Act 2 — Scene III.

Scene III.

Charinus, Pamphilus, Davus.

Davus. Heaven! what a world of good news do I bring! but, [to himself,] where shall I find Pamphilus? that I may relieve him from his present fears, and fill his soul with joy.

Char. He seems to be very much pleased at something; he’s mighty merry.

Pam. Oh! ’tis nothing at all: he does not yet know of this unfortunate affair.

Davus. [to himself.] For if he has heard that he is to be married to-day.

Char. Do you hear what he says?

Davus. I’ll be bound he’s at this very moment half distracted, and seeking for me all over the town: but where shall I find him, or which way shall I now direct my course.

Char. Why do you not speak to him?

Davus [going.] Well, I’ll go.

Pam. Stop, Davus.

Davus. Who calls me? Oh! Pamphilus! I was seeking for you every where. Charinus, too! well met, Sir; I wanted both of you.

Pam. Oh Davus, I am quite undone.

Davus. But hear me.

Pam. I am quite ruined!

Davus. I know all your fears.

Char. And as for me, my very existence is at stake!

Davus. I know your affair also[115].

Pam. A marriage is——

Davus. I know that also.

Pam. This very day too.

Davus. You stun me; I tell you I know every thing already. You, Pamphilus, fear lest you should be compelled to marry Philumena; and you, Charinus, lest you should not marry her.

Char. Exactly so.

Pam. ’Tis the very thing.

Davus. Then, Sir, in that very thing there is no danger at all; take my word for it.

Pam. For heaven’s sake, Davus, if you can do so, rid me of my fears at once.

Davus. I banish them all; Chremes does not intend to give you his daughter at present.

Pam. How do you know that?

Davus. I am sure of it. Your father took me aside just now, and told me that he meant to have you married to-day; and added a great deal more, which I have not time to tell you at present. Immediately I run at full speed to the Forum, to look for you; that I may acquaint you with all this. Not being able to find you, I get upon an eminence, look around; you are no where to be seen. By chance I descry among the crowd, Charinus’ servant Byrrhia; I inquire of him; he knows nothing of you: how vexatious! quite perplexed; I begin to consider what course to take next. Meantime as I was returning and thinking the business over, a suspicion struck me. How’s this! thought I; no extra provision made, the old man gloomy, and the marriage to take place so suddenly! these things don’t appear consistent.

Pam. Well, what then?

Davus. I then go directly to Chremes’ house; but when I get there, not a soul [116]do I see before the door; every thing is quite still and quiet, [117]which pleased me not a little.

Char. Very good.

Pam. Go on.

Davus. I stay there a little while, but no one goes in or out; I come quite up to the door, and look in, [118]but can see no bridemaid; no preparations[119]; all was silent.

Pam. I understand: a good sign!

Davus. Can all these things be consistent with a marriage?

Pam. I think not, Davus.

Davus. Think not! do you say? you must be blind, Sir, not to see it: it is an absolute certainty: besides all this, as I was returning I met Chremes’ servant, who was carrying home some herbs, and as many little [120]fishes for the old man’s supper, as might have cost an obolus.

Char. Friend Davus, you have been my deliverer to-day.

Davus. Not at all, Sir, this does not benefit you.

Char. How so? why Chremes certainly will not give his daughter to Pamphilus.

Davus. Nonsense; as if it followed of course that he must give her to you, because he does not give her to him: if you do not take care; if you do not use all your endeavours, to gain the support of the old man’s friends, you will be no nearer your wishes than ever[121].

Char. You advise me well; I will go about it, though in truth this hope has often deceived me before. Farewell.

[Exit.