Act 2 — Scene VI.
W. R. Goodluck translation
Scene VI.
Simo, Davus, Pamphilus, Byrrhia.
Byrr. [to himself.] My master has given me orders to lay all other business aside and watch Pamphilus to-day, that I may discover how he acts touching this marriage; so [127]as I saw the old man coming this way, I followed him. Oh! here is Davus, and his master with him: now then to execute my commission.
Simo. Oh! there they are together.
Davus. [aside to Pamphilus.] Now, Sir, be on your guard.
Simo. Pamphilus.
Davus. [aside to Pamphilus.] Turn round suddenly, as if you had not perceived him.
Pam. Ha! my father.
Davus. [aside.] Acted to the life.
Simo. I intend, (as I told you before), to have you married to-day.
Byrr. [aside.] Now for my master’s[128] sake, I dread to hear his answer.
Pam. You shall not find me tardy in obeying your commands, Sir, either on this, or any other subject.
Byrr. [aside.] Ha! I am[129] struck dumb. What did he say?
Simo. You do your duty, when you meet my wishes with a ready compliance.
Davus. [aside to Pam.] Was I not right, Sir?
Byrr. [aside.] From what I hear, I fancy my master has nothing to do, but to provide himself with another mistress as soon as possible[130].
Simo. Now, Pamphilus, go in immediately, that you may be ready when you are wanted.
Pam. I go, Sir.
[Exit.
Byrr. [aside.] Is there no honour, no sincerity in any man? I find the common proverb to be true. Every man loves himself best. I have seen Philumena, and I remember that I thought her charming; in truth, I cannot much blame Pamphilus, that he had rather wed her himself than yield her to my master. Well, I’ll carry him an account of what has passed. I suppose I shall receive an abundance of bad language in return for my bad news[131].
[Exit.