Act 3 — Scene VIII.
W. R. Goodluck translation
Scene VIII.
Davus, Pamphilus.
Pam. Where is that villain who has ruined me?
Davus. (aside.) I’m a lost man!
Pam. But I confess that I am justly punished for my imprudence: for my want of common sense. Ought I to have confided my happiness to the keeping of such a shallow slave? I only pay the penalty of my folly: however, the rascal shall not escape the punishment he so richly deserves.
Davus. (aside.) If I escape this time, I think I never need know fear again.
Pam. And what can I say to my father? Can I, who so lately promised to marry, now refuse? with what face can I venture on such a step as that? I know not what to do!
Davus. (aside.) Nor I, though I am racking my brains to hit upon something. I will tell him that I have thought of an expedient to put off the marriage.
Pam. (seeing Davus.) Oh!
Davus. I am seen!
Pam. Pray, good Sir, what have you to say for yourself? do you see what a fine situation your rare advice has reduced me to?
Davus. But I will soon find an expedient to extricate you from it.
Pam. You will find an expedient!
Davus. Certainly, Sir.
Pam. Like your last, I suppose.
Davus. Better, I hope, Sir.
Pam. What trust can I put in such a rascal[156]? Can you remedy a misfortune, which appears entirely ruinous? Ah! how foolishly I relied on you, who, out of a perfect calm[157], have raised this storm, and wrecked me on the rock of this accursed marriage! Did I not forewarn you, that it would end thus?
Davus. You did, Sir, I confess.
Pam. What do you deserve[158]?
Davus. Death. But allow me a short time to recover myself, and I will soon consider what is to be done?
Pam. Alas! I have not time to punish you as you deserve: the present moment demands my attention to my own wretched affairs; and will not suffer me to revenge myself on you.
END OF THE THIRD ACT.