The Comedies of Terence Part 12

CHAR. Wherefore?

PAM. I know not: but I know the G.o.ds Meant in their anger I should listen to him.

CHAR. Is it so, Davus?

DAVUS. Even so.

CHAR. How, villain?

The G.o.ds confound you for it!--Tell me, wretch Had all his most inveterate foes desir'd To throw him on this marriage, what advice Could they have given else?

DAVUS. I am deceiv'd, But not dishearten'd.

CHAR. True. (_Ironically._)

DAVUS. This way has fail'd; We'll try another way: unless you think Because the business has gone ill at first, We can not graft advantage on misfortune.

PAM. Oh aye, I warrant you, if you look to 't, Out of one wedding you can work me two.

DAVUS. Pamphilus, 'tis my duty, as your slave, To strive with might and main, by day and night With hazard of my life, to do you service: 'Tis yours, if I am cross'd, to pardon me.

My undertakings fail indeed, but then I spare no pains. Do better, if you can, And send me packing.

PAM. Aye, with all my heart: Place me but where you found me first.

DAVUS. I will.

PAM. But do it instantly.

DAVUS. Hist! hold a while: I hear the creaking of Glycerium's door.

PAM. Nothing to you.

DAVUS. I'm thinking.

PAM. What, at last?

DAVUS. Your business shall be done, and presently.

SCENE III.

_Enter MYSIS._

MYSIS _to GLYCERIUM (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, through your curs'd 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. Aye, 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 G.o.ds, I never will desert her: though a.s.sur'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, naught 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 can not be, come what come may, Why let him know, 'twas I--What think you now? (_To CHARINUS._)

CHAR. That we are wretches both.

DAVUS. My brain 's at work.

CHAR. O brave!

PAM. I know what you'd attempt.

DAVUS. Well, well!

I will effect it for you.

PAM. Aye, 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._