Act 4 — Scene III.
W. R. Goodluck translation
Scene III.
Pamphilus, Charinus, Davus, Mysis.
Mysis. (speaking to Glycera within.) I will directly, Madam; wherever he may be, I’ll take care to find your dear [165]Pamphilus, and bring him to you: only, my love, let me beg of you not to make yourself so wretched.
Pam. Mysis!
Mysis. Who is that? Ah! Pamphilus! you come most opportunely.
Pam. What’s the matter?
Mysis. My mistress conjures you by the love you bear her, to come to her instantly: she says, she shall be miserable till she sees you.
Pam. Heavens! I’m quite distracted: (to Davus.) Villain! behold the misery to which we are reduced: this is your work! she has heard of the intended marriage, and therefore sends for me.
Char. All would have been quiet, if that fellow had but been quiet.
Davus. (to Charinus.) Well done! if he does not rave enough of himself, do try to make him worse.
Mysis. It is the rumour of your approaching marriage with Philumena that makes her so miserable.
Pam. Mysis, I solemnly swear to you by all the gods, that I never will forsake her; no, though my love for her should make all mankind my foes, I never, never will forsake her. I wooed, and made her mine; our souls accord; and I will hold no communion with those who wish to separate us: death alone shall part us.
Mysis. Your words revive me, Pamphilus.
Pam. [166]The oracles of Apollo are not more true. I wish, that, if it be possible, my father should not think that I throw any impediments in the way of the marriage: if not, I will do what will be easily done, tell him frankly that I cannot marry Chremes’s daughter. Charinus, what do you think of me?
Char. That you are as wretched as I am.
Davus. I am studying for an expedient.
Char. (to Pamphilus.) But you are constant and courageous[167].
Pam. (to Davus.) I know what you would attempt[168].
Davus. I will both attempt, and accomplish it, rest assured, Sir.
Pam. But it must be done immediately.
Davus. It shall be done immediately.
Char. What is your plan?
Davus. (to Charinus.) Do not deceive yourself, Sir; ’tis not for you, but for my master that I am scheming.
Char. Enough.
Pam. What are you going to do? tell me[169].
Davus. I am afraid that this day will scarcely afford me sufficient time for action: I am sure I have none to waste in talking: let me beg you both to withdraw from this place: you hinder me from putting my designs into execution.
Pam. I will go to my Glycera.
[Exit.