makes her a promise of marriage. In the mean time, Chremes, who is now living at Athens, and is ignorant of the fate of Pasibula, agrees with Simo, the father of Pamphilus, to give Philumena, another daughter, in marriage to Pamphilus. While these arrangements are being made, Chrysis dies; on which Simo accidentally discovers his son’s connection with Glycerium. Chremes, also coming to hear of it, declines the match, having no idea that Glycerium is really his own daughter. Simo, however, in order to test his son’s feelings, resolves to pretend that the marriage-day is fixed. Meeting Pamphilus in the town, he desires him to go home and prepare for the wedding, which is to take place immediately. In his perplexity, the youth has recourse to his servant Davus, who, having heard of the refusal of Chremes, suspects the design of Simo. At this conjuncture, Charinus, a friend of Pamphilus, who is enamored of Philumena, but has been rejected by her father, entreats Pamphilus to put off the marriage, for at least a few days. Disclosing his own aversion to the match, Pamphilus readily engages to do this. In order the more effectually to break it off, Davus advises Pamphilus to pretend a readiness to comply with his father’s wishes, supposing that of course Chremes will steadily persist in his refusal. Pamphilus does as he is advised, on which Simo again applies to Chremes, who, after some entreaty, gives his consent. Just at this conjuncture, Glycerium is delivered of a son; and by the advice of Davus, it is laid before the door of Simo’s house. Chremes happening to see it there, and ascertaining that Pamphilus is its father, again refuses to give him his daughter. At this moment, Crito, a native of Andros, arrives, who, being a relative of Chrysis, has come to Athens to look after her property. Through him, Chremes discovers that Glycerium is no other than his long-lost daughter, Pasibula; on which he consents to her immediate marriage with Pamphilus, who promises Charinus that he will use his best endeavors to obtain for him the hand of Philumena.THE TITLE OF THE PLAY.Performed at the Megalensian Games;13 M. Fulvius and M. Glabrio being Curule Æediles.14 Ambivius Turpio and Lucius Atilius Prænestinus15 performed it. Flaccus, the freedman of Claudius,16 composed the music, to a pair of treble flutes and bass flutes17 alternately. And it is entirely Grecian.18 Published—M. Marcellus and Cneius Sulpicius being Consuls.19Pamphilus seduces Glycerium, wrongfully supposed to be a sister of a Courtesan, an Andrian by birth; and she having become pregnant, he gives his word that she shall be his wife; but his father has engaged for him another, the daughter of Chremes; and when he discovers the intrigue he pretends that the nuptials are about to take place, desiring to learn what intentions his son may have. By the advice of Davus, Pamphilus does not resist; but Chremes, as soon as he has seen the little child born of Glycerium, breaks off the match, and declines him for a son-in-law. Afterward, this Glycerium, unexpectedly discovered to be his own daughter, he bestows as a wife on Pamphilus, the other on Charinus.

THE PROLOGUE.

The poet, when first he applied his mind to writing, thought that the only duty which devolved on him was, that the Plays he should compose might please the public. But he perceives that it has fallen out entirely otherwise; for he is wasting his labor in writing Prologues, not for the purpose of relating the plot, but to answer the slanders of a malevolent old Poet.20 Now I beseech you, give your attention to the thing which they impute as a fault. Menander composed the Andrian21 and the Perinthian.22 He who knows either of them well, will know them both; they are in plot not very different, and yet they have been composed in different language and style. What suited, he confesses he has transferred into the Andrian from the Perinthian, and has employed them as his own. These parties censure this proceeding; and on this point they differ from him, that Plays ought not to be mixed up together. By being thus knowing, do they not show that they know nothing at all? For while they are censuring him, they are censuring Nævius, Plautus, and Ennius,23 whom our Poet has for his precedents; whose carelessness he prefers to emulate, rather than the mystifying carefulness24 of those parties. Therefore, I advise them to be quiet in future, and to cease to slander; that they may not be made acquainted with their own misdeeds. Be well disposed, then; attend with unbiased mind, and consider the matter, that you may determine what hope is left; whether the Plays which he shall in future compose anew, are to be witnessed, or are rather to be driven off the stage.

ACT THE FIRST.

Scene I.Enter Simo and Sosia, followed by Servants carrying provisions.Simo (to the Servants.) Do you carry those things away indoors; begone. (Beckoning to Sosia.) Sosia, just step here; I want a few words with you.Sosia. Consider it as said; that these things are to be taken care of, I suppose.25Sim. No, it’s another matter.Sos. What is there that my ability can effect for you more than this?Sim. There’s no need of that ability in the matter which I have in hand; but of those qualities which I have ever known as existing in you, fidelity and secrecy.Sos. I await your will.Sim. Since I purchased you, you know that, from a little child, your servitude with me has always been easy and light. From a slave I made you my freedman;26 for this reason, because you served me with readiness. The greatest recompense that I possessed, I bestowed upon you.Sos. I bear it in mind.Sim. I am not changed.Sos. If I have done or am doing aught that is pleasing to you, Simo, I am glad that it has been done; and that the same has been gratifying to you, I consider sufficient thanks. But this is a cause of uneasiness to me; for the recital is, as it were, a censure27 to one forgetful of a kindness. But tell me, in one word, what it is that you want with me.Sim. I’ll do so. In the first place, in this affair I give you notice: this, which you suppose to be such, is not a real marriage.Sos. Why do you pretend it then?Sim. You shall hear all the matter from the beginning; by that means you’ll be acquainted with both my son’s mode of life and my own design, and what I want you to do in this affair. For after he had passed youthfulness,28 Sosia, and had obtained free scope of living, (for before, how could you know or understand his disposition, while youthful age, fear, and a master29 were checking him?)—Sos. That’s true.Sim. What all young men, for the most part, do,—devote their attention to some particular pursuit, either to training horses or dogs for hunting, or to the philosophers;30 in not one of these did he engage in particular beyond the rest, and yet in all of them in a moderate degree. I was pleased.Sos. Not without reason; for this I deem in life to be especially advantageous; that one do nothing to excess.31Sim. Such was his mode of life; readily to bear and to comply with all; with whomsoever he was in company, to them to resign himself; to devote himself to their pursuits; at variance with no one; never preferring himself to them. Thus most readily you may acquire praise without envy, and gain friends.Sos. He has wisely laid down his rule of life; for in these days obsequiousness begets friends; sincerity, dislike.Sim. Meanwhile, three years ago,32 a certain woman from Andros removed hither into this neighborhood, driven by poverty and the neglect of her relations, of surpassing beauty and in the bloom of youth.Sos. Ah! I’m afraid that this Andrian will bring some mischief.Sim. At first, in a modest way, she passed her life with thriftiness and in hardship, seeking a livelihood with her wool and loom. But after an admirer made advances, promising her a recompense, first one and then another; as the disposition of all mankind has a downward tendency from industry toward pleasure, she accepted their proposals, and then began to trade upon her beauty. Those who then were her admirers, by chance, as it often happens, took my son thither that he might be in their company. Forthwith I said to myself, “He is surely caught; he is smitten.”33 In the morning I used to observe their servant-boys coming or going away; I used to make inquiry, “Here, my lad, tell me, will you, who had Chrysis yesterday?” for that was the name of the Andrian (touching Sosia on the arm).Sos. I understand.Sim. Phædrus, or Clinias, or Niceratus, they used to say; for these three then loved her at the same time. “Well now, what did Pamphilus do?” “What? He gave his contribution;34 he took part in the dinner.” Just so on another day I made inquiry, but I discovered nothing whatever that affected Pamphilus. In fact, I thought him sufficiently proved, and a great pattern of continence; for he who is brought into contact with dispositions of that sort, and his feelings are not aroused even under such circumstances, you may be sure that he is already capable of undertaking the governance of his own life. This pleased me, and every body with one voice began to say all kinds of flattering things, and to extol my good fortune, in having a son endowed with such a disposition. What need is there of talking? Chremes, influenced by this report, came to me of his own accord, to offer his only daughter as a wife to my son, with a very large portion. It pleased me; I betrothed him; this was the day appointed for the nuptials.Sos. What then stands in the way? Why should they not take place?Sim. You shall hear. In about a few days after these things had been agreed on, Chrysis, this neighbor, dies.Sos. Bravo! You’ve made me happy. I was afraid for him on account of Chrysis.Sim. Then my son was often there, with those who had admired Chrysis; with them he took charge of the funeral; sorrowful, in the mean time, he sometimes wept with them in condolence. Then that pleased me. Thus I reflected: “He by reason of this slight intimacy takes her death so much to heart; what if he himself had wooed her? What will he do for me his father?” All these things I took to be the duties of a humane disposition and of tender feelings. Why do I detain you with many words? Even I myself,35 for his sake, went forth to the funeral, as yet suspecting no harm.Sos. Ha! what is this?Sim. You shall know. She is brought out; we proceed. In the mean time, among the females who were there present, I saw by chance one young woman of beauteous form.Sos. Very likely.Sim. And of countenance, Sosia, so modest, so charming, that nothing could surpass. As she appeared to me to lament beyond the rest, and as she was of a figure handsome and genteel beyond the other women, I approached the female attendants;36 I inquired who she was. They said that she was the sister of Chrysis. It instantly struck my mind: “Ay, ay, this is it; hence those tears, hence that sympathy.”Sos. How I dread what you are coming to!Sim. The funeral procession meanwhile advances; we follow; we come to the burying-place.37 She is placed upon the pile; they weep. In the mean time, this sister, whom I mentioned, approached the flames too incautiously, with considerable danger. There, at that moment, Pamphilus, in his extreme alarm, discovers his well-dissembled and long-hidden passion; he runs up, clasps the damsel by the waist. “My Glycerium,” says he, “what are you doing? Why are you going to destroy yourself?” Then she, so that you might easily recognize their habitual attachment, weeping, threw herself back upon him—how affectionately!Sos. What do you say?Sim. I returned thence in anger, and hurt at heart: and yet there was not sufficient ground for reproving him. He might say; “What have I done? How have I deserved this, or offended, father? She who wished to throw herself into the flames, I prevented; I saved her.” The defense is a reasonable one.Sos. You judge aright; for if you censure him who has assisted to preserve life, what are you to do to him who causes loss or misfortune to it?Sim. Chremes comes to me next day, exclaiming: “Disgraceful conduct!”—that he had ascertained that Pamphilus was keeping this foreign woman as a wife. I steadfastly denied that to be the fact. He insisted that it was the fact. In short, I then left him refusing to bestow his daughter.Sos. Did not you then reprove your son?Sim. Not even this was a cause sufficiently strong for censuring him.Sos. How so? Tell me.Sim. “You yourself, father,” he might say, “have prescribed a limit to these proceedings. The time is near, when I must live according to the humor of another; meanwhile, for the present allow me to live according to my own.”Sos. What room for reproving him, then, is there left?Sim. If on account of his amour he shall decline to take a wife, that, in the first place, is an offense on his part to be censured. And now for this am I using my endeavors, that, by means of the pretended marriage, there may be real ground for rebuking him, if he should refuse; at the same time, that if that rascal Davus has any scheme, he may exhaust it now, while his knaveries can do no harm: who, I do believe, with hands, feet, and all his might, will do every thing; and more for this, no doubt, that he may do me an ill turn, than to oblige my son.Sos. For what reason?Sim. Do you ask? Bad heart, bad disposition. Whom, however, if I do detect—But what need is there of talking? If it should turn out, as I wish, that there is no delay on the part of Pamphilus, Chremes remains to be prevailed upon by me; and I do hope that all will go well. Now it’s your duty to pretend these nuptials cleverly, to terrify Davus; and watch my son, what he’s about, what schemes he is planning with him.Sos. ’Tis enough; I’ll take care; now let’s go in-doors.Sim. You go first; I’ll follow.Sosia goes into the house of Simo.Sim. (to himself.) There’s no doubt but that my son doesn’t wish for a wife; so alarmed did I perceive Davus to be just now, when he heard that there was going to be a marriage. But the very man is coming out of the house.Stands aside.Scene II.Enter Davus from the house of Simo.Dav. (aloud to himself.) I was wondering if this matter was to go off thus; and was continually dreading where my master’s good humor would end; for, after he had heard that a wife would not be given to his son, he never uttered a word to any one of us, or took it amiss.Sim. (apart, overhearing him.) But now he’ll do so: and that, I fancy, not without heavy cost to you.Dav. (to himself.) He meant this, that we, thus unsuspecting, should be led away by delusive joy; that now in hope, all fear being removed, we might during our supineness be surprised, so that there might be no time for planning a rupture of the marriage. How clever!Sim. (apart.) The villain! what does he say?Dav. (overhearing him, to himself.) It’s my master, and I didn’t see him.Sim. Davus.Dav. Well, what is it?Sim. Just step this way to me.Dav. (to himself.) What does he want?Sim. What are you saying?Dav. About what?Sim. Do you ask the question? There’s a report that my son’s in love.Dav. The public troubles itself about that,38 of course.Sim. Will you attend to this, or not?Dav. Certainly, I will, to that.Sim. But for me to inquire now into these matters, were the part of a severe father. For what he has done hitherto, doesn’t concern me at all. So long as his time of life prompted to that course, I allowed him to indulge his inclination: now this day brings on another mode of life, demands other habits. From this time forward, I do request, or if it is reasonable, I do entreat you, Davus, that he may now return to the right path.Dav. (aside.) What can this mean?Sim. All who are intriguing take it ill to have a wife given them.Dav. So they say.Sim. And if any one has adopted a bad instructor in that course, he generally urges the enfeebled mind to pursuits still more unbecoming.Dav. I’faith, I do not comprehend.Sim. No? Ha——Dav. No—I am Davus, not Œdipus.39Sim. Of course then, you wish me to speak plainly in what further I have to say.Dav. Certainly, by all means.Sim. If I this day find out that you are attempting any trickery about this marriage, to the end that it may not take place; or are desirous that in this matter it should be proved how knowing you are; I’ll hand you over, Davus, beaten with stripes, to the mill,40 even to your dying day, upon this condition and pledge, that if ever I release you, I shall grind in your place. Now, do you understand this? Or not yet even this?Dav. Yes, perfectly: you have now spoken so plainly upon the subject, you have not used the least circumlocution.Sim. In any thing would I more willingly allow myself to be imposed upon than in this matter.Dav. Fair words, I entreat.Sim. You are ridiculing me: you don’t at all deceive me. I give you warning, don’t act rashly, and don’t say you were not warned. Take care.Shaking his stick, goes into the house.Scene III.Davus alone.Dav. (to himself.) Assuredly, Davus, there’s no room for slothfulness or inactivity, so far as I’ve just now ascertained the old man’s mind about the marriage; which if it is not provided against by cunning, will be bringing either myself or my master to ruin. What to do, I am not determined; whether I should assist Pamphilus or obey the old man. If I desert the former, I fear for his life; if I assist him, I dread the other’s threats, on whom it will be a difficult matter to impose. In the first place, he has now found out about this amour; with hostile feelings he watches me, lest I should be devising some trickery against the marriage. If he discovers it, I’m undone; or even if he chooses to allege any pretext, whether rightfully or wrongfully, he will consign me headlong to the mill. To these evils this one is besides added for me. This Andrian, whether she is his wife, or whether his mistress, is pregnant by Pamphilus. It is worth while to hear their effrontery; for it is an undertaking worthy of those in their dotage, not of those who dote in love;41 whatever she shall bring forth, they have resolved to rear;42 and they are now contriving among themselves a certain scheme, that she is a citizen of Attica. There was formerly a certain old man of this place, a merchant; he was shipwrecked off the Isle of Andros; he died. They say that there, the father of Chrysis, on that occasion, sheltered this girl, thrown on shore, an orphan, a little child. What nonsense! To myself at least it isn’t very probable; the fiction pleases them, however. But Mysis is coming out of the house. Now I’ll betake myself hence to the Forum,43 that I may meet with Pamphilus, lest his father should take him by surprise about this matter.Exit.Scene IV.Enter Mysis from the house of Glycerium.Mys. (speaking at the door to Archylis within.) I’ve heard you already, Archylis; you request Lesbia to be fetched. Really, upon my faith, she is a wine-bibbing44 and a rash woman, and not sufficiently trustworthy for you to commit to her care a female at her first delivery; is she still to be brought? (She receives an answer from within, and comes forward.) Do look at the inconsiderateness of the old woman; because she is her pot-companion. Ye Gods, I do entreat you, give her ease in her delivery, and to that woman an opportunity of making her mistakes elsewhere in preference. But why do I see Pamphilus so out of spirits? I fear what it may be. I’ll wait, that I may know whether this sorrow portends any disaster.Stands apart.Scene V.Enter Pamphilus, wringing his hands.Pam. (to himself.) Is it humane to do or to devise this? Is this the duty of a father?Mys. (apart.) What does this mean?Pam. (to himself.) O, by our faith in the Gods! what is, if this is not, an indignity? He had resolved that he himself would give me a wife to-day; ought I not to have known this beforehand? Ought it not to have been mentioned previously?Mys. (apart.) Wretched me! What language do I hear?Pam. (to himself.) What does Chremes do? He who had declared that he would not intrust his daughter to me as a wife; because he himself sees me unchanged he has changed. Thus perversely does he lend his aid, that he may withdraw wretched me from Glycerium. If this is effected, I am utterly undone. That any man should be so unhappy in love, or so unfortunate as I am! Oh, faith of Gods and men! shall I by no device be able to escape this alliance with Chremes? In how many ways am I contemned, and held in scorn? Every thing done, and concluded! Alas! once rejected I am sought again; for what reason? Unless perhaps it is this, which I suspect it is: they are rearing some monster,45 and as she can not be pushed off upon any one else, they have recourse to me.Mys. (apart.) This language has terrified wretched me with apprehension.Pam. (to himself.) But what am I to say about my father? Alas! that he should so thoughtlessly conclude an affair of such importance! Passing me in the Forum just now, he said, “Pamphilus, you must be married to-day: get ready; be off home.” He seemed to me to say this: “Be off this instant, and go hang yourself.” I was amazed; think you that I was able to utter a single word, or any excuse, even a frivolous, false, or lame one? I was speechless. But if any one were to ask me now what I would have done, if I had known this sooner, why, I would have done any thing rather than do this. But now, what course shall I first adopt? So many cares beset me, which rend my mind to pieces; love, sympathy for her, the worry of this marriage; then, respect for my father, who has ever, until now, with such an indulgent disposition, allowed me to do whatever was agreeable to my feelings. Ought I to oppose him? Ah me! I am in uncertainty what to do.Mys. (apart.) I’m wretchedly afraid how this uncertainty is to terminate. But now there’s an absolute necessity, either for him to speak to her, or for me to speak to him about her. While the mind is in suspense, it is swayed by a slight impulse one way or the other.Pam. (overhearing her.) Who is it speaking here? (Seeing her.) Mysis? Good-morrow to you.Mys. Oh! Good-morrow to you, Pamphilus.Pam. How is she?Mys. Do you ask? She is oppressed with grief,46 and on this account the poor thing is anxious, because some time ago the marriage was arranged for this day. Then, too, she fears this, that you may forsake her.Pam. Ha! could I attempt that? Could I suffer her, poor thing, to be deceived on my account? She, who has confided to me her affection, and her entire existence? She, whom I have held especially dear to my feelings as my wife? Shall I suffer her mind, well and chastely trained and tutored, to be overcome by poverty and corrupted? I will not do it.Mys. I should have no fear if it rested with yourself alone; but whether you may be able to withstand compulsion—Pam. Do you deem me so cowardly, so utterly ungrateful, inhuman, and so brutish, that neither intimacy, nor affection, nor shame, can move or admonish me to keep faith?Mys. This one thing I know, that she is deserving that you should not forget her.Pam. Forget her? Oh Mysis, Mysis, at this moment are those words of Chrysis concerning Glycerium written on my mind. Now at the point of death, she called me; I went to her; you had withdrawn; we were alone; she began: “My dear Pamphilus, you see her beauty and her youth; and it is not unknown to you to what extent both of these are now of use to her, in protecting both her chastity and her interests. By this right hand I do entreat you, and by your good Genius,47 by your own fidelity, and by her bereft condition, do not withdraw yourself from her, or forsake her; if I have loved you as my own brother, or if she has always prized you above all others, or has been obedient to you in all things. You do I give to her as a husband, friend, protector, father. This property of mine do I intrust to you, and commit to your care.” She placed her in my hands; that instant, death came upon her. I accepted her; having accepted, I will protect her.Mys. So indeed I hope. (Moving.)Pam. But why are you leaving her?Mys. I’m going to fetch the midwife.48Pam. Make all haste. And—do you hear?—take care, and not one word about the marriage, lest that too should add to her illness.Mys. I understand.Exeunt severally.

ACT THE SECOND.

Scene I.

Enter Charinus and Byrrhia.49

Char. How say you, Byrrhia? Is she to be given in marriage to Pamphilus to-day?

Byr. It is so.

Char. How do you know?

Byr. I heard it just now from Davus at the Forum.

Char. Woe unto wretched me! As, hitherto, until now, my mind has been racked amid hope and fear; so, since hope has been withdrawn, wearied with care, it sinks overwhelmed.

Byr. By my troth, Charinus, since that which you wish can not come to pass, prithee, do wish that which can.

Char. I wish for nothing else but Philumena.

Byr. Alas! How much better were it for you to endeavor to expel that passion from your mind, than to be saying that by which your desire is to no purpose still more inflamed.

Char. We all, when we are well, with ease give good advice to the sick. If you were in my situation, you would think otherwise.

Byr. Well, well, just as you like.

Char. (looking down the side scene.) But I see Pamphilus; I’m determined I’ll try every thing before I despair.

Byr. (aside) What does he mean?

Char. I will entreat his own self; I will supplicate him; I will disclose to him my love. I think that I shall prevail upon him to put off the marriage for some days at least; in the mean time, something will turn up, I trust.

Byr. That something is nothing.

Char. Byrrhia, how seems it to you? Shall I accost him?

Byr. Why not? Should you not prevail, that at least he may look upon you as a gallant ready provided for him, if he marries her.

Char. Away with you to perdition with that vile suggestion, you rascal!

Scene II.

Enter Pamphilus.

Pam. I espy Charinus. (Accosting him.) Good-morrow!

Char. O, good-morrow. Pamphilus, I’m come to you, seeking hope, safety, counsel, and assistance.

Pam. I’faith, I have neither time for counsel, nor resources for assistance. But what’s the matter now?

Char. To-day you are going to take a wife?

Pam. So they say.

Char. Pamphilus, if you do that, you behold me this day for the last time.

Pam. Why so?

Char. Ah me! I dread to tell it; prithee, do you tell it, Bvrrhia.

Byr. I’ll tell it.

Pam. What is it?

Byr. He’s in love with your betrothed.

Pam. Assuredly he’s not of my way of thinking. Come now, tell me, have you had any more to do with her, Charinus?

Char. Oh Pamphilus, nothing.

Pam. How much I wish you had.

Char. Now, by our friendship and by my affection, I do beseech you, in the first place, not to marry her.

Pam. For my own part I’ll use my endeavors.

Char. But if that can not be, or if this marriage is agreeable to you—

Pam. Agreeable to me?

Char. Put it off for some days at least, while I go elsewhere, that I may not be witness.

Pam. Now listen, once for all: I think it, Charinus, to be by no means the part of an ingenuous man, when he confers nothing, to expect that it should be considered as an obligation on his part. I am more desirous to avoid this match, than you to gain it.

Char. You have restored me to life.

Pam. Now, if you can do any thing, either you yourself, or Byrrhia here, manage, fabricate, invent, contrive some means, whereby she may be given to you; this I shall aim at, how she may not be given to me.

Char. I am satisfied.

Pam. Most opportunely I perceive Davus, on whose advice I have depended.

Char. (turning to Byrrhia.) But you, i’faith, tell me nothing,50 except those things which there is no need for knowing. (Pushing him away.) Get you gone from here.

Byr. Certainly I will, and with all my heart.

Exit.

Scene III.

Enter Davus in haste.

Dav. (not seeing Pamphilus and Charinus.) Ye gracious Gods, what good news I bring! But where shall I find Pamphilus, that I may remove the apprehension in which he now is, and fill his mind with joy—?

Char. (apart to Pamphilus.) He’s rejoiced about something, I don’t know what.

Pam. (apart.) It’s of no consequence; he hasn’t yet heard of these misfortunes.

Dav. (to himself.) For I do believe now, if he has already heard that a marriage is prepared for him—

Char. (apart.) Don’t you hear him?

Dav. (to himself.) He is seeking me distractedly all the city over. But where shall I look for him? Or in which direction now first to betake me—

Char. (apart to Pamphilus.) Do you hesitate to accost him?

Dav. (to himself.) I have it. (Moving on.)

Pam. Davus, come here! Stop!

Dav. Who’s the person that’s—(Turning round.) O Pamphilus, you are the very man I’m looking for. Well done, Charinus! both in the nick of time: I want you both.

Char. Davus, I’m undone!

Dav. Nay but, do hear this.

Pam. I’m utterly ruined!

Dav. I know what you are afraid of.

Char. I’faith, my life indeed is really in danger.

Dav. (to Charinus.) And what you are afraid of, I know.

Pam. My marriage—

Dav. As if I did not know it?

Pam. This day—

Dav. Why keep dinning me with it, when I know it all? (To Pamphilus.) This are you afraid of, lest you should marry her; and you (to Charinus,) lest you should not marry her.

Char. You understand the matter.

Pam. That’s the very thing.

Dav. And that very thing is in no danger; trust me for that.

Pam. I do entreat you, release wretched me as soon as possible from this apprehension.

Dav. Well, then, I will release you; Chremes is not going to give you his daughter at present.

Pam. How do you know?

Dav. You shall know. Your father just now laid hold of me; he said that a wife was to be given you to-day, and many other things as well, which just now I haven’t time to relate. Hastening to you immediately, I ran on to the Forum that I might tell you these things. When I didn’t find you, I ascended there to a high place.51 I looked around; you were nowhere. There by chance I saw Byrrhia, his servant (pointing to Charinus). I inquired of him; he said he hadn’t seen you. This puzzled me. I considered what I was to do. As I was returning in the mean time, a surmise from the circumstances themselves occurred to me: “How now,—a very small amount of good cheer; he out of spirits; a marriage all of a sudden; these things don’t agree.”

Pam. But to what purpose this?

Dav. I forthwith betook myself to the house of Chremes. When I arrived there—stillness before the door;52 then I was pleased at that.

Char. You say well.

Pam. Proceed.

Dav. I stopped there. In the mean time I saw no one going in, no one going out; no matron at the house,53 no preparation, no bustle. I drew near; looked in—

Pam. I understand; a considerable indication.

Dav. Do these things seem to accord with a wedding?

Pam. I think not, Davus.

Dav. Think, do you say? You don’t view it rightly; the thing is certain. Besides, coming away from there I saw the servant-boy of Chremes carrying some vegetables and little fishes, an obol’s worth,54 for the old man’s dinner.

Char. This day, Davus, have I been delivered by your means.

Dav. And yet not at all.

Char. Why so? Surely he will not give her to him, after all this. (Pointing to Pamphilus.)

Dav. You silly fellow! as though it were a necessary consequence that if he doesn’t give her to him you should marry her: unless, indeed, you look about you; unless you entreat and make court to the old man’s friends.

Char. You advise well. I’ll go; although, upon my faith, this hope has often eluded me already. Farewell!

Exit.

Scene IV.

Pamphilus and Davus.

Pam. What then does my father mean? Why does he thus make pretense?

Dav. I’ll tell you. If now he were angry with you, because Chremes will not give you a wife, he would seem to himself to be unjust, and that not without reason, before he has ascertained your feelings as to the marriage, how they are disposed. But if you refuse to marry her, in that case he will transfer the blame to you; then such disturbances will arise.

Pam. I will submit to any thing from him.

Dav. He is your father, Pamphilus. It is a difficult matter. Besides, this woman is defenseless. No sooner said than done; he will find some pretext for driving her away from the city.

Pam. Driving her away?

Dav. Aye, and quickly too.

Pam. Tell me then, Davus, what am I to do?

Dav. Say that you will marry her.

Pam. (starting.) Ha!

Dav. What’s the matter?

Pam. What, am I to say so?

Dav. Why not?

Pam. Never will I do it.

Dav. Don’t say so.

Pam. Don’t attempt to persuade me.

Dav. Consider what will be the result of it.

Pam. That I shall be deprived of the one, and fixed with the other.

Dav. Not so. In fact, I think it will be thus: Your father will say: “I wish you to marry a wife to-day.” You reply: “I’ll marry her.” Tell me, how can he raise a quarrel with you? Thus you will cause all the plans which are now arranged by him to be disarranged, without any danger; for this is not to be doubted, that Chremes will not give you his daughter. Therefore do not hesitate in those measures which you are taking, on this account, lest he should change his sentiments. Tell your father that you consent; so that although he may desire it, he may not be able to be angry at you with reason. For that which you rely on, I will easily refute; “No one,” you think, “will give a wife to a person of these habits.” But he will find a beggar for you, rather than allow you to be corrupted by a mistress. If, however, he shall believe that you bear it with a contented mind, you will render him indifferent; at his leisure he will look out for another wife for you; in the mean time something lucky may turn up.

Pam. Do you think so?

Dav. It really is not a matter of doubt.

Pam. Consider to what you are persuading me.

Dav. Nay, but do be quiet.

Pam. Well, I’ll say it; but, that he mayn’t come to know that she has had a child by me, is a thing to be guarded against; for I have promised to bring it up.

Dav. Oh, piece of effrontery.

Pam. She entreated me that I would give her this pledge, by which she might be sure she should not be deserted.

Dav. It shall be attended to; but your father’s coming. Take care that he doesn’t perceive that you are out of spirits.

Scene V.

Enter Simo, at a distance.

Sim. (apart to himself.) I’ve come back to see what they are about, or what scheme they are hatching.

Dav. (to Pamphilus.) He has no doubt at present but that you’ll refuse to marry. Having considered his course, he’s come from a retired spot somewhere or other; he hopes that he has framed a speech by which to disconcert you; do you take care, then, to be yourself.

Pam. If I am only able, Davus.

Dav. Trust me for that, Pamphilus, I tell you; your father will never this day exchange a single word with you, if you say that you will marry.

Scene VI.

Enter Byrrhia, unperceived, at a distance behind Simo.

Byr. (apart to himself.) My master has ordered me, leaving my business, to keep an eye on Pamphilus to-day, what he is doing with regard to the marriage. I was to learn it; for that reason, I have now followed him55 (pointing to Simo) as he came hither. Himself, as well, I see standing with Davus close at hand; I’ll note this.

Sim. (apart to himself.) I see that both of them are here.

Dav. (in a low voice to Pamphilus.) Now then, be on your guard.

Sim. Pamphilus!

Dav. (in a low voice.) Look round at him as though taken unawares.

Pam. (turning round sharply.) What, my father!

Dav. (in a low voice.) Capital!

Sim. I wish you to marry a wife to-day, as I was saying.

Byr. (apart.) Now I’m in dread for our side, as to what he will answer.

Pam. Neither in that nor in any thing else shall you ever find any hesitation in me.

Byr. (apart.) Hah!

Dav. (in a low voice to Pamphilus.) He is struck dumb.

Byr. (apart.) What a speech!

Sim. You act as becomes you, when that which I ask I obtain with a good grace.

Dav. (aside to Pamphilus.) Am I right?

Byr. My master, so far as I learn, has missed his wife.

Sim. Now, then, go in-doors, that you mayn’t be causing delay when you are wanted.

Pam. I’ll go.

Goes into the house.

Byr. (apart.) Is there, in no case, putting trust in any man? That is a true proverb which is wont to be commonly quoted, that “all had rather it to be well for themselves than for another.” I remember noticing, when I saw her, that she was a young woman of handsome figure; wherefore I am the more disposed to excuse Pamphilus, if he has preferred that he himself, rather than the other, should embrace her in his slumbers. I’ll carry back these tidings, that, in return for this evil he may inflict evil upon me.56

Exit.

Scene VII.

Simo and Davus.

Dav. (aside, coming away from the door of the house.) He now supposes that I’m bringing some trick to bear against him, and that on that account I’ve remained here.

Sim. What does he say, Davus?57

Dav. Just as much as nothing.58

Sim. What, nothing? Eh?

Dav. Nothing at all.

Sim. And yet I certainly was expecting something.

Dav. It has turned out contrary to your expectations. (Aside.) I perceive it; this vexes the man.

Sim. Are you able to tell me the truth?

Dav. I? Nothing more easy.

Sim. Is this marriage at all disagreeable to him, on account of his intimacy with this foreign woman?

Dav. No, faith; or if at all, it is a two or three days’ annoyance this—you understand. It will then cease. Moreover, he himself has thought over this matter in a proper way.

Sim. I commend him.

Dav. While it was allowed him, and while his years prompted him, he intrigued; even then it was secretly. He took precaution that that circumstance should never be a cause of disgrace to him, as behooves a man of principle; now that he must have a wife, he has set his mind upon a wife.

Sim. He seemed to me to be somewhat melancholy in a slight degree.

Dav. Not at all on account of her, but there’s something he blames you for.

Sim. What is it, pray?

Dav. It’s a childish thing.

Sim. What is it?

Dav. Nothing at all.

Sim. Nay but, tell me what it is.

Dav. He says that you are making too sparing preparations.

Sim. What, I?

Dav. You.—He says that there has hardly been fare provided to the amount of ten drachmæ.59—“Does he seem to be bestowing a wife on his son? Which one now, in preference, of my companions shall I invite to the dinner?” And, it must be owned, you really are providing too parsimoniously—I do not commend you.

Sim. Hold your tongue.

Dav. (aside.) I’ve touched him up.

Sim. I’ll see that these things are properly done. (Davus goes into the house.) What’s the meaning of this? What does this old rogue mean? But if there’s any knavery here, why, he’s sure to be the source of the mischief.

Goes into his house.

ACT THE THIRD.

Scene I.

Enter Simo and Davus from the house of the former. Mysis and Lesbia are coming toward the house of Glycerium.

Mys. (not seeing Simo and Davus.) Upon my faith, the fact is really as you mentioned, Lesbia, you can hardly find a man constant to a woman.